Document:

Exhibit 10.1

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

BY AND BETWEEN

 

STERLING NATIONAL BANK

AND

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION;

LINCOLN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.;

NASHVILLE ACQUISITION, L.L.C.;

SOUTHWESTERN ACQUISITION, L.L.C.;

NEW ENGLAND ACQUISITION, LLC;

EUPHORIA ACQUISITION, LLC;

NEW ENGLAND INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AT PALM BEACH, INC.;

LCT ACQUISITION, LLC;

NN ACQUISITION, LLC and

LTI HOLDINGS LLC

 

Dated as of March 31, 2017

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

	1.	
DEFINITIONS AND PRINCIPLES OF CONSTRUCTION.

	
1

	 	 	 
	 	
Section 1.1

	
Definitions.

	
1

	 	
Section 1.2

	
Accounting Terms; GAAP

	
14

	 	
Section 1.3

	
Principles of Construction.

	
14

	 	 	 	
	
2.

	
AMOUNT AND TERMS OF LOANS.

	
14

	 	 	 
	 	
Section 2.1

	
Loans.

	
14

	 	
Section 2.2

	
Procedures for Borrowing.

	
16

	 	
Section 2.3

	
Note.

	
17

	 	
Section 2.4

	
Termination and Reduction of Revolving Facility.

	
17

	 	
Section 2.5

	
Repayments of the Loans.

	
18

	 	
Section 2.6

	
Principal Reductions on Revolving Loans.

	
18

	 	
Section 2.7

	
Payments.

	
18

	 	 	 	 
	
3.

	
INTEREST, FEES, YIELD PROTECTIONS, ETC.

	
19

	 	 	 
	 	
Section 3.1

	
Interest Rate and Payment Dates.

	
19

	 	
Section 3.2

	
Late Fee.

	
20

	 	
Section 3.3

	
Unused Facility Fee.

	
20

	 	
Section 3.4

	
Breakage Fee.

	
21

	 	
Section 3.5

	
Increased Costs; Capital Requirements.

	
21

	 	
Section 3.6

	
Taxes.

	
21

	 	 	 	 
	
4.

	
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

	
22

	 	 	 
	 	
Section 4.1

	
Existence and Power.

	
22

	 	
Section 4.2

	
Authority and Execution.

	
22

	 	
Section 4.3

	
Binding Agreement.

	
22

	 	
Section 4.4

	
Litigation.

	
22

	 	
Section 4.5

	
Required Consents.

	
23

	 	
Section 4.6

	
Absence of Defaults; No Conflicting Agreements.

	
23

	 	
Section 4.7

	
Compliance with Applicable Laws.

	
23

	 	
Section 4.8

	
Taxes.

	
23

	 	
Section 4.9

	
Governmental Regulations.

	
23

	 	
Section 4.10

	
Federal Reserve Regulations; Use of Loan Proceeds.

	
24

	 	
Section 4.11

	
ERISA.

	
24

	 	
Section 4.12

	
Financial Statements.

	
24

	 	
Section 4.13

	
Property.

	
24

	 	
Section 4.14

	
Authorizations.

	
25

	 	
Section 4.15

	
Environmental Matters.

	
25

 

i

	 	
Section 4.16

	
Intellectual Property.

	
25

	 	
Section 4.17

	
Labor Matters.

	
25

	 	
Section 4.18

	
No Misrepresentation.

	
25

	 	
Section 4.19

	
Security Documents.

	
26

	 	
Section 4.20

	
OFAC.

	
26

	 	
Section 4.21

	
Solvency.

	
26

	 	 	 	 
	
5.

	
CONDITIONS TO THE LOANS.

	
26

	 	 	 
	 	
Section 5.1

	
Effective Date.

	
26

	 	
Section 5.2

	
Each Revolving Loan or Letter of Credit.

	
29

	 	 	 	 
	6.	
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

	30
	 	 	 	 
	 	
Section 6.1

	
Financial Statements and Other Information.

	
30

	 	
Section 6.2

	
Notice of Material Events.

	
31

	 	
Section 6.3

	
Existence; Conduct of Business.

	
32

	 	
Section 6.4

	
Payment of Obligations

	
32

	 	
Section 6.5

	
Maintenance of Properties.

	
32

	 	
Section 6.6

	
Books and Records; Inspection Rights; Collateral Monitoring.

	
32

	 	
Section 6.7

	
Compliance with Laws.

	
33

	 	
Section 6.8

	
Use of Proceeds.

	
33

	 	
Section 6.9

	
Information Regarding Collateral.

	
33

	 	
Section 6.10

	
Insurance.

	
33

	 	
Section 6.11

	
Governmental Consents and Approvals.

	
33

	 	
Section 6.12

	
Environmental Matters.

	
33

	 	
Section 6.13

	
Employee Benefit Matters.

	
34

	 	
Section 6.14

	
Subsidiaries.

	
34

	 	
Section 6.15

	
Further Assurances.

	
34

	 	
Section 6.16

	
Compensating Balances.

	
35

	 	
Section 6.17

	
Operating Account.

	
35

	 	
Section 6.18

	
Reappraisal.

	
35

	 	
Section 6.19

	
Post-Closing Obligations.

	
35

	 	 	 	 
	
7.

	
NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

	
38

	 	 	 
	 	
Section 7.1

	
Limitation on Indebtedness.

	
38

	 	
Section 7.2

	
Limitation on Liens.

	
39

	 	
Section 7.3

	
Lease Obligations.

	
39

	 	
Section 7.4

	
Fundamental Changes.

	
39

	 	
Section 7.5

	
Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions.

	
40

	 	
Section 7.6

	
Asset Sales.

	
40

	 	
Section 7.7

	
Sale and Leaseback Transactions.

	
41

	 	
Section 7.8

	
Hedging Agreements.

	
41

	 	
Section 7.9

	
Restrictive Payments.

	
41

 

ii

	 	
Section 7.10

	
Transactions with Affiliates.

	
41

	 	
Section 7.11

	
Restrictive Agreements.

	
42

	 	
Section 7.12

	
Amendment of Material Documents.

	
42

	 	
Section 7.13

	
ERISA Obligations

	
42

	 	
Section 7.14

	
Subsidiaries

	
42

	 	
Section 7.15

	
Issuance of Capital Stock

	
43

	 	
Section 7.16

	
Prepayments of Indebtedness.

	
43

	 	
Section 7.17

	
Fiscal Year.

	
43

	 	
Section 7.18

	
Financial Covenants.

	
43

	 	 	 	 
	
8.

	
DEFAULT.

	
44

	 	 	 
	 	
Section 8.1

	
Events of Default.

	
44

	 	
Section 8.2

	
Contract Remedies.

	
46

	 	
Section 8.3

	
Nonexclusive Remedies.

	
46

	 	 	 	 
	
9.

	
OTHER PROVISIONS.

	
46

	 	 	 
	 	
Section 9.1

	
Modifications; Consents and Waivers; Entire Agreement.

	
46

	 	
Section 9.2

	
Notices.

	
47

	 	
Section 9.3

	
No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies.

	
47

	 	
Section 9.4

	
Survival of Representations and Warranties and Certain Obligations.

	
48

	 	
Section 9.5

	
Costs; Expenses and Taxes; Indemnification.

	
48

	 	
Section 9.6

	
Successors and Assigns; Participation; Pledge.

	
49

	 	
Section 9.7

	
Counterparts; Integration.

	
50

	 	
Section 9.8

	
Set-off.

	
50

	 	
Section 9.9

	
Construction.

	
50

	 	
Section 9.10

	
Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.

	
50

	 	
Section 9.11

	
Headings Descriptive.

	
51

	 	
Section 9.12

	
Severability.

	
51

	 	
Section 9.13

	
WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY.

	
51

	 	
Section 9.14

	
Interest Rate Limitation.

	
51

	 	
Section 9.15

	
Marshaling; Payments Set Aside.

	
52

	 	
Section 9.16

	
No Third Parties Benefited.

	
52

	 	
Section 9.17

	
OFAC; Bank Secrecy Act; USA Patriot Act.

	
52

	 	
Section 9.18

	
Co-Borrower Provisions.

	
52

	 	
Section 9.19

	
Contribution of Borrower.

	
54

	 	
Section 9.20

	
Authorization to Act.

	
55

	 	
Section 9.21

	
Confidentiality

	
55

 

iii

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of March 31, 2017, by and between LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION, a New Jersey corporation (the “Parent”); LINCOLN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.; a New Jersey corporation; NASHVILLE ACQUISITION, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company; SOUTHWESTERN ACQUISITION, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company; NEW ENGLAND ACQUISITION, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; EUPHORIA ACQUISITION, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; NEW ENGLAND INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AT PALM BEACH, INC., a Florida corporation; LCT ACQUISITION, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; NN ACQUISITION, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and LTI HOLDINGS, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company (individually and collectively, the “Borrower”), and STERLING NATIONAL BANK (the “Bank”).

 

The Borrower has requested the Bank to extend credit to it and the Bank is willing to do so subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

Accordingly, for good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

	1.	
DEFINITIONS AND PRINCIPLES OF CONSTRUCTION.

 

Section 1.1         Definitions.

 

As used in this Agreement, terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement have the meanings therein indicated, and the following terms have the following meanings:

 

“Adjusted EBITDA” means, for the period under review, for the Borrower on a consolidated basis, an amount equal to Net Income for such period plus the following to the extent deducted in calculating such Net Income:  costs associated with school closings (limited to an aggregate sum of $6,000,000 during the 2017 Fiscal Year and amounts to be approved by Bank in any fiscal period thereafter) and other one-time charges with Bank’s approval; the amount of depreciation and amortization expense for such period; with the Bank’s consent, impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets for such period; Interest Expense; the provision for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes payable for such period; and other non-cash expenses related to stock-based compensation and pension expense for such period, in each case as determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

 “Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.

 

“Agreement” means this Credit Agreement, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

“Assignee” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.6(b).

 

“Authorized Signatory” means, as to any Borrower, the chief executive officer, the president, any vice president, the chief financial officer or any other officer (designated in writing by the Borrower and acceptable to the Bank) of such Borrower.

 

“Availability Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the Revolving Maturity Date.

 

“Bank” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

“Banking Services” means each and any of the following bank services provided to the Borrower by the Bank or any of its Affiliates: (i) credit cards for commercial customers (including, without limitation, “commercial credit cards” and purchasing cards), (ii) stored value cards and (iii) treasury management services (including, without limitation, controlled disbursement, automated clearinghouse transactions, return items, overdrafts and inter-state depository network services).

 

“Banking Services Obligations” of the Borrower means any and all obligations of the Borrower, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof  and substitutions therefor) in connection with Banking Services.

 

“Beneficiary” means the Person named on a Letter of Credit application as the beneficiary or any transferee of such beneficiary.

 

 “Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.

 

“Borrower” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

“Borrowing Date” means the date of the making, conversion or continuation of any Loan.

 

“Breakage Fee” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.4.

 

“Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in the State of New Jersey are authorized or required by law to remain closed.

 

“Capital Expenditures” means, for any period, the Dollar amount of gross cash expenditures by the Borrower, in respect of the purchase or other acquisition of any fixed assets, real property, plant and equipment and all renewals, improvements and replacements of any of the foregoing, but not maintenance and repairs to any such item.  For purposes of this definition, the purchase price of equipment that is purchased simultaneously with the trade-in of existing equipment or with insurance proceeds shall be included in Capital Expenditures only to the extent of the gross amount by which such purchase price exceeds the credit granted by the seller of such equipment for the equipment being traded in at such time or the amount of such insurance proceeds, as the case may be.

 

“Capital Lease” means, with respect to any Person, any lease of property (whether real, personal or mixed) by such Person as lessee, which, in conformity with GAAP, is accounted for as a capital lease on the balance sheet of such Person.

 

“Capital Lease Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, obligations of such Person under Capital Leases accounted for as liabilities in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Capital Stock” means, as to any Person, all shares of capital stock, limited liability company interests, participations, rights in or other equivalents (however designated) of such Person’s equity (however designated) and any rights, warrants or options exchangeable for or convertible into such shares of capital stock, partnership interests, limited liability company interests, participations, rights or other equity.

 

2

“Cash Collateral Account” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.1(c).

 

“Change in Law” means (i) the adoption of any law, rule or regulation after the date of this Agreement, (ii) any change in any law, rule or regulation or in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the date of this Agreement or (iii) compliance by the Bank (or by the Bank’s holding company, if any) with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Pub. L. 111-203 (signed into law on July 21, 2010)) and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a Change in Law, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

 

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor thereto, and the rules and regulations issued thereunder, as from time to time in effect.

 

“Collateral” means any and all “Collateral”, as defined in any applicable Security Document.

 

“Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. The terms “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.

 

“Default” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or that upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

 

“Default Rate” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.1(A)(b).

 

“DOE” means the U.S. Department of Education or any successor agency.

“Dollars” or “$” refers to lawful money of the United States of America.

 

“Educational Agency” means any person, entity or organization, whether governmental, government chartered, private or quasi-private, that engages in granting or withholding Educational Approvals for, administers financial assistance to or for students of, or otherwise regulates private post- secondary schools, including without limitation, the DOE, any state educational department or agency, any guaranty agency, and any entity or organization that is recognized as an accrediting agency by the DOE which engages in granting or withholding accreditation or similar approval for private post-secondary schools, in accordance with standards relating to the performance, operation, financial condition and/or educational quality of such schools.

 

“Educational Approval” means any license, authorization, approval, certification or accreditation, issued or required to be issued by an Educational Agency with respect to any aspect of a Borrower’s school’s operations in order for such school or any location or educational program thereof to operate or participate in Title IV, but excluding approvals or licenses with respect to the activities of individual recruiters at any school.

 

3

“Effective Date” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 5.1 are satisfied (or waived by the Bank).

“Employee Benefit Plan” means an employee benefit plan within the meaning of section 3(3) of ERISA maintained, sponsored or contributed to by the Borrower.

 

“Environmental Consultant” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.19(c).

 

“Environmental Funds” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.19(c).

 

“Environmental Laws” means all applicable laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, in each case, to the extent binding on the Borrower, relating to the environment, preservation or reclamation of natural resources, the management, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Material or the effect of the environment on employee health and safety matters.

 

“Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of any Borrower directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (i) violation of any Environmental Law, (ii) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (iii) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (iv) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (v) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

 

“Environmental Pledge Agreement” means the Environmental Pledge Agreement, dated as of the Effective Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

“Environmental Pledged Account” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.19(c).

 

“Environmental Properties Audits” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.19(c).

 

“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations issued thereunder.

 

“ERISA Affiliate” means with respect to a Pension Plan, ERISA, the PBGC or a provision of the Code pertaining to employee benefit plans, any Person that is a member of any group of organizations within the meaning of section 414 of the Code of which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is a member.

 

“ERISA Event” means (i) any “reportable event”, as defined in section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30‐day notice period is waived); (ii) any failure by any Plan to satisfy the minimum funding standard (as defined in section 412 of the Code or section 302 of ERISA) applicable to such Plan, whether or not waived; (iii) the filing pursuant to section 412(c) of the Code or section 302(c) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (iv) the incurrence by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan; (v) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (vi) the incurrence by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (vii) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.

 

4

“Event of Default” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8.1.

 

“Executive Order” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 9.17(a).

 

“Existing Credit Facility” means that certain credit facility made available under that certain Credit Agreement by and among the Borrower, the lenders that are signatories thereto, HPF Service, LLC, as administrative agent for the lenders and collateral agent for the tranche A lenders, and Alostar Bank of Commerce, as collateral agent for the tranche B lenders, dated as of July 31, 2015 as amended, modified and/or supplemented to the date hereof.

 

“Facilities” means, collectively, Facility 1 and Facility 2.

 

“Facility 1” means that certain $30,000,000 line of credit facility, consisting of revolving Tranche A and non-revolving Tranche B, for the purposes of financing for working capital and other general corporate purposes and to payoff and terminate the Existing Credit Facility.

 

“Facility 1 Note” means that certain Revolving Note in the maximum principal amount of $30,000,000.00 evidencing the Revolving Loans made under Facility 1.

 

“Facility 2” means that certain $25,000,000 revolving line of credit, secured by a cash collateral account funded in an aggregate amount equal to the amount of outstanding of any draws on the revolving line of credit and the Stated Amount of issued Letters of Credit, pursuant to the terms provided for in Section 2.1(c) hereof and in the Pledge Agreement, for the purposes of financing for working capital and other general corporate purposes and for the issuance of Letters of Credit,  up to a sublimit amount for Letters of Credit of $10,000,000, required by Borrower to support its normal operations.

