Document:

Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION www.edgaradvantage.com

QuickLinks
 -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document
  

 
 

INVENTORY AND WORKING CAPITAL
  FINANCING AGREEMENT    
  

    This INVENTORY AND WORKING CAPITAL FINANCING AGREEMENT (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this "Agreement") amends and restates
that Agreement for Wholesale Financing dated September 25, 1998 (as amended from time to time, the "Financing Agreement") and is hereby made this 21st day of July, 2000, by and between IBM
Credit Corporation, a Delaware corporation with a place of business at 5000 Executive Parkway, Suite 450, San Ramon, CA 94583 ("IBM Credit"). Multiple Zones International, Inc., duly organized under
the laws of the State of Washington, with its principal place of business at 707 South Grady Way, Renton, WA 98055 ("Customer") and its wholly-owned subsidiary, touchMarketing.com, Inc., duly
organized under the laws of the State of Washington, with its principal place of business at 707 South Grady Way, Renton, WA 98055 ("touchMarketing"). 

 
 

WITNESSETH    
  

    WHEREAS, IBM Credit and Customer are parties to that certain Financing Agreement pursuant to which IBM Credit finances Customer's acquisition of inventory and
equipment; 

    WHEREAS,
in the course of Customer's operations, Customer intends to purchase from Persons approved in writing by IBM Credit for the purposes of this Agreement (the "Authorized
Suppliers") computer hardware and software products manufactured or distributed by or bearing any trademark or trade name of such Authorized Suppliers (the "Products") (as of the date hereof the
Authorized Suppliers are as set forth on Attachment E hereto); 

    WHEREAS,
Customer has requested that IBM Credit finance its purchase of Products from such Authorized Suppliers and its working capital requirements, and IBM Credit is willing to
provide such financing to Customer subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. 

    NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree
that the Financing Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows: 

 
 

Section 1.  DEFINITIONS; ATTACHMENTS    
  

    1.1  Special Definitions.  The following terms shall have the following respective meaning in this
Agreement (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined): 

    "A/R
Advance": any loan or advance of funds made by IBM Credit to or on behalf of Customer pursuant to Section 2.3 of this Agreement, including, as the context may require, a WCO
Advance, a PRO Advance and a Takeout Advance. 

    "A/R
Advance Date": the Business Day on which IBM Credit makes an A/R Advance under this Agreement. 

    "A/R
Advance Term": shall be the collective or individual reference, as the context may require, to a PRO Advance Term and a WCO Advance Term. 

    "A/R
Finance Charges": as defined on Attachment A. 

    "Accounts":
as defined in the U.C.C. 

    "Advance":
any loan or other extension of credit by IBM Credit to or on behalf of Customer pursuant to this Agreement including, without limitation, (i) Product Advances and
(ii) A/R Advances. 

4

 

    "Affiliate": with respect to each Loan Party, any Person, any other Person (the "Affiliate") meeting one of the following: (i) at least 10% of the Affiliate's voting equity
stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by such Loan Party; (ii) at least 10% of such Loan Party's voting equity stock is owned, directly or
indirectly, by the Affiliate; or (iii) at least 10% of such Loan Party's voting equity stock and at least 10% of the Affiliate's voting equity stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by the
same Person or Persons. Each of Loan Party's officers, directors, joint ventures, and partners shall also be seemed to be Affiliates of such Loan Party for purposes of this Agreement. 

    "Agreement":
as defined in the caption. 

    "Auditors":
a nationally recognized firm of independent certified public accountants selected by Customer and satisfactory to IBM Credit. 

    "Authorized
Suppliers": as defined in the recitals of this Agreement. 

    "Available
Credit": at any time, (1) the Maximum Advance Amount less (2) the Outstanding Advances at such time. 

    "Average
Daily Balance": for each Advance for a given period of time, the sum of the unpaid principal of such Advances as of each day during such period of time, divided by the number
of days in such period of time. 

    "Bank":
as defined in Section 3.3. 

    "Bankruptcy
Code": Title 11 of the United States Code entitled "Bankruptcy", as now and hereafter in effect, or any successor statute. 

    "Borrowing
Base": as defined in Attachment A. 

    "Business
Day": any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York or Seattle, Washington are generally closed or on which IBM Credit
is closed. 

    "Closing
Date": the date on which the conditions precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement set forth in Section 5.1 hereof are satisfied or waived in writing by IBM Credit. 

    "Code":
the Internal Revenue Code of 1988, as amended or any successor statute. 

    "Collateral":
as defined in Section 4.1. 

    "Collateral
Management Report": a report to be delivered by Customer to IBM Credit from time to time, as provided herein, signed by the controller or chief financial officer of
Customer, substantially in the form and detail of Attachment F hereto, detailing and certifying, among other items: a summary of the Loan Parties' inventory on hand financed by IBM Credit and the Loan
Parties' Eligible Accounts, the amounts and aging of all of the Loan Parties' Accounts, the Loan Parties' inventory on hand financed by IBM Credit by quantity, type, model, Authorized Supplier's
invoice price to Customer and the total of the line item values for all inventory listed on the report, the amounts and aging of Customer's accounts payable as of a specified date, all of Customer's
IBM Credit borrowing activity during a specified period and the total amount of Customer's Borrowing Base as well as Customer's Outstanding A/R Advances, Outstanding Product Advances, Available Credit
and any Shortfall Amount as of a specified date. 

    "Common
Due Date": (1) the fifth day of a calendar month if the Product Financing Period or A/R Advance Term, whichever is applicable, expires on the first through tenth of
such calendar month; (2) the fifteenth day of a calendar month if the Product Financing Period or A/R Advance Term, whichever is applicable, expires on the eleventh through twentieth of such
calendar month; and (3) the twenty-fifth day of a calendar month if the Product Financing Period or A/R Advance Term, whichever is applicable, expires on the twenty-first through the last day
of such calendar month. 

5

 

    "Compliance Certificate": a certificate substantially in the form of Attachment C. 

    "Concentration
Accounts": shall mean an Eligible Account that, individually, or when aggregated with all other outstanding Accounts of the same Account debtor and such Account
debtor's Affiliates, constitute more than five percent (5%) of the net outstanding balance of all Eligible Accounts then outstanding for all Account debtors. 

    "Concentration
Account Debtor": shall mean, at any time, any Account debtor obligated to any Loan Party with respect to, or on account of, a Concentration Account. 

    "Credit
Line": as defined in Section 2.1. 

    "Customer":
as defined in the caption. 

    "Default":
either (1) an Event of Default or (2) any event or condition which, but for the requirement that notice be given or time lapse or both, would be an Event of
Default. 

    "Delinquency
Fee Rate": as defined on Attachment A. 

    "Eligible
Accounts": as defined in Section 3.1. 

    "Environmental
Laws": all statutes, laws, judicial decisions, regulations, ordinances, and other governmental restrictions relating to pollution, the protection of the environment,
occupational health and safety, or to emissions, discharges or release of pollutants, contaminants, hazardous substances or wastes into the environment. 

    "Environmental
Liability": any claim, demand, obligation, cause of action, allegation, order, violation, injury, judgment, penalty or fine, cost or expense, resulting from the
violation or alleged violation of any Environmental Laws or the imposition of any Lien pursuant to any Environmental Laws. 

    "ERISA":
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or any successor statutes. 

    "Event
of Default": as defined in Section 9.1. 

    "Financial
Statements": the consolidated and consolidating balance sheets (including, without limitation, securities such as stocks and investment bonds), statements of operations,
statements of cash flows and statements of changes in shareholder's equity of Customer and its Subsidiaries for the period specified, prepared in accordance with GAAP and Consistent with prior
practices. 

    "Floor
Plan Lender": any Person who now or hereinafter provides inventory financing to Customer, provided that such Person executes an Intercreditor Agreement (as defined in Section
5.1 of this Agreement) or a subordination agreement with IBM Credit in form and substance satisfactory to IBM Credit. 

    "Free
Financing Period": for each Product Advance, the period, if any, in which IBM Credit does not charge Customer a financing charge. IBM Credit shall calculate the Customer's Free
Financing Period utilizing a methodology that is consistent with the methodologies used for similarly situated customers of IBM Credit. The Customer understands that IBM Credit may not offer, may
change or may cease to offer a Free Financing Period for the Customer's purchases of Products. 

    "Free
Financing Period Exclusion Fee": as defined in Attachment A. 

    "GAAP":
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States as in effect from time to time. 

    "Governmental
Authority": any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, and any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or
administrative functions of 

6

 

or pertaining to government, and any corporation or other entity owned or controlled (through stock or capital ownership or otherwise) by any of the foregoing. 

    "Hazardous
Substances": all substances, wastes or materials, to the extent subject to regulation as "hazardous substances" or "hazardous waste" under any Environmental Laws. 

    "HTO":
as defined in Section 2.3. 

    "IBM
Credit": as defined in the caption. 

    "Insolvency
Event": with respect to any Person, the occurrence of any of the following: (i) a voluntary or involuntary petition for bankruptcy or other relief under the
Bankruptcy Code or any similar statute, (ii) an assignment for the benefit of creators, (iii) failure, suspension of business operations, or insolvency, (iv) appointment of a
receiver or trustee, or (v) failure to pay debts generally as they become due. 

    "Indebtedness":
with respect to any Person, (1) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade
liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business and payable in accordance with customary practices) or which is evidenced by a note, bond, debenture or similar instrument, (2) all
obligations of such Person under capital leases (including obligations under any leases any Loan Party may enter into, now or in the future, with IBM Credit), (3) all obligations of such Person
in respect of letters of credit, banker's acceptances or similar obligations issued or created for the account of such Person, (4) liabilities arising under any interest rate protection,
future, option swap, cap or hedge agreement or arrangement under which such Person is a party or beneficiary, (5) all obligations under guaranties by such Person and (6) all liabilities
secured by any Lien on any property owned by such Person even though such Person has not assumed or otherwise become liable for the payment thereof. 

    "Intellectual
Property": as defined in Section 6.14. 

    "Investment":
with respect to any Person (the "Investor"), (1) any investment by the Investor in any other Person, whether by means of share purchase, capital contribution,
purchase or other acquisition of a partnership or joint venture interest, loan, time deposit, demand deposit or otherwise, and (2) any guaranty by the Investor of any Indebtedness or other
obligation of any other Person. 

    "Lien(s)":
any lien, claim, charge, pledge, security interest, deed of trust, mortgage, other encumbrance or other arrangement having the practical effect of the foregoing, including
the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title retention agreement. 

    "Loan
Parties": means the Loan Party and touchMarketing. 

    "Lockbox":
as defined in Section 3.3. 

    "Material
Adverse Effect": a material adverse effect (1) on the business, operations, results of operations, assets, or financial condition of any Loan Party, (2) on the
aggregate value of the Collateral or the aggregate amount which IBM Credit would be likely to receive (after giving consideration to reasonably likely delays in payment and reasonable costs of
enforcement) in the liquidation of such Collateral to recover the Obligations in full, (3) on the rights and remedies of IBM Credit under this Agreement, or (4) the ability of any Loan
Party to perform its Obligations under this Agreement or any Other Document to which it is or is to be a party. 

    "Maximum
Advance Amount": at any time, the lesser of (1) the Credit Line and (2) the Borrowing Base at such time. 

    "Obligations":
all covenants, agreements, warranties, duties, representations, loans, advances, interest (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in
bankruptcy, or the 

7

 

commencement of any insolvency, reorganization or like proceeding, relating to any Loan Party, whether or not a claim for post-filing or post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding), fees,
reasonable expenses, indemnities, liabilities and Indebtedness of any kind and nature whatsoever now or hereafter arising, owing, due or payable from Customer to IBM Credit. 

    "Other
Charges": as set forth in Attachment A. 

    "Other
Documents": all security agreements, mortgages, leases, instruments, documents, guarantees, schedules of assignment, contracts and similar agreements executed by Customer and
delivered to IBM Credit, pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, and all amendments, supplements and other modifications to the foregoing from time to time. 

    "Outstanding
Advances": at any time of determination, the sum of (1) the unpaid principal amount of all Advances made by IBM Credit under this Agreement, and (2) any
finance charge, fee, expense or other amount related to Advances charged to Customer's account with IBM Credit. 

    "Outstanding
A/R Advances": at any time of determination, the sum of (1) the unpaid principal amount of all A/R Advances made by IBM Credit under this Agreement; and
(2) any finance charge, fee, expense or other amount related to A/R Advances charged to Customer's account with IBM Credit. 

    "Outstanding
Product Advances": at any time of determination, the sum of (1) the unpaid principal amount of all Product Advances made by IBM Credit under this Agreement; and
(2) any finance charge, fee, expense or other amount related to Product Advances charged to Customer's account with IBM Credit. 

    "PBOC":
as defined in Section 6.12. 

    "Permitted
Discretion": IBM Credit's judgment concerning the risks lending to Customer, taking into account (i) the liquidation value of Collateral, the priority of IBM
Credit's Liens therein, and the time and cost of enforcement of such Liens, (ii) the likelihood of an Insolvency Event affecting any Loan Party and of its Concentration Account Debtors or the
Collateral, (iii) any factor which suggests the existence or likelihood of Defaults or Events of Default, and (iv) any other factors (including industry and macro-economic conditions and
the perceived accuracy of the Customer's Financial Statements and Collateral Management Reports) that may effect the actual or perceived credit risk of IBM Credit. 

    "Permitted
Indebtedness": any of the following: 

    (1) trade
liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business and payable in accordance with customary practices; 

    (2) Indebtedness
to IBM Credit; 

    (3) Indebtedness
described in Section VII of Attachment B; 

    (4) Indebtedness
to any Floor Plan Lender; 

    (5) Purchase
Money Indebtedness; 

    (6) guaranties
in favor of IBM Credit; 

    (7) a
Permitted Investment; 

    (8) an
intercompany account between Loan Party and a Subsidiary; 

    (9) other
Indebtedness consented to by IBM Credit in writing prior to incurring such Indebtedness; and 

8

 

    (10) other unsecured Indebtedness for amounts loaned for business purposes not to exceed an          *          .

    "Permitted
Investment": with respect to Loan Party, any of the following: 

    (1) Investments
in a Loan Party; 

    (2) Deposits
with commercial banks organized under the laws of the United States or a state thereof to the extent such deposits are fully insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation; 

    (3) Investments
in marketable obligations issued or fully guaranteed by the United States and maturing not more than one (1) year from the date of issuance; 

    (4) Investments
in open market commercial paper rated at least "A1" or "P1" or higher by a national credit rating agency and maturing not more than one (1) year from the
creation thereof; 

    (5) Investments
pursuant to or arising under currency agreements or interest rate agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business; 

    (6) statements
consisting of deposit accounts of Loan Party in which IBM Credit has a perfected security interest; 

    (7) stock
or obligations issued to Loan Party in settlement of claims against others by reason of an event of bankruptcy or a composition or the readjustment of debt or a
reorganization of any debtor or Loan Party; 

    (8) commercial
paper of any company organized under the laws of any State of the United States or any bank organized or licensed to conduct a banking business under the laws of
the United States or any State thereof having the short-term highest rating then given by Moody's Investor's Services, Inc. or Standard & Poor's Corporation; and 

    (9) other
investments not to exceed an      *      . 

*=redaction

    "Permitted
Liens": any of the following: 

    (1) Liens
which are the subject of an Intercreditor Agreement, in effect from time to time between IBM Credit and any other secured creditor; 

    (2) Purchase
Money Security Interests; 

    (3)
Liens described in Section 1 of Attachment B; 

    (4)
Liens of warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen, workers, repairmen, common carriers, landlords and other similar Liens arising by operation of law or otherwise, not waived in
connection herewith, for amounts that are not yet due and payable or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted if an adequate reserve or
other appropriate provisions shall have been made therefor as required to be in conformity with GAAP and an adverse determination in such proceedings could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect; 

    (5)
attachment or judgement Liens individually or in the aggregate not in excess of $100,000 (exclusive of (A) any amounts that are duly bonded to the satisfaction of IBM
Credit or (B) any amount fully covered by insurance as to which the insurance company has acknowledged its obligation to pay such judgment in full); 

9

  

    (6)
easements, rights-of-way, restrictions and other similar encumbrances incurred in the ordinary course of business which, in the aggregate, are not substantial in amount and which
do not materially detract from the value of the property subject thereto or materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of each Loan Party; 

    (7)
extensions and renewals of the foregoing Permitted Liens; provided that (A) the aggregate amount of such extended or renewed Liens do not exceed the original principal amount of
the Indebtedness which it secures, (B) such Liens do not extend to any property other than property already previously subject to the Lien and (C) such extended or renewed Liens are on
terms and conditions no more restrictive than the terms and conditions of the Liens being extended or renewed; 

    (8)
Liens arising from deposits or pledges to secure bids, tenders, contracts, leases, surety and appeal bonds and other obligations of like nature arising in the ordinary course of
any Loan Party's business; 

    (9)
Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges not delinquent or being contested, in good faith, by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted if
an adequate reserve or other appropriate provisions shall have been made therefor as required in order to be in conformity with GAAP and an adverse determination in such proceedings could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; 

    (10)
Licenses of Intellectual Property; 

    (11)
Liens arising out of deposits in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance or other social security or similar legislation; 

    (12)
Liens arising pursuant to this Agreement; and 

    (13)
other Liens consented to by IBM Credit in writing prior to incurring such Lien. 

    "Person":
any individual, association, firm, corporation, partnership, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity whatsoever. 

    "Plans":
as defined in Section 6.12. 

    "Policies":
all policies of insurance required to be maintained by each Loan Party under this Agreement or any of the Other Documents. 

    "Prime
Rate": as of the date of determination, the average of the rates of interest announced by Citibank, N.A., Chase Manhattan Bank and Bank of America National Trust &
Savings Association (or any other bank which IBM Credit uses in its normal course of business of determining Prime Rate) as their prime or base rate, as of the last Business Day of the calendar month
immediately preceding the date of determination, whether or not such announced rates are the actual rates charged by such banking institutions to their most creditworthy borrowers. 

    "PRO
Advance": an A/R Advance, with a PRO Advance Term, made by IBM Credit to itself on behalf of Customer to repay all or a portion of a Product Advance that is due and payable. 

    "PRO
Advance Term": for each PRO Advance, a period, in increments of ten days as specified by Customer in the Request for A/R Advance with respect to such PRO Advance, but in no event
in excess of thirty days, commencing on the A/R Advance Date for such PRO Advance. 

    "Products":
as defined in the recitals of this Agreement. 

    "Product
Advance": any advance of funds made or committed to be made by IBM Credit for the account of Customer to an Authorized Supplier in respect of an invoice delivered or to be
delivered by such Authorized Supplier to IBM Credit describing Products purchased by Customer, including any 

10

 

such advance made or committed to be made as of the date hereof pursuant to the Financing Agreement. 

    "Product
Financing Charge": as defined in Attachment A. 

    "Product
Financing Period": for each Product Advance, a period of days equal to that set forth in Attachment A from time to time, commencing on the invoice date of such Product
Advance. 

    "Purchase
Money Indebtedness": any Indebtedness (including capital leases) incurred to finance the acquisition of assets (other than assets manufactured or distributed by or bearing
any trademark or trade name of any Authorized Supplier) to be used in any Loan Party's business not to exceed the lesser of (1) the purchase price or acquisition cost of such asset (acquisition cost
includes shipping, fax and installation charges incurred in connection with such asset) and (2) the fair market value of such asset. 

    "Purchase
Money Security Interest": any Lien securing Purchase Money Indebtedness, which Lien applies solely to the particular asset acquired with the Purchase Money Indebtedness. 

    "Request
for A/R Advance": as defined in Section 2.3. 

    "Requirement
of Law": as to any Person, the articles of incorporation and by-laws of such Person, and any law, treaty, rule or regulation or determination of an arbitrator or a
court or other governmental authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject. 

    "Shortfall
Amount": as defined in Section 2.6. 

    "Shortfall
Transaction Fee": as defined in Attachment A. 

    "Special
Account": as defined in Section 3.3. 

    "Subsidiary":
with respect to any Person, any corporation or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the
board of directors or other Persons performing similar functions are at the time directly or indirectly owned by such Person. 

    "Supplier
Credits": as defined in Section 2.2. 

    "Takeout
Advance": upon request by Customer, an A/R Advance made, only on the Closing Date, to existing creditors of Customer on behalf of Customer, in an amount sufficient to
discharge Customer's indebtedness to such creditor. 

