0001193125-05-068288.txt : 20120614 0001193125-05-068288.hdr.sgml : 20120614 20050401155735 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-05-068288 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13D PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 7 FILED AS OF DATE: 20050401 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20050401 GROUP MEMBERS: CARY S. FITCHEY GROUP MEMBERS: MARSHALL S. GELLER GROUP MEMBERS: SCGP, LLC GROUP MEMBERS: ST. CLOUD CAPITAL, LLC SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: VIKING SYSTEMS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001065754 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTROMEDICAL & ELECTROTHERAPEUTIC APPARATUS [3845] IRS NUMBER: 860913802 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NV FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-79397 FILM NUMBER: 05725479 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 7514 GIRARD AVENUE STREET 2: SUITE 1509 CITY: LA JOLLA STATE: CA ZIP: 92037 BUSINESS PHONE: 8584566608 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 7514 GIRARD AVENUE STREET 2: SUITE 1509 CITY: LA JOLLA STATE: CA ZIP: 92037 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ST CLOUD CAPITAL PARTNERS LP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001164263 IRS NUMBER: 954883837 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 433 NORTH CAMDEN DRIVE STREET 2: FIFTH FLOOR CITY: BEVERLY HILLS STATE: CA ZIP: 90210 BUSINESS PHONE: 3105530177 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 433 NORTH CAMDEN DRIVE STREET 2: FIFTH FLOOR CITY: BEVERLY HILLS STATE: CA ZIP: 90210 SC 13D 1 dsc13d.htm SCHEDULE 13D Schedule 13D

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

SCHEDULE 13D

 

 

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.     )*

 

 

 

 

VIKING SYSTEMS, INC.


(Name of Issuer)

 

 

Common Stock, $0.001 par value


(Title of Class of Securities)

 

 

926850101


(CUSIP Number)

 

 

Cary S. Fitchey

St. Cloud Capital Partners, L.P.

10866 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1450

Los Angeles, California 90024

(310) 475-2700


(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

 

 

Copies to:

W. Alex Voxman

Latham & Watkins LLP

633 West Fifth Street, Suite 4000

Los Angeles, California 90071

(213) 485-1234

 

 

March 22, 2005


(Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement)

 

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.113d-1(g), check the following box.  ¨

 

Note:  Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See §240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

 

* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

 

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).


CUSIP No. 926850101

 

  1.  

Names of Reporting Persons. I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only).

 

            St. Cloud Capital Partners, L.P.

   
  2.  

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)

(a)  ¨

(b)  x

   
  3.  

SEC Use Only

 

   
  4.  

Source of Funds (See Instructions)

 

            WC, OO

   
  5.  

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

 

   
  6.  

Citizenship or Place of Organization

 

            Delaware

   

Number of

Shares

Beneficially

Owned by

Each

Reporting

Person With

 

  7.    Sole Voting Power

 

                4,687,500 shares*


  8.    Shared Voting Power

 

                4,687,500 shares*


  9.    Sole Dispositive Power

 

                4,687,500 shares*


10.    Shared Dispositive Power

 

                4,687,500 shares*

11.  

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person

 

            4,687,500 shares*

   
12.  

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)

 

 

x

 

13.  

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)

 

            12.81% (based on 31,900,300 shares of Viking Systems, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the

             “Company”), Common Stock outstanding as of March 22, 2005, as reported by the Company).

   
14.  

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)

 

            IV, PN

   

 

* See response to Item 5(a) and Item 5(b).

 

2


CUSIP No. 926850101

 

  1.  

Names of Reporting Persons. I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only).

 

            SCGP, LLC

   
  2.  

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)

(a)  ¨

(b)  x

   
  3.  

SEC Use Only

 

   
  4.  

Source of Funds (See Instructions)

 

            AF

   
  5.  

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

 

   
  6.  

Citizenship or Place of Organization

 

            Delaware

   

Number of

Shares

Beneficially

Owned by

Each

Reporting

Person With

 

  7.    Sole Voting Power

 

                -0- shares*


  8.    Shared Voting Power

 

                4,687,500 shares*


  9.    Sole Dispositive Power

 

                -0- shares*


10.    Shared Dispositive Power

 

                4,687,500 shares*

11.  

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person

 

            4,687,500 shares*

   
12.  

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)

 

 

x

 

13.  

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)

 

             12.81% (based on 31,900,300 shares of the Company’s Common Stock outstanding as of

             March 22, 2005, as reported by the Company).

   
14.  

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)

 

            OO

   

 

* See response to Item 5(a) and Item 5(b).

 

3


CUSIP No. 926850101

 

  1.  

Names of Reporting Persons. I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only).

 

            St. Cloud Capital, LLC

   
  2.  

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)

(a)  ¨

(b)  x

   
  3.  

SEC Use Only

 

   
  4.  

Source of Funds (See Instructions)

 

            AF

   
  5.  

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

 

   
  6.  

Citizenship or Place of Organization

 

            California

   

Number of

Shares

Beneficially

Owned by

Each

Reporting

Person With

 

  7.    Sole Voting Power

 

                -0- shares*


  8.    Shared Voting Power

 

                4,687,500 shares*


  9.    Sole Dispositive Power

 

                -0- shares*


10.    Shared Dispositive Power

 

                4,687,500 shares*

11.  

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person

 

            4,687,500 shares*

   
12.  

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)

 

 

x

 

13.  

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)

 

             12.81% (based on 31,900,300 shares of the Company’s Common Stock outstanding as of

             March 22, 2005, as reported by the Company).

   
14.  

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)

 

            OO

   
* See response to Item 5(a) and Item 5(b).

 

4


CUSIP No. 926850101

 

  1.  

Names of Reporting Persons. I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only).

 

            Marshall S. Geller

   
  2.  

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)

(a)  ¨

(b)  x

   
  3.  

SEC Use Only

 

   
  4.  

Source of Funds (See Instructions)

 

            AF

   
  5.  

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

 

   
  6.  

Citizenship or Place of Organization

 

            USA

   

Number of

Shares

Beneficially

Owned by

Each

Reporting

Person With

 

  7.    Sole Voting Power

 

                -0- shares*


  8.    Shared Voting Power

 

                4,687,500 shares*


  9.    Sole Dispositive Power

 

                -0- shares*


10.    Shared Dispositive Power

 

                4,687,500 shares*

11.  

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person

 

            4,687,500 shares*

   
12.  

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)

 

 

x

 

13.  

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)

 

             12.81% (based on 31,900,300 shares of the Company’s Common Stock outstanding as of

             March 22, 2005, as reported by the Company).

   
14.  

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)

 

            IN

   

 

* See response to Item 5(a) and Item 5(b).

 

5


CUSIP No. 926850101

 

  1.  

Names of Reporting Persons. I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only).

 

            Cary S. Fitchey

   
  2.  

Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions)

(a)  ¨

(b)  x

   
  3.  

SEC Use Only

 

   
  4.  

Source of Funds (See Instructions)

 

            AF

   
  5.  

Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

 

   
  6.  

Citizenship or Place of Organization

 

            USA

   

Number of

Shares

Beneficially

Owned by

Each

Reporting

Person With

 

  7.    Sole Voting Power

 

                -0- shares*


  8.    Shared Voting Power

 

                4,687,500 shares*


  9.    Sole Dispositive Power

 

                -0- shares*


10.    Shared Dispositive Power

 

                4,687,500 shares*

11.  

Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person

 

            4,687,500 shares*

   
12.  

Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)

 

 

x

 

13.  

Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)

 

             12.81% (based on 31,900,300 shares of the Company’s Common Stock outstanding as of

             March 22, 2005, as reported by the Company).

   
14.  

Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions)

 

            IN

   

 

* See response to Item 5(a) and Item 5(b).

 

6


Item 1 . Security and Issuer

 

This Schedule 13D, dated as of March 30, 2005, relates to the common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), of Viking Systems, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), with its principal executive offices located at 7514 Girard Avenue, Suite 1509, La Jolla, California 92037.

 

Item 2. Identity and Background

 

(a) This statement is being filed by the following persons:

 

St. Cloud Capital Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“St. Cloud Partners”), SCGP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“SCGP”), St. Cloud Capital, LLC, a California limited liability company (“St. Cloud Capital”), Marshall S. Geller, an individual (“Mr. Geller”), and Cary S. Fitchey, an individual (“Mr. Fitchey,” and collectively with St. Cloud Partners, SCGP, St. Cloud Capital and Mr. Geller, the “Reporting Persons”).

 

(b) The address of the principal business of each of the Reporting Persons is 10866 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1450, Los Angeles, California 90024.

 

(c) St. Cloud Partners is licensed by the United States Small Business Administration as a Small Business Investment Company, whose principal business is to invest in companies. The principal business of SCGP is to act as the general partner of St. Cloud Partners. The principal business of St. Cloud Capital is to provide management services to St. Cloud Partners and investment advice to SCGP. Mr. Geller and Mr. Fitchey are venture capitalists.

 

(d) None of the Reporting Persons have during the last five years been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors).

 

(e) None of the Reporting Persons have, during the last five years, been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction as a result of which such person was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.

 

(f) Mr. Geller and Mr. Fitchey are citizens of the United States.

 

Item 3. Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration

 

On March 22, 2005, St. Cloud Partners, entered into that certain Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), by and among the Company, St. Cloud Partners, as lead lender and collateral agent, and St. Cloud Partners and Mr. Donald Tucker and Mr. Brian Miller, as subsequently amended by certain Addendums to the Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which Pacific Asset Partners, John S. Lemak, Sandor Capital Master Fund, Aspen Ventures, LLC, Fred B. and Lois Tarter, Bedford Oak Partners, LP, Bella Capital, LLC, Prairie Fire Capital LLC, Michael Stone and Larry Haimovitch (collectively, with St. Cloud Partners, Mr. Donald Tucker and Mr. Brian Miller, the “Purchasers,” and such Purchasers excluding St. Cloud Partners, the “Other Purchasers”) became parties to the Purchase Agreement. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, among other things, St. Cloud Partners purchased (i) a Secured Convertible Promissory Note of the Company in the aggregate principal amount of $750,000 (the “St. Cloud Note”) and (ii) a Warrant to purchase 937,500 shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “St. Cloud Warrant”) for an aggregate purchase price of $750,000. The Purchase Agreement, the St. Cloud Note and the Warrant are attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1, Exhibit 10.2 and Exhibit 10.3, respectively, and are incorporated by reference herein. The funds were obtained from working capital of St. Cloud Partners and borrowings of St. Cloud Partners from the United States Small Business Administration.

 

Item 4. Purpose of Transaction

 

St. Cloud Partners acquired the St. Cloud Note and the St. Cloud Warrant for investment purposes. Its investment is subject to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the St. Cloud Note, the St. Cloud Warrant, the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2005, by and among the Company, St. Cloud Partners and the

 

7


other individuals identified therein (as amended, the “Registration Rights Agreement”), and the Security Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2005, by and between the Company and St. Cloud Partners, individually and as collateral agent for the benefit of the Purchasers (the “Security Agreement”), which are attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1, Exhibit 10.2, Exhibit 10.3, Exhibit 10.4 and Exhibit 10.5, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, Viking shall use its best efforts to raise up to $3,000,000 of equity on terms acceptable to St. Cloud Partners by July 1, 2005.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, until the St. Cloud Note and the Other Purchasers Notes (as defined below) are paid in full, St. Cloud Partners has the option of designating (i) one person to serve on the board of directors of the Company; and (ii) one person to attend meetings of the board of directors of the Company as an observer. St. Cloud Partners has designated Mr. Geller as director and Mr. Larry Haimovitch as an observer. In connection with this appointment, the Company increased the board of directors of the Company to seven (7) directors and appointed Mr. Geller to fill the vacancy resulting from such an increase in the number of directors.

 

Under the terms of the St. Cloud Note, interest on the principal balance of $750,000 accrues at the rate of 10% per annum and is payable on the last business day of each month through and including February 28, 2006. The maturity date of the St. Cloud Note is March 22, 2006 (or earlier, if the St. Cloud Note is accelerated as provided for in the St. Cloud Note) (the “Maturity Date”). Subject to the limitations contained in the St. Cloud Note, until the St. Cloud Note is repaid in full, the Company may be obligated to prepay the St. Cloud Note, including in the event of a change in control or sale or transfer of the Company’s assets (other than in the ordinary course of business). The St. Cloud Note is convertible into shares of Common Stock at any time prior to the Maturity Date at a conversion price of $0.20 per share (subject to adjustment, the “Conversion Price”). As of March 22, 2005, the St. Cloud Note was convertible into 3,750,000 shares of Common Stock. In addition, the Company has the right to require St. Cloud Partners to convert all or a portion of the St. Cloud Note at the Conversion Price in the event that (i) no event of default (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) exists or is continuing at the time of such mandatory conversion and (ii) the Company has raised a minimum of $3,000,000 in public and/or private equity offerings on or prior to March 22, 2006 at an average price equal to or greater than $0.30 per share of Common Stock.

 

Events of default which would cause the St. Cloud Note to accelerate, causing the principal and interest on the St. Cloud Note to become immediately due and payable, include, among other things: (i) the failure to make a payment when due or of interest on the St. Cloud for a period of five (5) days from when such payment is due; (ii) any representation or warranty made by the Company in, among others, the Purchase Agreement, the St. Cloud Note or the Security Agreement shall have been incorrect in any material respect when made and shall not have been remedied within ten (10) days after written notice thereof shall have been given to the Company; (iii) the breach of any covenant in the Purchase Agreement or any other Loan Document (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) that is not cured within ten (10) days after written notice thereof shall have been given to the Company; (iv) the making or filing of certain money judgments in excess of $100,000 against the Company; (v) the suspension of the usual business activities of the Company or the winding up or liquidation of the Company’s business; (vi) St. Cloud Partners ceasing to have a valid and perfected security interested in the collateral described in the Security Agreement; and (vii) the removal of the director appointed by St. Cloud Partners without the approval of St. Cloud Partners. The St. Cloud Note is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

The St. Cloud Warrant issued pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement is exerciseable for 937,500 shares of Common Stock, at an exercise price of $0.40 per share (subject to adjustment), on or prior to 5:00 p.m. (California time) on September 22, 2008. The St. Cloud Warrant is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.3 and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

The Reporting Persons intend to review their investment in the Company from time to time. Subject to the limitations set forth herein and depending upon (i) the price and availability of the Common Stock, (ii) subsequent developments affecting the Company, (iii) the Company’s business and prospects, (iv) other investment and business opportunities available to the Reporting Persons, (v) general stock market and economic conditions, (vi) tax considerations, and (vii) other factors deemed relevant, the Reporting Persons may decide to convert and/or exercise all or a portion of the St. Cloud Note and the St. Cloud Warrant and/or increase or decrease the size of their investment in the Company and/or make a proposal with respect to a recapitalization of the Company or similar transaction.

 

8


Except as described in this Schedule 13D, none of the Reporting Persons have any present plan or proposal which relates to, or could result in, any of the events referred to in paragraphs (a) through (j), inclusive, of Item 4 of Schedule 13D. However, the Reporting Persons will continue to review the business of the Company and, depending upon one or more of the factors referred to above, may in the future propose that the Company take one or more of such actions.

 

Item 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer

 

(a)(1) Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, St. Cloud Partners acquired the St. Cloud Note and the St. Cloud Warrant which, as of March 22, 2005, are convertible into and exerciseable for an aggregate of 4,687,500 shares of Common Stock. Assuming conversion of the St. Cloud Note and exercise of the St. Cloud Warrant in full, following the issuance of such shares upon such conversion and exercise, based on 31,900,300 shares of Common Stock outstanding on March 22, 2005 (and excluding outstanding options and warrants), such shares constitute approximately 12.81% of the Common Stock outstanding.

 

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement, the Other Purchasers acquired in the aggregate (i) Convertible Promissory Notes in an aggregate amount of $2,000,000, on the same terms and conditions as the St. Cloud Note (the “Other Purchasers Notes”, and, collectively with the St. Cloud Note, the “Notes”), and (ii) Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Other Purchasers Warrants”, and collectively with the St. Cloud Warrant, the “Warrants”), on the same terms and conditions as the St. Cloud Warrant. Such Other Purchasers Notes are convertible into an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock and such Other Purchasers Warrants are exerciseable for an aggregate of 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock. Assuming conversion of the Other Purchasers Notes and exercise of the Other Purchasers Warrants in full, following the issuance of such shares upon such conversion and exercise, based on 31,900,300 shares of Common Stock outstanding on March 22, 2005 (and excluding outstanding options and warrants), such shares constitute approximately 28.15% of the Common Stock outstanding. The Reporting Persons disclaim membership in a group. Neither the filing of Schedule 13D nor any of its contents shall be deemed to constitute an admission that St. Cloud Partners, SCGP, St. Cloud Capital, Mr. Geller or Mr. Fitchey are the beneficial owners of the securities described in this paragraph for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act or for any other purposes, and such beneficial ownership is expressly disclaimed.

 

(a)(2) SCGP is a general partner of St. Cloud Partners and may be deemed to beneficially own the 4,687,500 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by St. Cloud Partners. Neither the filing of Schedule 13D nor any of its contents shall be deemed to constitute an admission that SCGP is the beneficial owner of the securities described in Item 5(a)(1) above for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act or for any other purposes, and such beneficial ownership is expressly disclaimed.

 

(a)(3) St. Cloud Capital provides management services to St. Cloud Partners and investment advice to SCGP and may be deemed to beneficially own the 4,687,500 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by St. Cloud Partners and/or SCGP. Neither the filing of Schedule 13D nor any of its contents shall be deemed to constitute an admission that St. Cloud Capital is the beneficial owner of the securities described in Item 5(a)(1) or Item 5(a)(2) above for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act or for any other purposes, and such beneficial ownership is expressly disclaimed.

 

(a)(4) In Mr. Geller’s capacity as a co-founder and senior manager of SCGP, Mr. Geller may be deemed to beneficially own the 4,687,500 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by St. Cloud Partners and/or SCGP. Neither the filing of Schedule 13D nor any of its contents shall be deemed to constitute an admission that Mr. Geller is the beneficial owner of the securities described in Item 5(a)(1) above for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act or for any other purposes, and such beneficial ownership is expressly disclaimed.

 

(a)(5) In Mr. Fitchey’s capacity as senior manager of SCGP, Mr. Fitchey may be deemed to beneficially own the 4,687,500 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by St. Cloud Partners and/or SCGP. Neither the filing of Schedule 13D nor any of its contents shall be deemed to constitute an admission that Mr. Fitchey is the beneficial owner of the securities described in Item 5(a)(1) above for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act or for any other purposes, and such beneficial ownership is expressly disclaimed.

 

Assuming conversion of the St. Cloud Note and exercise of the St. Cloud Warrants in full:

 

(b)(1) St. Cloud Partners has sole power to vote or to direct the vote and dispose or to direct the disposition of 4,687,500 shares of Common Stock.

 

9


(b)(2) SCGP, as the general partner of St. Cloud Partners, shares the power to vote or to direct the vote and dispose or to direct the disposition of 4,687,500 shares of Common Stock owned by St. Cloud Partners.

 

(b)(3) St. Cloud Capital, as a provider of management services to St. Cloud Partners and investment advice to SCGP, shares the power to vote or to direct the vote and dispose or to direct the disposition of 4,687,500 shares of Common Stock owned by St. Cloud Partners and/or SCGP.

 

(b)(4) Mr. Geller, as a co-founder and senior manager of St. Cloud Partners, shares the power to vote or to direct the vote and dispose or to direct the disposition of 4,687,500 shares of Common Stock owned by St. Cloud Partners and/or SCGP.

 

(b)(5) Mr. Fitchey, as senior manager of St. Cloud Partners, shares the power to vote or to direct the vote and dispose or to direct the disposition of 4,687,500 shares of Common Stock owned by St. Cloud Partners and/or SCGP.

 

(c) Except as filed in Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G with the Securities and Exchange Commission, none to the knowledge of the Reporting Persons.

 

(d) None, to the knowledge of the Reporting Persons.

 

(e) Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer

 

PURCHASE AGREEMENT, ST. CLOUD NOTE AND ST. CLOUD WARRANT. In connection with St. Cloud Partners’ agreement to enter into the Purchase Agreement, the Company paid St. Cloud Partners a closing fee in the amount of $15,000 and reimbursed St. Cloud Partners for certain transaction fees and expenses incurred by St. Cloud Partners in the amount of approximately $50,000. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties and covenants. The Purchase Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated by reference herein. The terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement, and the St. Cloud Note and St. Cloud Warrant issued thereunder, are further described in Item 4 and Item 5 above and are incorporated by reference herein.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company is to use its best efforts to raise up to $3,000,000 of equity on terms acceptable to St. Cloud Partners by July 1, 2005.

 

In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company has granted to each Purchaser a pre-emptive right to purchase shares of Common Stock or securities of the Company convertible into or exerciseable for shares of Common Stock that may be issued by the Company in a non-registered private offering (a “Private Offering”) on the terms and conditions specified in the Purchase Agreement. With respect to each Purchaser, such pre-emptive rights terminate six (6) months after the date such Purchaser’s Note has been repaid in full or converted in full into shares of Common Stock and, with respect to St. Cloud Partners, the later of (x) six (6) months after the date the St. Cloud Note has been repaid in full or converted in full into shares of Common Stock or (y) such date as St. Cloud Partners shall have invested in the Company a minimum of $2,000,000 in additional equity.

 

In addition, subject to the terms and conditions specified in the Purchase Agreement, the Purchasers have certain co-sale rights in the event that Mr. Tucker proposes to transfer or sell (other than pursuant to Rule 144) any shares of Common Stock in a Private Offering. Such co-sale rights terminate two (2) years from the date each of such Purchaser’s Note has been repaid in full or converted in full into shares of Common Stock.

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company has agreed to prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as soon as practicable after the consummation of certain equity offerings the Company proposes to undertake prior to March 22, 2006 but in no event later than six (6) months from the closing date of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, a registration statement (the “St. Cloud Registration Statement”) covering, among others, all of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes and/or exercise of the Warrants. Furthermore, the Company has agreed

 

10


not to file any other registration statement, or grant to any person any registration rights, prior to the date the St. Cloud Registration Statement is declared effective. The Registration Rights Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.4 and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

SECURITY AGREEMENT. In connection with the transactions described above, under the Security Agreement, as security for the Company’s obligations under the Notes and certain other Loan Documents, the Company granted St. Cloud Partners, individually and as collateral agent for the benefit of the Purchasers, a security interest in the personal property of the Company. The Security Agreement provides the terms and conditions upon which St. Cloud Partners would be able to effect a sale of the collateral upon certain events of default under the Notes. The Security Agreement will terminate upon the satisfaction of all of the Company’s obligations under the Notes and certain other Loan Documents. The Security Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.5 and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 7. Material to Be Filed as Exhibits

 

Exhibit 10.1    Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2005, by and among the Company, St. Cloud Partners, as lead lender and collateral agent, and St. Cloud Partners and Mr. Donald Tucker and Mr. Brian Miller, as subsequently amended by Addendums to the Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which Pacific Asset Partners, John S. Lemak, Sandor Capital Master Fund, Aspen Ventures, LLC, Fred B. and Lois Tarter, Bedford Oak Partners, LP, Bella Capital, LLC, Prairie Fire Capital LLC, Michael Stone and Larry Haimovitch became parties to the Purchase Agreement.
Exhibit 10.2    Secured Convertible Promissory Note, dated as of March 22, 2005, issued by the Company in favor of St. Cloud Partners.
Exhibit 10.3    Warrant, dated as of March 22, 2005, issued by the Company to St. Cloud Partners.
Exhibit 10.4    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2005, by and among the Company, St. Cloud Partners and the individuals party thereto.
Exhibit 10.5    Security Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2005, by and between the Company and St. Cloud Partners, as Collateral Agent and a Secured Party.
Exhibit 99    Joint Filing Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2005, by and among St. Cloud Partners, SCGP, St. Cloud Capital, LLC, Mr. Geller and Mr. Fitchey.