 

“Facility 2 Note” means that certain Revolving Note in the maximum principal amount of $25,000,000.00 evidencing the Revolving Loans made and the Letters of Credit (up to a maximum amount outstanding of $10,000,000.00) issued under Facility 2.

 

“Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by the Bank from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

 

“Fiscal Quarter” means each period from January 1 to March 31, April 1 to June 30, July 1 to September 30 and October 1 to December 31.

 

“Fiscal Year” means each period from January 1 to December 31.

 

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and in the statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statement by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession, which are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination, consistently applied.

 

5

“Governmental Authority” means any national, state or local government (whether domestic or foreign), any political subdivision thereof or any other governmental, quasi‐governmental, judicial, administrative, public or statutory instrumentality, authority, body, agency, bureau, commission, board, department or other entity (including, without limitation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Comptroller of the Currency or the Federal Reserve Board, any central bank or any comparable authority) or any arbitrator with authority to bind a party at law.

 

“Hazardous Materials” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature (or any extract, component or derivative thereof) regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law, including, but not limited to, (i) those substances, materials and wastes listed in the United States Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101) or by the Environmental Protection Agency as hazardous substances (40 CFR Part 302) and amendments thereto and replacements thereof and (ii) any substance, pollutant or material defined as, or designated in, any Environmental Law as a “hazardous substance”, “toxic substance”, “hazardous material”, “hazardous waste”, “restricted hazardous waste”, “pollutant”, “toxic pollutant” or words of similar import.

 

“Hedging Agreement” means any interest rate protection agreement, foreign currency exchange agreement, commodity price protection agreement or other interest or currency exchange rate or commodity price hedging arrangement (including, without limitation, all “swap agreements” as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101).

 

“Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, (i) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (iii) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property used and/or acquired by such Person, (iv) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business), (v) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (vi) all guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others, (vii) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (viii) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and letters of guaranty, (ix) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers’ acceptances, and (x) all other liabilities and obligations which would be classified in accordance with GAAP as indebtedness on a balance sheet or to which reference should be made in footnotes thereto.  The amount of any guarantee shall be deemed to be the lower of (a) an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such guarantee is made and (b) the maximum amount for which the Person giving such guarantee may be liable pursuant to the terms of the agreement embodying such guarantee unless such primary obligation and the maximum amount for which such Person may be liable are not stated or determinable, in which case the amount of such guarantee shall be such Person’s maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by such Person in good faith.

 

6

“Indemnified Taxes” means as to any Person, any Tax, except (i) a Tax imposed on or measured by the income or profits of such Person or any franchise tax, or any similar taxes, and (ii) any interest, fees or penalties for late payment thereof imposed on such Person.

 

“Intellectual Property” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.19(d).

 

 “Interest Expense” means, for any period, the aggregate of the interest expense of Borrower and Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Interest Payment Date” means with respect to each Revolving Loan, the first day of each month during the Availability Period, and the Revolving Maturity Date.

 

“Late Fee” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.2.

 

“Letter of Credit” shall mean each standby letter of credit issued by the Bank for the account of the Borrower.

 

“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit or preferential arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), or other security agreement or security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement and the interest of a lessor under a Capital Lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing.

 

“Loan Documents” means this Agreement, the Note, Security Documents and all other agreements, instruments and documents executed or delivered in connection herewith.

 

“Loans” means the Revolving Loans.

 

“Managing Person” means, with respect to any Person that is (i) a corporation, its board of directors, (ii) a limited liability company, its board of managers, managing member or members, (iii) a limited partnership, its general partner, (iv) a general partnership or a limited liability partnership, its managing partner or executive committee or (v) any other Person, the managing body thereof or other Person analogous to the foregoing.

 

“Margin Stock” has the meaning assigned to such term in Regulation U.

 

“Material Adverse Change” means any event, development or circumstance that has had or reasonably could be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

“Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (i) the business, assets, operations or condition (financial or otherwise), of the Borrower, taken as a whole, (ii) the ability of the Borrower to perform any of its material obligations under any Loan Document or (iii) the ability of the Bank to enforce the Obligations or to realize the intended benefits of the Security Documents.

 

“Material Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness under the Loan Documents), including, without limitation, obligations in respect of one or more Hedging Agreements, of the Borrower, whether arising pursuant to one or more instruments or agreements, in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $1,000,000.  For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the “principal amount” of the obligations of the Borrower in respect of any Hedging Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that the Borrower would be required to pay if such Hedging Agreement were terminated at such time.

 

7

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

 

“Mortgages” means, collectively (i) Mortgage and Security Agreement, by NN Acquisition, LLC in favor of the Bank, for the parcel located in the State of Connecticut, (ii) Deed of Trust, by Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc. in favor of the Bank, for the property located in the State of Texas (iii) Deed of Trust, by LTI Holdings, LLC. in favor of the Bank, for the property located in the State of Colorado,  and (iv) Deed of Trust, by Nashville Acquisition, L.L.C. in favor of the Bank, for the property located in the State of Tennessee, each dated of even date herewith and as each of the same may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time.

 

“Mortgaged Property” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Mortgage.

 

“Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan as defined in section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

 

 “Net Income” means, for any period, the net income (exclusive of extraordinary gains and extraordinary losses) determined on a consolidated basis for Borrower and Subsidiaries for such period, all as determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Net Loss” means for any period, the net loss (excluding one-time charges, impairments, non-cash expenses and costs associated with school closings in each case in amounts to be approved by Bank in its sole discretion) determined on a consolidated basis for Borrower and Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.

 

 “Note” means, collectively, each Revolving Note.

 

“Obligations” means (i) the due and punctual payment of (A) principal of and premium, if any, and interest (including interest accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) on the Loans, when and as due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, upon one or more dates set for prepayment or otherwise, (B) all obligations, contingent, direct, indirect or otherwise relating to the Letters of Credit, including all draws upon, if any, and interest (including interest accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) on the Letters of Credit, when and as due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, upon one or more dates set for prepayment or otherwise and (C) all other monetary obligations, including fees, commissions, costs, expenses and indemnities, whether primary, secondary, direct, contingent, fixed or otherwise (including monetary obligations incurred during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), of the Borrower to the Bank, or that are otherwise payable to the Bank, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (ii) the due and punctual performance of all covenants, agreements, obligations and liabilities of the  Borrower under or pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (iii) all obligations of the Borrower, monetary or otherwise, under each Hedging Agreement entered into with the Bank (or an Affiliate thereof) as a counterparty, and (iv) all Banking Services Obligations.

 

“OFAC has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.20.

 

“Organizational Documents” means as to any Person which is (i) a corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and by‐laws of such Person, (ii) a limited liability company, the certificate of formation or articles of organization and the limited liability company agreement or operating agreement or other similar agreement of such Person, (iii) a partnership, the partnership agreement or similar agreement of such Person, or (iv) any other form of entity or organization, the organizational documents analogous to the foregoing.

 

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“Other Taxes” means any and all current or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery, registration or enforcement of, or any amendment, supplement or modification of, or any waiver or consent under or in respect of, the Loan Documents or otherwise with respect to, the Loan Documents.

 

“Parent” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

“Participant” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.6(c).

 

“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established pursuant to Subtitle A of Title IV of ERISA, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to the functions thereof.

 

“Pension Plan” means at any date of determination, any Employee Benefit Plan (including a multiemployer plan as defined in section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA), the funding requirements of which (under section 302 of ERISA or section 412 of the Code) are, or at any time within the six years immediately preceding such date, were in whole or in part, the responsibility of the Borrowers or any ERISA Affiliate.

 

“Permitted Encumbrances” means:

 

(i)             Liens imposed by law for taxes that are not yet due or are being contested in compliance with Section 6.4;

 

(ii)            landlords’, carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s and other like Liens imposed by law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than ninety (90) days or are being contested in compliance with Section 6.4;

 

(iii)          pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business (A) in compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations, (B) to secure the performance of bids, tenders, leases (other than Capital Leases), sales or other trade contracts not in connection with the borrowing of money or (C) made in lieu of, or to secure the performance of, surety, customs, reclamation or performance bonds (in each case not related to judgments or litigation);

 

(iv)          attachment or judgment liens in respect of judgments, writs or warrants of attachment or similar process that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (l) of Section 8.1;

 

(v)           easements, zoning restrictions, rights‐of‐way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of the Borrower; and

 

(vi)          any interest or title of a lessor under any operating lease or a licensor under a non-exclusive license agreement.

 

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“Permitted Investments” means:

 

(i)            direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America (or by any agency thereof to the extent that such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America), in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

 

(ii)           investments in commercial paper maturing within two hundred seventy (270) days from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, the highest credit rating obtainable from S&P, or any successor thereto, or from Moody’s or any successor thereto;

 

(iii)          investments in certificates of deposit, banker’s acceptances and time deposits maturing within 180 days from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, any domestic office of any commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof that has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000;

 

(iv)          advances made in connection with purchases of goods or services in the ordinary course of business;

 

(v)           investments received in settlement of amounts due to Borrower or any Subsidiary effected in the ordinary course of business or owing to Borrower or any Subsidiary as a result of insolvency proceedings involving an account debtor or upon the foreclosure or enforcement of any Lien in favor of Borrower or any Subsidiary;

 

(vi)          deposits of cash made in the ordinary course of business to secure performance of operating leases;

 

(vii)        extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit on customary terms in the ordinary course of business;

 

(viii)        investments in the form of capital contributions and the acquisition of Capital Stock made by any Borrower in any other Borrower or Subsidiary; and

 

(ix)           so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, any other investments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2,000,000 during the term of this Agreement; provided (i) the Bank shall have received thirty (30) days’ notice of such investments and (ii) such investments relate to the purchase of companies or property in the same or substantially similar business operations of Borrower.

 

“Permitted Preferred Stock” means any Preferred Stock that by its terms is mandatorily redeemable or subject to any other payment obligation (including any obligation to pay dividends, other than dividends of shares of Preferred Stock of the same class and series payable in kind or dividends of shares of common stock) on a date that is not earlier than one year after the Revolving Maturity Date or, on a date that is not earlier than one year after the Revolving Maturity Date, is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof for cash or assets or securities (other than distributions in kind of shares of Preferred Stock of the same class and series or of shares of common stock).

 

“Person” means any individual, firm, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, corporation, association, business enterprise, joint stock company, unincorporated association, trust, Governmental Authority or any other entity, whether acting in an individual, fiduciary, or other capacity.

 

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“Phase II Audits” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.19(c).

 

“Plan” means, at a particular time, any employee benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or section 412 of the Code or section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in section 3(5) of ERISA.

 

“Pledge Agreement” means the Pledge Agreement, dated as of the Effective Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Bank, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

“Post-Closing Environmental Properties” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.19(c).

 

“Preferred Stock” means, as applied to the Capital Stock of any Person, the Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) that is preferred with respect to the payment of dividends, or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such Person.

 

 “Prime Rate” means the floating rate of interest per annum established from time to time by the Bank as its prime lending rate for commercial loans.  Each change in the Prime Rate shall result in a corresponding change in the rate being charged hereunder on the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate.  The Prime Rate is a reference rate that does not necessarily represent the lowest or best rate actually charged to any customer.  The Bank may make commercial loans or other loans at rates of interest at, above or below such Prime Rate.

 

“Property” means all types of real, personal, tangible, intangible or mixed property.

 

“Regulation T” means Regulation T of the Board as from time to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

 

“Regulation U” means Regulation U of the Board as from time to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

 

“Regulation X” means Regulation X of the Board as from time to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

 

“Related Parties” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and such Person’s Affiliates.

 

“Remediation Completion” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.19(c).

 

“Required Balance” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.16.

 

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“Restricted Payment” means, (i) any dividend, distribution or other payment on account of the Capital Stock issued by the Parent or to the holders of the Capital Stock of the Parent in their capacity as such shareholders (other than dividends or distributions payable in Capital Stock issued by the Parent) or (ii) any payment, including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any Capital Stock issued by the Parent.

 

“Revolving Facility” means the Bank’s obligation to make Revolving Loans and to issue Letters of Credit hereunder, in an aggregate amount not exceeding the Revolving Facility Amount, in its sole discretion.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) Tranche B of Facility 1 is not available on a revolving basis and (ii) upon Remediation Completion, any Environmental Funds on deposit in the Environmental Pledged Account under Tranche B shall be applied to Tranche B and permanently reduce Tranche B to zero and (iii) Facility 1 shall be paid down to, and permanently reduced to, $25,000,000.

 

“Revolving Facility Amount” means an aggregate amount of $55,000,000 consisting of a maximum principal amount of $30,000,000 for Facility 1 and a maximum principal amount of $25,000,000 (inclusive of the sublimit available for the issuance of Letters of Credit of up to $10,000,000) for Facility 2.

 

“Revolving Loan” means a Loan referred to in Section 2.1 and made pursuant to Section 2.2.

 

“Revolving Maturity Date” means, for each Facility, May 31, 2020, or such earlier date upon which the Revolving Facility shall terminate or the Revolving Facility shall otherwise equal zero.

 

“Revolving Note” means a collective reference to the promissory note evidencing the Revolving Loans and/or the Letters of Credit issued under Facility 2, as applicable, payable to the order of the Bank in form acceptable to the Bank.

 

“Sale and Leaseback Transaction” means any transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which a Person sells or transfers any Property in connection with the leasing, or the resale against installment payments, of such Property to the seller or transferor.

 

“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, Inc.

 

“SEC” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.1(f).

 

“Security Agreement” means the Security Agreement, dated as of the Effective Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

“Security Documents” means the Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement, the Environmental Pledge Agreement, the Mortgages and each other security agreement, instrument or other document executed or delivered pursuant to Section 5.1, 6.14 or 6.15 to secure any of the Obligations.

 

“Solvent” shall mean, with respect to any Person on a particular date, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including, without limitation, contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair salable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature and (d) such Person is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute unreasonably small capital.  The amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that would reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

 

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“Stated Amount” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the maximum Dollar amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit under any circumstance, including any amount that has been the subject of a drawing by the Beneficiary but has not yet been paid by the Bank.

 

“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent.  Unless the context otherwise requires, “Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower.

 

“Surveys” has the meanings ascribed thereto in Section 6.19(a).

 

“Tangible Net Worth” means the book value of  Net Worth (Total Assets - Total Liabilities) as set forth in the consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower determined in accordance with GAAP, minus the net book value of the following items: (but only to the extent that such items are included in any determination of Total Assets):  (i) good will, patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade names, customer lists and other like intangible assets; (ii)  receivables due from Subsidiaries; (iii) any capitalized start-up or development expenses; and (iv) any write-up or reappraisal of the Borrower’s existing assets; and plus the following items: (1) one-time incremental increase in Interest Expense incurred by the Borrower in 2017 above the budgeted Interest Expense of $5,200,000 had the refinance of the Existing Credit Facility not occurred (the “Incremental Interest Expense Increase”); provided, however,  for purposes of calculating Tangible Net Worth, the amount of such Incremental Interest Expense Increase shall not exceed $1,500,000; (2) non-cash stock based compensation and non-cash pension expense; and (3) with the Bank’s approval, other one-time charges, impairments, non-cash expenses and losses associated with school closings.

 

“Taxes” means any and all current or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by any Governmental Authority.

 

“Title IV” shall mean Chapter 28, Subchapter IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C.A. §§ 1070 et seq.), and any amendments or successor statutes thereto.

 

“Total Assets” means, at any time, the total assets of the Parent and its direct and indirect Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Total Liabilities” means, at any time, the total liabilities of the Parent and its direct and indirect Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Tranche A” means the $25,000,000 revolving line of credit available under Facility 1.

 

“Tranche B” means the $5,000,000 non-revolving line of credit available under Facility 1.

 

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“Transactions” means (i) the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of each Loan Document to which it is a party and (ii) the use of the proceeds of the Revolving Loans.

 

“Unused Facility Fee” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.3.

 

“USA Patriot Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), as amended.

 

“Withdrawal Liability” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

 

Section 1.2         Accounting Terms; GAAP

 

Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time, provided that, if a Borrower notifies the Bank that the Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the date hereof in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Bank notifies the Borrower that the Bank requires an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith.  Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to a fiscal period shall refer to the relevant fiscal period of the Borrower

 

Section 1.3         Principles of Construction.

 

The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined.  Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms.  The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”.  The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”.  Unless the context requires otherwise, (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (c) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement and (e) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

 

	2.	
AMOUNT AND TERMS OF LOANS.

 

Section 2.1         Loans.