    "Termination
Date": shall mean the first anniversary of the date of this Agreement or such other date as IBM Credit and Customer may agree to from time to time. 

    "Voting
Stock": securities, the holders of which are ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, entitled to elect the corporate directors (or persons performing similar functions). 

    "WCO
Advance": an A/R Advance, with a WCO Advance Term. 

    "WCO
Advance Term": for each WCO Advance, a period of one hundred eighty (180) days commencing on the A/R Advance Date for such WCO Advance. 

    1.2.  Other Defined Terms.  Terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement which are defined in the
Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York (the "U.C.C.") shall have the meanings assigned to them therein. 

    1.3.  Attachments.  All attachments, exhibits, schedules and other addenda hereto, including, without
limitation, Attachment A and Attachment B, are specifically incorporated herein and made a part of this Agreement. 

11

 
 
 

Section 2. CREDIT LINE/FINANCE CHARGES/OTHER CHARGES    
  

    2.1.  Credit Line.  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, on and after the
Closing Date to but not including the date that is the earlier of (x) the date on which this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 10. and (y) the date on which IBM Credit terminates the Credit
Line pursuant to Section 9., IBM Credit agrees to extend to the Customer a credit line ("Credit Line") in the amount set forth the Attachment A pursuant to which IBM Credit will make to the Customer,
from time to time, Advances in an aggregate amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the Maximum Advance Amount. Notwithstanding any other term or provision of this Agreement, IBM Credit may,
at any time and from time to time, in its sole discretion (x) temporarily increase the amount of the Credit Line above the amount set forth in Attachment A and decrease the amount of the Credit Line
back to the amount of the Credit Line set forth in Attachment A, in each case upon written notice to the Customer and (y) make Advances pursuant to this Agreement upon the request of Customer in an
aggregate amount at any one time outstanding in excess of the Credit Line. 

    2.2.  Product Advances.  (A) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, IBM Credit
shall make Product Advances in connection with Customer's purchase of Products from Authorized Suppliers. Customer hereby authorizes and directs IBM Credit to pay the proceeds of Product Advances
directly to the applicable Authorized Supplier in respect of invoices delivered to IBM Credit for such Products by such Authorized Supplier and acknowledges that (i) any delivery to IBM Credit of an
invoice by an Authorized Supplier shall be deemed as a request for a Product Advance by Customer, and (ii) each such Product Advance constitutes a loan by IBM Credit to Customer pursuant to this
Agreement as if the Customer received the proceeds of the Product Advance directly from IBM Credit. IBM Credit may, upon written notice to Customer, cease to include a supplier as an Authorized
Supplier. 

    (B)
No finance charge shall accrue on any Product Advance during the Free Financing Period, if any, applicable to such Product Advance. Each Product Advance shall be due and payable
on the Common Due Date for such Product Advance. Customer may, at its option, repay each Product Advance by requesting IBM Credit to apply all or any part of the principal amount of an A/R Advance to
the Outstanding Product Advances. Customer's request for such application shall be made in accordance with Section 2. When so requested and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, IBM
Credit shall apply the amount so requested to the amounts due in respect of the Outstanding Product Advances. Nothing contained herein shall relieve Customer of its obligation to repay Product
Advances when due. Each Product Advance shall accrue a finance charge on the Average Daily Balance thereof from and including the first (1st) day following the end of the Free Financing Period, if
any, for such Product Advance, or if no such Free Financing Period shall be in effect, from and including the date of invoice for such Product Advance, in each case, to and including the date such
Product Advance shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, at a per annum rate equal to
the lesser of (a) the finance charge set forth in Attachment A to this Agreement as the "Product Financing Charge" and (b) the highest rate from time to time permitted by applicable law. 

    In
addition, for any Product Advance with respect to which a Free Financing Period shall not be in effect, Customer shall pay a Free Financing Period Exclusion Fee. Such fee shall be
due and payable on the Common Due Date for such Product Advance. If it is determined that amounts received from Customer were in excess of the highest rate permitted by law, then the amount
representing such excess shall be considered reductions to principal of Advances. 

    (C)
Customer acknowledges that IBM Credit does not warrant the Products. Customer shall be obligated to pay IBM Credit in full even if the Products are defective or fail to conform to
the warranties extended by the Authorized Supplier. The Obligations of Customer shall not be affected by any dispute Customer may have with any manufacturer, distributor or Authorized Supplier.
Customer 

12

 

will not assert any claim or defense which it may have against any manufacturer, distributor or Authorized Supplier against IBM Credit. 

    (D)
Customer hereby authorizes IBM Credit to collect directly from any Authorized Supplier any credits, rebates, bonuses or discounts owed by such Authorized Supplier to Customer
("Supplier Credits"). Any Supplier Credits received by IBM Credit shall be applied by IBM Credit to the Outstanding Advances. Any Supplier Credits collected by IBM Credit shall in no way reduce
Customer's debt to IBM Credit in respect of the Outstanding Advances until such Supplier Credits are applied by IBM Credit; provided, however, that in the event any such Supplier Credits must be
returned or disgorged or are otherwise unavailable for application, then Customer's Obligation will be reinstated as if such Supplier Credits had never been applied. Upon the Customer's request, and
provided there is no Event of Default or dispute with respect to such Supplier Credits, IBM Credit shall remit the Supplier Credits directly to Customer within five (5) Business Days of IBM
Credit's receipt of such Supplier Credits. 

    (E)
IBM Credit may apply any payments and Supplier Credits received by IBM Credit to reduce finance charges first and then to principal amounts of Advances owed by Customer. IBM
Credit may apply principal payments to the oldest (earliest) invoices (and related Product Advances) first, but, in any case, all principal payments will be applied in respect of the Outstanding
Product Advances made for Products which have been sold, lost, stolen, destroyed, damaged or otherwise disposed of prior to any other application thereof. 

    (F)
Each Loan Party will indemnify and hold IBM Credit harmless from and against any claims or demands asserted by any Person relating to or arising from the Products for any reason
whatsoever, including, without limitation, the condition of the Products, any misrepresentation made about the Products by any representative of Customer, or any act or failure to act by any Loan
Party except to the extent such claims or demands are directly attributable to IBM Credit's gross negligence or willful misconduct. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall impair any rights or claims
which the Customer may have against any manufacturer, distributor or Authorized Supplier. 

    2.3.  A/R Advances.  (A) Whenever Customer shall desire IBM Credit to provide an A/R Advance,
Customer shall deliver to IBM Credit written notice of Customer's request for such an Advance ("Request for A/R Advance"). For any requested A/R Advance pursuant to which monies will be disbursed to
Customer or any Person other than IBM Credit, a Request for A/R Advance shall be delivered to IBM Credit no later than 8:30 a.m. (Pacific time) on the requested A/R Advance Date. The Request
for A/R Advance shall specify (i) the requested A/R Advance Date; (ii) the amount of the requested A/R Advance; (iii) whether such A/R Advance is a WCO Advance or a PRO Advance;
(iv) if applicable, the PRO Advance Term for such A/R Advance; (v) for each PRO Advance, the month, day and year of the Common Due Date, as set forth in Customer's applicable billing
statement from IBM Credit, for the Product Advance to which the PRO Advance is to be applied; and (vi) if applicable, the amount of the requested A/R Advance that should be applied to the
Outstanding Product Advances (provided that all PRO Advances shall be applied to the Outstanding Product Advances). Customer may deliver a Request for A/R Advance via facsimile. Any Request for A/R
Advance delivered to IBM Credit shall be irrevocable. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Customer shall not (i) request more than one PRO Advance in respect of any Product
Advance; and (ii) request a PRO Advance for any Common Due Date on which Customer will take a discount offered by IBM Credit for invoice amounts paid in full within fifteen days of the invoice
date under IBM Credit's High Turnover Option ("HTO") Program. 

    (B)
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, on the A/R Advance Date specified in a Request for A/R Advance, IBM Credit shall make the principal amount of each A/R
Advance available to the Customer in immediately available funds to an account maintained by Customer (or in the case of a Takeout Advance, as directed by Customer). If IBM Credit is making an A/R
Advance 

13

 

hereunder on a day on which Customer is to repay all or any part of an Outstanding Advance (or any other amount owing hereunder), IBM Credit shall apply the proceeds of the A/R Advance to such
repayment and only an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the amount of the A/R Advance and the amount being repaid shall be made available to Customer as provided in the immediately
preceding sentence. 

    (C)
Each A/R Advance shall accrue a finance charge on the Average Daily Balance thereof, from and including the date of each A/R Advance to and including the date such A/R Advance is
due and
payable in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, at a per annum rate equal to the lesser of (a) the finance charge set forth in Attachment A to this Agreement under the caption "A/R
Finance Charge" for such type of A/R Advance, and (b) the highest rate from time to time permitted by applicable law. If it is determined that amounts received from the Customer were in excess
of such highest rate, then the amount representing such excess shall be considered reductions to principal of Advances. 

    (D)
Unless otherwise due and payable at an earlier date, the unpaid principal amount of each A/R Advance, other than a Takeout Advance, shall be due and payable on the applicable
Common Due Date. Unless otherwise notified by Customer in writing prior to the day the principal amount of any WCO Advance becomes due and payable, the customer shall be deemed to have provided IBM
Credit with a Request for A/R Advance requesting a WCO Advance on the day such principal amount is due and payable in an amount equal to the unpaid principal amount of the WCO Advance so due. Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the principal amount of such WCO Advance shall automatically renew for an additional WCO Advance Term. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, a Takeout Advance may only be requested on the Closing Date and such Takeout Advance shall be limited to an amount sufficient to discharge the indebtedness that is the subject of a Takeout
Advance. 

    Unless
otherwise agreed in writing, a Takeout Advance shall be due pursuant to the Schedule of Repayments in Attachment D to this Agreement. 

    2.4.  Finance and Other Charges.  (A) Finance charges for an Advance for a calendar month shall be
equal to (i) one twelfth (1/12) of the applicable Product Financing Charge or A/R Finance Charge multiplied by (ii) the Average Daily Balance of such Advance for the period when such finance charge
accrues during such calendar month multiplied by (iii) the actual number of days during such calendar month when such finance charge accrues divided by (iv) thirty (30). Late charges pursuant to
subsection (D) of this Section 2.4 for an Advance for a calendar month shall be equal to (i) one twelfth (1/12) of the Delinquency Fee Rate multiplied by (ii) the Average Daily Balance of such Advance
for the period when such Advance is past due during such calendar month multiplied by (iii) the actual number of days during such calendar month when such Advance is past due divided by (iv) thirty
(30). 

    (B)
The Customer hereby agrees to pay to IBM Credit the charges set forth as "Other Charges" in Attachment A. The Customer also agrees to pay IBM Credit additional charges for any
returned items of payment received by IBM Credit. The Customer hereby acknowledges that any such charges are not interest but that such charges, if unpaid, will constitute part of the Outstanding
Advances. 

    (C)
The finance charges and Other Charges owed under this Agreement, and any charges hereafter agreed to in writing by the parties, are payable monthly on receipt of IBM Credit's bill
or statement
therefor or IBM Credit may, in its sole discretion, add unpaid finance charges and Other Charges to the Customer's Outstanding Advances. 

    (D)
If any amount owned under this Agreement, including, without limitation, any Advance, is not paid when due (whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), the unpaid amount
thereof will bear a late charge from and including the day after such Advance was due and payable to and including the date IBM Credit receives payment thereof, at a per annum rate equal to the lesser
of (a) the amount 

14

 

set forth in Attachment A to this Agreement as the "Delinquency Fee Rate" and (b) the highest rate from time to time permitted by applicable law. In addition, if any Shortfall Amount shall not
be paid within two (2) days of the date of determination pursuant to Section 2.6 hereof, Customer shall pay IBM Credit a Shortfall Transaction Fee. If it is determined that amounts received from
Customer were in excess of such highest rate, then the amount representing such excess shall be considered reductions to principal of Advances. 

    2.5  Customer Account Statements.  IBM Credit will send statements of each transaction hereunder as well
as monthly billing statements to Customer with respect to Advances and other charges due on Customer's account with IBM Credit. Each statement of transaction and monthly billing statement shall be
deemed, absent manifest error, to be correct and shall constitute an account stated with respect to each transaction or amount described therein unless within seven (7) Business Days after such
statement of transaction or billing statement is received by Customer. Customer provides IBM Credit written notice objecting that such amount or transaction is incorrectly described therein and
specifying the error(s), if any, contained therein. IBM Credit may at any time adjust such statements of transaction or billing statements to comply with applicable law and this Agreement. 

    2.6.  Shortfall.  If, on any date, the Outstanding Advances shall exceed the Maximum Advance Amount (such
excess, the "Shortfall Amount"), then the Customer shall on such date prepay the Outstanding Advances in an amount equal to such Shortfall amount. 

    2.7.  Application of Payments.  The Customer hereby agrees that all checks and other instruments
delivered to IBM Credit on account of Customer's Obligations shall constitute conditional payment until such items are actually collected by IBM Credit. The Customer waives the right, following an
Event of Default, to direct the application of any and all payments at any time or times hereafter received by IBM Credit on account of the Customer's Obligations. The Loan Parties agree that,
following an Event of Default, IBM Credit shall have the continuing exclusive right, following an Event of Default, to apply and reapply any and all such payments to Customer's Obligations in such
manner as IBM Credit may deem advisable notwithstanding any entry by IBM Credit upon any of its books and records. 

    2.8.  Prepayment and Reborrowing By Customer.  (A) Customer may at any time prepay, without notice
or penalty, in whole or in part amounts owed under this Agreement. IBM Credit may apply payments made to it (whether by the Customer or otherwise) to pay finance charges and other amounts owing under
this Agreement first and then to the principal amount owed by the Customer. 

    (B) Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, any amount prepaid or repaid to IBM Credit in respect to the Outstanding Advances may be reborrowed by Customer in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. 

 
 

Section 3. CREDIT LINE ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS    
  

    3.1.  Ineligible Accounts.  IBM Credit and each Loan Party agrees that IBM Credit shall have the sole
right to determine eligibility of Accounts from an Account debtor for purposes of determining the Borrowing Base; however, without limiting such right, the following Accounts will be deemed to be
ineligible for purposes of determining the Borrowing Base: 

    (A)
Accounts created from the sale of goods and/or performance of services on non-standard terms or that allow for payment to be made more than thirty (30) days from the date of such
sale or performance or services except Customer may allow for payment to be made on certain Accounts, the aggregate balance of which shall not   *   
until and through forty-five (45) days from the date of such sale or performance of services; 

* = redaction

15

 

    (B) Accounts unpaid more than ninety (90) days from date of invoice; 

    (C)
Accounts payable by an Account debtor if fifty percent (50%) or more of the aggregate outstanding balance of all such Accounts remain unpaid for more than ninety (90) days from
date of invoice; 

    (D)
Accounts payable by an Account debtor that is an Affiliate of any Loan Party, or an officer, employee, agent, guarantor, stockholder of any Loan Party or an Affiliate of any Loan
Party, or is related to or has common shareholders owning ten (10) percent or more of the equity of any Loan Party, officers or directors with Customer; 

    (E)
Accounts arising from consignment sales; 

    (F)
Except for state, local and United States government institutions and public educational institutions, Accounts with respect to which the payment by the Account debtor is or may
be conditional; 

    (G)
Except for state, local and United States government institutions and public educational institutions, Accounts with respect to which: 

    (i) the
Account debtor is not a commercial entity, or 

    (ii) the
Account debtor is not a resident of the United States; 

    (H)
Accounts payable by any Account debtor to which any Loan Party is or may become liable for goods sold or services rendered by such Account debtor to such Loan Party; 

    (I)
Accounts arising from the sale or lease of goods purchased for a personal, family or household purpose; 

    (J)
Accounts arising from the sale or other disposition of goods that have been used for demonstration purposes or loaned or leased by any Loan Party to another party; 

    (K)
Accounts which are progress payment accounts or contra accounts; 

    (L) Accounts
upon which IBM Credit does not have a valid, perfected, first priority security interest; 

    (M) Accounts
payable by an Account debtor that is or any Loan Party knows will become, subject to proceedings under United States Bankruptcy Law or other law for the
relief of debtors; 

    (N) Accounts
that are not payable in US dollars; 

    (O) Accounts
payable by any Account debtor that is a remarketer of computer hardware and software products and whose purchases of such products from any Loan Party have
been financed by another person, other than IBM Credit, who pays the proceeds of such financing directly to any Loan Party on behalf of such debtor ("Third Party Financer") unless (i) such
Third Party Financer does not have a separate financing relationship with any Loan Party or (ii) such Third Party Financer has a separate financing relationship with any Loan Party and has
waived its right to set off its obligations to such Loan Party; 

    (P) Accounts
arising from the sale or lease of goods which are billed to any Account debtor but have not yet been shipped by any Loan Party; 

    (Q) Accounts
with respect to which any Loan Party has permitted or agreed to any extension, compromise or settlement, or made any change or modification of any kind or
nature, including, but not limited to, any change or modification to the terms relating thereto; 

    (R) Accounts
that do not arise from undisputed bona fide transactions completed in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the invoices, purchase orders
and contracts relating thereto; 

16

  

    (S) Accounts
that are discounted for the full payment term specified in any Loan Party's terms and conditions with its Account debtors, or for any longer period of
time. 

    (T) Accounts
on cash on delivery (C.O.D.) terms; 

    (U) Accounts
arising from maintenance or service contracts that are billed in advance of full performance of service; 

    (V) Accounts
arising from bartered transactions; 

    (W) Accounts
arising from incentive payments, rebates, discounts, credits, and refunds from a supplier; and 

    (X) Any
and all other Accounts that IBM Credit deems, in its sole and Permitted Discretion, to be eligible. 

    The
aggregate of all Accounts that are not ineligible Accounts shall hereinafter be referred to as "Eligible Accounts". 

    3.2  Reimbursement for Charges.  Customer agrees to pay for all costs and expenses of Customer's bank in
respect to collection of checks and other items of payment, all fees relating to the use and maintenance of the Lockbox and the Special Account and with respect to remittances of proceeds of the
Advances hereunder. 

    3.3  Lockbox and Special Account.  Customer shall establish and maintain lockbox(es) (each, a "Lockbox")
at the address set forth in Attachment A with the financial institution(s) listed in Attachment A (each, a "Bank") pursuant to an agreement between the Customer and each Bank in form and substance
satisfactory to IBM Credit. Customer shall also establish and maintain a deposit account which shall contain only proceeds of each Loan Party's Accounts ("Special Account") with each Bank. Customer
shall enter into and maintain a contingent blocked account agreement with each Bank for the benefit of IBM Credit in form and substance satisfactory to IBM Credit pursuant to which, among other
things, such Bank shall agree that, upon an Event of Default, IBM Credit may provide notice to Bank that disbursements from the Special Account shall be made only as IBM Credit shall direct. However,
upon the cure of such Event of Default, IBM Credit shall not be required to return the control of the Special Account to the Customer. 

    3.4.  Collections.  Each Loan Party shall instruct all Account debtors to remit payments directly to a
Lockbox. In addition, each Loan Party shall have such instruction printed in conspicuous type on all invoices. Customer shall instruct such Bank to deposit all remittances to such Bank's Lockbox into
its Special Account. Customer further agrees that it shall not deposit or permit any deposits of funds other than remittances paid in respect of the Accounts into the Special Account(s) or permit any
commingling of funds with such remittances in any Lockbox or Special Account. 

    Without
limiting the Customer's foregoing obligations, if, at any time, any Loan Party receives a remittance directly from an Account debtor, then such Loan Party shall make entries
on its books and records in a manner that shall reasonably identify such remittances and shall keep a separate account on its record books of all remittances so received and deposit the same into a
Special Account. Until so deposited into the Special Account, each Loan Party shall keep all remittances received in respect of Accounts separate and apart from such Loan Party's other property so
that they are capable of identification as the proceeds of Accounts in which IBM Credit has a security interest. 

    3.5.  Application of Remittances and Credits.  Each Loan Party shall apply all remittances against the
aggregate of such Loan Party's outstanding Accounts no later than the end of the Business Day on which such remittances are deposited into the Special Account. Each Loan Party also agrees to apply
each remittance against its respective Account no later than three (3) Business Days from the date such 

17

 

remittance is deposited into the Special Account. In addition, each Loan Party shall promptly apply any credits owing in respect to any Account when due. 

