Document:

This Note is a Global Security within the meaning of the Indenture hereinafter referred to and is registered in the name of the Depository named below or a nominee of the Depository.  This Note is not exchangeable for Notes registered in the name of a Person other than the Depository or its nominee except in the limited circumstances described herein and in the Indenture, and no transfer of this Note (other than a transfer of this Note as a whole by the Depository to a nominee of the Depository or by a nominee of the Depository to the Depository or another nominee of the Depository) may be registered except in the limited circumstances described herein.

Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized representative of The Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation (the “Depository”), to the Company or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange, or payment, and any certificate issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or in such other name as is requested by an authorized representative of the Depository (and any payment is made to Cede & Co. or to such other entity as is requested by an authorized representative of the Depository), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL inasmuch as the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.

 

CITIGROUP INC.

4.500% Notes due January 14, 2022

	
REGISTERED

	
REGISTERED

CUSIP: 172967FT3

ISIN: US172967FT34

Common Code: 070008068

	
No. R-_____

	
$___________

CITIGROUP INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”, which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of $___________ on January 14, 2022 and to pay interest thereon from and including November 1, 2011 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually, on January 14 and July 14 of each year, commencing July 14, 2012 at the rate of 4.500% per annum, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment.  The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Note is registered at the close of business on the Record Date for such interest, which shall be the January 2 and July 1 (whether or not a Business Day) immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date.

 

  

 

  

Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the holder on such Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Note is registered at the close of business on a subsequent Record Date, such subsequent Record Date to be not less than five days prior to the date of payment of such defaulted interest, notice whereof shall be given to holders of Notes of this series not less than 15 days prior to such subsequent Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Notes of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Indenture.

Interest hereon will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

If either an Interest Payment Date or the Maturity of the Notes falls on a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Payment Date or Maturity will be the next succeeding Business Day.  If a date for payment of interest or principal on the Notes falls on a day that is not a business day in the place of payment, such payment will be made on the next succeeding business day in such place of payment as if made on the date the payment was due.  No interest will accrue on any amounts payable for the period from and after the due date for payment of such principal or interest.

For these purposes, “Business Day” means any day which is a day on which commercial banks settle payments and are open for general business in The City of New York.

Payment of the principal of and interest on this Note will be made at the office or agency of the Trustee maintained for that purpose in The City of New York.

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee or by an authenticating agent on behalf of the Trustee by manual signature, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

  

2

  

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed under its corporate seal.

Dated:  November 1, 2011

	  	
CITIGROUP INC.

	  	  
	  	
By:

	  
	  	
Title:  Treasurer

	
ATTEST:

	  
	  	  
	
By:

	  	  
	
Title:  Assistant Secretary

	  

 

  

3

  

This is one of the Notes of the series issued under the within-mentioned Indenture.

Dated:  November 1, 2011

	  	
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,

	  	
as Trustee

	  	  
	  	
By:

	  
	  	  	
Name:

	  	  	
Title:

	  	  
	  	
-or-

	  	  
	  	
CITIBANK, N.A.,

	  	
as Authenticating Agent

	  	  
	  	
By:

	  
	  	  	
Name:

	  	  	
Title:

 

  

4

  

This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of Securities of the Company (the “Notes”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under the Indenture, dated as of March 15, 1987 (as amended and supplemented to date, the “Indenture”), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, formerly known as The Bank of New York, as Trustee (the “Trustee”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the holders of the Notes and of the terms upon which the Notes are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered.  This Note is one of the series designated on the face hereof, initially limited in aggregate principal to $1,000,000,000.

If an event of default (as defined in the Indenture) with respect to Notes of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Notes of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness of this Note upon compliance by the Company with certain conditions set forth in Sections 11.03 and 11.04 thereof, which provisions apply to this Note.

The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the Trustee, without the consent of the holders of the Securities, to establish, among other things, the form and terms of any series of Securities issuable thereunder by one or more supplemental indentures, and, with the consent of the holders of not less than 66 2/3% in aggregate principal amount of Securities at the time outstanding which are affected thereby, to modify the Indenture or any supplemental indenture or the rights of the holders of Securities of such series to be affected, provided that no such modification will (i) extend the fixed maturity of any Securities, reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon, reduce the principal amount thereof or the premium, if any, thereon, reduce the amount of the principal of Original Issue Discount Securities payable on any date, change the currency in which Securities are payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the maturity thereof, without the consent of the holder of each Security so affected, or (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of Securities of any series the consent of the holders of which is required for any such modification without the consent of the holders of all Securities of such series then outstanding, or (iii) modify, without the written consent of the Trustee, the rights, duties or immunities of the Trustee.

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and interest on this Note at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

This Note is a Global Security registered in the name of a nominee of the Depository.  This Note is exchangeable for Notes registered in the name of a person other than the Depository or its nominee only in the limited circumstances hereinafter described.  Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for definitive Notes in certificated form, this Note may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depository to a nominee of the Depository or by a nominee of the Depository to the Depository or another nominee of the Depository.

 

  

R-1

  

The Notes represented by this Global Security are exchangeable for definitive Notes in certificated form of like tenor as such Notes in denominations of $1,000 and whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof only if (i) the Depository notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depository for the Notes or (ii) the Depository ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or (iii) the Company in its sole discretion decides to allow the Notes to be exchanged for definitive Notes in registered form.  Any Notes that are exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence are exchangeable for certificated Notes issuable in authorized denominations and registered in such names as the Depository shall direct.  As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of definitive Notes in certificated form is registrable in the register maintained by the Company in The City of New York for such purpose, upon surrender of the definitive Note for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the registrar, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the registrar duly executed by, the holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Notes of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.  Subject to the foregoing, this Note is not exchangeable, except for a Global Security or Global Securities of this issue of the same principal amount to be registered in the name of the Depository or its nominee.

No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to due presentment of this Note for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Note is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Note be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

The Company will pay additional amounts (“Additional Amounts”) to the beneficial owner of any Note that is a non-United States person in order to ensure that every net payment on such Note will not be less, due to payment of U.S. withholding tax, than the amount then due and payable.  For this purpose, a “net payment” on a Note means a payment by the Company or a paying agent, including payment of principal and interest, after deduction for any present or future tax, assessment or other governmental charge of the United States. These Additional Amounts will constitute additional interest on the Note.

The Company will not be required to pay Additional Amounts, however, in any of the circumstances described in items (1) through (13) below.

 

  

R-2

  

	
  

	
(1)

	
Additional Amounts will not be payable if a payment on a Note is reduced as a result of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld solely by reason of the beneficial owner:

	
  

	
(a)

	
having a relationship with the United States as a citizen, resident or otherwise;

	
  

	
(b)

	
having had such a relationship in the past or

	
  

	
(c)

	
being considered as having had such a relationship.

	
  

	
(2)

	
Additional Amounts will not be payable if a payment on a Note is reduced as a result of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld solely by reason of the beneficial owner:

	
  

	
(a)

	
being treated as present in or engaged in a trade or business in the United States;

	
  

	
(b)

	
being treated as having been present in or engaged in a trade or business in the United States in the past or

	
  

	
(c)

	
having or having had a permanent establishment in the United States.

	
  

	
(3)

	
Additional Amounts will not be payable if a payment on a Note is reduced as a result of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld in whole or in part by reason of the beneficial owner being or having been any of the following (as such terms are defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended):

	
  

	
(a)

	
personal holding company;

	
  

	
(b)

	
foreign personal holding company;

	
  

	
(c)

	
foreign private foundation or other foreign tax-exempt organization;

	
  

	
(d)

	
passive foreign investment company;

	
  

	
(e)

	
controlled foreign corporation or

	
  

	
(f)

	
corporation which has accumulated earnings to avoid United States federal income tax.

