Credit Agreement between The Sportsman's Guide, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. dated June 29, 2004

Summary

This agreement is between The Sportsman's Guide, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., dated June 29, 2004. The Bank agrees to provide a revolving line of credit up to $15 million to the Borrower, available until September 30, 2007, for working capital and standby letters of credit. The amount available is subject to limits based on the Borrower's eligible accounts receivable and inventory. The agreement also allows for the issuance of standby letters of credit up to $10 million. The Borrower must repay advances according to the terms set out in the agreement.

EX-10.1 2 c87065exv10w1.txt CREDIT AGREEMENT EXHIBIT 10.1 CREDIT AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT is entered into as of June 29, 2004, by and between THE SPORTMAN'S GUIDE, INC., a Minnesota corporation ("Borrower"), and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ("Bank"). RECITALS Borrower has requested that Bank extend or continue credit to Borrower as described below, and Bank has agreed to provide such credit to Borrower on the terms and conditions contained herein. NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Bank and Borrower hereby agree as follows: ARTICLE I CREDIT TERMS SECTION 1.1. LINE OF CREDIT. (a) Line of Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Bank hereby agrees to make advances to Borrower from time to time up to and including September 30, 2007, not to exceed at any time the aggregate principal amount of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00) ("Line of Credit"), the proceeds of which shall be used for working capital and to allow for standby letters of credit. Borrower's obligation to repay advances under the Line of Credit shall be evidenced by a promissory note dated June 29, 2004 ("Line of Credit Note"), all terms of which are incorporated herein by this reference. (b) Limitation on Borrowings. At any time when combined outstanding borrowings under the Line of Credit and Term Loan exceed $20,000,000.00, the outstanding borrowings under the Line of Credit, to a maximum of the principal amount set forth above, shall not at any time exceed an aggregate of Seventy Five percent (75%) of Borrower's eligible accounts receivable, plus Fifty percent (50%) of the value of Borrower's eligible inventory and eligible inventory of The Golf Warehouse, Inc. (exclusive of work in process and inventory which is obsolete, unsaleable or damaged), with value defined as the lower of cost or market value. All of the foregoing shall be determined by Bank upon receipt and review of all collateral reports required hereunder and such other documents and collateral information as Bank may from time to time require. Borrower acknowledges that said borrowing base was established by Bank with the understanding that, among other items, the aggregate of all returns, rebates, discounts, credits and allowances for the immediately preceding three (3) months at all times shall be less than ten percent (10%) of Borrower's gross sales for said period. If such dilution of Borrower's accounts for the immediately preceding three (3) months at any time exceeds ten percent (10%) of Borrower's gross sales for said period, or if there at any time exists any other matters, events, conditions or contingencies which Bank reasonably believes may affect payment of any portion of Borrower's accounts, Bank, in its sole discretion, may reduce the foregoing advance rate against eligible accounts receivable to a percentage appropriate to reflect such additional dilution and/or establish additional reserves against Borrower's eligible accounts receivable. -1- As used herein, "eligible accounts receivable" shall consist solely of trade accounts created in the ordinary course of Borrower's business, upon which Borrower's right to receive payment is absolute and not contingent upon the fulfillment of any condition whatsoever, and in which Bank has a perfected security interest of first priority, and shall not include: (i) any account which is past due more than twice Borrower's standard selling terms; (ii) that portion of any account for which there exists any right of setoff, defense or discount (except regular discounts allowed in the ordinary course of business to promote prompt payment) or for which any defense or counterclaim has been asserted; (iii) any account which represents an obligation of any state or municipal government or of the United States government or any political subdivision thereof (except accounts which represent obligations of the United States government and for which the assignment provisions of the Federal Assignment of Claims Act, as amended or recodified from time to time, have been complied with to Bank's satisfaction); (iv) any account which represents an obligation of an account debtor located in a foreign country; (v) any account which arises from the sale or lease to or performance of services for, or represents an obligation of, an employee, affiliate, partner, member, parent or subsidiary of Borrower; (vi) that portion of any account, which represents interim or progress billings or retention rights on the part of the account debtor; (vii) any account which represents an obligation of any account debtor when twenty percent (20%) or more of Borrower's accounts from such account debtor are not eligible pursuant to (i) above; (viii) that portion of any account from an account debtor which represents the amount by which Borrower's total accounts from said account debtor exceeds twenty-five percent (25%) of Borrower's total accounts; (ix) any account deemed ineligible by Bank when Bank, in its sole discretion, deems the creditworthiness or financial condition of the account debtor, or the industry in which the account debtor is engaged, to be unsatisfactory. As used herein, the term "Eligible Inventory" shall mean all of Borrower's inventory valued at cost, as reduced by an Eligible Inventory Reserve. "Eligible Inventory Reserve" means the sum of: (a) for inventory that has been held for one year or more but less than two years, 25% of cost for such inventory, plus (b) for inventory that has been held for two years or more, 