EX-10.1 3 a2085382zex-10_1.htm COMMERCIAL LOAN AGREEMENT
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Exhibit 10.1

LOAN NUMBER
1031000029-502
NOTE AMOUNT
$10,000,000.00

LOAN NAME
EPIQ Systems, Inc.
INDEX (w/Margin)
Wall Street Journal Prime

ACCT. NUMBER

RATE
4.75%
Creditor Use Only

AGREEMENT DATE
06/04/02
MATURITY DATE
06/04/03

INITIALS
JLH
LOAN PURPOSE
Commercial

COMMERCIAL LOAN AGREEMENT
Revolving Draw Loan

DATE AND PARTIES. The date of this Commercial Loan Agreement (Agreement) is June 4, 2002. The parties and their addresses are as follows:

LENDER:
        GOLD BANK
        11301 Nall Avenue
        Leawood, Kansas 66211

BORROWER:
        EPIQ SYSTEMS, INC.
        a Kansas Corporation
        501 Kansas Avenue
        Kansas City, Kansas 66105

1. DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. Accounting Terms. In this Agreement, any accounting terms that are not specifically defined will have their customary meanings under generally accepted accounting principles.

B. Insiders. Insiders include those defined as insiders by the United States Bankruptcy Code, as amended; or to the extent left undefined, include without limitation any officer, employee, stockholder or member, director, partner, or any immediate family member of any of the foregoing, or any person or entity which, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with me.

C. Loan. The Loan refers to this transaction generally, including obligations and duties arising from the terms of all documents prepared or submitted for this transaction.

D. Pronouns. The pronouns "I", "me" and "my" refer to every Borrower signing this Agreement, individually or together, and their heirs, successors and assigns. "You" and "your" refers to the Loan's lender, any participants or syndicators, or any person or company that acquires an interest in the Loan and their successors and assigns.

E. Property. Property is any property, real, personal or intangible, that secures my performance of the obligations of this Loan.

2. ADVANCES. Advances under this Agreement are made according to the following terms and conditions.

A. Multiple Advances—Revolving. In accordance with the terms of this Agreement and other Loan documents, you will provide me with a revolving draw note and the maximum outstanding principal balance will not exceed $10,000,000.00 (Principal).

B. Requests for Advances. My requests are a warranty that I am in compliance with all the Loan documents. When required by you for a particular method of advance, my requests for an advance must specify the requested amount and the date and be accompanied with any agreements, documents, and instruments that you require for the Loan. Any payment by you of any check, share draft or other charge may, at your option, constitute an advance on the Loan to me. All advances will be made in United States dollars. I will indemnify you and hold you harmless for your reliance on any request for advances that you reasonably believe to be genuine. To the extent permitted by law, I will indemnify you and hold you harmless when the person making any request represents that I authorized this person to request an advance even when this person is unauthorized or this person's signature is not genuine.

I or anyone I authorize to act on my behalf may request advances by the following methods.

(1) I make a request in person.

(2) I make a request by phone.

(3) I make a request by mail.

(4) I make a written request.

C. Advance Limitations. In addition to any other Loan conditions, requests for, and access to, advances are subject to the following limitations.

(1) Obligatory Advances. You will make all Loan advances subject to this Agreement's terms and conditions.

(2) Advance Amount. Subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement, advances will be made in exactly the amount I request.

(3) Cut-Off Time. Requests for an advance received before 03:00 PM will be made on any day that you are open for business, on the day for which the advance is requested.

(4) Disbursement of Advances. On my fulfillment of this Agreement's terms and conditions, you will disburse the advance in any manner as you and I agree.

(5) Credit Limit. I understand that you will not ordinarily grant a request for an advance that would cause the unpaid principal of my Loan to be greater than the Principal limit. You may, at your option, grant such a request without obligating yourselves to do so in the future.

(6) Records. Your records will be conclusive evidence as to the amount of advances, the Loan's unpaid principal balances and the accrued interest.

