Ex-10.1 Lease dated October 21, 2003



 



Exhibit 10.1


LEASE


THIS LEASE is made between the Landlord and the Tenant named below effective as
of the date that this Lease is last executed by Landlord and Tenant.


BASIC LEASE TERMS AND INFORMATION


Landlord: BR Partners Three, LLC, an

Indiana limited liability company


Address for mail and deliveries:

c/o Lauth Property Group,

9777 North College Avenue,

Indianapolis, Indiana 46280,

Attention – President

Telephone: (317) 848-6500

Facsimile: (317) 848-6511

Electronic Address: www.lauthproperty.com


Tenant: Platinum Propane of Los Angeles, LLC,

a California limited liability company.


Address for mail and deliveries:

104 Cambridge Plaza Drive,

Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27104

Attention: Dave Slone

Copy to: General Counsel

Telephone: (336) 659-6958

Facsimile: (336) 331-6958

Electronic Address: dslone@bluerhino.com


Premises: The land more particularly

described in Exhibit “A” attached hereto

and all improvements located thereon,

including but not limited to any

improvements to be constructed pursuant

to this Lease.


Lease Term: 180 months, with three (3) options

to extend the Lease five (5) years each as

provided in Section 33(p).



	 	 	 
	Target Commencement Date:	 	
January 1, 2004




	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Monthly Base Rent Schedule:	 	Months	 	Monthly Amount	 	Annual Amount
	 	 	
	 	
	 	

	 
	 	 	1-12	 	 	$	35,542	 	 	$	426,506	 
	 
	 	 	13-24	 	 	$	36,431	 	 	$	437,169	 
	 
	 	 	25-36	 	 	$	37,341	 	 	$	448,098	 
	 
	 	 	37-48	 	 	$	38,275	 	 	$	459,300	 
	 
	 	 	48-60	 	 	$	39,232	 	 	$	470,783	 
	 
	 	 	61-72	 	 	$	40,213	 	 	$	482,552	 



 






 




	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	73-84	 	 	$	41,218	 	 	$	494,616	 
	 
	 	 	85-96	 	 	$	42,248	 	 	$	506,982	 
	 
	 	 	97-108	 	 	$	43,305	 	 	$	519,656	 
	 
	 	 	109-120	 	 	$	44,387	 	 	$	532,648	 
	 
	 	 	121-132	 	 	$	45,497	 	 	$	545,964	 
	 
	 	 	133-144	 	 	$	46,634	 	 	$	559,613	 
	 
	 	 	145-156	 	 	$	47,800	 	 	$	573,603	 
	 
	 	 	157-168	 	 	$	48,995	 	 	$	587,943	 
	 
	 	 	169-180	 	 	$	50,220	 	 	$	602,642	 





	 	 	 
	Security Deposit:	 	
$ None
	 	 	 
	Outside Broker:	 	
Patrick Zimmer of Development Advisors
	 	 	 
	Permitted Use:	 	
Refurbishing, refilling and distributing
propane tanks not to exceed 100 pounds.
	 	 	 
	Addenda:	 	
None



     1.     Granting Clause. In consideration of the obligation of Tenant to pay
rent as herein provided and in consideration of the other terms, covenants, and
conditions hereof, Landlord leases to Tenant, and Tenant takes from Landlord,
the Premises, to have and to hold for the Lease Term, subject to the terms,
covenants and conditions of this Lease. The Lease Term shall commence on the
first to occur of (i) the Target Commencement Date, provided that “Substantial
Completion” (as herein defined) of Landlord’s Work has occurred; (ii) the day
Tenant’s personnel first conduct business at the Premises; (iii) the 30th day
following Landlord’s notice to Tenant that Substantial Completion of Landlord’s
Work has occurred; or (iv) the 30th day following Landlord’s notice to Tenant
that Substantial Completion of Landlord’s Work would have occurred, in
Landlord’s reasonable discretion, but for a cessation or delay in Landlord’s
Work due to issues related to wildlife habitat conservation (the “Commencement
Date”) and shall end on the date that follows the remainder of the month in
which the Commencement Date occurs plus the number of full months in the Lease
Term, as may be extended as provided herein.


     2.     Acceptance of Premise. Landlord shall make all improvements as
described in Exhibit “B-1” (Scope of Work) and

Exhibit “B-2” (Schedule of
Preliminary Design Approvals) (these exhibits are collectively referred to
herein as “Landlord’s Work”). Tenant may have access to the Premises prior to
the Commencement Date for the purpose of installing its fixtures, equipment and
furnishings, if any; provided that, Tenant shall coordinate the installation of
such fixtures, equipment and furnishings so that such installation does not
interfere with Landlord’s Work and Tenant shall agree to abide by all the
provisions of the Lease, other than the payment of rent, upon such access.
Landlord shall (i) obtain all permits and approvals necessary for the
completion of Landlord’s Work, and (ii) complete Landlord’s Work in compliance
with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations. Landlord’s Work shall be
deemed to be substantially completed on the date that Landlord delivers to
Tenant a certificate of Substantial Completion issued by Landlord’s project
architect indicating that Landlord’s Work has been completed subject only to
identified “punch-list” items that do not materially affect Tenant’s ability to
use the Premises and further certifying that Landlord’s Work is in compliance
with all current Legal Requirements (as defined below) and that the utility
services specified in Landlord’s Work have been brought to the Premises
(hereinafter referred to as “Substantial Completion”). Tenant shall have the right to
accompany Landlord in inspecting the Premises for punch-list items, and
Landlord shall use its best efforts to have all punch-list items completed
within sixty (60) days. Tenant agrees that all work on its initial and any
subsequent improvements shall be performed by Lauth Property Group or a
subsidiary or affiliate of Landlord which shall receive a fee as Landlord’s
construction manager or general contractor;


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provided, however, that if Tenant
complies with Section 14 below Tenant may perform subsequent improvements
itself, or hire a third party to perform such work, in the event that (i) the
proposed price/fee for any work to be performed by Lauth Property Group or a
subsidiary or affiliate of Landlord materially exceeds the local market price
for such work, or (ii) any prior work performed by Lauth Property Group or a
subsidiary or affiliate of Landlord for Tenant or an affiliate of Tenant was
not performed in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Tenant or an affiliate of
Tenant. Landlord and Tenant shall execute an Acceptance Letter And Rent
Commencement Date Agreement as described in Exhibit “C” attached hereto, which
shall become part of this Lease. Landlord covenants and agrees that it will
repair at its sole cost and expense all defects in workmanship and materials in
Landlord’s Work of which Landlord is notified within one (1) year of the
issuance of the certificate of Substantial Completion. Landlord also shall
provide to Tenant the benefit of any and all warranties and guarantees of the
contractor, subcontractors, installers, suppliers and manufacturers during said
one (1) year warranty period and for the longer warranty periods applicable to
other systems, subject in each case to any limitations and exclusions set forth
therein.