50% of the cost of such inventory, plus (c) for The Sportsman's Guide Outlet, Inc., the greater of five percent (5.0%) of its inventory or the actual "shrink reserve" for The Sportsman's Guide Outlet, Inc. The parties expressly acknowledge and agree that Eligible Inventory shall include any inventory acquired with the support of a letter of credit, whether or not such inventory is in transit. -2- (c) Letter of Credit Subfeature. As a subfeature under the Line of Credit, Bank agrees from time to time during the term thereof to issue or cause an affiliate to issue Standby letters of credit for the account of Borrower (each, a "Letter of Credit" and collectively, "Letters of Credit"); provided however, that the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit shall not at any time exceed Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00). The form and substance of each Letter of Credit shall be subject to approval by Bank, in its sole discretion. No Letter of Credit shall have an expiration date subsequent to the maturity date of the Line of Credit. The undrawn amount of all Letters of Credit shall be reserved under the Line of Credit and shall not be available for borrowings thereunder. Each Letter of Credit shall be subject to the additional terms and conditions of the Letter of Credit agreements, applications and any related documents required by Bank in connection with the issuance thereof. Each drawing paid under a Letter of Credit shall be deemed an advance under the Line of Credit and shall be repaid by Borrower in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement applicable to such advances; provided however, that if advances under the Line of Credit are not available, for any reason, at the time any drawing is paid, then Borrower shall immediately pay to Bank the full amount drawn, together with interest thereon from the date such drawing is paid to the date such amount is fully repaid by Borrower, at the rate of interest applicable to advances under the Line of Credit. In such event Borrower agrees that Bank, in its sole discretion, may debit any account maintained by Borrower with Bank for the amount of any such drawing. (d) Borrowing and Repayment. Borrower may from time to time during the term of the Line of Credit borrow, partially or wholly repay its outstanding borrowings, and reborrow, subject to all of the limitations, terms and conditions contained herein or in the Line of Credit Note; provided however, that the total outstanding borrowings under the Line of Credit shall not at any time exceed the maximum principal amount available thereunder, as set forth above. SECTION 1.2. TERM LOAN. (a) Term Loan. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Bank hereby agrees to make a loan to Borrower in the principal amount of Twelve Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($12,500,000.00) ("Term Loan"), the proceeds of which shall be used to finance the acquisition of other business operations. Borrower's obligation to repay the Term Loan shall be evidenced by a promissory note dated as of June 29, 2004 ("Term Note"), all terms of which are incorporated herein by this reference. Bank's commitment to grant the Term Loan shall terminate on July 21, 2004. (b) Repayment. Principal and interest on the Term Loan shall be repaid in accordance with the provisions of the Term Note. (c) Prepayment. Borrower may prepay principal on the Term Loan solely in accordance with the provisions of the Term Note. SECTION 1.3. INTEREST/FEES. (a) Interest. The outstanding principal balance of each credit subject hereto shall bear interest, and the amount of each drawing paid under the Standby Letter of Credit paid to the date such amount is fully repaid by Borrower, at the rate of interest set forth in each promissory note or other instrument or document executed in connection therewith. -3- (b) Computation and Payment. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year, actual days elapsed. Interest shall be payable at the times and place set forth in each promissory note or other instrument or document required hereby. (c) Commitment Fee. Borrower shall pay to Bank an annual non-refundable commitment fee for the Line of Credit equal to Eighteen Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($18,750.00), which fee shall be due and payable annually in advance, commencing August 31, 2004. (d) Commitment Fee. Borrower shall pay to Bank a non-refundable commitment fee for the Term Loan equal to Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00), which fee shall be due and payable in full as of the date of this Agreement. (e) Unused Commitment Fee. Borrower shall pay to Bank a fee equal to (.250%) per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year, actual days elapsed) on the average daily unused amount of the Line of Credit, which fee shall be calculated on a quarterly basis by Bank and shall be due and payable by Borrower in arrears within ten (10) days after each billing is sent by Bank. (f) Letter of Credit Fees. Borrower shall pay to Bank (i) fees upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit equal to (1.25%) per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year, actual days elapsed) of the face amount thereof, and (ii) fees upon the payment or negotiation of each drawing under any Letter of Credit and fees upon the occurrence of any other activity with respect to any Letter of Credit (including without limitation, the transfer, amendment or cancellation of any Letter of Credit) determined in accordance with Bank's standard fees and charges then in effect for such activity. (g) Termination Fee. If the Line of Credit is terminated prior to September 30, 2005 (other than through a refinancing with an affiliate of the Bank), a termination fee of 1% of the maximum amount of the Line of Credit will be payable to the Bank. SECTION 1.3. COLLECTION OF PAYMENTS. Borrower authorizes Bank to collect all principal, interest and fees due under each credit subject hereto by charging Borrower's deposit account number ###-###-#### with Bank, or any other deposit account maintained by Borrower with Bank, for the full amount thereof. Should there be insufficient funds in any such deposit account to pay all such sums when due, the full amount