Document:

QuickLinks
 -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document
  

EXHIBIT 10.9  

 BOSTON PRIVATE BANK & TRUST COMPANY                              LOAN
AGREEMENT  

        THIS AGREEMENT made this 30 day of October, 2002, by and between Apogee Technology, Inc., a Delaware corporation with an address and principal place
of business at 129 Morgan Drive, Norwood, Massachusetts 02062 (hereinafter called the "Borrower") and Boston Private Bank & Trust Company, a
Massachusetts trust company with a principal place of business at Ten Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 (hereinafter called the "Bank"). 

 
 

W I T N E S S E T H:    
  

        The following constitutes the agreement of the parties: 

 
 

SECTION 1
  
    AMOUNT AND TERMS OF CREDIT AND INTEREST
  THE REVOLVING LOAN    
  

	1.1
	Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Bank hereby establishes a revolving line of credit of up to $1,000,000.00 (the "Revolving
Loan") to be advanced as hereinafter provided. The Bank may, in its discretion, from time to time, make advances (each an
"Advance"), comprising the Revolving Loan to the Borrower upon the Borrower's request; provided, however, that no Advance or other financial
accommodation will be made if, after giving effect to the Borrower's request for such Advance or other financial accommodation, the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Loan would exceed the
lesser of:

	(a)
	$1,000,000.00
(the "Credit Limit") or

	(b)
	the
sum of:

	(i)
	seventy-five
(75%) percent of the face amount of eligible domestic accounts receivable less than ninety (90) days from the invoice
date thereof, plus

	(ii)
	eighty
percent (80%) of the face amount of eligible foreign accounts receivable supported by a letter of credit acceptable to Bank in all respects (the
sum of (i) plus (ii) is hereinafter called the "Borrowing Base"). 

	1.1a
	In
addition to the foregoing, the Bank, may, in its discretion, from time to time, make Advances under the Revolving Loan in excess of the Borrowing Base in an aggregate maximum
amount of $500,000.00,(but not in excess of the Credit Limit) (each an "Overformula Advance" and together the "Overformula
Advances").

	1.2
	For
purposes of the Borrowing Base calculation set forth above, eligible accounts receivable are those which are owing to the Borrower which met the following specifications at the
time it came into existence and continues to meet the same until collected in full:

	(i)
	The
account arose from the performance of services or an outright sale of goods by Borrower, such goods have been shipped to the account debtor, and
Borrower has possession of, or has delivered to Bank, shipping and delivery receipts evidencing such shipment.

	(ii)
	Other
than liens permitted pursuant to Section 2.1(c) hereof, the account is not subject to any prior assignment, claim, lien, or security
interest, and Borrower will not make any further assignment thereof or create any further security interest therein, nor permit Borrower's rights therein to be reached by attachment, levy, garnishment
or other judicial process. 

1

 

	(iii)
	The
account is not subject to setÿoff, credit, allowance or adjustment by the account debtor, except discount allowed for prompt
payment and the account debtor has not complained as to his liability thereon and has not returned any of the goods from the sale of which the account arose.

	(iv)
	The
account arose in the ordinary course of Borrower's business and did not arise from the performance of services or a sale of goods to a supplier or
employee of the Borrower.

	(v)
	No
notice of bankruptcy or insolvency of the account debtor has been received by or is known to the Borrower.

	(vi)
	The
account is not owed by an account debtor whose principal place of business is outside the United States of America, unless such account is
supported by a letter of credit reasonably acceptable to the Bank.

	(vii)
	The
account is not owed by an entity which is a parent, brother/sister, subsidiary or affiliate of Borrower.

	(viii)
	The
account debtor is not located in the State of New Jersey or Indiana, unless Borrower has filed and shall file all legally required Notice of
Business Activities Report(s) with the New Jersey Division of Taxation or the Indiana Department of Revenue, respectively.

	(ix)
	The
account is not evidenced by a promissory note.

	(x)
	The
account did not arise out of any sale made on a bill and hold, dating or delayed shipment basis.

	(xi)
	The
account did not arise out of a contract with the United States government or any department, agency or instrumentality thereof, unless the Borrower
has complied with the Federal Assignment of Claims Act. 

	1.3
	Interest
on advances under the Revolving Loan shall be payable monthly in arrears commencing on the first day of the first month next succeeding the date hereof at the rate of the
Bank's Base Rate in effect from time to time plus one (1%) percent per annum. The Bank's "Base Rate" shall mean the annual rate of interest established
by the Bank from time to time at its principal office, as its Base Rate, it being understood that such rate is a reference rate and not necessarily the lowest rate of interest charged by Bank. The
rate of interest payable by the Borrower shall be changed effective as of that day on which a change in the Bank's Base Rate becomes effective. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a
360-day year, for the actual number of days elapsed. Default interest shall be charged in accordance with the terms of the Revolving Note (as defined herein).

	1.4
	The
principal balance of the Revolving Loan shall be payable UPON DEMAND. On any date on which a payment of interest or principal is due hereunder, the Bank may charge the Borrower's
Loan Account (as defined herein) with the amount thereof. The failure of the Bank so to charge such account shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligations to make payments hereunder.

	1.5
	As
evidence of the Borrower's obligations under the Revolving Loan, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to the Bank a Secured Revolving Demand Note (the
"Revolving Note") of even date herewith.

	1.6
	The
Bank need not enter payments of interest and principal upon the Revolving Note but may maintain a record thereof on a separate ledger maintained by the Bank.

	1.7
	No
advance under the Revolving Loan will be made after August 31, 2003 (the "Expiration Date"), or the date demand for payment
is made, whichever is sooner, and the entire unpaid principal balance of the Revolving Loan, together with all unpaid interest accrued thereon and all 

2

 

accrued
and unpaid fees, if any, shall be due and payable without notice or demand on September 1, 2003 (the "Termination Date"), if demand for
payment is not sooner made. 

