-----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, Hf3FMLp2ydhmWj0Sh8PkZSmatrcea0G0aZTjEricJMSkL/h+XiMKlnj6OIfaSq2u Qnr3k88IDma4V8PyhhDkTQ== 0000950005-98-000342.txt : 19980401 0000950005-98-000342.hdr.sgml : 19980401 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950005-98-000342 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10KSB PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19971231 FILED AS OF DATE: 19980331 SROS: PCX FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: MENDOCINO BREWING CO INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000919134 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: MALT BEVERAGES [2082] IRS NUMBER: 680318293 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10KSB SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-13636 FILM NUMBER: 98584240 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 13351 S HWY 101 CITY: HOPLAND STATE: CA ZIP: 95449 BUSINESS PHONE: 7077441015 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 13351 S HWY 101 CITY: HOPLAND STATE: CA ZIP: 95449 10KSB 1 FORM 10KSB SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-KSB (Mark One) [x] ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 [ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ______________________ to _______________________ Commission file number: 1-13636 Mendocino Brewing Company, Inc. (Name of small business issuer in its charter)
California 68-0318293 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employee Identification No.) 13351 South Highway 101, Hopland, CA 95449 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) Issuer's telephone number: (707) 744-1015 Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered Common Stock, without par value The Pacific Stock Exchange
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Act: Not applicable (Title of class) Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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 Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-B not contained in this form, and no disclosure will be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [X] State issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year: $4,843,900 The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the last reported sale price of such stock as of March 18, 1998 was $6,124,113. The number of shares the issuer's common stock outstanding as of March 24, 1998 is 4,463,385. DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Registrant's 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed not later than April 30, 1998 are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K. Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format Yes No X --- --- PART I This Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of the risk related factors set forth herein. Item 1. Business. Overview Mendocino Brewing Company, Inc. brews Red Tail Ale, Blue Heron Pale Ale, Black Hawk Stout, and three other ales, one stout, and one porter for the domestic craft beer market. Mendocino Brewing is one of the first of the modern craft brewers, having opened the first new brewpub in California and the second in the United States since the repeal of Prohibition, and has been recognized for its innovations in the brewpub concept, its craft brew style, its distinctive labels, and its role in industry associations. In May 1997, Mendocino Brewing placed in operation a new brewery in Ukiah, California (110 miles north of San Francisco) with an initial annual capacity of approximately 60,000 bbl., which was more than four times the Company's annual capacity from 1993 through the first nine months of 1995 of 13,600 bbl. The facility was designed to enable its production to be expanded to 200,000 bbl. per year with the addition of necessary equipment. In October 1997, Mendocino Brewing entered into an Investment Agreement with United Breweries of America, Inc. ("UBA"). UBA is affiliated with The UB Group, which is a global producer of beer and spirits. Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, UBA provided the Company with an additional $4 million cash equity and transferred to the Company its subsidiary, Releta Brewing Company LLC, which owns a brewery in Saratoga Springs, New York. The Company has named the Saratoga Springs brewery "Ten Springs Brewery." Ten Springs Brewery commenced production in February 1998 and has an initial capacity of 60,000 bbl. per year expandable to 150,000 bbl. per year. In December 1997, the Savings Bank of Mendocino County converted its $2.7 million construction loan to a long term loan. This conversion, combined with the cash equity contributed by UBA, reduced the Company's working capital deficit from $3,616,800 at September 30, 1997 to $357,400 at December 31, 1997. The transaction with UBA has resulted in substantial changes in the management of the Company. Vijay Mallya, the world wide chairman of The UB Group, has joined the Company in the capacity as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board; Yashpal Singh, who has many years of experience in operating breweries the size of the Company's two new breweries, has joined the Company as Chief Operating Officer; and financial personnel experienced in the budgeting, cash management, and reporting techniques and requirements of The UB Group have been added. Michael Laybourn remains the President of the Company and Donald Barkley remains the Company's Master Brewer. Company Background Mendocino Brewing Company was originally formed in March 1983 as a California limited partnership (the "Partnership"). On January 1, 1994, the business was incorporated by transferring all of the Partnership's assets, including its name, to a newly formed California corporation in exchange for all of the Common and Preferred Stock of the corporation. The Partnership distributed these shares to its partners on January 3, 1994. As used hereafter, references to the "Company" and "Mendocino Brewing" include the business operations of the Partnership before its incorporation. Mendocino Brewing first bottled its flagship brand, Red Tail Ale, in December 1983. In February 1995, Mendocino Brewing completed a $3.6 million direct public offering at $6 per share. The Company purchased nine acres of land in Ukiah, California in 1995 and began production at the new brewery in May 1997. In October 1997, the Company raised an additional $4 million in cash through a private placement with UBA, which also contributed Ten Springs Brewery to the Company as a new subsidiary. The Company's products are sold in selected locations throughout the United States. See "Product Distribution." Industry Overview The U.S. beer market may be divided into five segments: Segment Representative Brands - ------- --------------------- Low-Priced Busch, Milwaukee's Best, Old Milwaukee Premium Budweiser, Miller Lite, Bud Light, Coors Light Super-Premium Michelob, Lowenbrau European Import Heineken, Guinness, Bass Domestic Craft Samuel Adams, Pete's, Sierra Nevada, Red Tail Ale The Company competes in the domestic craft beer segment, which comprises approximately 2% of total U.S. beer sales. Craft beers are characterized by their full-flavor and are usually produced along traditional European brewing styles. While U.S. beer sales were basically flat for several years, domestic craft beer sales increased at a rate of approximately 40% per year for several years through 1996. Segment growth was about 5% in 1997. Management expects industry performance for 1998 to be no better than that of 1997. The rate at which the domestic craft beer segment continues to grow will have a material affect on the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations. Actual industry segment performance depends on many factors that are outside the control of the Company. Competition The craft beer category consists of: * Contract brews -- any style brew produced by one brewer for sale under the label of someone else who does not have a brewery or whose brewery does not have sufficient capacity. * Regional craft brews -- "hand-crafted" brews, primarily ales, sold under the label of the brewery that produced it. * Microbrews -- "hand-crafted" brews, primarily ales, sold under the label of the brewery that produced it, if the capacity of the brewery does not exceed 15,000 bbl. per year. * Large brewer craft-style brews -- a brand brewed by a national brewer which may only imitate the style of a craft beer. These craft-style brews are often sold under the label of a brewery that does not exist or the label of a brewpub with no bottling capacity. The term "phantom brewery" is sometimes used to describe such brands. * Brewpub brews -- "hand-crafted" brews produced for sale and consumption at the brewery, which is normally connected with a restaurant/saloon. Brewpub brews are not normally sold for off-site consumption in significant quantities. Mendocino Brewing competes against all of the above brewers to some degree and also against other segments of the U.S. beer market. Competition for retail shelf-space also increased in 1997. Increased competition could hinder distribution of the Company's products and have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations. -2- Products Mendocino Brewing has historically brewed three ales and a stout year-round, three seasonal ales, and a seasonal porter: * RED TAIL ALE, a full flavored amber ale, is the flagship brand of Mendocino Brewing. It is available year-round in 12 oz six-packs and half-barrel kegs. * BLUE HERON PALE ALE is a golden ale with a full body and a distinctive hop character. It is available year-round in 12 oz six-packs and half-barrel kegs. * BLACK HAWK STOUT is the fullest in flavor and body of the Company's brews. It is also available year-round in 12 oz six-packs and half-barrel kegs. * EYE OF THE HAWK SELECT ALE is a high gravity deep amber summer ale. It is available during summer months in 22 oz bottles. * YULETIDE PORTER is a deep brown Holiday brew with a traditionally rich, creamy flavor. It is available in November and December in 22 oz bottles. * PEREGRINE PALE ALE is brewed year-round with a more delicate flavor and character. It is available year-round at the Hopland Brewery in draft form. * SPRINGTIDE ALE is brewed around St. Patrick's Day and appears as a fresh, flowery, spicy golden ale. It is only available at the Hopland Brewery in draft form. * FROLIC SHIPWRECK ALE 1850, a Scottish-style ale brewed around July, was introduced in 1994 as a fund-raiser for the Mendocino County Museum to commemorate the wreck of the clipper ship Frolic, with its cargo of Scottish ale, on the Mendocino coast in 1850. Salvage efforts were abandoned when workers, upon sighting the previously unreported big trees of Mendocino County, launched the timber industry which has characterized the area ever since. It is available at the Hopland Brewery and nearby retail outlets in 22 oz bottles. Mendocino Brewing's brands use an ale yeast strain that was first introduced at New Albion Brewing Co. in the late 1970s. Mendocino Brewing is among a minority of brewers who use whole hops instead of processed hop pellets in their brewing processes. This technique contributes to the distinctive characteristics of the brews. The Company adds active fermenting beer (Krausen) after the beer is bottled, which produces a pleasant amount of natural carbonation. The thin layer of brewer's yeast in the bottom of the bottle is a natural characteristic of bottle conditioned ale. Mendocino Brewing's distinctive brews have been very well received in the market and within the industry. In October 1997, Mendocino Brewing Company was awarded three medals at the World Beer Championships, one of the largest and most comprehensive beer competitions in the world. The Company received a Gold Medal for Red Tail Ale, a Silver Medal for Eye of the Hawk Select Ale, and a Bronze Medal for Black Hawk Stout. Blue Heron Pale Ale was awarded a Gold Medal with a Special Award of Excellence from the Underground Wine Journal in February 1997 in a competition among 183 ales from across the United States and won a bronze medal at the 1991 Great American Beer Festival. Eye of the Hawk Select Ale won a gold medal at the 1991 Great American Beer Festival after winning a silver in 1990, and also won a bronze in 1992. Ten Springs Brewery presently performs some contract brewing services for other brands. At present, the income from such services is not material. The Hopland Brewery Brewpub and Merchandise Store To date, Mendocino Brewing's major marketing tools have been the Hopland Brewery brewpub and merchandise store, its Brewsletter newsletter, and its distinctive labels. Located on a major tourist route in Hopland, California, 100 miles north of San Francisco, the Hopland Brewery opened in 1983 as the first new brewpub in California and the second in the United States since the repeal of Prohibition. The brewpub is housed in a 100 year-old brick building that was once known as the Hop Vine Saloon. The inside walls are trimmed with the original turn-of-the-century ornamental stamped tin. Works of local artists are featured on a rotating basis. The bar is hand-crafted, early California style blond oak and brass that complements the tradition of the tavern and the Company's brews. An outdoor Beer Garden includes a shaded grape arbor, flowers, trellised hops in the summer, picnic tables, and a sandbox for the kids. -3- Beverages served include Red Tail Ale, Blue Heron Pale Ale, Black Hawk Stout, Peregrine Pale Ale, and a seasonal brew on tap, along with local wines, Hopland Seltzer Water, and soft drinks. The brewpub also features hand pumped cask conditioned ales. The menu features home-style cooking, sausages, legendary hamburgers, Red Tail chili, fresh salads, snacks, vegetarian entrees, and daily specials. The brewpub operates days and evenings, with live music for special events, such as the Company's annual Anniversary Party in August and its Oktoberfest in October. The Company brews special occasion draft beers at the Hopland Brewery, and uses or plans to use the facility for research and development, test-marketing, and as a brewing education and training site. The adjacent Merchandise Store sells off-sale packages of the Company's brews (including gift packs) and merchandise such as hand-screened label T-shirts, posters, engraved glasses and mugs, logo caps, books about brewing, gift packs, and other brewery-related gifts. The Brewsletter newsletter is published four to six times a year and is available on the Company's web site at www.mendobrew.com. The Brewsletter contains articles about the Company, the beer industry, and beer brewing and a calendar of events for the Hopland Brewery. The Brewsletter is circulated to the Company's shareholders and persons who have signed the guest registry at the Hopland Brewery. One of the ways Mendocino Brewing projects its quality and corporate values to consumers is through its Red Tail Ale, Blue Heron Pale Ale, Black Hawk Stout, and Eye of the Hawk Select Ale labels. The Company has used nationally-known wildlife artists including Randy Johnson and Lee Jayred for its label designs. In 1990, Mendocino Brewing received the Paperboard Packaging Council's Silver Award for Excellence in Packaging and Award for Excellence in Graphic Design and a Northern California Addy Award for its Red Tail Ale packaging. In 1996, the Company received a Northern California Addy Award and a silver medal in the International Brand Packaging Award competition sponsored by Graphic Design: USA magazine for its Blue Heron Pale Ale packaging. In 1997, the Company's Eye of the Hawk Select Ale label won First Place at the Second International Label competition in the Beer Label category. Regional Distribution The Company's products are distributed widely in California and in limited quantities at selected accounts in Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The Company plans to add Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Virginia in the near future. Northern California is the Company's most important market at this time, and Management anticipates that it will remain so for the foreseeable future. Social Responsibility Part of Mendocino Brewing's mission