of such deficiency shall be immediately due and payable by Borrower. SECTION 1.4. COLLATERAL. As security for all indebtedness of Borrower to Bank subject hereto, Borrower hereby grants to Bank security interests of first priority in all Borrower's accounts receivable and other rights to payment, general intangibles, inventory and equipment. As security for all indebtedness of Borrower to Bank subject hereto, Borrower shall cause The Golf Warehouse, Inc. to grant to Bank security interests of first priority in all accounts receivable and other rights to payment, general intangibles, inventory and equipment. All of the foregoing shall be evidenced by and subject to the terms of such security agreements, financing statements, deeds of trust and other documents as Bank shall reasonably require, all in form and substance satisfactory to Bank. Borrower shall reimburse Bank immediately upon -4- demand for all costs and expenses incurred by Bank in connection with any of the foregoing security, including without limitation, filing and recording fees and costs of appraisals, audits and title insurance. SECTION 1.5. BANKING RELATIONSHIP. The Borrower's primary operating accounts shall be maintained at the Bank or one of its affiliates. ARTICLE II REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES Borrower makes the following representations and warranties to Bank, which representations and warranties shall survive the execution of this Agreement and shall continue in full force and effect until the full and final payment, and satisfaction and discharge, of all obligations of Borrower to Bank subject to this Agreement. SECTION 2.1. LEGAL STATUS. Borrower is a corporation, duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Minnesota, and is qualified or licensed to do business (and is in good standing as a foreign corporation, if applicable) in all jurisdictions in which such qualification or licensing is required or in which the failure to so qualify or to be so licensed could have a material adverse effect on Borrower. SECTION 2.2. AUTHORIZATION AND VALIDITY. This Agreement and each promissory note, contract, instrument and other document required hereby or at any time hereafter delivered to Bank in connection herewith (collectively, the "Loan Documents") have been duly authorized, and upon their execution and delivery in accordance with the provisions hereof will constitute legal, valid and binding agreements and obligations of Borrower or the party which executes the same, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms. SECTION 2.3. NO VIOLATION. The execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of each of the Loan Documents do not violate any provision of any law or regulation, or contravene any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws of Borrower, or result in any breach of or default under any contract, obligation, indenture or other instrument to which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower may be bound. SECTION 2.4. LITIGATION. There are no pending, or to the best of Borrower's knowledge threatened, actions, claims, investigations, suits or proceedings by or before any governmental authority, arbitrator, court or administrative agency which could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operation of Borrower other than those disclosed by Borrower to Bank in writing prior to the date hereof. SECTION 2.5. CORRECTNESS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The financial statement of Borrower dated March 31, 2004, a true copy of which has been delivered by Borrower to Bank prior to the date hereof, (a) is complete and correct and presents fairly the financial condition of Borrower, (b) discloses all liabilities of Borrower that are required to be reflected or reserved against under generally accepted accounting principles, whether liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or contingent, and (c) has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied. Since the date of such financial statement there has been no material adverse change in the financial condition of Borrower, nor has Borrower mortgaged, pledged, granted a security interest in or otherwise encumbered any of its assets or properties except in favor of Bank or as otherwise permitted by Bank in writing. -5- SECTION 2.6. INCOME TAX RETURNS. Borrower has no knowledge of any pending assessments or adjustments of its income tax payable with respect to any year. SECTION 2.7. NO SUBORDINATION. There is no agreement, indenture, contract or instrument to which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower may be bound that requires the subordination in right of payment of any of Borrower's obligations subject to this Agreement to any other obligation of Borrower. SECTION 2.8. PERMITS, FRANCHISES. Borrower possesses, and will hereafter possess, all permits, consents, approvals, franchises and licenses required and rights to all trademarks, trade names, patents, and fictitious names, if any, necessary to enable it to conduct the business in which it is now engaged in compliance with applicable law. SECTION 2.9. ERISA. Borrower is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended or recodified from time to time ("ERISA"); Borrower has not violated any provision of any defined employee pension benefit plan (as defined in ERISA) maintained or contributed to by Borrower (each, a "Plan"); no Reportable Event as defined in ERISA has occurred and is continuing with respect to any Plan initiated by Borrower; Borrower has met its minimum funding requirements under ERISA with respect to each Plan; and each Plan will be able to fulfill its benefit obligations as they come due in accordance with the Plan documents and under generally accepted accounting principles. SECTION 2.10. OTHER OBLIGATIONS. Borrower is not in default on any obligation for borrowed money, any purchase money obligation or any other material lease, commitment, contract, instrument or obligation. ARTICLE III CONDITIONS SECTION 3.1. CONDITIONS OF INITIAL EXTENSION OF CREDIT. The obligation of Bank to extend any credit contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the fulfillment to Bank's satisfaction of all of the following conditions: (a) Approval of Bank