	1.8
	Prior
to the close of the Bank's business on the Expiration Date, the Borrower may repay, in whole or in part, the principal amount of the Revolving Loan (including all Overformula
Advances) and may, in the Bank's discretion, reborrow any such amounts repaid, all in accordance with this Section 1. If, at any time, the unpaid principal balance of the Revolving Loan exceeds
the Borrowing Base plus the maximum amount of the Overformula Advances ($500,000.00) or the Credit Limit, the Borrower shall pay to the Bank the amount of such excess within five (5) days of
such event.

	1.9
	The
Bank may, at any time and from time to time, upon the request of the Borrower, but in the Bank's sole and absolute discretion, extend either or both of the Expiration Date and the
Termination Date.

	1.10
	Bank
will open and maintain a loan account on its books in the name of the Borrower with respect to the Advances (herein the "Loan
Account"). Each Advance will be debited and each payment made on account of the Advances will be credited to the Loan Account. Bank will render to the Borrower monthly
statements of the Loan Account and any such statement shall be deemed to be correct and accepted by the Borrower unless the Borrower notifies Bank to the contrary within sixty (60) days after
the receipt of such statement. The failure of Bank to render any such statement in a timely fashion shall not affect or impair the validity or binding nature of the Loan Account. Borrower shall
maintain its primary depository and disbursement accounts with Bank as a condition for this financing.

	1.11
	All
of the Borrower's obligations to the Bank, of every kind and description, including those arising under this Agreement, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to
become due, now existing or hereafter arising, regardless of how they arise or by what agreement or instrument they may be evidenced, including those arising under any other agreements, instruments or
documents executed in conjunction herewith, or whether evidenced by an agreement or instrument, including obligations to perform acts and refrain from taking action, as well as obligations to repay
the Loans, shall constitute the Borrower's "Liabilities" to the Bank, as the same may be modified, amended, replaced or extended from time to time.

	1.12
	The
Revolving Note is incorporated herein to the same extent as if it was set forth in full in this Agreement. 

 
 

SECTION 2
  
    WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS    
  

	2.1
	To
induce the Bank to enter into this Loan Agreement and to make the Loans, the Borrower warrants and represents that, as of this date:

	(a)
	The
Borrower is a duly organized and existing corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware and is in good standing under the laws of said State.

	(b)
	The
Borrower is duly qualified to do business and in good standing as a foreign corporation in each state or other jurisdiction where the nature of the business conducted by it or the
property owned by it requires such qualification.

	(c)
	The
Borrower has good and clear record and marketable title to all properties and assets which it purports to own, free and clear of all mortgages, liens, pledges, charges, security
interests and encumbrances, other than those being granted to the Bank, if any, purchase money security interests in required assets and those reflected on  Exhibit A attached hereto.

3

 

	(d)
	The
Borrower owns and holds or leases all real and personal property necessary or incidental to the present and planned future conduct of its business, including, without limitation,
patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and licenses and other rights with respect to the foregoing.

	(e)
	All
books and records of the Borrower, including, but not limited to, minute books, by-laws and books of account are accurate and reflect all matters and transactions
which should currently be reflected therein.

	(f)
	The
general nature of the Borrower's business is as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto.

	(g)
	The
Borrower has no subsidiaries and no investments in the stock or securities of any other corporation, firm, trust or other entity, except as set forth on  Exhibit A.

	(h)
	Except
as set forth on Exhibit A, there are no actions, suits, investigations or proceedings pending, or to the knowledge of the
Borrower threatened, against the Borrower or any of its properties in any court, before any governmental authority, arbitration board, or any other tribunal which, singly or in the aggregate, if
decided adversely to the Borrower, would materially and adversely affect the business, properties or condition (whether financial or otherwise) of the Borrower. The Borrower is not, nor by execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder (with or without the passage of time) will the Borrower be in default with respect to any order of any court,
governmental authority, arbitration board or other tribunal.

	(i)
	The
Borrower has furnished to the Bank the financial statements for the time period indicated on Exhibit A attached hereto. Said
statements fairly present the condition of the Borrower at the dates thereof, and the statements of operation contained therein fairly present the results of the operations of the Borrower for the
periods indicated, all in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.

	(j)
	Except
to the extent reflected or reserved against in the financial statements referred to above, the Borrower, as of the date of said financial statements, had no material
liabilities of any nature, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, including, without limitation, tax liabilities, due or to become due, or arising out of transactions entered into or any
state of facts existing prior thereto.

	(k)
	Since
the date of the financial statements referred to in Section 2.1(i), and except as shown on Exhibit A, there has not
been:

	(i)
	any
change in the condition of the Borrower's assets or liabilities, other than changes in its ordinary course of business, none of which has been
materially adverse, nor has there been any depletion of cash or decrease of working capital which has been materially adverse;

	(ii)
	any
damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered by insurance, materially and adversely affecting the Borrower's properties or business;

	(iii)
	any
declaration of, setting aside of, or making of a payment of any dividend or other distribution with respect to the Borrower's capital stock or any
direct or indirect redemption, purchase or other acquisition of any such stock; or

	(iv)
	any
materially adverse:

	(1)
	controversy
with any labor organization or employees;

	(2)
	claim
or controversy involving any federal, state or local governmental agencies; or 

4

 

	(3)
	other
event or condition materially affecting the business or properties of the Borrower. 

	(l)
	The
Borrower has filed all federal and state income tax returns, excise tax returns, and all other tax returns of every kind and nature which are required to be filed by the Borrower
as of the date hereof and has paid all taxes shown to be due on said returns.

