Document:

exv10w1

 

EXHIBIT 10.1

 

 

FIRST AMENDMENT

TO

CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of May 16, 2006

among

ENCORE WIRE LIMITED,

as the Borrower

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent and a Lender,

and

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Syndication Agent and a Lender

and

The Other Lenders Party Thereto

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Manager

 

 

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

     THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “First Amendment”), dated as of May
16, 2006, is entered into among ENCORE WIRE LIMITED, a Texas limited partnership (the
“Borrower”), BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. (“Bank of America”) and WELLS FARGO BANK,
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (“Wells Fargo”), in their individual capacities as “Lenders”
(as such term is defined herein), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

BACKGROUND

     A. The Borrower, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent are parties to that
certain Credit Agreement, dated as of August 27, 2004 (the “Credit Agreement”). The
terms defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall be used herein as
defined in the Credit Agreement.

     B. The Borrower has requested certain amendments to the Credit Agreement to,
among other things, increase the Aggregate Commitments.

     C. The Lenders and the Administrative Agent hereby agree to amend the Credit
Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, conditions and agreements hereafter set
forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are all
hereby acknowledged, the Borrower, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent covenant and agree as
follows:

     1. AMENDMENTS.

     (a) The definition of “Aggregate Commitments” set forth at 1.6 of the Credit
Agreement is hereby amended to read as follows:

     “Aggregate Commitments” means the Commitments of all the Lenders. As of the
First Amendment Effective Date, the Aggregate Commitments are $150,000,000.

     (b) The definition of “Commitment” set forth at 1.27 of the Credit Agreement is
hereby amended to read as follows:

     “Commitment” means, as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender to make or
continue Loans and incur or participate in L/C Obligations hereunder in an aggregate
principal amount at any one time outstanding up to but not exceeding the amount set forth
opposite the name of such Lender on the signature pages of this Agreement (or on the
signature pages to any amendment to this Agreement) under the heading “Commitment” or, if
such Lender is a party to an Assignment and Acceptance, the amount of the “Commitment” set
forth in the most recent Assignment and Acceptance of such Lender, as the same may be
reduced or terminated pursuant to paragraph 2.9 or 9.2 or increased pursuant to paragraph
2.12.

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     (c) Article I of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the defined terms
“First Amendment Effective Date” and “Accordion Amount” thereto in proper
alphabetical order to read as follows:

     “Accordion Amount” means, as of any date of determination, the difference
between $150,000,000 and the Aggregate Commitments in effect on such date of determination.

     “First Amendment Effective Date” means May 16, 2006.

     (d) Paragraph 2.12(a) is hereby amended by amending the first sentence thereof to
read as follows:

     Provided there exists no Default, upon notice to Administrative Agent (which shall
promptly notify Lenders), Borrower may from time to time, request an increase in the
Commitments by an amount (for all such requests) not exceeding the Accordion Amount.

     2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES TRUE; NO EVENT OF DEFAULT. By its execution and
delivery hereof, the Borrower represents and warrants that, as of the date hereof:

     (a) the representations and warranties contained in the Credit Agreement and the
other Loan Documents are true and correct on and as of the date hereof as made on and as of
such date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an
earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, and except to the
extent such representations and warranties have been supplemented pursuant to paragraph 7.12
of the Credit Agreement;

     (b) no event has occurred and is continuing which constitutes a Default or an Event of
Default;

     (c) (i) the Borrower has full power and authority to execute and deliver this First
Amendment, each Revolving Loan Note payable to the order of each Lender in the amount of
each such Lender’s Commitment as increased by this First Amendment (collectively, the
“Replacement Notes”), (ii) this First Amendment and the Replacement Notes have been duly
executed and delivered by the Borrower, and (iii) this First Amendment, the Replacement Notes
and the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations
of the Borrower, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, except as enforceability
may be limited by applicable Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity (regardless
of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law) and except as rights to
indemnity may be limited by federal or state securities laws;

     (d) neither the execution, delivery and performance of this First Amendment, the
Replacement Notes or the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, nor the consummation of any
transactions contemplated herein or therein, will conflict with (i) the certificate or articles of
incorporation or the applicable constituent documents or bylaws of the Borrower or any
Guarantor, (ii) any Law applicable to the Borrower or any Guarantor or (iii) any indenture,

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agreement or other instrument to which the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective
properties are subject; and

     (e) no authorization, approval, consent, or other action by, notice to, or filing with, any
Governmental Authority or other Person not previously obtained is required for (i) the execution,
delivery or performance by the Borrower of this First Amendment or the Replacement Notes or (ii)
the acknowledgement by each Guarantor of this First Amendment.

