-----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, AAUuISdzCoez1C1gunQxPPbdI2jj3OjgK+HPZAV+cswtTshAi8xEWCLWcBPDOIgV YEtw+0Lw/qybjQlnblMOUg== 0000950152-97-008010.txt : 19971117 0000950152-97-008010.hdr.sgml : 19971117 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950152-97-008010 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19970930 FILED AS OF DATE: 19971114 SROS: NONE FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: RVM INDUSTRIES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000082172 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: TRUCK TRAILERS [3715] IRS NUMBER: 550398374 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-01709 FILM NUMBER: 97718385 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 753 W WATERLOO ROAD STREET 2: P O BOX 10002 CITY: AKRON STATE: OH ZIP: 44314-1519 BUSINESS PHONE: 3307534545 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 753 W WATERLOO ROAD STREET 2: P O BOX 10002 CITY: AKRON STATE: OH ZIP: 44314-1519 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: RAVENS METAL PRODUCTS INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 10-Q 1 RVM INDUSTRIES, INC. FORM 10-Q 1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C., 20549 FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Quarter ended September 30, 1997 Commission File No. 0-1709 --------------- RVM INDUSTRIES, INC. ------------------------------------------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 31-1515410 ------------------------------ ---------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification Number) 753 W. Waterloo Road, Akron, OH 44314-1519 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (330) 753-4545. P.O. Box 10002, 861 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron, OH 44310 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed from last report) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ----- ----- The number of shares outstanding of the issuer's classes of common stock as of November 13 1997 is: Common stock shares 1,936,755 ----------------------------- 2 RVM INDUSTRIES, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
1997 ----------------------------- ASSETS September 30 March 31 ------------- ----------- Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 537,664 $ 468,572 Receivables: Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $150,000 and $112,000 in September and March 7,372,452 6,506,008 Related party 283,364 120,008 Inventories 10,592,082 8,677,160 (Excess of replacement or current cost over stated values was $1,996,000 and $1,955,000 in September and March) Deferred income taxes 453,950 413,500 Other current assets 184,712 211,648 ----------- ----------- Total current assets 19,424,224 16,396,896 Property, plant and equipment, net 20,080,717 19,021,289 Funds held by trustees for capital expenditures 2,627,615 2,762,242 Other assets 364,069 386,948 ----------- ----------- Total assets $42,496,625 $38,567,375 =========== ===========
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 2 3 RVM INDUSTRIES, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS, Continued
1997 ---------------------------- LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY September 30 March 31 ------------ ---------- Current liabilities: Note payable - bank $ 0 $ 3,581,881 Accounts payable - trade 7,711,200 6,151,924 - related parties 772,445 382,338 Accrued expenses and liabilities: Compensation 685,493 695,384 Product warranty 550,000 540,000 Income taxes 111,928 94,750 Other 844,363 987,843 Current portion of long-term debt: - other 1,265,116 1,579,982 - related parties 604,650 201,549 ----------- ----------- Total current liabilities 12,545,195 14,215,651 Long-term debt 7,681,968 7,880,369 Note payable - bank 11,407,361 6,358,179 Notes payable - related parties 3,426,350 3,829,451 Deferred income taxes 588,000 227,500 ----------- ----------- Total liabilities 35,648,874 32,511,150 ----------- ----------- Commitments and contingent liabilities Shareholders' equity: Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized shares, 3,000,000; issued 1,936,755 shares at September 30 and 1,934,255 shares at March 31 19,368 19,343 Additional capital 4,783,344 4,985,020 Retained earnings 2,045,039 1,051,862 ----------- ----------- Total shareholders' equity 6,847,751 6,056,225 ----------- ----------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $42,496,625 $38,567,375 =========== ===========
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 3 4 RVM INDUSTRIES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS
Six Months Ended September 30 ------------------------------- 1997 1996 ------------ ------------ Net sales $ 39,660,285 $ 31,275,771 Cost of sales 33,904,408 27,393,796 ------------ ------------ Gross profit 5,755,877 3,881,975 Selling, general and administrative expenses 3,026,900 2,725,908 ------------ ------------ Income from operations 2,728,977 1,156,067 Other income 43,270 37,889 Interest expense (755,559) (602,017) Loss on disposal of equipment (1,729) (83,979) ------------ ------------ Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change 2,014,959 507,960 Provision for income taxes 1,021,782 293,400 ------------ ------------ Income before cumulative effect of accounting change 993,177 214,560 Cumulative effect of accounting change 211,651 0 ------------ ------------ Net income 781,526 214,560 Reclassification of undistributed net loss of S-corporations 211,651 294,557 Treasury stock retired 0 (20,674) Retained earnings, beginning of period 1,051,862 180,458 ------------ ------------ Retained earnings, end of period $ 2,045,039 $ 668,901 ============ ============ Pro forma income data: Net income as reported $ 781,526 $ 214,560 Pro forma income tax benefit 77,691 108,986 Cumulative effect of accounting change 211,651 0 ------------ ------------ Pro forma net income $ 1,070,868 $ 323,546 ============ ============ Pro forma net income per common share $ .55 $ .17 ============ ============
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 4 5 RVM INDUSTRIES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS
Three Months Ended September 30 ------------------------------- 1997 1996 ------------ ------------ Net sales $ 20,794,869 $ 15,329,290 Cost of sales 18,076,341 13,373,252 ------------ ------------ Gross profit 2,718,528 1,956,038 Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,503,189 1,311,225 ------------ ------------ Income from operations 1,215,339 644,813 Other income 20,870 16,935 Interest expense (386,470) (290,000) Loss on disposal of equipment (1,729) (83,979) ------------ ------------ Income before income taxes 848,010 287,769 Provision for income taxes 315,884 159,200 ------------ ------------ Net income 532,126 128,569 Reclassification of undistributed net loss of S-Corporations 0 153,819 Treasury stock retired 0 (20,674) Retained earnings, beginning of period 1,512,913 407,187 ------------ ------------ Retained earnings, end of period $ 2,045,039 $ 668,901 ============ ============ Pro forma income data: Net income as reported $ 532,126 $ 128,569 Pro forma income tax benefit 0 56,913 ------------ ------------ Pro forma net income $ 532,126 $ 185,482 ============ ============ Pro forma net income per common share $ .27 $ .10 ============ ============
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 5 6 RVM INDUSTRIES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Six Months Ended September 30 ----------------------------- 1997 1996 ----------- ----------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net Income ........................................................ $ 781,526 $ 214,560 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used for) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization ..................................... 741,931 697,892 Deferred income taxes ............................................. 320,050 20,000 Increase (decrease) on accrued product warranty ................... 10,000 (20,000) Increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts ............ 38,000 70,000 Cumulative effect of accounting change ............................ 205,244 0 Loss on disposal of equipment ..................................... 1,729 83,979 Increase (decrease) in cash from changes in: Receivables .................................................... (1,067,800) (297,640) Inventories .................................................... (1,914,922) 536,644 Other assets ................................................... 29,788 88,768 Accounts payable ............................................... 1,949,383 (654,306) Refundable and accrued income taxes ............................ 17,178 191,900 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities ................. (153,371) (282,185) ----------- ----------- Net cash provided from (used for) operating activities ......... 958,736 649,612 ----------- ----------- Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures .............................................. (1,988,305) (2,162,916) Investment of proceeds and income from long-term debt with trustees (67,924) (73,358) Sale of investments and release of funds held by trustees ......... 202,551 1,856,333 Proceeds from disposal of equipment ............................... 0 18,166 ----------- ----------- Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities ......... (1,853,678) (361,775) ----------- ----------- Cash flows from financing activities: Payments on long-term debt ........................................ (513,267) (1,407,435) Proceeds from (payments on) notes payable - bank, net ............. 1,467,301 (1,544,263) Proceeds from notes and accounts payable to related parties ....... 0 2,718,447 Proceeds from exercise of stock options ........................... 10,000 0 Purchase of treasury stock ........................................ 0 (37,076) ----------- ----------- Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities ......... 964,034 (270,327) ----------- ----------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ................. 69,092 17,510 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ....................... 468,572 471,161 ----------- ----------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period ........................... $ 537,664 $ 488,671 =========== ===========
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 6 7 RVM INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ------------------------------------------ 1. The information in this report reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented for RVM Industries, Inc. ("the Company"). All adjustments other than those described in this report are, in the opinion of management, of a normal and recurring nature. These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of RVM's wholly owned subsidiaries: Ravens, Inc. ("Ravens"), Albex Aluminum, Inc. ("Albex") and Signs and Blanks, Inc. ("SABI"). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain amounts in the financial statements were reclassified to conform to the 1997 presentation. 2. Earnings per common share are based on net income divided by the weighted average number of common and common stock equivalent shares outstanding. Loss per common share is based on net loss divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding was 1,935,000 in 1997 and 1,943,525 in 1996. 3. Inventories consist of the following:
September 30, 1997 March 31, 1997 ------------------ -------------- Raw materials $6,046,277 $5,314,901 Work in process 1,193,563 430,650 Finished goods 3,352,242 2,931,609 ---------- ---------- $10,592,082 $8,677,160 =========== ==========
The reserve to reduce the carrying value of inventories from current cost to the LIFO basis amounted to approximately $1,996,000 at September 30 and $1,955,000 at March 31. 4. On April 1, 1997, Albex and SABI changed their fiscal year ends from December 31 to March 31 to conform with the March 31 year ends of RVM and Ravens. $211,651 is the cumulative effect of this accounting change and is equivalent to the net loss for Albex and SABI for the quarter ended March 31, 1997. If the fiscal year ends had changed effective April 1, 1996, net income for the six months ended September 30, 1996 would have decreased by $97,796. RVM's net income for the six months ended September 30, 1997 includes a net loss of $258,077 for Albex and SABI compared to a net loss of $294,557 for the six months ended September 30, 1996. Albex and SABI were S-corporations until March 31, 1997. The undistributed net loss was reclassified from accumulated deficit to additional capital. 7 8 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Continued ---------- 5. Business Segment Information:
Ravens Albex SABI Eliminations Consolidated ------ ----- ---- ------------ ------------ Six months ended September 30, 1997 ----------------------------------- Sales to customers $23,751,782 $ 9,838,816 $ 6,069,687 $39,660,285 Intersegment sales 0 3,310,275 (141) $ (3,310,134) 0 ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ----------- Net sales $23,751,782 $ 13,149,091 $ 6,069,546 $ (3,310,134) $39,660,285 =========== ============ =========== ============ =========== Income (loss) from operations $ 2,249,834 $ 57,679 $ 445,196 $ (23,732) $ 2,728,977 Six months ended September 30, 1996 ----------------------------------- Sales to customers $21,472,202 $ 3,734,446 $ 6,069,123 $31,275,771 Intersegment sales 0 2,355,739 1,836 $ (2,357,575) 0 ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ----------- Net sales $21,472,202 $ 6,090,185 $ 6,070,959 $ (2,357,575) $31,275,771 =========== ============ =========== ============ =========== Income (loss) from operations $ 1,154,245 $ (376,958) $ 369,044 $ 9,736 $ 1,156,067 Three months ended September 30, 1997 ------------------------------------- Sales to customers $11,021,774 $ 6,643,612 $ 3,129,483 $20,794,869 Intersegment sales 0 1,350,188 0 $ (1,350,188) 0 ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ----------- Net sales $11,021,774 $ 7,993,800 $ 3,129,483 $ (1,350,188) $20,794,869 =========== ============ =========== ============ =========== Income (loss) from operations $ 931,466 $ 75,496 $ 200,041 $ 8,336 $ 1,215,339 Three months ended September 30, 1996 ------------------------------------- Sales to customers $10,399,398 $ 1,862,900 $ 3,066,992 $15,329,290 Intersegment sales 0 1,163,075 1,733 $ (1,164,808) 0 ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ----------- Net sales $10,399,398 $ 3,025,975 $ 3,068,725 $ (1,164,808) $15,329,290 =========== ============ =========== ============ =========== Income (loss) from operations $ 649,488 $ (231,061) $ 214,960 $ 11,426 $ 644,813
8 9 RVM INDUSTRIES, INC. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 MATERIAL CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION Cash from operating and financing activities was used mainly for capital expenditures on Albex's aluminum billet casting facility in the six months ended September 30, 1997. Working capital increased to $6,879,029 at September 30 from $2,181,245 at March 31 due mainly to replacing short-term bank financing with long-term financing. Accounts receivable-trade, inventories, and accounts payable - trade increased mainly due to a higher level of sales in August and September 1997 than in February and March 1997. On September 30, 1997, the Company entered into a line of credit agreement with FirstMerit Bank, N.A. ("FM") replacing the existing agreements. The agreement provides for borrowings up to $15,000,000 based on eligible accounts receivable and inventories and expires on August 31, 1999. Interest is at FM's prime rate minus 1/4%. The agreement is collateralized by accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. On September 30, 1997, the Company and FM also entered into a $5,000,000 term loan agreement for the financing of certain existing and to be acquired fixed assets. Interest is at FM's prime rate. Repayment terms are interest only for two years and principal plus interest for seven years. The Company borrowed $1,800,000 under this agreement subsequent to September 30, 1997. Jacob Pollock provided a $2,500,000 guarantee on the above loan agreements. The Company could have borrowed approximately $1,373,000 more than the amount owed FM at September 30, 1997. This amount is in addition to the $1,800,000 borrowing described above. Although no assurances are possible, the Company believes that its cash resources, credit arrangements, and internally generated funds will be sufficient to meet its operating and capital expenditure requirements for existing operations and to service its debt in the next 12 months and foreseeable future. Cautionary statements: Demand for the Company's products is subject to changes in general economic conditions and in the specific markets in which the Company competes. The Company's liquidity could be adversely affected if Albex is not successful in completing the casting facility and generating sufficient sales of billet. The Company's sales order backlog for new trailers was approximately $4,500,000 and $5,700,000 at September 30 and May 31, 1997, respectively. Sales orders received in October and November exceed the average monthly sales recorded in the six months ended September 30, 1997. 9 10 MATERIAL CHANGES IN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Six Months Ended September 30, 1997 Compared to the --------------------------------------------------- Six Months Ended September 30, 1996 ----------------------------------- Net sales increased 26.8% mainly due to increased volume of aluminum extrusion sales by Albex. The gross profit margin increased to 14.5% from 12.4% due to improvements at all of the subsidiaries. Ravens benefitted from higher sales and the closure of the utility trailer division which generated losses in the prior year. Albex increased sales and operating efficiencies in 1997 compared to 1996 when its production facility was relocated from Elizabeth, West Virginia to Canton, Ohio. SABI increased its gross profit on the same level of sales by concentrating on more profitable customers and lowering costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 7.6% from 8.7% of net sales as net sales increased at a greater rate than selling, general and administrative expenses. Interest expense increased mainly due to more debt outstanding during the period ended September 30, 1997 versus the period ended September 30, 1996. The provision for income taxes includes $261,000 for the establishment of deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of April 1, 1997 when Albex and SABI converted from S-corporations to C-corporations. The pro forma income tax benefit is the amount that would have been recorded if Albex and SABI had been taxed as C-corporations, based on the tax laws in effect during those periods. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for an explanation of the cumulative effect of accounting change. Three Months Ended September 30,1997 Compared to the ---------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended September 30, 1996 ------------------------------------- Net sales increased 35.7% mainly due to increased volume of aluminum extrusion sales by Albex. The gross profit margin increased to 13.1% from 12.8% due to the same reasons described for the six month period. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 7.2% from 8.6% of net sales as net sales increased at a greater rate than selling, general and administrative expenses. Interest expense increased mainly due to more debt outstanding during the period ended September 30, 1997 versus the period ended September 30, 1996. 10 11 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders An annual meeting of shareholders was held on September 10, 1997 at which time the Board of Directors as previously reported were re-elected or continued unexpired terms. Jacob Pollock, holding 1,685,803 shares representing 87.16% of the outstanding shares voted for the nominee. 1,725,803 affirmative votes were cast for the nominee and no negative votes were cast. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits: Exhibit No. Item ----------- ---- 10(i) Loan Agreement and Promissory Note dated September 30, 1997 between the Registrant and FirstMerit Bank, N.A. 10(ii) Business Loan Agreement and Promissory Note dated September 30, 1997 between the Registrant and FirstMerit Bank, N.A. 10(iii) Commercial Guaranty dated September 30, 1997 between Jacob Pollock and FirstMerit Bank, N.A. 27 Financial Data Schedule (b) Reports on Form 8-K: No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the three months ended September 30,1997. 11 12 SIGNATURES 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. RVM INDUSTRIES, INC. -------------------- (Registrant) By: /S/John J. Stitz ---------------------------- John J. Stitz Chief Financial Officer Date: November 14, 1997 12 EX-10.I 2 EXHIBIT 10(I) 1 Exhibit 10(i) LOAN AGREEMENT
