SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
__X___ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________________________________
Commission File Number: 0-8354
nSTOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
Delaware 95-2094565
(State of other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
100 Century Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33417
(Address of principal executive office)
(561) 640-3103
(Registrant's telephone number)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file
such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days. Yes X No _____
Number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's Common Stock,
par value $.05 per share, as of June 30, 1997: 18,670,477
<PAGE>
PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
The condensed financial statements included herein have
been prepared by the registrant, without audit, pursuant to the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in
financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to
such rules and regulations; however, the registrant believes that
the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not
misleading. It is suggested that these condensed financial
statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
the notes thereto included in the registrant's annual report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1996 and its
transition report on Form 10-Q for the two months ended December
31, 1996.
The condensed financial statements for the interim
periods included herein, which are unaudited, include, in the
opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal
recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial
position and results of operations of the registrant for the
periods presented. The results of operations for interim periods
should not be considered indicative of results to be expected for
the full year. Certain 1996 amounts have been reclassified to
conform to the 1997 presentation.
<PAGE>
nSTOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands) (Note 2)
Jun. 30, Dec. 31,
ASSETS (Note 5) 1997 1996
---------------- --------- ---------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents:
Unrestricted $ 497 $ 4,619
Restricted 1,000 -
Accounts receivable, net of $44
and $257 allowance 4,440 5,016
Inventories (Note 3) 7,319 4,117
Prepaid expenses and other 185 129
------- -------
Total current assets 13,441 13,881
Deferred tax asset (Note 6) 200 182
Property and equipment, net of $263
and $90 accumulated depreciation 1,401 1,003
Goodwill and other intangible assets,
net of $261 and $60 accumulated
amortization (Note 2) 5,081 5,282
------- -------
$20,123 $20,348
======= =======
LIABILITIES
-----------
Current liabilities:
Borrowings (Note 5) $ 2,050 $ -
Accounts payable 4,158 4,380
Accrued expenses and other 1,755 2,635
------- -------
Total current liabilities 7,963 7,015
Convertible notes due 2000 (including
$202 and $197 of accrued interest) 535 516
------- -------
Total liabilities 8,498 7,531
------- -------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
--------------------
Preferred stock, $.01 par; shares
authorized 1,000,000; outstanding none - -
Common stock, $.05 par; shares authorized
24,000,000; outstanding 18,670,477 934 934
Additional paid-in capital 30,393 30,393
Deficit (19,702) (18,510)
------- -------
Total stockholders' equity 11,625 12,817
------- -------
$20,123 $20,348
======= =======
_______
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE> 1
nSTOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in thousands, except per share data) (Note 2)
Three Months Six Months
Ended June 30, Ended June 30,
-------------------- --------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Sales $ 5,574 $ 1,319 $14,577 $ 1,319
Cost of sales 3,957 1,016 9,849 1,016
------- ------- ------- -------
Gross profit 1,617 303 4,728 303
------- ------- ------- -------
Operating expenses:
Research and development 762 129 1,424 129
Selling, general and
administrative 2,363 168 4,521 168
------- ------- ------- -------
Total operating expenses 3,125 297 5,945 297
------- ------- ------- -------
Income (loss) from operations (1,508) 6 (1,217) 6
Gain from sale of IMNET Systems,
Inc. stock (Note 4) - 1,508 - 11,148
Interest income, net of
investment expenses 39 129 70 70
Interest expense (27) (18) (45) (36)
------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss) ($ 1,496) $ 1,625 ($ 1,192) $11,188
======= ======= ======= =======
Earnings (loss) per common share ($ .08) $ .09 ($ .06) $ .64
======= ======= ======= =======
Average number of common shares
used in computing earnings
(loss) per common share 18,670,477 17,600,477 18,670,477 17,600,477
========== ========== ========== ==========
_______
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE> 2
nSTOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(dollars in thousands)
Addi-
Common Stock tional
----------------- Paid-In
Shares Amount Capital Deficit Total
---------- ------ ------- ------- -------
Balances, December
31, 1996 18,670,477 $934 $30,393 ($18,510) $12,817
Net loss for the
six months ended
June 30, 1997 - - - (1,192) (1,192)
---------- ---- ------- ------- -------
Balances, June
30, 1997 18,670,477 $934 $30,393 ($19,702) $11,625
========== ==== ======= ======= =======
_______
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE> 5
nSTOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands) (Note 2)
Six Months
Ended June 30,
-------------------
1997 1996
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) ($ 1,192) $11,188
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
to net cash used by operating activities:
Gain from sale of IMNET Systems, Inc.
stock - (11,148)
Depreciation and amortization 374 9
Changes in assets and liabilities net
of effects from acquisition:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable 576 (1,238)
Increase in inventories (3,202) (3)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other (74) (13)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable,
accrued expenses and other liabilities (1,083) 995
-------- --------
Net cash used by operating activities (4,601) (210)
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from sale of IMNET Systems, Inc. stock - 11,148
Payment for acquisition - (592)
Additions to property and equipment (571) (156)
-------- --------
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities (571) 10,400
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from borrowings 2,767 -
Repayment of borrowings (717) -
Increase in restricted cash and cash equivalents (1,000) -
-------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities 1,050 -
-------- --------
Net (decrease) increase in unrestricted cash and
cash equivalents during the period (4,122) 10,190
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the period 4,619 7
--------- ---------
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the
end of the period $ 497 $10,197
========= =========
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING
ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition (Note 2):
Inventories $ - $ (895)
Property and equipment - (218)
Intellectual property - (335)
Accrued expenses - 756
Minority interest - 100
-------- --------
Cash paid $ - $ (592)
======== ========
_______
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE> 6
nSTOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Business
As a result of two acquisitions completed during the year ended
December 31, 1996 (see Note 2 to Consolidated Financial
Statements), nStor Technologies, Inc. (the "Company") is currently
engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of a full
range of multi-platform storage solutions including advanced
external RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) subsystems,
tape backup solutions, UNIX-based memory products, storage
management hardware and software, digital media management
products, and enterprise resource planning manufacturing software.
Prior to the first acquisition in June 1996, the Company's only
assets were securities issued by IMNET Systems, Inc. ("IMNET")
which the Company had acquired in October 1992 in exchange for
substantially all of the Company's operating assets. During the
period in which the Company owned the IMNET securities, the
Company's only activities consisted of monitoring its investment in
IMNET and evaluating potential business opportunities. During
fiscal 1996, the Company sold 100% of the IMNET securities (see
Note 4 to Consolidated Financial Statements).
Fiscal Year
In November 1996, the Company changed its fiscal year from October
31 to December 31, effective with the calendar year beginning
January 1, 1997. Certain amounts in the financial statements
presented for the previous fiscal 1996 periods have been restated
to conform to the new fiscal 1996 presentation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
<PAGE> 7
(2) ACQUISITIONS
Effective June 3, 1996, nStor Corporation, Inc. ("nStor"), a newly-formed
subsidiary of the Company, which was 80% owned at the time,
acquired certain net assets of Seagate Peripherals, Inc.
("Seagate") located in Lake Mary, Florida. The purchase price
consisted of $592,000 in cash, including acquisition costs, and a
royalty to Seagate payable based upon 5% of nStor's sales of
certain products during the 15 month period beginning October 1,
1996. Effective October 31, 1996, the Company acquired the
remaining 20% of nStor from R. Daniel Smith, president of nStor and
currently a director and officer of the Company, in exchange for
one million shares of the Company's common stock, valued at
$600,000 (net of applicable discount).
Effective December 1, 1996, nStor acquired substantially all the
net assets of Parity Systems, Inc. ("Parity") located in Los Gatos,
California. The purchase price consisted of $2.8 million in cash
and a warrant (exercisable at any time through December 1999) to
purchase 500,000 shares of the Company's common stock at $2.10 per
share, valued at $470,000. The transaction closed on December 30,
1996, on which date the Company repaid the approximately $3 million
outstanding balance of Parity's bank line of credit.
The acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase method
of accounting, with assets acquired and liabilities assumed
recorded at estimated fair values as of the effective acquisition
dates, and the operating results of the acquired businesses
included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from
those dates. The financial statements reflect the preliminary
allocation of the purchase price since the final allocation has not
been determined as of June 30, 1997.
The excess of the purchase price of both acquisitions over the fair
value of net assets acquired (goodwill) was $4.9 million and is
being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods not exceeding
15 years. nStor also recorded $.4 million as intellectual assets
related to the nStor acquisition, consisting of trademarks and
proprietary technology, which are being amortized on a straight-line basis over
15 years. For the three and six months ended June
30, 1997, amortization of intangible assets approximated $101,000
and $201,000, respectively.
(3) INVENTORIES
Inventories are summarized as follows (in thousands):
<PAGE> 8
June 30, Dec. 31,
1997 1996
-------- --------
Raw materials $ 6,678 $ 3,577
Work-in-process 275 88
Finished goods 366 452
------- -------
$ 7,319 $ 4,117
======= =======
Substantially all inventory is pledged as collateral for indebtedness (Note 5).
(4) GAIN ON SALE OF IMNET
During the six months ended June 30, 1996, the Company sold a
substantial portion of its shares of IMNET (see Note 1 to
Consolidated Financial Statements) and recognized gains of
$1,508,000 and $11,148,000 during the three and six months ended
June 30, 1996, respectively, representing the net cash proceeds
received.
(5) BORROWINGS
Borrowings consist of an asset based revolving bank credit facility
(the "Revolver"), under which nStor may borrow up to $7 million.
Advances under the Revolver are limited to 75% of eligible accounts
receivable, as defined, plus the lesser of (i) $1 million or (ii)
40% of certain inventories. The Revolver bears interest, payable
monthly, which is indexed to LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate)
plus a percentage (which may be adjusted quarterly depending on a
specific operating ratio) ranging from 2-3/8% to 3% (8.7% at June
30, 1997), is guaranteed by the Company and matures on May 29,
1998. The Company pays a commitment fee on the unused portion of
the Revolver at one-eighth of one percent (1/8 of 1%) per annum.
Advances under the Revolver are collateralized by substantially all
assets of the Company including, but not limited to, $1 million in
cash, inventories, accounts receivable, property and equipment and
intangible assets. Among other convenants, the loan agreement
provides certain restrictions on the payment of dividends, the
incurrence of additional indebtedness and capital expenditures, and
requires minimum working capital, tangible net worth and other
financial covenants. Outstanding principal under the Revolver at
June 30, 1997 was $2,050,000, which substantially approximated the
maximum availability on that date.
(6) INCOME TAXES
As of December 31, 1996, the Company's tax year end, there were
unused net operating loss carryforwards ("NOL's") for regular
federal income tax purposes of approximately $4.2 million,
<PAGE> 9
principally expiring from 2003 until 2006, and research and
development tax credit carryforwards of approximately $550,000,
expiring from 2002 through 2005. No financial statement benefit
has been recognized on these carryforwards. During the six months
ended June 30, 1996, no income tax expense was recorded on income
before income taxes due to utilization of NOL's. In conjunction
with the Alternative Minimum Tax ("AMT") rules, the Company also
has available AMT credit carryforwards of approximately $182,000,
at December 31, 1996, which may be used indefinitely to reduce
regular federal income taxes.
(7) CONTINGENCIES
See Part II, Item 1, for a discussion of the Company's Legal
Proceedings.
Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
The Company completed two acquisitions during the year ended
December 31, 1996 - the nStor acquisition, effective June 3, 1996,
and the Parity acquisition, effective December 1, 1996 (see Note 2
to Consolidated Financial Statements). Allocations have been made
to reflect the estimated fair values, as of the effective
acquisition dates, of the net assets acquired which has resulted in
asset bases which differ from those of the previous owners.
Accordingly, comparative financial data of the acquired entities
for periods prior to the effective dates of the acquisitions are
not presented in this section since they would be neither
comparable nor informative. In addition, certain components of net
income in 1997 are not comparable to those of 1996 because
operating results for the six months ended June 30, 1996 include
only one month of nStor's operations and do not include operations
associated with Parity.
Results of Operations
For the three and six months ended June 30, 1997, the Company
incurred net losses of $1.5 million and $1.2 million,
respectively. The losses were principally attributable to a
decline in sales during the second quarter as compared to the first
quarter (see "Sales" below) and, to a lesser extent, increased
costs associated with gearing up the Company's infrastructure to
support anticipated future growth (see "Operating Expenses" below).
The Company reported net income of $1.6 million and $11.2 million,
respectively, for the corresponding three and six month periods in
1996. The 1996 results included gains of approximately $1.5
<PAGE> 10
million and $11.1 million, respectively, from the sale of a
substantial portion of the Company's investment in IMNET (see Note
4 to Consolidated Financial Statements).
From the date the Company disposed of substantially all of its
operating assets in October 1992 in exchange for shares in IMNET
until the acquisition of nStor in June 1996, the Company's only
activities consisted of monitoring its investment in IMNET and
evaluating potential business opportunities. Accordingly,
operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 1996
principally consisted of the aforementioned gain on the sale of
IMNET, administrative expenses prior to the nStor acquisition and
nStor's operations for June 1996.
Sales
Net sales amounted to $5.6 million and $14.6 million for the three
and six months ended June 30, 1997, respectively. Sales for the
second quarter were adversely affected by an unexpected two month
delay in completing the development of the Company's new CR8e RAID
subsystem, which was originally anticipated for shipment to
customers in April 1997, and by manufacturing disruptions
associated with the transfer of Parity's production from California
to Florida. Net sales for the three and six month periods ended
June 30, 1996 amounted to $1.3 million which consisted of the
initial month of sales following the nStor acquisition effective
June 3, 1996. Future sales are expected to be positively affected
during the remainder of fiscal 1997 due to the availability of the
CR8e subsystems, a redesigned and improved line of products
acquired from Parity, offered under the Parity+ trade name
commencing in the third quarter of 1997, and several other new
products scheduled for release during 1997. Increased sales
activity is also anticipated from a July 1997 agreement with
Silicon Graphics, Inc. ("SGI"), which has positioned the Company as
the only third-party memory manufacturer, to date, to be granted
memory licenses issued by SGI to manufacture its proprietary memory
products; expected completion of agreements with several new OEM's
(original equipment manufacturers) and a software supplier; and,
the expansion of the Company's enterprise resource planning
manufacturing software services.
The foregoing statements regarding increases in nStor's future
sales are forward looking statements that may prove not to be
accurate. Factors that could cause such statements not to be
accurate include, but are not limited to, increased competition for
the Company's products, unexpected delays in production,
improvements in alternative technologies, a lack of market
acceptance for new products introduced by the Company and the
Company's failure to successfully market its products.
<PAGE> 11
Cost of Sales/Gross Margin
Gross margins for the three and six months ended June 30, 1997
amounted to 29% and 32%, respectively. Gross margins for the
current year's second quarter decreased to 29% as compared to 35%
during the current year's first quarter principally due to
increased manufacturing overhead costs allocated to a reduced level
of sales. During the one month period ending June 30, 1996,
following the nStor acquisition, gross margins amounted to 23%.
The Company's gross margins are dependent, in part, on product mix
which is anticipated to fluctuate from time to time. The Company
has been able to increase its gross margins over those achieved by
its predecessors due to a greater emphasis on selling higher margin
enhanced storage devices and certain cost efficiencies. The
Company also expects to be able to gradually increase gross margins
on the Parity product line during 1997 as operating efficiencies
are realized and the Company's component servicing capabilities
allow the Parity product line to be manufactured at a lower cost.
Operating efficiencies are expected to be achieved as a result of
closing the former Parity manufacturing facility in California
during the second quarter of 1997, resulting in the consolidation
of direct labor, purchasing and other functions at the Company's
Florida facility.
The foregoing statements regarding increases in future gross
margins are forward looking statements that may prove not to be
accurate. Factors that could cause such statements not to be
accurate include, but are not limited to, increases in the cost of
components or raw materials used in the Company's products,
increased labor costs, higher production costs for new products
developed by the Company, decreases in the price of the Company's
products, and a shift in product sales to less profitable products.
Operating Expenses
The Company's operating expenses for the three and six months ended
June 30, 1997 amounted to $3.1 million and $5.9 million,
respectively, consisting of $.8 million and $1.4 million,
respectively, in research, development and other engineering costs,
and $2.3 million and $4.5 million, respectively, in selling,
general and administrative expenses.
