<PAGE> 1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 2, 1999
------------
FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 0-22445 56-2015272
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction (Commission File (IRS Employer
of incorporation) Number) Identification No.)
380 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29302
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address of principal executive offices Zip Code
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (864) 582-2391
--------------
Not Applicable
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
<PAGE> 2
Item 5. Other Events
FirstSpartan Financial Corp. (the "Company") announced on June 2, 1999 that its
Board of Directors had declared a special cash distribution in the amount of
$12.00 per share, payable on June 25, 1999 to shareholders of record on June 14,
1999. The Company expects that the majority of the distribution will be a
non-taxable return of capital, although the exact amount of the distribution
that could be considered non-taxable cannot be confirmed until the Company
determines its operating results for the 1999 tax year. The amount of the
special cash distribution that would be treated as a return of capital will be
treated as a reduction in the cost basis of each share and will not be subject
to income tax as a dividend to shareholders. The press release concerning the
announcement of this event is incorporated herein by reference and is included
as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K.
Also, on June 2, 1999, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Central
Carolina Bank and Trust Company in the amount of $35,000,000 for the purpose of
funding payment of a portion of the special cash distribution previously
described. The loan agreement is incorporated herein by reference and is
included as Exhibit 99.2 to this form 8-K.
Item 7. Exhibits
99. Exhibits
1 Press Release of the Company Dated June 2, 1999
2 Loan Agreement with Central Carolina Bank and Trust Company Dated
June 2, 1999
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
FirstSpartan Financial Corp.
------------------------------------------
(Registrant)
June 9, 1999 /s/ Billy L. Painter
- ---------------------- ------------------------------------------
Date President and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.1
PRESS RELEASE OF THE COMPANY DATED JUNE 2, 1999
<PAGE> 2
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
Contact: Bill Painter
President
(864)596-8313
FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP. ANNOUNCES SPECIAL CASH DISTRIBUTION
SPARTANBURG, S.C., June 2, 1999 -- FirstSpartan Financial Corp. (the
"Company") (Nasdaq/NMS: FSPT) announced today that its Board of Directors has
declared a special cash distribution in the amount of $12.00 per share, payable
on June 25, 1999 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June
14, 1999. The Company expects that the majority of the distribution will be a
non-taxable return of capital, although the exact amount of the distribution
that could be considered non-taxable cannot be confirmed until the Company
determines its operating results for the tax year ending June 30, 1999. The
amount of the special cash distribution that would be treated as a return of
capital will be treated as a reduction in the cost basis of each share and will
not be subject to income tax as a dividend to shareholders.
Because of the magnitude of the cash distribution in relation to the
Company's share price, rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market require that the stock
trade ex-dividend on the day after payment, which will be June 28, 1999.
Shareholders who sell their shares before the ex-dividend date transfer the
right to receive the cash distribution to the buyers of the shares. On the
ex-dividend date, the price of the Company's shares is expected to decrease by
the amount of the distribution.
Bill Painter, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated
that "the Board of Directors is committed to managing our excess capital. This
distribution, in combination with previous share repurchases, will have reduced
our equity to assets ratio from in excess of 26% to approximately 12% since our
conversion from mutual to stock ownership in July 1997. We believe that this
distribution will enhance the value of our shareholders' investment."
The Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"), a qualified
retirement benefit plan covering all full-time employees, holds approximately
354,430 shares of Company stock. The trustees of the ESOP expect to purchase
additional shares in open market transactions beginning June 28, 1999 with the
$4.2 million it will receive from the distribution.
The Company expects that it will be required to record a charge to
compensation expense related to payment of the distribution on shares of stock
in its restricted stock plan. The amount of the charge is estimated to be
approximately $1.5 million (after the related income tax benefits). As a result
of this one-time charge in the fourth fiscal quarter ending June 30, 1999, the
on-going expense related to this plan will decrease.
FirstSpartan Financial Corp. is the holding company for First Federal
Bank, which operates eleven full-service offices in Spartanburg and Greenville
Counties of South Carolina.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.2
LOAN AGREEMENT WITH CENTRAL CAROLINA BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
DATED JUNE 2, 1999
<PAGE> 2
$35,000,000
LOAN AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF
JUNE 2, 1999
BETWEEN
FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP.
AND
CENTRAL CAROLINA BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
<PAGE> 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LOAN AGREEMENT
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. Definitions..............................................1
-----------
SECTION 1.02. Accounting Terms........................................6
----------------
SECTION 1.03. References..............................................6
----------
SECTION 1.04. Use of Defined Terms....................................6
--------------------
SECTION 1.05. Terminology.............................................6
-----------
ARTICLE II
THE LOAN
SECTION 2.01. Commitment to Lend......................................7
------------------
SECTION 2.02. Note....................................................7
----
SECTION 2.03. Interest Rates..........................................7
--------------
SECTION 2.04. Repayment of Principal and Interest.....................7
-----------------------------------
SECTION 2.05. Prepayment..............................................7
----------
SECTION 2.06. General Provisions as to Payments.......................7
---------------------------------
SECTION 2.07. Computation of Interest.................................8
-----------------------
SECTION 2.08. Collateral..............................................8
----------
ARTICLE III
CONDITIONS OF LENDING
SECTION 3.01. Conditions..............................................8
----------
-i-
<PAGE> 4
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
SECTION 4.01. Corporate Existence and Power...........................9
-----------------------------
SECTION 4.02. Corporate and Governmental Authorization; No
--------------------------------------------
Contravention..........................................9
-------------
SECTION 4.03. Binding Effect..........................................9
--------------
SECTION 4.04. Financial Information...................................9
---------------------
SECTION 4.05. Litigation.............................................10
----------
SECTION 4.06. Not an Investment Company..............................10
-------------------------
SECTION 4.07. Ownership of Property; Liens...........................10
----------------------------
SECTION 4.08. No Default.............................................10
----------
SECTION 4.09. Full Disclosure........................................10
---------------
SECTION 4.10. Environmental Matter...................................10
--------------------
SECTION 4.11. Compliance with Laws...................................11
--------------------
SECTION 4.12. Capital Stock..........................................11
-------------
SECTION 4.13. Margin Stock...........................................11
------------
SECTION 4.14. Insolvency.............................................11
----------
SECTION 4.15. Compliance with ERISA..................................12
---------------------
SECTION 4.16. Taxes..................................................12
-----
SECTION 4.17. Subsidiaries...........................................12
------------
SECTION 4.18. Compliance with Office of Thrift Supervision
--------------------------------------------
Requirements..........................................12
------------
SECTION 4.19. Year 2000..............................................12
---------
SECTION 4.20. Standards..............................................12
---------
-ii-
<PAGE> 5
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS
SECTION 5.01. Information............................................13
-----------
SECTION 5.02. Inspection of Property, Books and Records..............13
-----------------------------------------
SECTION 5.03. Collateral.............................................14
----------
SECTION 5.04. Debt...................................................14
----
SECTION 5.05. Financial Positions....................................14
-------------------
SECTION 5.06. Negative Pledge........................................14
---------------
SECTION 5.07. Maintenance of Existence...............................15
------------------------
SECTION 5.08. Dissolution............................................15
-----------
SECTION 5.09. Consolidations, Mergers and Sales of Assets............15
-------------------------------------------
SECTION 5.10. Use of Proceeds........................................15
---------------
SECTION 5.11. Compliance with Laws: Payment of Taxes.................15
--------------------------------------
SECTION 5.12. Insurance..............................................16
---------
SECTION 5.13. Maintenance of Property................................16
-----------------------
SECTION 5.14. Environmental Notices..................................16
---------------------
SECTION 5.15. Environmental Release..................................16
---------------------
SECTION 5.16. Ownership of First Federal Bank........................16
-------------------------------
ARTICLE VI
DEFAULTS
SECTION 6.01. Events of Default......................................16
-----------------
SECTION 6.02. Inconsistency..........................................18
-------------
-iii-
<PAGE> 6
ARTICLE VII
CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES; COMPENSATION
SECTION 7.01. Illegality.............................................19
----------
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 8.01. Notices................................................19
-------
SECTION 8.02. No Waivers.............................................19
----------
SECTION 8.03. Expenses; Documentary Taxes; Indemnification...........19
--------------------------------------------
SECTION 8.04. Amendments and Waivers.................................20
----------------------
SECTION 8.05. Successors and Assigns.................................20
----------------------
SECTION 8.06. North Carolina Law.....................................20
------------------
SECTION 8.07. Severability...........................................20
------------
SECTION 8.08. Interest...............................................20
--------
SECTION 8.09. Interpretation.........................................20
--------------
SECTION 8.10. Consent to Jurisdiction................................20
-----------------------
SECTION 8.11. Counterparts...........................................21
------------
SECTION 8.12. Setoffs................................................21
-------
SECTION 8.13. Confidentiality........................................21
---------------
SECTION 8.14. Termination of Securities Pledge Agreement.............21
------------------------------------------
-iv-
<PAGE> 7
LOAN AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated as of June 2, 1999, between FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP.