Counsel. All legal matters incidental to the extension of credit by Bank shall be satisfactory to Bank's counsel. (b) Documentation. Bank shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to Bank, each of the following, duly executed: (i) This Agreement and each promissory note or other instrument or document required hereby. (ii) Certificate of Incumbency (2). (iii) Corporate Resolution: Borrowing. (iv) Corporate Resolution: Third Party Pledgor. (v) Security Agreement: Continuing Rights to Payment & Inventory. (vi) Security Agreement: Equipment. (vii) Security Agreement Third Party: Rights to Payment & Inventory. (viii) Security Agreement Third Party: Equipment. -6- (ix) UCC Financing Statement. (vii) Such other documents as Bank may require under any other Section of this Agreement. (c) Financial Condition. There shall have been no material adverse change, as determined by Bank, in the financial condition or business of Borrower. (d) Insurance. Borrower shall have delivered to Bank evidence of insurance coverage on all Borrower's property, in form, substance, amounts, covering risks and issued by companies satisfactory to Bank, and where required by Bank, with loss payable endorsements in favor of Bank. (e) Acquisition. The acquisition of The Golf Warehouse by Borrower shall have been completed prior to the initial funding of the Term Loan. SECTION 3.2. CONDITIONS OF EACH EXTENSION OF CREDIT. The obligation of Bank to make each extension of credit requested by Borrower hereunder shall be subject to the fulfillment to Bank's satisfaction of each of the following conditions: (a) Compliance. The representations and warranties contained herein and in each of the other Loan Documents shall be true on and as of the date of the signing of this Agreement and on the date of each extension of credit by Bank pursuant hereto, with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of each such date, and on each such date, no Event of Default as defined herein, and no condition, event or act which with the giving of notice or the passage of time or both would constitute such an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing or shall exist. (b) Documentation. Bank shall have received all additional documents which may be required in connection with such extension of credit. ARTICLE IV AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS Borrower covenants that so long as Bank remains committed to extend credit to Borrower pursuant hereto, or any liabilities (whether direct or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated) of Borrower to Bank under any of the Loan Documents remain outstanding, and until payment in full of all obligations of Borrower subject hereto, Borrower shall, unless Bank otherwise consents in writing: SECTION 4.1. PUNCTUAL PAYMENTS. Punctually pay all principal, interest, fees or other liabilities due under any of the Loan Documents at the times and place and in the manner specified therein, and immediately upon demand by Bank, the amount by which the outstanding principal balance of any credit subject hereto at any time exceeds any limitation on borrowings applicable thereto. SECTION 4.2. ACCOUNTING RECORDS. Maintain adequate books and records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied, and permit any representative of Bank, at any reasonable time, to inspect, audit and examine such books and records, to make copies of the same, and to inspect the properties of Borrower. -7- SECTION 4.3. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Provide to Bank all of the following, in form and detail satisfactory to Bank: (a) not later than 120 days after and as of the end of each fiscal year, an audited consolidated financial statement of Borrower, prepared by Certified Public Accountant, to include balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flow and management letter including management's discussion and analysis (if any); (b) not later than 45 days after and as of the end of each quarter, a consolidated financial statement of Borrower, prepared by Borrower, to include balance sheet and income statement; (c) not later than 45 days after and as of the end of each month in which the aggregate outstanding amount under the Line of Credit and Term Loan exceed $20,000,00.00, a borrowing base certificate, and an inventory collateral report; (d) contemporaneously with each annual and quarterly financial statement of Borrower required hereby, a certificate of the president or chief financial officer of Borrower that said financial statements are accurate and that there exists no Event of Default nor any condition, act or event which with the giving of notice or the passage of time or both would constitute an Event of Default; (e) An annual collateral audit will be required if aggregate outstanding amounts under the Line of Credit and Term Loan exceed $20,000,000.00 for a 360 day period. Borrower will be responsible for reimbursing the Bank for the cost of such collateral audit; (f) from time to time such other information as Bank may reasonably request. SECTION 4.4. COMPLIANCE. Preserve and maintain all licenses, permits, governmental approvals, rights, privileges and franchises necessary for the conduct of its business; and comply with the provisions of all documents pursuant to which Borrower is organized and/or which govern Borrower's continued existence and with the requirements of all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority applicable to Borrower and/or its business. SECTION 4.5. INSURANCE. Maintain and keep in force insurance of the types and in amounts customarily carried in lines of business similar to that of Borrower, including but not limited to fire, extended coverage, public liability, flood, property damage and workers' compensation, with all such insurance carried with companies and in amounts satisfactory to Bank, and deliver to Bank from time to time at Bank's request schedules setting forth all insurance then in effect. SECTION 4.6. FACILITIES. Keep all properties useful or necessary to Borrower's business in good repair and condition, and from time to time make necessary repairs, renewals and replacements thereto so that such properties shall be fully and efficiently preserved and maintained. SECTION 