Research and development costs increased by 15% during the current
second quarter as compared to the current first quarter, primarily
attributable to redesigning, standardizing and obtaining agency
certification for the Parity product line acquired in late December
1996. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and
may fluctuate considerably from time to time depending on a variety
of factors. These costs are substantially incurred in advance of
related revenues, or in certain situations, may not ultimately
result in generating revenues. The Company does not anticipate
<PAGE> 12
significant increases in research and development during the
remainder of the fiscal year.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 10%
during the current second quarter as compared to the current first
quarter primarily as a result of increased personnel costs and fees
incurred in connection with listing the Company's common stock on
the American Stock Exchange. Selling and marketing costs primarily
consist of salaries, commissions and related benefits, expenses in
connection with tradeshows, conferences and seminars, and
facilities and other miscellaneous costs allocated to those
personnel. General and administrative costs primarily consist of
general corporate expenses, executive officers, finance and
accounting salaries and related benefits, professional fees such as
legal and accounting, facilities costs allocated to those
personnel, and amortization and depreciation of certain property,
equipment and intangibles, including goodwill. The Company does not
expect selling, general and administrative expenses to
significantly increase during the remainder of the year, except to
the extent that sales commissions may increase due to expected
increases in sales revenue.
Operating expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 1996
were approximately $.3 million and included only one month of
expenses related to the operations of nStor.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense/benefit was not provided on the Company's
income/loss before income taxes during the three and six months
ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 due to utilization of the NOL's (see
Note 6 to Consolidated Financial Statements).
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Net cash used by operating activities increased to $4.6 million
during the six months ended June 30, 1997, as compared to $.2
million in 1996, principally attributable to an additional
investment in inventories of $3.2 million, and a decrease in
accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities of $1.1
million. During 1996, the primary use of cash resulted from an
increase in accounts receivable of $1.2 million which was
principally offset by an increase in accounts payable, accrued
expenses and other liabilities of $1 million.
Investing activities for 1997 used approximately $.6 million to
purchase additional fixed assets as compared to providing $10.4
million in 1996, primarily resulting from the sale of a substantial
portion of the Company's investment in IMNET (see Note 4 to
Consolidated Financial Statements).
<PAGE> 13
Net cash provided by financing activities approximated $1 million,
consisting of net borrowings under the Revolver (see below) of $2
million less $1 million of previously unrestricted cash required as
collateral under the Revolver. Until May 1997, nStor's working
capital needs, including the approximately $5.8 million in cash
required for the Parity acquisition, were funded by cash flow from
operations and the Company's cash balances. In May 1997, the
Company completed a revolving bank line of credit (the "Revolver")
to finance its expanding working capital needs (see Note 5 to
Consolidated Financial Statements). Under the Revolver, the
Company may borrow up to $7 million based on 75% of eligible
accounts receivable, as defined, plus the lesser of (i) $1
million or (ii) 40% of certain inventories. As of June 30, 1997,
the outstanding balance under the Revolver was approximately $2
million which substantially approximated the maximum availability
on that date. Management believes that cash flow generated from
operations and proceeds from the Revolver will be sufficient to
satisfy its working capital and capital expenditure needs for the
next twelve months as currently planned. However, there can be no
assurance that additional capital will not be needed during that
period.
Effect of Inflation
Inflation has not had an impact on the Company's operations and is
not expected to have any material impact in 1997.
Forward Looking Information: Certain Cautionary Statements
Certain statements contained in "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, that are not related to historical
results, are forward looking statements. Actual results may differ
materially from those projected or implied in the forward looking
statements. Further, certain forward looking statements are based
upon assumptions of future events which may not prove to be
accurate. These forward looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties including but not limited to the Company's future
cash flows, sales, gross margins and operating expenses, the effect
of conditions in the technology industry and the economy in
general, legal proceedings, as well as certain other risks.
Subsequent written and oral forward looking statements attributable
to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly
qualified in their entirety by cautionary statements in this
paragraph and elsewhere described in this Form 10-Q and in other
reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
<PAGE> 14
Part II - Other Information
Item 1 - Legal Proceedings
In June 1996, Jack Ehrenhuas, Mark Schindler, Eugene Stricker,
Amnon Damty, Ehud Mendelson and Susan Felton filed a Complaint in
the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau,
against the Company and its Chairman, Michael Wise. The plaintiffs
claim to have contractual and proprietary interests in the prospect
of a transaction to purchase certain net assets acquired by nStor
(see Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements) and seek
compensatory damages plus punitive damages.
In August 1996, the Nais Corporation, Mark Schindler, Eugene
Stricker, Amnon Damty, Ehud Mendelson and Susan Felton filed a
Complaint in the same Court making similar allegations against
nStor, its president, R. Daniel Smith, and Intelligent
Manufacturing Systems, Inc., a privately owned company for which R.
Daniel Smith was the chief executive officer and sole shareholder.
In this action, the plaintiffs seek compensatory damages plus
punitive damages for alleged breach of contract.
Both cases are in preliminary stages. Counsel for the Company
believes that the Company has good defenses to both claims and that
it will not incur any material liability. The Company is unaware
of any facts that would support any of the plaintiffs' claims and,
accordingly, the Company believes that the claims are without
merit.
From time to time, the Company is subject to legal proceedings and
other claims arising in the ordinary course of business. In the
opinion of management, the Company is not a party to any litigation
the outcome of which would have a material adverse effect on its
business or operations.
Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K:
(a) Exhibits:
(10)(i) Demand Promissory Note dated May 29, 1997, between
nStor Corportion, Inc. and First Union National
Bank of Florida.
(10)(ii) Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated May
29, 1997, between nStor Corporation, Inc. and First
Union National Bank of Florida.
<PAGE> 15
(27) Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
The Company filed Form 8-K during the quarter ended June 30,
1997 as follows:
(i) A report on Form 8-K dated April 17, 1997 and filed
April 18, 1997, reporting under Item 5 - Other
Events, in which the Company announced the approval
for listing its common stock on the American Stock
Exchange.
SIGNATURE
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, thereunto duly authorized.
nSTOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Registrant)
/s/ Jack Jaiven
August 13, 1997 _______________________________
Jack Jaiven, Vice President
and Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer
EXHIBIT (10) (ii)
REVOLVING CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
between
nSTOR CORPORATION, INC.
"Borrower"
and
FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK OF FLORIDA
"Bank"
Dated: May 29, 1997
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Definitions 1
1.1. Defined Terms 1
1.2. Financial Terms 8
2. Representations and Warranties 8
2.1. Valid Existence and Power 8
2.2. Authority 9
2.3. Finan cial Condition 9
2.4. Litigation 9
2.5. Agreements, Etc. 9
2.6. Authorizations 10
2.7. Title 10
2.8. Collateral 10
2.9. Location 10
2.10. Taxes 10
2.11. Withholding Taxes 10
2.12. Labor Law Matters 11
2.13. Accounts 11
2.14. Use and Location of Collateral 11
2.15. Judgment Liens 11
2.16. Intent and Effect of Transactions 11
2.17. Subsidiaries 11
2.18. Hazardous Materials 11
2.19. ERISA 12
2.20. Investment Company Act 12
2.21. Purpose of Loan 12
3. The Loan 12
3.1. Revolving Loan 12
3.2. Limitations on Advances 13
3.3. Notice and Manner of Borrowing 13
3.4. Calculation of Interest - LIBOR-Based Rate 14
3.5 Promissory Note; Repayment of Loan 15
3.6 Fees 16
3.7. Special Loan Account 16
3.8. Debit for Interest and Expenses 17
3.9. Overdue Amounts 17
3.10. Sales Tax 17
3.11. Letters of Credit; Banker's Acceptances 17
<PAGE>
4. Conditions Precedent to Borrowing 18
4.1. Conditions Precedent to Initial Advance 18
4.2. Conditions Precedent to Each Advance 19
5. Covenants of the Borrower 20
5.1. Use of Loan Proceeds 20
5.2. Maintenance of Business and Properties 20
5.3. Insurance 20
5.4. Notice of Default 21
5.5. Inspections 21
5.6. Financial Information 21
5.7. Limitation on Debt 22
5.8. Liens 22
5.9. Executive Compensation 22
5.10. Dividends 22
5.11. Consolidations, Merger, Sales of Assets 23
5.12. Investments 23
5.13. Change in Business 23
5.14. Accounts 23
5.15. Transactions with Affiliates 23
5.16. No Change in Name, Offices; Removal of
Collateral 24
5.17. No Sale, Leaseback 24
5.18. Margin Stock 24
5.19. Payment of Taxes, Etc. 24
5.20. Subordination 24
5.21. Compliance; Hazardous Materials 24
5.22. Subsidiaries 24
5.23. Compliance with Assignment Laws 24
5.24. Further Assurances 24
5.25. Withholding Taxes 25
5.26. 25
Other Covenants 25
6. Default 25
6.1. Events of Default 25
6.2. Remedies 27
6.3 Receiver 27
6.4. Arbitration 27
6.5. Preservation and Limitation of Remedies 28
<PAGE>
7. Security Agreement 28
7.1. Security Interest 28
7.2. Remedies 29
7.3. Power of Attorney 30
7.4. Entry 30
7.5. Deposits; Insurance 30
7.6. Other Rights 30
7.7. Accounts 31
7.8. Tangible Collateral 31
7.9. Waiver of Marshaling 31
7.10. Waiver of Automatic Stay 31
8. Miscellaneous 32
8.1. No Waiver, Remedies Cumulative 32
8.2. Survival of Representations 32
8.3. Expenses 32
8.4. Notices 32
8.5. Governing Law 33
8.6. Successors and Assigns 33
8.7. Counterparts 33
8.8. No Usury 33
8.9. Powers 34
8.10. Approvals 34
8.11. Jurisdiction, Service of Process 34
8.12. Multiple Borrowers 34
8.13. Other Provisions 34
8.14. Waiver of Jury Trial 34
<PAGE>
REVOLVING CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), dated as of May , 1997 between nSTOR
CORPORATION, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), with an office and
place of business at 100 Century Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33417 and FIRST
UNION NATIONAL BANK OF FLORIDA, a national banking association (the "Bank")
with an office and place of business at 77 East Camino Real, 2nd Floor, Boca
Raton, FL 33432.
W I T N E S S E T H :
In consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants herein contained
and to induce the Bank to extend credit to the Borrower, the parties agree as
follows:
1. Definitions. In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement,
the following terms have the meanings indicated:
1.1. Defined Terms.
"Account" shall mean any account receivable, including any rights of
payment for goods sold or leased or for services rendered, which is not
evidenced by an instrument or chattel paper, whether or not it has been earned
by performance, and in addition includes all property included in the
definition of "accounts" as used in the Code, together with any guaranties,
letters of credit and other security therefor.
"Account Debtor" shall mean a Person who is obligated under any
Account, Chattel Paper, General Intangible or instrument (as instrument is
defined in the Code).
"Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate" shall mean on any day a rate
per annum equal to the quotient obtained (rounded upward, if necessary, to the
next higher 1/100 of 1%) by dividing (a) the London Interbank Offered Rate for
such day by (b) 1.00 minus the Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage.
"Advance" shall mean an advance of proceeds of the Revolving Loan to
the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement, on any given Advance Date.
<PAGE>
"Advance Date" shall mean the date as of which an Advance is made.
"Advance Request" shall mean the written request for an Advance under
the Revolving Loan as identified in Section 3.3 ("Notice and Manner of
Borrowing") hereof.
"Affiliate" of a named Person shall mean (a) any Person owning 5%
more of the voting stock or rights of such named Person or of which the named
Person owns 5% or more of such voting stock or rights; (b) any Person
controlling, controlled by or under common control with such named Person; (c)
any officer or director of such named Person or any Affiliates of the named
Person; and (d) any Affiliate of such named Person.
"Borrowing Base" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2
hereof ("Limitations on Advances").
"Business Day" shall mean a weekday on which commercial banks are
open for business in Jacksonville, Florida.
"Cash Management Arrangement" shall have the meaning ascribed to it
in Section 3.3(b) hereof.
"Chattel Paper" shall mean all writing or writings which evidence
both a monetary obligation and a security interest in or the lease of specific
goods and in addition includes all property included in the definition of
"chattel paper" as used in the Code, together with any guaranties, letters of
credit and other security therefor.
"Closing" shall mean the date upon which this Agreement and the other
Loan Documents are executed and delivered by all of the parties.
"Code" shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect in
Florida from time to time.
"Collateral" means the following property of the Borrower, wherever
located and whether now owned by Borrower or hereafter acquired: (a) all
Inventory; (b) all General Intangibles; (c) all Accounts and Chattel Paper and
any other instrument or intangible representing payment for goods or services;
(d) all Equipment; (e) any other collateral described in Exhibit 1.1A hereto
(if any) or in which the Bank may be hereafter granted a security interest or
Lien; (f) all funds in the Special Loan Account or otherwise on deposit with or
under the control of the Bank or its agents or correspondents; and (g) the
Guarantor's Securities; (h) all parts, replacements, substitutions, profits,
products and cash and non-cash proceeds of any of the foregoing (including
insurance proceeds payable by reason of loss or damage thereto) in any form and
wherever located. Collateral shall include all written or electronically
recorded records relating to any such Collateral and other rights relating
thereto.
"Collected Balance" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section
3.7 hereof.
<PAGE>
"Debt" shall mean all liabilities of a Person as determined under
generally accepted accounting principles and all obligations which such Person
has guaranteed or endorsed or is otherwise secondarily or jointly liable, and
shall include, without limitation (a) all obligations for borrowed money or
purchased assets, (b) obligations secured by assets whether or not any personal
liability exists, (c) the capitalized amount of any capital or finance lease
obligations, (d) the unfunded portion of pension or benefit plans or other
similar liabilities, (e) obligations as a general partner, (f) contingent
obligations pursuant to guaranties, endorsements, letters of credit and other
secondary liabilities, and (g) obligations for deposits.
"Default Rate" shall mean the highest lawful rate of interest per
annum specified in the Note to apply after a default under the Note.
"Eligible Accounts" shall mean all Accounts (valued net of any sales
tax included in the invoiced amount, the maximum amount of any discounts or
other reductions) of the Borrower payable not more than forty-five (45) days
after the date of invoice and as to which the Bank has a first priority
perfected security interest subject only to Permitted Liens, but excluding (a)
Accounts outstanding for ninety (90) days or more from the date of invoice; (b)
all Accounts owed by an Account Debtor if more than twenty-five percent (25%)
of the Accounts owed by such Account Debtor (or any Affiliate) to the Borrower
are ineligible because they are aged beyond ninety (90) days from date of
invoice; (c) Accounts owing from any Affiliate of the Borrower; (d) Accounts
owed by a creditor of the Borrower or which are in dispute or subject to any
counterclaim, contra-account or offset; (e) Accounts owing by any Account
Debtor which is insolvent or generally unable to pay its debts as they become
due; (f) Accounts arising from a sale on a bill-and-hold, guaranteed sale,
sale-or-return, sale-on-approval, consignment or similar basis or which are
subject to repurchase, return, rejection, repossession, loss or damage; (g)
Accounts owed by an Account Debtor outside the United States unless such
Accounts shall have been insured in a manner in all respects acceptable to the
Bank; (h) Accounts owed by the United States of America unless the Borrower
shall have complied with the federal Assignment of Claims Act; (i) Accounts as
to which the goods giving rise to the Account have not been delivered to and
accepted by the Account Debtor or the service giving rise to the Account has
not been completely performed or which do not represent a final sale; (j) the
total Accounts owed by an Account Debtor and its Affiliates exceeds a credit
limit established by the Bank in its reasonable discretion (to the extent of
such excess); (k) the Account is evidenced by a note or other instrument, or by
Chattel Paper or which has been reduced to judgment; (1) the total Accounts
of an Account Debtor and its Affiliates which exceed ten percent (10%) of the
total Accounts of the Borrower (to the extent of such excess), excepting that
such Accounts may exceed ten percent (10%) of the total Eligible Accounts of
the Borrower, but shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of such total Eligible
Accounts for the Borrower's top five (5) Account Debtors established by their
credit-worthiness and approved by the Bank (such approval not to be
unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) on an Account Debtor by Account
Debtor basis (to the extent of any excess); (m) Accounts which, by contract,
subrogation, mechanics' lien laws or otherwise, are subject to claims by the
Borrower's creditors or other third parties or which are owed by Account
Debtors as to whom any creditor of the Borrower (including any bonding company)
has lien rights; and (n) Accounts of the type described in Exhibit 1.1B (if
<PAGE>
any) and other Accounts the validity, collectibility or amount of which is
determined in good faith by the Borrower or the Bank to be doubtful. No
Accounts shall be Eligible Accounts if any representation, warranties or
covenants herein relating thereto shall be in Default.