 

11


SIGNATURES

 

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of our knowledge and belief, the undersigned certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

 

Dated March 30, 2005   ST. CLOUD CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P.
    By:   SCGP, LLC
    Its:   General Partner
    By:  

/s/ Cary S. Fitchey


    Name:   Cary S. Fitchey
    Title:   Senior Managing Member
Dated: March 30, 2005   SCGP, LLC
    By:  

/s/ Cary S. Fitchey


    Name:   Cary S. Fitchey
    Title:   Managing Member
Dated: March 30, 2005   ST. CLOUD CAPITAL, LLC
    By:  

/s/ Cary S. Fitchey


    Name:   Cary S. Fitchey
    Title:   Managing Member
Dated: March 30, 2005   MARSHALL S. GELLER
    By:  

/s/ Marshall S. Geller


    Name:   Marshall S. Geller
Dated: March 30, 2005   CARY S. FITCHEY
    By:  

/s/ Cary S. Fitchey


    Name:   Cary S. Fitchey

 

 

S-1


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit 10.1    Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2005, by and among the Company, St. Cloud Partners, as lead lender and collateral agent, and St. Cloud Partners and Mr. Donald Tucker and Mr. Brian Miller, as subsequently amended by Addendums to the Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which Pacific Asset Partners, John S. Lemak, Sandor Capital Master Fund, Aspen Ventures, LLC, Fred B. and Lois Tarter, Bedford Oak Partners, LP, Bella Capital, LLC, Prairie Fire Capital LLC, Michael Stone and Larry Haimovitch became party to the Purchase Agreement.
Exhibit 10.2    Secured Convertible Promissory Note, dated as of March 22, 2005, issued by the Company in favor of St. Cloud Partners.
Exhibit 10.3    Warrant, dated as of March 22, 2005, issued by the Company to St. Cloud Partners.
Exhibit 10.4    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2005, by and among the Company, St. Cloud Partners and the individuals party thereto.
Exhibit 10.5    Security Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2005, by and between the Company and St. Cloud Partners, as Collateral Agent and a Secured Party.
Exhibit 99    Joint Filing Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2005, by and among St. Cloud Partners, SCGP, St. Cloud Capital, Mr. Geller and Mr. Fitchey.
EX-10.1 2 dex101.htm SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT Securities Purchase Agreement

Exhibit 10.1

 

Execution Copy

 

SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of March 22, 2005, among (i) Viking Systems, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Viking”), (ii) St. Cloud Capital Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“St. Cloud”), as “Lead Lender” and “Collateral Agent” and (iii) St. Cloud, Donald Tucker, Brian Miller, and any other Person signing the signature page of this Agreement as an Investor or that becomes an Investor after the date hereof in accordance with this Agreement (collectively, the “Investors”).

 

Recitals

 

The capitalized terms used in these Recitals shall have the respective meanings set forth for such terms in Section 1 hereof.

 

Viking desires to borrow up to $2,750,000 from Investors on the terms and conditions of this Agreement and each of the Investors hereby agrees to make a Loan to Viking on the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

Viking has agreed to secure the Obligations by granting to the Investors a Second Priority Lien on the Collateral. Such Second Priority Lien is junior to and subordinate to a first priority Lien of Silicon Valley Bank.

 

As additional consideration for each of the Investors making a Loan to Viking, each Investor will be given the right to convert his, her or its Loan into shares of Viking’s Common Stock and each Investor will be given a Warrant to purchase additional shares of Viking Common Stock.

 

Each of the Investors hereby appoints St. Cloud as the “Collateral Agent” to act hereunder on behalf of all of the Investors under the Security Agreement.

 

Simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of the Investors (or an Addendum Agreement to this Agreement, as applicable), (a) each Investor shall lend Viking the amount set forth opposite such Investor’s name on Annex A of this Agreement, which maximum Loan to be made by all Investors as a group is an aggregate of $2,750,000, (b) Viking shall issue to each of the Investors a Promissory Note in the principal amount of such Investor’s Loan substantially in the form of Exhibit A, (c) Viking shall grant each of the Investors a Warrant to purchase shares of Viking’s Common Stock substantially in the form of Exhibit B, and (d) each of the Investors and Viking shall execute and deliver a Registration Rights Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit C (or a Joinder to such Registration Rights Agreement, as applicable). In addition, as of the date hereof, each of the Collateral Agent and Viking shall execute and deliver a Security Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit D.


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements, provisions and covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

Agreement

 

1. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meaning set forth below:

 

(a) “Acceptance Period” is defined in Section 15.1.

 

(b) “Agent-Related Persons” is defined in Section 18.2.

 

(c) “Agent’s Liens” is defined in Section 18.8.

 

(d) “Business” is defined in Section 11.18.

 

(e) “CERCLA” is defined in Section 11.15.

 

(f) “Closings” is defined in Section 3.

 

(g) “Closing Fee” is defined in Section 2.3.

 

(h) “Closing Date” is defined in Section 3.

 

(i) “Code” is defined in Section 11.16.

 

(j) “Collateral” means Viking’s right, title and interest in, to and under all tangible and intangible personal property of Viking, in each case whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or arising and wherever located.

 

(k) “Collateral Agent” is defined in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

(l) “Common Stock” means the $.001 par value common stock of Viking.

 

(m) “Conversion Notice” is defined in Section 4.1.

 

(n) “Conversion Price” is $0.20 per share, subject to adjustment as set forth in Section 7 of this Agreement.

 

(o) “Conversion Rights” means each Investor’s right under the Promissory Note, to convert all or part of the outstanding balance of the Promissory Note into Common Stock at the Conversion Price.

 

(p) “Convertible Securities” means any securities of Viking convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock.

 

(q) “Co-Sale Right” is defined in Section 15.2.

 

(r) “Current Balance Sheet” is defined in Section 11.6.

 

(s) “Default” means a condition or event that, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

 

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(t) “Default Conversion Price” is $0.05 per share, subject to adjustment as set forth in Section 7 of this Agreement.

 

(u) “Eligible Preemptive Shares” is defined in Section 15.1.

 

(v) “Environment” means soil, land surface or subsurface strata, surface waters (including navigable waters, ocean waters, streams, ponds, drainage basins and wetlands), groundwater, drinking water supply, stream sediments, ambient air (including indoor air), plant and animal life and any other environmental medium or natural resource.

 

(w) “Environmental and Safety Requirements” shall mean all federal, state, local and foreign statutes, regulations, rules, ordinances, and similar provisions having the force or effect of law, all judicial and administrative orders, judgments, directives, and determinations, all contractual obligations, permits, licenses and all common law, in each case concerning public health and safety, worker health and safety and pollution or protection of the environment (including, without limitation, all those relating to the presence, use, production, generation, handling, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal, distribution, labeling, testing, processing, discharge, release, threatened release, control or cleanup of any hazardous or otherwise regulated materials, substances or wastes, chemical substances or mixtures, pesticides, pollutants, contaminants, toxic chemicals, petroleum products or byproducts, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, noise or radiation), each as amended and as now or hereafter in effect.

 

(x) “Event of Default” means the occurrence of any of the conditions or events set forth in Section 6 of the Promissory Notes.

 

(y) “Exchange Act” is defined in Section 11.5

 

(z) “Financial Statements” is defined in Section 11.5.

 

(aa) “First Closing Date” means March 22, 2005, or such other date as Viking and St. Cloud mutually agree upon.

 

(bb) “GAAP” is defined in Section 11.5.

 

(cc) “Governmental Agency” means any government or any agency, bureau, commission, court, department, official, political subdivision, tribunal or other instrumentality of any government, whether federal, state or local, domestic or foreign.

 

(dd) “Indemnified Liabilities” is defined in Section 19.

 

(ee) “Indemnified Person” is defined in Section 19.

 

(ff) “Investor” is defined in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

(gg) “Lead Lender/Collateral Agent” is defined in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

(hh) “Lead Lender Director” is defined in Section 10.1.

 

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(ii) “Lien” means any lien, mortgage, pledge, assignment, security interest, charge or encumbrance of any kind (including any agreement to give any of the foregoing, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, and any lease in the nature thereof) and any option, trust or other preferential arrangement having the practical effect of any of the foregoing.

 

(jj) “Loan” means the loan to be made by each of the Investors to Viking pursuant to the terms of this Agreement as evidenced by the Promissory Notes in the amount set forth opposite such Investors’ names on Annex A of this Agreement.

 

(kk) “Loan Documents” means, collectively, the Promissory Note, Security Instruments, Registration Rights Agreement, the Warrant and this Agreement, as each may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

 

(ll) “Major Shareholder” is defined in Section 15.2.

 

(mm) “Major Shareholder Notice” is defined in Section 15.2.

 

(nn) “Mandatory Conversion Notice” is defined in Section 4.3.

 

(oo) “Mandatory Conversion Right” means Viking’s right to require all or part of the Loan of each Investor to be converted into Common Stock pursuant to Section 4.2 of this Agreement.

 

(pp) “Material Adverse Change” is defined in Section 11.6.

 

(qq) “Material Adverse Effect” is defined in Section 11.6.

 

(rr) “Maturity Date” is defined in Section 2.

 

(ss) “Multiemployer Plan” is defined in Section 11.16.

 

(tt) “New Issuance” is defined in Section 7.

 

(uu) “Obligations” means obligations of Viking from time to time arising under or in respect of (i) the Loans, (ii) this Agreement and/or (iii) the other Loan Documents owing to Investors.

 

(vv) “Observer” is defined in Section 10.1.

 

(ww) “Parties” means Viking, the Lead Lender/Collateral Agent and the Investors.

 

(xx) “Pension Plan” is defined in Section 11.16.

 

(yy) “Permitted Transferee” is defined in Section 15.2.

 

(zz) “Person” shall mean any corporation, limited liability company, trust, partnership, individual, association or other entity.

 

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(aaa) “Preemptive Right” is defined in Section 15.1.

 

(bbb) “Preemptive Right Notice” is defined in Section 15.1.

 

(ccc) “Promissory Note” shall mean and refer to each of the Secured Convertible Promissory Notes substantially in the form of Exhibit “A,” dated as of the applicable Closing Date, and issued by Viking to evidence the Loans by each of the Secured Parties, as the same may be amended, restated or supplemented from time to time.

 

(ddd) “Proprietary Information” is defined in Section 11.10.

 

(eee) “Registration Rights Agreement” means a registration rights agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit “C” attached hereto, as the same may be amended, restated or supplemented from time to time.

 

(fff) “Regulatory Problem” shall mean any transaction, circumstance or situation whereby (i) a Person and such Person’s affiliates would own, control or have power over a quantity of securities of any kind issued by Viking or any other entity greater than is permitted under any requirement of any applicable governmental authority, or (ii) it has been asserted by any governmental regulatory agency, or such Person believes, that such Person or its affiliates are not entitled to hold, or exercise any significant right under or with respect to, the Securities.

 

(ggg) “Regulatory Violation” shall mean, with respect to Lead Lender, (i) a diversion of the proceeds of the issuance by Viking of the Securities from the use reported thereof on the SBA form No. 1031 delivered at Closing, if such diversion was effected without obtaining the prior written consent of Lead Lender (which may be withheld in its sole discretion) or (ii) a change in the principal business activity of Viking to an ineligible business activity (within the meaning of the SBIC Regulations) if such change occurs within one year after the date of the Closing.

 

(hhh) “Required Investors” means Investors holding a majority in interest of the outstanding principal amount of the Promissory Notes, including the affirmative vote, consent or approval (as applicable) of St. Cloud.

 

(iii) “St. Cloud” is defined in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

(jjj) “SBA” is defined in Section 3.1.

 

(kkk) “SBIC” means a small business investment company licensed under the SBIC Act.

 

(lll) “SBIC Act” means the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended.

 

(mmm) “SBIC Regulations” means the Small Business Investment Company Act of 1958, as amended, and the regulations issued by the SBA thereunder, codified at Title 13 of the Code of Federal Regulations (“13 C.F.R.”), 107 and 121, as amended.

 

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(nnn) “SEC Filings” is defined in Section 11.

 

(ooo) “SEC Reports” is defined in Section 11.11.

 

(ppp) “Second Priority” means, with respect to any Lien purported to be created in any Collateral pursuant to the Security Instruments, that such Lien is the only Lien to which such Collateral is subject, other than the first priority Lien of Silicon Valley Bank granted to Silicon Valley Bank pursuant to that certain Silicon Valley Bank Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2004, between Silicon Valley Bank and Viking (the “SVB Loan Agreement”).

 

(qqq) “Secured Parties” means each of the Investors.

 

(rrr) “Securities” means the Promissory Notes, the Warrants and the Common Stock issuable upon conversion or exercise of the Promissory Notes and the Warrants.

 

(sss) “Securities Act” is defined in Section 2.4.

 

(ttt) “Security Agreement” means a security agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit “D” attached hereto, as the same may be amended, restated or supplemented from time to time.

 

(uuu) “Security Instruments” means the Security Agreement, and UCC-1 Financing Statement and such other documents as may be reasonably required by the Investors to establish, preserve and perfect the Second Priority Lien on the Collateral and secure the Promissory Note.

 

(vvv) “Shareholders” is defined in Section 13.5.

 

(www) “Transaction Expenses” shall mean and include (i) all out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred by Lead Lender and Collateral Agent in connection with its due diligence review of Viking, the preparation, negotiation, execution, interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement, the Securities and the other Loan Documents and the agreements contemplated hereby and thereby, and the consummation of all of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including, without limitation, all travel expenses incurred by representatives or agents of Lead Lender and Collateral Agent and all reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel, accountants and other third parties), (ii) all reasonable fees and expenses incurred with respect to any amendments or waivers (whether or not the same become effective) under or in respect of each of the Loan Documents and the other agreements and instruments contemplated hereby and thereby, (iii) all recording and filing fees, stamp and other taxes which may be payable in respect of the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents or the issuance, delivery or acquisition of the Securities, and (iv) the fees and expenses incurred by Lead Lender and Collateral Agent in any filing with any governmental agency with respect to its investment in Viking or in any other filing with any governmental agency with respect to Viking which mentions Lead Lender and Collateral Agent.

 

(xxx) “Viking” is defined in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

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(yyy) “Viking Benefit Plan” is defined in Section 11.16.

 

(zzz) “Warrant” means the Warrant issued to each Investor as additional consideration for an Investor’s Loan substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B, as the same may be amended, restated or supplemented from time to time.

 

2. The Loan. Viking agrees to borrow from the Investors, and each Investor, severally and not jointly, agrees to lend to Viking, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the amount set forth opposite such Investor’s name on Annex A, which Loan by such Investors in the aggregate shall be (a) in the minimum aggregate principal amount of $1,300,000 as of the First Closing Date and (b) in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $2,750,000 (the “Maximum Aggregate Principal Amount”). Each Loan shall be due on the date that is twelve months from the date hereof (“Maturity Date”). If on the First Closing Date, the Company shall not have issued to the Investors Promissory Notes in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $2,750,000, Viking shall have the right, at any time on or prior to the date that is two (2) weeks after the First Closing Date, to issue Promissory Notes to one or more Investors in an amount not to exceed the Maximum Aggregate Principal Amount, provided that any such additional Investor shall be required to execute an Addendum Agreement to this Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit E. Any such additional Person so making a Loan to Viking pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be considered an “Investor” for purposes of this Agreement.

 

2.1. Use of Loan Proceeds. The Loan proceeds shall be used by Viking pursuant to the use of proceeds as set forth on the certificate delivered pursuant to Section 3.1.10.

 

2.2. Promissory Note and Grant of Security Interest. Each Loan shall be evidenced by a Promissory Note and secured by a Second Priority Lien against all of the Collateral as set forth in the Security Instruments. On the First Closing Date, Viking shall execute a Security Agreement which shall grant to each Investor and Collateral Agent a security interest in the Collateral in order to secure prompt repayment of any and all Obligations owed by Viking to each Investor and in order to secure prompt performance by Viking of its covenants and obligations under the Loan Documents. The Investors agree to enter into a customary subordination agreement as may reasonably be requested by Silicon Valley Bank relating to the subordination of Investor’s loan to the rights and preferences of Silicon Valley Bank pursuant to the SVB Loan Agreement.

 

2.3. Loan Closing Fee. On the applicable Closing Date for each such Investor, a total of two percent (2%) of the Loan from an Investor shall be deducted from the Loan proceeds from such Investor and shall be retained by such Investor as a closing fee (the “Closing Fee”). Accordingly, on such Closing Date, Viking shall receive ninety-eight percent (98%) of the total Loan proceeds and each of the Investors shall retain two percent (2%) of such Investor’s Loan as a Closing Fee.

 

2.4. Accredited Investors Only. The Promissory Notes will be offered and sold to only a limited number of selected sophisticated Investors, each of whom Viking has reasonable grounds to believe and does believe, immediately before making an offer, qualifies as an “accredited investor,” as that term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under

 

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the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and has such knowledge and experience of financial and business matters that such prospective purchaser is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of investing in the Promissory Notes.

 

3. Deliveries at Closing. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the closings of the transactions contemplated herein (each, a “Closing”) shall take place at the offices of Latham & Watkins LLP, 633 West Fifth Street, Los Angeles, California, (i) on the First Closing Date, with respect to St. Cloud, and (ii) on such other dates as Viking and such other Investor mutually agree upon, with respect to the other Investor, provided that such date shall be on or prior to two (2) weeks from the First Closing Date (as applicable to each such Investor, a “Closing Date”).

 

3.1. Deliveries by Viking at Closing. The obligations of each Investor under this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment, on or before the Closing of each of the following conditions, unless otherwise waived. At the Closing, Viking will have delivered to each Investor or its counsel all of the following documents:

 

3.1.1. This Agreement, signed by a duly authorized officer of Viking;

 

3.1.2. A Promissory Note, in the aggregate principal amount of the Loan, signed by a duly authorized officer of Viking;

 

3.1.3. A Warrant to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock (“Warrant Shares”) set forth opposite such Investor’s name on Annex A, signed by a duly authorized officer of Viking;

 

3.1.4. The Security Agreement, signed by a duly authorized officer of Viking;

 

3.1.5. The Registration Rights Agreement, signed by a duly authorized officer of Viking;

 

3.1.6. A certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by the Chief Executive Officer and President of Viking, in the form reasonably acceptable to Lead Lender’s counsel, certifying (i) that the representations and warranties of Viking contained in Section 11 are true and correct in all respects on and as of the Closing with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the Closing Date (except, with respect to Closings subsequent to the First Closing Date, for changes resulting from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement); (ii) that Viking has performed and complied with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained in the Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing; (iii) a true and complete copy of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Viking, as amended or supplemented to the Closing Date, (iv) resolutions of the Board of Directors of Viking (and, if required, the stockholders of Viking) authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, and (v) resolutions of the Board electing Cary Fitchey as director and designee of Lead Lender to serve on the Board, and Larry Haimovitch as Observer (as defined below), effective as of the Closing Date.

 

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3.1.7. A closing statement (substantially in the form provided by Lead Lender), signed by a duly authorized officer of Viking;

 

3.1.8. With respect to each Investor, the Closing Fees and, with respect to the Lead Lender, the Transaction Expenses, an estimate of which shall be provided by Lead Lender to Viking and which Transaction Expenses may be deducted or withheld from the amount paid by Lead Lender to Viking in connection with the Lead Lender’s Loan at the First Closing; provided, however, that Lead Lender shall provide Viking with the aggregate amount of Transaction Expenses as of the First Closing Date within thirty (30) days after the First Closing Date and to the extent such amount is less than the estimated amount deducted at the Closing on the First Closing Date, such difference shall be promptly paid by Lead Lender to Viking, and to the extent such amount is greater than the estimated amount deducted at the Closing on the First Closing Date, such difference shall be promptly paid by Viking to Lead Lender;

 

3.1.9. Completed Small Business Administration (“SBA”) forms No. 480 (Size Status Declaration), No. 652 (Assurance of Compliance) and No. 1031 (Portfolio Financing Report, Parts A and B);

 

3.1.10. A certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by the Chief Executive Officer and President of Viking, certifying as to the use of proceeds from the issuance of the Promissory Note.

 

3.1.11. An opinion from Cohne, Rappaport & Segal, counsel to Viking, dated as of the Closing Date and addressed to Lead Lender, in the form acceptable to Lead Lender.

 

3.1.12. Such other documents relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as Lead Lender or its counsel may reasonably request.

 

3.2. Deliveries by Investor at Closing. The obligations of Viking under this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment, on or before the Closing of each of the following conditions, unless otherwise waived. At the Closing, each Investor will have delivered to Viking or its counsel:

 

3.2.1. A wire transfer to the account listed in Schedule 3.2.1 hereto in an amount equal to such Investor’s Loan less the Closing Fees (and in the case of Lead Lender, less the Transaction Expenses); and

 

3.2.2 This Agreement, signed by a duly authorized officer of each Investor, or if Investor is an individual, by such Investor (or, if after the First Closing Date, an Addendum Agreement to this Agreement);

 

3.2.3. The Registration Rights Agreement, signed by a duly authorized officer of each Investor, or if Investor is an individual, by such Investor (or, if after the Closing Date, a Joinder to the Registration Rights Agreement); and

 

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3.2.4. The Security Agreement, signed by a duly authorized officer of each Investor, or if Investor is an individual, by such Investor.

 

4. Note Conversion Rights. Each Investor shall have the right from time to time, and at any time on or prior to the Maturity Date of such Investor’s Promissory Note, to convert all or any part of the amount then outstanding under such Investor’s Promissory Note into fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock, at the Conversion Price. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any sums due under a Promissory Note are not repaid on the Maturity Date, in lieu of accepting repayment of the Promissory Note from Viking, the Investor will have the option at any time and from time to time to convert the entirety of the debt then outstanding, plus any accrued but unpaid interest thereon, under such Promissory Note into fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock, at the Default Conversion Price.

 

4.1. Conversion Procedure. To convert a Promissory Note into Common Stock, the holder thereof shall surrender to Viking the Promissory Note, and give written notice (“Conversion Notice”) to Viking that such holder elects to convert all or a portion of such Promissory Note into Common Stock. The Conversion Notice shall specify (i) the amount of the Promissory Note to be converted and the name or names in which such holder wishes the certificate or certificates for Common Stock and any portion of the Promissory Note not to be so converted to be issued and (ii) the address to which such holder wishes delivery to be made of such new certificates (and, if applicable, a replacement Promissory Note reflecting the portion of such Promissory Note that shall not have been converted) to be issued upon such conversion. As promptly as practicable on or after the conversion date, Viking shall issue and shall deliver a certificate or certificates for the number of full shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion, together with payment in lieu of any fractional share, as hereinafter provided, to the person or persons entitled to receive the same. In the event that there shall have been surrendered a Promissory Note only part of which is to be converted, Viking shall issue and deliver to such holder or such holder’s designee a new Promissory Note representing that portion of the Promissory Note which shall not have been converted.

 

4.2. Mandatory Conversion Rights. Viking shall have the right to require an Investor to convert all or a portion of such Investor’s Loan at the Conversion Price in the event that:

 

(i) no Event of Default exists or is continuing at the time of such mandatory conversion; and

 

(ii) Viking has raised a minimum of $3,000,000 in public and/or private equity offerings on or prior to the one-year anniversary date of the Closing at an average price equal to or greater than $0.30 per share of Common Stock. For purposes of this Section 4.2, equity attributed to the issuance or conversion of the Promissory Notes or the Warrants shall not be included in the calculation of such average price.

 

4.3. Procedure for Mandatory Conversion. In the event that Viking elects to cause the mandatory conversion of Promissory Notes into Common Stock pursuant to Section 4.2 of this Agreement, Viking shall give written notice of mandatory conversion (“Mandatory Conversion Notice”) to each Investor instructing the Investor to surrender to Viking the

 

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Promissory Note, and give written notice to each of the Investors that Viking elects to convert all or a portion of a holder’s Promissory Note into Common Stock pursuant to Section 4.2 of this Agreement. Such Mandatory Conversion Notice shall specify the amount of the Promissory Note to be converted. If less than all of the entire unpaid balance of all of the Promissory Notes are converted in full, then in such event, the mandatory conversion shall be effected on a pro rata basis for all Investors. Immediately upon Viking’s mailing of a Mandatory Conversion Notice, the Promissory Notes shall, to the extent of the amount to be converted as set forth in the Mandatory Conversion Notice, be deemed to be converted into Common Stock and no interest shall thereafter accrue on the amount to be converted as set forth in the Mandatory Conversion Notice. As promptly as practicable after Viking’s receipt of an Investor’s Promissory Note, Viking shall issue and shall deliver a certificate or certificates for the number of full shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion, together with a new Promissory Note for the remaining outstanding principal balance of each Promissory Note if less than the entire original Promissory Note is converted.