and CENTRAL CAROLINA BANK AND TRUST COMPANY.
The parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. Definitions. The terms as defined in this Section 1.01
-----------
shall, for all purposes of this Agreement and any amendment hereto (except as
herein otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires),
have the meaning set forth herein:
"Applicable Margin" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(a).
"Authority" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01.
"Bank" means Central Carolina Bank and Trust Company and its successors
and assigns.
"Borrower" means FirstSpartan Financial Corp., a Delaware corporation, and
its successors.
"CERCLA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and
Liability Act.
"CERCLIS" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and
Liability Inventory System established pursuant to CERCLA.
"Change of Law" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01.
"Closing Date" means June 23, 1999, or such other date as agreed to by the
parties.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any
successor Federal tax code. Any reference to any provision of the Code shall
also be deemed to be a reference to any successor provision or provision
thereof.
"Consolidated Subsidiary" means at any date, any Subsidiary or other
entity the accounts of which, in accordance with GAAP, would be consolidated
with those of the Borrower in its consolidated financial statements as of such
date.
"Controlled Group" means all members of a controlled group of corporations
and all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control
which, together with the Borrower, are treated as a single employer under
Section 1563 of the Code.
-1-
<PAGE> 8
"Debt" of any Person means at any date, without duplication, (i) all
obligations of such Person for borrowed money, excluding: (a) any First Federal
Bank (Spartanburg, SC) overnight federal funds borrowings; and (b) deposit
accounts, escrow accounts, certificate of deposits accounts, treasury tax and
loan deposits and other sums deposited with First Federal Bank, (ii) all
obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other
similar instruments, (iii) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred
purchase price of property or services, except trade accounts payable arising in
the ordinary course of business, (iv) all obligations of such Person as lessee
under capital leases, (v) all obligations of such Person to reimburse any bank
or other Person in respect of amounts payable under a banker's acceptance, (vi)
all obligations (absolute or contingent) of such Person to reimburse any bank or
other Person in respect of amounts paid under a letter of credit or similar
instrument with an expiration date more than one year from such date, (vii) all
Debt of others secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not
such Debt is assumed by such Person, and (viii) all Debt of others Guaranteed by
such Person.
"Default" means any condition or event which constitutes an Event of
Default or which with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would,
unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.
"Default Rate" means, with respect to any Loan, on any day, the sum of 2%
plus the then highest interest rate (including the Applicable Margin) which may
be applicable to any Loans hereunder (irrespective of whether any such type of
Loans are actually outstanding hereunder).
"Dollars" or "$" means dollars in lawful currency of the United States of
America.
"Domestic Business Day" means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other
day on which commercial banks in North Carolina are authorized by law to close.
"Environmental Authority" means any foreign, federal, state, local or
regional government that exercises any form of jurisdiction or authority under
any Environmental Requirement.
"Environmental Authorizations" means all licenses, permits, orders,
approvals, notices, registrations or other legal prerequisites for conducting
the business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary required by any Environmental
Requirement.
"Environmental Judgments and Orders" means all judgments, decrees or
orders arising from or in any way associated with any Environmental Requirement,
whether or not entered upon consent or written agreements with an Environmental
Authority or other entity arising from or in any way associated with any
Environmental Requirement, whether or not incorporated in a judgment, decree or
order.
"Environmental Laws" means any and all federal, state, local and foreign
statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees,
permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements or other
governmental restrictions relating to the environment or to emissions,
discharges or releases of pollutants, contaminants, petroleum or petroleum
products, chemicals or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes into
the environment, including, without
-2-
<PAGE> 9
limitation, ambient air, surface water, groundwater or land, or otherwise
relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage,
disposal, transport or handling of pollutants, contaminants, petroleum or
petroleum products, chemicals or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or
wastes or the clean-up or other remediation thereof.
"Environmental Liabilities" means any liabilities, whether accrued,
contingent or otherwise, arising from or in any way associated with any
Environmental Requirement.
"Environmental Notices" means notice from any Environmental Authority or
by any other person or entity, of possible or alleged noncompliance with or
liability under any Environmental Requirement, including without limitation any
complaints, citations, demands or requests from any Environmental Authority or
from any other person or entity for correction of any violation of any
Environmental Requirement or any investigations concerning any violation of any
Environmental Requirement.
"Environmental Proceedings" means any judicial or administrative
proceedings arising from or in any way associated with any Environmental
Requirement.
"Environmental Releases" means releases as defined in CERCLA or under any
applicable Environmental Law.
"Environmental Requirement" means any legal requirement relating to
health, safety or the environment and applicable to the Borrower, any Subsidiary
or the Properties, including but not limited to any such requirement under
CERCLA or any Environmental Law.
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended from time to time, or any successor law. Any reference to any provision
of ERISA shall also be deemed to be a reference to any successor provision or
provisions thereof.
"Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage" means, for any day, that percentage
(expressed as a decimal) which is in effect on such day, as prescribed by the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for
determining the maximum reserve requirement for a member bank of the Federal
Reserve System in respect of "Eurocurrency Liabilities" (as that term is defined
in Regulation D), but only if the Bank has Eurocurrency Liabilities subject to
such reserve requirement as such time. The Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage shall
be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in the
Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage.
"Event of Default" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.
"Final Maturity Date" means August 15, 1999.