     3. CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS. This First Amendment shall be effective upon
satisfaction or completion of the following:

     (a) the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts of this First
Amendment executed by each Lender;

     (b) the Administrative Agent shall have received an executed Replacement Note for
each Lender;

     (c) the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts of this First
Amendment executed by the Borrower and acknowledged by each Guarantor;

     (d) the Administrative Agent shall have received a certified resolution of the Board of
Directors of the Borrower authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this First
Amendment and the Replacement Notes;

     (e) the Administrative Agent shall have received an opinion of the Borrower’s
counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel, with
respect to the matters set forth in clauses (c), (d) and (e) of Section 2 of this First Amendment
and with respect to such other matters as the Administrative Agent and its counsel shall
reasonably request;

     (f) the Administrative Agent shall have received in immediately available funds for
the account of each Lender a fee in an amount equal to the product of (A) 0.10% and (B) the
amount of the increase of each such Lender’s Commitment pursuant to this First Amendment;
and

     (g) the Administrative Agent shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory
to the Administrative Agent and its counsel, such other documents, certificates and instruments
as the Administrative Agent shall require.

     4. REFERENCE TO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT.

     (a) Upon the effectiveness of this First Amendment, each reference in the Credit
Agreement to “this Agreement”, “hereunder”, or words of like import shall mean and be a
reference to the Credit Agreement, as affected and amended hereby.

     (b) The Credit Agreement, as amended by the amendments referred to above, shall
remain in full force and effect and is hereby ratified and confirmed.

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     5. COSTS, EXPENSES AND TAXES. The Borrower agrees to pay on demand all
costs and expenses of the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation,
reproduction, execution and delivery of this First Amendment and the other instruments and documents to be
delivered hereunder (including the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of counsel for the
Administrative Agent with respect thereto).

     6. GUARANTOR’S ACKNOWLEDGMENT. By signing below, each Guarantor
(a) acknowledges, consents and agrees to the execution, delivery and performance by the
Borrower of this First Amendment, (b) acknowledges and agrees that its obligations in respect of
its Guaranty (i) are not released, diminished, waived, modified, impaired or affected in any
manner by this First Amendment or any of the provisions contemplated herein, and (ii) include
the increase of the Aggregate Commitments provided for in this First Amendment, (c) ratifies
and confirms its obligations under its Guaranty, and (d) acknowledges and agrees that it has no
claims or offsets against, or defenses or counterclaims to, its Guaranty.

     7. EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS. This First Amendment may be executed in
any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of
which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original and all of which when
taken together shall constitute but one and the same instrument. For purposes of this First
Amendment, a counterpart hereof (or signature page thereto) signed and transmitted by any
Person party hereto to the Administrative Agent (or its counsel) by facsimile machine, telecopier
or electronic mail is to be treated as an original. The signature of such Person thereon, for
purposes hereof, is to be considered as an original signature, and the counterpart (or signature
page thereto) so transmitted is to be considered to have the same binding effect as an original
signature on an original document.

     8. GOVERNING LAW; BINDING EFFECT. This First Amendment shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, provided that the
Administrative Agent and each Lender shall retain all rights arising under federal law, and shall
be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

     9. HEADINGS. Section headings in this First Amendment are included herein for
convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this First Amendment for any
other purpose.

     10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. THE CREDIT AGREEMENT, AS AMENDED BY
THIS FIRST AMENDMENT, AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE
FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED
BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK

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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this First Amendment is executed as of the date first set forth
above.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	BORROWER:
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	ENCORE WIRE LIMITED
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	By:	 	EWC GP Corp., its general partner
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	By:	 	/s/ Daniel L. Jones
	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Name:
	 	DANIEL L. JONES
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Title:
	 	President & CEO
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 

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	 	 	ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT:
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	By:	 	/s/ Suzanne M. Paul
	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Name:
	 	SUZANNE M. PAUL
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Title:
	 	VICE PRESIDENT
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 
	 	 
	 	 	BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as a Lender
	Commitment: $90,000,000
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	By:	 	/s/ Steven A. MacKenzie
	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Name:
	 	Steven A. MacKenzie
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Title:
	 	Senior Vice President
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 