 

5. Warrants. As additional consideration for an Investor making a Loan to Viking pursuant to this Agreement, Viking shall issue each Investor a Warrant to purchase shares of Viking’s Common Stock. Each Warrant is exercisable at $.40 per share, subject to adjustment pursuant to the terms of such Warrant, and each Warrant shall be for a term of forty-two (42) months from the date hereof. An Investor shall be issued a Warrant to purchase one (1) share of Common Stock for each four (4) shares issuable upon conversion of the Promissory Note at the Conversion Price, subject to adjustment pursuant to the terms of the Warrant. For example, if an Investor loans $500,000 to Viking hereunder, such Investor shall be issued Warrants to purchase 625,000 shares of Common Stock.

 

6. Registration Rights. The Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Promissory Notes and the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants shall be subject to a Registration Rights Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit “C.”

 

7. Adjustments to Conversion Price and Warrant Exercise Price. The Conversion Price and the Default Conversion Price in effect at any time and from time to time shall be subject to adjustment from time to time upon the happening of certain events as follows:

 

7.1. New Issuances. If at any time after the issuance of a Promissory Note and prior to the repayment in full or conversion in full of such Promissory Note, Viking issues or sells (a “New Issuance”) any shares of common stock for a consideration per share less than the Conversion Price or Default Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such New Issuance, then, immediately upon such New Issuance, the Conversion Price and the Default Conversion Price, as applicable, of the unpaid portion of the Promissory Note shall be reduced to an amount equal to the price per share of common stock issued in the New Issuance. If the New Issuance involves the issuance of Convertible Securities, the Conversion Price and Default Conversion Price, as applicable, shall be reduced to the effective price of the common stock issuable under such Convertible Securities if such effective price is less than the Conversion Price or Default Conversion Price, as applicable.

 

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7.2. Reorganization, Reclassification, Consolidation, Merger or Sale. If any capital reorganization, reclassification or any other change of capital stock of Viking, or any consolidation or merger of Viking with another Person, or the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of its assets to another Person shall be effected in such a way that holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive stock, securities or assets with respect to or in exchange for their shares of Common Stock, then provision shall be made by Viking, in accordance with this Section 7.2, whereby each holder of the Promissory Note shall thereafter have the right to receive, upon the basis and upon the terms and conditions specified herein and in addition to or in exchange for, as applicable, the shares of Common Stock subject to the Promissory Note immediately theretofore receivable upon conversion of such Promissory Note at the Conversion Price or Default Conversion Price (depending on which is applicable at the time of the actual conversion of the Promissory Note), such securities or assets as would have been issued or payable with respect to or in exchange for the aggregate shares of Common Stock immediately theretofore receivable upon conversion of the Promissory Note if conversion of the Promissory Note had occurred immediately prior to such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger or sale. Viking will not effect any such consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or lease unless prior to the consummation thereof the successor entity (if other than Viking) resulting from such consolidation or merger or the entity purchasing such assets shall assume by written instrument (i) the obligation to deliver to the holder of the Promissory Note such securities or assets as, in accordance with the foregoing provisions, the holder of the Promissory Note may be entitled to receive upon conversion of the Promissory Note, and (ii) all other obligations of Viking under the Promissory Note. The provisions of this Section 7.2 shall similarly apply to successive consolidations, mergers, exchanges, sales, transfers or leases. In the event that in connection with any such capital reorganization or reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale or transfer, additional shares of Common Stock shall be issued in exchange, conversion, substitution or payment, in whole or in part, for a security of Viking other than Common Stock, any such issue shall be treated as an issue of Common Stock covered by the provisions of Section 7.2 hereof.

 

7.3. Stock Dividends and Securities Distributions. If, at any time or from time to time after the date hereof, Viking shall distribute to the holders of shares of Common Stock (i) securities (including rights, warrants, options or another form of convertible securities) other than securities of Viking, (ii) property, other than cash, or (iii) cash, without fair payment therefor, then, and in each such case, the holder of the Promissory Note, upon conversion of the Promissory Note at the Conversion Price or Default Conversion Price (depending on which is applicable at the time of the actual conversion of the Promissory Note), shall be entitled to receive such securities, property and cash which the holder of the Promissory Note would hold on the date of such conversion if, on the date of the distribution, the holder of the Promissory Note had been the holder of record of the shares of Common Stock issued upon such conversion and, during the period from the date hereof to and including the date of such conversion, had retained such shares of Common Stock and the securities, property and cash receivable by the holder of the Promissory Note during such period, subject, however, to the holder of the Promissory Note agreeing to any conditions to such distribution as were required of all other holders of shares of Common Stock in connection with such distribution.

 

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7.4. Other Adjustments. In addition to those adjustments set forth in Section 7.2 and Section 7.3, but without duplication of the adjustments to be made under such Sections, if Viking:

 

(i) makes a distribution on its Common Stock in shares of its Common Stock;

 

(ii) subdivides or reclassifies its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a greater number of shares;

 

(iii) combines or reclassifies its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares;

 

(iv) makes a distribution on its Common Stock in shares of its capital stock other than Common Stock; and/or

 

(v) issues, by reclassification of its Common Stock, any shares of its capital stock;

 

then the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such action (and the number and kind of capital stock purchasable upon conversion of the Promissory Note, upon the occurrence of any of the events described in (iv) and (v) above), shall be adjusted so that the holder of a Promissory Note upon conversion thereof shall be entitled to receive the number of shares of Common Stock (and such other securities) that the holder of the Promissory Note would have owned or have been entitled to receive after the happening of any of the events described above had the Promissory Note been converted immediately prior to the happening of such event or any record date with respect thereto, and the Default Conversion Price immediately prior to such action shall be adjusted proportionately to the adjustment of the Conversion Price. An adjustment made pursuant to this Section 7.4 shall become effective immediately after the record date in the case of a dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or issuance. If, as a result of an adjustment made pursuant to this Section 7.4, the holder of the Promissory Note thereafter surrendered for conversion shall become entitled to receive shares of two (2) or more classes of capital stock or shares of Common Stock and any other class of capital stock of Viking, the Board of Directors in good faith shall determine the allocation of the adjusted Conversion Price and Default Conversion Price between or among shares of such classes of capital stock or shares of Common Stock and such other class of capital stock.

 

The adjustment to the Conversion Price and Default Conversion Price (and number and kind of capital stock purchasable upon conversion of the Promissory Note) described in this Section 7.4 shall be made each time any event listed in paragraphs (i) through (v) of this Section 7.4 occurs.

 

(vi) In the event that at any time, as a result of an adjustment made pursuant to this Section 7.4, the holder of the Promissory Note thereafter shall become entitled to receive any shares of Viking, other than Common Stock, thereafter the Conversion Price and Default Conversion Price shall be subject to adjustment from time to time in a manner and on terms as nearly equivalent as practicable to the provisions with respect to the Common Stock contained in this Section 7.4.

 

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7.5. Notice of Adjustment. Upon any adjustment of the Conversion Price or Default Conversion Price, then and in each such case Viking, at its sole expense, shall give written notice thereof (i) by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, (ii) by a nationally known overnight delivery service, or (iii) delivered by hand, addressed to the holder of the Promissory Note at his address as shown on the books of Viking, which notice shall state the conversion price resulting from such adjustment and adjusted number of shares of Common Stock or other capital stock, as applicable, issuable upon exercise of the Promissory Note, setting forth in reasonable detail the method upon which such calculation is based.

 

7.6. Warrant Adjustments. The Warrant attached hereto as Exhibit “B” contains a provision providing for the reduction of the Warrant exercise price upon a New Issuance at less than the Conversion Price and for other adjustments to the number of Warrant shares and the warrant exercise price.

 

8. [Reserved.]

 

9. Remedies. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and the expiration of any notice and cure period provided for under the Loan Documents (if any), the entire indebtedness owed to the Investor shall, at the option of the Investor, immediately become due and payable without presentment, demand, protest, or other notice of any kind, all of which are expressly waived by Viking; provided that the occurrence of an Event of Default as set forth in Section 6(iv) and Section 6(v) of the Promissory Note shall make all sums of principal and interest then remaining unpaid and all other amounts payable under the Loan Documents due and payable, all without demand, presentment, notice or protest, all of which hereby are expressly waived, and will permit Investor to exercise any other right available to it at law or in equity, all which rights and powers may be exercised cumulatively. The Investor may proceed with every remedy available at law or in equity or provided for in this Agreement or in any of the Loan Documents, and all expenses incurred by the Investor in connection with any remedy shall be deemed indebtedness of Viking to the Investor. The Collateral Agent, on behalf of the Investor, may apply the proceeds from any Collateral or from any other source against any part of the Loans as and in any order the Collateral Agent sees fit but on a pro rata basis to each Investor.

 

No delay or failure of an Investor in the exercise of any right or remedy provided for under this Agreement or under any of the Loan Documents shall be deemed a waiver of such right by the Investor. No exercise or partial exercise or waiver of any right or remedy shall be deemed a waiver of any further exercise of such right or remedy or of any other right or remedy that the Investor may have under this Agreement or under any of the Loan Documents. Enforcement of any of the Investor’s rights as to any security for the Loan shall not affect the Investor’s right to enforce payment of the Loan and to recover judgment for any portion thereof remaining unpaid. The rights and remedies set forth in this Agreement and in any of the Loan Documents are cumulative and not exclusive of any other right or remedy that an Investor may have.

 

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10. Lead Lender.

 

10.1. Board of Directors Matters. Until the Loans are repaid in full, Lead Lender shall have the option of designating one person to serve on the Board of Directors of Viking (“Lead Lender Director”) and/or one observer (the “Observer”) to attend meetings of the Board of Directors of Viking. Viking shall reimburse the reasonable travel costs and expenses of such Lead Lender Director and Observer incurred in attending any Viking Board of Directors meetings or committee meetings. In addition, any Lead Lender Director shall be entitled to such other compensation or benefits, Viking makes available to its other outside directors. If Lead Lender designates an Observer to Viking’s Board of Directors, then:

 

(i) such Observer shall have the right to attend, as an observer, all meetings of Viking’s Board of Directors and all meetings of committees of Viking Board of Directors;

 

(ii) receive copies of all written documents and other information (including copies of meeting minutes) provided to Viking’s Board members in connection with Board Meetings and Board committee meetings at the same time such materials and information are provided to Viking’s Board members;

 

(iii) if Viking proposes to take any action through the written consent of its Board of Directors, then Viking shall provide such Observer with a written notice of such proposed Board actions prior to the effective date thereof, describing in reasonable detail the nature and substance of such action.

 

10.2. Financial Information. Viking shall furnish to Lead Lender such financial information as may be reasonably requested by Lead Lender. Such financial information shall include, but not be limited to:

 

(i) audited financial statements within one hundred twenty (120) days of Viking’s fiscal year end;

 

(ii) internally prepared financial statements within thirty (30) days of each calendar month end; and

 

(iii) an annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year by month within thirty (30) days of fiscal year end. All financial reports should include a balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows prepared in accordance with GAAP, accompanied by a management discussion and analysis of the appropriate reporting period.

 

 

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11. Representations and Warranties of Viking. Viking makes the following representations and warranties to each Investor, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of the date hereof and for so long as any portion of any Promissory Note remains outstanding:

 

11.1. Existence; Qualification; No Subsidiary. Viking is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Nevada, and has full corporate power and authority to conduct its business and own and operate its business as now conducted and operated and as proposed to be conducted. Viking is licensed or qualified as a foreign corporation and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where it is required to be so licensed or qualified, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not materially and adversely affect Viking. Viking has no subsidiaries.

 

11.2. Authorization and Enforceability; Issuance of Common Shares.

 

(a) Viking has the full power and authority and has taken all required corporate and other action necessary to permit Viking to execute, deliver, and perform this Agreement, the Promissory Note, the Warrant, the Security Instruments and the Registration Rights Agreement and to issue the Securities, and none of such actions do or will violate any provision of Viking’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws, or conflict with, result in the breach of, constitute a default (or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, result in the creation of a Lien upon Viking’s capital stock or the assets of Viking pursuant to, give any third party the right to accelerate any material obligation under, require any authorization, consent or approval or other action by or notice to under, any agreement, instrument, or understanding to which Viking is a party or by which it is bound or any applicable law, regulation, order, or judgment. Each of these Loan Agreements constitutes a legal, valid, and binding obligation of Viking, enforceable against Viking in accordance with its terms, except to the extent limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and similar laws of general application related to the enforcement of creditor’s rights generally and general principles of equity.

 

(b) The Common Stock to be issued upon the conversion of the Promissory Notes and the exercise of the Warrants will be duly authorized and, when issued and delivered in accordance with the Promissory Notes and Warrants, respectively, will be validly issued and outstanding and will be fully paid and nonassessable. The copies of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Viking furnished to Lead Lender’s counsel reflect all amendments made thereto at any time prior to the Closing and are correct and complete in all respects.

 

11.3. Capitalization. As of the date of this Agreement, the authorized capital stock of Viking is comprised of 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of the date of this Agreement, there are 30,608,650 shares of Common Stock outstanding, and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. All of Viking’s outstanding shares of Common Stock are duly and validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable and have been issued in compliance with all applicable laws. Except as set forth on Schedule 11.3 or as contemplated by this Agreement, (i) there are no outstanding options, convertible securities, warrants, debentures, phantom stock, stock appreciation rights, preemptive rights, rights of first offer, rights of first refusal, antidilution rights, registration rights, or commitments of any kind relating to any issued or unissued shares of capital stock (or other equity interests) of Viking; (ii) Viking is not subject to any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to repurchase or otherwise acquire or retire any Common Stock; and (iii) there are no proxies, voting trust agreements or similar agreements or options granted by the holders of Common Stock.

 

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11.4. Private Sale. Subject to the accuracy of an Investor’s representations and warranties in this Agreement, neither the offer, sale, and issuance of the Securities as contemplated by this Agreement nor the issuance and delivery of any Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrant or pursuant to the conversion of the Promissory Notes requires or will require registration or qualification under the Securities Act or any state securities laws. Neither Viking, nor any agent acting on Viking’s behalf, has offered or solicited or will offer or solicit any offers to buy any securities from, any Person or Persons so as to require the issuance or sale of the Securities to be registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Securities Act or prevent Viking from utilizing the provisions of Section 25102(f) of the California Corporate Securities Law of 1968 or any other applicable state securities law exemption from qualification.

 

11.5. Disclosure. Viking’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2004, June 30, 2004 and September 30, 2004, and its Current Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (collectively, the “SEC Filings”) comply with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), in all material respects, do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact, and do not omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The financial statements (together with the notes to the financial statements) included in the SEC Filings (the “Financial Statements”) are in accordance with the books and records of Viking and the Financial Statements fairly and accurately present the financial condition and results of operations, the shareholders’ equity and cash flows of Viking, as of the dates and for the periods indicated, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) consistently applied. Viking has no material liabilities or obligations, absolute, contingent or otherwise, other than (a) liabilities set forth in the Financial Statements, (b) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business subsequent to September 30, 2004, and (c) obligations under contracts and commitments incurred in the ordinary course of business and not required under GAAP to be reflected in such financial statements, which, in both cases, individually or in the aggregate, are not material to the financial condition, operations or prospects of Viking.

 

11.6. Absence of Certain Changes.

 

(a) Except as set forth in Schedule 11.6, since September 30, 2004, Viking has not:

 

(i) incurred any liabilities, other than current liabilities incurred, or obligations under contracts entered into, in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

 

(ii) paid, discharged, or satisfied any claim, lien, or liability, other than any claim, lien, or liability (A) reflected or reserved against on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2004 included in the Financial Statements (the “Current Balance Sheet”) and paid, discharged, or satisfied in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice since the date of the Current Balance Sheet, or (B) incurred and paid, discharged, or satisfied since the date of the Current Balance Sheet in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

 

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(iii) sold, leased, assigned, or otherwise transferred any of its assets or services, tangible or intangible (other than sales in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice);

 

(iv) permitted any of its assets, tangible or intangible, to become subject to any lien, security interest, or other charge or encumbrance (other than any Permitted Lien);

 

(v) written off as uncollectible any accounts receivable, except for accounts receivable aggregating not more than $25,000;

 

(vi) terminated or amended, or suffered the termination or amendment of, other than in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice, or failed to perform in all material respects, all its obligations, or suffered or permitted any material default to exist under, any material agreement, license, or permit;

 

(vii) suffered any damage, destruction, or loss of tangible property (whether or not covered by insurance) that, in the aggregate, exceeds $25,000;

 

(viii) made any loan to any person or entity (other than advances to employees in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice that do not exceed $25,000 in the aggregate);

 

(ix) cancelled, waived, or released any debt, claim, or right in an amount or having a value exceeding $25,000;

 

(x) paid any amount to, or entered into any agreement, arrangement, or transaction with, any affiliate (including its officers, directors, and employees), other than payments of salary and benefits to employees in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

 

(xi) declared, set aside, or paid any dividend or distribution with respect to its capital stock, or redeemed, purchased, or otherwise acquired any of its capital stock;

 

(xii) other than in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice, granted any increase in the compensation of any officer or employee or made any other change in employment terms of any officer or employee;

 

(xiii) issued or agreed to issue any securities of any kind, whether or not pursuant to agreements or rights existing on or before September 30, 2004, except pursuant to agreements listed in Schedule 11.3;

 

(xiv) made any change in accounting or cash management practices;

 

(xv) suffered or caused any other occurrence, event, or transaction outside the ordinary course of business; or

 

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(xvi) agreed, in writing or otherwise, to any of the foregoing.

 

(b) Since the September 30, 2004 Balance Sheet, there has not been any material adverse change (a “Material Adverse Change” or a “Material Adverse Effect”) in the business, operations, properties, prospects, assets or condition of Viking, excluding operating losses in the ordinary course of business, an no event has occurred or circumstance exists that may result in such a Material Adverse Change.

 

11.7. Litigation. As of the date of this Agreement, no claim, suit, proceeding, or investigation is pending or, to the knowledge of Viking, threatened against or affecting Viking or its officers or directors in their capacities as such.

 

11.8. Licenses, Compliance with Law, Other Agreements. Viking has all material franchises, permits, licenses, and other rights to allow it to conduct its business and is not in violation, in any material respect, of any order or decree of any court, or of any law, order, or regulation of any governmental agency, or of the provisions of any material contract or agreement to which it is a party or by it is bound, and neither the Loan Documents, nor the transactions contemplated therein will result in any such violation. Viking has conducted its business in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, except to the extent non-compliance could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Viking.

 

11.9. Third-Party Approvals. Except as set forth in Schedule 11.9, Viking is not required to obtain any order, consent, approval, or authorization of, or to make any declaration or filing with, any Governmental Agency or other third party (including under any state securities or “blue sky” laws) in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents and related documents.

 

11.10. Assets.

 

(a) Viking has good and marketable title to, or a valid leasehold interest in, all of its properties of any kind other than Proprietary Information (as defined below) and interests in such properties, which constitute all the properties and interests in property other than Proprietary Information that are used in the business of Viking as conducted or as currently proposed to be conducted, free and clear of restrictions or conditions on transfer or assignment and free and clear of Lines.

 

(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 11.10(b), Viking has good title to and exclusive ownership of all patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks and domain names, together with the goodwill of the business associated therewith, copyrights, trade names, mask works, proprietary information, know-how, processes, models, designs, trade secrets, customer and supplier lists, market surveys, plans, procedures and other intellectual property rights (collectively the “Proprietary Information”), which are used or held for use in the operation or conduct of the business of Viking as presently conducted and currently proposed to be conducted, free and clear of restrictions or conditions on transfer or assignment and free and clear of payments and fees and Liens. The business of Viking as presently conducted and as currently proposed to be conducted does not and to the knowledge of Viking, will not conflict or infringe with the Proprietary Information of others. No affiliate, officer, consultant or employee of Viking has any right in any of the Proprietary Information.

 

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(c) Viking has taken commercially reasonable measures to protect the secrecy, value and confidentiality of the Proprietary Information. Viking has not disclosed the contents of any Proprietary Information to Persons other than its officers and employees or to other Persons who have executed appropriate confidentiality agreements. To the knowledge of Viking, no officer, consultant or employee of Viking is under any restriction, whether contractual, or by virtue of previous employment or otherwise, that would prevent such Person from performing his or her duties for Viking or prevent Viking from using the Proprietary Information. Viking is not a party to any nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements not entered into in the ordinary course of business.

 

(d) Viking owns, or has a valid leasehold interest in, all of the equipment and other fixed assets of Viking which are necessary and sufficient for the efficient operation of the business of Viking as currently conducted and currently proposed to be conducted and all of such assets are in good operating condition, normal wear and tear excepted.

 

11.11. Employee Compensation. All forms, reports and documents filed by Viking with the SEC on or after January 28, 2004 (“SEC Reports”) list all executive officers of Viking and a description of all forms of compensation and employee benefits payable to them required to be disclosed therein. Except as set forth in the SEC Reports or on Schedule 11.11, Viking is not a party to or bound by any employment agreement not terminable at will or having more than one month’s severance pay or which requires, or which could require, compensation and benefits of more than Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000) per month, collective employment contracts, deferred compensation agreements, bonus plans, profit sharing plans, pension plans or any other plans or programs subject to ERISA or health, disability, sick pay or other employee benefits. Viking believes that relations with its employees are satisfactory

 

11.12. Material Agreements. Except as attached as exhibits to the SEC Reports or on Schedule 11.12, Viking is not a party to, nor is any of its property bound by, (a) any agreement requiring the performance by Viking of any obligation for a period of time extending beyond one year from the date hereof, calling for or which could result in the payment or receipt of consideration of more than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000), or licensing any material Proprietary Information of Viking or any third party; (b) any agreement or understanding between Viking and any officer, employee or consultant of Viking, other than employee compensation and benefits entered into in the ordinary course of business; (c) any loan or credit agreements providing for the extension of credit in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) to or from Viking; (d) any agreements or commitments containing a provision limiting the ability of Viking to compete with any Person or engage in any line of business; (e) any agreement requiring Viking to guaranty the obligations of any Person; (f) any agreement requiring Viking to provide indemnification to any officer or director of Viking; or (g) any agreements providing for the payment of any royalties based on revenues (or a specific revenue stream) of Viking. There is no default or event that with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default by any party to any of the foregoing agreements. Viking has not received notice nor does it have knowledge that any party to any of these agreements intends to cancel or terminate any of these agreements or to exercise or not exercise any options under any of these agreements or to seek a renegotiation or adjustment of any material provisions.

 

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11.13. Insurance. The insurance coverage of Viking with respect to its properties, assets and business is reasonable and customary for corporations engaged in similar lines of business, including business interruption insurance, and is in full force and effect. Viking shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the insurance policies with respect to such coverage include an additional insured endorsement payable in favor of Investor, and Viking shall not cancel such insurance policies without the consent of Collateral Agent.

 

11.14. Finder’s or Broker’s Fees. There are no claims for brokerage commissions, finders’ fees or similar compensation in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based on any arrangement or agreement binding upon Viking.

 

11.15. Environmental and Safety Matters.

 

(a) Viking is now and has always been in compliance in all material respects with all Environmental and Safety Requirements.

 

(b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Viking has obtained and complied with, and is in compliance with, in all material respects, all permits, licenses and other authorizations that may be required pursuant to Environmental and Safety Requirements for the occupation of its facilities and the operation of its business.

 

(c) Viking has not received any written or oral notice regarding any actual or alleged material violation of Environmental and Safety Requirements, or any material liabilities, obligations or responsibilities or potential material liabilities, obligations or responsibilities (whether accrued, absolute, contingent, unliquidated or otherwise), including any investigatory, remedial or corrective obligations, relating to Viking or its facilities arising under Environmental and Safety Requirements, nor is Viking aware of any information which might form the basis of any such notice.

 

(d) None of the following exists or, or to the knowledge of Viking, formerly existed at any property or facility owned or operated by Viking: (i) underground storage tanks; (ii) asbestos-containing material in any form or condition; (iii) materials or equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls; (iv) landfills, surface impoundments, or disposal areas, or (v) maintenance area or vehicle or equipment wash area.

 

(e) Viking has not treated, stored, disposed of, arranged for or permitted the disposal of, transported, handled, or released any substance, including any hazardous substance, or owned or operated any property or facility (and no such property or facility is contaminated by any such substance) in a manner that has given or could give rise to material liabilities, obligations or responsibilities of Viking, including any liability for response costs, corrective action costs, personal injury, property damage, natural resources damages or attorney fees, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (“CERCLA”) or the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended, or any other Environmental and Safety Requirements, nor has Viking released or waived any third party, either expressly or by operation of law, from any liability, obligation or responsibility relating to any Environmental and Safety Requirements.