"Eligible Inventory" shall mean Inventory consisting of Seagate and
Conner hard drive inventory of the Borrower as to which the Bank has a first
priority perfected security interest, subject only to Permitted Liens, and
which is not, because of damage, age, unmerchantability, obsolescence or any
other condition or circumstance, materially impaired in condition, value or
marketability in the good faith opinion of the Bank or the Borrower. Advances
and advance rates against Inventory will be subject to an appraisal by an
outside company and final review and approval by the Bank, such approval not to
be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned. No Inventory shall be
Eligible Inventory if any representation, warranty, or covenant herein relating
to such Inventory is in Default.
"Equipment" shall mean all furniture, fixtures, equipment, motor
vehicles, rolling stock and other tangible property of a Person of every
description, except Inventory and in addition includes all property included in
the definition of "equipment" as used in the Code.
"Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage" shall mean 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 New York City with deposits exceeding five
billion dollars in respect of "Eurocurrency liabilities" (or in respect of any
other category of liabilities which includes deposits by reference to which the
interest rate on loans is determined or any category of extensions of credit or
others assets which includes loans by a non-United States office of the Bank to
United States residents). The Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate shall be
adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in the
Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage.
"Event of Default" shall mean any event specified as such in Section
6.1 hereof ("Events of Default"), provided that there shall have been satisfied
all requirements, if any, in connection with such event for the giving of
notice or the lapse of time, or both. "Default" or "default" shall mean any
of such events, whether or not any such requirement for the giving of notice or
the lapse of time or the happening of any further condition, event or act shall
have been satisfied.
"Fixed Interest Rate" shall mean the fixed rate of interest which may
be payable by Borrower at any time and from time to time during the Loan Term,
if the Borrower elects to purchase and maintain an interest rate swap ("Swap")
with the Bank or another financial institution acceptable to Bank in a notional
amount equal to all or any portion of the then outstanding principal balance of
the Loan. The Fixed Interest Rate cannot be fixed at Closing, but must be
fixed at the time of the Borrower's election pursuant to Section 3.5(b) hereof.
"General Intangibles" shall mean all intangible personal property
(including things in action) except Accounts, Chattel Paper and instruments (as
<PAGE>
defined in the Code), including all contract rights, copyrights, trademarks,
trade names, service marks, patents, patent drawings, designs, formulas, rights
to a Person's name itself, customer lists, rights to all prepaid expenses,
marketing expenses, rights to receive future contracts, fees, commissions and
orders relating in any respect to any business of a Person, all licenses and
permits, all computer programs and other software owned by a Person, or which a
Person has the right to use, and all rights for breach of warranty or other
claims for funds to which a Person may be entitled, and in addition includes
all property included in the definition of "general intangibles" as used in the
Code.
"Guarantor" shall mean the Borrower's parent corporation, nSTOR
TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a Delaware corporation, any Subsidiary of Borrower and any
other Person now or hereafter guaranteeing, pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement,
any Indebtedness.
"Guarantor's Securities" shall mean those securities (i) which are
owned by Guarantor; (ii) which have an aggregate value, at all times and from
time to time, totaling not in excess of $1,000,000.00; and (ii) which are
pledged to, or subject to a Security Agreement in favor of Bank. Guarantor's
Securities shall include only (a) securities with maturities of one (1) year
or less from the date of acquisition issued or fully guaranteed or insured by
the United States Government or any agency thereof; (b) certificates of
deposit, Eurodollar time deposits, overnight bank deposits, banker's
acceptances and repurchase agreements of any commercial bank whose unsecured
long term debt obligations are rated at least A-1 by Standard & Poors
Corporation or A-3 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and having maturities of
one (1) year or less from the date of acquisition; (c) commercial paper rated
at least A-1 by Standard & Poors Corporation or P-1 by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. or carrying an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized
rating agency, if both of the two named rating agencies cease publishing
ratings of investments; and (d) unrestricted marketable securities listed upon
the New York, American or NASDAQ stock exchanges as reasonably acceptable to
Bank. All of the assets described in subparagraphs (a) through (d) shall be
unencumbered by rights of set off or a Lien or Liens.
"Guaranty Agreement" shall mean any guaranty instrument now or
hereafter executed and delivered by any Guarantor to the Bank, as it may be
modified.
"Indebtedness" shall mean all obligations now or hereafter owed to
the Bank by the Borrower, under the terms of the Loan Documents, or arising out
of the transactions described therein, including, without limitation, the
Loans, sums advanced to pay overdrafts on the "Special Loan Account" or the
"Checking Account" (as said terms are defined), reimbursement obligations for
outstanding letters of credit or banker's acceptances issued to the account of
the Borrower, or its Subsidiaries, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement,
amounts paid by the Bank under letters of credit or drafts accepted by the Bank
for the account of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, together with all interest
accruing thereon, all reasonable and customary fees, all costs of collection,
reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses of or advances by the Bank which the
Bank pays or incurs in discharge of obligations of the Borrower or to
repossess, protect, preserve, store or dispose of any Collateral, whether such
amounts are now due or hereafter become due, direct or indirect and whether
<PAGE>
such amounts due are from time to time reduced or entirely extinguished and
thereafter re-incurred.
"ISDA Master Agreement" shall mean that certain International Swap
Dealers Association Master Agreement (with Schedule) and all other reasonable
requirements and documents related thereto ("Swap Documents") which may
hereafter be executed and delivered by the Borrower.
"Inventory" means all goods, merchandise and other personal property
of a Person which is held for sale or lease or furnished or to be furnished
under a contract for services or raw materials, and all work in process and
materials used or consumed or to be used or consumed in a Person's business,
and in addition, includes all property included in the definition of
"inventory" as used in the Code.
"LIBOR-Based Rate" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section
3.4 hereof. The LIBOR-Based Rate shall change from day to day with changes to
occur on the date the London Interbank Offered Rate changes on the Telerate
Screen Page 3750, or if such rate is not available, by reference to the rate
being offered to leading banks.
"Lien" (collectively "Liens") shall mean any mortgage, pledge,
statutory lien or other lien arising by operation of law, security interest,
trust arrangement, financing lease, collateral assignment or other encumbrance,
or any segregation of assets or revenues (whether or not constituting a
security interest) with respect to any present or future assets, revenues or
rights to the receipt of income of the Person referred to in the context in
which the term is used.
"Loan" shall mean the Revolving Loan identified in Section 3.1 hereof
("Revolving Loan").
"Loan Documents" shall mean this Agreement, any other Security
Agreement, any Note, any Guaranty Agreement, the Advance Requests, UCC-1
financing statements and all other documents and instruments now or hereafter
evidencing, describing, guaranteeing or securing the Indebtedness contemplated
hereby or delivered in connection herewith, as they may be modified.
"Loan Maturity Date" shall mean the date which is one (1) calendar
year from the Closing or such earlier date as the Bank shall demand payment.
"Loan Term" shall mean the entire term of the Loan commencing on the
Closing and terminating upon the Loan Maturity Date.
"London Interbank Offered Rate" shall mean the rate per annum
designated as the British Bankers' Association settlement rate as of 11:00 A.M.
(London time) for one month deposits in Dollars in the London interbank market
that appears on the display on Page 3750 (under the caption "USD" of the
Telerate Services, Incorporated screen (the "Telerate Screen") (or on such
<PAGE>
other display as may replace such page on the Telerate Screen at such time)
each Euro-Dollar Business Day; provided that if no offered quotations appear on
the Telerate Screen or if quotations are not given on the Telerate Screen for
such one month period, then the London Interbank Offered Rate shall mean the
rate per annum determined by the Bank at which United States Dollars in the
amount of $5,000,000.00 are being offered to leading banks in the London
interbank market for Dollars deposits at approximately 11:00 A.M. London time
two (2) Euro-Dollar Business Days prior to such day for settlement in
immediately available funds by leading banks in the London interbank market for
a one (1) month period.
"Maximum Loan Amount" shall mean SEVEN MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS
($7,000,000.00) or such other amount as the Bank may consent to in writing from
time to time.
"Note" shall mean the Revolving Note, as defined in Section 3.1
("Revolving Loan"), and any other promissory note now or hereafter evidencing
any Indebtedness, and all modifications, extensions and renewals thereof.
"Permitted Debt" shall mean (a) the Indebtedness; and (b) any other
Debt listed on Exhibit l.1C hereto (if any) and any extensions, renewals,
replacements, modifications and refundings of any such Debt if, and to the
extent, permitted by Exhibit 1.1C; provided, however, that the principal amount
of such Debt may not be increased from the amount shown as outstanding on such
exhibit; (c) trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of Borrower's
business; and (d) such other Debt as the Bank may consent to in writing from
time to time.
"Permitted Liens" shall mean (a) Liens securing the Indebtedness; (b)
Liens for taxes and other statutory Liens, landlord's Liens and similar Liens
arising out of operation of law (provided they are subordinate to the Bank's
Liens on Collateral) so long as the obligations secured thereby are not past
due or are being contested as permitted herein; (c) Liens described on Exhibit
1. ID hereto (if any), provided, however, that no debt not now secured by such
Liens shall become secured by such Liens hereafter and such Liens shall not
encumber any other assets; and (d) such other Liens as the Bank may consent to
in writing from time to time.
"Person" shall mean any natural person, corporation, unincorporated
organization, trust, joint-stock company, joint venture, association, company,
limited or general partnership, any government, or any agency or political
subdivision of any government.
"Prime Rate" shall mean that index rate of interest per annum
announced from time to time by the Bank (or its successor) as its "prime rate"
or "prime lending rate" (which rate shall not necessarily be the best or lowest
rate for any particular type of loan or for loans to any particular class or
category of customer). A change in the Prime Rate shall become effective from
the beginning of the day on which such change is announced by the Bank.
"Security Agreement" shall mean this Agreement as it relates to a
security interest in the Collateral, and any other mortgage, security
<PAGE>
agreement, assignment or pledge, or similar instrument now or hereafter
executed by the Borrower or other Person granting the Bank a security interest
in any Collateral to secure the Indebtedness.
"Special Loan Account" shall mean the demand deposit account
established pursuant to Section 3.7 hereof ("Special Loan Account").
"Subordinated Debt" shall mean Debt which has been subordinated to
the Indebtedness as provided in Section 5.20 hereto.
"Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation, partnership or other Person
in which the Borrower, directly or indirectly, owns more than fifty percent
(50%) of the stock, capital or income interests, or other beneficial interests,
or which is effectively controlled by the Borrower.
"Tangible Net Worth" shall mean the consolidated total assets of
Borrower and Guarantor minus consolidated total liabilities, excluding
Subordinated Debt, after subtracting therefrom the aggregate amount of any
intangible assets of Borrower, including, without limitation, goodwill,
franchise, licenses, patents, trademarks, trade names, copyrights, service
marks and brand names, all as determined by GAAP.
"Times Interest Earned Ratio" shall mean the ratio of Borrower's
EBITDA to total interest on Debt and lease expense, all measured upon a
consolidated basis, tested quarterly on a rolling four (4) quarters basis for
the trailing four (4) quarters commencing with the fiscal quarter of Borrower
beginning on June 1, 1997. "EBITDA" means earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization, all as determined by generally accepted
accounting principles.
1.2. Financial Terms. All financial terms used herein shall have the
meanings assigned to them under generally accepted accounting principles
("GAAP") unless another meanings shall be specified.
2. Representations and Warranties. In order to induce the Bank to enter into
this Agreement and to make the Loans provided for herein, the Borrower
makes the following representations and warranties, all of which shall
survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents. Unless
otherwise specified, such representations and warranties shall be deemed
made as of the date hereof and as of the Advance Date of any Advance by
the Bank to the Borrower:
2.1. Valid Existence and Power. The Borrower and each Subsidiary is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the jurisdiction of its organization is duly qualified or licensed to
transact business in all places where the failure to be so qualified would have
a material adverse effect on it. The Borrower and each other Person which is
<PAGE>
a party to any Loan Document (other than the Bank) has the power to make and
perform the Loan Documents executed by it and all such instruments will
constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of such Person, enforceable
in accordance with their respective terms, subject only to bankruptcy and
similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally and subject also to the
effect of general principles of equity, rules concerning the waiver of rights
generally, and subject also to the effect of Code provisions related to the
obligation to use good faith, diligence, reasonableness and care and Code
provisions respecting the sale or distribution of collateral and the
availability of deficiency judgments following such disposition.
2.2. Authority. The execution, delivery and performance thereof by the
Borrower and each other Person (other than the Bank) executing any Loan
Document have been duly authorized by all necessary action of such Person, and
do not and will not violate any provision of law or regulation, or any writ,
order or decree of any court or governmental or regulatory authority or agency
or any provision of the governing instruments of such Person, and do not and
will not, with the passage of time or the giving of notice, result in a breach
of, or constitute a default or require any consent under, or result in the
creation of any Lien upon any property or assets of such Person pursuant to,
any law, regulation, instrument or agreement to which any such Person is a
party or by which any such Person or its respective properties may be subject,
bound or affected.
2.3. Financial Condition. Other than as disclosed in financial statements
delivered to the Bank on or prior to the date hereof, or on or prior to the
Advance Date of any Advance by the Bank to the Borrower neither the Borrower
nor any Subsidiary nor (to the knowledge of the Borrower) any Guarantor has any
direct or contingent obligations or liabilities (including any guarantees or
leases) or any material unrealized or anticipated losses from any commitments
of such Person except as described on Exhibit 2.3 (if any). The Borrower is
not aware of any material adverse fact (other than facts which are generally
available to the public and not particular to the Borrower, such as general
economic or industry trends) concerning the conditions or future prospects of
the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any Guarantor which has not been fully
disclosed to the Bank, including any adverse change in the operations or
financial condition of such Person since the date of the most recent financial
statements delivered to the Bank.
2.4. Litigation. Except as disclosed on Exhibit 2.4 (if any), there are
no suits or proceedings pending, or to the knowledge of the Borrower
threatened, before any court or by or before any governmental or regulatory
authority, commission, bureau of agency or public regulatory body against or
affecting the Borrower, any Subsidiary or (to the Borrower's knowledge) any
Guarantor, or their assets, which if adversely determined would have a material
adverse effect on the financial condition or business of the Borrower, such
Subsidiary or such Guarantor.
2.5. Agreements, Etc. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is a party
to any agreement or instrument or subject to any court order, governmental
decree or any charter or other corporate restriction, adversely affecting its
business, properties or assets, operations or condition (financial or
otherwise) nor, to Borrower's knowledge, is any such Person in default in the
<PAGE>
performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants or
conditions contained in any agreement or instrument to which it is a party, or
any law, regulation, decree, order or the like.
2.6. Authorizations. All authorizations, consents, approvals and licenses
required under applicable law or regulation for the ownership or operation of
the property owned or operated by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or for the
conduct of any business in which it is engaged have been duly issued and are in
full force and effect, and to Borrower's knowledge, it is not in default, nor
has any event occurred which with the passage of time or the giving of notice,
or both, would constitute a default, under any of the terms or provisions of
any part thereof, or under any order, decree, ruling, regulation, closing
agreement or other decision or instrument of any governmental commission,
bureau or other administrative agency or public regulatory body having
jurisdiction over such Person, which default would have a material adverse
effect on the Borrower or any Guarantor. Except as noted herein, no approval,
consent or authorization of, or filing or registration with, any governmental
commission, bureau or other regulatory authority or agency is required with
respect to the execution, delivery or performance of any Loan Document.
2.7. Title. The Borrower and each Subsidiary has good title to all of the
assets shown in its financial statements free and clear of all Liens, except
Permitted Liens. The Borrower alone has full ownership rights in all
Collateral.
2.8. Collateral. The security interests granted to the Bank herein and
pursuant to any other Security Agreement (a) constitute and, as to subsequently
acquired property included in the Collateral covered by the Security Agreement,
will constitute, security interests under the Code entitled to all of the
rights, benefits and priorities provided by the Code and (b) are, and as to
such subsequently acquired Collateral will be fully perfected, superior and
prior to the rights of all third persons, now existing or hereafter arising,
subject only to Permitted Liens. All of the Collateral is intended for use
solely in the Borrower's business.
2.9. Location. The chief executive office of the Borrower where the
Borrower's business records are located is the address designated for notices
in Section 8.4 ("Notices") and the Borrower has no other places of business
except as shown on Exhibit 2.9 (if any).