	(m)
	The
Borrower keeps all records concerning its accounts (as said term is defined in the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code) and has its chief executive office and principal place of
business at the address set forth at the beginning of the Agreement. The Borrower has no other addresses at which the Borrower has an office, conducts business or at which any of the Borrower's
property is located except as set forth on Exhibit A.

	(n)
	The
execution and delivery of this Agreement, the borrowing by the Borrower as herein provided, the execution and delivery by the Borrower of all instruments, agreements and documents
of every kind and nature pursuant hereto and the performance by the Borrower of all of its obligations to the Bank
hereunder have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Borrower and, to the extent required by law or otherwise, by the Borrower's stockholders, and this Agreement and all instruments,
agreements and documents executed pursuant hereto are valid and binding obligations of the Borrower enforceable in accordance with their terms except to the extent such enforceability may be limited
by laws of general application affecting the rights of creditors.

	(o)
	There
is no provision in the articles of organization, agreement of association or the by-laws of the Borrower, or any indenture, contract or agreement to which it is a
party or by which it is bound, which prohibits the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the performance by the Borrower of its obligations hereunder.

	(p)
	No
event has occurred and no condition exists, which, upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement would constitute a default or an Event of Default hereunder. Neither the nature
of the Borrower or any of its business or properties, nor any relationships between the Borrower and any other person, nor any circumstances in connection with the execution or delivery of this
Agreement, is such as to require a consent, approval, or authorization of or filing, registration, or qualification with, any governmental authority on the part of the Borrower as a condition of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or any other instrument, agreement or document contemplated hereby, or the performance by the Borrower of its obligations hereunder or thereunder.

	(q)
	The
Borrower has no pension, profit sharing, stock option, Employee Stock Ownership Trust ("ESOT"), insurance or other similar plan providing for a program of deferred compensation or
benefits for any employee or officer, except as indicated on Exhibit A hereto. 

 
 

SECTION 3
  
    AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS    
  

	3.1
	The
Borrower will duly and punctually pay all interest and principal becoming due to the Bank and will duly and punctually perform all things on its part to be done or performed under
this Agreement, or pursuant to any instrument, document or agreement executed pursuant hereto.

	3.2
	The
Borrower will, at all times, keep proper books of account in which full, true and correct entries will be made of its transactions in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied. 

5

 
	3.3
	The
Borrower will, at all reasonable times, make its books and records available, in its offices, for inspection, examination and copying by the Bank and the Bank's representatives
and will, at all reasonable times, permit inspection of its properties by the Bank and the Bank's representatives.

	3.4
	The
Borrower will, from time to time, furnish the Bank with such information and statements as the Bank may reasonably request.

	3.5
	The
Borrower will furnish the Bank at the time of submission to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") copies of its 10K and
10Q filings, as well as all other filing with the SEC.

	3.6
	[Intentionally
Deleted].

	3.7
	The
Borrower shall cause Herbert M. Stein and David Spiegel (the "Guarantors"), to furnish their personal financial statements and tax
returns to the Bank annually, within the time frames and as more particularly set forth in the applicable guaranty.

	3.8
	The
Borrower shall furnish to Bank monthly, within twenty (20) days after the close of each fiscal month, a Borrowing Base certificate in the form of  Exhibit B attached hereto, and an accounts
receivable aging, each such certificate and aging to be in such form and certified by such officers of
the Borrower as Bank may prescribe from time to time.

	3.9
	The
Borrower shall make its books and records available to the Bank for audit at any time and from time to time at the Bank's discretion and following an Event of Default hereunder,
at the Borrower's expense.

	3.10
	The
Borrower will maintain its corporate existence in good standing, comply with all laws and regulations of the United States, of any state or states thereof, of any political
subdivision thereof and of any governmental authority which may be applicable to the Borrower or to the Borrower's business.

	3.11
	The
Borrower will pay all real and personal property taxes, assessments and charges and all franchise, income, unemployment, old age benefit, withholding, sales and other taxes
assessed against it or payable by it at such times and in such manner to prevent any penalty from accruing or any lien or charge from attaching to its properties. The provisions of this section,
however, shall not preclude the Borrower from contesting in good faith and diligently prosecuting any such tax, provided, however, that the Borrower shall maintain adequate reserves with respect
thereto. The Borrower shall not be in default under this Agreement by reason of the existence of a lien for taxes not then due.

	3.12
	The
Borrower will put and maintain its properties in good repair, working condition and order and, from time to time, make all reasonable, needful and proper repairs, renewals and
replacements.

	3.13
	The
Borrower will maintain insurance at all times covering such risks and in such amounts as the Bank may reasonably require in accordance with industry standards, all such insurance
to be in such form and for such periods and written by such companies as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Bank.

	3.14
	The
Borrower will pay or reimburse the Bank, on demand, for all expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and expenses) incurred or paid by the Bank in
connection with the preparation, amendment, interpretation, extension or negotiation of this Agreement, and any instrument, agreement or document to be delivered pursuant hereto; the enforcement by
the Bank of its rights as against the Borrower or any other person primarily or secondarily liable to the Bank hereunder or thereunder; the administration, supervision, protection or realization on
any Collateral held by the Bank as security for any obligation of the Borrower or any other person 

6

 

primarily
or secondarily liable with respect thereto and in the defense of any action against the Bank with respect to its rights or liabilities hereunder or thereunder. 

	3.15
	The
Borrower will punctually and promptly make all payments and perform all other obligations which may be required of it with respect to any indebtedness (whether for money
borrowed, goods purchased, services rendered or however such indebtedness may otherwise arise) owing to persons, firms or corporations other than the Bank, including, without limitation, indebtedness
which may be secured by a security interest in assets of the Borrower or property of the Borrower, and all obligations under the terms of any lease in which the Borrower is the lessee. The provisions
of this section shall not preclude the Borrower from contesting in good faith and diligently prosecuting any such indebtedness or obligation.