 

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(a)           Revolving Loans Under Tranche A of Facility 1 and Facility 2; Advance of Tranche B Non-Revolving Loan Under Facility 1.  Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Bank may make revolving credit loans (each a “Revolving Loan” and, collectively, the “Revolving Loans” or the “Loans”) under each of Tranche A of Facility 1 and Facility 2 to the Borrower from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding which does not exceed the Revolving Facility Amount of the respective Facility; provided, however that Tranche B of Facility 1 shall be advanced on a one-time, non-revolving basis.  During the Availability Period, within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, repay pursuant to Section 2.6 and reborrow under this Section 2.1 with respect to both Facilities.

 

(b)           Letters of Credit under Facility 2.  During the Availability Period, the Bank agrees from time to time to issue or cause an Affiliate to issue Letters of Credit under Facility 2; provided, however, that (i) the Stated Amount at any time of all outstanding Letters of Credit shall not at any time exceed $10,000,000, (ii) drawings under any Letters of Credit not immediately repaid shall be deemed to be advances under Facility 2 and (iii) at no time shall the Stated Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit plus advances under Facility 2 exceed $25,000,000.  The outstanding Letters of Credit heretofore made available by the Bank (under an existing line of credit from the Bank to the Borrower, which is expiring pursuant to its terms approximately simultaneously herewith) and are hereby deemed to be outstanding under the Facility 2 are detailed on Schedule 2.1(b).   The form and substance of each Letter of Credit shall be subject to the approval of the Bank, in its sole discretion.  Each Letter of Credit shall be issued for a term not to exceed three hundred sixty-five (365) days, as designated by the Borrower; provided, however, that no Letter of Credit shall have an expiration date more than three hundred sixty-five (365) days beyond the Revolving Maturity Date (in such event, however, any such Letter of Credit with a maturity beyond the Revolving Maturity Date shall be fully cash collateralized).  Letters of Credit may include a provision providing that their expiry date will automatically be extended each year for an additional one year period unless the Bank delivers notice to the contrary.   Each Letter of Credit shall be subject to the additional terms and conditions of the Letter of Credit agreements, applications, and any related documents required by the Bank in connection with the issuance of Letters of Credit.

 

(c)           Cash Collateral Account.  Throughout the term of both Facilities and while any Letters of Credit and/or Revolving Loans under Facility 2 are outstanding, the Borrower shall maintain a cash collateral account with the Bank (the “Cash Collateral Account”).  The minimum amount of monies on deposit in the Cash Collateral Account shall at all times be no less than an amount equal to 100% of the aggregate Stated Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit plus all Revolving Loans made under Facility 2.  Prior to the Bank making any Revolving Loan, or issuing any Letter of Credit under Facility 2, the Parent shall deposit, in immediately available funds, an amount necessary into the Cash Collateral Account so that the requirements set forth in the previous sentence are satisfied.  The Borrower represents to the Bank that all monies in the Cash Collateral Account will be owned by the Parent and consequently the Cash Collateral Account shall be titled in the Parent’s name; in the event, however, that any Borrower (other than the Parent) has any interest in or ownership  of such monies, the Parent is hereby appointed as agent of said Borrower for all purposes relating to such Cash Collateral Account, including the opening thereof and any distribution of monies therefrom.  Pursuant to the Pledge Agreement, the Borrower has granted, and does hereby grant, to the Bank as security for the Obligations, a first and only lien on and security interest in and to the Cash Collateral Account and all monies deposited therein and all proceeds thereof. The Letters of Credit are presently secured by cash collateral, and the Borrower hereby authorizes the Bank to deposit such existing cash into the Cash Collateral Account.   The Parent agrees that in the event of a drawing under any Letter of Credit the Bank is authorized to immediately debit the amount thereof from the Cash Collateral Account as reimbursement therefor.  Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, in addition to all other remedies set forth in the Loan Documents, the Bank shall be entitled to apply the funds on deposit in the Cash Collateral Account to the Obligations, in such order of application as the Bank may in its sole discretion elect.

 

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(d)           Environmental Pledged Account.  On the Effective Date, the Bank shall make an advance from Tranche B in the amount of $5,000,000, which advance shall be deposited into the Environmental Pledged Account pursuant to the Environmental Pledge Agreement.  Upon Remediation Completion of the Post-Closing Environmental Properties, in a manner satisfactory to the Bank, to the extent any Environmental Funds remain in the Environmental Pledged Account, such Environmental Funds shall be used to permanently reduce Tranche B to zero.  Accordingly, upon Remediation Completion, the maximum principal amount of Facility 1 shall be permanently reduced to $25,000,000.

 

Section 2.2         Procedures for Borrowing.

 

(a)           Revolving Loans

 

 (i)          The Borrower shall give the Bank notice of its intention to borrow any Revolving Loans under this Agreement not later than 12:00 p.m. (New York time) on the requested Borrowing Date, specifying: (i) the date of such borrowing, (ii) the Facility under which such borrowing shall be made and (iii) the amount of such borrowing.  All notices given under this Section 2.2(a)(i) shall be irrevocable.

 

 (ii)         Not later than 3:00 p.m. (New York time) on the date of any Revolving Loan, subject to the fulfillment of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 5.1 and Section 5.2, the proceeds of each Revolving Loan requested by the Borrower will be made available in immediately available funds from the respective Facility by crediting the amount thereof to an account of Borrower as designated to the Bank by Borrower.

 

 (iii)        At the time that each Revolving Loan is made, such Revolving Loan shall be in an aggregate amount that is equal to $100,000 or an integral multiple thereof, provided that a borrowing of a Revolving Loan may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to the entire unused balance of a respective Revolving Facility.

 

 (iv)        As an accommodation to the Borrower, the Bank may permit telephone requests for Revolving Loans and electronic transmittal of instructions, authorizations, agreements or reports to the Bank by the Borrower.  Unless the Borrower specifically directs the Bank in writing not to accept or act upon telephonic or electronic communications from the Borrower, the Bank shall have no liability to the Borrower for any loss or damage suffered by the Borrower as result of the Bank’s honoring of any requests, execution of any instructions, authorizations or agreements or reliance on any reports communicated to it telephonically or electronically and purporting to have been sent to the Bank by the Borrower and the Bank shall have no duty to verify the origin of any such communications or the authority of the Person sending it.

 

(b)           Letters of Credit

 

 (i)          Borrower may from time to time during the Availability Period request, upon at least five (5) Business Days’ notice given not later than 12:00 P.M.  (New York time), that the Bank issue a Letter of Credit under Facility 2 by delivering to the Bank (i) a Letter of Credit application specifying the date on which such Letter of Credit is to be issued (which shall be a Business Day), the expiration date thereof, the Stated Amount thereof and the name and address of the Beneficiary thereof; and (ii) such other information and documents as the Bank reasonably requires in accordance with its customary practices for the issuance of letters of credit.

 

 (ii)         The Bank shall, subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, issue the Letter of Credit on or before five (5) Business Days following receipt of the documents last due pursuant to Section 2.3(b)(i).  Each Letter of Credit shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank in its reasonable discretion.  Upon the issuance of a Letter of Credit, the Bank shall (A) deliver the original of such Letter of Credit to the Beneficiary thereof or as Borrower shall otherwise direct and (B) furnish a copy thereof to Borrower.

 

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 (iii)        Borrower may from time to time during the Availability Period request, upon at least three (3) Business Days’ notice given not later than 12:00 P.M. (New York time), that the Bank extend the expiration date of an outstanding Letter of Credit or increase (or, with the consent of the Beneficiary, decrease) the Stated Amount of an outstanding Letter of Credit by delivering to the Bank a written request therefor.  Any request for an extension or increase or decrease shall for all purposes hereof be treated as though Borrower had requested the issuance of a replacement Letter of Credit (except that the Bank may, if it elects, issue a notice of extension or increase or decrease in lieu of issuing a new Letter of Credit in substitution for an outstanding Letter of Credit).

 

 (iv)        If any Letter of Credit provides for the automatic extension of the expiry date thereof unless the Bank gives notice that such expiry date shall not be extended, then the Bank shall allow such Letter of Credit to be extended; provided that the Bank may give a notice of non-extension with respect to such a Letter of Credit if, at the time of the giving of such notice, the conditions precedent to the issuance of a replacement for such Letter of Credit are not satisfied and, if the Bank gives such a notice, the Bank will concurrently provide a copy thereof to Borrower.  The Bank shall give a notice of non-extension with respect to such a Letter of Credit if the Bank receives, at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the date on which such notice of non-extension must be delivered under such Letter of Credit (or such shorter period as may acceptable to the Bank), notice from Borrower directing the Bank not to permit the extension of such Letter of Credit.

 

Section 2.3         Note.

 

   Loans under Facility 1 shall be evidenced by the Facility 1 Note.  Loans under Facility 2 shall be evidenced by the Facility 2 Note.  Borrower agrees that, absent manifest error, the records of the Bank will be conclusive with respect to the Loans, including the amounts borrowed, the amounts repaid, the outstanding principal balance and all interest payments.

 

Section 2.4         Termination and Reduction of Revolving Facility.

 

(a)            Unless previously terminated, each Facility shall terminate on the Revolving Maturity Date.

 

(b)           The Borrower shall have the right, upon at least three (3) Business Days’ notice to the Bank, to terminate in whole the Revolving Facility or reduce the Revolving Facility Amount, provided that the Borrower shall not terminate the Revolving  Facility or reduce the Revolving Facility Amount if, after giving effect to any concurrent reduction of the principal amount of the Revolving Loans in accordance with Section 2.6, the outstanding principal balance of any Facility would exceed the Revolving Facility Amount for the applicable Facility (it being understood that the aggregate Stated Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit would be included for purposes of the foregoing with respect to Facility 2).  Each reduction of the Revolving Facility Amount shall be in an amount of not less than $100,000 or an integral multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof.  The Revolving Facility, once reduced or terminated, may not be reinstated.

 

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Section 2.5         Repayments of the Loans.

 

The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the order of the Bank the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan (including any amounts outstanding under Tranche A and Tranche B of Facility 1 and under Facility 2) on the Revolving Maturity Date.

 

Section 2.6         Principal Reductions on Revolving Loans.

 

(a)           The Borrower may, at its option, upon at least one (1) Business Day’s notice to the Bank, make payment on the Revolving Loans in full or in part, without premium or penalty. Each partial payment shall be in a principal amount of not less than $100,000 or an integral multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof.  Each notice hereunder shall be irrevocable and the principal amount of the Revolving Loans shall be due and payable on the date specified.

 

(b)           Simultaneously with each reduction of the Revolving Facility Amount under Section 2.4(b), the Borrower shall pay the outstanding Revolving Loans by the amount, if any, by which the outstanding principal balance of Revolving Loans exceeds the Revolving Facility Amount as so reduced.

 

(c)            If as of any date the outstanding principal balance of Revolving Loans shall exceed the Revolving Facility Amount on such date, then in such event the Borrower shall immediately pay the Revolving Loans by an amount necessary to eliminate any such excess.

 

Section 2.7         Payments.

 

(a)           The Borrower shall make each payment required to be made by it hereunder or under any other Loan Document to which it is a party (whether of principal of Loans, interest or fees, or otherwise) prior to 3:00 p.m., New York time, on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without setoff or counterclaim.  Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Bank, be deemed to have been received on such date; otherwise, any such amount will be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon.  All such payments shall be made to the Bank at its office at 61 South Paramus Road, Paramus, New Jersey 07652, or such other office as to which the Bank may notify the Borrower.  If any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension.  All payments hereunder shall be made in Dollars.  Without limiting the foregoing, the Borrower hereby authorizes the Bank to charge the account described in Section 6.17 for each such payment on the due date therefor.  Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, if the Borrower fails to maintain such account at the Bank, then all applicable rates of interest set forth in this Agreement are increased by one percent (1.00%), provided, however, such an increase does not limit or restrict any other rights or remedies available to the Bank under this Agreement due to such failure by Borrower to maintain such account with the Bank.

 

(b)           So long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, if at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Bank to pay fully all amounts of principal of the Loans, interest and fees, if any, then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied first, to the payment of all fees and expenses due from the Borrower to the Bank, other than late fees; (ii) second, to the payment of accrued and unpaid interest, ratably in proportion to the interest accrued as to each Loan including outstanding draws on any Letter of Credit (which are deemed to be advances under Facility 2); (iii) third, to the payment of principal on the Loans then due hereunder, ratably to the aggregate, combined principal balance of the Loans and outstanding draws on any Letter of Credit then due hereunder, and (iv) fourth, to the payment of all late fees due from the Borrower to the Bank.

 

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	3.	
INTEREST, FEES, YIELD PROTECTIONS, ETC.

 

Section 3.1         Interest Rate and Payment Dates.

 

		A.	
Revolving Loans

 

(a)            (i) Facility 1:  The Borrower shall pay to the Bank interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower under Tranche A of Facility 1 for the period commencing on the date of such Revolving Loan until such Revolving Loan shall be paid in full, at a rate per annum equal to the greater of (x) the Prime Rate plus 2.50%, and (y) 6.00%.   Any change in the interest rate resulting from a change in the Prime Rate shall be effective as of the opening of business on the day on which such change in the Prime Rate becomes effective.

 

The Borrower shall pay to the Bank interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower under Tranche B of Facility 1 for the period commencing on the date of such Revolving Loan until Tranche B shall be paid in full, at a rate per annum equal to the greater of (x) the Prime Rate plus 0.00%, and (y) 3.50%

 

 (ii) Facility 2:  The Borrower shall pay to the Bank interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower under Facility 2 for the period commencing on the date of such Revolving Loan until such Revolving Loan shall be paid in full, at a rate per annum equal to the greater of (x) the Prime Rate plus 0.00%, and (y) 3.50%.  Any change in the interest rate resulting from a change in the Prime Rate shall be effective as of the opening of business on the day on which such change in the Prime Rate becomes effective.

 

(b)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, then, so long as such Event of Default is continuing, the interest rate of the obligation which shall be in effect at the time of the Event of Default, shall be increased by five (5%) percentage points above the interest rate per annum in effect at this time of the Event of Default without the Bank being obligated to give any notice of said increase (the “Default Rate”) to Borrower.  The Default Rate shall increase at the rate of one (1%) percentage point per month beginning on the first day of the month following the month in which the Default Rate became effective and on the first day of each month thereafter up to the maximum rate permitted by law, until the Loan is paid in full.

 

(c)           Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan, provided that accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts shall be due and payable upon demand.

 

(d)           All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

 

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		B.	
Letters of Credit

 

(a)           Upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall pay a Letter of Credit fee calculated at the rate per annum equal to one and three-quarters percent (1.75%) on the daily amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit.  For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, (i) if such Letter of Credit by its terms or the terms of the Letter of Credit application or any other document related thereto provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof, then the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at such time and (ii) if the stated amount of any Letter of Credit has been permanently reduced, then the stated amount of such Letter of Credit shall be reduced by the amount of such permanent reduction.  Such fees shall be payable in quarterly installments in arrears with respect to each Letter of Credit on the last business day of each March, June, September, and December.

 

(b)           Borrower shall pay the Bank, in U.S.  dollars, the customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of the Bank relating to Letters of Credit as from time to time in effect.  Such customary fees and standard costs and charges are due and payable on demand and are nonrefundable.

 

(c)           In the event that any amount is drawn under a Letter of Credit by the Beneficiary thereof, the Borrower shall immediately pay to the Bank the full amount drawn, which amount shall be withdrawn immediately by the Bank from the Cash Collateral Account.  If the full amount drawn cannot be paid immediately from the Cash Collateral Account, interest will accrue at a rate per annum set forth in Section 3.1(A)(a)(ii).  In such event, the Borrower agrees that the Bank, it its sole discretion, may debit any account maintained by the Borrower with the Bank for the amount of any such drawing.

 

(d)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, then, so long as such Event of Default is continuing, the aggregate amount of all outstanding draws on the Letters of Credit and each fee and other amount then due and payable by the Borrower hereunder shall bear interest at the Default Rate.  The Default Rate shall increase at the rate of one (1%) percentage point per month beginning on the first day of the month following the month in which the Default Rate became effective and on the first day of each month thereafter up to the maximum rate permitted by law, until the Loan is paid in full.

 

(e)           All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

 

Section 3.2         Late Fee.

 

If the Bank has not received the full amount of any monthly payment on or before the date it is due (including as a result of funds not available to be automatically debited on the date on which any such payment is due), the Borrower shall pay a late fee to the Bank in an amount equal to six percent (6%) of such overdue payment (the “Late Fee”).  Such late fee shall be paid promptly but only once with respect to each late payment.

 

Section 3.3         Unused Facility Fee.

 

The Borrowers agree to pay to the Bank an unused facility fee (“Unused Facility Fee”) on the average daily unused balance of Facility 1 from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the Revolving Maturity Date at a rate per annum equal to one-half of one percent (0.50%). The Unused Facility Fee is calculated based on a year of 360 days for the actual number of days elapsed. The accrued Unused Facility Fee shall be paid on the first day of each Fiscal Quarter, in arrears.  For the avoidance of doubt, there is no Unused Facility Fee due upon the average daily unused balance of Facility 2 at any time.

