-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, SkriEjIQxXUWMPXBZ9qn27qYF8OKdrfPkHAyjnfh3mxnsuXe9Yl3tjYGSqDvf1st IUoGQbZqBfeJjsJ2fQitMA== 0000950130-10-002682.txt : 20100601 0000950130-10-002682.hdr.sgml : 20100531 20100601172137 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950130-10-002682 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 16 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20100601 ITEM INFORMATION: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement ITEM INFORMATION: Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20100601 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20100601 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: OMEGA PROTEIN CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001053650 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: FATS & OILS [2070] IRS NUMBER: 760438393 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NV FISCAL YEAR END: 0930 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-14003 FILM NUMBER: 10870613 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1717 ST JAMES PL STREET 2: STE 550 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77056 BUSINESS PHONE: 7139406100 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1717 ST JAMES PL STREET 2: STE 550 CITY: HOUSTON STATE: TX ZIP: 77056 8-K 1 d8k.htm FORM 8-K Form 8-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 8-K

 

 

Current Report

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 1, 2010

 

 

Omega Protein Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Nevada   001-14003   76-0562134

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

2105 CityWest Blvd, Suite 500

Houston, Texas

  77042
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(713) 623-0060

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CRF 240.133-4(c))

 

 

 


Item 1.01. Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement

See Item 2.03 below.

 

Item 2.03 Creation of Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

On June 1, 2010, Omega Protein Corporation (the “Company”) closed on a $10,000,000 term loan with the U.S. Department of Commerce Fisheries Finance Program (“FFP”). This loan was entered into pursuant to the Company’s financing application previously approved by the FFP pursuant to an approval letter dated November 5, 2009.

The loan is secured by first liens on a Company fishing vessel and certain assets located the Company’s Reedville, Virginia facility. Proceeds from the loan will be used to reimburse the Company for prior expenditures for fishing vessel refurbishments and improvements to the Company’s shore-side marine assets. The loan has a term of 15 years, is amortized on a quarterly basis, and bears interest rate at 5.73% per year.

The foregoing description of the loan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the loan documents, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.1 through 10.9, and incorporated by reference herein.

A copy of the Company’s press release announcing the loan closing is attached at Exhibit 99.1

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

 

  (a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired.

None.

 

  (b) Pro Forma Financial Information.

None.

 

  (c) Shell Company Transactions.

None

 

  (d) Exhibits.

 

10.1    Approval Letter dated as of November 5, 2009 by Omega Protein, Inc., Omega Protein Corporation and United States Department of Commerce, acting by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service
10.2    Correction Deed of Trust made by Omega Protein, Inc. dated March 11, 2010 for the benefit of the United States of America.
10.3    Corrected Promissory Note of Omega Protein, Inc. to the United States of America dated May 25, 2010
10.4    Security Agreement dated March 9, 2010 between Omega Protein, Inc. and the United States of America.
10.5    Title XI Financial Agreement dated May 25, 2010 between Omega Protein, Inc., Omega Protein Corporation and the United States of America.
10.6    Guaranty Agreement dated May 25, 2010 of Omega Protein, Inc. in favor of the United States of America.


10.7    Certification and Indemnification Agreement Regarding Environmental Matters dated May 25, 2010 between Omega Protein, Inc. and the United States of America.
10.8    Preferred Ship Mortgage dated May 25, 2010 by Omega Protein, Inc., in favor of the United States of America.
10.9    Subordination Agreement dated March 11, 2010 between Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and the United States of America.
99.1    Press release of the Company dated June 1, 2010.


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

      OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
Dated: June 1, 2010      

/S/    JOHN D. HELD        

      John D. Held
      Executive Vice President, General Counsel
      and Secretary
EX-10.1 2 dex101.htm APPROVAL LETTER Approval Letter

Exhibit 10.1

 

LOGO

 

1.1(a)FV/AL/SS

 

  

 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE

Silver Spring, MD 20910

    
   November 5, 2009

Omega Protein, Inc.

Attn: Robert W. Stockton

2105 City West Blvd.

Suite 500

Houston, TX 77042

 

 

Reference Case No. FF-G-017B

 

Omega Protein, Inc.

Dear Mr. Stockton:

This letter amends an approval and agreement letter executed by the Fisheries Finance Program on December 1, 2005, and amended on September 14, 2006, approving in principle a $16,442,000 loan to Omega Protein, Inc. (the “Company”). This letter approves the second portion of the loan (the “Second Tranche”). Under the Agreement each disbursement will require the Company’s issuance of a separate promissory note to the United States of America. The Company now requests a disbursement in the amount of $10,000,000 (the “Second Tranche”).

Upon full compliance with this approval and agreement letter (the “Approval Letter”), and otherwise in accordance with the Approval Letter, Subtitle V of Title 46 of the U.S. Code, formerly known as “Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936,” 46 U.S.C. 53701, et seq., and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. Section 1801 et seq., as amended, and the outstanding guidance and instructions of the Financial Services Division, we will issue a United States Promissory Note (the “Second Tranche Note”) and do all things necessary to effect the Second Tranche.

 

(1) PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Second Tranche is to finance or refinance 79.60% of the combined $12,562,298 depreciated actual cost of the Company’s reconstruction of a menhaden fishing vessel and the addition of a new dryer at the Reedville, Virginia facility (the “Project”).

LOGO


(2) NOTE:

(2.1) The Second Tranche Note shall, in form and substance, be similar to our customary form of United States Promissory Note and shall involve the following amount and other basic terms:

 

(2.1.1)    Amount:    $10,000,000.00
(2.1.2)    Maturity:    15 years from inception.
(2.1.3)    Amortization1:    Level debt.
(2.1.4)    Payments:    Quarterly.
(2.1.5)    Interest Rate:   

To be determined by the U.S.

Treasury rate for. Agency borrowing.

(2.2) We shall direct that the proceeds of the Second Tranche Note be paid, first, directly to the parties to whom the Company is indebted for the Project’s eligible cost and, second to the Company (as reimbursement of the Company’s funds previously expended for the Project’s eligible cost) to the extent that the amount of the Second Tranche Note exceeds the amount of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness for the Project’s eligible cost.

 

(3) SECURITY FOR THE SECOND TRANCHE NOTE:

(3.1) Security for the Second Tranche Note shall be such security agreements, undertakings, and other documents of whatsoever nature deemed by us, in our sole discretion, necessary to accomplish the intent and purpose of the Approval Letter and otherwise protect our interest (collectively, the “Security Documents”). The Security Documents shall, in form and substance, be similar to our customary form of security documents insofar as such customary form of Security Documents is, in our sole discretion, consistent with and appropriate for the Second Tranche.

(3.2) The Company and the other parties specified below shall, as additional security for the Second Tranche Note, be bound by and subject to the following special requirements, special covenants, and all provisions pertaining to them.

 

1

A amortization schedule that will estimate the application of payments will be provided at The Second Tranche closing.

 

2


(3.2.1) Special Requirements:

(3.2.1.1) The Project shall be free and clear of all liens, except such liens as may otherwise be specifically permitted herein, and the Company shall, before the Second Tranche closing, provide us whatever evidence thereof we may, in our sole discretion, require.

(3.2.1.2) The Company shall own, free and clear of all claims of whatsoever nature, except such claims as may otherwise be specifically permitted herein, the Project, and the Company shall, before the Second Tranche closing, provide us whatever evidence thereof we may, in our sole discretion, require.

(3.2.1.3) All pledges of all property shall also include such appropriate security agreements and U.C.C. filings on all associated appurtenances and rights associated with such pledged property as are, in our sole discretion, necessary to fully realize the pledges intended and protect our interest.

(3.2.1.4) If, after application of the proceeds of the Second Tranche Note, there remains any claim of whatsoever nature, except such claims as may otherwise be specifically permitted herein, against the Project, the Company shall immediately take whatever action is required to satisfy and discharge such claims. Any failure of the Company to do so shall be an event of default, causing us to declare a security default, under all default rights specified in the Security Documents.

(3.2.1.5) The Company shall, regarding the ownership and operation of all Company property of whatsoever nature, cause the appropriate authorities to provide us, before the Second Tranche closing, with all evidence of proper title recordation and governmental permits, approvals, licenses, consents, permissions, clearances, or other evidence of compliance with governmental requirements of whatsoever nature as we, in our sole discretion, may require to accomplish the intent and purpose of the Approval Letter and otherwise protect our interest.

(3.2.1.6) There shall, before the Second Tranche closing, be no change in the Company’s financial position, performance, or prospects deemed by us, in our sole discretion, to be materially adverse to our interest.

 

3


(3.2.1.7) The Company shall, before the Second Tranche closing, provide us such evidence of its authority to enter into the Second Tranche as we, in our sole discretion, shall require.

(3.2.1.8) The Company shall, before the Second Tranche closing, cause the appropriate parties to provide us with such evidence of all other parties’ authority to enter into any portion of the Second Tranche as we, in our sole discretion, shall require.

(3.2.1.9) The Company shall, at the Second Tranche closing and at the Company’s sole expense, cause private counsel acceptable to us, in our sole discretion, a legal opinion acceptable to us, in our sole discretion, that such documents executed in connection with the Second Tranche as we may, in our sole discretion, specify constitute legal and valid obligations fully binding and enforceable against the Company or, as the case may be, against such other parties to whom they might apply.

(3.2.1.10) The Second Tranche Note shall, in accordance with the Agreement, be secured by all the Security Documents executed in the Second Tranche, and all assignments of collateral and guarantees of any type required in connection with the Second Tranche are effective pledges and guarantees as to the Second Tranche and any subsequent Tranches.

(3.2.1.11) The Company shall, at the Second Tranche closing, provide to us a first preferred ship mortgage and appropriate first position U.C.C. filings on the F/V GRAND CHENIERE, Official Number 590692.

(3.2.1.12) The Company shall provide to us a verification and certification that the reconstruction of the F/V GRAND CHENIERE did not increase the harvesting capacity of the vessel.

(3.2.1.13) The Company shall, at the Second Tranche closing, provide to us an eighth deed of trust, behind only seven deeds of trust to us, on the Company’s shoreside storage facility located in Reedville, VA.

(3.2.1.14) The Company shall, at the Second Tranche closing, provide to us U.C.C. filings on the equipment located in Reedville, VA.

 

4


(3.2.1.15) The Company shall, at the Second Tranche closing, cause Omega Protein Corporation to provide us with its unconditional corporate guarantee of the Company’s repayment of the full unpaid principal and interest amount of the Second Tranche Note.

(3.2.2) Special Covenants:

(3.2.2.1) In addition to all covenants of whatsoever nature in our customary form of Security Documents2, the Company shall be bound by and subject to the following special covenants and all provisions pertaining to them:

(3.2.2.1.1) The Company shall not without the prior written consent of the Chief, Financial Services Division, National Marine Fisheries Service, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, take any of the following actions:

(3.2.2.1.1.1) Pay to any officer, partner, or other party any salary, commission, bonus, management fee, dividend, or other consideration (however characterized) in excess of either reasonable industry standards or ordinary financial prudence for a company of the Company’s size and financial condition when such consideration is paid (and the burden of proving reasonability shall be on the Company).

(3.2.2.1.1.2) Purchase or redeem any shares of its own stock.

(3.2.2.1.1.3) Make any additional investment (excluding purchases regarding the routine and continuing maintenance and preservation of the Company’s present property [including the Project] and its productivity) in, or incur any additional liability for, the purchase, acquisition, lease, or other use (however characterized) of any fixed property in connection with the Company’s present level of operations in any one fiscal year in excess of an aggregate of 5% of the Company’s total assets.

 

2

The Security Documents shall include the Second Tranche Note together with such security agreements, undertakings, and other documents of whatsoever nature deemed by us, in our sole discretion, necessary to accomplish the intent and purpose of the Approval Letter and otherwise protect our interest (collectively, the “Security Documents”).

 

5


(3.2.2.1.1.4) Start any new business or acquire any other business, or the assets of any other business, whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, affiliation, or any other means (however characterized) except as may otherwise be permitted herein, or sell, liquidate, dissolve, spin-off, split-up or in any other way (however characterized) dispose of its own assets except as may be required in the normal course of operations reasonably necessary to carry on its day-to-day operation.

(3.2.2.1.1.5) Guarantee or become contingently liable in any way as surety, endorser, creditor, co-maker, accommodation maker, or in any other way (however characterized) for the debt or obligation of any other party, except as may otherwise be permitted herein or required in the normal course of operations reasonably necessary to carry on its day-to-day business.

(3.2.2.1.1.6) By any means whatsoever, allow itself to be acquired by, or otherwise reorganized into (however characterized), any other company, unless the acquiring company or reorganized entity is acceptable to us and agrees to: (a) provide to us a 100% unconditional guarantee of the repayment of all debt actually or contingently owed us, (b) be bound by these covenants, (c) be bound by such other covenants as we shall reasonably require to protect our interest, and (d) provide such other assurances and security as we, in our sole discretion, may require.

(3.2.2.1.1.7) Establish any trust, retirement fund, or any other fund (however characterized) for the benefit of any principal or any party related to any principal, or transfer any funds, property, or other assets of any kind (however characterized) into any such fund whether now or hereafter existing (and any such action shall be void and without effect insofar as our interests are concerned)3.

 

3

This provision excludes contributions, not exceeding the maximum allowed by current IRS regulations, to any such party’s IRA, Keogh, or 401K account. Any contributions in excess of the maximum allowable under current IRS regulations per year per person to any other retirement account, and any contributions in any amount to any trust or other fund of whatsoever kind, must be approved in advance and in writing by us.

 

6


(3.2.2.1.1.8) Transfer any funds, property, or other assets (however characterized) to any party by way of gift or by any other means (however characterized) for any consideration less than payment by such party of the full and fair market value thereof (and any such action shall be void and without effect insofar as our interests are concerned) : provided, however, that reasonable transfers not significantly affecting the Company’s net worth, and not inconsistent with the Company’s obligation to protect us from loss by preserving its net worth, shall be exempted.

(3.2.2.1.2) The Company shall (within 10 days of its first knowledge thereof but in no event more than 30 days from the occurrence) give us notice of any pending litigation, business reverse, casualty, loss, or any other matter (however characterized) that materially diminishes: (a) its ability to service any debt actually or contingently owed us, (b) its ability to perform any other duty or obligation owed us, (c) its ability to fully and faithfully perform any covenant with us, (d) the value of any property or other assets pledged to us, or (e) the net worth of the parties against whom we have recourse.

(3.2.2.1.3) The Company shall give us annually, at the end of each of its accounting or tax years: (a) the Company’s balance sheet at the end of each such year, (b) the Company’s income and expense statement for the preceding twelve months of each of such years, (c) the Company’s Federal Income Tax Return for each of such years (all together with all supporting schedules). Independent certified public accountants acceptable, in our sole discretion to us, shall, according to generally accepted accounting principles, compile the annual financial reports required under (a) through (c) hereof, and certify the accuracy of same.

(3.2.2.1.4) All annual financial reports required hereunder shall include a certification from the Company’s chief executive officer that either (a) there has been no default under the Security Documents during the reporting period or (b) there has been a default or defaults under the Security Documents during the reporting period, in which latter case the nature, extent, prospective consequences, and all other relevant details of such default or defaults shall be fully set forth in such certification.

 

7


(3.2.2.1.5) The Company shall deliver all required financial statements, notices, and returns or reports to our Southeast Regional Financial Services Branch. The Company shall deliver all financial statements to us as soon as possible, but in no event later than 90 days after the close of the accounting period to which they relate. The Company shall deliver all tax returns to us within 15 days of their timely filing with the Internal Revenue Service.

(3.2.2.1.6) The Company shall permit us, or any representative selected by us, in such manner and at such times as we may, in our sole discretion, reasonably require, to: (a) make inspections and audits of any books, records, papers, or other documents of whatsoever nature in the Company’s custody and control (or in any other entity’s custody or control) relating in any way to the Company’s financial or business condition, (b) make extracts therefrom, and (c) make inspections and appraisals of any of the Company’s physical assets. The Company shall, within thirty days of our demand, pay us for the cost of all such inspections, audits, or appraisals, and all such amounts disbursed by us for such purpose shall, until fully repaid by the Company, be: (a) added, payable upon our demand, to the Second Tranche Note, (b) earn interest at the same rate as the other principal of the Second Tranche Note, and (c) be secured by the Security Documents.

(3.2.2.1.7) Should a limited fisheries access system be initiated at some future date, under which the Company is granted a transferable fishery conservation and management allocation (including, but not limited to, allocations, permits, quotas, licenses, cage tags, or any other fisheries access restriction or right [however characterized] of whatsoever nature) affecting, necessary for, or in any other way (however characterized) associated with any of the property included in or subject to the Security Documents, the Company agrees that it shall grant to us a full senior security interest in such allocation by whatsoever means deemed by us (in our sole discretion) to be appropriate (including, but not limited to, the Company’s execution of security agreements and the

 

8


filing of financing statements under the U.C.C.). Further, if the Company fails to do so, the Company agrees that we may (in our sole discretion) use the attorney-in-fact provisions conferred upon us by the Security Documents to execute, deliver, and otherwise perfect whatever documents may be required to accomplish the grant to us of such a full security interest in such fisheries conservation and management allocation.

(3.2.2.2) In addition to all existing covenants of whatsoever nature in any way associated with the Security Documents, Omega Protein Corporation (the “Guaranteeing Company”), as additional security for the Second Tranche Note, hereby agrees to, and shall henceforth be bound by and subject to, the following special covenants and all provisions pertaining to them:

(3.2.2.2.1) The Guaranteeing Company shall not without the prior written consent of the Chief, Financial Services Division, National Marine Fisheries Service, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, take any of the following actions:

(3.2.2.2.1.1) Pay to any officer, partner, or other party any salary, commission, bonus, management fee, dividend, or other consideration (however characterized) in excess of either reasonable industry standards or ordinary financial prudence for a company of the Guaranteeing Company’s size and financial condition at the time that such consideration is paid (and the burden of proving reasonability shall be on the Guaranteeing Company).

(3.2.2.2.1.2) Purchase or redeem any shares of its own stock.

(3.2.2.2.1.3) Make any additional investment (excluding purchases in connection with the routine and continuing maintenance and preservation of the Guaranteeing Company’s present property and its productivity) in, or incur any additional liability for, the purchase, acquisition, lease, or other use (however characterized) of any fixed property: provided; however, that reasonable new investment activity or additional liability not significantly affecting the Guaranteeing Company’s net worth, and not inconsistent with the Guaranteeing Company’s obligation to protect us from loss by preserving its net worth, shall be exempted.

 

9


(3.2.2.2.1.4) Start any new business or acquire any other business, or the assets of any other business, whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, affiliation, or any other means (however characterized) except as may otherwise be permitted herein, or sell, liquidate, dissolve, spin-off, split-up or in any other way (however characterized) dispose of its own assets except as may be required in the normal course of operations reasonably necessary to carry on its day-to-day operation.

(3.2.2.2.1.5) Guarantee or become contingently liable in any way as surety, endorser, creditor, co-maker, accommodation maker, or in any other way (however characterized) for the debt or obligation of any other party, except as may otherwise be permitted herein or required in the normal course of operations reasonably necessary to carry on its day-to-day business.

(3.2.2.2.1.6) By any means whatsoever, allow itself to be acquired by, or otherwise reorganized into (however characterized), any other company, unless the acquiring company or reorganized entity is acceptable to us and agrees to: (a) provide to us an absolute, unconditional guarantee of 100% of all debt actually or contingently owed us, (b) be bound by these covenants, (c) be bound by such other covenants as we shall reasonably require to protect our interest, and (d) provide such other assurances and security as we (in our sole discretion) may require.

(3.2.2.2.1.7) Establish any trust, retirement fund, or any other fund (however characterized) for the benefit of any principal or any party related to any principal, or transfer any monies, property, or other assets of any kind (however characterized) into any such fund whether now or hereafter existing (and any such action shall be void and without effect insofar as our interests are concerned)4.

 

4

This provision excludes contributions, not exceeding the maximum allowed by current IRS regulations, to any such party’s IRA, Keough, or 401K account. Any contributions in excess of the maximum allowable under current IRS regulations per year per person to any other retirement account, and any contributions in any amount to any trust or other fund of whatsoever kind, must be approved in advance and in writing by us.

 

10


This provision excludes contributions not to exceed the amount set by current IRS regulations, to any parties IRA, Keogh, or 401K account.

(3.2.2.2.1.8) Transfer any monies, property, or other assets (however characterized) to any party by way of gift or by any other means (however characterized) for any consideration less than payment by such party of the full and fair market value thereof (and any such action shall be void and without effect insofar as our interests are concerned) : provided, however, that reasonable transfers not significantly affecting the Guaranteeing Company’s net worth, and not inconsistent with the Guaranteeing Company’s obligation to protect us from loss by preserving its net worth, shall be exempted.

(3.2.2.3.2) The Guaranteeing Company shall give us immediate notice of any pending litigation, business reverse, casualty, loss, or any other matter (however characterized) that diminishes: (a) its ability to service any debt actually or contingently owed us, (b) its ability to perform any other duty or obligation owed us, (c) its ability to fully and faithfully perform any covenant with us, (d) the value of any property or other assets pledged to us, or (e) the net worth of the parties against whom we have recourse.

(3.2.2.3.3) The Guaranteeing Company shall give us annually, at the end of each of its accounting or tax years, a certified correct copy of: (a) the Guaranteeing Company’s balance sheet at the end of each such year, (b) the Guaranteeing Company’s income and expense statement for the preceding twelve months of each of such years, and (c) the Guaranteeing Company’s Federal Income Tax Return for each of such years (all together with all supporting schedules). The Guaranteeing Company shall also give us at any reasonable time any and all other financial statements, books, records, schedules, or reports we may reasonably require from time-to-time.

(3.2.2.3.4) All annual financial reports required hereunder shall include a certification from the Company’s chief executive officer that either (a) there has been no default under the Security Documents during the reporting period or (b) there has been a default or

 

11


defaults under the Security Documents during the reporting period, in which latter case the nature, extent, prospective consequences, and all other relevant details of such default or defaults shall be fully set forth in such certification.

(3.2.2.3.5) all required financial statements, notices, and returns or reports shall be delivered to our Southeast Regional Financial Services Branch. All financial statements shall be delivered to us as soon as possible, but in no event later than 90 days after the close of the accounting period to which they relate. All tax returns shall be delivered to us within 15 days of their timely filing with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

(3.2.2.3.6) The Guaranteeing Company shall permit us, or any representative selected by us, in such manner and at such times as we may (in our sole discretion) reasonably require, to: (a) make inspections and audits of any books, records, papers, or other documents of whatsoever nature in the Guaranteeing Company’s custody and control (or in any other entity’s custody or control) relating in any way to the Guaranteeing Company’s financial or business condition, (b) make extracts therefrom, and (c) make inspections and appraisals of any of the Guaranteeing Company’s physical assets. The Guaranteeing Company shall, within thirty days of our demand, pay us for the cost of all such inspections, audits, or appraisals, and all such amounts disbursed by us for such purpose shall, until fully repaid by the Guaranteeing Company, be: (a) added, payable upon our demand, to the Second Tranche Note, (b) earn interest at the same rate as the other principal of the Second Tranche Note, and (c) be secured by the Security Documents.

(3.2.2.4) Any violation of any of these special covenants shall be an event of default, causing our declaration of a security default, under all default rights specified in the Security Documents and cause, in our sole discretion, for immediate acceleration of the full unpaid amount of the Note, foreclosure under the Security Documents, and full pursuance under all default rights specified in the Security Documents of all other remedies of every sort whatsoever for collecting the Note.