	
  

	
(4)

	
Additional Amounts will not be payable if a payment on a Note is reduced as a result of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld solely by reason of the beneficial owner owning or having owned, actually or constructively, 10 percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company entitled to vote or by reason of the beneficial owner being a bank that has invested in a Note as an extension of credit in the ordinary course of its trade or business.

For purposes of items (1) through (4) above, “beneficial owner” means a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of the holder if the holder is an estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, corporation or other entity, or a person holding a power over an estate or trust administered by a fiduciary holder.

 

  

R-3

  

	
  

	
(5)

	
Additional Amounts will not be payable to any beneficial owner of a Note that is a:

	
  

	
(a)

	
fiduciary;

	
  

	
(b)

	
partnership;

	
  

	
(c)

	
limited liability company or

	
  

	
(d)

	
other fiscally transparent entity

	
  

	
or that is not the sole beneficial owner of the Note, or any portion of the Note. However, this exception to the obligation to pay Additional Amounts will only apply to the extent that a beneficiary or settlor in relation to the fiduciary, or a beneficial owner or member of the partnership, limited liability company or other fiscally transparent entity, would not have been entitled to the payment of an Additional Amount had the beneficiary, settlor, beneficial owner or member received directly its beneficial or distributive share of the payment.

	
  

	
(6)

	
Additional Amounts will not be payable if a payment on a Note is reduced as a result of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld solely by reason of the failure of the beneficial owner or any other person to comply with applicable certification, identification, documentation or other information reporting requirements. This exception to the obligation to pay Additional Amounts will only apply if compliance with such reporting requirements is required by statute or regulation of the United States or by an applicable income tax treaty to which the United States is a party as a precondition to exemption from such tax, assessment or other governmental charge.

	
  

	
(7)

	
Additional Amounts will not be payable if a payment on a Note is reduced as a result of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is collected or imposed by any method other than by withholding from a payment on a Note by  the Company or a paying agent.

	
  

	
(8)

	
Additional Amounts will not be payable if a payment on a Note is reduced as a result of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld by reason of a change in law, regulation, or administrative or judicial interpretation that becomes effective more than 15 days after the payment becomes due or is duly provided for, whichever occurs later.

	
  

	
(9)

	
Additional Amounts will not be payable if a payment on a Note is reduced as a result of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld by reason of the presentation by the beneficial owner of a Note for payment more than 30 days after the date on which such payment becomes due or is duly provided for, whichever occurs later.

	
  

	
(10)

	
Additional Amounts will not be payable if a payment on a Note is reduced as a result of any:

 

  

R-4

  

	
  

	
(a)

	
estate tax;

	
  

	
(b)

	
inheritance tax;

	
  

	
(c)

	
gift tax;

	
  

	
(d)

	
sales tax;

	
  

	
(e)

	
excise tax;

	
  

	
(f)

	
transfer tax;

	
  

	
(g)

	
wealth tax;

	
  

	
(h)

	
personal property tax or

	
  

	
(i)

	
any similar tax, assessment, withholding, deduction or other governmental charge.

	
  

	
(11)

	
Additional Amounts will not be payable if a payment on a Note is reduced as a result of any tax, assessment, or other governmental charge required to be withheld by any paying agent from a payment of principal or interest on a Note if such payment can be made without such withholding by any other paying agent.

	
  

	
(12)

	
Additional amounts will not be payable if a payment on a Note is reduced as a result of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is required to be made pursuant to any European Union directive on the taxation of savings income or any law implementing or complying with, or introduced to conform to, any such directive.

	
  

	
(13)

	
Additional Amounts will not be payable if a payment on a Note is reduced as a result of any combination of items (1) through (12) above.

Except as specifically provided herein, the Company will not be required to make any payment of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge imposed by any government or a political subdivision or taxing authority of such government.

As used in this Note, “United States person” means:

	
  

	
(a)

	
any individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

	
  

	
(b)

	
any corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States;

	
  

	
(c)

	
any estate if the income of such estate falls within the federal income tax jurisdiction of the United States regardless of the source of such income and

	
  

	
(d)

	
any trust if a United States court is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all of the substantial decisions of the trust.

Additionally, “non-United States person” means a person who is not a United States person, and “United States” means the states of the United States of America and the District of Columbia, but excluding its territories and its possessions.

 

  

R-5

  

Except as provided below, the Notes may not be redeemed prior to maturity.

	 	
(1)

	
The Company may, at its option, redeem the Notes if:

	
  

	
(a)

	
the Company becomes or will become obligated to pay Additional Amounts as described above;

	
  

	
(b)

	
the obligation to pay Additional Amounts arises as a result of any change in the laws, regulations or rulings of the United States, or an official position regarding the application or interpretation of such laws, regulations or rulings, which change is announced or becomes effective on or after October 25, 2011 and

	
  

	
(c)

	
the Company determines, in its business judgment, that the obligation to pay such Additional Amounts cannot be avoided by the use of reasonable measures available to it, other than substituting the obligor under the Notes or taking any action that would entail a material cost to the Company.

	
  

	
(2)

	
The Company may also redeem the Notes, at its option, if:

	
  

	
(a)

	
any act is taken by a taxing authority of the United States on or after October 25, 2011, whether or not such act is taken in relation to the Company or any affiliate, that results in a substantial probability that the Company will or may be required to pay Additional Amounts as described above;

	
  

	
(b)

	
the Company determines, in its business judgment, that the obligation to pay such Additional Amounts cannot be avoided by the use of reasonable measures available to it, other than substituting the obligor under the Notes or taking any action that would entail a material cost to the Company and

	
  

	
(c)

	
the Company receives an opinion of independent counsel to the effect that an act taken by a taxing authority of the United States results in a substantial probability that the Company will or may be required to pay the Additional Amounts described under above, and delivers to the Trustee a certificate, signed by a duly authorized officer, stating that based on such opinion the Company is entitled to redeem the Notes pursuant to their terms.

Any redemption of the Notes as set forth in clauses (1) or (2) above shall be in whole, and not in part, and will be made at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes Outstanding plus accrued interest thereon to the date of redemption.  Holders shall be given not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior notice by the Trustee of the date fixed for such redemption.

All terms used in this Note which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.  The Notes are governed by the laws of the State of New York.

 

  

R-6Lease Agreement Number BU100511   

LEASE AGREEMENT

This Lease Agreement, dated October 5, 2011 by and between FARNAM STREET FINANCIAL, INC. (the "Lessor") with an office located at 240 Pondview Plaza, 5850 Opus Parkway, Minnetonka, MN 55343 and BUFFALO LAKE ENERGY, LLC (the "Lessee") with an office located at 1600 Broadway, Suite 2200, Denver, CO 80202.

 

Lessor hereby leases or grants to the Lessee the right to use and Lessee hereby rents and accepts the right to use the equipment (identified by serial number where serialized), services, and software on the Lease Schedule(s) attached hereto or incorporated herein by reference from time to time (collectively, the equipment, software and services are the "Equipment"), subject to the terms and conditions hereof, as supplemented with respect to each item of Equipment by the terms and conditions set forth in the appropriate Lease Schedule.  The term "Lease Agreement" shall include this Lease Agreement and the various Lease Schedule(s) identifying each item of Equipment or the appropriate Lease Schedule(s) identifying one or more particular items of Equipment.