 

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Section 3.4         Breakage Fee.

 

If the Borrower shall terminate the Facilities or refinance the same with another lender other than the Bank within eighteen (18) months of the Effective Date, the Borrower shall pay to the Bank as liquidated damages a breakage fee (“Breakage Fee”) in the amount of $500,000; the Borrower confirms that such Breakage Fee is not a penalty, and is reasonable compensation to the Bank as a result of the early termination of the Facilities.

 

Section 3.5         Increased Costs; Capital Requirements.

 

(a)           If the Bank determines that any Change in Law has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on the Bank’s capital or on the capital of the Bank’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Loans made by the Bank to a level below that which the Bank or the Bank’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law, then from time to time the Borrower will pay to the Bank such additional amount or amounts as will compensate the Bank or the Bank’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

 

 

(b)          If at any time the Bank determines that, after the date hereof, any Change in Law regarding capital adequacy, reserves, special deposits, compulsory loans, insurance charges against property of, deposits with or for the account of, Obligations owing to, or other credit extended or participated in by, the Bank or any similar requirement shall have the effect of reducing the rate of return on the capital of the Bank or the Bank’s holding company as a consequence of its obligations under or with respect to any Loan Document to a level below that which, taking into account the capital adequacy policies of the Bank or the Bank’s holding company, the Bank or the Bank’s holding company could have achieved but for such adoption or change, then from time to time the Borrower will pay to the Bank such additional amount or amounts as will compensate the Bank or the Bank’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

 

(c)           A certificate of the Bank setting forth in reasonable detail the amount or amounts necessary to compensate the Bank or its holding company, as applicable, as specified in Section 3.5(a) or Section 3.5(b) shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay the Bank the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) Business Days after receipt thereof.

 

Section 3.6         Taxes.

 

(a)            All payments by or on account of the Borrower under any Loan Document to the Bank shall be made free and clear of, and without any deduction or withholding for or on account of, any and all present or future Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes, provided that if any Borrower is required by any law, rule, regulation, order, directive, treaty or guideline to make any deduction or withholding in respect of such Indemnified Tax or Other Tax from any amount required to be paid by the Borrower to the Bank under any Loan Document (each, a “Required Payment”), then (i) the Borrower shall notify the Bank of any such requirement or any change in any such requirement promptly after the Borrower becomes aware thereof, (ii) the Borrower shall pay such Indemnified Tax or Other Tax prior to the date on which penalties attach thereto, such payment to be made (to the extent that the liability to pay is imposed on the Borrower) for its own account or (to the extent that the liability to pay is imposed on the Bank) on behalf and in the name of the Bank, (iii) the Borrower shall pay to the Bank an additional amount such that the Bank shall receive on the due date therefor an amount equal to the Required Payment had no such deduction or withholding been made or required, and (iv) the Borrower shall, within thirty (30) days after paying such Indemnified Tax or Other Tax, deliver to the Bank satisfactory evidence of such payment to the relevant Governmental Authority.

 

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(b)           The Borrower shall reimburse the Bank for the full amount of all Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes paid by the Bank on or with respect to any payment by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower under the Loan Documents (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) and any penalties, interest and expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto (other than any such penalties, interest or expenses that are incurred by the Bank’s unreasonably taking or omitting to take action with respect to such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes), within thirty (30) days after written demand therefor, setting forth in reasonable detail the basis for and calculation of such amounts, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by the Bank shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  In the event that the Bank determines that it received a refund or credit for Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes paid by the Borrower under this Section, the Bank shall promptly notify the Borrower of such fact and shall remit to the Borrower the amount of such refund or credit.

 

	4.	
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

 

In order to induce the Bank to enter into this Agreement and to make the Loans, the Borrower makes the following representations and warranties to the Bank:

 

Section 4.1         Existence and Power.

 

The Borrower is duly organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of the State of its respective organization, as detailed in the preamble to this Agreement.  Each Borrower has all requisite power and authority to own its Property and to carry on its business as now conducted, and is in good standing and authorized to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted therein or the Property owned by it therein makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 4.2        Authority and Execution.

 

The Borrower has full legal power and authority to enter into, execute, deliver and perform the terms of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, all of which have been duly authorized by all proper and necessary limited liability company, corporate or other applicable action and is in full compliance with its Organizational Documents.  The Borrower has duly executed and delivered the Loan Documents to which it is a party.

 

Section 4.3         Binding Agreement.

 

The Loan Documents (other than the Note) constitute, and the Note, when issued and delivered pursuant hereto for value received, will constitute, the valid and legally binding obligations of the Borrower party thereto, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally.

 

Section 4.4         Litigation.

 

There are no actions, suits or proceedings at law or in equity or by or before any Governmental Authority (whether purportedly on behalf of the Borrower) pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against the Borrower or maintained by the Borrower  or which may affect the Borrower or any of its Properties or rights, which (i) could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) call into question the validity or enforceability of, or otherwise seek to invalidate, any Loan Document, or (iii) might, individually or in the aggregate, materially and adversely affect any of the transactions contemplated by any Loan Document.

 

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Section 4.5         Required Consents.

 

Except for information filings required to be made in the ordinary course of business which are not a condition to the performance by the Borrower under the Loan Documents, and, except to the extent already obtained, no consent, authorization or approval of, filing with, notice to, or exemption by, members or holders of any other equity interest, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is required to authorize the Borrower to execute the Loan Documents to which it is a party or to perform its obligations thereunder, or is required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents by the Borrower or is required as a condition to the validity or enforceability of the Loan Documents.

 

Section 4.6        Absence of Defaults; No Conflicting Agreements.

 

(a)           The Borrower is not in default under any mortgage, indenture, contract or agreement to which it is a party or by which it or any of its Property is bound.  The execution, delivery or carrying out of the terms of the Loan Documents will not constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of, or obligation to create, any Lien upon any Property of the Borrower or result in a breach of or require the mandatory repayment of or other acceleration of payment under or pursuant to the terms of any such mortgage, indenture, contract or agreement.

 

(b)           The Borrower is not in default with respect to any judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree or decision of any Governmental Authority.

 

Section 4.7         Compliance with Applicable Laws.

 

The Borrower is in compliance in all material respects with all statutes, regulations, rules and orders of all Governmental Authorities which are applicable to the Borrower.

 

Section 4.8         Taxes.

 

The Borrower has filed or caused to be filed all tax returns required to be filed and has paid, or has made adequate provision for the payment of, all taxes shown to be due and payable on said returns or in any assessments made against it (other than those being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside on its books in accordance with GAAP) which would be material to the Borrower, and no tax Liens have been filed with respect thereto.  The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of the Borrower with respect to all taxes are, to the knowledge of the Borrower, adequate for the payment of such taxes, and the Borrower knows of no unpaid assessment which is due and payable against the Borrower or any claims being asserted, except such thereof as are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been set aside in accordance with GAAP.

 

Section 4.9         Governmental Regulations.

 

Neither the Borrower nor any Affiliate of the Borrower, is subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or is subject to any statute or regulation that prohibits or restricts the incurrence of Indebtedness.

 

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Section 4.10       Federal Reserve Regulations; Use of Loan Proceeds.

 

(a)           The Borrower is not engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock.

 

(b)           No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase, acquire or carry any Margin Stock or for any purpose that entails a violation of, or that is inconsistent with, the provisions of the regulations of the Board, including Regulation T, Regulation U or Regulation X.

 

Section 4.11       ERISA.

 

The Borrower and some or all of its ERISA Affiliates is a party to a multiemployer plan as defined in section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.  The Borrower and its ERISA Affiliates have fulfilled their respective obligations under the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code with respect to each Plan established or maintained by the Borrower or its ERISA Affiliates, and with respect to each such Pension Plan are not subject to any material liability to the PBGC under Title IV of ERISA.  With respect to each Employee Benefit Plan, the Borrower is in compliance in all respects with the currently applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code, except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 4.12       Financial Statements.

 

The Borrower has heretofore delivered to the Bank the balance sheet of the Borrower as of December 31, 2016 and the related statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows (or changes in financial position, as the case may be) for such fiscal year (the “Financial Statements”), each of which fairly present the financial condition of the Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries on such date and results of operations for the year ended on such date, and has been prepared in conformity with GAAP.  Except as reflected in the Financial Statements or in the notes thereto, the Borrower does not have any obligation or liability of any kind (whether fixed, accrued, contingent, unmatured or otherwise) which, in accordance with GAAP, should have been shown on the Financial Statements and was not.  Since the date of the Financial Statements, the Borrower has conducted its business only in the ordinary course and there has been no Material Adverse Change.

 

Section 4.13       Property.

 

The Borrower has good and marketable title to all of its real property, title to which is material to the Borrower and a valid leasehold interest in all of its leased real property, a leasehold interest in which is material to the Borrower, in each case subject to no Liens, except Permitted Encumbrances. Schedule 4.13 attached hereto sets forth a comprehensive list of all present locations where the Borrower conducts its operations.

 

Reference is hereby made to that certain Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and Grant of Easements recorded on October 3, 2007 as Instrument No. 2007154061, City and County of Denver, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and Grant of Easements recorded on December 31, 2009 as Instrument No. 2009168907, City and County of Denver (the “Colorado Declaration”).  The Borrower represents that it has not received any written notice that the Borrower in default under the Colorado Declaration, and further represents that it is current in all payments required thereunder, and is otherwise in compliance in all material respects with the requirements under said Colorado Declaration.  The Borrower covenants and agrees to provide the Bank with all material notices it receives pursuant to said Colorado Declaration, and further agrees  not to consent to any amendment or termination of the Colorado Declaration without the consent of the Bank.

 

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Section 4.14       Authorizations.

 

The Borrower possesses or has the right to use all franchises, licenses and other rights as are material and necessary for the conduct of its business, and with respect to which it is in compliance, with no known conflict with the valid rights of others which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  The Borrower has not received any notice that any event has occurred which permits or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, after notice or the lapse of time or both, or any other condition, could reasonably be expected to permit, the revocation or termination of any such franchise, license or other right which revocation or termination could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 4.15       Environmental Matters.

 

The Borrower is in compliance with all Environmental Laws applicable to it or its business or Properties which, if violated, could have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 4.16       Intellectual Property.

 

The Borrower owns and possesses or has a license or other right to use all patents, patent rights, trademarks, trademark rights, trade names, trade name rights, service marks, service mark rights and copyrights as are necessary for the conduct of the business of the Borrower, without any known infringement upon rights of others.

 

Section 4.17       Labor Matters.

 

There are no strikes, work stoppages, lockouts or slowdowns against the Borrower pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened.  The hours worked by and payments made to employees of the Borrower have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable federal, state, local or foreign law dealing with such matters.  All material payments due from the Borrower, or for which any claim may be made against the Borrower, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits, have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of the Borrower.  There are no unfair labor practice charges or complaints pending against the Borrower with any Governmental Authority.  The consummation of the Transactions will not give rise to any right of termination or right of renegotiation on the part of any union under any collective bargaining agreement to which the Borrower is a party.

 

Section 4.18       No Misrepresentation.

 

The written information, taken as a whole, furnished by the Borrower to the Bank in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (excluding the Financial Reports, which are covered by the representation and warranty in Section 4.12 and the written information covered by the representation and warranty in the next succeeding sentence) does not contain, as of the Effective Date, any materially untrue statements of a material fact or, as of the Effective Date, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, omit a material fact necessary to make the material statements contained herein or therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading.  The projections, estimates, forecasts, budgets, statements of opinion or intent and discussions of strategy contained in such written information have been prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed by the Borrower to be reasonable at the time made (it being recognized by the Bank that such projections, estimates, forecasts, budgets, statements of opinion or intent and discussions of strategy are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, and that no assurance can be given that any particular projections, estimates, forecasts or budgets will be realized).

 

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Section 4.19       Security Documents.

 

The Security Documents are effective to create in favor of the Bank a legal, valid and enforceable security interest in the Collateral except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and, when (i) financing statements in appropriate form are filed in the offices of the secretary of state of the jurisdiction of organization of the Borrower or such other office specified by the Uniform Commercial Code and (ii) all other applicable filings under the Uniform Commercial Code or otherwise that are required or permitted under the Loan Documents are made, the Security Documents shall constitute a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the Borrower thereunder in the Collateral, in each case prior and superior in right to the rights of any other Person, other than with respect to Liens expressly permitted by Section 7.2 or otherwise consented to by the Bank in writing.

 

Section 4.20       OFAC.

 

None of the Borrowers: (i) is a person named on the list of Specially Designated Nationals or Blocked Persons maintained by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/sdn/index.html, or as otherwise published from time to time; (ii) is (A) an agency of the government of a country, (B) an organization controlled by a country, or (C) a person resident in a country that is subject to a sanctions program identified on the list maintained by OFAC and available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/sanctions/index.html, or as otherwise published from time to time, as such program may be applicable to such agency, organization or person; or (iii) derives any of its assets or operating income from investments in or transactions with any such country, agency, organization or person; and none of the proceeds from the Loans or Letters of Credit will be used to finance any operations, investments or activities in, or make any payments to, any such country, agency, organization, or person.

 

Section 4.21       Solvency.

 

After giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and before and after giving effect to the making of each Loan or the issuance of each Letter of Credit, the Borrower, on a consolidated basis, is Solvent. No transfer of Property has been or will be made by the Borrower and no obligation has been or will be incurred by any Borrower in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud either present or future creditors of the Borrowers.

 

	5.	
CONDITIONS TO THE LOANS.

 

Section 5.1         Effective Date.

 

The effectiveness of this Agreement, and the obligation of the Bank to make the initial Loans or issue the initial Letters of Credit is subject to the fulfillment of the following conditions prior to or simultaneously therewith:

 

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(a)           The Bank shall have received from the Borrower a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of the Borrower.

 

(b)           The Bank shall have received the Revolving Notes, each signed on behalf of the Borrower.

 

(c)           The Bank shall have received the payment of the origination fee in the amount of $250,000.

 

(d)           The Bank shall have received counterparts of the Security Agreement, signed on behalf of the Borrower, together with the following:

 

 (i)          instruments constituting Collateral, if any, duly indorsed in blank, if necessary, by an Authorized Signatory of the Borrower;

 

 (ii)         all instruments and other documents, including, without limitation, Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, required by law or requested by the Bank to be filed, registered or recorded to create or perfect the Liens intended to be created under the Security Documents; and

 

 (iii)        such other documents as the Bank may reasonably require in connection with the perfection of its security interests in the Collateral.

 

(e)           The Bank shall have received Uniform Commercial Code, tax and judgment lien search reports with respect to each applicable public office where Liens are or may be filed disclosing that, except for Liens in favor of the administrative agent for lenders under the Existing Credit Facility, there are no Liens of record in such official’s office covering any Collateral or showing the Borrower as debtor thereunder (other than Permitted Encumbrances or other Liens consented to by the Bank in writing) and a certificate of the Borrower signed by an Authorized Signatory thereof, dated the Effective Date, certifying that, upon the making of the Loans or the issuance of the Letters of Credit there will exist no Liens on the Collateral other than Permitted Encumbrances or such other Liens.

 

(f)             Loan policies of title insurance to be dated the Effective Date, and issued by Stewart Title Guaranty Company, or another title insurance company acceptable to the Bank.  The title insurance policies shall (i) be in an aggregate amount equal to the Revolving Loans available under Facility 1; (ii) insure that each Mortgage creates a valid first lien on the Mortgaged Property, all without title insurance exceptions (unless otherwise agreed to by the Bank and except for Permitted Encumbrances), including but not limited to, (a) mechanics’ liens, (b) parties in possession, (c) rights of reverter, (d) declarations of restrictive covenants, (e) any other standard exceptions, and (f) reservation for creditor’s rights, (iii) name the Bank, as its interests shall appear, as the insured party thereunder; (iv) be in the form of ALTA form of mortgage loan policy and (v) contain such endorsements and effective coverage as the Bank deems appropriate.  The Bank shall also have received evidence on the Effective Date that all premiums in respect of such policies have been paid.

 

(g)            Evidence satisfactory to the Bank, in its sole discretion, that the Mortgaged Property is not located in an area identified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as an area located in a flood plain or special flood hazards zone pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 or pursuant to the Flood Disaster Act of 1973 or the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, or any successor law.  In the event the Mortgaged Property or any portion thereof is located in a flood plain or in a flood hazard zone, the Borrower shall deliver to the Bank a certificate of insurance evidencing flood hazard insurance (if available) in form and indicating an amount acceptable to the Bank.