"Fiscal Year" means any fiscal year of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles applied on a basis
consistent with those which, in accordance with Section 1.02, are to be used in
making the calculations for purposes
-3-
<PAGE> 10
of determining compliance with the terms of this Agreement.
"Guarantee" by any Person means any obligation, contingent or otherwise,
of such Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Debt or other obligation
of any other Person and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any
obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person (i) to
secure, purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment
of) such Debt or other obligation (whether arising by virtue of partnership
arrangements, by agreement to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities
or services, to provide collateral security, to take-or-pay, or to maintain
financial statement conditions or otherwise) or (ii) entered into for the
purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Debt or other
obligation of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in
respect thereof (in whole or in part), provided that the term "Guarantee" shall
--------
not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of
business. The term "Guarantee" used as a verb has a correspondent meaning.
"Hazardous Materials" means, without limitation, (a) solid or hazardous
waste, as defined in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, 42
U.S.C. ss.6901 et seq. and its implementing regulations and amendments, or in
any applicable state or local law or regulation, (b) any "hazardous substance",
"pollutant" or "contaminant", as defined in CERCLA, or in any applicable state
or local law or regulations, (c) gasoline, or any petroleum product or
by-product, including crude oil or any fraction thereof, (d) toxic substances,
as defined in the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, or in any applicable or
local law or regulation, and (e) insecticides, fungicides, or rodenticides, as
defined in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of 1975, or
in any applicable state or local law or regulation, as each such Act, statute or
regulation may be amended from time to time.
"Investment" means any investment in any Person, whether by means of
purchase or acquisition of obligations or securities of such Person, capital
contribution to such Person, Loan or advance to such Person, making a time
deposit with such Person, Guarantee or assumption of any obligation of such
Person or otherwise.
"Lending Office" means, as to the Bank, its office located at its address
set forth on the signature page hereof or such other office as the Bank may
hereafter designate as its Lending Office by notice to the Borrower.
"Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, deed to secure
debt, deed of trust, lien, pledge, charge, security interest, security title,
preferential arrangement which has the practical effect of constituting a
security interest or encumbrance, servitude or encumbrance of any kind in
respect of such asset to secure or assure payment of a Debt or a Guarantee,
whether by consensual agreement or by operation of statute or other law, or by
any agreement, contingent or otherwise, to provide any of the foregoing. For the
purposes of this Agreement, the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall be deemed to
own subject to a Lien any asset which it has acquired or holds subject to the
interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital
lease or other title retention agreement relating to such asset.
"Loan" means the loan made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to Section
2.01 in the original principal amount of $35,000,000.
-4-
<PAGE> 11
"Loan Documents" means this Agreement, the Note, and any other document
evidencing, relating to or securing the Loan and any other document or
instrument delivered from time to time in connection with this Agreement, the
Note, or the Loan, as such documents and instruments may be amended or
supplemented from time to time.
"LIBOR Rate" means the London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR) for a
three-month period as published from time to time in the "Money Rates" section
of the Wall Street Journal, Eastern Edition, or if such rate ceases to be so
--------------------
published, a comparable rate determined in good faith by the Bank after
consultation with the Borrower.
"Margin Stock" means "margin stock" as defined in Regulation G, T, U or X
of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as in effect from time
to time, together with all official rulings and interpretations issued
thereunder.
"Material Adverse Effect" means, with respect to any event, act, condition
or occurrence of whatever nature (including any adverse determination in any
litigation, arbitration, or governmental investigation or proceeding), whether
singly or in conjunction with any other event or events, act or acts, condition
or conditions, occurrence or occurrences, whether or not related, a material
adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, any of (a) the financial
condition, operations, business or properties of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Borrower to
perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, as
applicable, or (c) the legality, validity or enforceability of any Loan
Document; provided that any effect resulting from (i) any changes in laws,
--------
rules, or regulations or generally accepted accounting principles or regulatory
requirement or interpretations thereof that apply to Borrower or it Consolidated
Subsidiaries, and to similarly situated financial and/or depository institutions
or (ii) changes in economic conditions, including, but not limited to, changes
in the general level of market interest rates, shall not be considered in
determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred.
"Note" means the promissory note of the Borrower, substantially in the
form of Exhibit A hereto, evidencing the obligation of the Borrower to repay the
Loan, such term to include all modifications or amendments thereto and all
promissory notes of the Borrower delivered in exchange therefor or in
replacement thereof.
"PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any entity
succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.
"Person" means an individual, a corporation, a limited liability company,
a limited liability partnership, a partnership, (including without limitation, a
joint venture), an unincorporated association, a trust or any other entity or
organization, including, but not limited to, a government or political
subdivision or any agency or instrumentality thereof.
"Plan" means at any time an employee pension benefit plan which is covered
by Title IV of
-5-
<PAGE> 12
ERISA or is subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the
Code and is either (i) maintained by a member of the Controlled Group for
employees of any member of the Controlled Group or (ii) maintained pursuant to a
collective bargaining agreement or any other arrangement under which more than
one employer makes contributions and to which a member of the Controlled Group
is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or has within the
preceding five (5) plan years made contributions.
"Regulation D" means Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, as in effect from time to time, together with all official
rulings and interpretations issued thereunder.
"Responsible Officer" means any senior executive officer of the Borrower,
including, without limitation, the President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief
Executive Officer and Treasurer.
"Securities Pledge Agreement" means the Securities Pledge Agreement
between the Borrower and the Bank in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto.
"Subsidiary" means any corporation or other entity of which securities or
other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of
the board of directors or other persons performing similar functions are at the
time directly or indirectly owned by the Borrower. The term Subsidiary shall not
include First Trust Corporation (Greenville, SC).
"Wholly Owned Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary, all of the shares of
capital stock or other ownership interests of which (except directors'
qualifying shares) are at the time directly or indirectly owned by the Borrower.
SECTION 1.02. Accounting Terms. Unless otherwise specified herein, all
----------------
terms of an accounting character used herein shall be interpreted, all
accounting determinations hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements
required to be delivered hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP,
applied on a basis consistent with the most recent audited consolidated
financial statements of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries delivered
to the Bank.
SECTION 1.03. References. Unless otherwise indicated, references in this
----------
Agreement to "Sections" are references to sections hereof.
SECTION 1.04. Use of Defined Terms. All terms defined in this Agreement
---------------------
shall have the same meanings when used in any of the other Loan Documents,
unless otherwise defined therein or unless the context shall otherwise require.
SECTION 1.05. Terminology. All personal pronouns used in this Agreement,
-----------
whether used in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender, shall include all
other genders and the singular shall include the plural and the plural shall
include the singular. Titles of Articles and Sections in this Agreement are for
convenience only, and neither limit nor amplify the provisions of this
Agreement.
-6-
<PAGE> 13
ARTICLE II
THE LOAN
SECTION 2.01. Commitment to Lend. The Bank agrees, on the terms and
-------------------
conditions set forth herein, to make the Loan to the Borrower on the Closing
Date.
The closing of the Loan hereunder shall take place at the main office of
the Bank in Durham, North Carolina, or such other place as the parties may
agree, on the Closing Date. Not later than 11:00 A.M. (Durham, North Carolina
time) on the Closing Date, upon receipt of the documents required by Section
3.01, the Bank will advance at the Bank's main office, in immediately available
funds, the amount of the Loan to the Borrower.