 

1.  TERM:  This Lease Agreement is effective from the date it is executed by both parties.  The term of this Lease Agreement, as to all Equipment designated on any particular Lease Schedule, shall commence on the Installation Date for all Equipment on such Lease Schedule and shall continue for an initial period ending that number of months from the Commencement Date as set forth in such Lease Schedule (the “Initial Term”) and shall continue from year to year thereafter until terminated.  The term of this Lease Agreement as to all Equipment designated on any particular Lease Schedule may be terminated without cause at the end of the Initial Term or any year thereafter by either party mailing written notice of its termination to the other party not less than one-hundred twenty (120) days prior to such termination date.

2.COMMENCEMENT DATE:  The Installation Date for each item of Equipment shall be the day said item of Equipment is installed at the Location of Installation, ready for use, and accepted in writing by the Lessee.  The Commencement Date for any Lease Schedule is the first of the month following installation of all the Equipment on the Lease Schedule, unless the latest Installation Date for any Equipment on the Lease Schedule falls on the first day of the month, in which case that is the Commencement Date.  The Lessee agrees to complete, execute and deliver a Certificate(s) of Acceptance to Lessor upon installation of the Equipment.

3.LEASE CHARGE:  The lease charges for the Equipment leased pursuant to this Lease Agreement shall be the aggregate “Monthly Lease Charge(s)” as set forth on each and every Lease Schedule executed pursuant hereto (the aggregate “Monthly Lease Charge(s)” are the “Lease Charges”).  Lessee agrees to pay to Lessor the Lease Charges in accordance with the Lease Schedule(s), and the payments shall be made at Lessor's address indicated thereon.  The Lease Charges shall be paid by Lessee monthly in advance with the first full month's payment due on the Commencement Date.  If the Installation Date does not fall on the first day of a month, the Lease Charge for the period from the Installation Date to the Commencement Date shall be an amount equal to the “Monthly Lease Charge” divided by thirty (30) and multiplied by the number of days from and including the Installation Date to the Commencement Date and such amount shall be due and payable upon receipt of an invoice from Lessor.  Charges for taxes made in accordance with Section 4 and charges made under any other provision of this Lease Agreement and payable by Lessee shall be paid to Lessor at Lessor's address specified on the Lease Schedule(s) on the date specified in invoices delivered to Lessee. If payment, as specified above, is not received by Lessor on the due date, Lessee agrees to and shall, to the extent permitted by law, pay on demand, as a late charge, an amount equal to one and one-half percent (11⁄2%), or the maximum percentage allowed by law if less, of the amount past due (“Late Charges”).  Late Charges shall be charged and added to any past due amount on the date such payment is due and every thirty (30) days thereafter until all past due amounts are paid in full to Lessor.

4.TAXES:  In addition to the Lease Charges set forth in Section 3, the Lessee shall reimburse Lessor for all license or registration fees, assessments, sales and use taxes, rental taxes, gross receipts taxes, personal property taxes and other taxes now or hereafter imposed by any government, agency, province or otherwise upon the Equipment, the Lease Charges or upon the ownership, leasing, renting, purchase, possession or use of the Equipment, whether the same be assessed to Lessor or Lessee (the “Taxes”).  Lessor shall file all property tax returns and pay all Taxes when due.  Lessee, upon notice to Lessor, may, in Lessee's own name, contest or protest any Taxes, and Lessor shall honor any such notice except when in Lessor's sole opinion such contest is futile or will cause a levy or lien to arise on the Equipment or cloud Lessor's title thereto.  Lessee shall, in addition, be responsible to Lessor for the payment and discharge of any penalties or interest as a result of Lessee’s actions or inactions.  Nothing herein shall be construed to require Lessee to be responsible for any federal or state taxes or payments in lieu thereof, imposed upon or measured by the net income of Lessor, or state franchise taxes of Lessor, or except as provided hereinabove, any penalties or interest resulting from Lessor's failure to timely remit such tax payments.

5.DELIVERY AND FREIGHT COSTS:  Lessee shall accept delivery of the Equipment and allow the Equipment to be installed within seven (7) days after delivery.

      All transportation charges upon the Equipment for delivery to Lessee's designated Location of Installation are to be paid by Lessee.  All rigging, drayage charges, structural alterations, rental of heavy equipment and/or other expense necessary to place the Equipment at the Location of Installation are to be promptly paid by Lessee.

6.INSTALLATION:  Lessee agrees to pay for the actual installation of the Equipment at Lessee's site.  Lessee shall make available and agrees to pay for all costs associated with providing a suitable place of installation and necessary electrical power, outlets and air conditioning required for operating the Equipment as defined in the Equipment manufacturer's installation manual or instructions.  All supplies consumed or required by the Equipment shall be furnished and paid for by Lessee.

7.RETURN TO LESSOR:  On the day following the last day of the lease term associated with a Lease Schedule (the “Return Date”), Lessee shall cause and pay for all the Equipment (by serial number where serialized) on that Lease Schedule to be deinstalled, packed using the manufacturer’s original packing materials and shipped to a location designated in writing by Lessor (the “Return Location”).  If all the Equipment on the applicable Lease Schedule is not at the Return Location within ten (10) days of the Return Date, or Lessee fails to deinstall and ship all the Equipment on the Return Date, then any written notice of termination delivered by Lessee shall become void, and the Lease Schedule shall continue in accordance with this Lease Agreement. Irrespective of any other provision hereof, Lessee will bear the risk of damage from fire, the elements or otherwise until delivery of the Equipment to the Return Location.  At such time as the Equipment is delivered to the Lessor at the Return Location, the Equipment will be at the risk of Lessor.

 

  

  

  

 

8.MAINTENANCE:  Lessee, at its sole expense, shall maintain the Equipment in good working order and condition.  Lessee shall enter into, pay for and maintain in force during the entire term of any Lease Schedule, a maintenance agreement with the original manufacturer of the Equipment providing for continuous uninterrupted maintenance of the Equipment (the “Maintenance Agreement”).  Lessee will cause the manufacturer to keep the Equipment in good working order in accordance with the provisions of the Maintenance Agreement and make all necessary adjustments and repairs to the Equipment.  The manufacturer is hereby authorized to accept the directions of Lessee with respect thereto.  Lessee agrees to allow the manufacturer full and free access to the Equipment.  All maintenance and service charges, whether under the Maintenance Agreement or otherwise, and all expenses, if any, of the manufacturer's customer engineers incurred in connection with maintenance and repair services, shall be promptly paid by Lessee. Lessee warrants that all of the Equipment shall be in good working order operating according to manufacturer’s specification and eligible for the manufacturer's standard maintenance agreement upon delivery to and inspection and testing by the Lessor.  If the Equipment is not operating according to manufacturer’s specification, in good working order and/or certified by the manufacturer as eligible for the manufacturer's standard maintenance agreement, Lessee agrees to reimburse Lessor for all costs, losses, expenses and fees associated with such equipment and the repair or replacement thereof.

9.LOCATION, OWNERSHIP AND USE:  The Equipment shall, at all times, be the sole and exclusive property of Lessor.  Lessee shall have no right or property interest therein, except for the right to use the Equipment in the normal operation of its business at the Location of Installation, or as otherwise provided herein.  The Equipment is and shall remain personal property even if installed in or attached to real property.  Lessor shall be permitted to display notice of its ownership on the Equipment by means of a suitable stencil, label or plaque affixed thereto.