 

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(f) To the knowledge of Viking, no facts, events or conditions relating to the past or present facilities, properties or operations of Viking will prevent, hinder or limit continued compliance in all material respects with Environmental and Safety Requirements, give rise to any investigatory, remedial or corrective obligations pursuant to Environmental and Safety Requirements, or give rise to any other material liabilities (whether accrued, absolute, contingent, unliquidated or otherwise) pursuant to Environmental and Safety Requirements, including any relating to onsite or offsite releases or threatened releases of hazardous materials, substances or wastes, personal injury, property damage or natural resources damage.

 

(g) Neither this Agreement nor the consummation of the transaction that is the subject of this Agreement will result in any obligations for site investigation or cleanup, or notification to or consent of government agencies or third parties, pursuant to any of the so-called “transaction-triggered” or “responsible property transfer” Environmental and Safety Requirements.

 

(h) Viking has, neither expressly nor by operation of law, assumed or undertaken any liability, including any obligation for corrective or remedial action, of any other Person relating to Environmental and Safety Requirements.

 

(i) Viking has provided each Investor with true, correct and complete copies of all environmental reports, assessments or investigations and all parts thereof (including any drafts of such items) regarding any property currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by such Viking.

 

11.16. Employee Benefits and Plans.

 

(a) Schedule 11.16(a) sets forth a true and complete list of each “employee benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, and any other plan, policy, program practice, agreement, understanding or arrangement (whether written or oral) providing compensation or other benefits to any current or former director, officer, employee or consultant (or to any dependent or beneficiary thereof) of Viking or any ERISA Affiliates (as defined below), which are now, or were within the past six years, maintained, sponsored or contributed to by Viking or any ERISA Affiliate, or under which Viking or any ERISA Affiliate has any obligation or liability, whether actual or contingent, including, without limitation, all incentive, bonus, deferred compensation, vacation, holiday, cafeteria, medical, disability, stock purchase, stock option, stock appreciation, phantom stock, restricted stock or other stock-based compensation plans, policies, programs, practices or arrangements (each a “Viking Benefit Plan”). For purposes of this Agreement, “ERISA Affiliate” shall mean any entity (whether or not incorporated) other than Viking that is considered under common control and treated as one employer under Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Viking does not have, and to the knowledge of Viking, no other Person, has any express or implied commitment, whether legally enforceable or not, to modify, change or terminate any Viking Benefit Plan, other than with respect to a modification, change or termination required by ERISA, the Code or any other applicable law or governmental rule or regulation.

 

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(b) Each Viking Benefit Plan has been administered in all material respects in accordance with its terms and all applicable laws, including ERISA and the Code, and contributions required to be made under the terms of any of the Viking Benefit Plans as of the date of this Agreement have been timely made or, if not yet due, have been properly reflected on the most recent consolidated balance sheet filed or incorporated by reference in Parent’s audited consolidated financial statements prior to the date of this Agreement. With respect to the Viking Benefit Plans, no event has occurred and, to the knowledge of Viking, there exists no condition or set of circumstances in connection with which Viking could be subject to any material liability (other than for routine benefit liabilities) under the terms of, or with respect to, such Viking Benefit Plans, ERISA, the Code or any other applicable law or governmental rule or regulation.

 

(c) Except as disclosed on Schedule 11.16(c): (i) each Viking Benefit Plan which is intended to qualify under Section 401(a), Section 401(k), Section 401(m) or Section 4975(e)(6) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS as to its qualified status, and each trust established in connection with any Viking Benefit Plan which is intended to be exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code is so exempt, and to Viking’s knowledge no fact or event has occurred that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the qualified status of any such Viking Benefit Plan or the exempt status of any such trust; (ii) to Viking’s knowledge there has been no prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code and other than a transaction that is exempt under a statutory or administrative exemption) with respect to any Viking Benefit Plan that could result in material liability to Viking or any ERISA Affiliate; (iii) no suit, administrative proceeding, action or other litigation has been brought, or to the knowledge of Viking is threatened, against or with respect to any such Viking Benefit Plan, including any audit or inquiry by the IRS or United States Department of Labor (other than routine benefits claims); (iv) none of the assets of Viking or any ERISA Affiliate is, or may reasonably be expected to become, the subject of any lien arising under ERISA or Section 412(n) of the Code; (v) neither Viking nor any ERISA Affiliate has any material liability under ERISA Section 502; (vi) all tax, annual reporting and other governmental filings required by ERISA and the Code have been timely filed with the appropriate governmental entity with respect to each Viking Benefit Plan; (vii) all contributions and payments to or under each Viking Benefit Plan which can appropriately be deducted under either Code Section 162 or 404 are, to the knowledge of Viking, deductible; and (viii) no excise tax could be imposed upon any Viking under Chapter 43 of the Code.

 

(d) No Viking Benefit Plan is a “multiemployer plan” (as defined in Section 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of ERISA) (a “Multiemployer Plan”) or is subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code, and neither Viking nor any ERISA Affiliate has sponsored or contributed to or been required to contribute to a Multiemployer Plan or other pension plan subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code (a “Pension Plan”).

 

(e) Except as set forth on Schedule 11.16(e) or as required by applicable law, no Viking Benefit Plan provides any of the following retiree or post-employment benefits to any person: medical, disability or life insurance benefits. No Viking Benefit Plan is a voluntary employee benefit association under Section 501(a)(9) of the Code. Viking and each of its ERISA Affiliates are in compliance in all material respects with (i) the requirements of the applicable health care continuation and notice provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget

 

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Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended, and the regulations (including proposed regulations) thereunder and any similar state law and (ii) the applicable requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended, and the regulations thereunder.

 

(f) Viking does not maintain, sponsor, contribute to or has any liability with respect to any employee benefit plan program or arrangement that provides benefits to non-resident aliens with no United States source income outside of the United States.

 

11.17. Taxes. Viking has filed all tax returns it was required to file, and has paid all taxes shown on those tax returns as owing. Viking has withheld and paid all taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor, stockholder, or other third party. There is no dispute or claim concerning any tax liability of Viking, either (i) claimed or raised by any authority in writing or (ii) to the knowledge of Viking, claimed or raised by any agent of such authority.

 

11.18. Small Business Matters.

 

11.18.1. Viking acknowledges that Lead Lender is a federally licensed SBIC under the SBIC Act. Viking, together with its “affiliates” (as that term is defined in 13 C.F.R. Section 121.103), is a “small business concern” within the meaning of the SBIC Regulations, including 13 C.F.R. Section 121.103. After giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, Viking will have 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees. The information regarding Viking and its affiliates set forth in the SBA forms Nos. 480, 652 and 1031 delivered at the Closing is accurate and complete. Copies of such forms have been completed and executed by Viking and delivered to Lead Lender at the Closing together with a written statement of Viking regarding its planned use of the proceeds from the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents. Viking does not presently engage in, and it shall not hereafter engage in, any activities, nor shall it use directly or indirectly the proceeds of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents for any purpose, for which an SBIC is prohibited from providing funds by the SBIC Regulations (including 13 C.F.R. Section 107.720).

 

11.18.2. The primary business activity of Viking does not involve, directly or indirectly, providing funds to others, purchasing or discounting debt obligations, factoring or long-term leasing of equipment with no provision for maintenance or repair, and Viking is not classified under Section 53 (Real Estate) of the NAICS manual. The assets of the business of Viking (the “Business”) will not be reduced or consumed, generally without replacement, as the life of the Business progresses, and the nature of the Business does not require that a stream of cash payments be made to the Business’s financing sources, on a basis associated with the continuing sale of assets.

 

11.19. Solvency. Viking is solvent as of the date of this Agreement and will not become insolvent as a result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents. Viking is, and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be, able to pay its debts as they become due, and Viking’s property now has, and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby shall have, a fair salable value greater than the amounts required to pay its debts (including a reasonable

 

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estimate of the amount of all contingent liabilities). Viking has adequate capital to carry on its business, and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Viking shall have adequate capital to conduct its business. No transfer of property is being made and no obligation is being incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud either present or future creditors of Viking.

 

11.20. Disclosure. Neither this Agreement, nor any of the other Loan Documents, nor any of the schedules, attachments, or certificates attached to this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, delivered by Viking at the Closing, contains any untrue statements of a material fact or omits a material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading. To Viking’s knowledge, there is no fact which Viking has not disclosed to Investors, in writing, which could reasonably be anticipated to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

12. Representations and Warranties of Investors. Each Investor represents and warrants to Viking as follows:

 

(a) The Investor is an “accredited investor” as such term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated by the SEC.

 

(b) Investor has had the opportunity to ask questions of and to receive answers from Viking and its executive officers concerning the affairs and prospects of Viking in general, has received and read the SEC filings of Viking, and desires no further information pertaining to Viking. Investor will rely solely upon (i) such information and not any other material heretofore received, and (ii) investigations made by Investor or Investor’s representatives in making Investor’s investment decision.

 

(c) In Investor’s opinion, Investor’s overall commitment to investments that are not readily marketable is not disproportionate to Investor’s net worth, and in Investor’s opinion, Investor’s investment in the Promissory Notes will not cause such overall commitment to such investments to become excessive.

 

(d) Investor has, either alone or together with Investor’s purchaser representative, if any, such knowledge and experience in financial, real estate, and business matters that Investor is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of this investment.

 

(e) Investor has adequate means of providing for Investor’s current needs and personal contingencies, and Investor has no need for liquidity in Investor’s investment in the Promissory Notes. Investor is, able to meet Investor’s obligations hereunder, and acknowledges that this investment is long-term and speculative in nature.

 

(f) Investor’s personal financial circumstances, investment portfolio, and tax bracket are such that Investor and Investor’s purchaser representative, if any, believe the purchase contemplated herein to be a suitable investment. Investor is able to bear the economic risk of this investment.

 

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(g) The address set forth opposite such Investor’s name on Annex A, if Investor is an individual, Investor’s true and correct residence and, if Investor is an entity, Investor’s principal place of business.

 

(h) Investor acknowledges that if a purchaser representative has been utilized by Investor in evaluating the investment contemplated hereby, that Investor’s purchaser representative has advised Investor of the merits and risks of an investment in Viking and the suitability of the investment.

 

(i) Investor confirms that Investor is financially prepared to hold the Promissory Note for a substantial period of time and to withstand the possibility of a loss of the investment.

 

(j) Investor understands that none of the Promissory Notes have been registered under the Securities Act or under any state securities act in reliance on an exemption for non-public offerings.

 

(k) The Promissory Note which the Investor is purchasing are being acquired solely for Investor’s own account, for investment purposes, and are not being purchased with a view to or for resale, distribution, subdivision, or fractionalization, and Investor has no plans to enter into any such contract, undertaking, agreement, or arrangement. Investor agrees that the Promissory Note to be received will bear a restrictive legend limiting transfer.

 

(l) If Investor is a corporation, partnership, or trust, the undersigned is authorized and otherwise duly qualified to purchase and hold the Promissory Note, and Investor has its principal place of business as set forth below and was not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Securities, unless otherwise specifically set forth on the signature page hereof.

 

(m) Investor has the full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, and Investor’s execution and delivery of this Agreement and will not conflict or result in a material breach of any other agreement or obligation to which Investor is a Party.

 

13. Affirmative Covenants of Viking. Until the Promissory Notes are paid in full, Viking shall:

 

13.1. Pay the Loans. Duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid all principal, interest, and other amounts due on the Promissory Notes on the date, in the place, and in the manner set forth in the Loan Documents and perform and observe all other obligations of Viking under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

13.2. Tax Returns. File all federal, state, and local tax returns or requests for extensions that are required to be filed and pay and discharge, when payable, all taxes, assessments and governmental charges imposed upon its properties or upon the income or profits therefrom received by Viking before delinquent.

 

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13.3. Compliance With Laws. Comply promptly with all laws, rules, regulations, resolutions, ordinances, and codes applicable to Viking or the Collateral.

 

13.4. Compliance with Agreements. Comply with all other material obligations which it incurs pursuant to any contract or agreement as such obligations become due, unless and to the extent the same are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and adequate reserves have been set aside on its books with respect thereto.

 

13.5. Reporting Requirements. Viking shall file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of Viking under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. Viking will furnish to the Investor:

 

(a) as soon as possible, and in any event within ten (10) days after obtaining knowledge, notice of the occurrence of (A) an Event of Default, (B) an event which, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default, or (C) a Material Adverse Change, the written statement of the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer of Viking, setting forth the details of such Event of Default, event or Material Adverse Change and the action which Viking proposes to take with respect thereto;

 

(b) promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of all financial statements, reports, certificates of its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or accountants and other information which Viking sends to any holders (other than the Promissory Notes) of its securities and, without duplication, the following:

 

(i) Within thirty (30) days after the end of each monthly accounting period in each fiscal year (or when furnished to any lender or other third party, if earlier), (A) unaudited statements of Viking (prepared in form reasonably satisfactory to Lead Lender), certified by Viking’s principal financial officer and principal executive officer, of income, retained earnings and changes in financial position for such monthly period and for the period from the beginning of such fiscal year to the end of such monthly period and a balance sheet as of the end of such monthly period, setting forth in each case comparisons to figures for the corresponding periods in the preceding fiscal year and comparisons to budgets prepared by Viking, and (B) a copy of any borrowing base certificate or similar document submitted to any lender or other third party.

 

(ii) Promptly upon receipt thereof, any additional reports, management letters or other detailed information concerning significant aspects of Viking’s operations and financial affairs or in conjunction with any annual or interim audit given to Viking by its independent accountants (and not otherwise contained in other materials provided pursuant to this Section).

 

(iii) Thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of each fiscal year, a comprehensive annual budget or forecast which shall include annual consolidated and consolidating budgets prepared on a monthly basis for Viking for such fiscal year (displaying anticipated statements of income, retained earnings, changes in

 

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financial position and balance sheets and containing such internal narrative as appropriate). In addition, said plan will include a capital expenditure plan which shall be presented to the Board for its approval within thirty (30) days after the commencement of each fiscal year.

 

(iv) Promptly, but in any event within three (3) days after Viking’s receipt of notice of the intention of any customer that has accounted for over ten percent (10%) of the Viking’s aggregate revenues for the immediately preceding 12-month period to cease doing business with Viking or to materially reduce the volume purchased from Viking.

 

(v) Within three (3) business days after transmission thereof, copies of all such financial statements, proxy statements and reports as Viking sends to its shareholders (“Shareholders”), and copies of all registration statements and all regular, special or periodic reports which Viking files with any state securities regulatory agency, the SEC or with any securities exchange on which any of its securities are then listed, and copies of all press releases and other statements made available generally by Viking to the public concerning material developments in Viking’s business.

 

(c) At any time Viking is not subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act:

 

(i) Within forty-five (45) days after the end of each quarterly accounting period in each fiscal year (or furnished to any lender or other third party, if earlier), unaudited statements of Viking (prepared in form satisfactory to Lead Lender), certified by Viking’s principal financial officer and principal executive officer, of income, retained earnings and changes in financial position or such quarterly period and for the period from the beginning of such fiscal year to the end of such quarterly period and a balance sheet as of the end of such quarterly period, setting forth in each case comparisons to figures for the corresponding periods in the preceding fiscal year and comparisons to budgets prepared by Viking.

 

(ii) Within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year (or furnished to any lender or other third party, if earlier), statements of income, retained earnings and changes in financial position of Viking for such fiscal year, and a balance sheet of Viking as of the end of such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form corresponding figures for the preceding fiscal year.

 

(iii) All financial statements required to be delivered hereby shall be (A) prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, except in the case of unaudited financial statements, which may not contain all footnotes required by GAAP; (B) prepared on a consolidated and consolidating basis, as applicable; (C) accompanied by a management discussion and analysis of Viking’s financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations, as compared to the comparable period in the preceding fiscal year; (D) in the case of annual

 

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statements, be audited by an independent accounting firm approved by the Board; and (E) in the case of quarterly statements, shall be accompanied by a compliance certificate from Viking’s principal financial officer and principal executive officer certifying as to Viking’s compliance with each covenant set forth in the Loan Documents and that no default has occurred with respect to this Agreement, or any of the other Loan Documents or with respect to any indebtedness in favor of banks or other financial institutions.

 

(d) promptly after the commencement thereof, notice of each action, suit or proceeding before any court or other governmental authority or other regulatory body or any arbitrator as to which there is a reasonable possibility of a determination that would (A) materially impact the ability of Viking to conduct its business, (B) materially and adversely affect the business, operations or financial condition of Viking taken as a whole, or (C) impair the validity or enforceability of the Promissory Notes or the ability of Viking to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents;

 

(e) promptly upon request, such other information concerning the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of Viking as the holder from time to time may reasonably request.

 

13.6. Inspection of Property. Viking will permit any representative designated by Lead Lender upon reasonable notice, during normal business hours, to (i) visit and inspect any of the properties of Viking, (ii) examine the financial records of Viking and make copies thereof or extracts therefrom, and (iii) discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of Viking with the officers, key employees and independent accountants of Viking. If Lead Lender has reasonable grounds for conducting an inspection, Viking shall reimburse the Lead Lender for all commercially reasonable costs and expenses incurred by Lead Lender in connection with any such inspection.

 

13.7. Keeping of Records and Books of Account. Viking will keep adequate records and books of account, with complete entries made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, reflecting all of its financial and other business transactions.

 

13.8. Additional Equity. Viking shall use its best efforts to raise up to $3,000,000 of equity on terms acceptable to St. Cloud by July 1, 2005.

 

14. Negative Covenants of Viking.

 

14.1.1. Until payment and performance in full of all obligations of Viking to the Investors pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the Loan Documents, Viking shall not incur any liability or tax under Section 4971 of the Code in respect of an accumulated funding deficiency (or obtain any waiver under Section 412(d) of the Code or Section 303 of ERISA) or incur any material liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation in connection with any employee benefit plan. No Reportable Event, as defined in Title IV of ERISA, will occur or continue with respect to any such plan.

 

14.1.2. Until payment and performance in full of all obligations of Viking to the Investors pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the Loan Documents, Viking shall not, without the prior written consent of the Required Investors, take any of the following actions:

 

(a) Incur any indebtedness (other than in the ordinary course of its business or as contemplated by this Agreement and the Loan Documents) or grant any liens with respect to any of its assets;

 

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(b) Guaranty or otherwise in any way become or be responsible for indebtedness for borrowed money, or for obligations, in either case of any of its officers, directors or principal stockholders or any of their affiliates, contingently or otherwise;

 

(c) Declare or pay dividends or make or authorize any distribution or payment upon any of its equity securities, or effect a reverse stock split or subdivision of any shares of capital stock of Viking;

 

(d) Sell, transfer or dispose of, any of its assets other than in the ordinary course of its business and for fair value;

 

(e) Purchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire for value any of its capital stock or securities convertible into, or any option, warrant or other right to acquire its capital stock now or hereafter outstanding other than pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents;

 

(f) Repay out of the proceeds of the Promissory Notes any indebtedness for borrowed funds or any related party obligations except for Promissory Notes heretofore issued to the Investors;

 

(g) Issue equity below $0.20 per share;

 

(h) Merge or consolidate with any Person, or sell, lease, license or otherwise dispose of any of its assets (other than in the ordinary course of business) or liquidate, dissolve, recapitalize or reorganize in any form of transaction;

 

(i) Purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any assets pursuant to a contract requiring expenditures in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000);

 

(j) Enter into the active management or operation of any business other than the business as currently conducted by Viking;

 

(k) Amend the articles of incorporation or by-laws of Viking;

 

(l) Increase the total number of Directors to more than seven (7) Directors;

 

(m) Execute, renew or modify any contract not in the ordinary course of business involving obligations of Viking in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000);

 

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(o) Increase compensation or other benefits to any Person, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice with respect to non-officer employees and except as may be approved by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors with respect to executives and officers;

 

(p) Enter into any transaction with any affiliate, director, officer, or employee of Viking involving, in the aggregate, more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000), except that Borrower may enter into employment arrangements approved by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors;

 

(q) Create or form a Subsidiary whether by acquisition, new capitalization, merger or otherwise; provided, that in the event that the Required Investors shall consent to the formation or acquisition by Viking of any new Subsidiary, or participation in any partnership or joint venture, whether or not wholly owned, Viking shall promptly and diligently take all actions necessary or required by Collateral Agent to cause such corporation, partnership, or other entity or venture to become a credit party for all purposes of this Agreement and a “Grantor” under a security agreement in favor of Collateral Agent, as agent for Investors (or any successor agent), in form and substance similar to the Security Agreement;

 

(r) Enter or consummate any off-balance sheet transactions (as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act);

 

(s) Register any securities under the Securities Act in connection with an underwritten public offering unless Lead Lender reasonably consents to such registration (it being understood that it would not be unreasonable for Lead Lender to withhold its consent in any such registration in which Investors would not have registration rights that are pari passu with each other holder of securities of Viking having registration rights); or

 

(t) Take any action, or fail to take any action, which would result in the invalidity, abandonment, misuse or unenforceability of any Proprietary Information or which would, to the knowledge of Viking, infringe upon or misappropriate any rights of other Persons.

 

15. Grant of Preemptive Rights and Co-Sale Rights.

 

15.1. Preemptive Rights. Viking hereby grants to each Investor on the terms and conditions set forth herein, a continuing right, exercisable by the Investors, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time (the “Preemptive Right”) to purchase from Viking, at the times set forth herein, shares of Common Stock or Convertible Securities. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, the Preemptive Right granted herein shall only be available and may only be exercised by an Investor in the event Viking issues or offers shares of its Common Stock or any Convertible Securities in a non-registered, private offering (a “Private Offering”).

 

15.1.1. Number of Shares. The number of shares of Common Stock (or Convertible Securities representing such Common Stock) that may be purchased by an Investor

 

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under the Preemptive Right shall be equal to the product of (i) a fraction, the numerator of which is the total number of shares of Common Stock owned by Investor at the time that were acquired pursuant to this Agreement or upon exercise or conversion of Securities acquired pursuant to this Agreement (calculated on a fully-diluted basis assuming conversion of the Promissory Notes and exercise of the Warrants) and the denominator of which is the total number of such shares of Common Stock held by all Investors that were acquired pursuant to this Agreement or upon exercise or conversion of Securities acquired pursuant to this Agreement (calculated on a fully-diluted basis assuming conversion of the Promissory Notes and exercise of the Warrants), multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock (calculated on a fully-diluted basis) to be issued or offered as set forth in the Preemptive Right Notice (as so calculated, the “Eligible Preemptive Shares”).

 

15.1.2. Notice. Not fewer than 10 business days prior to the commencement of a Private Offering, Viking will notify in writing each of the Investors (a “Preemptive Right Notice”). Each Preemptive Right Notice must specify (a) the date on which Viking proposes to commence such Private Offering, (b) the price, number and description of equity securities Viking proposes to issue and the other terms and conditions of such issuance, and (c) the number of equity securities the Investor is entitled to purchase in such Private Offering.

 

15.1.3. Preemptive Right Exercise and Price. (a) The Preemptive Right may be exercised by the Investor at any time within ten (10) business days after receipt of a Preemptive Right Notice (“Acceptance Period”) by the delivery to Viking of a written notice to such effect specifying the number of equity securities in such Private Offering that that the Investors intends to purchase. Payment therefor shall be in certified funds as payment in full for such equity securities, against delivery of the securities at the principal offices of Viking, within five (5) business days after giving Viking such notice, or, if later, the closing date for such Private Offering. Each Investor shall also have the option, exercisable by so specifying in such written notice to Viking, to purchase on a pro rata basis similar to that described above, any remaining Eligible Preemptive Shares not purchased by the other Investors, in which case the Investor exercising such further option shall be deemed to have elected to purchase such remaining Eligible Preemptive Shares on a pro rata basis, up to the aggregate number of Eligible Preemptive Shares which such Investor shall have specified until either (i) no Investor shall have elected to purchase any further amount of the Eligible Preemptive Shares which are the subject of the Preemptive Right Notice or (ii) all the Eligible Preemptive Shares which are the subject of the Preemptive Right Notice shall have been subscribed for by the Investors. Viking shall promptly notify each Investor in writing of each notice of election received from Investors pursuant to this Section.