     3.     Use. The Premises shall be used only for the Permitted Use and for no
other purpose without Landlord’s prior written consent, which consent shall not
be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Tenant will use the Premises in a careful,
safe and proper manner and, subject to ordinary wear and tear, will not commit
waste, overload the floor or structure of the Premises or subject the Premises
to use that would damage the Premises. Tenant shall not permit any
objectionable or unpleasant odors, smoke, dust, gas, noise, or vibrations to
emanate from the Premises, or take any other action that would constitute a
nuisance or would disturb, unreasonably interfere with, or endanger Landlord or
any other party. Tenant, at its sole expense, shall use and occupy the Premises
in compliance with all laws, including, without limitation, the Americans With
Disabilities Act, orders, judgments, ordinances, regulations, codes,
directives, permits, licenses, covenants and restrictions now or hereafter
applicable to the Premises (collectively, “Legal Requirements”). The Premises
shall not be used as a place of public accommodation under the Americans With
Disabilities Act or similar state statutes or local ordinances or any
regulations promulgated thereunder, all as may be amended from time to time.
Tenant shall, at its expense, make any alterations or modifications, to the
Premises, that are required as a result of changes in Legal Requirements after
the Commencement Date. Tenant will not use or permit the Premises to be used
for any purpose or in any manner that would (a) void any insurance on the
Premises; (b) increase the insurance risk beyond that applicable to the
Permitted Use; or (c) cause the disallowance of any sprinkler credits; (d) be
prohibited by any applicable laws, rules regulations, ordinances, or
restrictions of any government entity; or (e) violate any applicable agreements
to which Tenant is bound or of which Tenant has notice. If any increase in the
cost of any insurance on the Premises over that applicable to the Permitted Use
is caused by Tenant’s use or occupation of the Premises, or because Tenant
vacates the Premises, then Tenant shall pay the amount of such increase to
Landlord. Any occupation of the Premises by Tenant prior to the Commencement
Date shall be subject to all obligations of Tenant under this Lease other than
the payment of rent.


     4.     Base Rent. Throughout the Lease Term, Tenant shall pay Base Rent in
the amount set forth above. Tenant promises to pay to Landlord in advance,
without demand, deduction or set-off, monthly installments of Base Rent and
Additional Rent on or before the first day of each calendar month commencing on
the Commencement Date. If the Lease Term commences or expires on a date other
than the first day or the last day of a calendar month, respectively, then the
Rent payable for such partial calendar month shall be an amount equal to the
monthly installment of Rent otherwise then in effect, divided by the number of
days in the full calendar month during which the Lease Term commences or
expires, respectively, and multiplied by the number of days in the partial
calendar month after and including the Commencement Date or before and
including the date of expiration, respectively, and provided further that the
Rent for any partial calendar month at the commencement of the Initial Lease
Term shall be payable on
the first day of the first full calendar month during the Lease Term. All
sums, liabilities, obligations and other amounts which Tenant is required to
pay or discharge pursuant to this Lease in addition to Base Rent, including
without limitation assessments or common area maintenance charges due and
payable to any applicable ownership associations, together with any interest,
penalty, or other sum which may be added for late payment thereof, shall
constitute additional rent hereunder (herein called “Additional Rent”). In the
event of any failure on the part of Tenant to pay or discharge any of the
foregoing, Landlord shall have all rights, powers and remedies provided for
herein (or by law or equity or otherwise) in the case of nonpayment of


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Base Rent. All payments required to be made by Tenant to Landlord hereunder shall
be payable at such address as Landlord may specify from time to time by written
notice delivered in accordance herewith. The obligation of Tenant to pay Base
Rent and Additional Rent (sometimes hereinafter collectively referred to as
“Rent”) and the obligations of Landlord under this Lease are independent
obligations. Tenant shall have no right at any time to abate, reduce, or
set-off any Rent due hereunder.


     5.     Late Charges. Any amount not paid by Tenant within five (5) days after
its due date in accordance with the terms of this Lease shall bear interest
from such due date until paid in full at the lesser of (i) the highest rate
permitted by applicable law or (ii) the greater of twelve percent (12%) per
annum or the Prime Rate (as reported in the Wall Street Journal) of interest
(“Prime Rate”) plus four percent (4%) per annum. It is expressly the intent of
Landlord and Tenant at all times to comply with applicable law governing the
maximum rate or amount of any interest payable on or in connection with this
Lease. If applicable law is ever judicially interpreted so as to render
usurious any interest called for under this Lease, or contracted for, charged,
taken, reserved, or received with respect to this Lease, then it is Landlord’s
and Tenant’s express intent that all excess amounts theretofore collected by
Landlord be credited on the applicable obligation (or, if the obligation has
been or would thereby be paid in full, refunded to Tenant), and the provisions
of this Lease immediately shall be deemed reformed and the amounts thereafter
collectible hereunder reduced, without the necessity of the execution of any
new document, so as to comply with the applicable law, but so as to permit the
recovery of the fullest amount otherwise called for hereunder.


     6.     Security Deposit. The requirement for a Security Deposit has been
waived by Landlord.


     7.     Utilities. Tenant shall pay for all water, gas, electricity, heat,
light, power, telephone, sewer, sprinkler services, refuse and trash
collection, and other utilities and services used on the Premises, and any
storm sewer charges or other similar charges for utilities imposed by any
governmental entity or utility provider, together with any taxes, penalties,
surcharges or the like pertaining to Tenant’s use of the Premises. Tenant, at
its expense, shall do anything necessary to maintain the continuation of such
services; but nothing contained in this Lease shall constitute any consent or
request by Landlord, express or implied, for the performance of any labor or
services or the furnishing of any materials or other property in such fashion
as would permit the making of any claim against Landlord or the Premises in
respect thereof. No interruption or failure of utilities shall result in the
termination of this Lease or the abatement of rent.


     8.     Taxes. Tenant shall pay before the time when due, all taxes, payments
in lieu of taxes, assessments and governmental charges that accrue against the
Premises, including without limitation the special tax levied by Community
Facilities District No. 89-1 (Agua Mansa Industrial Center), any Development
Mitigation Fees and any assessments related to the Western Riverside County
Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (collectively referred to as “Taxes”)
during the Lease Term. Landlord may contest by appropriate legal proceedings
the amount, validity, or application of any Taxes or liens thereof. All
capital levies or other taxes assessed or imposed on Landlord upon the Rent
payable to Landlord under this Lease and any franchise tax, excise,
transaction, sales or privilege tax, assessment, levy or charge measured by or
based, in whole or in part, upon such Rents from the Premises or any portion
thereof shall be paid by Tenant or upon demand; provided, however, in no event
shall Tenant be liable for any net income taxes imposed on Landlord unless such
net income taxes are in substitution for any Taxes payable hereunder. If any
such tax or excise is levied or assessed directly against Tenant, then Tenant
shall be responsible for and shall pay the same at such times and in
such manner as the taxing authority shall require. Tenant shall be liable
for all taxes levied or assessed against any personal property or fixtures
placed in the Premises, whether levied or assessed against Landlord or Tenant.
Tenant shall furnish to Landlord evidence of payment of any amount payable
under this Paragraph before the same is due and shall furnish to Landlord,
within ten (10) days after reasonable demand by Landlord, proof of the payment
of any other amount which is the obligation of Tenant hereunder. In the event
that Landlord becomes obligated to a mortgagee to make payments for taxes and
assessments in accordance with the terms of the mortgage, upon notice thereof
by Landlord, Tenant shall pay to Landlord on the payment dates for Base Rent,
the amounts required by the mortgagee. Tenant shall not be liable to Landlord,
any mortgagee or third party for any taxes and assessments with respect to the
Premises for which Tenant has deposited available funds with Landlord to pay
such taxes and assessments. Tenant shall satisfy


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the requirements of any
public or private incentives, abatements or other benefits awarded to Tenant or
the Premises, and Tenant shall indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from any
loss, cost or damage, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys fees
resulting at any time during the Lease Term or thereafter as a result of
Tenant’s failure to satisfy such requirements.