- ----------------------- ------------------- -------------------- ---------------- ----------- ------------------------- PRINCIPAL LOAN DATE MATURITY LOAN NO CALL COLLATERAL 15,000,000.00 09-30-1997 08-31-1999 UCC - ----------------------- ------------------- -------------------- ---------------- ----------- ------------------------- - -------------------- ----------------- ---------------- ACCOUNT OFFICER INITIALS JVC - -------------------- ----------------- ---------------- References in the shaded area are for Lender's use only and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or term. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Borrower: RVM Industries, Inc.; Ravens, Inc.; Signs Lender: FirstMerit Bank, N.A. and Blanks, Inc.; Albex Aluminum, Inc. Asset Based Lending 753 W. Waterloo Rd. 106 South Main Street Akron, OH 44314 Akron, OH 44308 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS LOAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN RVM INDUSTRIES, INC.; RAVENS, INC.; SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC.; ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC. ("BORROWER") AND FIRSTMERIT BANK, N.A. ("LENDER") IS MADE AND EXECUTED ON THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS. BORROWER HAS RECEIVED PRIOR COMMERCIAL LOANS FROM LENDER OR HAS APPLIED TO LENDER FOR A COMMERCIAL LOAN OR LOANS AND OTHER FINANCIAL ACCOMMODATIONS, INCLUDING THOSE WHICH MAY BE DESCRIBED ON ANY EXHIBIT OR SCHEDULE ATTACHED TO THIS AGREEMENT ALL SUCH LOANS AND FINANCIAL ACCOMMODATIONS, TOGETHER WITH ALL FUTURE LOANS AND FINANCIAL ACCOMMODATIONS FROM LENDER TO BORROWER, ARE REFERRED TO IN THIS AGREEMENT INDIVIDUALLY AS THE "LOAN" AND COLLECTIVELY AS THE "LOANS." BORROWER UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT: (A) IN GRANTING, RENEWING, OR EXTENDING ANY LOAN, LENDER IS RELYING UPON BORROWER'S REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, AND AGREEMENTS, AS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT; (B) THE GRANTING, RENEWING, OR EXTENDING OF ANY LOAN BY LENDER AT ALL TIMES SHALL BE SUBJECT TO LENDER'S SOLE JUDGMENT AND DISCRETION; AND (C) ALL SUCH LOANS SHALL BE AND SHALL REMAIN SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT. TERM. This Agreement shall be effective as of SEPTEMBER 30, 1997, and shall continue thereafter until all Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender has been performed in full or until AUGUST 31, 1999, whichever is later. DEFINITIONS. The following words shall have the following meanings when used in this Agreement. Terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code. All references to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of America. AGREEMENT. The word "Agreement" means this Loan Agreement, as this Loan Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time, together with all exhibits and schedules attached to this Loan Agreement from time to time. ACCOUNT. The word "Account" means a trade account, account receivable, or other right to payment for goods sold or services rendered owing to Borrower (or to a third party grantor acceptable to Lender). ACCOUNT DEBTOR. The words "Account Debtor" mean the person or entity obligated upon an Account. ADVANCE. The word "Advance" means a disbursement of Loan funds under this Agreement. BORROWER. The word "Borrower" means RVM Industries, Inc.; Ravens, Inc.; Signs and Blanks, Inc.; Albex Aluminum, Inc., The word "Borrower" also includes, as applicable, all subsidiaries and affiliates of Borrower as provided below in the paragraph tied "Subsidiaries and Affiliates." BORROWING BASE. The words "Borrowing Base" mean as determined by Lender from time to time the lesser of (a) $15,000,000.00; or (b) the sum of (I) 82.000% of the aggregate amount of Eligible Accounts, plus (ii) 70.OOO"A of the aggregate amount of Eligible Ravens Sheet & Plate and Albex Ingot, Billet & Scrap inventory, plus (iii) 65.000% of the aggregate amount of Eigible Signs and Blanks Raw Material and Albex Material/Extrusions Inventory, plus (iv) 80.000% of the aggregate amount of Eligible Ravens Finished Goods Inventory, plus (v) 55.000% of the aggregate amount of Eligible Signs and Blanks Finished Goods Inventory, plus (vi) 50.000% of the aggregate amount of Eligible Ravens Raw Material Inventory with a maximum advance of $9,000,000.00 against Inventory; minus $375,000.00 at 9/30/97, $412,500.00 at 10/31/97, $450,000.00 at 11/30/97, $37,500.00 at 12/30/97 (provided the Kent IRB 12/97 payment is made), $75,000.00 at 1/31/98, $112,500.00 at 2/28/98, $150,000.00 at 3/31/98, $187,500.00 at 4/30/98, $225,000.00 at 5/31/98, $262,500.00 at 6/30/98, $300,000.00 at 7/31/98, $337,500.00 at 8/31/98, $375,000.00 at 9/30/98, $412,500.00 at 10/31/98, $450,000.00 at 11/30/98, $37,500.00 at 12/31/98 (provided the Kent IRB 12/98 payment is made), $75,000.00 at 1/31/99, $112,500.00 at 2/28/99, $150,000.00 at 3/31/99, $187,500.00 at 4/30/99, $225,000.00 at 5/31/99, $262,500.00 at 6/30/99, $300,000.00 at 7/31/99, and $337,500.00 at 8/31/99. BUSINESS DAY. The words "Business Day" mean a day on which commercial banks are open for business in the State of Ohio. CERCLA. The word "CERCLA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended. CASH FLOW. The words "Cash Flow" mean net income after taxes, and exclusive of extraordinary gains and income, plus depreciation and amortization, adjust for all other non-cash items affecting income. COLLATERAL. The word "Collateral" means and includes without limitation all property and assets granted as collateral security for a Loan, whether real or personal property, whether granted directly or indirectly, whether granted now or in the future, and whether granted in the form of a security interest, mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, chattel mortgage, chattel trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust receipt, lien, charge, lien or title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security device, or any other security or lien interest whatsoever, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise. The word "Collateral" includes without limitation all collateral described below in the section titled "COLLATERAL." DEBT. The word "Debt" means all of Borrower's liabilities excluding Subordinated Debt. ELIGIBLE ACCOUNTS. The words "Eligible Accounts" mean, at any time, all of Borrower's Accounts which contain selling terms and conditions acceptable to Lender. The net amount of any Eligible Account against which Borrower may borrow shall exclude all returns, discounts, credits, and offsets of any nature. Unless otherwise agreed to by Lender in witting, Eligible Accounts do not include: (a) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is an officer, an employee or agent of Borrower. (b) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is a subsidiary of, or affiliated with or related to Borrower or its shareholders, officers, or directors. (c) Accounts with respect to which goods are placed on consignment, guaranteed sale, or other terms by reason of which the payment by the Account Debtor may be conditional. (d) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is not a resident of the United States, except to the extent such Accounts are supported by insurance, bonds or other assurances satisfactory to Lender. (e) Accounts with respect to which Borrower is or may become liable to the Account Debtor for goods sold or services rendered by the Account Debtor to Borrower. (f) Accounts which are subject to dispute, counterclaim, or setoff. (g) Accounts with respect to which the goods have not been shipped or delivered, or the services have not been rendered, to the Account of 2 09-30-1997 LOAN AGREEMENT PAGE 2 LOAN NO (CONTINUED) ================================================================================ Debtor. (h) Accounts with respect to which Lender, in its sole discretion, deems the creditworthiness or financial condition of the Account Debtor to be unsatisfactory. (i) Accounts of any Account Debtor who has filed or has had filed against it a petition in bankruptcy or an application for relief under any provision of any state or federal bankruptcy, insolvency, or debtor-in-relief acts; or who has had appointed a trustee, custodian, or receiver for the assets of such Account Debtor; or who has made an assignment for the benefit of creditors or has become insolvent or falls generally to pay its debts (including its payrolls) as such debts become due. (j) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is the United States government or any department or agency of the United States. (k) Accounts which have not been paid in full within 90 days from the invoice date. (l) Accounts having 50% or more of their total balance outstanding more than 90 days from invoice date. ELIGIBLE INVENTORY. The words "Eligible Inventory" mean, at any time, all of Borrower's Inventory as defined below except: (a) Inventory which is not owned by Borrower free and clear of all security interests, liens, encumbrances, and claims of third parties. (b) Inventory which Lender, in its sole discretion, deems to be obsolete, unsalable, damaged, defective, or unfit for further processing. ERISA. The word "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. EVENT OF DEFAULT. The words "Event of Default" mean and include without limitation any of the Events of Default set forth below in the section titled "EVENTS OF DEFAULT." EXPIRATION DATE. The words "Expiration Date" mean the earlier of August 31, 1999 or the date of termination of Lender's commitment to lend under this Agreement. GRANTOR. The word "Grantor" means and includes without limitation each and all of the persons or entities granting a Security Interest in any Collateral for the Indebtedness, including without limitation all Borrowers granting such a Security Interest. GUARANTOR. The word "Guarantor" means and includes without limitation each and all of the guarantors, sureties, and accommodation parties in connection with any Indebtedness. INDEBTEDNESS. The word "Indebtedness" means and includes without limitation all Loans, together with all other obligations, debts and liabilities of Borrower to Lender, or any one or more of them, as well as all claims by Lender against Borrower, or any one or more of them; whether now or hereafter existing, voluntary or involuntary, due or not due, absolute or contingent liquidated or unliquidated; whether Borrower may be liable individually or jointly with others; whether Borrower may be obligated as a guarantor, surety, or otherwise; whether recovery upon such Indebtedness may be or hereafter may become barred by any statute of limitations; and whether such Indebtedness may be or hereafter may become otherwise unenforceable. INVENTORY. The word "Inventory" means all of Borrower's raw materials, work in process, finished goods, merchandise, parts and supplies, of every kind and description, and goods held for sale or lease or furnished under contracts of service in which Borrower now has or hereafter acquires any right, whether held by Borrower or others, and all documents of title, warehouse receipts, bills of lading, and all other documents of every type covering all or any part of the foregoing. Inventory includes inventory temporarily out of Borrower's custody or possession and all returns on Accounts. LENDER. The word "Lender" means FirstMerit Bank, N.A., its successors and assigns. LINE OF CREDIT. The words "Line of Credit" mean the credit facility described in the Section titled "LINE OF CREDIT" below. LIQUID ASSETS. The words "Liquid Assets" mean Borrower's cash on hand plus Borrower's readily marketable securities. LOAN. The word "Loan" or "Loans" means and includes without limitation any and all commercial loans and financial accommodations from Lender to Borrower, whether now or hereafter existing, and however evidenced, including without limitation those loans and financial accommodations described herein or described on any exhibit or schedule attached to this Agreement from time to time. NOTE. The word "Note" means and includes without limitation Borrower's promissory note or notes, if any, evidencing Borrower's Loan obligations in favor of Lender, as well as any substitute, replacement or refinancing note or notes therefor. PERMITTED LIENS. The words "Permitted Liens" mean: (a) liens and security interests securing Indebtedness owed by Borrower to Lender; (b) liens for taxes, assessments, or similar charges either not yet due or being contested in good faith; (c) liens of materialmen, mechanics, warehousemen, or carriers, or other like liens arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations which are not yet delinquent; (d) purchase money liens or purchase money security interests upon or in any property acquired or held by Borrower in the ordinary course of business to secure indebtedness outstanding on the date of this Agreement or permitted to be incurred under the paragraph of this Agreement titled "Indebtedness and Liens"; (e) liens and security interests which, as of the date of this Agreement, have been disclosed to and approved by the Lender in writing; and (f) those liens and security interests which in the aggregate constitute an immaterial and insignificant monetary amount with respect to the net value of Borrower's assets. RELATED DOCUMENTS. The words "Related Documents" mean and include without limitation all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements, environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness. SECURITY AGREEMENT. The words "Security Agreement" mean and include without limitation any agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, understandings or other agreements, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise, evidencing, governing, representing, or creating a Security Interest. SECURITY INTEREST. The words "Security Interest" mean and include without limitation any type of collateral security, whether in the form of a lien, charge, mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, chattel mortgage, chattel trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust receipt, lien or title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security device, or any other security or lien interest whatsoever, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise. SARA. The word "SARA" means the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 as now or hereafter amended. SUBORDINATED DEBT. The words "Subordinated Debt" mean indebtedness and liabilities of Borrower which have been subordinated by written agreement to indebtedness owed by Borrower to Lender in form and substance acceptable to Lender. TANGIBLE NET WORTH. The words "Tangible Net Worth" mean Borrower's total assets excluding all intangible assets (i.e., goodwill, trademarks, patents, copyrights, organizational expenses, and similar intangible items, but including leaseholds and leasehold improvements) less total Debt. WORKING CAPITAL. The words "Working Capital" mean Borrower's current assets, excluding prepaid expenses, less Borrower's current liabilities. 3 09-30-1997 LOAN AGREEMENT PAGE 3 LOAN NO (CONTINUED) ================================================================================ LINE OF CREDIT. Lender agrees to make Advances to Borrower from time to time from the date of this Agreement to the Expiration Date, provided the aggregate amount of such Advances outstanding at any time does not exceed the Borrowing Base. Within the foregoing limits, Borrower may borrow, partially or wholly prepay, and reborrow under this Agreement as follows. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EACH ADVANCE. Lender's obligation to make any Advance to or for the account of Borrower under this Agreement is subject to the following conditions precedent, with all documents, instruments, opinions, reports, and other items required under this Agreement to be in form and substance satisfactory to Lender: (a) Lender shall have received evidence that this Agreement and all Related Documents have been duly authorized, executed, and delivered by Borrower to Lender. (b) Lender shall have received such opinions of counsel, supplemental opinions, and documents as Lender may request. (c) The security interests in the Collateral shall have been duly authorized, created, and perfected with first lien priority and shall be in full force and effect. (d) All guaranties required by Lender for the Line of Credit shall have been executed by each Guarantor, delivered to Lender, and be in full force and effect. (e) Lender, at its option and for its sole benefit, shall have conducted an audit of Borrower's Accounts, Inventory, books, records, and operations, and Lender shall be satisfied as to their condition. (f) Borrower shall have paid to Lender all fees, costs, and expenses specified in this Agreement and the Related Documents as are then due and payable, including without limitation the following loan fees: A $7,500.00 CLOSING FEE AND A $1,400.00 QUARTERLY SERVICING FEE FOR RAVENS, INC., A $1,750.00 QUARTERLY SERVICING FEE FOR ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC. AND A $350.00 QUARTERLY SERVICING FEE FOR SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC., ALL DUE AT 10/1/97, AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER. (g) There shall not exist at the time of any Advance a condition which would constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement, and Borrower shall have delivered to Lender the compliance certificate called for in the paragraph below titled "Compliance Certificate." MAKING LOAN ADVANCES. Advances under the Line of Credit may be requested orally by authorized persons. Lender may, but need not, require that all oral requests be confirmed in writing. Each Advance shall be conclusively deemed to have been made at the request of and for the benefit of Borrower (a) when credited to any deposit account of Borrower maintained with Lender or (b) when advanced in accordance with the instructions of an authorized person. Lender, at its option, may set a cutoff time, after which all requests for Advances will be treated as having been requested on the next succeeding Business Day. MANDATORY LOAN REPAYMENTS. If at any time the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Advances shall exceed the applicable Borrowing Base, Borrower, immediately upon written or oral notice from Lender, shall pay to Lender an amount equal to the difference between the outstanding principal balance of the Advances and the Borrowing Base. On the Expiration Date, Borrower shall pay to Lender in full the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Advances then outstanding and all accrued unpaid interest, together with all other applicable fees, costs and charges, if any, not yet paid. LOAN ACCOUNT. Lender shall maintain on its books a record of account in which Lender shall make entries for each Advance and such other debits and credits as shall be appropriate in connection with the credit facility. Lender shall provide Borrower with periodic statements of Borrower's account, which statements shall be considered to be correct and conclusively binding on Borrower unless Borrower notifies Lender to the contrary within thirty (30) days after Borrower's receipt of any such statement which Borrower deems to be incorrect. COLLATERAL. To secure payment of the Line of Credit and performance of all other Loans, obligations and duties owed by Borrower to Lender, Borrower (and others, if required) shall grant to Lender Security Interests in such property and assets as Lender may require (the "Collateral"), including without limitation Borrower's present and future Accounts, general intangibles, and Inventory. Lender's Security Interests in the Collateral shall be continuing liens and shall include the proceeds and products of the Collateral, including without limitation the proceeds of any insurance. With respect to the Collateral, Borrower agrees and represents and warrants to Lender: PERFECTION OF SECURITY INTERESTS. Borrower agrees to execute such financing statements and to take whatever other actions are requested by Lender to perfect and continue Lender's Security Interests in the Collateral. Upon request of Lender, Borrower will deliver to Lender any and all of the documents evidencing or constituting the Collateral, and Borrower will note Lender's interest upon any and all chattel paper if not delivered to Lender for possession by Lender. Contemporaneous with the execution of this Agreement, Borrower will execute one or more UCC financing statements and any similar statements as may be required by applicable law, and will file such financing statements and all such similar statements in the appropriate location or locations. Borrower hereby appoints Lender as its irrevocable attorney-in-fact for the purpose of executing any documents necessary to perfect or to continue any Security Interest. Lender may at any time, and without further authorization from Borrower, file a carbon, photograph, facsimile, or other reproduction of any financing statement for use as a financing statement Borrower will reimburse Lender for all expenses for the perfection, termination, and the continuation of the perfection of Lender's security interest in the Collateral. Borrower promptly will notify Lender of any change in Borrower's name including any change to the assumed business names of Borrower. Borrower also promptly will notify Lender of any change in Borrower's Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number. Borrower further agrees to notify Lender in writing prior to any change in address or location of Borrower's principal governance office or should Borrower merge or consolidate with any other entity. COLLATERAL RECORDS. Borrower does now, and at all times hereafter shall, keep correct and accurate records of the Collateral, all of which records shall be available to Lender or Lender's representative upon demand for inspection and copying at any reasonable time. With respect to the Accounts, Borrower agrees to keep and maintain such records as Lender may require, including without limitation information concerning Eligible Accounts and Account balances and agings. With respect to the Inventory. Borrower agrees to keep and maintain such records as Lender may require, including without limitation information concerning Eligible Inventory and records itemizing and describing the kind, type, quality, and quantity of Inventory, Borrower's Inventory costs and selling prices, and the dally withdrawals and additions to Inventory. COLLATERAL SCHEDULES. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement. Borrower shall execute and deliver to Lender schedules of Accounts and Inventory and Eligible Accounts and Eligible Inventory, in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender. Thereafter and at such frequency as Lender shall require, Borrower shall execute and deliver to Lender such supplemental schedules of Eligible Accounts and Eligible Inventory and such other matters and information relating to the Accounts and Inventory as Lender may request. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONCERNING ACCOUNTS. With respect to the Accounts, Borrower represents and warrants to Lender: (a) Each Account represented by Borrower to be an Eligible Account for purposes of this Agreement conforms to the requirements of the definition of an Eligible Account; (b) All Account information listed on schedules delivered to Lender will be true and correct, subject to immaterial variance; and (c) Lender, its assigns, or agents shall have the right at any time and at Borrower's expense to inspect, examine, and audit Borrower's records and to confirm with Account Debtors the accuracy of such Accounts. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONCERNING INVENTORY. With respect to the Inventory, Borrower represents and warrants to Lender: (a) All Inventory represented by Borrower to be Eligible Inventory for purposes of this Agreement conforms to the requirements of the definition of Eligible 4 09-30-1997 LOAN AGREEMENT PAGE 4 LOAN NO (CONTINUED) ================================================================================ Inventory; (b) All Inventory values listed on schedules delivered to Lender will be true and correct, subject to immaterial variance; (c) The value of the inventory will be determined on a consistent accounting basis; (d) Except for trailers or as agreed to the contrary by Lender in writing, all Eligible Inventory is now and at all times hereafter will be in Borrower's physical possession and shall not be held by others on consignment, sale on approval, or sale or return; (e) Except as reflected in the Inventory schedules delivered to Lender, all Eligible inventory is now and at all times hereafter will be of good and merchantable qualify, free from defects; (f) Eligible inventory is not now and will not at any time hereafter be stored with a bailee, warehouseman, or similar party without Lender's prior written consent, and, in such event, Borrower will concurrently at the time of bailment cause any such bailee, warehouseman, or similar party to issue and deliver to Lender, in form acceptable to Lender, warehouse receipts in Lender's name evidencing the storage of Inventory; and (g) Lender, its assigns, or agents shall have the right at any time and at Borrower's expense to inspect and examine the inventory and to check and test the same as to quality, quantity, value, and condition. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Borrower represents and warrants to Lender, as of the date of this Agreement, as of the date of each disbursement of Loan proceeds, as of the date of any renewal, extension or modification of any Loan, and at all times any Indebtedness exists: ORGANIZATION. Borrower is a corporation which is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is validly existing and in good standing in all states in which Borrower is doing business. Borrower has the full power and authority to own its properties and to transact the businesses in which it is presently engaged or presently proposes to engage. Borrower also is duly qualified as a foreign corporation and is in good standing in all states in which the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on its businesses or financial condition. AUTHORIZATION. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and all Related Documents by Borrower, to the extent to be executed, delivered or performed by Borrower, have been duly authorized by all necessary action by Borrower; do not require the consent or approval of any other person, regulatory authority or governmental body; and do not conflict with, result in a violation of, or constitute a default under (a) any provision of its articles of incorporation or organization, or bylaws or code of regulations, or any agreement or other instrument binding upon Borrower or (b) any law, governmental regulation, court decree, or order applicable to Borrower. FINANCIAL INFORMATION. Each financial statement of Borrower supplied to Lender truly and completely disclosed Borrower's financial condition as of the date of the statement, and there has been no material adverse change in Borrower's financial condition subsequent to the date of the most recent financial statement supplied to Lender. Borrower has no material contingent obligations except as disclosed in such financial statements. LEGAL EFFECT. This Agreement constitutes, and any instrument or agreement required hereunder to be given by Borrower when delivered will constitute, legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower enforceable against Borrower in accordance with their respective terms. PROPERTIES. Except for Permitted Liens, Borrower owns and has good title to all of Borrower's properties free and clear of all Security Interests, and has not executed any security documents or financing statements relating to such properties. All of Borrower's properties are titled in Borrower's legal name, and Borrower has not used, or filed a financing statement under, any other name for at least the last five (5) years. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES. The terms "hazardous waste," "hazardous substance," "disposal," "release," and "threatened release," as used in this Agreement, shall have the same meanings as set forth in the "CERCLA," "SARA," the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1801, et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq., or other applicable state or Federal laws, rules, or regulations adopted pursuant to any of the foregoing. Except as disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing, Borrower represents and warrants that: (a) During the period of Borrower's ownership of the properties, there has been no use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any hazardous waste or substance by any person on, under, about or from any of the properties. (b) Borrower has no knowledge of, or reason to believe that there has been (i) any use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release, or threatened release of any hazardous waste or substance on, under, about or from the properties by any prior owners or occupants of any of the properties, or (ii) any actual or threatened litigation or claims of any kind by any person relating to such matters. (c) Neither Borrower nor any tenant, contractor, agent or other authorized user of any of the properties shall use, generate, manufacture, store, treat, dispose of, or release any hazardous waste or substance on, under, about or from any of the properties; and any such activity shall be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances, including without limitation those laws, regulations and ordinances described above. Borrower authorizes Lender and its agents to enter upon the properties to make such inspections and tests as Lender may deem appropriate to determine compliance of the properties with this section of the Agreement Any inspections or tests made by Lender shall be at Borrower's expense and for Lender's purposes only and shall not be construed to create any responsibility or liability on the part of Lender to Borrower or to any other person. The representations and warranties contained herein are based on Borrower's due diligence in investigating the properties for hazardous waste and hazardous substances. Borrower hereby (a) releases and waives any future claims against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event Borrower becomes liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws, and (b) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Lender against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, penalties, and expenses which Lender may directly or indirectly sustain or suffer resulting from a breach of this section of the Agreement or as a consequence of any use, generation, manufacture, storage, disposal, release or threatened release occurring prior to Borrower's ownership or interest in the properties, whether or not the same was or should have been known to Borrower. The provisions of this section of the Agreement, including the obligation to indemnify, shall survive the payment of the Indebtedness and the termination or expiration of this Agreement and shall not be affected by Lender's acquisition of any interest in any of the properties, whether by foreclosure or otherwise. LITIGATION AND CLAIMS. No litigation, claim, investigation, administrative proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid taxes) against Borrower is pending or threatened, and no other event has occurred which may materially adversely affect Borrower's financial condition or properties, other than litigation, claims, or other events, if any, that have been disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing. TAXES. To the best of Borrower's knowledge, all tax returns and reports of Borrower that are or were required to be filed, have been filed, and all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges have been paid in full, except those presently being or to be contested by Borrower in good faith in the ordinary course of business and for which adequate reserves have been provided. LIEN PRIORITY. Unless otherwise previously disclosed to Lender in writing, Borrower has not entered into or granted any Security Agreements, or permitted the filing or attachment of any Security Interests on or affecting any of the Collateral directly or indirectly securing repayment of Borrower's Loan and Note, that would be prior or that may in any way be superior to Lender's Security Interests and rights in and to such Collateral. BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement, the Note, all Security Agreements directly or indirectly securing repayment of Borrower's Loan and Note and all of the Related Documents are binding upon Borrower as well as upon Borrower's successors, representatives and assigns, and are legally enforceable in accordance with their respective terms. COMMERCIAL PURPOSES. Borrower intends to use the Loan proceeds solely for business or commercial related purposes. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. Each employee benefit plan as to which Borrower may have any liability complies in all material respects with all applicable requirements of law and regulations, and (i) no Reportable Event nor Prohibited Transaction (as defined in ERISA) has occurred with respect to any such plan, (ii) Borrower has not withdrawn from any such plan or initiated steps to do so, (iii) no steps have been taken to terminate any such plan, and (iv) there are no unfunded liabilities other than those previously disclosed to Lender in writing. LOCATION OF BORROWER'S OFFICES AND RECORDS. Borrower's place of business, or Borrower's Chief executive office, it Borrower has more than one 5 09-30-1997 LOAN AGREEMENT PAGE 5 LOAN NO (CONTINUED) ================================================================================ place of business, is located at 753 W. Waterloo Rd., Akron, OH 44314. Unless Borrower has designated otherwise in writing this location is also the office or offices where Borrower keeps its records concerning the Collateral. INFORMATION. All information heretofore or contemporaneously herewith furnished by Borrower to Lender for the purposes of or in connection with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby is, and all information hereafter furnished by or on behalf of Borrower to Lender will be, true and accurate in every material respect on the date as of which such information is dated or certified; and none of such information is or will be incomplete by omitting to state any material fact necessary to make such information not misleading. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Borrower understands and agrees that Lender, without independent investigation, is relying upon the above representations and warranties in extending Loan Advances to Borrower. Borrower further agrees that the foregoing representations and warranties shall be continuing in nature and shall remain in full force and effect until such time as Borrower's Indebtedness shall be paid in full, or until this Agreement shall be terminated in the manner provided above, whichever is the last to occur. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that, while this Agreement is In effect, Borrower will: LITIGATION. Promptly inform Lender in writing of (a) all material adverse changes in Borrower's financial condition, and (b) all existing and all threatened litigation, claims, investigations, administrative proceedings or similar actions affecting Borrower or any Guarantor which could materially affect the financial condition of Borrower or the financial condition of any Guarantor. FINANCIAL RECORDS. Maintain its books and records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis, and permit Lender to examine and audit Borrower's books and records at all reasonable times. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Furnish Lender with, as soon as available, but in no event later than ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year, Borrower's consolidated balance sheet and income statement for the year ended, audited by a certified public accountant satisfactory to Lender, and, as soon as available, but in no event later than thirty (30) days after the end of each month, Borrower's consolidated balance sheet and profit and loss statement for the period ended, prepared and certified as correct to the best knowledge and belief by Borrower's chief financial officer or other officer or person acceptable to Lender. All financial reports required to be provided under this Agreement shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis, and certified by Borrower as being true and correct. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. Furnish such additional information and statements, lists of assets and liabilities aging of receivables and payables, inventory schedules, budgets, forecasts, tax returns and other reports with respect to Borrower's financial condition and business operations as Lender may request from time to time. FINANCIAL COVENANTS AND RATIOS. Comply with the following covenants and ratios: TANGIBLE NET WORTH. Maintain a minimum consolidated tangible net worth of not less that $10,300,000.00 including Subordinated Debt due from Albex Aluminum, Inc. to Jacob Pollock and Signs and Blanks, Inc. to J. Pollock & Company. This covenant is to be tested quarterly. CASH FLOW REQUIREMENTS. Maintain Cash Flow at not less than the following level: 1.2 TIMES THE CONSOLIDATED SUM OF CURRENT MATURITIES OF LONG-TERM DEBT PAID, PLUS DIVIDENDS, PLUS CAPITAL EXPENDITURES NOT FUNDED BY TERM DEBT OR UNDER THE KENT IRB. THIS COVENANT IS TO BE TESTED QUARTERLY USING THE ACCUMULATED TOTAL OF THE PREVIOUS FOUR QUARTERS, EXCEPT FOR ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC. AND SIGNS AND BLANKS QUARTERS, THEREAFTER. Except as provided above, all computations made to determine compliance with the requirements contained in this Inc., one quarter shall be used at September 30, 1997, two quarters at December ,31, 1997, three quarters at March 31, 1998 and four paragraph shall be made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis, and certified by Borrower as being true and correct. INSURANCE. Maintain fire and other risk insurance, public liability insurance, and such other insurance as Lender may require with respect to Borrower's properties and operations, in form, amounts, coverages and with insurance companies reasonably acceptable to Lender. Borrower, upon request of Lender, will deliver to Lender from time to time the policies or certificates of insurance in form satisfactory to Lender, including stipulations that coverages will not be cancelled or diminished without at least ten (10) days' prior written notice to Lender. Each insurance policy also shall include an endorsement providing that coverage in favor of Lender will not be impaired in any way by any act, omission or default of Borrower or any other person. In connection with all policies covering assets in which Lender holds or is offered a security interest for the Loans, Borrower will provide Lender with such loss payable or other endorsements as Lender may require. INSURANCE REPORTS. Furnish to Lender, upon request of Lender, reports on each existing insurance policy showing such information as Lender may reasonably request, including without limitation the following: (a) the name of the insurer; (b) the risks insured; (c) the amount of the policy; (d) the properties insured; (e) the then current property values on the basis of which insurance has been obtained, and the manner of determining those values; and (f) the expiration date of the policy. In addition, upon request of Lender (however not more often than annually), Borrower will have an independent appraiser satisfactory to Lender determine, as applicable, the actual cash value or replacement cost of any Collateral. The cost of such appraisal shall be paid by Borrower. GUARANTIES. Prior to disbursement of any Loan proceeds, furnish executed guaranties of the Loans in favor of Lender, executed by the guarantor named below, on Lender's forms, and in the amount and under the conditions spelled cut in those guaranties. GUARANTOR AMOUNT --------- ------ JACOB POLLOCK $2,500,000.00 OTHER AGREEMENTS. Comply with all terms and conditions of all other agreements, whether now or hereafter existing, between Borrower and any other party and notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in connection with any other such agreements. LOAN PROCEEDS. Use all Loan proceeds solely for Borrower's business operations, unless specifically consented to the contrary by Lender in writing. TAXES, CHARGES AND LIENS. Pay and discharge when due all of its indebtedness and obligations, including without limitation all assessments, taxes, governmental charges, levies and liens, of every kind and nature, imposed upon Borrower or its properties, income, or profits, prior to the date on which penalties would attach, and all lawful claims that, if unpaid, might become a lien or charge upon any of Borrower's properties, income, or profits. Provided however, Borrower will not be required to pay and discharge any such assessment, tax, charge, levy, lien or claim so long as (a) the legality of the same shall be contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and (b) Borrower shall have established on its books adequate reserves with respect to such contested assessment, tax, charge, levy, lien, or claim in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices. Borrower, upon demand of Lender, will furnish to Lender evidence of payment of the assessments, taxes, charges, levies, liens and claims and will authorize the appropriate governmental official to deliver to Lender at any time a written statement of any assessments, taxes, charges, levies, liens and claims against Borrower's properties, income, or profits. PERFORMANCE. Perform and comply with all terms, conditions, and provisions set forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents in a timely manner, and promptly notify Lender If Borrower learns of the occurrence of any event which constitutes an Event of Default under this Agreement or under any of the Related Documents. OPERATIONS. Maintain executive and management personnel with substantially the same qualifications and experience as the present executive and management personnel; conduct its business affairs 6 09-30-1997 LOAN AGREEMENT PAGE 6 LOAN NO (CONTINUED) ================================================================================ in a reasonable and prudent manner and in compliance with all applicable federal, state and municipal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations respecting its properties, charters, businesses and operations, including without limitation, compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and with all minimum funding standards and other requirements of ERISA and other laws applicable to Borrower's employee benefit plans. INSPECTION. Permit employees or agents of Lender at any reasonable time to inspect any and all Collateral for the Loan or Loans and Borrower's other properties and to examine or audit Borrower's books, accounts, and records and to make copies and memoranda of Borrower's books, accounts, and records. If Borrower now or at any time hereafter maintains any records (including without limitation computer generated records and computer software programs for the generation of such records) in the possession of a third party, Borrower, upon request of Lender, shall notify such party to permit Lender free access to such records at all reasonable times and to provide Lender with copies of any records it may request, all at Borrower's expense. COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE. Unless waived in writing by Lender, provide Lender at least annually and at the time of each disbursement of Loan proceeds with a certificate executed by Borrower's chief financial officer, or other officer or person acceptable to Lender, certifying that the representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement are true and correct as of the date of the certificate and further certifying that, as of the date of the certificate, no Event of Default exists under this Agreement. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND REPORTS. Borrower shall comply in all respects with all environmental protection federal, state and local laws, statutes, regulations and ordinances; not cause or permit to exist, as a result of an intentional or unintentional action or omission on its part or on the part of any third party, on property owned and/or occupied by Borrower, any environmental activity where damage may result to the environment, unless such environmental activity is pursuant to and in compliance with the conditions of a permit issued by the appropriate federal, state or local governmental authorities; shall furnish to Lender promptly and in any event within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof a copy of any notice, summons, lien, citation, directive, letter or other communication from any governmental agency or instrumentality concerning any intentional or unintentional action or omission on Borrower's part in connection with any environmental activity whether or not there is damage to the environment and/or other natural resources. ADDITIONAL ASSURANCES. Make, execute and deliver to Lender such promissory notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, financing statements, instruments, documents and other agreements as Lender or its attorneys may reasonably request to evidence and secure the Loans and to perfect all Security Interests. NEGATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that while this Agreement is in effect, Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of Lender: INDEBTEDNESS AND LIENS. (a) Except for trade debt incurred in the normal course of business and indebtedness to Lender contemplated by this Agreement, create, incur or assume indebtedness for borrowed money, including capital leases, (b) except as allowed as a Permitted Lien, sell, transfer, mortgage, assign, pledge, lease, grant a security interest in, or encumber any of Borrower's assets, or (c) sell with recourse any of Borrower's accounts, except to Lender. CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS. (a) Engage in any business activities substantially different than those in which Borrower is presently engaged, (b) cease operations, liquidate, merge, transfer, acquire or consolidate with any other entity, change ownership, change its name, dissolve or transfer or sell Collateral out of the ordinary course of business, (c) pay any dividends on Borrower's stock (other than dividends payable in its stock), provided, however that notwithstanding the foregoing, but only so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the payment of dividends, if Borrower is a "Subchapter S Corporation" (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), Borrower may pay cash dividends on its stock to its shareholders from time to time in amounts necessary to enable the shareholders to pay income taxes and make estimated income tax payments to satisfy their liabilities under federal and state law which arise solely from their status as Shareholders of a Subchapter S Corporation because of their ownership of shares of stock of Borrower, or (d) purchase or retire any of Borrower's outstanding shares or alter or amend Borrower's capital structure. LOANS, ACQUISITIONS AND GUARANTIES. (a) Loan, invest in or advance money or assets, (b) purchase, create or acquire any interest in any other enterprise or entity, or (c) incur any obligation as surety or guarantor other than in the ordinary course of business. CESSATION OF ADVANCES. If Lender has made any commitment to make any Loan to Borrower, whether under this Agreement or under any other agreement, Lender shall have no obligation to make Loan Advances or to disburse Loan proceeds if: (a) Borrower or any Guarantor is in default under the terms of this Agreement or any of the Related Documents or any other agreement that Borrower or any Guarantor has with Lender; (b) Borrower or any Guarantor becomes insolvent, files a petition in bankruptcy or similar proceedings, or is adjudged a bankrupt; (c) there occurs a material adverse change in Borrower's financial condition, in the financial condition of any Guarantor, or in the value of any Collateral securing any Loan; (d) any Guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise attempts to limit, modify or revoke such Guarantor's guaranty of the Loan or any other loan with Lender. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement: DEFAULT ON INDEBTEDNESS. Failure of Borrower to make any payment when due on the Loans. OTHER DEFAULTS. Failure of Borrower or any Grantor to comply with or to perform when due any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any of the Related Documents, or failure of Borrower to comply with or to perform any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and Borrower. DEFAULT IN FAVOR OF THIRD PARTIES. Should Borrower or any Grantor default under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may materially affect any of Borrower's property or Borrower's or any Grantor's ability to repay the Loans or perform their respective obligations under this Agreement or any of the Related Documents. FALSE STATEMENTS. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by or on behalf of Borrower or any Grantor under this Agreement or the Related Documents is false or misleading in any material respect at the time made or furnished, or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter. DEFECTIVE COLLATERALIZATION. This Agreement or any of the Related Documents ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any Security Agreement to create a valid and perfected Security Interest) at any time and for any reason. INSOLVENCY. The dissolution or termination of Borrower's existence as a going business, the insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a receiver for any part of Borrower's property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Borrower. CREDITOR OR FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS. Commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Borrower, any creditor of any Grantor against any collateral securing the Indebtedness, or by any governmental agency. This includes a garnishment, attachment, or levy on or of any of Borrower's deposit accounts with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a good faith dispute by Borrower or Grantor, as the case may be, as to the validity or reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding, and if Borrower or Grantor gives Lender written notice of the creditor or 7 09-30-1997 LOAN AGREEMENT PAGE 7 LOAN NO (CONTINUED) ================================================================================ forfeiture proceeding and furnishes reserves or a surety bond for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding satisfactory to Lender. EVENTS AFFECTING GUARANTOR. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect to any Guarantor of any of the Indebtedness or any Guarantor dies or becomes incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability under, any Guaranty of the Indebtedness. Lender, at its option, may, but shall not be required to, permit the Guarantor's estate to assume unconditionally the obligations arising under the guaranty in a manner satisfactory to Lender, and, in doing so, cure the Event of Default. CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP. The failure of Jacob Pollock, or the trustee(s) of the trust(s) for the benefit of Jacob Pollock's family, or the executor of Jacob Pollock's estate to own at least 51% of the voting securities of the Borrower. ADVERSE CHANGE. A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the Indebtedness is impaired. RIGHT TO CURE. If any default other than a Default on Indebtedness, is curable and if Borrower or Grantor, as the case may be, has not been given a notice of a similar default within the preceding twelve (12) months, it may be cured (and no Event of Default will have occurred) if Borrower or Grantor as the case may be after receiving written notice from Lender demanding cure of such default: (a) cures the default within fifteen (15) days or (b) It the cure requires more than fifteen (15) days immediately initiates steps which Lender deems in Lender's sole discretion to be sufficient to cure the default and thereafter continues and completes all reasonable and necessary steps sufficient to produce compliance as soon as reasonably practical. EFFECT OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT. If any Event of Default shall occur, except where otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Related Documents, all commitments and obligations of Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents or any other agreement immediately will terminate (including any obligation to make Loan Advances or disbursements), and, at Lender's option, all Indebtedness immediately will become due and payable, all without notice of any kind to Borrower, except that in the case of an Event of Default of the type described in the "Insolvency" subsection above, such acceleration shall be automatic and not optional. In addition, Lender shall have all the rights and remedies provided in the Related Documents or available at law, in equity, or otherwise. Except as may be prohibited by applicable law, all of Lender's rights and remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently. Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to perform an obligation of Borrower or of any Grantor shall not affect Lender's right to declare a default and to exercise its rights and remedies. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of this Agreement: AMENDMENTS. This Agreement, together with any Related Documents, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the matters set forth in this Agreement. No alteration of or amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or amendment. APPLICABLE LAW. THIS AGREEMENT HAS BEEN DELIVERED TO LENDER AND ACCEPTED BY LENDER IN THE STATE OF OHIO. IF THERE IS A LAWSUIT, BORROWER AGREES UPON LENDER'S REQUEST TO SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF SUMMIT COUNTY, THE STATE OF OHIO. THIS AGREEMERRT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF OHIO. CAPTION HEADINGS. Caption headings in this Agreement are for convenience purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions of this Agreement. MULTIPLE PARTIES; CORPORATE AUTHORITY. All obligations of Borrower under this Agreement shall be joint and several, and all references to Borrower shall mean each and every Borrower. This means that each of the persons signing below is responsible for ALL obligations in this Agreement. CONSENT TO LOAN PARTICIPATION. Borrower agrees and consents to Lender's sale or transfer, whether now or later, of one or more participation interests in the Loans to one or more purchasers, whether related or unrelated to Lender. Lender may provide, without any limitation whatsoever, to any one or more purchasers, or potential purchasers, any information or knowledge Lender may have about Borrower or about any other matter relating to the Loan, and Borrower hereby waives any rights to privacy it may have with respect to such matters. Borrower additionally waives any and all notices of sale of participation interests, as well as all notices of any repurchase of such participation interests. Borrower also agrees that the purchasers of any such participation interests will be considered as the absolute owners of such interests in the Loans and will have all the rights granted under the participation agreement or agreements governing the sale of such participation interests. Borrower further waives all rights of offset or counterclaim that it may have now or later against Lender or against any purchaser of such a participation interest and unconditionally agrees that either Lender or such purchaser may enforce Borrower's obligation under the Loans irrespective of the failure or insolvency of any holder of any interest in the Loans. Borrower further agrees that the purchaser of any such participation interests may enforce its interests irrespective of any personal claims or defenses that Borrower may have against Lender. COSTS AND EXPENSES. Borrower agrees to pay upon demand all of Lender's expenses, including without limitation attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with the preparation, execution, enforcement, modification and collection of this Agreement or in connection with the Loans made pursuant to this Agreement. Lender may pay someone else to help collect the Loans and to enforce this Agreement, and Borrower will pay that amount. This includes, subject to any limits under applicable law, Lender's attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses, whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorneys' fees for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services. Borrower also will pay any court costs, in addition to all other sums provided by law. NOTICES. All notices required to be given under this Agreement shall be given in writing, may be sent by telefacsimile, and shall be effective when actually delivered or when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier or deposited in the United States mail, first class, postage prepaid, addressed to the party to whom the notice is to be given at the address shown above. Any party may change its address for notices under this Agreement by giving formal written notice to the other parties, specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party's address. To the extent permitted by applicable law, if there is more than one Borrower, notice to any Borrower will constitute notice to all Borrowers. For notice purposes, Borrower will keep Lender informed at all times of Borrower's current address(es). SEVERABILITY. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable as to any person or circumstance, such finding shall not render that provision invalid or unenforceable as to any other persons or circumstances. If feasible, any such offending provision shall be deemed to be modified to be within the limits of enforceability or validity; however, if the offending provision cannot be so modified, it shall be stricken and all other provisions of this Agreement in all other respects shall remain valid and enforceable. SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES OF BORROWER. To the extent the context of any provisions of this Agreement makes it appropriate, including without limitation any representation, warranty or covenant, the word "Borrower" as used herein shall include all subsidiaries and affiliates of Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing however, under no circumstances shall this Agreement be construed to require Lender to make any Loan or other financial accommodation to any subsidiary or affiliate of Borrower. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. All covenants and agreements contained by or on behalf of Borrower shall bind its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Lender, its successors and assigns. Borrower shall not, however, have the right to assign its rights under this Agreement or any interest therein, without the prior written consent of Lender. SURVIVAL. All warranties, representations, and covenants made by Borrower in this Agreement or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by 8 09-30-1997 LOAN AGREEMENT PAGE 8 LOAN NO (CONTINUED) ================================================================================ Borrower to Lender under this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by Lender and will survive the making of the Loan and delivery to Lender of the Related Documents, regardless of any investigation made by Lender or on Lender's behalf. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. Time is of the essence in the performance of this Agreement. WAIVER. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of a provision of this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other provision of this Agreement. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Borrower, or between Lender and any Grantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any obligations of Borrower or of any Grantor as to any future transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this Agreement, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute continuing consent in subsequent instances where such consent is required, and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of Lender. BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS LOAN AGREEMENT, AND BORROWER AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS AGREEMENT IS DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997. BORROWER: RVM INDUSTRIES INC; RAVENS, INC.; SIGNS AND BLANKS INC.; ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC. BY: ----------------------------------------------------- JACOB POLLOCK, CHAIRMAN, CEO, TREASURER OF RVM INDUSTRIES, INC. BY: ----------------------------------------------------- RICHARD D. POLLOCK, PRESIDENT, COO OF RVM INDUSTRIES, INC. BY: /s/ JOHN J. STITZ ----------------------------------------------------- JOHN J. STITZ, VICE PRESIDENT, CFO OF RVM INDUSTRIES, INC. BY: ----------------------------------------------------- JACOB POLLOCK, CHAIRMAN, CEO TREASURER OF RAVENS, INC. BY: /s/ JOHN J. STITZ ----------------------------------------------------- JOHN J. STITZ, VICE PRESIDENT, CFO OF RAVENS, INC. BY: ----------------------------------------------------- JACOB POLLOCK, CEO OF SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC. BY: ----------------------------------------------------- RICHARD D. POLLOCK, TREASURER OF SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC. BY: /s/ JOHN J. STITZ ----------------------------------------------------- JOHN J. STITZ, VICE PRESIDENT OF SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC. BY: ----------------------------------------------------- JACOB POLLOCK, CEO OF ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC. BY: ----------------------------------------------------- RICHARD D. POLLOCK, TREASURER OF ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC. BY: /s/ JOHN J. STITZ ----------------------------------------------------- JOHN J. STITZ, VICE PRESIDENT OF ALBEX ALUMINUM INC. LENDER: FIRSTMERIT BANK, N.A. BY: /s/ James V. Cannella ----------------------------------------------------- AUTHORIZED OFFICER ================================================================================ 9 PROMISSORY NOTE
================================================================================================================ PRINCIPAL LOAN DATE MATURITY LOAN NO CALL COILATERAI ACCOUNT OFFICER INITIALS $15,000,000.00 09-30-1997 08-31-1999 UCC JVC ================================================================================================================
References in the shaded area are for Lender's use only and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Borrower: RVM Industries, Inc.; Ravens, Inc.; Signs and Lender: FirstMerit Bank, N.A. Blanks, Inc.; Albex Aluminum, Inc.; Asset Based Lending 753 W. Waterloo Rd.; 106 South Main Street Akron, OH 44314 Akron, OH 44308 =========================================================================================== PRINCIPAL AMOUNT: $15,000,000.00 INITIAL RATE: 8.250% DATE OF NOTE: SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
PROMISE TO PAY. RVM Industries, Inc.; Ravens, Inc.; Signs and Blanks, Inc.; Albex Aluminum, Inc. ("Borrower") promises to pay to FirstMerit Bank, N.A. ("Lender"), or order, in lawful money of the United States of America, the principal amount of Fifteen Million & 00/100 Dollars ($15,000,000.00) or so much as may be outstanding, together with interest on the unpaid outstanding principal balance of each advance. Interest shall be calculated from the date of each advance until repayment of each advance. PAYMENT. Borrower will pay this loan in one payment of all outstanding principal plus all accrued unpaid interest on August 31, 1999. In addition, Borrower wIll pay regular monthly payments of accrued unpaid interest beginning October 31,1997, and all subsequent Interest payments are due on the same day of each month after that. Interest on this Note is computed on a 365/360 simple interest basis; that is, by applying the ratio of the annual interest rate over a year of 380 days, multiplied by the outstanding principal balance, multiplied by the actual number of days the principal balance is outstanding. Borrower will pay Lender at Lender's address shown above or at such other place as Lender may designate in writing. Unless otherwise agreed or required by applicable law, payments will be applied first to accrued unpaid interest, then to principal, and any remaining amount to any unpaid collection costs and late charges. VARIABLE INTEREST RATE. The interest rate on this Note is subject to change from time to time based on changes in an index which is Lender's Prime Rate (the "Index"). This is the rate Lender charges, or would charge, on 90-day unsecured loans to the most creditworthy corporate customers. This rate may or may not be the lowest rate available from Lender at any given time. Lender will tell Borrower the current Index rate upon Borrower's request. Borrower understands that Lender may make loans based on other rates as well. The interest rate change will not occur more often than each day as prime changes. THE INDEX CURRENTLY IS 8.500% PER ANNUM. THE INTEREST RATE TO BE APPLIED TO THE UNPAID PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS NOTE WILL BE AT A RATE OF 0.250 PERCENTAGE POINTS UNDER THE INDEX, RESULTING IN AN INITIAL RATE OF 8.250% PER ANNUM. NOTICE: Under no circumstances will the interest rate on this Note be more than the maximum rate allowed by applicable law. PREPAYMENT. Borrower may pay without penalty all or a portion of the amount owed earlier than it is due. Early payments will not, unless agreed to by Lender in writing, relieve Borrower of Borrower's obligation to continue to make payments of accrued unpaid interest Rather, they will reduce the principal balance due. LATE CHARGE. If a payment is 10 DAYS OR MORE LATE, Borrower will be charged 5.00% OF THE UNPAID PORTION OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED PAYMENT OR $35.00, WHICHEVER IS GREATER. DEFAULT. Borrower will be in default if any of the following happens: (a) Borrower falls to make any payment when due. (b) Borrower breaks any promise Borrower has made to Lender, or Borrower fails to comply with or to perform when due any other term, obligation, covenant, or condition contained in this Note or any agreement related to this Note, or in any other agreement or loan Borrower has with Lender. (c) Borrower defaults under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may materially affect any of Borrower's property or Borrower's ability to repay this Note or perform Borrower's obligations under this Note or any of the Related Documents. (d) Any representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by Borrower or on Borrowers behalf is false or misleading in any material respect either now or at the time made or furnished. (e) Borrower becomes insolvent, a receiver is appointed for any part of Borrower's property, Borrower makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or any proceeding is commenced either by Borrower or against Borrower under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws. (f) Any creditor tries to take any of Borrower's property on or in which Lender has a lien or security interest. This includes a garnishment of any of Borrower's accounts with Lender. (g) Any guarantor dies or any of the other events described in this default section occurs with respect to any guarantor of this Note. (h) A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial condition or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the Indebtedness is impaired. If any default, other than a default in payment, is curable and if Borrower has not been given a notice of a breach of the same provision of this Note within the preceding twelve (12) months, it may be cured (and no event of default will have occurred) if Borrower, after receiving written notice from Lender demanding cure of such default: (a) cures the default within fifteen (15) days; or (b) if the cure requires more than fifteen (15) days, immediately initiates steps which Lender deems in Lender's sole discretion to be sufficient to cure the default and thereafter continues and completes all reasonable and necessary steps sufficient to produce compliance as soon as reasonably practical. LENDER'S RIGHTS. Upon default, Lender may declare the entire unpaid principal balance on this Note and all accrued unpaid interest immediately due, without notice, and then Borrower will pay that amount. Lender may hire or pay someone else to help collect this Note if Borrower does not pay. Borrower also will pay Lender that amount. This includes, subject to any limits under applicable law, Lender's attorneys' lees and Lender's legal expenses whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorneys' fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services. If not prohibited by applicable law, Borrower also will pay any court costs, in addition to all other sums provided by law. THIS NOTE HAS BEEN DELIVERED TO LENDER AND ACCEPTED BY LENDER IN THE STATE OF OHIO. IF THERE IS A LAWSUIT, BORROWER AGREES UPON LENDER'S REQUEST TO SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF SUMMIT COUNTY, THE STATE OF OHIO. THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF OHIO. CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT. Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes and empowers any attorney-at-law, including an attorney hired by Lender, to appear in any court of record and to confess judgment against Borrower for the unpaid amount of this Note as evidenced by an affidavit signed by an officer of Lender setting forth the amount then due, plus attorneys' fees as provided in this Note, plus costs of suit, and to release all errors, and waive all rights of appeal. If a copy of this Note, verified by an affidavit, shall have been filed in the proceeding, it will not be necessary to file the original as a warrant of attorney. Borrower waives the right to any stay of execution and the benefit of all exemption laws now or hereafter in effect. No single exercise of the foregoing warrant and power to confess judgment will be deemed to exhaust the power, whether or not any such exercise shall be held by any court to be invalid, voidable, or void; but the power will continue undiminished and may be exercised from time to time as Lender may elect until all amounts owing on this Note have been paid in full. Borrower waives any conflict of interest that an attorney hired by Lender may have in acting on behalf of Borrower in confessing judgment against Borrower while such attorney is retained by Lender. Borrower expressly consents to such attorney acting for Borrower in confessing judgment. DISHONORED ITEM FEE. Borrower will pay a fee to Lender of $22.00 if Borrower makes a payment on Borrower's loan and the check or preauthorized charge with which Borrower pays is later dishonored. LINE OF CREDIT. This Note evidences a revolving line of credit. Advances under this Note may be requested orally by Borrower or by an authorized person. Lender may, but need not, require that all oral requests be confirmed in writing. All communications, instructions, or directions by telephone or 10 09-30-1997 PROMISSORY NOTE PAGE 2 LOAN NO (Continued) otherwise to Lender are to be directed to Lender's office shown above. The following party or parties are authorized to request advances under the line of credit until Lender receives from Borrower at Lender's address shown above written notice of revocation of their authority: JACOB POLLOCK,; RICHARD D. POLLOCK,; JOHN J. STITZ; THE FOLLOWING PARTY OR PARTIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO REQUEST ADVANCES ON THE LINE OF CREDIT ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY SPECIFICALLY LISTED NEXT TO THEIR NAMES UNTIL LENDER RECEIVES FROM BORROWER, AT LENDER'S ADDRESS SHOWN ABOVE, WRITTEN NOTICE OF REVOCATION OF THEIR AUTHORITY; LINDA DEPRATO, (ALL); KATHY BEAN, (ALL); STEVE MCDEVLIT, (ALL); CAROL CUTLER, (SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC.); THOMAS GARVEY, (ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC.); AND JAYSHREE SHAH, (RAVENS, INC.). Borrower agrees to be liable for all sums either: (a) advanced in accordance with the instructions of an authorized person or (b) credited to any of Borrower's accounts with Lender. The unpaid principal balance owing on this Note at any time may be evidenced by endorsements on this Note or by Lender's internal records, including daily computer print-outs. Lender will have no obligation to advance funds under this Note if: (a) Borrower or any guarantor is in default under the terms of this Note or any agreement that Borrower or any guarantor has with Lender, including any agreement made in connection with the signing of this Note; (b) Borrower or any guarantor ceases doing business or is insolvent; (c) any guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise attempts to limit, modify or revoke such guarantor's guarantee of this Note or any other loan with Lender; (d) Borrower has applied funds provided pursuant to this Note for purposes other than those authorized by Lender. FEE PROVISION. Upon receipt of billing from Lender, I agree to pay a loan fee of $n/a and a document preparation fee of $n/a. GENERAL PROVISIONS. If any part of this Note cannot be enforced, this fact will not affect the rest of the Note. In particular, this section means (among other things) that Borrower does not agree or intend to pay, and Lender does not agree or intend to contract for, charge, collect, take, reserve or receive (collectively referred to herein as "charge or collect"), any amount in the nature of interest or in the nature of a fee for this loan, which would in any way or event (including demand, prepayment, or acceleration) cause Lender to charge