    3.6.  Power of Attorney.  Each Loan Party hereby irrevocably appoints IBM Credit, with full power of
substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full power, in good faith and in compliance with commercially reasonable standards, in the discretion of IBM Credit, to: 

    (A) sign
the name of such Loan Party on any document or instrument that IBM Credit shall deem necessary or appropriate to perfect and maintain perfected the security
interest in the Collateral contemplated under this Agreement and the Other Documents; 

    (B) endorse
the name of such Loan Party upon any of the items of payment of proceeds and deposit the same in the account of IBM Credit for application to the
Obligations; and 

upon
the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, as defined in Section 9.1 hereof; 

    (C) demand
payment, enforce payment and otherwise exercise all of each Loan Party's rights and remedies with respect to the collection of any Accounts; 

    (D) settle,
adjust, compromise, extend or renew any Accounts; 

    (E) settle,
adjust or compromise any legal proceedings brought to collect any Accounts; 

    (F) sell
or assign any Accounts upon such terms, for such amounts and at such time or times as IBM Credit may deem advisable; 

    (G) discharge
and release any Accounts; 

    (H) prepare,
file and sign Customer's name on any Proof of Claim in Bankruptcy or similar document against any Account debtor; 

    (I) prepare,
file and sign such Loan Party's name on any notice of lien, claim of mechanic's lien, assignment or satisfaction of lien or mechanic's lien, or similar
document in connection with any Accounts; 

    (J) endorse
the name of such Loan Party upon any chattel paper, document, instrument, invoice, freight bill, bill of lading or similar document or agreement relating to
any Account or goods pertaining thereto; 

    (K) endorse
the name of such Loan Party upon any of the items of payment of proceeds and deposit the same in the account of IBM Credit for application to the
Obligation; 

    (L) sign
the name of such Loan Party to requests for verification of Accounts and notices thereof to Account debtors; 

    (M) sign
the name of such Loan Party on any document or instrument that IBM Credit shall deem necessary or appropriate to enforce any and all remedies it may have under
this Agreement, at law or otherwise; 

    (N) make,
settle and adjust claims under the Policies with respect to the Collateral and endorse such Loan Party's name on any check, draft, instrument or other item of
payment of the proceeds of the Policies with respect to the Collateral; and 

    (O) take
control in any manner of any term of payment or proceeds and for such purpose to notify the postal authorities to change the address for delivery of mail
addressed to such Loan Party to such address as IBM Credit may designate. 

    The
power of attorney granted by this Section is for value and coupled with an interest and is irrevocable so long as this Agreement is in effect or any Obligations remain
outstanding. Nothing done 

18

 

by IBM Credit pursuant to such power of attorney will reduce any Loan Parties' Obligations other than Customer's payment Obligations to the extent IBM Credit has received monies. 

    3.7  Concentration Accounts.  Without limiting IBM Credit's other rights, IBM Credit reserves the right
to, from time to time in its sole discretion, modify the percentage of the amount of each Loan Party's Concentration Accounts used in calculating Customer's Borrowing Base or eliminate Concentration
Accounts in calculating Customer's Borrowing Base. 

 
 

Section 4.  SECURITY—COLLATERAL    
  

    4.1  Grant.  To secure the Loan Party's full and punctual payment and performance of the Obligations
(including obligations under any leases any Loan Party may enter into, now or in the future, with IBM Credit) when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), each Loan Party
hereby grants IBM Credit a security interest in all of each Loan Party's right, title and interest in and to the following property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or existing and wherever
located: 

    (A) all
inventory and equipment, and all parts thereof, attachments, accessories and accessions thereto, products thereof and documents therefor; 

    (B) all
accounts, contract rights, chattel paper, instruments, deposit accounts, obligations of any kind owing to such Loan Party, whether or not arising out of or in
connection with the sale or lease of goods or the rendering of services and all books, invoices, documents and other records in any form evidencing or relating to any of the foregoing; 

    (C) general
intangibles; 

    (D) all
rights now or hereafter existing in and to all mortgages, security agreements, leases or other contracts securing or otherwise relating to any of the foregoing;
and 

    (E) all
substitutions and replacements for all of the foregoing, all proceeds of all of the foregoing and, to the extent not otherwise included, all payments under
insurance or any indemnity, warranty or guaranty, payable by reason of loss or damage to or otherwise with respect to any of the foregoing. 

    All
of the above assets shall be collectively defined herein as the "Collateral." Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term "Collateral" shall not include, any contracts and agreements
of Borrower to the extent that (but only to the extent that) (i) such contracts and agreements are not assignable or capable of being encumbered as a matter of law or under the terms of the
license or other agreement applicable thereto (but solely to the extent that any such restriction shall be enforceable under applicable law), without the consent of the licensor thereof or other
applicable party thereto and
(ii) such consent has not been obtained; provided, however, that the foregoing grant of a security interest shall extend to, and the term "Collateral" shall include, (A) any Accounts
arising under such contract and agreements (B) general intangibles which are in the nature of an account receivable arising under or relating to such contract or agreement or a right to the
payment of money thereunder or a proceed of such contract or agreement, or otherwise related to the enforcement or collection of, any account receivable or right to the payment of money, or goods
which are the subject of any account receivable or right to the payment of money thereunder, (C) any and all proceeds of any such contract or agreement and rights to receive payments thereunder
which are otherwise excluded, and (D) upon obtaining the consent of any such licensor or other applicable party's consent with respect to any such otherwise excluded contract or agreement, such
contract or agreement (as appropriate) that might have theretofore have been excluded from such grant of a security interest. Each Loan Party covenants and agrees with IBM Credit that: (a) the
security constituted to by this Agreement is in addition to any other security from time to time held by IBM Credit and (b) the security hereby created is a continuing security interest and
will cover and secure the payment of all Obligations both present and future of each Loan Party to IBM Credit. 

19

  

    4.2  Further Assurances.  Each Loan Party shall, from time to time upon the request of IBM Credit,
execute and deliver to IBM Credit, or cause to be executed and delivered, at such time or times as IBM Credit may request such other and further documents, certificates and instruments that IBM Credit
may deem necessary to perfect and maintain perfected IBM Credit's security interests in the Collateral and in order to fully consummate all of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement and
the Other Documents. Each Loan Party shall make appropriate entries on its books and records disclosing IBM Credit's security interests in the Collateral. 

 
 

Section 5. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT    
  

    5.1.  Conditions Precedent to the Effectiveness of this Agreement.  The effectiveness of this Agreement
is subject to the receipt by IBM Credit of, or waiver in writing by IBM Credit of compliance with, the following conditions precedent: 

    (A) this
Agreement executed and delivered by each Loan Party and IBM Credit; 

    (B) a
favorable opinion of counsel for the Loan Parties in substantially the form of Attachment M; 

    (C) a
certificate of the secretary or an assistant secretary of each Loan Party, substantially in the term and substance of Attachment I hereto, certifying that among
other items, (i) such Loan Party is duly organized under the laws of the State of its organization or incorporation and has its principal place of business as stated therein, (ii) such
Loan Party is registered to conduct business in specified states and localities, (iii) true and complete copies of the articles of incorporation, or corresponding organizational documents, as
applicable, and by-laws of such Loan Party are delivered therewith, together with all amendments and addenda thereto as in effect on the date thereof, (iv) the resolution as stated in the
certificate is a true, accurate and compared copy of the resolution adopted by such Loan Party's Board of Directors or, if such Loan Party is a limited liability company, by such Loan Party's
authorized members authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and each Other Document executed and delivered in connection herewith, and (v) the names and true
signatures of the officers of such Loan Party authorized to sign this Agreement and the Other Documents; 

    (D) certificates
dated as of a recent date from the Secretary of State or other appropriate authority evidencing the good standing of each Loan Party in the
jurisdiction of its organization and in each other jurisdiction where the ownership or lease of its property or the conduct of its business requires it to qualify to do business; 

    (E) copies
of all approvals and consents from any Person, in each case in form and substance satisfactory to IBM Credit, which are required to enable each Loan Party to
authorize, or required in connection with, (a) the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and each of the Other Documents, and (b) the legality, validity, binding effect or
enforceability of this Agreement and each of the Other Documents; 

    (F) a
lockbox agreement executed by Customer and each Bank, in form and substance satisfactory to IBM Credit; 

    (G) a
contingent blocked account agreement executed by Customer and each Bank in form and substance satisfactory to IBM Credit; 

    (H) intercreditor
agreements ("Intercreditor Agreement"), in form and substance satisfactory to IBM Credit, executed by each other secured creditor of each Loan Party
as set forth in Attachment A; 

    (I) UCC-1
financing statements for each jurisdiction reasonably requested by IBM Credit executed by each Loan Party and each guarantor whose guaranty to IBM Credit is
intended to be secured by a pledge of its assets; 

20

 

    (J) the statements, certificates, documents, instruments, financing statements, agreements and information set forth in Attachment A and Attachment B; and 

    (K) all
such other statements, certificates, documents, instruments, financing statements, agreements and other information with respect to the matters contemplated by
this Agreement as IBM Credit shall have reasonably requested. 

    5.2.  Conditions Precedent to Each Advance.  No Advance will be required to be made or renewed by IBM
Credit under this Agreement unless, on and as of the date of such Advance, the following statements shall be true to the satisfaction of IBM Credit: 

    (A) The
representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or in any document, instrument or agreement executed in connection herewith are true and correct in
all material respects on and as of the date of such Advance as though made on and as of such date; 

    (B) No
event has occurred and is continuing or after giving effect to such Advance or the application of the proceeds thereof would result in or would constitute a
Default; 

    (C) No
event has occurred and is continuing which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and 

    (D) Both
before and after giving effect to the making of such Advance, no Shortfall Amount exists. 

    Except
as Customer has otherwise disclosed to IBM Credit in writing prior to each request, each request (or deemed request pursuant to Section 2.2 (A) or 2.3 (D)) for an Advance
hereunder and the receipt (or deemed receipt) by the Customer of the proceeds of any Advance hereunder shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by Customer that, as of and on the date of
such Advance, the statements set forth in (A) through (D) above are true statements. No such disclosures by Customer to IBM Credit shall in any manner be deemed to satisfy the conditions
precedent to each Advance that are set forth in this Section 5.2. 

 
 

Section 6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES    
  

    To induce IBM Credit to enter into this Agreement, each Loan Party represents and warrants to IBM Credit as follows: 

    6.1.  Organization and Qualifications.  Each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries (i) is duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, (ii) has the power and authority to own its properties and assets and to transact the
businesses in which it presently
is engaged and (iii) is duly qualified and is authorized to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where it presently is engaged in business and is required to be so
qualified. 

    6.2.  Rights in Collateral; Priority of Liens.  Each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries owns the
property granted by it respectively as Collateral to IBM Credit, free and clear of any and all Liens in favor of third parties except for the Liens otherwise permitted pursuant to Section 8.1. The
Liens granted by each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries pursuant to this Agreement, the Guaranties and the Other Documents in the Collateral constitute the valid and enforceable first, prior and
perfected Liens on the Collateral subject to no prior or equal Lien other than Permitted Liens except for Liens described in clause (5) of the definition of Permitted Liens. 

    6.3.  No Conflicts.  The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of this Agreement and
each of the Other Documents (i) are within its corporate or limited liability company power; (ii) are duly authorized by all necessary corporate or limited liability company actions;
(iii) are not in contravention in any respect of any Requirement of Law or any indenture, contract, lease, agreement, instrument or other commitment to which it is a party or by which it or any
of its 

21

 

properties are bound; (iv) do not require the consent, registration or approval of any Governmental Authority or any other Person (except such as have been duly obtained, made or given, and are
in full force and effect); except where the failure to so obtain any consent, registration or approval would not have a Material Adverse Effect; and (v) will not, except as contemplated herein,
result in the imposition of any Liens upon any of its properties. 

    6.4.  Enforceability.  This Agreement and all of the other documents executed and delivered by each Loan
Party in connection herewith are the legal, valid and binding obligations of such Loan Party, and are enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by the
effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally or the general equitable principles relating
thereto. 

    6.5.  Locations of Offices, Records and Inventory.  The address of the principal place of business and
chief executive office of each Loan Party is as set forth on Attachment B or on any notice provided by such Loan Party to IBM Credit pursuant to Section 7.7(C) of this Agreement.
The books and records of each Loan Party, and all of its chattel paper (other than the chattel paper delivered to IBM Credit pursuant to Section 7.14(E)) and records of Accounts, are maintained
exclusively at such location. 

    There
is no jurisdiction in which any Loan Party has any assets, equipment or inventory (except for vehicles and inventory in transit for processing) other than those jurisdictions
identified on Attachment B or on any notice provided by the Loan Party to IBM Credit pursuant to Section 7.7(C) of this Agreement. Attachment B, as amended from time to time by
any notice provided by any Loan Party to IBM Credit in accordance with Section 7.7(C) of this Agreement, also contains a complete list of the legal names and addresses of each warehouse
at which such Loan Party's inventory is stored. None of the receipts received by any Loan Party from any warehouseman states that the goods covered thereby are to be delivered to bearer or to the
order of a named person or to a named person and such named person's assigns. 

    6.6.  Fictitious Business Names.  To the best of each Loan Party's knowledge after due inquiry, no Loan
Party has used any company or fictitious name during the five (5) years preceding the date of this Agreement, other than those listed on Attachment B. 

    6.7.  Organization.  All of the outstanding capital stock of each Loan Party has been validly issued, is
fully paid and nonassessable. 

    6.8.  No Judgments or Litigation.  Except as set forth on Attachment B, no judgments, orders, writs or
decrees are outstanding against any Loan Party nor is there now pending or, to the best of such Loan Party's knowledge after due inquiry, threatened, any litigation, contested claim, investigation,
arbitration, or governmental proceeding by or against any Loan Party. 

    6.9.  No Defaults.  No Loan Party is in default under any term of any indenture, contract, lease,
agreement, instrument or other commitment to which it is a party or by which it, or any of its properties are bound. No Loan Party has knowledge of any dispute regarding any such indenture, contract,
lease, agreement, instrument or other commitment where such default could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. 

    6.10.  Labor Matters.  Except as set forth on any notice provided by Loan Parties to IBM Credit pursuant
to Section 7.1(G) of this Agreement, no Loan Party is a party to any labor dispute. There are no strikes or walkouts or labor controversies pending or threatened against any Loan Party
which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 

    6.11.  Compliance with Law.  No Loan Party has violated or failed to comply with any Requirement of Law
or any requirement of any self regulatory organization which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 

22

  

    6.12.  ERISA.  Each "employee benefit plan", "employee pension benefit plan", "defined benefit plan", or
"multi-employer benefit plan", which each Loan Party has established, maintained, or to which it is required to contribute (collectively, the "Plans") is in compliance with all applicable provisions
of ERISA and the Code and the rules and regulations thereunder as well as the Plan's terms and conditions. There have been no "prohibited transactions" and no "reportable event" has occurred
within the last 60 months with respect to any Plan. No Loan Party has "multi-employer benefit plan". 

    As
used in this Agreement the terms "employee benefit plan", "employee pension benefit plan", "defined benefit plan", and "multi-employer benefit plan" have the respective meanings
assigned to them in Section 3 of ERISA and any applicable rules and regulations thereunder. No Loan Party has incurred any "accumulated funding deficiency" within the meaning of ERISA or
incurred any liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the "PBGC") in connection with a Plan (other than for premiums due in the ordinary course). 

    6.13.  Compliance with Environmental Laws.  Except as otherwise disclosed in Attachment B: 

    (A) Each
Loan Party has obtained all government approvals required with respect to the operation of their businesses under any Environmental Law. 

    (B) (i) no
Loan Party has generated, transported or disposed of any Hazardous Substances; (ii) no Loan Party is currently generating, transporting or
disposing of any Hazardous Substances; (iii) no Loan Party has knowledge that (a) any of its real property (whether owned, leased, or otherwise directly or indirectly controlled) has
been used for the disposal of or has been contaminated by any Hazardous Substances, or (b) any of its business operations have contaminated lands or waters of others with any Hazardous
Substances; (iv) no Loan Party and its respective assets are not subject to any Environmental Liability and, to the best of any Loan Party's knowledge, any threatened Environmental Liability
which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (v) no Loan Party has received any notice of or otherwise learned of any governmental investigation evaluating whether any
remedial action is necessary to respond to a release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substances for which any Loan Party may be liable; (vi) no Loan Party is in violation of any
Environmental Law which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (vii) there are no proceedings or investigations pending against any Loan Party with respect to any
violation or alleged violation of any Environmental Law; provided however, that the parties acknowledge that any generation, transportation, use, storage and disposal of certain such Hazardous
Substances in any Loan Party's or its Subsidiaries' business shall be excluded from representations (i) and (ii) above, provided, further, that each Loan Party is at all times
generating, transporting, utilizing, storing and disposing such Hazardous Substances in accordance with all applicable Environmental Laws and in a manner designed to
minimize the risk of any spill, contamination, release or discharge of Hazardous Substances other than as authorized by Environmental Laws. 

    6.14.  Intellectual Property.  Each Loan Party possesses such assets, licenses, patents, patent
applications, copyrights, service marks, trademarks, trade names and trade secrets and all rights and other property relating thereto or arising therefrom ("Intellectual Property") as are necessary or
advisable to continue to conduct its present and proposed business activities. 

    6.15.  Licenses and Permits.  Each Loan Party has obtained and holds in full force and effect all
franchises, licenses, leases, permits, certificates, authorizations, qualifications, easements, rights of way and other rights and approvals which are necessary for the operation of its businesses as
presently conducted. No Loan Party is in violation of the terms of any such franchise, license, lease, permit, certificate, authorization, qualification, easement, right of way, right or approval. 

    6.16.  Investment Company.  No Loan Party is (i) an investment company or a company controlled by
an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (ii) a holding company or a subsidiary of a holding company, or an Affiliate of a holding 

23

 

company or of a subsidiary of a holding company, within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended, or (iii) subject to any other law which purports to regulate
or restrict its ability to borrow money or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Other Documents or to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. 

    6.17.  Taxes and Tax Returns.  Each Loan Party has timely filed all federal, state, and local tax returns
and other reports which it is required by law to file, and has either duly paid all taxes, fees and other governmental charges indicated to be due on the basis of such reports and returns or pursuant
to any assessment received by any Loan Party, or made provision for the payment thereof in accordance with GAAP. The charges and reserves on the books of each Loan Party in respect of taxes or other
governmental charges are in accordance with GAAP. No tax liens have been filed against any Loan Party or any of its property. 

    6.18.  Status of Accounts.  Each Account is based on an actual and bona fide sale and delivery of goods
or rendition of services to customers, made by each Loan Party, in the ordinary course of its business; the goods and inventory being sold and the Accounts created are its exclusive property and are
not and shall not be subject to any Lien, consignment arrangement, encumbrance, security interest or financing statement whatsoever (other than Permitted Liens). Each Loan Party's customers have
accepted goods
or services and owe and are obligated to pay the full amounts stated in the invoices according to their terms. There are no proceedings or actions known to any Loan Party which are pending or
threatened against any Material Account Debtor (as defined in Section 7.14(B) of this Agreement) of any of the Accounts which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect
on the debtor's ability to pay the full amounts due to such Loan Party. 

    6.19.  Affiliate/Subsidiary Transactions.  Except for Permitted Indebtedness and Permitted Investments,
no Loan Party is a party to or bound by any agreement or arrangement (whether oral or written) to which any Affiliate or Subsidiary of such Loan Party is a party except (i) in the ordinary
course of and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of the business of such Loan Party and its Subsidiaries and (ii) upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable to such Loan Party than
it could obtain in a comparable arm's-length transaction with an unaffiliated Person. 

    6.20.  Accuracy and Completeness of Information.  All factual information furnished by or on behalf of
each Loan Party to IBM Credit or the Auditors for purposes of or in connection with this Agreement or any Other Document, or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby is or will be true and
accurate in all material respects on the date as of which such information is dated or certified and not incomplete by omitting to state any material fact necessary to make such information not
misleading at such time. 

    6.21.  Recording Taxes.  All recording taxes, recording fees, filing fees and other charges payable in
connection with the filing and recording of this Agreement have either been paid in full by Loan Parties or arrangements for the payment of such amounts by Loan Parties have been made to the
satisfaction of IBM Credit. 

    6.22.  Indebtedness.  No Loan Party (i) has Indebtedness, other than Permitted Indebtedness; and
(ii) has guaranteed the obligations of any other Person (except as permitted by Section 8.4). 