	3.16
	The
Borrower shall pay or cause to be paid when due all amounts necessary to fund in accordance with their terms all the Borrower's deferred compensation plans whether now in
existence or hereafter created, and the Borrower will not withdraw from participation in, permit the termination or partial termination of, or permit the occurrence of any other event with respect to
any deferred compensation plan maintained for the benefit of its employees under circumstances that could result in liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or any of its successors or
assigns, or to the entity which provides funds for such deferred compensation plan.

	3.17
	The
Borrower shall maintain its primary operating accounts at the Bank. 

 
 

SECTION 4
  
    NEGATIVE COVENANTS    
  

	4.1
	The
Borrower will not issue evidences of indebtedness or create, assume, become contingently liable for, or suffer to exist indebtedness in addition to indebtedness to the Bank,
except for debt to its officers, directors and stockholders that is subordinated to the Loans on terms satisfactory to the Bank (the "Subordinated
Debt"); provided, however, that the Borrower may incur liabilities and indebtedness which are incurred or arise in the ordinary course of the Borrower's business (provided such
liabilities and indebtedness are unsecured) and purchase money security interests in acquired assets and as reflected on Exhibit A.

	4.2
	The
Borrower will not pay dividends either in cash or in kind on any class of its capital stock, or make any distribution on its stock, or redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire,
directly or indirectly, any of its stock; provided that the Borrower may pay dividends in the form of stock.

	4.3
	The
Borrower will not make any loans or advances to any individual, firm or corporation, including, without limitation, its officers and employees in excess of $100,000.00 in the
aggregate; provided, however, that the Borrower may make advances to its employees, including its officers, with respect to expenses incurred by such employees, which expenses are reimbursable by the
Borrower and directly related to the conduct of the Borrower's business.

	4.4
	The
Borrower will not invest in or purchase any stock or securities of any individual, firm or corporation, provided, however, the Borrower may invest in direct obligations of the
United States of America having a maturity of one year or less from the date of investment.

	4.5
	The
Borrower will not (without at least ten (10) days prior notice to and consent of Bank, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) merge or consolidate or
be merged or consolidated with or into any other corporation or other entity, or (with prior notice to but without any consent of Bank required) change the type of entity or the state of incorporation
of the Borrower.

	4.6
	The
Borrower will not sell or dispose of any of its assets except for sales of inventory in the ordinary and usual course of its business; provided, however, that the Borrower may
dispose of (or 

7

 

trade
in) equipment which is no longer required for the conduct of the Borrower's business so long as the Borrower receives therefor a sum (or credit) substantially equal to such equipment's fair
value. 

	4.7
	Except
as set forth on Exhibit A, the Borrower will not grant or suffer to exist any mortgage, pledge, title retention
agreement, security interest, lien, charge or encumbrance with respect to any of its assets, tangible or intangible, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or subject any of such assets to the prior
payment of any indebtedness, or transfer in any manner any of such assets with the intent or purpose, directly or indirectly, of subjecting such assets to the payment of indebtedness.

	4.8
	The
Borrower will not engage in any business other than the business in which it is currently engaged or a business reasonably allied thereto.

	4.9
	All
accounting terms shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.

	4.10
	The
Borrower will not permit any changes in the senior management (constituting the Guarantors only) without consulting the Bank prior to any proposed changes and obtaining the
Bank's approval. 

 
 

SECTION 5
  
    SECURITY AND GUARANTIES    
  

	5.1
	The
Bank shall have and hold as security for the repayment of the Loans and all other Liabilities of the Borrower to the Bank a security interest in substantially all of the
Borrower's business assets (the "Collateral"), and the Borrower will execute and deliver all agreements, instruments and documents, in form and
substance satisfactory to the Bank, to establish, create and perfect the same, including, without limitation, a Security Agreement (All Assets) of even
date (the "Security Agreement").

	5.2
	The
Loans will be guaranteed on a limited several basis by the Guarantors by guarantees of even date.

	5.3
	Any
and all deposits or other sums at any time credited by or due from the Bank to the Borrower shall at all times constitute additional security for all obligations of the Borrower
to the Bank and may be set off against any such obligations at any time after demand or the occurrence of an Event of Default, as applicable, whether or not security held by the Bank is deemed to be
adequate. Any and all instruments, documents, policies and certificates of insurance, securities, goods, accounts receivable, chooses in action, chattel paper, cash, property and the proceeds thereof
owned by the Borrower or in which the Borrower has an interest, which now or hereafter are at any time in possession or control of
the Bank or in transit by mail or carrier to or from the Bank or in the possession of any third party acting in the Bank's behalf, without regard to whether the Bank received the same in pledge, for
safekeeping, as agent for collection or transmission or otherwise or whether the Bank has conditionally released the same, shall constitute additional security for such obligations and may be applied
at any time after demand or the occurrence of an Event of Default, as applicable, to such obligations, whether due or not. 

 
 

SECTION 6
  
    DEFAULT    
  

	6.1
	Without
in any manner obviating or impairing the demand nature of any of Borrower's Liabilities which are payable on demand or in any manner making the occurrence of any of the
following 

8

 

events
a prerequisite for the Bank making demand, the occurrence of any of the following events (after the expiration of any applicable grace period) shall be an Event of Default hereunder: 

	(a)
	The
Borrower shall fail to pay any installment of principal or interest on account of the Loans or any other Liabilities of the Borrower to the Bank, within ten (10) days of
the date when such payment is due, or within ten (10) days of the date of demand for payment hereunder.