 

12


(3.2.2.5) Where these special covenants, or any portion of them, are specifically inconsistent with covenants in our customary form of Security Documents, these special covenants shall to that extent (but to that extent only) supersede covenants in our customary form of Security Documents. Where these special covenants, or any portion of them, are not specifically inconsistent with covenants in our customary form of Security Documents, the covenants in our customary form of Security Documents shall not be superseded by these special covenants and these special covenants shall be in addition to the covenants in our customary form of Security Documents.

 

(4) INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS:

(4.1) Property insurance.

(4.1.1) Hull and machinery insurance for the full value ($2,748,000 minimum) on the F/V GRAND CHENIERE, O.N. 590692.

(4.1.2) For the Project Property and Equipment located at Reedville, VA: all risk building, structure, and contents insurance for the full replacement value of the buildings, structures, and all contents including all the Equipment, all inventory, and all work in progress.

(4.1.3) For the Project Property: full explosion coverage for steam boilers in the amount not less than $20,000,000.

(4.1.4) If the Project Property is in a designated flood plain, then the Project Property must have flood insurance on the buildings and contents for the replacement cost.

(4.2) Liability Insurance.

(4.2.1) Protection and indemnity insurance for a minimum of $100,000 per crewmember on the F/V GRAND CHENIERE, O.N. 590692.

(4.2.2) For the Project Property: full primary commercial general liability insurance with liability limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate.

(4.2.3) For the Project Property: The facility must have umbrella liability for a total of $15,000,000 minimum.

(4.2.4) Business vehicle insurance for all land motor

 

13


vehicles, trailers, or semi-trailers designed for travel on public roads and owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by you, with liability limits of at least $1,000,000.

(4.2.5) For the Project Property: The facility must have statutory state limits of workmen’s compensation, including proper classifications for all workers. U.S. Longshoremen’s and Harbor Worker’s endorsement must be included. The workmen’s compensation coverage must include employer’s liability with a minimum of $1,000,000 per employee.

(4.3) BREACH OF WARRANTY:

(4.3.1) Breach of warranty insurance for the hull and machinery coverage on the F/V GRAND CHENIERE, O.N. 590692 for the insured value. Once this loan has been paid down below the insured value, for no less than 110% of the outstanding balance of this financing.

(4.4) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

(4.3.1) All U.S. vessels of 300 gross tons or greater must have Certificates of Financial Responsibility (COFR’s) on board the vessels. For the F/V GRAND CHENIERE, O.N. 590692 we must be provided a current copy of the COFR.

(4.5) GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

(4.5.1) You must provide us in a timely manner with original policies, binders, and endorsements on the F/V GRAND CHENIERE, O.N. 590692, and the Project Property located at Reedville, VA. Such policies must list the NMFS headquarters address as follows for the additional insured or mortgagee as indicated:

National Marine Fisheries Service

Financial Services Division

1315 East-West Highway

Silver Spring, MD 20910

(4.5.2) We must be an additional insured on the hull and machinery and the protection and indemnity policies and on all liability insurance.

(4.5.3) We must be the sole loss payee to the full extent of our interest on the hull and machinery policies.

(4.5.4) We must be listed as first mortgagee and loss payee on all property coverage.

 

14


(4.5.5) We must be the sole assured and the sole loss payee on the breach of warranty policies.

(4.5.6) We must have thirty (30) days notice of cancellation on all shoreside coverage and twenty (20) days notice of cancellation on all vessel coverage.

(4.5.7) We must be provided with our standard hull and machinery endorsement (NMFS 2-267(a)) and our standard protection and indemnity endorsement (NMFS 2-267(b)) must be on their respective policies, and our standard NMFS Form 2- 267(a) shoreside endorsement for property and NMFS Form 2- 267(b) shoreside endorsement for liability.

(4.6) Such other usual and customary insurances as we may require. We attach our standard requirements for insurance.

 

(5) INSPECTIONS:

We may, in our sole discretion, cause inspectors (appraisers, surveyors, engineers, or architects) of our choice to inspect, before the Second Tranche closing, all Project and Equipment.

Although we shall choose these inspectors, they shall work for us, and we shall initially pay them, you shall be responsible to reimburse us for their cost and hereby unconditionally promise to, within 30 days of our demand, pay for the cost of all such inspections. All amounts disbursed by us for this purpose shall, if not fully repaid to us by the date the Second Tranche is closed, be: (a) added, payable upon our demand, to the Second Tranche Note, (b) earn interest at the same rate as the other principal of the Second Tranche Note, and (c) be secured by the Security Documents.

We will consult with you about the kind and cost of inspection services required. We shall endeavor to keep all inspections, and all costs for them, as reasonable as possible. Nevertheless, the choice of inspectors and services shall be ours, and failure of the inspection results to meet, for our sole purposes, our approval or the your failure to reimburse us for all inspection costs shall constitute, in our sole discretion, either, as the case may be, cause for withdrawal of the Approval Letter or a security default under the Security Documents.

 

15


(6) PRE-CLOSING:

(6.1) Please let our Regional Financial Services Branch at the address specified in (9) below know, at least 45 days in advance, the date you need the Second Tranche closed. We will need to verify or arrange many things, for example:

(6.1.1) The depreciated actual costs eligible for the Second Tranche.

(6.1.2) The adequacy of all required insurance’s (communicate about insurance matters directly with our Central Insurance Servicing Unit at the address specified in [9] below rather than our Regional Financial Services Branch).

(6.1.3) The absence of liens on property involved in the Second Tranche (other than those permitted herein).

(6.1.4) All closing documentation factors including the availability of your private counsel (acceptable to us) where the Second Tranche involves real property, U.C.C. filings, or other unusually complicated factors. Where the Second Tranche involves real property mortgages or U.C.C. filings, your attorney will have to prepare, and submit to us, before the Second Tranche closing, for our approval, all closing documents involving the real estate or U.C.C. filings.

(6.1.5) Your possession of all necessary permits, licenses, approvals, and other clearances of whatsoever nature required to do business and protect us against risk.

(6.1.6) No change in any party’s financial or economic circumstances or prospects deemed by us, in our sole discretion, to be materially adverse to our interest.

(6.1.7) The availability of all parties at the Second Tranche closing.

(6.1.8) The availability of all required documentation of good standing, authority to enter into the Second Tranche, etc.

(6.1.9) The accomplishment of all other matters of whatsoever nature that constitutes, in our sole discretion, conditions precedent to our willingness to close the Second Tranche.

 

16


(6.1.10) The time, date, and place of the Second Tranche closing.

(6.2) Our attorney’s will (with the assistance of your private counsel where the Second Tranche closing involves real estate mortgages or U.C.C. filings) prepare the documents to close the Second Tranche.

 

(7) CLOSING:

Our Regional Financial Services Branch will close the Second Tranche.

We will not close the Second Tranche unless all parties hereto have fully complied with all requirements of the Approval Letter and all subsequent the Second Tranche closing instructions.

We will not close the Second Tranche if there has been any change in the financial or economic position, performance, prospects, or other circumstances of any party to the Approval Letter deemed by us, in our sole discretion, to be materially adverse to our interest.

You must, at the Second Tranche closing, provide funds for all required document filing, mortgage recordation, title transfer, or other fees of whatsoever nature that may be required to perfect the closing documents and complete the closing. You must, at the Second Tranche closing, to provide funds for any fees owed us. You must, at the Second Tranche closing, provide funds to reimburse us for any inspection or other expenses we may have incurred in your behalf.

 

(8) POST-CLOSING:

Those proceeds of the Second Tranche Note will be transferred, by electronic wire transfer if possible, to the parties indicated by the intent and purpose of the Approval Letter. Disbursement will, at our sole discretion, occur after all the Second Tranche closing documents required by the Approval Letter have been fully perfected (including transfer, recording, and filing where required) and all other the Second Tranche closing requirements have been completed and approved by us.

 

17


(9) CONTACT WITH US:

Our Regional Financial Services Branch that will close the Second Tranche, and with which you shall communicate during the rest of the financing’s life, is:

Financial Services Branch, F/MB52

National Marine Fisheries Service

263 13th Avenue South

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701

Vox:    (727)-824-5377

Fax:     (727)-824-5380

You shall communicate with our Regional Financial Services Branch on all matters except insurance. You shall communicate on all insurance matters directly with our Central Insurance Servicing Unit:

Insurance Servicing Unit

Financial Services Division, F/MB5

National Marine Fisheries Service

1315 East West Highway

Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

Vox:    (301) 713-2387

Fax:     (301) 713-1306

You should contact both our Branch and our Central Insurance Unit as soon as all parties required to do so have signed the Approval Letter and you have returned the Approval Letter to our Branch. We will all benefit by having as much time as possible to prepare for closing the Second Tranche.

Your case number is FF-G-017B. It is important that you include this case number on all correspondence you send to us about the Second Tranche. It is very important that you include this case number on all checks you send us for any reason, now or in the future, relating to the Second Tranche, or any other aspect of this loan.

 

(10) SIGNING THE APPROVAL LETTER:

All parties listed in the signature section of the Approval Letter must sign the Approval Letter in the appropriate spaces provided and return it (with original signatures) to our Branch. This evidences the acceptance of all such parties of the terms and conditions of the Approval Letter. Nothing can

 

18


go forward until all such parties have signed the Approval Letter and their original signatures thereon are in our possession.

 

(11) GENERAL:

All parties signing the Approval Letter, and any other parties who might rely on it, recognize, understand, and hereby agree that:

(11.1) The Chief, Financial Services Division, or his designee, may negotiate with any party to the Approval Letter, any creditor, or any other party whatsoever about: the Approval Letter, the liability of any party, the collateral securing the Second Tranche, the Security Documents, or any other matter whatsoever affecting the Second Tranche. Any resulting amendment of the Approval Letter shall require the written agreement of the parties. Any resulting change in the Approval Letter shall not be cause for damage, counterclaim, or set off by any of party hereto whatsoever. It is the sole responsibility of all parties to verify for themselves the final conditions under which the Second Tranche is being closed.

(11.2) All parties must meet such other conditions as we may, in our sole discretion, reasonably deem necessary to accomplish the intent and purpose of the Approval Letter and otherwise protect our interest.

(11.3) The Approval Letter is the entire and exclusive agreement between the parties hereto. This agreement may be amended only in writing signed by the parties. All parties hereto forever waive all right to sue, or otherwise counterclaim against, the United States Government based on any claim of past, present, or future oral agreement between the parties.

(11.4) The provisions of the Approval Letter are separable and, in the event any portion thereof is held to be void, invalid, non-binding, or otherwise unenforceable, the remaining portion thereof shall remain fully valid, binding, and enforceable against all parties hereto.

(11.5) The exercise of any of our rights shall be at our sole discretion. Our failure at any time to exercise any or all of our rights shall not constitute a waiver of any of those rights.

 

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(12) SIGNATURES:

(12.1) The parties required to do so may sign the Approval Letter in any number of counterparts, and all such signed counterparts shall constitute one and the same Approval Letter.

(12.2) The undersigned hereby agree to, and shall henceforth be bound by and subject to, all provisions set forth in the Approval Letter.

(12.3) FIRST PARTY: United States of America, Acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service:

 

  By:  

/s/ Brian Summers

     
    Brian Summers      
    Financial Assistance Specialist      
  For:  

/s/ Leo C. Erwin

     
   

Leo C. Erwin, Chief

     
    Financial Services Division      

(12.4) SECOND PARTY: Omega Protein, Inc.

 

  By:  

/s/ Robert Stockton

    Date:  

11/10/2009

  Title:  

Vice President

     
  Attest:  

/s/ Gregory Toups

    Date:  

11/10/09

  Title:  

VP Controller

     

(12.5) THIRD PARTY: Omega Protein Corporation:

 

  By:  

/s/ Robert Stockton

    Date:  

11/10/2009

  Title:  

Exec. Vice President

     
  Attest:  

/s/ Gregory Toups

    Date:  

11/10/09

  Title:  

VP Controller

     

 

20

EX-10.2 3 dex102.htm CORRECTION DEED OF TRUST MADE BY OMEGA PROTEIN, INC Correction Deed of Trust made by Omega Protein, Inc

Exhibit 10.2

CORRECTION

DEED OF TRUST

DATED AS OF MARCH 11, 2010

MADE BY

OMEGA PROTEIN, INC.

TO

MATSON C. TERRY, II, OF

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA

AND

B.H.B. HUBBARD, III, OF

LANCASTER COUNTY, VIRGINIA, TRUSTEES

FOR THE BENEFIT OF

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

 

1


DEED OF TRUST AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

COUNTY OF NORTHUMBERLAND

1. PARTIES: WHEREAS, OMEGA PROTEIN, INC., a Virginia corporation, hereinafter “Grantor”, whether one or more, is indebted to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce, Office of the Financial Services Division, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, hereinafter “Beneficiary”, in the aggregate amount of Ten Million and No/100 Dollars ($10,000,000.00), together with interest thereon, as evidenced by a certain promissory note, payable to the order of the United States of America, acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce, Office of the Financial Services Division, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which bears interest and is payable according to the terms of said note and which has a final maturity date of May 25, 2025.

2. THE PROMISSORY NOTE TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and in order to secure the prompt and full payment of said indebtedness, and any future advance(s), additional advance(s), and/or readvance(s), and/or any renewal(s), extension(s), restructuring(s), reamortization(s), any other sums provided for in any loan document, and/or any other loan treatment(s) thereof, or any part thereof, and the interest thereon and any and all other indebtedness(es) (including future advance(s) now or hereafter owed by any of the undersigned to the Beneficiary), whether such indebtedness(es) is primary or secondary, direct or indirect, contingent or absolute, matured or unmatured, joint or several, and otherwise secured or not, and the faithful performance of and compliance with all the terms, agreements, provisions, obligations, covenants, conditions, warrants, representations, and stipulations herein made, or made in any Loan Agreement or in any other document related to the promissory note described as follows:

(a.) The Promissory Note to the United States of America executed by Grantor in the principal amount of Ten Million & No/100 Dollars, ($10,000,000.00), with interest on the unpaid principal computed from the 25th day of May, 2010, at the

 

2


rate of 5.73% per year, payment to be made in installments of Two hundred forty nine thousand five hundred forty nine ($249,549.00) each, including principal and interest, payable quarterly. Payments shall be due on August 25, November 25, February 25, and May 25 of each year until sixty (60) quarterly payments are made with the balance of principal and interest due on May 25, 2025.

3. THE PROPERTY: OMEGA PROTEIN, INC., hereinafter Grantor, whether one or more, in consideration of the premises and other good and valuable consideration paid to Grantor by Matson C. Terry, II, Esq., and B.H.B. Hubbard, III, Esq., as Trustees, either of whom may act, whose address is 293, Steamboat Road, P.O. Box 340, Irvington, Virginia 22480, hereinafter, “Trustee”, does hereby convey and warrant unto Trustees with General Warranty the real estate, hereinafter “The Property”, situate in Northumberland County, Virginia, more particularly described on Exhibit A, attached hereto, recorded herewith, and, by this reference, expressly made a part hereof for a further and more accurate description of the real estate hereby encumbered, together with all buildings and other improvements, hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in any wise appertaining now existing or hereafter erected upon the premises and all the income and rents arising therefrom. Grantor does hereby intend to convey and does convey all of Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to any strips and gores Grantor may now own contiguous to the above described property.

4. MINERALS INCLUDED: It is expressly understood and agreed, as a part of the consideration for the loan made to the Grantor and secured by the premises hereinabove described, that this instrument covers and includes all surface, subsurface and/or mineral estate ownership now or after acquired by the undersigned in the above-property and whether or not expressly excepted from the description to the above security premises, any provisions herein to the contrary being of no force and effect.

5. PLEDGE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY: AND FOR THE CONSIDERATION AFORESAID, and as further security for any and all debt(s) and obligation(s) described above, said Grantor does hereby assign, pledge and transfer to the Beneficiary, and grant to the Beneficiary a security interest in and to the following described property and interests, to-wit: (1) all timber of all

 

3


kind, character and description planted and/or growing, or to be planted and/or grown, on the hereinabove described property; (2) all crop allotments, quotas, and/or (3) all rents, profits, issues, income, royalties, bonuses, and revenues of said property, or any part or interest herein, from time to time accruing whether under leases or tenancies now existing or hereafter created; (4) each and every policy of hazard insurance or the like now or hereafter in effect which insures said property or any building, fixture and/or improvement thereon or any part thereof, together with all the right, title and interest of Grantor in and to such policy, including but not limited to any premiums paid (or rights to return premiums) and/or all proceeds or payments thereunder; (5) all judgments, award of damages and settlements hereafter made resulting from condemnation proceedings or the taking of the real property, or any part thereof, under the power of eminent domain, or for any damage (whether caused by such taking or otherwise) to the property, or any part thereof, or to any rights appurtenant thereto; (6) all building materials, equipment, fixtures and fittings of all kind, character, and description used in connection with or relating to said property and/or buildings, fixtures or improvements thereon; (7) all equipment, including, but not limited to: forklifts, bobcats, cranes, pallet trucks, lift trucks and other product or material movement equipment of whatsoever nature; all trailers, tanks, trucks, or other rolling stock of whatsoever nature; all fish unloading, transfer and conveying equipment of whatsoever nature; all fish processing equipment of whatsoever nature; all fish weighing equipment of whatsoever nature; all cooling, refrigerating, freezing and other fish holding equipment (blast freezers, plate freezers, coolers, or other refrigeration equipment) of whatsoever nature; all fish packaging equipment of whatsoever nature; all fish baskets, totes, tanks, tubs, and other fish holding equipment of whatsoever nature; all ice makers of whatsoever nature; all hand and power tolls of whatsoever nature; all office equipment of whatsoever nature; all fish hatching, releasing, rearing, growing, tending, and other equipment of whatsoever nature in any way associated with fisheries cultivation of every sort-all together with all associated equipment, machinery, parts, tools, or other items of whatsoever nature and whether fixed or unfixed to the Project Property or any other premises whatsoever; and/or (8) all tangible or intangible property found on the premises and products, proceeds, and additions and/or replacement of any or all of the property described above in items 1 through 8.

 

4


Additionally, Grantor does hereby assign, pledge and transfer to the Beneficiary, and grant to the Beneficiary a security interest in any transferable fishing conservation and management allocation (including, but not limited to, allocations, permits, quotas, licenses, cage tags, or any other fisheries access restriction or right, however characterized, of whatsoever nature) affecting, necessary for, or in any other way, however characterized, associated with any of the property included in the collateral, the Grantor agrees to grant to the Beneficiary a full senior security interest in such allocation by whatsoever means deemed by the Beneficiary to be appropriate (including, but not limited to, the Grantor’s execution of security agreements and the filing of financing statements under the UCC), presently owned or acquired at any time in the future. Further, if the Grantor fails to do so, the Grantor agrees that the Beneficiary may use, for the purpose of executing and otherwise perfecting whatever documents may be required to effect the grant to the Beneficiary of such a full security interest in such fisheries conservation and management allocation, the attorney-in-fact authority conferred upon the Beneficiary by Article XI of the Title XI Financial Agreement.

IN TRUST, however, to secure and enforce the repayment of all of Grantor’s obligations under the promissory note set forth above and to secure Grantor’s promises contained hereinafter. GRANTOR FURTHER COVENANTS, WARRANTS AND AGREES:

7. TAXES, FEES: To pay when due all taxes, liens, judgments, assessments or fees assessed against said property and to promptly furnish Beneficiary with tax receipts or like documents evidencing payment of or release from all taxes, liens, judgments, assessments or fees. By execution hereof, Grantor agrees to pay when due all community water system assessment and meter fees, if any, applicable to said property, and in the event of foreclosure, hereby does transfer and assign to the purchaser all of Grantor’s interest and membership, if any, in said community water system applicable to said property, and agrees to execute such documents as are necessary to effectuate such transfer.

8. INSURANCE REQUIREMENT: To insure and keep insured buildings and other improvements now on or which may hereafter be placed on said premises, against loss or damage by fire, water windstorm and/or all hazards included within “extended coverage”, as well as loss or damage by flood in areas designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

 

5


as subject to flood, any policy evidencing such insurance to be deposited with, and the loss thereunder to be payable to Beneficiary as its interest may appear, and providing for immediate notification to Beneficiary of any lapse, cancellation or other impairment of said insurance. All policies shall be written by reliable insurance companies authorized to write policies of insurance in the State of Virginia, acceptable to Beneficiary. At the option of Beneficiary, and subject to the general regulations of U.S. Department of Commerce, where applicable, sums received by Beneficiary from such insurance companies may be used to pay for reconstruction or repair of destroyed or damaged buildings or improvement(s); or, if not so applied may, at the sole option of the Beneficiary, be applied in payment of any indebtedness, matured or unmatured, secured by this deed of trust and security agreement. The Beneficiary will be listed on any insurance policy and named as First Loss Payee on all insurance covering real property, except Liability coverage, in which case the Beneficiary is named a Loss Payee as its interest may appear. The Beneficiary will also be listed as a First Loss Payee on all insurance covering personal property, as its interest may appear.

9. USE OF THE PROPERTY: That the aquaculture portion of the premises hereinbefore described, if any, shall be continuously used in a husbandlike manner for aquaculture production which incorporates good aquaculture practices that will produce the maximum yield consistent with conservation goals; that in the event that any part of the premises is used for agriculture, it shall be conducted in a husbandlike manner, that Waste will not be committed or permitted; if timber land is involved as security, Grantor will follow good and approved forestry practices to minimize or prevent fire danger, erosion or depreciation, protect young trees, and maintain forest production; it is agreed, however, that no timber now or hereafter affected hereby will be cut, removed, damaged or turpentined (except such as is customarily used on the property for fuel, fencing or repairs) without the prior written consent of the Beneficiary. Grantor will promptly notify Beneficiary of any damage to timber from any source. Grantor will, where practical, promptly notify Beneficiary of any potential damage to timber. In the event this covenant, or any part, is breached, Grantor agrees to pay all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, incurred by Beneficiary in investigating such violation and in protecting and preserving this security.

 

6


10. EVENTS OF DEFAULT-REMEDIES: This conveyance, however, is in trust to secure the payment and performance of the obligations. But if Grantor fails to pay when due any sums secured hereby or if default is made by Grantor (or any one of them) in the payment or performance of any of the obligations under the Note, Promissory Note to the United States, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, Title XI Agreement, or any other document or agreement associated with this transaction, or in case Grantor should become insolvent, commit an Act of Bankruptcy, or apply to a bankruptcy court to be adjudicated a voluntary bankrupt, or proceedings be instituted to put Grantor in involuntary bankruptcy, or should any proceedings be taken against Grantor for the appointment of a receiver, assignee or trustee, or should Grantor make an assignment for benefit of one or more creditors, or should Beneficiary in good faith deem itself insecure and its prospect of payment impaired, or if any loan proceeds are used for a purpose that will: (1) contribute to excessive erosion of highly erodible land or to the conversion of wetlands to produce an agricultural commodity, as further explained in 7 CFR Part 1940, Subpart G, Exhibit M, or (2) result in poor aquaculture practices, then in that event all of the obligations shall, at the option of Beneficiary, be and become at once due and payable without notice to Grantor, and Trustee herein named or his successor or successors shall, at the request of Beneficiary, sell all or any part of the Property as set out in 30 of this Deed of Trust and Security Agreement. In the event of any such default, Beneficiary shall also have all the remedies of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code of Virginia and any other applicable law, including, but not limited to the right to seek a judgment for any deficiency in the amount owed, following liquidation of collateral. All remedies of Beneficiary shall be cumulative. A failure on the part of Beneficiary to exercise any remedy or option contained in this Deed of Trust and Security Agreement in the event of default shall not constitute a waiver of Beneficiary’s right to exercise said remedy or option in the event of that or any subsequent default.