is to be viewed as a community, regional, and national asset and as a positive example of how a business should be operated. Management attempts to instill these values in Company personnel and operations and to communicate to customers the commitment of the Company to act responsibly. The Company encourages employees and distributors to share ownership and mission with Management as well as a sense of pride in the Company's products. Product Distribution Mendocino Brewing's beers are sold through distributors to consumers in bottles at supermarkets, warehouse stores, liquor stores, taverns and bars, restaurants, and convenience stores. Red Tail Ale, Blue Heron Pale Ale, and Black Hawk Stout are also available in draft. The Company's products are delivered to retail outlets by independent distributors whose principal business is the distribution of beer and in some cases other alcoholic beverages, and who typically also distribute one or more national beer brands. Mendocino Brewing, together with its distributors, markets its products to retail outlets and relies on its distributors to provide regular deliveries, to maintain retail shelf space, and to oversee timely rotation of inventory. The Company also offers its products directly to consumers at the Hopland Brewery brewpub and merchandise store. Beer sales (wholesale and retail combined) constituted 88% of the Company's total sales in 1997, with food and merchandise retail and catalogue sales constituting the balance. Sales to the top five customers totaled $2,192,000 and $1,788,900 for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively representing 55% and 58% of brewing operation sales. Suppliers The Company's major suppliers are Great Western Malting Co., Yakima, Washington (malt); John I. Haas, -4- Co., New York, New York (hops); and California Glass Company, Oakland, California and Vitro Packaging, Inc., Dallas, Texas (bottles). Employees As of December 31, 1997, the Company employed 50 full-time and 39 part-time individuals including 14 in management and administration, 31 in brewing operations, and 44 in retail and brewpub operations. Management believes that the Company's relations with its employees are excellent. None of its work force is unionized. The Company has agreed with the City of Ukiah that for two years from the opening of the Ukiah brewery that it will give preference in its hiring to residents of Mendocino County. Trademarks The Company has federal trademark registrations of the MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY word mark (Reg. No. 1,785,745), RED TAIL ALE word mark (Reg. No. 2,032,382), RED TAIL DESIGN (Reg. No. 2,011,817), BLUE HERON word mark (Reg. No. 1,820,076), BLUE HERON PALE ALE DESIGN (Reg. No. 2,011,816), PEREGRINE PALE ALE word mark (Reg. No. 1,667,796), EYE OF THE HAWK SELECT ALE word mark (Reg. No. 1,673,594), EYE OF THE HAWK SELECT ALE DESIGN (Reg. No. 2,011,818), EYE OF THE HAWK SPECIAL EDITION ANNIVERSARY ALE AND DESIGN (Reg. No. 2,011,815), BLACK HAWK STOUT word mark (Reg. No. 1,791,807), YULETIDE PORTER word mark (Reg. No. 1,666,891), and BREWSLETTER word mark (Reg. No. 1,768,639). The Company has also applied for intent to use registrations of the trademarks NORTH COUNTRY ALES, WHITE FACE, WHITEFACE, FAT BEAR, and NORTHERN EXPOSURE. The registration of the word mark BLUE HERON is a concurrent use registration which gives the Company the exclusive right to use the word mark BLUE HERON throughout the United States with the exception of Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Montana. BridgePort Brewing Company, the other concurrent owner, has the exclusive right to use the word mark BLUE HERON in those states. The BridgePort Pale Ale label used outside of Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Montana depicts a blue heron wading in a marsh although the words BLUE HERON do not appear. Mendocino Brewing's use of the word mark BLACK HAWK STOUT is, by agreement with Hiram Walker & Sons, Inc., subject to the restriction that it be used only in conjunction with the words "Mendocino Brewing Company". Before it was acquired by UBA and contributed to the Company, the Saratoga Springs brewery brewed and bottled ales sold under the following trademarks: NORTH COUNTRY ALES, WHITE FACE, WHITEFACE, FAT BEAR, and NORTHERN EXPOSURE. Intent to use applications have been filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for those marks following their abandonment by their previous owner. Mendocino Brewing does not consider its recipes, techniques, processes, yeast strain, or equipment to be proprietary or necessary to protect. Government Regulation Mendocino Brewing is licensed to manufacture and sell beer by the Departments of Alcoholic Beverage Control in California and New York. A federal permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms ("BATF") allows the Company to manufacture fermented malt beverages. To keep these licenses and permits in force the Company must pay annual fees and submit timely production reports and excise tax returns. Prompt notice of any changes in the operations, ownership, or company structure must also be made to these regulatory agencies. BATF must also approve all product labels, which must include an alcohol use warning. These agencies require that individuals owning equity securities in aggregate of 10% or more in the Company be investigated as to their suitability. Taxation of alcohol has increased significantly in recent years. Currently, the Federal tax rate is $7.00 per bbl. for up to 60,000 bbl. per year and $18.00 per bbl. for over 60,000 bbl. The California tax rate is $6.20 per bbl. The Hopland Brewery's brewpub is regulated by the Mendocino County Health Department, which requires an annual permit and conducts spot inspections to monitor compliance with applicable health codes. -5- The Company's production operations must also comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's workplace safety and worker health regulations and applicable state laws thereunder. Management believes that the Company presently is in compliance with the aforementioned laws and regulations and has implemented its own voluntary safety program. Environmental Regulation The Company is subject to various federal, state, and local environmental laws which regulate the use, storage, handling, and disposal of various substances. The Company's waste products consist of water, spent grains and hops, and glass and cardboard. The Company has instituted a recycling program for its office paper, newspapers, magazines, glass, and cardboard at minimal cost to the Company. The Company pays approximately $1,000 per month in sewage fees relating to waste water from its Hopland facility. The Company sells or gives away its spent grain to local cattle ranchers. The Company has not purchased any special equipment and does not incur any identifiable fees in connection with its environmental compliance at its Hopland site. The Company has built its own wastewater treatment plant for the Ukiah facility. As a consequence, the Company will not be required to incur sewer hook-up fees at that location. If the Company's discharge exceeds 55,000 gallons per day, which Management does not expect to occur until annual capacity exceeds 100,000 bbl., the Company will be required to pay additional fees. The estimated cost of the wastewater treatment facility is approximately $900,000, and the estimated cost of operating the plant is between $6,000 and $10,000 per month. The cost may increase with increased production. The Company is exploring various methods of recycling treated wastewater and could realize some revenue from doing so. The Company has contracted to have the liquid sediment that remains from the treated wastewater to be trucked to a local composting facility for essentially the cost of transportation. A Mendocino County Air Quality Control Permit will be required to operate the natural gas fired boiler in Ukiah. The Company has not received any notice from any governmental agency that it is a potentially responsible person under any environmental law. Research and Development Research and development activity in 1997 was minimal. Qualified Small Business Issuer Federal and California tax laws provide a 50% exclusion of any gain from the sale of "qualified small business stock." For shares to qualify for the exclusion, several tests must be met. For instance, the shares must be purchased directly from the Company, not in any later trading market, and the shares must be held for at least five years. A "qualified small business" must not have more than $50 million in assets, at least 80% of which are used in a qualified trade or business throughout the holding period. A "qualified trade or business" does not include "operating a hotel, motel, restaurant, or similar business." It is uncertain whether the Company's operation of the Hopland Brewery brewpub currently prevents it from meeting the definition of "qualified small business", as the brewing equipment in Hopland is presently used in both wholesale and retail operations and no applicable regulations have been published to assist in making such determination. Management believes, after consulting with its accountants, that completing the new brewery will reduce the assets of the Company used in the operation of the brewpub to well below 20%, but Management does not intend to request any opinions or rulings on this issue at the present time. The Company intends to submit reports if and to the extent any are required under federal law to make the 50% exclusion from capital gains available, and submitted such a report in California for 1995, the first year in which California required such a report. Given the absence of applicable regulations, there is no assurance that California taxing authorities will agree with the information contained in the report. There are limitations on the persons who may use any exclusion. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors concerning the possible applicability of these exclusions. -6- Item 2. Description of Property. The Company owns nine acres of land in Ukiah, California on which its Ukiah brewery is operated. The Company currently leases a 15,500 square foot building in Hopland on which the Hopland Brewery is located. The lease expires in August 2004. The Company leases 3.66 acres on which Ten Springs Brewery operates under a lease expiring October 2002. Additionally, the Company leases certain equipment and vehicles under operating leases which expire through March 1999. Item 3. Legal Proceedings. The Company is not currently involved in any material litigation or proceeding. The Company has received a written claim by a terminated distributor that its termination was improper notwithstanding the language of the written distribution agreement permitting either party to terminate by giving 30 days written notice. No legal action has been instituted with respect to this claim as of the date of this Report. Management does not believe that there is any merit to the claim. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. The Company held its annual meeting of shareholders in Ukiah, California, on Wednesday, December 3, 1997. Votes were cast for the election of directors to serve until their successors are elected at the next annual meeting of the Company as follows Candidate Votes For Votes Withheld - --------- --------- -------------- Vijay Mallya 1,780,923 6,936 H. Michael Laybourn 1,781,383 6,476 O'Neil Nalavadi 1,781,023 6,836 Jerome G. Merchant 1,779,223 8,636 Yashpal Singh 1,780,923 6,936 Eric G. Bradley 1,779,133 8,726 Daniel R. Moldenhauer 1,779,333 8,526 The shareholders also ratified the appointment of Moss Adams LLP as the Company's independent auditors for 1997 by a vote of 1,781,157 for, 1,060 against, and 5,642 abstain. As was disclosed in the Company's proxy statement for the 1997 annual meeting, Messrs. Bradley and Moldenhauer had already agreed to resign effective December 31, 1997 at the time they were elected. In January 1998, O'Neil Nalavadi also resigned. The Board of Directors has appointed Robert Neame, Kent Price, and Sury Rao Palamand to fill the vacancies created by these resignations until the next annual meeting of the shareholders of the Company. -7- PART II Item 5. Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters. Mendocino Brewing's Common Stock is listed on the Pacific Exchange (symbol MBR). The high and low closing sales prices for the Common Stock on the Pacific Exchange are set forth below for the quarters indicated:
1996 1997 -------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- High $7.38 $10.82 $10.00 $8.38 $8.00 $7.25 $5.50 $4.37 Low $5.50 $5.82 $7.38 $5.75 $6.00 $4.50 $3.62 $3.06
There were approximately 2,508 shareholders of record as of January 6, 1998. Management intends to retain Mendocino Brewing's earnings for use in the business and does not expect the Company to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company's credit agreements provide that the Company shall not declare or pay any dividend or other distribution on its Common Stock (other than a stock dividend) or purchase or redeem any Common Stock, without the lender's prior written consent. Management anticipates that such restrictions will remain in effect for as long as the Company has significant bank financing, including the long-term debt on the Ukiah real estate. The holders of the Company's 227,600 outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to aggregate cash dividends and liquidation proceeds of $1.00 per share before any dividend may be paid with respect to the Common Stock. The Series A Preferred Shares are canceled after they have received their $1.00 per share aggregate dividend. Management does not have any present intention to declare or pay a dividend on the Series A Preferred Stock. Item 6. Management's Discussion and Analysis. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and the Notes thereto and other financial information included elsewhere in this Report. The discussion of results and trends does not necessarily imply that these results and trends will continue. Overview In May 1997, Mendocino Brewing placed in operation a new brewery in Ukiah, California (110 miles north of San Francisco) with an initial annual capacity of approximately 60,000 bbl. The facility was designed to enable its production to be expanded to 200,000 bbl. per year with the addition of necessary equipment. In October 1997, Mendocino Brewing entered into an Investment Agreement with United Breweries of America, Inc. ("UBA"). UBA is affiliated with The UB Group, which is a global producer of beer and spirits. Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, UBA provided the Company with an additional $4 million cash equity and transferred to the Company its subsidiary, Releta Brewing Company LLC, which owns a brewery in Saratoga Springs, New York. The Company has named the Saratoga Springs brewery "Ten Springs Brewery." Ten Springs Brewery commenced production in February 1998 and has an initial capacity of 60,000 bbl. per year expandable to 150,000 bbl. per year. In December 1997, the Savings Bank of Mendocino County converted its $2.7 million construction loan to a long term loan. This conversion, combined with the cash equity contributed by UBA, reduced the Company's working capital deficit from $3,616,800 at September 30, 1997 to $357,400 at December 31, 1997. Net sales for 1997 increased by 19.5% over 1996 due primarily to increased marketing efforts. Production (measured in barrels) increased by 54% from 13,391 bbl. in 1996 to 20,557 bbl. in 1997. The Company ended the year with a net loss of $1,139,700. Increased fixed costs associated with the new brewery, higher marketing expenses during the year, the fixed costs of Ten Springs Brewery, increased interest expenses of $401,900, and a one time write off of $141,000 in public offering expenses (classified as "Other Expenses"), contributed to the net loss of $1,139,700 for the year ended December 31, 1997. -8- Results of Operations The following tables set forth, as a percentage of net sales, certain items included in Mendocino Brewing's Statements of Operations. See Financial Statements and Notes thereto.
