exv10w34



 



Exhibit 10.34


LOAN AGREEMENT



     This Loan Agreement dated as of January 26, 2004 (“Loan Agreement”) is
entered into by Acceris Communications Inc., formerly known as I-Link
Incorporated, a Florida corporation (“Acceris”) and Counsel Corporation, an
Ontario corporation (“Counsel Corp”).


     WHEREAS, Counsel Corp has provided advances in the aggregate original
principal amount of Five Million Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($5,600,000)
evidenced by a promissory note issued by Acceris to Counsel Corp as of October
1, 2003 (the “Original Advances”); and


     WHEREAS, on January 26, 2004, Counsel Corp advanced the further sum of Two
Million Dollars ($2,000,000) to Acceris (the “Additional Advance”) evidenced by
the Amended and Restated Promissory Note issued by Acceris to Counsel Corp as
of the date hereof in the principal amount of Seven Million Six Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($7,600,000) which promissory note supersedes and replaces the
promissory note dated as of October 1, 2003, representing the Original
Advances; and


     WHEREAS, the repayment of the Original Advances and Additional Advance are
secured pursuant to that Amended and Restated Stock Pledge Agreement dated as
of January 26, 2004 (as the same may be amended, modified, extended or
restated, the “Stock Pledge Agreement”) pursuant to which Acceris granted to
Counsel Corp a security interest in the Collateral described therein including
all of the shares of common stock of Buyers United, Inc. issued to and owned by
Acceris, the terms of which Stock Pledge Agreement are incorporated herein by
this reference; and


     WHEREAS, Acceris and Counsel Corp desire and intend that the Original
Advances and the Additional Advance together with any subsequent financing
provided by Counsel Corp to Acceris from time to time in its discretion (each a
“Subsequent Advance”) be subject to the terms and condition of this Loan
Agreement and the Stock Pledge Agreement; and


     WHEREAS, Counsel Corp and Acceris believe that it is in their mutual
interest to enter into this Loan Agreement effective as of October 1, 2003 (the
“Effective Date”).


     In consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein and other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby
acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:


     1.     Periodic Loans. From and after the Effective Date through and
until the termination of the Term (as hereinafter defined) Counsel Corp may
make periodic loans to Acceris hereunder. However, nothing contained herein
shall be construed as an obligation on the part of Counsel Corp to make any
future advances. Similarly, nothing contained herein alters any obligation on
the part of Counsel Corp and/or understanding of the parties pursuant to any
other arrangement. Acceris agrees to execute and deliver a promissory note
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, evidencing its
obligation to repay Subsequent Advances








 


hereunder (any such promissory note, including the January 26, 2004
promissory note, the “Note”). Any funds advanced by Counsel Corp to Acceris
hereunder during the Term or otherwise subject hereof, including the Original
Advances, the Additional Advance and the Subsequent Advances (the
“Indebtedness”) shall bear interest at a rate equal to ten percent (10%) per
annum from the date thereof and shall be governed by this Loan Agreement and
the Stock Pledge Agreement. Interest shall accrue and be compounded quarterly
and shall result in a corresponding increase in the principal amount of the
Indebtedness.


     2.     Payments of Principal and Interest. All borrowings hereunder,
together with any interest thereon, shall be due and payable to Counsel Corp in
one installment on June 30, 2005 (the “Maturity Date”); provided, however, the
Maturity Date shall be accelerated to the date ten (10) calendar days following
closing under or conclusion of each occurrence of (a) the sale or sales by
Acceris to a third party unrelated to Counsel Corp of the Buyers United, Inc.
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and/or the common stock into which such
stock is convertible owned by Acceris and held by Counsel Corp as security for
the performance by Acceris hereunder pursuant to the Stock Pledge Agreement, or
any portion thereof (a “BUI Sale”) or (b) an equity investment or investments
in Acceris by a third party unrelated to Counsel Corp through the capital
markets, whether pursuant to a registered offering or unregistered offering or
other transaction (an “Equity Investment”); provided, further, however, that
the Maturity Date shall be accelerated with respect only to the portion of the
unpaid Indebtedness equal to the net amount received by Acceris from any such
BUI Sale or any such Equity Investment.


     3.     Prepayments. The Indebtedness may be voluntarily prepaid in
whole or in part without premium or penalty at any time and from time to time.
In making a prepayment in whole, Acceris shall pay all accrued interest through
the date of such prepayment.


     4.     Payment on Business Days. If any payment of principal or
interest on the Indebtedness shall become due on a Saturday, Sunday or public
holiday, such payment may be made on the next succeeding business day, and such
extension of time in such case shall be included in the computation of interest
in connection with such payment.


