Exhibit 10.1

 

FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT

OLD NATIONAL BANK, a national banking association (the "Bank"), OBSIDIAN LEASING
COMPANY, INC., an Indiana corporation with an address of 111 Monument Circle,
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204 (the "Borrower"), OBSIDIAN ENTERPRISES, INC.,
PYRAMID COACH, INC., TIMOTHY S. DURHAM, TERRY WHITESELL, and JULIA WHITESELL
(collectively, the "Guarantors") (the Borrower and the Guarantors may from time
to time hereinafter be referred to as, the "Obsidian Parties") enter into this
Forbearance Agreement (the "Agreement") effective as of December 1, 2004.

RECITALS

A.         The Bank and the Obsidian Parties are parties to, among others, the
agreements and documents as more particularly identified on Exhibit A attached
hereto (the "Schedule of Documents"). All of the documents referenced on the
Schedule of Documents and any other documents, agreements, and promissory notes
between the Bank and Obsidian Parties, as amended, modified, extended, and
renewed from time to time, including as amended by this Agreement, are referred
to collectively as, the "Loan Documents."

B.         Exhibit B attached hereto and incorporated by reference indicates the
principal amounts owing to the Bank under the Loan Documents as of March 25,
2005 in connection with the Term Loan Note dated October 31, 2002 and the Term
Loan Note dated October 31, 2002 each executed by the Borrower (collectively,
the "Notes"), which amounts do not include costs and attorneys' fees
reimbursable to the Bank pursuant to the Loan Documents, obligations for which
the Obsidian Parties are liable, and other obligations provided for in the Loan
Documents (the "Obligations").

C.         The Obsidian Parties acknowledge that (i) the Obligations are due the
Bank without setoff, defense, or counterclaim, in law or in equity, of any kind
or nature whatsoever; and (ii) the Obligations are secured by valid, perfected,
first priority liens and security interests in favor of the Bank in certain of
the Obsidian Parties' present and future personal property as more particularly
identified in the Loan Documents (collectively, the "Collateral.")

D.         The Obsidian Parties reaffirm, ratify, and confirm the obligations
and duties under the Loan Documents.

E.         The Obsidian Parties acknowledge that they are in default under the
Loan Documents for, among other reasons, the defaults under the Loan Documents
enumerated in Exhibit C attached hereto (the "Defaults").

F.         The Obsidian Parties also acknowledge that based on the Defaults, the
Bank has the right, without further notice, to take all available legal action
to enforce its rights under the Loan Documents. Further, if the Bank took such
action, the Obsidian Parties acknowledge that the Bank's actions would be
reasonable and within the rights and remedies reserved and available to the Bank
under the Loan Documents.

 

 

 

 

G.         The Obsidian Parties acknowledge that the Bank has duly performed all
of its obligations under the Loan Documents and that the Bank has no obligation
to continue to lend to the Obsidian Parties or forbear from enforcing its
available rights and remedies.

H.         The Obsidian Parties acknowledge that the actions taken by the Bank
in furtherance of the Loan Documents and this Agreement are reasonable and
appropriate under the circumstances, are within the Bank's rights under the Loan
Documents and applicable law, and do not constitute interference with or control
over the Obsidian Parties' business operations.

I.          The Obsidian Parties have requested that the Bank forbear from
enforcing its rights and remedies under the Loan Documents and applicable law to
afford the Obsidian Parties an opportunity to reorganize their business affairs.

J.          The Bank, as a condition precedent to forbearing from enforcing its
rights and remedies under the Loan Documents and applicable law, has required
certain agreements and accommodations as set forth in this Agreement.

K.         Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Bank has
agreed to forbear from enforcing its rights and remedies.

L.         Upon a default under this Agreement, the Bank will be entitled to
immediately pursue all available legal remedies against the Obsidian Parties and
to obtain a judgment therein.

BASED ON THE FOREGOING RECITALS (which are incorporated as representations,
warranties and covenants of the respective parties, as the case may be), the
parties hereto agree as follows:

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.          Forbearance. The Bank agrees to forbear from enforcing its rights
and remedies based on the Defaults through 5:00 P.M. (Danville, Illinois time)
on April 30, 2005 (the "Forbearance Period") subject to the following
conditions:

(a)

There are no further or additional defaults under the Loan Documents and the
Obsidian Parties comply with all terms and conditions of this Agreement;

(b)

All payments due under the Loan Documents are timely made.

2.          Defaults. In addition to any other defaults provided for in the Loan
Documents, the following shall constitute a default under this Agreement and
under all of the Loan Documents of which this Agreement is a part:

(a)

The Obsidian Parties fail to comply with any terms or conditions in this
Agreement or the Loan Documents; or

(b)

The Obsidian Parties fail to make future payments under this Agreement to the
Bank when due as set forth in the Loan Documents.