Year Ended December 31, --------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 ------------------ ----------- Statements of Operations Data: Sales........................................... 105.53% 104.30% Less excise taxes............................... 5.53 4.30 ------ ------ Net Sales....................................... 100.00 100.00 Cost of goods sold.............................. 72.16 49.74 ------ ------ Gross profit.................................... 27.84 50.26 Operating expenses.............................. 56.26 54.75 ------ ------ Loss from operations............................ (28.42) (4.49) Other expense................................... (11.85) (0.77) ------ ------ Loss before income taxes........................ (40.27) (5.26) Benefit from income taxes....................... (15.44) (2.04) ------ ------ Net loss........................................ (24.83)% (3.22)% ====== ======
At December 31, ----------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 ------------------ ---------- Balance Sheet Data: Cash and cash equivalents....................... $ 706,300 $ 494,800 Working capital................................. (357,400) (3,616,800) Property and equipment.......................... 15,642,500 9,270,300 Deposits and other assets....................... 42,000 304,100 Total assets.................................... 18,026,400 11,144,600 Long-term debt.................................. 2,663,300 -- Obligation under capital lease.................. 1,578,900 1,863,000 Total liabilities............................... 6,368,100 6,844,200 Retained earnings (deficit)..................... (936,500) 203,200 Stockholder's equity............................ 11,658,300 4,300,400
Net Sales. Net sales for 1997 increased by 19.5% from $3,839,700 in 1996 to $4,590,000 in 1997. Management attributes the growth in sales to the implementation of new marketing strategies, including new point of sale materials and the commencement of operations at the new brewery in Ukiah in May 1997. Wholesale beer shipments (measured in barrels) increased by 54% in 1997 when compared to 1996. Increases attributable to additional unit sales were offset in part by a wholesale price reduction implemented in September 1996. Management attributes approximately 60% of sales increase to increased sales to existing distributors and geographic expansion begun in late 1996 and the remaining 40% to sales of draft beer from the new brewery in Ukiah which commenced operations in May 1997. Retail sales at the Hopland brewpub and merchandise store increased 5.4% during 1997. Management attributes the increase to merchandise sales resulting from tourist traffic generated by the Company's marketing efforts. Cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales increased by 22.4 percentage points in 1997 to 72.2% when compared to 49.7% in 1996. Managment attributes the increase to a combination of a wholesale price reduction resulting in decreased sales dollars, higher fixed and production costs due to the underutilization of the new brewing facility in Ukiah and the Ten Springs Brewery in Saratoga Springs, New York and certain start-up costs associated with the new brewery. The Company did not realize any material amount of revenue from Ten Springs Brewery during 1997, as the brewery did not become operational until February 1998. Gross profit. Gross profit decreased by 33.8% during 1997 to $1,277,900 in comparison to $1,930,000 in 1996. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased 22.4 percentage points to 27.8% in 1997 as compared to 50.2% in 1996. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales is attributable to the increase in cost of goods sold and a wholesale price reduction implemented in late 1996. -9- Operating expenses. Operating expenses were $2,582,400 in 1997, representing an increase of 22.8% when compared to $2,102,400 in 1996. Operating expenses consist of retail operating expenses, marketing and distribution expenses and general and Administrative expenses. Retail operating expenses were $704,000 representing a decrease of $34,200 or 4.6% over 1996. The decrease consisted of a reduction in labor costs of $10,400, a reduction in repairs and maintenance expense of $9,400, and a decrease in net other expenses of $14,400. Marketing and distribution expenses were $846,200 in 1997, representing an increase of 24% compared to $682,300 in 1996. As a percentage of net sales, marketing and distribution expenses represented 18.4% in 1997 as compared to 17.8% in 1996. Point of sale, promotional/advertising, packaging, and label development costs increased by $111,300. Marketing and sales labor increased by $85,300. Travel and lodging incurred in supporting new geographic markets increased by $40,000. Distribution expenses decreased by $44,800 primarily because of reduced warehouse rental expense. Other net expenses decreased by $27,900. General and Administrative expenses were $1,032,200 in 1997 representing an increase of $350,300 over the expenses incurred in 1996. General and administrative expenses increased by 51.4% over 1996 and as a percentage of net sales represented 22.5% in 1997 as against 17.8% in 1996. Professional fees increased by $81,700. Taxes and insurance costs associated with the new breweries in Ukiah and Saratoga Springs increased by $124,900. Travel and lodging expenses increased by $57,700. Labor costs increased by $27,200. Costs associated with being a public company increased by $17,700. Net other costs increased by $41,100. Net interest expense. Net interest expense in 1997 was $401,900 as against interest income of $11,600 in 1996. The total interest expense incurred during 1997 was $665,300 out of which capitalized interest accounted for $263,400 in 1997 as against $214,900 in 1996. Other expense. Other expense, not including net interest expense, in 1997 was $149,500 as against $41,200 in 1996 representing an increase of $108,300. In February 1997 the Company commenced a direct public offering of 600,000 shares of common stock at an offering price of $8.50. In August 1997, the offering was terminated after having sold 19,516 shares for $164,700. All sales occurred before June 30, 1997. The Company incurred $305,300 of offering costs related to the offering. Of that amount, $164,700 was offset against the stock sale proceeds in stockholders' equity and the balance of $141,000 was expensed. Other net expenses increased by $5,600. These expenses were offset by a non recurring write off in 1996 of $38,300 in costs associated with a proposed alliance. Net loss. Increased overhead as the Company commenced operation at the new brewery in Ukiah, fixed expenses associated with the brewery in Saratoga Springs, increased marketing expenses, the charge for interest expense after commencement of operations at the new brewery in Ukiah, and the net effect of certain one time occurrences, offset by a tax benefit of $708,900, resulted in a net loss in 1997 of $1,139,700 as against the net loss of $123,800 in 1996. Segment Information Mendocino Brewing's business presently consists of two segments. The first is brewing for wholesale to distributors and other retailers. This segment accounted for 80% of the Company's 1997 gross annual sales. The second segment consists of brewing beer for sale along with food and merchandise at the Company's brewpub and retail merchandise store, the Hopland Brewery. This segment accounted for 20% of the Company's 1997 gross annual sales. See "Notes to Financial Statements, Note 13 - Segment Information." With expanded wholesale beer production in both Ukiah and Saratoga Springs, Management expects that retail sales, as a percentage of total sales, will decrease proportionally to the expected increase in the Company's wholesale sales. Seasonality Beer consumption nationwide has historically increased by approximately 20% during the summer months. It is not clear to what extent seasonality will affect the Company as it expands its capacity and its geographic markets. -10- Capital Demands. Ten Springs Brewery did not commence brewing operations until February 1998 and will not realize any material amount of revenues for several weeks. The Company expects both the Ukiah brewery and Ten Springs Brewery to operate at significantly less than full capacity during all or part of 1998. The Company has yet to complete the build-out of its administrative space or the exterior landscaping of the Ukiah brewery. The Ukiah brewery is presently operating under a temporary certificate of occupancy from the City of Ukiah. Completion of construction is a condition to the issuance of a final certificate of occupancy. Failure to complete construction and obtain a final certificate of occupancy could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations. Both breweries have placed demands upon the Company's assets, liabilities, commitments for capital expenditures, and liquidity. Failure to adequately meet those demands may have a material adverse affect on the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations. Liquidity and Capital Resources Long Term Debt. Mendocino Brewing has obtained a $2.7 million long term loan secured by a first priority deed of trust on the Ukiah land and improvements. The loan is payable in monthly installments of $24,443 including interest at the Treasury Constant Maturity Index plus 4.17%, currently 5.83%, maturing December 2012 with a balloon payment of $1,872,300 secured by substantially all the assets of the Company, other than Ten Springs Brewery. Shareholder Commitment. United Breweries of America, Inc. ("UBA"), the Company's largest shareholder, has agreed in principle to provide the Company with a credit facility of up to $2 million, to be funded in installments of up to $300,000 each. The advances are secured by Ten Springs Brewery. The advances bear interest at prime plus 1.5% and are due and payable 18 months after the date of the advance. It is anticipated the advances will have a conversion feature into unregistered shares of the Company's common stock. The final structure of the conversion feature is currently being reviewed pending what is most financially beneficial for the Company. The arrangement was approved by a committee consisting of director Michael Laybourn (the President of the Company) and independent directors Kent Price and Sury Rao Palamond on February 19, 1998. Although formal documentation of the arrangement is pending, UBA had advanced the first installment of $300,000 to the Company as of March 25, 1998. Equipment Lease. FINOVA Capital Corporation has leased new brewing equipment with a total cost of approximately $1.78 million to Mendocino Brewing for a term of 7 years (beginning December 1996) with monthly rental payments of approximately $27,100 each. At expiration of the initial term of the lease, the Company may purchase the equipment at its then current fair market value but not less than 25% nor more than 30% of the original cost of the equipment, or at the Company's option, may extend the term of the lease for an additional year at approximately $39,000 per month with an option to purchase the equipment at the end of the year at then current fair market value. The lease is not pre-payable. Seller Financing of Ukiah Real Estate. The seller of the Ukiah land has a note, secured by a third priority deed of trust on the land, with a remaining principal balance as of December 31, 1997 of approximately $93,000 at 9% annual interest payable at maturity in December 1998 per a verbal agreement with the spokesman for the lending group. Revolving Credit Facility. WestAmerica Bank of Santa Rosa, California has provided a $600,000 maximum revolving line of credit with an advance rate of 80% of the qualified accounts receivable and 25% of the inventory at an interest rate of the bank's index rate plus 1.5% payable monthly, maturing May 31, 1998. To the extent that the loan is not extended or refinanced, the Company will be required to repay the loan. Failure to find a lender to refinance the loan could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations. Keg Management Arrangement. The Company has entered into a keg management agreement with MicroStar Keg Management LLC. Under this arrangement, MicroStar provides the Company with half-barrel kegs for which the Company pays a filling fee. Distributors return the kegs to MicroStar instead of the Company. MicroStar then supplies the Company with additional kegs. If the agreement terminates, the Company is required to -11- purchase a certain number of kegs from MicroStar. The Company would probably finance the purchase through debt or lease financing, if available. The Company's ratio of current assets to current liabilities on December 31, 1997 was 0.83 to 1.0 and its ratio of assets to liabilities was 2.83 to 1.0. Impact of Expansion on Cash Flow. Mendocino Brewing must make timely payment of its debt and lease commitment to continue in operation. Increased capacity has placed additional demands on the Company's working capital to pay the cost of additional sales and marketing activities and staff, production personnel, and administrative staff and to fund increased purchases of supplies. The Company has been required to incur some or all of these costs before the Company can realize revenue from increased sales. Working capital for day to day business operations had historically been provided primarily through operations. Beginning approximately with the second quarter of 1997, the time at which the Ukiah brewery commenced operations, proceeds from operations have not been able to provide sufficient working capital for day to day operations. The investment agreement with UBA provided approximately $700,000 in working capital. In addition, UBA has agreed to provide funding for the working capital requirements of the Saratoga Springs brewery in an amount not to exceed $1 million until October 24, 1999 or until the brewery's operations are profitable, whichever comes first. Item 7. Financial Statements. The information required by this item is set forth at Pages F-1 through F-18 to this Report. Item 8. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. None. PART III Item 9. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons; Compliance With Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act. The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A no later than April 30, 1998. Item 10. Executive Compensation. The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A no later than April 30, 1998. Item 11. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A no later than April 30, 1998. -12- Item 12. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A no later than April 30, 1998. Item 13. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