 

(b) Viking may, during the sixty (60) day period following the expiration of the Acceptance Period, offer the remaining unsubscribed portion of the Common Stock (or Convertible Securities representing such Common Stock) to any Person or Persons at a price not less than, and upon terms no more favorable to the offeree than those specified in the Preemptive Right Notice. If Viking does not enter into an agreement for the sale of the Common Stock (or Convertible Securities representing such Common Stock) within such period, or if such agreement is not consummated within ninety (90) days of the execution thereof, the right provided hereunder shall be deemed to be revived and such shares of Common Stock (or Convertible Securities representing such Common Stock) shall not be sold unless first reoffered to Investor in accordance herewith.

 

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(c) The Preemptive Right may be assigned by Investor (or assignee thereof), in whole or in part, to an assignee of Investor.

 

15.1.4. Termination of Preemptive Right. The Preemptive Right for an Investor shall terminate on the date that is six (6) months after the date the Promissory Note of the Investor has been repaid in full or converted in full into Common Stock; provided, however that with respect to St. Cloud, such Preemptive Right shall terminate on the later of (a) the date that is six (6) months from the date the Promissory Note of St. Cloud has been repaid in full or converted in full into Common Stock or (b) such date as St. Cloud shall have invested in Viking a minimum of $2,000,000 in additional equity.

 

15.2. Co-Sale Rights. If Donald E. Tucker (“Major Shareholder”) proposes to sell or transfer any shares of Common Stock in a Private Offering to any Person other than a Permitted Transferee (as defined below), in one or more related transactions (other than a transfer pursuant to an effective registration statement and other than transfers under Rule 144), such Major Shareholder shall provide Investors with written notice of the proposed transfer stating the terms and conditions of such sale or transfer including, without limitation, the number of Common Stock proposed to be sold or transferred, the nature of such sale or transfer and the consideration to be paid and the name and address of each prospective purchaser or transferee (the “Major Shareholder Notice”). Investors shall have the right (the “Co-Sale Right”), exercisable upon written notice to such Major Shareholder within ten (10) business days after receipt of the Major Shareholder Notice to participate in such Major Shareholder’s sale of Common Stock pursuant to the specified terms and conditions set forth in the Major Shareholder Notice. To the extent Investors exercises such Co-Sale Right in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below, the number of shares of Common Stock which such Major Shareholder may sell or transfer pursuant to the proposed sale or transfer described in the Major Shareholder Notice shall be correspondingly reduced. The Co-Sale Right of Investors shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

 

15.2.1. Calculation of Common Stock. Each Investor may sell all or any part of its shares of Common Stock equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the aggregate number of Common Stock covered by the Major Shareholder Notice by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the total number of shares of Common Stock owned by Investor at the time (calculated on a fully-diluted basis assuming conversion of the Promissory Notes and exercise of the Warrants), and the denominator of which is the sum of (A) the total number of Common Stock owned by all Investors exercising Co-Sale Rights at the time (calculated on a fully-diluted basis assuming conversion of the Promissory Notes and exercise of the Warrants) plus (B) the total number of shares of Common Stock at the time owned by such Major Stockholder (calculated on a fully-diluted basis), including Common Stock or Convertible Securities transferred by such Major Shareholder to Permitted Transferees in accordance with this Agreement.

 

15.2.2. Delivery of Certificates. Investor may effect its participation in the sale by delivering to such Major Shareholder for transfer to the prospective purchaser one or more certificates, properly endorsed for transfer, which represent the securities which Investor elects to sell.

 

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15.2.3. Transfer. The certificate or certificates which Investor delivers to such Major Shareholder pursuant to Section 15.2.2 shall be delivered by such Major Shareholder to the prospective purchaser in consummation of the sale pursuant to the terms and conditions specified in the Major Shareholder Notice, and such Major Shareholder shall promptly thereafter remit to Investor that portion of the sale proceeds to which Investor is entitled by reason of its participation in such sale. To the extent that any prospective purchaser or purchasers prohibits such assignment or otherwise refuses to purchase securities from an Investor exercising its Co-Sale Right hereunder, such Major Shareholder shall not sell to such prospective purchaser or purchasers any Common Stock or Convertible Securities unless and until, simultaneously with such sale, such Major Shareholder shall purchase such securities from such Investor(s) for the same consideration and on the same terms and conditions as the proposed transfer described in the Major Shareholder Notice (which terms and conditions shall be no less favorable than those governing the sale to the purchaser by such Major Shareholder).

 

15.2.4. Permitted Transfers. The provisions of Section 15.2 of this Agreement shall not pertain or apply to:

 

(i) Any bona fide gift;

 

(ii) Any transfer pursuant to applicable laws of descent and distribution, to the spouse or any lineal descendant (including by adoption) of such Major Shareholder; or

 

(iii) Any transfer to a trust of which such Major Shareholder is the trustee and which is established for estate planning purposes.

 

Provided that, in each case, that (i) such Major Shareholder shall inform Investor of such transfer or gift prior to effecting it, and (ii) the transferee or donee (each a “Permitted Transferee”) shall furnish Investor with a written agreement to be bound by and comply with the provisions of this Section 15.2 applicable to such Major Shareholder.

 

15.2.5. Assignment. The rights under this Section 15.2 may be assigned by an Investor (or assignee thereof) to any assignee of such Investor.

 

15.2.6. Termination. The Co-Sale Right for an Investor shall terminate on the date that is two (2) years after the date the Promissory Note of the Investor has been repaid in full or converted in full into Common Stock.

 

16. Conditions Precedent. The obligations of the Investors to fund the Loans hereunder, are subject to the following:

 

(a) existing promissory notes evidencing loans made by Donald E. Tucker to Viking in the total principal amount of $500,000 shall have been converted into Common Stock at the price of $0.40 per share prior to the Closing Date; and

 

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(b) the $100,000 certificate of deposit owned by Donald E. Tucker and pledged to Silicon Valley Bank shall remain pledged to Silicon Valley Bank until the loan relating to such pledged certificate of deposit has been paid in full.

 

17. SBIC Regulatory Provisions.

 

17.1 Use of Proceeds.

 

17.1.1 At such times as Lead Lender reasonably requests, Viking shall deliver to Lead Lender a written statement certified by Viking’s Chief Financial Officer describing in reasonable detail the use of the proceeds from the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents by Viking. In addition to any other rights granted hereunder, Viking shall grant Lead Lender and the SBA access to Viking’s books and records for the purpose of verifying the use of such proceeds and verifying the certifications made by Viking in SBA forms Nos. 480, 652 and 1031, delivered pursuant to Section 3.1.10 and for the purpose of determining whether the principal business activity of Viking continues to constitute an eligible business activity (within the meaning of the SBIC Regulations).

 

17.1.2 Viking shall not use any proceeds from the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents substantially for a foreign operation, and no more than forty-nine percent (49%) of the employees or tangible assets of Viking will be outside the United States (unless Viking can show to the SBA’s satisfaction, that proceeds from the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents will be used for a specific domestic purpose).

 

17.1.3 Viking shall not use any proceeds from the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents for any purpose contrary to public interest (including, but not limited to, activities which are in violation of law) or inconsistent with free enterprise, in each case, within the meaning of 13 C.F.R. Section 107.720.

 

17.2 Regulatory Violation. Upon the occurrence of a Regulatory Violation or in the event that Lead Lender determines in its good faith judgment that a Regulatory Violation has occurred, in addition to any other rights and remedies to which it may be entitled as a holder of the Securities under any of the Loan Documents, Lead Lender shall have the right to the extent required under the SBIC Regulations to demand the immediate repayment of the principal balance of the Promissory Notes, plus all accrued interest on the Promissory Notes, by delivering written notice of such demand to Viking. Viking shall make such payment by a cashier’s or certified check or by wire transfer of immediately available funds to Lead Lender within thirty (30) days after Viking’s receipt of the demand notice.

 

17.3 Regulatory Compliance Cooperation. In the event that Lead Lender believes that it has a Regulatory Problem, Lead Lender shall have the right to transfer its Securities without regard to any restrictions on transfer set forth in this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents other than the restrictions under applicable securities law, and Viking shall take all such actions as are reasonably requested by Lead Lender in order to effectuate and facilitate any transfer by Lead Lender of the Securities then held by Lead Lender to any Person designated by Lead Lender.

 

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17.4 Economic Impact Information. Promptly after the end of each calendar year (but in any event prior to February 28 of each year), Viking shall deliver to Lead Lender a written assessment of the economic impact of Lead Lender’s investment in Viking, specifying the full-time equivalent jobs created or retained in connection with the investment, the impact of the investment on the businesses of Viking and on Taxes paid by Viking and its employees.

 

17.5 Business Activity. For a period of one (1) year following the date hereof, Viking will not change its business activity if such change would render Viking ineligible to receive financial assistance from Lead Lender (within the meanings of 13 C.F.R. Sections 107.720 and 107.760(b)).

 

17.6 Number of Members. Viking will notify Lead Lender from time to time when the number of its shareholders increases to or above or decreases below fifty (50).

 

17.7 Compliance With Non-Discrimination Requirements. Viking shall comply at all times with the non-discrimination requirements of 13 C.F.R. Parts 112, 113 and 117.

 

18. Lead Lender and Collateral Agent.

 

18.1. Appointment and Authorization. Each Investor hereby designates and appoints St. Cloud as Lead Lender and Collateral Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and each Lender Investor irrevocably authorizes the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and each other Loan Document and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to it by the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein or in the Security Agreement, nor shall the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Investor, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise exist against the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term “agent” in this Agreement with reference to the Collateral Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law. Except as expressly otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Agent shall have and may use its sole discretion with respect to exercising or refraining from exercising any discretionary rights or taking or refraining from taking any actions which the Collateral Agent is expressly entitled to take or assert under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including the exercise of remedies, and any action so taken or not taken shall be deemed consented to by the Investors.

 

18.2. Delegation of Duties. The Lead Lender and Collateral Agent may execute any of its duties under this Agreement or any other Loan Document by or through agents, employees or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. The Lead Lender and Collateral Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent or attorney-in-fact that it selects as long as such selection was made without gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

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18.3. Liability of Lead Lender and Collateral Agent. Neither the Lead Lender nor the Collateral Agent (together with its affiliates, and the officers, directors, employees, counsel, representatives, agents and attorneys-in-fact of the Agent and such affiliates, the “Agent-Related Persons”) shall (i) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct), or (ii) be responsible in any manner to any of the Investors for any recital, statement, representation or warranty made by Viking contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Collateral Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for any failure of Viking or any other party to any Loan Document to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. No Agent-Related Person shall be under any obligation to any Investor to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or to inspect the properties, books or records of Viking.

 

18.4. Reliance by Agent. The Lead Lender and Collateral Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, facsimile, telex or telephone message, statement or other document or conversation believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including counsel to Viking), independent accountants and other experts selected by the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent.

 

18.5. Notice of Default. The Lead Lender and Collateral Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, unless the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent shall have received written notice from an Investor or Viking referring to this Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default.” The Lead Lender and Collateral Agent will notify the Investors of its receipt of any such notice. The Lead Lender and Collateral Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as may be requested by the Required Investors in accordance with the Security Agreement; provided, however, that unless and until the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent has received any such request, the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable.

 

18.6. Credit Decision. Each Investor acknowledges that none of the Agent-Related Persons has made any representation or warranty to it, and that no act by the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent hereinafter taken, including any review of the affairs of Viking, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by any Agent-Related Person to any Investor. Each Investor represents to the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such

 

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documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of Viking, and all applicable bank regulatory laws relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, and made its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit to the Viking. Each Investor also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and to make such investigations as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of Viking. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Investors by the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent herein or under the Security Agreement, the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Investor with any credit or other information concerning the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of Viking which may come into the possession of any of the Agent-Related Persons.

 

18.7. Indemnification. Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, the Investors shall indemnify upon demand the Agent-Related Persons (to the extent not reimbursed by or on behalf of Viking and without limiting the obligation of Viking to do so), in accordance with their pro rata interest in the aggregate principal amount of the Loans, from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities as such term is defined in Section 19; provided, however, that no Investor shall be liable for the payment to the Agent-Related Persons of any portion of such Indemnified Liabilities resulting solely from such Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Investor shall reimburse the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent upon demand for its pro rata interest in the aggregate principal amount of the Loans of any costs or out-of-pocket expenses (including legal fees and expenses) incurred by the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any document contemplated by or referred to herein, to the extent that the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent is not reimbursed for such expenses by or on behalf of Viking. The undertaking in this Section shall survive the payment of all Obligations hereunder and the resignation or replacement of the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent.

 

18.8. Agent in Individual Capacity. The Lead Lender and its affiliates may make loans to, issue letters of credit for the account of, accept deposits from, acquire equity interests in and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory, underwriting or other business with Viking and affiliates as though the Lead Lender were not the Collateral Agent hereunder and without notice to or consent of the Investors. The Lead Lender or its affiliates may receive information regarding Viking (including information that may be subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of Viking) and the Investors acknowledge that the Collateral Agent and the Lead Lender shall be under no obligation to provide such information to them. With respect to its Loans, the Lead Lender shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Investor and may exercise the same as though it were not the Collateral Agent, and the terms “Investor” and “Investors” include the Lead Lender in its individual capacity.

 

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18.9. Successor Agent. The Collateral Agent may resign as Collateral Agent upon at least ten (10) days’ prior notice to the Investors and Viking. Subject to the foregoing, if the Collateral Agent resigns under this Agreement, the Required Investors shall appoint from among the Investors a successor agent for the Investors. If no successor agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the resignation of the Collateral Agent, the Collateral Agent may appoint, after consulting with the Investors and Viking, a successor agent from among the Investors. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor agent hereunder, such successor agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Collateral Agent and the term “Collateral Agent” shall mean such successor agent and the retiring Collateral Agent’s appointment, powers and duties as Collateral Agent shall be terminated. After any retiring Collateral Agent’s resignation hereunder as Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Article 18 shall continue to inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Collateral Agent under this Agreement.

 

18.10. Collateral Matters. (a) The Investors hereby irrevocably authorize the Collateral Agent, at its option and in its sole discretion, to release any Liens in the Collateral granted to the Investors, for the benefit of the Investors pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (“Agent’s Liens”) (i) upon payment and satisfaction in full by Viking of all Loans and all other Obligations; (ii) constituting property being sold or disposed of if Viking certifies to the Collateral Agent that the sale or disposition is made in compliance with the Security Agreement (and the Collateral Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate, without further inquiry); (iii) constituting property in which Viking owned no interest at the time the Lien was granted or at any time thereafter; or (iv) constituting property leased to Viking under a lease which has expired or been terminated in a transaction permitted under this Agreement. Except as provided above, the Collateral Agent will not release any of the Collateral Agent’s Liens without the prior written authorization of the Investors; provided that the Collateral Agent may, in its discretion, release the Collateral Agent’s Liens on Collateral valued in the aggregate not in excess of $250,000 during each fiscal year without the prior written authorization of the Investors and the Collateral Agent may release the Collateral Agent’s Liens on Collateral valued in the aggregate not in excess of $500,000 during each fiscal year with the prior written authorization of Required Investors. Upon request by the Collateral Agent or Viking at any time, the Investors will confirm in writing the Collateral Agent’s authority to release any Agent’s Liens upon particular types or items of Collateral pursuant to this Section 18.10.

 

(b) Upon receipt by the Collateral Agent of any authorization required pursuant to Section 18.10(a) from the Investors of the Collateral Agent’s authority to release Agent’s Liens upon particular types or items of Collateral, and upon at least five (5) Business Days prior written request by Viking, the Collateral Agent shall (and is hereby irrevocably authorized by the Investors to) execute such documents as may be necessary to evidence the release of the Collateral Agent’s Liens upon such Collateral; provided, however, that (i) the Collateral Agent shall not be required to execute any such document on terms which, in the Collateral Agent’s opinion, would expose the Collateral Agent to liability or create any

 

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obligation or entail any consequence other than the release of such Liens without recourse or warranty, and (ii) such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect or impair the Obligations or any Liens (other than those expressly being released) upon (or obligations of Viking in respect of) all interests retained by Viking, including the proceeds of any sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral.

 

(c) The Collateral Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever to any of the Investors to assure that the Collateral exists or is owned by Viking or is cared for, protected or insured or has been encumbered, or that the Collateral Agent’s Liens have been properly or sufficiently or lawfully created, perfected, protected or enforced or are entitled to any particular priority, or to exercise at all or in any particular manner or under any duty of care, disclosure or fidelity, or to continue exercising, any of the rights, authorities and powers granted or available to the Collateral Agent pursuant to any of the Loan Documents, it being understood and agreed that in respect of the Collateral, or any act, omission or event related thereto, the Collateral Agent may act in any manner it may deem appropriate, in its sole discretion given the Collateral Agent’s own interest in the Collateral in its capacity as one of the Investors and that the Collateral Agent shall have no other duty or liability whatsoever to any Investor as to any of the foregoing.

 

18.11. Restrictions on Actions by Investors; Sharing of Payments. (a) Each of the Investors agrees that it shall not, without the express consent of all Investors, and that it shall, to the extent it is lawfully entitled to do so, upon the request of all Investors, set off against the Obligations, any amounts owing by such Investor to Viking or any accounts of Viking now or hereafter maintained with such Investor. Each of the Investors further agrees that it shall not, unless specifically requested to do so by the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent, take or cause to be taken any action to enforce its rights under this Agreement or against Viking, including the commencement of any legal or equitable proceedings, to foreclose any Lien on, or otherwise enforce any security interest in, any of the Collateral.

 

(b) If at any time or times any Investor shall receive (i) by payment, foreclosure, setoff or otherwise, any proceeds of Collateral or any payments with respect to the Obligations of Viking to such Investor arising under, or relating to, this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, except for any such proceeds or payments received by such Investor from the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, or (ii) payments from the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent in excess of such Investor’s ratable portion of all such distributions by the Agent, such Investor shall promptly (1) turn the same over to the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent, in kind, and with such endorsements as may be required to negotiate the same to the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent, or in same day funds, as applicable, for the account of all of the Investors and for application to the Obligations in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement, or (2) purchase, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation in the Obligations owed to the other Investors so that such excess payment received shall be applied ratably as among the Investors in accordance with their pro rata interest in the aggregate principal amount of the Loans; provided, however, that if all or part of such excess payment received by the purchasing party is thereafter recovered from it, those purchases of participations shall be rescinded in whole or in part, as applicable, and the applicable portion of the purchase price paid therefor shall be returned to such purchasing party, but without interest except to the extent that such purchasing party is required to pay interest in connection with the recovery of the excess payment.

 

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18.12. Agency for Perfection. Each Investor hereby appoints each other Investor as agent for the purpose of perfecting the Investors’ security interest in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC can be perfected only by possession. Should any Investor (other than the Collateral Agent) obtain possession of any such Collateral, such Investor shall notify the Collateral Agent thereof, and, promptly upon the Collateral Agent’s request therefor shall deliver such Collateral to the Collateral Agent or in accordance with the Collateral Agent’s instructions.

 

18.13. Concerning the Collateral and the Related Loan Documents. Each Investor authorizes and directs the Collateral Agent to enter into the other Loan Documents, for the ratable benefit and obligation of the Collateral Agent and the Investors. Each Investor agrees that any action taken by the Collateral Agent or Required Investors, as applicable, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, and the exercise by the Collateral Agent or the Required Investors, as applicable, of their respective powers set forth therein or herein, together with such other powers that are reasonably incidental thereto, shall be binding upon all of the Investors. The Investors acknowledge that the Loans and all interest, fees and expenses hereunder constitute one debt of Viking, secured pari passu by all of the Collateral.

 

18.14. Relation Among Investors. The Investors are not partners or co-venturers, and no Investor shall be liable for the acts or omissions of, or (except as otherwise set forth herein in case of the Collateral Agent) authorized to act for, any other Investor.

 

19. Indemnity of the Agent and the Investors by Viking. Except as set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, Viking agrees to defend, indemnify and hold the Agent-Related Persons, and each Investor and each of its respective officers, directors, employees, counsel, representatives, agents and attorneys-in-fact (each, an “Indemnified Person”) harmless from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, charges, expenses and disbursements (including attorney fees) of any kind or nature whatsoever which may at any time (including at any time following repayment of the Loans and the termination, resignation or replacement of the Collateral Agent) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any such Person in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any document contemplated by or referred to herein, or the transactions contemplated hereby, or any action taken or omitted by any such Person under or in connection with any of the foregoing, including with respect to any investigation, litigation or proceeding (including any insolvency proceeding or appellate proceeding) related to or arising out of this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or the Loans or the use of the proceeds thereof, whether or not any Indemnified Person is a party thereto (all the foregoing, collectively, the “Indemnified Liabilities”); provided, that Viking shall have no obligation hereunder to any Indemnified Person with respect to Indemnified Liabilities resulting solely from the willful misconduct of such Indemnified Person. The agreements in this Section shall survive payment of all Obligations.

 

20. Representation by Counsel. Each party hereto represents and agrees with each other that it has been represented by or had the opportunity to be represented by, independent counsel of its own choosing, and that it has had the full right and opportunity to consult with its

 

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respective attorney(s), that to the extent, if any, that it desired, it availed itself of this right and opportunity, that it or its authorized officers (as the case may be) have carefully read and fully understand this Agreement in its entirety and have had it fully explained to them by such party’s respective counsel, that each is fully aware of the contents thereof and its meaning, intent and legal effect, and that it or its authorized officer (as the case may be) is competent to execute this Agreement free from coercion, duress or undue influence. The parties to this Agreement participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, then this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties to this Agreement, and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party to this Agreement by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

21. General Provisions.

 

21.1. Expenses. Viking agrees to pay and save Lead Lender harmless against liability for the payment of the Transaction Expenses.

 

21.2 Notice. Any notice required or desired to be given by the parties hereto shall be in writing and may be personally delivered; mailed by regular mail or certified mail, return receipt requested; sent by telephone facsimile with a hard copy sent by regular mail; or sent by a nationally recognized receipted overnight delivery service, including, by example and not limitation, United Parcel Service, Federal Express, or Airborne Express. Any such notice shall be deemed given when personally delivered; if mailed by regular mail, three (3) days after deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid; if mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, three (3) days after deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid, or on the day of receipt by the recipient, whichever is sooner; if sent by telephone facsimile, on the day sent if sent on a business day during normal business hours of the recipient or on the next business day if sent at any other time; or if sent by overnight delivery service, one (1) business day after deposit in the custody of the delivery service. The addresses and telephone numbers for the mailing, transmitting, or delivering of notices shall be as follows:

 

If to Lead Lender and Collateral Agent, to:   

St. Cloud Capital Partners, LP

    

10866 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1450

    

Los Angeles, CA 90024

    

Facsimile: (310) 475-0550

    

Attn: Cary S. Fitchey

If to Viking, to:   

Viking Systems, Inc.

    

7514 Girard Avenue, Suite 1509

    

La Jolla, CA 92037

    

Facsimile: 858-225-0467

    

Attn: Tom Marsh

 

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With copies to:  

Cohne, Rappaport & Segal

   

257 East 200 South, Suite 700

   

Salt Lake City, UT 84111

   

Facsimile: 801-355-1813

   

Attn: A. O. Headman, Jr.

If to the Investors:  

(see signature page or Annex A)

 

Notices of a change of address of a party shall be given in the same manner as all other notices as hereinabove provided.

 

21.3. Terms Survive. All agreements, representations, warranties, and covenants made by Viking shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Loan Documents and shall continue in full force and effect so long as any obligation to the Investor contemplated by this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid and thereafter as herein provided.

 

21.4. No Assignment. The parties agree that neither this Agreement nor any of the Loan Documents may be assigned by Viking.

 

21.5. Governing Law. This Agreement and the Loan Documents shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

 

21.6. Jurisdiction. The Parties agree and consent that the courts of the State of California shall have jurisdiction with respect to enforcement of this Agreement or any Loan Documents executed in connection herewith and shall have jurisdiction with respect to any disputes or with respect to any legal proceedings involving claims arising out of this Agreement or the Loan Documents.

 

21.7. Amendments. No provision or term of this Agreement may be amended, modified, revoked, supplemented, waived, or otherwise changed, except by a written instrument duly executed by Viking and the Investors (including St. Cloud) and designated as an amendment, supplement, or waiver. Viking agrees to pay any fees incurred by Investors in connection with any consent, waiver or amendment of any Loan Document.

 

21.8. Counting of Days. Unless otherwise indicated, the term “days” when used herein shall mean calendar days. If any time period ends on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday officially recognized by the State of California, the period shall be deemed to end on the next succeeding business day.