11. COMPLIANCE WITH ALL REGULATIONS: With respect to the Property, Grantor covenants with Beneficiary, that Grantor has complied, is in compliance, and will at all times comply in all respects with all applicable laws (whether statutory, common law or otherwise), rules, regulations, orders, permits, licenses, ordinances, judgments, or decrees of all governmental authorities (whether federal, state, local or otherwise), including, without limitation, all laws regarding public health or welfare, environmental protection, water and air pollution, composition

 

7


of product, underground storage tanks, toxic substances, hazardous substances, hazardous materials, hazardous wastes, other wastes or used oil, asbestos, occupational health and safety, nuisances, trespass, and negligence.

12. HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT: Grantor agrees to indemnify and hold Beneficiary, its directors, employees, agents, and its successors and assigns, harmless from and against any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, fees, penalties, charges, judgments, administrative orders, remedial action requirements, enforcement actions of any kind, and all costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith (including but not limited to, attorney’s fees and expenses, including all attorney’s fees and expenses incurred by Beneficiary in and for this indemnity), arising directly or indirectly, in whole or in part out of any failure of Grantor to comply with the environmental representations, warranties and covenants contained herein.

13. SURVIVAL OF GRANTOR’S LIABILITY: Grantor’s representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities contained herein shall survive the occurrence of any event whatsoever, including without limitation, the satisfaction of the promissory note secured hereby, the reconveyance or foreclosure of the mortgage, the acceptance by Beneficiary of a deed in lieu of foreclosure, or any transfer or abandonment of the property, failure to comply strictly with the representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities commenced herein shall constitute a default under this deed of trust.

14. VALID EIGHTH LIEN: That this deed of trust and security agreement is a valid eighth lien against all the land, interests and improvements offered and/or appraised as security for this loan and that the property and interests described herein is now free and clear of any and all other liens and encumbrances except as otherwise set forth herein. If the validity of this deed of trust, or if Grantor’s title to any of said land, interests or improvements is questioned in any manner, or if any part of such land, interests or improvements is not properly described herein, Beneficiary may, in its discretion, investigate and take such action as it considers necessary or desirable for the protection of its interests and for this purpose may employ legal counsel or expert assistance and the Grantor will promptly pay all expenses so incurred by Beneficiary.

The lien of this deed of trust is subordinate and of inferior dignity to the lien of that certain prior deed of trust dated July 18, 1989, from Zapata Haynie Corporation to Michael T. Bradshaw,

 

8


et al, Trustees, securing the United States of America in the original amount of $4,675,000.00, recorded in Deed Book 298, at Page 80, in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of Northumberland County, Virginia, as amended by that certain Amendment dated March 31, 1993, recorded in Deed Book 348, at Page 130, in the Clerk’s Office aforesaid.

The lien of this deed of trust further is subordinate and of inferior dignity to the lien of that certain prior deed of trust dated October 30, 1996, from Zapata Protein (USA), Inc., to James C. Breeden, et al, Trustees, securing the United States of America in the original amount of $1,848,562.00, recorded in Deed Book 407, at Page 706, in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of Northumberland County, Virginia.

The lien of this deed of trust further is subordinate and of inferior dignity to the lien of that certain prior deed of trust dated May 12, 1998, from Omega Protein, Inc., to Matson C. Terry, II, et al, Trustees, securing the United States of America in the original amount of $2,593,761.00, recorded in Deed Book 431, at Page 200, in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of Northumberland County, Virginia.

The lien of this deed of trust further is subordinate and of inferior dignity to the lien of that certain prior deed of trust dated December 21, 1999, from Omega Protein, Inc., to Matson C. Terry, II, et al, Trustees, securing the United States of America in the original amount of $2,030,661.00, recorded in Deed Book 460, at Page 721, in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of Northumberland County, Virginia.

The lien of this deed of trust further is subordinate and of inferior dignity to the lien of that certain prior deed of trust dated October 19, 2001, from Omega Protein, Inc., to Matson C. Terry, II, et al, Trustees, securing the United States of America in the original amount of $1,900,000.00, recorded in Deed Book 495, at Page 338, in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of Northumberland County, Virginia.

The lien of this deed of trust further is subordinate and of inferior dignity to the lien of that certain prior deed of trust dated December 29, 2003, from Omega Protein, Inc., to Matson C. Terry, II, et al, Trustees, securing the United States of America in the original amount of $5,300,000.00, recorded in Deed Book 564, at Page 674, in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of Northumberland County, Virginia.

 

9


The lien of this deed of trust further is subordinate and of inferior dignity to the lien of that certain prior deed of trust dated October 17, 2005, from Omega Protein, Inc., to Matson C. Terry, II, et al, Trustees, securing the United States of America in the original amount of $14,000,000.00, recorded in Deed Book 621, at Page 556, in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of Northumberland County, Virginia.

15. GRANTOR TO PAY EXPENSES: That if Grantor defaults in any of the provisions of this Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, particularly, but not limited to, 7, 8, 9 or 14, then Beneficiary may pay such taxes, liens, judgments or assessments, obtain and pay for such insurance, advance such attorney’s fees, expenses and costs, or take any other action or incur any other expenditures that Beneficiary determines are necessary to protect Beneficiary’s interests and Grantor agrees to immediately pay Beneficiary all amounts so advanced and that all amounts so advanced shall be secured hereby.

16. USE OF PROCEEDS: That all representations and statements made in the application for this loan are true and correct, that the proceeds of this loan will be used solely for the purposes specified in said application and that Grantor will comply with all requirements and conditions imposed by Beneficiary in making this loan.

17. NON-ALIENATION CLAUSE: To not sell, assign or convey any part or all of the mortgaged premises (regardless of whether the buyer or assignee “assumes” the note or takes the mortgage premises “subject to” such note, or whether by contract for deed or sale) without first obtaining the Beneficiary’s prior written consent as long as the above note, or any part, or any other sum owed to the Beneficiary, remain unpaid. If Grantor is a corporation, not to change the substantial ownership and/or control of said corporation without first obtaining the Beneficiary’s prior written consent as long as the above note, or any part, or any other sums owed to the Beneficiary, remain unpaid.

18. PROMPT PAYMENT PROVISION: That all payments of principal and interest (or any part thereof) not made when due shall bear interest from due date to the date of payment thereof by maker or assumptor at the default rate which is equal to eighteen percent (18%) per annum. All advances made by the holder hereof shall be secured by and under this Deed of Trust and Security Agreement and shall be payable with interest from the date each advance is made until paid by maker or assumptor at the default rate.

 

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19. RELEASE PROVISION: That Beneficiary may at any time, without notice, release any of the property described herein, grant extensions or deferments of time of payment of the indebtedness secured hereby, or any part thereof, grant subordinations of lien(s) or release from liability any parties who are or may become liable for the payment of said indebtedness, without affecting the priority of this lien or the personal liability of the Grantor or any other party liable or who may become liable for the indebtedness secured by this instrument. If all or any part of the property hereinabove described becomes vested in any party other than Grantor, Beneficiary may, without notice to Grantor, deal with such successor in interest with reference to this instrument and the debt(s) and obligation(s) hereby secured in the same manner as with the Grantor, without in any way releasing, vitiating or discharging the Grantor’s liability hereunder or for the debt(s) and obligation(s) hereby secured and extension(s) of time for payment or other loan treatment(s) described herein given or permitted by Beneficiary shall not operate to release, vitiate, or discharge the liability of the Grantor herein, either in whole or in part.

20. BENEFICIARY NON-WAIVER: That the failure of Beneficiary to exercise any option or make any decision or election under any term or covenant herein expressed shall not be deemed a waiver of the right to exercise such option or to make such decision or election at any time.

21. SUCCESSORS & ASSIGNS BOUND: That each covenant and agreement herein contained shall inure to the benefit of and bind the successors and assigns of Beneficiary and Grantor.

22. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE: Beneficiary may, without notice to any party to this Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, or to the successors or assigns, and without regard to the willingness or inability of Trustee to act, or to execute this trust, appoint another person or succession of persons to act as Trustee herein, and such appointee or substitute shall have all the title, authority and powers in the execution of this trust as are vested in Trustee. If Beneficiary be a corporation such appointment may be made by any one of its officers or agents. No single exercise of this power of appointment, the power of sale, or any other power or right given in this Deed of Trust and Security Agreement shall exhaust the right to exercise such power but all rights and powers herein given may be exercised as often as may be necessary for the collection of all amounts

 

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secured by this Deed of Trust and Security Agreement until said amounts are fully paid and discharged. At any sale hereunder, Trustee may from time to time, adjourn said sale to a later date without re-advertising the sale by giving notice of the time and place of such continued sale at the time Trustee shall make such adjournment. And at any sale made to enforce the trust herein given, Beneficiary or any person in interest may become a purchaser and upon payment of the purchase price, Trustee shall provide a deed of conveyance by Special Warranty, which conveyance shall vest full and perfect title in such purchaser upon payment of the purchase price.

23. LIFE INSURANCE: That in the event Grantor purchases life insurance (group, credit or other) in connection with this loan but subsequently fails to pay the premium to keep same in force, the Beneficiary, at its option, may pay such premium on Grantor’s behalf, charge such payment to the loan, and such advance of premiums shall be secured by this mortgage and bear interest the same as other advances provided for in this Deed of Trust and Security Agreement. Any policy evidencing such insurance to be deposited with and any loss thereunder to be payable to Beneficiary as its interest may appear.

24. FINANCIAL STATEMENT: To furnish to the Beneficiary annually a financial statement and income statement attested to by Grantor or verified by a public accountant.

25. DEATH OF SIGNATORY: All parties to this deed of trust or to the note hereby secured covenant and agree that upon the death of any signatory, maker, or comaker of such note the owner and holder of said note may, at holder’s option, mature or accelerate the entire balance owing on said note whereupon all amounts owing by virtue thereof shall be immediately due and payable.

26. INSPECTION: The Grantor hereby grants and will cause any tenants to grant to Beneficiary, its agents, attorneys, employees, consultants, contractors, successors and assigns, an irrevocable license and authorization upon reasonable notice to enter upon and inspect the Property and facilities thereon and perform such tests, including without limitation, subsurface testing soils and groundwater testing and other tests which may physically invade the Property thereon, as the Beneficiary, in its sole discretion, determines is necessary to protect its security interest, provided however, that under no circumstances shall the Beneficiary be obligated to perform such inspections or tests. Any such inspections or tests shall be at the sole cost of the Grantor.

 

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27. NONTRANSFERABILITY: Except as provided by regulations of the Beneficiary neither the property or any portion thereof or interest therein shall be leased, assigned, sold, transferred, or encumbered, voluntarily or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the Beneficiary. The Beneficiary shall have the sole and exclusive rights as Beneficiary hereunder, including but not limited to the power to grant consents, partial releases, subordinations and satisfaction, and no insured holder shall have any right, title and interest in or to the lien or any benefits hereof.

28. ACCELERATION OPTION: If all or any part of the Property or an interest therein is sold, transferred, encumbered or otherwise disposed of by Grantor without Beneficiary’s prior written consent, Beneficiary may, at Beneficiary’s option, declare all of the obligations to be immediately due and payable. Beneficiary shall have waived such option to accelerate if, prior to the sale or transfer, Beneficiary and the person to whom the Property is to be sold or transferred reach agreement in writing that the credit of such person is satisfactory to Beneficiary and that the interest payable on the sums secured by the Deed of Trust and Security Agreement shall be at such rate as Beneficiary shall request and the party assuming the obligations meets the criteria set out in Title XI for all borrowers. Regardless of any assumption or transfer of the Property and/or the obligations arising under the Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, Grantor will not be released from any obligation to Beneficiary until the entire debt and all sums associated therewith are paid in full. If Beneficiary exercises such option to accelerate, Beneficiary shall mail Grantor notice of acceleration. Such notice shall provide a period of not less than 30 days from the date of notice is mailed within which Grantor may pay the sums ordered due. If Grantor fails to pay such sums prior to the expiration of such period, Beneficiary may, without further notice or demand on Grantor, invoke any remedies permitted by this Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, or any other security document associated with this transaction.

29. PAYMENT OF ADVANCES: Now, if Grantor shall pay said indebtedness and any future advances, additional advances, readvances or any other indebtedness in addition to the original indebtedness set forth herein, and secured hereby, and keep and perform all of the covenants and agreements of this deed of trust, it shall become null and void.

30. FORECLOSURE AND SALE OF THE PROPERTY: This deed of trust shall be construed to impose and confer upon the parties hereto, and the Beneficiaries hereunder, all duties,

 

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rights and obligations as set forth in Section 55-59, and 55-59.1 through 55-59.4 and 55-60 of the Code of Virginia as now in force and (to the extent that any amendment thereof shall not limit the rights of the Trustees or Beneficiaries hereunder or the obligations of the Grantor) as hereafter amended; and further to incorporate herein the following provisions by the short form references below, of Sections 55-59 and 55-59.1 through 55-59.4 and 55-60 of the Code of Virginia:

ADVERTISEMENT REQUIRED: Four times in a newspaper

published or having general circulation in Northumberland County

BIDDER’S DEPOSIT: of Ten Percent (10%) may be required.

EXEMPTIONS WAIVED.

SUBJECT TO CALL UPON DEFAULT.

RENEWAL OR EXTENSIONS PERMITTED.

Grantor acknowledges that Beneficiary will have the right to seek a deficiency judgment in the event of default, sale of the property and Beneficiary not being made whole from the proceeds of such sale.

31. MULTIPLE COUNTIES: In case the real estate herein described is situated in more than one county or in more than one judicial district of a county or counties, a foreclosure sale of all of said real estate may be made in any one of the counties or judicial districts in which any part thereof is situated, after giving notice of the time, place and terms of sale in the manner above described in each county and judicial district in which any part of said land lies.

32. SURRENDER OF POSSESSION: It is further stipulated and agreed that in case of any sale hereunder Grantor shall immediately surrender possession to the purchaser. If Grantor fails to do so, Grantor shall become a tenant at sufferance of the purchaser, subject to an action for unlawful entry and detainer.

33. BENEFICIARY’S RIGHT TO BID: It is expressly agreed between the parties hereto, that in the event of foreclosure and sale, that the Beneficiary hereunder, or its successors and assigns, may bid at any such sale or sales and may purchase the property secured hereunder if the high bidder therefor, as if Beneficiary were a stranger to this conveyance.

34. MAILING ADDRESS: For purposes of giving any notice that may be required by the terms of this deed of trust, Grantor hereby stipulates and agrees that his mailing address is P.O.

 

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Box 2866, Hammond, La 70404 and Beneficiary may rely upon this stipulation until such time as Beneficiary has been advised in writing by Grantor of a change of address.

35. SEVERABILITY: The unenforeceability or invalidity of any provision(s) of this Deed of Trust and Security Agreement shall not render any other provision(s) herein unenforceable or invalid. This Deed of Trust and Security Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing, signed by Grantor and Beneficiary, and may not be amended orally or by any course of conduct or otherwise than by written instrument.

All riders, appendages, exhibits, erasures, corrections and interlineations, if any, have been made and approved before signing hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantor has caused its name to be signed hereto and its corporate seal affixed and attested pursuant to corporate resolutions, which resolutions have not been rescinded, revoked or modified.

 

Omega Protein, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Robert Stockton

  Robert Stockton, Its Controller/ Treasurer

 

AFFIX SEAL HERE.
ATTEST:

/s/ John D. Held

John D. Held, Vice President & Secretary

STATE OF TEXAS,

CITY/COUNTY OF HARRIS,

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned authority in and for said County and State the within named Robert Stockton, the Controller/ Treasurer, and John D. Held, the Vice President and Secretary, of Omega Protein, Inc., who acknowledged that they signed and delivered the above and foregoing instrument on the day and year and for the purposes therein mentioned as their own voluntary acts and deeds.

 

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WITNESS my hand and official seal this 25th day of May, 2010.

 

/s/ Michelle Morton Reese

Notary Public

 

My commission expires:  
Registration #  

 

     LOGO  

NOTARY AFFIX SEAL HERE!

 

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EX-10.3 4 dex103.htm CORRECTED PROMISSORY NOTE OF OMEGA PROTEIN, INC Corrected Promissory Note of Omega Protein, Inc

Exhibit 10.3

Case No. FF-G-017B

CORRECTED PROMISSORY NOTE TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

 

   

City and State: Houston, Texas

May 25, 2010

All terms contained herein are defined in the Acknowledgment of Definitions executed by all parties to this transaction.

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, Omega Protein, Inc., (hereinafter, the “Borrower”), promises to pay to the order of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Financial Services Division (hereinafter, the “Government”), P.O. Box 979008, St. Louis, Missouri 63197-9000, or at the Government’s option, at such other place as may be designated from time to time by the Government, the principal amount of Ten Million and  00/100 Dollars ($10,000,000.00) with interest on the unpaid principal computed from the date of funding at the rate of 5.73% per year, payments, in lawful currency of the United States of America, to be made in installments as follows:

Payments of $249,549, including principal and interest, payable quarterly. Payments will be due on August 25, November 25, February 25 and May 25, of each year until sixty (60) quarterly payments are made with the balance of principal and interest due on May 25, 2025.

This Note is given pursuant to the provisions of Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, found at 46 USC §1271 et seq., and 50 CFR 253, as amended by Public Law 104-297 on October 11, 1996, known as the Fisheries Finance Program.

The Borrower may prepay principal at any time, and from time to time, without penalty. However, the Government may require that any partial prepayments (a) be made on the date regular installments are due and (b) be in the amount of one or more installments which would be applicable to principal. Any partial prepayment shall be applied against the principal amount outstanding and shall not postpone the due date of any subsequent installments or change the amount of such installments, unless the Government shall otherwise agree in writing.

 

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Time is of the essence hereof. In the event that the Borrower fails to pay any installment of principal or interest within fifteen (15) days after its due date, then, at the option of the Government or other holder of the Note, the entire principal sum, plus all accrued interest, shall be immediately due and payable, without presentment, notice of dishonor, protest, opportunity to cure, or any other demand or notice, said demands and notices being hereby expressly waived. The Government or other holder of this Note may exercise this option to accelerate the entire amount due following any default by the Borrower which is not cured within fifteen (15) days from the occurrence thereof, regardless of any prior forbearance.

If the Government elects to accept a late payment, the Borrower shall pay an additional sum of five percent (5%) of the overdue amount or one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), whichever is less, as a late charge and said amount will be added to total indebtedness until paid. Acceptance of any late charge or the election not to assess a late charge, shall not constitute a waiver of the default with respect to the overdue amount, and shall not prevent the Government from exercising any of the other rights and remedies available to it.

Payments shall be made payable in lawful money of the United States of America to the United States Department of Commerce/NOAA/NMFS/ FSFF, or as the Government, or other holder of the Note, may, from time-to-time designate in writing to the Borrower. Payments shall be applied first to accrued interest and the balance, if any, shall be applied to principal. The Borrower shall identify each payment by the designation FF-G-017B.

The accelerated interest rate shall be eighteen percent (18%) per annum, and shall apply to all sums due and accruing hereunder or under the Mortgage or Security Agreement, as defined below, unless such would violate applicable usury laws, if any, in which case, the maximum legal rate permitted by applicable law shall prevail.

This Note shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the United States of America.

This Note is secured by a certain first preferred ship mortgage (hereinafter, the “Ship Mortgage”) dated the date hereof, from the Borrower to the Government relating to that certain F/V GRAND CHENIERE, Official number 590692, (hereinafter, the “Vessel”),

This Note is also secured by a certain deed of trust and security agreement (hereinafter, the “Deed”) dated the date hereof, from

 

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the Borrower to the Government relating to certain property located in Northumberland County, Commonwealth of Virginia. This Note has been negotiated and received by the Government subject to and secured by the terms of the Approval Letter dated November 5, 2009, all Mortgages, Deeds, Security Agreements, and any other loan documents.

The aforesaid payments shall constitute payment of the principal of, and the interest on this Note as of the date on which and to the extent such payment is made, and this Note shall be discharged to the extent of such payment of principal.

This Note is not negotiable, assignable, or transferable by the Borrower without the prior written consent of the Government. This Note shall be canceled by the Government and surrendered to the Borrower if all outstanding obligations accruing hereunder or under the Loan documents are fully paid and performed.

The undersigned agrees to pay and shall pay all reasonable expenses of any nature, whether incurred in or out of court, and whether incurred before or after this Note shall become due at its maturity date or otherwise, including but not limited to reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, which the Government may deem necessary or proper in connection with the collection of sums due under the Note, or in the administration, supervision, preservation, protection and costs of care and preservation of any Collateral. The Government is authorized to pay, and add to the indebtedness of the Borrower at any time, and from time to time, any and all of such expenses, add the amount of such expenses to the principal amount of the Note and Mortgages, and charge interest thereon at the rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum, or such lesser rate as determined by the Government. In connection with said expenses, and notwithstanding the Government’s election to fix an interest rate of less than 18%, acceleration of sums due under the Note and any other loan documents will result in application of the accelerated interest rate of 18% (unless limited by applicable law) to all sums due hereunder, whether said sums constitute principal, interest or expenses.

The term “Collateral” as used in this Note shall have the same meaning as used in the Security Agreement and in the Acknowledgment of Definitions and shall further mean any funds, guaranties, or other property or rights therein of any nature whatsoever or the proceeds thereof which may have been, are, or hereafter may be hypothecated, directly or indirectly by the undersigned or others, in connection with, or as security for, this Note or any part hereof.

 

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The obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall not be impaired by the Government’s indulgence, including, but not limited to (a) any renewal, extension, or modification which the Government may grant with respect to the Note or any part hereof, (b) any surrender, compromise, release, renewal, extension, exchange, or substitution, which the Government may grant in respect of the said Mortgage, as amended, or other Collateral, or (c) any indulgence granted in respect of any endorser, grantor, or insurer.

With respect to any claim or proceeding relating to the Borrower’s assets which are registered in federal registries, all provisions of this Note shall be construed, given effect, and enforced according to the laws of the United States. The Borrower hereby consents to and subjects itself to the jurisdiction of the federal court of competent jurisdiction, which we, in our sole discretion, may choose.

With respect to any claim or proceeding relating to the Borrower’s real property secured in state or local registries, the Borrower hereby consents to subject itself to the jurisdiction of the court of competent jurisdiction of the state where said real property may be found and all provisions of this Note shall be construed, given effect, and enforced according to the laws of said state. The Borrower hereby consents to and subjects itself to the jurisdiction of the state court of competent jurisdiction. We, in our sole discretion, will select the venue, where there is a choice of venue.

This Note is severable, and in the event that any of its terms are declared invalid, the remaining terms shall be severed and remain in full force and effect.

When applicable, the obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be joint and several.

 

BORROWER: Omega Protein, Inc.
BY:  

/s/ Robert Stockton

TITLE:   Vice President and Treasurer
DATE:   May 25, 2010

 

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EX-10.4 5 dex104.htm SECURITY AGREEMENT Security Agreement

Exhibit 10.4

Case No. FF–G–017B

SECURITY AGREEMENT

This Security Agreement (hereinafter, the “Agreement”), made between Omega Protein, Inc., (hereinafter, the “Borrower”), whose address is 2105 City West Blvd., Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77042 and the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Financial Services Division, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, which is the Secured Party, (hereinafter the “Government”).