SECTION 2.02. Note. The Loan shall be evidenced by the Note, in the
----
principal amount of $35,000,000.00, payable to the order of the Bank, dated the
Closing Date and stated to mature on the Final Maturity Date. The Note shall
bear interest in accordance with Section 2.03.
SECTION 2.03. Interest Rates.
--------------
(a) "Applicable Margin" means one percent (1.00%).
(b) The Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount
thereof, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Applicable Margin plus the
LIBOR Rate. The initial interest rate shall be based on the LIBOR Rate as of the
date hereof. The initial rate shall be subject to change on the first calendar
day of each month based upon the LIBOR Rate published on such date, or if the
LIBOR Rate is not published on such date, as most recently published prior to
the first calendar day of such month.
(c) After the occurrence and continuance of a Default, the principal
amount of the Loan and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, all accrued
interest thereon, may, at the election of the Bank, bear interest at the Default
Rate.
SECTION 2.04. Repayment of Principal and Interest. The Borrower shall pay
-----------------------------------
to the Bank the aggregate principal of and interest on the Loan as follows:
interest shall be paid monthly in arrears beginning July 1, 1999, and continuing
on the first day of each consecutive month thereafter; principal and all accrued
but unpaid interest shall be paid on the Final Maturity Date.
SECTION 2.05. Prepayment. The Borrower may at any time prepay the
----------
indebtedness evidenced by the Note without penalty.
SECTION 2.06. General Provisions as to Payments.
---------------------------------
(a) The Borrower shall make the payment of principal of, and interest on,
the Loan, not later than 11:00 A.M. (Spartanburg, South Carolina time) on the
date when due, in Federal or other funds immediately available in Spartanburg,
South Carolina, at the Bank's address as set forth on the
-7-
<PAGE> 14
signature page hereof or such other address as may be designated by the Bank.
SECTION 2.07. Computation of Interest. Interest shall be computed on the
-----------------------
basis of a year of 360 days and paid for the actual number of days elapsed.
SECTION 2.08 Collateral. The loan will be secured by a first priority
----------
security interest and lien on all of the issued and outstanding shares of
capital stock of First Federal Bank.
ARTICLE III
CONDITIONS OF LENDING
SECTION 3.01. Conditions. The obligation of the Bank to make the Loan is
----------
subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
(a) receipt by the Bank from the Borrower of a duly executed counterpart
of this Agreement signed by the Borrower;
(b) receipt by the Bank of the duly executed Note;
(c) receipt by the Bank of an opinion, satisfactory to the Bank, of
Muldoon, Murphy & Faucette LLP, counsel for the Borrower, dated the Closing
Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit D, and covering such additional
matters relating to the transactions contemplated hereby as the Bank may
reasonably request and as shall be reasonably agreed to by the Borrower;
(d) receipt by the Bank of a certificate, dated the Closing Date,
substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto, signed by a principal officer of
the Borrower, to the effect that (i) no Default has occurred and is continuing
on the Closing Date, and (ii) the representations and warranties of the Borrower
contained in Article IV hereof are true in all material respects on and as of
the Closing Date;
(e) receipt by the Bank of a properly executed Securities Pledge Agreement
and any other documents reasonably required by the Bank or required by law to
properly perfect the Bank's interest in the Collateral;
(f) the Collateral must be provided to the Bank on the Closing Date and be
properly pledged to the Bank to secure this Loan and must be accompanied by a
separate stock power duly executed in blank;
(g) receipt by the Bank of all documents which the Bank may reasonably
request relating to the existence of the Borrower, the corporate authority for
and the validity of this Agreement, the Note, any other matter relevant hereto,
all in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank, including without limitation
a certificate of incumbency of the Borrower, signed by the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of the Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit E
hereto, certifying as to the names, true signatures and incumbency of the
officer or officers of the Borrower authorized to
-8-
<PAGE> 15
execute and deliver the Loan Documents, and certified copies of the following
items: (i) the Borrower's Certificate of Incorporation, (ii) the Borrower's
Bylaws, (iii) a certificate of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware
as to the good standing of the Borrower as a Delaware corporation, and (iv) the
action taken by the Board of Directors of the Borrower authorizing the
Borrower's execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Note and
the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Borrower represents and warrants that:
SECTION 4.01. Corporate Existence and Power. The Borrower is a corporation
-----------------------------
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its incorporation, is duly qualified to transact business in
every jurisdiction where, by the nature of its business, such qualification is
necessary and where the failure to so qualify would have a Material Adverse
Effect on the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, and has all
corporate powers and all governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and
approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted.
SECTION 4.02. Corporate and Governmental Authorization; No Contravention.
-----------------------------------------------------------
The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement, the
Note and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party (i) are within the
Borrower's corporate powers, (ii) have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action, (iii) require no action by or in respect of, or filing with,
any governmental body, agency or official, (iv) do not contravene, or constitute
a default under, any provision of applicable law or regulation or of the
certificate of incorporation or by-laws of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries or of any agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree or other
instrument binding upon the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, and (v) do not
result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries other than a Lien in favor of the Bank.
SECTION 4.03. Binding Effect. This Agreement constitutes a valid and
---------------
binding agreement of the Borrower enforceable in accordance with its terms, and
the Note and the other Loan Documents, when executed and delivered will be valid
and binding agreements of Borrower enforceable in accordance with their
respective terms, provided that the enforceability hereof and thereof is subject
--------
in each case to general principles of equity and to bankruptcy, insolvency and
similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally.
SECTION 4.04. Financial Information.
---------------------
(a) The consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries as of June 30, 1998, and the related consolidated statements of net
earnings, shareholder's equity and cash flows for the Fiscal Year then ended,
reported on and audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, copies of which have been
delivered to the Bank, and the unaudited consolidated financial statements of
the
-9-
<PAGE> 16
Borrower for the interim period ended March 31, 1999, copies of which have been
delivered to the Bank, fairly present, in conformity with GAAP, the consolidated
financial position of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries as of such
date and their consolidated results of operations and cash flows for such
periods stated.
(b) Since March 31, 1999, there has been no event, act, condition or
occurrence having a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.05. Litigation. There is no action, suit or proceeding pending,
----------
or to the knowledge of the Borrower threatened, against or affecting the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries before any court or arbitrator or any
governmental body, agency or official other than as previously disclosed to the
Bank in writing which would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse
Effect or which in any manner draws into question the validity or enforceability
of the Loan Documents.
SECTION 4.06. Not an Investment Company. Neither the Borrower nor any of
--------------------------
its Subsidiaries is an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended.
SECTION 4.07. Ownership of Property, Liens. The Borrower and each of its
-----------------------------
Subsidiaries have title to their properties sufficient for the conduct of its
business, and none of such property is subject to any Lien, except as permitted
in Section 5.06.
SECTION 4.08. No Default. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries
----------
is in default under or with respect to any agreement, instrument or undertaking
to which it is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound having a
Material Adverse Effect. No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing.