	(b)
	The
Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or in any instrument, document or agreement executed with or given to the Bank
whether now or in the future and the expiration of thirty (30) days from such failure.

	(c)
	Any
warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to the Bank by or on behalf of the Borrower proves to have been false in any material respect when made or furnished.

	(d)
	Any
event which results in the acceleration of the maturity of the indebtedness of the Borrower to others in excess of $50,000.00 under any indenture, agreement, undertaking or
otherwise unless such amount is subject to a bona fide dispute and Borrower maintains adequate reserves with respect thereto.

	(e)
	Death,
dissolution, termination of existence, insolvency, or business failure of the Borrower or any Guarantor.

	(f)
	The
Borrower shall: (i) cease, be unable, or admit in writing its inability to pay its debts as they mature, or make a general assignment for the benefit of, or enter into any
composition, trust mortgage or other arrangement with creditors; (ii) apply for, or consent (by admission of material allegations of a petition or otherwise) to the appointment of a receiver,
trustee or liquidator of the Borrower or of a substantial part of its assets, or authorize such application or consent, or proceedings seeking such appointment shall be commenced against the Borrower
and continue undismissed for ninety (90) days; or (iii) apply for, or consent (by admission of material allegations of a petition or otherwise) to the application of any bankruptcy,
reorganization, readjustment of debt, insolvency, dissolution, liquidation or other similar law of any jurisdiction, or authorize such application or consent, or proceedings to such end shall be
instituted against the Borrower and remain unstayed and undismissed for ninety (90) days, be approved as properly instituted or result in adjudication of bankruptcy or insolvency. Upon the
filing of any involuntary petition, Bank's agreement to consider making additional Loans hereunder shall terminate.

	(g)
	The
calling or sufferance by the Borrower of a meeting of the creditors of the Borrower or the occurrence of a meeting by the Borrower or a representative thereof with a formal or
informal committee of creditors of the Borrower.

	(h)
	Termination
of any guaranty by any Guarantor.

	(i)
	The
occurrence of any of the foregoing events with respect to any guarantor as if such guarantor was the "Borrower" hereunder.

	(j)
	The
occurrence of any event of default under any agreement between Bank and the Borrower or instrument or paper given Bank by the Borrower, whether such agreement, instrument or paper
now exists or hereafter arises (notwithstanding the Bank may not have exercised its rights upon default under any such other agreement, instrument or paper.)

	(k)
	The
entry of any uninsured judgment(s) against Borrower (in excess of $50,000.00), which judgment(s) is not satisfied or appealed from (with execution or similar process stayed)
within sixty (60) days of its entry. 

	6.2
	Upon
demand or the occurrence of any Event of Default, all Liabilities of the Borrower to the Bank shall, at the Bank's option and without notice or demand, and notwithstanding any
terms of 

9

 

payment
in any note or other instrument evidencing such Liabilities, become immediately due and payable, and any obligation of the Bank to consider making Loans pursuant to Section 1 shall
terminate. 

 
 

SECTION 7
  
    NOTICE    
  

	7.1
	All
notices and other communications hereunder shall be made by telegram, telex, electronic transmitter, overnight air courier, or certified or registered mail, return receipt
requested, and shall be deemed to be received by the party to whom it was sent one (1) business day after sending, if sent by telegram, telex, electronic transmitter, or overnight air courier,
and three (3) business days after mailing if sent by certified or registered mail. All such notices and other communications to a party hereto shall be addressed to such party at the address
set forth at the beginning of this Agreement or to such other address as such party may designate for itself in a notice to the other party given in accordance with this section.

	7.2
	The
addresses to which such communications shall be sent are as follows:

	(a)
	If
intended for the Borrower, to: 

Apogee
Technology, Inc.

129 Morgan Drive

Norwood, MA 02062

Attn.: Herbert M. Stein, Chief Executive Officer

          David Spiegel, Treasurer

with copies to:

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

One Financial Center

Boston, MA 02111

Attn.: Megan N. Gates, Esq. 

	(b)
	If
intended for the Bank, to: 

Boston
Private Bank & Trust Company

Ten Post Office Square

Boston, MA 02109

Attn.: James C. Brown, Senior Vice President

with copies to:

Brian T. Garrity, Esq.

Ruberto, Israel & Weiner, P.C.

100 North Washington Street

Boston, MA 02114 

	7.3
	The
addresses set forth herein may be changed by notice hereunder. 

 
 

SECTION 8
  
    MISCELLANEOUS    
  

	8.1
	The
Borrower will from time to time execute and deliver to the Bank all such other and further instruments and documents and take or cause to be taken all such other and further
action as the Bank may reasonably request in order to effect and confirm or vest more securely in the Bank all rights contemplated in this Agreement. 

10

 
	8.2
	The
Borrower may take any action herein prohibited or omit to perform any act required to be performed by the Borrower if the Borrower shall obtain the Bank's prior written consent to
each such action, or omission to act. No waiver on the Bank's part on any one occasion shall be deemed a waiver on any other occasion. The Bank shall not be deemed to have waived any of its rights
hereunder unless such waiver shall be in writing and duly signed by an authorized officer of the Bank.

	8.3
	This
Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing and duly signed by the Borrower and an authorized officer of the Bank.

	8.4
	All
covenants, agreements, representations and warranties contained in this Agreement shall bind the Borrower, its respective successors and assigns, and shall inure to the Bank's
benefit and the benefit of the Bank's successors and assigns, whether expressed or not.

	8.5
	All
rights of the Bank hereunder shall be cumulative. The Bank shall not be required to have recourse to any Collateral before enforcing its rights or remedies against the Borrower or
any Guarantor. The Borrower and any Guarantor hereby waives presentment and protest of any instrument and any notice thereof.