All terms contained herein are defined in the Acknowledgment of Definitions executed by all parties to this transaction.

W I T N E S S E T  H

WHEREAS, the Borrower desires to enter into a promissory Note to the United States (hereinafter, the “Note”), dated May 25, 2010, in the amount of TEN MILLION AND 00/100 Dollars ($10,000,000.00), pursuant to the provisions of Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, found at 46 USC § 1271 et seq., and 50 CFR 253, as amended by Public Law 104-297 on October 11, 1996, known as the Fisheries Finance Program, (hereinafter, the “FFP Debt”); and

WHEREAS, the Government will not enter into this transaction unless the Government is granted a security interest in certain property.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt whereof being hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

Section 1. The Borrower hereby grants to the Government a security interest in the following described property, together with all accessories, substitutions, additions, replacements, parts and accessions affixed to or used in connection therewith (hereinafter, the “Collateral”):

(a) The whole of the fishing vessel GRAND CHENIERE, Official Number 590692, together with all related gear, boilers, machinery, electronics, equipment, motors, skiffs, inventory, supplies, contracts, contract rights, charter hire, freight, licenses and/or permits, general intangibles, transferable fishery conservation and management allocations, now owned or hereafter acquired, attached or not attached or to be attached, to secure payment of the Borrower’s debt to the Government as evidenced hereby and by Borrower’s Note to the Government of even date herewith payable to the Government, in

 

1


accordance with the Note, in the amount of TEN MILLION AND NO/Dollars, ($10,000,000.00) payable on the terms, at the times, and with interest as set forth in said Note. Borrower agrees to pay the Note and, if any portion thereof, principal or interest, is not paid when due, Borrower agrees to pay, in addition to the foregoing, the reasonable collection costs of the Government;

(b) Any and all federal or state fisheries permits, individual fishing quotas (IFQ), individual transferable quotas (ITQ), community development quotas (CDQ), quota shares, allocations, endorsements, rights, licenses, or tags, whether vested individually with the Borrower or appurtenant to the Vessel, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, whether now existing or hereafter created by rule, regulation, statute or fishery management council action, which now exist or are hereafter created pursuant to any limited entry programs, moratorium periods, high seas permits, license limitation programs or total allowable catch and domestic annual processing assessments or like programs or assessments whether or not any of the foregoing relate to or affect the fishing operations of the vessel.

(c) All insurances pertaining to the Collateral, including, without limitation, hull and machinery, increased value, war risk, protection and indemnity, pollution, worker’s liability and compensation, loss of earnings, personal property, liability and all other insurances and association entries, and all claims and all returns of premiums, dues, calls, and assessments that are not immediately applied to future premiums, dues, calls, and assessments, and all other sums or claims for sums due or to become due thereunder;

(d) All debts and obligations owing to the Borrower, including, without limitation, interest thereon, charges and other expenses and fees advanced by or incurred by or for the Government, and all liens and encumbrances securing any or all of the foregoing;

(e) Borrower grants the Government a security interest in the following real estate situated in Northumberland County, Commonwealth of Virginia, fully described in Exhibit A.

EXHIBIT “A” IS ATTACHED AND MADE A PART HEREOF

together with all buildings and other improvements, hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in any wise appertaining now existing or hereafter erected upon the premises and all the income and rents arising therefrom. Borrower does hereby intend to convey and does convey all of Borrower’s right, title and interest in and to any strips and gores Borrower may now own contiguous to the above described property;

(f) It is expressly understood and agreed, as a part of the consideration for the loan made to the Borrower and secured by the

 

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premises described in Exhibit A, this instrument covers and includes all surface, subsurface and/or mineral estate ownership now or after acquired by the undersigned in the above property and whether or not expressly excepted from the description to the above security premises, any provisions herein to the contrary being of no force and effect;

(g) For the consideration aforesaid, and as further security for any and all debt(s) and obligation(s) described above, said Borrower does hereby assign, pledge and transfer to the Government, and grant to the Government a security interest in and to the following described property and interests which are listed on Exhibit B and/or set out as follows: (1) all timber of all kind, character and description planted and/or growing, or to be planted and/or grown, on the hereinabove described property; (2) all crop allotments, quotas, and/or (3) all rents, profits, issues, income, royalties, bonuses, and revenue of said property, or any part or interest herein, from time to time accruing whether under leases or tenancies now existing or hereafter created; (4) each and every policy of hazard insurance, or the like, now or hereafter in effect which insures said property or any building, fixture and/or improvement thereon, or any part thereof, together with all the right, title and interest of Borrower in and to such policy, including but not limited to any premiums paid (or rights to return premiums) and/or all proceeds or payments thereunder; (5) all judgments, award of damages and settlements hereafter made resulting from condemnation proceedings or the taking of the real property, or any part thereof, under the power of eminent domain, or for any damage (whether caused by such taking or otherwise) to the property, or any part thereof, or to any rights appurtenant thereto; (6) all building materials, equipment, fixtures and fittings of all kind, character, and description used in connection with or relating to said property and/or buildings, fixtures or improvements thereon; (7) all equipment, including, but not limited to: forklifts, bobcats, cranes, pallet trucks, lift trucks and other product or material movement equipment of whatsoever nature; all trailers, tanks, trucks or other rolling stock of whatsoever nature except that equipment used for transport and licensed by the state motor vehicle department; all fish unloading, transfer and conveying equipment of whatsoever nature; fungible goods, including fish; all fish processing equipment of whatsoever nature; all fish weighing equipment of whatsoever nature; all cooling, refrigerating, freezing and other fish holding equipment (blast freezers, coolers, or other refrigeration equipment) of whatsoever nature; all fish packaging equipment of whatsoever nature; all fish baskets, totes, tanks, tubs and other fish holding equipment of whatsoever nature; all ice makers of whatsoever nature, all hand and power tools of whatsoever nature; all office equipment of whatsoever nature; all fish hatching, releasing, rearing, growing, tending and other equipment of whatsoever nature in any way associated with fisheries cultivation of every sort—all together with all associated equipment, machinery, parts, tools, or other items of

 

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whatsoever nature and whether fixed or unfixed to the property or any other premises whatsoever; and/or (8) all tangible or intangible property found on the premises which is not listed on Exhibit “B”, and products, proceeds, and additions and/or replacements of any or all of the property described above in Items 1 through 7, also including all after-acquired personal property to be located in or about the said facility of Borrower, subject to any purchase-money security interest acquired by any vendor of said after-acquired personal property;

EXHIBIT “B” IS ATTACHED AND MADE A PART HEREOF

Section 2. The Borrower hereby warrants and covenants that:

(a) Except as may otherwise be required in the ordinary course of business, at all times the items listed on Exhibit B will be kept on the property itself, in transit, or in storage and shall not be removed from said location, in whole or in part, until such time as written consent to a change of location is obtained by the Borrower from the Government;

(b) The Collateral is to be used primarily for business use and kept at the Borrower’s principal place of business.

Section 3. Other terms and conditions:

(a) In the event that this Security Agreement, the Note, or any provisions hereof or thereof shall be deemed invalid in whole or in part by reason of any present or future law of the United States or any decision of any authoritative court, or if the documents at any time held by the Government be deemed by the Government, for any reason, insufficient to carry out the true intent and spirit of this Security Agreement and the Note, then, from time to time, the Borrower will execute on its own behalf such other and further assurances and documents as in the opinion of counsel for the Government may be required to more effectually subject the Collateral to the payment of the principal sum of the Note, together with interest thereon, as in the Note and as herein provided, and in the performance of the terms and conditions of the Note and this Security Agreement. Upon failure of the Borrower so to do, the Government may execute such other and further assurances and documents, for and in the name of the Borrower, and the Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints the Government the agent attorney-in-fact of the Borrower so to do. Any expenses of the Government in connection with the foregoing shall be a debt due from the Borrower to the Government in payment thereof and shall be added to the outstanding principal amount and be secured by the lien of this Security Agreement;

(b) The Borrower will faithfully observe, perform and discharge all of the covenants, conditions, and obligations which are imposed on the Borrower by any and all indentures and other agreements or

 

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documents and will not permit to occur any act or omission which is or may be declared to be a default under any such indenture, agreement, or document;

Section 4. The Borrower hereby further warrants and covenants that:

(a) No financing statement covering any of the Collateral described herein is on file in any public office except in favor of the Government. The Borrower is the owner of the Collateral free from any prior lien, security interest or encumbrance, except in favor of the Government, and will defend the Collateral against the claims and demands of all persons whomsoever;

(b) Except as may otherwise be required in the ordinary course of business, the Borrower will not sell, exchange, lease, or otherwise dispose of the Collateral, or any part thereof, or suffer or permit any lien, levy, or attachment, or security interest therein, or financing statement to be filed with reference thereto, other than that of the Government;

(c) The Borrower will maintain the Collateral in good condition and repair and preserve the same against waste, loss, damage, or depreciation in value other than by reasonable wear. The Borrower will not use any of the Collateral in violation of any law or public regulation. The Government may examine and inspect the Collateral at any reasonable times, wherever located, and for that purpose hereby is authorized by the Borrower to enter any place or places where the Collateral may be;

(d) The Borrower will keep the Collateral fully insured against loss or damage by fire, theft (and collision if applicable), and such other hazards as the Government may from time to time require, with such deductible provisions, upon such terms, including loss payable and other endorsements, and in such company or companies as the Government may approve; Borrower immediately will deliver all policies to the Government, to be retained by the latter in pledge to secure Borrower’s obligations hereunder, with irrevocable authority to adjust any loss, receive and receipt for any sum payable, surrender any policy, discharge and release any insurer, endorse in Borrower’s name any loss or refund check or draft and, in general, exercise in the name of the Borrower or otherwise, any and all rights of the Borrower in respect thereto or in respect to the proceeds thereof;

(e) The Borrower will pay, when due, all taxes, license fees and assessments relative to the Collateral or its use and relative to the Note. Should the Borrower fail in its performance of any of the foregoing, the Government may pay the same, including any security interest having priority hereto, may order and pay for the repair, maintenance and preservation of the Collateral, or any part thereof, may place and pay for any such insurance and may pay any such taxes.

 

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The Borrower agrees to pay to the Government on demand all of the latter’s disbursements for any of said purposes with interest at the rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum, or such lesser rate which the Government, in its sole discretion, may determine. Said sum shall be added to the sums due under the Note, shall be an indebtedness of the Borrower, immediately due and payable, and shall be secured by this Security Agreement.

Notwithstanding the Government’s election under this provision to fix an interest rate of less than eighteen percent (18%) for payment of these items, in the event of a default which results in acceleration of sums due under the Note, the accelerated interest rate of eighteen percent (18%), will also be applied to any amounts expended for items listed in this paragraph, from the date of payment until repaid;

(f) The Borrower agrees to notify the Government promptly in writing of any change in its business name or address, corporate structure (including the jurisdiction under which it is incorporated), principal place of business and Borrower’s residence.

(g) By executing this Security Agreement, the Borrower authorizes the Government to file financing statements and amendments thereto to perfect the security interests created by this Agreement. The recording of these financing statements will be at the Borrower’s expense.

(h) The Borrower hereby consents to any extension of time of payment and to any substitution, exchange, or release of Collateral and to the addition to or release of any party or person primarily or secondarily liable for the Note.

Section 5. General terms:

(a) The Note is a separate instrument and may be negotiated, extended, or renewed by the Government without releasing the Borrower, and and all Collateral, or any guarantor or co-maker;

(b) All of the benefits of this Security Agreement shall inure to the Government, its successor in interest and assigns, and the obligations hereunder shall be binding upon the Borrower, its legal representatives, successors and assigns;

(c) If there is more than one Borrower or guarantor or co-maker of the Note, the obligation of each and all shall be primary and joint and several;

(d) The provisions of this Security Agreement are severable, if a provision is held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect or impair any of the remaining provisions;

 

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(e) The Government shall not be deemed to have waived any of its rights under this or any other agreement executed by the Borrower unless the waiver is in writing signed by the Government. No delay in exercising the Government’s rights shall constitute a waiver nor shall a waiver on one occasion operate as a waiver of such right on a future occasion;

(f) Each notice from one to the other party in this Security Agreement shall be sufficient if served personally or given by U. S. registered or certified mail, addressed to the other party at its last known address. Reasonable notice, when notice is required, shall be deemed to be five days from date of mailing;

Section 6. Default:

(a) The Borrower shall be in default under this Security Agreement upon the happening of any of the following events or conditions:

(1) The Borrower’s failure to pay, when due, the principal of or interest on the Note, including any amendments thereto or substitutions therefore, and/or any other amounts due the Government in connection with this transaction;

(2) The Borrower’s failure to keep, observe, or perform any provision of this Security Agreement or any other agreement between the Borrower and the Government, including but not limited to, the Preferred Ship Mortgage on the aforementioned fishing vessel, and the Deed of Trust on the aforementioned real property, and all loan documents;

(3) The failure of any guarantor, co-maker, or other party to keep, observe or perform any agreement between said party and the Government connected with or arising from the aforementioned obligation;

(4) The discovery of any misrepresentation, or material falsity of any warrant, representation, or statement made or furnished by the Borrower to the Government, whether or not in connection with this Security Agreement;

(5) The loss, theft, or destruction of or substantial damage to the Collateral;

(6) The Government deems or has reasonable cause to deem itself insecure;

 

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(7) The failure or termination of the business, or commencement of any insolvency or receivership proceedings by or against the Borrower, or if the Borrower dies or becomes insolvent, and if Borrower is a partnership, the death of any partner, and if the Borrower is a corporation, the dissolution of said corporation;

(8) The occurrence of any event that would adversely affect the ability of the Borrower or the Guarantor to timely service the debt owed the Government or that would cause the Government to reasonably deem itself an insecure creditor.

Section 7. Cure of Defaults:

If the Borrower shall have, within fifteen (15) days after the occurrence thereof, removed and remedied each event of default as set forth herein, then in every such case, the Secretary shall waive any such event of default; but no such waiver shall extend to nor affect any subsequent or other event of default nor impair any rights or remedies consequent thereon.

Section 8. Remedies of the Government:

Upon Borrower’s default, the Government shall have each and all of the rights and remedies granted to him by the Uniform Commercial Code of the state in which this Security Agreement is filed, by the Note, by this Security Agreement, and by the Preferred Ship Mortgage, by the Deed of Trust, and other loan documents, and may declare the Note immediately due and payable and thereafter shall bear interest at eighteen percent (18%) per annum, unless limited by applicable state law, and may require the Borrower to assemble the Collateral and make it available to the Government at a place to be designated by the Government which is reasonably convenient to both parties. The Borrower agrees to pay the Government’s reasonable counsel fees and other expenses incurred by the latter in retaking, holding, preparing for sale, and realizing on said Collateral. Should suit or action be instituted on this Security Agreement, on the Note, or to replevy the Collateral, or any part thereof, Borrower agrees to pay (1) the Government’s reasonable attorney’s fees to be fixed by the trial court and (2) on appeal, if any, similar fees in the appellate court. Provided, however, that if the Borrower shall have removed and remedied each Event of Default within fifteen (15) days after the occurrence thereof, then in every such case the Government shall waive any such Event of Default; but no such waiver shall extend to nor affect any subsequent or other Event of Default nor impair any rights or remedies consequent thereon; and provided further that if at any time after the expiration of fifteen (15) days after any Event of Default shall have occurred, all Events of Default shall have been remedied and removed and full performance made by the Borrower to the satisfaction of the Government and all installments of principal and interest in arrears (including interest at

 

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the default rate, as aforesaid) and the reasonable charges and expenses, if any, of the Government, its agents and attorneys, shall have been paid, then and in every such case the Government may waive any such Event of Default; and provided, also, that no waiver hereunder shall extend to nor affect any subsequent or other Event of Default nor impair any rights or remedies consequent thereon.

Section 9. Governing Law:

Except to the extent that the laws of the United States govern, all provisions of this Agreement shall be construed, given effect, and enforced according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. With respect to any claim or proceeding related to this Agreement the Borrower hereby consents to and subjects itself to the jurisdiction of the federal court of competent jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Virginia and agrees that the venue of any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement shall be exclusively in the federal court situated in the Commonwealth of Virginia unless the Secretary has instituted proceedings where the Collateral may be found and in such case, Borrower consents to and subjects itself to the jurisdiction of the federal court which maintains jurisdiction over the Collateral.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Security Agreement as of the     day of ,             2010.

 

GOVERNMENT:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service

Financial Services Division

By:  

 

Title:  

Chief, Financial Services Branch

Southeast Region

 

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      BORROWER: Omega Protein, Inc.
     
Attest:      
By:  

/s/ John Held

    By:  

/s/ Robert Stockton

Title:  

Vice President

    Title:  

Vice President and Treasurer

Date:  

May 25, 2010

    Date:  

May 25, 2010

 

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

 

STATE OF FLORIDA   )     
  )   ss   
COUNTY OF PINELLAS   )     

On the    day of             , 2010, before me personally came Shawn Barry to me known and known to me to be the duly authorized representative of the Secretary of Commerce of the United States of America and he duly acknowledged to me that he executed the above instrument as such representative of the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to the authority vested in him by the laws of the United States.

 

 

Notary Public

 

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

 

STATE OF TEXAS   )     
  )   ss   
COUNTY OF HARRIS   )     

On the 25th day of May, 2010 before me personally appeared Robert W. Stockton, to me known or produced satisfactory identification, who being duly sworn, did depose and say that he is the Vice President and Treasurer of Omega Protein, Inc., and that he signed his name to said Security Agreement by like order, and acknowledged that the same is the free and voluntary act and deed of said corporation and of himself as such Vice President and Treasurer for the uses and purposes therein expressed.

 

/s/ Michelle Morton Reese

Notary Public
LOGO

 

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EX-10.5 6 dex105.htm TITLE XI FINANCIAL AGREEMENT Title XI Financial Agreement

Exhibit 10.5

Case No. FF-G-017B

TITLE XI FINANCIAL AGREEMENT

THIS TITLE XI FINANCIAL AGREEMENT (hereinafter, the “Financial Agreement”), dated May 25, 2010, is made and entered into by Omega Protein, Inc., (hereinafter, the “Borrower”), Omega Protein Corporation, (hereinafter, the “Guarantor”),1 and the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce, (hereinafter, the “Government”),

DEFINITIONS: All terms contained herein are defined in the Acknowledgment of Definitions executed by all parties to this transaction.

WHEREAS, heretofore, the Government, pursuant to the provisions of Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, found at 46 USC § 1271 et seq., and 50 CFR 253, as amended by Public Law 104-297 on October 11, 1996, known as the Fisheries Finance Program (FFP), made, entered into, and delivered certain agreements and covenants, as contained in an approval and agreement letter (hereinafter, the “Approval Letter”), dated December 1, 2005, and such Approval Letter has been accepted by the Borrower and the Guarantor. The Approval Letter contemplates a loan from the Government to the Borrower, in the amount of $16,442,000.00, in separate tranches. The first tranche was evidenced by the issuance of a Promissory Note to the United States of America, dated March 7, 2007, by the Borrower, in the principal amount of $6,349,000.00.

WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Guarantor have entered into, and delivered an approval and agreement letter dated November 5, 2009, and such Approval Letter has been accepted by the Borrower and the Guarantor. The Approval Letter contemplates a loan from the Government to the Borrower, in the amount of $10,000,000.00 for the second tranche (hereinafter, the “Loan”). The second tranche will be evidenced by the issuance of a Promissory Note to the United States of America, by the Borrower in the principal amount of $10,000,000.00, (hereinafter, the “Note”). The Loan, including but not limited to the Note, will be secured by the property listed in ARTICLES I and II, below; and

WHEREAS, the Borrower and Guarantor understand that the Government is unwilling to enter into the aforementioned transaction unless this Financial Agreement and related documents are executed by the Borrower and Guarantor. For that reason, the Borrower and Guarantor have agreed to execute and deliver this Financial Agreement.

 

1 In this agreement, use of the singular includes the plural and vice versa.

 

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NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the Borrower and Guarantor hereby agree to the following:

ARTICLE I: COLLATERAL

The Collateral which the Borrower is giving to the Government in order to obtain this loan from the Government, includes all of the items listed below:

1. THE EQUIPMENT: The Borrower will provide to the Government security interests, evidenced by UCC filings, in the full amount of the Promissory Note, on all of the property described below (hereinafter, the “Equipment”).

All fisheries unloading, processing holding and distribution equipment of whatsoever nature, now or at any time in the future, together with all accessories, improvements, replacements, substitutions, or additions thereto, used for the Borrower’s business on the properties which secure the Promissory Note and any other debt to the Government, or on any other Borrower’s business premises at any other site at which the Borrower now conducts, or in the future may conduct, its operations and regardless of the Equipment’s actual location at any given time. The Equipment shall include, but not be limited to: all forklifts, bobcats, cranes, pallet trucks, lift trucks, and other product or material movement equipment; all trailers, tanks, trucks, or other rolling stock of whatsoever nature, except that equipment used for transport and licensed by the state motor vehicle department; all fish unloading, transfer, and conveying equipment, all fish processing and fish weighing equipment; all cooling, refrigerating, freezing, and other fish holding equipment (blast freezers, plate freezers, coolers, or other refrigeration equipment); all fish packaging equipment; all fish baskets, totes, tanks, tubs, and other fish holding equipment; all ice makers; all hand and power tools; all inventory and product, subject to lien of credit line lender; and all office equipment—all together with all associated equipment, machinery, parts, tools, or other items of whatsoever nature and whether fixed or unfixed to the aforementioned properties securing the Promissory Note.

THIS EXCLUDES ONLY SUCH FIRST UCC SECURITY INTERESTS TO THIRD PARTIES as may be necessary and appropriate to secure credit from such parties for the specific purpose of purchasing specific equipment (hereinafter, the “Purchase-Money Equipment”). In such cases, the Borrower agrees to the following:

(a) To give to the Government UCC security interests on the Purchase-Money Equipment second only to the first interests pledged to the lenders of the purchase money (hereinafter, the “Purchase-Money UCC security interests”); and

 

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(b) That the amount secured by the Purchase-Money UCC security interests shall not exceed the specific purchase cost of said equipment; and

(c) The term of the credit secured to buy the Purchase-Money Equipment (and likewise, the duration of the Purchase-Money UCC security interests) shall not exceed an ordinarily prudent commercial term; and

(d) No other Equipment or rights shall be secured by the Purchase-Money UCC security interests; and

(e) Upon full repayment of the amounts secured by the Purchase-Money Equipment, as reflected in the Purchase-Money UCC security interests, these interests shall be satisfied and the Government’s second UCC security interest will ascend to first priority.

THE EQUIPMENT SHALL BE INVENTORIED sufficiently to describe with certainty in the security agreement and associated UCC filing. The inventory shall be valued by appraisers acceptable to the Government. The inventory and appraisals shall be at the Borrower’s cost and paid before this loan is closed, unless this requirement is specifically waived by the Government.

THE UCC SECURITY AGREEMENT SHALL CONTAIN the following provisions:

(a) That the Government may enter upon any premises where the Equipment may be located and marshal, secure, protect, and do all things necessary to preserve the Equipment immediately upon the Borrower’s default, but before any judicial action regarding such default; and

(b) Such other provisions as the Government deems necessary to accomplish the intent and purpose of the Approval Letter and otherwise protect its interest; and

(c) Omega Protein, Inc., and Omega Protein Corporation, agree that none of these corporations will enter into any transaction or agreement with any party which will result in that party having a secured interest in the Equipment unless that party first enters into a written agreement, with provisions acceptable to the Government, that:

(i) Except for purchase money lien holders, recognize the Government’s senior interest in, and sole rights to, the Equipment or proceeds of the Equipment’s liquidation; and

 

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(ii) Agree not to interfere in any way with, but instead to cooperate in all reasonable ways with, the Government entering upon any property owned or leased by the Borrower in order to marshal, secure, protect, and do all things necessary to preserve the Equipment.