or collect more for this loan than the maximum Lender would be permitted to charge or collect by federal law or the law of the State of Ohio (as applicable). Any such excess interest or unauthorized fee shall, instead of anything stated to the contrary, be applied first to reduce the principal balance of this loan, and when the principal has been paid in full, be refunded to Borrower. Lender may delay or forgo enforcing any of its rights or remedies under this Note without losing them. Borrower and any other person who signs, guarantees or endorses this Note, to the extent allowed by law, waive presentment, demand for payment, protest and notice of dishonor. Upon any change in the terms of this Note, and unless otherwise expressly stated in witting, no party who signs this Note, whether as maker, guarantor, accommodation maker or endorser, shall be released from liability. All such parties agree that Lender may renew or extend (repeatedly and for any length of time) this loan, or release any party or guarantor or collateral; or impair, fall to realize upon or perfect Lender's security interest in the collateral; and take any other action deemed necessary by Lender without the consent of or notice to anyone. All such parties also agree that Lender may modify this loan without the consent of or notice to anyone other than the party with whom the modification is made. 11 09-30-1997 PROMISSORY NOTE PAGE 3 LOAN NO (CONTINUED) =============================================================================== PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS NOTE, BORROWER READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS NOTE, INCLUDING THE VARIABLE INTEREST RATE PROVISIONS. BORROWER AGREES TO THE TERMS OF THE NOTE AND ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF A COMPLETED COPY OF THE NOTE. NOTICE: FOR THIS NOTICE "YOU" MEANS THE BORROWER AND "HIS" MEANS LENDER. WARNING - BY SIGNING THIS PAPER YOU GIVE UP YOUR RIGHT TO NOTICE AND COURT TRIAL. IF YOU DO NOT PAY ON TIME A COURT JUDGMENT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU WITHOUT YOUR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE AND THE POWERS OF A COURT CAN BE USED TO COLLECT FROM YOU REGARDLESS OF ANY CLAIMS YOU MAY HAVE AGAINST THE CREDITOR WHETHER FOR RETURNED GOODS, FAULTY GOODS, FAILURE ON HIS PART TO COMPLY WITH THE AGREEMENT, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE. BORROWER: RVM Industries, Inc.; Ravens, Inc.; Signs and Blanks, Inc.; Albex Aluminum, Inc. BY: -------------------------------------------------------------- JACOB POLLOCK, CHAIRMAN, CEO, TREASURER OF RVM INDUSTRIES, INC. BY: -------------------------------------------------------------- RICHARD D. POLLOCK, PRESIDENT, COO OF RVM INDUSTRIES, INC. BY: /s/ John J. Stitz -------------------------------------------------------------- JOHN J. STITZ, VICE PRESIDENT, CFO OF RVM INDUSTRIES INC. BY: -------------------------------------------------------------- JACOB POLLOCK, CHAIRMAN, CEO, TREASURER OF RAVENS, INC. BY: /s/ John J. Stitz -------------------------------------------------------------- JOHN J. STITZ, VICE PRESIDENT, CFO OF RAVENS, INC. BY: -------------------------------------------------------------- JACOB POLLOCK, CEO OF SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC. BY: -------------------------------------------------------------- RICHARD D. POLLOCK, TREASURER OF SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC. BY: /s/ J. Stitz -------------------------------------------------------------- J. STITZ, VICE PRESIDENT OF SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC. BY: -------------------------------------------------------------- JACOB POLLOCK, CEO OF ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC. BY: -------------------------------------------------------------- RICHARD D. POLLOCK, TREASURER OF ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC. BY: /s/ John J. Stitz -------------------------------------------------------------- JOHN J. STITZ, VICE PRESIDENT OF ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC. =============================================================================== EX-10.II 3 EXHIBIT 10(II) 1 Exhibit 10(ii) BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT ================================================================================================= PRINCIPAL LOAN DATE MATURITY LOAN NO. CALL COLLATERAL ACCOUNT OFFICER INITIALS $5,000,000.00 09-30-1997 09-30-2006 UCC JVC =================================================================================================
References in the shaded area are for Lender's use only and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item. ================================================================================================= BORROWER: RVM INDUSTRIES, INC.; RAVENS, INC.; SIGNS Lender: FIRSTMERIT BANK, N.A. AND BLANKS, INC.; ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC. ASSET BASED LENDING 753 W. WATERLOO RD. 106 SOUTH MAIN STREET AKRON, OH 44314 AKRON, OH 44308 =================================================================================================
THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT between RVM Industries, Inc.; Ravens, Inc.; Signs and Blanks, Inc.; Albex Aluminum, Inc. ("Borrower") and FirstMerit Bank, N.A. ("Lender") is made and executed on the following terms and conditions. Borrower has received prior commercial loans from Lender or has applied to Lender for a commercial loan or loans and other financial accommodations, including those which may be described on any exhibit or schedule attached to this Agreement. All such loans and financial accommodations, together with all future loans and financial accommodations from Lender to Borrower, are referred to in this Agreement individually as the "Loan" and collectively as the "Loans." Borrower understands and agrees that: (a) in granting, renewing, or extending any Loan, Lender is relying upon Borrower's representations, warranties, and agreements, as set forth in this Agreement; (b) the granting, renewing, or extending of any Loan by Lender at all times, shall be subject to Lender's sole judgment and discretion; and (c) all such Loans shall be and shall remain subject to the following terms and conditions of this Agreement. TERM. This Agreement shall be effective as of September 30, 1997, and shall continue thereafter until all Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender has been performed in full and the parties terminate this Agreement in writing. DEFINITIONS. The following words shall have the following meanings when used in this Agreement. Terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code. All references to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of America. AGREEMENT. The word "Agreement" means this Business Loan Agreement, as this Business Loan Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time, together with all exhibits and schedules attached to this Business Loan Agreement from time to time. BORROWER. The word "Borrower" means RVM Industries, Inc.; Ravens, Inc.; Signs and Blanks, Inc.; Albex Aluminum, Inc.. The word "Borrower" also includes, as applicable, all subsidiaries and affiliates of Borrower as provided below in the paragraph titled "Subsidiaries and Affiliates." CERCLA. The word "CERCLA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended. CASH FLOW. The words "Cash Flow" mean net income after taxes, and exclusive of extraordinary gains and income, plus depreciation and amortization, adjusted for all other non-cash items affecting income. COLLATERAL. The word "Collateral" means and includes without limitation all property and assets granted as collateral security for a Loan, whether real or personal property, whether granted directly or indirectly, whether granted now or in the future, and whether granted in the form of a security interest, mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, chattel mortgage, chattel trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust receipt, lien, charge, lien or title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security device, or any other security or lien interest whatsoever, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise. DEBT The word "Debt" means all of Borrower's liabilities excluding Subordinated Debt. ERISA. The word "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. EVENT OF DEFAULT. The words "Event of Default" mean and include without limitation any of the Events of Default set forth below in the section titled "EVENTS OF DEFAULT." GRANTOR. The word "Grantor" means and includes without limitation each and all of the persons or entities granting a Security Interest in any Collateral for the Indebtedness, including without limitation all Borrowers granting such a Security Interest. GUARANTOR. The word "Guarantor" means and includes without limitation each and all of the guarantors, sureties, and accommodation parties in connection with any Indebtedness. INDEBTEDNESS. The word "Indebtedness" means and includes without limitation all Loans, together with all other obligations, debts and liabilities of Borrower to Lender, or any one or more of them, as well as all claims by Lender against Borrower, or any one or more of them; whether now or hereafter existing, voluntary or involuntary, due or not due, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated; whether Borrower may be liable individually or jointly with others; whether Borrower may be obligated as a guarantor, surety, or otherwise; whether recovery upon such Indebtedness may be or hereafter may become barred by any statute of limitations; and whether such Indebtedness may be or hereafter may become otherwise unenforceable. LENDER. The word "Lender" means FirstMerit Bank, N.A., its successors and assigns. LIQUID ASSETS. The words "Liquid Assets" mean Borrower's cash on hand plus Borrower's readily marketable securities. LOAN. The word "Loan" or "Loans" means and includes without limitation any and all commercial loans and financial accommodations from Lender to Borrower, whether now or hereafter existing, and however evidenced, including without limitation those loans and financial accommodations described herein or described on any exhibit or schedule attached to this Agreement from time to time. NOTE. The word "Note" means and includes without limitation Borrower's promissory note or notes, if any, evidencing Borrower's Loan obligations in favor of Lender, as well as any substitute, replacement or refinancing note or notes therefor. PERMITTED LIENS. The words "Permitted Liens" mean: (a) liens and security interests securing Indebtedness owed by Borrower to Lender; (b) liens for taxes, assessments, or similar charges either not yet due or being contested in good faith; (c) liens of materialmen, mechanics, warehousemen, or carriers, or other like liens arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations which are not yet delinquent; (d) purchase money liens or purchase money security interests upon or in any property acquired or held by Borrower in the ordinary course of business to secure indebtedness outstanding on the date of this Agreement or permitted to be incurred under the paragraph of this Agreement titled "Indebtedness and Liens"; (e) liens and security interests which, as of the date of this Agreement, have been disclosed to and approved by the Lender in writing; and (f) those liens and security interests which in the aggregate constitute an immaterial and insignificant monetary amount with respect to the net value of Borrower's assets. RELATED DOCUMENTS. The words "Related Documents" mean and include without limitation all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements, environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness. SECURITY AGREEMENT. The words "Security Agreement" mean and include without limitation any agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, 2 09-30-1997 BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Page 2 Loan No (Continued) ================================================================================ understandings or other agreements, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise, evidencing, governing, representing, or creating a Security Interest. SECURITY INTEREST. The words "Security Interest" mean and include without limitation any type of collateral security, whether in the form of a lien, charge, mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, chattel mortgage, chattel trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust receipt, lien or title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security device, or any other security or lien interest whatsoever, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise. SARA. The word "SARA" means the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 as now or hereafter amended. SUBORDINATED DEBT. The words "Subordinated Debt" mean indebtedness and liabilities of Borrower which have been subordinated by written agreement to indebtedness owed by Borrower to Lender in form and substance acceptable to Lender. TANGIBLE NET WORTH. The words "Tangible Net Worth" mean Borrower's total assets excluding all intangible assets (i.e., goodwill, trademarks, patents, copyrights, organizational expenses, and similar intangible items, but including leaseholds and leasehold improvements) less total Debt. WORKING CAPITAL. The words "Working Capital" mean Borrower's current assets, excluding prepaid expenses, less Borrower's current liabilities. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EACH ADVANCE. Lender's obligation to make the initial Loan Advance and each subsequent Loan Advance under this Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment to Lender's satisfaction of all of the conditions set forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents. LOAN DOCUMENTS. Borrower shall provide to Lender in form satisfactory to Lender the following documents for the Loan: (a) the Note, (b) Security Agreements granting to Lender security interests in the Collateral, (c) Financing Statements perfecting Lender's Security Interests; (d) evidence of insurance as required below; and (e) any other documents required under this Agreement or by Lender or its counsel. BORROWER'S, AUTHORIZATION. Borrower shall have provided in form and substance satisfactory to Lender properly certified resolutions, duly authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Note and the Related Documents, and such other authorizations and other documents and instruments as Lender or its counsel, in their sole discretion, may require. PAYMENT OF FEES AND EXPENSES. Borrower shall have paid to Lender all fees, charges, and other expenses which are then due and payable as specified in this Agreement or any Related Document. REPRESENTATIONS, AND WARRANTIES. The representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement, in the Related Documents, and in any document or certificate delivered to Lender under this Agreement are true and correct. NO EVENT OF DEFAULT. There shall not exist at the time of any advance a condition which would constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Borrower represents and warrants to Lender, as of the date of this Agreement, as of the date of each disbursement of Loan proceeds, as of the date of any renewal, extension or modification of any Loan, and at all times any Indebtedness exists: ORGANIZATION. Borrower is a corporation which is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is validly existing and in good standing in all states in which Borrower is doing business. Borrower has the full power and authority to own its properties and to transact the businesses in which it is presently engaged or presently proposes to engage. Borrower also is duly qualified as a foreign corporation and is in good standing in all states in which the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on its businesses or financial condition. AUTHORIZATION. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and all Related Documents by Borrower, to the extent to be executed, delivered or performed by Borrower, have been duly authorized by all necessary action by Borrower; do not require the consent or approval of any other person, regulatory authority or governmental body; and do not conflict with, result in a violation of, or constitute a default under (a) any provision of its articles of incorporation or organization, or bylaws or code of regulations, or any agreement or other instrument binding upon Borrower or (b) any law, governmental regulation, court decree, or order applicable to Borrower. FINANCIAL INFORMATION. Each financial statement of Borrower supplied to Lender truly and completely disclosed Borrower's financial condition as of the date of the statement, and there has been no material adverse change in Borrower's financial condition subsequent to the date of the most recent financial statement supplied to Lender. Borrower has no material contingent obligations except as disclosed in such financial statements. LEGAL EFFECT. This Agreement constitutes, and any instrument or agreement required hereunder to be given by Borrower when delivered will constitute, legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower enforceable against Borrower in accordance with their respective terms. PROPERTIES. Except as contemplated by this Agreement or as previously disclosed in Borrower's financial statements or in writing to Lender and as accepted by Lender, and except for property tax liens for taxes not presently due and payable, Borrower owns and has good title to all of Borrower's properties free and clear of all Security Interests, and has not executed any security documents or financing statements relating to such properties. All of Borrower's properties are titled in Borrower's legal name, and Borrower has not used, or filed a financing statement under, any other name for at least the last five (5) years. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES; The terms "hazardous waste," "hazardous substance," "disposal," "release," and "threatened release," as used in this Agreement, shall have the same meanings as set forth in the "CERCLA," "SARA," the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1801, et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq., or other applicable state or Federal laws, rules, or regulations adopted pursuant to any of the foregoing. Except as disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing, Borrower represents and warrants that: (a) During the period of Borrower's ownership of the properties, there has been no use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any hazardous waste or substance by any person on, under, about or from any of the properties. (b) Borrower has no knowledge of, or reason to believe that there has been (i) any use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release, or threatened release of any hazardous waste or substance on, under, about or from the properties by any prior owners or occupants of any of the properties, or (ii) any actual or threatened litigation or claims of any kind by any person relating to such matters. (c) Neither Borrower nor any tenant, contractor, agent or other authorized user of any of the properties shall use, generate, manufacture, store, treat, dispose of, or release any hazardous waste or substance on, under, about or from any of the properties; and any such activity shall be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances, including without limitation those laws, regulations and ordinances described above. Borrower authorizes Lender and its agents to enter upon the properties to make such inspections and tests as Lender may deem appropriate to determine compliance of the properties with this section of the Agreement. Any inspections or tests made by Lender shall be at Borrower's expense and for Lender's purposes only and shall not be construed to create any responsibility or liability on the part of Lender to Borrower or to any other person. The representations and warranties contained herein are based on Borrower's due diligence in investigating the properties for hazardous waste and hazardous substances. Borrower hereby (a) releases and waives any future claims against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event Borrower becomes liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws, and (b) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Lender against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, penalties, and expenses which Lender may directly or indirectly sustain or suffer resulting from a breach of this section of the Agreement or as a consequence of any use, generation, manufacture, storage, disposal, release or threatened release occurring prior to Borrower's ownership or interest in the properties, whether or not the same was 3 09-30-1997 BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Page 3 Loan No (Continued) =============================================================================== or should have been known to Borrower. The provisions of this section of the Agreement, including the obligation to indemnify, shall survive the payment of the Indebtedness and the termination or expiration of this Agreement and shall not be affected by Lender's acquisition of any interest in any of the properties, whether by foreclosure or otherwise. LITIGATION AND CLAIMS. No litigation, claim, investigation, administrative proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid taxes) against Borrower is pending or threatened, and no other event has occurred which may materially adversely affect Borrower's financial condition or properties, other than litigation, claims, or other events, if any, that have been disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing. TAXES. To the best of Borrower's knowledge, all tax returns and reports of Borrower that are or were required to be filed, have been filed, and all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges have been paid in full, except those presently being or to be contested by Borrower in good faith in the ordinary course of business and for which adequate reserves have been provided. LIEN PRIORITY. Unless otherwise previously disclosed to Lender in writing, Borrower has not entered into or granted any Security Agreements, or permitted the filing or attachment of any Security Interests on or affecting any of the Collateral directly or indirectly securing repayment of Borrower's Loan and Note, that would be prior or that may in any way be superior to Lender's Security Interests and rights in and to such Collateral. BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement, the Note, all Security Agreements directly or indirectly securing repayment of Borrower's Loan and Note and all of the Related Documents are binding upon Borrower as well as upon Borrower's successors, representatives and assigns, and are legally enforceable in accordance with their respective terms. COMMERCIAL PURPOSES. Borrower intends to use the Loan proceeds solely for business or commercial related purposes. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. Each employee benefit plan as to which Borrower may have any liability complies in all material respects with all applicable requirements of law and regulations, and (i) no Reportable Event nor Prohibited Transaction (as defined in ERISA) has occurred with respect to any such plan, (ii) Borrower has not withdrawn from any such plan or initiated steps to do so, (iii) no steps have been taken to terminate any such plan, and (iv) there are no unfunded liabilities other than those previously disclosed to Lender in writing. LOCATION OF BORROWER'S OFFICES AND RECORDS. Borrower's place of business, or Borrower's Chief executive office, if Borrower has more than one place of business, is located at 753 W. Waterloo Rd., Akron, OH 44314. Unless Borrower has designated otherwise in writing this location is also the office or offices where Borrower keeps its records concerning the Collateral. INFORMATION. All information heretofore or contemporaneously herewith furnished by Borrower to Lender for the purposes of or in connection with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby is, and all information hereafter furnished by or on behalf of Borrower to Lender will be, true and accurate in every material respect on the date as of which such information is dated or certified; and none of such information is or will be incomplete by omitting to state any material fact necessary to make such information not misleading. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Borrower understands and agrees that Lender, without independent investigation, is relying upon the above representations and warranties in extending Loan Advances to Borrower. Borrower further agrees that the foregoing representations and warranties shall be continuing in nature and shall remain in full force and effect until such time as Borrower's Indebtedness shall be paid in full, or until this Agreement shall be terminated in the manner provided above, whichever is the last to occur. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that, while this Agreement is in effect, Borrower will: LITIGATION. Promptly inform Lender in writing of (a) all material adverse changes in Borrower's financial condition, and (b) all existing and all threatened litigation, claims, investigations, administrative proceedings or similar actions affecting Borrower or any Guarantor which could materially affect the financial condition of Borrower or the financial condition of any Guarantor. FINANCIAL RECORDS. Maintain its books and records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis, and permit Lender to examine and audit Borrower's books and records at all reasonable times. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Furnish Lender with, as soon as available, but in no event later than ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year, Borrower's balance sheet and income statement for the year ended, audited by a certified public accountant satisfactory to Lender, and, as soon as available, but in no event later than thirty (30) days after the end of each month, Borrower's balance sheet and profit and loss statement for the period ended, prepared and certified as correct to the best knowledge and belief by Borrower's chief financial officer or other officer or person acceptable to Lender. All financial reports required to be provided under this Agreement shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis, and certified by Borrower as being true and correct. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. Furnish such additional information and statements, lists of assets and liabilities agings of receivables and payables, inventory schedules, budgets, forecasts, tax returns, and other reports with respect to Borrower's financial condition and business operations as Lender may request from time to time. FINANCIAL COVENANTS AND RATIOS. Comply with the following covenants and ratios: TANGIBLE NET WORTH. Maintain a minimum Tangible Net Worth of not less than $10,300,000.00, including Subordinated Debt due from Albex Aluminum, Inc. to Jacob Pollock and Signs and Blanks, Inc. to J. Pollock & Company. This covenant is tested quarterly. CASH FLOW REQUIREMENTS. Maintain Cash Flow at not less than the following level: 1.2 times the consolidated sum of current maturities of long-term debt, plus dividends, plus capital expenditures not funded by term debt or under the Kent IRB. This covenant is to be tested quarterly using the accumulated total of the previous four quarters, except that for Albex, Inc. and Signs and Blanks, Inc., one quarter shall be used at September 30, 1997, two quarters at December 31, 1997, three quarters at March 31, 1998 and four quarters, thereafter. Except as provided above, all computations made to determine compliance with the requirements contained in this paragraph shall be made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis, and certified by Borrower as being true and correct. INSURANCE. Maintain fire and other risk insurance, public liability insurance, and such other insurance as Lender may require with respect to Borrower's properties and operations, in form, amounts, coverages and with insurance companies reasonably acceptable to Lender. Borrower, upon request of Lender, will deliver to Lender from time to time the policies or certificates of insurance in form satisfactory to Lender, including stipulations that coverages will not be cancelled or diminished without at least ten (10) days' prior written notice to Lender. Each insurance policy also shall include an endorsement providing that coverage in favor of Lender will not be impaired in any way by any act, omission or default of Borrower or any other person. In connection with all policies covering assets in which Lender holds or is offered a security interest for the Loans, Borrower will provide Lender with such loss payable or other endorsements as Lender may require. INSURANCE REPORTS. Furnish to Lender, upon request of Lender, reports on each existing insurance policy showing such information as Lender may reasonably request, including without limitation the following: (a) the name of the insurer; (b) the risks insured: (c) the amount of the policy; (d) the properties insured; (e) the then current property values on the basis of which insurance has been obtained, and the manner of determining those values; and (f) the expiration date of the policy. In addition, upon request of Lender (however not more often than annually), Borrower will have an independent appraiser satisfactory to Lender determine, as applicable, the actual cash value or replacement cost of any Collateral. The cost of such appraisal shall be paid by Borrower, 4 09-30-1997 BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Page 4 Loan No (Continued) ================================================================================ OTHER AGREEMENTS. Comply with all terms and conditions of all other agreements, whether now or hereafter existing, between Borrower and any other party and notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in connection with any other such agreements. LOAN FEES AND CHARGES. In addition to all other agreed upon fees and charges, pay the following: .500% on funded portion of loan secured by equipment; 1.000% on funded portion of loan secured by real estate, and .250% documentation fee on portion secured by real estate. LOAN PROCEEDS. Use all Loan proceeds solely for Borrower's business operations, unless specifically consented to the contrary by Lender in writing. TAXES, CHARGES AND LIENS. Pay and discharge when due all of its indebtedness and obligations, including without limitation all assessments, taxes, governmental charges, levies and liens, of every kind and nature, imposed upon Borrower or its properties, income, or profits, prior to the date on which penalties would attach, and all lawful claims that, if unpaid, might become a lien or charge upon any of Borrower's properties, income, or profits. Provided however, Borrower will not be required to pay and discharge any such assessment, tax, charge, levy, lien or claim so long as (a) the legality of the same shall be contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and (b) Borrower shall have established on its books adequate reserves with respect to such contested assessment, tax, charge, levy, lien, or claim in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices. Borrower, upon demand of Lender, will furnish to Lender evidence of payment of the assessments, taxes, charges, levies, liens and claims and will authorize the appropriate governmental official to deliver to Lender at any time a written statement of any assessments, taxes, charges, levies, liens and claims against Borrower's properties, income, or profits. PERFORMANCE. Perform and comply with all terms, conditions, and provisions set forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents in a timely manner, and promptly notify Lender if Borrower learns of the occurrence of any event which constitutes an Event of Default under this Agreement or under any of the Related Documents. OPERATIONS. Maintain executive and management personnel with substantially the same qualifications and experience as the present executive and management personnel; conduct its business affairs in a reasonable and prudent manner and in compliance with all applicable federal, state and municipal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations respecting its properties, charters, businesses and operations, including without limitation, compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and with all minimum funding standards and other requirements of ERISA and other laws applicable to Borrower's employee benefit plans. INSPECTION. Permit employees or agents of Lender at any reasonable time to inspect any and all Collateral for the Loan or Loans and Borrower's other properties and to examine or audit Borrower's books, accounts, and records and to make copies and memoranda of Borrower's books, accounts, and records. If Borrower now or at any time hereafter maintains any records (including without limitation computer generated records and computer software programs for the generation of such records) in the possession of a third party, Borrower, upon request of Lender, shall notify such party to permit Lender free access to such records at all reasonable times and to provide Lender with copies of any records it may request, all at Borrower's expense. COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE. Unless waived in writing by Lender, provide Lender at least annually and at the time of each disbursement of Loan proceeds with a certificate executed by Borrower's chief financial officer, or other officer or person acceptable to Lender, certifying that the representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement are true and correct as of the date of the certificate and further certifying that, as of the date of the certificate, no Event of Default exists under this Agreement. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND REPORTS. Borrower shall comply in all respects with all environmental protection federal, state and local laws, statutes, regulations and ordinances; not cause or permit to exist, as a result of an intentional or unintentional action or omission on its part or on the part of any third party, on property owned and/or occupied by Borrower, any environmental activity where damage may result to the environment, unless such environmental activity is pursuant to and in compliance with the conditions of a permit issued by the appropriate federal, state or local governmental authorities; shall furnish to Lender promptly and in any event within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof a copy of any notice, summons, lien, citation, directive, letter or other communication from any governmental agency or instrumentality concerning any intentional or unintentional action or omission on Borrower's part in connection with any environmental activity whether or not there is damage to the environment and/or other natural resources. ADDITIONAL ASSURANCES. Make, execute and deliver to Lender such promissory notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, financing statements, instruments, documents and other agreements as Lender or its attorneys may reasonably request to evidence and secure the Loans and to perfect all Security Interests. NEGATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that while this Agreement is in effect, Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of Lender: INDEBTEDNESS AND LIENS. (a) Except for trade debt incurred in the normal course of business and indebtedness to Lender contemplated by this Agreement, create, incur or assume indebtedness for borrowed money, including capital leases, (b) except as allowed as a Permitted Lien, sell, transfer, mortgage, assign, pledge, lease, grant a security interest in, or encumber any of Borrower's assets, or (c) sell with recourse any of Borrower's accounts, except to Lender. CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS. (a) Engage in any business activities substantially different than those in which Borrower is presently engaged, (b) cease operations, liquidate, merge, transfer, acquire or consolidate with any other entity, change ownership, change its name, dissolve or transfer or sell Collateral out of the ordinary course of business, (c) pay any dividends on Borrower's stock (other than dividends payable in its stock), provided, however that notwithstanding the foregoing, but only so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the payment of dividends, if Borrower is a "Subchapter S Corporation" (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), Borrower may pay cash dividends on its stock to its shareholders from time to time in amounts necessary to enable the shareholders to pay income taxes and make estimated income tax payments to satisfy their liabilities under federal and state law which arise solely from their status as Shareholders of a Subchapter S Corporation because of their ownership of shares of stock of Borrower, or (d) purchase or retire any of Borrower's outstanding shares or alter or amend Borrower's capital structure. LOANS, ACQUISITIONS AND GUARANTIES. (a) Loan, invest in or advance money or assets, (b) purchase, create or acquire any interest in any other enterprise or entity, or (c) incur any obligation as surety or guarantor other than in the ordinary course of business. CESSATION OF ADVANCES. If Lender has made any commitment to make any Loan to Borrower, whether under this Agreement or under any other agreement, Lender shall have no obligation to make Loan Advances or to disburse Loan proceeds if: (a) Borrower or any Guarantor is in default under the terms of this Agreement or any of the Related Documents or any other agreement that Borrower or any Guarantor has with Lender: (b) Borrower or any Guarantor becomes insolvent, files a petition in bankruptcy or similar proceedings, or is adjudged a bankrupt; (c) there occurs a material adverse change in Borrower's financial condition, in the financial condition of any Guarantor, or in the value of any Collateral securing any Loan; (d) any Guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise attempts to limit, modify or revoke such Guarantor's guaranty of the Loan or any other loan with Lender; or ADVANCES. Each time Borrower requests an advance under the Note, Borrower must provide in writing to Lender the following: (1) the amount requested, (2) the purpose of such advance, and (3) an invoice noting the date and purchase price of equipment (if new equipment is being purchased); an appraisal (at orderly liquidation value - sale within six months) of the equipment if Borrower is requesting an advance on existing 5 09-30-1997 BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Page 5 Loan No (Continued) =============================================================================== equipment; or a fair market value appraisal on real estate if Borrower is requesting an advance on real estate. Lender will advance up to 80% of the cost of equipment (if newly purchased); 80% of the orderly liquidation value (sale within six months) of existing equipment; and 75% of the fair market value of real estate. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement: DEFAULT ON INDEBTEDNESS. Failure of Borrower to make any payment when due on the Loans. OTHER DEFAULTS. Failure of Borrower or any Grantor to comply with or to perform when due any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any of the Related Documents, or failure of Borrower to comply with or to perform any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and Borrower. DEFAULT IN FAVOR OF THIRD PARTIES. Should Borrower or any Grantor default under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may materially affect any of Borrower's property or Borrower's or any Grantor's ability to repay the Loans or perform their respective obligations under this Agreement or any of the Related Documents. FALSE STATEMENTS. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by or on behalf of Borrower or any Grantor under this Agreement or the Related Documents is false or misleading in any material respect at the time made or furnished, or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter. DEFECTIVE COLLATERALIZATION. This Agreement or any of the Related Documents ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any Security Agreement to create a valid and perfected Security Interest) at any time and for any reason. INSOLVENCY. The dissolution or termination of Borrower's existence as a going business, the insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a receiver for any part of Borrower's property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Borrower. CREDITOR OR FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS. Commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Borrower, any creditor of any Grantor against any collateral securing the Indebtedness, or by any governmental agency. This includes a garnishment, attachment, or levy on or of any of Borrower's deposit accounts with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a good faith dispute by Borrower or Grantor, as the case may be, as to the validity or reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding, and if Borrower or Grantor gives Lender written notice of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and furnishes reserves or a surety bond for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding satisfactory to Lender. EVENTS AFFECTING GUARANTOR. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect to any Guarantor of any of the Indebtedness or any Guarantor dies or becomes incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability under, any Guaranty of the Indebtedness. Lender, at its option, may, but shall not be required to, permit the Guarantor's estate to assume unconditionally the obligations arising under the guaranty in a manner satisfactory to Lender and in doing so cure the Event of Default. CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP. The Failure of Jacob Pollock, or the trustee(s) of the trust(s) for the benefit of Jacob Pollock's family, or the executor of Jacob Pollock's estate to own at least 51% of the voting securities of the Borrower. ADVERSE CHANGE. A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the Indebtedness is impaired. RIGHT TO CURE. If any default other than a Default on Indebtedness, is curable and if Borrower or Grantor, as the case may be, has not been given a notice of a similar default within the preceding twelve (12) months, it may be cured (and no Event of Default will have occurred) if Borrower or Grantor, as the case may be, after receiving written notice from Lender demanding cure of such default: (a) cures the default within fifteen (15) days; or (b) if the cure requires more than fifteen (15) days, immediately initiates steps which Lender deems in Lender's sole discretion to be sufficient to cure the default and thereafter continues and completes all reasonable and necessary steps sufficient to produce compliance as soon as reasonably practical. EFFECT OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT. If any Event of Default shall occur, except where otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Related Documents, all commitments and obligations of Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents or any other agreement immediately will terminate (including any obligation to make Loan Advances or disbursements), and, at Lender's option, all Indebtedness immediately will become due term payable, all without notice of any kind to Borrower, except that in the case of an Event of Default of the type described in the "Insolvency" subsection above, such acceleration shall be automatic and not optional. In addition, Lender shall have all the rights and remedies provided in the Related Documents or available at law, in equity, or otherwise. Except as may be prohibited by applicable law, all of Lender's rights and remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently. Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to perform an obligation of Borrower or of any Grantor shall not affect Lender's right to declare a default and to exercise its rights and remedies. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of this Agreement: AMENDMENTS. This Agreement, together with any Related Documents, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the matters set forth in this Agreement. No alteration of or amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or amendment. APPLICABLE LAW. THIS AGREEMENT HAS BEEN DELIVERED TO LENDER AND ACCEPTED BY LENDER IN THE STATE OF OHIO. IF THERE IS A LAWSUIT, BORROWER AGREES UPON LENDER'S REQUEST TO SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF SUMMIT COUNTY, THE STATE OF OHIO. LENDER AND BORROWER HEREBY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO ANY JURY TRIAL IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING, OR COUNTERCLAIM BROUGHT BY EITHER LENDER OR BORROWER AGAINST THE OTHER. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF OHIO. CAPTION HEADINGS. Caption Headings in this Agreement are for convenience purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions of this Agreement. MULTIPLE PARTIES; CORPORATE AUTHORITY. All obligations of Borrower under this Agreement shall be joint and several, and all references to Borrower shall mean each and every Borrower. This means that each of the persons signing below is responsible for ALL obligations in this Agreement. CONSENT TO LOAN PARTICIPATION. Borrower agrees and consents to Lender's sale or transfer, whether now or later, of one or more participation interests in the Loans to one or more purchasers, whether related or unrelated to Lender. Lender may provide, without any limitation whatsoever, to any one or more purchasers, or potential purchasers, any information or knowledge Lender may have about Borrower or about any other matter relating to the Loan, and Borrower hereby waives any rights to privacy it may have with respect to such matters. Borrower additionally waives any and all notices of sale of participation interests, as well as all notices of any repurchase of such participation interests. Borrower also agrees that the purchasers of any such participation interests will be considered as the absolute owners of such interests in the Loans and will have all the rights granted under the participation agreement or agreements governing the sale of such participation interests. Borrower further waives all rights of offset or counterclaim that it may have now or later against Lender or against any purchaser of such a participation interest and 6 09-30-1997 BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Page 6 Loan No (Continued) unconditionally agrees that either Lender or such purchaser may enforce Borrower's obligation under the Loans irrespective of the failure or insolvency of any holder of any interest in the Loans. Borrower further agrees that the purchaser of any such participation interests may enforce its interests irrespective of any personal claims or defenses that Borrower may have against Lender. COSTS AND EXPENSES. Borrower agrees to pay upon demand all of Lender's expenses, including without limitation attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with the preparation, execution, enforcement, modification and collection of this Agreement or in connection with the Loans made pursuant to this Agreement. Lender may pay someone else to help collect the Loans and to enforce this Agreement, and Borrower will pay that amount. This includes, subject to any limits under applicable law, Lender's attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses, whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorneys' fees for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services. Borrower also will pay any court costs, in addition to all other sums provided by law. NOTICES. All notices required to be given under this Agreement shall be given in writing, may be sent by telefacsimile, and shall be effective when actually delivered or when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier or deposited in the United States mail, first class, postage prepaid, addressed to the party to whom the notice is to be given at the address shown above. Any party may change its address for notices under this Agreement by giving formal written notice to the other parties, specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party's address. To the extent permitted by applicable law, if there is more than one Borrower, notice to any Borrower will constitute notice to all Borrowers. For notice purposes, Borrower will keep Lender informed at all times of Borrower's current address(es). SEVERABILITY. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable as to any person or circumstance, such finding shall not render that provision invalid or unenforceable as to any other persons or circumstances. If feasible, any such offending provision shall be deemed to be modified to be within the limits of enforceability or validity; however, if the offending provision cannot be so modified, it shall be stricken and all other provisions of this Agreement in all other respects shall remain valid and enforceable. SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES OF BORROWER. To the extent the context of any provisions of this Agreement makes it appropriate, including without limitation any representation, warranty or covenant, the word "Borrower" as used herein shall include all subsidiaries and affiliates of Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing however, under no circumstances shall this Agreement be construed to require Lender to make any Loan or other financial accommodation to any subsidiary or affiliate of Borrower. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. All covenants and agreements contained by or on behalf of Borrower shall bind its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Lender, its successors and assigns. Borrower shall not, however, have the right to assign its rights under this Agreement or any interest therein, without the prior written consent of Lender. SURVIVAL. All warranties, representations, and covenants made by Borrower in this Agreement or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by Borrower to Lender under this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by Lender and will survive the making of the Loan and delivery to Lender of the Related Documents, regardless of any investigation made by Lender or on Lender's behalf. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. Time is of the essence in the performance of this Agreement. WAIVER. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of a provision of this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other provision of this Agreement. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Borrower, or between Lender and any Grantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any obligations of Borrower or of any Grantor as to any future transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this Agreement, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute continuing consent in subsequent instances where such consent is required, and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of Lender. 7 09-30-1997 BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Page 7 Loan No (Continued) =============================================================================== BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT, AND BORROWER AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS AGREEMENT IS DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER, 30, 1997. BORROWER: RVM INDUSTRIES INC; RAVENS, INC.; SIGNS AND BLANKS INC.; ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC. BY: ------------------------------------------------------------- JACOB POLLOCK, CHAIRMAN, CEO, TREASURER OF RVM INDUSTRIES, INC. BY: ------------------------------------------------------------- RICHARD D. POLLOCK, PRESIDENT, COO, OF RVM INDUSTRIES, INC. BY: /s/ John J. Stitz ------------------------------------------------------------- JOHN J. STITZ, VICE PRESIDENT, CFO OF RVM INDUSTRIES, INC BY: -------------------------------------------------------------- JACOB POLLOCK, CHAIRMAN, CEO, TREASURER OF RAVENS, INC. BY: /s/ John J. Stitz -------------------------------------------------------------- JOHN J. STITZ, VICE PRESIDENT, CFO OF RAVENS, INC. BY: -------------------------------------------------------------- JACOB POLLOCK, CEO OF SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC. BY: -------------------------------------------------------------- RICHARD D. POLLOCK, TREASURER OF SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC. BY: /s/ John J. Stitz --------------------------------------------------------------- JOHN J. STITZ, VICE PRESIDENT OF SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC. BY: --------------------------------------------------------------- JACOB POLLOCK, CEO OF ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC. BY: --------------------------------------------------------------- RICHARD D. POLLOCK, TREASURER OF ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC. BY: /s/ John J. Stitz --------------------------------------------------------------- JOHN J. STITZ, VICE PRESIDENT OF ALBEX ALUMINUM INC. LENDER: FIRSTMERIT BANK, N.A. BY: /s/ James V. Cannella ------------------------------------ AUTHORIZED OFFICER LASER PRO, Reg U S Pat & T M Off Ver. 3. 23 (c) 1997 CFl ProServices, Inc. All rights reserved. [OH-C40 RMV2.LN] 8 PROMISSORY NOTE ==================================================================================================== PRINCIPAL LOAN DATE MATURITY LOAN NO. CALL COLLATERAL ACCOUNT OFFICER INITIALS $5,000,000.00 09-30-1997 09-30-2006 UCC JVC /s/ JVC ======================================================================================================
References in the shaded area are for Lender's use only and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item. ================================================================================ BORROWER: RVM INDUSTRIES, INC.; RAVENS, INC.; SIGNS AND LENDER: FIRSTMERIT BANK, N.A. BLANKS, INC.; ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC. ASSET BASED LENDING 753 W. WATERLOO RD. 106 SOUTH MAIN STREET AKRON, OH 44314 AKRON, OH 44308 ================================================================================================ PRINCIPAL AMOUNT: $5,000,000.00 INITIAL RATE: 8.500% DATE OF NOTE: SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
PROMISE TO PAY. RVM INDUSTRIES, INC.; RAVENS, INC.; SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC.; ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC. ("BORROWER") PROMISES TO PAY TO FIRSTMERIT BANK, N.A. ("LENDER"), OR ORDER, IN LAWFUL MONEY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF FIVE MILLION & 00/100 DOLLARS, ($5,000,000.00) OR SO MUCH AS MAY BE OUTSTANDING, TOGETHER WITH INTEREST ON THE UNPAID OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF EACH ADVANCE. INTEREST SHALL BE CALCULATED FROM THE DATE OF EACH ADVANCE UNTIL REPAYMENT OF EACH ADVANCE. PAYMENT. BORROWER WILL PAY THIS LOAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING PAYMENT SCHEDULE: 84 EQUAL MONTHLY PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS BEGINNING OCTOBER 30, 1999 WITH ALL SUBSEQUENT PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS DUE ON THE SAME DAY EACH MONTH AFTER THAT. IN ADDITION, BORROWER WILL PAY REGULAR MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF ACCRUED UNPAID INTEREST BEGINNING OCTOBER 31, 1997, AND ALL SUBSEQUENT INTEREST PAYMENTS ARE DUE ON THE SAME DAY OF EACH MONTH AFTER THAT Interest on this Note is computed on a 365/360 simple interest basis; that is, by applying the ratio of the annual interest rate over a year of 360 days, multiplied by the outstanding principal balance, multiplied by the actual number of days the principal balance is outstanding. Borrower will pay Lender at Lender's address shown above or at such other place as Lender may designate in writing. Unless otherwise agreed or required by applicable law, payments will be applied first to accrued unpaid interest, then to principal, and any remaining amount to any unpaid collection costs and late charges. VARIABLE INTEREST RATE. The interest rate on this Note is subject to change from time to time based on changes in an index which is Lender's Prime Rate (the "Index"). This is the rate Lender charges, or would charge, on 90-day unsecured loans to the most creditworthy corporate customers. This rate may or may not be the lowest rate available from Lender at any given time. Lender will tell Borrower the current index rate upon Borrower's request. Borrower understands that Lender may make loans based on other rates as well. The interest rate change will not occur more often than each day as prime changes. THE INDEX CURRENTLY IS 8.500% PER ANNUM. THE INTEREST RATE TO BE APPLIED TO THE UNPAID PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS NOTE WILL BE AT A RATE EQUAL TO THE INDEX, RESULTING IN AN INITIAL RATE OF 8.500% PER ANNUM. NOTICE: Under no circumstances will the interest rate on this Note be more than the maximum rate allowed by applicable law. PREPAYMENT. Borrower may pay without penalty all or a portion of the amount owed earlier than it is due. Early payments will not, unless agreed to by Lender in writing, relieve Borrower of Borrower's obligation to continue to make payments of accrued unpaid interest. Rather, they will reduce the principal balance due. LATE CHARGE. If a payment is 10 DAYS OR MORE LATE, Borrower will be charged 5.00% OF THE UNPAID PORTION OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED PAYMENT OR $35.00, WHICHEVER IS GREATER. DEFAULT. Borrower will be in default if any of the following happens: (a) Borrower fails to make any payment when due. (b) Borrower breaks any promise Borrower has made to Lender, or Borrower fails to comply with or to perform when due any other term, obligation, covenant, or condition contained in this Note or any agreement related to this Note, or in any other agreement or loan Borrower has with Lender. (c) Borrower defaults under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may materially affect any of Borrower's property or Borrower's ability to repay this Note or perform Borrower's obligations under this Note or any of the Related Documents. (d) Any representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by Borrower or on Borrower's behalf is false or misleading in any material respect either now or at the time made or furnished. (e) Borrower becomes insolvent, a receiver is appointed for any part of Borrower's property, Borrower makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or any proceeding is commenced either by Borrower or against Borrower under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws. (f) Any creditor tries to take any of Borrower's property on or in which Lender has a lien or security interest. This includes a garnishment of any of Borrower's accounts with Lender. (g) Any guarantor dies or any of the other events described in this default section occurs with respect to any guarantor of this Note. (h) A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial condition or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the Indebtedness is impaired. If any default, other than a default in payment, is curable and if Borrower has not been given a notice of a breach of the same provision of this Note within the preceding twelve (12) months, it may be cured (and no event of default will have occurred) if Borrower after receiving written notice from Lender demanding cure of such default: (a) cures the default within fifteen (15) days or (b) if the cure requires more than fifteen (15) days, immediately initiates steps which Lender deems in Lender's sole discretion to be sufficient to cure the default and thereafter continues and completes all reasonable and necessary steps sufficient to produce compliance as soon as reasonably practical. LENDER'S RIGHTS. Upon default, Lender may declare the entire unpaid principal balance on this Note and all accrued unpaid interest immediately due, without notice, and then Borrower will pay that amount. Lender may hire or pay someone else to help collect this Note if Borrower does not pay. Borrower also will pay Lender that amount. This includes, subject to any limits under applicable law, Lender's attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorneys' fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services. If not prohibited by applicable law, Borrower also will pay any court costs, in addition to all other sums provided by law. THIS NOTE HAS, BEEN DELIVERED TO LENDER AND ACCEPTED BY LENDER IN THE STATE OF OHIO. IF THERE IS A LAWSUIT, BORROWER AGREES UPON LENDER'S REQUEST TO SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF SUMMIT COUNTY, THE STATE OF OHIO. LENDER AND BORROWER HEREBY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO ANY JURY TRIAL IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING, OR COUNTERCLAIM BROUGHT BY EITHER LENDER OR BORROWER AGAINST THE OTHER. THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF OHIO. CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT. Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes and empowers any attorney-at-law, including an attorney hired by Lender, to appear in any court of record and to confess judgment against Borrower for the unpaid amount of this Note as evidenced by an affidavit signed by an officer of Lender setting forth the amount then due, plus attorneys' fees as provided in this Note, plus costs of suit, and to release all errors, and waive all rights of appeal. If a copy of this Note, verified by an affidavit, shall have been filed in the proceeding, it will not be necessary to file the original as a warrant of attorney. Borrower waives the right to any stay of execution and the benefit of all exemption laws now or hereafter in effect. No single exercise of the foregoing warrant and power to confess judgment will be deemed to exhaust the power, whether or not any such exercise shall be held by any court to be invalid, voidable, or void; but the power will continue undiminished and may be exercised from time to time as Lender may elect until all amounts owing on this Note have been paid in full. Borrower waives any conflict of interest that an attorney hired by Lender may have in acting on behalf of Borrower in confessing judgment against Borrower while such attorney is retained by Lender. Borrower expressly consents to such attorney acting for Borrower in confessing judgment. 9 09-30-1997 PROMISSORY NOTE Page 2 Loan No (Continued) ================================================================================ DISHONORED ITEM FEE. Borrower will pay a fee to Lender of $22.00 if Borrower makes a payment on Borrower's loan and the check or preauthorized charge with which Borrower pays is later dishonored. LINE OF CREDIT. This Note evidences a straight line of credit. Once the total. amount of principal has been advanced, Borrower is not entitled to further loan advances. Advances under this Note, as well as directions for payment from Borrower's accounts, may be requested orally or in writing by Borrower or by an authorized person. Lender may, but need not, require that all oral requests be confirmed in writing. The following party or parties are authorized to request advances under the line of credit until Lender receives from Borrower at Lender's address shown above written notice of revocation of their authority: Jacob Pollock, Chairman, CEO, Treasurer, of RVM Industries, Inc.; Richard D. Pollock, PresIdent, COO, of RVM Industries, Inc.; John J. Stitz, VIce President, CFO of RVM Industries, Inc.; Jacob Pollock, Chairman, CEO, Treasurer of Ravens, Inc.; John J. Stitz, VIce President, CFO of Ravens, Inc.; Jacob Pollock, CEO of Signs, and Blanks, Inc.; Richard D. Pollock, Treasurer of Signs, and Blanks, Inc.; John J. Stitz, Vice President of SIgns and Blanks, Inc.; Jacob Pollock, CEO of Albex Aluminum, Inc.; Richard D. Pollock, Treasurer of Albex Aluminum, Inc.; and John J. Stitz, Vice President of Albex Aluminum, Inc. Borrower agrees to be liable for all sums either: (a) advanced in accordance with the instructions of an authorized person or (b) credited to any of Borrower's accounts with Lender. The unpaid principal. balance owing on this Note at any time may be evidenced by endorsements on this Note or by Lender's internal records, including daily computer print-outs. Lender will have no obligation to advance funds under this Note if: (a) Borrower or any guarantor is in default under the terms of this Note or any agreement that Borrower or any guarantor has with Lender, including any agreement made in connection with the signing of this Note; (b) Borrower or any guarantor ceases doing business or is insolvent; (c) any guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise attempts to limit, modify or revoke such guarantor's guarantee of this Note or any other loan with Lender; (d) Borrower has applied funds provided pursuant to this Note for purposes other than those authorized by Lender; or . ADVANCES. Each time Borrower requests an advance under the Note, Borrower must provide in writing to Lender the following: (1) the amount requested, (2) the purpose of such advance, and (3) an invoice noting the date and purchase price of equipment (if new equipment is being purchased); an appraisal (at orderly liquidation value - sale within six months) of the equipment if Borrower is requesting an advance on existing equipment; or a fair market value appraisal. on real estate if Borrower is requesting an advance on real estate. Lender will advance up to 80% of the cost of equipment (if newly purchased); 80% of the orderly liquidation value (sale within six months) of existing equipment; and 75% of the fair market value of real estate. GENERAL PROVISIONS. If any part of this Note cannot be enforced, this fact will not affect the rest of the Note. In particular, this section means (among other things) that Borrower does not agree or intend to pay, and Lender does not agree or intend to contract for, charge, collect, take, reserve or receive (collectively referred to herein as "charge or collect"), any amount in the nature of interest or in the nature of a fee for this loan, which would in any way or event (including demand, prepayment, or acceleration) cause Lender to charge or collect more for this loan than the maximum Lender would be permitted to charge or collect by federal law or the law of the State of Ohio (as applicable). Any such excess interest or unauthorized fee shall, instead of anything stated to the contrary, be applied first to reduce the principal balance of this loan, and when the principal has been paid in full, be refunded to Borrower. Lender may delay or forgo enforcing any of its rights or remedies under this Note without losing them. Borrower and any other person who signs, guarantees or endorses this Note, to the extent allowed by law, waive presentment, demand for payment, protest and notice of dishonor. Upon any change in the terms of this Note, and unless otherwise expressly stated in writing, no party who signs this Note, whether as maker, guarantor, accommodation maker or endorser, shall be released from liability. All such parties agree that Lender may renew or extend (repeatedly and for any length of time) this loan, or release any party or guarantor or collateral; or impair, fail to realize upon or perfect Lender's security interest in the collateral; and take any other action deemed necessary by Lender without the consent of or notice to anyone. All such parties also agree that Lender may modify this loan without the consent of or notice to anyone other than the party with whom the modification is made. 10 09-30-1997 PROMISSORY NOTE Page 3 Loan No (Continued) =============================================================================== PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS NOTE, BORROWER READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS NOTE, INCLUDING THE VARIABLE INTEREST RATE PROVISIONS. BORROWER AGREES TO THE TERMS OF THE NOTE AND ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF A COMPLETED COPY OF THE NOTE; =============================================================================== NOTICE: FOR THIS NOTICE "YOU" MEANS THE BORROWER AND "HIS" MEANS LENDER. WARNING - BY SIGNING THIS PAPER YOU GIVE UP YOUR RIGHT TO NOTICE AND COURT TRIAL. IF YOU DO NOT PAY ON TIME, A COURT JUDGMENT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU WITHOUT YOUR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE AND THE POWERS OF A COURT CAN BE USED TO COLLECT FROM YOU REGARDLESS OF ANY CLAIMS YOU MAY HAVE AGAINST THE CREDITOR WHETHER FOR RETURNED GOODS, FAULTY GOODS, FAILURE ON HIS PART TO COMPLY WITH THE AGREEMENT, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE. ================================================================================ BORROWER: RVM Industries, Inc.; Ravens, Inc.; Signs and Blanks, Inc.; Albex Aluminum, Inc. By: -------------------------------------------------------------- Jacob Pollock, Chairman, CEO, Treasurer of RVM Industries, Inc. By: -------------------------------------------------------------- Richard D Pollock, President, COO of RVM Industries, Inc. By: /s/ John J. Stitz, -------------------------------------------------------------- John J Stitz, Vice President, CFO of RVM Industries Inc. By: -------------------------------------------------------------- Jacob Pollock, Chairman, CEO, Treasurer of Ravens, Inc. By: /s/ John J. Stitz -------------------------------------------------------------- John J. Stitz, Vice President, CFO of Ravens, Inc. By: -------------------------------------------------------------- Jacob Pollock, CEO of Signs and Blanks, Inc By: -------------------------------------------------------------- Richard D Pollock, Treasurer of Signs and Blanks, Inc. By: /s/ John J. Stitz -------------------------------------------------------------- John J. Stitz, Vice President of Signs and Blanks, Inc. By: -------------------------------------------------------------- Jacob Pollock, CEO of Albex Aluminum, Inc. By: -------------------------------------------------------------- Richard D. Pollock, Treasurer of Albex Aluminum, Inc. By: /s/ John J. Stitz -------------------------------------------------------------- John J. Stitz, Vice President of Albex Aluminum, Inc. =============================================================================== Variable Rate. Line of Credit. LASER PRO, Reg. U.S. Pat. & T.M. Off., Ver. 3.23(c) 1997 CFI ProServices, Inc. All rights reserved. [OH-D20 RMV2.LN] EX-10.III 4 EXHIBIT 10(III) 1 Exhibit 10(iii) COMMERCIAL GUARANTY
======================================================================================================================= PRINCIPAL LOAN DATE MATURITY LOAN NO CALL COLLATERAL ACCOUNT OFFICER INITIALS UCC JVC =======================================================================================================================