D. Conditions. I will satisfy all of the following conditions before you either issue any promissory notes or make any advances under this Agreement.

(1) No Default. There has not been a default under this Agreement or other Loan documents nor would a default result from making the Loan or any advance.

(2) Information. You have received all documents, information, certifications and warranties as you may require, all properly executed, if appropriate, on forms acceptable to you. This includes, but is not limited to, the documents and other items listed in the Loan Checklist Report which is hereby incorporated by reference into this Agreement.

(3) Inspections. You have made all inspections that you consider necessary and are satisfied with this inspection.

(4) Conditions and Covenants. I will have performed and complied with all conditions required for an advance and all covenants in this Agreement and any other Loan documents.

(5) Warranties and Representations. The warranties and representations contained in this Agreement are true and correct at the time of making the requested advance.

(6) Financial Statements. My most recent financial statements and other financial reports, delivered to you, are current, complete, true and accurate in all material respects and fairly represent my financial condition.

(7) Bankruptcy Proceedings. No proceeding under the United States Bankruptcy Code has been commenced by or against me or any of my affiliates.

3. MATURITY DATE. I agree to fully repay the Loan by June 4, 2003.

4. WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS. I make to you the following warranties and representations which will continue as long as this Loan is in effect, except when this Agreement provides otherwise.

A. Power. I am duly organized, and validly existing and in good standing in all jurisdictions in which I operate. I have the power and authority to enter into this transaction and to carry on my business or activity as it is now being conducted and, as applicable, am qualified to do so in each jurisdiction in which I operate.

B. Authority. The execution, delivery and performance of this Loan and the obligation evidenced by the Note are within my powers, have been duly authorized, have received all necessary governmental approval, will not violate any provision of law, or order of court or governmental agency, and will not violate any agreement to which I am a party or to which I am or any of my property is subject.

C. Name and Place of Business. Other than previously disclosed in writing to you I have not changed my name or principal place of business within the last 10 years and have not used any other trade or fictitious name. Without your prior written consent, I do not and will not use any other name and will preserve my existing name, trade names and franchises.

D. Loan Purpose. This Loan is for Commercial purposes.

E. No Other Liens. I own or lease all property that I need to conduct my business and activities. I have good and marketable title to all property that I own or lease. All of my Property is free and clear of all liens, security interests, encumbrances and other adverse claims and interests, except those to you or those you consent to in writing.

F. Compliance With Laws. I am not violating any laws, regulations, rules, orders, judgments or decrees applicable to me or my property, except for those which I am challenging in good faith through proper proceedings after providing adequate reserves to fully pay the claim and its challenge should I lose.

G. Legal Dispute. There are no pending or threatened lawsuits, arbitrations or other proceedings against me or my property that singly or together may materially and adversely affect my property, operations, financial condition, or business.

H. Adverse Agreements. I am not a party to, nor am I bound by, any agreement that is now or is likely to become materially adverse to my business, Property or operations.

I. Other Claims. There are no outstanding claims or rights that would conflict with the execution, delivery or performance by me of the terms and conditions of this Agreement or the other Loan documents. No outstanding claims or rights exist that may result in a lien on the Property, the Property's proceeds and the proceeds of proceeds, except liens that were disclosed to and agreed to by you in writing.

J. Solvency. I am able to pay my debts as they mature, my assets exceed my liabilities and I have sufficient capital for my current and planned business and other activities. I will not become insolvent by the execution or performance of this Loan.

5. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. I will prepare and maintain my financial records using consistently applied generally accepted accounting principles then in effect. I will provide you with financial information in a form that you accept and under the following terms.

A. Certification. I represent and warrant that any financial statements that I provide you fairly represents my financial condition for the stated periods, is current, complete, true and accurate in all material respects, includes all of my direct or contingent liabilities and there has been no material adverse change in my financial condition, operations or business since the date the financial information was prepared.