 

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(h)            An appraisal for the Mortgaged Property, or such lesser portion of the Mortgaged Property approved by Bank, prepared by an appraiser in accordance with the terms and provisions of FIRREA and the Uniform Standards of Appraisal Practice as adopted by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation, which must, in all respects, be satisfactory to the Bank and which must indicate an aggregate value of the Mortgaged Property of not less than $50,000,000.

 

(i)             The Bank shall have received a certificate from the secretary or executive officer of the Borrower (i) attaching a true and complete copy of the resolutions of its Managing Person and of all documents evidencing all necessary action (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Bank) taken by it to authorize the Loan Documents to which it is a party and the transactions contemplated thereby, (ii) attaching a true and complete copy of its Organizational Documents, (iii) setting forth the incumbency of its officer or officers or other analogous counterpart who may sign the Loan Documents, including therein a signature specimen of such officer or officers, and (iv) attaching a recently dated certificate of good standing (or the equivalent) issued by the secretary of state (or the equivalent Governmental Authority) of its jurisdiction of organization and each other jurisdiction in which it is qualified to do business.

 

(j)             The Bank shall have received evidence satisfactory to it that the insurance required by Section 6.10 is in effect.

 

(k)            All approvals and consents of all Persons required to be obtained in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained and shall be in full force and effect, and all required notices shall have been given and all required waiting periods shall have expired (or have been waived), and the Bank shall have received a certificate, reasonably satisfactory to the Bank, of an Authorized Signatory of the Borrower that all such approvals and consents required to have been obtained by the Borrower shall have been obtained and shall be in full force and effect and that all such notices required to be given by the Borrower shall have been given and all such waiting periods of which the Borrower has knowledge shall have expired (or have been waived).

 

(l)             The Bank shall be reasonably satisfied that there shall be no litigation or administrative proceeding, or regulatory development, which would be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(m)           The Bank shall be reasonably satisfied that no Material Adverse Change has occurred since December 31, 2016.

 

(n)            The Bank shall have received evidence satisfactory to it that the existing Deposit Account Control Agreements, each executed by the Borrower and the Bank in favor of HPF Service LLC, as collateral agent for certain lenders under the Existing Credit Facility, have been terminated and are no longer in effect.

 

(o)            The Bank shall have received evidence satisfactory to it that the Existing Credit Facility, shall have been terminated with the proceeds of the Loans in accordance with Section 6.8 hereof and that all Liens created under the Existing Credit Facility covering the Collateral shall have been released or terminated and that all other obligations, if any, with respect thereto shall have been fully and finally extinguished.

 

(p)           All outstanding Letters of Credit under the existing line of credit from the Bank to the Borrower, expiring on April1, 2017 by its terms, shall be issued under Facility 2.

 

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(q)            The Bank shall have received all amounts due and payable by the Borrower on or prior to the Effective Date, including, to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all out‐of‐pocket expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrower hereunder.

 

(r)            The Bank shall have received all documentation and other information required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA Patriot Act.

 

(s)            The Bank shall have received such other approvals, opinions or documents, each in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank, as the Bank shall reasonably require in connection with the making of the Loans and the issuance of the Letters of Credit.

 

Section 5.2         Each Revolving Loan or Letter of Credit.

 

The obligation of the Bank to make each Revolving Loan and to issue any Letter of Credit is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

 

(a)           The representations and warranties of the Borrower set forth in each Loan Document shall be true and correct in all material respects (provided that if any representation or warranty is by its terms qualified by concepts of materiality, such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the date of such Revolving Loan or Letter of Credit, as the case may be, except to the extent such representations and warranties specifically relate to an earlier date, in which case the accuracy of such representations and warranties shall be determined as of such earlier date.

 

(b)           At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Revolving Loan or Letter of Credit, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and neither the outstanding principal balance of Revolving Loans nor the aggregate amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit shall exceed the Revolving Facility Amount.

 

(c)           At the time of and at all times after the issuance of any Letter of Credit, the aggregate amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit and any advances made thereunder plus the requested Letters of Credit together with all outstanding Revolving Loans advanced under Facility 2 shall not, in the aggregate, exceed the amount in the Cash Collateral Account.

 

(d)           The Bank shall have received a credit request meeting the requirements of Section 2.2(a) for the Revolving Loans or Section 2.2(b) for the Letters of Credit.

 

(e)            The Bank shall have received such other documentation and assurances as shall be reasonably required by it in connection with such Revolving Loan or Letter of Credit, as the case may be.

 

Each request for a Revolving Loan and each request for the issuance of a Letter of Credit submiited by Borrower shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 5.2 have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable credit request.

 

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	6.	
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

The Borrower covenants and agrees that so long as any of the Obligations remains unpaid:

 

Section 6.1        Financial Statements and Other Information.

 

The Borrower shall keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries shall be made in accordance with GAAP throughout the periods involved, and the Borrower shall furnish to the Bank:

 

(a)           Quarterly Financial Statements. As soon as available and in any event within sixty (60) days after the end of each of the first three Fiscal Quarters of each Fiscal Year of Borrower, unaudited consolidated financial statements of Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries consisting of a balance sheet as of the end of such Fiscal Quarter, and statements of income, retained earnings and cash flow for such Fiscal Quarter and for the period commencing at the end of its previous Fiscal Year and ending with the end of such Fiscal Quarter, all in reasonable detail and stating in comparative form the respective figures for the corresponding date and period in such previous Fiscal Year, and all prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, and certified by the chief financial officer of Parent that they are complete and correct and that they fairly present the financial condition of Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the end of such Fiscal Quarter, and the results of operations and cash flow for such Fiscal Quarter and such portion of Parent’s Fiscal Year, all in accordance with GAAP consistently applied (subject to normal year-end adjustments).   The financial statements required to be delivered to the Bank pursuant to this paragraph may be set forth in the Parent’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q; provided, that the Borrower notifies the Bank that such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q has been made available in compliance with paragraph (f) of Section 6.1.

 

(b)           Annual Financial Statements. As soon as available and in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each Fiscal Year of Borrower, audited consolidated financial statements of Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries, consisting of a balance sheet as of the end of such Fiscal Year, and statements of income, retained earnings and cash flow statement for such Fiscal Year, all in reasonable detail and stating in comparative form the respective figures for the corresponding date and period in Borrower’s prior Fiscal Year, and all prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, and all accompanied by a report on such consolidated financial statements acceptable to the Bank by an independent accountant selected by Borrower and reasonably acceptable to the Bank.  The financial statements required to be delivered to the Bank pursuant to this paragraph may be set forth in the Parent’s Annual Report on Form 10-K; provided, that the Borrower notifies the Bank that such Annual Report on Form 10-K has been made available in compliance with paragraph (f) of Section 6.1.

 

(c)           Compliance Certificate. As soon as available, but no later than the date for delivery of the financial statements required to be delivered under this Section, a certificate of the chief financial officer of Borrower certifying that, to the best of the knowledge of such chief financial officer, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, or if a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the nature of such Default or Event of Default and the action which is proposed to be taken with respect to such Default or Event of Default, together with a calculation in reasonable detail, and in form reasonably satisfactory to the Bank, of compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Section 7.18 hereof.

 

(d)           Management Letters.  Promptly following their receipt, copies of all management letters and other written correspondence and reports submitted to the Borrower by its independent accountants in connection with the examination of the financial statements of the Borrower made by such accountants, including each such item which addresses issues and concerns with respect to the Borrower’s systems and operations.

 

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(e)           Budget and Projections.  Simultaneously with the delivery of the annual financial statements referred to in paragraph (b) above, the Borrower’s annual budget and projection for the upcoming Fiscal Year and an annual management report pertaining to student enrollment, tuition, pricing, capital campaigns and other data relevant to the operations of the Borrower.

 

(f)            SEC Filings.  Promptly after their announcement, copies of any filings made with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  The Borrower may satisfy the requirement to deliver quarterly and annual financial statements to the Bank pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section to the extent such quarterly and annual financial statements are set forth in the Parent’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC to the extent such Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K are filed with the SEC within the time periods required by this Section; provided, that the Borrower notifies the Bank of the posting of such Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K on the Borrower’s website or the SEC’s website and provides the Bank by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K.

 

(g)           Reports to Other Creditors. Promptly after their furnishing, copies of any statement or report furnished to any other Person pursuant to the terms of any indenture, loan, or credit or similar agreement and not otherwise required to be furnished pursuant to any other clause of this Section.

 

(h)           General Information. Promptly following any request therefor, (A) all documentation and other information that the Bank reasonably requests as necessary in order for it to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA Patriot Act, and (B) such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of the Borrower, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Bank may reasonably request.

 

Section 6.2         Notice of Material Events.

 

The Borrower shall furnish to the Bank prompt written notice of the following:

 

(a)            the occurrence of any Default;

 

(b)           the filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or affecting the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof that, if adversely determined, could in the good faith opinion of the Borrower be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(c)           the occurrence of any ERISA Event which could in the good faith opinion of the Borrower be expected to be material;

 

(d)           any lapse, refusal to renew or extend or other termination of any material license, permit, franchise or other authorization issued to the Borrower by any Person or Governmental Authority; and

 

(e)            any other development that results in, or could be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Each notice delivered under this Section 6.2 shall be accompanied by a statement of the chief financial officer or other executive officer of the Borrower setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.

 

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Section 6.3         Existence; Conduct of Business.

 

The Borrower shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and do or cause to be done all things reasonably necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect the rights, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, trademarks, copyrights and patents material to the conduct of its business.

 

Section 6.4         Payment of Obligations

 

The Borrower shall pay its obligations, including tax liabilities, before the same shall become delinquent, except where (i) the validity or amount thereof is being contested diligently and in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (ii) the Borrower has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP and no notice of Lien with respect thereto has been filed or recorded and (iii) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 6.5         Maintenance of Properties.

 

The Borrower shall keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

 

Section 6.6         Books and Records; Inspection Rights; Collateral Monitoring.

 

(a)            The Borrower shall keep, in all material respects, proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities.  The Borrower shall permit any representatives duly authorized and designated by the Bank, upon prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants, all at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as reasonably requested; provided, however, that an authorized representative of the Borrower shall be entitled to be a party to such discussion with its independent accountants.  The Bank and its agents may enter upon any of the Borrower’s premises (prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default, upon reasonable prior notice to the Borrower) at any time during business hours and at any other reasonable time, and, from time to time, for the purpose of inspecting the Collateral and any and all records pertaining thereto and the operation of the Borrower’s business.

 

(b)           On prior notice from the Bank, the Borrower shall permit the Bank or any Related Party of the Bank to perform a field examination, Collateral analysis, Collateral audit or other business analysis or audit relating to the Borrower as the Bank may determine in its discretion, and the Borrower shall pay to the Bank, promptly after demand therefor all out-of-pocket costs and expenses reasonably incurred by the Bank in connection with any such examination, analysis, appraisal or audit.

 

(c)           Absent an Event of Default, the Borrower shall only be required to pay for one inspection per year pursuant to this Section 6.6.

 

Section 6.7         Compliance with Laws.

 

The Borrower shall comply, in all material respects, with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its Property.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and notwithstanding any limitation contained therein, the Borrower shall maintain all Educational Approvals and specialized accrediting agency approvals necessary to conduct its operations and offer its educational programs, except where the failure to maintain such Educational Approvals or specialized accrediting agency approvals could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 6.8         Use of Proceeds.

 

The proceeds of the Revolving Loans shall be used only for the repayment of Indebtedness of the Borrower outstanding on the Effective Date, for fees and expenses of the Borrower in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and for working capital and general corporate purposes not inconsistent with the terms hereof.  No part of the proceeds of any Revolving Loan shall be used, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase, acquire or carry any Margin Stock or for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the regulations of the Board, including Regulation T, Regulation U and Regulation X.

 

Section 6.9         Information Regarding Collateral.

 

The Borrower shall furnish to the Bank prompt written notice of any change in (i) the legal name of any Borrower, (ii) the jurisdiction of organization of any Borrower, (iii) the location of the chief executive office of any Borrower, its principal place of business, any office in which it maintains books or records relating to Collateral owned or held by it or on its behalf or any office or facility at which Collateral owned or held by it or on its behalf is located (including the establishment of any such new office or facility), (iv) the identity or organizational structure of any Borrower, or (v) the organizational identification number or the Federal Taxpayer Identification Number of any Borrower.  The Borrower shall not effect or permit any change referred to in the preceding sentence unless all filings have been made under the Uniform Commercial Code or otherwise that are required in order for the Bank to continue at all times following such change to have a valid, legal and perfected security interest in all the Collateral.  The Borrower shall promptly notify the Bank if any material portion of the Collateral is damaged or destroyed.

 

Section 6.10       Insurance.

 

The Borrower shall maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, (i) adequate insurance for its insurable properties, all to such extent and against such risks, including fire, casualty, business interruption and other risks insured against by extended coverage, as is customary with companies in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations, and (ii) such other insurance as is required pursuant to the terms of any Security Document.

 

Section 6.11       Governmental Consents and Approvals.

 

The Borrower shall promptly obtain and use all efforts to keep in force and shall comply with all such approvals, consents, orders and authorizations by and licenses from, give all such notices to, register, enroll and file all such documents with, and take all such other actions with respect to, any Governmental Authority as may be required at any time or times under all laws, rules, regulations, orders and decrees applicable to and binding upon the Borrower or its properties, the failure of which to obtain, keep in force or comply with could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 6.12       Environmental Matters.

 

The Borrower shall take all actions reasonably necessary to comply in all material respects with all Environmental Laws applicable to it or its business, assets or properties, and shall not knowingly permit or suffer any violation of Environmental Laws by any third party lessee in connection with the lease of its assets or properties, which Environmental Laws, if violated, or which violation, as the case may be, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 6.13       Employee Benefit Matters.

 

The Borrower shall (i) keep in full force and effect all Employee Benefit Plans, if any, which are presently in existence or may, from time to time, come into existence under ERISA, and not withdraw from or terminate any Employee Benefit Plans, unless such withdrawal can be effected or such Employee Benefit Plans can be terminated without material liability to the Borrower; (ii) except for any failure that is not material, make contributions to all Employee Benefit Plans in a timely manner and in a sufficient amount to comply with the standards of ERISA, including the minimum funding standards of ERISA; (iii) materially comply with all material requirements of ERISA which relate to such Employee Benefit Plans; (iv) notify the Bank immediately upon receipt by the Borrower of any notice concerning the imposition of any withdrawal liability or of the institution of any proceeding or other action which may result in the termination of any Employee Benefit Plans or the appointment of a trustee to administer such Employee Benefit Plans; (v) promptly after becoming aware thereof, advise the Bank of the occurrence of any material “Reportable Event” or material non-exempt “Prohibited Transaction” (as such terms are defined in ERISA), with respect to any Employee Benefit Plans; (vi) amend any Employee Benefit Plan (excluding any Multiemployer Plan) that is intended to be qualified within the meaning of the Code to the extent necessary to keep such Employee Benefit Plan qualified, and to cause such Employee Benefit Plan to be administered and operated in a manner that does not cause such Employee Benefit Plan to lose its qualified status; and (vii) not adopt any defined benefit plan or any defined contribution plan as defined under ERISA without the consent of the Bank, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

Section 6.14       Subsidiaries.

 

If any Subsidiary is formed or acquired after the Effective Date, the Borrower shall (i) notify the Bank in writing thereof within five (5) Business Days after the date on which such Subsidiary is formed or acquired, (ii) at the request of the Bank, (A) cause such Subsidiary to (I) execute and deliver a guaranty in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank or join as a co-borrower hereunder and (II) execute and deliver a security agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank, in each case within ten (10) Business Days after the date on which such Subsidiary is formed or acquired, and (B) promptly take such actions to create and perfect Liens on such Subsidiary’s assets to secure the Obligations as the Bank shall reasonably request and (iii) if any Capital Stock issued by any such Subsidiary are owned or held by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any loans, advances or other debt is owed or owing by any such Subsidiary to the Borrower or any Subsidiary, cause such Capital Stock and promissory notes and other instruments evidencing such loans, advances and other debt to be pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement within ten (10) Business Days after the date on which such Subsidiary is formed or acquired.

 

Section 6.15       Further Assurances.

 

The Borrower shall execute any and all further documents, agreements and instruments, and take all such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements, fixture filings, and other documents), that may be required under any applicable law, or which the Bank may reasonably request, to effectuate the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or to grant, preserve, protect or perfect the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents or the validity or priority of any such Lien, all at the expense of the Borrower.  The Borrower shall provide to the Bank, from time to time upon request, evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Bank as to the perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents.  Upon request by the Bank, the Borrower will execute any document or instrument that was erroneously not signed as of the Effective Date, and will amend or re-execute any document that was incorrectly drafted or executed by mistake on the part of the Lender and/or the Borrower, subject to the Borrower’s agreement with the terms of any such amendment.