 

21.9. Headings. The article and section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

 

21.10. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the final expression of the agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the general subject matter hereof and supersede any previous understanding, negotiations, or discussions, whether written or oral. This Agreement and the Loan Documents may not be contradicted by evidence of any alleged oral agreement.

 

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21.11. Conflict. If the term of any other Loan Document, except the Promissory Note, shall be in conflict with this Agreement, this Agreement shall govern to the extent of the conflict. If the terms of this Agreement shall be in conflict with the Promissory Note, the Promissory Note will govern to the extent of the conflict.

 

21.12. Use of Terms. As used herein, words in any gender shall be deemed to include the other genders, and the singular shall be deemed to include the plural, and vice versa.

 

21.13. Agency. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to constitute the creation of a partnership or joint venture between the Investors and Viking. No Investor is an agent or representative of Viking.

 

21.14. Authority to File Notices. Viking hereby appoints and designates the Collateral Agent as its attorney-in-fact to file, for record any notice that the Collateral Agent deems necessary to protect the Secured Parties’ interests under the Security Agreement. This power shall be deemed coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable while any sum or performance remains due and owing under any of the Loan Documents.

 

21.15. Waiver. An Investor shall not be deemed to have waived any rights hereunder unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by such Investor. No delay or admission on the part of an Investor in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A written waiver by an Investor of a provision of this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of the Investor’s rights otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other provision of this Agreement. No prior written waiver by the Investor, nor any course of dealing between the Investor and Viking, shall constitute a waiver of any of the Investor’s rights or obligations. Whenever the consent of the Investor is required under this Agreement, the granting of such consent by the Investor in any instance shall not constitute continuing consent in subsequent instances where such consent is required, and in all cases, such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of the Investor.

 

21.16. Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents 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.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties to this Agreement has executed this Agreement on the day and year above written.

 

VIKING:
Viking Systems, Inc.,
a Nevada corporation
By:  

/s/ Thomas B. Marsh


    Thomas B. Marsh, President
LEAD LENDER and COLLATERAL AGENT:
St. Cloud Capital Partners, L.P.
By:   SCGP, LLC
Its:   General Partner
By:  

/s/ Cary S. Fitchey


Name:   Cary S. Fitchey
Title:   Senior Managing Member

Address:

10866 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1450
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Facsimile: (310)475-0550
With a copy to:
Latham & Watkins LLP
633 West Fifth Street, Suite 4000
Los Angeles, California 90071
Facsimile: (213)891-8763
Attention: W. Alex Voxman, Esq.

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT


SIGNATURE PAGE TO

 

SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

DATED AS OF MARCH 22, 2005

 

BY AND AMONG

 

VIKING SYSTEMS, INC.,

 

ST. CLOUD CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P.,

AS “LEAD LENDER” AND “COLLATERAL AGENT”

 

AND EACH INVESTOR NAMED THEREIN

 

The undersigned hereby executes and delivers the Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”) to which this Signature Page is attached effective as of the date of the Agreement, which Securities Purchase Agreement and Signature Page, together with all counterparts of such Agreement and signature pages of the other Investors named in such Securities Purchase Agreement, shall constitute one and the same document in accordance with the terms of such Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

INVESTORS:
By:  

/s/ Donald Tucker


Name:  

Donald Tucker


    (Print)
Title:  

 


    (If applicable)
Address   1626 Clemson Circle
    La Jolla, California 92037
Facsimile  

 


SIGNATURE PAGE TO SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT


SIGNATURE PAGE TO

 

SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

DATED AS OF MARCH 22, 2005

 

BY AND AMONG

 

VIKING SYSTEMS, INC.,

 

ST. CLOUD CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P.,

AS “LEAD LENDER” AND “COLLATERAL AGENT”

 

AND EACH INVESTOR NAMED THEREIN

 

The undersigned hereby executes and delivers the Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”) to which this Signature Page is attached effective as of the date of the Agreement, which Securities Purchase Agreement and Signature Page, together with all counterparts of such Agreement and signature pages of the other Investors named in such Securities Purchase Agreement, shall constitute one and the same document in accordance with the terms of such Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

INVESTORS:
By:  

/s/ Brian Miller


Name:  

Brian Miller


    (Print)
Title:  

 


    (If applicable)
Address   c/o EVP Strategic Alliances
    One Market Plaza Spear Tower
    Suite 700
    San Francisco, California 94105
Facsimile  

 


 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT


ANNEX A

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTORS

 

INVESTOR


  

ADDRESS


   LOAN

   WARRANT SHARES

St. Cloud Capital Partners, L.P.   

10866 Wilshire Boulevard

Suite 1450

Los Angeles, CA 90024

Facsimile: (310)475-0550

Attn: Cary Fitchey

   $ 750,000    937,500
Donald Tucker   

1626 Clemson Circle

La Jolla, CA 92037

Facsimile:                     

   $ 500,000    625,000
Brian Miller   

c/o EVP Strategic Alliances

One Market Plaza Spear Tower,

Suite 700

San Francisco, CA 94105

Facsimile:                     

Attn: Brian Miller

   $ 300,000    375,000
Pacific Asset Partners   

Pacific Asset Partners

222 Kearny Street, Suite 410

San Francisco, CA 94108

Facsimile:                     

Attn: Robert M. Stafford

   $ 200,000    250,000
John S. Lemak   

2828 Routh Street

Suite 500

Dallas, Texas 75201

Facsimile: (214) 849-9879

Attn: John S. Lemak

   $ 100,000    125,000
Sandor Capital Master Fund   

2828 Routh Street

Suite 500

Dallas, Texas 75201

Facsimile: (214) 849-9879

Attn: John S. Lemak

   $ 300,000    375,000
Aspen Ventures, LLC   

210 East 39th Street

New York, New York 10016

Facsimile: (212) 679-3816

Attn: Fred B. Tarter

   $ 50,000    62,500
Fred B. and Lois Tarter   

210 East 39th Street

New York, New York 10016

Facsimile:                     

Attn: Fred B. Tarter

   $ 50,000    62,500

 

-48-


SCHEDULE OF INVESTORS

 

INVESTOR


  

ADDRESS


   LOAN

   WARRANT SHARES

Bedford Oak Partners, LP   

100 S. Bedford Road

Mt. Kisco, New York 10549

Facsimile: (914) 242-5798

Attention: Harvey P. Eisen

(Managing Partner)

   $ 250,000    312,500
Prairie Fire Capital, LLC   

177 Broad Street, 15th Floor

Stamford, CT 06901

Facsimile: 203-973-1442

Phone: 203-973-1438

Attention: Daniel J. O’Brien

(Manager)

   $ 75,000    93,750
Michael Stone   

1250 Prospect Street, Suite 200

La Jolla, CA 92037

Facsimile: 203-973-1442

Attention : Michael Stone

(Individual)

   $ 75,000    93,750
Bella Capital, LLC   

177 Broad Street, 15th Floor

Stamford, CT 06901

Fax : 203-973-1442

Attn : Daniel J. O’Brien

   $ 50,000    62,500
Larry Haimovitch   

111 Highland Lane

Mill Valley, CA 94941

Fax : 415-388-7624

   $ 50,000    62,500
EX-10.2 3 dex102.htm SECURED CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE Secured Convertible Promissory Note

Exhibit 10.2

 

THIS NOTE AND THE COMMON STOCK REFERENCED HEREIN HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “1933 ACT”), OR UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, BUT HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED BY THE REGISTERED HOLDER HEREOF FOR PURPOSES OF INVESTMENT AND IN RELIANCE ON STATUTORY EXEMPTIONS UNDER THE 1933 ACT, AND UNDER ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NEITHER THE NOTE NOR THE COMMON STOCK MAY BE SOLD, PLEDGED, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED EXCEPT IN A TRANSACTION WHICH IS EXEMPT UNDER PROVISIONS OF THE 1933 ACT AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT; AND IN THE CASE OF AN EXEMPTION, ONLY IF THE COMPANY HAS RECEIVED AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH TRANSACTION DOES NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION OF THIS NOTE AND THE COMMON STOCK REFERENCED HEREIN.

 

This note is one of a series issued in the aggregate principal amount of up to Two Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($2,750,000).

 

VIKING SYSTEMS, INC.

 

March 22, 2005

  $750,000.00

 

10% SECURED CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE

 

Viking Systems, Inc. (the “Company”), for value received, hereby promises to pay to ST. CLOUD CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P. or registered assigns (the “Holder”) on March 22, 2006, or such earlier date as this Note may become due and payable pursuant to Section 6 hereof (the “Maturity Date”), the principal sum of Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00), and to pay interest on the outstanding principal sum hereof at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum. This 10% Secured Convertible Promissory Note (this “Note”) is issued to the Holder pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, and any amendments thereto (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”) entered into by the Company, the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent, and those persons and entities described in the Securities Purchase Agreement as an “Investor.” All capitalized terms used herein without definitions shall have the respective meanings provided therefore in the Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

1. Repayment. Monthly payments of interest only shall be paid by the Company to Holder commencing on March 31, 2005, and on the last business day of each succeeding month through and including February 28, 2006. The unpaid principal amount of this Note and accrued but unpaid interest thereon, if any, shall be paid on the Maturity Date by the Company to the Holder.

 

Both principal hereof and interest thereon are payable at the address of the Holder designated in the Securities Purchase Agreement or at such other place as the Holder may from time to time designate in writing. Any payment otherwise due on a Saturday, Sunday or legal bank holiday may be paid on the following business day. Payments shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America. Interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty (360) days for the actual number of days elapsed.


2. Security. This Note is secured as provided for in the Securities Purchase Agreement and the Security Agreement referred to therein.

 

3. Transfers of Note to Comply with the 1933 Act. The Holder agrees that this Note may not be sold, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of except as follows: (1) to a Person whom the Note may legally be transferred without registration and without delivery of a current prospectus under the 1933 Act with respect thereto and then only against receipt of an agreement of such Person to comply with the provisions of this Section 3 with respect to any resale or other disposition of the Note; or (2) to any Person upon delivery of a prospectus then meeting the requirements of the 1933 Act relating to such securities and the offering thereof for such sale or disposition, and thereafter to all successive assignees.

 

4. Prepayment; Repayment Upon Consolidation or Merger. The principal amount of this Note may be prepaid by the Company, in whole or in part without premium or penalty, at any time in installments not less than the lesser of (i) twenty-five percent (25%) of the original principal amount of the Note and (ii) the remaining outstanding principal balance of this Note; provided that the Company gives not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Holder of the Company’s election to prepay this Note. Upon any prepayment of the entire principal amount of this Note, all accrued, but unpaid, interest shall be paid to the Holder on the date of prepayment.

 

This Note shall be paid in full, without premium, in the event the Company (i) sells, leases or transfers all or a substantial portion of the assets of the Company or (ii) reorganizes, consolidates or merges with or into another Person, unless (A) the Company shall be the surviving corporation and the shareholders of the Company immediately prior to such reorganization, consolidation or merger own more than fifty (50%) of the voting securities of the Company immediately after such transaction or (B) the other corporation controls, is under common control with or is controlled by the Company immediately prior to the consolidation or merger whether or not the Company shall be the surviving corporation in such consolidation or merger, in which event this Note shall remain outstanding as an obligation of the consolidated or surviving corporation.

 

5. Conversion of Note. The Holder shall have the right from time to time, and at any time on or prior to the Maturity Date, to convert all or any part of the entirety of the debt then outstanding under this Note into fully-paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock, or any shares of capital stock or other securities of the Company into which such Common Stock shall hereafter be changed or reclassified, in accordance with the terms of Section 4 of the Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any sums due under this Note are not repaid on the Maturity Date, in lieu of accepting repayment of the Note from the Company, the Holder will have the option at any time and from time to time to convert the entirety of the debt then outstanding, plus any accrued but unpaid interest thereon, under this Note into fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock, or any shares of capital stock or other securities of the Company into which such Common Stock shall hereafter be changed or reclassified, pursuant to the terms of Section 4 of the Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

2


The Company may require the Holder to convert this Note into shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

As long as this Note is outstanding, the Company shall reserve and keep available, free from preemptive rights, out of its authorized and unissued Common Stock a sufficient number of shares to provide for the issuance of Common Stock upon the conversion in full of this Note and, from time to time, shall take all steps necessary to amend its certificate of incorporation to provide sufficient reserves of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion in whole of this Note. The Company covenants that all shares of Common Stock which may be issued upon conversion of this Note will, upon issue, be fully paid, nonassessable, free of preemptive rights and free from all taxes, liens, charges and security interests with respect to the issue thereof.

 

6. Events of Default and Remedies.

 

(a) Any one or more of the following events which shall have occurred and be continuing shall constitute an event of default (“Event of Default”):

 

(i) Failure to make any payment hereunder when due or interest thereon within five days of the date when due; or

 

(ii) Any representation or warranty made by the Company or any officer of the Company in the Securities Purchase Agreement, this Note, the Security Instruments, or in any agreement, report, certificate or other document delivered to the Holder pursuant to the Loan Documents shall have been incorrect in any material respect when made which shall not have been remedied ten (10) days after written notice thereof shall have been given to the Company; or

 

(iii) The Company shall fail to perform or observe any covenant contained in the Securities Purchase Agreement or any other Loan Document and such default, if capable of being remedied, shall not have been remedied ten (10) days after written notice thereof shall have been given to the Company; or

 

(iv) The Company (A) shall institute any proceeding or voluntary case seeking to adjudicate it bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking dissolution, liquidation, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief or composition of it or its debts under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors, or seeking the entry of any order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for the Company or for any substantial part of its property, or shall consent to the commencement against it of such a proceeding or case, or shall file an answer in any such case or proceeding commenced against it consenting to or acquiescing in the commencement of such case or proceeding, or shall consent to or acquiesce in the appointment of such a receiver, trustee, custodian or similar official; (B) shall be unable to pay its debts as such debts become due, or shall admit in writing its inability to apply its debts generally; (C) shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (D) shall take any action to authorize or effect any of the actions set fort above in this subsection; or

 

3


(v) Any proceeding shall be instituted against the Company seeking to adjudicate it bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking dissolution, liquidation, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief of debtors, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for the Company or for any substantial part of its property, and either such proceeding shall not have been dismissed or shall not have been stayed for a period of sixty (60) days or any of the actions sought in such proceeding (including, without limitation, the entry of any order for relief against it or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its property) shall occur; or

 

(vi) The occurrence of any event of default or other event triggering acceleration of any indebtedness by the Company under any note, agreement or other instrument involving the issuance of indebtedness (but not including any trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business), whether such indebtedness now exists or may hereafter be created, if, as a result of such event of default or other event, the maturity of such indebtedness has been accelerated or has otherwise become or been declared to be due prior to its stated maturity and the principal amount of such indebtedness which has been accelerated or has otherwise become or been declared to be due exceeds, individually or in the aggregate, One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000); or

 

(vii) The making or filing of any money judgment, writ or similar process in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) against the Company or any of the property or other assets of the Company which shall remain unsatisfied, unvacated, unhanded or unstayed until the date that is the earlier to occur of thirty (30) days after such judgment, writ or similar process is entered and five (5) days prior to the date of any proposed sale thereunder; or

 

(viii) The levying of any writ of attachment against any property or other assets of the Company not fully covered by insurance in force valued individually or in the aggregate at an amount equal to or greater than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) unless the Company posts a bond or obtains other relief for the release of such attachment within thirty (30) days; or

 

(ix) The suspension of the usual business activities of the Company or the winding up or the complete or partial liquidation of the Company’s business; or

 

(x) The Company shall challenge, or institute or join in any proceedings to challenge the validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Note or any endorsement of this Note or any other obligation to Holder; or

 

(xi) The Security Agreement or any provision thereof shall cease to be in full force or effect or shall be declared to be null or void or otherwise unenforceable in whole or in part; or Holder shall not have or shall cease to have a valid and perfected security interest in the collateral described in the Security Agreement; or

 

4


(xii) The removal of the Lead Lender Director for any reason without the approval of St. Cloud.

 

(b) In the event of and immediately upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Note shall become immediately due and payable without any action by the Holder and the Note shall bear interest until paid at the rate of 15% per annum (the “Default Interest Rate”). If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, Holder may pursue any remedy available at law or in equity or provided for in any Loan Document to collect the payment of all amounts due under the Note or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Note, and all expenses incurred by Holder in connection with any remedy shall be deemed indebtedness of the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, the occurrence of an Event of Default as set forth in Section 6(a)(iv) and Section 6(a)(v) above shall make all sums of principal and interest then remaining unpaid and all other amounts payable hereon due and payable, all without demand, presentment, notice or protest, all of which hereby are expressly waived, and will permit Holder to exercise any other right available to it at law or in equity, all which rights and powers may be exercised cumulatively. No delay or failure of Holder in the exercise of any right or remedy provided for under this Note or under any of the Loan Documents shall be deemed a waiver of such right by Holder. No exercise or partial exercise or waiver of any right or remedy shall be deemed a waiver of any further exercise of such right or remedy or of any other right or remedy that Holder may have under this Note or under any of the Loan Documents. Enforcement of any of Holder’s rights as to any security for the Promissory Note shall not affect Holder’s right to enforce payment of the Promissory Note and to recover judgment for any portion thereof remaining unpaid. The rights and remedies set forth in this Note and in any of the Loan Documents are cumulative and not exclusive of any other right or remedy that Holder may have.

 

(c) In no event shall Holder be entitled to interest exceeding the maximum rate permitted by law or under the applicable regulations promulgated by the United States Small Business Administration (the “SBA”). If any excess interest is provided for or shall be adjudicated to be so provided for in this Note, or if any payment or other consideration under this Note or the Securities Purchase Agreement is determined by the SBA to exceed the amount permitted under applicable regulations promulgated by the SBA, then in such event: (i) the provisions of this paragraph shall govern and control; (ii) the Company shall not be obligated to pay the amount of such interest or other payment or consideration to the extent that it is in excess of the maximum amount permitted by law, and the same shall be construed as a mutual mistake of the parties; and (iii) any such excess which may have been collected or attributed shall, at the option of Holder, be subtracted from the then unpaid principal amount hereof or refunded to the Company.

 

7. Failure to Pay Upon Maturity. In the event that the sum due under the Note is not repaid on the Maturity Date, the Holder will have the option to either have the Note accrue interest at the Default Interest Rate or such amount as legally allowed until paid, or to convert the entirety of the debt then outstanding under the Note into the shares of Common Stock at the a price equal to $.05 per share. Such conversion price in the event of default is subject to adjustment pursuant to the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

5


8. Unconditional Obligation; Fees, Waivers, Other.

 

(a) The obligations to make the payments provided for in this Note are absolute and unconditional and not subject to any defense, set-off, counterclaim, rescission, recoupment or adjustment whatsoever.

 

(b) The Company promises to pay all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, all as provided in the Securities Purchase Agreement, incurred in the collection and enforcement of this Note and to indemnify Holder against any losses, claims, damages and liabilities and related expenses, including counsel fees and expenses, incurred by Holder in connection with the collection and enforcement of this Note (including, without limitation, in connection with any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or workout). In addition, the Company agrees to pay, and to save Holder harmless from all liability for, any stamp or other documentary taxes which may be payable in connection with the Company’s execution or delivery of this Note.

 

All payments made by the Company under this Note shall be made free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding for or on account of, any present or future income, stamp or other taxes, levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees, deductions or withholdings, now or hereafter imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed by any governmental authority, excluding net income taxes and franchise taxes (imposed in lieu of net income taxes) imposed on Holder as a result of a present or former connection between Holder and the jurisdiction of the governmental authority imposing such tax or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein (other than any such connection arising solely from Holder having executed, delivered or performed its obligations or received a payment under, or enforced, this Note). If any such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees deductions or withholdings (“Non-Excluded Taxes”) are required to be withheld from any amounts payable to Holder under this Note, the amounts so payable to Holder shall be increased to the extent necessary to yield to Holder (after payment of all Non-Excluded Taxes) interest or any such other amounts payable hereunder at the rates or in the amounts specified in this Note. Whenever any Non-Excluded Taxes are payable by the Company, as promptly as possible thereafter (and, in any event, within five (5) business days) the Company shall send to Holder for its own account a certified copy of an original official receipt received by the Company showing payment thereof. If the Company fails to pay any Non-Excluded Taxes when due to the appropriate taxing authority or fails to remit to Holder the required receipts or other required documentary evidence, the Company shall indemnify, defend and hold Holder harmless for any incremental taxes, interest or penalties that may become payable by Holder as a result of any such failure.

 

(c) No forbearance, indulgence, delay or failure to exercise any right or remedy with respect to this Note shall operate as a waiver or as an acquiescence in any default, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or remedy.

 

(d) This Note may not be modified or discharged (other than by payment or conversion) except in a writing duly executed by the Company and Holder.

 

6


(e) Holder hereby expressly waives demand and presentment for payment, notice of nonpayment, notice of dishonor, protest, notice of protest, bringing of suit, and diligence in taking any action to collect amounts called for hereunder, and shall be directly and primarily liable for the payment of all sums owing and to be owing hereon, regardless of and without any notice, diligence, act or omission with respect to the collection of any amount called for hereunder or in connection with any right, lien, interest or property at any and all times which the Company had or is existing as security for any amount called for hereunder.

 

9. Miscellaneous.

 

(a) The headings of the various paragraphs of this Note are for convenience of reference only and shall in no way modify any of the terms or provisions of this Note.

 

(b) Any notice required or desired to be given by the parties hereto shall be in writing and may be personally delivered; mailed by regular mail or certified mail, return receipt requested; sent by telephone facsimile with a hard copy sent by regular mail; or sent by a nationally recognized receipted overnight delivery service, including, by example and not limitation, United Parcel Service, Federal Express, or Airborne Express. Any such notice shall be deemed given when personally delivered; if mailed by regular mail, three (3) days after deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid; if mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, three (3) days after deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid, or on the day of receipt by the recipient, whichever is sooner; if sent by telephone facsimile, on the day sent if sent on a business day during normal business hours of the recipient or on the next business day if sent at any other time; or if sent by overnight delivery service, one (1) business day after deposit in the custody of the delivery service. The addresses and telephone numbers for the mailing, transmitting, or delivering of notices shall be as follows:

 

If to Holder to:

    

St. Cloud Capital Partners, L.P.

      

10866 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1450

      

Los Angeles, California 90024

      

Facsimile: (310)475-0550

      

Attn: Cary S. Fitchey

If to the Company, to:

    

Viking Systems, Inc.

      

7514 Girard Avenue, Suite 1509

      

La Jolla, CA 92037

      

Facsimile: 858-225-0467

      

Attn: Tom Marsh

With copies to:

    

Cohne, Rappaport & Segal

      

257 East 200 South, Suite 700

      

Salt Lake City, UT 84111

      

Facsimile: 801-355-1813

      

Attn: A. O. Headman, Jr.

 

7


Notices of a change of address of a party shall be given in the same manner as all other notices as hereinabove provided.

 

(c) Except as set forth in the Loan Documents, the Holder shall not, by virtue, hereof, be entitled to any rights of a shareholder in the Company, whether at law or in equity, and the rights of the Holder are limited to those expressed in this Note and in the other Loan Documents.

 

(d) Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note, and (in the case of loss, theft or destruction) of reasonably satisfactory indemnification, and upon surrender and cancellation of this Note, if mutilated, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Note of like tenor and date.

 

(e) At any time or from time to time upon the request of Holder, the Company will execute and deliver such further documents and do such other acts and things as Holder may reasonably request in order fully to effectuate the purposes of this Note, and to provide for the payment of the principal and interest due hereunder.

 

(f) This Note shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to the conflicts of law principles thereof or the actual domiciles of the parties. The Company and the Holder hereby consent to the jurisdiction of the Courts of the State of California and the United States District Courts situated therein in connection with any action concerning the provisions of this Note instituted by the Holder against the Company.

 

(g) No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal or interest of this Note against any incorporator or any past, present or future stockholder officer, director, agent or attorney of the Company, or of any successor corporation, either directly or through the Company or any successor corporation, otherwise all such liability of the incorporators, stockholders, officers, directors, attorneys and agents being waived, released and surrendered by the Holder hereof by the acceptance of this Note.

 

(h) This Note shall bind the Company and its successors and assigns.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

8


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Note as of the day and year first above written.