	8.6
	If
any provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be illegal or unenforceable, such illegality or unenforceability shall relate solely to such provision and shall not affect the
remainder of this Agreement.

	8.7
	This
Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

	8.8
	This
Agreement shall take effect as an instrument under seal.

	8.9
	BORROWER
AND BANK EACH HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT. Borrower hereby certifies that neither Bank nor any of its representatives, agents or counsel has represented, expressly or otherwise, that Bank would
not, in the event of any such suit, action or proceeding, seek to enforce this waiver of right to trial by jury. Borrower acknowledges that Bank has been induced to enter into this Agreement by, among
other things, this waiver. Borrower acknowledges that it has read the provisions of this Agreement and in particular, this Section; has consulted legal counsel; understands the right it is granting in
this Agreement and is waiving in this Section in particular, and makes the above waiver knowingly, voluntarily and intentionally.

	8.10
	Borrower
and Bank agree that any action or proceeding to enforce or arising out of this Agreement may be commenced in any court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts sitting in the
counties of Suffolk or Middlesex, or in the District Court of the United States for the District of Massachusetts.

	8.11
	The
exhibits annexed hereto as Exhibits A and B are the only exhibits to be annexed to
this Agreement, and the material contained therein shall be incorporated herein. 

11

 
	8.12
	The
captions herein contained are inserted as a matter of convenience only and such captions do not form a part of this Agreement and shall not be utilized in the construction
hereof. 

	WITNESS:	 	APOGEE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
	

 	
 	

By: /s/ Herbert M. Stein
	 	 	      
      Herbert M. Stein, Chief Executive Officer
	

 	
 	

By: /s/ David Spiegel
	 	 	      
      David Spiegel, Treasurer
	

 	
 	

BOSTON PRIVATE BANK & TRUST COMPANY
	

 	
 	

By: /s/ James C. Brown

      
      James C. Brown, Senior Vice President

12

QuickLinks

W I T N E S S E T H

SECTION 1 AMOUNT AND TERMS OF CREDIT AND INTEREST THE REVOLVING LOAN

SECTION 2 WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS

SECTION 3 AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

SECTION 4 NEGATIVE COVENANTS

SECTION 5 SECURITY AND GUARANTIES

SECTION 6 DEFAULT

SECTION 7 NOTICE

SECTION 8 MISCELLANEOUS<Page>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1

                           GOLD BANC CORPORATION, INC.

                    AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT is made and entered into
effective as of the 28th day of March, 2003 (the "Effective Date"), by and
between MALCOLM M. ASLIN (referred to herein as "Employee") and GOLD BANC
CORPORATION, INC. (referred to herein as "Employer").

         WITNESSETH:

         1. EMPLOYMENT. Employee has previously been providing employment for
Employer. This Agreement will memorialize the terms upon which Employer will
continue to employ Employee to provide services in an executive position on
behalf of Employer as provided hereinafter. This Amended and Restated Employment
Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements between Employer and Employee
pertaining to employment including, specifically, that certain Employment
Agreement dated February 10, 1999, as amended and restated as of January 2,
2000.

         2. TERM. This Agreement is effective as of the Effective Date and shall
continue for a rolling two (2) year term unless earlier terminated as
hereinafter provided. At all times, this Agreement shall be deemed to have a two
(2) year term from any date that occurs within the term of this Agreement
subject only to the termination provisions set forth in Section 6 hereinafter.

         3. COMPENSATION AND FRINGE BENEFITS. Employee shall receive $425,000 as
base compensation, which base compensation may be modified from time to time by
the Board of Directors of Employer; PROVIDED, HOWEVER in no event shall such
base compensation be less than $425,000. Such compensation shall be payable in
periodic installments at the same time other employees of Employer are paid.
Such compensation shall be reviewed not less often than annually by Employer
throughout the term hereof. Additionally, Employee shall continue to participate
in the executive performance incentive program maintained by Employer. Further,
Employee shall be entitled to such additional incentive compensation as may be
awarded from time to time by the Board of Directors throughout the term of
Employee's employment with Employer.

         Employee shall participate in fringe benefit programs as maintained
from time to time by Employer in accordance with the terms of such plans.
Employee acknowledges that such plans may be modified or terminated from time to
time at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Employer. Certain fringe
benefits, such as the grant of stock options, may be memorialized by a separate
agreement. To the extent any such separate agreement is executed, it shall be
interpreted consistent with the terms hereof.

         4. DUTIES; EXTENT OF SERVICES. Employee shall serve as President and
Chief Executive Officer of Employer. Employee will discharge duties commensurate
with such

<Page>

positions and, in addition, Employee will perform such other duties as
assigned to him by the Board of Directors of Employer. Throughout the term of
Employee's employment with Employer, it is agreed that Employee shall be
entitled to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of Employer. Employee
shall be obligated to devote the amount of time necessary in discharging his
duties hereunder to fulfill all obligations of his position. During the term
of this Agreement, Employee agrees not to engage in any other business
activity which would be in conflict with the performance of his duties on
behalf of Employer.

         5. EXPENSES. Employee's reasonable business expenses, including
business mileage reimbursement, shall be reimbursed by Employer subject to any
expense reimbursement policies maintained by Employer.

         6. TERMINATION. Either party hereto may terminate this Agreement
without cause by giving thirty (30) days written notice to the other party. Such
notice need not specify a reason for such termination, but must be given in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement not less than thirty (30) days prior
to the effective date of termination.