24

 
 
 

Section 7. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS    
  

    Until termination of this Agreement and the indefeasible payment and satisfaction of all Obligations: 

    7.1.  Financial and Other Information.  Customer shall cause the following information to be delivered to
IBM Credit within the following time periods: 

    (A) as
soon as available and in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of Customer a Compliance Certificate along with a schedule,
in substantially the form of Attachment C hereto, of the calculations used in determining, as of the end of such fiscal year, whether Customer is in compliance with the financial covenants set
forth in Attachment A; 

    (B) as
soon as available and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each fiscal quarter of Customer a Compliance Certificate along with a
schedule, in substantially the form of Attachment C hereto, of the calculations used in determining, as of the end of such fiscal quarter, whether Customer is in compliance with the financial
covenants set forth in Attachment A; 

    (C) as
soon as available and in any event within sixty (60) days after the end of each year of Customer (i) projected Financial Statements, broken down
by quarter, for the current and following fiscal year; and (ii) if composed, a narrative discussion relating to such projected Financial Statements; 

    (D) promptly
after any Loan Party obtains knowledge of (i) the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default, or (ii) the existence of any condition or
event which would result in such Loan Party's failure to satisfy the conditions precedent to Advances set forth in Section 5, a certificate of an officer of such Loan Party specifying the
nature thereof and the Loan Party's proposed response thereto, each in reasonable detail; 

    (E) promptly
after any Loan Party obtains knowledge of (i) any proceeding(s) being instituted or threatened to be instituted by or against such Loan Party in any
federal, state, local or foreign court or before any commission or other regulatory body (federal, state, local or foreign), or (ii) any actual or prospective change, development or event
which, in any such case, has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, a certificate of an officer of such Loan Party specifying the nature thereof and the Loan Party's
proposed response thereto, each in reasonable detail; 

    (F) promptly
after any Loan Party obtains knowledge that (i) any order, judgment or decree in excess of $1,000,000 shall have been entered against such Loan
Party or any of its properties or assets, or (ii) it has received any notification of a material violation of any Requirement of Law from any Governmental Authority, a certificate of an officer
of such Loan Party specifying the nature thereof and the Loan Party's proposed response thereto, each in reasonable detail; 

    (G) promptly
after any Loan Party learns of any material labor dispute to which such Loan Party may become a party, any strikes or walkouts relating to any of its
plants or other facilities, and the expiration of any labor contract to which the Loan Party is a party or by which it is bound, a certificate of an officer of such Loan Party specifying the nature
thereof and the Loan Party's proposed response thereto, each in reasonable detail; 

    (H) within
five (5) Business Days after written request by IBM Credit, any written certificates, schedules and reports together with all supporting documents as
IBM Credit may reasonably request relating to the Collateral or the Loan Party's or any guarantor's business affairs and financial condition; 

    (I) by
the fifth (5th) Business Day of each month, or as otherwise agreed in writing, a Collateral Management Report as of a date no earlier than the last day of the
immediately preceding month; and 

    (J) along
with the Financial Statements set forth in Section 7.1(A) and (B), the name, address and phone number of each of its Account debtors' primary contacts
for each Account on the Accounts aging report contained in its most recent Collateral Management Report. 

25

 

    Each certificate, schedule and report provided by any Loan Party to IBM Credit shall be signed by an authorized officer of such Loan Party, and which signature shall be deemed a
representation and warranty that the information contained in such certificate, schedule or report is true and accurate in all material respects on the date as of which such certificate, schedule or
report is made and does not omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein not misleading at such time. Each Financial Statement delivered pursuant to this
Section 7.1 shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP applied consistently throughout the periods reflected therein and with prior periods. 

    Any
material provided under this section 7.1 which is marked "Confidential" will be subject to the Confidentiality Agreement dated as of the Closing Date entered into between Loan
Parties and IBM Credit. 

    7.2  Location of Collateral.  The inventory, equipment and other tangible Collateral shall be kept or
sold at the addresses as set forth on Attachment B or on any notice provided by Customer to IBM Credit in
accordance with Section 7.7(C). Such locations shall be certified quarterly to IBM Credit substantially in the form of Attachment G. 

    7.3  Changes in Loan Parties.  Each Loan Party shall provide thirty (30) days prior written notice
to IBM Credit of any change in such Loan Party's name, chief executive office and principal place of business, organization, form of ownership or corporate structure; provided, however, that each Loan
Party's compliance with this covenant shall not relieve it of any of its other obligations or any other provisions under this Agreement or any Other Document limiting actions of the type described in
this Section. 

    7.4.  Legal Entity Existence.  Each Loan Party shall (A) maintain its legal entity existence,
maintain in full force and effect all licenses, bonds, franchises, leases and qualifications to do business, and all contracts and other rights necessary to the profitable conduct of its business,
(B) continue in, and limit its operations to, the same general lines of business as presently conducted by it unless otherwise permitted in writing by IBM Credit and (C) comply with all
Requirements of Law in each case, the failure of which to maintain, continue in, and limit or comply could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 

    7.5.  ERISA.  Each Loan Party shall promptly notify IBM Credit in writing after it learns of the
occurrence of any event which would constitute a "reportable event" under ERISA or any regulations thereunder with respect to any Plan, or that the PBGC has instituted or will institute proceedings to
terminate any Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Loan Party shall have obligation to notify IBM Credit as to any "reportable event" as to which the 30-day notice requirement of Section
4043(b) has been waived by the PBGC, until such time as such Loan Party is required to notify the PBGC of such reportable event. 

    Such
notification shall include a certificate of an officer of such Loan Party setting forth details as to such "reportable event" and the action which such Loan Party proposes to
take with respect thereto, together with a copy of any notice of such "reportable event" which may be required to be filed with the PBGC, or any notice delivered by the PBGC evidencing its intent to
institute such proceedings. Upon request of IBM Credit, each Loan Party shall furnish, or cause the plan administrator to furnish, to IBM Credit the most recently filed annual report for each Plan. 

    7.6.  Environmental Matters.  (A) Each Loan Party and any other Person under each Loan Party's
control (including, without limitation, agents and Affiliates under such control) shall (i) comply with all Environmental Laws in all material respects, and (ii) undertake to use
commercially reasonable efforts to prevent any unlawful release of any Hazardous Substance by each Loan Party or such Person into, upon, over or under any property now or hereinafter owned, leased or
otherwise controlled (directly or indirectly) by such Loan Party. 

26

 

    (B) If the events described in this Section could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, each Loan Party shall notify IBM Credit, promptly upon its
obtaining knowledge of (i) any non-routine proceeding or investigation by any Governmental Authority with respect to the presence of any Hazardous Substances on or in any property now or
hereinafter owned, leased or otherwise controlled (directly or indirectly) by such Loan Party, (ii) all claims made or threatened by any Person or Governmental Authority against any Loan Party
or any of Loan Party's assets relating to any loss or injury resulting from any Hazardous Substance, (iii) any Loan Party's discovery of evidence of unlawful disposal of or environmental
contamination by any Hazardous Substance on any property now or hereinafter owned, leased or otherwise controlled (directly or indirectly) by Loan Party, and (iv) any occurrence or condition
which could constitute a violation of any Environmental Law. 

    7.7.  Collateral Books and Records/Collateral Audit.  (A) Each Loan Party agrees to maintain books
and records pertaining to the Collateral in such detail, form and scope as is consistent with good business practice, and agrees that such books and records will reflect IBM Credit's interest in the
Accounts. 

    (B) Each
Loan Party agrees that IBM Credit or its agents may enter upon the premises of any Loan Party at any time and from time to time, during normal business hours
and upon reasonable notice under the circumstances, and at any time at all on and after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default for the purposes of (i) inspecting the
Collateral, (ii) inspecting and/or copying (at Loan Party's expense) any and all records pertaining thereto, (iii) discussing the affairs, finances and business of Loan Party with any
officers, employees and directors of such Loan Party or with the Auditors and (iv) verifying Eligible Accounts and other Collateral. Each Loan Party also agrees to provide IBM Credit with such
reasonable information and documentation that IBM Credit deems necessary to conduct the foregoing activities, including, without limitation, reasonably requested samplings of purchase orders, invoices
and evidences of delivery or other performance. 

    Upon
the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default which has not been waived by IBM Credit in writing, IBM Credit may conduct any of the foregoing activities in any
manner that IBM Credit deems reasonably necessary. 

    (C) Each
Loan Party shall give IBM Credit thirty (30) days prior written notice of any change in the location of any Collateral, the location of its books and records
or in the location of its chief executive office or place of business from the locations specified in Attachment B, and will execute in advance of such change and cause to be filed and/or delivered to
IBM Credit any financing statements, landlord or other lien waivers, or other documents reasonably required by IBM Credit, all in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to IBM Credit; provided that such Loan Party may move Collateral with an aggregate value not exceeding $100,000 from one business location to another without prior notice to
IBM Credit. 

    (D) Each
Loan Party agrees to advise IBM Credit promptly, in reasonably sufficient detail, of any substantial change relating to the type, quantity or quality of the
Collateral, or any event which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the value of the Collateral or on the security interests granted to IBM Credit therein. 

    7.8.  Insurance; Casualty Loss.  (A) Each Loan Party agrees to maintain with financially sound and
reputable insurance companies: (i) insurance on its properties, (ii) public liability insurance against claims for personal injury or death as a result of the use of any products sold by it and
(iii) insurance coverage against other business risks, in each case, in at least such amounts and against at least such risks as are usually and prudently insured against in the same general
geographical area by companies of established repute engaged in the same or a similar business. Each Loan Party will furnish to IBM Credit, upon its written request, the insurance certificates with
respect to such insurance. In addition, all Policies so maintained are to name IBM Credit as an additional insured as its interest may appear. 

27

  

    (B) Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Loan Party shall keep and maintain, at its sole expense, the Collateral insured for an amount not less than
the amount set forth on Attachment A from time to time opposite the caption "Collateral Insurance Amount" against all loss or damage under an "all risk" Policy with companies mutually acceptable to
IBM Credit and each Loan Party, with a lender's loss payable endorsement or mortgagee clause in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to IBM Credit designating that any loss payable thereunder
with respect to such Collateral shall be payable to IBM Credit. Upon receipt of proceeds by IBM Credit the same shall be applied on account of the Customer's Outstanding Product Advances first, then
to the Outstanding A/R Advances. Each Loan Party agrees to instruct each insurer to give IBM Credit, by endorsement upon the Policy issued by it or by independent instruments furnished to IBM Credit
at least ten (10) days written notice before any Policy shall be altered or cancelled and that no act or default of any Loan Party or any other person shall affect the right of IBM Credit to
recover under the Policies. Each Loan Party hereby agrees to direct all insurers under the Policies to pay all proceeds with respect to the Collateral directly to IBM Credit. 

    If
any Loan Party fails to pay any cost, charges or premiums, or if any Loan Party fails to insure the Collateral, IBM Credit may pay such costs, charges or premiums. Any amounts paid
by IBM Credit hereunder shall be considered an additional debt owed by such Loan Party to IBM Credit and are due and payable immediately upon receipt of an invoice by IBM Credit. 

    7.9.  Taxes.  Each Loan Party agrees to pay, when due, all taxes lawfully levied or assessed against such
Loan Party or any of the Collateral before any penalty or interest accrues thereon unless such taxes are being contested, in good faith, by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently
conducted and an adequate reserve or other appropriate provisions have been made therefor as required in order to be in conformity with GAAP and an adverse determination in such proceedings could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 

    7.10.  Compliance With Laws.  Each Loan Party agrees to comply with the Requirements of Law applicable to
the Collateral or any part thereof, or to the operation of its business in a manner which does not cause a Material Adverse Effect. 

    7.11.  Fiscal Year.  Each Loan Party agrees to maintain its fiscal year as a year ending December 31
unless such Loan Party provides IBM Credit at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of any change thereof. 

    7.12.  Intellectual Property.  Each Loan Party shall do and cause to be done all things necessary to
preserve and keep in full force and effect all registrations of Intellectual Property which the failure to do or cause to be done could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 

    7.13.  Maintenance of Property.  Each Loan Party shall maintain all of its material properties (business
and otherwise) in good condition and repair (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and pay and discharge all costs of repair and maintenance thereof and all rental and mortgage payments and related charges
pertaining thereto and not commit or permit any waste with respect to any of its material properties. 

    7.14.  Collateral.  Each Loan Party shall: 

    (A) from
time to time upon request of IBM Credit, provide IBM Credit with access to copies of all invoices, delivery evidences and other such documents relating to each
Eligible Account; 

    (B) promptly
upon any Loan Party's obtaining knowledge thereof, furnish to and inform IBM Credit of all material adverse information relating to the financial condition
of any Account debtor whose outstanding obligations to such Loan Party constitute two percent (2%) or more of the Eligible Accounts at such time (a "Material Account Debtor"); 

28

 

    (C) promptly upon any Loan Party's learning thereof, notify IBM Credit in writing of any event which would cause any obligation of a Material Account Debtor to become
an Ineligible Account; 

    (D) keep
all goods rejected or returned by any Account debtor and all goods repossessed or stopped in transit by any Loan Party from any Account debtor segregated from
other property of such Loan Party, holding the same in trust for IBM Credit until such Loan Party applies a credit against such Account debtor's outstanding obligations to such Loan Party or sells
such goods in the ordinary course of business, whichever occurs earlier; 

    (E) stamp
or otherwise mark chattel paper and instruments now owned or hereafter acquired by it in conspicuous type to show that the same are subject to IBM Credit's
security interest; 

    (F) use
commercially reasonable efforts to collect all Accounts owed; 

    (G) promptly
notify IBM Credit of any loss, theft or destruction of or damage to any of the Collateral in an amount in excess of $100,000. Each Loan Party shall
diligently file and prosecute its claim for any award or payment in connection with any such loss, theft, destruction of or damage to Collateral. Each Loan Party shall, upon demand of IBM Credit,
make, execute and deliver any assignments and other instruments sufficient for the purpose of assigning any such award or payment to IBM Credit, free of any encumbrances of any kind whatsoever; 

    (H) consistent
with reasonable commercial practice, observe and perform all matters and things necessary or expedient to be observed or performed under or by virtue of
any lease, license, concession or franchise forming part of the Collateral in order to preserve, protect and maintain all the rights of IBM Credit thereunder; 

    (I) consistent
with reasonable commercial practice, maintain, use and operate the Collateral and carry on and conduct its business in a proper and efficient manner so
as to preserve and protect the Collateral and the earnings, incomes, rents, issues and profits thereof; and 

    (J) at
any time and from time to time, upon the request of IBM Credit, and at the sole expense of Loan Parties, each Loan Party will promptly and duly execute and
deliver such further instruments and documents and take such further action as IBM Credit may reasonably request for the purpose of obtaining or preserving the full benefits of this Agreement and of
the rights and powers herein granted, including, without limitation, the filing of any financing or continuation statements under the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in any jurisdiction with respect
to the security interests granted herein and the payment of any and all recording taxes and filing fees in connection therewith. 

    7.15.  Subsidiaries.  IBM Credit may require that any Subsidiaries of any Loan Party become a party to
this Agreement or any other agreement executed in connection with this Agreement as guarantors or sureties. Each Loan Party will comply, and cause all Subsidiaries of Loan Parties to comply with
Sections 7 and 8 of this Agreement, as if such sections applied directly to such Subsidiaries. 

    7.16.  Financial Covenants; Additional Covenants.  Each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that such Loan
Party shall maintain the financial covenants and other covenants set forth in the attachments, exhibits and other addenda incorporated in this Agreement. 

    7.17  Joint and Several Guaranty.  (A) Each Loan Party hereby jointly and severally guarantees to
IBM Credit the prompt payment when due and the full, prompt, and faithful performance of any and all Obligations upon which any Loan Party is in any manner obligated, heretofore, now or hereafter
owned, contracted or acquired by IBM Credit pursuant to this Agreement, whether the same are individual, joint or several, primary, secondary, direct, contingent or otherwise. Each Loan Party
irrevocably subordinates to the full payment of amounts due IBM Credit any and all rights to which it may be entitled, by operation of law or otherwise, upon making any payment hereunder (i) to
be subrogated to the rights of IBM Credit against another Loan Party hereto with respect to such payment 

29

 

or otherwise to be reimbursed, indemnified or exonerated by another Loan Party in respect thereof, or (ii) to receive any payment, in the nature of contribution or for any other reason, from
another Loan Party hereto with respect to such payment. 

    (B) Notwithstanding
any provision herein to the contrary, the liability of each Loan Party hereunder shall in no event exceed the maximum amount that is valid and
enforceable in any action or proceeding involving any applicable state corporate law or any applicable state or federal bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance or other law
involving the rights or creditors generally. 

    (C) The
liability of each Loan Party hereunder is direct, absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any extension, renewal or other change in the terms of
payment or performance thereof, or the release, settlement or compromise of or with any party liable for the payment or performance thereof, the release or nonperfection of any security thereunder, or
any change in any Loan Party's financial condition. Each Loan Party's obligation pursuant to this Section 7.19 shall continue for so long as any sums owing to IBM Credit by either Loan Party
remains outstanding and unpaid, unless terminated in the manner provided herein. Each Loan Party acknowledges that its obligations hereunder are in addition to and independent of any agreement or
transaction between IBM Credit and any other Loan Party or any other Person creating or reserving any lien, encumbrance or security interest in any property of any other Loan Party or any other Person
as security for any obligation of such Loan Party. 

    (D) Each
Loan Party has made an independent investigation of the financial condition of each other Loan Party and guarantees the Obligations based on that investigation
and not upon any representations made by IBM Credit. Each Loan Party acknowledges that it has access to current and future Loan Party financial information which will enable each Loan Party to
continuously remain informed of each other Loan Party's financial condition. Each Loan Party also consents to and agrees that the guarantees provided in this Section 7.19 and the Obligations
shall not be affected by IBM Credit's subsequent increases or decreases in the credit line that IBM Credit may grant to any Loan Party, substitutions, exchanges or releases of all or any part of the
Collateral now or hereafter securing any of the Obligations, sales or other dispositions of any or all of the Collateral now or hereafter
securing any of the Obligations without demands, advertisement or notice of the time or place of the sales or other dispositions, realizing on the Collateral to the extent IBM Credit, in its sole
discretion deems proper. 

    (E) With
respect to the guarantees provided hereunder, each Loan Party, in its capacity as a guarantor, waives if permitted by applicable law (1) demand, protest
and all notices of protest or dishonor, (2) all notices of payment and nonpayment, (3) all notices required by law, (4) any and all defenses, including but not limited to any
defense arising from a claim or defense which it may have against any manufacturer, distributor or Authorized Supplier, (5) any and all rights of set-off Loan Parties may have against IBM
Credit and (6) all notices of nonpayment at maturity, release, compromise, settlement, extension or renewal of any or all commercial paper, accounts, contract rights, documents, instruments,
chattel paper and guarantees at any time held by IBM Credit on which any Loan Party may, in any way, be liable and each Loan Party hereby ratifies and confirms whatever IBM Credit may do in that
regard. 

    (F) This
guaranty obligation and any and all obligations, liabilities, terms and provisions herein shall survive any and all bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings,
actions and/or claims brought by or against either Loan Party, whether such proceedings, actions and/or claims are federal and/or state. 

30

 
 
 

Section 8. NEGATIVE COVENANTS    
  

    Until termination of this Agreement and the indefeasible payment and satisfaction of all Obligations due hereunder: 

    8.1.  Liens.  No Loan Party will, directly or indirectly, mortgage, assign, pledge, transfer, create,
incur, assume, permit to exist or otherwise permit any Lien or judgment to exist on any of its property, assets, revenues or goods, whether real, personal or mixed, whether now owned or hereafter
acquired, except for Permitted Liens. 

    8.2.  Disposition of Assets.  No Loan Party will, directly or indirectly, sell, lease, assign, transfer
or otherwise dispose of (collectively a "Transfer") any assets other than (i) sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business and short term rental of inventory as demonstrations in
amounts not material to it, (ii) voluntary dispositions of individual assets and obsolete or worn out property in the
ordinary course of business, provided, that the aggregate book value of all such assets and property so sold or disposed of under this section 8.2 (ii) in any * ; (iii) Transfers to Loan
Parties for bona fide business purposes, and (iv) other Transfers for fair market value * . 