B. Frequency. Annually, I will provide to you my financial statements, tax returns, annual internal audit reports or those prepared by independent accountants as soon as available or at least within 90 days after the close of each of my fiscal years. Any annual financial statements that I provide you will be prepared statements.

(1) Interim Financial Reports. Each fiscal quarter, I will provide to you my financial statements, internal audit reports or those prepared by independent accountants, tax reports, statements of cash flow, budgets and forecasts, certificates and schedules of Property as soon as available or at least within 20 days after the close of this business period. Any interim financial statements that I provide you will be prepared statements.

C. SEC Reports. I will provide you with true and correct copies of all reports, notices or statements that I provide to the Securities and Exchange Commission, any securities exchange or my stockholders, owners, or the holders of any material indebtedness as soon as available or at least within 30 days after issuance.

D. Requested Information. I will provide you with any other information about my operations, financial affairs and condition within 30 days after your request.

6. COVENANTS. Until the Loan and all related debts, liabilities and obligations are paid and discharged, I will comply with the following terms, unless you waive compliance in writing.

A. Participation. I consent to you participating or syndicating the Loan and sharing any information that you decide is necessary about me and the Loan with the other participants or syndicators.

B. Inspection. Upon reasonable notice, I will permit you or your agents to enter any of my premises and any location where my Property is located during regular business hours to do the following.

(1) You may inspect, audit, check, review and obtain copies from my books, records, journals, orders, receipts, and any correspondence and other business related data.

(2) You may discuss my affairs, finances and business with any one who claims to be my creditor.

After prior notice to me, you may discuss my financial condition and business operations with my independent accountants, if any, or my chief financial officer and I may be present during these discussions. As long as the Loan is outstanding, I will direct all of my accountants and auditors to permit you to examine my records in their possession and to make copies of these records. You will use your best efforts to maintain the confidentiality of the information you or your agents obtain, except you may provide your regulator, if any, with required information about my financial condition, operation and business or that of my parent, subsidiaries or affiliates.

C. Business Requirements. I will preserve and maintain my present existence and good standing in the jurisdiction where I am organized and all of my rights, privileges and franchises. I will do all that is needed or required to continue my business or activities as presently conducted, by obtaining licenses, permits and bonds everywhere I engage in business or activities or own, lease or locate my property. I will obtain your prior written consent before I cease my business or before I engage in any new line of business that is materially different from my present business.

D. Compliance with Laws. I will not violate any laws, regulations, rules, orders, judgments or decrees applicable to me or my Property, except for those which I challenge in good faith through proper proceedings after providing adequate reserves to fully pay the claim and its appeal should I lose. Laws include without limitation the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act requirements for producing goods, the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974's requirements for the establishment, funding and management of qualified deferred compensation plans for employees, health and safety laws, environmental laws, tax laws, licensing and permit laws. On your request, I will provide you with written evidence that I have fully and timely paid my taxes, assessments and other governmental charges levied or imposed on me, my income or profits and my property. Taxes include without limitation sales taxes, use taxes, personal property taxes, documentary stamp taxes, recordation taxes, franchise taxes, income taxes, withholding taxes, FICA taxes and unemployment taxes. I will adequately provide for the payment of these taxes, assessments and other charges that have accrued but are not yet due and payable.

E. New Organizations. I will obtain your written consent and any necessary changes to the Loan documents before I organize or participate in the organization of any entity, merge into or consolidate with any one, permit any one else to merge into me, acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any one else or otherwise materially change my legal structure, management, ownership or financial condition.

F. Dealings with Insiders. I will not purchase, acquire or lease any property or services from, or sell, provide or lease any property or services to, or permit any outstanding loans or credit extensions to, or otherwise deal with, any Insiders except as required under contracts existing at the time I applied for the Loan and approved by you or as this Agreement otherwise permits. I will not change or breach these contracts existing at Loan application so as to cause an acceleration of or an increase in any payments due.