         Further, the Employer may terminate this Agreement for "cause" without
notice. "Cause" shall be deemed to exist if (i) Employee dies during the term of
employment hereunder; (ii) Employee is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor
which materially injures the business reputation of the Employer (in the sole
and absolute discretion of the Employer); (iii) Employee breaches any material
terms of this Agreement and fails to cure same within thirty (30) days of the
receipt of notice from Employer specifying the alleged breach and steps required
to cure same; or (iv) Employee fails to perform his employment duties on behalf
of Employer and fails to cure same within thirty (30) days of receipt of written
notice specifying the steps necessary to cure such inadequate performance of
duties.

         Except as set forth in this paragraph, in the event of the termination
of Employee's employment, Employee shall receive compensation through the
effective date of termination of employment and shall be entitled to no further
compensation or benefits thereafter. However, it is understood and agreed that
if this Agreement is terminated by Employer other than for "cause" (as
hereinabove defined) at any time during the term of this Agreement (from and
after the Effective Date), Employer will continue to pay the base compensation
referenced in Section 3 above for a period of two (2) years from the effective
date of termination of employment. However, except as otherwise set forth
herein, if (i) Employee voluntarily terminates this Agreement at any time or
(ii) Employer terminates this Agreement for "cause" (as hereinabove defined) at
any time during the term of this Agreement, no continuing payments will be made
and Employee shall receive compensation and benefits only through the effective
date of termination of this Agreement.

         Further, notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary,
if a "Change of Control" (as hereinafter defined) occurs during the term of
this Agreement and Employee's employment with Employer terminates for any
reason (other than Employee's death) at any time within twelve (12) months
after the Change of Control is consummated, then Employer shall pay

<Page>

to Employee in one lump sum, in cash, within ten (10) business days after the
effective date of the termination of this Agreement, an amount equal to two
times the annual base compensation in effect for Employee as of the date the
Change of Control is consummated; provided, however, that if and to the
extent payment of such lump sum would not be deductible by Employer for
federal income tax purposes by reason of application of Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), then payment of that
portion due Employee after a Change of Control shall be deferred until the
earliest date upon which payment can be made without being non-deductible
under Section 162(m) of the Code. Interest shall accrue on the deferred
portion of such payment at the federal short-term rate prescribed under
Section 1274(d)(1)(C)(i) of the Code, compounded annually. Further, if the
payment due Employee hereunder in the event of a Change of Control (either
standing by itself or in conjunction with other payments to which Employee is
entitled from Employer) would constitute a "parachute payment" (as that term
is defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), such payments shall be reduced
to the largest amount that Employee may receive without imposition of the
excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code. However, no payment under
this paragraph shall be due if Employee's employment with Employer terminates
within twelve (12) months after the Change of Control is consummated if such
termination is as a result of Employee's death.

         A "Change of Control" shall be deemed to have occurred under any one of
the following circumstances:

                  i.) There is any Change of Control of Employer of a nature
         that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of
         Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Securities
         Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, or any successor
         statute (the "Exchange Act"), whether or not Employer is then subject
         to such reporting requirement; or

                  ii.) At the time individuals who, as of the commencement of
         the term of this Agreement constitute the Board of Directors of
         Employer, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of
         such Board of Directors; provided, however, that any person becoming a
         director subsequent to the date hereof whose election or nomination for
         election by the shareholders of Employer was approved by a vote of at
         least three-fourths of the directors currently comprising the Board
         shall be, for purposes of this paragraph, considered as though such
         person was a member of the current Board of Directors unless such
         director was elected as a result of an actual or threatened
         solicitation of proxies by any Person (as hereinafter defined) in which
         event such director shall not be deemed to be a member of the Board of
         Directors as of the commencement of the term of this Agreement; or

                  iii.) Upon the approval by the shareholders of Employer of a
         plan of liquidation or dissolution of Employer or the sale of all or
         substantially all of the assets of Employer; or

<Page>

                  iv.) Any person becomes a Beneficial Owner (as hereinafter
         defined) of shares of one or more classes of stock of Employer
         representing twenty percent (20%) or more of the total voting power of
         Employer's then outstanding voting stock.

For purposes of this Agreement, "Person" shall mean any corporation,
partnership, firm, joint venture, association, individual, trust or other
entity, but does not include Employer or any of its wholly owned or majority
owned subsidiaries, employee benefit plans or related trusts. The term
"Beneficial Owner" shall have the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 of
the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, as amended from time
to time, or any successor rule.

         If Employee remains employed by Employer after the Change of Control
and such employment is not terminated within twelve (12) months after the
effective date of the Change of Control has occurred (or is terminated as a
result of death of Employee), then no payment as a result of such Change of
Control shall be made to Employee and the terms of this Agreement shall continue
to control.

         Employee further agrees that if he is requested to remain as an
employee of Employer as a condition imposed by the parties involved in the
Change of Control, Employee agrees to remain employed by Employer for up to six
(6) months after the effective date of such Change of Control as long as the
annual base salary to be paid to Employee for that six (6) month period is not
less than the base salary in effect immediately prior to the consummation of the
Change of Control and as long as other benefits provided during such six (6)
month period are comparable to the benefits Employee is receiving from Employer
as of such date.