 

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Section 6.16       Compensating Balances.

 

During the term of the Loans, the Borrower shall maintain with the Bank in one or more non-interest bearing accounts (such accounts at the determination of the Bank, and upon notice to the Borrower, from time to time) (not including any accounts pledged to the Bank pursuant to any Security Document; it being understood that funds in such pledged accounts shall not be included for purposes of determining the Required Balance) a minimum of $5,000,000, in quarterly average aggregate balances (the “Required Balance”). If in any calendar quarter the Required Balance is not maintained, a fee will be assessed equal to one quarter percent (0.25%) of the Required Balance (i.e., $12,500).

 

Section 6.17       Operating Account.

 

During the term of the Loans, the Borrower shall maintain its primary banking relationship and cash management services with the Bank.  If the Borrower shall fail to maintain such accounts or shall discontinue the auto-charge for Letter of Credit fees, the Bank will increase the interest rate on all advances under the Loans as well as all Letter of Credit fees by one percent (1.00%).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may maintain accounts at financial institutions in addition to the Bank, provided, however, that (i) the Borrower shall not open any additional depository accounts (other than those described in Schedule 6.17) and (ii) at no time shall the amounts maintained at other depository institutions exceed an aggregate amount of $500,000.  The Bank acknowledges that the Borrower currently maintains de minimus accounts at other financial institutions (as detailed in the Security Agreement) and the Bank hereby authorizes the Borrower to maintain such non-material accounts, provided the amounts on deposits in such accounts shall at no time exceed an aggregate amount of $500,000.

 

Section 6.18       Reappraisal.

 

Borrower agrees to permit the Bank and its appraisers to have access to the Mortgaged Property, in order to obtain a current appraisal of the Mortgaged Property, at the sole cost and expense of Borrower, at any time upon the occurrence of an Event of Default.

 

Section 6.19       Post-Closing Obligations.

 

The Borrower covenants and agrees to provide the Bank with the following, all in form and content satisfactory to the Bank, within the time periods set forth below, as applicable:

 

(a)           Surveys. Within sixty (60) days after the Effective Date, the Borrower shall provide the Bank updated ALTA/NSPS Surveys (the “Surveys”) of the Mortgaged Property complying with the survey requirements attached hereto as Schedule 6.19(a).

 

In the event that the Surveys (i) reflect any encumbrance (unless otherwise agreed to by the Bank and except for Permitted Encumbrances), encroachment, violation, variation or adverse circumstance affecting the Mortgaged Property, which materially adversely affects the value of such Mortgaged Property as determined by the Bank, at the option of the Bank the amount of the Revolving Loans available under Facility 1 shall be permanently reduced (except as set forth below) by the amount of such decrease in value of the applicable Mortgaged Property, without imposition of any prepayment penalty or premium; provided, however, that the Borrower shall have the option to attempt to cure or remove the encumbrance, encroachment, violation, variation or adverse circumstance and, in the event that such encumbrance, encroachment, violation, variation or adverse circumstance  is cured or removed to the satisfaction of the Bank, the amount of Revolving Loans available under Facility 1 shall be reinstated to the amount available prior to such reduction or (ii) include a metes and bounds property description or other description of the Mortgaged Property which is different than the property description set forth in the applicable Mortgage, the Borrower covenants and agrees to cooperate with the Bank in amending the applicable Mortgage and related Loan Documents, and to pay all customary and reasonable fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith..

 

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(b)           Landlord Waivers. The Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain and deliver to the Bank after the Effective Date fully executed Landlord Waivers, substantially in the form as attached hereto as Schedule 6.19(b)(i) (or other such form required by the Landlord, to the extent same is reasonably satisfactory to the Bank), for each of the locations listed in Schedule 6.19(b)(ii).   The Borrower shall provide to the Bank updates on a monthly basis (and upon request by the Bank) regarding the status of outstanding Landlord’s Waivers.

 

(c)           Environmental Properties Audits. The Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Bank to receive the Phase II environmental audits (the “Phase II Audits”) relating to the Mortgaged Property commonly known as (i) 2915 Alouette Dr., Grand Prairie, TX, (ii) 1524 Gallatin Ave., Nashville, TN and (iii) 1760 Mapleton Ave., Suffield, CT (collectively,  the “Post-Closing Environmental Properties”) within sixty (60) days after the Effective Date; provided, however, that the failure of the Environmental Consultant (as such term is hereinafter defined) to deliver the Phase II Audits to the Bank within such time period shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default by the Borrower under this Agreement.

 

The Borrower further covenants and agrees to provide the Bank with any other documentation, information, audits, investigations or further testing(s) relative to the Post-Closing Environmental Properties as may be recommended pursuant to the Phase II Audits, as well as any additional audits, testing(s) and investigations thereafter recommended by the environmental consultant performing said Phase II Audits (together with any additional amendments or replacements thereof, the “Environmental Consultant”).  For purposes hereof, the Phase II Audits, together with any and all additional audits, testing(s) or investigations as required pursuant thereto or as otherwise recommended by the Environmental Consultant, shall be referred to as the “Environmental Properties Audits”).  All costs and expenses in connection with said  Environmental Properties Audits and any and all remediation of the Post-Closing Environmental Properties for purposes of compliance with Environmental Laws shall be (i) borne by the Borrower and (ii) paid promptly upon the occurrence thereof, with a copy of the applicable invoice and evidence of payment thereof delivered to the Bank.

 

To the extent that any Phase II Audit recommends any further Environmental Properties Audits, the Borrower covenants and agrees to comply with all recommendations set forth therein, and to diligently and continuously prosecute the remediation of the applicable Post-Closing Environmental Properties in accordance with all applicable Environmental Laws, and to deliver evidence of such compliance to the Bank upon written request.  The Borrower further covenants and agrees to provide the Bank with periodic status reports upon the request of the Bank, which document the progress of the remediation of the applicable Post-Closing Environmental Properties.  All such status reports shall be provided to the Bank until such time that all areas of environmental concern, as set forth in the Environmental Properties Audits, shall have been remediated to the satisfaction of the applicable jurisdiction's Governmental Authority (as confirmed by the Environmental Consultant) and, to the extent applicable, the Borrower shall deliver to the Bank such certifications or other documentation delivered by the applicable jurisdiction's Governmental Authority evidencing compliance with such jurisdiction's Environmental Laws (referred to herein as “Remediation Completion”).

 

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As referenced herein, Tranche B of Facility 1 in the principal amount of $5,000,000 is being advanced this date by the Bank to the Borrower, and is being deposited into an interest-bearing deposit account at the Bank (the “Environmental Pledged Account”).  All monies now or hereafter deposited into the Environmental Pledged Account are referred to herein as the “Environmental Funds”).  The Borrower represents to the Bank that the Environmental Funds shall be owned by the Parent and consequently the Environmental Pledged Account shall be titled in the Parent’s name; in the event, however, that any Borrower (other than the Parent) has any interest in or ownership of such monies, the Parent is hereby appointed as agent of said Borrower for all purposes relating to such Environmental Pledged Account, including the opening thereof and any distribution of monies therefrom.. As security for the Obligations, pursuant to the Environmental Pledge Agreement, the Borrower has, among other things, pledged to the Bank a first and only lien on and security interest in and to all of its right, title and interest in and to the Environmental Pledged Account and all Environmental Funds now or hereafter deposited therein.  Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Bank shall be entitled to apply the Environmental Funds to the outstanding Obligations or the remediation of the Post-Closing Environmental Properties, as determined by the Bank.

 

The Environmental Pledged Account shall be a “blocked account”, and the Environmental Funds may not be withdrawn therefrom without the consent of the Bank.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, so long as (i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (ii) the Bank receives copies of paid invoices from the Borrower evidencing payment of costs incurred in prosecuting the remediation of the applicable Post-Closing Environmental Properties in accordance with the Environmental Audits, and (iii) the Environmental Consultant confirms that such portion of the remediation for which payment is requested was completed, the Bank agrees to release Environmental Funds from the Environmental Pledged Account to the Borrower in the amount of the applicable paid invoices.   Requests for advances may be made no more frequently than once every two (2) months.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Bank or the Environmental Consultant reasonably determines at any time that the amount of Environmental Funds in the Environmental Pledged Account are less than the costs necessary to achieve Remediation Completion of all applicable Post-Closing Environmental Properties, the Borrower shall deposit the deficiency in the Environmental Pledged Account within five (5) Business Days after the Bank's written demand therefor.

 

Provided that no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Bank shall release the Environmental Funds from the Environmental Pledged Account and apply the same to the outstanding principal balance of Tranche B and permanently reduce Tranche B to zero upon the earlier to occur of (i) the indefeasible repayment in full of the Obligations and the termination of all outstanding Letters of Credit, or (ii) Remediation Completion of all applicable Post-Closing Environmental Properties.

 

(d)           Intellectual Property.  The Borrower represents that attached hereto as Schedule 6.19(d) is a comprehensive list of all outstanding patents, trademarks and copyrights and other intellectual property (collectively, the “Intellectual Property”)  of the Borrower.  The Borrower hereby grants, pledges and assigns to the Bank a first lien on and security interest in and to the Intellectual Property. Within sixty (60) days after the Effective Date the Borrower shall (i) execute and deliver all  documentation required by Bank for purposes of further granting to the Bank a security interest  in and to the Intellectual Property (all in form and content reasonably satisfactory to the Bank), (ii) forward for recording with the Office of Patents and Trademarks or the United States Copyright Office, as applicable, all documentation reasonably and customarily required for purposes of perfecting said security interest in the Intellectual Property and (iii) provide the Bank with informal searches generated from the websites of the Office of Patents and Trademarks or the United States Copyright Office, as applicable, confirming that no other lien exists thereon.

 

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(e)           Miscellaneous.  Attached hereto as Schedule 6.19(e) is a listing of other miscellaneous post-closing items to be delivered to the Bank.  The Borrower covenants and agrees to provide the Bank with such outstanding items within the applicable timeframe set forth in Schedule 6.19(e).

 

	7.	
NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

 

The Borrower hereby covenants and agrees that so long as any of the Obligations remains unpaid:

 

Section 7.1         Limitation on Indebtedness.

 

(a)            The Borrower shall not create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except:

 

(i)           Indebtedness to the Bank or any Affiliate of the Bank;

 

(ii)          Intentionally omitted;

 

(iii)         Indebtedness incurred to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of any fixed or capital assets, and any Indebtedness assumed in connection with the acquisition of any such assets or secured by a Lien on any such assets prior to the acquisition thereof, and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof, provided that (A) such Indebtedness is incurred prior to or within 90 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement, (B) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (iii) shall not exceed $1,500,000 at any time outstanding and (C) the Lien securing such Indebtedness shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower;

 

 (iv)        endorsement of items for deposit or collection received in the ordinary course of business;

 

 (v)         Intercompany Indebtedness from time to time owing by a Borrower to a Borrower or Subsidiary or by a Subsidiary to a Borrower or other Subsidiary;

 

(vi)         Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business under performance, surety, statutory or appeal bonds;

 

 (vii)       Indebtedness owed to any Person providing property, casualty, liability or other insurance to Borrower, so long as the amount of such Indebtedness is not in excess of the amount of the unpaid cost of, and shall be incurred only to defer the cost of, such insurance for the year in which such Indebtedness is incurred and such Indebtedness is outstanding only during such year;

 

 (viii)      unsecured indebtedness incurred in respect of netting services, overdraft protection and other like services, in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(ix)          accrual of interest, accretion or amortization of original issue discount, or the payment of interest in kind, in each case on Indebtedness that is otherwise permitted under this Section; and

 

(x)          any other unsecured Indebtedness not to exceed $1,500,000 at any time outstanding, including any extensions, renewals or replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof.

 

(b)           The Borrower shall not (i) except as permitted by Section 7.15, issue any preferred equity securities, or (ii) be or become liable in respect of any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to purchase, redeem, retire, acquire or make any other payment in respect of any shares of equity securities of the Borrower or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such shares of equity securities.

 

Section 7.2         Limitation on Liens.

 

The Borrower shall not create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including accounts receivable) or rights in respect of any thereof, except:

 

(a)           Liens created under the Security Documents or otherwise in favor of the Bank;

 

(b)           Liens on any property or asset of the Borrower securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant clause (ii) of Section 7.1(a);

 

(c)           Permitted Encumbrances;

 

(d)           any Lien existing on any property or asset prior to the acquisition thereof by the Borrower, provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower and (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations that it secures on the date of such acquisition, and any extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof; and

 

(e)           Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by the Borrower, provided that (i) such Liens secure Indebtedness permitted by clause (iv) of (a)Section 7.1(a), (ii) such Liens and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within 90 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement, (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving such fixed or capital assets and (iv) such Liens shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower.

 

Section 7.3         Lease Obligations.

 

The Borrower shall not create, incur, assume, or permit to exist any obligation as lessee for the rental or hire of any real or personal property, except (1) Capital Leases permitted by Section 7.2, and (2) leases (other than Capital Leases) which do not in the aggregate require Borrower to make payments (including taxes, insurance, maintenance, and similar expenses which Borrower is required, in the aggregate, to pay under the terms of any lease) in any Fiscal Year in excess of $1,500,000.

 

Section 7.4         Fundamental Changes.

 

The Borrower shall not:

 

39

(a)           except as permitted hereunder, without the consent of the Bank, sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets, or any of the Capital Stock of any of its Subsidiaries, if any (in each case, whether now owned or hereafter acquired); it being expressly understood that, with the exception of the transfer of Capital Stock of Parent, as a public company, no transfer of Capital Stock in any other Borrower is permitted;

 

(b)           merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, except for any merger between Borrowers, provided that the Parent must be the surviving entity of any such merger to which it is a party;

 

(c)            liquidate, wind up, or dissolve itself (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution) or any of its Subsidiaries, except for (i) the liquidation or dissolution of non-operating Subsidiaries of the Borrower with nominal assets and nominal liabilities and (ii) the liquidation or dissolution of a Borrower (other than Parent) so long as all of the assets (including any interest in any Capital Stock) of such liquidating or dissolving Borrower are transferred to another Borrower that is not liquidating or dissolving;

 

(d)           engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Borrower on the Effective Date and businesses or activities that are substantially similar, related or incidental thereto; or

 

(e)           suspend or discontinue operations of any material portion of the business of Borrower, without the consent of the Bank, except as permitted pursuant to clauses (a) or (b) above or in connection with the transactions permitted pursuant to Section 7.6.

 

Section 7.5         Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions.

 

The Borrower shall not purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any merger) any Capital Stock, evidences of Indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions (including pursuant to any merger)) any assets of any other Person constituting a business unit, or purchase, hold or acquire any “derivative” (other than a Hedging Agreement permitted by Section 7.8), except:

 

(a)            Permitted Investments; and

 

(b)           extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit on customary terms in the ordinary course of business.

 

Section 7.6         Asset Sales.

 

The Borrower shall not sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose (including pursuant to a merger) of any asset, including any Capital Stock, except:

 

(a)           sales, transfers and other dispositions of inventory, used or surplus equipment, intellectual property, Permitted Investments, tangible personal property that, in the reasonable business judgment of the Borrower has become obsolete or worn out, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

40

(b)           sales, transfers and other dispositions of property of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to one another;

 

(c)           so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would arise as a result thereof, sales of delinquent notes or accounts receivable in the ordinary course of business for purposes of collection only (and not for the purpose of any bulk sale or securitization transaction);

 

(d)            licenses, sublicenses or subleases granted to others not interfering in any material respect with the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries;

 

(e)           the lease of unutilized portions of Mortgaged Property, not in excess of ten percent (10%) of the total square footage of any Mortgaged Property, so long as such lease is at arm’s length and at market rents;

 

(f)            the arm’s-length sale by New England Institute of Technology at Palm Beach, Inc. (“NEIT”) of the real property owned by  NEIT located at 2400 and 2410 Metrocentre Boulevard East, West Palm Beach, Florida, including the improvements and other personal property located thereon at approximate market sales price;

 

(g)           the making of Permitted Investments;

 

(h)           the sale or issuance of Capital Stock of Parent permitted by Section 7.15; and

 

(i)            so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would arise as a result thereof, the arm’s-length sale at approximate market price of schools (or portion thereof) comprising the Borrower’s Healthcare and Other Professions business segment and/or the business operations associated therewith.

 

Section 7.7         Sale and Leaseback Transactions.

 

The Borrower shall not enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction.