2. THE REAL PROPERTY includes:

(a) A Deed of Trust on such property as more fully described in Exhibit A, attached hereto, owned by Borrower, together with all improvements thereon which comprise the Borrower’s shoreside facility in Reedville, Virginia.

3. PREFERRED SHIP MORTGAGE:

(a) A Preferred Ship Mortgage on the vessel GRANDE CHENIERE, O.N. 590692.

4. THE GUARANTEE: An absolute and unconditional guarantee of repayment of the FFP Debt will be given to the Government by Omega Protein Corporation.

ARTICLE II: ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL

1. INDIVIDUAL TRANSFERABLE QUOTAS: Should a limited fisheries access system be initiated at some future date under which the Borrower is granted a transferable fishery conservation and management allocation (including, but not limited to, allocations, permits, quotas, licenses, cage tags, or any other fisheries access restriction or right, however characterized, of whatsoever nature) affecting, necessary for, or in any other way, however characterized, associated with any of the property included in the Collateral, the Borrower agrees to grant to the Government a full senior security interest in such allocation by whatsoever means deemed by the Government to be appropriate (including, but not limited to, the Borrower’s execution of security agreements and the filing of financing statements under the UCC). Further, if the Borrower fails to do so, the Borrower agrees that the Government may use, for the purpose of executing and otherwise perfecting whatever documents may be required to effect the grant to the Government of such a full security interest in such fisheries conservation and management allocation, the attorney-in-fact authority conferred upon the Government by ARTICLE IX of this agreement.

 

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2. OTHER COLLATERAL: Any new, different, substitute or other collateral which may, from time to time, be provided by the Borrower or the Guarantor to the Government, will be subject to all of the covenants and provisions of all of the documents executed in connection with this transaction, including, but not limited to the Deed of Trust, Security Agreement, this Financial Agreement, the Promissory Note, the Approval Letter, and UCC security interests.

ARTICLE III: GOVERNMENT’S PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT REQUIRED

Without the prior written consent of the Chief, Financial Services Division, National Marine Fisheries Service, which consent will not unreasonably be withheld, (1) The Borrower, the Principals, or the Guaranteeing Company may not take any of the actions prohibited by the Approval Letter dated December 1, 2005, and November 5, 2009, or prohibited by any other of the loan documents.

ARTICLE IV: BORROWER’S OBLIGATIONS AND COVENANTS

The Borrower shall be bound by and do, perform or discharge all of the following actions.

1. NOTICES TO THE GOVERNMENT: within ten (10) days of its occurrence, but in no event more than 30 days after its occurance, Borrower and the Guarantor must give the Government written notice of any of the following:

(a) Any pending litigation, business reverse, casualty, loss, or any other matter which diminishes:

(i) its ability to service any debt actually or contingently owed the Government; or

(ii) its ability to perform any other duty or obligation owed the Government; or

(iii) its ability to fully and faithfully perform any covenant with the Government; or

(iv) the value of any property or other assets pledged to the Government; or

(v) the net worth of any party against whom the Government has recourse for this debt.

 

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(b) The institution of any suit against the Borrower which demands $50,000 or more; or the institution of any suit demanding $50,000 or more against any other person or entity that may adversely affect the Government’s interest hereunder, in the Promissory Note or otherwise.

ARTICLE V: FINANCIAL REPORTING TO AND INSPECTIONS BY THE GOVERNMENT

1. BORROWER AGREES TO PROVIDE THE GOVERNMENT WITHIN 20 DAYS FOLLOWING THE END OF EACH QUARTER of its tax or accounting years, a certified correct copy of:

(a) a balance sheet; and

(b) an income and expense statement for the preceding twelve months; and

(c) an aging report of all receivables outstanding; and

(d) an inventory report for all inventories maintained at the end of each year.

2. CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Borrower agrees that:

ANNUALLY: At the end of each fiscal year, said Article V, 1(a) through (d) will be compiled by independent certified public accountants who are acceptable to the Government.

ALL ANNUAL financial reports required hereunder shall include a certification from the Borrower’s Chief Financial Officer that either:

(a) There has been no default, as provided by the security instruments, during the reporting period; or

(b) There has been a default, as provided by said security instruments, during the reporting period. In this case the nature, extent, prospective consequences, and all other relevant details of such default shall be fully set forth in such certification.

3. INCOME TAX RETURNS: All tax returns shall be timely filed2 and an executed copy of Borrower’s Federal Income Tax Return, along with all supporting schedules, must be delivered to the Government within 15 days of its filing or issuance. Borrower agrees to execute a

 

2 Timely filing shall include valid extensions filed with the Internal Revenue Service.

 

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consent and waiver, valid so long as Borrower owes a debt to the Government, which allows the Internal Revenue Service to release directly to the Government, Borrower’s Federal Income Tax Returns, whenever the Government requests same.3

4. BORROWER TO DELIVER ALL REQUIRED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, notices, returns or reports to the Government’s Southeast Regional Financial Services Branch. All financial statements shall be signed and delivered within 90 days of the close of the fiscal or accounting year, or such quarter in such year, to which they relate.

5. METHOD OF BOOKKEEPING: Borrower will, at all times, keep proper books of account according to generally accepted accounting principles, including financial and operating statements that include schedules showing all compensation paid by the Borrower.

6. GOVERNMENT INSPECTIONS: Permit the Government, or any representative selected by the Government, in such manner and at such times as the Government may require, to (a) make inspections and audits of any books, records, papers, or other documents4 of whatsoever nature in the custody and control of the Borrower, Guarantor, or any other entity, relating in any way to the financial or business condition or prospects of the Borrower, or Guarantor, including the making of copies thereof and extracts therefrom, and

(b) make inspections and appraisals of any of the Borrower’s or Guarantor’s physical assets.

7. BORROWER TO PAY THE COST OF ALL SUCH INSPECTIONS: The cost of all such inspections, audits, or appraisals shall be initially paid by the Government, but the Borrower shall reimburse the Government for the full cost thereof within 30 days of the Government’s demand and all such amounts disbursed by the Government for such purpose shall, until fully repaid by the Borrower, be added to the Borrower’s Promissory Note to the Government (payable on demand) and shall earn interest at the same rate as the other principal of the Borrower’s Promissory Note and shall be secured by the security instruments securing the Borrower’s Promissory Note.

8. GUARANTOR’S OBLIGATIONS: Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, above, of this ARTICLE V, apply to the Guarantor, with the only exception being in Paragraph 4, the Guarantor has 120 days to deliver financial statements. Additionally, the Guarantor shall provide to the Government, at the end of each tax year, a certified correct copy of its Statement of Financial Condition, and if applicable its SEC-10K Report.

 

3 Borrower agrees to execute IRS Form Nos. 4506 and 8821 or any other form necessary to implement the provisions of 26 USC §6103(c). Failure to do so constitutes an event of default.
4 Including but not limited to off-loading receipts, business transaction journals, etc.

 

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ARTICLE VI: VIRGINIA LAW TO GOVERN

To the extent not governed by the laws of the United States, all provisions of this Financial Agreement shall be construed, given effect, and enforced according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. With respect to any claim or proceeding relating to this Financial Agreement, the Borrower and Guarantor hereby consent to and subject themselves to the jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and agree that the venue of any action or proceeding relating to this Financial Agreement shall lie exclusively in said states. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree, however, that in the event that an action to foreclose a real property mortgage and security agreement or deed of, trust and security agreement is brought, it will be brought pursuant to the laws of the state where the real property is located and the parties hereto hereby consent to and subject themselves to the jurisdiction of the courts of said state.

ARTICLE VII: DEFAULT

1. THE OCCURRENCE OF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONSTITUTES AN EVENT OF DEFAULT:

(a) ANY FAILURE TO OBSERVE, PERFORM, COMPLY WITH AND DISCHARGE ALL OF THE COVENANTS, CONDITIONS, AND OBLIGATIONS WHICH ARE IMPOSED ON:

(i) BORROWER by the Approval Letter, dated November 5, 2009, this Title XI Financial Agreement, the Promissory Note, dated March 9, 2010, the Deed of Trust dated March 9, 2010, Preferred Ship Mortgage dated March 9, 2010, and any other agreement or document executed in connection with this Financial Agreement and the Promissory Note, concurrently or otherwise, inclusive of amendments thereto, in connection with this Financial Agreement, or subsequent amendment or agreement, regardless of whether or not the Borrower shall be a party to said agreement or document, and such default shall continue for fifteen (15) days; or

(ii) ANY GUARANTOR by any Guaranty Agreement, or any other agreement or document executed in connection with this transaction, whether or not the Borrower is party to said agreement; or

 

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(b) ANY FAILURE TO PAY OR MAKE PAYMENTS ON:

(i) INTEREST ON THE PROMISSORY NOTE when and as the same shall become due and payable as therein provided; or

(ii) PRINCIPAL ON THE PROMISSORY NOTE when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at maturity, by notice of acceleration, or otherwise;

(iii) ANY OTHER AMOUNT DUE in connection with this transaction; or

(c) FINANCIAL EVENTS:

(i) Borrower makes a general assignment for the benefit of the Borrower’s creditors; or

(ii) Borrower loses the right to do business, by forfeiture or otherwise; or

(iii) A receiver or receivers of any kind whatsoever, whether appointed or not, in admiralty, bankruptcy law, common law, or equity proceedings, and whether temporary or permanent, shall be appointed for property of the Borrower; or

(iv) PETITION OR OTHER PROCEEDING OR ACTION IN BANKRUPTCY, regarding the BORROWER, is filed by the BORROWER or by creditors of the BORROWER; however, no proceeding or action in bankruptcy filed against BORROWER by its creditors shall constitute an event of default under the Financial Agreement unless such proceeding or action has not been dismissed within 60 days of filing. ALL PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT ACKNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTAND THAT IN THE EVENT THAT A PETITION IN BANKRUPTCY IS FILED BY ANY PARTY OR AN INVOLUNTARY BANKRUPTCY PETITION FILED BY A THIRD PARTY IS NOT DISMISSED WITHIN 60 DAYS OF FILING, THAT THE FOLLOWING EVENT WILL OCCUR:

1. THE GOVERNMENT WILL IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATE THE ENTIRE AMOUNT OUTSTANDING AND DEMAND IMMEDIATE PAYMENT THEREOF; AND

2. ANY VESSEL THAT SECURES, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, THE SUM OWED THE GOVERNMENT WILL RETURN TO PORT AND NOT DEPART UNLESS ORDERED BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT.

(d) FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ANY OF THE INSURANCE COVERAGE as outlined in Paragraph (4): Insurance Requirements, found on page 13 and 14 of the Approval Letter.

(e) A MISREPRESENTATION OR UNDISCLOSED FACT, deemed material by the Government, made or omitted in any application, agreement, affidavit, or other document, submitted in connection with this transaction, on behalf of, or for the benefit of, or by the Borrower; or

 

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(f) INSTITUTION OF ANY SUIT AGAINST THE BORROWER or others deemed by the Government to affect adversely its interest hereunder, in the Promissory Note or otherwise;

(g) THE OCCURANCE OF ANY EVENT that would adversely affect the ability of the Borrower or Guarantor to timely service the debt, actually or contingently, owed the Government or that would cause the Government to reasonably deem itself an insecure creditor.

2. UPON OCCURRENCE OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT, THE BORROWER AGREES, ACKNOWLEDGES AND CONSENTS TO the Government, within its authority or discretion, to take any or all of the following steps, measures or actions, including but not limited to:

(a) Declare the Promissory Note to be due and payable immediately and upon such declaration the entire principal of and interest on the Promissory Note, and any other sums owed to the Government, shall become and be immediately due and payable, and thereafter shall bear interest at eighteen percent (18%) per annum unless such would violate applicable usury laws, if any, in which case, the maximum legal rate permitted by applicable laws shall prevail; provided, however, that if the Borrower shall have removed and remedied each Event of Default within fifteen (15) days after the occurrence thereof, then in every such case, the Government shall waive any such Event of Default; but no such waiver shall extend to nor affect any subsequent or other Event of Default nor impair any rights or remedies consequent thereon; and provided, further, that if at any time after the expiration of fifteen (15) days after any Event of Default shall have occurred, all Events of Default shall have been remedied and removed and full performance made by the Borrower to the satisfaction of the Government and all installments of principal and interest in arrears (including interest at the rate per annum, as aforesaid) and the reasonable charges and expenses, if any, of the Government, its agents and attorneys, shall have been paid (including interest at the rate per annum, as aforesaid), then and in every such case the Government may, in its discretion, waive any such Event of Default; and provided, also, that no waiver hereunder shall extend to nor affect any subsequent or other Event of Default nor impair any rights or remedies consequent thereon;

(b) BRING SUIT IN COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION, at the discretion of the Government, to obtain judgment for any and all amounts due under the Promissory Note, or otherwise hereunder, and collect the same out of any and all collateral of the Borrower; and/or

 

10


(c) FORECLOSE THE REAL ESTATE MORTGAGES AND SECURITY AGREEMENTS AND/OR PREFERRED SHIP MORTGAGE AND SELL any real and/or personal property which secures the FFP Debt; and/or in the case of a Vessel, retake the Vessel without legal process wherever the same may be found, and the Borrower or other person in possession, forthwith upon demand of the Government, shall immediately surrender to the Government possession of the Vessel, and, without being responsible for loss or damage, the Government may hold, lay-up, lease, charter, operate, or otherwise use the Vessel for such time and upon such terms as it may deem to be for its best advantage, accounting only for the net profits, if any, arising from such use of the Vessel and charging against all receipts from the use of the Vessel, or from the sale thereof by court proceeding or pursuant to subsection (e) below, all costs, expenses, charges, damages, or losses by reason of such use; and if at any time the Government shall avail itself of the right herein given it to retake the Vessel and shall retake it, the Government shall have the right to dock the Vessel for a reasonable time at any dock, pier, or other premises of the Borrower without charge, or to dock it at any other place at the cost and expense of the Borrower; IT IS EXPRESSLY UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED TO BY THE BORROWER THAT SURRENDER OF THE VESSEL UNDER THIS SECTION MUST BE AND WILL BE IMMEDIATE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DIRECTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT. FAILURE OF THE BORROWER TO IMMEDIATELY COMPLY WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S DEMAND FOR SURRENDER OF THE VESSEL WILL CAUSE THE POSSESSION OF THE VESSEL BY THE BORROWER (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, POSSESSION AND CONTROL OF THE VESSEL BY A MASTER OR CREW MEMBER ON BOARD THE VESSEL) TO BE UNLAWFUL AND TO CONSTITUTE A CONVERSION OF THE VESSEL, ITS APPURTENANCES AND EQUIPMENT, THEREBY SUBJECTING THE BORROWER (EXPRESSLY INCLUDING, IF APPLICABLE, ITS OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS) TO ALL FINES, PENALTIES AND ACTIONS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT DEEMS APPLICABLE AND APPROPRIATE. SHOULD THE BORROWER CONTINUE TO OPERATE, POSSESS OR CONTROL THE VESSEL CONTRARY TO THE GOVERNMENT’S DIRECTIONS AND THE PROVISIONS HEREIN, THEN THE GOVERNMENT SHALL, IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER RIGHTS AND REMEDIES AT LAW AND IN EQUITY, BE ENTITLED TO A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AND/OR ORDER FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF NECESSARY TO GAIN COMPLIANCE HEREWITH, IN ADDITION TO EXPRESSLY CONSENTING THAT THE INJURY AND DAMAGE RESULTING FROM BREACH HEREOF WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO MEASURE MONETARILY, BORROWER EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY DEFENSE BASED UPON AN ALLEGED EXISTENCE OF AN ADEQUATE REMEDY AT LAW.

(d) Foreclose this Mortgage pursuant to the terms and provisions of the 46 USC, Chapter 313, or by other judicial process as may be provided in the statutes; and

 

11


(e) In addition to any and all other rights, powers, and remedies elsewhere in this Mortgage or by law granted to and conferred upon the Government, sell the Vessel upon such terms and conditions as it may deem to be for its best advantage, including the right to sell and dispose of the Vessel free from any claim of or by the Borrower, at public sale, by sealed bids or otherwise, after first giving notice of the time and place of sale, with a general description of the property by first publishing notice of any such sale for ten (10) consecutive days, except Sundays, in some newspaper of general circulation at the place designated for such sale, and by mailing notice of such sale to the Borrower at its last known address; such sale may be held at such place and at such time as the Government in such notice may have specified, or may be adjourned by the Government from time to time by announcement at the time and place appointed for such sale or for such adjourned sale, and without further notice of publication and the Government may make any such sale at the time and place to which the same shall be so adjourned; and any such sale may be conducted without bringing the Vessel to the place designated for such sale and in such manner as the Government may deem to be for its best advantage, and the Government may become the purchaser at any such sale, and shall have the right to credit on the purchase price any or all sums of money due to the Government under the Promissory Note, or otherwise hereunder. THE BORROWER EXPRESSLY AGREES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT SALE OF THE VESSEL PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION WILL NOT (NOTWITHSTANDING FEDERAL OR STATE LAW TO THE CONTRARY, IF ANY, ) IMPAIR OR LIMIT THE GOVERNMENT’S LEGAL RIGHT TO COLLECT FROM THE BORROWER OR GUARANTOR ANY DEFICIENCY REMAINING AFTER THE SALE. IF ANY SUCH FEDERAL OR STATE LAWS OR LEGAL PRECEDENTS MAY BE CONSTRUED TO LIMIT THE GOVERNMENT’S RIGHTS TO COLLECTION OF SAID DEFICIENCY FROM THE BORROWER, THEN BORROWER HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES, RELINQUISHES AND FOREVER GIVES UP THE RIGHT TO AVAIL ITSELF OF SUCH LAWS AND/OR DEFENSES.

(f) RETAKE AND/OR SELL THE EQUIPMENT WITHOUT LEGAL PROCESS as provided by the Real Estate Mortgages, Security Agreements, and Preferred Ship Mortgages, or any other document which has been executed by or on behalf of the Borrower; and

(g) Make demand upon, institute action against, foreclose collateral, if any, or make any attempt of any nature to collect outstanding sums from any Guarantor, whether or not similar efforts have been made against the Borrower.

 

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ARTICLE VIII: TITLE XI FINANCIAL AGREEMENT GOVERNS; SEVERABILITY

1. To the extent that any of the terms and conditions of this Financial Agreement are inconsistent or in contradiction with the terms and conditions of any other agreement between the Government and the Borrower, including but not limited to previously executed Title XI Financial Agreements, then the terms of this Financial Agreement shall govern, otherwise, all such terms and conditions of such other agreements will continue with full force and effect.

2. The unenforceability or invalidity of any provision(s) of this Title XI Financial Agreement shall not render any other provision(s) herein unenforceable or invalid.

ARTICLE IX: POWER OF ATTORNEY

Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints the Government the true and lawful attorney of the Borrower, in its name and stead to execute any other document necessary to perfect the Government’s security interests regarding this transaction and/or all aspects of the FFP Debt.

ARTICLE X: ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD INDEMNIFICATION

Borrower and Guarantor hereby agree to the following with respect to any environmental hazards or contamination associated with the Collateral:

1. At closing, Borrower must certify in writing that, to the best of its knowledge, there are currently no defects or environmental hazards on or about the Collateral. Notwithstanding this, at closing, Borrower and Guarantor will execute a Certification and Indemnification Agreement Regarding Environmental Matters which provides that they shall, jointly and severally, be liable for any and all contamination, cleanup, and environmental actions against the Collateral and that they are, jointly and severally, liable for all costs and claims associated with or resulting from any claim, cleanup, or lien imposed against any of the Collateral.

2. That Borrower and Guarantor will hold the Government harmless from any claim or duty arising from environmental defects or hazards associated with the Collateral which arise at any time before, during or following conclusion of this transaction.

In the event this loan is not closed because of the discovery of such defects or environmental hazards previously unknown to Borrower, the Government will refund the commitment fee less all costs incurred by the Government in attempting to close.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower and the Guarantor have executed this Title XI Financial Agreement.

 

13


GOVERNMENT:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service

Financial Services Division

By:  

 

Title:  

Chief, Financial Services Branch Southeast Region

Date:  

 

 

      BORROWER: OMEGA PROTEIN, INC.
Attest:      
By:  

/s/ John Held

    By:  

/s/ Robert W. Stockton

Title:  

Vice President

    Title:  

Vice President and Treasurer

Date:  

May 25, 2010

    Date:  

May 25, 2010

      GUARANTOR: OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
Attest:      
By:  

/s/ John Held

    By:  

/s/ Robert W. Stockton

Title:  

Vice President

    Title:  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date:  

May 25, 2010

    Date:  

May 25, 2010

 

14

EX-10.6 7 dex106.htm GUARANTY AGREEMENT Guaranty Agreement

Exhibit 10.6

Case No. FF-G-017B

GUARANTY AGREEMENT

RECITALS: THIS GUARANTY AGREEMENT, is made and entered into by Omega Protein Corporation, 2105 CityWest Blvd., Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77042, (hereinafter, the “Guarantor”), and the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Financial Services Division (hereinafter, the “Government”).

DEFINITIONS: All terms contained herein are defined in the Acknowledgment of Definitions executed by all parties to this transaction.

WHEREAS, the Government has made, entered into, and delivered that certain Approval in Principle Letter dated December 1, 2005, which Approval Letter has been accepted by Omega Protein, Inc., (hereinafter, the “Borrower”) and the Guarantor, and which Approval Letter contemplates the Government providing financing to the Borrower in the amount of $16,442,000.00, in separate tranches. The first tranche was evidenced by the issuance of a Promissory Note to the United States of America, dated March 7, 2007, by the Borrower, in the principal amount of $6,349,000.00.

WHEREAS, the Government has made, entered into, and delivered that certain Approval in Principle Letter dated November 5, 2009, which Approval Letter has been accepted by the Borrower and Guarantor, and which Approval Letter contemplates the Government providing financing to the Borrower for the second tranche in the amount of $10,000,000.00 (hereinafter, the “Loan”). The second tranche will be evidenced the issuance of a Promissory Note to the United States of America, by the Borrower, in the principal amount of $10,000,000.00, (hereinafter, the “Note”), and the Borrower has agreed to execute and deliver a certain Preferred Ship Mortgage, a Deed of Trust, Security Agreement, UCC Financing Statements, (collectively, the “Loan Documents”) to the Government for the purpose of securing the payment of the principal of and interest on the Note and all other sums due the Government of whatsoever nature, in connection with the Loan and in accordance with its terms and the terms contained in the Loan Documents.

WHEREAS, the Guarantor understands that the Government is unwilling to enter into the aforementioned transaction, unless this Guaranty Agreement is executed by the Guarantor, therefore, in order to induce the Government to enter into the aforementioned transaction with the Borrower, the Guarantor has agreed to execute and deliver to the Government an absolute and unconditional guaranty, (hereinafter, the

 

1


“Guaranty”) of the above-referenced Note, thereby guaranteeing that all sums stated in the Note and all other sums of any nature owed to the Government by the Borrower, shall be promptly paid in full when due.