      Lessee shall keep the Equipment at all times free and clear from all claims, levies, encumbrances and process.  Lessee shall give Lessor immediate notice of any such attachment or other judicial process affecting any of the Equipment.  Without Lessor’s written permission, Lessee shall not attempt to or actually: (i) pledge, lend, create a security interest in, sublet, exchange, trade, assign, swap, use for an allowance or credit or otherwise; (ii) allow another to use; (iii) part with possession; (iv) dispose of; or (v) remove from the Location of Installation, any item of Equipment.  If any item of Equipment is exchanged, assigned, traded, swapped, used for an allowance or credit or otherwise to acquire new or different equipment (the “New Equipment”) without Lessor’s prior written consent, then all of the New Equipment shall become Equipment owned by Lessor subject to this Lease Agreement and the applicable Lease Schedule.

      Any feature(s) installed on the Equipment at the time of delivery that are not specified on the Lease Schedule(s) are and shall remain the sole property of the Lessor.

      Lessee shall cause the Equipment to be operated in accordance with the applicable vendor's or manufacturer's manual of instructions by competent and qualified personnel.

10.FINANCING STATEMENT:  Lessor is hereby authorized by Lessee to cause this Lease Agreement or other instruments, including Uniform Commercial Code Financing Statements, to be filed or recorded for the purposes of showing Lessor's interest in the Equipment.  Lessee agrees to execute any such instruments as Lessor may request from time to time.

 

11.ALTERATIONS AND ATTACHMENTS:  Upon prior written notice to Lessor, Lessee may, at its own expense, make minor alterations in or add attachments to the Equipment, provided such alterations and attachments shall not interfere with the normal operation of the Equipment and do not otherwise involve the pledge, assignment, exchange, trade or substitution of the Equipment or any component or part thereof.  All such alterations and attachments to the Equipment shall become part of the Equipment leased to Lessee and owned by Lessor.  If, in Lessor’s sole determination, the alteration or attachment reduces the value of the Equipment or interferes with the normal and satisfactory operation or maintenance of any of the Equipment, or creates a safety hazard, Lessee shall, upon notice from Lessor to that effect, promptly remove the alteration or attachment at Lessee's expense and restore the Equipment to the condition the Equipment was in just prior to the alteration or attachment.

12.LOSS AND DAMAGE:  Lessee shall assume and bear the risk of loss, theft and damage (including any governmental requisition, condemnation or confiscation) to the Equipment and all component parts thereof from any and every cause whatsoever, whether or not covered by insurance.  No loss or damage to the Equipment or any component part thereof shall impair any obligation of Lessee under this Lease Agreement, which shall continue in full force and effect except as hereinafter expressly provided.  Lessee shall repair or cause to be repaired all damage to the Equipment.  In the event that all or part of the Equipment shall, as a result of any cause whatsoever, become lost, stolen, destroyed or otherwise rendered irreparably unusable or damaged (collectively, the “Loss”) then Lessee shall, within ten (10) days after the Loss, fully inform Lessor in writing of such a Loss and shall pay to Lessor the following amounts: (i) the Monthly Lease Charges (and other amounts) due and owing under this Lease Agreement, plus (ii) one-hundred (100%) percent of the original cost of the Equipment subject to the Loss if the loss occurs in the first nine months of the Initial Term, and, thereafter, the original cost of the Equipment amortized by the subsequent Monthly Lease Charges received by Lessor during the Initial Term using an amortization rate of eight hundred and ninety (890) basis points over the interest rate of the three (3) year United States Treasury Note as reported by the Federal Reserve on the Commencement Date (collectively, the sum of (i) plus (ii) shall be the “Casualty Loss Value”). Notwithstanding the proceeding, if Lessee has provided notice to terminate the applicable Lease Schedule prior to informing Lessor in writing of a Loss and such Loss is not covered by insurance proceeds pursuant to Section 13 hereof, then Lessee shall pay two (2) times the Casualty Loss Value on the Equipment subject to such Loss. Upon receipt by Lessor of the Casualty Loss Value: (i) the applicable Equipment shall be removed from the Lease Schedule; and (ii) Lessee’s obligation to pay Lease Charges associated with the applicable Equipment shall cease. Lessor may request, and Lessee shall complete, an affidavit(s) that swears out the facts supporting the Loss of any item of Equipment.

 

  

Page Number 2 of 5

  

 

13.INSURANCE:  Until the Equipment is returned to Lessor or as otherwise herein provided, whether or not this Lease Agreement has terminated as to the Equipment, Lessee, at its expense, shall maintain: (i) property and casualty insurance insuring the Equipment for its Casualty Loss Value naming Lessor or its assigns as sole loss payee; and (ii) comprehensive public liability and third-party property insurance naming Lessor and its assigns as additional loss payees.  The insurance shall cover the interest of both the Lessor and Lessee in the Equipment, or as the case may be, shall protect both the Lessor and Lessee in respect to all risks arising out of the condition, delivery, installation, maintenance, use or operation of the Equipment.  All such insurance shall provide for thirty (30) days prior written notice to Lessor of cancellation, restriction, or reduction of coverage.  Lessee hereby irrevocably appoints Lessor as Lessee's attorney-in-fact to make claim for, receive payment of and execute and endorse all documents, checks or drafts for loss or damage or return premium under any insurance policy issued on the Equipment.  Prior to installation of the Equipment, all policies or certificates of insurance shall be delivered to Lessor by Lessee.  Lessee agrees to keep the Equipment insured with an insurance company which is at least “A” rated by A.M. Best. The proceeds of any loss or damage insurance shall be payable to Lessor, but Lessor shall remit all such insurance proceeds to Lessee at such time as Lessee either (i) provides Lessor satisfactory proof that the damage has been repaired and the Equipment has been restored to good working order and condition or (ii) pays to Lessor the Casualty Loss Value.  It is understood and agreed that any payments made by Lessee or its insurance carrier for loss or damage of any kind whatsoever to the Equipment are not made as accelerated rental payments or adjustments of rental, but are made solely as indemnity to Lessor for loss or damage of its Equipment.

14.ENFORCEMENT OF WARRANTIES:  Upon receipt of a written request from Lessee, Lessor shall, so long as this Lease Agreement is in force, take all reasonable action requested by Lessee to enforce the Equipment manufacturer's warranties, expressed or implied, issued on or applicable to the Equipment, which are enforceable by Lessor in its own name.  Lessor shall obtain for Lessee all service furnished by manufacturer in connection therewith; provided, however, that Lessor shall not be required to commence any suit or action or resort to litigation to enforce any such warranty unless Lessee shall first pay to Lessor in advance all expenses in connection therewith, including attorney's’ fees.

      If any such warranty shall be enforceable by Lessee in its own name, Lessee shall, upon receipt of written request from Lessor, so long as this Lease Agreement is in force, take all reasonable action requested by Lessor to enforce any such warranty, which is enforceable by Lessee in its own name; provided, however, that Lessee shall not be obligated to commence any suit or action or resort to litigation to enforce any such warranty unless Lessor shall pay all expenses in connection therewith.

15.  WARRANTIES, DISCLAIMERS AND INDEMNITY: THE LESSOR DOES NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  LESSEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT IS NOT RELYING ON LESSOR'S SKILL OR JUDGEMENT TO SELECT OR FURNISH GOODS SUITABLE FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND THAT THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS LEASE AGREEMENT. LESSEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT LESSOR HAS NOT MADE ANY STATEMENT, REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY RELATIVE TO THE ACCOUNTING OR TAX ENTRIES, TREATMENT, BENEFIT, USE OR CLASSIFICATION OF THE LEASE AGREEMENT OR ASSOCIATED LEASE SCHEDULES.  LESSEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND/OR ITS INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR (i) ANY AND ALL OF LESSEE'S ACCOUNTING AND TAX ENTRIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE LEASE AGREEMENT AND/OR THE LEASE SCHEDULES AND (ii) THE ACCOUNTING AND TAX TREATMENT, BENEFITS, USES AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE LEASE AGREEMENT OR ANY LEASE SCHEDULE. LESSOR SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES, INCLUDING SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF THE EQUIPMENT OR ITS USE BY LESSEE, AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH LESSOR'S FAILURE TO PERFORM ITS OBLIGATION HEREUNDER.  THIS LEASE AGREEMENT IS A “FINANCE LEASE” AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED AND USED IN ARTICLE 2A OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE. NO RIGHTS OR REMEDIES REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 2A OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE WILL BE CONFERRED ON LESSEE.