G. Other Debts. I will pay when due any and all other debts owed or guaranteed by me and will faithfully perform, or comply with all the conditions and obligations imposed on me concerning the debt or guaranty.

H. Other Liabilities. I will not incur, assume or permit any debt evidenced by notes, bonds or similar obligations, except: debt in existence on the date of this Agreement and fully disclosed to you; debt subordinated in payment to you on conditions and terms acceptable to you; accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of my business and paid under customary trade terms or contested in good faith with reserves satisfactory to you.

I. Notice to You. I will promptly notify you of any material change in my financial condition, of the occurrence of a default under the terms of this Agreement, or a default by me under any agreement between me and any third party which materially and adversely affects my property, operations, financial condition or business.

J. Certification of No Default. On your request, my chief financial officer or my independent accountant will provide you with a written certification that to the best of their knowledge no event of default exists under the terms of this Agreement or the other Loan documents, and that there exists no other action, condition or event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a default. As requested, my chief financial officer or my independent accountant will also provide you with computations demonstrating compliance with any financial covenants and ratios contained in this Agreement. If an action, condition or event of default does exist, the certificate must accurately and fully disclose the extent and nature of this action, condition or event and state what must be done to correct it.

K. Use of Loan Proceeds. I will not permit the loan proceeds to be used to purchase, carry, reduce, or retire any loan incurred to purchase or carry any margin stock.

L. Dispose of No Assets. Without your prior written consent or as the Loan documents permit, I will not sell, lease, assign, transfer, dispose of or otherwise distribute all or substantially all of my assets to any person other than in the ordinary course of business for the assets' depreciated book value or more.

M. No Other Liens. I will not create, permit or suffer any lien or encumbrance upon any of my properties for or by anyone, other than you, except for: nonconsensual liens imposed by law arising out of the ordinary course of business on obligations that are not overdue or which I am contesting in good faith after making appropriate reserves; valid purchase money security interests on personal property; or any other liens specifically agreed to by you in writing.

N. Guaranties. I will not guaranty or become liable in any way as surety, endorser (other than as endorser of negotiable instruments in the ordinary course of business) or accommodation endorser or otherwise for the debt or obligations of any other person or entity, except to you or as you otherwise specifically agree in writing.

O. No Default under Other Agreements. I will not allow to occur, or to continue unremedied, any act, event or condition which constitutes a default, or which, with the passage of time or giving of notice, or both, would constitute a default under any agreement, document, instrument or undertaking to which I am a party or by which I may be bound.

P. Legal Disputes. I will promptly notify you in writing of any threatened or pending lawsuit, arbitration or other proceeding against me or any of my property, not identified in my financial statements, or that singly or together with other proceedings may materially and adversely affect my property, operations, financial condition or business. I will use my best efforts to bring about a favorable and speedy result of any of these lawsuits, arbitrations or other proceedings.

Q. Other Notices. I will immediately provide you with any information that may materially and adversely affect my ability to perform this Agreement and of its anticipated effect.

R. No Change in Capital. I will not release, redeem, retire, purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any of my capital stock or other equity security or partnership interest, or make any change in my capital structure, except to the extent required by any agreements signed prior to this Agreement and disclosed to you or with your prior written consent.

S. Loan Obligations. I will make full and timely payment of all principal and interest obligations, and comply with the other terms and agreements contained in this Agreement and in the other Loan documents.

T. Insurance. I will obtain and maintain insurance with insurers, in amounts and coverages that are acceptable to you and customary with industry practice. This may include without limitation insurance policies for public liability, fire, hazard and extended risk, workers compensation, and, at your request, business interruption and/or rent loss insurance. At your request, I will deliver to you certified copies of all of these insurance policies, binders or certificates. I will obtain and maintain a mortgagee or loss payee endorsement for you when these endorsements are available. I will immediately notify you of cancellation or termination of insurance. I will require all insurance policies to provide you with at least 10 days prior written notice to you of cancellation or modification. I consent to you using or disclosing information relative to any contract of insurance required by the Loan for the purpose of replacing this insurance. I also authorize my insurer and you to exchange all relevant information related to any contract of insurance required by any document executed as part of this Loan.