 

Section 7.8         Hedging Agreements.

 

The Borrower shall not enter into any Hedging Agreement, other than Hedging Agreements entered into with the Bank in the ordinary course of business to hedge or mitigate risks to which the Borrower is exposed in the conduct of its business or the management of its liabilities.

 

Section 7.9         Restrictive Payments.

 

The Borrower shall not make any Restricted Payments.

 

Section 7.10       Transactions with Affiliates.

 

The Borrower shall not sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose (including pursuant to a merger) any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire (including pursuant to a merger) any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except:

 

41

(a)            transactions between the Borrower and any Affiliate of the Borrower so long as such transactions are at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable, taken as a whole, to the Borrower than could be obtained on an arm’s length basis from unrelated third parties;

 

(b)           so long as it has been approved by the Borrower’s board of directors (or comparable governing body) in accordance with applicable law, any indemnity provided for the benefit of directors (or comparable managers) of the Borrower;

 

(c)           so long as it has been approved by the Borrower’s board of directors (or comparable governing body) in accordance with applicable law, the payment of reasonable compensation, severance, or employee benefit arrangements to employees, officers, and outside directors of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and consistent with industry practice,  including the issuance of Capital Stock of Parent pursuant to the terms of employee equity incentive plans and other compensation arrangements (and cash payments and/or the forfeiture of shares of Capital Stock in connection with the exercise of options and the vesting of Capital Stock awards made pursuant to employee equity incentive plans and other compensation arrangements in order to satisfy related employee income tax obligations); and

 

(d)            transactions permitted by Section 7.4.

 

Section 7.11       Restrictive Agreements.

 

The Borrower shall not directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon the ability of the Borrower to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets, provided that (i) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by law or by this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions contained in purchase money mortgages or Capital Leases permitted by this Agreement (in which cases, any prohibition or limitation shall only be effective against the assets financed thereby) and (iii) this Section 7.11 shall not apply to customary provisions in leases or other similar agreements restricting the assignment thereof or customary conditions contained in any agreement relating to the sale of any property permitted under Section 7.6 pending the consummation of such sale.

 

Section 7.12       Amendment of Material Documents.

 

Except as specifically permitted herein, the Borrower shall not amend or otherwise modify, or waive any material provision of the Organizational Documents of the Borrower in any way which might reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 7.13       ERISA Obligations

 

The Borrower shall not permit any condition to exist in connection with any Pension Plans which might constitute grounds for the PBGC to institute proceedings to have the Pension Plan terminated or a trustee appointed to administer the Pension Plan.  The Borrower and any ERISA Affiliate shall not engage in or permit to exist or occur, any other condition, event, or transaction with respect to any Pension Plan which could result in the Borrower incurring any material liability, fine, or penalty.

 

Section 7.14       Subsidiaries

 

The Borrower shall not create or acquire any Subsidiary after the Effective Date unless the Borrower has complied with Section 6.14.

 

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Section 7.15       Issuance of Capital Stock

 

Except for the issuance or sale of common stock or Permitted Preferred Stock by the Parent, the Borrower shall not issue or sell or enter into any agreement or arrangement for the issuance and sale of any of its Capital Stock. The Borrower shall not make any material change in its capital structure.

 

Section 7.16       Prepayments of Indebtedness.

 

The Borrower shall not prepay or obligate itself to prepay any Indebtedness, other than Indebtedness under this Agreement and except in connection with the refinancing of Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.1(a)(iii).

 

Section 7.17       Fiscal Year.

 

The Borrower shall not change its fiscal year from a fiscal year ending on December 31.

 

Section 7.18       Financial Covenants.

 

The Borrower will not at any time or during any fiscal period (as applicable) fail to be in compliance with any of the following financial covenants:

 

(a)           Capital Expenditures. The Borrower will not make unfunded Capital Expenditures during any Fiscal Year, tested on a rolling twelve-month basis, in excess of $6,000,000, without the prior written approval of the Bank.

 

(b)           Minimum Adjusted EBITDA.  The Borrower will maintain a minimum Adjusted EBITDA, tested quarterly on a rolling twelve month basis, as follows:

 

	 	
1Q17

	 	 	
$

	
10,000,000

	 
	 	
2Q17

	 	 	
$

	
7,000,000

	 
	 	
3Q17

	 	 	
$

	
7,000,000

	 
	 	
4Q17

	 	 	
$

	
10,000,000

	 
	
2018 Quarter-ends

	 	 	
$

	
9,000,000

	 
	
2019 Quarter-ends

	 	 	
$

	
9,500,000

	 

 

(c)           Minimum Tangible Net Worth.  The Borrower will maintain a minimum Tangible Net Worth as set forth in the schedule below:

 

	
Reporting Period

(Fiscal Year End)

	 	
Minimum Tangible Net

Worth

	 
	
2017

	 	
$

	
30,000,000

	 
	
2018

	 	
$

	
35,000,000

	 
	
2019

	 	
$

	
40,000,000

	 

 

provided, however, that the minimum Tangible Net Worth for any fiscal period shall be increased by a minimum of 75% of the net proceeds of any offerings of Capital Stock by the Parent completed by Parent during the Availability Period.

 

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(d)           No Net Loss.  Borrower shall suffer no Net Loss, at any time, as determined in accordance with GAAP, commencing December 31, 2018 and tested annually at each Fiscal Year end thereafter.

 

	8.	
DEFAULT.

 

Section 8.1         Events of Default.

 

Each of the following shall constitute an “Event of Default” hereunder:

 

(a)           the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal when and as the same shall become due and payable; or

 

(b)           the Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Obligation or any fee, or any other amount payable under any Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable; or

 

(c)           any statement, representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Borrower in or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect or misleading (whether because of misstatement or omission) in any material respect when made or deemed made; or

 

(d)           the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 6.1, Section 6.3, Section 6.8, Section 6.9, Section 6.10, Section 6.14, 6.19 or in Article 7; or

 

(e)           the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is a party (other than those specified in clauses (a), (b) or (d) of this Section 8.1), and such failure is not cured within any specified time period herein or therein, and if no such time period is so specified, such failure shall  continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after notice thereof shall have been given by the Bank to the Borrower; or

 

(f)            a Borrower shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Indebtedness after giving effect to any applicable cure period , when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure results in a right by the obligee of the Material Indebtedness to accelerate the maturity of such Borrower’s obligations thereunder; or

 

(g)           any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity; or

 

(h)          an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of the Borrower or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for sixty (60) days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered; or

 

44

(i)            the Borrower shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (h) of this Section 8.1, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; or

 

(j)            the Borrower shall become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally, to pay its debts as they become due; or

 

(k)            if any Borrower is comprised of a trust, if the trust is revoked or otherwise terminated or all or a substantial part of the Borrower’s  assets are distributed or otherwise disposed of; or

 

(l)             one or more arbitration awards, judgments, or decrees or order for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $1,000,000 (except to the extent fully covered by insurance pursuant to which the insurer has not denied coverage) shall be rendered against the Borrower and the same shall remain undischarged, unvacated, unbonded or unstayed for a period of forty-five (45) consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of the Borrower to enforce any such judgment; or

 

(m)          any license, franchise, permit, right, approval or agreement of the Borrower is not renewed, or is suspended, revoked or terminated and the non‐renewal, suspension, revocation or termination thereof would have a Material Adverse Effect; or

 

(n)           the Borrower shall withdraw from or terminate any Pension Plan in violation of the covenant set forth in Section 6.13 (i); or any other  ERISA Event occurs which the Bank determines could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or

 

(o)           an Event of Default as defined in any of the other Loan Documents shall occur; or

 

(p)           any Loan Document shall cease, for any reason, to be in full force and effect, or any Borrower shall so assert in writing or shall disavow any of its obligations thereunder; or

 

(q)           any Lien purported to be created under any Security Document shall cease to be, or shall be asserted by any Borrower not to be, a valid and perfected Lien on any Collateral, with the priority required by the applicable Security Document; or

 

 

(r)          the occurrence of such a change in the condition, affairs (financial or otherwise) or operations of any Borrower, or the occurrence of any other event or circumstance, such that the Bank, in its good faith and reasonable discretion, deems that it is insecure or that the prospects for timely or full payment or performance of any Obligation to the Bank has been impaired in any material respect.

 

45

Section 8.2         Contract Remedies.

 

(a)           Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default or at any time thereafter during the continuance thereof, (i) in the case of an Event of Default specified in clauses (h) or (i) of Section 8.1, without declaration or notice to the Borrower, the Revolving Facility shall immediately and automatically terminate, and the Revolving Loans, any draws on the Letters of Credit, all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and all other amounts owing under the Loan Documents shall immediately become due and payable, and (ii) in all other cases, the Bank may, by notice to the Borrower, declare the Revolving Facility and the Letters of Credit to be terminated forthwith, whereupon such Revolving Facility and any outstanding Letters of Credit shall immediately terminate, or declare the Revolving Loans, any outstanding Letters of Credit, all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and all other amounts owing under the Loan Documents to be due and payable forthwith, whereupon the same shall immediately become due and payable forthwith.

 

(b)           In the event that the Revolving Loans, any draws on the Letters of Credit, all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and all other amounts owing under the Loan Documents shall have been declared due and payable pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.2(a), the Bank (i) may enforce its rights as the holder of the Note by suit in equity, action at law and/or other appropriate proceedings, whether for payment or the specific performance of any covenant or agreement contained in the Loan Documents and (ii) may exercise any and all rights and remedies provided to the Bank by the Loan Documents and applicable law.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in the Loan Documents, the Borrower expressly waives presentment, demand, protest and all other notices of any kind in connection with the Loan Documents.  The Borrower hereby further expressly waives and covenants not to assert any appraisement, valuation, stay, extension, redemption or similar laws, now or at any time hereafter in force which might delay, prevent or otherwise impede the performance or enforcement of any Loan Document.

 

(c)           In the event that the Revolving Loans, all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and all other amounts owing under the Loan Documents shall have been declared due and payable pursuant to the provisions of this Section, any funds received by the Bank from or on behalf of the Borrower shall be applied by the Bank in liquidation of the Revolving Loans and the other obligations of the Borrower under the Loan Documents in such order and manner as the Bank determines in its sole discretion, any statute, custom or usage to the contrary notwithstanding.

 

Section 8.3         Nonexclusive Remedies.

 

All of the Bank’s rights and remedies not only under the provisions of this Agreement but also under any other agreement or transaction shall be cumulative and not alternative or exclusive, and may be exercised by the Bank at such time or times and in such order of preference as the Bank in its sole discretion may determine.

 

	9.	
OTHER PROVISIONS.

 

Section 9.1        Modifications; Consents and Waivers; Entire Agreement.

 

No modification or waiver of or with respect to any provision of this Agreement, the Note, and all other agreements, instruments and documents delivered pursuant hereto or thereto, nor consent to any departure by the Borrower from any of the terms or conditions thereof, shall in any event be effective unless it shall be in writing and signed by the Bank and the Borrower, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given.  No notice to or demand on the Borrower (not otherwise required by the terms hereof) shall, of itself entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.  This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the Bank and the Borrower and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof.

 

46

Section 9.2         Notices.

 

Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephonic or electronic communications, all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, as follows:

 

The Borrower:

 

Lincoln Educational Services Corporation

200 Executive Drive

West Orange, New Jersey 07052

Attention: Brian K. Meyers, CFO

with a copy to:

 

McCarter & English LLP

100 Mulberry Street

Four Gateway Center

Newark, New Jersey 07102-4096

Attention: Michele Vaillant, Esq.

 

The Bank:

 

Sterling National Bank

61 South Paramus Road

Paramus, New Jersey 07652

Attention: Commercial Loan Department

 

with a copy to:

 

Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP

120 Albany Street

New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901

Attention: Kevin McNamara, Esq.

 

Any notice, request, demand or other communication hereunder shall be deemed to have been given on:  (x) the day on which it is delivered by receipted hand or such commercial messenger service or nationally recognized overnight courier service to such party at its address specified above, or (y) on the third Business Day after the day deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if sent by mail.  Any party hereto may change the Person or address to whom or which notices are to be given hereunder, by notice duly given hereunder; provided that any such notice shall be deemed to have been given hereunder only when actually received by the party to which it is addressed.

 

Section 9.3         No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies.

 

No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of the Bank, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder, shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right.

 

47

Section 9.4         Survival of Representations and Warranties and Certain Obligations.

 

All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Borrower herein and in the certificates or other instruments prepared or delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Bank and shall survive the execution and delivery of any Loan Document and the making of any Loan, regardless of any investigation made by the Bank or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Bank may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under the Loan Documents is outstanding and unpaid and so long as the Revolving Facility has not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 and 9.5 shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans and the termination of the Revolving Facility or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof.

 

Section 9.5         Costs; Expenses and Taxes; Indemnification.

 

(a)           The Borrower shall pay (i) all out‐of‐pocket expenses incurred by the Bank and its Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Bank, in connection with preparation and administration of this Agreement or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions of any Loan Document (whether or not the transactions contemplated thereby shall be consummated) and (ii) all expenses incurred by the Bank, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel (including any in-house counsel, whether or not on an out-of-pocket basis) for the Bank, in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section 9.5, or in connection with the Loans made hereunder, including all such out‐of‐pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or during any proceeding under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect.

 

(b)           The Borrower shall indemnify the Bank and its Related Parties (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of any Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the performance by the parties to the Loan Documents of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions, (ii) any Loans or the use of the proceeds, (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by the Borrower, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to the Borrower or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto, provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee.

 

(c)           To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, any Loan Document or any agreement, instrument or other document contemplated thereby, the Transactions or any Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof.

 

48

(d)           All amounts due under this Section 9.5 shall be payable promptly but in no event later than thirty days after written demand therefor.

 

Section 9.6          Successors and Assigns; Participation; Pledge.

 

(a)           This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Bank, all future holders of the Note and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrower may not assign or transfer any of its rights under this Agreement without prior written consent of the Bank.

 

(b)           The Bank shall have the right at any time or from time to time to assign all or any portion of its rights and obligations hereunder to one or more banks or other financial institutions (each, an “Assignee”).  The Borrower agrees that, upon written request of the Bank, it shall execute or cause to be executed, such documents, including, without limitation, amendments to this Agreement and to any other documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection herewith as the Bank shall deem necessary to effect the foregoing.  In addition, at the request of the Bank and any such Assignee, the Borrower shall issue one or more new promissory notes, as applicable, to any such Assignee and, if the Bank has retained any of its rights and obligations hereunder following such assignment, to the Bank, which new promissory notes shall be issued in replacement of, but not in discharge of, the liability evidenced by the promissory note held by the Bank prior to such assignment and shall reflect the amount of the respective facilities and loans held by such Assignee and the Bank after giving effect to such assignment.  Upon the execution and delivery of appropriate assignment documentation, amendments and any other documentation required by the Bank in connection with such assignment, and the payment by the Assignee of the purchase price agreed to by the Bank, and such Assignee, such Assignee shall be a party to this Agreement and shall have all of the rights and obligations of the Bank hereunder (and under any and all other guaranties, documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith) to the extent that such rights and obligations have been assigned by the Bank pursuant to the assignment documentation between the Bank and such Assignee, and the Bank shall be released from its obligations hereunder and thereunder to a corresponding extent.  The Bank may furnish any information concerning the Borrower in its possession from time to time to prospective Assignees, provided that the Bank shall require any such prospective Assignees to agree in writing to maintain the confidentiality of such information pursuant to a confidentiality agreement reasonably acceptable to the Borrower.

 

(c)           The Bank shall have the unrestricted right at any time and from time to time, and without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower, to grant to one or more banks or other financial institutions (each, a “Participant”) participating interests in the Bank’s obligation to lend hereunder and/or any or all of the Revolving Loans held by the Bank hereunder.  In the event of any such grant by the Bank of a participating interest to a Participant, whether or not upon notice to the Borrower, the Bank shall remain responsible for the performance of its obligations hereunder and the Borrower shall continue to deal solely and directly with the Bank in connection with the Bank’s rights and obligations hereunder.  The Bank may furnish any information concerning the Borrower in its possession from time to time to prospective Participants, provided that the Bank shall require any such prospective Participant to agree in writing to maintain the confidentiality of such information pursuant to a confidentiality agreement reasonably acceptable to the Borrower.

 

(d)           The Bank may at any time pledge all or any portion of its rights under the  Loan Documents including any portion of the Note to any Federal Reserve Banks organized under section 4 of the Federal Reserve Act, 12 U.S.C. Section 341.  No such pledge or enforcement thereof shall release the Bank from its obligations under any of the Loan Documents.

 

49

Section 9.7         Counterparts; Integration.