WHEREAS, Omega Protein Corporation further represents to the Government that it is a corporation in good standing in the State of Nevada and that it will not allow or permit said status to change, except with the express, written consent of the Government.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. The Guarantor unconditionally guarantees that all sums stated in, arising under the Note, including any and all amendments thereto, to be payable to the Government, shall be promptly paid in full when due, in accordance with the provisions governing such payment. This Guaranty Agreement is unconditional and absolute and if for any reason such sums, or any part thereof, shall not be paid promptly when due, the Guarantor will immediately pay the same to the Government pursuant to the provisions governing such payment, regardless of any defenses or rights of set-off or counterclaims which the Borrower, Guarantor or any other party may have or assert, and regardless of whether the Government shall have taken any steps to enforce any rights against the Borrower, the Guarantor or any other person to collect such sums, or any part thereof, and regardless of any other condition or contingency. The Guarantor also expressly agrees to pay the Government all the costs and expenses of collecting such sums, or any part thereof, or of enforcing this Guaranty Agreement, expressly including, but not limited to, attorney’s fees. It is expressly understood by the Guarantor that collection expenses may accrue rapidly and result in significant expenses for which the Guarantor agrees to be liable. It is further agreed to and understood by the Guarantor that “costs and expenses” of collection are deemed to include any and all costs, including but not limited to, accelerated interest charges, attorney fees, and all other costs and expenses, which the Government may incur to collect sums due under the Note or hereunder or to protect and preserve collateral pledged in relation to the obligation, regardless of whether said collateral was pledged by the Guarantor. The Guarantor agrees to be liable for and pay for said costs and expenses (including all interest charges thereon) which will continue to accrue until such time as the Guarantor fully satisfies and discharges the obligation arising under this Guaranty Agreement.

2. The Guarantor unconditionally guarantees that the Borrower will promptly and punctually pay all other sums payable under the Note and the Loan Documents, including any amendments or substitutions therefor,

 

2


and will duly perform and observe each and every agreement, covenant, term and condition in such Note and Loan Documents, or amendments thereto, to be performed or observed by the Borrower, and upon the Borrower’s failure to do so, the Guarantor will promptly pay such sums and duly perform and observe each such agreement, covenant, term and condition, or cause the same promptly to be performed and observed.

3. The obligations, covenants, agreements and duties of the Guarantor under this Guaranty shall in no way be affected or impaired by reason of the happening from time to time of any of the following with respect to the Note or the Loan Documents, including amendments or substitutions therefor, or any other document executed in connection therewith, although without notice to or the further consent of the Guarantor:

a. the waiver by the Government, or its successors or assigns, of the performance or observance by the Borrower, the Guarantor or any other party of any of the agreements, covenants, terms or conditions contained in the Note and the Loan Documents, or any other document executed in connection therewith;

b. the extension, in whole or in part, of the time for payment by the Borrower, the Guarantor or any other party to the obligation of any sums owing or payable under the Note, the Loan Documents or this Guaranty Agreement or of the time for performance by the Borrower, the Guarantor or any other party to the obligation of any other obligations under or arising out of or on account of the Note, the Loan Documents any other document executed in connection therewith;

c. the modification or amendment (whether material or otherwise) of any of the obligations of the Borrower, the Guarantor or any other party to the obligation as set forth in the Note, the Loan Documents or any other documents executed in connection therewith;

d. the doing or the omission of any of the acts referred to in the Note, the Loan Documents or any other document executed in connection therewith;

e. any failure, omission, or delay of the Government to enforce, assert, or exercise any right, power or remedy conferred on the Government in the Note, the Loan Documents or any other document or agreement executed in connection therewith, or any action on the part of the Borrower or the Government granting indulgence or extension in any form whatsoever; and

f. the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of all or substantially all of the assets, marshalling of assets and

 

3


liabilities, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition, or readjustment of, or other similar proceeding affecting the Borrower or any of its assets or any other party to the obligation; and

g. the release of the Borrower, the Guarantor or any other party from the performance or observance of any of the agreements, covenants, terms or conditions contained in the Note, the Loan Documents or any other document executed in connection therewith, by the operation of law; and

h. any Order of Judgment entered by a Bankruptcy Court which diminishes, discharges or declares any of the obligations or amounts owed under the Note and Loan Documents to be paid or satisfied. The undersigned hereby waive any defense based upon any Bankruptcy Court order or judgment with respect to any action based upon this Guaranty Agreement, which is brought against the undersigned in Federal District Court, or any other court of competent jurisdiction; and

i. the assumption and/or refinancing of the underlying indebtedness by a third party.

4. Notice of acceptance of this Guaranty Agreement and notice of any obligations or liabilities contracted or incurred by the Borrower or any other party to the obligation are hereby waived by the Guarantor.

5. This Guaranty Agreement may not be assumed, transferred, modified or amended except by a written agreement executed by the Guarantor with the consent in writing of the Government.

6. This Guaranty Agreement may be assigned to any holder of the Note.

7. All agreements, covenants, terms and conditions in this Guaranty Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Government and its successors and assigns, and, without limitation of the generality of the foregoing, shall in particular inure to the benefit of any holder of the Note.

8. The signature of the Guarantor hereto is, in addition to and not in limitation of the foregoing, intended as and to have the effect of an endorsement of the Note by the Guarantor, who hereby waives presentment, demand of payment, protest and notice of nonpayment of dishonor, and of protest of the Note and any and all other notices and demands whatsoever.

9. The terms of this Guaranty Agreement shall apply to the Note and all other loan documents and shall bind the Guarantor to the same

 

4


extent as though the Guarantor executed and delivered a separate instrument of guaranty with respect to each of such instruments and annexed the same thereto.

10. This Guaranty Agreement shall be binding upon the Guarantor and the Guarantor’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors, assigns and all other legal representatives.

11. Community Property Rights: Each and every term and provision of this Agreement shall, to the extent necessary or required to subject community property rights, if any, in the collateral, to the terms hereof and herein contained be read and interpreted to apply to the Guarantor.

12. The Guarantor acknowledges and represents to the Government that it is a principal party of interest with respect to the past, present and future operation of the Borrower’s business and that the past, present and future financial success of the Borrower’s business has, does and will directly, materially and substantially benefit the Guarantor. Accordingly, the Guarantor acknowledges and consents to any and all regulations and/or Financial Services Division requirements which require, permit or authorize the Government to request that the Guarantor execute and deliver a guaranty of sums due under the Note.

13. All provisions of this Guaranty Agreement shall be construed, given effect, and enforced according to the laws of the United States. With respect to any claim or proceeding relating to this Guaranty Agreement, the Guarantor hereby consents to and subjects itself to the jurisdiction of the federal court of competent jurisdiction of the State of Louisiana, and agrees that the venue of any action or proceeding relating to this Guaranty Agreement shall lie exclusively in the federal court situated in the State of Louisiana, unless the Government has instituted proceedings where the collateral may be found and in such case, the Guarantor consents to and subjects itself to the jurisdiction of the federal court which maintains jurisdiction over the collateral.

14. Prior written consent must be granted by the Government, consent of which will not be unnecessarily withheld, before the Guarantor shall split-up, spin-off, merge, consolidate, transfer or allow transfer of its shares and/or assets as to effect a change in its controlling interest, management, and financial conditions.

15. If the Guarantor is a corporation, the Guaranty Agreement shall be binding upon its parent corporation and its subsidiaries.

 

5


16. Severability: The unenforceability or invalidity of any provision(s) of this Guaranty Agreement shall not render any other provision(s) herein unenforceable or invalid.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Guaranty Agreement.

 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service Financial Services Division

By:  

 

Title:   Chief, Financial Services Branch, Southeast Region
Date:  

 

6


        GUARANTOR:
        Omega Protein Corporation
Attest:     By:  

/s/ Robert Stockton

By:  

/s/ John Held

     
Date:  

May 25, 2010

    Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
      Date:  

May 25, 2010

 

7


ACKNOWLEDGMENT

 

STATE OF FLORIDA

   )      
   )    ss   
COUNTY OF PINELLAS    )      

On this the      day of             , 2010, before me personally came Shawn Barry, Chief, Financial Services Branch, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Region, to me known and known to me to be the duly authorized representative of the Secretary of Commerce of the United States of America, acknowledged that he executed the foregoing instrument as such representative of the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to the authority vested in him by the laws of the United States.

 

 

Notary Public

 

8


ACKNOWLEDGMENT

 

STATE OF TEXAS

   )      
   )    ss   

COUNTY OF HARRIS

   )      

On the 25th day of May, 2010, before me personally appeared Robert W. Stockton, to me known or produced satisfactory identification, who being duly sworn, did depose and say that he is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Omega Protein Corporation, and that he signed his name to said Guaranty Agreement by like order, and that the same is the free and voluntary act and deed of said corporation and of himself as such Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the uses and purposes therein expressed.

 

/s/ Michelle Morton Reese

Notary Public
LOGO

 

9

EX-10.7 8 dex107.htm CERTIFICATION AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT Certification and Indemnification Agreement

Exhibit 10.7

Case No. FF-G-017B

CERTIFICATION AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

THIS INDEMNITY AGREEMENT is entered into this 25th day of May, 2010, between Omega Protein, Inc., 2105 City West Blvd., Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77042, (hereinafter, the “Borrower”), Omega Protein Corporation, 2105 CityWest Blvd., Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77042, (hereinafter, the “Guarantor”) and the United States of America, acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Financial Services, Southeast Region, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701, (hereinafter, the “Government”); and

RECITALS:

 

1. The Borrower is the owner of certain real property, (hereinafter, the “Premises”), located in the Commonwealth of Virginia, which is more particularly described in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, and defined below.

 

2. Pursuant to that certain Approval Letter dated November 5, 2009, the Government agreed to lend $10,000,000.00 to the Borrower, (hereinafter, the “Loan”). The Government will lend to the Borrower $10,000,000.00, in consideration for which the Borrower has executed and delivered to the Government a certain Promissory Note payable to the government (hereinafter, the “Note”), which Note is secured by, among other things, certain mortgages/deeds, respecting the Property (hereinafter, the “Mortgage”). This mortgage is more particularly described in Exhibit B, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.

 

3. As a condition to providing the Loan, the Government requires the Borrower and Guarantor to provide certain indemnities concerning Hazardous Materials or Contamination (both as hereinafter defined) affecting the Premises.

DEFINITIONS:

All terms contained herein are defined in the Acknowledgement of Definitions executed by all parties to this transaction.

 

1


IN CONSIDERATION OF the issuance of certain Loans pursuant to the provisions of Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, found at 46 USC §1271 et seq., and 50 CFR 253, as amended by Public Law 104-297 on October 11, 1996, known as the Fisheries Finance Program (FFP), Borrower hereby represents, warrants, covenants, acknowledges and agrees in favor of the Government, on a continuing basis, as follows:

BORROWER’S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES:

The Borrower hereby represents and warrants, to the best of its knowledge, in favor of the Government, as follows:

1. The Premises, and its existing and prior uses, comply, and have at all times complied with, and neither the Borrower or any other individual or entity is in violation of, nor has violated, in connection with the ownership, use, maintenance or operation of the Premises or the conduct of the business related thereto (including manufacturing, importing, processing, using, distribution, discharging, storing, treating and disposing of any substance) any applicable federal, state, county or local statute, law, regulation, rule, ordinance, code, license and permit of any and all governmental authorities relating to environmental matters, including, but not limited to, the Clean Air Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Toxic Substances Control Act, and any amendments or extensions of the foregoing statutes, and all other applicable environmental requirements.

2. The Borrower and/or any other individual or entity have operated the Premises and have at all times received, handled, used, stored, treated, shipped and disposed of all hazardous materials, substances, petroleum products and waste in strict compliance with all applicable environmental, health or safety statutes, ordinances, orders, rules, regulations or requirements, and have removed in compliance with all applicable environmental requirements from and off the Premises all hazardous materials, substances, petroleum products and waste.

3. There are no statutes, orders, rules, regulations or agreements relating to environmental matters requiring any work, repairs, feasibility studies, remedial investigations, clean up costs, construction or capital expenditures, or any other response costs with respect to the Premises, nor have the Borrower or any other individual or entity received any notice of any of the same.

4. No hazardous or toxic materials, substances, pollutants, contaminants or wastes have been released, spilled, leaked, poured, dumped, deposited, discharged or disposed of into the air, land or water at, on or from the Premises, nor have the Premises been used at any time by any person or entity as a landfill or a waste disposal site.

5. No notices of any violation of any of the matters referred to in the preceding sections, above, relating to the Premises or its use have been received by the Borrower and the Guarantor and/or any other individual or entity, and there are no writs, injunctions, decrees, rulings, orders or judgments outstanding, no law suits, claims, proceedings, investigations, remedial investigations, feasibility studies, clean up costs or other response costs pending or threatened, relating to the ownership, use, maintenance or operations of the Premises, nor is there any basis for such law suits, claims, proceedings or investigations being instituted or filed.

6. The Borrower and/or any other individual or entity will operate the Premises and shall at all times receive, handle, use, store, treat, ship and dispose of all hazardous

 

2


materials, substances, petroleum products and waste in strict compliance with all applicable environmental, health or safety statutes, ordinances, orders, rules, regulations or requirements, and will remove in compliance with all applicable environmental requirements from and off the Premises all hazardous materials, substances, petroleum products and waste.

7. The Borrower further covenants that it will promptly notify the Government of any fact or event which affects, alters or limits the representations and warranties made in the preceding sections, above, and that it will provide the Government upon demand with information or access to information relating to the Borrower’s compliance with this Agreement. The Borrower further warrants that it has fully disclosed all actions, law suits, notices, citations or any other incident or condition that has ever existed on the Premises.

The foregoing representations and warranties shall survive the execution of this Agreement and any closing occurring under any of the Loan Documents (defined hereafter) and shall be of continuing effect except any contamination that occurs after the Government has acquired possession or title to the Premises.

INDEMNITY:

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Borrower and the Guarantor hereby agree to defend and indemnify the Government against and hold it harmless from any and all losses, claims, liabilities, judgments, damages (including exemplary, actual, compensatory and punitive), penalties, expenditures, costs and legal or other expenses which the Government may suffer or incur as a direct or indirect consequence of any of the following:

 

1. The execution or performance of this Agreement or other loan documents, instruments or agreements now or hereafter existing between the Borrower and the Guarantor and the Government (together, the “Loan Documents”);

 

2. The exercise, enforcement, release, defense or forbearance by the Government of any of its rights, remedies, liens, interest or discretion under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, against the Borrower and the Guarantor or any other person or entity, or in or to any property now or hereafter constituting collateral for or on account of any loans or obligations of the Borrower and the Guarantor;

 

3. The fact that any representation, warranty, acknowledgment or other statement of fact made by the Borrower and the Guarantor or any of the undersigned was untrue or incomplete at any time;

 

4. The existence, for whatever reasons, of any contamination, except any contamination that occurs after the Government has acquired possession or title to the Premises, including, without limitation, the presence of any hazardous or toxic waste, substance or material existing on, above, or under any of the Premises; or the fact that the Borrower and the Guarantor or any other individual or entity is or was responsible for the improper or unlawful production, handling, storage, transportation or disposition of any hazardous or toxic waste, substance or material;

 

3


5. Any investigation, feasibility studies, monitoring, clean up, removal, restoration, remedial response or remedial work undertaken on or with respect to any of the Premises at any time hereafter, voluntarily or involuntarily, by the Government, except as to any investigation, feasibility studies, monitoring, clean up, removal, restoration, remedial response or remedial work undertaken on or with respect to any of the Premises which occurs in connection with contamination that occurs after the government has acquired possession or title to the Premises;

 

6. The imposition or attachment of any statutory lien, except as to any liens arising after the Government has acquired possession or title to the Premises, including any arising under any environmental or land use matters.

The Government’s equitable and implied rights of indemnity against the Borrower and the Guarantor shall not be limited or impaired in any way by reason of the explicit indemnities set forth in this Agreement. The Government’s rights of indemnity shall not be directly or indirectly limited, prejudiced, impaired or eliminated in any way:

 

  i. by any finding or allegation that the Government is directly or indirectly responsible under any theory of any kind for any act or omission of the Borrower and the Guarantor or any other individual or entity; or

 

  ii. by any finding or allegation that the Government is or was an “owner” or “operator” of the Premises; or

 

  iii. by the kind, character or nature of any act or omission of the Government; except that the Borrower and the Guarantor shall not be obligated to pay any judgment which any court of competent jurisdiction may render against the Government upon an express finding that the Government personally and directly committed an intentional tort against the Plaintiff.

COVENANTS:

The Borrower shall, with respect to the Premises:

 

1. Comply with, and require all tenants and subtenants, if any, to comply with, all Environmental Laws and obtain, comply with, and maintain, and require that all such tenants and subtenants obtain, comply with, and maintain, any and all licenses, approvals, registrations or permits required by Environmental Laws.

 

2. Conduct and complete all investigations, studies, sampling and testing, all remedial, removal and other actions required under Environmental Laws and promptly comply with all lawful orders and directives of all Governmental Authorities respecting Environmental Laws, except as to investigation, studies, sampling and testing, all remedial, removal and other actions required under Environmental Laws and lawful orders and directives of Governmental Authorities in connection with contamination which occurs after the Government has acquired possession or title to the Premises.

 

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3. Defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Government, from and against any claims, demands, penalties, fines, clean-up expenses, liabilities, settlements, damages, costs and expenses of whatever kind or nature known or unknown, contingent or otherwise, arising out of, or in any way relating to the violation or noncompliance by the Borrower or any predecessor or successor of or with any Environmental Laws applicable to the Premises, or any orders, requirements or demands of Governmental Authorities related thereto, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s and consultant’s fees, investigation and laboratory fees, removal, remedial, and response costs, court costs and litigation expenses, except against any claims, demands, penalties, fines, clean-up expenses, liabilities, settlements, damages, costs and expenses of whatever kind or nature known or unknown, contingent or otherwise, arising out of, or in any way relating to the violation or noncompliance by the Government with any Environmental Laws applicable to the Property, or any orders, requirements or demands of Governmental Authorities related thereto, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s and consultant’s fees, investigation and laboratory fees, removal, remedial response costs, court costs and litigation expenses which arise in connection with contamination occurring after the Government has acquired possession or title to the Premises.

UNCONDITIONAL OBLIGATIONS:

The Borrower and the Guarantor hereby agree that their obligations, covenants and agreements under this Agreement shall be irrevocable, absolute and unconditional, and shall not be affected or impaired, notwithstanding, among other things, any of the following, any defense on account of which is hereby expressly waived by the Borrower and the Guarantor:

 

1. The waiver, compromise, settlement, termination or other release of the performance or observance by the Borrower and the Guarantor, of any or all of the agreements, covenants, terms or conditions in favor of the Government contained herein or in any of the Loan Documents;

 

2. The granting of one or more extensions of time renewals or other indulgence(s) to the Borrower, or by the Government heretofore, now or hereafter acquiring, releasing or in any way modifying any guaranty from any other person or persons or any security in whatever form for any or all of the Borrower’s obligations to the Government, whether or not notice thereof shall have been or be given to the Borrower;

 

3. Any failure, omission, delay or lack on the part of the Government to enforce, assert or exercise any right, power, remedy or claim conferred on the Government herein or in any of the Loan Documents or by applicable law, or the inability of the Government to enforce any provision of this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents for any reason, or any other act or omission on the part of the Government, including without limitation any failure to obtain, perfect or realize upon any security, rights, endorsements or guaranties which the Government may now or hereafter hold or be offered with respect to any of the Borrower’s obligations to the Government;

 

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4. Any change in ownership of any corporation which has executed this agreement, and/or any change in ownership of any property securing this agreement.

 

5. The voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of all or substantially all of the assets, marshalling of assets and liabilities, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization or other similar proceeding affecting the Borrower, or any of its assets;

 

6. Any fraudulent, illegal, improper or invalid acts heretofore or hereafter undertaken by the Borrower, or because of any failure of the Government to discover any such acts or irregularities;

 

7. The invalidity or unenforceability of any of the Borrower’s obligations to the Government;

 

8. The modification or amendment (whether material or otherwise) of any term or condition of any of the Loan Documents heretofore or hereafter undertaken;

The Borrower and the Guarantor acknowledge and agree that the Government shall have absolutely no responsibility to monitor the Borrower’s compliance with applicable laws, including without limitation environmental laws and regulations, or to insure such compliance.

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS:

 

1. RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES: The Government is not (and shall not be construed as) a partner, joint venturer, alter ego, manager, controlling person or other business associate or participant of any kind of the Borrower, nor an “owner” or “operator” for the Premises, nor a “facility” (as such terms are defined by applicable state and federal statutes) and the Government does not intend to assume any such status; and the Government is not and shall not be deemed responsible for (or a participant in) any acts, omissions or decisions of the Borrower.

 

2. NOTICES AND REQUESTS: Any and all notices, elections, demands, or requests permitted or required to be made under this Agreement shall be in writing, signed by the party giving such notice, election, demand or request, and shall be delivered personally or sent by registered, certified, or Express United States mail, postage prepaid, or Federal Express or any similar service requiring a receipt, to the other party at the following address:

Omega Protein, Inc.

2105 CityWest Blvd

Suite 500

Houston, TX 77042

 

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U.S. Department of Commerce

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Marine Fisheries Service

Financial Services Branch, Southeast Region

263 13th Avenue South

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

 

3. GOVERNING LAW: Except to the extent that Federal Law controls, this Agreement shall be construed in all respects in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State in which the Premises are located.

 

4. AMENDMENTS: No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, by telephone or by any other means except by an instrument in writing signed by the Government.

 

5. SEVERABILITY: Wherever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement shall be prohibited by, unenforceable or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition, unenforceability or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

 

6. CONSTRUCTION: The singular form of any word used herein shall include the plural, and vice versa. The use herein of a word of any gender shall include each of the masculine, feminine, and neuter genders. The headings or titles of the several sections and paragraphs of this Agreement shall be solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect the meaning, construction or effect of the provisions hereof.

 

7. BINDING EFFECT: Except as herein provided, this Agreement shall be binding upon the Borrower and the Guarantor, their successors and permitted assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the Government, and its successor and assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower, without the prior written consent of the Government in each instance, may not assign, transfer or set over to another, in whole or in part, all or any part of its benefits, rights, duties and obligations hereunder, including, but not limited to, performance of and compliance with the conditions hereof. Any reference to the Borrower shall include the Borrower’s successors and assigns.

 

8. SURVIVAL: The obligations set forth herein shall survive the payment of any and all obligations of the Borrower to the Government and shall not terminate until this Agreement has been expressly canceled and terminated by the Government in writing.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this agreement to be duly executed and delivered to the Government on the 9th day of March, 2010.