2.10. Taxes. The Borrower and each Subsidiary has filed (or requested
extensions of the deadlines[s] for filing) all federal and state income and
other tax returns which, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, are required to
be filed, and have paid all taxes as shown on said returns and all taxes,
including ad valorem taxes, shown on all assessments received by it to the
extent that such taxes have become due. Neither the Borrower nor any
Subsidiary is subject to any federal, state or local tax Liens nor has such
Person received any notice of deficiency or other official notice to pay any
taxes. The Borrower and each Subsidiary has paid all sales and excise taxes
payable by it.
2.11. Withholding Taxes. The Borrower and each Subsidiary has paid
all withholding, FICA and other payments required by federal, state or local
governments with respect to any wages paid to employees.
<PAGE>
2.12. Labor Law Matters. No goods or services have been or will be
produced by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in violation of any applicable
labor laws or regulations or any collective bargaining agreement or other labor
agreements or in violation of any minimum wage, wage-and-hour or other similar
laws or regulations.
2.13. Accounts. Each Account, instrument, Chattel Paper and other
writing constituting any portion of the Collateral is to the knowledge of the
Borrower (a) genuine and enforceable in accordance with its terms, except for
such limits thereon arising from bankruptcy and similar laws relating to
creditors' rights; (b) not subject to any defense, setoff, claim or
counterclaim of a material nature against the Borrower, except as to which the
Borrower has notified the Bank in writing; and (c) not subject to any other
circumstances that would impair the validity, enforceability or amount of such
Collateral, except as to which the Borrower has notified the Bank in writing.
Each Account included in any Advance Request, report or other document as an
Eligible Account meets all the requirements of an Eligible Account set forth
herein.
2.14. Use and Location of Collateral. Except to the extent that the
relocation or shipping of same shall be required in the ordinary course of
Borrower's business, the Collateral is located only, and shall at all times be
kept and maintained only, at the Borrower's location or locations in the State
of Florida as described in Exhibit 2.9 hereof. No such Collateral is attached
or affixed to any real property so as to be classified as a fixture unless the
Bank has otherwise agreed in writing.
2.15. Judgment Liens. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary, nor
any of their assets, are subject to any unpaid judgments (whether or not
stayed) or any judgment liens in any jurisdiction.
2.16. Intent and Effect of Transactions. This Agreement and the
transactions contemplated herein (a) are not made or incurred with intent to
hinder, delay or defraud any person to whom the Borrower has been, is now, or
may hereafter become indebted; (b) do not render the Borrower insolvent nor is
the Borrower insolvent on the date of this Agreement; (c) do not leave the
Borrower with an unreasonably small capital with which to engage in its
business or in any business or transaction in which it intends to engage; and
(d) are not entered into with the intent to incur, or with the belief that the
Borrower would incur, debts that would be beyond its ability to pay as such
debts mature.
2.17. Subsidiaries. As of the date of this Agreement, the Borrower
has no Subsidiaries. As of the date of this Agreement, and except as otherwise
provided on Exhibit 2.17 hereto, if any, the Guarantor's only Subsidiary is the
Borrower.
2.18. Hazardous Materials. To the Borrower's knowledge, the
Borrower's property and improvements thereon have not in the past been used,
are not presently being used, and will not in the future be used for, nor does
the Borrower or any Subsidiary engage in, the handling, storage, manufacture,
disposition, processing, transportation, use or disposal of hazardous or toxic
materials except in compliance with applicable laws.
<PAGE>
2.19. ERISA. As of the date of this Agreement, neither the Borrower
nor any Subsidiary has any pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan
subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA") other than the 401K plan and employee stock option plan presently
maintained by the Borrower.
2.20. Investment Company Act. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary
is an "investment company" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended.
2.21. Purpose of Loan. The purpose of the Loan is to provide working
capital for Borrower.
3. The Loan.
3.1. Revolving Loan. The Bank shall lend to the Borrower a total
principal amount not to exceed the Maximum Loan Amount (the "Revolving Loan")
for the purpose described in Section 2.21 above. The Revolving Loan shall be
evidenced by and payable in accordance with the terms of a promissory note in
the face amount of the Maximum Loan Amount (the "Revolving Note"). The
Revolving Note shall evidence the outstanding principal balance of the Loan, as
it may change from time to time. Advances under the Revolving Loan shall be
subject to the following terms:
(a) Advances of proceeds of the Revolving Loan shall be limited to
the Maximum Loan Amount at any time outstanding;
(b) Should there occur any overdraft of the Special Loan Account or
Checking Account maintained by the Borrower with the Bank, the Bank may, at its
option, disburse funds (whether or not in excess of the Maximum Loan Amount)
to eliminate such overdraft and such disbursement shall be deemed an Advance of
Loan proceeds hereunder entitled to all of the benefits of the Loan Documents.
Nothing herein shall be deemed an authorization of or consent to the creation
of an overdraft in such Special Loan Account or Checking Account or create any
obligations on the part of the Bank;
(c) All Advances by the Bank to or for the account of the Borrower,
whether or not in excess of the Maximum Loan Amount, shall be considered part
of the Indebtedness under the Note, shall bear interest as provided in the
Note, and shall be entitled to all rights and benefits hereunder and under all
other Loan Documents; and
(d) The Borrower shall not request and the Bank will not be required
to consider requests for Advances after the Loan Maturity Date; provided that
the Bank may in its discretion extend such date in writing and further provided
that the repayment obligations of the Borrower for Advances made by the Bank
after such date (as it may be extended) shall be binding on the Borrower and
any Guarantor or other persons liable for any Indebtedness to the same extent
as obligations with respect to Advances made prior to such date.
<PAGE>
3.2. Limitations on Advances. The outstanding balance of the
Revolving Loan may increase and decrease from time to time and Advances
thereunder may be repaid and reborrowed, but the total of advances outstanding
at any one time under the Revolving Loan shall never exceed the lesser of:
(a) The Maximum Loan Amount; and
(b) the "Borrowing Base," which shall be calculated by:
(i) adding (A) a sum equal to seventy-five percent (75%) of the
total amount of Eligible Accounts to (B) a sum which is the
lesser of a. $1,000,000.00; or b. forty percent (40%) of
the lesser of cost or market price of Eligible Inventory of
the Borrower; and
(ii) subtracting from the total obtained under subparagraph
3.2(b)(i) above an amount equal to the aggregate amounts
described on Exhibit 3.2 (if any).
The Borrower shall immediately pay to the Bank any amount by which the Loan
exceeds the Borrowing Base or the Maximum Loan Amount, whichever is less. The
Bank may, in its discretion, make, or permit to remain outstanding, Advances to
the Borrower in excess of the Borrowing Base and/or the Maximum Loan Amount
and all such amounts shall be part of the Loan and Indebtedness, shall bear
interest as provided in the Note, shall be payable on demand and shall be
entitled to all rights and security provided for herein, in the Guaranty, the
Security Agreement and all other Loan Documents.
3.3. Notice and Manner of Borrowing.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph 3.3(b) hereof, the
following procedure will be used for disbursement of proceeds of the Revolving
Loan. The Borrower shall deliver a written and signed Advance Request to the
Bank not later than 12:00 noon, Jacksonville time, on the Business Day of the
proposed Advance Date, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 3.3, setting
forth the amount of the requested Advance, setting forth the Eligible Accounts
and Eligible Inventory of the Borrower (together with other components of the
Borrowing Base) and a reconciliation from the previous Advance Request (or
monthly report), specifying the date (which shall be a Business Day), and the
amount of the proposed Advance of proceeds, and providing such other
information as the Bank may require.
(b) So long as there does not exist a Default or Event of Default,
in lieu of any advance procedure otherwise set forth in this Section 3.3 (or
elsewhere in this Agreement), Borrower may borrow automatically under the
Revolving Loan pursuant to a "Cash Management Arrangement" for so long as such
service is made available by Bank. The Cash Management Arrangement will
operate as follows:
<PAGE>
(i) Borrower will maintain with Bank a commercial checking account
(the "Checking Account") from which Borrower's drawings on its
checking accounts with the Bank will be funded;
(ii) Bank will automatically fund (rounded up to the nearest $1,000),
as an Advance under the Revolving Loan, any checks drawn by the
Borrower against the Checking Account to the extent there are
inadequate Collected Balances in the Checking Account;
(iii) Any excess Collected Balances in the Checking Account at the
conclusion of each Business Day will be used to repay principal
and earned interest on the Loan.
(c) To the extent there are any Collected Balances in the Checking
Account at the end of any Business Day after repayment of the Loan as provided
in subparagraph 3.3.(b) immediately above, such funds shall be (i) if Borrower
has entered into an "Investment Agreement" with Bank, be invested as provided
in the Investment Agreement, and (ii) if Borrower has not entered into such
Investment Agreement, remain as uninvested funds in the Checking Account until
the following Business Day for use as provided above.
3.4. Calculation of Interest - LIBOR-Based Rate.
(a) The interest rate ("LIBOR-Based Rate") for the Loan shall be for
any day, the sum of
(i) the Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate for such day;
plus
(ii) two hundred thirty-seven and one-half (237.5) basis points
or two and three-eighths percent (2 3/8%) at any time and
from time to time when the Borrower's Times Interest Earned
Ratio is greater than 3.50:1.0; or
(iii)two hundred fifty (250) basis points or two and
one-half percent (2 1/2%) at any time and from time to time
when the Borrower's Times Interest Earned Ratio is
greater than 3.25:1.0; or
(iv) two hundred sixty-two and one-half (262.5) basis points or
two and five-eighths percent (2 5/8%) at any time and from
time to time when the Borrower's Times Interest Earned
Ratio is greater than 3.0:1.0; or
(v) two hundred seventy-five (275) basis points or two and
three quarters percent (2 3/4%) at any time and from time
to time when the Borrower's Times Interest Earned Ratio is
greater than 2.75:1.0; or
<PAGE>
(vi) two hundred eighty-seven and one-half (287.5) basis points
or two and seven-eighths percent (2 7/8%) at any time and
from time to time when the Borrower's Times Interest Earned
Ratio is greater than 2.50:1.0; or
(vii)three hundred (300) basis points or three percent (3%)
at any time and from time to time when the Borrower's
Times Interest Earned Ratio is less than 2.50:1.0.
(b) Calculation of Interest. All interest under the Note or
hereunder shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual
number of days elapsed in an interest period (actual/360 method), unless the
Bank shall otherwise elect.
(c) Determination and Notice - LIBOR-Based Rate. The Bank shall
determine (which determination absent manifest error, shall be final and
conclusive) the LIBOR-Based Rate which shall be applicable to the Loan and
shall promptly give notice thereof to the Borrower from time to time. The
outstanding principal balance of the Note as of any day shall be the
outstanding principal balance as of the beginning of the day (exclusive of
interest), and less any payments of principal credited to the Special Loan
Account on that day.
(d) Nonpayment. Any payment of principal or interest or both not
made when due, shall itself bear interest on the principal and interest amount
of the payment at the Default Rate, as defined in the Note, commencing on the
due date, until payment. After the Loan Maturity Date, or after a Default
under the Note or the occurrence of an Event of Default hereunder or under the
Note or any other Loan Document, interest shall accrue on the entire
outstanding balance of the Loan at the Default Rate as defined in the Note.
3.5 Promissory Note; Repayment of Loan.
(a) Repayment at LIBOR-Based Rate. The Loan shall be evidenced by
and repaid in accordance with that certain promissory note in a principal
amount not to exceed the Maximum Loan Amount (the "Note"). During the Loan
Term, Borrower shall pay consecutive monthly payments of interest only at the
LIBOR-Based Rate or the Fixed Interest Rate, as the case may be, upon all
principal sums from time to time advanced and outstanding under the Loan, each
of which will be due upon the first day of each month and all balances of
principal and interest and all unpaid fees and costs shall be due and payable
upon the Loan Maturity Date.
(b) Repayment at Fixed Interest Rate. At any time and from time to
time during the Loan Term, the Borrower may elect to obtain a Fixed Interest
Rate by purchasing and maintaining an interest rate swap with the Bank or
another financial institution acceptable to the Bank, in a notional amount
equal to all or any portion of the then outstanding principal balance of the
Loan. Such election by Borrower shall be made by written notice to the Bank
and within thirty (30) days thereafter, Borrower shall execute and deliver an
ISDA Master Agreement and the Swap Documents which shall be effective as Loan
<PAGE>
Documents from and after the execution thereof. In the event that the ISDA
Master Agreement definitions of LIBOR terms are different from those expressed
or defined in this Agreement or if the methods for calculating the LIBOR-Based
Rate is different in the ISDA Master Agreement, then the ISDA Master Agreement
shall control upon the execution and deliver thereof. All fees, charges and
expenses related to the preparation, execution, delivery and administration of
any ISDA Master Agreement and the Swap Documents shall be paid by the Borrower.
(c) Prepayment. The Note may be prepaid in whole or in part at any
time without premium or penalty. Prepayments shall be credited first to
accrued and unpaid interest and then to principal and to periodic amortization
payments in the inverse order of their maturity; provided that
(i) Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the Loan Fee has been
earned by Bank and is non-refundable notwithstanding any
prepayment of the Loan.
(ii) Prepayment in whole or in part of the Loan shall not
require satisfaction of any Security Agreement covering the
Loan so long as the ISDA Master Agreement or Swap Documents
remain in effect and Borrower's obligations thereunder
remain unfulfilled.
3.6 Fees.
(a) Loan Fee. As consideration for the Loan, the Borrower shall pay
to the Bank a Loan Fee in the sum of TWENTY-EIGHT THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS
($28,000.00), which shall be due and payable at the Closing.
(b) Non-Use Facility Fee. During the Loan Term, the Borrower shall
pay to the Bank a Facility Fee on the unused portion of the Loan (the "Facility
Fee") equal to one-eighth of one percent (1/8 of 1%) per annum computed on the
average daily amount of the difference between the Maximum Loan Amount and the
amount of Advances then outstanding under the Loan. The Facility Fee shall be
due and payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th days of August, November,
February and May during the Loan Term, payable for the quarter ending on the
last day of the preceding month.
3.7. Special Loan Account. The Borrower shall establish and maintain with
the Bank, during the term of the Loan, a demand deposit account (the "Special
Loan Account") into which the Borrower shall deposit, as received, all proceeds
from the sale of Inventory and collection of Accounts and other Collateral in
the form of checks, drafts, cash or the like, and all such proceeds shall
constitute Collateral. The Bank shall debit collected funds from the Special
Loan Account and apply the balance thereof ("Collected Balance") against the
outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Note (and earned interest
thereon) on or after the Business Day following the Business Day of deposit.
The Bank may, but shall not be required to, apply to the Loan any amounts
<PAGE>
represented by uncleared checks, subject to collection. Unless the Bank shall
agree to other arrangements, the Borrower shall direct (by instruction on
invoices and otherwise) all Account Debtors to make payments to a designated
post office box under the control of the Bank, which payments shall be
deposited
directly into the Special Loan Account. The Borrower shall pay the Bank's
reasonable fees and charges in connection with such lock-box arrangement.
3.8. Debit for Interest and Expenses. The Bank may debit the Special Loan
Account and/or make Advances to the Borrower (whether or not in excess of the
Maximum Loan Amount and/or the Borrowing Base) and apply such amounts to the
payment of interest, fees, expenses and other amounts to which the Bank may be
entitled from time to time pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the Bank
is hereby irrevocably authorized to do so without consent of the Borrower.
3.9. Overdue Amounts. Any payments not made as and when due shall bear
interest from the date due until paid at the Default Rate.
3.10. Sales Tax. The Borrower shall notify the Bank if any Account
includes any sales or other similar tax and, if not paid by the Borrower prior
to the date upon which the same shall become delinquent, the Bank may, but
shall not be obligated to, remit any such taxes directly to the taxing
authority and make Advances or charge the Special Loan Account therefor. In no
event shall the Bank be liable for any such taxes.
3.11. Letters of Credit; Banker's Acceptances.
(a) At its discretion the Bank may from time to time issue, extend
or renew letters of credit and banker's acceptances for the account of the
Borrower or its Subsidiaries; provided that the aggregate face amount of all
letters of credit and/or banker's acceptance shall never exceed more than FIFTY
THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($50,000.00) at any one time outstanding. The
availability of Advances under the Revolving Loan shall be reduced by
outstanding obligations of the Bank under any letters and banker's acceptances.