      Lessee agrees that Lessor shall not be liable to Lessee for, and Lessee shall indemnify, defend and hold Lessor harmless with respect to, any claim from a third party for any liability, claim, loss, damage or expense of any kind or nature, whether based upon a theory of strict liability or otherwise, caused, directly or indirectly, by: (i) the inadequacy of any item of Equipment, including software, for any purpose; (ii) any deficiency or any latent or other defects in any Equipment, including software, whether or not detectable by Lessee; (iii) the selection, manufacture, rejection, ownership, lease, possession, maintenance, operation, use or performance of any item of Equipment, including software; (iv) any interruption or loss of service, use or performance of any item of Equipment, including software; (v) patent, trademark or copyright infringement; or (vi) any loss of business or other special, incidental or consequential damages whether or not resulting from any of the foregoing.  Lessee’s duty to defend and indemnify Lessor shall survive the expiration, termination, cancellation or assignment of this Lease Agreement or a Lease Schedule and shall be binding upon Lessee’s successors and permitted assigns.

16.  EVENT OF DEFAULT:  The occurrence of any of the following events shall constitute an Event of Default under this Lease Agreement and/or any Lease Schedule:

	 	
(1) 

	
the nonpayment by Lessee of any Lease Charges when due, or the nonpayment by Lessee of any other sum required hereunder to be paid by Lessee which non-payment continues for a period of ten (10) days from the date when due;

	 	
(2) 

	
the failure of Lessee to perform any other term, covenant or condition of this Lease Agreement, any Lease Schedule or any other document, agreement or instrument executed pursuant hereto or in connection herewith, which is not cured within ten (10) days;

	 	
(3) 

	
Lessee attempts to or does remove, transfer, sell, swap, assign, sublease, trade, exchange, encumber, receive an allowance or credit for, or part with possession of, any item of Equipment;

	 	
(4) 

	
Lessee or any guarantor of this Lease Agreement ceases doing business as a going concern, is insolvent, makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, fails to pay its debts as they become due, offers a settlement to creditors or calls a meeting of creditors for any such purpose, files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, is subject to an involuntary petition in bankruptcy, is adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent, files or has filed against it a petition seeking any reorganization, arrangement or composition, under any present or future statute, law or regulation;

	 	
(5) 

	
without Lessor's consent, (i) Lessee or any guarantor of this Lease Agreement sells, conveys, leases, exchanges or transfers all or substantially all of its assets, (ii) Lessee or any guarantor of this Lease Agreement merges, consolidates, liquidates, dissolves or combines its assets with any other entity, or (iii) if Lessee or any guarantor of this Lease Agreement is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity, more than 35% of the outstanding equity interests of Lessee or such guarantor are owned directly or indirectly at any time during the Term of this Lease Agreement by a person or group of persons other than the person(s) who held all of the outstanding equity interests on the date of this Lease Agreement;

	 	
(6) 

	
any representations or warranties made at any time by Lessee or any guarantor in this Lease Agreement or in any agreement, statement, certificate, financial or credit information provided in connection herewith are false or misleading when made;

	 	
(7) 

	
Lessee or any guarantor of this Lease Agreement defaults under or otherwise has accelerated any material obligation, credit agreement, loan agreement, conditional sales contract, lease, indenture or debenture; or Lessee or any guarantor of this Lease Agreement defaults under any other agreement now existing or hereafter made with Lessor, including an Equipment Purchase Agreement; or

	 	
(8) 

	
 the breach or repudiation by any party thereto of any guaranty, subordination agreement or other agreement running in favor of Lessor obtained in connection with this Lease Agreement.

 

  

Page Number 3 of 5

  

 

17.  REMEDIES:  Should any Event of Default occur and be continuing, Lessor may, in order to protect its interests and reasonably expected profits, with or without notice or demand upon Lessee, pursue and enforce, alternatively, successively and/or concurrently, any one or more of the following remedies:

	 	
(1) 

	
recover from Lessee all accrued and unpaid Lease Charges and other amounts due and owing on the date of the default;

	 	
(2) 

	
recover from Lessee from time to time all Lease Charges and other amounts as and when becoming due hereunder;

	 	
(3) 

	
accelerate, cause to become immediately due and recover the present value of all Lease Charges and other amounts due and/or likely to become due hereunder from the date of the default to the end of the lease term using a discount rate of six (6%) percent;

	 	
(4) 

	
cause to become immediately due and payable and recover from Lessee the Casualty Loss Value  of the Equipment;

	 	
(5) 

	
terminate any or all of the Lessee’s rights, but not its obligations, associated with the lease of Equipment under this Lease Agreement;

	 	
(6) 

	
retake (by Lessor, independent contractor, or by requiring Lessee to assemble and surrender the Equipment in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 hereinabove) possession of the Equipment without terminating the Lease Schedule or the Lease Agreement free from claims by Lessee which claims are hereby expressly waived by Lessee;

	 	
(7) 

	
require Lessee to deliver the Equipment to a location designated by Lessor;

	 	
(8) 

	
proceed by court action to enforce performance by Lessee of its obligations associated with any Lease Schedule and/or this Lease Agreement; and/or

	 	
(9) 

	
pursue any other remedy Lessor may otherwise have, at law, equity or under any statute, and recover damages and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by Lessor by reason of the Event of Default.

Upon repossession of the Equipment, Lessor shall have the right to lease, sell or otherwise dispose of such Equipment in a commercially reasonable manner, with or without notice, at a public or private sale. Lessor's pursuit and enforcement of any one or more remedies shall not be deemed an election or waiver by Lessor of any other remedy.  Lessor shall not be obligated to sell or re-lease the Equipment.  Any sale or re-lease may be held at such place or places as are selected by Lessor, with or without having the Equipment present.  Any such sale or re-lease, may be at wholesale or retail, in bulk or in parcels.  Time and exactitude of each of the terms and conditions of this Lease Agreement are hereby declared to be of the essence.  Lessor may accept past due payments in any amount without modifying the terms of this Lease Agreement and without waiving any rights of Lessor hereunder.

18.COSTS AND ATTORNEYS’ FEES:  In the event of any default, claim, proceeding, including a bankruptcy proceeding, arbitration, mediation, counter-claim, action (whether legal or equitable), appeal or otherwise, whether initiated by Lessor or Lessee (or a debtor-in-possession or bankruptcy trustee), which arises out of, under, or is related in any way to this Lease Agreement, any Lease Schedule, or any other document, agreement or instrument executed pursuant hereto or in connection herewith, or any governmental examination or investigation of Lessee, which requires Lessor's participation (individually and collectively, the “Claim”), Lessee, in addition to all other sums which Lessee may be called upon to pay under the provisions of this Lease Agreement, shall pay to Lessor, on demand, all costs, expenses and fees paid or payable in connection with the Claim, including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees and out-of-pocket costs, including travel and related expenses incurred by Lessor or its attorneys.