     5.     Form of Payment. All payments made pursuant to the terms of
this Loan Agreement shall be made in lawful money of the United States of
America and shall be payable to Counsel Corp in Toronto, Ontario or at such
other place as Counsel Corp shall have designated to Acceris in writing.


     6.     Term. The term of this Loan Agreement (the “Term”) shall
commence on the Effective Date and shall terminate on the Maturity Date.


     7.     Events of Default. When any of the following events or
conditions (each an “Event of Default”), other than the Event of Default in
Section 7(d) occurs and is continuing, Counsel Corp may give written notice of
the occurrence of such Event of Default to Acceris and Acceris shall have the
shorter of (i) thirty (30) days or (ii) such remedy period as set forth in this
Section 7 (a) through (g) inclusive after receipt of such written notice within
which to cure such








 


Event of Default. If the Event of Default is not cured within such cure
period, then Counsel Corp may, at its option, elect to declare Acceris to be in
default (a “Default”):


     (a)  Acceris shall fail to pay any of the Indebtedness pursuant to terms of
this Loan Agreement;


     (b)  Acceris fails to comply with any term, obligation, covenant, or
condition contained in this Loan Agreement;


     (c)  Any warranty or representation made to Counsel Corp by Acceris under
this Loan Agreement or proves to have been false when made or furnished;


     (d)  If Acceris voluntarily files a petition under the federal Bankruptcy
Act, as such Act may from time to time be amended, or under any similar or
successor federal statute relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, arrangements or
reorganizations, or under any state bankruptcy or insolvency act, or files an
answer in an involuntary proceeding admitting insolvency or inability to pay
debts, or if Acceris is adjudged a bankrupt, or if a trustee or receiver is
appointed for Acceris’ property, or if Acceris makes an assignment for the
benefit of its creditors, or if there is an attachment, receivership, execution
or other judicial seizure, then Counsel Corp may, at Counsel Corp’s option,
declare all of the Indebtedness to be immediately due and payable without prior
notice to Acceris, and Counsel Corp may invoke any remedies permitted by this
Loan Agreement. Any attorneys’ fees and other expenses incurred by Counsel
Corp in connection with Acceris’ bankruptcy or any of the other events
described in this Section shall be additional Indebtedness of Acceris secured
by this Loan Agreement.


     (e)  There exists a material breach by Acceris under (or a termination by
any party of) a material contract of Acceris (for purposes of this Section 7 a
material contract shall mean any contract resulting in revenues in excess of
$10,000 per annum);


     (f)  Acceris is in default under any funded indebtedness, including but not
limited to indebtedness evidenced by notes or capital leases, of Acceris other
than the amounts loaned pursuant to this Loan Agreement; or


     (g)  If Acceris’ business undergoes a material adverse change in Counsel
Corp’s reasonable opinion.


     If an Event of Default specified in Section 7(d) hereof occurs and is
continuing, the principal amount of the Indebtedness, together with all accrued
and unpaid interest thereon, shall automatically become and be immediately due
and payable, without any declaration or other act on the part of Counsel Corp.


     Any written notification from Counsel Corp to Acceris hereunder shall be
deemed to be written notification of an Event of Default, or Default, or
rescission of acceleration (as provided below), respectively, only if such
notification, communication or other election shall (a) be clearly and
distinctly identified as such a Notice of Event of Default, Notice of Default,
or Notice of Rescission of Acceleration, respectively, and (b) be given by
certified mail, return receipt requested or overnight delivery requiring
acknowledgement of receipt, and any communication between the parties not so
designated and delivered shall not be construed or deemed to be effective
notice under this Section 7.


     8.     Acceleration. At the option of Counsel Corp, upon a Default,
all sums due








 


hereunder shall become immediately due and payable. Counsel Corp, by
notice thereof to Acceris, may rescind an acceleration and its consequences if
all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived in writing.


     9.     Forbearance by Counsel Corp. Any forbearance by Counsel Corp in
exercising any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise afforded by applicable
law, shall not be a waiver of or preclude the exercise of any right or remedy.


     10.     Collection Expenses. If at any time the Indebtedness evidenced
by this Loan Agreement is collected through legal proceedings or the Note, or
any such Note, is placed in the hands of attorneys for collection, Acceris and
each endorser hereof hereby jointly and severally agree to pay all costs and
expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the holder of this
Loan Agreement in collecting or attempting to collect such Indebtedness.