 

ATTEST:   BORROWER: Omega Protein, Inc.
By:  

/s/ John Held

    By:  

/s/ Robert Stockton

Title:  

Vice President

    Title:  

Vice President and Treasurer

Date:  

May 25, 2010

    Date:  

May 25, 2010

ATTEST:   GUARANTOR: Omega Protein Corporation
By:  

/s/ John Held

    By:  

/s/ Robert Stockton

Title:  

Executive Vice President

    Title:  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date:  

May 25, 2010

    Date:  

May 25, 2010

 

8

EX-10.8 9 dex108.htm PREFERRED SHIP MORTGAGE Preferred Ship Mortgage

Exhibit 10.8

FF-G-017B

FIRST PREFERRED SHIP MORTGAGE

TO THE

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

THIS MORTGAGE, dated the 25th day of May, 2010, by Omega Protein, Inc., owning 100%, (the “Mortgagor/Owner”), a Virginia Corporation, doing business at 2105 City West Blvd., Suite 500, Houston, Texas, 77042, to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (the “Mortgagee”), acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Financial Services Division, F/MB5, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Mortgagor/Owner is the sole owner of the fishing vessel named GRAND CHENIERE (herein, the “Vessel”), Official Number 590692; and

WHEREAS, in connection with the Mortgagee providing financing to the Mortgagor for the reconstruction of the Vessel, the Mortgagor has executed and delivered to the Mortgagee its promissory note (the “Note”) dated March 9, 2010, in the principal amount of $10,000,000.00, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A, and has agreed to execute and deliver this Preferred Ship Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) to the Mortgagee for the purpose of securing the payment of the principal, interest, fees and expenses due on the Note in accordance with its terms and the terms of this Mortgage.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the Mortgagee providing financing to the Mortgagor for the Mortgagor’s reconstruction of the Vessel, and for other good and valuable consideration, receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged by the Mortgagor, and in order to secure the payment of the principal of and interest on the Note and all other sums which accrue according to the terms thereof, and the payment of all other sums that may hereafter become secured by this Mortgage in accordance with the terms hereof and to secure the performance and observance of and compliance with the covenants, terms, and conditions herein and in the Note contained, the Mortgagor has granted, conveyed, mortgaged, pledged, assigned, transferred, set over, and confirmed and does hereby grant, convey, mortgage, pledge, assign, transfer, set over, and confirm unto the Mortgagee the whole of the Vessel described as follows:

The GRAND CHENIERE, Official Number 590692, together with all its boilers, engines, machinery, motors, masts, spars, sails, rigging, boats, skiffs, anchors, chains, cable, tackle, nets, pots, apparel, furniture, fittings, navigation equipment, propulsion equipment, fishing and fish processing equipment, and all other equipment, electronics, computers, software, electronic records, records and papers whether on board or not, together with all accessories, substitutions, additions, replacements, improvements, parts and accessions now existing or hereafter made of, in or to the Vessel, any parts thereof, or the equipment and appurtenances aforesaid; together with all freights, subfreights, charter hire, subcharter hire, inventory, catch, cargoes, supplies, general intangibles, accounts receivable, contracts, contract rights, proceeds, product, rents and profits, issues, earnings, revenues, rents or other profits of the Vessel together with all Federal and State permits, licenses and harvest privileges (expressly including, but not limited to, all fishing rights/licenses and related harvest/participatory privileges such as, but not limited to, Limited Entry Permits, Individual Fishing Quotas, Quota Shares, Individual Transferable Quotas, Community Development Quotas, License Limitations, Moratorium Qualifications, High Seas Permits, Allocations, Endorsements and Tags) now owned or hereafter acquired, whether now existing or hereafter created by rule, regulation, statute, legislation or Fishery Management Council action, whether or not any of the foregoing are vested in the name of the Mortgagor or appurtenant to the Vessel and regardless of whether or not any of the foregoing relate to or are necessary for the operation of the Vessel.

FURTHER PROVIDED that the Borrower and Mortgagor agree that the Mortgagee will be granted a senior security interest in any rights that the Mortgagor or Vessel acquires or becomes entitled to, now or at any time in the future, including but not limited to any Limited Entry Permits, Individual Fishing Quotas, Quota Shares, Individual Transferable Quotas, Community Development Quotas, License Limitations, moratorium Qualifications, High Seas Permits, Allocations, Endorsements, ‘Buy Back Rights’ or any rights to receive reimbursements or payments, of any kind whatsoever, that might accrue as a result of the Vessel’s operations.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD ALL the above-mortgaged and described property unto the Mortgagee and its successors and assigns, to its use and benefit forever;

 

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FF-G-017B

 

PROVIDED ALWAYS, that if the Mortgagor, its successors or assigns shall pay, or cause to be paid, the principal of and interest on the Note in accordance with the terms of the Note and the Mortgage and shall pay any and all other sums that may hereinafter become secured by this Mortgage in accordance with the terms hereof, and shall keep, perform, and observe all of the covenants and promises in the Note and in the Mortgage contained, expressed, or implied to be kept, performed, and observed by or on the part of the Mortgagor, then this Mortgage and the estate and rights hereby granted shall cease and be void; otherwise to remain in full force and effect.

The Mortgagor hereby covenants and agrees that the Vessel is subject to the further covenants, conditions, and uses hereinafter set forth as follows:

ARTICLE I

ADDITIONALLY THE MORTGAGOR HEREBY COVENANTS AND AGREES THAT:

Section 1. The Mortgagor (i) is and shall continue to be a citizen of the United States as defined in Section 2 of the Shipping Act, 1916, as amended, for coastwise trade, and (ii) is entitled to own and operate the Vessel under her marine document and shall maintain such marine document in full force and effect. The Note and the Mortgage have been duly executed and delivered, and the Note in the hands of the holder thereof is and will be a valid and enforceable obligation of the Mortgagor in accordance with its terms. The Mortgagor lawfully owns and is lawfully possessed of the whole of the Vessel free from any lien whatsoever, except the lien of this Mortgage and liens expressly permitted herein and other Preferred Ship Mortgages in favor of the United States of America, acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Financial Services Division, and covenants that it will warrant and defend the title and possession thereto and every part thereof for the benefit of the Mortgagee against the claims and demands of all persons whomever.

Section 2. (a) The Mortgagor will, at all times and at its own expense, keep the Vessel insured with responsible underwriters and through responsible brokers, all in good standing and satisfactory to the Mortgagee, fully and adequately protecting the Vessel and the Mortgagee’s interest therein against all marine perils and disasters and all hazards, risks, and liabilities in any way arising out of the ownership, operation, or maintenance of the Vessel, including but not limited to insurance as follows:

(i) While being operated, navigating hull insurance must be in an amount equal to the full commercial value of the Vessel. In no event may this be less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the unpaid principal and interest, at the time outstanding, of the Note. The policy valuation on the hull shall not exceed the aggregate amount insured by hull policies. The hull insurance shall be placed under the form of policy known as American Institute of Marine Underwriters form, or under such other forms of policy as the Mortgagee may approve, insuring against the usual risks covered by such policies, including four-fourths running down clause, Inchmaree clause, and breach of warranty clause;

(ii) Protection and indemnity insurance under form of protection and indemnity policies approved by the Mortgagee and issued by marine insurance companies approved by the Mortgagee. The amount of protection and indemnity insurance shall be fixed by the Mortgagee; and

(iii) When and while the Vessel is laid up, and in lieu of the aforesaid navigating hull insurance referred to in (i) of this Section, port risk insurance under forms of port risk policies approved by the Mortgagee.

(b) The Mortgagor expressly covenants and agrees to keep the policies renewed from time to time, to keep the same valid at all times for the amounts aforesaid, and to keep the premiums thereon fully paid at all times. The Mortgagor shall not do any act nor voluntarily suffer or permit any act to be done whereby insurance is or may be suspended, impaired, or defeated, and shall not suffer nor permit the Vessel to engage in any voyage or to carry any cargo not permitted under the policy or policies of insurance in effect, unless and until the Mortgagor shall first cover the Vessel in the amount herein provided for, with insurance satisfactory to the Mortgagee for such voyage or for the carriage of such cargo.

(c) In the event the Mortgagor fails to procure insurance satisfactory to the Mortgagee, or fails to perform any of the covenants and agreements contained herein, the Mortgagee may, but shall be under no duty to, procure such other or different insurance or coverage as it may deem in its sole discretion advisable as to the nature, form, type,

 

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FF-G-017B

 

class, amount and extent of such insurance or coverage; and all sums expended or advanced by the Mortgagee in procuring such insurance shall be deemed to be an indebtedness of the Mortgagor and shall be secured by this Mortgage and shall be immediately due and payable and, until paid, shall bear interest at the rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum, or such lesser rate which the Secretary, in its sole discretion, may fix in writing. Notwithstanding the Secretary’s election under this provision to fix an interest rate of less than eighteen percent (18%), acceleration of sums due under the Note will result in the application of the accelerated interest rate of eighteen percent (18%) to all sums due under this Mortgage.

(d) All insurance shall be taken out in the name of the Mortgagor and the Mortgagee as their interests may appear and policies and certificates shall provide that there shall be no recourse against the Mortgagee for payment of premiums and shall further provide for at least 20 days prior written notice to be given to the Mortgagee by the underwriters in the event of cancellation or modification. All original policies, binders, certificates, and covenants and all endorsements and riders thereto shall be delivered to the Mortgagee for approval and custody.

(e) Except as provided herein and in paragraph (f) below all insurance policies or certificates shall provide that losses thereunder shall be payable to the Mortgagee. If no Event of Default exists under this Mortgage, the Mortgagee may, in its sole discretion, pay, from the proceeds of the insurance directly to the repairer, the amount of any authorized repairs, or if the Mortgagor shall have first duly repaired the damage to the satisfaction of the Mortgagee and paid the cost thereof, to the Mortgagor as reimbursement therefore. Any balance remaining from the aforesaid insurance proceeds will be applied as directed by the Mortgagee. If an Event of Default exists, the Mortgagee shall retain such insurance and if such Event of Default is not cured within fifteen (15) days of the occurrence thereof, apply the same in the manner provided in Article II, Section 11 hereof.

(f) Any loss under any insurance on the Vessel with respect to protection and indemnity risks may be paid directly to the person to whom any liability covered by such insurance has been incurred or to the Mortgagor to reimburse the Mortgagor for any loss, damage, or expense incurred by the Mortgagor and covered by such insurance; provided, that the underwriter shall have first received evidence that the liability insured against has been discharged.

(g) In the event of an actual or constructive total loss, or an agreed or compromised total loss of or in case of requisition of title to the Vessel, all amounts payable therefor shall, subject to Article II, Section 2 hereof be paid to the Mortgagee and shall be applied first, to the payment of the expenses of the Mortgagee in collecting such payments, and second, as provided in Article II, Section 11 hereof.

(h) In the event that any claim or lien is asserted against the Vessel for loss, damage, or expense which is covered by insurance hereunder, and it is necessary for the Mortgagor to obtain a bond or supply other security to prevent arrest of the Vessel or to release the Vessel from arrest on account of such claim or lien, the Mortgagee, may, in the sole discretion of the Mortgagee, and upon notice to the Mortgagor, assign to any person, firm, or corporation executing a surety or guarantee bond or other agreements, to save or release the Vessel from such arrest, all right, title, and interest of the Mortgagee in and to said insurance covering said loss, damage, or expense, as collateral security to indemnify against liability under said bond or other agreement.

Section 3. (a) Neither the Mortgagor, any charterer, the Master of the Vessel, nor any other person has or shall have any right, power, or authority to create, incur, or permit to be placed, imposed, or continued upon the Vessel any lien whatsoever other than the lien of this Mortgage, or permitted liens as defined herein.

(b) Permitted Liens. “Permitted Liens” means liens or other charges or encumbrances:

(i) arising for damages out of tort covered by insurance, except for any deductible amounts applicable thereto, for wages of a stevedore when employed directly by the owner, operator, master, ship’s husband or agent of any Vessel, for wages of the crew of the Vessel, for general average, for salvage, including contract salvage, provided the same are paid immediately when due;

(ii) in favor of any person furnishing repairs, supplies, towage, use of dry dock or marine railway, or other necessaries to the Vessel on the order of Mortgagor, or of a person authorized by Mortgagor, provided the same are paid immediately when due;

 

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FF-G-017B

 

(iii) imposed on the Vessel for taxes or governmental charges or levies, provided the same are paid immediately when due;

(iv) incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Vessel not relating to money borrowed which (1) will be paid immediately when due, and (2) which, in the aggregate, at any time are not material to the operations or financial condition of Mortgagor;

(v) arising by operation of law as a result of the modification of the Vessel, including mechanic’s liens, provided the same are paid immediately when due;

(vi) in favor of the United States of America, acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Financial Services Division.

(c) As used herein, the term “immediately when due” shall mean the time when, according to applicable law, customary industry practices, or a prior course of dealing or other agreement between Mortgagor and the lienholder, the lienholder expects payment to be made; provided that, if Mortgagor desires to contest an asserted lien, Mortgagor may do so if Mortgagor acts in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and has set aside adequate reserves determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Section 4. The Mortgagor shall carry a properly certified copy of this Mortgage with the Vessel’s papers on board the Vessel, shall exhibit the same on demand to any person having business with the Vessel, or to any representative of the Mortgagee, and shall place and keep prominently displayed in the pilot house, master’s cabin and engine room of the Vessel a framed, printed or typewritten notice reading as follows:

“NOTICE OF MORTGAGE”

“This Vessel is covered by a Preferred Ship Mortgage given to the United States of America, under authority of 46 USC Chapter 313. Under the terms of said Mortgage, neither the owner of this Vessel, any charterer, the Master of this Vessel, nor any other person has any right, power, or authority to create, incur, or permit to be imposed upon the Vessel any liens, maritime or otherwise, other than the lien of said Mortgage, liens for crew’s wages or salvage and Permitted Liens, as expressly defined herein.”

Section 5. If a complaint shall be filed against the Vessel, or if the Vessel shall be levied upon or taken into custody, or detained by any proceeding in any court or tribunal, the Mortgagor will within fifteen (15) days thereafter cause the Vessel to be discharged. In the event a complaint is filed against said Vessel, or in the event said Vessel is levied upon or taken into custody or detained by any authority whatsoever, the Mortgagor shall notify the Mortgagee forthwith by telegram, telefax or telex and confirmed by letter.

Section 6. At all times, at the Mortgagor’s own cost and expense, the Mortgagor will maintain and preserve the Vessel in as good condition, working order and repair as on the date of this Mortgage, ordinary wear and tear excepted; provided, however, if subsequent to the date of this Mortgage, the Vessel is reconstructed or reconditioned, the Mortgagor will keep the Vessel in as good condition, working order, and repair as the Vessel was on the date said reconstruction or reconditioning was completed, ordinary wear and tear excepted. In addition to the foregoing, the Mortgagor will keep the Vessel in as good condition as will enable her to pass such inspection as may be required by marine underwriters as a condition of their writing such insurance in such amounts as are required under this Mortgage or as required by the United States Coast Guard as a condition to certifying that the Vessel is seaworthy and in compliance with all applicable safety, navigational, and pollution control requirements. The Mortgagor shall afford the Mortgagee or its authorized representatives full and complete access to the Vessel for the purpose of inspecting the same, her cargo, log, and papers. The Mortgagor shall furnish the Mortgagee full information regarding any casualties or other accidents or damage to the Vessel.

 

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FF-G-017B

 

Section 7. The Mortgagor will pay and discharge when due and payable from time to time all taxes, assessments, governmental charges, fines and penalties lawfully imposed on the Vessel.

Section 8. The Mortgagor will reimburse the Mortgagee for any and all expenditures which the Mortgagee may elect to make from time to time to protect the security granted hereunder (in the event of the Mortgagor’s failure to do so), including, without limitation of the foregoing, payment of taxes, repairs, insurance premiums, surveys, the discharge of any lien, payment of costs associated with a complaint filed against the Vessel or seizure of the Vessel, expenses incurred by the Mortgagee in retaking the Vessel and any other expenditures reasonably deemed necessary by the Mortgagee to protect and preserve the Vessel. Any such payment or payments made by the Mortgagee shall be for the account of the Mortgagor and the making thereof by the Mortgagee shall not cure the Mortgagor’s default in that regard nor constitute a waiver of any right or remedy granted to the Mortgagee hereunder, and all sums so expended by the Mortgagee or any liability incurred by it shall be immediately due and payable and shall be deemed to be an indebtedness of the Mortgagor and secured by this Mortgage, and until paid, shall bear interest at the rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum, or such lesser rate which the Secretary, in its sole discretion, may fix in writing. Notwithstanding the Secretary’s election under this provision to fix an interest rate of less than eighteen percent (18%), acceleration of sums due under the Note will result in the application of the accelerated interest rate of eighteen percent (18%) to all sums due under this Mortgage.

Section 9. (a) The Mortgagor will not sell, mortgage, transfer, nor charter the Vessel without the prior written consent of the Mortgagee first having been obtained, and any such written consent to any one sale, mortgage, transfer, or charter shall not be construed to be a waiver of this provision in respect to any subsequent proposed sale, mortgage, transfer, or charter. Any such sale, mortgage, transfer, or charter of the Vessel shall be subject to the provisions of this Mortgage and to the lien it creates.

(b) The Mortgagor will not, without first obtaining written permission from the Secretary, transfer, sell, assign, hypothecate, or alienate or attempt to transfer, sell, assign, hypothecate or alienate any rights, licenses or permits appurtenant to and/or necessary for the Vessel to engage in any commercial fisheries and further covenants to do all things necessary to obtain and maintain such rights, licenses or permits. This covenant is expressly understood by the Mortgagor to include, but is not limited to, all fishing rights. Limited Entry Permits, Individual Fishing Quotas, Individual Transferable Quotas, Quota Shares, Community Development Quotas, License Limitations, Moratorium Qualifications, High Seas Permits, Allocations, Endorsements, Rights, Licenses and Tags relating to or arising by virtue of the fishing history or operations of the Vessel or the Mortgagor, whether now owned or acquired in the future.

Section 10. The Mortgagor will comply with and satisfy all the provisions of 46 U.S.C. Chapter 313, in order to establish and maintain this Mortgage as a Preferred Ship Mortgage upon the Vessel.

Section 11. (a) The Mortgagor will keep the Vessel documented under the laws of the United States and no transfer of port of documentation of the Vessel shall be made without the prior written consent thereto of the Mortgagee.

(b) The Mortgagor will not cause or permit the Vessel to be operated in any manner contrary to law or contrary to any rules and regulations which may from time to time be prescribed pursuant to law, will not remove or attempt to remove the Vessel beyond the jurisdictional limits of the United States (unless the Secretary has consented in writing), will not abandon the Vessel in a foreign port, will not engage in any unlawful trade or violate any law or carry any cargo that will expose the Vessel to penalty, forfeiture, or capture, and will not do, or suffer or permit to be done, anything which can or may injuriously affect the documentation of the Vessel under the laws and regulations of the United States.

(c) Upon demand by the Secretary to the master of the Vessel or the Mortgagor, the Mortgagor will return the Vessel to the waters known as the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States and, if the Secretary so demands, to a port of call chosen by the Secretary, thereby revoking any prior written consent extended by the Secretary with respect to operation of the Vessel outside the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States.

Section 12. The Mortgagor will duly and punctually pay the principal of and interest on the Note and any other sums owed to the Mortgagee in connection with the Mote, and the Mortgage as herein and in the Note provided, and will at all times keep, perform, and observe all of the covenants, conditions, stipulations, promises, and agreements in this

 

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FF-G-017B

 

Mortgage and in the Note (as either may, from time to time, be amended, substituted, restated or modified) expressed or implied on its part to be kept, performed, and observed, and will duly punctually pay all sums that may hereinafter become due hereunder.

Section 13. (a) The Mortgagor will, and hereby does, authorize all Federal, State, and municipal authorities (i) to furnish reports of examination, records, and other information relating to the conditions and affairs of the Mortgagor, any desired information from reports, returns, files, tax returns, and records of such authorities upon request therefor by the Mortgagee and (ii) to permit the Mortgagee to have full access from time to time, to make copies of and extracts from, any and all reports, returns, files, tax returns, and records by, or with respect to the Mortgagor, and all reports of the examiner or other information concerning the Mortgagor contained in the files and records of such authorities.

(b) The Mortgagor will permit the Mortgagee, at the Mortgagor’s expense and in such manner and at such times as the Mortgagee may require, to (i) make inspections and audits of any books, records, and papers in the custody and control of the Mortgagor or others relating to the Mortgagor’s financial or business conditions, including the making of copies thereof and extracts therefrom, and (ii) make inspections and appraisals of any of the Mortgagor’s assets.

Section 14. The Mortgagor will, in accordance with the requirements of Mortgagee, comply with all covenants and conditions which the Mortgagee may in its sole discretion reasonably require.

Section 15. In the event that this Mortgage, the Note, or any provisions hereof or thereof, including amendments or substitutions with respect to either, shall be deemed invalid in whole or in part by reason of any present or future law of the United States or any decision of any authoritative court, or if the documents at any time held by the Mortgagee be deemed by the Mortgagee for any reason insufficient to carry out the true intent and spirit of this Mortgage and the Note, then, from time to time the Mortgagor will execute on its own behalf such other and further assurances and documents as in the opinion of counsel for the Mortgagee may be required to carry out the terms, conditions and intent of the Note, Mortgage and any other agreement or document executed by the Mortgagor in connection therewith. Upon failure of the Mortgagor to do so, :he Mortgagee may execute any and all such other and further assurances and documents, for and in the name of the Mortgagor, and the Mortgagor hereby irrevocably appoints the Mortgagee the agent attorney-in-fact of the Mortgagor to do so. Any expenses of the Mortgagee in connection with the foregoing shall be a debt due from the Mortgagor to the Mortgagee in payment thereof and shall be secured by the lien of this Mortgage in a like manner as provided in Article I, Section 8 hereof.

Section 16. The Mortgagor will faithfully comply with, observe, perform or discharge any and all covenants, conditions or obligations which are imposed on the Mortgagor by any other agreement or document executed in connection with this Mortgage or the Note, concurrently or otherwise, and that Mortgagor’s material failure to do so shall constitute an Event of Default under this Mortgage.

Section 17. The Mortgagor agrees that all reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by Mortgagee because of Mortgagor’s failure to perform or discharge its obligations as provided by this Mortgage, the Note, or any other document or agreement executed in connection therewith shall be deemed to be an indebtedness of the Mortgagor and shall be secured by this Mortgage and shall be immediately due and payable and, until paid, shall bear interest at the rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum, or such lesser rate which the Secretary, in its sole discretion, may fix in writing. Notwithstanding the Secretary’s election under this provision to fix an interest rate of less than eighteen percent (18%), acceleration of sums due under the Note will result in the application of the accelerated interest rate of eighteen percent (18%) to all sums due under this Mortgage.

Section 18. The Mortgagor agrees, acknowledges and consents to and with the authority of the United States of America, acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce, to take all steps, measures or actions which are within the discretion or authority of the Secretary.

ARTICLE II

Section 1. Each of the following events shall constitute an Event of Default:

(a) default shall be made in the payment of any interest on the Note (including any amendments thereto or substitutions therefor) when and as the same shall become due and payable as therein and herein provided and such default shall continue for fifteen (15) days; or

 

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(b) default shall be made in the payment of the principal of the Note (including any amendments thereto or substitutions therefor) when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at maturity, by notice of acceleration, or otherwise and such default shall continue for fifteen (15) days; or

(c) nonpayment of any other sums due under the Note, Mortgage or any loan documents; or

(d) default shall be made in the due and punctual observance and performance of any provision of Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 of Article I, hereof and such default or defaults shall continue for fifteen (15) days; or

(e) the Mortgagor shall be dissolved or adjudged a bankrupt or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of the Mortgagor’s creditors, or shall lose the right to do business by forfeiture or otherwise, or a receiver or receivers of any kind whatsoever, whether appointed or not, in admiralty, bankruptcy, common law, or equity proceedings, and whether temporary or permanent, shall be appointed for the Vessel or for any other property of the Mortgagor; or a petition for reorganization of, or other proceeding or action in reference to the Mortgagor under any of the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code shall be filed by the Mortgagor or by creditors of the Mortgagor; or if reorganization of the Mortgagor under said Code is approved by the Court, whether proposed by a creditor, stockholder, or any other person whomsoever; or

(f) there shall be an actual or constructive total loss of the Vessel; or

(g) default shall be made by the Mortgagor in the prompt and faithful performance or observance of any other covenant, condition, or agreement by it to be performed and observed, contained in this Mortgage or Note (as either may, from time to time, be amended, substituted, restated or modified), and such default shall continue for fifteen (15) days; or

(h) the institution of any suit against the Mortgagor or others deemed by the Mortgagee to adversely affect its interest hereunder, in the Note or otherwise; or

(i) default shall occur in the observance, performance or discharge of any of the covenants, conditions or obligations which are imposed on the Mortgagor by any agreement or document executed in connection with this Mortgage or the Note, concurrently or otherwise; or

(j) the Mortgagor shall, without first obtaining written permission from the Secretary, transfer, sell, assign, hypothecate, or alienate or attempt to transfer, sell, assign, hypothecate or alienate any rights, licenses or permits appurtenant to and/or necessary for Vessel to engage in any commercial fisheries; or

(k) the Mortgagor shall, intentionally or through neglect, permit a material diminution of the value of the Vessel and/or its appurtenances and equipment.