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	 	 	WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, as a Lender
	Commitment: $60,000,000
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	By:	 	/s/ Ralph Hauser, III
	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Name:
	 	Ralph Hauser, III
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Title:
	 	Vice President
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 

7

 

	 	 	 	 	 
	ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED:
	 
	 	 	 	 
	EWC GP CORP.
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	By:	 	/s/ Daniel L. Jones
	 	 	 
	 

	 	Name:
	 	Daniel L. Jones
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	President & CEO
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	EWC LP CORP.
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	By:	 	/s/ Daniel L. Jones
	 	 	 
	 

	 	Name:
	 	Daniel L. Jones
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	President & CEO
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	EWC AVIATION CORP.
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	By:	 	/s/ Daniel L. Jones
	 	 	 
	 

	 	Name:
	 	Daniel L. Jones
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	President & CEO
	 

	 	 	 	 

8exv10w1

 

EXHIBIT 10.1

LEASE AGREEMENT

     THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (the “Lease”) is made and entered into by and between Granite Falls
Energy, LLC (“Lessor”) and GS Acquisition Inc. (“Lessee”), effective as of the date permits and
licenses, sufficient to legally operate the Equipment (as defined below) are issued or granted to
the Lessor and Lessee in the name of both the Lessor and Lessee (the “Effective Date”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

     WHEREAS, Lessor is the owner of (i) real property on which a certain ethanol production
facility is located, particularly described in Exhibit A and (ii) any and all structures located
on the real property particularly described in Exhibit A; ((i) and (ii) herewithin described as
the “Property “); and

     WHEREAS, Lessor is the owner of all equipment used at the Property for the production of
ethanol as more particularly described in Exhibit B (the “Equipment”); and

     WHEREAS, Lessee desires to lease the Property and the Equipment from Lessor and Lessor
desires to lease the Property and the Equipment to Lessee on the terms and conditions set forth
herein.

     NOW, THEREFORE, Lessor and Lessee, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises set
forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
is hereby acknowledged, do hereby agree as follows:

     1. Lease. Lessor hereby leases the Property and the Equipment to Lessee, and
Lessee hereby leases the Property and the Equipment from Lessor. Lessor leases the Property to
Lessee subject and subordinate to all liens, encumbrances, easements, restrictions, convenants,
underlying leases, zoning ordinances and any and all other governmental and quasi-governmental
laws, rules, regulations and ordinances now or hereafter affecting or governing the Property.
[Lessor will provide Lessee with non-exclusive right to use the railway or spur track (the “Rail
Access”) located on the Property; provided that if Lessee uses such Rail Access it shall pay its
pro rata share of the maintenance costs and expenses associated with Rail Access.] Lessor will
work with Lessee to obtain all necessary licenses and permits to the extent necessary to operate
the Equipment. Lessor and Lessee agree to cooperate and execute any and all other instruments
and documents, and shall take other such actions, as the other party may reasonably request for
the purpose of and carrying or evidencing the Lease.

     2. Term. The term (the “Term”) of this Lease shall commence on April 12, 2006 and
shall terminate on April 11, 2016, unless sooner terminated pursuant to this Lease.

     3. Rent. The monthly rental rate (“Rent”) for the Term shall be $800,000.

     4. Location of the Equipment. Lessee shall not remove or relocate the Equipment
from the Property.

     5. Lessor’s Right of Inspection. Lessor shall at any and all times during business
hours have the right to enter into and upon the Property for the purpose of inspecting both the
Property and the Equipment or observing its use. Lessee shall give Lessor immediate notice of
any attachment or other judicial process affecting the Equipment.

     6. Supplies; Repairs and Maintenance; Alterations. Lessee shall, at its sole cost
and expense, be responsible for all supplies necessary for the operation of the Equipment.
Lessee shall, at its sole cost and expense, maintain the Equipment in good operating condition
and

 

 

repair, and shall protect the Equipment from deterioration, normal wear and tear excepted.
Lessee shall not make modifications, alterations or additions to the Equipment (other than
ordinary use and maintenance) without the prior written consent of Lessor, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld. All modifications, repairs, alterations, additions, replacements and
substitutions shall accrue to the Equipment and shall become the property of Lessor. Lessor shall
not be responsible for any loss or damage caused by error in the operation or programming of the
Equipment, nor shall Lessor be responsible for latent defects, wear and tear, gradual
deterioration or loss of use of the Equipment. Lessor shall not be liable to Lessee or any other
party for any liability, claim, loss, damage or expense caused directly or indirectly or arising
from, the inadequacy of the Equipment, the interruption of use or loss of service of the
Equipment, or any loss of business or other consequence or damage, whether or not resulting from
any of the foregoing.