Exhibit Number Description of Document - ------- ------------------------------- 3.1 (A) Articles of Incorporation, as amended, of the Company 3.2 (B) Bylaws of the Company 4.1 Articles 5 and 6 of the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, of the Company (Reference is made to Exhibit 3.1.) 4.2 Article 10 of the Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, of the Company (Reference is made to Exhibit 3.2.) 10.1 (A) Mendocino Brewing Company Profit Sharing Plan. 10.2 (A) 1994 Stock Option Plan (previously filed as Exhibit 99.6). 10.3 (M) Employment Agreement with H. Michael Laybourn. 10.4 (A) Wholesale Distribution Agreement between the Company and Bay Area Distributing. 10.5 (A) Wholesale Distribution Agreement between the Company and Golden Gate Distributing. 10.6 (A) Sales Contract between the Company and John I. Hass, Inc. 10.7 (F) Liquid Sediment Removal Services Agreement with Cold Creek Compost, Inc. 10.8 (A) Lease Agreement between the Company and Kohn Properties. 10.9 (C) Commercial Real Estate Purchase Contract and Receipt for Deposit (previously filed as Exhibit 19.2). 10.10 (D) Installment Note between Ukiah Redevelopment Agency and Langley et al. (previously filed as Exhibit 19.5). 10.11 (F) Promissory Note for $76,230 in favor of Langley et al. 10.12 (G) Agreement to modify note and deed of trust dated June 6, 1995 with Langley, et al. 10.13 (G) Agreement to modify note dated June 6, 1995 with Langley, et al. 10.14 (G) Amendment to installment note payable to Langley, et al. 10.15 (N) Commercial Lease Between Stewart's Ice Cream Company, Inc. and Releta Brewing Company LLC. 10.16 (M) Agreement between United Breweries of America, Inc. and Releta Brewing Company LLC regarding payment of certain liens. 10.17 (K)+ Keg Management Agreement with MicroStar Keg Management LLC. 10.18 (E) Agreement to Implement Condition of Approval No. 37 of the Site Development Permit 95-19 with the City of Ukiah, California (previously filed as Exhibit 19.6). 10.19 (G) Manufacturing Business Expansion and Relocation Agreement with the City of Ukiah. 10.20 (G) Manufacturing Business Expansion and Relocation Agreement with the Ukiah Redevelopment Agency. -13- Exhibit Number Description of Document - ------- ------------------------------- 10.21 $2,700,000 Note in favor of the Savings Bank of Mendocino County. 10.22 Hazardous Substances Certificate and Indemnity with the Savings Bank of Mendocino County. 10.23 Business Loan Agreement with WestAmerica Bank. 10.24 $600,000 Note in favor of the WestAmerica Bank. 10.25 (J) Equipment Lease with FINOVA Capital Corporation. 10.26 (J) Tri-Election Rider to Equipment Lease with FINOVA Capital Corporation. 10.27 (J) Master Lease Schedule with FINOVA Capital Corporation. 10.28 (L) Investment Agreement with United Breweries of America, Inc. 10.29 (L) Shareholders' Agreement Among the Company, United Breweries of America, Inc., Michael Laybourn, Norman Franks, Michael Lovett, John Scahill, and Don Barkley 10.30 (L) Registration Rights Agreement Among the Company, United Breweries of America, Inc., Michael Laybourn, Norman Franks, Michael Lovett, John Scahill, and Don Barkley 27 Financial Data Schedule - -------------------------------- (A) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement dated June 15, 1994, as amended, previously filed with the Commission, Registration No. 33-78390-LA. (B) Incorporated by referenced from the Company's Report on Form 10-KSB for the annual period ended December 31, 1994 previously filed with the Commission. (C) Incorporated by referenced from the Company's Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1995 previously filed with the Commission. (D) Incorporated by referenced from the Company's Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1995 previously filed with the Commission. (E) Incorporated by referenced from the Company's Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1995 previously filed with the Commission. (F) Incorporated by referenced from the Company's Report on Form 10-KSB for the annual period ended December 31, 1995 previously filed with the Commission. (G) Incorporated by referenced from the Company's Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1996 previously filed with the Commission. (H) Incorporated by referenced from the Company's Report on Form 10-QSB/A No. 1 for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1996 previously filed with the Commission. (J) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement dated February 6, 1997, as amended, previously filed with the Commission, Registration No. 333-15673. (K) Incorporated by referenced from the Company's Report on Form 10-KSB for the annual period ended December 31, 1996 previously filed with the Commission. (L) Incorporated by reference from the Schedule 13D filed with the Commission on November 3, 1997 by United Breweries of America, Inc. and Vijay Mallya. (M) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1997. (N) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Report on Form 10-QSB/A No. 1 for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1997. + Portions of this Exhibit were omitted pursuant to an application for an order declaring confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
-14- The Registrant filed a report on Form 8-K on November 5, 1997 (amended November 18, 1997) relating to the Investment Agreement with UBA and the acquisition of Ten Springs Brewery. The Report contained a description of the Investment Agreement with UBA responsive to Item 1 of Form 8-K (Changes of Control of Registrant) and a description of the acquisition of Ten Springs Brewery by way of acquisition of the outstanding interests in Releta Brewing Company LLC, responsive to Item 2 of form 8-K (Acquisition or Disposition of Assets). No financial statements were filed. -15- SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized. (Registrant) Mendocino Brewing Company, Inc. By: /s/ Vijay Mallya --------------------------------------------------- Vijay Mallya, Chief Executive Officer Date: March __, 1998 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Exchange Act, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. By: /s/ Vijay Mallya --------------------------------------------------- Vijay Mallya, Chief Executive Officer and Director Date: March __, 1998 By: /s/ H. Michael Laybourn --------------------------------------------------- H. Michael Laybourn, President and Director Date: March __, 1998 By: /s/ Yashpal Singh --------------------------------------------------- Yashpal Singh, Chief Operating Officer and Director Date: March __, 1998 By: /s/ Jerome G. Merchant --------------------------------------------------- Jerome G. Merchant, Chief Financial Officer and Director Date: March __, 1998 By: /s/ P.A. Murali --------------------------------------------------- P.A. Murali, Controller Date: March __, 1998 -16- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONTENTS PAGE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT............................................. F - 1 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Balance sheets...................................................... F - 2 Statements of operations............................................ F - 4 Statements of stockholders' equity.................................. F - 5 Statements of cash flows............................................ F - 6 Notes to financial statements....................................... F - 7 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT To the Board of Directors Mendocino Brewing Company, Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Mendocino Brewing Company, Inc., and subsidiary as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the two years ended December 31, 1997. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Mendocino Brewing Company, Inc., and subsidiary as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. /s/ Moss Adams LLP Santa Rosa, California March 4, 1998 Page F - 1 MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 1997 and 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS 1997 1996 ----------- ----------- CURRENT ASSETS Cash $ 706,300 $ 494,800 Accounts receivable 329,700 317,400 Inventories 544,100 380,500 Prepaid expenses 42,600 58,600 Refundable income taxes 106,300 71,900 Deferred income taxes 39,500 23,100 ----------- ----------- Total current assets 1,768,500 1,346,300 ----------- ----------- PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 15,642,500 9,270,300 ----------- ----------- OTHER ASSETS Deferred income taxes 573,400 4,500 Deposits and other assets 42,000 304,100 Deferred stock offering costs -- 202,000 Label development costs, net of amortization -- 17,400 ----------- ----------- 615,400 528,000 ----------- ----------- Total assets $18,026,400 $11,144,600 =========== =========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page F - 2 MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued) December 31, 1997 and 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
1997 1996 ------------ ------------ CURRENT LIABILITIES Line of credit $ 600,000 $ 600,000 Accounts payable 728,300 567,600 Accounts payable-related party 80,200 -- Accrued wages and related expense 169,700 118,200 Accrued construction costs 500 744,500 Accrued liabilities 248,300 16,100 Current maturities of long-term debt 130,400 2,765,400 Current maturities of obligation under capital lease 168,500 151,300 ------------ ------------ Total current liabilities 2,125,900 4,963,100 LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities 2,663,300 -- OBLIGATION UNDER CAPITAL LEASE, less current maturities 1,578,900 1,863,000 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES -- 18,100 ------------ ------------ Total liabilities 6,368,100 6,844,200 ------------ ------------ STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Preferred stock, Series A, no par value, with aggregate liquidation preference of $227,600; 227,600 shares authorized, issued and outstanding 227,600 227,600 Common stock, no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized, 4,463,385 and 2,322,222 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively 12,367,200 3,869,600 Retained earnings (deficit) (936,500) 203,200 ------------ ------------ Total stockholders' equity 11,658,300 4,300,400 ------------ ------------ Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 18,026,400 $ 11,144,600 ============ ============ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page F - 3
MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 ----------- ----------- SALES $ 4,843,900 $ 4,004,700 LESS EXCISE TAXES 253,900 165,000 ----------- ----------- NET SALES 4,590,000 3,839,700 COST OF GOODS SOLD 3,312,100 1,909,700 ----------- ----------- GROSS PROFIT 1,277,900 1,930,000 ----------- ----------- OPERATING EXPENSES Retail operating 704,000 738,200 Marketing 846,200 682,300 General and administrative 1,032,200 681,900 ----------- ----------- 2,582,400 2,102,400 ----------- ----------- LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (1,304,500) (172,400) ----------- ----------- OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) Interest income 7,300 11,600 Other expense (149,500) (41,200) Interest expense (401,900) -- ----------- ----------- (544,100) (29,600) ----------- ----------- LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (1,848,600) (202,000) BENEFIT FROM INCOME TAXES (708,900) (78,200) ----------- ----------- NET LOSS $(1,139,700) $ (123,800) =========== =========== LOSS PER COMMON SHARE $ (0.40) $ (0.05) =========== =========== WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING 2,870,478 2,322,222 =========== =========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page F - 4 MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Series A Preferred Stock Common Stock --------------------------- -------------------------- Retained Total Shares Amount Shares Amount Earnings Equity ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Balance, December 31, 1995 227,600 $ 227,600 2,322,222 $ 3,869,600 $ 327,000 $ 4,424,200 Net loss -- -- -- -- (123,800) (123,800) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Balance, December 31, 1996 227,600 227,600 2,322,222 3,869,600 203,200 4,300,400 Issuance of common stock, net of $164,700 issuance costs -- -- 19,516 -- -- -- Stock issued for services at $6.18 per share -- -- 2,000 12,200 -- 12,200 Issuance of common stock, net of $514,600 issuance costs -- -- 943,176 3,485,400 -- 3,485,400 Stock issued for 100% ownership in Releta Brewing Co. -- -- 1,176,471 5,000,000 -- 5,000,000 Net loss -- -- -- -- (1,139,700) (1,139,700) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Balance, December 31, 1997 227,600 $ 227,600 4,463,385 $ 12,367,200 $ (936,500) $ 11,658,300 ============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page F - 5
MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 ----------- ----------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net loss $(1,139,700) $ (123,800) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided (used) by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 359,300 51,900 Gain on sale of assets -- (3,600) Deferred income taxes (603,400) (14,200) Stock issued for services 12,200 -- Changes in: Accounts receivable 130,800 141,500 Inventories (78,400) (124,300) Prepaid expenses 16,000 (11,500) Refundable income taxes (34,400) (71,900) Accounts payable - trade and related party 240,900 461,900 Accrued wages and related expense 51,500 (11,600) Accrued liabilities 232,200 (6,200) Accrued profit sharing -- (30,000) Income taxes payable -- (34,200) ----------- ----------- Net cash (used) provided by operating activities (813,000) 224,000 ----------- ----------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements (1,922,800) (4,817,500) Increase in other assets (27,900) (255,600) Proceeds from sale of fixed assets -- 10,300 ----------- ----------- Net cash used by investing activities (1,950,700) (5,062,800) ----------- ----------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net borrowings on line of credit -- 600,000 Borrowings on long-term debt 1,097,200 2,502,800 Principal payments on long-term debt (1,068,900) (302,800) Reimbursement from obligation under capital lease 147,400 1,523,800 Payments on obligation under capital lease (143,900) (57,900) Reduction in accrued construction costs (744,000) (437,800) Proceeds from sale of common stock 4,164,700 -- Deferred stock offering costs (477,300) (190,600) ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by financing activities 2,975,200 3,637,500 ----------- ----------- INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 211,500 (1,201,300) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year 494,800 1,696,100 ----------- ----------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year $ 706,300 $ 494,800 =========== =========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page F - 6
MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Description of operations - Mendocino Brewing Company and its subsidiary operate two breweries, which are in the business of producing beer and malt beverages for the specialty "craft" segment of the beer market, as well as own and operate a brew pub and gift store. The breweries are in two locations, one in Ukiah, California and the other in Saratoga Springs, New York. The brew pub and gift store are located in Hopland, California. The majority of sales for Mendocino Brewing Company are in California. The company began operations at the Saratoga Springs, New York facility in December 1997. The company will brew several brands of which Red Tail Ale will be the Flagship brand. In addition, the Company will perform contract brewing for several other brands. Principles of consolidation - The consolidated financial statements present the accounts of Mendocino Brewing Company, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Releta Brewing Company LLC., which operates in Saratoga Springs, New York. All material inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated. Inventories - Inventories are stated at the lower-of-average cost or market. Property and equipment - Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated or amortized using straight-line and accelerated methods over the assets' estimated useful lives. Capitalized interest was $263,400 and $214,900 in 1997 and 1996, respectively. Costs of maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred; significant renewals and betterments are capitalized. Estimated useful lives are as follows: Building 40 years Machinery and equipment 5 - 40 years Furniture and fixtures 5 - 10 years Leasehold improvements 7 - 40 years Deferred stock offering costs - Deferred stock offering costs consist of legal and other costs incurred as part of the Company's public offering of common stock. In 1997, the public stock offering was terminated and $164,600 of stock offering costs were offset against the same amount of proceeds from the stock sale. The balance of stock offering costs of $140,500 was expensed. Deposits and other assets - Deposits and other assets consist primarily of prepaid interest on the financing of the Ukiah brewery. Amounts are amortized using the straight line method over the life of the mortgage. Concentration of credit risks - Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk consist principally of trade receivables and interest-bearing deposits in excess of FDIC limits. The Company's interest-bearing deposits are placed with major financial institutions. Wholesale distributors account for substantially all accounts receivable; therefore, this concentration risk is limited due to the number of distributors and state laws regulating the financial affairs of distributors of alcoholic beverages. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page F - 7 MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Income taxes - The provision for income taxes is based on pre-tax earnings reported in the financial statements, adjusted for requirements of current tax law, plus the change in deferred taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized using enacted tax rates and reflect the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the recorded amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and tax basis of such assets and liabilities and future benefits from net operating loss carryforwards and other expenses previously recorded for financial reporting purposes. Income taxes are described further in Note 12. Basic loss per share - In 1997, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share." In February 1998, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") staff released Staff Accounting Bulleting ("SAB") No. 98, "Computations of Earnings per Share." SAB No. 98 revises prior SEC guidance concerning presentation of loss per share information for companies going public, and requires all companies to present earnings per share for all periods for which income statement information is presented in accordance with SFAS No. 128. Basic earnings per share were computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted loss per share was computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Common stock equivalents associated with 12,500 stock options, at a weighted average price per share of $8.80, have been excluded from the weighted average shares outstanding since the effect of these potentially dilutive securities would be antidilutive. Use of estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The amounts estimated could differ from actual results antidilutive. Advertising - Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, were $153,900 and $81,500, respectively. Fair value of financial instruments - The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments: Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value. Long-term debt: Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of long-term debt approximates cost. Accrued construction costs - Accrued construction costs consist of expenses incurred for the construction of the new brewery including equipment. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page F - 8 MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) New accounting pronouncements - In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," which establishes standards for reporting comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expenses, gains and losses) in financial statements. SFAS No. 130 requires classification of other comprehensive income in a financial statement, and the display of the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately from retained earnings and additional paid-in capital. SFAS No. 130 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The Company believes this pronouncement will not have a material effect on its financial statements. In June 1997, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." This pronouncement established standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires that enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports to shareholders. SFAS No. 131 also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. SFAS No. 131 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997, although earlier application is encouraged. The Company believes this pronouncement will not have a material effect on its financial statements. Reclassifications - Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1996 financial statements to conform to the 1997 presentation. NOTE 2 - INVENTORIES 1997 1996 -------------------- -------------------- Raw Materials $ 165,000 $ 121,800 Work-in-process 101,700 81,700 Finished goods 210,800 139,800 Merchandise 66,600 37,200 -------------------- -------------------- $ 544,100 $ 380,500 ==================== ==================== - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page F - 9 MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 3 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 1997 1996 ----------- ----------- Buildings $ 7,711,100 $ -- Machinery and equipment 5,070,300 557,500 Equipment under capital lease 1,912,300 -- Land 810,900 810,900 Equipment in progress 177,700 2,573,600 Leasehold improvements 771,800 129,000 Furniture and fixtures 70,400 19,800 Construction in progress -- 5,719,600 ----------- ----------- 16,524,500 9,810,400 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 882,000 540,100 ----------- ----------- $15,642,500 $ 9,270,300 =========== =========== NOTE 4 - LINE OF CREDIT The Company has available a $600,000 line of credit with interest at the bank's index rate plus 1.5%. The bank's commitment under the line of credit matures May 31, 1998. The agreement is secured by accounts receivable and inventory. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page F - 10 MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 5 - LONG-TERM DEBT
1997 1996 ---------- ---------- Note payable to bank, in monthly installments of $24,400, including interest at the Treasury Constant Maturity Index plus 4.17%, currently 5.83%, maturing December 2012, with a balloon payment of $1,872,300, secured by substantially all the assets of the Company $2,700,000 $ -- Note payable (construction loan) to bank, with interest at the banks interest rate plus 2%; matured January 1998; the note was converted to permanent financing -- 2,202,800 Note payable to an individual, due December 31, 1998, including interest at 9%; secured by real property and subordinated to bank debt 93,700 262,600 Note payable to contractor, paid in full November 1997 -- 300,000 ---------- ---------- 2,793,700 2,765,400 Less current maturities 130,400 2,765,400 ---------- ---------- $2,663,300 $ -- ========== ==========
Maturities of long-term debt for succeeding years are as follows: Year Ending December 31, ------------------------ 1998 $ 130,400 1999 28,100 2000 31,100 2001 34,400 2002 38,000 Thereafter 2,531,700 ---------- $2,793,700 ========= - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page F - 11 MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 6 - OBLIGATION UNDER CAPITAL LEASE During 1996, the Company entered into a capital lease agreement with a financial institution for brewing equipment. The agreement is secured by the new brewery equipment. Future minimum lease payments for equipment under this capital lease agreement are as follows: Year Ending December 31, ------------------------ 1998 $ 330,100 1999 330,100 2000 330,100 2001 329,800 2002 325,200 Thereafter 776,100 ------------- 2,421,400 Less amounts representing interest 674,000 ------------- Present value of minimum lease payments 1,747,400 Less current maturities 168,500 ------------- $ 1,578,900 ============= NOTE 7 - PROFIT-SHARING PLAN The Company has a profit-sharing retirement plan under which it may make employer contributions at the discretion of the Board of Directors, although no such contributions are required. Employer contributions vest over a period of six years. The plan covers substantially all full-time employees meeting certain minimum age and service requirements. There were no contributions made for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page F - 12 MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS The Company leases its Hopland, California facility under a noncancellable operating lease expiring August 2004. The monthly lease payment is $2,100, to be adjusted annually by increases in the Consumer Price Index, as defined in the lease agreement. The Company leases the land on which the New York brewery operates under a noncancellable operating lease expiring October 2002. The lease contains options, which management intends to exercise, to extend the lease for three additional 5 year periods and contains an option to purchase the property. The monthly lease payment is $8,800, to be adjusted annually by increases in Consumer Price Index, as defined in the lease agreement. Additionally, the Company leases certain equipment and vehicles under noncancellable operating leases which expires through March 1999. Total rent expense was $142,100 and $50,700 for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Future minimum lease payments are as follows: Year Ending December 31, ------------------------ 1998 $ 130,200 1999 126,900 2000 125,800 2001 125,800 2002 109,100 Thereafter 51,600 ----------- $ 669,400 =========== Employment agreements - Five key employees have employment agreements that provide, in part, severance benefits equal to the remaining amount of their annual base salary. The aggregate annual base salary for the five key employees is $374,400. In January and February of 1998, two employees terminated their employment with the Company. Keg management agreement - In January 1997, the Company entered into a keg management agreement with MicroStar Keg Management LLC. Under this arrangement, MicroStar provides half-barrel kegs for which the Company pays a filling fee. The agreement is effective April 1, 1997, for a five year period. Mendocino Brewing Company has the option to terminate the agreement with 30 days notice. If terminated, the Company is required to purchase a certain number of kegs from MicroStar. NOTE 9 - MAJOR CUSTOMERS Sales to the top five customers totaled $2,192,000 and $1,788,900 for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively representing 55% and 58% of brewing operation sales. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page F - 13 MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 10 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Common Stock The Company began offering 600,000 shares of stock for sale in a second offering beginning February 1997. The Company sold 19,516 shares of stock for total gross proceeds of $164,600. In connection with this second offering, the Company offset $164,600 of issuance costs against the proceeds from the sale of common stock. The second offering was terminated in August 1997. The Company wrote off approximately $140,500 of additional issuance costs which are included in miscellaneous expense on the income statement. In October 1997, the Company entered into an agreement with United Breweries of America (UBA) whereby UBA purchased 2,119,647 shares of stock for $4,000,000 cash and all the outstanding shares of Releta Brewing Company, LLC, valued at $5,000,000. In connection with this transaction, the Company paid $514,600 of issuance costs associated with the shares of common stock purchased. Preferred Stock The Company has authorized 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, of which 227,600 have been designated as Series A. At the time of the incorporation of the partnership, the Company issued 227,600 shares of non-voting, no-par value Series A Preferred Stock in exchange for partnership assets. The partnership distributed the Series A Preferred Stock to its partners on January 3, 1994. Series A shareholders are entitled to receive cash dividends and/or liquidation proceeds equal in the aggregate to $1.00 per share before any cash dividends are paid on the Common Shares or any other series of Preferred Shares. When the entire Series A dividend/liquidation proceeds have been paid, the Series A Shares shall automatically be canceled and cease to be outstanding. NOTE 11 - STOCK OPTION PLAN Under the 1994 Stock Option Plan, the Company may issue options to purchase up to 200,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock. The plan provides for both incentive stock options, as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, and options that do not qualify as incentive stock options. The Plan shall terminate upon the earlier of (a) the tenth anniversary of its adoption by the Board or (b) the date on which all shares available for issuance under the Plan have been issued. The exercise price of incentive options must be no less then the fair-market value of such stock at the date the option is granted, while the exercise price of nonstatutory options will be no less than 85% of the fair-market value per share on the date of grant. With respect to options granted to a person possessing more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of the Company's stock, the exercise price will be no less than 110% of the fair-market value of such share at the grant date. As of December 31, 1996, no options had been granted, exercised, or canceled under the Plan. During 1997, the Company issued 70,000 options to five key employees under the terms of their employment contracts. As a part of the investment agreement with United Breweries of America, these five employees signed new employment agreements which superseded the old agreements and canceled the options. Also, during 1997, the Company issued 12,500 options to an officer for his personal guarantee of debt. The personal guarantee has since been removed. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page F - 14 MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 11 - STOCK OPTION PLAN (Continued) The Company has adopted the disclosure only provision of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS No. 123) "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized for stock options issued during 1997. Had compensation cost for the Company's options been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards in 1997 consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net earnings and earnings per share would have reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below: 1997 1996 -------------- ------------- Net earnings - as reported $ (1,139,700) $ (123,800) Net earnings - pro forma $ (1,216,300) $ (123,800) Earnings per share - as reported $ (0.40) $ (0.05) Earnings per share - pro forma $ (0.42) $ (0.05) The fair value of each option is estimated on date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 1997. There were no options granted in 1996. 1997 -------------- Dividends None Expected volatility 100% Risk free interest rate 5.35% Expected life 5 years Options issued during 1997 have an estimated weighted average fair value of $6.13. The following table summarizes common stock option activity: Shares Under Weighted-Average Option Exercise Price ----------------- ----------------------- Balance, December 31, 1996 - $ - Granted 82,500 8.95 Exercised - - Canceled (70,000) 8.97 ----------------- Balance, December 31, 1997 12,500 $ 8.80 ================= - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page F - 15 MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 12 - INCOME TAXES
1997 1996 --------- --------- Current Federal $ -- $ -- State 800 800 Benefit of net operating loss carryback (106,300) (64,800) --------- --------- (105,500) (64,000) --------- --------- Deferred Current (16,400) (7,600) Non-current (587,000) (6,600) --------- --------- (603,400) (14,200) --------- --------- $(708,900) $ (78,200) ========= ========= The difference between the actual income tax provision and the tax provision computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to earnings before taxes is attributable to the following: 1997 1996 --------- --------- Income tax provision (benefit) at 34% $(628,500) $ (68,700) Adjustment due to lower federal rates -- 5,000 State taxes 800 800 State tax benefit of net operating loss carry forward (81,000) (7,400) Recognition of future tax (deductions) (200) (7,900) --------- --------- $(708,900) $ (78,200) ========= =========
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page F - 16 MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 12 - INCOME TAXES (Continued) Temporary differences and carryforwards which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: 1997 1996 --------- --------- Inventories $ 4,000 $ 3,200 Accruals 38,500 21,700 Other (3,000) (1,800) --------- --------- Current deferred tax asset $ 39,500 $ 23,100 ========= ========= Depreciation and amortization $ (18,600) $ (2,900) Investment tax credit carryforward 43,500 -- Benefit of net operating loss carryforward 593,500 7,400 Other (45,000) -- --------- --------- Non-current deferred tax asset $ 573,400 $ 4,500 ========= ========= Depreciation and amortization $ -- $ 25,300 Other -- (7,200) --------- --------- Non-current deferred tax liability $ -- $ 18,100 ========= ========= At December 31, 1997, the Company has available for carryforward approximately $1,500,000 and $920,000 of federal and California net operating losses. The federal net operating losses will expire in 2012. The California net operating losses expire through 2002. The Company also has $43,000 of California Manufactures Investment Tax Credits that can be carried forward to reduce future taxes and expire in 2005. The benefit from these loss carryforwards and credits has been recorded, resulting in a deferred tax asset. A valuation allowance is not provided since the Company believes it is more likely than not that the loss carryforwards will be fully utilized. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page F - 17 MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC., AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 13 - SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company's business segments are brewing operations and a retail establishment known as the Hopland Brewery. A summary of each segment is as follows:
Year Ending December 31, 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------ Brewing Hopland Corporate Operations Brewery and other Total ------------- ------------- ------------ ------------- Sales $ 3,856,300 $ 987,600 $ -- $ 4,843,900 Operating profit (loss) (261,900) (10,400) -- (272,300) Identifiable assets 16,027,200 98,700 1,900,500 18,026,400 Depreciation and amortization 340,100 6,800 12,400 359,300 Capital expenditures 1,891,800 -- 31,000 1,922,800 Year Ending December 31, 1996 ------------------------------------------------------------ Brewing Hopland Corporate Operations Brewery and other Total ------------- ------------- ------------ ------------- Sales $ 3,067,300 $ 937,400 $ -- $ 4,004,700 Operating profit (loss) 591,100 (84,600) -- 509,500 Identifiable assets 9,873,600 97,900 1,173,100 11,144,600 Depreciation and amortization 26,200 7,800 17,900 51,900 Capital expenditures 5,339,800 -- 19,500 5,359,300
NOTE 14 - STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Supplemental cash flow information includes the following: 1997 1996 ---------- ---------- Cash paid during the year for: Interest $ 644,400 $ 180,400 Income taxes $ 800 $ 60,700 Non-cash investing and financing activities: Capital lease for equipment $ 19,500 $ 548,500 Deposit offset against long-term debt $ 290,000 $ -- Issuance of stock for stock in Releta $5,000,000 $ -- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page F - 18 EX-10.21 2 BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Savings Bank OF MENDOCINO COUNTY A Full Service Commercial Bank PROMISSORY NOTE - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal Loan Date Maturity Loan No Call Collateral Account Officer Initials $2,700,000 12-17-1997 12-01-2012 973101R MJL - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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: Mendocino Brewing Company, Lender: SAVINGS BANK OF MENDOCINO COUNTY a California Corporation MAIN OFFICE P.O. Box 400 P.O. Box 3600 Hopland, CA 95449 200 N. School Street Ukiah, CA 95482 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Principal Amount: $2,700,000.00 Initial Rate: 10.000% Date of Note: December 17, 1997
PROMISE TO PAY. Mendocino Brewing Company, a California Corporation ("Borrower") promises to pay to SAVINGS BANK OF MENDOCINO COUNTY ("Lender"), or order, in lawful money of the United States of America, the principal amount of Two Million Seven Hundred Thousand & 00/100 Dollars ($2,700,000.00), together with interest on the unpaid principal balance from December 17, 1997, until paid in full. PAYMENT. Subject to any payment changes resulting from changes in the Index, Borrower will pay this loan in 179 regular payments of $24,433.54 each and one irregular last payment estimated at $1,873,346.03. Borrower's first payment is due January 1, 1998, and all subsequent payments are due on the same day of each month after that. Borrower's final payment due December 1, 2012, will be for all principal and all accrued interest not yet paid. Payments include principal and interest. Interest on this Note is computed on a 30/360 simple interest basis; that is, with the exception of odd days in the first payment period, monthly interest is calculated by applying the ratio of the annual interest rate over a year of 360 days, multiplied by the outstanding principal balance, multiplied by a month of 30 days. Interest for the odd days is calculated on the basis of the actual days to the next full month and a 360-day year. 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 the Treasury Constant Maturity Index for 5 Year Treasuries (the "Index"). The index is not necessarily the lowest rate charged by Lender on its loans and is set by using the Federal Reserve's Statistical Sheet to establish the Treasury Constant Maturity Index for five year maturities TWO MONTHS PRIOR to the scheduled rate change. If the Treasury Constant Maturity Index is no longer available, then Lender may select an Index to substitute. 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 FIVE YEARS. The change date will be every five years on the anniversary date of the first payment date, using the effective stated index ten days prior to the change date. The Index currently is 5.830% per annum. The interest rate to be applIed to the unpaid principal balance of this Note will be at a rate of 4.170 percentage points over the Index, resulting in an initial rate of 10.000% per annum. NOTICE: Under no circumstances will the interest rate on this Note be more than the maximum rate allowed by applicable law. Whenever increases occur in the interest rate, Lender, at its option, may do one or more of the following: (a) increase Borrower's payments to ensure Borrower's loan will pay off by its original final maturity date, (b) increase Borrower's payments to cover accruing interest, (c) increase the number of Borrower's payments, and (d) continue Borrower's payments at the same amount and increase Borrower's final payment. PREPAYMENT; MINIMUM INTEREST CHARGE. Borrower agrees that all loan fees and other prepaid finance charges are earned fully as of the date of the loan and will not be subject to refund upon early payment (whether voluntary or as a result of default), except as otherwise required by law. In any event, even upon full prepayment of this Note, Borrower understands that Lender is entitled to a minimum interest charge of $100.00. Other than Borrower's obligation to pay any minimum interest charge, 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 under the payment schedule. Rather, they will reduce the principal balance due and may result in Borrower making fewer payments. LATE CHARGE. If a payment is 15 days or more late, Borrower will be charged 5.000% of the regularly scheduled payment. 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) 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. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) Any guarantor dies or any of the other events described in this default section occurs with respect to any guarantor of this Note. (g) A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the Indebtedness is impaired. (h) Lender in good faith deems itself insecure. 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 one (1) days; or (b) if the cure requires more than one (1) 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 Lander'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. 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 California. If there Is a lawsuit, Borrower agrees upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of MENDOCINO County, the State of California. This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. DISHONORED ITEM FEE. Borrower will pay a fee to Lender of $10.00 if Borrower makes a payment on Borrower's loan and the check or 12-17-1997 PROMISSORY NOTE Page 2 Loan No 973101R (Continued) ================================================================================ preauthorized charge with which Borrower pays is later dishonored. COLLATERAL Borrower acknowledges this Note is secured by, in addition to any other collateral, a Deed of Trust dated December 17, 1997, to a trustee in favor of Lender on real property located in MENDOCINO County, State of California. That agreement contains the following due on sale provision: Lender may, at its option, declare immediately due and payable all sums secured by this Deed of Trust upon the sale or transfer, without the Lender's prior written consent, of all or any part of the Real Property, or any interest in the Real Property. A "sale or transfer" means the conveyance of Real Property or any right, title or interest therein; whether legal, beneficial or equitable; whether voluntary or involuntary; whether by outright sale, deed, installment sale contract, land contract, contract for deed, leasehold interest with a term greater than three (3) years, lease-option contract, or by sale, assignment, or transfer of any beneficial interest in or to any land trust holding title to the Real Property, or by any other method of conveyance of Real Property interest. If any Trustor is a corporation, partnership or limited liability company, transfer also includes any change in ownership of more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the voting stock, partnership interests or limited liability company interests, as the case may be, of Trustor. However, this option shall not be exercised by Lender if such exercise is prohibited by applicable law. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS. THIS NOTE IS SECURED BY A DEED OF TRUST OF EVEN DATE HEREWTH AND A SECURITY AGREEMENT DATED 9/25/96. MULTIPLE INTEREST RATE/FLOOR: Not withstanding anything to the contrary that may be contained in this note and the loan documents, Lender and borrower agree that at the time of the first interest rate adjustment (5 year anniversary) the interest rate on the loan will not be greater than 12.000% or less than 7.500%; further, at the time of the second interest rate adjustment (10 year anniversary) the interest rate on the loan will not be greater than 13.000% or less than 7.500%. GENERAL PROVISIONS. 