     9.     Insurance.


     Tenant, at its expense, shall maintain during the Lease Term (i) all risk
property insurance covering the full replacement cost of all property,
betterments and improvements of the Premises including coverage for earthquake;
(ii) worker’s compensation insurance with no less than the minimum limits
required by law; (iii) employer’s liability insurance with such limits as
required by law; (iv) a minimum of twelve (12) months of business interruption
insurance; and (v) general commercial liability insurance, with a minimum limit
of $1,000,000 per occurrence and a minimum umbrella limit of $1,000,000, for a
total minimum combined general liability and umbrella limit of $2,000,000
(together with such additional umbrella coverage as Landlord may reasonably
require) for property damage, personal injuries, bodily injuries, or deaths of
persons occurring in or about the Premises (vi) pollution liability insurance
covering any hazardous material or chemicals. Landlord may from time to time
require reasonable increases in any such limits. The general commercial
liability policy shall name Landlord as an additional insured, insure on an
occurrence and not a claims-made basis, be issued by insurance companies which
have an A.M. Best rating of A- or better, not be cancelable unless 30 days
prior written notice shall have been given to Landlord, contain a contractual
liability endorsement and provide primary coverage to Landlord (any policy
issued to Landlord providing duplicate or similar coverage shall be deemed
excess over Tenant’s policies). Such policies or certificates thereof shall be
delivered to Landlord by Tenant prior to the Commencement Date and upon each
renewal of said insurance.


     The all risk property insurance shall include a waiver of subrogation by
the insurers and a waiver of all rights based upon an assignment from its
insured, against Landlord or Tenant, their officers, directors, employees,
managers, agents and invitees , in connection with any loss or damage thereby
insured against. Neither party nor its officers, directors, employees,
managers, agents, invitees or contractors shall be liable to the other for loss
or damage caused by any risk coverable by all risk property insurance, and each
party waives any claims against the other party, and its officers, directors,
employees, managers, agents, invitees and contractors for such loss or damage.
The failure of a party to insure its property shall not void this waiver.
Landlord and its agents, employees and contractors shall not be liable for, and
Tenant hereby waives all claims against such parties for, business interruption
and losses occasioned thereby sustained by Tenant or any person claiming
through Tenant resulting from any accident or occurrence in or upon the
Premises from any cause whatsoever, except to the extent set forth in Section
12 below provided the indemnification provisions of Section 12 do not void the
waiver of subrogation.


     10.     Restoration. If at any time during the Lease Term the Premises are
damaged by a fire or other casualty, Landlord shall notify Tenant within thirty
(30) days after such damage as to the amount of time Landlord reasonably
estimates it will take to restore the Premises. If the restoration time is
estimated to exceed two hundred ten (210) days, then either Landlord or Tenant
may elect to terminate this Lease upon written notice to the other party given
no later than thirty (30) days after Landlord’s notice. If neither party
elects to terminate this Lease or if Landlord estimates that restoration will
take two hundred ten (210) days or less, then Landlord
shall promptly restore the Premises excluding the Tenant-Made Alterations
or Trade Fixtures and improvements paid for by Tenant whether or not installed
by Landlord, subject to receipt of sufficient insurance proceeds, delays
arising from the collection of insurance proceeds or from Force Majeure events.
Tenant at Tenant’s expense shall promptly perform, subject to delays arising
from the collection of insurance proceeds, or from Force Majeure events, all
repairs or restoration not required to be done by Landlord and shall promptly
reenter the Premises and commence doing business in accordance with this Lease.
Tenant shall pay to Landlord with respect to any damage to the Premises the
amount of the deductible under Landlord’s insurance policy within ten (10) days
after presentment of Landlord’s invoice. Rent shall not abate during the
period of restoration.


     11.     Condemnation. If the whole or any part of the Premises shall be taken
for public or quasi-public use by a governmental or other authority having the
power of eminent domain or shall be conveyed to such authority in lieu of such
taking, and if such taking or conveyance shall


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cause the remaining part of the
Premises to be untenantable or inadequate for use by Tenant for the purpose for
which they were leased, then either Landlord or Tenant may, at their respective
option, terminate this Lease as of the date Tenant is required to surrender
possession of the Premises by giving written notice of such termination to the
other party. If a part of the Premises shall be taken or conveyed but the
remaining part is tenantable and adequate for Tenant’s use, then this Lease
shall be terminated as to the part taken or conveyed as of the date Tenant
surrenders possession; Landlord shall make such repairs, alterations and
improvements as may be necessary to render the part not taken or conveyed
tenantable; and the rent shall be reduced in proportion to the part of the
Premises so taken or conveyed. However, if Landlord reasonable determines the
compensation awarded (reduced by any application thereof by Landlord’s mortgage
to its mortgage) is insufficient to restore the Premises, Landlord shall have
the option to terminate this Lease as of the date Tenant is required to
surrender possession of the Premises by giving Tenant written notice of such
termination. All compensation awarded for such taking or conveyance shall be
the property of Landlord without any deduction therefrom for any present or
future estate of Tenant, and Tenant hereby assigns to Landlord all its right,
title and interest in and to any such award. However, Tenant shall have the
right to recover from such authority, but not from Landlord, such compensation
as may be awarded to Tenant on account of moving and relocation expenses and
depreciation to and removal of Tenant’s property to the extent such
compensation does not reduce Landlord’s award.


     12.     Indemnification. Tenant will protect, indemnify and save harmless
Landlord from and against all liabilities, obligations, claims, damages,
penalties, causes of action, costs and expenses (including, without limitation,
reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) imposed upon or incurred by or
asserted against Landlord by reason of the occurrence or existence of any of
the following during the Lease Term or thereafter, except to the extent, and
only to the extent, caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord
or its agents, employees or contractors: (a) ownership of the Premises or any
interest therein or receipt of any rent or other sum therefrom, (b) any
accident, injury to or death of persons or loss of or damage to property
occurring on or about the Premises or any part thereof or occurring on or about
the adjoining sidewalks, curbs, loading docks, stairs, vaults and vault space,
if any, streets or ways as a result of or in connection with the other party’s
use or occupancy of the Premises, (c) any occupancy, use, nonuse or condition
of the Premises or any part thereof or any use, nonuse or condition of the
adjoining sidewalks, curbs, vaults and vault space, if any, streets or ways
resulting from the other party’s use or occupancy of the Premises, (d) any
failure on the part of the other party to perform or comply with any of the
terms of this Lease, or (e) performance of any labor or services or the
furnishing of any materials or other property in respect of the Premises or any
part thereof. Landlord will protect, indemnify and save harmless Tenant from
and against all liabilities, obligations, claims, damages, penalties, causes of
action, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable
attorneys’ fees and expenses) imposed upon or incurred by or asserted against
Tenant to the extent, and only to the extent, caused by the negligence or
willful misconduct of Landlord or its agents, employees or contractors. In case
any action, suit or proceeding is brought against a party entitled to
indemnification hereunder, the other party, upon request, and at that other
party’s expense, shall resist and defend such action, suit or proceeding or
cause the same to be resisted and defended by counsel designated
and reasonably approved by the parties. The obligations of the parties
under this Paragraph shall survive any termination of this Lease. The
furnishing of insurance required hereunder shall not be deemed to limit either
party’s obligations under this Paragraph.