     7. Utilities. Lessee shall pay for all water, gas, heat, light, power, sewer
charges, telephone service and all other services and utilities which may from time to time be
supplied to the Property, together with any taxes thereon.

     8. Taxes. Lessor shall list the Property for taxes and shall pay ad valorem and all
other tax assessments of whatever kind or nature assessed against the Property. Lessee shall list
and pay, before delinquency, ad valorem and all other tax assessments of whatever kind or nature
assessed against or on Lessee’s furnishings, fixtures, inventory, equipment, leasehold improvements
and other property situated or placed upon, in or about the Property. In the event any or all of
Lessee’s leasehold improvements, equipment, furniture, fixtures and other personal property shall
be assessed and taxed with the real property, Lessee shall pay to Lessor its share of such taxes
within ten (10) days after delivery to Lessee by Lessor of a statement in writing setting forth the
amount of such taxes applicable to Lessee’s property.

     9. Use. Lessee shall use the Equipment in the regular course of the operation of
an ethanol production facility only, within its normal capacity and in the manner contemplated by
the manufacturer. The Equipment shall be used only on the Property. Lessee may use the
Equipment at its full capacity. Lessee shall not lease the Equipment to a third party for a fee
or contract to use the Equipment to produce ethanol for a third party for a fee.

     10. Compliance with Law. Lessee shall not use the Property or the Equipment, or
permit anything to be done in or about the Property, or with respect to Lessee’s signs or signage
and any pylon or pole signs used by Lessee, which will in any way conflict with or violate any law,
statute, ordinance or governmental rule or regulation now in force or which may hereafter be
enacted or promulgated. Lessee shall, at its sole cost and expense, promptly comply with all laws,
statutes, ordinances and governmental rules, regulations or requirements now in force or which may
hereinafter be in force, including without limitation those pertaining to accessibility and use by
individuals with disabilities and those pertaining to environmental conditions, and with the
requirements of any board of fire underwriters or other similar bodies now or hereafter
constituted, in each case relating to or affecting the condition, use or occupancy of the Property,
excluding structural changes not related to or affected by Lessee’s improvements or acts or use of
the Property. The judgment of any court of competent jurisdiction or the admission of Lessee in any
action against Lessee, whether Lessor be a party thereto or not, that Lessee has violated any law,
statute, ordinance or governmental rule, regulation or requirement, shall be conclusive of that
fact as between Lessor and Lessee.

     11. Alterations and Additions.

          A. Lessee’s Alterations, and Additions. Subject to obtaining Lessor approval, Lessee
may make alterations, additions and improvements upon the Property as desired, with the right to
remove the same upon termination of this Lease, or any renewal or extension thereof; provided,
however, that the Property are left in as good a state as when received, reasonable wear and tear
and damage by fire or other casualty excepted. Failure to remove such

 

 

improvements, additions and alterations shall not be deemed a holding over under the terms of this
Lease, but upon the request of Lessor, Lessee shall remove any such improvements, additions and
alterations and repair any damage to the Property caused by such removal. Any installation of
special equipment requiring exceptional electric service or exceeding the live load rating shall be
subject to Lessor’s approval.

          B. Lessor’s Alterations and Additions. Notwithstanding anything else contained
herein, Lessor may, from time to time, change the improvements on the Property by the construction,
removal, relocation or alteration of any such improvements.

     12. Warranties. LESSOR MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO ANY
MATTER WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE CONDITION OR QUALITY OF THE EQUIPMENT, ITS
SUITABILITY, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. LESSEE IS LEASING THE
EQUIPMENT IN ITS AS-IS-WHERE-IS CONDITION.

     13. Indemnity. Lessee shall indemnify and hold Lessor harmless from and against
any and all claims, actions, suits, proceedings, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities,
including reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs, arising out of, connected with, or
resulting from (i) the use of the Property, (ii) the use of the Equipment, (iii) any breach or
default in the performance of any obliagtion of the Lessee, or (iv) any act, omission or
negligence of Lessee, its respective agents, employees and contractors. Each party agrees that
it will give the other prompt notice of the assertion of any such claim or the institution of any
such action, suit or proceeding.