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 any applicable statute of limitations, 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. 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. BORROWER: Mendocino Brewing Company, a California Corporation By: /s/ Michael Laybourn, President By: /s/ Jerome Merchant -------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Michael Laybourn, President Jerome Merchant, Chief Financial Officer ================================================================================ EX-10.22 3 $2,700,000 NOTE RECORDATION REQUESTED BY: SAVINGS BANK OF MENDOCINO COUNTY P.O. Box 3600 200 N. School Street Ukiah, CA 95482 WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO: SAVINGS BANK OF MENDOCINO COUNTY 200 N. School Street P.O. Box 3600 Ukiah, CA 95482 SPACE ABOVE THIS LINE IS FOR RECORDERS'S USE ONLY - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Savings Bank OF MENDOCINO COUNTY A Full Service Commercial Sank HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES CERTIFICATE AND INDEMNITY THIS HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES CERTIFICATE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 17, 1997, IS MADE BY Mendocino Brewing Company, a California Corporation (referred to below as "Borrower", sometimes as "Trustor"), and SAVINGS BANK OF MENDOCINO COUNTY (referred to below as "Lender"). For good and valuable consideration and to induce Lender to make a Loan to Borrower, each party executing this Agreement hereby represents and agrees with Lender as follows: DEFINITIONS. The following words shall have the following meanings when used in this Agreement. All references to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of America. Agreement. The word "Agreement" means this Hazardous Substances Certificate and Indemnity Agreement, as this Hazardous Substances Certificate and Indemnity Agreement may be modified from time to time, together with all exhibits and schedules attached to this Hazardous Substances Certificate and Indemnity Agreement, Borrower. The word "Borrower" means individually and collectively Mendocino Brewing Company, a California Corporation, its successors and assigns. Environmental Laws. The words "Environmental Laws" mean any and all state, federal and local statutes, regulations and ordinances relating to the protection of human health or the environment, including without limitation the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601, at seq. ("CERCLA"), the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-499 ("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., Chapters 6.5 through 7.7 of Division 20 of the California Health and Safety Code, Section 25100, et seq., and other applicable state or federal laws, rules, or regulations adopted pursuant to any of the foregoing. Hazardous Substance. The words "Hazardous Substance" are used in their very broadest sense and refer to materials that, because of their quantity, concentration or physical chemical or infectious characteristics, may cause or pose a present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly used, treated, stored, disposed of, generated, manufactured, transported or otherwise handled. "Hazardous Substances" include without limitation any and all hazardous or toxic substances, materials or waste as defined by or listed under the Environmental Laws. "Hazardous Substances" also includes, without limitation, petroleum and petroleum by-products of any fraction thereof and asbestos. Lender. The word "Lender" means SAVINGS BANK OF MENDOCINO COUNTY, its successors and assigns. 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. Occupant. The word "Occupant" means individually and collectively all persons or entities occupying or utilizing the Property, whether as owner, tenant, operator or other occupant. Property. The word "Property" means the following described real property, and all improvements thereon located in MENDOCINO County, the State of California: AS PER EXHIBIT "A" ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF. The Real Property or its address is commonly known as 1601 Airport Blvd., UKIAH CA 95482. The Assessor's Parcel Number for the Real Property is 180-110-07. Trustor. The word "Trustor" means individually and collectively Mendocino Brewing Company, a California Corporation. REPRESENTATIONS. The following representations are made to Lender, subject to disclosures made and accepted by Lender in writing: Use Of Property. After due inquiry and investigation, Borrower has no knowledge, or reason to believe, that there has been any use, 12-17-1997 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES CERTIFICATE AND INDEMNITY Page 2 Loan No 973101R (Continued) ================================================================================ generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, refinement, transportation, disposal, release, or threatened release of any Hazardous Substance by any person on, under, or about the Property. Hazardous Substances. After due inquiry and investigation, Borrower has no knowledge, or reason to believe, that the Property, whenever and whether owned by previous Occupants, has ever contained asbestos, PCB or other Hazardous Substances, whether used in construction or stored on the Property. No Notices. Borrower has received no summons, citation, directive, letter or other communication, written or oral, from any agency or department of any county or state or the U.S. Government concerning any intentional or unintentional action or omission on, under, or about the Property which has resulted in the releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying or dumping of Hazardous Substances into any waters or onto any lands or where damage may have resulted to the lands, waters, fish, shellfish, wildlife, biota, air or other natural resources. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. Subject to disclosures made and accepted by Lender in writing, Borrower hereby covenants with Lender as follows: Use Of Property. Borrower will not use and does not intend to use the Property to generate, manufacture, refine, transport, treat, store, handle or dispose of any Hazardous Substances. Compliance with Environmental Laws. Borrower shall cause the Property and the operations conducted thereon to comply with all Environmental Laws and orders of any governmental authorities having jurisdiction under any Environmental Laws and shall obtain, keep in effect and comply with all governmental permits and authorizations required by Environmental Laws with respect to such Property or operations. Borrower shall furnish Lender with copies of all such permits and authorizations and any amendments or renewals thereof and shall notify Lender of any expiration or revocation of such permits or authorizations. Preventive, Investigatory and Remedial Action. Borrower shall exercise extreme care in handing Hazardous Substances if Borrower uses or encounters any. Borrower, at Borrower's expense, shall undertake any and all preventive, investigatory or remedial action (including emergency response, removal, containment and other remedial action) (a) required by any applicable Environmental Laws or orders by any governmental authority having jurisdiction under Environmental Laws, or (b) necessary to prevent or minimize property damage (including damage to Occupant's own property), personal injury or damage to the environment, or the threat of any such damage or injury, by releases of or exposure to Hazardous Substances in connection with the Property or operations of any Occupant on the Property. In the event Borrower fails to perform any of Borrower's obligations under this section of the Agreement, Lender may (but shall not be required to) perform such obligations at Borrower's expense. All such costs and expenses incurred by Lender under this section and otherwise under this Agreement shall be reimbursed by Borrower to Lender upon demand with interest at the Loan default rate, or in the absence of a default rate, at the Loan interest rate. Lender and Borrower intend that Lender shall have full recourse to Borrower for any sum at any time due to Lender under this Agreement. In performing any such obligations of Borrower, Lender shall at all times be deemed to be the agent of Borrower and shall not by reason of such performance be deemed to be assuming any responsibility of Borrower under any Environmental Law or to any third party. Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints Lender as Borrower's attorney-in-fact with full power to perform such of Borrower's obligations under this section of the Agreement as Lender deems necessary and appropriate. Notices. Borrower shall immediately notify Lender upon becoming aware of any of the following: (a) Any spill, release or disposal of a Hazardous Substance on any of the Property, or in connection with any of its operations if such spill, release or disposal must be reported to any governmental authority under applicable Environmental Laws. (b) Any contamination, or imminent threat of contamination, of the Property by Hazardous Substances, or any violation of Environmental Laws in connection with the Property operations conducted on the Property. (c) Any order, notice of violation, fine or penalty or other similar action by any governmental authority relating to Hazardous Substances or Environmental Laws and to the Property or the operations conducted on the Property. (d) Any judicial or administrative investigation or proceeding relating to Hazardous Substances or Environmental Laws and to the Property or the operations conducted on the Property. (e) Any matters relating to Hazardous Substances or Environmental Laws that would give a reasonably prudent Lender cause to be concerned that the value of Lender's security interest in the Property may be reduced or threatened or that may impair, or threaten to impair, Borrower's ability to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement when such performance is due. Access to Records. Borrower shall deliver to Lender, at Lender's request, copies of any and all documents in Borrower's possession or to which it has access relating to Hazardous Substances or Environmental Laws and the Property and the operations conducted on the Property, including without limitation results of laboratory analyses, site assessments or studies, environmental audit reports and other consultants' studies and reports. Inspection. Lender reserves the right to inspect and investigate the Property and operations thereon at any time and from time to time, and Borrower shall cooperate fully with Lender in such inspection and investigations. If Lender at any time has reason to believe that Borrower or any Occupants of the Property are not complying with all applicable Environmental Laws or with the requirements of this Agreement or that a material spill, release or disposal of Hazardous Substances has occurred on or under the Property, Lender may require Borrower to furnish Lender at Borrower's expense an environmental audit or a site assessment with respect to the matters of concern to Lender. Such audit or assessment shall be performed by a qualified consultant approved by Lender. Any inspections or tests made by Lender shall be for Lender's purposes only and shall not be construed to create any responsibility or liability on the part of Lander to Borrower or to any other person. BORROWER'S WAIVER AND INDEMNIFICATION. Borrower hereby indemnifies and holds harmless Lender and Lender's officers, directors, employees and agents, and Lender's successors and assigns and their officers, directors, employees and agents against any and all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, costs and expenses (including without limitation attorneys' fees at trial and on any appeal or petition for review) incurred by such person (a) arising out of or relating to any investigatory or remedial action involving the Property, the operations conducted on the Property or any other operations of Borrower or any Occupant and required by Environmental Laws or by orders of any governmental authority having jurisdiction under any Environmental Laws, or (b) on account of injury to any person whatsoever or damage to any property arising out of, in connection with, or in any way relating to (i) the breach of any covenant contained in this Agreement, (ii) the violation of any Environmental Laws, (iii) the use, treatment, storage, generation, manufacture, transport, release, spill disposal or other handling of Hazardous Substances on the Property, (iv) the contamination of any of the Property by Hazardous Substances by any means whatsoever (including without limitation any presently existing contamination of the Property), or (v) any costs incurred by Lender pursuant to this Agreement. In addition to this indemnity, Borrower hereby releases and waives all present and future claims against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event Borrower becomes 12-17-1997 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES CERTIFICATE AND INDEMNITY Page 3 Loan No 973101R (Continued) ================================================================================ liable for cleanup or other costs under any Environmental Laws. PAYMENT: FULL RECOURSE TO BORROWER. Lender and Borrower intend that Lender shall have full recourse to Borrower for Borrower's obligations hereunder as they become due to Lender under this Agreement. Such liabilities losses, claims, damages and expenses shall be reimbursable to Lender as Lender's obligations to make payments with respect thereto are incurred, without any requirement of waiting for the ultimate outcome of any litigation, claim or other proceeding, and Borrower shall pay such liability losses, claims, damages and expenses to Lender as so incurred within thirty (30) days after written notice from Lender. Lender's notice shall contain a brief itemization of the amounts incurred to the date of such notice. In addition to any remedy available for failure to pay periodically such amounts, such amounts shall thereafter bear interest at the Loan default rate, or in the absence of a default rate, at the Loan interest rate. SURVIVAL. The covenants contained in this Agreement shall survive (a) the repayment of the Loan, (b) any foreclosure, whether judicial or nonjudicial, of the Property, and (c) any delivery of a deed in lieu of foreclosure to Lender or any successor of Lender. The covenants contained in this Agreement shall be for the benefit of Lender and any sucessor to Lender, as holder of any security interest in the Property or the indebtedness secured thereby, or as owner of the Property following foreclosure or the delivery of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of the Agreement: Applicable Law. This Agreement has been delivered to Lender and accepted by Lender in the State of California. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. Attorneys' Fees; Expenses. Borrower 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 Agreement. Lender may pay someone else to help enforce this Agreement, and Borrower 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-judgement collection services. Borrower also shall pay all court costs and such additional fees as may be directed by the court. 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. Waivers and Consents. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this Agreement unless such waiver is 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 any party of a provision of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of or prejudice the party's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other provision. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Borrower, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or any of Borrower's obligations as to any future transactions. Whenever consent by Lender is required in this Agreement, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute continuing consent to subsequent instances where such consent is required. Borrower hereby waives notice of acceptance of this Agreement by Lender. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT, AND EACH AGREES TO ITS TERMS. NO FORMAL ACCEPTANCE BY LENDER IS NECESSARY TO MAKE THIS AGREEMENT EFFECTIVE. INDEBTOR: Mendocino Brewing Company, a California Corporation By: /s/ Michael Laybourn By: /s/ Jerome Merchant ----------------------------- ---------------------------------- Michael Laybourn, President Jerome Merchant, Chief Financial Officer LENDER: SAVINGS BANK OF MENDOCINO COUNTY By: ------------------------------ Authorized Officer EX-10.23 4 BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal Loan Date Maturity Loan No. Call Collateral Account Officer Initials $600,000.00 12-01-1997 05-31-1998 203-00549 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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: MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC. Lender: WESTAMERICA BANK P.O. BOX 400 SONOMA CREDIT ADM. HOPLAND, CA 95449 31 D ST. 2ND. FLOOR SANTA ROSA, CA 95404 ================================================================================ THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT between MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC. ("Borrowers") and WESTAMERICA BANK ("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 December 1, 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. 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 certiticate 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 California 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 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 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 liens and 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. Except as disclosed to Lender in writing, no property of Borrower ever has been, or ever will be so long as this Agreement remains in effect, used for the generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any hazardous waste or substance, as those terms are defined in the "CERCLA" "SARA," applicable state or Federal laws, or regulations adopted pursuant to any of the foregoing. 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 and losses resulting from a breach of this provision of this Agreement. This obligation to indemnify shall survive the payment of the Indebtedness and the satisfaction of this Agreement. Commercial Purposes. Borrower intends to use the Loan proceeds solely for business or commercial related purposes. 12-01-1997 BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Page 2 Loan No 203-00549 (Continued) ================================================================================ 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 of the Loan which could materially affect the financial condition of Borrower or the financial condition of any guarantor of the Loan. Financial Records. Maintain its books and records in accordance with accounting principles acceptable to Lender, 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 one hundred twenty (120) 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 forty five (45) days after the end of each fiscal quarter, 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 accounting principles acceptable to Lender, 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. Loan Proceeds. Use all Loan proceeds solely for the following specific purposes: SUPPORT BUSINESS OPERATIONS. 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; provide written notice to Lender of any change in 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. RECOVERY OF ADDITIONAL COSTS. If the imposition of or any change in any law, rule, regulation or guideline, or the interpretation or application of any thereof by any court or administrative or governmental authority (including any request or policy not having the force of law) shall impose, modify or make applicable any taxes (except U.S. federal, state or local income or franchise taxes imposed on Lender), reserve requirements, capital adequacy requirements or other obligations which would (a) increase the cost to Lender for extending or maintaining the credit facilities to which this Agreement relates, (b) reduce the amounts payable to Lender under this Agreement or any related documents, or (c) reduce the rate of return on Lender's capital as a consequence of Lender's obligations with respect to the credit facilities to which this Agreement relates, then Borrower agrees to pay Lender such additional amounts as will compensate Lender therefor, within five (5) days after Lender's written demand for such payment, which demand shall be accompanied by an explanation of such imposition or charge and a calculation in reasonable detail of the additional amounts payable by Borrower, which explanation and calculation shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. 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 is 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 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; or (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. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS: BORROWER SHALL PROVIDE TO BANK A COPY OF BORROWER'S AGING OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND INVENTORY REPORT (IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO BANK) WITHIN I5 DAYS OF THE END OF EACH MONTH. BORROWER SHALL PROVIDE COPIES OF FEDERAL TAX RETURNS WITHIN 30 DAYS OF FlLING. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Agreement: Default of Indebtedness. Faliure of Borrower to make any payment when due on the Loans. 12-01-1997 BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Page 3 Loan No 203-00549 (Continued) ================================================================================ Other Defaults. Failure of Borrower to comply with or to perform when due any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement. Default in Favor of Third Parties. Should Borrower 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 ability to repay the Loans or perform Borrower's obligations under this Agreement or any related document. False Statements. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by or on behalf of Borrower is false or misleading in any material respect at the time made or furnished or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter. 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 of collateral for the Loan. This includes a garnishment, attachment, or levy on or of any of Borrower's deposit accounts with 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. Change In Ownership. Any change in ownership of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the common stock of 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. 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 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. BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT, AND BORROWER AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS AGREEMENT IS DATED AS OF DECEMBER 1, 1997. BORROWER: MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC. By: /s/ H. MICHAEL LAYBOURN, PRESIDENT By: /s/ YASHPAL SINGH ---------------------------------- ------------------------------------- H. MICHAEL LAYBOURN, PRESIDENT YASHPAL SINGH, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER LENDER: WESTAMERICA BANK By: ---------------------------- Authorized Officer ================================================================================ EX-10.24 5 $600,000 NOTE PROMISSORY NOTE - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal Loan Date Maturity Loan No. Call Collateral Account Officer Initials $600,000.00 12-01-1997 05-31-1998 203-00549 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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: MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY,INC. Lender: WESTAMERICA BANK P.O. BOX 400 SONOMA CREDIT ADM. HOPLAND CA 95449 31 D ST. 2ND. FLOOR SANTA ROSA, CA 95404 ================================================================================ Principal Amount: $600,000.00 Date of Note: December 1, 1997 Initial Rate: 10.000% PROMISE TO PAY. MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC. ("Borrower") promises to pay to WESTAMERICA BANK ("Lender"), or order, in lawful money of the United States of America, the principal amount of Six Hundred Thousand & 00/100 Dollars ($600,000.00) 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 on demand, or if no demand is made, in one payment of all outstanding principal plus all accrued unpaid interest on May 31, 1998. In addition, Borrower will pay regular monthly payments of accrued unpaid interest beginning December 31, 1997, and all subsequent interest payments are due on the last day of each month after that. The annual interest rate for this Note is computed on a 365/360 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 the Westamerica Bank Index Rate (the "Index"). THE BANK'S INDEX RATE IS ESTABLISHED BY BANK IN ITS SAN RAFAEL HEADQUARTERS OFFICE AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTE, AND AS OF EACH DATE THAT BANK MAY ADJUST SUCH INDEX RATE. LOANS MAY BE MADE BY BANK AT, ABOVE OR BELOW THE INDEX RATE. 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. The Index currently is 8.500%. The interest rate to be applied to the unpaid principal balance of this Note will be at a rate of 1.500 percentage points over the Index, resulting in an initial rate of 10.000%. NOTICE: Under no circumstances will the interest rate on this Note be more than the maximum rate allowed by applicable law. PREPAYMENT; MINIMUM INTEREST CHARGE. Borrower agrees that all loan fees and other prepaid finance charges are earned fully as of the date of the loan and will not be subject to refund upon early payment (whether voluntary or as a result of default), except as otherwise required by law. In any event, even upon full prepayment of this Note, Borrower understands that Lender is entitled to a minimum interest charge of $50.00. Other than Borrower's obligation to pay any minimum interest charge, Borrower may pay 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 under the payment schedule. Rather, they will reduce the principal balance due and may result in Borrower's making fewer payments. 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. 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. Upon Borrower's failure to pay all amounts declared due pursuant to this section, including failure to pay upon final maturity, Lender, at its option, may also, if permitted under applicable law, increase the variable interest rate on this Note to 5.500 percentage points over the Index. 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. 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 California. If there is a lawsuit, Borrower agrees upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of MARIN County, the State of California. 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 California. DISHONORED ITEM FEE. Borrower will pay a fee to Lender of $15.00 if Borrower makes a payment on Borrower's loan and the check or preauthorized charge with which Borrower pays is later dishonored. COLLATERAL. This Note is secured by THAT CERTAIN COMMERCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT DATED MAY 17, 1996. LINE OF CREDIT. This Note evidences a revolving line of credit. Advances under this Note may he 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 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: H. MICHAEL LAYBOURN, PRESIDENT; and YASHPAL SINGH, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER. 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; or (d) Borrower has applied funds provided pursuant to this Note for purposes other than those authorized by Lender. 12-01-1997 PROMISSORY NOTE Loan No 203-00549 (Continued) Page 2 ================================================================================ GENERAL PROVISIONS. This Note is payable on demand. The inclusion of specific default provisions or rights of Lender shall not preclude Lender's right to declare payment of this Note on its demand. 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 any applicable statute of limitations, 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. PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS NOTE, BORROWER READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS NOTE. BORROWER AGREES TO THE TERMS OF THE NOTE AND ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF A COMPLETED COPY OF THE NOTE. BORROWER: MENDOCINO BREWING COMPANY, INC. COPY BY: /s/ H. MICHAEL LAYBOURN, PRESIDENT By: /s/ YASHPAL SINGH ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------- H. MICHAEL LAYBOURN, PRESIDENT YASHPAL SINGH, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EX-27 6 FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE
5 The audited financial statements of Mendocino Brewing Company, Inc. as at December 31, 1997 12-MOS DEC-31-1997 JAN-01-1997 DEC-31-1997 706,300 0 329,700 0 554,100 1,768,500 16,524,500 882,000 18,026,400 2,125,900 0 12,367,200 0 227,600 (936,500) 18,026,400 4,590,000 4,843,900 3,312,100 6,148,400 149,500 0 394,600 (1,848,600) (708,900) (1,139,700) 0 0 0 (1,139,700) (0.40) 0
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