 

 

2

 

 

 

3.          Conditions Precedent. This Agreement shall become and be deemed
effective in accordance with its terms immediately upon the Bank receiving:

(a)

Two (2) copies of this Agreement duly executed by the Obsidian Parties and the
Bank;

(b)

The Obsidian Parties shall effect the reissuance of the shares of stock
currently held under the name of J2 Communications which have been pledged to
the Bank to secure the Obligations;

(c)

Payment of the fees specified in Section 9 hereof; and

 

(d)

Such other documents and items as the Bank may reasonably request.

4.          Representations and Warranties of the Obsidian Parties. The Obsidian
Parties hereby represent and warrant, in addition to any other representations
and warranties contained herein, in the Loan Documents or any other document,
writing, or statement delivered or mailed to the Bank or its agent by the
Obsidian Parties, as follows:

(a)

This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid, and binding obligation of the
Obsidian Parties enforceable in accordance with its terms. The Obsidian Parties
have taken all necessary and appropriate action for the approval of this
Agreement and the authorization of the execution, delivery and performance
thereof.

(b)

The Obsidian Parties hereby specifically confirm and ratify the obligations,
waivers, and consents under each of the Loan Documents.

(c)

Except as specifically amended herein, all representations, warranties, and
other assertions of fact contained in the Loan Documents continue to be true,
accurate, and complete.

(d)

The Obsidian Parties acknowledge that the definition "Loan Documents" shall
include this Agreement and all the documents executed contemporaneously
herewith.

5.          Affirmative Covenants. By entering into this Agreement, the Obsidian
Parties further specifically undertake to comply with the obligations, terms,
and covenants as contained in this Agreement and the Loan Documents and agree to
comply therewith as such relate to the credit facilities and accommodations as
provided to the Obsidian Parties pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

6.          Remedies. Upon the occurrence of a default, the Bank shall have all
remedies provided in the Loan Documents and/or otherwise available under
applicable law.

7.          Due Date/No Further Forbearance Implied. THE OBSIDIAN PARTIES
ACKNOWLEDGE THAT NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THE LOAN DOCUMENTS TO THE CONTRARY,
AND WITHOUT FURTHER DEMAND OR ACTION BY THE BANK, ALL OF THE OBLIGATIONS WILL BE
DUE AND

 

3

 

 

PAYABLE ON THE EARLIER OF A DEFAULT OR 5:00 P.M. (DANVILLE, ILLINOIS TIME) ON
APRIL 30, 2005. The Obsidian Parties also acknowledge that the Bank has no
obligation to extend the term of the Forbearance Period or forbear from
enforcing its rights and remedies after the Forbearance Period and nothing
contained herein is intended to be a promise or agreement to extend the term of
the Forbearance Period beyond April 30, 2005.

8.          Release and Covenant Not to Sue. In consideration of the agreements
and understandings in this Agreement, the Obsidian Parties, their respective
employees, officers, agents, executors, heirs, successors, and assigns, jointly
and severally, hereby releases the Bank, its employees, officers, participants,
agents, affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, and assigns from any claim, right,
or cause of action which now exists, or hereafter arises from or in any way
related to facts in existence as of the date hereof, whether known or unknown.
By way of example and not limitation, the foregoing includes any claims in any
way related to the Loan Documents and the business relationship with the Bank.

The Obsidian Parties hereby covenant that they will refrain from commencing any
action or suit or prosecuting any action or suit, in law or in equity, against
the Bank, its employees, officers, agents, participants, affiliates,
subsidiaries, successors, and assigns, on account of any claim, action, or cause
of action which now exists or which may hereafter accrue in the Obsidian
Parties' favor based upon facts existing as of the date of this Agreement. In
addition to the other liability which shall accrue upon the breach of this
covenant, the breaching party shall be liable to the Bank for all reasonable
attorneys' fees and costs incurred by the Bank in the defense of such action or
suit.

9.          Expenses and Costs. The Obsidian Parties shall be responsible for
the payment of all fees and out-of-pocket disbursements incurred by the Bank in
any way arising from or in connection with this Agreement, the Loan Documents,
and/or the Obligations, including, without limitation, the fees of legal counsel
for the Bank for the preparation, examination, and approval of documents in
connection with this Agreement, for the payment of all fees and out-of-pocket
disbursements incurred by the Bank, including reasonable attorneys' fees, in any
way arising from or in connection with any action taken by the Bank, to monitor,
advise, enforce, or collect the Obligations or enforce any obligations of the
Obsidian Parties under this Agreement, or the Loan Documents or any other
document or agreement arising from or relating to the business relationship
between the Bank, the Obsidian Parties, or otherwise securing any obligations to
the Bank, including any actions to lift the automatic stay or to otherwise in
any way participate in any Bankruptcy, reorganization, or insolvency proceeding
of the Obsidian Parties and in relation to or in defense of any litigation
instituted by the Obsidian Parties or any third-party against the Bank arising
from or relating to the Obligations and/or this Agreement, the Loan Documents,
or the business relationship between the Obsidian Parties and the Bank,
including any so-called "lender liability" actions. All of these expenses and
fees shall be part of the Obligations. The Bank shall be permitted to charge the
Obsidian Parties' account(s) for such fees, expenses, and costs when paid by the
Bank.