     14. Damage by Fire or Other Casualty. If (a) the Property and/or the Equipment are
totally destroyed by fire or other casualty, or (b) the Property and/or the Equipment are destroyed
or damaged by fire or other casualty to such an extent that such damage cannot be repaired within
30 days following such destruction or damage (“Major Damage”), then Lessor may by written notice
given as provided below, terminate this Lease, in which event rent paid for the period beyond the
date of destruction shall be refunded to Lessee. If the Property and/or the Equipment are
destroyed or damaged by fire or other casualty but only to an extent that such destruction or
damage can be restored or repaired within 30 days following such damage (“Minor Damage”), then
Lessor shall not have an option to terminate because of such damage or destruction and this Lease
shall continue in full force and effect. If, notwithstanding total destruction or Major Damage,
Lessor elects not to terminate or if only Minor Damage occurs, then the Lessor shall promptly
restore the Property and/or the Equipment to substantially the same conditions as they were in
immediately prior to the destruction. In the case of total destruction or Major Damage, Lessor
shall exercise its option to terminate, if at all, by notifying Lessee of its election to terminate
this Lease within seven (7) days of Lessor’s receiving notice that 30 days (or longer) will be
required for restoration or repair. If during the period of repair or restoration Lessee
reasonably is required to close its operations during repairs, rent shall abate while so closed.

     15. Risk of Loss. Lessee hereby assumes and shall bear the entire risk of loss and
damage to the Property and the Equipment from whatever cause. No loss or damage to the Property
and the Equipment shall impair any obligation of Lessee under this Lease which shall continue in
full force and effect.

     In the event of loss or damage of any kind whatsoever to the Property and/or the Equipment,
Lessee shall, at Lessor’s sole option:

     (a) replace the Property and/or the Equipment with like property and/or equipment acceptable
to Lessor, which replacement property and/or equipment shall be in good condition and of
equivalent value, and shall immediately become the property of Lessor;

 

 

     (b) repair the Property and/or Equipment, returning it to its previous condition and working
order; or

     (c) if, in the reasonable judgment of Lessor such Property and/or Equipment is determined to
be lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged beyond repair, pay Lessor therefor in cash the full
replacement cost of the Property and/or Equipment. Upon such payment this Lease shall terminate
with respect to such Property and/or Equipment, and such Equipment shall thereupon immediately
become the property of Lessee, in its AS-IS-WHERE-IS condition, without warranty, express or
implied.

     16. Insurance. Lessee shall insure its property and for all occurences on the
Property, maintain, at its expense, comprehensive general liability insurance for the Property.
Such coverage shall (i) have a single limit of not less than $1,000,000 (ii) cover Lessor’s
contractual liabuiility hereunder, (iii) cover any third parites performing work on the Property,
and (iv) name Lessor and Lessee as insureds, to the extent of their interests. Lessee shall also
keep in force fire and extended coverage insurance for the full replacement value of Lessee’s
improvements and full worker’s compensation insurance.

     Lessee shall keep the Equipment insured against special cause of loss, as commonly displayed
in a commercial property policy, for not less than the full replacement cost of the Equipment;
and Lessee shall carry public liability and property damage insurance covering the Equipment in
amounts of not less than $50,000,000 combined single limit. All such insurance shall insure both
Lessor and Lessee. Lessee may effect such coverages under its blanket policies. All such policies
shall be written by companies reasonably satisfactory to Lessor. Certificates evidencing such
coverages shall be furnished to Lessor upon request, showing Lessor as additional insured and
showing Lessor and Lessor’s creditor(s) as loss payees. Each insurer shall agree, by endorsement
upon the certificate(s) issued by it, or by independent instrument furnished by Lessor, that it
will give Lessor thirty (30) days written notice before the policy in question will be altered or
canceled and that any proceeds shall be paid jointly to Lessor and Lessee as their interests may
appear. The proceeds of such insurance, at the option of Lessor, shall be applied: (i) toward the
replacement, restoration or repair of the Equipment; or (ii) toward payment of Lessee’s
obligations hereunder.