         7. COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE. In consideration for the provisions
contained in this Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, Employee agrees
to enter into the restrictive covenant contained in this section.
Specifically, Employee acknowledges and agrees that because of Employee's
unique position as a key employee of Employer, Employee's competition with
Employer could result in irreparable harm to Employer. Accordingly, Employee
agrees that throughout the term of Employee's employment with Employer and
continuing for a period of two (2) years following the termination of such
employment, regardless of the reason for such termination, Employee shall not
compete, directly or indirectly, with the Employer by providing services for
or obtaining an ownership interest in any bank, bank holding company, savings
bank, trust company, savings and loan association or similar financial
institution which maintains a facility within a seventy-five (75) mile radius
of the location of the principal office out of which Employee provides
services for Employer. The restrictions contained in the immediately
preceding sentence shall apply to Employee in his status as a principal,
agent, employee, employer, investor (except for investments of not greater
than two percent (2%) of the total outstanding shares in any publicly traded
company engaged in banking), consultant, independent contractor, shareholder,
partner, owner, member, officer, director or in any other individual or
representative capacity whatsoever. However, the restrictions contained in
this paragraph shall not preclude Employee from providing services for or
obtaining an ownership interest in any entity which provides banking services
which would compete with Employer if (i) the gross

<Page>

income from such banking services represents on an annual basis less than
twenty-five percent (25%) of the gross income of such entity determined on a
consolidated basis and (ii) the total assets of such banking operation are
less than Five Hundred Million Dollars ($500,000.00). An "entity" as that
term is used in the immediately preceding sentence shall include as one
entity any and all entities within a consolidated group which are eligible to
file a consolidated income tax return or whose existence is ignored for
federal income tax purposes. For purposes of this provision, "banking
services" shall include services generally provided by a state or federally
chartered bank, savings bank or savings and loan association.

         Employee specifically acknowledges and agrees that the terms of this
restrictive covenant are reasonable and are reasonably necessary to protect
the valid business interests of the Employer. Accordingly, if any provision
of this restrictive covenant is deemed unenforceable by any court of
competent jurisdiction, it is specifically intended by the parties hereto
that it shall be enforced to the extent same is deemed reasonable. In the
event of the breach of any of the terms hereof by Employee, Employee
specifically acknowledges and agrees that the Employer shall be entitled to
enforce the terms hereof by an action at equity. If the Employer seeks to
specifically enforce the terms hereof, then Employee waives any requirement
that the Employer be required to post a bond with respect thereto. Further,
if Employee breaches any terms of this restrictive covenant, the Employer
shall be entitled to an accounting of and a repayment of all profits,
compensation, commissions, benefits or other remuneration which Employee
directly or indirectly receives or may receive as a result of any such
breach. Such remedy shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any injunctive
relief or other remedies to which the Employer may be entitled to at law, in
equity or hereunder. All of the Employer's remedies for the breach of this
restrictive covenant shall be cumulative in the pursuit of any one remedy
provided herein or otherwise shall not be deemed to exclude any and all other
remedies to which the Employer may have a right to pursue.

         Further, if Employee breaches the terms of this restrictive
covenant, then the term during which this restrictive covenant applies shall
be extended for the period of time that Employee was engaged in a breach of
the terms hereof.

         8. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver by any party hereto of a breach of
any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as or be construed to be a
waiver of any subsequent breach by any party.

         9. BINDING ON HEIRS. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of
and be binding upon the parties hereto, their successors, heirs, personal
representatives and assigns.

         10. CONFIDENTIALITY. Employee acknowledges and agrees that in the
conduct of his employment duties for Employer, he will be exposed to
documentation and information which constitutes confidential and proprietary
information of Employer, including confidential information pertaining to
customers of Employer. All such confidential and proprietary information is
referred to herein as the "Confidential Information". Confidential
Information shall include, not by way of limitation, all information
pertaining to the operation of Employer

<Page>

including financial information, marketing plans, contracts, correspondence,
bids or proposals to customers and potential customers, other customer
communications, software programs, business plans, acquisition plans,
identity of acquisition targets, terms of any proposed acquisitions, analysis
of appropriate pricing for proposed acquisition targets and related business
documents. Confidential Information shall also include all information
pertaining to any customer of Employer including any financial information of
any such customer and the terms of any agreements between such customer and
Employer.

         Employee agrees that throughout the term of this Agreement and
continuing at all times thereafter, Employee shall not use any Confidential
Information for any purpose other than the performance of Employee's duties
on behalf of Employer. No copies of any Confidential Information shall be
removed from the premises of Employer without the express written consent of
another officer of Employer. No copies of any of the Confidential Information
nor any information contained in any of the Confidential Information shall be
shared with any third party or used by Employee on Employee's own behalf or
on behalf of any third party except in connection with the performance of
Employee's duties on behalf of Employer. At the time of termination of
employment, Employee agrees that all copies of any and all corporate
documents including all Confidential Information shall be returned to
Employer and Employee shall retain no such documents or information.

         11. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended only by a writing
signed by both parties hereto.

         12. GOVERNING STATE LAW. The terms of this Agreement shall be
governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of
Kansas.

         13. NOTICES. Any notices required or permitted hereunder must be in
writing and shall be deemed given on the date they are hand delivered or, if
mailed, one day after the date they are deposited in the United States mails,
postage prepaid, certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, and
addressed as follows:

If to Employee:                             Malcolm M. Aslin
                                            11301 Nall
                                            Leawood, KS 66211

If to Employer:                             Gold Banc Corporation, Inc.
                                            11301 Nall
                                            Leawood, KS 66211
                                            Attn.: Board of Directors

Either party hereto may give notice to the other party of a change in address
to which all notices should be sent at any time during the term hereof.

<Page>

         14. SUPERSEDING AGREEMENT. This Agreement supersedes any and all
prior Employment Agreements between Employer (or any subsidiary of Employer)
and Employee, whether or not the term of such previous agreements has expired.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto set their hands as of the day
and year first above written.

                                                /s/ MALCOLM M. ASLIN
                                                ---------------------
                                                Malcolm M. Aslin

                                                EMPLOYEE

                                                GOLD BANC CORPORATION, INC.

                                                By: /s/ RICK TREMBLAY
                                                ----------------------
                                                Rick Trembley
                                                Chief Financial Officer

                                                EMPLOYER

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00050-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00050-of-00352.parquet"}]]