	*
	= redaction

    8.3.  Legal Entity Changes.  No Loan Party will, without
the prior written consent of IBM Credit, directly or indirectly, merge, consolidate, liquidate, dissolve or enter into or engage in any operation or activity materially different from that presently
being conducted by any Loan Party. Except for the organization of Zones.com Inc. and Zones Business Solutions, Inc. by Customer, no Loan Party will create acquire or create any Subsidiary without the
prior written consent of IBM Credit. 

    8.4.  Guaranties.  No Loan Party will, directly or
indirectly, assume, guaranty, endorse, or otherwise become liable upon the obligations of any other Person, except (i) by the endorsement of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection or
similar transactions in the ordinary course of business, (ii) by the giving of indemnities in connection with the sale of inventory or other asset dispositions permitted hereunder, and
(iii) for guaranties in favor of IBM Credit, and (iv) for Permitted Investments. 

    8.5.  Restricted Payments.  No Loan Party will, directly
or indirectly: (i) declare or pay any dividend (other than dividends payable solely in common stock of such Loan Party or membership interest if Loan Party is a limited liability company) on, or make
any payment on account of, or set apart assets for a sinking or other analogous fund for, the purchase, redemption, defeasance, retirement or other acquisition of, any shares of any class of capital
stock of Loan Party or any warrants, options or rights to purchase any such capital stock, whether now or hereafter outstanding, or make any other distribution in respect thereof, either directly or
indirectly, whether in cash or property or in obligations of Loan Party except for the repurchase of such Loan Party's capital stock from officers, directors, employees or consultants upon termination
of their employment or rendering of services to such Loan Party not to exceed * ; or (ii) make any optional payment or prepayment on or redemption (including, without limitation, by making
payments to a sinking or analogous fund) or repurchase of any Indebtedness (other than the Obligations). 

    8.6.  Affiliate/Subsidiary Transactions.  No Loan Party
will, directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction with any Affiliate or Subsidiary, including, without limitation, the purchase, sale or exchange of property or the rendering of any service to
any Affiliate or Subsidiary of a Loan Party except (i) transactions in the ordinary course of business and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of Loan Party's business upon fair and
reasonable terms no less favorable to Loan Party than could be obtained
in a comparable arm's-length transaction with an unaffiliated Person, (ii) Permitted investments and (iii) transactions with a Loan Party for a bona fide business purpose.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, a Loan Party may transfer a substantial portion of its assets to another Loan Party without causing an Event of Default under this Agreement. 

31

  

    8.7.  ERISA.  No Loan Party will (A) terminate any
Plan so as to incur a material liability to the PBGC, (B) permit any "prohibited transaction" involving any Plan (other than a "multi-employer benefit plan") which would subject any Loan Party
to a material tax or penalty on "prohibited transactions" under the Code or ERISA, (C) fail to pay to any Plan any contribution which they are obligated to pay under the terms of such Plan, if
such failure would result in a material "accumulated funding deficiency", whether or not waived, (D) allow or suffer to exist any occurrence of a "reportable event" or any other event or
condition, which presents a material risk of termination by the PBGC of any Plan (other than a "multi-employer benefit plan"), or (E) fail to notify IBM Credit as required in Section 7.5. As
used in this Agreement, the terms "accumulated funding deficiency" and "reportable event" shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in ERISA, and the term "prohibited transaction" shall have
the meaning assigned to it in the Code and ERISA. For purposes of this Section 8.8, the terms "material liability", "tax", "penalty", "accumulated funding deficiency" and "risk of termination" shall
mean a liability, tax, penalty, accumulated funding deficiency or risk of termination which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 

    8.8.  Additional Negative Pledges.  No Loan Party will,
directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or permit to exist or become effective any contractual obligation which may restrict or inhibit IBM Credit's rights or ability to sell or otherwise
dispose of the Collateral or any part thereof after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default. 

    8.9.  Storage of Collateral with Bailees and
Warehousemen.  Collateral shall not be stored with a bailee, warehouseman or similar party without the prior written consent of IBM Credit unless the Loan Party
will, concurrently with the delivery of such Collateral to such party, cause such party to issue and deliver to IBM Credit, warehouse receipts in the name of IBM Credit evidencing the storage of such
Collateral. 

    8.10.  Use of Proceeds.  Without the prior written
consent of IBM Credit, no Loan Party shall use any portion of the proceeds of any Advances other than to acquire Products from Authorized Suppliers and for its general working capital requirements and
other purposes permitted by this Agreement. 

    8.11.  Accounts.  No Loan Party shall not permit or agree
to any extension, compromise or settlement or make any change or modification of any kind or nature with respect to any Account, including any of the terms relating thereto, which would affect IBM
Credit's ability to collect payment on any Account in whole or in part, except for such extensions, compromises or settlements made by such Loan Party in the ordinary course of its business, provided,
however, that the aggregate amount of such extensions, compromises or settlements does not exceed five percent (5%) of the such Loan Party's Accounts at any time. 

    8.12.  Indebtedness.  No Loan Party will create, incur,
assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except for Permitted Indebtedness. 

    8.13.  Loans.  No Loan Party will make any loans,
advances, contributions or payments of money or goods to any Subsidiary, Affiliate or parent company or to any officer, director or stockholder of any Loan Party or of any such company (except for
compensation for personal services actually rendered), except for transactions expressly authorized in this Agreement. 

 
 

Section 9. DEFAULT    
  

    9.1.  Event of Default.  Any one or more of the following
events shall constitute an Event of Default by any Loan Party under this Agreement and the Other Documents: 

    (A) The
failure to make timely payment of the Obligations or any part thereof when due and payable; 

32

 

    (B) Any Loan Party fails to comply with or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or any Other Documents which could reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect; 

    (C) Any
representation, warranty, statement, report or certificate made or delivered by or on behalf of any Loan Party or any of its officers, employees or agents or by
or on behalf of any guarantor to IBM Credit was false in any material respect at the time when made or deemed made; 

    (D) Failure
of Customer to file (i) the Form 10-K Annual Report with the Securities and Exchange Commission for each fiscal year within ninety (90) days after
the end of that fiscal year, (ii) the Form 10-Q Quarterly Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for each quarter within
forty-five (45) days after the end of that quarter, and (iii) any other reports required by the Securities and Exchange Commission; 

    (E) The
occurrence of any event or circumstance which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; 

    (F) Any
Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any guarantor shall generally not pay its debts as such debts become due, become or otherwise declare itself insolvent, file a
voluntary petition for bankruptcy protection, have filed against it any involuntary bankruptcy petition, cease to do business as a going concern, make any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or a
custodian, receiver, trustee, liquidator, administrator or person with similar powers shall be appointed for any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any guarantor or any of its respective properties or have
any of its respective properties seized or attached, or take any action to authorize, or for the purpose of effectuating, the foregoing, provided, however, that any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any
guarantor shall have a period of forty-five (45) days within which to discharge any involuntary petition for bankruptcy or similar proceeding; 

    (G) The
use of any funds borrowed from IBM Credit under this Agreement for any purpose other than as provided in this Agreement; 

    (H) The
entry of any judgment against any Loan Party or any guarantor in an amount in excess of $5,000,000 and such judgment is not satisfied, dismissed, stayed or
superseded by bond within thirty (30) days after the day of entry thereof (and in the event of a stay or superseded bond, such judgment is not discharged within thirty (30) days after termination of
any such stay or bond) or such judgment is not fully covered by insurance as to which the insurance company has acknowledged its obligation to pay such judgment in full; 

    (I) The
dissolution or liquidation of any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any guarantor, or any Loan Party or any guarantor or its directors or stockholders shall take
any action to dissolve or liquidate any Loan Party or any guarantor; 

    (J) Any
"going concern" or like qualification or exception, or qualification arising out of the scope of an audit by an Auditor of its opinion relative to any Financial
Statement; 

    (K) The
issuance of a warrant of distress for any rent or taxes with respect to any premises occupied by any Loan Party in or upon which the Collateral, or any part
thereof, may at any time be situated and such warrant shall continue for a period of ten (10) Business Days from the date such warrant is issued; 

    (L) Any
Loan Party suspends business; 

    (N) The
occurrence of any event or condition that permits the holder of any Indebtedness arising in one or more related or unrelated transactions in an aggregate
principal amount exceeding $100,000 to accelerate the maturity thereof or the failure of any Loan Party to pay when due any such Indebtedness provided that the cure or waiver of the Default by the
holder of such indebtedness shall automatically cure the Default under this Agreement; 

33

 

    (N) Any guaranty of any or all of the Loan Parties' Obligations executed by any guarantor in favor of IBM Credit, shall at any time for any reason, cease to be in full
force and effect or shall be declared to be null and void by a court of competent jurisdiction or the validity or enforceability thereof shall be contested or denied by any such guarantor, or any such
guarantor shall deny that it has any further liability or obligation thereunder or any such guarantor shall fail to comply with or observe any of the terms, provisions or conditions contained in any
such guaranty; 

    (O) Any
Loan Party is in default under the material terms of any of the Other Documents after the expiration of any applicable cure periods; 

    (P) There
shall occur a "reportable event" with respect to any Plan, or any Plan shall be subject to termination proceedings (whether voluntary or involuntary) and
there shall result from such "reportable event" or termination proceedings a liability of any Loan Party to the PBGC which in the reasonable opinion of IBM Credit will have a Material Adverse Effect; 

    (Q) Any
"person" (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) acquires a beneficial interest in 50% or more of the Voting
Stock of any Loan Party. 

    9.2.  Acceleration.  Upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default which has not been waived in writing by IBM Credit, IBM Credit may, in it sole discretion, take any or all of the
following actions, without prejudice to any other rights it may have at law or under this Agreement to enforce its claims against the Loan Party: (a) declare its Obligations to be immediately
due and payable (except with respect to any Event of Default set forth in Section 9.1(F) hereof, in which case all Obligations shall automatically become immediately due and payable without the
necessity of any notice or other demand) without presentment, demand, protest or any other action or obligation of IBM Credit; and (b) immediately terminate the Credit Line hereunder. 

    9.3.  Remedies.  (A) Upon the occurrence and
during the continuance of any Event of Default which has not been waived in writing by IBM Credit, IBM Credit may exercise all rights and remedies of a secured party under the U.C.C. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, IBM Credit may: (i) remove from any premises where same may be located any and all documents, instruments, files and records (including the copying of any
computer records), and any receptacles or cabinets containing same, relating to the Accounts, or IBM Credit may use (at the expense of Loan Parties) such of the supplies or space of the Loan Parties'
business or otherwise, as may be necessary to properly administer and control the Accounts or the handling of collections and realizations thereon; (ii) bring suit, in the name of any Loan
Party or IBM Credit and generally shall have all other rights respecting said Accounts, including without limitation the right to accelerate or extend the time of payment, settle, compromise, release
in whole or in part any amounts owing on any Accounts and issue credits in the name of any Loan Party or IBM Credit; (iii) sell, assign and deliver the Accounts and any returned, reclaimed or
repossessed merchandise, with or without advertisement, at public or private sale, for cash, on credit or otherwise, at IBM Credit's sole option and discretion, and IBM Credit may bid or become a
purchaser at any such sale; and (iv) foreclose the security interests created pursuant to this Agreement by any available judicial procedure, or to take possession of any or all of the
Collateral without judicial process and to enter any premises where any Collateral may be located for the purpose of taking possession of or removing the same. 

    (B) Upon
the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default which has not been waived in writing by IBM Credit, IBM Credit shall have the right to sell,
lease, or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Collateral, whether in its then condition or after further preparation or processing, in the name of each Loan Party or IBM Credit, or in the name
of such other party as IBM Credit may designate, either at public or private sale or at any broker's board, in lots or in bulk, for cash or for credit, with or without warranties or representations,
and upon such other terms and conditions as IBM Credit in its sole discretion may deem advisable, and IBM Credit shall have the right to purchase at any such sale. 

34

  

    If
IBM Credit, in its sole discretion determines that any of the Collateral requires rebuilding, repairing, maintenance or preparation, IBM Credit shall have the right, at its option,
to do such of the aforesaid as it deems necessary for the purpose of putting such Collateral in such salable form as IBM Credit shall deem appropriate. Each Loan Party hereby agrees that any
disposition by IBM Credit of any Collateral pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of a repurchase agreement between IBM Credit and the manufacturer or any supplier (including any Authorized
Supplier) of such Collateral constitutes a commercially reasonable sale. Each Loan Party agrees, at the request of IBM Credit, to assemble the Collateral and to make it available to IBM Credit at
places which IBM Credit shall select, whether at the premises of the Loan Parties or elsewhere, and to make available to IBM Credit the premises and facilities of the Loan Parties for the purpose of
IBM Credit's taking possession of, removing or putting such Collateral in salable form. If notice of intended disposition of any Collateral is required by law, it is agreed that ten
(10) Business Days notice shall constitute reasonable notification. 

    (C) Unless
expressly prohibited by the licensor thereof, if any, IBM Credit is hereby granted, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default which has
not been waived in writing by IBM Credit, an irrevocable, non-exclusive license to use, assign, license or sublicense all computer software programs, data bases, processes and materials used by each
Loan Party in its businesses or in connection with any of the Collateral. 

    (D) The
net cash proceeds resulting from IBM Credit's exercise of any of the foregoing rights (after deducting all charges, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys'
fees) shall be applied by IBM Credit to the payment of Loan Parties' Obligations, whether due or to become due, in such order as IBM Credit may in it sole discretion elect. Loan Parties shall remain
liable to IBM Credit for any deficiencies, and IBM Credit in turn agrees to remit to Loan Parties or its successors or assigns, any surplus resulting therefrom. 

    (E) The
enumeration of the foregoing rights is not intended to be exhaustive and the exercise of any right shall not preclude the exercise of any other rights, all of which
shall be cumulative. 

    9.4.  Waiver.  If IBM Credit seeks to take possession of any of the Collateral by any court process each
Loan Party hereby irrevocably waives to the extent permitted by applicable law any bonds, surety and security relating thereto required by any statute, court rule or otherwise as an incident to
such possession and any demand for possession of the Collateral prior to the commencement of any suit or action to recover possession thereof. In addition, each Loan Party waives to the extent
permitted by applicable law all rights of set-off it may have against IBM Credit. Each Loan Party further waives to the extent permitted by applicable law presentment, demand and protest, and notices
of non-payment,
non-performance, any right of contribution, dishonor, and any other demands, and notices required by law. 

 
 

Section 10. MISCELLANEOUS    
  

    10.1.  Term; Termination.  (A) This Agreement shall remain in force until the earlier of
(i) the Termination Date, (ii) the date specified in a written notice by the Loan Parties that they intend to terminate this Agreement which date shall be no less than ninety (90) days
following the receipt by IBM Credit of such written notice, and (iii) termination by IBM Credit after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default. Upon the date that this
Agreement is terminated, all of Loan Parties' Obligations shall be immediately due and payable in their entirety, even if they are not yet due under their terms. 

    (B)
Until the indefeasible payment in full of all of Loan Parties' Obligations, no termination of this Agreement or any of the Other Documents shall in any way affect or impair
(i) Loan Parties' Obligations to IBM Credit including, without limitation, any transaction or event occurring prior to and 

35

 

after such termination, or (ii) IBM Credit's rights hereunder, including, without limitation IBM Credit's security interest in the Collateral. On and after a Termination Date, IBM Credit may,
but shall not be obligated to, upon the request of Loan Parties, continue to provide Advances hereunder. 

    10.2.  Indemnification.  Each Loan Party hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless IBM Credit and each
of its officers, directors, agents and assigns (collectively, the "Indemnified Persons") against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or other expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and
court costs now or hereinafter arising from the enforcement of this Agreement, the "Losses") to which any of them may become subject insofar as such Losses arise out of or are based upon any event,
circumstance or condition (a) occurring or existing on or before the date of this Agreement relating to any financing arrangements IBM Credit may from time to time have with (i) Loan
Parties, (ii) any Person that shall be acquired by any Loan Party or (iii) any Person that any Loan Party may acquire all or substantially all of the assets of, or (b) directly or
indirectly, relating to the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or to any of the Collateral or to any act or
omission of any Loan Party in connection therewith. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Loan Party shall not be obligated to indemnify IBM Credit for any Losses incurred by IBM Credit which are a result
of IBM Credit's gross negligence or willful misconduct. The indemnity provided herein shall survive the termination of this Agreement. 

    10.3.  Additional Obligations.  IBM Credit, without waiving or releasing any Obligation or Default of the
Loan Parties, may perform any Obligations of the Loan Parties that the Loan Parties shall fail or refuse to perform and IBM Credit may, at any time or times hereafter, but shall be under no obligation
to do so, pay, acquire or accept any assignment of any security interest, lien, encumbrance or claim against the Collateral asserted by any person. All sums paid by IBM Credit in performing in
satisfaction or on account of the foregoing and any expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, and other charges relating thereto, shall be a part of the Obligations, payable on
demand and secured by the Collateral. 

    10.4.  LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.  NEITHER IBM CREDIT NOR ANY OTHER INDEMNIFIED PERSON SHALL HAVE ANY
LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SUFFERED BY ANY LOAN PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER AGREEMENT, ANY DELAY, OMISSION OR ERROR IN THE
ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OR RECEIPT OF ANY E-DOCUMENT, OR ANY CLAIMS IN ANY MANNER RELATED THERETO. NOR SHALL IBM CREDIT OR ANY OTHER INDEMNIFIED PERSON HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY LOAN PARTY OR ANY
OTHER PERSON FOR ANY ACTION TAKEN OR OMITTED TO BE TAKEN BY IT OR THEM HEREUNDER, EXCEPT FOR ITS OR THEIR OWN GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT. IN THE EVENT ANY LOAN PARTY REQUESTS IBM CREDIT TO
EFFECT A WITHDRAWAL OR DEBIT OF FUNDS FROM AN ACCOUNT OF EACH LOAN PARTY, THEN IN NO EVENT SHALL IBM CREDIT BE LIABLE FOR ANY AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF ANY AMOUNT INCORRECTLY DEBITED, EXCEPT IN THE EVENT OF
IBM CREDIT'S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT. NO PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY FAILURE TO PERFORM ITS OBLIGATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH ANY E-DOCUMENT, WHERE SUCH FAILURE RESULTS FROM ANY ACT OF
GOD OR OTHER CAUSE BEYOND SUCH PARTY'S REASONABLE CONTROL (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY MECHANICAL, ELECTRONIC OR COMMUNICATIONS FAILURE) WHICH PREVENTS SUCH PARTY FROM TRANSMITTING OR RECEIVING
E-DOCUMENTS. 

    10.5  Alteration/Waiver.  This Agreement and the Other Documents may not be altered or amended except by
an agreement in writing signed by each Loan Party and by IBM Credit. No delay or omission of IBM Credit to exercise any right or remedy hereunder, whether before or after the occurrence of any Event
of Default, shall impair any such right or remedy or shall operate as a waiver thereof or as a waiver of any such Event of Default. In the event that IBM Credit at any time or from 

36

 

time to time dispenses with any one or more of the requirements specified in this Agreement or any of the Other Documents, such dispensation may be revoked by IBM Credit at any time and shall not be
deemed to constitute a waiver of any such requirement subsequent thereto. IBM Credit's failure at any time or times to require strict compliance and performance by any Loan Party of any undertakings,
agreements, covenants, warranties and representations of this Agreement or any Other Document shall
not waive, affect or diminish any right of IBM Credit thereafter to demand strict compliance and performance thereof. Any waiver by IBM Credit of any Default by any Loan Party under this Agreement or
any of the Other Documents shall not waive or affect any other Default by such Loan Party under this Agreement or any of the Other Documents, whether such Default is prior or subsequent to such other
Default and whether of the same or a different type. None of the undertakings, agreements, warranties, covenants, and representations of each Loan Party contained in this Agreement or the Other
Documents and no Default by any Loan Party shall be deemed waived by IBM Credit unless such waiver is in writing signed by an authorized representative of IBM Credit. 

    10.6.  Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement or the Other Documents or the application
thereof to any Person or circumstance is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement and the Other Documents and the application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances
will not be affected thereby, the provisions of this Agreement and the Other Documents being severable in any such instance. 

    10.7.  One Loan.  All Advances heretofore, now or at any time or times hereafter made by IBM Credit to
any Loan Party under this Agreement or the Other Documents shall constitute one loan secured by IBM Credit's security interests in the Collateral and by all other security interests, liens and
encumbrances heretofore, now or from time to time hereafter granted by the Loan Parties to IBM Credit or any assignor of IBM Credit. 