 

VIKING SYSTEMS, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Thomas B. Marsh


Name:

 

Thomas B. Marsh

Title:

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

9

EX-10.3 4 dex103.htm WARRANT Warrant

Exhibit 10.3

 

THE SALE AND ISSUANCE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS WARRANT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), OR UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED, OR TRANSFERRED, UNLESS A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT IS IN EFFECT AS TO THESE SECURITIES OR AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS IS AVAILABLE, AND SUCH OFFER, SALE, PLEDGE, OR TRANSFER IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION.

 

WARRANT TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK

 

of

 

VIKING SYSTEMS, INC.

 

This certifies that ST. CLOUD CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P., and its assignees (the “Holder”) are entitled, subject to the terms set forth below, to purchase from Viking Systems, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), Nine Hundred Thirty-Seven Thousand Five Hundred (937,500) shares (the “Warrant Shares”) of common stock, $.001 par value, of the Company (the “Common Stock”) upon surrender of this warrant at the principal office of the Company referred to below, together with a notice of exercise in the form of annex 1 duly completed and executed (the “Notice of Exercise”), and simultaneous payment for the Warrant Shares in lawful money of the United States, or otherwise as provided below, at the exercise price referred to in section 2. This warrant is issued to the Holder pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of the date hereof, and any amendments, supplements or addendums thereto (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”) entered into by the Company, the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent and those Persons described in the Securities Purchase Agreement as an “Investor.” Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

1. Term. Subject to the terms set forth in this warrant, this warrant shall be exercisable by the Holder, in whole or in part, at any time before 5:00 p.m., California time, on September 22, 2008 (the “Expiration Date”), and shall not be exerciseable thereafter.

 

2. Exercise Price. The exercise price at which this warrant may be exercised shall equal $.40 per share of Common Stock (the “Exercise Price”), as adjusted from time to time pursuant to section 9. If the Exercise Price is reduced, it is referred to as the “Adjusted Exercise Price.”

 

3. Exercise of Warrant. This warrant is exercisable by the Holder in whole at any time or in part from time to time by the surrender of this warrant and the Notice of Exercise duly completed and executed by the Holder, at the principal office of the Company, and upon

 

1


payment to the Company by wire transfer of the exercise price referred to in section 2 provided that the warrant is exercised for at least 25% of the Warrant Shares. If this warrant shall be exercised in part only, the Company shall, upon surrender of this warrant for cancellation, issue to or on the order of the Holder a new warrant evidencing the rights of the Holder thereof to purchase the balance of the Warrant Shares purchasable hereunder as to which the warrant has not been exercised.

 

4. Fractional Shares. No fractional shares shall be issued upon exercise of this warrant. At the Company’s sole discretion, in lieu of any fractional share to which the Holder would otherwise be entitled, the Company may make a cash payment equal to the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise multiplied by that fraction.

 

5. Replacement of Warrant. On receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction, or mutilation of this warrant and, in the case of loss, theft, or destruction, on delivery of an indemnity agreement reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company or, in the case of mutilation, on surrender and cancellation of this warrant, the Company, at its expense, shall execute and deliver, in lieu of this warrant, a new warrant of identical tenor and amount.

 

6. Rights of Stockholders. The Holder, as such, shall not be entitled to vote or receive dividends or be deemed the holder of Common Stock or any other securities of the Company that may at any time be issuable on the exercise of this warrant for any purpose, nor shall anything in this warrant be construed to confer upon the Holder, as such, any rights of a stockholder of the Company or any right to vote for the election of directors or upon any matter submitted to stockholders at any meeting, or to give or withhold consent to any corporate action or to receive notice of meetings, or to receive dividends or subscription rights or otherwise, until this warrant shall have been exercised.

 

7. Transfers. The Holder may transfer this warrant by executing an assignment in the form of annex 2 and delivering this warrant and the executed assignment form in the same manner as a negotiable instrument. The Company, on surrender of this warrant for exchange properly endorsed on the assignment form and at its expense, shall issue to or on the order of the Holder a new warrant or warrants of like tenor, in the name of the Holder or as the Holder may direct (on payment by the Holder of any applicable transfer taxes), for the number of shares then issuable upon exercise of this warrant. The Holder, by acceptance of this warrant, acknowledges that this warrant and the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of this warrant are being or will be acquired by the Holder for investment, and that the Holder shall not offer, sell, or otherwise dispose of this warrant or any shares of Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of this warrant, except under circumstances that will not result in a violation of the Act or any state securities laws.

 

8. Reservation of Stock. As long as this warrant is exercisable, the Company shall reserve and keep available, free from preemptive rights, out of its authorized and unissued Common Stock a sufficient number of shares to provide for the issuance of Common Stock upon

 

2


the exercise in whole of this warrant and, from time to time, shall take all steps necessary to amend its certificate of incorporation to provide sufficient reserves of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise in whole of this warrant. The Company covenants that all Warrant Shares which may be issued upon exercise of this warrant will, upon issue and full payment thereof by Holder in accordance with the terms of this warrant, be fully paid, nonassessable, free of preemptive rights and free from all taxes, liens, charges and security interests with respect to the issue thereof.

 

9. Adjustments. The Exercise Price in effect at any time and the number and kind of securities issuable upon exercise of this warrant shall be subject to adjustment from time to time upon the happening of certain events as follows:

 

(a) New Issuances. If, at any time after the issuance of this warrant and prior to the Expiration Date, the Company issues or sells any shares of Common Stock, or any warrants, options or other rights to purchase Common Stock (a “New Issuance”), for a consideration per share (the “New Issuance Price”), which is less than the lower of (x) the “Initial Base Price” (as defined below) or (y) the “Adjusted Base Price” (as defined below), the Exercise Price of this warrant shall be reduced to an amount equal to the product of (A) the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to the New Issuance and (B) an amount determined by dividing the New Issuance Price by the lower of the Initial Base Price or the Adjusted Base Price.

 

(i) For purposes of this Agreement, the “Initial Base Price” shall be $.20 per share. The Initial Base Price shall be reduced to the New Issuance Price if the New Issuance Price is less than the Initial Base Price. The result of such reduction is referred to as the “Adjusted Base Price.” An example of the adjustments required by this section 9(a) is as follows:

 

At a time when the Exercise Price is $.40 per share and the Initial Base Price is $.20 per share, the Company sells shares of Common Stock at $.15 per share (i.e., the New Issuance Price). The Exercise Price of the warrant shall be reduced as follows:

 

$.40 x ($.15 ÷ $.20) = $.30, the new Exercise Price.

 

Thereafter, the Adjusted Base Price is $.15 per share. If the Company then sells shares of its Common Stock at $.12 per share (i.e., the New Issuance Price), the Exercise Price of the warrant shall be reduced as follows:

 

$.30 x ($.12 ÷ $.15) = $.24, the new Exercise Price.

 

(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, the New Exercise Price of a warrant, option or other right to purchase shares of the Common Stock shall be the exercise or conversion price of such warrant, option or other right plus any consideration paid to acquire such warrant, option or other right.

 

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(iii) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the issuance of any shares of Common Stock to the Investors under the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement shall not affect the Exercise Price or the Initial Base Price or Adjusted Base Price for purposes of this section 9(a).

 

(b) Splits and Subdivisions. If the Company should at any time or from time to time prior to the Expiration Date fix a record date for the effectuation of a split or subdivision of the outstanding shares of Common Stock or the determination of the holders of Common Stock entitled to receive a dividend or other distribution payable in additional shares of Common Stock or other securities or rights convertible into, or entitling the holder thereof to receive directly or indirectly, additional shares of Common Stock (hereinafter referred to as the “Warrant Stock Equivalents”) without payment of any consideration by such holder for the additional shares of Common or Warrant Stock Equivalents, then, as of such record date (or the date of such distribution, split or subdivision if no record date is fixed), the Exercise Price shall be proportionately decreased and the number of shares of Common Stock which this warrant is exercisable for, if any, shall be appropriately increased in proportion to such increase of outstanding shares.

 

(c) Combination of Shares. If prior to the Expiration Date, the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at any time after the date hereof is decreased by a combination of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, the Exercise Price shall be proportionately increased and the number of shares of Common Stock which this warrant is exercisable for, if any, shall be appropriately decreased in proportion to such decrease in outstanding shares.

 

(d) Reorganization, Merger, Consolidation or Sale. If at any time or from time to time prior to the Expiration Date, there shall be a capital reorganization (other than a subdivision, combination, reclassification or exchange of shares provided for elsewhere in this Section 9) or a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation, or the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to another Person shall be effected in such a way that holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive stock, securities or assets with respect to or in exchange for their shares of Common Stock, then as a part of such reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale or transfer, provision shall be made so that the Holder shall thereafter be entitled to receive upon the exercise of this warrant, the number of shares of stock or other securities or property of the Company, or of the successor corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale or transfer, to which a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock (or any shares of stock or other securities which may be) issuable upon the exercise of this warrant would have received if this warrant had been exercised immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale or transfer. The Company will not effect any such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer unless prior to the consummation thereof the successor entity (if other than the Company) resulting from such consolidation, merger or the entity purchasing such assets shall assume by written instrument (i) the obligation to deliver to the Holder such securities or assets as, in accordance with the foregoing provisions, the Holder may be entitled to purchase, and (ii) all other obligations of the Company under this warrant. The provisions of this section 9(d) shall similarly apply to successive consolidations, mergers, exchanges, sales and transfers. In the event that in connection with any such capital reorganization, consolidation, merger, sale or transfer, additional shares of Common Stock shall be issued in exchange, conversion, substitution or payment, in whole or in part, for a security of the Company other than Common Stock, any such issue shall be treated as an issue of Common Stock covered by the provisions of section 9(d) hereof.

 

4


(e) Reclassification, Conversion or Reorganization. If the Common Stock (or any shares of stock or other securities which may be) issuable upon the exercise of this Common shall be changed into the same or different number of shares of any class or classes of stock, whether by capital reorganization, conversion, reclassification or otherwise (other than a subdivision or combination of shares or stock dividend provided for in sections 9(b) and 9(c) above, or a reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale or transfer provided for in section 9(d) above), then and in each such event the Holder shall be entitled to receive upon the exercise of this warrant the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property receivable upon such reorganization, conversion, reclassification or other change, to which a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock (or any shares of stock or other securities which may be) issuable upon the exercise of this warrant would have received if this warrant had been exercised immediately prior to such reorganization, conversion, reclassification or other change, all subject to further adjustment as provided herein.

 

(f) Notice of Adjustment. Upon any adjustment of the Exercise Price and the number of Warrant Shares or other capital stock, as applicable, issuable upon exercise of the warrant, then and in each such case the Company, at its sole expense, shall give written notice thereof (i) by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, (ii) by a nationally known overnight delivery service, or (iii) delivered by hand, addressed to the Holder at his address as shown on the books of the Company, which notice shall state the exercise price resulting from such adjustment and adjusted number of Warrant Shares or other capital stock, as applicable, issuable upon exercise of the warrant, setting forth in reasonable detail the method upon which such calculation is based.

 

(g) Limitations on Adjustments. Anything in this warrant to the contrary notwithstanding, no adjustment of the exercise price shall be required, unless such adjustment, either by itself or with other adjustments not previously made, would require a change of at least $0.01 in such exercise price; provided, that any adjustment that, by reason of this section 9(g), is not required to be made shall be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment.

 

10. Early Termination. The Holder shall have no right to exercise this warrant at any time after the later of (a) the consummation of a Termination Event (as defined below), and (b) the 20th trading day following the date on which the Company gives the Holder the written notice referred to in the next sentence. The Company shall give the Holder not fewer than 20 trading days’ advance written notice of the consummation of a Termination Event. As used in this agreement, the term “Termination Event” means (y) the consummation of a merger of the Company with an unaffiliated third party, in which the shares of Common Stock are converted solely into the right to receive cash, or (z) if the Common Stock is quoted on NASDAQ or the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) or American Stock Exchange (the “AMEX”), the average of the closing price of the Common Stock on any 30 consecutive trading days on NASDAQ, the NYSE, or the AMEX, as the case may be, during the exercise period equals or exceeds 300% of the exercise price at which this warrant may then be exercised.

 

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11. Equity Participation. This warrant is issued in connection with the Securities Purchase Agreement. It is intended that this warrant constitute an equity participation under California law and not constitute interest on the Promissory Note. If under any circumstances whatsoever, fulfillment of any obligation of this warrant, the Securities Purchase Agreement, or any other agreement or document executed in connection with the Securities Purchase Agreement, shall violate the lawful limit of any applicable usury statute or any other applicable law with regard to obligations of like character and amount, then the obligation to be fulfilled shall be reduced to such lawful limit, such that in no event shall there occur, under this warrant, the Securities Purchase Agreement, or any other document or instrument executed in connection with the Securities Purchase Agreement, any violation of such lawful limit, but such obligation shall be fulfilled to the lawful limit. If any sum is collected in excess of the lawful limit, such excess shall be applied to reduce the principal amount of the Promissory Note and, following full payment of the Promissory Note, shall be returned to the Company.

 

12. Expenses. The Company shall pay all expenses and other charges payable in connection with the preparation, issuance and delivery of this warrant and all substitute warrants. and all taxes (other than any issuance taxes, including, without limitation, documentary stamp taxes, transfer taxes and other governmental charges, which shall be paid by the Company) in connection with such issuance and delivery of this warrant and the Warrant Shares.

 

13. Severability. If any provision of this warrant or the application thereof to any person or circumstances shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this warrant and the application of such provisions to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby and shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law.

 

14. Amendments. This warrant may be amended only by an instrument executed by the Company and the Holder.

 

15. Governing Law. This warrant shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of California, applicable to agreements made and to be performed in California, without giving effect to its conflict of laws principles.

 

Dated: March 22, 2005

 

VIKING SYSTEMS, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Thomas B. Marsh


Name:

 

Thomas B. Marsh

Title:

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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ANNEX 1

 

NOTICE OF EXERCISE

 

To: Viking Systems, Inc.

 

(1) The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to purchase              shares of Common Stock of Viking Systems, Inc. pursuant to the attached warrant, and tenders payment of the purchase price for such shares by a cash payment of $            .

 

(2) In exercising the warrant, the undersigned hereby confirms and acknowledges that the shares of Common Stock are being acquired for investment, and that the undersigned shall not offer, sell, or otherwise dispose of any such shares of Common Stock except under circumstances that will not result in a violation of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws.

 

(3) Please issue a certificate or certificates representing such shares of Common Stock, and, to the extent the Company determines not to issue fractional shares, pay any cash for any fractional share, to:

 

Name


 

Address


 

Number of Shares


 

(4) Please issue a new warrant for the unexercised portion of the attached warrant in the name of the undersigned and/or, if the undersigned has completed an assignment form in the form of annex 2 to the warrant, in such other names and amounts as specified in the assignment form.

 

Dated:

 

 


  

Holder:

  

 


        

By:

  

 


        

Name:

    
        

Title:

    


ANNEX 2

 

ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

For value received, the undersigned registered owner of this warrant hereby sells, assigns and transfers to the assignee named below all the rights of the undersigned under the warrant attached to this assignment with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock set forth below:

 

Name of Assignee


 

Address


 

Number of Shares


 

The undersigned represents and warrants to the Company that the assignee has represented and warranted to the undersigned that (a) it is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), (b) by reason of its business or financial experience, it has the capacity to protect its own interests in connection with the acquisition of this warrant and the underlying shares of Common Stock, and (c) this warrant and the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of this warrant are being acquired for investment and that it shall not offer, sell, or otherwise dispose of this warrant or any shares of stock to be issued upon exercise of this warrant, except under circumstances that will not result in a violation of the Act or any state securities laws. Further, the undersigned represents and warrants to the Company that it has furnished the assignee a copy of this instrument, and the assignee has acknowledged that, upon exercise of this warrant, the assignee shall, if requested by the Company, confirm in writing, in a form satisfactory to the Company, that the shares of stock so purchased are being acquired for investment and not with a view toward distribution or resale in violation of the Act.

 

Dated:

 

 


  

Holder:

  

 


        

By:

  

 

 


        

Name:

    
        

Title:

    
EX-10.4 5 dex104.htm REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT Registration Rights Agreement

Exhibit 10.4

 

Execution Copy

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is made as of March 22, 2005, by and among VIKING SYSTEMS, INC., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), ST. CLOUD CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“St. Cloud”), the other Investors who have executed this Agreement, and any other Person who may be added in the future as a party to this Agreement pursuant to the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement (as defined below) by execution of the Joinder to this Agreement substantially in the form set forth hereto as Exhibit A or who becomes a Selling Securityholder (as defined below) hereunder. St. Cloud and the other Investors are at times collectively referred to herein as the “Investors.”

 

RECITALS

 

Pursuant to that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, and each amendment, supplement and addendum thereto, among the Company, the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent (each as defined therein) and the Investors (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”), each of the Investors acquired a Promissory Note and a Warrant to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock, subject to the terms and conditions of the Securities Purchase Agreement. The parties wish to set forth certain rights of the Investors and others in connection with public offerings and sales of shares of Common Stock underlying the Promissory Notes and the Warrants.

 

Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to register the Note Conversion Shares (as defined below) and the Warrant Shares (as defined below) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, or any similar successor statute as each may be in effect from time to time (collectively, the “Securities Act”), and applicable state securities laws.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1 - DEFINITIONS

 

1.1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a) “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or holiday on which banking institutions in California are closed.

 

(b) “Company” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

(c) “Company Indemnified Person” is defined in Section 6.2.


(d) “Claims” is defined in Section 6.1.

 

(e) “Equity Offering(s)” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 hereof.

 

(f) “Exchange Act” means the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, or any similar successor statute, as each may be in effect from time to time.

 

(g) “Investors” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

(h) “Investor Indemnified Person” is defined in Section 6.1.

 

(i) “Legal Counsel” is defined in Section 3.1.

 

(j) “Note Conversion Shares” means the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the conversion of the Promissory Notes.

 

(k) “register,” “registered,” and “registration” refer to a registration effected by preparing and filing a Registration Statement or Statements or similar document in compliance with the Securities Act and the declaration or ordering of effectiveness of such Registration Statement or Statements or document by the SEC.

 

(l) “Registration Period” is defined in Section 3.1.

 

(m) “Registrable Securities” means (i) the Warrant Shares, (ii) the Note Conversion Shares, (iii) the Vista Shares, and (iv) any successor class of common voting equity of the Company or other securities of the Company issued or issuable in respect of the securities referred to in clause (i), (ii) and (iii) above upon any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, conversion, merger, consolidation, reorganization or similar event.

 

(n) “Registration Statement” and “Resale Registration Statement” are defined in Section 2.2.

 

(o) “SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

(p) “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

(q) “Securities Purchase Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.

 

(r) “Selling Securityholder” means Vista and any Investor participating in any registration of Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement or any assignee thereof in accordance with Section 9.1 of this Agreement.

 

(s) “Violations” is defined in Section 6.1.

 

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(t) “Vista Shares” means shares of the Company’s common stock issued to Vista Medical Technologies, Inc. (“Vista”), on April 15, 2004 and re-issued April 18, 2004, some of which shares have been transferred by Vista.

 

(u) “Warrant Shares” means the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon exercise or conversion of the Warrants.

 

1.2. Capitalized Terms. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

ARTICLE 2 - REGISTRATION

 

2.1. Registration. The Company shall register the Registrable Securities pursuant to this Article 2.

 

2.2 Proposed Equity Offering and Registration.

 

(a) The Company intends to raise, prior to March 22, 2006, a minimum of $4,000,000 (which may be increased) in additional equity capital (the “Equity Offering”). The Company anticipates that the Equity Offering will consist of one or more offerings that are exempt from securities registration requirements of applicable federal and state securities laws.

 

(b) The Company shall, as soon as practicable after such Equity Offering(s) is completed but in no event later than six (6) months from the Closing Date, file a registration statement under the Securities Act on SEC Form S-3, SB-2 or S-1 or any similar or successor form then appropriate for or applicable to the offer and sale of the Registrable Securities (the “Resale Registration Statement” or “Registration Statement”). All of the Registrable Securities will be included in the Resale Registration Statement.

 

(c) In the event that Form S-3 is not available for the registration of the resale of the Registrable Securities hereunder, the Company shall (i) register the resale of the Registrable Securities on another appropriate form and (ii) undertake to register the resale of the Registrable Securities on Form S-3 as soon as such form is available, provided that the Company shall use its best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the Registration Statement then in effect until such time as a Registration Statement on Form S-3 covering the Registrable Securities has been declared effective by the SEC.

 

2.3 Other Registration Rights. Except as provided in this Agreement, the Company has not and will not file (and will not grant to any Person the right to request the Company to register any equity or similar securities of the Company, or any securities convertible or exchangeable into or exerciseable for such securities) any registration statement prior to the date the Resale Registration Statement is declared effective without the prior written consent of the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities, including the consent of St. Cloud.

 

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ARTICLE 3 - OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY

 

In connection with the registration of the Registrable Securities, the Company shall have the following obligations:

 

3.1. Filing of Registration Statement. The Company shall prepare and file with the SEC the Resale Registration Statement required by Article 2 with respect to the Registrable Securities, and use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Resale Registration Statement relating to the Registrable Securities to become effective within 120 days after such filing, and shall keep the Resale Registration Statement continuously effective and available for use at all times, except as set forth herein, until such date as all of the Registrable Securities have been sold pursuant to such Resale Registration Statement (the “Registration Period”).

 

The Selling Securityholders shall have the right to select one legal counsel (the “Legal Counsel”) to review any Resale Registration Statement. The Company shall cooperate with Legal Counsel in performing the Company’s obligations under the terms of this Agreement. The Company shall permit Legal Counsel to review and comment upon the Registration Statements and all amendments and supplements to the Registration Statements (except for Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any similar or successor report and registration statements on Form S-8) at least five (5) Business Days prior to their filing with the SEC and not file any document containing information relating to the Selling Securityholders to which Legal Counsel reasonably objects. The Company shall (i) furnish to Legal Counsel, without charge, any correspondence from the SEC or the staff of the SEC to the Company or its representatives relating to any Registration Statement, (ii) promptly after the same is prepared and filed with the SEC, notify Legal Counsel of the filing of any Registration Statement and any amendment(s) thereto, including financial statements and schedules and all exhibits, and (iii) upon the effectiveness of any Registration Statement, furnish to Legal Counsel, without charge, one copy of the prospectus included in such Registration Statement and all amendments and supplements thereto. The Company shall reasonably cooperate with Legal Counsel in performing the Company’s obligations pursuant to this Section 3.1.

 

3.2. Amendments to Registration Statement. The Company shall prepare and file with the SEC such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to a Resale Registration Statement and the prospectus used in connection with the Resale Registration Statement as may be necessary to keep the Resale Registration Statement effective and such prospectus available for use at all times during the Registration Period and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of the Registrable Securities. The Company shall cause any such amendment and/or new Resale Registration Statement to become effective as soon as practicable following the filing thereof.

 

3.3. Information. Upon written request, the Company shall furnish to any Selling Securityholder and his, her or its legal counsel, promptly after the same is prepared and publicly distributed, filed with the SEC, or received by the Company, one copy of the Resale Registration Statement and any amendment thereto, and such number of copies of each prospectus, including each preliminary prospectus, and all amendments and supplements thereto, and such other documents as such Selling Securityholder may reasonably request in order to facilitate the

 

4


disposition of the Registrable Securities. The Company shall promptly notify all Selling Securityholders of the effectiveness of any Registration Statement or post-effective amendments thereto.

 

3.4. Blue Sky. The Company shall (a) register and qualify the Registrable Securities covered by any Registration Statement under the securities laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as each Selling Securityholder who holds any such Registrable Securities reasonably requests, (b) prepare and file in those jurisdictions such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registrations and qualification as may be necessary to maintain the effectiveness thereof and availability for use during the Registration Period, (c) take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary to maintain such registrations and qualifications in effect at all times during the Registration Period, and (d) take all other actions reasonably necessary or advisable to qualify the Registrable Securities for sale in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (i) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 3.4, (ii) subject itself to general taxation in any such jurisdiction, or (iii) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction.

 

3.5. Correction of Statements or Omissions. As soon as practicable after becoming aware of such event, the Company shall publicly announce or notify all Selling Securityholders of the happening of any event, of which the Company has actual knowledge, as a result of which the prospectus included in a Resale Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts as soon as possible (but in any event it shall within three Business Days of the receipt by the Company from its accountants of financial information required to correct such untrue statement or omission) to prepare a supplement or amendment to the Resale Registration Statement or a supplement to the related prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document (and make all required filings with the SEC and all applicable state securities or blue sky commissions) so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of Registrable Securities being sold thereunder, such prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The Company shall simultaneously (and thereafter as requested) deliver such number of copies of such supplement or amendment to each Investor (or other applicable document) as such Investor may request in writing.