19.LESSOR'S PERFORMANCE OPTION:  Should Lessee fail to make any payment or to do any act as provided by this Lease Agreement, then Lessor shall have the right (but not the obligation), without notice to Lessee of its intention to do so and without releasing Lessee from any obligation hereunder to make or to do the same, to make advances to preserve the Equipment or Lessor's title thereto, and to pay, purchase, contest or compromise any insurance premium, encumbrance, charge, tax, lien or other sum which in the judgment of Lessor appears to affect the Equipment, and in exercising any such rights, Lessor may incur any liability and expend whatever amounts in its absolute discretion it may deem necessary therefor.  All sums so incurred or expended by Lessor shall be due and payable by Lessee within ten (10) days of notice thereof.

20.QUIET POSSESSION AND INSPECTION:  Lessor hereby covenants with Lessee that Lessee shall quietly possess the Equipment subject to and in accordance with the provisions hereof so long as Lessee is not in default hereunder; provided, however, that Lessor or its designated agent may, at any and all reasonable times during business hours, enter Lessee's premises for the purposes of inspecting the Equipment and the manner in which it is being used.

21.ASSIGNMENTS:  This Lease Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.  Lessee, however, shall not assign this Lease Agreement or sublet any of the Equipment without first obtaining the prior written consent of Lessor and its assigns, if any.  Lessee acknowledges that the terms and conditions of this Lease Agreement have been fixed in anticipation of the possible assignment of Lessor's rights under this Lease Agreement and in and to the Equipment as collateral security to a third party ("Assignee" herein) which will rely upon and be entitled to the benefit of the provisions of this Lease Agreement.  Lessee agrees to provide Lessor or its potential assigns with Lessee's most recent audited and its most current financial statements.  Lessee agrees with Lessor and such Assignee to recognize in writing any such assignment within fifteen (15) days after receipt of written notice thereof and to pay thereafter all sums due to Lessor hereunder directly to such Assignee if directed by Lessor, notwithstanding any defense, set-off or counterclaim whatsoever (whether arising from a breach of this Lease Agreement or not) that Lessee may from time to time have against Lessor.  Upon such assignment, the Lessor shall remain obligated to perform any obligations it may have under this Lease Agreement and the Assignee shall (unless otherwise expressly agreed to in writing by the Assignee) have no obligation to perform such obligations.  Any such assignment shall be subject to Lessee's rights to use and possess the Equipment so long as Lessee is not in default hereunder.

22.SURVIVAL OF OBLIGATIONS:  All covenants, agreements, representations, and warranties contained in this Lease Agreement, any Lease Schedule, or in any document attached thereto, shall be for the benefit of Lessor and Lessee and their successors, any assignee or secured party.  Further, all covenants, agreements, representations, and warranties contained in this Lease Agreement, any Lease Schedule, or in any document attached thereto, shall survive the execution and delivery of this Lease Agreement and the expiration or other termination of this Lease Agreement.

23.CORPORATE AUTHORITY:  The parties hereto covenant and warrant that the persons executing this Lease Agreement and each Lease Schedule on their behalf have been duly authorized to do so, and this Lease Agreement and any Lease Schedule constitute a valid and binding obligation of the parties hereto.  The Lessee will, if requested by Lessor, provide to Lessor, Certificates of Authority naming the officers of the Lessee who have the authority to execute this Lease Agreement and any Lease Schedules attached thereto.

24.LANDLORDS’ AND MORTGAGEES’ WAIVER:  If requested, Lessee shall furnish waivers, in form and substance satisfactory to Lessor, from all landlords and mortgagees of any premises upon which any Equipment is located.

 

  

Page Number 4 of 5

  

 

25.MISCELLANEOUS:  This Lease Agreement, the Lease Schedule(s), attached riders and any documents or instruments issued or executed pursuant hereto will have been made, executed and delivered in, and will be governed by the internal laws (as opposed to conflicts of law provisions) and decisions of, the State of Minnesota.  Lessee and Lessor consent to jurisdiction of any local, state or federal court located within Minnesota.  Venue will be in Minnesota and Lessee hereby waives local venue and any objection relating to Minnesota being an improper venue to conduct any proceeding relating to this Lease Agreement.  At Lessor’s sole election and determination, Lessor may select an alternative forum, including arbitration or mediation, to adjudicate any dispute arising out of this Lease Agreement.  THE PARTIES HERETO, AFTER CONSULTING (OR HAVING HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT) WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR CHOICE, KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS LEASE, INCLUDING ANY LITIGATION REGARDING THE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS LEASE OR ANY RELATED AGREEMENT.

This Lease Agreement was jointly drafted by the parties, and the parties hereby agree that neither should be favored in the construction, interpretation or application of any provision or any ambiguity.  There are no unwritten or oral agreements between the parties.  This Lease Agreement and associated Lease Schedule(s) constitute the entire understanding and agreement between Lessor and Lessee with respect to the lease of the Equipment superseding all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations, discussions, proposals, representations, promises, commitments and offers between the parties, whether oral or written.  No provision of this Lease Agreement or any Lease Schedule shall be deemed waived, amended, discharged or modified orally or by custom, usage or course of conduct unless such waiver, amendment or modification is in writing and signed by an officer of each of the parties hereto.  If any one or more of the provisions of this Lease Agreement or any Lease Schedule is for any reason held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Lease Agreement and any such Lease Schedule will be unimpaired, and the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions shall be replaced by a mutually acceptable valid, legal and enforceable provision that is closest to the original intention of the parties.  Lessee agrees that neither the manufacturer, nor the supplier, nor any of their salespersons, employees or agents are agents of Lessor.

Any notice provided for herein shall be in writing and sent by certified or registered mail to the parties at the addresses stated on page 1 of this Lease Agreement. This Lease Agreement shall not become effective until delivered to Lessor at its offices at Minnetonka, Minnesota and executed by Lessor.  If this Lease Agreement shall be executed by Lessor prior to being executed by Lessee, it shall become void at Lessor's option five (5) days after the date of Lessor's execution hereof, unless Lessor shall have received by such date a copy hereof executed by a duly authorized representative of Lessee.

      This Lease Agreement is made subject to the terms and conditions included herein and Lessee's acceptance is effective only to the extent that such terms and conditions are consistent with the terms and conditions herein.  Any acceptance which contains terms and conditions which are in addition to or inconsistent with the terms and conditions herein will be a counter-offer and will not be binding unless agreed to in writing by Lessor.

      The terms used in this Lease Agreement, unless otherwise defined, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Lease Schedule(s).

26.REPOSSESSION:  LESSEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 17 HEREOF, LESSOR HAS BEEN GIVEN THE RIGHT TO REPOSSESS THE EQUIPMENT SHOULD LESSEE BECOME IN DEFAULT OF ITS OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER.  LESSEE HEREBY WAIVES THE RIGHT, IF ANY, TO REQUIRE LESSOR TO GIVE LESSEE NOTICE AND A JUDICIAL HEARING PRIOR TO EXERCISING SUCH RIGHT OF REPOSSESSION.

27.NET LEASE:  This Lease Agreement is a net lease and Lessee's obligations to pay all Lease Charges and other amounts payable hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional and, except as expressly provided herein, shall not be subject to any: (i) delay, abatement, reduction, defense, counterclaim, set-off, or recoupment; (ii) discontinuance or termination of any license; (iii) Equipment failure, defect or deficiency; (iv) damage to or destruction of the Equipment; or (v) dissatisfaction with the Equipment or otherwise, including any present or future claim against Lessor or the manufacturer, supplier, reseller or vendor of the Equipment.  To the extent that the Equipment includes intangible (or intellectual) property, Lessee understands and agrees that: (i) Lessor is not a party to and does not have any responsibility under any software license and/or other agreement with respect to any software; and (ii) Lessee will be responsible to pay all of the Lease Charges and perform all its other obligations under this Lease Agreement despite any defect, deficiency, failure, termination, dissatisfaction, damage or destruction of any software or software license.  Except as expressly provided herein, this Lease Agreement shall not terminate for any reason, including any defect in the Equipment or Lessor's title thereto or any destruction or loss of use of any item of Equipment.