    10.8.  Additional Collateral.  All monies, reserves and proceeds received or collected by IBM Credit with
respect to Accounts and other property of any Loan Party in possession of IBM Credit at any time or times hereafter are hereby pledged by such Loan Party to IBM Credit as security for the payment of
the Loan Parties' Obligations and shall be applied promptly by IBM Credit on account of the Loan Parties' Obligations; provided, however, IBM Credit may release to the Loan Parties such portions of
such monies, reserves and proceeds as IBM Credit may from time to time determine, in its sole discretion. 

    10.9.  No Merger or Novations.  (A) Notwithstanding anything contained in any document to the contrary,
it is understood and agreed by each Loan Party and IBM Credit that the claims of IBM Credit arising hereunder and existing as of the date hereof constitute continuing claims arising out of the
Obligations of Loan Parties under the Financing Agreement and any Other Document. Each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that such Obligations outstanding as of the date hereof have not been
satisfied or discharged and that this Agreement is not intended to effect a novation of the Loan Parties' Obligations under the Financing Agreement or any Other Document. 

    (B) Neither
the obtaining of any judgment nor the exercise of any power of seizure or sale shall operate to extinguish the Obligations of each Loan Party to IBM Credit secured
by this Agreement and
shall not operate as a merger of any covenant in this Agreement, and the acceptance of any payment or alternate security shall not constitute or create a novation and the obtaining of a judgment or
judgments under a covenant herein contained shall not operate as a merger of that covenant or affect IBM Credit's rights under this Agreement. 

    10.10.  Paragraph Titles.  The Section titles used in this Agreement and the Other Documents are for
convenience only and do not define or limit the contents of any Section. 

    10.11.  Binding Effect; Assignment.  This Agreement and the Other Documents shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of IBM Credit and the Loan Parties and their respective successors and 

37

 

assigns; provided, that the Loan Parties shall have no right to assign this Agreement or any of the Other Documents without the prior written consent of IBM Credit. 

    10.12.  Notices; E-Business Acknowledgment.  (A) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
Agreement, any notice required or desired to be served, given or delivered hereunder shall be in writing, and shall be deemed to have been validly served, given or delivered (i) upon receipt if
deposited in the United States mails, first class mail, with proper postage prepaid, (ii) upon receipt of confirmation or answer back if sent by telecopy, or other similar facsimile
transmission, (iii) one Business Day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier with all charges prepaid, or (iv) when delivered, if hand-delivered by messenger, all of which shall
be properly addressed to the party to be notified and sent to the address or number indicated as follows: 

	(i) If to IBM Credit at:	 	(ii) If to Loan Parties at:
	 	

IBM Credit Corporation

5000 Executive Parkway, Suite 450

San Ramon, CA 94683

Attention: Region Manager, West

Facsimile, (925) 277-6654	
 	

    Multiple Zones International, Inc.

    707 South Grady Way

    Renton, WA 98055-3233

    Attention: Mr. Ronald P McFadden,

    Chief Financial Officer

    Facsimile: (425) 430-3626

or
to such other address or number as each party designates to the other in the manner prescribed herein. 

    (B)  (i) Each
party may electronically transmit to or receive from the other party certain documents set forth in Attachment J ("E-Documents") via the
internet or electronic data interchange ("EDI"). Any transmission of data which is not an E-Document shall have no force or effect between the parties. EDI transmissions may be sent directly or
through any third party service provider ("Provider") with which either party may contract. Each party shall be liable for the acts or omissions of its Provider while handling E-Documents for such
party, provided, that if both parties use the same Provider, the originating party shall be liable for the acts or omissions of such Provider as to such E-Document. Some information to be made
available to each Loan Party will be specific to each Loan Party and will require each Loan Party's registration with IBM Credit before access is provided. After IBM Credit has approved the
registration submitted by each Loan Party, IBM Credit shall provide an ID and password(s) to an individual designated by each Loan Party ("Loan Party Recipient"). Each Loan Party accepts
responsibility for the designated individual's distribution of the ID and password(s) within its organization and each Loan Party will take reasonable measures to ensure that passwords are not shared
or disclosed to unauthorized individuals. Each Loan Party will conduct an annual review of all IDs and passwords to ensure they are accurate and properly authorized. IBM CREDIT MAY CHANGE OR
DISCONTINUE USE OF AN ID OR PASSWORD AT ITS DISCRETION AT ANY TIME. E-Documents shall not be deemed to have been properly received, and no E-Document shall give rise to any obligation, until
accessible to the receiving party at such party's receipt com,commuter at the address specified herein. Upon proper receipt of an E-Document, the receiving party shall promptly transmit a functional
acknowledgment in return. A functional acknowledgment shall constitute conclusive evidence that an E-Document has been properly received. If any transmitted E-Document is received in an unintelligible
or garbled form, the receiving party shall promptly notify the originating party in a reasonable manner. In the absence of such a notice, the originating party's records of the contents of such
E-Document shall control. 

    (ii) Each
party shall use those security procedures which are reasonably sufficient to ensure that all transmissions of E-Documents are authorized and to protect its business
records and data from improper access. Any E-Document received pursuant to this Section 10.12 shall have the same effect as if the contents of the E-Document had been sent in paper rather than
electronic form. The conduct of 

38

 

the parties pursuant to this Section 10.12 shall, for all legal purposes, evidence a course of dealing and a course of performance accepted by the parties. The parties agree not to contest the
validity or enforceability of E-Documents under the provisions of any applicable law relating to whether certain agreements are to be in writing or signed by the party to be bound thereby. The parties
agree, as to any E-Document accompanied by each Loan Party's ID, that IBM Credit can reasonably rely on the fact that such E-Document is properly authorized by each Loan Party. E-Documents, if
introduced as evidence on paper in any judicial, arbitration, mediation or administrative proceedings, will be admissible as between the parties to the same extent and under the same conditions as
other business records originated and maintained in documentary form. Neither party shall contest the admissibility of copies of E-Documents under either the business records exception to the heresay
rule or the best evidence rule on the basis that the E-Documents were not originated or maintained in documentary form. 

LOAN PARTY RECIPIENT INFORMATION for internet transmissions: 

(PLEASE
PRINT) 

Name
of Loan Party's Designated Central Contact Authorized to Receive IDs and Passwords: 

	e-mail Address:

Phone Number:	 	Mr. Ronald P. McFadden

ronald.mcfadden@MZI.com

(425) 430-3000

    10.13.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall
be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto were upon the same instrument. 

    10.14.  ATTACHMENT A MODIFICATIONS.  IBM Credit may modify the Product Financing Period set forth in
Attachment A from time to time if on at least two occasions during any three-month period a Shortfall Amount has become due and payable and may modify the Collateral Insurance Amount set forth in
Attachment A from time to time, in each case, by providing Loan Parties with a new Attachment A. Any such new Attachment A shall be effective as of the date specified in the new Attachment A. 

    10.15.  SUBMISSION AND CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND CHOICE OF LAW.  TO INDUCE IBM CREDIT TO ACCEPT THIS
AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER DOCUMENTS, EACH LOAN PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY: 

    (A)
SUBMITS ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENT, OR FOR THE RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT IN
RESPECT THEREOF, TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE GENERAL JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND ANY FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT IN NEW YORK. 

    (B)
CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE BROUGHT IN SUCH COURTS AND WAIVES ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREINAFTER HAVE TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR
PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT OR THAT SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING WAS BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT COURT AND AGREES NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM THE SAME. 

    (C)
AGREES THAT SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE EFFECTED BY MAILING A COPY THEREOF BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL (OR ANY SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR FORM OF
MAIL), POSTAGE PREPAID, TO EACH LOAN PARTY AT ITS ADDRESS SET FORTH IN SECTION 10.12 OR AT SUCH OTHER ADDRESS OF WHICH IBM CREDIT SHALL HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED PURSUANT THERETO; 

39

 

    (D) AGREES THAT NOTHING HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT TO EFFECT SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR SHALL LIMIT THE RIGHT TO SUE IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION. 

    (E)
AGREES THAT THE VALIDITY, INTERPRETATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS (WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS) OF THE STATE OF NEW
YORK. 

    10.16.  JURY TRIAL WAIVER.  EACH OF IBM CREDIT AND THE LOAN PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO
TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING (INCLUDING ANY COUNTERCLAIM) OF ANY TYPE IN WHICH IBM CREDIT AND THE LOAN PARTY ARE PARTIES AS TO ALL MATTERS ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY OUT OF THIS
AGREEMENT OR ANY DOCUMENT, INSTRUMENT OR AGREEMENT EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH. 

    IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Loan Party has read this entire Agreement, and has caused its authorized representatives to execute this Agreement and has caused its corporate seal, if any,
to be affixed hereto as of the date first written above. 

	 Multiple Zones International Inc.	 	touchMarketing.com, Inc.
	

 	

 	
 	

 	

 
	By:	/s/ Ronald P. McFadden
	 	By:	/s/ Guio G. Barela

	Print Name: Ronald P. McFadden	 	Print Name: Guio G. Barela
	Title: Its CEO	 	Title: Its CEO, President
	
IBM Credit Corporation	
 	

 	

 
	

 	

 	
 	

 	

 
	 By: 	 	 	 
	Print Name: 	 	 	 
	Title: 	 	 	 

40

QuickLinks

INVENTORY AND WORKING CAPITAL FINANCING AGREEMENT

WITNESSETH

Section 1. DEFINITIONS; ATTACHMENTS

Section 2. CREDIT LINE/FINANCE CHARGES/OTHER CHARGES

Section 3. CREDIT LINE ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

Section 4. SECURITY—COLLATERAL

Section 5. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

Section 6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Section 7. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

Section 8. NEGATIVE COVENANTS

Section 9. DEFAULT

Section 10. MISCELLANEOUS<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.18

[CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED. CONFIDENTIAL PORTIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT HAVE
BEEN REDACTED AND HAVE BEEN SEPARATELY FILED WITH THE COMMISSION.]

                COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT

                                 By and Between

             HOECHST RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY DEUTSCHLAND GMBH & CO KG

                                       and

                                  NANOGEN, INC.

                                December 3, 1998

<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
<C>                                                                         <C>
1.       Definitions.........................................................3
2.       Research Program....................................................7
3.       Payment.............................................................9
4.       Reports and Records................................................10
5.       Confidentiality and Non-disclosure.................................10
6.       Intellectual Property Licenses.....................................10
7.       Intellectual Property and Patent Rights............................11
8.       Term and Termination...............................................13
9.       Representations and Warranties.....................................14
10.      Disclaimers........................................................14
11.      Insurance..........................................................15
12.      Notices............................................................15
13.      Dispute Resolution.................................................16
14.      Miscellaneous......................................................16

EXHIBITS

Exhibit A         HR&T Patent Applications
Exhibit B         Nanogen Patent Applications
Exhibit C         Annual Budget
Exhibit D         Program Inventions
Exhibit E         Research Program
Exhibit F         CPR Procedures
</TABLE>

                                        2

<PAGE>

                COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT

         THIS COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT is dated as of
December 3, 1998 by and between HOECHST RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY DEUTSCHLAND GMBH &
CO KG, a German company, having a place of business at D-65926 Frankfurt am
Main, Germany (hereinafter, "HR&T"), and NANOGEN, INC., a Delaware corporation,
having its principal office and place of business at 10398 Pacific Center Court,
San Diego, California 92121 (hereinafter, "Nanogen").

                              W I T N E S S E T H :

         WHEREAS, Nanogen has developed certain technology related to
electronically addressable microchip oligonucleotide arrays ("Arrays"),
including Nanogen's Automated Programmable Electronic Matrix ("APEX")
technology; and

         WHEREAS, HR&T has developed certain technology related to combinatorial
and/or modular nanotechnology, including its Exponential Library by Association
of Sublibraries ("ELIAS") and its pRNA (and related oligonucleotide analog)
technology; and

         WHEREAS, HR&T and Nanogen have previously entered into a Letter
Agreement dated December 4, 1997 (the "Letter Agreement"); and

         WHEREAS, in accordance with the terms of the Letter Agreement
(including the paragraphs under the headings "Purpose of Collaboration" and
"Agreement Field"), HR&T and Nanogen wish to perform certain research and
development activities as contemplated therein.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
undertakings contained herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:

         1.   DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement:

         1.1 "Agreement" shall mean this Agreement and any exhibits, appendices,
attachments or addenda hereto, and any renewals or extensions of this Agreement.

         1.2 "HR&T Intellectual Property" shall mean and include all patentable
and unpatentable inventions, ideas, discoveries, improvements, design rights,
semiconductor mask works, works of authorship, trade secrets, know-how and any
equivalents thereof which are in existence as of the Effective Date or
thereafter, as are necessary to make, have made, use or sell a Product and are
owned by HR&T, including, but not limited to, HR&T's ELIAS and pRNA technologies
disclosed in the HR&T patent applications set forth in Exhibit A hereto (amended
with each new HR&T patent application necessary to make, have made, use or sell
a Product).

         1.3 "HR&T Patent Rights" shall mean all patents and patent applications
owned by HR&T which are in existence as of the Effective Date or thereafter,
including the patent applications set forth in Exhibit A hereto (amended with
each new HR&T patent application necessary to make, have made, use or sell a
Product), and which contain a claim necessary to make, have made, use or sell a
Product, including all divisionals, continuations, continuations-in-part,
re-examinations, reissues, and all foreign equivalents of any of the foregoing
in whole or in part.

                                        3
<PAGE>

         1.4 "HR&T Program Inventions" shall mean all Program Inventions made or
conceived by employees or others acting solely on behalf of HR&T; PROVIDED,
however, that HR&T Program Inventions shall not include Program Inventions which
utilize both APEX and ELIAS and/or pRNA technology.

         1.5 "Effective Date" shall mean January 1, 1998.

         1.6 "Executive Committee" shall mean a committee which shall (i) be
responsible for overseeing the Research Management Committee, (ii) set strategic
goals under this Agreement and the Letter Agreement, (iii) approve annual
budgets for the Research Program (the annual budget for the first year and a
proposed annual budget for the second year of the Research Program are set forth
in Exhibit C hereto), (iv) set research milestones and (v) decide when
milestones have been completed. The Executive Committee shall consist of three
(3) members appointed by Nanogen and three (3) members appointed by HR&T. All
decisions of the Executive Committee must be by unanimous consent of all members
of the Executive Committee.

         1.7 "Joint Program Inventions" shall mean (i) all Program Inventions
made or conceived by employees or others acting on behalf of HR&T jointly with
employees or others acting on behalf of Nanogen and (ii) all Program Inventions
which utilize both APEX and ELIAS and/or pRNA technology.

         1.8 "Nanogen Intellectual Property" shall mean and include all
patentable and unpatentable inventions, ideas, discoveries, improvements, design
rights, semiconductor mask works, works of authorship, trade secrets, know-how
and any equivalents thereof which are in existence as of the Effective Date or
thereafter, are necessary to make, have made, use or sell a Product and are
owned by Nanogen, including, but not limited to, Nanogen's APEX technology
disclosed in the Nanogen patents and patent applications set forth in Exhibit B
hereto (amended with each new patent application necessary to make, have made,
use or sell a Product).

         1.9 "Nanogen Patent Rights" shall mean all patents and patent
applications owned by Nanogen which are in existence as of the Effective Date or
thereafter, including the patents and patent applications set forth in Exhibit B
hereto (amended with each new patent application necessary to make, have made,
use or sell a Product), and which contain a claim necessary to make, have made,
use or sell a Product, including all divisionals, continuations,
continuations-in-part, re-examinations, reissues, and all foreign equivalents of
any of the foregoing in whole or in part.

         1.10 "Nanogen Program Inventions" shall mean all Program Inventions
made or conceived by employees or others acting solely on behalf of Nanogen;
PROVIDED, however, that Nanogen Program Inventions shall not include Program
Inventions which utilize both APEX and ELIAS and/or pRNA technology.

         1.11 "Primary Filing Countries" shall mean the United States, Canada,
European Community Countries and Japan.

         1.12 "Products" shall mean products or applications utilizing jointly
developed technology incorporating both Nanogen's APEX technology as disclosed
in Exhibit B hereto and HR&T's ELIAS and/or pRNA technology as disclosed in
Exhibit A hereto.

                                        4
<PAGE>

         1.13 "Program Inventions" shall mean and include all patentable and
unpatentable inventions, ideas, discoveries, improvements, design rights,
semiconductor mask works, works of authorship, trade secrets, know-how and any
equivalents thereof, and any patent applications or patents based thereon, made
or conceived during and as a result of the Research Program, all of which shall
be identified in Exhibit D to this Agreement, which Exhibit shall be amended
from time to time as warranted.

         1.14(a) "Reimbursable Costs" shall mean all direct and indirect costs
incurred by Nanogen in performing its obligations under this Agreement, which
may include without limitation, as applicable:

               (i) salaries and wages,

               (ii) payroll taxes,

               (iii) contract labor,

               (iv) fringe benefits,

               (v) expenses incurred in occupying facilities (including
          leasehold improvements) and equipment-related expenses, excluding
          depreciation and amortization expenses,

               (vi) recruitment and relocation,

               (vii) communications expense,

               (viii) supplies,

               (ix) development and prototype materials,

               (x) freight and transportation,

               (xi) training and education,

               (xii) travel expenses,

               (xiii) data processing costs,

               (xiv) patent, trademark and license fees and filing, prosecution
          and maintenance expenses for Nanogen Intellectual Property as set
          forth in Exhibit B,

               (xv) insurance,

               (xvi) professional services,

               (xvii) depreciation and amortization of facilities (including
          leasehold improvements) and equipment,

               (xviii) a financing charge for capital acquisitions made by
          Nanogen for use in performing work under this Agreement,

               (xix) outside purchased services,

                                        5
<PAGE>

               (xx) sales and use taxes (including such taxes applicable to the
          acquisition, use, transfer or deemed transfer of property),

               (xxi) periodic lease and rental payments under capital or
          financing leases,

               (xxii) costs of applying for regulatory approvals on Products
          approved by the Executive Committee, and fees payable to governmental
          agencies, including the United States Food and Drug Administration
          (the "FDA") and comparable foreign regulatory authorities, including
          expenses resulting from generation of chemical, toxicological,
          microbiological and pharmacological data and techniques, clinical data
          and product formulations and specifications, and

               (xxiii) periodic and special reports, including reports to the
          Research Management Committee.

         (b) In determining Reimbursable Costs, Nanogen will employ the
following accounting policies:

               (i) General use capital equipment, facilities and leasehold
          improvements will be assigned an estimated economic useful life and
          salvage value, if any, and depreciation and amortization will be
          computed using the straight-line method. Depreciation and amortization
          will be allocated to Reimbursable Costs under this Agreement directly
          or through overhead rates applied to direct head count.

               (ii) Such capital equipment purchased pursuant to agreement
          between both parties for use in connection with this Agreement will be
          charged directly against the budget in the quarter the expense was
          incurred.

               (iii) Total facilities expenses of Nanogen, excluding leasehold
          improvement amortization allocated to specific functional areas and
          net of any sublease revenues, will be allocated to Reimbursable Costs
          under this Agreement based on the ratio of direct personnel engaged in
          work under this Agreement to the total Nanogen head count.

               (iv) General and administrative expenses of Nanogen will be
          allocated to this Agreement directly or based on the ratio of total
          Reimbursable Costs to total operating expenses of Nanogen, excluding
          (in both instances) general and administrative expenses subject to
          such allocation, as agreed between the Controllers of both parties, as
          agreed between the Controllers of both parties.

               (v) All other indirect expenses not covered in Paragraphs (i)
          through (iv) of this Paragraph 1.14(b) which are in support of the
          Research Program will be allocated to Reimbursable Costs under this
          Agreement through overhead rates applied to Nanogen direct head count,
          as agreed between the Controllers of both parties.

               (vi) Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this
          Agreement, Reimbursable Costs shall not include direct and indirect
          costs for start-up of commercial manufacturing, installation of
          commercial production lines and commercial product manufacturing
          operations. These costs shall be addressed in connection with the
          contemplated joint venture agreement between the parties.

                                        6
<PAGE>

         (c) The term "capital acquisition" as used herein shall mean that
portion of capital equipment, facilities, leasehold improvements or other
property, whenever acquired by Nanogen, which are capitalized on Nanogen's
accounting records and which are either: (i) purchased directly by Nanogen; (ii)
financed by Nanogen under a conditional sale contract; (iii) financed by Nanogen
through a secured loan; or (iv) assets constructed in-house by Nanogen. Assets
acquired under capital or financing leases will not be considered capital
acquisitions for purposes of this Paragraph.