SECTION 4.09. Full Disclosure. All information heretofore furnished by the
---------------
Borrower to the Bank for purposes of or in connection with this Agreement or any
transaction contemplated hereby is, and all such information hereafter furnished
by the Borrower to the Bank will be, true, accurate and complete in every
material respect or based on reasonable estimates on the date as of which such
information is stated or certified.
SECTION 4.10. Environmental Matters.
---------------------
(a) To the best knowledge of the Borrower neither the Borrower nor any
Subsidiary is subject to any Environmental Liability or has been designated by
an Environmental Authority as a potentially responsible party under CERCLA or
under any state statute similar to CERCLA which would be reasonably likely to
have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary nor, to
the best knowledge of the Borrower, any of the Properties have been identified
on any current (i) National Priorities List under 40 C.F.R. ss. 300, (ii)
CERCLIS list or (iii) any list arising from a state statute similar to CERCLA.
(b) As used in this Section 4.10:
-10-
<PAGE> 17
(i) "Responsible Environmental Officer" means (i) any officer or manager
of the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower who is (or with others are) the
primary Person(s) responsible for the environmental condition of the Properties
and the Properties' compliance with Environmental Requirements; and (ii) the
respective successors of the foregoing Persons.
(ii) "Properties" means all real property owned, leased or (to the best
knowledge of the Responsible Environmental Officers without an independent
inquiry having been conducted for any purpose) otherwise occupied by the
Borrower or any Subsidiary, wherever located; provided, however, that with
respect to the second sentence of Section 4.10(a) the term "Properties" shall
not include any real property that the Borrower or any Subsidiary holds title to
in its capacity solely as trustee or in another fiduciary capacity.
(iii) A Material Adverse Effect shall be deemed to have occurred: (1) with
regard to an Environmental Liability applicable to any single Property if such
Environmental Liability is in an amount equal to or greater than three percent
(3%) of Borrower's stockholders' equity; or (2) if, at any time, the total
Environmental Liabilities applicable to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries are in
an aggregate amount equal to or greater than five percent (5%) of Borrower's
stockholders' equity.
SECTION 4.11. Compliance with Laws. To the best of the Borrower's
----------------------
knowledge, the Borrower and each Subsidiary are in compliance with all
applicable laws, including, without limitation, all Environmental Laws, except
where any failure to comply with any such laws would not, alone or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.12. Capital Stock. All capital stock, debentures, bonds, notes
-------------
and all other securities of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries presently issued
and outstanding are validly and properly issued in accordance with all
applicable laws, including, but not limited to, the "Blue Sky" laws of all
applicable states and the federal securities laws. The issued shares of capital
stock of the Borrower's Wholly Owned Subsidiaries are owned by the Borrower free
and clear of any Lien (other than in favor of the Bank) or adverse claim.
SECTION 4.13. Margin Stock. Neither the Borrower nor any of its
-------------
Subsidiaries is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in
the business of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock, and no part of the
proceeds of any loan will be used to purchase or carry any Margin Stock in a
manner which violates, or which is inconsistent with, the provisions of
Regulations G, T, U or X, or to extend credit to others for the purpose of
purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock in a manner which violates, or which is
inconsistent with, the provisions of Regulations G, T, U or X, or be used for
any purpose which violates, or which is inconsistent with, the provisions of
Regulations G, T, U or X.
SECTION 4.14. Insolvency. After giving effect to the execution and
----------
delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of the Loans under this Agreement,
the Borrower will not be "insolvent" within the meaning of such term is defined
in ss. 101 of Title 11 of the United States Code or Section 2 of the Uniform
Fraudulent Transfer Act, or any other applicable state law pertaining to
fraudulent transfers, as each may be amended from time to time, or be unable to
pay its debts generally as such debts become due.
-11-
<PAGE> 18
SECTION 4.15. Compliance with ERISA.
---------------------
(a) The Borrower and each member of the Controlled Group have fulfilled
their obligations under the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code with
respect to each Plan and are in compliance in all material respects with the
presently applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code, and have not incurred any
liability to the PBGC or a Plan under Title IV of ERISA.
(b) Neither the Borrower nor any member of the Controlled Group is or ever
has been obligated to contribute to any "Multiemployer Plan" as that term is
defined in ss. 3(37) of ERISA..
SECTION 4.16. Taxes. There have been filed on behalf of the Borrower and
-----
its Subsidiaries all Federal, state and local income, excise, property and other
tax returns which are required to be filed by them and all taxes due pursuant to
such returns or pursuant to any assessment received by or on behalf of the
Borrower or any Subsidiary have been paid or adequate provision has been made
for any such taxes on the Borrower's balance sheet. The charges, accruals and
reserves on the books of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in respect of taxes
or other governmental charges are, in the opinion of the Borrower, adequate.
SECTION 4.17. Subsidiaries. Each of the Borrower's Subsidiaries is a
------------
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of its jurisdiction of incorporation, is duly qualified to transact business in
every jurisdiction where, by the nature of its business, such qualification is
necessary and where the failure to so qualify would have a Material Adverse
Effect on the Borrower and it Subsidiaries taken as a whole, and has all
corporate powers and all governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and
approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted. The Borrower has
no Subsidiaries except those Subsidiaries listed as follows: First Federal Bank,
which is incorporated under the laws of the United States.
SECTION 4.18. Compliance with Office of Thrift Supervision Requirements.
----------------------------------------------------------
The Borrower and each Subsidiary are in compliance in all material respects with
all published Office of Thrift Supervision regulatory requirements and will
remain in full compliance in all material respects throughout the term of the
loan.
SECTION 4.19. Year 2000. After surveying the internal systems, vendors,
---------
and customers of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, Borrower represents that, to the
best of its knowledge, it is not aware of any material problems with its, its
Subsidiaries' or its vendors' systems' acceptance of the Year 2000, due to two
digit date fields. The Borrower further represents that it and its Subsidiaries
have a program in place to test their systems and will test or have tested their
systems during 1999 to ensure Year 2000 compliance. The Borrower will promptly
inform the Bank of any material changes with respect to Year 2000 compliance,
and shall notify the Bank immediately of any circumstance related to Year 2000,
either internal or external to the Borrower, that the Borrower reasonably
believes may be detrimental to its or any Subsidiary's operations..
SECTION 4.20. Standards.
---------
(a) The Borrower's representations, warranties and covenants contained in
this Agreement
-12-
<PAGE> 19
shall not be deemed to be untrue or breached as a result of effects arising
solely from actions taken pursuant to this Agreement or in compliance with a
written request of the Bank.
(b) For purposes of this Agreement, "knowledge" shall mean actual
knowledge of any of the members of the Board of Directors of the Borrower or any
officer of the Borrower with the title ranking not less than vice president.