     13.     Tenant’s Repairs. Tenant, at its expense, shall promptly make all
repairs and replacements of every kind and nature, whether foreseen or
unforeseen, which may be required to be made upon or in connection with the
Premises. Landlord shall not be required to make any repair, whether foreseen
or unforeseen, or to maintain any of the Premises in any way. Any repair or
replacement shall be performed at the Tenant’s expense by contractors approved
by Landlord, or at Landlord’s option, by Landlord. Such repair and
replacements include capital expenditures and repairs whose benefit extend
beyond the Lease Term. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and
other mechanical and building systems serving the Premises shall be maintained
at Tenant’s expense pursuant to maintenance service contracts entered into by
Tenant. The scope of services and contractors under such maintenance contracts
shall be reasonably approved by Landlord. If Tenant fails to perform any
repair or replacement for which it is responsible, Landlord may perform such
work and be reimbursed by Tenant within ten (10) days after demand therefor.
Subject to the Restoration and Condemnation Paragraphs, Tenant shall bear the
full cost of any repair or replacement to any part of the Premises that results
from


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damage caused by Tenant, its agents, contractors, or invitees and any
repair that benefits only the Premises. If any present or future improvements
to the Premises are made or authorized to be made by Tenant, its agents or
employees, and such improvements shall encroach upon any property or street
adjacent to the Premises, or shall violate any agreement or condition contained
in any restrictive covenant affecting or applicable to the Premises, or shall
impair the rights of others under any easement or right-of-way to which the
Premises are subject, then upon request of Landlord, Tenant, at its cost and
expense, shall take such action as shall be necessary to remove such
encroachments or end such violation or impairment. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Tenant shall not be required to remove any such encroachments if
Tenant has or obtains such easements, licenses or similar rights as may be
necessary to permit such encroachments to remain.


     14.     Tenant-Made Alterations and Trade Fixtures. Tenant may make
alterations and improvements to the Premises that are not structural and will
not diminish the value of the Premises at the expiration of the Lease Term.
Any alterations or improvements made by or on behalf of Tenant to the Premises
(“Tenant-Made Alterations”) shall become part of the Premises. Tenant shall
cause, at its expense, all Tenant-Made Alterations to comply with insurance
requirements and with Legal Requirements and shall construct at its expense any
alteration or modification required by Legal Requirements as a result of any
Tenant-Made Alterations. All “Tenant Made Alterations” shall be made in
accordance with all applicable laws, regulations and building codes, in a good
and workmanlike manner and of quality equal to or better than the original
construction of the Premises. Tenant, at its own cost and expense and without
Landlord’s prior approval, may erect such shelves, bins, machinery and trade
fixtures (collectively “Trade Fixtures”) in the ordinary course of its business
provided that such items do not alter the basic character of the Premises, do
not overload or damage the Premises, and may be removed without injury to the
Premises, and the construction, erection, and installation thereof complies
with all Legal Requirements and with Landlord’s requirements set forth above.
Upon Landlord’s election, Tenant, at its expense, shall remove its Trade
Fixtures and shall immediately repair any damage caused by such removal, prior
to the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease. Notwithstanding
anything in the foregoing, implied or expressed to the contrary, Landlord has
not consented to any work that would permit the making of any claim against
Landlord or the Premises in respect thereof.


     15.     Signs. All exterior signs shall be subject to Landlord’s reasonable
approval and conform in all respects to Landlord’s reasonable requirements and
to all applicable government regulations.


     16.     Assignment and Subletting. Without Landlord’s prior written consent,
Tenant shall not assign this Lease or sublease the Premises or any part thereof
or mortgage, pledge, or hypothecate its leasehold interest or grant any
concession or license within the Premises and any attempt to do any of the
foregoing shall be void and of no effect. For purposes of this Paragraph, a
direct or indirect transfer of substantially all of the ownership interests or
the control of Tenant shall be deemed an assignment of this Lease. Landlord
agrees not to unreasonably withhold consent to a transfer if the transferee is
a subsidiary or parent company of Tenant and such transferee has a financial
condition, creditworthiness and business reputation equal to or greater than
that of Tenant’s. Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for all of Landlord’s
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with any assignment or
sublease. Upon Landlord’s receipt of Tenant’s written notice of a desire to
assign or sublet the Premises, or any part thereof, Landlord may, by giving
written notice to Tenant within thirty (30) days after receipt of Tenant’s
notice, terminate this Lease as of the date specified in Tenant’s notice for
the commencement of the proposed assignment or sublease. Notwithstanding any
assignment or subletting, Tenant and any guarantor or surety of Tenant’s
obligations under this Lease shall at all times remain fully responsible and
liable for the payment of the Rent and for compliance with all of Tenant’s
other obligations under this Lease (regardless of whether Landlord’s approval
has been obtained for any such assignments or sublettings). In the event that
the rent due and payable by a sublessee or assignee (or a combination of the
rental payable under such sublease or assignment plus any bonus or other
consideration therefor or incident thereto) exceeds the Rent payable under this
Lease, then Tenant shall be bound and obligated to pay Landlord as Additional
Rent hereunder all such excess rental and other excess consideration within ten
(10) days following receipt thereof by Tenant. Without in any way limiting
Landlord’s right to refuse to consent to any assignment or subletting of this
Lease, Landlord reserves the right to refuse to give such consent if in
Landlord’s opinion (i) the Premises may be in any way adversely affected; (ii)
the business


7






 


reputation of the proposed assignee or subtenant is unacceptable;
or (iii) the financial worth or creditworthiness of the proposed assignee or
subtenant is less than that of Tenant.


     If this Lease be assigned or if the Premises be subleased (whether in
whole or in part) or in the event of the mortgage, pledge or hypothecation of
Tenant’s leasehold interest or grant of any concession or license within the
Premises or if the Premises be occupied in whole or in part by anyone other
than Tenant, then upon a default by Tenant hereunder Landlord may collect Rent
from the assignee, sublessee, mortgagee, pledgee, party to whom the leasehold
interest was hypothecated, concessionee or licensee or other occupant and,
except to the extent set forth in the preceding Paragraph, apply the amount
collected to the Rent payable hereunder; and all such rentals collected by
Tenant shall be held in trust for Landlord and immediately forwarded to
Landlord. No such transaction or collection of Rent for application thereof
by Landlord, however, shall be deemed a waiver of these provisions or a
release of Tenant from the further performance by Tenant of its covenants,
duties or obligations hereunder.