         (d) With respect to capital acquisitions financed by Nanogen with
specific borrowing, the financing charge referred to above will be in the amount
and at the time of the actual financing costs incurred by Nanogen. With respect
to capital acquisitions not financed by Nanogen with specific borrowing, the
financing charge will be based on the prime lending rate in effect from time to
time at Citibank N.A., New York, New York, plus two (2) percentage points, to
the extent permitted by applicable law, applied to Nanogen's net book value.
"Net book value" is defined as the gross capital acquisition value excluding
capital acquisitions financed by Nanogen with specific borrowing, less related
accumulated depreciation and amortization. The financing charge for each billing
period will be prorated to the extent depreciation or amortization of the
capital acquisitions has been allocated to work other than work under this
Agreement during such period. The financing charge will be calculated monthly
based on the net book value at the end of the preceding fiscal month.

         1.15 "Research Management Committee" shall mean a committee which shall
be responsible for preparing the Research Program and supervising, managing and
monitoring the progress of the Research Program, for conducting marketing
studies and for facilitating the open exchange of information between the
parties. The Research Management Committee shall consist of two (2) employees of
HR&T and two (2) employees of Nanogen, at least one of whom from each company
shall be at the research director level (or equivalent) or higher. Decisions
that are not taken unanimously by the Research Management Committee are to be
referred to the Executive Committee for resolution.

         1.16 "Research Program" shall mean the cumulative endeavors of the
parties to produce Products in accordance with the specifications, timetables,
milestones, reports and deliverables, as set forth in Exhibit E hereto, as it
may be amended from time to time. The Research Program shall be divided into two
phases, the "Research Phase", which shall mean all research activities up to and
including the development of a prototype and the "Product Development Phase,
which shall mean all post-prototype development activities relating to the
development of Products, for commercialization."

         2. RESEARCH PROGRAM.

         2.1 Each of HR&T and Nanogen shall use reasonable efforts to perform
their respective activities in accordance with the Research Program. Subject to
the terms and conditions of this Agreement, HR&T and Nanogen are free to
independently develop, market and sell any products other than Products.

         2.2 Each of HR&T and Nanogen shall promptly notify the other party, in
writing, through the Research Management Committee, of the existence of any new
Program Inventions.

         2.3 The Research Management Committee shall meet from time to time, but
at least once every three (3) months during the term of this Agreement,
alternating between the

                                        7
<PAGE>

headquarters of HR&T and Nanogen or at a mutually agreed location, to: (a)
review progress and ongoing resource allocation and budgeting matters of the
Research Program; (b) amend the Research Program as agreed by the parties; (c)
disclose Program Inventions which have not previously been disclosed in
accordance with Paragraph 2.2; and (d) review the status of patent filings with
respect to Program Inventions and, if necessary in view of such review, propose
amendments to Appendix A of this Agreement. All decisions taken by the Research
Management Committee must be by unanimous consent of all the members of the
Research Management Committee. In order to facilitate the disclosure of Program
Inventions and the review of the status of patent filings with respect to
Program Inventions, patent attorneys for HR&T and Nanogen may participate in all
such meetings.

         2.4 Within five (5) business days following each meeting pursuant to
Paragraph 2.3, the Research Management Committee shall cause to be prepared a
written summary of such meeting, which summary shall include, at a minimum: (a)
a list of all Program Inventions which have come into existence since the
Effective Date or since the previous meeting, whichever is applicable; (b) all
patent filings with respect to Program Inventions since the Effective Date or
since the previous meeting, whichever is applicable; and (c) a report regarding
the progress of the Research Program, which shall include the tracking of the
Research Program to budget and a report on any material budgetary implications
for changes to the Research Program. Such written summary shall be provided to
the Executive Committee.

         2.5 The Executive Committee shall meet from time to time, but at least
once every three (3) months during the term of this Agreement, alternating
between the headquarters of HR&T and Nanogen, a mutually agreed location or by
telephonic or video conference, to: (a) receive a report on the progress of the
Research Program by the Research Management Committee; (b) review the strategic
goals pursuant to the Letter Agreement and this Agreement; (c) approve annual
budgets under the Research Program and review the progress of the Research
Program against the budget; (d) establish, review and revise milestones where
appropriate, and (e) determine the level of progress toward achievement of
milestones and determine milestone completion. Within five (5) business days
after each meeting, the Executive Committee shall cause minutes to be prepared
and distributed to each party accurately documenting such meeting.

         2.6 Nanogen and HR&T may, upon reasonable notice during normal business
hours, (a) consult informally, during such visits and by telephone, with
personnel of the other party performing work on the Research Program, and (b)
with the other party's prior approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld, visit the sites of any tests or experiments being conducted by such
other party in connection with the Research Program, but only to the extent in
each case as such trials or other experiments relate to the Research Program. On
such visits an employee of the host company conducting the research or
development activities shall accompany the employee(s) of the visiting party. If
requested by the visiting party, the other party shall cause appropriate
individuals working on the Research Program to be available for meetings at the
location of the facilities where such individuals are employed at times
reasonably convenient to the party responding to such request. All information
revealed to representatives of the HR&T and Nanogen during the visits and
consultations provided for in this Paragraph 2.5 shall be treated as
confidential information in accordance with Paragraph 5 of this Agreement.

                                        8
<PAGE>

         3. PAYMENT.

         3.1 HR&T shall pay all of its own research and development costs and
shall pay *** of Nanogen's Reimbursable Costs incurred in performing its
obligations under this Agreement (the "Fee"). Nanogen's Reimbursable Costs
shall not exceed *** per year per full time equivalent researchers and staff
assigned to the Research Program. Neither party makes any warranty that these
costs and fees will be sufficient to complete the Research Program. The Fee
shall be payable by HR&T to Nanogen as follows:

         (a) The initial annual budget and a proposed budget for the second year
of the Research Program are attached as Exhibit C. Annually thereafter during
the term hereof, the Research Management Committee shall develop a budget for
the Research Program, including anticipated quarterly expenditures by each
party. The Research Management Committee shall submit each such subsequent
budget to the Executive Committee for its review and approval at least
forty-five (45) days prior to commencement of the next annual period. The
Executive Committee shall review such budget and inform the Research Management
Committee of its determination with respect to same within thirty (30) days
following its receipt of same. If the budget is not approved, the Research
Management Committee shall confer with the Executive Committee to attempt to
develop a mutually acceptable budget. If the Executive Committee cannot resolve
the dispute, then such dispute shall be resolved in accordance with the
provisions of Paragraph 13 hereof.

         (b) The Fee shall be payable to Nanogen in quarterly installments
commencing on January 1, 1998. Each quarterly installment shall be due not later
than five (5) business days following the first day of each quarter. Should a
major positive balance arise due to underuse of the budget, this will be
balanced with the fourth quarter payment in each year. All installments shall be
based upon an estimate of the Reimbursable Costs expected to be incurred by
Nanogen during its next quarterly period beginning on such date, up to a maximum
of Nanogen's budgeted amount for such quarter. Such estimate shall be set forth
in an invoice prepared by Nanogen in reasonable detail, signed by a duly
authorized officer of Nanogen and submitted to the Research Management Committee
at least twenty (20) days prior to the beginning of the quarterly period with
respect to which such payment is to be made. Each such invoice shall be due and
payable in full by HR&T prior to the beginning of such quarterly period.
Beginning with the second invoice under this Agreement, such invoice shall
include a reconciliation and adjustment for the period covered by the preceding
invoice to reflect any difference between actual Reimbursable Costs incurred by
Nanogen and estimated Reimbursable Costs for such period, up to a maximum of
Nanogen's budgeted amount for such quarter. Any amounts in excess of the
budgeted amount shall be subject to the review and approval of the Executive
Committee.

         3.2 If HR&T fails to make prompt and timely payment, Nanogen may give
written notice thereof, and unless HR&T within fifteen (15) days following
receipt of such notice makes such payment, Nanogen may at any time thereafter
until HR&T makes such payment suspend the research and development services
under this Agreement on written notice to HR&T.

         3.3 In the event Nanogen, in course of its research under this
Agreement, is required to lease equipment which Nanogen would ordinarily not
otherwise be required to lease, and HR&T agrees to such lease, HR&T will be
responsible for such lease payments.

---------------
*** Confidential material redacted and separately filed with the Commission.

                                        9
<PAGE>

         4. REPORTS AND RECORDS.

         4.1 Nanogen and HR&T shall provide to the Research Management Committee
within forty-five (45) days following the end of each quarterly period beginning
with the end of the first period on March 31, 1998, a report in such reasonable
detail as the Research Management Committee may request setting forth:

         (a) the Reimbursable Costs incurred by Nanogen and the costs incurred
by HR&T in performing its obligations under the Research Program during such
period;

         (b) the work performed by such party during such period; and

         (c) the status of the research and development of the Products at the
end of the period.

         4.2 Nanogen shall keep and maintain, in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles and practices, proper and complete records and
books of account documenting all Reimbursable Costs. Each party agrees to permit
either nationally recognized certified public accountants or Controllers from
the other party to verify on a once annually basis the Reimbursable Costs or
costs billed or incurred pursuant to this Agreement; and Nanogen shall provide
annually a certification by nationally recognized certified public accountants
or its internal Controller as to Reimbursable Costs billed to HR&T in that year.
HR&T will keep confidential, and will not disclose to any third party, except
such disclosures as may be required by law, without the prior written consent of
Nanogen, information in statements delivered to HR&T or obtained by HR&T through
access of its independent certified public accounting firm or Controller to the
books and records of Nanogen. HR&T shall provide similar access and similar
certifications to Nanogen regarding its costs incurred under the Research
Program and Nanogen shall similarly keep such information confidential.

         5. CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-DISCLOSURE. That certain Mutual Confidential
Disclosure Agreement effective as of February 20, 1997 between HR&T and Nanogen,
as amended (the "Confidentiality Agreement"), shall remain in full force and
effect.

         6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LICENSES.

         6.1 (a) HR&T hereby grants solely during the term of this Agreement
to Nanogen, a worldwide, royalty-free, nonexclusive license in and to HR&T
Intellectual Property and HR&T Patent Rights, solely to use in research and
development activities pursuant to the Research Program under this Agreement.

         (b) HR&T recognizes that Nanogen has conducted considerable research
and development activities in connection with its permeation layer technology
and has protected certain of its advancements with intellectual property. HR&T
is willing, as part of this Agreement, to conduct additional research activities
directed toward Nanogen's permeation layer. To the extent HR&T invents any new
inventions or any improvements to Nanogen's inventions relating to permeation
layers with utility on Nanogen's Arrays which would constitute HR&T Intellectual
Property or HR&T Patent Rights or HR&T Program Inventions, HR&T will grant to
Nanogen a worldwide, royalty-free license to practice such intellectual property
(without the right to sublicense unless it applies to a Nanogen product).
Nanogen will be licensed to practice such intellectual property in connection
with any of its other joint venture arrangements

                                       10
<PAGE>

or corporate collaborations subject to a 2% of net sales royalty payable to any
joint venture or other joint relationship involving Nanogen and HR&T.

         (c) Nanogen hereby grants solely during the term of this Agreement, to
HR&T, a worldwide, royalty-free, nonexclusive license in and to Nanogen
Intellectual Property and Nanogen Patent Rights, solely to use in research and
development activities pursuant to the Research Program under this Agreement.

         6.2 Except as provided therein, the licenses granted in accordance with
Paragraphs 6.1(a) and (b) do not include a right to grant sublicenses.

         6.3 In the event that any substantial and continuing infringement of
any of the HR&T Patent Rights or Nanogen Patent Rights licensed hereunder comes
to the attention of either party hereto, such party shall promptly notify the
Executive Committee, which Committee will determine an appropriate action in
accordance with its authority.

         7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND PATENT RIGHTS.

         7.1 During the term of this Agreement, the entire right, title and
interest in all Program Inventions shall be owned jointly by HR&T and Nanogen
and may be used only as they mutually agree.

         7.2 Each party hereto promptly shall disclose to the other party the
making, conception or reduction to practice of Program Inventions by employees
or others acting on behalf of such party. Each of Nanogen and HR&T hereby
represents and warrants that all employees and others acting on its respective
behalf in performing its obligations under this Agreement shall be obligated
under a binding written agreement to assign to it, or as it shall direct, all
Program Inventions made or developed by such employees or others.

         7.3 Promptly following any disclosure of Program Inventions pursuant to
Paragraph 2.2 and Paragraph 7.2, the Research Management Committee, in
consultation with patent attorneys for HR&T and Nanogen, shall discuss and
determine, in good faith, whether patent applications should be prepared and
filed for such disclosed Program Inventions.

         7.4 If patent applications are to be prepared and filed pursuant to
Paragraph 7.3, then the Research Management Committee shall discuss and
determine, in good faith, for each of such Program Inventions, which of the
parties shall be responsible for the preparation, filing, prosecution and
maintenance of such patent applications in the Primary Filing Countries. Each of
such patent applications shall become part of the Program Inventions, and
Exhibit D shall be amended accordingly to evidence such Program Inventions.

         7.5 (a) If the Research Management Committee determines that a
particular patent application be filed in a country or countries in addition
to the Primary Filing Countries, then the Research Management Committee shall
determine which party shall be responsible for the filing, prosecution and
maintenance of such patent application, and such patent application shall be
part of the Program Inventions.

         (b) If the Research Management Committee determines not to file a
particular patent application in a country or countries in addition to the
Primary Filing Countries, either party, alone, after written waiver by the other
party, may file such particular patent application in such country or countries
and shall pay, without right to reimbursement thereof, all costs and expenses

                                       11
<PAGE>

for filing, prosecution and maintenance of patent application filed in such
country or countries, and notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph 6.1, that
party shall own, exclusively, all right, title and interest in such patent
application.

         (c) If the other party of Paragraph 7.5(b) does not provide such
written waiver, then any such particular patent application shall be treated as
if the Research Management Committee had made a declaration to file the
particular patent application in a country or countries in addition to the
Primary Filing Countries in accordance with Paragraph 7.5(a).

         7.6 Each party shall keep the Research Management Committee currently
informed of the filing and progress of all material aspects of the prosecution
of all such patent applications and of the issuance of patents, and shall
consult with the Research Management Committee concerning any decisions which
would affect the scope of any issued claims and other prosecutorial details,
including the potential abandonment of any application.

         7.7 Upon request, each party shall execute and deliver to the other
party all descriptions, applications, assignments and other documents and
instruments as are necessary or proper to carry out the provisions of Paragraphs
7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 and 7.6 without further compensation, except as
otherwise provided in Paragraph 1.15, and the parties shall cooperate with and
assist each other or their nominees in all reasonable ways and at all reasonable
times, including, but not limited to, testifying in all legal proceedings,
signing all lawful papers and in general performing all lawful acts reasonable,
necessary or proper, to aid the other party in obtaining, maintaining, defending
and enforcing all lawful patent, copyright, trade secret, know-how and the like
in the Primary Filing Countries and elsewhere.

         7.8 Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, under no
circumstances shall either party, as a result of this Agreement, obtain any
ownership interest or other right in any technology, know-how, trade secrets,
patents, pending patent applications or products of the other party,
including items owned, controlled or developed by the other, or transferred
by the other to such party at any time pursuant to this Agreement. Upon
termination of this Agreement unless otherwise provided in another agreement
between HR&T and Nanogen, (i) all HR&T Program Inventions, Nanogen Program
Inventions and Joint Program Inventions, which consist solely of improvements
to HR&T Intellectual Property, shall be the sole property of HR&T, (ii) all
Nanogen Program Inventions, HR&T Program Inventions and Joint Program
Inventions, which consist solely of improvements to  Nanogen Intellectual
Property, shall be the sole property of Nanogen, and (iii) Nanogen, at its
option, shall have the right for 120 days after the date of termination of
this Agreement to negotiate with HR&T to enter into a license for HR&T's
rights to any Program Invention not included within the provisions of clause
(i) or (ii) above. If Nanogen chooses to exercise such option, HR&T and
Nanogen shall negotiate in good faith to enter into a license for such
Program Invention or Inventions. Any such license shall provide that Nanogen
will pay a reasonable royalty to HR&T for the license rights to such Program
Invention or Inventions. In determining what is a reasonable royalty rate,
HR&T's relative contribution to such program Invention or Inventions shall be
taken into account. It is understood and agreed by the parties hereto that
this Agreement does not grant to either party any license or other right,
other than the licenses granted in Paragraph 6.1, the assignments granted in
Paragraph 7.1 and the licenses granted in Paragraph 7.8.

         7.9 (a) During the term of this Agreement, Nanogen and HR&T each
acknowledge each other's interest in publishing certain of its results to
obtain recognition within the scientific community and to advance the state
of scientific knowledge. Each party also recognizes the mutual interest in
obtaining valid patent protection and protecting business interests.
Consequently, each party, its employees or consultants wishing to make a
publication (including any oral disclosure made without obligation of
confidentiality) relating to work performed by such party as part of the
Research Program (the "Publishing Party") shall transmit to the Research
Management Committee a copy of the proposed written publication at least
forty-five (45) days prior to submission for publication, or an outline of
such oral disclosure at least fifteen (15) days prior to presentation. The
Research Management Committee shall have the right (i) to propose
modifications to the publication for patent reasons and (ii) to request a
reasonable delay in publication in order to protect patentable information.

         (b) If the Research Management Committee requests such a delay, the
Publishing Party shall delay submission or presentation of the publication for a
period of ninety (90) days to enable patent applications protecting each party's
rights in such information to be filed in

                                       12
<PAGE>

accordance with this Article 7. Upon the expiration of forty-five (45) days, in
the case of proposed written disclosures, or fifteen (15) days, in the case of
proposed oral disclosures, from transmission to the Research Management
Committee, the Publishing Party shall be free to proceed with the written
publication or the presentation, respectively, unless the Research Management
Committee has requested the delay described above.

         8. TERM AND TERMINATION.

         The R&D Collaboration between Nanogen and HR&T shall continue on its
terms for a guaranteed period of three (3) years from its effective date of
January 1, 1998.

         8.4 All records required to be maintained pursuant to Paragraph 4.2
shall be retained for a period of at least five (5) years following the
termination of this Agreement.

         9. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

         9.1 HR&T hereby represents and warrants to Nanogen that it has full
authority and power to enter into this Agreement, that it has secured any and
all necessary approvals, permits or consents deemed necessary or advisable for
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and that, upon
execution by HR&T and Nanogen, this Agreement shall immediately be a valid and
binding obligation of HR&T, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

         9.2 Nanogen hereby represents and warrants to HR&T that it has full
authority and power to enter into this Agreement, that it has secured any and
all necessary approvals, permits or consents deemed necessary or advisable for
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and that, upon
execution by HR&T and Nanogen, this Agreement shall immediately be a valid and
binding obligation of Nanogen enforceable in accordance with its

                                       13
<PAGE>

terms and that the execution, delivery and performance of its obligations under
this Agreement will not cause Nanogen to breach or violate any agreement between
Nanogen and Becton, Dickinson and Company and its affiliated entities.

         9.3 HR&T hereby represents and warrants to Nanogen that: (a) it is the
owner of the entire right, title and interest to the HR&T Intellectual Property
and HR&T Patent Rights, and (b) to HR&T's knowledge, the HR&T Patent Rights or
the HR&T Intellectual Property has not infringed, and is not now infringing, any
valid third party rights and HR&T has not received any notice of infringement
from any third party respecting the HR&T Patent Rights or the HR&T Intellectual
Property.

         9.4 Nanogen hereby represents and warrants to HR&T that: (a) it is the
owner of the entire right, title and interest to the Nanogen Intellectual
Property and the Nanogen Patent Rights and (b) to Nanogen's knowledge, the
Nanogen Patent Rights or the Nanogen Intellectual Property has not infringed,
and is not now infringing, any valid third party rights and Nanogen has not
received any notice of infringement from any third party respecting the Nanogen
Patent Rights or the Nanogen Intellectual Property.