Section 2. Upon occurrence of an Event of Default, the Mortgagee, may in its discretion:

(a) Declare the Note to be due and payable immediately and upon such declaration, the entire principal of and interest on the Note shall become and be immediately due and payable, and thereafter shall bear interest at eighteen percent (18%) per annum, unless such would violate applicable usury laws, if any, in which case, the maximum legal rate permitted by applicable laws shall prevail; provided, however, that if the Mortgagor shall have removed and remedied each Event of Default within fifteen (15) days after the occurrence thereof, then in every such case, the Mortgagee shall waive any such Event of Default; but no such waiver shall extend to nor affect any subsequent or other Event of Default nor impair any rights or remedies consequent thereon; and provided, further, that if at any time after the expiration of fifteen (15) days after any Event of Default shall have occurred, all Events of Default shall have been remedied and removed and full performance made by the Mortgagor to the satisfaction of the Mortgagee and all installments of principal and interest in arrears (including interest at the rate per annum, as aforesaid) and the reasonable charges and expenses, if any, of

 

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the Mortgagee, its agents and attorneys, shall have been paid (including interest at the rate per annum, as aforesaid), then and in every such case the Mortgagee may, in its discretion, waive any such Event of Default; and provided, also, that no waiver hereunder shall extend to nor affect any subsequent or other Event of Default nor impair any rights or remedies consequent thereon.

(b) Bring suit at law, in equity, or in admiralty, as it may be advised, to receive judgment for any and all amounts due under the Note, or otherwise hereunder, and collect the same out of any and all property of the Mortgagor whether covered by this Mortgage or otherwise.

(c) Retake the Vessel without legal process wherever the same may be found, and the Mortgagor or other person in possession, forthwith upon demand of the Mortgagee, shall immediately surrender to the Mortgagee possession of the Vessel, and, without being responsible for loss or damage, the Mortgagee may hold, lay-up, lease, charter, operate, or otherwise use the Vessel for such time and upon such terms as it may deem to be for its best advantage, accounting only for the net profits, if any, arising from such use of the Vessel and charging against all receipts from the use of the Vessel, or from the sale thereof by court proceeding or pursuant to subsection (e) below, all costs, expenses, charges, damages, or losses by reason of such use; and if at any time the Mortgagee shall avail itself of the right herein given it to retake the Vessel and shall retake it, the Mortgagee shall have the right to dock the Vessel for a reasonable time at any dock, pier, or other premises of the Mortgagor without charge, or to dock it at any other place at the cost and expense of the Mortgagor; IT IS EXPRESSLY UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED TO BY THE MORTGAGOR THAT SURRENDER OF THE VESSEL UNDER THIS SECTION MUST BE AND WILL BE IMMEDIATE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DIRECTIONS OF THE MORTGAGEE. FAILURE OF THE MORTGAGOR TO IMMEDIATELY COMPLY WITH THE MORTGAGEE’S DEMAND FOR SURRENDER OF THE VESSEL WILL CAUSE THE POSSESSION OF THE VESSEL BY THE MORTGAGOR (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, POSSESSION AND CONTROL OF THE VESSEL BY A MASTER OR CREW MEMBER ON BOARD THE VESSEL) TO BE UNLAWFUL AND TO CONSTITUTE A CONVERSION OF THE VESSEL ITS APPURTENANCES AND EQUIPMENT, THEREBY SUBJECTING THE MORTGAGOR (EXPRESSLY INCLUDING, IF APPLICABLE, ITS OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS) TO ALL FINES, PENALTIES AND ACTIONS WHICH THE MORTGAGEE DEEMS APPLICABLE AND APPROPRIATE. SHOULD THE MORTGAGOR CONTINUE TO OPERATE, POSSESS OR CONTROL THE VESSEL CONTRARY TO THE MORTGAGEE’S DIRECTIONS AND THE PROVISIONS HEREIN, THEN THE MORTGAGEE SHALL, IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER RIGHTS AND REMEDIES AT LAW AND IN EQUITY, BE ENTITLED TO A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AND/OR ORDER FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF NECESSARY TO GAIN COMPLIANCE HEREWITH. IN ADDITION TO EXPRESSLY CONSENTING THAT THE INJURY AND DAMAGE RESULTING FROM BREACH HEREOF WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO MEASURE MONETARILY, MORTGAGOR EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY DEFENSE BASED UPON AN ALLEGED EXISTENCE OF AN ADEQUATE REMEDY AT LAW.

(d) Foreclose this Mortgage pursuant to the terms and provisions of the 46 USC Chapter 313, or by other judicial process as may be provided in the statutes.

(e) In addition to any and all other rights, powers, and remedies elsewhere in this Mortgage or by law granted to and conferred upon the Mortgagee, sell the Vessel upon such terms and conditions as it may deem to be for its best advantage, including the right to sell and dispose of the Vessel free from any claim of or by the Mortgagor, at public sale, by sealed bids or otherwise, after first giving notice of the time and place of sale, with a general description of the property by first publishing notice of any such sale for ten (10) consecutive days, except Sundays, in some newspaper of general circulation at the place designated for such sale, and by mailing notice of such sale to the Mortgagor at his last known address; such sale may be held at such place and at such time as the Mortgagee in such notice may have specified, or may be adjourned by the Mortgagee from time to time by announcement at the time and place appointed for such sale or for such adjourned sale, and without further notice of publication and the Mortgagee may make any such sale at the time and place to which the same shall be so adjourned; and any such sale may be conducted without bringing the Vessel to the place designated for such sale and in such manner as the Mortgagee may deem to be for its best advantage, and the Mortgagee may become the purchaser at any such sale, and shall have the right to credit on the purchase price any or all sums of money due to the Mortgagee under the Note, or otherwise hereunder. THE MORTGAGOR EXPRESSLY AGREES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT SALE OF THE VESSEL PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION WILL NOT IMPAIR OR LIMIT THE MORTGAGEE’S LEGAL RIGHT TO COLLECT FROM THE MORTGAGOR ANY DEFICIENCY REMAINING AFTER THE SALE. IF ANY APPLICABLE LEGAL AUTHORITIES MAY BE CONSTRUED TO LIMIT THE MORTGAGEE’S RIGHTS TO COLLECTION OF SAID DEFICIENCY FROM THE MORTGAGOR, THEN MORTGAGOR HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES, RELINQUISHES AND FOREVER GIVES UP THE RIGHT TO AVAIL ITSELF OF SUCH LEGAL AUTHORITIES.

Section 3. Any sale of the Vessel pursuant to this Mortgage shall operate to divest and forever bar the Mortgagor from any and all right, title, and interest of any nature whatsoever of the Mortgagor therein and thereto. No purchaser shall be bound to inquire whether notice has been given, or whether any Default has occurred, or as to the propriety of the sale, or as to the application of proceeds thereof.

 

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Section 4. The Mortgagor does hereby irrevocably appoint the Mortgagee the true and lawful attorney of the Mortgagor, in its name and stead to make all necessary transfers of the Vessel, and for that purpose it shall execute all necessary instruments of assignment and transfer, the Mortgagor hereby ratifying and confirming all that its said attorney shall lawfully do by virtue hereof. Nevertheless, the Mortgagor shall, if so requested by the Mortgagee, ratify and confirm such sale by executing and delivering to the purchaser of the Vessel such proper bill of sale, conveyance, instrument of transfer, and release as may be designated in such request.

Section 5. The Mortgagor hereby irrevocably appoints the Mortgagee the true and lawful attorney of the Mortgagor so long as an Event of Default shall have occurred and shall not have been waived in accordance with Section 2 hereof, in the name of the Mortgagor, to demand, collect, receive, compromise and sue for, so far as may be permitted by law, all hire, earnings, issues, revenues, income, and profits of the Vessel and all amounts due from underwriters under any insurance thereon as payment of losses or as return premiums or otherwise, salvage awards and recoveries, recoveries in general average or otherwise, any right of action against the designer, builder, surveyor, or other material party for any fault, negligence, or deficiency in design, construction or survey of the Vessel and all other sums, due or to become due, at or after the time of the happening of any Event of Default in respect of the Vessel or in respect of any insurance thereon from any person whomsoever, and to make, give and execute in the name of the Mortgagor, acquittances, receipts, releases or other discharges for the same, whether under seal or otherwise, and to endorse and accept in the name of the Mortgagor all checks, notes, drafts, warrants, agreements, and all other instruments in writing with respect to the foregoing.

Section 6. The Mortgagor covenants and agrees that, so long as an Event of Default shall have occurred and shall not have been waived in accordance with Section 2 hereof, the Mortgagee in any suit to enforce any of its rights, powers, or remedies shall be entitled as a matter of right and not as a matter of discretion (i) to the appointment of a receiver or receivers of the Vessel and that any receiver so appointed shall have full right and power to use and operate the Vessel, and (ii) to a decree ordering and directing the sale and disposal of the Vessel, and the Mortgagee may become the purchaser at said sale, and the Mortgagee shall have the right to credit on the purchase price any and all sums of money due to the Mortgagee under the Note or otherwise hereunder.

Section 7. (a) In the event that the Vessel shall be arrested or detained by a marshal or other officer of any court of law, equity, or admiralty jurisdiction in any country or nation of the world or by any government or other authority and shall not be released from arrest or detention within thirty (30) days from the date of arrest or detention, the Mortgagor does hereby authorize and empower the Mortgagee in the name of the Mortgagor and does hereby irrevocably appoint the Mortgagee and its successors and assigns the true and lawful attorney of the Mortgagor, in its name and stead to apply for and receive possession of and to take possession of the Vessel with all rights and powers that the Mortgagor might have, possess, or exercise in any such event; and this power of attorney shall be irrevocable and may be exercised not only by the Mortgagee but also by an appointee or appointees, with full power of substitution, to the same extent as if the said appointee or appointees had been named as one of the attorneys above named by express designation.

(b) The Mortgagor also authorizes and empowers the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s appointee or appointees, as the true and lawful attorney of the Mortgagor, to appear in the name of the Mortgagor, or its successors or assigns, in any court of any country or nation of the world where a suit is pending against the Vessel because of or on account of any alleged lien against the Vessel from which the Vessel has not been released and to take such proceedings as to them or any of them as may seem proper towards the defense of such suit and the discharge of such lien, and all expenditures made or incurred by them or any of them for the purpose of such defense or discharge shall be deemed to be an indebtedness of the Mortgagor and shall be secured by this Mortgage and shall be immediately due and payable and, until paid, shall bear interest at the rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum, or such lesser rate which the Secretary, in its sole discretion, may fix in writing. Notwithstanding the Secretary’s election under this provision to fix an interest rate of less than eighteen percent (18%), acceleration of sums due under the Note will result in the application of the accelerated interest rate of eighteen percent (18%) to all sums due under this Mortgage.

Section 8. (a) The Mortgagor hereby expressly and irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of any court in any country whatsoever wherein the Vessel may at any time be

 

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located for the foreclosure of this Mortgage, the sale of the Vessel, or the enforcement of any other remedy or right hereunder, and hereby expressly and irrevocably submits the person of the Mortgagor and the Vessel to the jurisdiction of any such court in any country in any such action or proceeding.

(b) This Mortgage shall in all respects be governed by and construed in accordance with the federal laws of the United States. The Mortgagor irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of the federal court situated in the State of Washington in any proceeding relating to this Mortgage and agrees that any process or summons in any such action may be served by mailing to Mortgagor a copy thereof, unless the Mortgagee has instituted proceedings where the Vessel may be located and in such case, Mortgagor consents to and subjects itself to the jurisdiction of the federal court which maintains jurisdiction over the Vessel.

Section 9. (a) Each and every power and remedy herein specifically given to the Mortgagee or otherwise in this Mortgage shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other power and remedy herein specifically given or now or hereafter existing at law, in equity, admiralty, or by statute, and each and every power and remedy whether specifically herein given or otherwise existing may be exercised from time to time and as often and in such order as may be deemed expedient by the Mortgagee, and shall not be construed to be a waiver of the right to exercise at the same time or thereafter any other power or remedy. No delay or omission by the Mortgagee in the exercise of any right or power or in the pursuance of any remedy occurring upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right, power, or remedy or be construed to be a waiver of any such Event of Default or to be any acquiescence therein; nor shall the acceptance by the Mortgagee of any security or of any payment of or on account of the Note maturing after any Event of Default or of any payment on account of any past Event of Default be construed to be a waiver of any right to take advantage of any future Event of Default or of any past Event of Default not completely cured thereby.

(b) The Mortgagee, in addition to such other rights or remedies it may have, shall have the right, in its discretion, to take any and all action authorized by 46 App. USC Sections 1275(c) and 1275(e) of Title XI and, to the extent not in express conflict with the action authorized by said Sections, any and all action provided for in or authorized or permitted by or in respect of this Mortgage, Note, Collateral or Security, and Policies of Insurance (including all action provided for in or authorized or permitted by or in respect of any or all said documents by the Mortgagee) and public policy, as the case may be.

Section 10. In case the Mortgagee shall have proceeded to enforce any right, power, or remedy under this Mortgage by foreclosure, entry, or otherwise, and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned for any reason or shall have been determined adversely to the Mortgagee, then and in every such case the Mortgagor and the Mortgagee shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder with respect to the property subject or intended to be subject to this Mortgage, and all rights, remedies, and powers of the Mortgagee shall continue as if no proceedings had been taken.

Section 11. The proceeds of any sale of the Vessel (after paying or deducting, in the case of sale under any judicial proceedings, the fees, costs, and other charges therein), and the net earnings from any management, charter, or other use of the Vessel by the Mortgagee under any of the powers above specified, and the proceeds of any claim for damages on account of the Vessel received by the Mortgagee while exercising any such power, and the proceeds of any insurance on the Vessel (subject to the provisions of this Mortgage) shall be applied as follows:

First: To the payment of all expenses and charges including the expenses of any sale, counsel fees, the expenses of any taking of possession of the Vessel, and any other expenses or advances made or incurred by the Mortgagee in the protection and preservation of the Vessel or of its rights or in the pursuance of its remedies hereunder and to the payment of any damages sustained by Mortgagee from the default or defaults of the Mortgagor; and at the option of the Mortgagee, to provide a fund adequate in the opinion of the Mortgagee to furnish suitable indemnity against liens claiming priority over this Mortgage.

Second: To the payment of the amount then due and unpaid upon the Note for principal and interest and other sums accruing thereunder, including, but not limited to, costs and expenses of collection.

Third: To the payment of all other sums secured hereby, including fees; whether due or not, and of all damages liquidated or otherwise hereunder.

 

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Fourth: Any surplus then remaining shall belong and be paid or returned to the Mortgagor or to whomever shall be lawfully entitled to receive the same.

ARTICLE III

Until an Event of Default hereunder shall happen, the Mortgagor (a) shall be suffered and permitted to retain actual possession and use of the Vessel and (b) subject to Article I, Section 6, hereof, shall have the right, from time to time, in its discretion, and without application to the Mortgagee, and without obtaining a release thereof by the Mortgagee, to dispose of, free from the lien hereof, any boilers, engines, machinery, bowsprits, masts, spars, sails, rigging, boats, fishing gear, anchors, chains, tackle, apparel, furniture, fittings, electronics, equipment, or any other appurtenances of the Vessel that are no longer useful, necessary, profitable, or advantageous in the operation of the Vessel, PROVIDED THAT, the Mortgagor, first or simultaneously therewith, replaces the same with new boilers, engines, machinery, bowsprits, masts, spars, sails, rigging, boats, fishing gear, anchors, chains, tackle, apparel, furniture, fittings, electronics, equipment, or other appurtenances of greater value, which replacements shall forthwith become subject to the lien of this Mortgage. This provision is not intended to authorize the disposal of any of the foregoing in connection with or related to a material change in the fishing operations of the Vessel. Any such change and actions related thereto or in anticipation thereof shall require prior written approval of the Mortgagee.

ARTICLE IV

Section 1. This Mortgage may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts and all such counterparts executed and delivered each as an original shall constitute but one and the same instrument. The invalidity of any provision of this Mortgage shall not affect the remainder, which shall, in such event, be construed as if the invalid provision had not been inserted.

Section 2. All the covenants, promises, stipulations, and agreements of the Mortgagor in this Mortgage shall bind the Mortgagor, the Mortgagor’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. Whenever used, the singular number shall include the plural, the plural the singular, and the use of any gender shall be applicable to all genders.

Section 3. Nothing in this Mortgage shall be construed as a waiver of the preferred status of this Mortgage by the Mortgagee. In the event that any provision of this Mortgage would, as a matter of law, operate to waive the preferred status thereof, such provision for all intents and purposes, shall be deemed eliminated therefrom as though such provision had never been inserted herein.

Section 4. This Mortgage may not be amended or supplemented except in writing by the Mortgagor with the written consent thereto of the Mortgagee. The provisions of this Mortgage may not be waived except in writing by the Mortgagee.

Section 5. The term “policies of insurance” as used herein, means any and all insurance policies and related binders, riders, endorsements, certificates of entry, etc., e.g. those referred to in Section 2 of Article I.

Section 6. The term “Collateral” as used herein, means any funds, guaranties, or other property or rights therein of any nature whatsoever or the proceeds thereof which may have been, are, or hereafter may be hypothecated, directly or indirectly by the undersigned or others, in connection with, or as security for, this Mortgage or any part hereof.

Section 7. If all sums (principal, interest and costs and expenses of collection) accruing under the Note, as may, from time to time, be amended, restated, modified or substituted, shall be paid in accordance with its terms and the terms of this Mortgage, and all other sums that may have become secured by the lien of this Mortgage shall be paid, then this Mortgage and the estate and rights hereunder shall cease, terminate and be void and Mortgagee, on request of Mortgagor and at Mortgagor’s cost and expense, shall execute on forms prepared by Mortgagor and satisfactory to Mortgagee and deliver to Mortgagor proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction of and discharging this Mortgage.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE MORTGAGOR has executed this Mortgage the day and year first above written.

 

MORTGAGOR: Omega Protein, Inc.

By:  

/s/ Robert Stockton

Title:  

Vice President and Treasurer

 

STATE OF Texas   )  
  )       ss
COUNTY OF Harris   )  

On May 25, 2010, before me Michelle Morton Reese, a Notary Public, personally appeared Robert Stockton, personally known to me (or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to this Preferred Ship Mortgage to the United States of America and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed this instrument.

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

 

SEAL

 

/s/ Michelle Morton Reese

 
    Notary Public  

LOGO

 

Page 12 of 12

EX-10.9 10 dex109.htm SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT Subordination Agreement

Exhibit 10.9

SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT

THIS SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT, made as of the 11th day of March, 2010, by and between WELLS FARGO BANK, N. A. (“Wells Fargo”), party of the first part, and THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce, its successors and assigns as their interest may appear, Office of the Financial Services Division, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (the “Government”), party of the second part.

W I T N E S S E T H :

THAT, WHEREAS, the Government holds security interests in certain tangible personal property owned by Omega Protein, Inc. (“Omega”), described on two (2) certain UCC financing statements, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibit A and, by this reference, made a part hereof (such personal property, the “Specific Equipment”), as well as similar security interests perfected by prior filings with the Commonwealth of Virginia, State Corporation Commission; and

WHEREAS, Wells Fargo holds a security interest in substantially all assets of Omega, by a certain UCC-1 Financing Statement filed October 26, 2009, as File # 091026-7367-6, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B, with the State Corporation Commission of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Wells Fargo has agreed to subordinate its security interest as to the Specific Equipment to the security interest of the Government, such subordination to be evidenced by filing the UCC-3 financing statement in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto;

 

1


NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged, Wells Fargo hereby subordinates and makes inferior its security interest in the Specific Equipment to the security interest of the Government in the Specific Equipment, and Wells Fargo hereby authorizes the Government to file the UCC-3 financing statements set forth on Exhibit C attached hereto with the Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission.

This Subordination Agreement is for the benefit of the Government, its successors and/or assigns and the subordination contained herein shall not be effective with respect to any other person or entity.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Wells Fargo and the Government have caused this Subordination Agreement to be executed as of the 15th day of March, 2010.

 

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

By:  

/s/ John Kallind

  John Kallind, Vice President
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce, Office of the Financial Services Division, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

By:

 

 

  Chief Financial Services Branch,
  Southeast Region

 

2

EX-99.1 11 dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE Press Release

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO   LOGO

Omega Protein Announces Closing of $10 Million

Fisheries Finance Program Financing

HOUSTON, TEXAS, June 1, 2010 – Omega Protein Corporation (NYSE symbol: OME), the nation’s leading producer of Omega-3 fish oil and specialty fish meal products, today announced that it had closed a $10 million term loan with the U.S. Department of Commercial Fisheries Finance Program. Proceeds from the loan will be used to reimburse the Company for prior expenditures for fishing vessel refurbishments and a state-of-the-art dryer system that should result in reduced emissions and improved product quality. The loan has a term of 15 years, is amortized on a quarterly basis, and bears an interest rate at 5.73% per year. The loan is secured by first liens on a Company fishing vessel and certain assets located at the Company’s Reedville, Virginia facility.

About Omega Protein

Omega Protein Corporation is the nation’s largest manufacturer of heart-healthy fish oils containing Omega-3 fatty acids for human consumption, as well as specialty fish meals and fish oil used as value-added ingredients in aquaculture, swine and other livestock feeds. Omega Protein makes its products from menhaden, an Omega-3 rich fish that is not utilized as seafood, but which is abundantly available along the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coasts.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The actual results of future events described in any of these forward-looking statements could differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to be materially different from those forward-looking statements include, among others: (1) the Company’s ability to meet its raw material requirements through its annual menhaden harvest, which is subject to fluctuations due to natural conditions over which the Company has no control, such as varying fish population, fish oil yields, adverse weather conditions, natural and other disasters and disease; (2) the impact of worldwide supply and demand relationships on prices for the Company’s products; (3) Omega Protein’s expectations regarding demand and pricing for its products proving to be incorrect; (4) fluctuations in the Company’s quarterly operating results due to the seasonality of the Company’s business and its deferral of inventory sales based on worldwide prices for competing products; and (5) the impact of the uncertain economic conditions, both in the United States and globally. These and other factors are described in further detail in Omega’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its reports on Form 10-K, Form10-Q and Form 8-K. The Company also posts its latest internally generated price list for various products on its Company website, www.omegaproteininc.com. Pricing and product availability information disclosed in the price list are subject to change or discontinuance without prior notice, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such information.

CONTACT:

Investor Relations, (713) 623-0060 OR hq@omegahouston.com

Web site: www.omegaproteininc.com

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