28.HEADINGS:  Section headings herein are used for convenience only and shall not otherwise affect the provisions of this Lease Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Lease Agreement to be signed by their respective duly authorized representative.

 

	Every Term is Agreed to and Accepted:       	 	 	Every Term is Agreed to and Accepted:	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	FARNAM STREET FINANCIAL, INC. 	 	 	BUFFALO LAKE ENERGY, LLC	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By: 	
 

	 	 	By: 	
 

	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	
Print

Name:

	 	 	 	 
Print

Name:

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Title:  	 	 	 	Title:  	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Date: 	 	 	 	Date:	 	 

  

  

Page Number 5 of 5

  

 

LEASE SCHEDULE NO. 001

This Lease Schedule is issued pursuant to the Lease Agreement Number BU100511 dated October 5, 2011.  The terms of the Lease Agreement and serial numbers contained on Certificate(s) of Acceptance are a part hereof and are incorporated by reference herein.

	
LESSOR

	
LESSEE

	
Farnam Street Financial, Inc.

	
Buffalo Lake Energy, LLC

	
240 Pondview Plaza

	
1600 Broadway

	
5850 Opus Parkway

	
Suite 2200

	
Minnetonka, MN  55343

	
Denver, CO 80202

	  	  
	
SUPPLIER OF EQUIPMENT

	
LOCATION OF EQUIPMENT

	
To be determined

	
To be determined

Term of Lease from Commencement Date:  24 Months

Monthly Lease Charge:  $161,370.00

Anticipated Delivery and Installation:  October 2011 – January 2012

Projected Commencement Date:  February 1, 2012

Security Deposit: Upon Lessee's execution of this Lease Schedule, Lessee shall deliver a security deposit in the amount of $322,740.00.  At the end of the applicable lease term, provided that there has been no event of default, this security deposit will be returned to Lessee.

 

  

EQUIPMENT

	
MANUFACTURER

	
QTY

	
MACHINE/MODEL

	
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION (including features)

	
To be determined

	
2

	  	
Westfailia Centrifuges

	
To be determined

	  	  	
Syrup Heating System; Controls & Tankage for Centrifuges; Corn Oil Tank Farm and Loadout; Electrical & Automation; and CIP System

 

The cost of all the Equipment on this Lease Schedule shall total $3,900,000.00. The Monthly Lease Charge listed above is calculated based on the agreement that this cost will be comprised of $3,900,000.00 of hardware at a lease rate factor of 0.041377 per $1.00 and $0.00 of soft costs (software, installation, service, maintenance, deposits, etc.) at a lease rate factor of 0.045974 per $1.00. Should the total cost of the Equipment be more than that indicated above, Lessor and Lessee agree that the Monthly Lease Charge above will be increased to reflect this additional cost at the Installation Date of the additional Equipment. This Lease Schedule No. 001 will Commence at the earlier of (i) the first of the month following the date the Lessee has satisfied its commitment to install all of the Equipment, totaling $3,900,000.00; or (ii) at such time Lessor elects, at its sole discretion, to close and Commence. A revised Lease Schedule No. 001R to replace this Lease Schedule No. 001 shall be executed by both parties to reflect the actual Equipment cost accepted and the commensurate Monthly Lease Charge, including any adjustments required under the Monthly Lease Charge Adjustment Rider. The Monthly Lease Charge will be prorated and charged as interim rent between the Installation Date of each item of equipment, as Lessee indicates on the Certificate(s) of Acceptance, and the Commencement Date. Interim rent due prior to the Commencement Date shall not reduce or offset Lessee’s post-Commencement Monthly Lease Charge obligations hereunder.

 

 

	Every Term is Agreed to and Accepted:       	 	 	Every Term is Agreed to and Accepted:	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	
FARNAM STREET FINANCIAL, INC. 

“LESSOR” 

	 	 	
BUFFALO LAKE ENERGY, LLC

“LESSEE”

	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By: 	
 

	 	 	By: 	
 

	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	
Print

Name:

	 	 	 	 
Print

Name:

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Title:  	 	 	 	Title:  	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Date: 	 	 	 	Date:	 	 

 

  

  

  

 

	  	  
	
Rider Number:

	
003

	  	  
	
Lease Agreement Number:

	
BU100511

	  	  
	
Lease Schedule Number:

	
001

	  	  
	
Lessee Name:

	
BUFFALO LAKE ENERGY, LLC

	  	  
	
Lease Dated:

	
OCTOBER 5, 2011

 

 

PURCHASE OPTION

Lessee shall have the option to purchase the Equipment in its physical possession and on Lease Schedule No. 001 on the last day of the initial term, in whole and not in part, on a commercial, in-place basis and operating according to the manufactures specifications, for the then determined mutually-agreed purchase price at fair market value (plus applicable taxes) provided that (i) an Event of Default has not occurred, (ii) Lessor has received all of the Lease Charges due under the Lease Schedule prior to Lessee exercising this option to purchase (including all late fees whether billed or unbilled), (iii) Lessor has received payment for all unpaid late fees and estimated property taxes, if any, and (iv) Lessor has received written notice of Lessee's election to exercise said purchase option not less than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the last date of the initial term of this Lease Schedule. If the parties cannot agree on a purchase price, fair market value will be determined by the average of two appraisals, one of which shall be conducted by an accredited appraiser selected by Lessor and the other by an accredited appraiser selected by Lessee. If a sale is not consummated, the notice provided to exercise this option shall be accepted as a notice to terminate and return all of the Equipment, and Lessee will return all of the Equipment on this Lease Schedule in accordance with the Lease Agreement. If Lessee does not return all of the Equipment, Lease Schedule No. 001 will continue in accordance with the Lease Agreement.

Lessee will receive title to the Equipment free and clear of all known liens only after Lessee has performed all of its obligations associated with the Lease Agreement and Lessor has been paid all sums due or becoming due under both this purchase option and the Lease Agreement, including, whether billed or not, all lease charges, taxes, and late fees. Lessor shall terminate all financing statements or other evidence of liens filed by Lessor.  Lessor shall retain all monies received in association with the Lease Schedule including all rent, taxes, security deposits and other monthly lease charges and Lessee hereby waives any right to offset these monies against the costs associated with the exercise of this purchase option. Any sales or use tax due and not paid on these monies shall be added to the purchase price above.

 

  

  

  

 

This Unconditional Continuing Guaranty (the “Guaranty”), is made and entered into as of October 5, 2011, by Biofuel Energy Corp. (the “Guarantor”) with a principal office at 1600 Broadway, Suite 2200, Denver, CO 80202 in favor of Farnam Street Financial, Inc., with an office at 5850 Opus Parkway, Suite 240, Minnetonka, MN 55343 (the “Lessor”).  In consideration of, and in order to induce Lessor to enter into Lease Agreement Number BU100511 (the “Lease”) and all Lease Schedules with Buffalo Lake Energy, LLC with an office at 1600 Broadway, Suite 2200, Denver, CO 80202 (the “Lessee”), the Guarantor and its successor agrees as follows:

1.  Definitions.  As used in this Guaranty:  “Obligation(s)” means all rents, monies, debts, liabilities, agreements and other obligations of the Lessee to the Lessor, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, secured or unsecured, now existing or hereafter arising or acquired under the Lease, the Lease Schedules entered into pursuant and subject to the Lease and any other agreement or writing evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with the Lease or any above referenced Obligation.