         10. DISCLAIMERS. THE PARTIES EACH HEREBY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THEIR
RESPECTIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS HEREUNDER, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, (A) WHETHER ANY PRODUCT CAN BE SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOPED BY EITHER OF
THE PARTIES, (B) WHETHER THE PRODUCTS AS DEVELOPED BY EITHER OF THE PARTIES
HEREUNDER CAN BE COMMERCIALLY MARKETED, (C) THE ACCURACY, PERFORMANCE, UTILITY,
RELIABILITY, TECHNOLOGICAL OR COMMERCIAL VALUE, COMPREHENSIVENESS,
MERCHANTABILITY OR SUITABILITY FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WHATSOEVER OF ANY
PRODUCT, AND (D) WHETHER ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY
THIRD-PARTY PATENT, COPYRIGHT OR SIMILAR RIGHT.

         11. INSURANCE. The parties shall each, at all times during the term of
this Agreement, carry and maintain such insurance as each believes to be
commercially reasonable against risks from actions contemplated under this
Agreement. Such insurance shall be with insurers of recognized responsibility
and may be carried under blanket policies maintained by each of the parties.

         12. NOTICES. Any notice, request, demand, waiver, consent, approval, or
other communication which is required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing
and shall be deemed given only if delivered personally, by facsimile (upon
receipt of appropriate written

                                       14

<PAGE>

confirmation) or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
or by overnight courier service, postage prepaid as follows:

         If to Nanogen:

         Nanogen, Inc.
         10398 Pacific Center Court
         San Diego, California 92121
Attn:    Chief Executive Officer
         Facsimile - (619) 546-7717

         with a copy to:

         Nanogen, Inc.
         10398 Pacific Center Court
         San Diego, California  92121
         Attn:  General Counsel
         Facsimile - (619) 546-7717

         and if to HR&T:

         Hoechst Research & Technology Deutschland GmbH & Co KG
         D-65926 Frankfurt am Main
         Attn:  President
         Facsimile - 011-49-69-309-588

         with a copy to:

or to such other address as the addressee may have specified in a notice duly
given to the sender as provided herein. Such notice, request, demand, waiver,
consent, approval or other communication will be deemed to have been given as of
the date so received (in case of personal delivery, facsimile or overnight
courier service delivery) or upon refusal to accept delivery thereof.

         13. DISPUTE RESOLUTION. Every reasonable effort will be made by the
parties hereto to resolve disputes arising hereunder with litigation as a last
resort. Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement which is not
resolved by the Executive Committee or is not within the purview of the
Executive Committee shall be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer of Nanogen
and the President of HR&T for resolution. If those officers cannot resolve the
dispute with twenty (20) days of submission of such dispute, then within ten
(10) days thereafter, either party may, but shall not be obligated to, initiate
nonbinding mediation of the controversy or claim under the Center for Public
Resources Model ADR Procedures for Mediation of Business Disputes attached
hereto as Exhibit F (the "CPR Procedures"). Once the mediation is initiated by
one party, the other party agrees to participate in and conduct mediation in
accordance with the CPR Procedures in good faith and not to pursue other
remedies while such mediation is proceeding. If neither party initiates
mediation within ten (10) days of the officers referenced above failing to
resolve the dispute, or if the dispute has not been resolved by such mediation
within sixty (60) days following initiation of mediation, either party may
pursue all available remedies. All applicable statutes of limitations and
defenses based upon the passage of time

                                       15
<PAGE>

shall be tolled while the negotiation and mediation procedures set forth in this
Paragraph 13 are pending. The parties will take such action, if any, as may be
reasonably be required to effectuate such tolling. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the remedy at law for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement
may be inadequate, and, accordingly, an aggrieved party seeking equitable relief
or remedies for such a breach shall have the right and is hereby granted the
privilege, in addition to all other remedies at law or in equity, to proceed
directly in a court of competent jurisdiction to seek temporary or preliminary
equitable relief. Each party shall pay its own costs incurred in attempting to
resolve a dispute pursuant to the mediation procedures set forth in this
Paragraph 13 without the right to recover such costs from the other party and
shall share equally the cost of mediation.

         14. MISCELLANEOUS.

         14.1 This Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement together
constitute the entire understanding among the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and supersede and replace all prior agreements,
understandings, writings and discussions between the parties relating to said
subject matter. However, it is the understanding of both parties that the terms
laid down for a joint venture or other joint arrangement in the Letter Agreement
shall survive until a definitive agreement for such an arrangement has been
reached.

         14.2 This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument
executed by the parties hereto. The failure of any party at any time or times to
require performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect its rights
at a later time to enforce the same. No waiver by any party of any condition or
term in any one or more instances shall be construed as a further or continuing
waiver of such condition or term or any other condition or term.

         14.3 The terms and provisions contained in this Agreement are for the
sole benefit of the parties and their successors and assigns, and they shall not
be construed as conferring and are not intended to confer any rights on any
other persons.

         14.4 Any delays in or failure of performance by any party under this
Agreement shall not be considered a breach of this Agreement if and to the
extent caused by occurrences beyond the reasonable control of the party
affected, including but not limited to acts of God; acts, regulations, or laws
of any government; strikes or other considered acts of workers; fires; floods;
explosions; riots; wars; rebellion; and sabotage; and any time for performance
hereunder shall be extended by the actual time of delay caused by such
occurrence.

         14.5 This Agreement shall not be assignable by either party, nor shall
any of its obligations hereunder be delegated to a third party, without the
prior written consent of the other party, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed. In the event that the other party does not
respond to a request from a party for consent to an assignment or delegation
within fifteen (15) days following written notice requesting such consent, such
party's shall be deemed to be granted. In addition, a condition to any
assignment or delegation hereunder shall be that the successor in interest
expressly agrees in writing to assume the assigning or delegating party's
obligations hereunder. All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall
be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the respective
permitted successors and assigns. No such assignment shall release the assigning
party from its obligations hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the consent
of the other party shall not be required in connection with a merger involving
either HR&T or Nanogen or with respect to an assignment of this

                                       16
<PAGE>

Agreement in connection with, as the case may be, the acquisition, sale of all
or substantially all of the assets of HR&T or Nanogen, or a change of control or
similar transaction.

         14.6 If any provision(s) of this Agreement are or become invalid, or
are ruled illegal by any court of competent jurisdiction, or are deemed
unenforceable under then current applicable law from time to time in effect
during the term hereof, it is the intention of the parties hereto that the
remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. It is further the
intention of the parties that in lieu of each such provision which is invalid,
illegal, or unenforceable, there be substituted or added as part of this
Agreement, a provision which shall be as similar as possible in economic and
business objectives as intended by the parties to such invalid, illegal, or
unenforceable provision, but which shall be valid, legal, and enforceable, and
shall be mutually agreed by the parties.

         14.7 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of California without regard to its choice of laws
principles. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted without
application of any principle or rule to the effect that ambiguities are to be
construed against the party responsible for drafting the agreement. The headings
contained herein are for reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect
the meaning of this Agreement.

         14.8 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
one instrument.

                                       17
<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement through
duly authorized representatives as of the Effective Date.

NANOGEN, INC.                                     HOECHST RESEARCH &
                                                  TECHNOLOGY DEUTSCHLAND
                                                  GMBH & CO KG
By /s/ HOWARD C. BIRNDORF                         By /s/ DR. REINER HENNIG
   -------------------------------------             --------------------------
         Howard C. Birndorf                              President
   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                                                  By /s/ DR. HANS-ULLRICH HAPPE
                                                     --------------------------
                                                    Research Operation Director

                                       18
<PAGE>
                                    EXHIBIT A

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 NANOGEN APEX APPLICATIONS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          TITLE                                     APPLICATION NO.                        DATE
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------
<S>                                                        <C>                                 <C>
Active Programmable Electronic Devices for Molecular       USP 5,605,662                       Issued: 02/25/97
Biological Analysis and Diagnostics       (203/218)
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------
Methods for Electronic Stringency Control for Molecular    SN: 08/271,882                      Filed: 07/07/94
Biological Analysis and Diagnostics.      (207/263)
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------
Molecular Biological Diagnostic Systems Including          USP 5,632,957                       Issued: 05/27/97
Electrodes                                (209/062)
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------
Apparatus and Methods for Active Programmable Matrix       SN: 08/534,454                      Filed: 09/27/95
Devices                                   (216/054)
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------
***                                                        ***                                 ***
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------
Methods for Electronic Synthesis of Polymers               SN: 08/725,976                      Filed: 10/04/96
(222/211)

---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------
***                                                        ***                                 ***
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------
Methods for Electronic Perturbation Analysis of            SN: 08/855,058                      Filed: 05/14/97
Biological Materials                      (224/175)
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------
***                                                        ***                                 ***
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------
Self-Addressable Self-Assembling Microelectronic           Not Yet Received                    Filed: 12/05/97
Integrated Systems, Component Devices, Mechanisms,
Methods and Procedures for Molecular Biological Analysis
and Diagnostics                           (227/194)
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------
</TABLE>

  *** Confidential material redacted and separately filed with the Commission.

                                       19
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT B

                 C.R.&T'S "ELIAS" AND "pRNA" PATENT APPLICATIONS

                                       ***

  *** Confidential material redacted and separately filed with the Commission.

                                       20
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT C

                             TOTAL PROGRAM (YEAR 1)

         Personnel of Hoechst *** Nanogen ***
         Materials of Hoechst *** Nanogen ***

  *** Confidential material redacted and separately filed with the Commission.

                                       21
<PAGE>

                                 MATERIAL COSTS

         TDM/PROJECT YEAR:

         SYNTHESIS

         Equipment (Synthesizer. . .)     ***      (Depreciation over *** Years)
         Analytics                        ***
         Chemicals                        ***
                                          ---

         Total                            ***

         PERMEATION LAYER

         Equipment (Spin Coater. . .)     ***      (Depreciation over *** Years)
         Materials (Chemicals)            ***
                                          ---

         Total                            ***

         DIRECT READ-OUT

         Equipment                        ***
                                          ---

         TOTAL                            *** (***TUS$)

  *** Confidential material redacted and separately filed with the Commission.

                                       22
<PAGE>

                                EXHIBIT C (CR&T)

                                    PERSONNEL

                           TASK                                    HEADCOUNT

SYNTHESIS
         PhD, Organic Chemists                                        ***
         Postdocs, Lab Technicians                                    ***

PERMEATION LAYER
         PhD's, Organic Chemist
         Physicist                                                    ***
         PhD (Japan)                                                  ***
         Postdocs, Lab Technicians                                    ***

DIRECT ELECTRONIC READ-OUT                                            ***
         PhD's (Japan)
         Lab Technicians                                              ***
         PhD Biophysical-Chemist                                      ***

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT                                                    ***

Total Headcount                                                       ***

                                       23
<PAGE>

                                     SHEET 1

                               EXHIBIT C (NANOGEN)

                                PERSONNEL/NANOGEN

                   TASK                YEAR 1                       YEAR 2
                   ----                ------                       ------
CHIP                                    ***                           ***
         Process engineer               ***                           ***
         Software engineer              ***                           ***
         Test engineer                  ***                           ***
         Test Tech                      ***                           ***
         Packaging Engineer             ***                           ***
         Packaging Tech                 ***                           ***

INSTRUMENT                              ***                           ***
         Electrical engineer            ***                           ***
         Software engineer              ***                           ***
         Mechanical engineer            ***                           ***

PERMEATION LAYER
         Chemical engineer              ***                           ***

ASSAY DEVELOPMENT
         Physical chemist               ***                           ***
         Biochemist                     ***                           ***

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT                      ***                           ***
         Program manager                ***                           ***

TOTAL HEADCOUNT                         ***                           ***

---------------
*** Confidential material redacted and separately filed with the Commission.

                                       24
<PAGE>

                                     SHEET 1

                             MATERIALS COSTS/NANOGEN

                        TASK           YEAR 1                          YEAR 2
                        ----           ------                          ------
CHIP
         Design                         $***                            $***
         Masks                          $***                            $***
         Wafer fab                      $***                            $***
         Test                           $***                            $***
         Packaging                      $***                            $***
              TOTAL                     $***                            $***

INSTRUMENTS
         Read-out                       $***
         Probe placement                                                $***
              TOTAL                     $***                            $***

PERMEATION LAYER/CHEMISTRY              $***
         Perm Layer
         Attachment Chem
              TOTAL                     $***                            $***
ASSAY                                   $***                            $***
         Reagents                       $***                            $***
              TOTAL PROGRAM             $***                            $***

--------
*** Confidential material redacted and separately filed with the Commission.

                                       25
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT D
                               PROGRAM INVENTIONS

                                      None.

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT E
                                RESEARCH PROGRAM

                                      None.

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT F
                                 CPR PROCEDURES

                                CPR LEGAL PROGRAM

                      TO DEVELOP ALTERNATIVES TO LITIGATION

                                                            MODEL ADR PROCEDURES

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                  MEDIATION OF BUSINESS DISPUTES
                                                                  (Revised 1991)

                        CENTER FOR PUBLIC RESOURCES, INC.
   Madison Avenue New York, NY 10017-3122 Tel (212) 949-6490 Fax (212) 949-8859

<PAGE>

I.   THE MODEL PROCEDURE

A.   Proposing Mediation

     Any party to a business dispute may unilaterally initiate a mediation
process by contacting the other party or parties, orally or in writing, and
suggesting the use of a neutral mediator to mediate efforts to arrive at a
resolution. If the parties have made a contractual commitment to mediate
disputes between them, or if they have subscribed to the CPR Corporate Policy
Statement on Alternatives to Litigation, that commitment or policy will be
invoked.

B.   Selecting the Mediator

     Once the parties have agreed in principle to a mediation process, or at
least to seriously consider mediation, they will discuss the selection of a
mediator. Any party may suggest one or more candidates, or they may request a
neutral organization, such as CPR, to propose candidates. The mediator must be
selected by agreement of all parties.

     Any candidate for the role of mediator shall promptly disclose to the
parties any circumstances known to him or her which would cause reasonable doubt
regarding the candidate's impartiality. Each party shall promptly disclose any
such circumstances to the other party or parties. These disclosure obligations
shall be continuing until the mediation is concluded. If any such circumstances
have been disclosed, before or after the individual's appointment as mediator,
the individual shall not serve, unless all parties agree.

     The mediator's compensation rate will be determined before appointment.
Such compensation, and any other costs of the process, will be shared equally by
the parties, unless they otherwise agree. If a party withdraws but the procedure
continues, the withdrawing party will not be responsible for any costs incurred
after its withdrawal. Before appointment the mediator will assure the parties of
his or her availability to conduct the proceeding expeditiously.

C.   Groundrules of Proceeding

     Once a mediator has been selected and has agreed to serve, the
representatives of the parties will meet jointly with the mediator to discuss
the following groundrules and any different or additional groundrules the
mediator or a party wishes to propose as to the manner in which the process is
to be conducted.

     1. The process is voluntary and non-binding.

     2. Each party may withdraw at any time after attending the first session
and prior to execution of a written settlement agreement.

     3. The mediator shall be neutral and impartial.

     4. The mediator controls the procedural aspects of the mediation. The
parties will cooperate fully with the mediator.

     (a) The mediator is free to meet and communicate separately with each
party.

     (b) The mediator will decide when to hold joint meetings with the parties
and when to hold separate meetings. The mediator will fix the time and place of
each session and the agenda, in consultation with the parties. There shall be no
stenographic record of any meeting. Formal rules of evidence will not apply.

     (c) The mediator may request that there be no direct communication between
the parties or between their attorneys without the concurrence of the mediator.

     5. Each party may be represented by more than one person, e.g. a business
executive and an attorney. Participation of a business executive is to be
particularly encouraged. The mediator may limit the number of persons
representing each party. At least one representative of each party will be
authorized to negotiate a settlement of the dispute.

     6. The process will be conducted expeditiously. Each representative will
make every effort to be available for meetings.

     7. The mediator will not transmit information received from any party to
another party or any third party unless authorized to do so by the party
transmitting the information.

     8. The entire process is confidential. The parties and the mediator will
not disclose information regarding the process, including settlement terms, to
third parties, unless the parties otherwise agree. The process shall be treated
as a compromise negotiation for purposes of the Federal Rules of Evidence and
state rules of evidence.

<PAGE>

     9. The parties will refrain from pursuing administrative and/or judicial
remedies during the mediation process, insofar as they can do so without
prejudicing their legal rights.

     10. Unless all parties and the mediator otherwise agree in writing,

     (a) the mediator will be disqualified as a witness, consultant or expert in
any pending or future investigation, action or proceeding relating to the
subject matter of the mediation (including any investigation, action or
proceeding which involves persons not party to this mediation); and

     (b) the mediator and any documents and information in the mediator's
possession will not be subpoenaed in any such investigation, action or
proceeding, and all parties will oppose any effort to have the mediator and
documents subpoenaed.

     11. If the dispute goes into arbitration, the mediator shall not serve as
an arbitrator, unless the parties and the mediator otherwise agree in writing.

     12. The mediator, if a lawyer, may freely express views to the parties on
the legal issues of the dispute.

     13. The mediator may obtain assistance and independent expert advice with
the agreement of and at the expense of the parties. The disclosures required by
the Second paragraph of Section II.B shall apply to independent experts.

     14. Neither CPR nor the mediator shall be liable for any act or omission in
connection with the mediation.

     15. The mediator may withdraw at any time by written notice to the parties
(i) for overriding personal reasons, (ii) if the mediator believes that a party
is not acting in good faith, or (iii) if the mediator concludes that further
mediation efforts would not be useful.

     16. At the inception of the mediation process, each party and
representative will agree in writing to all provisions of this Model Procedure,
as modified by agreement of the parties. A model Submission Agreement is
attached hereto as Appendix B.

D. Presentation to the Mediator

     Upon entering into mediation each party will submit to the mediator a
statement summarizing the background and present status of the dispute and such
other material and information as it deems necessary to familiarize the mediator
with the dispute. Submissions may be made in writing and orally. The parties may
agree to submit jointly certain records and other materials.

     The mediator may request any party to provide clarification and additional
information. The mediator may raise legal questions and arguments and may
request any party's attorney to brief legal issues.

     The mediator may request each party, separately or at a joint meeting, to
present its case informally to the mediator.

     The parties are encouraged to exchange written statements and other
materials they submit to the mediator. Such an exchange is likely to further
each party's understanding of the other party's viewpoint. Except as the parties
otherwise agree, the mediator shall keep confidential any submitted written
materials or information. The parties and their representatives are not entitled
to receive or review any such materials or information submitted to the mediator
by another party or representative, without the concurrence of the latter. At
the conclusion of the mediation process, upon request of a party the mediator
will return to that party all written materials and information which that party
had provided to the mediator.

E. Exchange of Information

     If any party has a substantial need for documents or other material in
the possession of another party, the parties shall attempt to agree on the
exchange of requested documents or other material. Should they fail to agree,
either party may request a joint meeting with the mediator who shall assist
the parties in reaching agreement. At the conclusion of the mediation
process, upon the request of a party which provided documents or other
material to one or more other parties, the recipients shall return the same
to the originating party without retaining copies thereof.

F.   Negotiation of Terms

     The mediator may promote settlement in any manner the mediator believes is
appropriate. Once the mediator is familiar with the case, the mediator will hold
discussions with the parties' representatives. The mediator will decide when to
hold joint meetings and when to meet or confer separately with each party.

     The parties are expected to initiate proposals for settlement unless, by
prior agreement, they expect the mediator to be the first to propose the terms
of settlement. Each party or the mediator shall provide a rationale for any
settlement terms proposed.

<PAGE>

     If the parties fail to develop mutually acceptable settlement terms, before
terminating the procedure the mediator may submit to the. parties a final
settlement proposal which the mediator considers fair and equitable to all
parties. The parties will carefully consider the mediator's proposal and, at the
request of the mediator, will discuss the proposal with the mediator. If a party
does not accept the final proposal, it shall advise the mediator of the specific
reasons why the proposal is unacceptable.

     Efforts to reach a settlement will continue until (a) a written settlement
is reached, or (b) the mediator concludes and informs the parties that further
efforts would not be useful, or (c) one of the parties or the mediator withdraws
from the process; provided that if there are more than two parties, the
remaining parties may elect to continue following the withdrawal of a party.

G. Settlement

     If a settlement is reached, the mediator, or a representative of a party,
will draft a written settlement document incorporating all settlement terms,
including mutual general releases from all liability which may relate to the
subject matter of the dispute. This draft will be circulated among the parties
amended as necessary, and formally executed.

     If litigation is pending, the settlement may provide that the parties will
arrange for dismissal of the case promptly upon execution of the settlement
agreement. The parties also may request the court to enter the settlement
agreement as a consent judgment.

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00021-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00021-of-00352.parquet"}]]