     17.     Inspection and Access. Landlord and its agents, representatives and
contractors may enter the Premises during Tenant’s normal business hours or in
the event of an emergency to inspect the Premises and to make such repairs as
may be required or permitted pursuant to this Lease and for any other business
purpose. Landlord and Landlord’s representatives may enter the Premises during
business hours for the purpose of showing the Premises to prospective
purchasers and, during the last year of the Lease Term, to prospective tenants.
Landlord may erect a suitable sign on the Premises stating the Premises are
available to let or for sale. Landlord may grant easements, make public
dedications, designate common areas and create restrictions on or about the
Premises, provided that no such easement, dedication, designation or
restriction materially interferes with Tenant’s use or occupancy of the
Premises. At Landlord’s request, Tenant shall execute such instruments as may
be necessary for such easements, dedications or restrictions.


     18.     Surrender. Upon the expiration of the Lease Term or earlier
termination of Tenant’s right of possession, Tenant shall surrender the
Premises to Landlord in the same condition as received, broom clean, ordinary
wear and tear and casualty loss and condemnation covered by the Restoration and
Condemnation Paragraphs excepted. Any Trade Fixtures, Tenant-Made Alterations
and property not so removed by Tenant as permitted or required herein shall be
deemed abandoned and may be stored, removed, and disposed of by Landlord at
Tenant’s expense, and Tenant waives all claims against Landlord for any damages
resulting from Landlord’s retention and disposition of such property. All
obligations of Tenant hereunder not fully performed as of the termination of
the Lease Term shall survive the termination of the Lease Term, including
without limitation, indemnity obligations, and obligations concerning the
condition and repair of the Premises.


     19.     Holding Over. If Tenant retains possession of the Premises after the
termination of the Lease Term, unless otherwise agreed in writing, such
possession shall be subject to immediate termination by Landlord at any time,
and all of the other terms and provisions of this Lease (excluding any
expansion or renewal option or other similar right or option) shall be
applicable during such holdover period, except that Tenant shall pay Landlord
from time to time, upon demand, as Base Rent for the holdover period, an amount
equal to double the Base Rent in effect on the termination date, computed on a
monthly basis for each month or part thereof during such holding over. All
other payments shall continue under the terms of this Lease. In addition,
Tenant shall be liable for all damages incurred by Landlord as a result of such
holding over. No holding over by Tenant, whether with or without consent of
Landlord, shall operate to extend this Lease except as otherwise expressly
provided.


     20.     Events of Default. Each of the following events shall be an event of
default (“Event of Default”) by Tenant under this Lease:



		
	 	     (i) Tenant shall fail to pay any installment of Base Rent,
Additional Rent or any other payment required herein when due; provided
that no more than two (2) times per twelve (12) month period, Landlord
shall give Tenant written notice of such Event of Default and Tenant may
cure such Event of Default by tendering the delinquent payment within
five (5) days of the receipt of Landlord’s notice.
	 
	 	     (ii) Tenant or any guarantor or surety of Tenant’s obligations
hereunder shall (A) make a general assignment for the benefit of
creditors; (B) commence any case,



8






 







		
	 	proceeding or other action seeking to
have an order for relief entered on its behalf as a debtor or adjudicate
it as bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking reorganization, arrangement,
adjustment, liquidation, dissolution or composition of it or its debts or
seeking appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar
official for it or for all or of any substantial part of its property
(collectively a “proceeding for relief”); (C) become the subject of any
proceeding for relief which is not dismissed within sixty (60) days of
its filing or entry; or (D) die or suffer a legal disability (if Tenant,
guarantor, or surety is an individual) or be dissolved or otherwise fail
to maintain its legal existence (if Tenant, guarantor or surety is a
corporation, partnership or other entity).
	 
	 	     (iii) Any insurance required to be maintained by Tenant pursuant to
this Lease shall be cancelled or terminated or shall expire or shall be
reduced or materially changed, except, in each case, as permitted in this
Lease.




		
	 	     (iv) Tenant shall not occupy or shall vacate the Premises or shall
fail to continuously operate its business at the Premises for the
Permitted Use set forth herein, whether or not Tenant is in monetary or
other default under this Lease.
	 
	 	     (v) Tenant shall attempt or there shall occur any assignment,
subleasing or other transfer of Tenant’s interest in or with respect to
this Lease except as otherwise permitted in this Lease.
	 
	 	     (vi) Tenant shall fail to discharge any lien placed upon the
Premises in violation of this Lease within thirty (30) days after any
such lien or encumbrance is filed against the Premises.
	 
	 	     (vii) Tenant shall fail to comply with any provision of this Lease
other than those specifically referred to in this Paragraph, and except
as otherwise expressly provided therein, such default shall continue for
more than thirty (30) days after Landlord shall have given Tenant written
notice of such default.



     21.     Landlord’s Remedies. Upon each occurrence of an Event of Default and
so long as such Event of Default shall be continuing, Landlord may at any time
thereafter at its election terminate this Lease or Tenant’s right of possession
(but Tenant shall remain liable as hereinafter provided), and/or pursue any
other remedies at law or in equity. Upon the termination of this Lease or
termination of Tenant’s right of possession, it shall be lawful for Landlord,
without formal demand or notice of any kind, to reenter the Premises by summary
dispossession proceedings or any other action or proceeding authorized by law
and to remove
Tenant and all persons and property therefrom. If Landlord re-enters the
Premises, Landlord shall have the right to keep in place and use, or remove and
store, all of the furniture, fixtures and equipment at the Premises.


     If Landlord terminates this Lease as a result of an Event of Default,
Landlord may recover from Tenant the sum of: (i) all Base Rent, Additional Rent
and all other amounts accrued hereunder to the date of such termination; (ii)
the cost of reletting the whole or any part of the Premises, including without
limitation, brokerage fees and/or leasing commissions incurred by Landlord,
costs of removing and storing Tenant’s or any other occupant’s property, costs
of repairing, altering, remodeling, or otherwise putting the Premises into
condition acceptable to a new tenant or tenants; (iii) all reasonable expenses
incurred by Landlord in pursuing its remedies, including reasonable attorneys’
fees and court costs; and (iv) the then present value of the Base Rent
Additional Rent and other amounts payable by Tenant under this Lease as would
otherwise have been required to be paid by Tenant to Landlord during the period
following the termination of this Lease measured from the date of such
termination to the expiration date stated in this Lease. Such present value
shall be calculated at a discount rate equal to the 90-day U. S. Treasury bill
rate at the date of such termination.


     If Landlord terminates Tenant’s right of possession (but not this Lease),
Landlord may, but shall be under no obligation to, relet the Premises for the
account of Tenant for such rent and upon such terms as shall be satisfactory to
Landlord without thereby releasing Tenant from any liability hereunder and
without demand or notice of any kind to Tenant. For the purpose of such
reletting Landlord is authorized to make any repairs, changes, alterations, or
additions in or to the Premises as Landlord deems reasonably necessary or
desirable without notice to Tenant. If the Premises are


9






 


not relet, then Tenant
shall pay to Landlord as damages a sum equal to the amount of the Rent reserved
in this Lease for such period or periods, plus the cost of recovering
possession of the Premises (including attorneys’ fees and costs of suit), the
unpaid Base Rent, Additional Rent and other amounts accrued hereunder at the
time from time to time. Notwithstanding any such reletting without
termination, Landlord may at any time thereafter elect in writing to terminate
this Lease for such previous breach.