     11.     Waivers. To the extent permitted by law, except as otherwise
provided herein, Acceris, and its respective successors and assigns, hereby
severally waives presentment; protest and demand; notice of protest, demand,
dishonor and nonpayment; diligence in collection, and any relief whatever from
the valuation or appraisement laws of any state.


     12.     Choice of Law. This Loan Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York with the
exception of the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.


     13.     Assignment. This Loan Agreement shall inure to the benefit of,
and be binding upon, the parties and their respective successors and assigns.
This Loan Agreement may not be assigned by Acceris without the prior written
consent of Counsel Corp.


     14.     Headings. The headings and captions in this Loan Agreement are
included for purposes of convenience only and shall not affect the construction
or interpretation of any of its provisions.


     15.     Counterparts. This Loan Agreement may be executed in two or
more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute on and the same instrument.


[See attached signature page]









 





Signature page

to

Loan Agreement

dated as of January 26, 2004



     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Acceris and Counsel Corp have executed this Loan
Agreement as of this 26th day of January, 2004.



	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC.
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	
By:	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	
	 	 
	 	 	 	 	Name:	 	 
	 	 	 	 	
	 	 
	 	 	 	 	Its	 	 
	 	 	 	 	
	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	COUNSEL CORPORATION
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	
By:	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	
	 	 
	 	 	 	 	Name:	 	 
	 	 	 	 	
	 	 
	 	 	 	 	Its	 	 
	 	 	 	 	
	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 









 



EXHIBIT A

PROMISSORY NOTE




	 	 	 
	$ __________	 	__________, 2004



     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Acceris Communications Inc., a Florida corporation
formerly known as I-Link Incorporated (the “Maker”) promises to pay to Counsel
Corporation, an Ontario corporation, or its assigns (the “Payee”), in the
lawful money of the United States of America (“Dollars” or “$”) the principal
sum of __________ Dollars ($ __________) funded from time to
time by Payee to Maker, together with interest thereon as set forth herein, on
or before the Maturity Date as provided below and in accordance with the
provisions of that certain Loan Agreement dated as of January 26, 2004 between
the Maker and Payee as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated,
the “Loan Agreement.” Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have
the meanings ascribed to them in the Loan Agreement.


     1.     Interest. The outstanding principal amount of this Promissory
Note (the “Note”), together with unpaid interest, shall bear interest at the
rate of ten percent (10%) per annum commencing on the date funded as to
principal hereunder, which interest shall accrue and be compounded quarterly
and shall result in a corresponding increase in the principal amount of the
Indebtedness.


     2.     Time and Place of Payment. The Indebtedness shall be due and
payable in full on June 30, 2005 (the “Maturity Date”); provided, however, the
Maturity Date shall be accelerated to the date ten (10) calendar days following
closing under or conclusion of each occurrence of (a) the sale or sales by
Maker to a third party unrelated to Payee of the Buyers United, Inc. Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock and/or the common stock into which such stock is
convertible owned by Maker and held by Payee as security for the performance by
Maker hereunder pursuant to the Stock Pledge Agreement between the Maker and
Payee (as hereinafter defined), or any portion thereof (a “BUI Sale”) or (b) an
equity investment or investments in Maker by a third party unrelated to Payee
through the capital markets, whether pursuant to a registered offering or
unregistered offering or other transaction (an “Equity Investment”); provided,
further, however, that the Maturity Date shall be accelerated with respect only
to the portion of the unpaid Indebtedness equal to the net amount received by
Maker from any such BUI Sale or any such Equity Investment.


     3.     The Indebtedness, including that portion of the Indebtedness
represented by this Note, is secured pursuant to that Amended and Restated
Stock Pledge Agreement between the Maker and Payee dated as of January 26,
2004, executed and delivered concurrent herewith as the same has been amended,
modified, extended or restated, the “Stock Pledge Agreement.”


     4.     Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
events or conditions shall constitute an event of default (each an “Event of
Default”):


     (a)  Maker shall fail to pay any of the Indebtedness pursuant to terms of
this Note;


     (b)  Maker shall fail to comply with any term, obligation, covenant, or
condition contained in any agreement between Maker and Payee (each, an
“Agreement”);


     (c)  Any warranty or representation made to Payee by Maker under any
Agreement proves to have been false when made or furnished;


     (d)  If Maker voluntarily files a petition under the federal Bankruptcy
Act, as such Act may from time to time be amended, or under any similar or
successor federal statute relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, arrangements or
reorganizations, or under any state bankruptcy or insolvency act, or files an
answer in an involuntary proceeding admitting insolvency or inability to pay
debts, or if Maker is adjudged a bankrupt, or if a trustee or receiver is
appointed for Maker’s property, or if Maker makes an assignment for the benefit
of its creditors, or if there is an attachment, receivership, execution or
other


 






 


judicial seizure, then Payee may, at Payee’s option, declare all of the
Indebtedness to be immediately due and payable without prior notice to Maker,
and Payee may invoke any remedies permitted by this Note. Any attorneys’ fees
and other expenses incurred by Payee in connection with Maker’s bankruptcy or
any of the other events described in this Section 3 shall be additional
Indebtedness of Maker secured by this Note.