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS
The Borrower agrees that, so long as any amount payable under the Note
remains unpaid:
SECTION 5.01. Information. The Borrower will deliver to the Bank:
-----------
(a) within five (5) Domestic Business Days after the Borrower becomes
aware of the occurrence of any Default, a certificate of the chief financial
officer or chief accounting officer of the Borrower stating that it is a "Notice
of Default" and setting forth the details thereof and the action which the
Borrower is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto; and
(b) promptly upon the mailing thereof to the shareholders of the Borrower
generally, copies of all financial statements, reports and proxy statements so
mailed;
(c) promptly upon the filing thereof, copies of all registration
statements (other than the exhibits thereto) and annual, quarterly or monthly
reports which the Borrower shall have filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission;
(d) consolidated quarterly financial statements, including a balance sheet
and earnings statement, within 45 days of the end of each quarter;
(e) if and when the Borrower or member of the Controlled Group (i) gives
or is required to give notice to the PBGC of any "reportable event" (as defined
in Section 4043 of ERISA) with respect to any Plan which might constitute
grounds for a termination of such Plan under Title IV of ERISA, or knows that
the plan administrator of any Plan has given or is required to give notice of
any such reportable event, a copy of the notice of such reportable event given
or required to be given to the PBGC; (ii) receives notice of complete or partial
withdrawal liability under Title IV of ERISA, a copy of such notice; or (iii)
receives notice from the PBGC under Title IV of ERISA of an intent to terminate
or appoint a trustee to administer any Plan, a copy of such notice;
(f) promptly after the Borrower knows of the commencement thereof, notice
of any litigation, dispute or proceeding involving a claim against the Borrower
and/or any Subsidiary for $100,000 or more.
SECTION 5.02. Inspection of Property, Books and Records. The Borrower will
-----------------------------------------
(i) keep, and will cause each Subsidiary to keep, proper books of record and
account in which full, true and
-13-
<PAGE> 20
correct entries in conformity with GAAP shall be made of all dealings and
transactions in relation to its business and activities (except for each
Subsidiary whose accounting matters are by applicable law required to be treated
in accordance with statutory accounting principles, each of which Subsidiaries
the Borrower shall cause to keep proper books of record and account in which
full, true and correct entries in conformity with statutory accounting
principles shall be made of all dealings and transactions in relation to such
Subsidiary's business and activities); and (ii) permit, and will cause each
Subsidiary to permit, representatives of the Bank at the Bank's expense after
the occurrence of an Event of Default, to visit and inspect any of their
respective properties, to examine and make abstracts from any of their
respective officers, employees and independent public accountants. The Borrower
agrees to cooperate and assist in such visits and inspections, in each case at
such reasonable times and as often as may reasonably be desired, provided that
--------
the Bank shall not conduct any environmental investigation without the express
written authorization of the Borrower.
SECTION 5.03 Collateral. During the Loan, the Collateral shall consist of
----------
and represent 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of First Federal
Bank.
SECTION 5.04. Debt. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall
----
at any time incur, create, assume, or permit to exist any Debt except debt
incurred pursuant to this Agreement without express written consent from the
Bank, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, except that: (i) the Borrower
may incur Debt to repay principal amounts due under this Agreement, (ii) the
Borrower's Subsidiary may permit to exist the Debt outstanding to the Federal
Home Loan Bank of Atlanta as of March 31, 1999, and (iii) the Borrower's
Subsidiary may incur Debt as a result of borrowings in the ordinary course of
business from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta.
SECTION 5.05. Financial Positions. The Borrower shall maintain the
--------------------
following financial positions:
(a) A minimum consolidated stockholders' equity of sixty million dollars
($60,000,000);
(b) a ratio, on a consolidated basis, of stockholders' total equity to
total assets of not less than 1:10 (one to 10); and
(c) consolidated non-performing assets of not more than three-quarters of
a percent (0.75%) of gross loans.
SECTION 5.06. Negative Pledge. Neither the Borrower nor any Consolidated
---------------
Subsidiary will create, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on any assets now
owned or hereafter acquired by it, except:
(a) Liens existing on the date of this Agreement securing Debt outstanding
on the date of this Agreement in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding
$100,000;
(b) any Lien on any asset securing Debt incurred or assumed for the
purpose of financing all or any part of the cost of acquiring or constructing
such asset, provided that such Lien attaches to such asset concurrently with or
--------
within 18 months after the acquisition or completion of construction
-14-
<PAGE> 21
thereof;
(c) Liens securing Debt owing by any Subsidiary to the Borrower;
(d) any Lien arising out of the refinancing, extension, renewal or
refunding of any Debt secured by any Lien permitted by any of the foregoing
clauses of this Section, provided that (i) such debt is not secured by any
--------
additional assets, and (ii) the amount of such Debt secured by any such Lien is
not increased;
(e) Liens created by First Federal Bank in the ordinary course of business
and consistent with practices for securing any indebtedness owed to the Federal
Home Loan Bank of Atlanta as of March 31, 1999.
(f) Liens not otherwise permitted by the foregoing clauses of this
Section, securing Debt (other than indebtedness represented by the Notes) in an
aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $100,000.
SECTION 5.07. Maintenance of Existence. The Borrower shall, and shall
-------------------------
cause each Subsidiary to, maintain its corporate existence and carry on its
business in the ordinary course.
SECTION 5.08. Dissolution. Neither the Borrower nor any of its
-----------
Subsidiaries shall suffer or permit dissolution or liquidation either in whole
or in part, except through corporate reorganization to the extent permitted by
Section 5.09.
SECTION 5.09. Consolidations, Mergers and Sales of Assets. The Borrower
--------------------------------------------
will not permit any Subsidiary to consolidate or merge with or into, or sell,
lease or otherwise transfer all or any substantial part of its assets to, any
other Person, provided that (a) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may
--------
merge with another Person (other than the Borrower) if (i) such Person was
organized under the laws of the United Sates of America or one of its states,
(ii) the Borrower or its merging Subsidiary is the corporation surviving such
merger, and (iii) immediately after giving effect to such merger, no Default
shall have occurred and be continuing, and (b) Subsidiaries of the Borrower may
merge with one another.
SECTION 5.10. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loan will be used by
---------------
the Borrower for the payment of a special cash distribution to the Borrower's
stockholders.
SECTION 5.11. Compliance with Laws: Payment of Taxes. The Borrower will,
---------------------------------------
and will cause each of its Subsidiaries and each member of the Controlled Group
to, comply with applicable laws (including but not limited to ERISA),
regulations and similar requirements of governmental authorities (including but
not limited to PBGC), except where the necessity of such compliance is being
contested in good faith through appropriate proceedings diligently pursued. The
Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, pay promptly when due
all taxes, assessments, governmental charges, claims for labor, supplies, rent
and other obligations which, if unpaid, might become a lien against the property
of the Borrower or Subsidiary, except liabilities being contested in good faith
by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued.
-15-
<PAGE> 22
SECTION 5.12. Insurance. The Borrower will maintain, and will cause each
---------
of its Subsidiaries to maintain (either in name of the Borrower or in such
Subsidiary's own name), with financially sound and reputable insurance
companies, insurance on all its properties in comparable amounts and against at
least such risks as are usually insured against in the same general area by
companies of established repute engaged in the same or similar business.
SECTION 5.13. Maintenance of Property. The Borrower shall, and shall cause
-----------------------
each Subsidiary to, maintain all of its properties and assets in good condition,
repair and working order, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
SECTION 5.14. Environmental Notices. The Borrower shall furnish to the
----------------------
Bank prompt written notice of all Environmental Liabilities, pending, threatened
or anticipated, Environmental Proceedings, Environmental Notices, Environmental
Judgments and Orders, and Environmental Releases at, on, in, under or in any way
affecting any real Property of Borrower or any Subsidiary (or any adjacent
property as to which the Borrower has actual knowledge), and all facts, events,
or conditions that could lead to any of the foregoing.