     Any law, usage, or custom to the contrary notwithstanding, Landlord shall
have the right at all times to enforce the provisions of this Lease in strict
accordance with the terms hereof. The failure of Landlord at any time to
enforce its rights under this Lease strictly in accordance with same shall not
be construed as having created a custom in any way or manner contrary to the
specific terms, provisions, and covenants of this Lease or as having modified
the same. Tenant and Landlord further agree that forbearance or waiver by
Landlord to enforce its rights pursuant to this Lease or at law or in equity,
shall not be a waiver of Landlord’s right to enforce one or more of its rights
in connection with any subsequent default. A receipt by Landlord of rent or
other payment with knowledge of the breach of any covenant hereof shall not be
deemed a waiver of such breach, and no waiver by Landlord of any provision of
this Lease shall be deemed to have been made unless expressed in writing and
signed by Landlord. To the greatest extent permitted by law, Tenant waives
the service of notice of Landlord’s intention to re-enter as provided for in
any statute, or to institute legal proceedings to that end, and also waives
all right of redemption in case Tenant shall be dispossessed by a judgment or
by warrant of any court or judge. The terms “enter,” “reenter,” “entry” or
“re-entry,” as used in this Lease, are not restricted to their technical legal
meanings. Any reletting of the Premise shall be on such terms and conditions
as Landlord in its sole discretion may determine (including, without
limitation, a term different than the remaining Lease Term, rental
concessions, alterations and repair of the Premises, lease of less than the
entire Premises to any tenant and leasing any or all other portions of the
Project before reletting the Premises). Landlord shall not be liable, nor
shall Tenant’s obligations hereunder be diminished because of, Landlord’s
failure to relet the Premises or collect rent due in respect of such
reletting.


     22.     Limitation of Liability of Landlord. Landlord shall not be in default
hereunder unless Landlord fails to perform any of its obligations hereunder
within sixty (60) days after written notice from Tenant specifying such failure
(unless such performance will, due to the nature of the obligation, require a
period of time in excess of sixty (60) days, then after such period of time as
is reasonably necessary). All obligations of Landlord hereunder shall be
construed as covenants, not conditions; and, Tenant may not terminate this
Lease for breach of Landlord’s obligations hereunder. All such obligations of
Landlord under this Lease will be binding upon Landlord only during the period
of its ownership of the Premises and not thereafter. The term “Landlord” in
this Lease shall mean only the owner, for the time being of the Premises, and
in the event of the transfer by such owner of its interest in the Premises,
such owner shall thereupon be released and discharged from all obligations of
Landlord thereafter accruing, but such obligations shall be binding during the
Lease Term upon each new owner for the duration of such owner’s ownership. Any
liability of Landlord under this Lease shall be limited solely to its interest
in the Premises, and in no event shall any personal liability be asserted
against Landlord in connection with this Lease nor shall any recourse be had to
any other property or assets of Landlord.


     23.     Waiver of Jury Trial. TENANT AND LANDLORD WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY
JURY OR TO HAVE A JURY PARTICIPATE IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTE, WHETHER SOUNDING
IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, BETWEEN LANDLORD AND TENANT ARISING OUT OF
THIS LEASE OR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT, DOCUMENT, OR AGREEMENT EXECUTED OR
DELIVERED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO.


     24.     Subordination. This Lease and Tenant’s interest and rights hereunder
are and shall be subject and subordinate at all times to the lien of any
mortgage, now existing or hereafter created on or against the Premises, and
all amendments, restatements, renewals, modifications, consolidations,
refinancing, assignments and extensions thereof, without the necessity of any
further instrument or act on the part of Tenant. Tenant agrees, at the
election of the holder of any such mortgage, to attorn to any such holder.
Tenant agrees upon demand to execute, acknowledge and deliver such instruments,
confirming such subordination and such instruments of attornment as shall be
requested by any such holder; provided that such instruments include
non-disturbance provisions whereby the mortgagee agrees that if there is no
Event of Default and


10






 


the mortgagee succeeds to the interest of Landlord by
foreclosure of the mortgage, deed-in-lieu thereof of any other action or
proceeding taken or instituted under or in connection with the mortgage,
Tenant’s rights and privileges under the Lease and its use, possession and
enjoyment of the Premises demised by the Lease shall not be disturbed,
interfered with or terminated by reason of such foreclosure, deed-in-lieu
thereof or other action or proceeding, and the Lease shall remain in full force
and effect as a direct indenture of lease between the mortgagee and Tenant.
Tenant hereby appoints Landlord attorney in fact for Tenant irrevocably (such
power of attorney being coupled with an interest) to execute, acknowledge and
deliver any such instrument and instruments for and in the name of the Tenant
and to cause any such instrument to be recorded. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any such holder may at any time subordinate its mortgage to this
Lease, without Tenant’s consent, by notice in writing to Tenant, and thereupon
this Lease shall be deemed prior to such mortgage without regard to their
respective dates of execution, delivery or recording and in that event such
holder shall have the same rights with respect to this Lease as though this
Lease had been executed prior to the execution, delivery and recording of such
mortgage and had been assigned to such holder. The term “mortgage” whenever
used in this Lease shall be deemed to include deeds of trust, security
assignments and any other encumbrances, and any reference to the “holder” of a
mortgage shall be deemed to include the beneficiary under a deed of trust.


     25.     Mechanic’s Liens. Tenant has no express or implied authority to
create or place any lien or encumbrance of any kind upon, or in any manner to
bind the interest of Landlord or Tenant in the Premises or to charge the Rent
payable hereunder for any claim in favor of any person dealing with Tenant,
including those who may furnish materials or perform labor for any construction
or repairs. Tenant covenants and agrees that it will pay or cause to be paid
all sums legally due and payable by it on account of any labor performed or
materials furnished in connection with any work performed on the Premises and
that it will indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from all loss, cost or
expense based on or arising out of asserted claims or liens against the
leasehold estate or against the interest of Landlord in the Premises or under
this Lease. Tenant shall give Landlord immediate written notice of the placing
of any lien or encumbrance against the Premises and cause such lien or
encumbrance to be discharged within thirty (30) days of the filing or recording
thereof; provided, however, Tenant may contest such liens or encumbrances as
long as such contest prevents foreclosure of the lien or encumbrance
and Tenant causes such lien or encumbrance to be bonded or insured over in
a manner satisfactory to Landlord within such 30 day period.