     17. Default and Remedies. In the event Lessee fails to comply with any of the terms
of this Lease and Lessee fails to remedy, cure or remove such failure within ten (10) days after
receipt of written notice from Lessor, Lessor shall have the right to exercise any one or more of
the following remedies:

     (a) To sue for and recover any and all payments, then accrued or thereafter accruing for the
remainder of the Term;

     (b) To take possession of the Property and the Equipment without demand or notice to Lessee,
without court order or other process of law. Lessee hereby waives any and all damages occasioned
by such repossession unless caused by Lessor’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Any said
repossession shall not constitute a termination of this Lease unless Lessor expressly so notifies
Lessee in writing;

     (c) To terminate this Lease; and/or

     (d) To pursue any other remedy available at law or in equity.

     Notwithstanding any said repossession, or other action which Lessor may take, Lessee shall
be and remain liable for the full performance of all of its obligations hereunder

 

 

     18. Termination by Lessor. This Lease may be terminated by either the Lessor or
the Lessee upon mutual consent. This Lease may also be terminated in the event of a breach by
the non-breaching party.

     19. Bankruptcy or Insolvency of Lessee. Neither this Lease nor any interest
hereunder is assignable or transferable by operation of law. If any proceeding under the
Bankruptcy Act, as amended, is commenced by Lessee, or such action is commenced against Lessee
and is not dismissed within sixty (60) days after the commencement thereof; or if a writ of
attachment or execution is levied on the Property and/or the Equipment and is not released or
satisfied within ten (10) days thereafter; or if a receiver is appointed in any proceeding or
action to which Lessee is a party, with authority to take possession or control of the Equipment,
Lessor may exercise any of the remedies set forth in Section 17 hereof; and this Lease shall, at
the option of Lessor, immediately terminate.

     20. Net Lease. The Rent due under this Lease shall be net to Lessor. Lessee shall
comply promptly with all present and future laws, ordinances rules and regulations of federal,
state, county and local governments, agencies and authorities in connection with the Property and
Equipment. Lessee shall be solely responsible for the payment of taxes and insurance relating to
the possession or use of the Property and the Equipment during the Term. Lessee shall pay to
Lessor all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs, incurred by
Lessor in exercising any of its rights or remedies hereunder or enforcing any term, condition or
provision hereof.

     21. Assignment and Subletting. Lessee shall not: (a) assign, transfer, pledge or
hypothecate this Lease or the Property and/or the Equipment or any interest herein or therein; or
(b) sublet or lend the Property and/or Equipment or any part thereof, or permit the Equipment or
any part thereof to be used by anyone other than Lessee or Lessee’s employees.

     22. Ownership of Equipment: Equipment as Personal Property. Lessee acknowledges
and agrees that the Equipment is and shall remain the sole property of Lessor. Lessee shall have
no right, title or interest in the Equipment, except as Lessee hereunder. Lessee further
acknowledges that the Equipment is, and shall remain, personal property notwithstanding that the
Equipment may become affixed or attached to real property or buildings or may be attached to a
permanent fixture. If at any time during the Term Lessor supplies Lessee with labels, plates or
other markings identifying Lessor as the owner of the Equipment, Lessee shall promptly and
prominently affix such items to the Equipment. Lessee agrees to execute and pay the filing
charges for any UCC financing statement or other document which Lessor deems necessary or
advisable to protect Lessor’s ownership of the Equipment, including, without limitation, those
attached hereto.

     23. Payment by Lessor: Default Interest Rate. In the event Lessee fails to procure
insurance or to pay all fees, assessments, charges and taxes required hereunder, Lessor shall
have the right, but not the obligation, to obtain such insurance, or pay such fees, assessments,
charges and taxes. In that event, the cost thereof shall be reimbursed to Lessor immediately,
together with interest thereon at Eighteen Percent (18%) per annum (the “Default Rate”), from the
date on which Lessor incurs such expense. Any amount due from Lessee to Lessor under this Lease
which is not paid within ten (10) days after the due date, shall bear interest from the
expiration of such ten (10) day period until paid, at the Default Rate.

     24. Environmental Representations and Warranties.

          A. Lessee agrees to comply with any and all Federal, State or local environmental laws
regulating Lessee’s use and occupancy of the Property, including, without limitation, any such law
regulating Hazardous Materials. As used herein, “Hazardous Materials” means asbestos, PCBs,
petroleum or any other hazardous or toxic substance, material, waste or other environmentally
regulated substance that is subject to any Hazardous Materials Law (as

 

 

defined below). Lessee shall be responsible for obtaining and maintaining any environmental
permits, including but not limited to waste water discharge permits, NPDES permits, water use or
withdrawal permits, air permits, AST or UST permits necessary for its business.