4.7. TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES. Pay and discharge when due any and all indebtedness, obligations, assessments and taxes, both real or personal, including without limitation federal and state income taxes and state and local property taxes and assessments, except such (a) as Borrower may in good faith contest or as to which a bona fide -8- dispute may arise, and (b) for which Borrower has made provision, to Bank's satisfaction, for eventual payment thereof in the event Borrower is obligated to make such payment. SECTION 4.8. LITIGATION. Promptly give notice in writing to Bank of any litigation pending or threatened against Borrower. SECTION 4.9. FINANCIAL CONDITION. Maintain Borrower's financial condition as follows using generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied and used consistently with prior practices (except to the extent modified by the definitions herein): Covenants (a) through (d) to apply only if the Term Loan has been repaid in full: (a) Current Ratio not at any time less than 1.0 to 1.0, with "Current Ratio" defined as total current assets divided by total current liabilities. (b) Tangible Net Worth not at any time less than $17,300,000.00, with such amount to increase by 50% of Borrower's positive net income for each quarter thereafter, with "Tangible Net Worth" defined as the aggregate of total stockholders' equity plus subordinated debt less any intangible assets. The parties expressly acknowledge and agree that prepaid expenses, excluding, without limitation, prepaid advertising, shall not be deemed to be intangible assets. (c) Total Liabilities divided by Tangible Net Worth not at any time greater than 3.50 to 1.0, with "Total Liabilities" defined as the aggregate of current liabilities and non-current liabilities less subordinated debt, and with "Tangible Net Worth" as defined above. (d) Net income after taxes not less than $1,000,000.00 on an annual basis, determined as of each fiscal year end, and be profitable year to date as of each June 30. Covenants (e) and (f) to apply only while the Term Loan remains outstanding: (e) Funded Debt to EBITDA ratio of less than or equal to 2.25 to 1.0 at all times through March 31, 2005 and 2.0 to 1.0 at all times thereafter measured at each fiscal quarter end on a trailing 12 month basis, with "Funded Debt" defined as the sum of all obligations for borrowed money (including subordinated debt) plus all capital lease obligations, and with "EBITDA" defined as net profit before tax plus interest expense (net of capitalized interest expense), depreciation expense and amortization expense, when an outstanding balance exists on the term loan. (f) Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of 1.50 to 1.0 or more measured at each quarter end on a trailing 12-month basis with "Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" defined as: EBITDAR less the sum of unfinanced capex, dividends, redemptions and distributions and taxes paid in cash divided by the sum of current maturities of long term debt, interest expense and rent expense, with "EBITDAR" defined as net income plus interest expense, depreciation expense, amortization expense and rent expense minus capital expenditures and distributions divided by current maturities of long term and debt and current maturities of capital leases plus interest expense and rental expense, when an outstanding balance exists on the term loan. SECTION 4.10. NOTICE TO BANK. Promptly (but in no event more than five (5) days after the occurrence of each such event or matter) give written notice to Bank in reasonable detail of: (a) the occurrence of any Event of Default, or any condition, event or act which with the giving of notice or the passage of time or both would constitute an Event of Default; (b) any change in the name or the organizational structure of Borrower; (c) the occurrence and nature of -9- any Reportable Event or Prohibited Transaction, each as defined in ERISA, or any funding deficiency with respect to any Plan; or (d) any termination or cancellation of any insurance policy which Borrower is required to maintain, or any uninsured or partially uninsured loss through liability or property damage, or through fire, theft or any other cause affecting Borrower's property. ARTICLE V NEGATIVE COVENANTS Borrower further covenants that so long as Bank remains committed to extend credit to Borrower pursuant hereto, or any liabilities (whether direct or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated) of Borrower to Bank under any of the Loan Documents remain outstanding, and until payment in full of all obligations of Borrower subject hereto, Borrower will not without Bank's prior written consent: SECTION 5.1. USE OF FUNDS. Use any of the proceeds of any credit extended hereunder except for the purposes stated in Article I hereof. SECTION 5.2. CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. Make any additional investment in fixed assets in any fiscal year in excess of an aggregate of $1,750,000.00. SECTION 5.3. LEASE EXPENDITURES. Incur operating lease expense in any fiscal year in excess of an aggregate of $500,000.00. SECTION 5.4. OTHER INDEBTEDNESS. Create, incur, assume or permit to exist any indebtedness or liabilities resulting from borrowings, loans or advances, whether secured or unsecured, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, joint or several, except (a) the liabilities of Borrower to Bank, and (b) any other liabilities of Borrower existing as of, and disclosed to Bank prior to, the date hereof; provided that Borrower shall be permitted to grant purchase money security interest relating to the acquisition of machinery and equipment to the extent permitted under Section 5.2 above. SECTION 5.5. MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, TRANSFER OF ASSETS. Merge into or consolidate with any other entity; make any substantial change in nature of Borrower's business as conducted as of the date hereof; acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any other entity for a purchase price in excess of One Million Dollars; nor sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial or material portion of Borrower's assets except in the ordinary curse of business. SECTION 