2.  Guaranty Of Payment And Performance.  The Guarantor hereby guarantees to the Lessor the full and punctual payment when due (whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) at the place specified therefor or, if no place of payment is specified, at the office designated by the Lessor, and the performance, of each Obligation of the Lessee to the Lessor.  This Guaranty is an absolute, unconditional and continuing guaranty of the full and punctual payment and performance of the Obligations and not of their collectablity only, and is in no way conditioned upon any requirement that the Lessor first attempt to collect any of the Obligations from the Lessee or resort to any security or other means of obtaining their payment.  Should the Lessee default in the payment or performance of any of the Obligations, the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall become immediately due and payable to the Lessor, without demand or notice of any nature, all of which are expressly waived by the Guarantor. Payments by the Guarantor hereunder may be required by the Lessor on any number of occasions.

3.  Guarantor’s Agreement to Pay.  The Guarantor further agrees, as the principal obligor and not as a guarantor only, to pay to the Lessor, on demand, in funds immediately available to the Lessor: (a) the amount of each Obligation which has not been paid when due at the place of payment specified therefor, or if no place of payment is specified, at the office designated by the Lessor; and (b) all costs and expenses (including court costs and legal expenses) incurred or expended by the Lessor in connection with the Obligations, this Guaranty and the enforcement thereof, together with interest on amounts recoverable under this Guaranty from the time such amounts become due until payment, at the rate equal to one and one-half percent (11⁄2%) per month; provided that if such interest exceeds the maximum amount permitted to be paid under applicable law, then such interest shall be reduced to such maximum permitted amount. This Guaranty shall remain in full force and effect until all the Obligations are paid in full.  This Guaranty shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, if at any time any payment made or value received with respect to an Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by the Lessor upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Lessee, or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made or value received. Guarantor expressly waives the right to revoke or termination this Guaranty.  The liability of the Guarantor hereunder shall be unlimited and be continuing until all of the Obligations are paid in full.

 

 

Lease Guaranty

  

Page1

  

 

4.  Waivers by Guarantor.  The Guarantor agrees that the Obligations will be paid and performed strictly in accordance with their respective terms regardless of any law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction affecting any of the rights of the Lessor with respect thereto. The Guarantor waives presentment, demand, protest, notice of acceptance, notice of Obligations incurred and all other notices of any kind, all defenses which may be available by virtue of any valuation, stay, moratorium law or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, any right to require the marshaling of assets of the Lessee, and all defenses available to a surety, guarantor or accommodation co-obligor.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Guarantor agrees to the provisions of the Lease and agrees that the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall not be released or discharged, in whole or in part, or otherwise affected by (i) the failure of the Lessor to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Lessee; (ii) any extensions or renewals of any Obligation; (iii) any rescissions, waivers, amendments or modifications of any of the terms or provisions of the Lease; (iv) the substitution or release of any entity primarily or secondarily liable for any Obligation; (v) the adequacy of any rights the Lessor may have against any collateral or other means of obtaining repayment of the Obligations; (vi) the impairment of any collateral securing the Obligations, including without limitation the failure to perfect or preserve any rights the Lessor might have in such collateral or the substitution, exchange, surrender, release, loss or destruction of any such collateral; or (vii) any other act or omission which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of the Guarantor or otherwise operate as a release or discharge of the Guarantor, all of which may be done without notice to the Guarantor. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Guaranty nor consent to any departure by the Guarantor therefrom shall be effective unless put in writing and signed by the Lessor.  No failure on the part of the Lessor to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right.

5.  Unenforceability of Obligations Against Lessee.  If for any reason the Lessee has no legal existence or is under no legal obligation to discharge any of the Obligations, this Guaranty shall nevertheless be binding on the Guarantor to the same extent as if the Guarantor at all times had been the principal obligor on all such Obligations.  In the event that acceleration of the time for payment of the Obligations is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Lessee, or for any other reason, all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of the Lease shall be immediately due and payable by the Guarantor.

6.  Further Assurances/Financial Condition of Lessee.  The Guarantor agrees that it will, from time to time at the request of Lessor, provide to the Lessor its most recent balance sheets and related statements of income and changes in financial condition and such other information relating to the business and affairs of the Guarantor as the Lessor may reasonably request.  The Guarantor assumes the responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the financial condition of Lessee and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of liability hereunder.  Lessor shall have no duty to advise Guarantor of information known to it regarding the Lessee or its financial condition.  The Guarantor also agrees to do all such things and execute all such documents, including financing statements, as the Lessor may consider necessary or desirable to give full effect to this Guaranty and to perfect and preserve the rights and powers of the Lessor hereunder.

7.  Attorneys’ Fees and other Costs.  Guarantor, in addition to all other sums which Guarantor may be called upon to pay to the Lessor pursuant to this Guaranty, shall pay to or Lessor, on demand, all costs, expenses and fees paid or payable related to or arising under this Guaranty or the Lease, including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees and out-of-pocket costs, including travel and related expenses incurred by Lessor or its attorneys.  The term “attorneys’ fees” means the full cost of legal services relating to any action, suit, counterclaim, post-judgment motions, bankruptcy litigation, appeal, arbitration or mediation related to or arising under this Guaranty or the Lease.

8.  Subordination/Subrogation.  Until the payment and performance in full of all Obligations, the Guarantor shall not exercise any rights against the Lessee arising as a result of payment by the Guarantor hereunder, by way of subrogation, contribution, indemnity, reimbursement or otherwise.  The Guarantor agrees that after the occurrence of any default in the payment or performance of the Obligations, the Guarantor will not demand, sue for or otherwise attempt to collect any such indebtedness of the Lessee to the Guarantor unit the Obligations shall have been paid in full.

 

 

Lease Guaranty

  

Page2

  

 

9.  Successors and Assigns.  This Guaranty shall be binding upon the Guarantor, its successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Lessor and its successors, transferees and assigns.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the Lessor may assign or otherwise transfer any Lease or any note held by it evidencing the Obligations, and such other person or entity shall thereupon become vested, to the extent set forth in the agreement evidencing such assignment, transfer or participation, with all the rights in respect thereof granted to the Lessor herein.

10.  Governing Law. This Guaranty shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the substantive laws and decisions of the State of Minnesota.  The Guarantor agrees that any suit for the enforcement of this Guaranty may be brought in the courts of Minnesota or any Federal Court sitting in Minnesota and consents to the jurisdiction of such court and to service of process in any such suit being made upon the Guarantor by mail at the address specified herein.  The Guarantor agrees that the State of Minnesota is where the Lease and this Guaranty were documented and signed by the Lessor, and where all of the monies associated with the Lease and this Guaranty are sent.  The Guarantor hereby waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such suit or any such court or that such suit was brought in an inconvenient court.

11.  Miscellaneous.  This Guaranty constitutes the entire agreement of the Guarantor with respect to the matters set forth herein.  The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law or any other agreement, and this Guaranty shall be in addition to any other guaranty of the Obligations.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any one or more sections of this Guaranty shall not affect the validity or enforceability of its remaining provisions.  Captions are for the ease of reference only and shall not affect the meaning of the relevant provisions.  The meanings of all defined terms used in this Guaranty shall be equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined.  If more than one Guarantor has signed this Guaranty, each Guarantor shall be jointly and severally liable to Lessor hereunder.

The Guarantor has executed and delivered this Guaranty, or caused this Guaranty to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer, as of the date appearing on page one (1).

AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY:

Biofuel Energy Corp.

By___________________________________

Print

Name________________________________

 

Title_________________________________

 

 

Lease Guaranty

  

Page3

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00195-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00195-of-00352.parquet"}]]