          B. Lessee acknowledges that it has received all of the information available to Lessor
regarding the environmental condition of the Property. Lessor and Lessee both represents and
warrants that to the best of their knowledge, except as otherwise disclosed in Paragraph 25.C., no
Hazardous Materials are located on, in or about the Property, the building or the real estate on
which the building is located, or used in connection therewith. Both Lessor and Lessee agree to
disclose to the other in writing the existence, extent and nature of any Hazardous Material
ascertained on, in or about the Property, building or real estate, or used in connection therewith,
upon their knowledge of the same. Lessor agrees to comply with any known or ascertained violation
of a Hazardous Materials Law arising from existing contamination in or affecting the Property
arising during the term of this Lease. “Hazardous Materials Law” shall mean the Federal
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq.; the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq.; and all other Federal, State and
local laws, rules, regulations, or ordinances relating to Hazardous Materials, whether existing or
enacted in the future.

     25. Concurrent Remedies. No right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to
Lessor is intended to be exclusive of any other available remedy or remedies, but each and every
such remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy provided under
this Lease or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity.

     26. Offset. Lessee hereby waives any and all existing and future claims and
offsets against any Rent or other payment due hereunder and agrees to pay Rent and other amounts
due hereunder without demand.

     27. Amendments. This Lease sets forth the entire understanding of the parties and
supersedes any prior agreements, oral or written, as to the subject matter hereof. This Lease may
be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by the parties hereto.

     28. Binding Effect. This Lease shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon
the parties hereto, their respective successors, permitted assigns and personal representatives.

     29. Severability. Any term or provision of this Lease which is invalid or
unenforceable, in whole or in part, shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or
unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of
this Lease, which shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

     30. Waiver. Lessor’s failure to insist, in any one or more instances, upon strict
compliance with any term, covenant or condition of this Lease shall not be deemed a waiver of
future failures to comply with such term, covenant or condition. Moreover, no waiver or
relinquishment of any right or power under this Lease shall be deemed a waiver of such right or
power at any other time. The consent or approval of Lessor to or of any act by Lessee requiring
Lessor’s consent or approval shall not be deemed to render unnecessary Lessor’s consent to or
approval of any subsequent similar act by Lessee. No breach of a covenant or condition of this
Lease shall be deemed to have been waived by Lessor unless such waiver is in writing and signed
by Lessor.

     31. Notices. Any and all notices or other communications provided for herein shall
be given in writing by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to the last known address
of the party to whom such notice is directed.

     32. Consents. Any consent required of either party hereto shall be ineffective
unless in writing and signed and certified by a duly authorized representative of the consenting
party.

 

 

     33. Governing Law. This Lease shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Minnesota. The parties, by their execution of this Lease, submit to
the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Minnesota.

     34. Time of Essence. Time is of the essence as to each and every provision of this
Lease.

     35. Headings: Gender: Number. Headings in this Lease are for convenience only and
shall not be used to interpret or construe its provisions. Whenever the context of this Lease
requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number includes
the plural.

     36. Counterparts. This Lease may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.

     37. Due Authorization. Lessee warrants and represents that it has good right,
title and authority to enter into and perform the obligations assumed by Lessee hereunder, and,
upon execution by the individuals set forth below, this Lease shall become a valid and binding
obligation of Lessee, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereof have duly executed this LEASE AGREEMENT as of the day
and year first above written.

	 	 	 	 	 
	LESSOR:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	     /s/ Thomas Branhan	 	 
	 

	 	 

Thomas Branhan
	 	 
	 

	 	President	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	LESSEE:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	      /s/ Thomas Branhan	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Thomas Branhan	 	 
	 

	 	President	 	 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

LAND DESCRPTION – 46.70 ACRE PARCEL

That part of the East Half of the Northeast Quarter of Section 1, Township 115 North, Range
39 West of the Fifth Principal Meridian, Granite Falls Township, Chippewa County,
Minnesota, described as follows:

Commencing at the northwest corner of Parcel 3, as shown on the record plat entitled STATE
HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 12-1, on file in the office of the Chippewa County Recorder;
thence on an assumed bearing of South 1 degree 56 minutes 15 seconds West, along the west
line of Parcel 3, as shown on said record plat entitled STATE HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT No.
12-1, a distance of 182.53 feet to southerly right of way boundary line of the railroad,
which is also the southwest corner of said Parcel 3 and the point of beginning of the land
to be described; thence on a bearing of South 87 degrees 01 minutes 14 seconds West, along
the southerly right of way line of the railroad, a distance of 911.97 feet to the west line
of the East Half of the Northeast Quarter of said Section 1; thence on a bearing of South 0
degrees 44 minutes 38 seconds West, along the west line of the East Half of the Northeast
Quarter of said Section 1, a distance of 2290.26 feet to the northwest corner of Parcel
213, as shown on the record plat entitled MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORATION RIGHT OF
WAY PLAT NO. 12-24, on file in the office of the Chippewa County Recorder; thence on a
bearing of South 88 degrees 21 minutes 26 seconds East, along the north boundary line of
said Parcel 213, a distance of 729.81 feet; thence on a bearing of North 47 degrees 28
minutes 37 seconds East, along the boundary line of said Parcel 213, a distance of 143.46
feet to the west line of Parcel 1, as shown on said record plat entitled STATE HIGHWAY
RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 12-1; thence on a bearing of North 3 degrees 18 minutes 35 seconds
East, along the west line of said Parcel 1, a distance of 1123.61 feet to the northwest
corner of said Parcel 1; thence continuing on a bearing of North 3 degrees 18 minutes 35
seconds East, along the west line of Parcel 2, as shown on said record plat entitled STATE
HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 12-1, a distance of 75.63 feet; thence on a bearing of North
1 degree 56 minutes 15 seconds East, along the west line of Parcel 2, as shown on said
record plat entitled STATE HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 12-1, a distance of 1064.80 feet
to the point of beginning.

 

 

EXHIBIT B

IDENTIFICATION OF OPERATING ASSETS

	 	1.	 	Grain Receiving Elevator
	 
	 	2.	 	Grain Storage Silos
	 
	 	3.	 	Railroad and Car Mover, Ethanol Loadout
	 
	 	4.	 	Rolling Stock (Tele-Handler, Skid-Steer, Pay Loader, Fork Lift, Used Trailer,
Used Pick-Up).
	 
	 	5.	 	Administrative Building, DDD Storage Building
	 
	 	6.	 	Dryer System
	 
	 	7.	 	Thermal Oxidizer
	 
	 	8.	 	Mixers, Pumps, Heat Exchangers
	 
	 	9.	 	Sieves, Sieve Bottles and Beads
	 
	 	10.	 	Chiller
	 
	 	11.	 	Centrifuges
	 
	 	12.	 	Air Compressors
	 
	 	13.	 	Methanator and Methanator Feed Tank; Liquefaction Tanks
	 
	 	14.	 	Whole and Thin Stillage Tanks
	 
	 	15.	 	Syrup Tank
	 
	 	16.	 	190 Proof and 200 Proof Day Tanks
	 
	 	17.	 	Denaturant Tank
	 
	 	18.	 	Cool Water Tank, Field Erected Tanks, Other Process Tanks and Vessels
	 
	 	19.	 	Fire Water Tank, Denatured Ethanol Tanks
	 
	 	20.	 	Cooling Tower
	 
	 	21.	 	Vapor Flare System
	 
	 	22.	 	Truck Scales and Probe
	 
	 	23.	 	Process Piping and Valves
	 
	 	24.	 	Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC
	 
	 	25.	 	Beer Column / Beerwell
	 
	 	26.	 	Computers, Phones, Radio System, Copier, Office Equipment and Office
Furniture
	 
	 	27.	 	Shop Supplies and Equipment
	 
	 	28.	 	Safety Equipment
	 
	 	29.	 	Any and All Spare Parts
	 
	 	30.	 	Fire Loop and Water Storage Tank
	 
	 	31.	 	Water Wells
	 
	 	32.	 	Security Fence
	 
	 	33.	 	Geo Piers (Processing and Receiving)
	 
	 	34.	 	Main Electrical Switch
	 
	 	35.	 	Sanitary Sewer System
	 
	 	36.	 	Potable and Process Water Supply and Distribution System

To the extent, items on this list are duplicative or inapplicable or no longer used in
operations of the plant, these items shall be stricken from the exhibit. Any items which
are missing that are necessary to operate the plant, shall be added hereto.

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