SECTION 5.15. Environmental Release. The Borrower agrees that upon the
----------------------
occurrence of an Environmental Release at or on any real property owned or
leased by Borrower or any Subsidiary it will act immediately to investigate the
extent of, and to take appropriate remedial action to eliminate the effects of,
such Environmental Release in accordance with any and all Environmental
Requirements.
SECTION 5.16. Ownership of First Federal Bank. The Borrower shall not at
-------------------------------
any time own less than 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of First
Federal Bank.
ARTICLE VI
DEFAULTS
SECTION 6.01. Events of Default. If one or more of the following events
-----------------
("Events of Default") shall have occurred and be continuing:
(a) the Borrower shall fail to pay when due any principal of the Loan or
shall fail to pay any interest, fee, or other amounts payable hereunder, within
five (5) Domestic Business Days after written notice thereof has been given to
the Borrower from the Bank; or
(b) the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant contained
in Sections 5.02(ii), 5.03 through 5.09, inclusive, and 5.15 and 5.16 for ten
(10) days after the earlier of (i) the first day on which a Responsible Officer
has knowledge of such failure, or (ii) written notice thereof has been given to
the Borrower by the Bank; or
(c) the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant or
agreement contained in this Agreement (other than those covered by clause (a) or
(b) above) for thirty (30) days after the earlier of (i) the first day on which
a Responsible Officer has knowledge of such failure or (ii) written notice
-16-
<PAGE> 23
hereof has been given to the Borrower by the Bank; or
(d) any representation, warranty, certification or statement made by the
Borrower in Article IV of this Agreement or in any certificate, financial
statement or other document delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall prove to
have been incorrect in any material respect when made (or deemed made); or
(e) the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment in
respect of Debt outstanding in an aggregate amount exceeding $100,000 (other
than the Note) when due or within any applicable grace period; or
(f) any event or condition shall occur which results in the acceleration
of the maturity of Debt, in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $100,000,
outstanding of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or the mandatory prepayment or
purchase of such Debt by the Borrower (or its designee) or such Subsidiary (or
its designee) prior to the scheduled maturity thereof, or enables (or, with the
giving of notice or lapse of time or both, would enable) the holders of such
Debt or any Person acting on such holders' behalf to accelerate the maturity
thereof or require the mandatory prepayment or purchase thereof prior to the
scheduled maturity thereof, without regard to whether such holders or other
Person shall have exercised or waived their right to do so; or
(g) the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall commence a voluntary case or
other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with
respect to itself or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar
law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee,
receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any
substantial part of its property, or shall consent to any such relief or to the
appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case
or other proceeding commenced against it, or shall make a general assignment for
the benefit of creditors, or shall fail generally to pay its debts as they
become due, or shall take any corporate action to authorize any of the
foregoing; or
(h) an involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced against the
Borrower or any Subsidiary seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief
with respect to it or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other
similar law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee,
receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any
substantial part of its property, and such involuntary case or other proceeding
shall remain undismissed and unstayed for a period of 60 days; or an order for
relief shall be entered against the Borrower or any Subsidiary under the federal
bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter in effect; or
(i) a federal tax lien in any material amount shall be filed against the
Borrower or any Subsidiary under Section 6323 of the Code or a lien of the PBGC
shall be filed against the Borrower or any Subsidiary under Section 4068 of
ERISA and in either case such lien shall remain undischarged for a period of 25
days after the date of filing; or
(j) the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group shall fail to pay
when due any material amount which it shall have become liable to pay to the
PBGC or to a Plan under Title IV of ERISA; or notice of intent to terminate a
Plan or Plans shall be filed under Title IV of ERISA by
-17-
<PAGE> 24
the Borrower, any member of the Controlled Group, any plan administrator or any
combination of the foregoing; or the PBGC shall institute proceedings under
Title IV of ERISA to terminate or to cause a trustee to be appointed to
administer any such Plan or Plans or a proceeding shall be instituted by a
fiduciary of any such Plan or Plans to enforce Section 515 or 4219(c)(5) of
ERISA and such proceeding shall not have been dismissed within 30 days
thereafter; or a condition shall exist by reason of which the PBGC would be
entitled to obtain a decree adjudicating that any such Plan or Plans must be
terminated; or
(k) (i) any Person or two or more Persons acting in concert shall have
acquired beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of
more than 25% of the outstanding shares of the voting stock of the Borrower; or
(ii) as of any date a majority of the Board of Directors of the Borrower
consists of individuals who were not either (A) directors of the Borrower as of
the corresponding date of the previous year, (B) selected or nominated to become
directors by the Board of Directors of the Borrower of which a majority
consisted of individuals described in clause (A), or (C) selected or nominated
to become directors by the Board of Directors of the Borrower of which a
majority consisted of individuals described in clause (A) and individuals
described in clause (B); or
(l) one or more judgments or orders for the payment of money in an
aggregate amount in excess of $250,000 shall be rendered against the Borrower or
any Subsidiary and such judgment or order shall remain unsatisfied and unstayed
for a period of 30 days; or
(m) the occurrence of any event, act or condition which has a Material
Adverse Effect,
then, and in every such event, the Bank may by notice to the Borrower declare
the Note (together with accrued interest thereon) and all other amounts payable
hereunder and under the other Loan Documents to be, and the Note (together with
all accrued interest thereon) and all other amounts payable hereunder and under
the other Loan Documents, shall thereupon become, immediately due and payable
without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which
are hereby waived by the Borrower; provided that if any Event of Default
--------
specified in clause (g) or (h) above occurs with respect to the Borrower,
without any notice to the Borrower or any other act by the Bank, the Loan shall
thereupon automatically terminate and the Note (together with accrued interest
thereon) and all other amounts payable hereunder and under the other Loan
Documents shall automatically become immediately due and payable without
presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are
hereby waived by the Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Bank shall
have available to it all other remedies at law or equity and shall exercise any
one of them at the desire of the Bank.
SECTION 6.02. Inconsistency. In the event of any inconsistency between any
-------------
provisions of the Securities Pledge Agreement and ARTICLE VI of this Agreement,
the provisions set forth in this Agreement shall prevail.
-18-
<PAGE> 25
ARTICLE VII
CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES; COMPENSATION
SECTION 7.01. Illegality.
----------
[SECTION 7.01 INTENTIONALLY DELETED]
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 8.01. Notices. All notices, requests and other communications to
-------
either party hereunder shall be in writing (including facsimile transmission or
similar writing) and shall be given to such party at such other address or
telecopy number set forth on the signature pages hereof or as such party may
hereafter specify for the purpose of notice by the other party hereto. Each such
notice, request or other communication shall be effective (i) if given by
telecopier, when such telecopy is transmitted to the telecopy number specified
in this Section and the telecopy machine used by the sender provides a written
confirmation that such telecopy has been so transmitted or receipt of such
telecopy transmission is otherwise confirmed, (ii) if given by mail, 72 hours
after such communication is deposited in the mails with first class postage
prepaid, addressed as aforesaid, and (iii) if given by any other means, when
delivered at the address specified in this Section; provided that notices to the
--------
Bank under Article II or Article VI shall not be effective until received.