5.6. GUARANTIES. Guarantee or become liable in any way as surety, endorser (other than as endorser of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business), accommodation endorser or otherwise for, nor pledge or hypothecate any assets of Borrower as security for, any liabilities or obligations of any other person or entity, except any of the foregoing in favor of Bank. SECTION 5.7. LOANS, ADVANCES, INVESTMENTS. Make any loans or advances to or investments in any person or entity, except any of the foregoing existing as of, and disclosed to Bank prior to, the date hereof. -10- SECTION 5.8. DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS. Declare or pay any dividend or distribution either in cash, stock or any other property on Borrower's stock now or hereafter outstanding, nor redeem, retire, repurchase or otherwise acquire any shares of any class of Borrower's stock now or hereafter outstanding without the prior written consent of Bank. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Bank hereby expressly acknowledges and agrees that Borrower shall be permitted to continue to repurchase up to 10% of its common stock through May 31, 2005. SECTION 5.9. PLEDGE OF ASSETS. Mortgage, pledge, grant or permit to exist a security interest in, or lien upon, all or any portion of Borrower's assets now owned or hereafter acquired, except any of the foregoing in favor of Bank or which is existing as of, and disclosed to Bank in writing prior to, the date hereof and except for purchase money security interests relating to the acquisition of machinery and equipment to the extent permitted under Section 5.2 above. ARTICLE VI EVENTS OF DEFAULT SECTION 6.1. The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute an "Event of Default" under this Agreement: (a) Borrower shall fail to pay when due any principal, interest, fees or other amounts payable under any of the Loan Documents. (b) Any financial statement or certificate furnished to Bank in connection with, or any representation or warranty made by Borrower or any other party under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall prove to be incorrect, false or misleading in any material respect when furnished or made. (c) Any default in the performance of or compliance with any obligation, agreement or other provision contained herein or in any other Loan Document (other than those referred to in subsections (a) and (b) above), and with respect to any such default which by its nature can be cured, such default shall continue for a period of twenty (20) days from its occurrence. (d) Any default in the payment or performance of any obligation, or any defined event of default, under the terms of any contract or instrument (other than any of the Loan Documents) pursuant to which Borrower, any guarantor hereunder or any general partner or joint venturer in any Borrower which is a partnership or joint venture (with each such guarantor, general partner and/or joint venturer referred to herein as a "Third Party Obligor") has incurred any debt or other liability to any person or entity, including Bank. (e) The filing of a notice of judgment lien against Borrower or any Third Party Obligor; or the recording of any abstract of judgment against Borrower or any Third Party Obligor in any county in which Borrower or such Third Party Obligor has an interest in real property; or the service of a notice of levy and/or of a writ of attachment or execution, or other like process, against the assets of Borrower or any Third Party Obligor; or the entry of a judgment against Borrower or any Third Party Obligor in excess of $50,000.00. (f) Borrower or any Third Party Obligor shall become insolvent, or shall suffer or consent to or apply for the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or liquidator of itself or any of its property, or shall generally fail to pay its debts as they become due, or shall make a -11- general assignment for the benefit of creditors; Borrower or any Third Party Obligor shall file a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or seeking reorganization, in order to effect a plan or other arrangement with creditors or any other relief under the Bankruptcy Reform Act, Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended or recodified from time to time ("Bankruptcy Code"), or under any state or federal law granting relief to debtors, whether now or hereafter in effect; or any involuntary petition or proceeding pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable state or federal law relating to bankruptcy, reorganization or other relief for debtors is filed or commenced against Borrower or any Third Party Obligor, or Borrower or any Third Party Obligor shall file an answer admitting the jurisdiction of the court and the material allegations of any involuntary petition; or Borrower or any Third Party Obligor shall be adjudicated a bankrupt, or an order for relief shall be entered against Borrower or any Third Party Obligor by any court of competent jurisdiction under the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable state or federal law relating to bankruptcy, reorganization or other relief for debtors. (g) There shall exist or occur any event or condition which Bank in good faith believes impairs, or is substantially likely to impair, the prospect of payment or performance by Borrower of its obligations under any of the Loan Documents. (h) The death or incapacity of any individual Borrower or Third Party Obligor. The dissolution or liquidation of any Borrower or Third Party Obligor which is a corporation, partnership, joint venture or other type of entity; or Borrower or any such Third Party Obligor, or any of its directors, stockholders or members, shall take action seeking to effect the dissolution or liquidation of such Borrower or Third Party Obligor. (i) Any change in ownership of an aggregate of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the common stock of Borrower. SECTION 6.2. REMEDIES. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default: (a) all indebtedness of Borrower under each of the Loan Documents, any term thereof to the contrary notwithstanding, shall at Bank's option and without notice become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or notice of dishonor, all of which are hereby expressly waived by each Borrower; (b) the obligation, if any, of Bank to extend any further credit under any of the Loan Documents shall immediately cease and terminate; and (c) Bank shall have all rights, powers and remedies available under each of the Loan Documents, or accorded by law, including without limitation the right to resort to any or all security for any credit subject hereto and to exercise any or all of the rights of a beneficiary or secured party pursuant to applicable law. All rights, powers and remedies of Bank may be exercised at any time by Bank and from time to time after the occurrence of an Event of Default, are cumulative and not exclusive, and shall be in addition to any other rights, powers or remedies provided by law or equity. ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS SECTION 7.1. NO WAIVER. No delay, failure or discontinuance of Bank in exercising any right, power or remedy under any of the Loan Documents shall affect or operate as a waiver of such right, power or remedy; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude, waive or otherwise affect any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind by Bank of any breach of or default under any of the Loan Documents must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent set forth in such writing. -12- SECTION 7.2. NOTICES. All notices, requests and demands which any party is required or may desire to give to any other party under any provision of this Agreement must be in writing delivered to each party at the following address: BORROWER: THE SPORTMAN'S GUIDE, INC. 411 Farwell Avenue South St. Paul, Minnesota 55075 BANK: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 430 North Wabasha Street, Suite 302 St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 or to such other address as any party may designate by written notice to all other parties. Each such notice, request and demand shall be deemed given or made as follows: (a) if sent by hand delivery, upon delivery; (b) if sent by mail, upon the earlier of the date of receipt or three (3) days after deposit in the U.S. mail, first class and postage prepaid; and (c) if sent by telecopy, upon receipt. SECTION 7.3. COSTS, EXPENSES AND ATTORNEYS' FEES. Borrower shall pay to Bank immediately upon demand the full amount of all payments, advances, charges, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees (to include outside counsel fees and all allocated costs of Bank's in-house counsel), expended or incurred by Bank in connection with (a) the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, Bank's continued administration hereof and thereof, and the preparation of any amendments and waivers hereto and thereto, (b) the enforcement of Bank's rights and/or the collection of any amounts which become due to Bank under any of the Loan Documents, and (c) the prosecution or defense of any action in any way related to any of the Loan Documents, including without limitation, any action for declaratory relief, whether incurred at the trial or appellate level, in an arbitration proceeding or otherwise, and including any of the foregoing incurred in connection with any bankruptcy proceeding (including without limitation, any adversary proceeding, contested matter or motion brought by Bank or any other person) relating to any Borrower or any other person or entity. SECTION 7.4. SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties; provided however, that Borrower may not assign or transfer its interest hereunder without Bank's prior written consent. Bank reserves the right to sell, assign, transfer, negotiate or grant participations in all or any part of, or any interest in, Bank's rights and benefits under each of the Loan Documents. In connection therewith, Bank may disclose all documents and information which Bank now has or may hereafter acquire relating to any credit subject hereto, Borrower or its business, or any collateral required hereunder. SECTION 7.5. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENT. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire agreement between Borrower and Bank with respect to each credit subject hereto and supersede all prior negotiations, communications, discussions and correspondence concerning the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be amended or modified only in writing signed by each party hereto. -13- SECTION 7.6. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement is made and entered into for the sole protection and benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and no other person or entity shall be a third party beneficiary of, or have any direct or indirect cause of action or claim in connection with, this Agreement or any other of the Loan Documents to which it is not a party. SECTION 7.7. TIME. Time is of the essence of each and every provision of this Agreement and each other of the Loan Documents. SECTION 7.8. SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS. If any provision of this Agreement shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity without invalidating the remainder of such provision or any remaining provisions of this Agreement. SECTION 7.9. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. SECTION 7.10. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota. SECTION 7.11. ARBITRATION. (a) Arbitration. The parties hereto agree, upon demand by any party, to submit to binding arbitration all claims, disputes and controversies between or among them (and their respective employees, officers, directors, attorneys, and other agents), whether in tort, contract or otherwise arising out of or relating to in any way (i) the loan and related Loan Documents which are the subject of this Agreement and its negotiation, execution, collateralization, administration, repayment, modification, extension, substitution, formation, inducement, enforcement, default or termination; or (ii) requests for additional credit. (b) Governing Rules. Any arbitration proceeding will (i) proceed in a location in Minnesota selected by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA"); (ii) be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (Title 9 of the United States Code), notwithstanding