     (e)  There exists a material breach by Maker under (or a termination by any
party of) a material contract of Maker (for purposes of this Section 4 a
material contract shall mean any contract resulting in revenues of in excess of
$10,000 per annum);


     (f)  Maker is in default under any funded indebtedness, including but not
limited to indebtedness evidenced by notes or capital leases, of Maker other
than the amounts loaned pursuant to this Note; or


     (g)  If Maker’s business undergoes a material adverse change in Payee’s
reasonable opinion.


     If an Event of Default specified in Section 4(d) hereof occurs and is
continuing, the principal amount of the Indebtedness, together with all accrued
and unpaid interest thereon, shall automatically become and be immediately due
and payable, without any declaration or other act on the part of Payee.


     5.     Acceleration. Upon an Event of Default, the Payee may give
written notice to the Maker of the occurrence of such Event of Default and
Maker shall have the shorter of (i) thirty (30) days or (ii) such remedy period
as set forth in the applicable provisions of Section 4 within which to cure
such Event of Default. If the Event of Default is not cured within the
applicable cure period, then, at the option of the Payee, Payee may declare the
Maker in default (a “Default”) and all sums due hereunder shall become
immediately due and payable.


     Any written notification from Payee to Maker hereunder shall be deemed to
be written notification of an Event of Default, or Default, or rescission of
Acceleration (as provided below), respectively, only if such notification,
communication or other election shall (a) be clearly and distinctly identified
as such a Notice of Event of Default, Notice of Default, or Notice of
Rescission of Acceleration, respectively, and (b) be given by certified mail,
return receipt requested or overnight delivery requiring acknowledgement of
receipt, and any communication between the parties not so designated and
delivered shall not be construed or deemed to be effective notice under this
Section 5.


     6.     Waivers. The Maker hereby waives presentment, demand for
payment, notice of dishonor and any and all other notices or demands in
connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement
of this Note and hereby consents to any waivers or modifications that may be
granted or consented to by the Payee of this Note. No waiver by the Payee or
any breach of any covenant of the Maker herein contained or any term or
condition hereof shall be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach of the
same or of any other covenant, term or condition whatsoever.


     7.     Enforcement. In the event that any Payee of this Note shall
institute any action for the enforcement or the collection of this Note, there
shall be immediately due and payable, in addition to the unpaid balance of this
Note, all late charges, and all costs and expenses of such action including
reasonable attorney’s fees. The Maker waives the right to interpose any
setoff, counterclaim or defense of any nature or description whatsoever.


     8.     Replacement of Note. Upon receipt by the Maker of evidence
satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note,
and (in case of loss, theft or destruction) of an indemnity reasonably
satisfactory to it, and upon reimbursement to the Make of all reasonable
expenses incidental thereto, and upon surrender and cancellation of this Note
if mutilated, the Maker will make and delivery a new Note of like tenor in lieu
of this Note.


     9.     Amendments. This Note may not be changed, modified, amended, or
terminated except by a writing duly executed by the Maker and the Payee.


2






 


     10.     Governing Law. This Note shall be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.


     11.     Assignment. This Note may not be assigned, in whole or in
part, by operation of law or otherwise, by the Maker without the prior written
consent of the Payee in its sole and absolute discretion, and any purported
assignment without the express prior written consent of the Payee shall be void
ab initio. The Payee may assign any or all of its rights and interests
hereunder to any party. Subject to the foregoing, this Note shall be binding
upon, and inure to the benefit of, the successors and assigns of the Payee and
the Maker.


[See attached Signature Page]



3






 





Signature Page

to Promissory Note

dated as of __________, 2004



     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Maker has executed this Promissory Note by its
duly authorized officer as of the __________ day of __________, 2004.



	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	ACCERIS
COMMUNICATIONS INC.
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	
By:	 	 
	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	
Name:	 	 
	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	
Title:	 	 
	 	 	 	 	





4