All payments made by the Bank under any such letters of credit or banker's
acceptances (whether or not the Borrower is the account party or drawer) and
all fees, commissions, discounts and other amounts owed or to be owed to the
Bank in connection therewith, shall be deemed to be Advances under the
Revolving Note, shall be secured by the Collateral, and shall be repaid on
demand. The Borrower shall complete and sign such applications and supplemental
agreements and provide such other documentation as the Bank may require. The
form and substance of all letters of credit and acceptances, including
expiration dates, shall be subject to the Bank's approval. The Bank may charge
a fee or commission for issuance, renewal or extension of a letter of credit or
acceptance. The Borrower unconditionally guarantees all obligations of any
Subsidiary with respect to letters of credit issued by the Bank for the account
of such Subsidiary and all acceptances of any Subsidiaries' drafts. If the
Bank should demand payment of the Revolving Loan, the Borrower shall, on
demand, deliver to the Bank good funds equal to 100% of the Bank's maximum
liability under all outstanding letters of credit and banker's acceptances, to
be held as cash collateral for the Borrower's reimbursement obligations and
other Indebtedness.
<PAGE>
(b) In order to induce Bank to issue letters of credit and banker's
acceptances, the Borrower agrees that neither Bank nor its correspondents or
agents shall be liable or responsible for, and the Borrower's unconditional
obligation to reimburse Bank for the obligations shall not be affected by, any
event or circumstance, including without limitation: (i) the validity,
enforceability, genuineness or sufficiency of documents or of any endorsement
thereon existing in connection with any letter of credit or banker's
acceptance, even if such documents should in fact prove in any or all respects
to be invalid, unenforceable, insufficient, fraudulent or forged; (ii) any
breach of contract or other dispute between the Borrower and any beneficiary of
a letter of credit or holder of a draft accepted by the Bank; (iii) payment by
the Bank upon presentation of a draft or documents which do not comply in any
respect with the terms of such letter of credit or draft; (iv) loss of or
damage to any collateral; (v) the invalidity or insufficiency of any
endorsements: (vi) delay in giving or failure to give notice of arrival or any
other notice; (vii) failure of any instrument to bear any reference or adequate
reference to the letter of credit or draft or to documents to accompany any
instrument at negotiation; or (viii) failure of any person to note the amount
of any payment on the reverse of the letter of credit or to surrender to or
take up the letter of credit or draft or to forward documents in the manner
required by the letter of credit or draft; or (ix) any other matter whatsoever
excepting only with respect to each of the foregoing items the gross negligence
(or negligence as to (iii) above) or willful misconduct of the Bank or its
agent. The Borrower agrees that any action taken or permitted to be taken by
the Bank or its agent under or in connection with any letter of credit or
banker's acceptance, including related drafts, documents, or property, unless
constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct (or negligence as to (iii)
above) on the part of the Bank or its agent, shall be binding on the Borrower
and shall not create any resulting liability to the Borrower on the part of the
Bank or its agent. The Borrower will immediately examine (a) a copy of the
letter of credit (and any amendments thereof) or draft sent to it by the Bank
or its agent, and the Borrower will immediately notify the Bank in writing of
any claim or irregularity.
(c) Any letter of credit issued hereunder shall be governed by the
Uniform Customs of Practice for Documentary Credit (1983 Rev.), International
Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 400, as revised from time to time, except
to the extent that the terms of such publication would limit or diminish rights
granted the Bank hereunder or in any other Loan Document.
4. Conditions Precedent to Borrowing. Prior to any Advance of the proceeds
of any Loan, the following conditions shall have been satisfied, in the
reasonable opinion of the Bank and its counsel:
4.1. Conditions Precedent to Initial Advance. In addition to any other
requirement set forth in this Agreement, the Bank will not make the initial
Advance under the Revolving Loan unless and until the following conditions
shall have been satisfied:
(a) Loan Documents. The Borrower and each other party to any Loan
Documents, as applicable, shall have executed and delivered this Agreement, the
Note, and other required Loan Documents, all in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Bank.
<PAGE>
(b) Supporting Documents. The Borrower shall cause to be delivered
to the Bank the following documents:
(i) A copy of the governing instruments of the Borrower and the
Guarantor and a good standing certificate of the Borrower and
the Guarantor, certified by the appropriate official of its
state of incorporation and the State of Florida, if different;
(ii) Incumbency certificate and certified resolutions of the board of
directors (or other appropriate Persons) of the Borrower and
each other Person executing any Loan Documents authorizing the
execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents; and
(iii) UCC-1 searches and other Lien searches showing no existing
security interests in or Liens on the Collateral other than the
security interests of the Bank and the Permitted Liens.
(c) Insurance. The Borrower shall have delivered to the Bank
satisfactory evidence of insurance meeting the requirements of Section 5.3
("Insurance").
(d) Perfection of Liens. UCC-1 financing statements and, if
applicable, certificates of title covering the Collateral executed by the
Borrower shall duly have been recorded or filed in the manner and places
required by law to establish, preserve, protect and perfect the interests and
rights created or intended to be created by this Agreement and any other
Security Agreement; and all taxes, fees and other charges in connection with
the execution, delivery and filing of this Agreement, the Security Agreement
and the financing statements shall duly have been paid.
(e) Subordinations. The Bank shall have received subordinations
satisfactory to it from (i) all lessors that might have landlord's Liens on
any Collateral and (ii) all Guarantors and Affiliates as required by Section
5.20 ("Subordination").
(f) Additional Documents. The Borrower shall have delivered to the
Bank all additional opinions, documents, certificates and other assurances that
the Bank or its counsel may reasonably require.
4.2. Conditions Precedent to Each Advance. The following conditions, in
addition to any other requirements set forth in this Agreement, shall have been
met or performed by the Advance Date with respect to any Advance Request:
(a) Advance Request. The Borrower shall have delivered to the Bank
an Advance Request and other information or drawn upon the Checking Account
under the Cash Management Arrangement, as required under in Section 3.3
("Notice and Manner of Borrowing").
<PAGE>
(b) No Default. No Default shall have occurred and be continuing or
will occur upon the making of the Advance in question and the Borrower shall
have delivered to the Bank an officer's certificate to such effect, which may
be incorporated in the Advance Request.
(c) Correctness of Representations. To the extent that, pursuant
to the terms of this Agreement, the same shall be deemed to have been restated
again as of the Advance Date in question, all such representations and
warranties made by the Borrower and Guarantor herein or otherwise in writing in
connection herewith shall be true and correct with the same effect as though
such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the proposed
Advance Date, and the Borrower shall have delivered to the Bank an officer's
certificate to such effect, which may be incorporated in the Advance Request.
(d) No Adverse Change. There shall have been no material adverse
change in the condition, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower or Guarantor
from such condition as it existed on the date of the most recent financial
statements of such Person delivered prior to date hereof.
(e) Periodic Report. The Bank shall have received a current
Accounts Receivable Report and a current Inventory Report (as required by
Section 5.6 ("Financial Information") sufficient in form and substance to
calculate and verify the Borrowing Base.
(f) Further Assurances. The Borrower shall have delivered such
further documentation or assurances as the Bank may reasonably require.
5. Covenants of the Borrower. The Borrower, for itself, and, where
explicitly indicated below, on behalf of the Guarantor, covenants and
agrees that from the date hereof and until payment in full of the
Indebtedness and the formal termination of this Agreement, unless the Bank
shall otherwise consent in writing, the Borrower and each Subsidiary:
5.1. Use of Loan Proceeds. Shall use the proceeds of the Loan only for
the commercial purposes permitted herein or otherwise permitted by the Bank and
furnish the Bank all evidence that it may reasonably require with respect to
such use.
5.2. Maintenance of Business and Properties. Shall at all times maintain,
preserve and protect all Collateral and all the remainder of its material
property used or useful in the conduct of its business, and keep the same in
good repair, working order and condition, and from time to time make, or cause
to be made, all material needful and proper repairs, renewals, replacements,
betterments and improvements thereto so that the business carried on in
connection therewith may be conducted properly and in accordance with standards
generally accepted in businesses of a similar type and size at all times, and
maintain and keep in full force and effect all licenses and permits necessary
to the proper conduct of its business.
5.3. Insurance. Shall maintain such liability insurance, workers'
compensation insurance, business interruption insurance and casualty insurance
as may be required by law, customary and usual for prudent businesses in its
<PAGE>
industry or as may be reasonably required by the Bank and shall insure and keep
insured all Collateral and other properties in good and responsible insurance
companies reasonably satisfactory to the Bank. All hazard insurance covering
Collateral shall be in amounts and shall contain co-insurance and deductible
provisions approved by the Bank, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld,
delayed or conditioned, shall name and directly insure the Bank as secured
party and loss payee under a long-form New York standard loss payee clause, or
its equivalent, and shall not be terminable except upon 30 days' written notice
to the Bank. The Bank hereby approves the Borrower's current insurers, and the
amounts and co-insurance and deductible provisions of Borrower's existing
insurance policies.
5.4. Notice of Default. Borrower and Guarantor shall provide to the Bank
immediate notice of (a) the occurrence of a Default, (b) any material
litigation or material changes in existing litigation or any judgment against
it or its assets, (c) any material damage or loss to property, (d) any notice
from taxing authorities as to claimed deficiencies or any tax lien or any
notice relating to alleged ERISA violations, (e) any Reportable Event, as
defined in ERISA, (f) any rejection, return, offset, dispute, loss or other
circumstance having a material adverse effect on any Collateral, and (g) any
loss or threatened loss of material licenses or permits.
5.5. Inspections. Shall permit inspections of the Collateral and the
records of such Person pertaining thereto, at such times and in such manner as
may be reasonably required by the Bank and shall further permit such
inspection, review and audits of its other records and its properties (with
reasonable frequency and at reasonable times) by the Bank as the Bank may
reasonably deem necessary or desirable from time to time. The reasonable costs
of semi-annual audit reviews shall be borne by the Borrower.
5.6. Financial Information. Borrower and Guarantor shall maintain books
and records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and
shall furnish to the Bank the following periodic financial information:
(a) Periodic Borrowing Base Reports. Within fifteen days of the end
of each month (or more frequently if required by the Bank for good cause), (i)
a report listing Accounts and all Eligible Accounts of the Borrower as of the
last Business Day of such month (the "Accounts Receivable Report") which shall
include the amount and age of each Account, the name and mailing address of
each Account Debtor and such other information as the Bank may reasonably
require in order to verify the Eligible Accounts, all in reasonable detail and
in form reasonably acceptable to the Bank and (ii) a report listing all
Inventory and all Eligible Inventory of the Borrower as of the last Business
Day of such month, the cost and market price thereof, and such other
information in such detail as the Bank may reasonably require relating thereto,
all in form reasonably acceptable to the Bank (the "Inventory Report");
(b) Monthly Reports. Within thirty (30) days after the end of each
calendar month, profit and loss statement, statement of cash flows, Borrowing
Base certification, an income statement and a balance sheet prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, as at the end of any
<PAGE>
for such month and year-to-date, each certified by the chief financial officer
or president of the Borrower as fairly presenting the financial condition of
the Borrower as at the dates(s) indicated;
(c) Financial Statements. Audited financial statements reflecting
Borrower's and Guarantor's operations, on a consolidated basis, including,
without limitation, a balance sheet, profit and loss statement and statement of
cash flows, all with supporting schedules and prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles by independent certified public
accountants of recognized standing selected by the Borrower and reasonably
satisfactory to the Bank, it being understood and agreed that Borrower's
current accountants are satisfactory to the Bank;
(d) No Default Certificates. Together with each report required by
subparagraph (b) and (c), shall submit a certificate of its president or chief
financial officer that no Default or Event of Default then exists or if a
Default or Event of Default exists, the nature and duration thereof and the
Borrower's intention with respect thereto, and in addition, shall cause the
Borrower's independent auditors (if applicable) to submit to the Bank, together
with its audit report, a statement that, in the course of such audit, it
discovered no circumstances which it believes would result in a Default or
Event of Default or if it discovered any such circumstances, the nature and
duration thereof.
Since the Borrower is a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Guarantor, the financial
statements required above may be in consolidated and/or consolidating form for
the Guarantor and Borrower required by generally accepted accounting principles
to be consolidated for financial reporting purposes. In addition to the
financial statements required herein, the Bank reserves the right, which shall
be exercised by the Bank in good faith to require other or additional financial
or other information concerning the Borrower, the Guarantors and/or the
Collateral.
5.7. Limitation on Debt. Intentionally omitted.
5.8. Liens. Shall not create or permit to exist any Liens on any of its
property except Permitted Liens.
5.9. Executive Compensation. Shall not make loans or advances, excepting
ordinary course of business travel and expense advances, to any of its
officers, directors or shareholders, which total more than ONE HUNDRED FIFTY
THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($150,000.00) or twenty percent (20%) of the net
income of Borrower, in the aggregate. Borrower shall not increase the total
compensation paid to officers and directors, either directly or indirectly,
during any fiscal year by more than twenty-five percent (25%).
5.10. Dividends. Shall not pay or declare any dividends (other than
stock dividends) or other distributions or purchases, redeem or otherwise
acquire any stock or other equity interests or pay or acquire any Subordinated
Debt unless, after giving effect thereto, there shall be no Default hereunder
and all accrued taxes and debt service have been paid for the fiscal year.
<PAGE>
5.11. Consolidations, Merger, Sales of Assets Shall not (a) dissolve
or liquidate or become a party to any merger or consolidation; (b) sell,
assign, pledge or otherwise transfer more than fifty percent (50%) of its
outstanding stock or voting power in a single transaction or a series of
transactions, or substantially all of Borrower's property, assets or business,
or a material portion (ten percent (10%) or more) thereof if such a sale is
outside Borrower's ordinary course of business; or (c) acquire by purchase,
lease or otherwise substantially all of the property, assets or business of or
more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding stock or voting power of any
other Person; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not operate to
prevent: (i) mergers or consolidations of any Subsidiary into Borrower or a
sale, transfer or lease of assets by any Subsidiary to Borrower; or (ii) a
merger of any corporation or Person into Borrower so long as Borrower shall be
the surviving or continuing corporation and, after giving effect to such
transaction (x) Borrower shall be in full compliance with the terms of this
Agreement; and (y) the management of Borrower shall be substantially unchanged.
5.12. Investments. Shall not hold any stock, securities, or evidence
of indebtedness of any other Person; except (a) investments in direct
obligations of the United States Government and certificates of deposit of
United States commercial banks having a Tier 1 capital ratio of not less than
six percent (6%) and then in an amount not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the
issuing bank's unimpaired capital and surplus without prior written approval by
Bank; and (b) a newly created Subsidiary of Borrower which shall (i) be
capitalized by Borrower; (ii) issue at least seventy-five percent (75%) of its
issued and outstanding voting Stock to Borrower; (iii) consolidate its tax
returns and financial statements with Borrower; (iv) be formed to enter and
operate a computer memory business; and (v) guarantee the Revolving Loan.
5.13. Change in Business. Shall not enter into any business which is
substantially different from the business or businesses in which it is
presently engaged.
5.14. Accounts. (a) shall not sell, assign or discount any of its
Accounts, Chattel Paper or any promissory notes held by it other than the
discount of such notes in the ordinary course of business for collection; and
(b) shall notify the Bank promptly in writing with any discount, offset or
other deductions not shown on the face of an Account invoice and any dispute in
excess of TEN THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($10,000.00) for any individual
Account or in excess of TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($25,000.00) in
the aggregate for all Accounts, and any information relating to an adverse
change in any Account Debtor's financial condition or ability to pay its
obligations.
5.15. Transactions with Affiliates. Shall not directly or indirectly
purchase, acquire or lease any property from, or sell, transfer or lease any
property to, or otherwise deal with, in the ordinary course of business or
otherwise, any Affiliate (other than a Subsidiary); provided, however, that any
acts or transactions prohibited by this Section may be performed or engaged in,
after written notice to the Bank, if upon terms not less favorable to the
Borrower or such Subsidiary than if no such relationship existed. Any such
<PAGE>
Affiliate may be a director, officer, employee of the Borrower or any
Subsidiary, subject to the limitations on compensation contained in this
section and elsewhere in this Agreement.
5.16. No Change in Name, Offices; Removal of Collateral. Shall not,
unless it shall have given sixty (60) days' advance written notice thereof to
the Bank, (a) change its name or the location of its chief executive office or
other office where books or records are kept or (b) permit any Inventory or
other tangible Collateral to be located at any location other than as specified
in Section 2.9. ("Location").
5.17. No Sale, Leaseback. Shall not enter into any sale-and-leaseback
or similar transaction.
5.18. Margin Stock. Shall not use any proceeds of the Loan to
purchase or carry any margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the
Board of Governors of Federal Reserve System) or extend credit to others for
the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin stock.
5.19. Payment of Taxes, Etc. Shall pay before delinquent all of its
debts and taxes, except that the Bank shall not unreasonably withhold its
consent to nonpayment of debts and taxes being actively contested in good faith
in accordance with law (provided that the Bank may require reasonable bonding
or other assurances).