 

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one contract.  This Agreement and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Borrower constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic means shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

Section 9.8         Set-off.

 

If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Bank is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to setoff and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other obligations at any time owing by it to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any of and all the obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement held by it, irrespective of whether or not it shall have made any demand under this Agreement and although such obligations may be unmatured.  The rights of the Bank under this Section 9.8 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that it may have.

 

Section 9.9         Construction.

 

Each party to a Loan Document represents that it has been represented by counsel in connection with the Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby and agrees that the principle that agreements are to be construed against the party drafting the same shall be inapplicable.

 

Section 9.10       Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.

 

(a)           This Agreement and the Note shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New Jersey, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

 

(b)           Each party to this Agreement hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New Jersey sitting in Bergen County and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New Jersey State or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, in such Federal court.  Each party to this Agreement agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.  Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right that any party hereto may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents in the courts of any jurisdiction.

 

(c)            Each party to this Agreement hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents in any court referred to in Section 9.10(b).  Each party to this Agreement hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

 

50

(d)           Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.2.  Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

Section 9.11       Headings Descriptive.

 

Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

 

Section 9.12       Severability.

 

In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby (it being understood that the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not in and of itself affect the validity of such provision in any other jurisdiction).  The parties shall endeavor in good‐faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

 

Section 9.13       WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY.

 

EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT.  EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

 

Section 9.14       Interest Rate Limitation.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts that are treated as interest on such Loan under applicable law (collectively the “charges”), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the “maximum rate”) that may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Bank in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all of the charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the maximum rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and the charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section 9.14 shall be cumulated, and the interest and the charges payable to the Bank in respect of other Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the maximum rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the Federal Funds Effective Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by the Bank.

 

51

Section 9.15       Marshaling; Payments Set Aside.

 

The Bank shall not be under any obligation to marshal any assets in favor of the Borrower or any other Person or against or in payment of any or all of the Obligations.  To the extent that the Borrower makes a payment or payments to the Bank, or the Bank enforces its Liens or exercises its rights of setoff, and such payment or payments or the proceeds of such enforcement or setoff or any part thereof are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Bank in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party in connection with any proceeding under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, or otherwise, then, to the extent of such recovery, the Obligations or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such enforcement or setoff had not occurred.

 

Section 9.16       No Third Parties Benefited.

 

This Agreement is made and entered into for the sole protection and legal benefit of the Borrower and the Bank, and their permitted successors and assigns, and no other Person shall be a direct or indirect legal beneficiary of, or have any direct or indirect cause of action or claim in connection with, this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.  The Bank shall not have any obligation to any Person not a party to this Agreement or other Loan Documents.

 

Section 9.17       OFAC; Bank Secrecy Act; USA Patriot Act.

 

(a)           The Borrower shall (i) ensure that no person who owns a controlling interest in or otherwise controls the Borrower is or shall be listed on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Person List or other similar lists maintained by OFAC, the Department of the Treasury or included in any Executive Orders of the President of the United States of America (“Executive Orders”), that prohibits or limits the Bank from making any advance or extension of credit to the Borrower or from otherwise conducting business with the Borrower, and (ii) ensure that the proceeds of the Loans shall not be used to violate any of the foreign asset control regulations of OFAC or any enabling statute or Executive Order relating thereto.  Further, the Borrower shall comply, and cause its Subsidiaries to comply, with all applicable Bank Secrecy Act laws and regulations, as amended.

 

(b)           The Bank hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow the Bank to identify the Borrower in accordance with the USA Patriot Act.

 

Section 9.18       Co-Borrower Provisions.

 

(a)           The Obligations are the joint and several obligation of each Borrower. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the obligations of each Borrower hereunder shall not be affected by (i) the failure of Bank to assert any claim or demand or to enforce or exercise any right or remedy against any other Borrower under the provisions of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or under applicable law, (ii) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of, or any release of any Borrower from, any of the terms or provisions of, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or (iii) the failure to perfect any security interest in, or the release of, any of the Collateral or other security held by or on behalf of the Bank.

 

52

(b)           The obligations of each Borrower to pay the Obligations in full hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than the payment in full in cash of the Obligations after the termination of any obligation of Bank to any Borrower under any Loan Document), including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise of any of the Obligations, and shall not be subject to any defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any of the Obligations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of each Borrower hereunder shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by the failure of the Bank to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy under this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, by any waiver or modification of any provision of any thereof, any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of any of the Obligations, or by any other act or omission that may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Borrower or that would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Borrower as a matter of law or equity (other than the payment in full in cash of all the Obligations after termination of any obligation of Bank to any Borrower under any Loan Document).

 

(c)           To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, other than mandatory counterclaims, each Borrower waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of any other Borrower or the unenforceability of the Obligations or any part thereof from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of any other Borrower, other than the payment in full in cash of all the Obligations after the termination of any obligation of Bank to any Borrower under any Loan Document. The Bank may, at its election, foreclose on any security held by it by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, accept an assignment of any such security in lieu of foreclosure, compromise or adjust any part of the Obligations, make any other accommodation with any Borrower, or exercise any other right or remedy available to it against any Borrower, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of any Borrower hereunder except to the extent that all the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full in cash and performed in full after the termination of any obligation of the Bank to any Borrower under any Loan Document.  Pursuant to applicable law, each Borrower waives any defense arising out of any such election even though such election operates, pursuant to applicable law, to impair or to extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of such Borrower against any other Borrower, as the case may be, or any security.

 

(d)           Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, each Borrower is obligated to repay the Obligations as joint and several obligors under this Agreement.  Upon payment by any Borrower of any Obligations, all rights of such Borrower against any other Borrower arising as a result thereof by way of right of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or otherwise shall in all respects be subordinate and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full in cash of all the Obligations and the termination of any obligations of Bank to any Borrower under any Loan Document.  If any amount shall erroneously be paid to any Borrower on account of (i) such subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or similar right or (ii) any such indebtedness of any Borrower, such amount shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Bank and shall forthwith be paid to the Bank to be credited against the payment of the Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

(e)           Each Borrower hereby agrees to keep each other Borrower fully apprised at all times as to the status of its business, affairs, finances, and financial condition, and its ability to perform its Obligations under the Loan Documents, and in particular as to any adverse developments with respect thereto.  Each Borrower hereby agrees to undertake to keep itself apprised at all times as to the status of the business, affairs, finances, and financial condition of each other Borrower, and of the ability of each other Borrower to perform its Obligations under the Loan Documents, and in particular as to any adverse developments with respect to any thereof.  Each Borrower hereby agrees, in light of the foregoing mutual covenants to inform each other, and to keep themselves and each other informed as to such matters, that the Bank shall have no duty to inform any Borrower of any information pertaining to the business, affairs, finances, or financial condition of any other Borrower, or pertaining to the ability of any other Borrower to perform its Obligations under the Loan Documents, even if such information is adverse, and even if such information might influence the decision of one or more of the Borrower to continue to be jointly and severally liable for, or to provide Collateral for, the Obligations of one or more of each other Borrower. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Borrower hereby expressly waives any duty by the Bank to inform any Borrower of any such information.

 

53

Section 9.19       Contribution of Borrower.

 

(a)           Contribution.

 

(i)           To the extent that any Borrower shall make a payment under the Facility (a “Payment”) which, taking into account all other Payments then previously or concurrently made by any other Borrower, exceeds the amount which otherwise would have been paid by or attributable to such Borrower if each Borrower had paid the aggregate Obligations satisfied by such Payment in the same proportion as such Borrower’s “Allocable Amount” (as defined below) (as determined immediately prior to such Payment) bore to the aggregate Allocable Amounts of each of the Borrowers as determined immediately prior to the making of such Payment, then, following indefeasible payment in full of the Payment and the Obligations, and the termination of the Facility, such Borrower shall be entitled to receive contribution and indemnification payments from, and be reimbursed by, each other Borrower for the amount of such excess, pro rata based upon their respective Allocable Amounts in effect immediately prior to such Payment.

 

(ii)          As of any date of determination, the “Allocable Amount” of each Borrower shall be equal to the maximum amount of liability which could be asserted against such Borrower hereunder with respect to the applicable Payment without (i) rendering such Borrower “insolvent” within the meaning of Section 101(32) of the Federal Bankruptcy Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) or Section 2 of either the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act (the “UFTA”) or the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act (the “UFCA”) or the fraudulent conveyance and transfer laws of the State of New Jersey or such other jurisdiction whose laws shall be determined to apply to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Applicable State Fraudulent Conveyance Laws”), (ii) leaving such Borrower with unreasonably small capital, within the meaning of Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or Section 4 of the UFTA or Section 5 of the UFCA or the Applicable State Fraudulent Conveyance Laws, or (iii) leaving such Borrower unable to pay its debts as they become due within the meaning of Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or Section 4 of the UFTA or Section 6 of the UFCA or the Applicable State Fraudulent Conveyance Laws.

 

(b)           No Impairment.  This Section 9.19 is intended only to define the relative rights of each Borrower with respect to each other, and nothing set forth in this Section 9.19 is intended to or shall impair the obligations of any Borrower, jointly and severally, to pay any amounts as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents.

 

(c)            Rights Constitute Assets.  Each Borrower acknowledges that the rights of contribution and indemnification under this Section 9.19 shall constitute assets of the Borrower to which such contribution and indemnification is owing.

 

(d)           Subordination.  Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 9.19 to the contrary, all rights of any Borrowers under this Agreement and all other rights of indemnity, contribution or subrogation under applicable law or otherwise shall be fully subordinated to the indefeasible payment in full of the Obligations.  No failure on the part of any Borrower to make the payments required by this Agreement (or any other payments required under applicable law or otherwise) shall in any respect limit the obligations and liabilities of any Borrower with respect to its obligations under this Agreement, and each Borrower shall remain liable for the full amount of the obligations of such Borrower under this Agreement.

 

54

Section 9.20       Authorization to Act.

 

Notwithstanding that each Borrower is jointly and severally liable hereunder and under the Notes and the other Loan Documents, the Parent is hereby authorized by each Borrower to act as agent for each Borrower to receive the Loan proceeds without further instruction to the Bank, at which time the Parent shall promptly disburse such Loan proceeds to the appropriate Borrower as necessary, and Bank may rely on any directions given to it by the Parent as such agent. Each Borrower agrees that any action taken by the Parent or the Borrower in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, and the exercise by the Parent of its powers set forth therein or herein, together with such other powers that are reasonably incidental thereto, shall be binding upon all Borrowers.

 

Section 9.21       Confidentiality

 

The Bank agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the non-public Information designated as confidential and obtained by the Bank pursuant to the requirements of this Agreement in accordance with the Bank’s customary procedures for handling confidential information of this nature and not use the non-public Information for any purpose other than in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Documents; provided, however, that the Bank may disclose Information (a) on a confidential and need-to-know basis to its Affiliates who need to know such Information in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) as required or requested by any Governmental Authority or representative thereof, (c) to the extent required by applicable law or by any subpoena or similar legal process (in which case the Bank, to the extent permitted by law and to the extent reasonably practical under the circumstances, shall inform the Borrower), (d) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (e) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to any assignee of or participant in, or any prospective assignee of or participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement, (f) with the prior written consent of the Borrower or (g) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (y) becomes available to the Bank or any of its Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower.

 

For purposes of this Section, "Information" means all information received from the Borrower relating to the Borrower or its business, other than any such information that is available to the Bank on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower.  Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.  The Bank acknowledges that (a) the Information may include material non-public information concerning the Borrower, (b) it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of material non-public information and (c) it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with applicable law, including United States Federal and state securities laws

 

[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.]

 

55

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their proper and duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

	 	
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION

	 	 	 
	 	
By:

	
/s/ Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Chief Financial Officer

 

	 	
LINCOLN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.

	 	 	 
	 	
By:

	
/s/ Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Treasurer

 

	 	
NASHVILLE ACQUISITION, L.L.C.

	 	 	 
	 	
By:

	
/s/ Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Treasurer

 

	 	
SOUTHWESTERN ACQUISITION, L.L.C.

	 	 	 
	 	
By:

	
/s/ Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Treasurer

 

	 	
NEW ENGLAND ACQUISITION, LLC

	 	 	 
	 	
By:

	
/s/ Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Treasurer

 

	 	
EUPHORIA ACQUISITION, LLC

	 	 	 
	 	
By:

	
/s/ Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Treasurer

 

	  	
NEW ENGLAND INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AT PALM BEACH, INC.

	 	 	 
	 	
By:

	
/s/ Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Treasurer

 

	 	
LCT ACQUISITION, LLC

	 	 	 
	 	
By:

	
/s/ Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Treasurer

 

	 	
NN ACQUISITION, LLC

	 	 	 
	 	
By:

	
/s/ Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Treasurer

 

	 	
LTI HOLDINGS, LLC

	 	 	 
	 	
By:

	
/s/ Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Brian K. Meyers

	 	 	
Treasurer

 

	 	
STERLING NATIONAL BANK

	 	 
	 	
By:

	
   By: /s/ Charles W. Jones

	 	 	
Charles W. Jones

	 	 	
Managing DirectorFirst Amendment to Executive Employment Agreement

 

EXHIBIT 10.32

FIRST AMENDMENT TO

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT (the “2017 Amendment”) to the EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT dated June 1, 2014 (this “Agreement”) is made and entered this first day of April 2017 (the “Effective Date”) between Bright Mountain Media, Inc., a Florida corporation whose principal place of business is 6400 Congress Avenue, Suite 2050, Boca Raton, FL  33431 (the “Corporation”) and W. Kip Speyer, an individual whose address is ______________ (the “Executive”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Corporation and the Executive are parties to that certain Executive Employment Agreement dated June 1, 2014, pursuant to which the Executive serves as the Corporation's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

WHEREAS, the term of the Agreement expires on May 31, 2017.

WHEREAS, prior to the expiration of such term, the Corporation and the Executive desire enter into this 2017 Amendment upon the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein made, the Corporation and the Executive do hereby agree as follows:

1.

Recitals.  The above recitals are true, correct, and are herein incorporated by reference.

2.

Ratify.  Except as provided herein, all terms of the Agreement are hereby ratified and affirmed.

3.

Item 4 of the Agreement “Term” is hereby amended as follows:

Term.  The Term of employment hereunder will commence on the Effective Date and end on the third (3rd) anniversary of the Effective Date and may be extended for additional one (1) year periods (each a “Renewal Term”) by written notice given by the Corporation to the Executive at least one hundred eighty (180) days before the expiration of the Term or the Renewal Term, as the case may be, unless this Agreement shall have been terminated pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement.

4.

Item 5 of the Agreement “Compensation and Benefits” is hereby amended as follows:

Compensation and Benefits.

(a)

Salary.  The Executive shall be paid a base salary (“Base Salary”), payable in accordance with the Corporation's policies from time to time for senior executives, at an annual rate of One Hundred Sixty-five Thousand Dollars ($165,000).

(b)

Annual Performance Bonus.  The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual performance bonus pursuant to Exhibit A to this Agreement (the “Performance Bonus”) payable in cash within five (5) days after the filing by the Corporation's with the Securities and 

 

Exchange Commission of its Annual Report on Form 10-K containing the Audited Financial Statements (as that term is defined in Exhibit A) for the year in which the Performance Bonus was earned, if any.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this 2017 Amendment as of the date set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

			
	 
	THE CORPORATION:

	 
	 
	 

	 
	BRIGHT MOUNTAIN MEDIA, INC.

	 
	 
	 

	 
	By:

	/s/ Dennis W. Healey

	 
	 
	Dennis W. Healey, Chief Financial Officer

	 
	 
	 

	 
	THE EXECUTIVE

	 
	 
	 

	 
	/s/ W. Kip Speyer

	 
	W. Kip Speyer

2

 

Exhibit A

Performance Bonus

During the Term of the Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to earn an annual Performance Bonus for each year and in such amounts set forth below, commencing with the year ending December 31, 2017, based upon the Corporation reporting Revenues and EBITDA as follows:

			
	Revenue

	Minimum EBITDA

	Amount of Bonus

	 
	 
	 

	Less than $3,000,000

	-

	None

	 
	 
	 

	$3,000,000 to $3,500,000

	-

	25% of Base Salary

	 
	 
	 

	$3,500,001 to $4,000,000

	$100,000

	40% of Base Salary

	 
	 
	 

	$4,000,001 to $4,500,000

	$150,000

	65% of Base Salary

	 
	 
	 

	$4,500,001 or greater

	$175,000

	80% of Base Salary

When used herein:

"Revenue" shall mean the total amount of revenues from all sources reported by the Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries for the year then ended based upon the audited consolidated financial statements (the "Audited Financial Statements") appearing in the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and

"EBITDA" shall mean earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization based upon the Audited Financial Statements.

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