References in the shaded area are for Lender's use only and do not limit the applicable of this document to any particular loan or item. =============================================================================== Borrower: RVM Industries, Inc.; Ravens, Inc.; Signs Lender: FirstMerit Bank, N.A. and Blanks, Inc.; Albex Aluminum, Inc. Asset Based Lending 753 W. Waterloo Rd. 106 South Main Street Akron, OH 44314 Akron, OH 44308 Guarantor: Jacob Pollock 2375 Covington Rd. #46 Akron, OH 44313 =======================================================================================================================
AMOUNT OF GUARANTY. The amount of this Guaranty is Two Million Five Hundred Thousand & 00/100 Dollars ($2,500,000.00). CONTINUING GUARANTY. For good and valuable consideration, Jacob Pollock ("Guarantor") absolutely and unconditionally guarantees and promises to pay to FirstMerit Bank, N.A. ("Lender") or its order, in legal tender of the United States of America, the Indebtedness, (as that term is defined below) of RVM Industries, Inc.; Ravens, Inc.; Signs and Blanks, Inc.; Albex Aluminum, Inc. ("Borrower") to Lender on the terms and conditions set forth in this Guaranty. The obligations of Guarantor under this Guaranty are continuing. DEFINITIONS. The following words shall have the following meanings when used in this Guaranty: BORROWER. The word "Borrower" means RVM Industries, Inc.; Ravens, Inc.; Signs and Blanks, Inc.; Albex Aluminum, Inc.. GUARANTOR. The word "Guarantor" means Jacob Pollock GUARANTY. The word "Guaranty" means this Guaranty made by Guarantor for the benefit of Lender dated September 30, 1997. INDEBTEDNESS. The word "Indebtedness" is used in its most comprehensive sense and means and includes any and all of Borrower's liabilities, obligations, debts, and indebtedness to Lender, now existing or hereinafter incurred or created, including, without limitation, all loans, advances, interest, costs, debts, overdraft indebtedness, credit card indebtedness, lease obligations, other obligations, and liabilities of Borrower, or any of them, and any present or future judgments against Borrower, or any of them; and whether any such Indebtedness is voluntarily or involuntarily incurred, due or not due, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, determined or undetermined; whether Borrower may be liable individually or jointly with others, or primarily or secondarily, or as guarantor or surety; whether recovery on the Indebtedness may be or may become barred or unenforceable against Borrower for any reason whatsoever; and whether the Indebtedness arises from transactions which may be voidable on account of infancy, insanity, ultra vires, or otherwise. LENDER. The word "Lender" means FirstMerit Bank, N.A., its successors and assigns. RELATED DOCUMENTS. The words "Related Documents" mean and include without limitation all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements, environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness. MAXIMUM LIABILITY. THE MAXIMUM LIABILITY OF GUARANTOR UNDER THIS GUARANTY SHALL NOT EXCEED AT ANY ONE TIME $2,500,000.00 PLUS ALL COSTS AND EXPENSES OF (a) ENFORCEMENT OF THIS GUARANTY AND (b) COLLECTION AND SALE OF ANY COLLATERAL SECURING THIS GUARANTY. The above limitation on liability is not a restriction on the amount of the Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender either in the aggregate or at any one time. If Lender presently holds one or more guaranties, or hereafter receives additional guaranties from Guarantor, the rights of Lender under all guaranties shall be cumulative. This Guaranty shall not (unless specifically provided below to the contrary) affect or invalidate any such other guaranties. The liability of Guarantor will be the aggregate liability of Guarantor under the terms of this Guaranty and any such other unterminated guaranties. NATURE OF GUARANTY. Guarantor's liability under this Guaranty shall be open and continuous for so long as this Guaranty remains in force. Guarantor intends to guarantee at all times the performance and prompt payment when due, whether at maturity or earlier by reason of acceleration or otherwise, of all Indebtedness within the limits set forth in the preceding section of this Guaranty. Accordingly, no payments made upon the Indebtedness will discharge or diminish the continuing liability of Guarantor in connection with any remaining portions of the Indebtedness or any of the Indebtedness which subsequently arises or is thereafter incurred or contracted. DURATION OF GUARANTY. This Guaranty will take effect when received by Lender without the necessity of any acceptance by Lender, or any notice to Guarantor or to Borrower, and will continue in full force until all Indebtedness incurred or contracted shall have been fully and finally paid and satisfied and all other obligations of Guarantor under this Guaranty shall have been performed in full. This Guaranty will continue to bind Guarantor for all Indebtedness incurred by Borrower or committed by Lender, including any extensions renewals, substitutions or modifications of the Indebtedness. This Guaranty shall bind the estate of Guarantor as to Indebtedness created both before and after the death or incapacity of Guarantor, regardless of Lender's actual notice of Guarantor's death. Release of any other guarantor or termination of any other guaranty of the Indebtedness shall not affect the liability of Guarantor under this Guaranty. It is anticipated that fluctuations may occur in the aggregate amount of Indebtedness covered by this Guaranty, and it is specifically acknowledged and agreed by Guarantor that reductions in the amount of Indebtedness, even to zero dollars ($0.00), shall not constitute a termination of this Guaranty. This Guaranty is binding upon Guarantor and Guarantor's heirs, successors and assigns so long as any of the guaranteed Indebtedness remains unpaid and even though the Indebtedness guaranteed may from time to time be zero dollars ($0.00). GUARANTOR'S AUTHORIZATION TO LENDER. Guarantor authorizes Lender, without notice or demand and without lessening Guarantor's liability under this Guaranty, from time to time: (a) to make one or more additional secured or unsecured loans to Borrower, to lease equipment or other goods to Borrower, or otherwise to extend additional credit to Borrower; (b) to alter, compromise, renew, extend, accelerate, or otherwise change one or more times the time for payment or other terms of the Indebtedness or any part of the Indebtedness, including increases and decreases of the rate of interest on the Indebtedness; extensions may be repeated and may be for longer than the original loan term; (c) to take and hold security for the payment of 2 09-30-1997 COMMERCIAL GUARANTY PAGE 2 LOAN NO (CONTINUED) ================================================================================ this Guaranty or the Indebtedness, and exchange, enforce, waive, subordinate, fail or decide not to perfect, and release any such security, with or without the substitution of new collateral; (d) to release, substitute, agree not to sue, or deal with any one or more of Borrower's sureties, endorsers, or other guarantors on any terms or in any manner Lender may choose; (e) to determine how, when and what application of payments and credits shall be made on the Indebtedness; (f) to apply such security and direct the order or manner of sale thereof, including without limitation, any nonjudicial sale permitted by the terms of the controlling security agreement or deed of trust, as Lender in its discretion may determine; (g) to sell, transfer, assign, or grant participations in all or any part of the Indebtedness; and (h) to assign or transfer this Guaranty in whole or in part. GUARANTOR'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Guarantor represents and warrants to Lender that (a) no representations or agreements of any kind have been made to Guarantor which would limit or qualify in any way the terms of this Guaranty; (b) this Guaranty is executed at Borrower's request and not at the request of Lender; (c) Guarantor has full power, right and authority to enter into this Guaranty; (d) the provisions of this Guaranty do not conflict with or result in a default under any agreement or other instrument binding upon Guarantor and do not result in a violation of any law, regulation, court decree or order applicable to Guarantor; (e) Guarantor has not and will not, without the prior written consent of Lender, sell, lease, assign, encumber, hypothecate, transfer, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of Guarantor's assets, or any interest therein; (f) upon Lender's request, Guarantor will provide to Lender financial and credit information in form acceptable to Lender, and all such financial information which currently has been, and all future financial information which will be provided to Lender is and will be true and correct in all material respects and fairly present the financial condition of Guarantor as of the dates the financial information is provided; (g) no material adverse change has occurred in Guarantor's financial condition since the date of the most recent financial statements provided to Lender and no event has occurred which may materially adversely affect Guarantor's financial condition; (h) no litigation, claim, investigation, administrative proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid taxes) against Guarantor is pending or threatened; (i) Lender has made no representation to Guarantor as to the creditworthiness of Borrower; and (j) Guarantor has established adequate means of obtaining from Borrower on a continuing basis information regarding Borrower's financial condition. Guarantor agrees to keep adequately informed from such means of any facts, events, or circumstances which might in any way affect Guarantor's risks under this Guaranty, and Guarantor further agrees that, absent a request for information, Lender shall have no obligation to disclose to Guarantor any information or documents acquired by Lender in the course of its relationship with Borrower. GUARANTOR'S WAIVERS. Except as prohibited by applicable law, Guarantor waives any right to require Lender (a) to continue lending money or to extend other credit to Borrower; (b) to make any presentment, protest, demand, or notice of any kind, including notice of any nonpayment of the Indebtedness or of any nonpayment related to any collateral, or notice of any action or nonaction on the part of Borrower, Lender, any surety, endorser, or other guarantor in connection with the Indebtedness or in connection with the creation of new or additional loans or obligations; (c) to resort for payment or to proceed directly or at once against any person, including Borrower or any other guarantor; (d) to proceed directly against or exhaust any collateral held by Lender from Borrower, any other guarantor, or any other person; (e) to give notice of the terms, time, and place of any public or private sale of personal property security held by Lender from Borrower or to comply with any other applicable provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code; (f) to pursue any other remedy within Lender's power; or (g) to commit any act or omission of any kind, or at any time, with respect to any matter whatsoever. If now or hereafter (a) Borrower shall be or become insolvent, and (b) the Indebtedness shall not at all times until paid be fully secured by collateral pledged by Borrower, Guarantor hereby forever waives and relinquishes in favor of Lender and Borrower, and their respective successors, any claim or right to payment Guarantor may now have or hereafter have or acquire against Borrower, by subrogation or otherwise, so that at no time shall Guarantor be or become a "creditor" of Borrower within the meaning of 11 U.S.C. section 547(b), or any successor provision of the Federal bankruptcy laws. Guarantor also waives any and all rights or defenses arising by reason of (a) any "one action" or "anti-deficiency" law or any other law which may prevent Lender from bringing any action, including a claim for deficiency, against Guarantor, before or after Lender's commencement or completion of any foreclosure action, either judicially or by exercise of a power of sale; (b) any election of remedies by Lender which destroys or otherwise adversely affects Guarantor's subrogation rights or Guarantor's rights to proceed against Borrower for reimbursement, including without limitation, any loss of rights Guarantor may suffer by reason of any law limiting, qualifying, or discharging the Indebtedness; (c) any disability or other defense of Borrower, of any other guarantor, or of any other person, or by reason of the cessation of Borrower's liability from any cause whatsoever, other than payment in full in legal tender, of the Indebtedness; (d) any right to claim discharge of the Indebtedness on the basis of unjustified impairment of any collateral for the Indebtedness; (e) any statute of limitations, if at any time any action or suit brought by Lender against Guarantor is commenced there is outstanding Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender which is not barred by any applicable statute of limitations; or (f) any defenses given to guarantors at law or in equity other than actual payment and performance of the Indebtedness. If payment is made by Borrower, whether voluntarily or otherwise, or by any third party, on the Indebtedness and thereafter Lender is forced to remit the amount of that payment to Borrower's trustee in bankruptcy or to any similar person under any federal or state bankruptcy law or law for the relief of debtors, the Indebtedness shall be considered unpaid for the purpose of enforcement of this Guaranty. Guarantor further waives and agrees not to assert or claim at any time any deductions to the amount guaranteed under this Guaranty for any claim of setoff, counterclaim, counter demand, recoupment or similar right, whether such claim, demand or right may be asserted by the Borrower, the Guarantor, or both. GUARANTOR'S UNDERSTANDING WITH RESPECT TO WAIVERS. Guarantor warrants and agrees that each of the waivers set forth above is made with Guarantor's full knowledge of its significance and consequences and that, under the circumstances, the waivers are reasonable and not contrary to public policy or law. If any such waiver is determined to be contrary to any applicable law or public policy, such waiver shall be effective only to the extent permitted by law or public policy. SUBORDINATION OF BORROWER'S DEBTS TO GUARANTOR. Guarantor agrees that the Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender, whether now existing or hereafter created, shall be prior to any claim that Guarantor may now have or hereafter acquire against Borrower, whether or not Borrower becomes insolvent. Guarantor hereby expressly subordinates any claim Guarantor may have against Borrower, upon any account whatsoever, to any claim that Lender may now or hereafter have against Borrower. In the event of insolvency and consequent liquidation of the assets of Borrower, through bankruptcy, by an assignment for the benefit of creditors, by voluntary liquidation, or otherwise, the assets of Borrower applicable to the payment of the claims of both Lender and Guarantor shall be paid to Lender and shall be first applied by Lender to the Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender. Guarantor does hereby assign to Lender all claims which it may have or acquire against Borrower or against any assignee or trustee in bankruptcy of Borrower; provided however, that such assignment shall be effective only for the purpose of assuring to Lender full payment in legal tender of the Indebtedness. If Lender so requests, any notes or credit agreements now or hereafter evidencing any debts or obligations of Borrower to Guarantor shall be marked with a legend that the same are subject to this Guaranty and shall be delivered to Lender. Guarantor agrees, and Lender hereby is authorized, in the name of Guarantor, from time to time to execute and file financing statements and continuation statements and to execute such other documents and to take such other actions as Lender deems necessary or appropriate to perfect, preserve and enforce its rights under this Guaranty. CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT. Guarantor hereby irrevocably authorizes and empowers any attorney-at-law, including an attorney hired by Lender, to appear in any court of record and to confess judgment against Guarantor for the unpaid amount of this Guaranty as evidenced by an affidavit signed by an officer of Lender setting forth the amount then due, plus attorneys' fees as provided in this Guaranty, plus costs of suit, and to release all errors, and waive all rights of appeal. If a copy of this Guaranty, verified by an affidavit, shall have been filed in the proceeding, it will not be necessary to file the original as a warrant of attorney. Guarantor waives the right to any stay of execution and the benefit of all exemption laws now or hereafter in effect. 3 09-30-1997 COMMERCIAL GUARANTY Page 3 Loan No (Continued) =============================================================================== No single exercise of the foregoing warrant and power to confess judgment will be deemed to exhaust the power, whether or not any such exercise shall be held by any court to be invalid, voidable, or void; but the power will continue undiminished and may be exercised from time to time as Lender may elect until all amounts owing on this Guaranty have been paid in full. Guarantor waives any conflict of interest that an attorney hired by Lender may have in acting on behalf of Guarantor in confessing judgment against Guarantor while such attorney is retained by Lender. Guarantor expressly consents to such attorney acting for Guarantor in confessing judgment. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of this Guaranty: AMENDMENTS. This Guaranty, together with any Related Documents, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the matters set forth in this Guaranty. No alteration of or amendment to this Guaranty shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or amendment. APPLICABLE LAW. This Guaranty has been delivered to Lender and accepted by Lender in the State of Ohio. if there is a lawsuit, Guarantor agrees upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Summit County, State of Ohio. This Guaranty shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio. ATTORNEYS' FEES; EXPENSES. Guarantor agrees to pay upon demand all of Lender's costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses, incurred in connection with the enforcement of this Guaranty. Lender may pay someone else to help enforce this Guaranty, and Guarantor shall pay the costs and expenses of such enforcement. Costs and expenses include Lender's attorneys' fees and legal expenses whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorneys' fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (and including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services. Guarantor also shall pay all court costs and such additional fees as may be directed by the court. NOTICES. All notices required to be given by either party to the other under this Guaranty shall be in writing, may be sent by telefacsimile, and, except for revocation notices by Guarantor, shall be effective when actually delivered or when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier, or when deposited in the United States mail, first class postage prepaid, addressed to the party to whom the notice is to be given at the address shown above or to such other addresses as either party may designate to the other in writing. If there is more than one Guarantor, notice to any Guarantor will constitute notice to all Guarantors. For notice purposes, Guarantor agrees to keep Lender informed at all times of Guarantor's current address. INTERPRETATION. In all cases where there is more than one Borrower or Guarantor, then all words used in this Guaranty in the singular shall be deemed to have been used in the plural where the context and construction so require; and where there is more than one Borrower named in this Guaranty or when this Guaranty is executed by more than one Guarantor, the words "Borrower" and "Guarantor" respectively shall mean all and any one or more of them. The words "Guarantor," "Borrower," and "Lender" include the heirs, successors, assigns, and transferees of each of them. Caption headings in this Guaranty are for convenience purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions of this Guaranty. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this Guaranty to be invalid or unenforceable as to any person or circumstance, such finding shall not render that provision invalid or unenforceable as to any other persons or circumstances, and all provisions of this Guaranty in all other respects shall remain valid and enforceable. If any one or more of Borrower or Guarantor are corporations or partnerships, it is not necessary for Lender to inquire into the powers of Borrower or Guarantor or of the officers, directors, partners, or agents acting or purporting to act on their behalf, and any Indebtedness made or created in reliance upon the professed exercise of such powers shall be guaranteed under this Guaranty. WAIVER. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this Guaranty unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of a provision of this Guaranty shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other provision of this Guaranty. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Guarantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any of Guarantor's obligations as to any future transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this Guaranty, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute continuing consent to subsequent instances where such consent is required and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of Lender. EACH UNDERSIGNED GUARANTOR ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS GUARANTY AND AGREES TO ITS TERMS. IN ADDITION, EACH GUARANTOR UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS GUARANTY IS EFFECTIVE UPON GUARANTOR'S EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS GUARANTY TO LENDER AND THAT THE GUARANTY WILL CONTINUE UNTIL TERMINATED IN THE MANNER SET FORTH IN THE SECTION TITLED "DURATION OF GUARANTY." NO FORMAL ACCEPTANCE BY LENDER IS NECESSARY TO MAKE THIS GUARANTY EFFECTIVE. THIS GUARANTY IS DATED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997. =============================================================================== NOTICE: FOR THIS NOTICE "YOU" MEANS THE GUARANTOR AND "HIS" MEANS LENDER. WARNING - BY SIGNING THIS PAPER YOU GIVE UP YOUR RIGHT TO NOTICE AND COURT TRIAL. IF YOU DO NOT PAY ON TIME A COURT JUDGMENT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU WITHOUT YOUR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE AND THE POWERS OF A COURT CAN BE USED TO COLLECT FROM YOU REGARDLESS OF ANY CLAIMS YOU MAY HAVE AGAINST THE CREDITOR WHETHER FOR RETURNED GOODS, FAULTY GOODS, FAILURE ON HIS PART TO COMPLY WITH THE AGREEMENT, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE. =============================================================================== GUARANTOR: x /s/ Jacob Pollock ___________________________________________ Jacob Pollock =============================================================================== EX-27 5 EXHIBIT 27
5 THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 6-MOS MAR-31-1998 APR-01-1997 SEP-30-1997 537,664 0 7,805,816 150,000 10,592,082 19,424,224 26,925,190 6,844,473 42,496,625 12,545,195 22,515,679 0 0 19,368 6,828,383 42,496,625 39,660,285 39,703,555 33,904,408 33,904,408 3,028,629 21,867 755,559 2,014,959 1,021,782 993,177 0 0 (211,651) 781,526 .55 .55
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