5.20. Subordination. Shall cause all Debt and other obligations now
or hereafter owed to any Guarantor or Affiliate to be subordinated in right of
payment and security to the Indebtedness in accordance with subordination
agreements reasonably satisfactory to the Bank.
5.21. Compliance; Hazardous Materials. Shall comply with all laws,
regulations, ordinances and other legal requirements, specifically including,
without limitation, ERISA, all securities laws and all laws relating to
hazardous materials and the environment. Unless approved in writing by the
Bank, neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall engage in the storage,
manufacture, disposition, processing, handling, use or transportation of any
hazardous or toxic materials, except in compliance with applicable laws and
regulations.
5.22. Subsidiaries. Except as contemplated by Section 5.12(b) hereof,
Borrower and Guarantor shall not acquire, form or dispose of any Subsidiaries
or permit any Subsidiary to issue capital stock except to its parent.
5.23. Compliance with Assignment Laws. Shall if required by the Bank
comply with the Federal Assignment of Claims Act and any other applicable law
relating to assignment of government contracts.
5.24. Further Assurances. Borrower and Guarantor shall take such
further action and provide to the Bank such further assurances as may be
reasonably requested to ensure compliance with the intent of this Agreement and
the other Loan Documents.
<PAGE>
5.25. Withholding Taxes. Shall pay as and when due all employee
withholding, FICA and other payments required by federal, state and local
governments with respect to wages paid to employees.
5.26. Other Covenants. Shall comply with such additional covenants as
may be set forth in Exhibit 5.26 hereto.
6. Default.
6.1. Events of Default. Each of the following shall constitute an Event
of Default:
(a) Any representation or warranty made by the Borrower or any other
party to any Loan Document (other than the Bank) herein or therein or in any
certificate or report furnished in connection herewith or therewith shall prove
to have been untrue or incorrect in any material respect when made; or
(b) There shall occur any default by the Borrower in the payment,
when due, of any principal of or interest on the Note, any amounts due
hereunder or any other Loan Document or any other Indebtedness (not cured
within any grace period provided in such Note or in the document or instrument
evidencing such Indebtedness); or
(c) There shall occur any default by the Borrower or any Subsidiary
or Guarantor in the performance of any agreement, covenant or obligation
contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document not provided for
elsewhere in this Section 6 and such default is not cured within any grace
period provided in this Agreement or such other Loan Document; or
(d) Any other obligation now or hereafter owed by the Borrower or
any Subsidiary or Guarantor to the Bank shall be in default and shall not be
cured within any period of grace provided therein or any such Person shall be
in default under any obligation in excess of ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100
DOLLARS ($100,000.00) owed to any other obligee, which default entitles the
obligee to accelerate any such obligations or exercise other remedies with
respect thereto; or
(e) The Borrower or any Subsidiary of Borrower or Guarantor shall
(i) voluntarily liquidate or terminate operations or apply for or consent to
the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a receiver, custodian,
trustee or liquidator of such Person or of all or of a substantial part of its
assets, (ii) admit in writing its inability, or be generally unable, to pay its
debts as the debts become due, (iii) make a general assignment for the benefit
of its creditors, (iv) commence a voluntary case under the federal Bankruptcy
Code (as now or hereafter in effect), (v) file a petition seeking to take
advantage of any other law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
winding-up, or composition or adjustment of debts, (vi) fail to controvert in a
timely and appropriate manner, or acquiesce in writing to, any petition filed
<PAGE>
against it in an involuntary case under the Bankruptcy Code, or (vii) take any
corporate action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; or
(f) Without its application, approval or consent, a proceeding shall
be commenced, in any court of competent jurisdiction, seeking in respect of
Borrower, Guarantor or any Subsidiary any remedy under the federal Bankruptcy
Code, the liquidation, reorganization, dissolution, winding-up, or composition
or readjustment of debt, the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator or
the like of such Person, or of all or any substantial part of the assets of
such Person, or other like relief under any law relating to bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, winding-up, or composition or adjustment of debts;
or
(g) Any security interest or Lien of the Bank hereunder or under any
other Security Agreement shall not constitute a perfected security interest of
first priority in the Collateral thereby encumbered, subject only to Permitted
Liens; or
(h) There shall occur any material loss, theft, damage or
destruction of any of the Collateral, which loss is not fully insured; or
(i) A judgment in excess of ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS
($100,000.00) shall be rendered against the Borrower or any Subsidiary or
Guarantor and shall remain undischarged, undismissed and unstayed for more than
ten days (except judgments validly covered by insurance with a deductible of
not more than TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND AND NO/100 ($25,000.00) or there shall occur
any levy upon, or attachment, garnishment or other seizure of, any material
portion of the Collateral or other assets of the Borrower, any Subsidiary or
any Guarantor by reason of the issuance of any tax levy, judicial attachment or
garnishment or levy of execution; or
(j) The Borrower, any Subsidiary or any Guarantor shall fail to pay,
on demand, any returned or dishonored draft, check, or other item which has
been deposited to the Special Loan Account or otherwise presented to the Bank
and for which the Borrower has received provisional credit; or
(k) Any Guarantor shall repudiate or revoke any Guaranty Agreement;
or
(l) Intentionally omitted; or
(m) nStor Technologies, Inc. shall cease to control, with sole power
to vote, at least eighty percent (80%) of each class of voting stock or other
equity or income interests of the Borrower;
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 6.1 or
in any other provision of this Agreement or in any other provision of any other
Loan Document, it is expressly understood and agreed that no non-monetary
<PAGE>
Default hereunder or thereunder shall be deemed to have become and/or matured
into an Event of Default unless and until the Bank shall have given written
notice of such non-monetary default to Borrower and nStor Technologies, Inc.
(which notice shall be complete upon hand or overnight delivery or upon
facsimile delivery or mailing by certified mail, return receipt requested) and
the Borrower and/or Guarantor shall fail to cure or remedy such non-monetary
default prior to the expiration of fifteen (15) days; provided, however, that
if the alleged non-monetary Default in question shall not reasonably be
susceptible of cure within such fifteen (15) day period, then, provided that
Borrower and/or Guarantor shall have commenced good faith efforts to cure such
Default within such fifteen (15) day period and shall be diligently prosecuting
such cure to completion, the grace period within which such non-monetary
Default must be completed shall be extended for such additional period of time
as shall be reasonably necessary to achieve such cure.
THE FOREGOING ENUMERATION OF EVENTS OF DEFAULT NOTWITHSTANDING, NOTHING HEREIN
SHALL BE DEEMED TO LIMIT, RESTRICT, IMPAIR OR DIMINISH THE ABSOLUTE RIGHT OF
THE BANK TO DEMAND PAYMENT OF THE REVOLVING LOAN IN FULL, AT ANY TIME, WITHOUT
CAUSE.
6.2. Remedies. If any Default shall occur, the Bank may, without notice
to the Borrower, at its option, withhold further Advances to the Borrower of
proceeds of the Loans. Should (a) any Event of Default under Sections 6.1(g),
(h), (k) or (l) occur and not be cured within thirty (30) days following
delivery of written notice thereof by the Bank to the Borrower (which notice
shall be complete upon hand or overnight delivery or upon facsimile delivery or
mailing by certified mail, return receipt requested) or (b) any other Event of
Default occur, the Bank may declare any or all Indebtedness to be immediately
due and payable (if not earlier demanded), bring suit against the Borrower to
collect the Indebtedness, exercise any remedy available to the Bank hereunder
and take any action or exercise any remedy provided herein or in any other Loan
Document or under applicable law. No remedy shall be exclusive of other
remedies or impair the right of the Bank to exercise any other remedies.
6.3 Receiver. In addition to any other remedy available to it, the Bank
shall have the absolute right, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, to
seek and obtain the appointment of a receiver to take possession of and operate
and/or dispose of the business and assets of the Borrower and any costs and
expenses incurred by the Bank in connection with such receivership shall bear
interest at the Default Rate and shall be secured by all Collateral.
6.4. Arbitration. Upon demand of any party hereto, whether made before or
after institution of any judicial proceeding, any dispute, claim or controversy
arising out of, connected with or related to this Agreement and other Loan
Documents ("Disputes") between or among parties to this Agreement shall be
resolved by binding arbitration as provided herein. Institution of a judicial
proceeding by a party does not waive the right of that party to demand
arbitration hereunder. Disputes may include, without limitation, tort claims,
counterclaims, disputes as to whether a matter is subject to arbitration,
claims brought as class actions, claims arising from Loan Documents executed in
<PAGE>
the future, or claims arising out of or connected with the transaction
reflected by this Agreement.
Arbitration shall be conducted under and governed by the Commercial
Financial Disputes Arbitration Rules (the "Arbitration Rules") of the American
Arbitration Association (the "AAA") and Title 9 of the U.S. Code. All
arbitration hearings shall be conducted in the city in which the office of Bank
first stated above is located. The expedited procedures set forth in Rule 51
et seq. of the Arbitration Rules shall be applicable to claims of less than
$1,000,000. All applicable statutes of limitation shall apply to any Dispute.
A judgment upon the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. The
panel from which all arbitrators are selected shall be comprised of licensed
attorneys. The single arbitrator selected for expedited procedure shall be a
retired judge from the highest court of general jurisdiction, state or federal,
of the state where the hearing will be conducted or if such person is not
available to serve, the single arbitrator may be a licensed attorney.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this arbitration provision does not apply to
disputes under or related to swap agreements.
6.5. Preservation and Limitation of Remedies. Notwithstanding the
preceding binding arbitration provisions, Bank and Borrower agree to preserve,
without diminution, certain remedies that any party hereto may employ or
exercise freely, independently or in connection with an arbitration proceeding
or after an arbitration action is brought. Bank and Borrower shall have the
right to proceed in any court of proper jurisdiction or by self-help to
exercise or prosecute the following remedies, as applicable: (i) all rights to
foreclose against any real or personal property or other security by exercising
a power of sale granted under Loan Documents or under applicable law or by
judicial foreclosure and sale, including a proceeding to confirm the sale; (ii)
all rights of self-help including peaceful occupation of real property and
collection of rents, set off, and peaceful possession of personal property; and
(iii) obtaining provisional or ancillary remedies including injunctive relief,
sequestration, garnishment, attachment, appointment of receiver and filing an
involuntary bankruptcy proceeding. Preservation of these remedies does not
limit the power of an arbitrator to grant similar remedies that may be
requested by a party in a Dispute.
Borrower and Bank agree that they shall not have a remedy of punitive
or exemplary damages against the other in any Dispute and hereby waive any
right or claim to punitive or exemplary damages they have now or which may
arise in the future in connection with any Dispute whether the Dispute is
resolved by arbitration or judicially.
7. Security Agreement.
7.1. Security Interest.
(a) As security for the payment and performance of any and all of
the Indebtedness and the performance of all other obligations and covenants of
the Borrower hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, certain or
contingent, now existing or hereafter arising, which are now, or may at any
time or times hereafter be owing by the Borrower to the Bank, the Borrower
<PAGE>
hereby pledges to the Bank and gives the Bank a continuing security interest in
and general Lien upon and right of set-off against, all right, title and
interest of the Borrower in and to the Collateral, whether now owned or
hereafter acquired by the Borrower.
(b) Except as herein or by applicable law otherwise expressly
provided, the Bank shall not be obligated to exercise any degree of care (other
than ordinary care to prevent damage or destruction of such Collateral due to
gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Bank's agents and/or
employees) in connection with any Collateral in its possession, to take any
steps necessary to preserve any rights in any of the Collateral or to preserve
any rights therein against prior parties, and the Borrower agrees to take such
steps. In any case the Bank shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care
if it shall have taken such steps for the care and preservation of the
Collateral or rights therein as the Borrower may have reasonably requested the
Bank to take and the Bank's omission to take any action not requested by the
Borrower shall not be deemed a failure to exercise reasonable care. No
segregation or specific allocation by the Bank of specified items of Collateral
against any liability of the Borrower shall waive or affect any security
interest in or Lien against other items of Collateral or any of the Bank's
options, powers or rights under this Agreement or otherwise arising.
(c) Following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event
of Default, the Bank may at any time and from time to time, with or without
further notice to the Borrower, (i) transfer into the name of the Bank or the
name of the Bank's nominee any of the Collateral, (ii) notify any Account
Debtor or other obligor of any Collateral to make payment thereon direct to the
Bank of any amounts due or to become due thereon and (iii) receive and after a
default direct the disposition of any proceeds of any Collateral.
7.2. Remedies.
(a) If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing,
without waiving any of its other rights hereunder or under any other Loan
Documents, the Bank shall have all rights and remedies of a secured party under
the Code (and the Uniform Commercial Code of any other applicable jurisdiction)
and such other rights and remedies as may be available hereunder, under other
applicable law or pursuant to contract. If requested by the Bank, the Borrower
will promptly assemble the Collateral and make it available to the Bank at a
place to be designated by the Bank. The Borrower agrees that any notice by the
Bank of the sale or disposition of the Collateral or any other intended action
hereunder, whether required by the Code or otherwise, shall constitute
reasonable notice to the Borrower if the notice is mailed to the Borrower by
registered mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, at least ten (10)
days before the action to be taken. The Borrower shall be liable for any
deficiencies in the event the proceeds of the disposition of the Collateral do
not satisfy the Indebtedness in full.
(b) If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing,
the Bank may demand, collect and sue for all amounts owed pursuant to
Accounts, General Intangibles, Chattel paper or for proceeds of any Collateral
<PAGE>
(either in the Borrower's name or the Bank's name at the latter's option), with
the right (which shall be exercised by the Bank in good faith and in a
commercially reasonable manner) to enforce, compromise, settle or discharge any
such amounts. The Borrower appoints the Bank as the Borrower's
attorney-in-fact, such appointment to become effective only after the
occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to endorse the
Borrower's name on all checks, commercial paper and other instruments
pertaining to Collateral or proceeds.
7.3. Power of Attorney. The Borrower authorizes the Bank at the
Borrower's expense to file any financing statements relating to the Collateral
(without the Borrower's signature thereon) which the Bank deems appropriate and
the Borrower irrevocably appoints the Bank as its attorney-in-fact to execute
any such financing statements in the Borrower's name and to perform all other
acts which the Bank deems appropriate to perfect and to continue perfection of
the security interest of the Bank. The Borrower hereby appoints the Bank as
the Borrower's attorney-in-fact, such appointment to become effective only
after
the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to endorse,
present and collect on behalf of the Borrower and in the Borrower's name any
draft, checks or other documents necessary or desirable to collect any amounts
which the Borrower may be owed.
7.4. Entry. The Borrower hereby irrevocably consents to any commercially
reasonable act by the Bank or its agents in entering upon any premises for the
purposes of either (i) inspecting the Collateral or (ii) taking possession of
the Collateral and the Borrower hereby waives its right to assert against the
Bank or its agents any claim based upon trespass or any similar cause of action
for entering upon any premises where the Collateral may be located.
7.5. Deposits; Insurance. Upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event
of Default, the Borrower authorizes the Bank to collect and apply against the
Indebtedness when due any cash or deposit accounts in its possession, and any
refund of insurance premiums or any insurance proceeds payable on account of
the loss or damage to any of the Collateral and irrevocably appoints the Bank
as its attorney-in-fact to endorse any check or draft or take other action
necessary to obtain such funds.
7.6. Other Rights. Following the occurrence and during the continuance of
an Event of Default, the Borrower authorizes the Bank without affecting the
Borrower's obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document from time to
time (i) to take from any party and hold additional Collateral or guaranties
for the payment of the Indebtedness or any part thereof, and in good faith and
in a commercial reasonable manner, to exchange, enforce or release such
collateral or guaranty of payment of the Indebtedness or any part thereof and,
in good faith and in a commercial reasonable manner, to release or substitute
any endorser or guarantor or any party who has given any security interest in
any collateral as security for the payment of the Indebtedness or any part
thereof or any party in any way obligated to pay the Indebtedness or any part
thereof; and (ii) upon the occurrence of any Event of Default to direct the
manner of the disposition of the Collateral and the enforcement of any
endorsements, guaranties, letters of credit or other security relating to the
Indebtedness or any part thereof as the Bank in its sole discretion (which
<PAGE>
shall be exercised in a commercial reasonable manner may determine.