any conflicting choice of law provision in any of the documents between the parties; and (iii) be conducted by the AAA, or such other administrator as the parties shall mutually agree upon, in accordance with the AAA's commercial dispute resolution procedures, unless the claim or counterclaim is at least $1,000,000.00 exclusive of claimed interest, arbitration fees and costs in which case the arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the AAA's optional procedures for large, complex commercial disputes (the commercial dispute resolution procedures or the optional procedures for large, complex commercial disputes to be referred to, as applicable, as the "Rules"). If there is any inconsistency between the terms hereof and the Rules, the terms and procedures set forth herein shall control. Any party who fails or refuses to submit to arbitration following a demand by any other party shall bear all costs and expenses incurred by such other party in compelling arbitration of any dispute. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a waiver by any party that is a bank of the protections afforded to it under 12 U.S.C. Section 91 or any similar applicable state law. (c) No Waiver of Provisional Remedies, Self-Help and Foreclosure. The arbitration requirement does not limit the right of any party to (i) foreclose against real or personal property -14- collateral; (ii) exercise self-help remedies relating to collateral or proceeds of collateral such as setoff or repossession; or (iii) obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as replevin, injunctive relief, attachment or the appointment of a receiver, before during or after the pendency of any arbitration proceeding. This exclusion does not constitute a waiver of the right or obligation of any party to submit any dispute to arbitration or reference hereunder, including those arising from the exercise of the actions detailed in sections (i), (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph. (d) Arbitrator Qualifications and Powers. Any arbitration proceeding in which the amount in controversy is $5,000,000.00 or less will be decided by a single arbitrator selected according to the Rules, and who shall not render an award of greater than $5,000,000.00. Any dispute in which the amount in controversy exceeds $5,000,000.00 shall be decided by majority vote of a panel of three arbitrators; provided however, that all three arbitrators must actively participate in all hearings and deliberations. The arbitrator will be a neutral attorney licensed in the State of Minnesota or a neutral retired judge of the state or federal judiciary of Minnesota, in either case with a minimum of ten years experience in the substantive law applicable to the subject matter of the dispute to be arbitrated. The arbitrator will determine whether or not an issue is arbitratable and will give effect to the statutes of limitation in determining any claim. In any arbitration proceeding the arbitrator will decide (by documents only or with a hearing at the arbitrator's discretion) any pre-hearing motions which are similar to motions to dismiss for failure to state a claim or motions for summary adjudication. The arbitrator shall resolve all disputes in accordance with the substantive law of Minnesota and may grant any remedy or relief that a court of such state could order or grant within the scope hereof and such ancillary relief as is necessary to make effective any award. The arbitrator shall also have the power to award recovery of all costs and fees, to impose sanctions and to take such other action as the arbitrator deems necessary to the same extent a judge could pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure or other applicable law. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. The institution and maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of a provisional or ancillary remedy shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff, to submit the controversy or claim to arbitration if any other party contests such action for judicial relief. (e) Discovery. In any arbitration proceeding discovery will be permitted in accordance with the Rules. All discovery shall be expressly limited to matters directly relevant to the dispute being arbitrated and must be completed no later than 20 days before the hearing date and within 180 days of the filing of the dispute with the AAA. Any requests for an extension of the discovery periods, or any discovery disputes, will be subject to final determination by the arbitrator upon a showing that the request for discovery is essential for the party's presentation and that no alternative means for obtaining information is available. (f) Class Proceedings and Consolidations. The resolution of any dispute arising pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be determined by a separate arbitration proceeding and such dispute shall not be consolidated with other disputes or included in any class proceeding. (g) Payment Of Arbitration Costs And Fees. The arbitrator shall award all costs and expenses of the arbitration proceeding. (h) Miscellaneous. To the maximum extent practicable, the AAA, the arbitrators and the parties shall take all action required to conclude any arbitration proceeding within 180 days of the filing of the dispute with the AAA. No arbitrator or other party to an arbitration proceeding -15- may disclose the existence, content or results thereof, except for disclosures of information by a party required in the ordinary course of its business or by applicable law or regulation. If more than one agreement for arbitration by or between the parties potentially applies to a dispute, the arbitration provision most directly related to the Loan Documents or the subject matter of the dispute shall control. This arbitration provision shall survive termination, amendment or expiration of any of the Loan Documents or any relationship between the parties. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first written above. WELLS FARGO BANK, THE SPORTMAN'S GUIDE, INC. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION By: /s/ Charles Lingen By: /s/ Thomas G. Skalitzky --------------------------- ------------------------- Title: CFO Title: Vice President -16-