     26.     Estoppel Certificates. Tenant agrees, from time to time, within ten
(10) business days after request of Landlord, to execute and deliver to
Landlord, or Landlord’s designee, any estoppel certificate requested by
Landlord, stating that this Lease is in full force and effect, the date to
which Rent has been paid, that Landlord is not in default hereunder (or
specifying in detail the nature of Landlord’s default), the expiration date of
this Lease and such other matters pertaining to this Lease as may be requested
by Landlord. Tenant’s obligation to furnish each estoppel certificate in a
timely fashion is a material inducement for Landlord’s execution of this Lease.
No cure or grace period provided in this Lease shall apply to Tenant’s
obligations to timely deliver an estoppel certificate.


     27.     Environmental Requirements. Except for Hazardous Materials used in
connection with the Permitted Use and Hazardous Materials contained in products
used by Tenant in de minimis quantities for ordinary cleaning purposes in
compliance with Environmental Requirements, Tenant shall not permit or cause
any party to bring any other Hazardous Materials upon the Premises or
transport, store, use, generate, manufacture or release any Hazardous Material
in or about the Premises without Landlord’s prior written consent. Tenant, at
its sole cost and expense, shall operate its business in the Premises in strict
compliance with all Environmental Requirements, and shall remediate in a manner
satisfactory to Landlord any Hazardous Materials released on, under, to or from
the Premises by Tenant, its agents, employees, contractors, subtenants or
invitees. Tenant shall complete and certify to disclosure statements as
requested by Landlord from time to time relating to Tenant’s transportation,
storage, use, generation, manufacture, or release of Hazardous Materials on the
Premises. The term “Environmental Requirements” means all applicable past,
present and future statutes, regulations, ordinances, rules, codes, judgments,
orders or other similar enactments of any governmental authority or agency
regulating or relating to health, safety or environmental conditions on, under,
or about the Premises or the environment, including without limitation, the
following: the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act; the


11






 


Resource and Conservation Recovery Act; and all state and local
counterparts thereto, and any regulations or policies promulgated or issued
thereunder. The term “Hazardous Material(s)” means and includes (i) any
substance, material, waste, pollutant or contaminant listed or defined as
hazardous or toxic under any Environmental Requirements; (ii) asbestos; (iii)
petroleum, including crude oil or any fraction thereof; and (iv) natural gas or
synthetic gas usable for fuel (or mixtures of natural gas and such synthetic
gas). As defined in Environmental Requirements, Tenant is and shall be deemed
to be the “operator” of Tenant’s “facility” and the “owner” of all Hazardous
Materials brought on the Premises by Tenant, its agents, employees, contractors
or invitees, and the wastes, by-products, or residues generated, resulting or
produced therefrom.


     Tenant shall indemnify, defend, and hold Landlord harmless from and
against any and all losses (including, without limitation, diminution in value
of the Premises and loss of rental income from the Premises), claims, demands,
actions, suits, damages (including, without limitation, punitive damages),
expenses (including, without limitation, remediation, removal, repair,
corrective action or cleanup expenses), and costs (including, without
limitation, actual attorneys’ fees, consultant fees or expert fees and
including, without limitation removal or management of any asbestos brought
into the Premises or disturbed in breach of the requirements of this Paragraph,
regardless of whether such removal or management is required by law) which are
brought or recoverable against, or suffered or incurred by Landlord as a result
of any release of Hazardous Materials for which Tenant is obligated to
remediate as provided above or any other breach of the requirements under this
Paragraph by Tenant, its agents, employees, contractors, subtenants, assignees
or invitees, regardless of whether Tenant had knowledge of such noncompliance.
The obligations of Tenant under this Paragraph shall survive any termination of
this Lease.


     Landlord shall have access to, and a right to perform inspections and
tests of, the Premises to determine Tenant’s compliance with Environmental
Requirements, its obligations under this Paragraph, or the environmental
condition of the Premises. Access shall be granted
to Landlord upon Landlord’s prior notice to Tenant and at such times so as
to minimize, so far as may be reasonable under the circumstances, any
disturbance to Tenant’s operations. Such inspections and tests shall be
conducted at Landlord’s expense, unless such inspections or tests reveal that
Tenant has not complied with any Environmental Requirement, in which case
Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for the reasonable cost of such inspection and
tests. Landlord’s receipt of or satisfaction with any environmental assessment
in no way waives any rights that Landlord holds against Tenant.


     28.     Force Majeure. Neither party shall be held responsible for delays in
the performance of its obligations hereunder, other than the payment of money
owed, when caused by strikes, lockouts, unusual weather, labor disputes, acts
of God, inability to obtain labor or materials or reasonable substitutes
therefor, governmental restrictions, governmental regulations, governmental
controls, delay in issuance of permits, enemy or hostile governmental action,
civil commotion, fire or other casualty, and other causes beyond the reasonable
control of such party (“Force Majeure”). Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary herein, Force Majeure shall not relieve Tenant from its obligation to
pay Rent.


     29.     Entire Agreement. This Lease constitutes the complete agreement of
Landlord and Tenant with respect to the subject matter hereof. No
representations, inducements, promises or agreements, oral or written, have
been made by Landlord or Tenant, or anyone acting on behalf of Landlord or
Tenant, which are not contained herein, and any prior agreements, promises,
negotiations, or representations are superseded by this Lease. This Lease may
not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties
hereto.


     30.     Severability. Each provision contained in this Lease shall be
construed to be separate and independent and the breach of any provision by
Landlord shall not discharge or relieve Tenant from Tenant’s obligation to
observe and perform each of its obligations under this Lease. If any clause or
provision of this Lease is illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or
future laws, then and in that event, it is the intention of the parties hereto
that the remainder of this Lease shall not be affected thereby. It is also the
intention of the parties to this Lease that in lieu of each clause or provision
of this Lease that is illegal, invalid or unenforceable, there be added, as a
part of this Lease, a clause or provision as similar in terms to such illegal,
invalid or unenforceable clause or provision as may be possible and be legal,
valid and enforceable.


12






 


     31.     Brokers. Tenant represents and warrants that it has dealt with no
broker, agent or other person in connection with this transaction and that no
broker, agent or other person brought about this transaction, other than Lauth
Property Group, Inc. and the broker, if any, set forth on the first page of
this Lease. Tenant agrees to indemnity and hold Landlord harmless from and
against any claims by any other broker, agent or other person claiming a
commission or other form of compensation by virtue of having dealt with Tenant
with regard to this leasing transaction.