7.7. Accounts. Following the occurrence and during the continuance of any
Event of Default, the Bank may notify any Account Debtor of the Bank's security
interest and may direct such Account Debtor to make payment directly to the
Bank for application against the Indebtedness. Any such payments received by
or on behalf of the Borrower at any time, after the occurrence and during the
continuance of any Event of Default, shall be the property of the Bank, shall
be held in trust for the Bank and not commingled with any other assets of any
Person (except to the extent they may be commingled with other assets of the
Borrower in an account with the Bank) and shall be immediately delivered to the
Bank in the form received. The Bank shall have the right to apply any proceeds
of Collateral to such of the Indebtedness as it may determine.
7.8. Tangible Collateral. Except as otherwise provided herein or agreed
to in writing by the Bank, no Inventory or other tangible collateral shall be
commingled with, or become an accession to or part of, any property of any
other Person so long as such property is Collateral. Upon the occurrence of
any Event of Default, the Borrower shall, upon the request of the Bank,
promptly assemble all tangible Collateral for delivery to the Bank or its
agents. No tangible Collateral shall be allowed to become a fixture unless the
Bank shall have given its prior written authorization. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan
Document, it is understood and agreed that prior to the occurrence of an Event
of Default, all Liens and security interests of the Bank in respect of
Borrower's Inventory shall be deemed to have been released as provided in the
Code, Section 679.307, without need of any further action by or documentation
from the Bank, upon the sale of such Inventory in the ordinary course of
Borrower's business and no purchaser in the ordinary course of any of such
Inventory shall be required to inquire further with respect thereto.
Accordingly, any and all financing statements or the like which shall be filed
in connection with the creation or perfection of such Liens and/or security
interests shall contain the following statement:
"The security interest described herein continues in all collateral
described in this Financing Statement (except goods sold as provided
in Section 679.307 Florida Statutes), notwithstanding sale, exchange
or other disposition thereof by Debtor; sale, exchange or other
disposition of said collateral is NOT otherwise authorized by Secured
party in the security agreement or otherwise."
7.9. Waiver of Marshaling. The Borrower hereby waives any right it may
have to require marshalling of its assets.
7.10. Waiver of Automatic Stay. The Borrower hereby waives the
application of the automatic stay of enforcement provided in Section 362 of the
United States Bankruptcy Code and agrees that the Bank may proceed with
<PAGE>
enforcement and collection notwithstanding the filing of a petition in
bankruptcy.
8. Miscellaneous.
8.1. No Waiver, Remedies Cumulative. No failure on the part of the Bank
to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any other
Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or
partial exercise of any right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are
cumulative and are in addition to any other remedies provided by law, any Loan
Document or otherwise.
8.2. Survival of Representations. All representations and warranties made
herein shall survive the making of the Loans hereunder and the delivery of the
Notes, and shall continue in full force and effect so long as any Indebtedness
is outstanding, there exists any commitment by the Bank to the Borrower, and
until this Agreement is formally terminated in writing.
8.3. Expenses. Whether or not the Loans herein provided for shall be
made, the Borrower shall pay all reasonable costs and expenses in connection
with the preparation, execution, delivery, amendment and enforcement of this
Agreement and any Loan Document, including the reasonable fees and
disbursements of counsel for the Bank in connection therewith, whether suit be
brought or not and whether incurred at trial or on appeal, and all costs of
repossession, storage, disposition, protection and collection of Collateral.
If the Borrower should fail to pay any tax or other amount required by this
Agreement to be paid or which may be reasonably necessary to protect or
preserve any Collateral or the Borrower's or Bank's interests therein, the Bank
may make such payment and the amount thereof shall be payable on demand, shall
bear interest at the Default Rate from the date of demand until paid and shall
be deemed to be Indebtedness entitled to the benefit and security of the Loan
Documents.
In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay and save the Bank harmless against any
liability for payment of any state documentary stamp taxes, intangible taxes or
similar taxes (including interest or penalties, if any) which may now or
hereafter be determined to be payable in respect to the execution, delivery or
recording of any Loan Document or the making of any Advance, whether originally
thought to be due or not, and regardless of any mistake of fact or law on the
part of the Bank or the Borrower with respect to the applicability of such tax.
The provisions of this section shall survive payment in full of the Loans and
termination of this Agreement.
8.4. Notices. Any notice or other communication hereunder to any party
hereto shall be by hand delivery, overnight delivery, facsimile, telegram,
telex or registered or certified mail and unless otherwise provided herein
shall be deemed to have been given or made when delivered, telegraphed,
telexed, faxed or deposited in the mails, postage prepaid, addressed to the
party at its address specified below (or at any other address that the party
may hereafter specify to the other parties in writing):
<PAGE>
The Bank: First Union National Bank of Florida
77 East Camino Real, 2nd Floor
Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Attention: Linda K. Scheltens, Vice President
The Borrower: nSTOR Corporation, Inc.
100 Century Boulevard
West Palm Beach, Florida 33417
Attention: Mark F. Levy, President
with a copy of such notice to be served simultaneously upon:
nSTOR Corporation, Inc.
450 Technology Park
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Attention: R. Daniel Smith
When any notice is faxed, a "hard coy" thereof must also be mailed as provided
herein, but the notice shall be complete from the time shown on the fax.
8.5. Governing Law. This Agreement and the Loan Documents shall be deemed
contracts made under the laws of the State of Florida and shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of said state except insofar as the
laws of another jurisdiction may govern the perfection, priority and
enforcement of security interests in Collateral located in another
jurisdiction.
8.6. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
shall inure to the benefit of the Borrower and the Bank, and their respective
successors and assigns; provided, that the Borrower may not assign any of its
rights hereunder without the prior written consent of the Bank, and any such
assignment made without such consent will be void.
8.7. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of
which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original and all of
which when taken together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
8.8. No Usury. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement, the
Note, or in any other Loan Document to the contrary, in no event will interest
or other charges deemed to be interest be chargeable against the Borrower if
such amount (combined with any other amounts considered to be in the nature of
interest) would exceed the maximum amount permitted by law from time to time
while any of the Indebtedness is outstanding, and in the event any amount in
excess of the lawful maximum is charged or collected by the Bank or paid by the
Borrower, the Borrower shall be entitled to the reimbursement of such excess
together with interest thereon at the highest lawful rate at the time of such
overcharge.
<PAGE>
8.9. Powers. All powers of attorney granted to the Bank are coupled with
an interest and are irrevocable.
8.10. Approvals. If this Agreement calls for the approval or consent
of the Bank, such approval or consent may be given or withheld in the
discretion of the Bank unless otherwise specified herein.
8.11. Jurisdiction, Service of Process.
(a) Any suit, action or proceeding against the Borrower with respect
to this Agreement, the Collateral or any Loan Document or any judgment entered
by any court in respect thereof may be brought in the courts of Palm Beach
County, Florida or in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of
Florida as the Bank (in its sole discretion) may elect, and the Borrower hereby
accepts the nonexclusive jurisdiction of those courts for the purpose of any
suit, action or proceeding. Service of process in any such case may be had
against the Borrower by delivery in accordance with the notice provisions
herein or as otherwise permitted by law, and the Borrower agrees that such
service shall be valid in all respects for establishing personal jurisdiction
over it.
(b) In addition, the Borrower hereby irrevocably waives, to the
fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter
have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or
relating to this Agreement, the Loan Documents, the Collateral or any Judgment
entered by any court in respect thereof brought in Palm Beach County, Florida
or the U. S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, as selected
by the Bank, and hereby further irrevocably waives any claim that any suit,
action or proceedings brought in Palm Beach County, Florida or in such District
Court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
8.12. Multiple Borrowers. If more than one Person is named herein as
the Borrower, all obligations, representations and covenants herein and in
other Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party shall be joint and
several.
8.13. Other Provisions. Any other or additional terms and conditions
set forth in Exhibit 8.13 (if any) are hereby incorporated herein.
8.14. Waiver of Jury Trial. THE BORROWER AND THE BANK HEREBY
KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE THE RIGHT EITHER OF THEM MAY
HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED UPON THIS AGREEMENT
OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY OTHER
LOAN DOCUMENT AND ANY OTHER AGREEMENT CONTEMPLATED TO BE EXECUTED IN
CONJUNCTION HEREWITH, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS
<PAGE>
(WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF ANY PARTY. THIS PROVISION IS A
MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE PARTIES ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed as of the day and year first above written.
BANK:
FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK OF FLORIDA,
a national banking association
/s/ Steven J. Whittingslow
By:___________________________________
Steven J. Whittingslow, Vice President
BORROWER:
nSTOR CORPORATION, INC.
a Delaware corporation
/s/ R. Daniel Smith
By:__________________________________
R. Daniel Smith, President
<PAGE>
CONSENT AND AGREEMENT OF GUARANTOR
THE UNDERSIGNED, being the owner and holder of all of the voting
Stock of the Borrower and the Guarantor named in this Agreement, does hereby
acknowledge the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Bank and the
Borrower, consent to this Agreement and agree to abide by and perform all of
the
terms, covenants and conditions of this Agreement upon a Guarantor's part to be
performed, including, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
acknowledgment and ratification of all of the representations and warranties
set forth in Article 2 hereof, delivery of all of the financial information set
forth in Section 5.6 hereof and the submission to the jurisdiction and service
of process provisions of Section 8.11 hereof.
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. GUARANTOR AND BANK KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND
INTENTIONALLY WAIVES THE RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN
RESPECT TO ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN
CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, AND ANY AGREEMENT CONTEMPLATED TO BE EXECUTED
IN CONJUNCTION THEREWITH, OR IN THE COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING,
STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF SUCH PARTY.
GUARANTOR:
nSTOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a Delaware
corporation
/s/ R. Daniel Smith
By:________________________________
R. Daniel Smith, Vice President
<PAGE>
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA)
) SS:
COUNTY OF MECKLENBURG )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that on this day, before me, an officer duly authorized
in the State aforesaid and in the County aforesaid to take acknowledgments, the
foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me by STEVEN J. WHITTINGSLOW, the
Vice President of FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK OF FLORIDA, a national banking
association freely and voluntarily under authority duly vested in him by said
association and that the seal affixed thereto is the true corporate seal of
said association. He is personally known to me or who has produced his
driver's licence as identification.
WITNESS my hand and official seal in the County and State last aforesaid
this 29th day of May, 1997.
/s/ Frances M. Thackston
Notary Public
FRANCES M. THACKSTON
_______________________________________________
Typed, printed or stamped name of Notary Public
My Commission Expires: 9/29/2001
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA)
) SS:
COUNTY OF MECKLENBURG )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that on this day, before me, an officer duly authorized
in the State aforesaid and in the County aforesaid to take acknowledgments, the
foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me by R. DANIEL SMITH, the
President of nSTOR CORPORATION, INC., a Delaware corporation, freely and
voluntarily under authority duly vested in him by said corporation and that the
seal affixed thereto is the true corporate seal of said corporation. He is
personally known to me or who has produced his driver's licence
as identification.
WITNESS my hand and official seal in the County and State last aforesaid
this 29th day of May, 1997.
/s/ Frances M. Thackston
Notary Public
FRANCES M. THACKSTON
Typed, printed or stamped name of Notary Public
My Commission Expires: 9/29/2001
<PAGE>
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA)
) SS:
COUNTY OF MECKLENBURG )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that on this day, before me, an officer duly authorized
in the State aforesaid and in the County aforesaid to take acknowledgments, the
foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me by R. DANIEL SMITH, the Vice
President of nSTOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a Delaware corporation, freely and
voluntarily under authority duly vested in him by said corporation and that the
seal affixed thereto is the true corporate seal of said corporation. He is
personally known to me or who has produced his driver's licence as
identification.
WITNESS my hand and official seal in the County and State last aforesaid
this 29th day of May, 1997.
/s/ Frances M. Thackston
Notary Public
FRANCES M. THACKSTON
Typed, printed or stamped name of Notary Public
My Commission Expires: 9/29/2001
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE OF EXHIBITS
(If any exhibit is omitted, the information called for
therein shall be considered "None" or "Not Applicable")
EXHIBIT SECTION REFERENCE TITLE
1.1A 1.1 ("Collateral") Additional Collateral
1.1B 1.1 ("Eligible Accounts") Ineligible Accounts
1.1C 1.1 ("Permitted Debt") Permitted Debt
1.1D 1.1 ("Permitted Liens") Permitted Liens
2.3 2.3 ("Financial Condition") Contingent Liabilities
2.4 2.4 ("Litigation") Litigation
2.9 2.9 ("Location") Offices of Borrower
2.17 2.17 ("Subsidiaries") List of Subsidiaries
3.2 3.2 ("Limitations on Advances") Reductions to Borrowing Base
3.3 3.3 ("Notice & Manner of Borrowing") Form of Advance Request
5.10 5.10 ("Dividends") Permitted Dividends &
Distributions
5.26 5.26 ("Other Covenants") Other Additional Covenants
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 1.1A
ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL
The following shall be additional collateral:
[Describe fully listing a complete description, location, value, basis of
valuation, indication of security document (ex: UCC-1, mortgage, assignment,
etc.) and other liens, if appropriate.]
NONE.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 1.1B
ADDITIONAL INELIGIBLE ACCOUNTS
The following shall be additional ineligible accounts:
NONE
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 1.1C
PERMITTED DEBT
The following shall be additional Permitted Debt:
1. $200,000 Promissory Note payable to Norbet Witt.
2. Convertible Note payable to Prudential, as described in the 10K statement
provided by Borrower to Bank.
3. Accounts payable in the ordinary course of business.
4. $135,000 payable to Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Inc.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 1.1D
PERMITTED LIENS
The following shall be additional Permitted Liens:
NONE
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 2.3
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
The following are contingent liabilities of the Borrower, Subsidiaries and/or
Guarantors:
1. Sums due by Borrower to Seagate payable in connection with a Royalty
Agreement described in the 10K statement provided by Borrower to Bank.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 2.4
LITIGATION
KIEFFER AND HAHN
111 Broadway
New York, NY 10000
April 16, 1997
via facsimile
BDO Seidman, LLP
201 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 950
Orlando, Florida 32801
Re: nStor Technologies, Inc, ("Company")
Dear Sirs:
By letter dated February 21, 1997, our above client has requested that we
provide you with certain information and confirmations, as follows:
(A) Pending and threatened litigation. The only pending or threatened
litigations we are aware of which may represent contingent liability to the
Company are:
(1) Shapiro v. IMNET Corporation, et als. NJ Superior Court, Bergen County.
#L-2808-95, in which plaintiff sued the Company and a subsidiary on a
$175,000 11% Subordinated Promissory Note dated 5/6/88 and on a $151,900
9% Subordinated Promissory Note dated 12/15/88. In October, 1996,
pursuant to Stipulation, the case was settled and dismissed with
prejudice. In settlement the Company paid $75,000 to plaintiff and the
parties exchanged general releases.
(2) Ehrenhaus v. Wise, et als. NY Supreme, Nassau County, #17544/96, in
which the plaintiffs have sued the Company and another seeking to
prevert closing of the transaction with nStor and seeking damages in
the amount of $3,300,000 (plus punitive damages of $7,500,000), on the
allegation that the Company interfered with the contractual relationship
between the plaintiffs and nStor. The relief seeking to prevent the
closing has been mooted. The balance of the case is in discovery.
We believe that the Company has good defenses to this claim, that the
nStor transaction will not be rescinded, and that the Company will not
incur any material monetary liability.
(3) The Nais Corporation v. Smith, et als. NY Supreme Court, Nassau County,
#21857/96, which is a comparison case to the Ehrenhaus case described
above, and makes similar allegations against a subsidiary of the Company
and others. Plaintiff's seek damages of $50,000,000 (and punitive
<PAGE>
damages of $100,000,000) for alleged breach of contract. The case is in
discovery. We believe that the Company's subsidiary has good defenses
to this claim, and that it will not incur any material monetary
liability.
(B) Unasserted claims and assessments. We make no comment with respect
to unasserted claims or assessments as none are stated in the Company's
letters. We are not aware of any such claims or assessments.
(c) Confirmation regarding future disclosure. The information set forth
herein is as of the date of this letter.
This response is limited by, and in accordance with, the American Bar
Association (ABA) Statement of Policy Regarding Lawyers' Responses to Auditors'
Request for Information (December 1975); without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the limitations set forth in such Statement on the scope and use of
this response (Paragraphs 2 and 7) are specifically incorporated herein by
reference, and any description herein of any "loss contingencies" is qualified
in its entirety by Paragraph 5 of the Statement and the accompanying commentary
(which is an integral part of the Statement). Consistent with the last
sentence of paragraph 6 of the ABA Statement of Policy and pursuant to the
Company's request, this will confirm as correct the Company's understanding as
set forth in its request to us that whenever, in the course of performing legal
services for the Company, with respect to a matter recognized to involve an
unasserted possible claim or assessment that may call for financial statement
disclosure, we have formed a professional conclusion that the Company must
disclose or consider disclosure concerning such possible claim or assessment,
we, as a matter of professional responsibility to the Company will so advise
thee Company concerning the question of such disclosures and the applicable
requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.5.