U. Minimum Tangible Net Worth. I will maintain at all times a tangible net worth, determined under consistently applied generally accepted accounting principles, of $35,000,000.00 or more. Tangible net worth is the amount that total assets exceed total liabilities. For determining tangible net worth, total assets will exclude all intangible assets, including without limitation goodwill, patents, trademarks, trade names, copyrights, and franchises, and will also exclude all Accounts Receivable, owed by my Insiders, that do not provide for a repayment schedule.

V. Minimum Ratio of Net Income to Interest Expense. During this Agreement's term, I will maintain a ratio of net income before interest and taxes to interest expense of 1.5:1 or more as determined on last day of each fiscal year under consistently applied generally accepted accounting principles. For this determination, net income before interest and taxes excludes any extraordinary gains and losses and any gains or losses from the sale or other disposition of assets outside of the ordinary course of business.

7. DEFAULT. I will be in default if any of the following occur:

A. Payments. I fail to make a payment in full when due.

B. Insolvency or Bankruptcy. I make an assignment for the benefit of creditors or become insolvent, either because my liabilities exceed my assets or I am unable to pay my debts as they become due; or I petition for protection under federal, state or local bankruptcy, insolvency or debtor relief laws, or am the subject of a petition or action under such laws and fail to have the petition or action dismissed within a reasonable period of time not to exceed 60 days.

C. Business Termination. I merge, dissolve, reorganize, end my business or existence, or a partner or majority owner dies or is declared legally incompetent.

D. Failure to Perform. I fail to perform any condition or to keep any promise or covenant of this Agreement.

E. Other Documents. A default occurs under the terms of any other transaction document.

F. Other Agreements. I am in default on any other debt or agreement I have with you.

G. Misrepresentation. I make any verbal or written statement or provide any financial information that is untrue, inaccurate, or conceals a material fact at the time it is made or provided.

H. Judgment. I fail to satisfy or appeal any judgment against me.

I. Forfeiture. The Property is used in a manner or for a purpose that threatens confiscation by a legal authority.

J. Name Change. I change my name or assume an additional name without notifying you before making such a change.

K. Property Transfer. I transfer all or a substantial part of my money or property.

L. Property Value. The value of the Property declines or is impaired.

M. Material Change. Without first notifying you, there is a material change in my business, including ownership, management, and financial conditions.

N. Insecurity. You reasonably believe that you are insecure.

8. REMEDIES. After I default, and after you give any legally required notice and opportunity to cure the default, you may at your option do any one or more of the following.

A. Acceleration. You may make all or any part of the amount owing by the terms of the Loan immediately due.

B. Sources. You may use any and all remedies you have under state or federal law or in any instrument securing the Loan.

C. Insurance Benefits. You may make a claim for any and all insurance benefits or refunds that may be available on my default.

D. Payments Made On My Behalf. Amounts advanced on my behalf will be immediately due and may be added to the balance owing under the terms of the Loan, and accrue interest at the highest post-maturity interest rate.

E. Termination. You may terminate my right to obtain advances and may refuse to make any further extensions of credit.

F. Set-Off. You may use the right of set-off. This means you may set-off any amount due and payable under the terms of the Loan against any right I have to receive money from you.

My right to receive money from you includes any deposit or share account balance I have with you; any money owed to me on an item presented to you or in your possession for collection or exchange; and any repurchase agreement or other non-deposit obligation. "Any amount due and payable under the terms of the Loan" means the total amount to which you are entitled to demand payment under the terms of the Loan at the time you set-off.

Subject to any other written contract, if my right to receive money from you is also owned by someone who has not agreed to pay the Loan, your right of set-off will apply to my interest in the obligation and to any other amounts I could withdraw on my sole request or endorsement.