SECTION 8.02. No Waivers. No failure or delay by the Bank in exercising
----------
any right, power or privilege hereunder or under the Note or other Loan Document
shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise
thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided shall
be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.
SECTION 8.03. Expenses; Documentary Taxes; Indemnification. The Borrower
---------------------------------------------
shall pay (i) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses of the Bank,
including fees and disbursements of special counsel for the Bank, in connection
with any waiver or consent under this Agreement or any of the other Loan
Documents or any amendment hereof or thereof or any Default or alleged Default
hereunder or thereunder and (ii) if an Event of Default occurs, all
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Bank, including fees and disbursements of
counsel, in connection with such Event of Default and collection and other
enforcement proceedings resulting therefrom, including out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in enforcing this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The Borrower
shall indemnify the Bank against any transfer taxes, documentary taxes,
assessments or charges made by any Authority by reason of the execution and
delivery of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, and the Borrower shall
indemnify the Bank and their respective directors, officers, employees and
agents from, and hold each of them harmless against, any and all losses,
liabilities, claims or damages to which any of them may become subject, insofar
as such losses, liabilities, claims or damages arise out of or result from any
actual or proposed use by the Borrower of this Agreement or any other Loan
Document or from investigation, litigation (including, without
-19-
<PAGE> 26
limitation, any actions taken by the Bank to enforce this Agreement or any of
the other Loan Documents) or other proceeding (including without limitation, any
threatened investigation or proceeding) relating to the foregoing, and the
Borrower shall reimburse the Bank, and each affiliate thereof and their
respective directors, officers, employees and agents, upon demand, for any
expenses (including, without limitation, legal counsel fees) incurred in
connection with any such investigation or proceeding; but excluding any such
losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses incurred by reason of the gross
negligence or willful misconduct of the Person to be indemnified.
SECTION 8.04. Amendments and Waivers. Any provision of this Agreement, the
----------------------
Note or any other Loan Documents may be amended or waived if, but only if, such
amendment or waiver is in writing and is signed by the Borrower and the Bank.
SECTION 8.05. Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement
-----------------------
shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective successors and assigns; provided that the Borrower may not assign or
otherwise transfer any of its rights under this Agreement.
SECTION 8.06. North Carolina Law. This Agreement and the Note shall be
--------------------
construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of North
Carolina.
SECTION 8.07. Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions
------------
contained in this Agreement, the Note or any of the other Loan Documents should
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and
enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall
not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall be enforced to the
greatest extent permitted by law.
SECTION 8.08. Interest. In no event shall the amount of interest due or
--------
payable hereunder or under the Note exceed the maximum rate of interest allowed
by applicable law, and in the event any payment of interest exceeding such rate
is inadvertently made to the Bank by the Borrower or inadvertently received by
the Bank, then such excess sum shall be credited as a payment of principal
unless the Borrower shall notify the Bank in writing that it elects to have such
excess sum returned forthwith. It is the express intent hereof that the Borrower
not pay and the Bank not receive, directly or indirectly in any manner
whatsoever, interest in excess of that which may legally be paid by the Borrower
under applicable law.
SECTION 8.09. Interpretation. No provision of this Agreement or any of the
--------------
other Loan Documents shall be construed against or interpreted to the
disadvantage of any party hereto by any court or other governmental or judicial
authority by reason of such party having or being deemed to have structured or
dictated such provision.
SECTION 8.10. Consent to Jurisdiction. The Borrower and the Bank (a)
------------------------
submit to personal jurisdiction in the State of North Carolina, the courts
thereof and the United States District Courts sitting therein for the
enforcement of this Agreement, the Note and the other Loan Documents, (b)
-20-
<PAGE> 27
waives any and all personal rights under the law of any jurisdiction to object
on any basis (including, without limitation, inconvenience of forum) to
jurisdiction or venue within the State of North Carolina for the purpose of
litigation to enforce this Agreement, the Note or the other Loan Documents for
the giving of notice to it. Nothing herein contained, however, shall prevent the
Bank or the Borrower from bringing any action or exercising any rights against
any security and against the parties hereto personally, or against any assets of
such parties, within any other state or jurisdiction.
SECTION 8.11. Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in any number of
------------
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the
signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.
SECTION 8.12. Setoffs. The Borrower hereby grants to the Bank, as security
-------
for the full and punctual payment and performance of the obligations of the
Borrower under this Agreement, a continuing lien on and security interest in all
deposits and other sums credited by or due from the Bank to the Borrower or
subject to withdrawal by the Borrower; and regardless of the adequacy of any
collateral or other means of obtaining repayment of such obligations, the Bank
may at any time, upon or after the occurrence of any Event of Default, and
without notice to the Borrower, set off the whole or any portion or portions of
any or all such deposits and other sums against such obligations, whether or not
any other Person or Persons could also withdraw money therefrom.
SECTION 8.13. Confidentiality. The Bank agrees to exercise its best
---------------
efforts to keep any information delivered or made available by the Borrower to
it, which is clearly indicated to be confidential information, confidential from
any one other than persons employed or retained by the Bank who are or are
expected to become engaged in evaluating, approving, structuring or
administering the Loan; provided, however, that nothing herein shall prevent the
--------- --------
Bank from disclosing such information (i) upon the order of any court or
administrative agency, (ii) upon the request or demand of any regulatory agency
or authority having jurisdiction over the Bank, (iii) which has been publicly
disclosed, (iv) to the extent reasonably required in connection with any
litigation to which the Bank or its affiliates may be a party, (v) to the extent
reasonably required in connection with the exercise of any remedy hereunder,
(vi) to the Bank's legal counsel and independent auditors and (vii) to any
actual or proposed participant or assignee of all or part of its rights
hereunder which has agreed in writing to be bound by the provisions of this
Section 8.13 and (vii) to any actual or proposed participant or assignee of all
or part of its rights hereunder which has agreed in writing to be bound by the
provisions of this Section 8.13.
SECTION 8.14. Termination of Securities Pledge Agreement. The Securities
------------------------------------------
Pledge Agreement shall be terminated and canceled upon the Borrower's payment
and performance of all of its obligations under this Agreement and the Note.
-21-
<PAGE> 28
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed by their respective officers as of the day and year first above
written.
FIRSTSPARTAN FINANCIAL CORP.
By: /s/ Bill L. Painter
-----------------------------------
Bill L. Painter, President & Chief
Executive Officer
Notice Address:
---------------
FirstSpartan Financial Corp.
P.O. Box 1806
Spartanburg, South Carolina 29304
Attention: Bill L. Painter
Facsimile number: (864) 582-5286
CENTRAL CAROLINA BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
By: /s/ Robert W. Jones
---------------------------------------
Robert W. Jones, Chief Credit Officer &
Executive Vice President
Notice Address:
---------------
Central Carolina Bank and Trust Company
P.O. Box 931
Durham, North Carolina 27702
Attention: Robert W. Jones
Facsimile number: (919) 683-7440
-22-