(D) Fees and expenses. At present all of our bills for fees and expenses
have been paid, and our unbilled charges are approximately $5,000 for the
period from October 1, 1996, through December 31, 1996, for which a bill has
not yet been rendered.
Sincerely,
KIEFFER AND HAHN
/s/ Michael C. Devine
By:__________________________________
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 2.9
OFFICES OF BORROWER
List any offices of Borrower or Subsidiary not listed in Section 8.4.
NAME LOCATION TYPE OF FACILITY
nSTOR CORPORATION, 450 Technology Park Offices
INC. Lake Mary, FL 32746
nSTOR CORPORATION, 155 Technology Park Storage
INC. Lake Mary, FL 32746
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 2.17
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF GUARANTOR
NAME OF SUBSIDIARY LOCATION
IMGE DISTRIBUTION, INC. 100 Century Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33417
IMGE MARKETING, INC. 100 Century Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33417
IMGE R & D, INC. 100 Century Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33417
The above Subsidiaries are all inactive, have no income, expenses or
indebtedness and are not engaged in business activity.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.2
REDUCTIONS TO BORROWING BASE
The Borrowing Base shall be further reduced by the following:
Bank may, in its sole and absolute discretion, refuse to advance funds upon
Eligible Inventory as provided in Section 3.2(b)(i)(B), and in such event, the
amount of Eligible Inventory or any portion thereof (which the Bank refuses to
count as part of the Borrowing Base) shall not be included in the Borrowing
Base and the Borrowing Base shall be reduced accordingly.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.3
FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK
BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE
Borrower's Name: nStor Corporation, Inc. Exhibit:
Invoice Number __________________________through _______________________
Credit Memo Number(s) ___________________through _______________________
In consideration of your continuing to make available to the undersigned
certain
credit accommodations, we certify that the following figures accurately
represent the entire amount of accounts receivable owing to the undersigned and
inventory of the undersigned; and that such amounts continue to be pledged to
you as collateral to al lowing by this company to you under Agreement dated
____________, free and clear of all lines and encumbrances except in
your favor.
Previous Request as of date ______________ This Requeest as of date
____________
1. CERTIFIED ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
A. Balance of A/R from previous report (line 1e) $____________
B. Plus: Billings +____________
C. Less: Collections -____________
D. Less: Non-cash credit to A/R (cr memo) -____________
E. Total Certified A/R (1a+1b-1c-1d) $4,862,627.43
2. NET A/R ELIGIBILITY: Ineligible Accounts Receivable
A. A/R Over 90 Days $ 910,768.32
B. Affiliate A/R $ -0-
C. Contras $ -0-
D. Cross-Age 25% $ 251,802.60
E. Non-insured Foreign A/R over $500,000 $ 241,872.66
F. U.S. Government A/R $ 32.530.26
G. Concentration Cap 10% on all accounts except
for specified accounts $ -0-
H. Concentration Cap 30% on the top five
credit customers $ -0-
I. Other Ineligibles (per loan agreement) $____________
J. Total Ineligibles (2a through 2I) $1,436,973.84
K. Net Eligiblee Accouonts Receivable (1e-2j) $3,425,653.59
3. BORROWING BASE:
A. 75% OF ELIGIBLE A/R (LINE 2k) $2,569,240.19
B. LOAN LIMIT $7,000,000.00
4. TRANSACTION SUMMARY:
A. Loan: Collections on account $____________
B. LESS: Collections on account -_____________
C. PLus: Amount of new advances +_____________
D. New Outstanding Loan Balance (4a-eb+4c) $____________
E. LESS: Outstanding Letters off Credit (Sublimit $50,000) $____________
F. Additional advance availability (lesser of 3a or 3b)-4d-4e) $____________
Authorized by: /s/ Steven Kaplan VP-Finance Date: 5/28/97
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 5.10
PERMITTED DIVIDENDS
Describe conditions under which dividends are permitted and specify any limits
on such permitted dividends:
NONE
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 5.26
OTHER COVENANTS
5.26 Financial Covenants. At all times, Borrower (and, where explicitly
indicated below, Guarantor) shall be in compliance with the following
financial covenants on a consolidated basis:
(a) Working Capital. Borrower and Guarantor shall at all times
maintain Consolidated Working Capital of at least FIVE MILLION AND NO/100
DOLLARS ($5,000,000.00). "Consolidated Working Capital" shall mean the excess
of the consolidated current assets of Borrower and Guarantor over the
consolidated current liabilities of Borrower and Guarantor, as determined by
GAAP.
(b) Tangible Net Worth. Borrower and Guarantor shall at all times
maintain a Consolidated Tangible New Worth of at least SIX MILLION FIVE HUNDRED
THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($6,500,000.00).
(c) Times Interest Earned Ratio. Borrower shall maintain at all
times a Times Interest Earned Ratio of at least 1.75:1.0.
(d) Debt to Tangible Net Worth Plus Subordinated Debt Ratio.
Borrower's Debt to Tangible Net Worth plus Subordinated Debt ratio shall not
exceed 1.0:1.0 at any time during the Loan Term.
(e) Borrower's Annual Cash Flow (as determined by GAAP) available
to repay Debt shall at all times during the Loan Term be equal to (and never
less than) the principal balance of total Debt divided by 5.
5.27 Fixed Assets. Borrower shall not, during any fiscal year, expend on
gross fixed assets (including gross leases to be capitalized under GAAP and
leasehold improvements) an amount exceeding FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND AND
NO/100 DOLLARS ($550,000.00), in the aggregate.
5.28 Leases. Borrower shall not incur, create or assume any direct or
indirect liability for the payment of rent or otherwise, under any lease or
rental arrangement (excluding capitalized leases) if payments to be made by
Borrower during any twelve (12) month period is increased by TWO HUNDRED
THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($200,000.00) in the aggregate without the prior
written consent of the Bank.
5.29 Change in Fiscal Year. Neither Borrower nor Guarantor shall change
its fiscal year without the prior written consent of Bank.
<PAGE>
5.30 Reports and Proxies. Borrower and Guarantor shall deliver to Bank,
promptly, a copy of all financial statements, reports, notices and proxy
statements sent by Borrower and Guarantor to their respective stockholders, and
all regular or periodic reports required to be filed by Borrower with any
governmental agency or authority.
5.31 Change of Control. Shall not make a material change of stock
ownership that effectively changes control of Borrower.
5.32 Encumbrances. Borrower shall not create, assume or permit to exist
any mortgage, security deed, deed of trust, pledge, Lien, charge or other
encumbrance on any of its assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired,
other than: (a) security interests required by Bank in the Loan Documents; (b)
Liens for taxes contested in good faith; (c) Liens accruing by law (but not
then payable) for employee benefits; or (d) Permitted Liens.
5.33 Prepayment of Long Term or Subordinated Debt. Shall not retire any
long-term or Subordinated Debt entered into prior to the Closing at a date in
advance of Borrower's legal obligation to do so, excepting that (a) certain
advance from Mr. Norb Witt in the amount of TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100
DOLLARS ($200,000.00) may be prepaid in advance; and (b) anything herein
contained to the contrary, Borrower may pay its Subordinated Debt to nSTOR
Technologies, Inc. so long as (i) there is no Default under any of the Loan
Documents; and (ii) such payment upon a pro forma basis does not cause or
constitute a violation of any other affirmative or negative covenant set forth
in this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
5.34 Retire or Repurchase Capital Stock. Shall not retire or otherwise
acquire any of Borrower's capital stock. Borrower shall not create or issue
any additional voting stock.
5.35 Deposit Relationship. Borrower shall maintain its primary
depository account and cash management accounts with the Bank.
5.36 Guarantees. Borrower and Guarantor (individually or together) shall
not guaranty or otherwise become responsible for the Debt or obligations of any
other Person, excepting (a) for the endorsement of negotiable instruments by
Borrower in the ordinary course of business for collection as may be approved
in writing by Bank in its sole discretion; and (b) that the Guarantor may
guaranty the Permitted Debt of the Borrower.
<PAGE>
DEMAND
PROMISSORY NOTE
$7,000,000.00 Charlotte, North Carolina
As of May 29, 1997
ON DEMAND FOR VALUE RECEIVED, nSTOR CORPORATION, INC., a Delaware
corporation, with an office and place of business at 100 Century Boulevard,
West Palm Beach, FL 33417 (herein called the "Borrower"), promises to pay to
the order of FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK OF FLORIDA, a national banking
association (herein called the "Bank"), the principal amount of SEVEN MILLION
AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($7,000,000.00) and interest thereon, pursuant to that
certain Revolving Credit and Security Agreement of even date herewith (the
"Agreement"), between Borrower and Bank. Capitalized terms used in this Note
without other definition shall have the respective meanings specified in the
Agreement.
The unpaid principal amount of this Note from time to time outstanding
shall bear interest from the date hereof until paid in full at the rates
determined in accordance with the terms, covenants and provisions of the
Agreement.
Throughout the term of this Note (a) each change in the interest rate
shall be effective as of the date upon which the LIBOR-Based Rate is changed in
accordance with the Agreement; (b) interest shall be computed upon a daily
basis, based upon a three hundred sixty (360) day year and be paid upon the
actual number of days upon which the principal balance remains outstanding from
time to time; and (c) determination of the interest rate shall be made by the
Bank and shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
The Note shall be repaid as follows:
During the Loan Term, as defined in the Agreement, Borrower shall pay
to the Bank consecutive monthly payments of interest only at the LIBOR-Based
Rate and/or the Fixed Interest Rate as may be selected by the Borrower from
time to time pursuant to the Agreement upon all principal sums from time to
time advanced and outstanding under the Loan, each of which will be due upon
the first day of each month. The entire unpaid principal balance of the Loan,
together with all interest, costs, charges, fees and other expenses then due
and owing to the Bank shall be due and payable upon the Loan Maturity Date.
Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, this Note may be prepaid at
any time without premium or fee, but any prepayments shall be applied to
monthly installments of principal and interest in the inverse order of their
maturity.
If default be made in the payment of any monthly installment of interest
or any final payment at maturity under this Note or if the Borrower violates
any of the terms or breaches any of the conditions of the Agreement or any
other Loan Document and any such default or breach continues beyond any
<PAGE>
applicable period of grace, the entire principal sum and accrued interest shall
become due and payable at the option of the Bank. Failure to exercise this
option shall not constitute a waiver of the right to exercise the same at any
other time. Upon any such default and the expiration of any applicable period
of grace or upon maturity, the principal of the Note and any part thereof, and
accrued unpaid interest, if any, shall bear interest at the highest rate
permitted by law, or, if no such rate shall then be designated, at a rate equal
to eighteen percent (18%) per annum until paid (the "Default Rate"). The
undersigned agrees to pay a late charge equal to five percent (5%) of each
payment of principal and/or interest which is not paid within ten (10) days of
the date on which it is due, with the exception that such late charge shall not
be applicable upon any acceleration of the balance of the sums evidenced by
this Note upon Default by the Borrower or otherwise, or upon the maturity of
this Note.
THE FOREGOING ENUMERATION OF DEFAULTS AND EVENTS OF DEFAULT
NOTWITHSTANDING, NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED TO LIMIT, RESTRICT, IMPAIR OR
DIMINISH THE ABSOLUTE RIGHT OF THE BANK TO DEMAND PAYMENT OF THE LOAN EVIDENCED
BY THIS NOTE IN FULL AT ANY TIME, WITHOUT CAUSE.
All payments of principal and interest on this Note shall be payable in
lawful currency of the United States of America at the Bank's office at First
Union National Bank, 77 East Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432 in immediately
available funds.
This Note is the "Note" defined in the Agreement and evidences certain
indebtedness incurred under, and is subject to the terms, covenants, conditions
and provisions of the Agreement, to which reference is hereby made for a
statement of said terms, covenants, conditions and provisions.
In addition to and not in limitation of the foregoing and the provisions
of the Agreement, the Borrower further agrees, subject only to any limitation
imposed by applicable law, to pay all reasonable expenses, including reasonable
attorneys' fees, costs and expenses, incurred by the Bank or any other holder
of this Note in endeavoring to collect any amounts payable hereunder which are
not paid when due, whether by acceleration or otherwise. Such expenses also
shall include, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys' fees, cost and
expenses of investigation (including, without limitation, expenses incurred in
connection with appellate proceedings) and in connection with any insolvency,
bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement or similar proceedings involving the
Borrower which affect the exercise by the Bank or any other holder of this Note
of its rights hereunder or under the Agreement. Such expenses shall bear
interest at the Default Rate.
Borrower and all sureties, endorsers and guarantors of this Note hereby
(a) waive demand, presentment for payment, notice of nonpayment, protest,
notice of protest and all other notice, filing of suit and diligence in
collecting this Note; (b) agree to the addition or release of any party or
person primarily or secondarily liable hereon; (c) agree that Bank shall not be
<PAGE>
required first to institute any suit or to exhaust its remedies against
Borrower or any other person or party to become liable hereunder in order to
enforce payment of this Note; (d) consent to any extension, rearrangement,
renewal or postponement of time of payment of this Note and to any other
indulgence with respect hereto without notice, consent or consideration to any
of the foregoing (except upon the express written release by Bank of any such
person) and they shall be and remain jointly and severally, directly and
primarily, liable for all sums due under this Note, the Agreement or any of the
other Loan Documents.
Borrower grants Bank a security interest in all of Borrower's accounts
with Bank and any of its affiliates. If a Default (defined herein) occurs,
Bank is authorized to exercise its right of set-off or to foreclose its lien
against any agreement or account of any nature or maturity of Borrower without
notice.
Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if for any
reason the effective rate of interest on this Note should exceed the maximum
lawful rate, the effective rate shall be deemed reduced to and shall be such
maximum lawful rate, and any such sums of interest which have been collected in
excess of such maximum lawful rate shall be applied as a credit against the
unpaid balance due hereunder.
The provisions of this Note may from time to time be amended, modified or
waived only by written agreement executed by Borrower and Bank.
This Note is made under and governed by the laws of the State of Florida,
without regard to conflict of laws or principles.
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. BORROWER AND BANK HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND
INTENTIONALLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT EITHER MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF
ANY LITIGATION BASED ON THIS NOTE, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION
WITH THIS NOTE OR ANY AGREEMENT CONTEMPLATED TO BE EXECUTED IN CONNECTION WITH
THIS NOTE, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER
VERBAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF ANY PARTY WITH RESPECT HERETO. THIS PROVISION
IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE BANK'S ACCEPTING THIS NOTE FROM BORROWER.
BORROWER:
nSTOR CORPORATION, INC.
a Delaware corporation
By: /S/ R. Daniel Smith
R. Daniel Smith, President
<PAGE>
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA )
) SS:
COUNTY OF MECKLENBURG )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that on this day, before me, an officer duly authorized
in the State aforesaid and in the County aforesaid to take acknowledgments, the
foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me by R. DANIEL SMITH, the
President of nSTOR CORPORATION, INC., a Delaware corporation, freely and
voluntarily under authority duly vested in him by said corporation and that the
seal affixed thereto is the true corporate seal of said corporation. He is
personally known to me or who has produced his driver's license as
identification.
WITNESS my hand and official seal in the County and State last aforesaid
this 29 day of May, 1997.
/s/ Frances M. Thackston
Notary Public
Frances M. Thackston
Typed, printed or stamped name
of Notary Public
My Commission Expires:
9-29-2001
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK> 0000075448
<NAME> NSTOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> APR-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1997
<CASH> 1,497<F1>
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 4,484
<ALLOWANCES> 44
<INVENTORY> 7,319
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 13,441
<PP&E> 7,006<F2>
<DEPRECIATION> 524<F3>
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 20,123
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 7,963
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 934
<OTHER-SE> 10,691
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 20,123
<SALES> 14,577
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 14,647
<CGS> 9,849
<TOTAL-COSTS> 5,945
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 45
<INCOME-PRETAX> (1,192)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (1,192)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (1,192)
<EPS-PRIMARY> ($.06)
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
<FN>
<F1>Cash includes $1,000 of restricted cash (note 5 to Consolidated Financial
Statements).
<F2>Property and equipment includes $5,342 of goodwill and other intangible assets.
<F3>Accumulated depreciation includes $261 of accumulated amortization.
</FN>
</TABLE>