Your right of set-off does not apply to an account or other obligation where my rights arise only in a representative capacity. It also does not apply to any Individual Retirement Account or other tax-deferred retirement account.

You will not be liable for the dishonor of any check when the dishonor occurs because you set-off against any of my accounts. I agree to hold you harmless from any such claims arising as a result of your exercise of your right of set-off.

G. Waiver. Except as otherwise required by law, by choosing any one or more of these remedies you do not give up your right to use any other remedy. You do not waive a default if you choose not to use a remedy. By electing not to use any remedy, you do not waive your right to later consider the event a default and to use any remedies if the default continues or occurs again.

9. COLLECTION EXPENSES AND ATTORNEYS' FEES. On or after Default, to the extent permitted by law, I agree to pay all expenses of collection, enforcement or protection of your rights and remedies under this Agreement. Expenses include, but are not limited to, attorneys' fees, court costs and other legal expenses. These expenses are due and payable immediately. If not paid immediately, these expenses will bear interest from the date of payment until paid in full at the highest interest rate in effect as provided for in the terms of this Loan. All fees and expenses will be secured by the Property I have granted to you, if any. To the extent permitted by the United States Bankruptcy Code, I agree to pay the reasonable attorneys' fees you incur to collect this debt as awarded by any court exercising jurisdiction under the Bankruptcy Code.

10. APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement is governed by the laws of Kansas, the United States of America and to the extent required, by the laws of the jurisdiction where the Property is located. In the event of a dispute, the exclusive forum, venue and place of jurisdiction will be in Kansas, unless otherwise required by law.

11. JOINT AND INDIVIDUAL LIABILITY AND SUCCESSORS. My obligation to pay this Loan is independent of the obligation of any other person who has also agreed to pay it. You may sue me alone, or anyone else who is obligated on this Loan, or any number of us together, to collect this Loan. Extending this Loan or new obligations under this Loan, will not affect my duty under this Loan and I will still be obligated to pay this Loan. The duties and benefits of this Loan will bind and benefit the successors and assigns of you and me.

12. AMENDMENT, INTEGRATION AND SEVERABILITY. This Agreement may not be amended or modified by oral agreement. No amendment or modification of this Agreement is effective unless made in writing and executed by you and me. This Agreement is the complete and final expression of the understanding between you and me. If any provision of this Agreement is unenforceable, then the unenforceable provision will be severed and the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.

13. INTERPRETATION. Whenever used, the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular. The section headings are for convenience only and are not to be used to interpret or define the terms of this Agreement.

14. NOTICE, FINANCIAL REPORTS AND ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS. Unless otherwise required by law, any notice will be given by delivering. or mailing it by first class mail to the appropriate party's address listed in the DATE AND PARTIES section, or to any other address designated in writing. Notice to one party will be deemed to be notice to all parties. I will inform you in writing of any change in my name, address or other application information. I will provide you any financial statement or information you request. All financial statements and information I give you will be correct and complete. I agree to sign, deliver, and file any additional documents or certifications that you may consider necessary to perfect, continue, and preserve my obligations under this Loan and to confirm your lien status on any Property. Time is of the essence.

THIS WRITTEN AGREEMENT IS THE FINAL EXPRESSION OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN YOU AND LENDER, AND AS SUCH IT MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF ANY PRIOR OR CONTEMPORANEOUS ORAL AGREEMENT.

ADDITIONAL TERMS:

BY SIGNING OR INITIALING BELOW, BOTH PARTIES AFFIRM THAT NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THEM EXISTS.

LENDER:

Gold Bank

/s/ Julie L. Hook, Vice President

BORROWER:

EPIQ Systems, Inc.

/s/ Tom W. Olofson, CEO

15. SIGNATURES. By signing, I agree to the terms contained in this Agreement. I also acknowledge receipt of a copy of this Agreement.

BORROWER:

EPIQ Systems, Inc.

/s/ Tom W. Olofson, CEO

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Exhibit 10.1