     32.     Right of First Offer. In the event Landlord desires to sell its fee
estate in the entire Premise and provided that no Event of Default has occurred
under this Lease that has not been cured by Tenant, Tenant shall have a one
time (subject to the repeat provision set forth below) right of first offer to
purchase the Premises (“Right of First Offer”). The Right of First Offer shall
operate in the following manner: (i) Landlord shall provide written notice to
Tenant that Landlord desires to sell its fee estate in the entire Premises,
which notice shall include the price and other material terms applicable to
Landlord’s offer to sell the Premises (the “Notice of Offer”); (ii) Tenant
shall have fifteen (15) days to notify Landlord whether Tenant elects to
purchase the Premises under the exact terms contained in the Notice of Offer,
and Tenant’s failure to respond during such fifteen (15) day period constitutes
Tenant’s waiver of its Right of First Offer; and (iii) if Tenant has waived its
Right of First Offer, then Landlord may offer to sell the Premises to third
parties provided that the terms offered to third parties are not materially
different from those contained in the Notice of Offer, the selling price is no
less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the price contained in the Notice of
Offer and a purchase agreement is executed within one (1) year of the Notice of
Offer. If Landlord offers the Premises to third parties and the terms are
materially different from those contained in the Notice of Offer or the selling
price is less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the price contained
in the Notice of Offer, then Landlord must repeat the Right of First Offer
procedure outlined above. In the event Tenant elects to purchase the Premises
in accordance with the terms of the Notice of Offer, the purchase price as set
forth in the Notice of Offer shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord in cash,
within thirty (30) days after Tenant’s acceptance of the Notice of Offer terms.
Further, in the event that Tenant has waived its one time (subject to the
repeat provision set forth above) Right of First Offer and upon Landlord’s
request, Tenant shall provide within five (5) days of Landlord’s request a
written statement to Landlord and any third parties designated by Landlord that
Tenant waived its Right of First Offer. This Right of First Offer is a one time
(subject to the repeat provision set forth above) right that shall expire upon
Tenant’s waiver or failure to exercise such right.


     33.     Miscellaneous.



		
	 	     (a) Any payments or charges due from Tenant to Landlord
hereunder shall be considered Rent for all purposes of this Lease.
	 
	 	     (b) If and when included within the term “Tenant,” as used in
this instrument, there is more than one person, firm or
corporation, each shall be jointly and severally liable for the
obligations of Tenant.
	 
	 	     (c) All notices required or permitted to be given under this
Lease shall be in writing and shall be sent by a reputable national
overnight courier service, postage prepaid, or by hand delivery
addressed to the parties at their addresses specified in the Basic
Lease Terms and Information section of this Lease. Either party
may by notice given aforesaid change its address for all subsequent
notices. Except where otherwise expressly provided to the contrary,
notice shall be deemed given upon delivery.
	 
	 	     (d) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Lease or as
otherwise required by law, Landlord retains the absolute right to
withhold any consent or approval.
	 
	 	     (e) At Landlord’s request, Tenant shall furnish Landlord with
true and complete copies of its most recent annual and quarterly
financial statements prepared by Tenant or Tenant’s accountants and
any other financial information or summaries that Tenant typically
provides to its lenders or shareholders.
	 
	 	     (f) This Lease shall not be filed in any public record. Upon
the request of either party, the parties shall execute and file a
memorandum of lease, which shall



13






 







		
	 	not disclose any of the financial
terms of this Lease but shall disclose the Lease Term.




		
	 	     (g) The normal rule of construction to the effect that any
ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not
be employed in the interpretation of this Lease or any exhibits or
amendments hereto.
	 
	 	     (h) The submission by Landlord to Tenant of this Lease shall
have no binding force or effect, shall not constitute an option for
the leasing of the Premises, nor confer any right or impose any
obligations upon either party until execution of this Lease by both
parties.
	 
	 	     (i) Words of any gender used in this Lease shall be held and
construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular
number shall be held to include the plural, unless the context
otherwise requires. The captions inserted in this Lease are for
convenience only and in no way define, limit or otherwise describe
the scope or intent of this Lease, or any provision hereof, or in
any way affect the interpretation of this Lease.
	 
	 	     (j) Construction and interpretation of this Lease shall be
governed by the laws of the state in which the Premises are
located, excluding any principles of conflicts of laws.
	 
	 	     (k) Time is of the essence as to the performance of Landlord
and Tenant’s obligations under this Lease.
	 
	 	     (l) All exhibits and addenda attached hereto are hereby
incorporated into this Lease and made a part hereof. In the event
of any conflict between such exhibits or addenda and the terms of
this Lease, such exhibits or addenda shall control.
	 
	 	     (m) Landlord shall provide Tenant with a copy of the final
survey, title commitment and title exception documents procured by
Landlord during the development of the Premises.
	 
	 	     (n) The parties acknowledge that this Lease is contingent upon
Landlord obtaining all necessary zoning, variances and other
authorizations and permits required to complete Landlord’s Work,
including, but not necessarily limited to, grading and zoning
approvals, location improvement permits, variances, special
exception permits, building permits, sign permits and curb-cut,
driveway access or access control permits.
	 
	 	     (o) As partial consideration for this Lease, Landlord requires
that Tenant’s parent company, Blue Rhino Corporation, a Delaware
corporation, guarantee the full performance of this Lease to be
kept and performed by Tenant, including the payment of all Rent and
other charges to accrue thereunder.
	 
	 	     (p) Tenant shall have the option to extend (“Extension
Option”) the Lease Term for three (3) periods of five (5) years
each (“Extension Period”) upon fulfillment of all of the following
terms and conditions: (a) written notice is given by Tenant to
Landlord not later than one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to
the expiration of the then current Lease Term that Tenant elects to
exercise such Extension Option; (b) Tenant is not, at the time of
the exercise of such Extension Option, in default under any term or
condition hereof and there have been no more than two (2) Events of
Default during the Lease Term of the Lease; (c) this Lease has not
been terminated during the Term; (d) it is understood and agreed
that this Extension Option is personal to Tenant and is not
transferable; in the event of any assignment or subleasing of any
or all of the Premises said Extension Option shall be null and
void; (e) not later than sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of
the then current Lease Term, the parties have mutually agreed upon
Base Rent for the Extension Period, which shall be at the greater
of (i) two and one-half percent (2.5%) more than the Base Rent of
the immediately proceeding month at the time of extension with
annual Base Rent increases of two and one-half percent (2.5%)



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	 	and (ii) the then current market rate; and (f) not later than sixty
(60) days prior to the expiration of the then current Lease Term,
the parties have executed an amendment hereto specifying such Base
Rent.
	 
	 	     (q) The initial Lease Term and the Extension Period, if any,
are collectively referred to herein as the “Lease Term” once an
Extension Option has been exercised. All terms, covenants,
conditions and provisions hereof applicable to the initial Lease
Term, except with respect to the amount of Base Rent, shall apply
with like force and effect to the Extension Period, except where
inapplicable or where the context otherwise indicates.
	 
	 	     (r) This Lease may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts
and via facsimile, each of which shall be deemed an original, but
all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have executed this Lease as of the day
and year first above written.



	 	 	 
	TENANT:	 	
LANDLORD:
	 	 	 
	PLATINUM PROPANE OF LOS ANGELES, LLC	 	
BR PARTNERS THREE, LLC
	 	 	 
	By: Blue Rhino Corporation, Manager	 	
By: /s/ Gregory C. Gurnik
	 	 	 
	       By: /s/ Mark Castaneda	 	
Printed: Gregory C. Gurnik
	 	 	 
	       Printed: Mark Castaneda	 	
Title: a Manager
	 	 	 
	       Title: Executive VP, CFO	 	 
	 	 	 
	Execution Date: July 29, 2003	 	
Execution Date: October 21, 2003



List of Exhibits


Exhibit “A” -Premises with Site Plan and Building Elevations


Exhibit “B-1” -Scope of Work


Exhibit “B-2” -Schedule of Preliminary Design Approvals


Exhibit “C” -Acceptance and Rent Commencement Agreement



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