10.        Other Documents. The Obsidian Parties agree to execute any and all
documents reasonably necessary to carry out the intent of and to implement this
Agreement.

 

 

4

 

 

 

11.        Cross Default/Remedies. A default under the terms of this Agreement
shall be considered a default under each document and agreement comprising the
Loan Documents and vice versa. If there is a default under this Agreement or any
document or agreement comprising the Loan Documents or any document executed
with or referenced in this Agreement, the Bank shall have the right to exercise
any remedies provided in this Agreement, the Loan Documents, and under
applicable law and the Forbearance Period shall automatically expire.

12.        One General Obligation; Cross Collateral. All loans and advances by
the Bank to the Obsidian Parties under this Agreement and under all other
agreements constitute one loan, and all indebtedness and obligations of the
Obsidian Parties to the Bank under this and under all other agreements, present
and future, constitute one general obligation secured by the Collateral and
security held and to be held by the Bank hereunder and by virtue of all other
assignments and security agreements between the Obsidian Parties and the Bank
now and hereafter existing. It is expressly understood and agreed that all of
the rights of the Bank contained in this Agreement shall likewise apply insofar
as applicable to any modification of or supplement to this Agreement and to any
other agreements, present and future, between the Bank and the Obsidian Parties.

13.        Loan Documents Continue. Except as expressly modified and amended by
the terms of this Agreement, all of the other terms and conditions of the Loan
Documents, and documents and instruments executed in connection therewith remain
in full force and effect and are hereby ratified, confirmed, and approved. If
there is an express conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms
of the Loan Documents, the terms of this Agreement shall govern and control.

14.        Reservation of Rights/No Waivers. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in this Agreement, all of the Bank's rights and remedies against the
Obsidian Parties, the Collateral, and/or any other collateral security granted
or given to the Bank are expressly reserved, including, without limitation,
rights and remedies resulting from the Defaults. Likewise, nothing herein shall
be deemed to constitute a waiver of any Defaults existing as of the date hereof.

15.        Authority. All parties executing this Agreement in a representative
capacity warrant that they have authority to execute this Agreement and legally
bind the entity they represent.

16.        Entire Agreement, Etc. This Agreement constitutes the entire
understanding of the parties and may only be modified or amended by a writing
signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought. This Agreement is
governed by Indiana law and may be executed in counterparts, and facsimile
copies of signatures shall be treated as original signatures for all purposes.
This Agreement is binding on the Obsidian Parties and their respective heirs,
representatives, successors, and assigns and shall insure to the benefit of the
Bank and its successors and assigns.

17.        JURY WAIVER. THE OBSIDIAN PARTIES AND THE BANK HEREBY VOLUNTARILY,
KNOWINGLY, IRREVOCABLY, AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO HAVE A JURY
PARTICIPATE IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTE (WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT, OR
OTHERWISE) BETWEEN OR

 

5

 

 

AMONG THEM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER
LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BANK AND THE OBSIDIAN PARTIES.
THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT TO THE BANK TO ENTER INTO THIS
AGREEMENT.

18.        CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL. THE OBSIDIAN PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT (1)
THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT WITH COUNSEL AND OTHER ADVISORS
OF THEIR CHOICE, AND AFTER CONSULTING WITH SUCH COUNSEL AND ADVISORS, KNOWINGLY,
VOLUNTARILY, AND WITHOUT DURESS, COERCION, UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT, INTIMIDATION, OR
COMPULSION, ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT, BASED UPON SUCH ADVICE AND COUNSEL AND IN
THE EXERCISE OF THEIR BUSINESS JUDGMENT; (2) THIS AGREEMENT HAS BEEN ENTERED
INTO IN EXCHANGE FOR GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, RECEIPT OF WHICH THE
PARTIES HERETO ACKNOWLEDGE; (3) THEY HAVE CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY READ ALL OF
THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND ARE NOT RELYING ON THE OPINIONS
OR ADVICE OF THE BANK OR ITS AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES IN ENTERING INTO THIS
AGREEMENT.

 

6

 

 

 

Executed as of the day and year first written above.

OLD NATIONAL BANK

 

By:     /s/ Andrew J. Sutherland                              
           Andrew J. Sutherland, Vice President

 

 

 

/s/ Timothy S. Durham                                               
Timothy S. Durham

OBSIDIAN LEASING COMPANY, INC.

 

By:     /s/ Timothy S. Durham                                  
Printed:        Timothy S. Durham
Title:             Managing Member

 

 

 

/s/ Terry Whitesell                                                        
Terry Whitesell

OBSIDIAN ENTERPRISES, INC.

 

By:     /s/ Timothy S. Durham                                  
Printed:        Timothy S. Durham
Title:             Chairman and CEO

 

 

 

/s/ Julia Whitesell                                                         
Julia Whitesell

PYRAMID COACH, INC.

 

By:     /s/ Timothy S. Durham                                  
Printed:        Tim Durham
Title:             President

 

 

 

 

 

7