 

3.6. Stop Orders. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or other suspension of effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or the suspension of the qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction, and, if such an order or suspension is issued, to obtain the withdrawal of such order or suspension at the earliest practicable time, and the Company shall immediately notify Legal Counsel and all Selling Securityholders and, in the event of an underwritten offering, the managing underwriter(s), of the issuance of such order or suspension and the resolution thereof.

 

3.7. Inspection of Records. The Company shall provide each Selling Securityholder, Legal Counsel and any underwriter who may participate in the distribution of Registrable

 

5


Securities, and their respective representatives, the opportunity to conduct a reasonable inquiry of the Company’s financial and other records during normal business hours and make available its officers, directors and employees for questions regarding information which the Selling Securityholders, Legal Counsel and any such underwriter may reasonably request in connection with the Registration Statement; provided, however, the Selling Securityholders and any such underwriter shall hold in confidence and shall not make any disclosure of any record or other information which the Company determines in good faith to be confidential, and of which determination the inspectors are so notified in writing, unless (a) the disclosure of such records is necessary to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in any Registration Statement, (b) the release of such records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court or government body of competent jurisdiction, or is otherwise required by applicable law or legal process, or (c) the information in such records has been made generally available to the public other than by disclosure in violation of this or any other agreement (to the knowledge of the relevant inspector).

 

3.8. Compliance with Laws. The Company shall comply with all applicable laws related to a Registration Statement and offering and sale of securities covered by the Registration Statement and all applicable rules and regulations of governmental authorities in connection therewith (including, without limitation, the Securities Act and the Exchange Act).

 

3.9. Listing. The Company shall cause all such Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Agreement to be listed on each securities exchange on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed.

 

3.10. Transfer Agent and Registrar. The Company shall provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Agreement and a CUSIP number for all such Registrable Securities, in each case not later than the effective date of such registration.

 

3.11 Underwriting. The Company shall enter into such customary agreements (including underwriting agreements in customary form) and take all such other actions reasonably necessary in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities.

 

ARTICLE 4 - OBLIGATIONS OF THE INVESTORS

 

4.1. Obligations of the Investors. Each Investor electing to participate in any registration of Registrable Securities as a Selling Securityholder generally agrees as follows:

 

(a) Information Concerning Investors; Cooperation. Each Selling Securityholder agrees to cooperate with the Company in connection with the preparation and filing of any Registration Statement hereunder, and for so long as the Company is obligated to keep any such Registration Statement effective, such Selling Securityholder will provide to the Company, in writing, for use in the Registration Statement, all information regarding such Selling Securityholder, the Registrable Securities held by him, her or it, the intended method of distribution of such Registrable Securities and such

 

6


other information as may be reasonably necessary to enable the Company to prepare the Registration Statement and prospectus covering the Registrable Securities and to maintain the currency and effectiveness thereof. At least 30 days prior to the first anticipated filing date of a Registration Statement, the Company shall notify each Selling Securityholder of the information the Company so requires from each such Selling Securityholder and each Selling Securityholder shall deliver to the Company such requested information within 20 days of request therefor or shall be excluded from such registration.

 

(b) SEC. Each Selling Securityholder agrees to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Company (at the Company’s expense) in responding to comments of the staff of the SEC relating to such Selling Securityholder.

 

ARTICLE 5 - EXPENSES OF REGISTRATION

 

5.1. Expenses. With respect to each registration of Registrable Securities hereunder, all expenses incurred in connection with any registration, qualification or compliance pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (other than underwriting discounts and commissions and transfer taxes), including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of Legal Counsel, all registration, listing and qualification fees, printers and accounting fees (including any special audits), and the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, shall be borne by the Company.

 

ARTICLE 6 - INDEMNIFICATION

 

In the event any Registrable Securities are included in a Registration Statement under this Agreement:

 

6.1. Indemnification by the Company. The Company will indemnify, hold harmless and defend (a) each Selling Securityholder, (b) each underwriter of Registrable Securities, and (c) the directors, officers, partners, members, employees, agents and persons who control each such Selling Securityholder and any such underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, if any (each, a “Investor Indemnified Person”), against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities (joint or several) or expenses (collectively, together with actions, proceedings or inquiries whether or not in any court, before any administrative body or by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization, whether commenced or threatened, in respect thereof, “Claims”) to which any of them may become subject insofar as such Claims arise out of or are based upon:

 

(i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact in a Registration Statement or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;

 

(ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any preliminary prospectus if used prior to the effective date of such Registration Statement, or contained in the final prospectus (as amended or

 

7


supplemented, if the Company files any amendment thereof or supplement thereto with the SEC) or the omission or alleged omission to state therein any material fact necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which the statements therein were made, not misleading; or

 

(iii) any violation or alleged violation by the Company of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other law, including, without limitation, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation thereunder relating to the offer or sale of the Registrable Securities (the matters in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii) being, collectively, “Violations”).

 

The Company shall reimburse each such Investor Indemnified Person, promptly as such expenses are incurred and are due and payable, for any reasonable legal fees and other reasonable expenses incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such Claim or Violation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company shall not be required to indemnify or hold harmless an Investor Indemnified Person:

 

(i) with respect to a Claim arising out of or based upon (a) any violation of federal or state securities laws, rules or regulations committed by such Investor Indemnified Persons (or any person who controls any of them or any agent, broker-dealer or underwriter engaged by them), in the case of a non-underwritten offering, based upon any failure by such Investor Indemnified Person to give any purchaser of Registrable Securities at or prior to the written confirmation of such sale, a copy of the most recent prospectus, (b) an untrue statement or omission contained in any Registration Statement or prospectus which statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information provided by or on behalf of such Investor Indemnified Person specifically for use or inclusion in the Registration Statement or any prospectus, (c) any prospectus used after such time as the Company advised such Investor Indemnified Person in writing that the filing of a post-effective amendment or supplement thereto was required, except the prospectus as so amended or supplemented, or (d) any prospectus used after such time as the Company’s obligation to keep the Registration Statement effective and current has expired or been suspended hereunder, provided, that the Company has so advised such Investor Indemnified Person in writing;

 

(ii) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Claim if such settlement is effected without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; and

 

(iii) with respect to any preliminary prospectus, if the untrue statement or omission of material fact contained in the preliminary prospectus was corrected on a timely basis in the prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, if such corrected prospectus was timely made available by the Company to such Investor Indemnified Person pursuant to Section 3.5 hereof, and such Investor Indemnified Person was promptly advised in writing not to use the incorrect prospectus prior to the use giving rise to a Claim and such Investor Indemnified Person, notwithstanding such written advice, used it.

 

8


Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Investor Indemnified Person and shall survive the transfer of the Registrable Securities by an Investor or Selling Securityholder pursuant to Article 9.

 

6.2. Indemnification by Investors. To the extent permitted by law, each Selling Securityholder, severally and not jointly, shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend, the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signs the Registration Statement, its employees, agents and persons, if any, who control the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and any other Selling Securityholder selling securities pursuant to the Registration Statement and any underwriter of securities covered by such Registration Statement, together with its directors, officers and members, and any person who controls such Selling Securityholder or underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (each, a “Company Indemnified Person”), against any Claim to which any of them may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such Claim arises out of or is based upon any Violation, in each case to the extent (and only to the extent) that such Violation occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such Selling Securityholder expressly for use in connection with such Registration Statement. Such Selling Securityholder will reimburse any legal or other expenses (promptly as such expenses are incurred and are due and payable) reasonably incurred by any person intended to be indemnified pursuant to this Section 6.2 in connection with investigating or defending any such Claim.

 

Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 6.2 shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Claim if such settlement is effected without the prior written consent of such Selling Securityholder, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; and provided, further, however, that such Selling Securityholder shall be liable under this Agreement (including this Section 6.2 and Article 7) for only that amount as does not exceed the net proceeds actually received by such Selling Securityholder as a result of the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement.

 

Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such Company Indemnified Person and shall survive the transfer of the Registrable Securities by such Investor or Selling Securityholder.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the indemnification agreement contained in this Section 6.2 with respect to any preliminary prospectus shall not inure to the benefit of any Company Indemnified Person if the untrue statement or omission of material fact contained in the preliminary prospectus was corrected on a timely basis in the prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, and the Company Indemnified Person failed to utilize such corrected prospectus.

 

6.3. Notices. Promptly after receipt by a Company Indemnified Person or Investor Indemnified Person under this Article 6 of notice of the commencement of any action (including any governmental action), such Company Indemnified Person or Investor Indemnified Person

 

9


shall, if a Claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under this Article 6, deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof. In such event the indemnifying party shall have the right (at its expense) to participate in, and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, to assume and continue control of the defense thereof with counsel mutually satisfactory to the parties; provided, however, that an indemnified party (together with all indemnified parties which may be represented without conflict by one counsel) shall have the right to retain one separate counsel, with the reasonable fees and expenses to be paid by the indemnifying party, if there may be one or more legal defenses available to such indemnified party or parties that are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party. . Counsel handling such matter shall be mutually satisfactory to the indemnifying party and the Indemnified Person.

 

The failure to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such action shall not relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the Indemnified Person under this Article 6, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is actually materially prejudiced in its ability to defend such action. The indemnification required by this Article 6 shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as such expense, loss, damage or liability is incurred and is due and payable.

 

ARTICLE 7 - CONTRIBUTION

 

7.1 To provide for just and equitable contribution, if (i) an indemnified party makes a claim for indemnification pursuant to Section 6.1 or 6.2 (subject to the limitations thereof) but it is found in a final judicial determination, not subject to further appeal, that such indemnification may not be enforced in such case, even though this Agreement expressly provides for indemnification in such case, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party hereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of the losses, liabilities, claims, damages, and expenses whatsoever to which any of them may be subject in such proportion as is appropriate on the basis of relevant equitable considerations to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and of the indemnified party on the other hand in connection with the facts which resulted in such losses, liabilities, claims, damages, and expenses; provided that in no event shall any contribution by any Selling Securityholder under this Section 7.1 exceed the net proceeds from the offering received by such Selling Securityholder.

 

7.2 The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the indemnified party, in the case of an untrue statement, alleged untrue statement, omission or alleged omission shall be determined by, among other things, whether such statement, alleged statement, omission, or alleged omission relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party or the indemnified party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information, and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement, alleged statement, omission, or alleged omission. The Company and each of the Selling Securityholders agree that it would be unjust and inequitable if the respective obligations of the Company and the Selling Securityholders for contribution were determined by pro rata or per capita allocation of the aggregate losses, liabilities, claims, damages, and expenses (even if the Selling Securityholders and the other indemnified parties

 

10


were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not reflect the equitable considerations referred to in this Article Section 7. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, joint or several, in respect thereof, referred to in this paragraph, shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim.

 

7.3 In no case shall any Selling Securityholder be responsible for a portion of the contribution obligation imposed on the Selling Securityholders in excess of the net proceeds actually received by such Selling Securityholder as a result of the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement. No person guilty of a fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who is not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

 

7.4 For purposes of this Article 7, each person, if any, who controls any Selling Securityholder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act and each officer, director, partner, employee, agent, and counsel of each such Selling Securityholder or control person shall have the same rights to contribution as such Selling Securityholder or control person and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, each officer of the Company who signs the Registration Statement, each director of the Company, and its or their respective counsel shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company, subject in each case to the provisions of this Article 7. Anything in this Article 7 to the contrary notwithstanding, no party shall be liable for contribution with respect to the settlement of any claim or action effected without its written consent. This Article 7 is intended to supersede any right to contribution under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise.

 

ARTICLE 8 - REPORTS UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT

 

8.1. Rule 144 Reporting. With a view to making available the benefits of certain rules and regulations of the SEC which may at any time permit the sale of the Registrable Securities to the public without registration or pursuant to a registration on Form S-3, the Company agrees to:

 

(a) Make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, at all times after the date that the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act;

 

(b) File with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after it has become subject to such reporting requirements); and

 

(c) So long as any Selling Securityholder owns any Registrable Securities, to furnish to such Selling Securityholder forthwith upon written request (i) a written statement by the Company as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of said Rule 144 (at any time after 90 days after the effective date of the first registration

 

11


statement filed by the Company for an offering of its securities to the general public), and of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after it has become subject to such reporting requirements), or that it qualifies as a registrant whose securities may be resold pursuant to Form S-3 (at any time after it so qualifies), (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company, and (iii) such other reports and documents of the Company and other information in the possession of or reasonably obtainable by the Company as any such Selling Securityholder may reasonably request in availing itself of any rule or regulation of the SEC allowing such Selling Securityholder to sell any such securities without registration.

 

ARTICLE 9 - AMENDMENT AND ASSIGNMENT OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS

 

9.1. Assignment of Registration Rights. The rights of any Investor hereunder as to Registrable Securities transferred by such Investor, including the right to have the Company register Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement, shall be automatically assigned by the Investor to any transferee of all or any portion of the Registrable Securities, whether such transfer occurs before or after the Registration Statement becomes effective, if: (a) the Company is, within 10 Business Days after such transfer or assignment, furnished with written notice of (i) the name and address of such transferee or assignee, and (ii) the securities with respect to which such registration rights are being transferred or assigned, (b) following such transfer or assignment, the further disposition of such securities by the transferee or assignee is restricted under the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws, and (c) at or before the time the Company receives the written notice contemplated by clause (a) of this sentence, the transferee or assignee agrees in writing for the benefit of the Company to be bound by all of the provisions contained herein. The rights of any Investor hereunder with respect to any Registrable Securities retained by such Investor shall not be assigned by virtue of the transfer of other Registrable Securities.

 

9.2. Amendment of Registration Rights. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, neither this Agreement nor any term hereof may be amended, waived, discharged or terminated other than by a written instrument signed by the party against whom enforcement of any such amendment, waiver, discharge or termination is sought; provided, however, that holders of more than 50% of the Registrable Securities, including St. Cloud, may, with the written consent of the Company, waive, modify or amend on behalf of all holders, any provisions hereof benefiting such holders, so long as the effect thereof will be that all such holders will be treated equally.

 

ARTICLE 10 - MISCELLANEOUS

 

10.1. Registered Holders. A person or entity is deemed to be a holder (or a holder-in-interest) of Registrable Securities whenever such person or entity owns of record such Registrable Securities. If the Company receives conflicting instructions, notices or elections from two or more persons or entities with respect to the same Registrable Securities, the Company shall act upon the basis of instructions, notice or election received from the registered owner of such Registrable Securities.

 

12


10.2. Notices, etc. All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, overnight courier, confirmed facsimile or other electronic transmission or otherwise delivered by hand or by messenger, addressed (a) if to an Investor, at such Investor’s address set forth on the signature page hereto or at such other address as such Investor shall have furnished to the Company in writing, (b) if to the Company at its offices at 7514 Girard Avenue, Suite 1509, La Jolla, California 92037, to the attention of the President or at such other address as the Company shall have furnished to the Investors in writing, or (c) if any transferee or assignee of an Investor pursuant to Section 9.1, at such address as such transferee or assignee shall have furnished to the Company in writing. Each such notice or other communication shall for all purposes of this Agreement be treated as effective or having been received or given, as applicable, (i) when delivered if delivered personally, (ii) if sent by mail, at the earlier of its receipt or three Business Days after the registration or certification thereof, (iii) if sent by overnight courier, one Business Day after the same has been deposited with a nationally recognized courier service, or (iv) when sent by confirmed facsimile or other electronic transmission, on the day sent (if a Business Day) if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not, then on the next Business Day (provided, that such facsimile or other electronic transmission is followed by delivery via another method permitted by this Section 10.2).

 

10.3. Delays or Omissions. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any Investor upon any breach or default of the Company under this Agreement shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such Investor nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach or default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any Investor of any breach or default under this Agreement, or any waiver on the part of any Investor of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement, must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded to any Investor shall be cumulative and not alternative.

 

10.4. Remedies. Any Person having rights under any provision of this Agreement will be entitled to enforce such rights specifically to recover damages caused by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights granted by law. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that any party may in its sole discretion apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction (without posting any bond or other security) for specific performance or for other injunctive relief in order to enforce or prevent violation of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

10.5. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of California without giving effect to the conflicts of laws and principles thereof. All suits, actions or proceedings arising out of, or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be brought in any federal or state court of competent subject matter jurisdiction sitting in California. Each of the parties hereto by

 

13


execution and delivery of this Agreement, expressly and irrevocably (i) consents and submits to the personal jurisdiction of any such courts in any such action or proceeding; (ii) consents to the service of any complaint, summons, notice or other process relating to any such action or proceeding by delivery thereof to such party as set forth in Section 10.2 hereof; and (iii) waives any claim or defense in any such action or proceeding based on any alleged lack of personal jurisdiction, improper venue, forum non conveniens or any similar basis.

 

10.6. Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement and the other documents delivered pursuant to this Agreement at the Closing constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersede all prior agreements and merge all prior discussions, negotiations, proposals and offers (written or oral) between them, and no party shall be liable or bound to any other party in any manner by any representations, warranties, covenants or agreements except as specifically set forth herein or therein. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, neither this Agreement nor any term hereof may be amended, waived, discharged or terminated other than by a written instrument signed by the party against whom enforcement of any such amendment, waiver, discharge or termination is sought.

 

10.7. Successors and Assigns. Subject to Article 9 hereof, the provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the permitted successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the parties to this Agreement, except that the Company may not assign this Agreement without the written consent of the Holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding Registrable Securities.

 

10.8. Titles and Subtitles. The headings in this Agreement are used for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.

 

10.9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be enforceable against the parties actually executing such counterparts, and all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This Agreement may be delivered by facsimile, and facsimile signatures shall be treated as original signatures for all applicable purposes.

 

10.10. Further Assurances. Each party shall do and perform, or cause to be done and performed, all such further acts and things, and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, as the other party may reasonably request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

10.11. Consents. Unless otherwise provided herein, all consents and other determinations to be made pursuant to this Agreement shall be made on the basis of a majority in interest (determined by number of securities) with respect to the Registrable Securities.

 

10.12. Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision.

 

14


10.13. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall not confer any rights or remedies upon any person other than the parties hereto, each investor, their permitted successors and assigns and parties eligible for indemnification under Article 6, and only in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement.

 

10.14. Construction. The parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement. Any reference to any federal, state, local or foreign statute or law shall be deemed also to refer to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and any applicable common law, unless the context requires otherwise. The word “including” shall mean including without limitation and is used in an illustrative sense rather than a limiting sense. Terms used with initial capital letters will have the meanings specified, applicable to singular and plural forms, for all purposes of this Agreement. Reference to any gender will be deemed to include all genders and the neutral form.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

15


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Registration Rights Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

VIKING SYSTEMS, INC.
   

By:

 

/s/ Thomas B. Marsh


   

Name:

 

Thomas B. Marsh

   

Title:

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

INVESTORS:
ST. CLOUD CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P.

By:

 

SCGP, LLC

Its:

 

General Partner

By:

 

/s/ Cary S. Fitchey


   

Cary S. Fitchey

   

Senior Managing Member

Address:

10866 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1450

Los Angeles, CA 90024

 

16


SIGNATURE PAGE TO

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

DATED AS OF MARCH 22, 2005

 

BY AND AMONG

 

VIKING SYSTEMS, INC.,

 

ST. CLOUD CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P.,

AND EACH INVESTOR SIGNATORY THERETO

 

The undersigned hereby executes and delivers the Registration Agreement (the “Registration Agreement”) to which this Signature Page is attached effective as of the date of the Agreement, which Registration Agreement and Signature Page, together with all counterparts of such Agreement and signature pages of the other Investors party to such Registration Agreement, shall constitute one and the same document in accordance with the terms of such Registration Agreement.

 

INVESTORS:

By:

 

/s/    BRIAN M. MILLER


Name:

 

Brian M. Miller


    (Print)

Title:

 

 


    (If applicable)

Address

 

c/o EVP Strategic Alliances


   

One Market Plaza


   

Suite 700


   

San Francisco, California 94105


Facsimile

 

 



SIGNATURE PAGE TO

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

DATED AS OF MARCH 22, 2005

 

BY AND AMONG

 

VIKING SYSTEMS, INC.,

 

ST. CLOUD CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P.,

AND EACH INVESTOR SIGNATORY THERETO

 

The undersigned hereby executes and delivers the Registration Agreement (the “Registration Agreement”) to which this Signature Page is attached effective as of the date of the Agreement, which Registration Agreement and Signature Page, together with all counterparts of such Agreement and signature pages of the other Investors party to such Registration Agreement, shall constitute one and the same document in accordance with the terms of such Registration Agreement.

 

INVESTORS:

By:

 

/s/    DONALD TUCKER


Name:

 

Donald Tucker


    (Print)

Title:

 

 


    (If applicable)

Address

 

1626 Clemson Circle


   

La Jolla, California 92037


Facsimile

 

 



EXHIBIT A

 

JOINDER TO

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

THIS JOINDER to the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2005 by and among Viking Systems, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), and certain Investors party thereto, as such agreement may have been or may be amended from time to time (the “Agreement”), is made and entered into as of                  , 2005 by and between the Company and the individuals and entities listed on the signature page hereto (each, an “Investor”). Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of the Agreement, and each amendment, supplement and addendum thereto, among the Company, the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent (each as defined therein) and the Investors (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”), each of the Investors acquired a Promissory Note and a Warrant to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock, subject to the terms and conditions of the Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, the Securities Purchase Agreement requires the Company and Investor to become a party to the Agreement, and the Company and Investor agree to do so in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties to this Joinder hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Agreement to be Bound. Investor hereby agrees that upon execution of this Joinder, he, she or it shall become a party to the Agreement and shall be fully bound by, and subject to, all of the covenants, terms and conditions of the Agreement as though an original party thereto and shall be deemed a “Investor” for all purposes thereof.

 

2. Counterparts. This Joinder may be executed in separate counterparts each of which shall be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

3. Notices. For purposes of Section 10.2 of the Agreement, all notices, demands or other communications to each of the Investors hereunder shall be directed to the applicable Investor’s address as listed on the signature page hereto.


5. Governing Law. This Joinder shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of California without giving effect to the conflicts of laws and principles thereof. All suits, actions or proceedings arising out of, or in connection with, this Joinder or the transactions contemplated by this Joinder shall be brought in any federal or state court of competent subject matter jurisdiction sitting in California. Each of the parties hereto by execution and delivery of this Joinder, expressly and irrevocably (i) consents and submits to the personal jurisdiction of any such courts in any such action or proceeding; (ii) consents to the service of any complaint, summons, notice or other process relating to any such action or proceeding by delivery thereof to such party as set forth in Section 10.2 of the Agreement; and (iii) waives any claim or defense in any such action or proceeding based on any alleged lack of personal jurisdiction, improper venue, forum non conveniens or any similar basis.

 

6. Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings of this Joinder are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Joinder.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

2


The parties hereto have executed this Joinder to the Registration Rights Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

VIKING SYSTEMS, INC.

By:

 

 


Name:

   

Title:

   

Address:

   

 

S-1


The parties hereto have executed this Joinder to the Registration Rights Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

INVESTORS:

By:

 

 


Name:

 

 


    (Print)

Title:

 

 


   

(If applicable)

Address

 

 


   

 


Facsimile

 

 


EX-10.5 6 dex105.htm SECURITY AGREEMENT Security Agreement

Exhibit 10.5

 

Execution Copy

 

SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

dated as of March 22, 2005

 

among

 

VIKING SYSTEMS, INC.

 

and

 

ST. CLOUD CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P.,

as Collateral Agent


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         PAGE

Section 1.

 

DEFINITIONS

   1

Section 2.

 

GRANT OF SECURITY

   9

Section 3.

 

SECURITY FOR OBLIGATIONS.

   10

Section 4.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS

   11

Section 5.

 

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND VOTING

   24

Section 6.

 

FURTHER ASSURANCES

   24

Section 7.

 

COLLATERAL AGENT APPOINTED ATTORNEY-IN-FACT, IRREVOCABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY

   24

Section 8.

 

REMEDIES

   24

Section 9.

 

COLLATERAL AGENT

   24

Section 10.

 

CONTINUING SECURITY INTEREST; TRANSFER OF SECURED OBLIGATIONS

   24

Section 11.

 

STANDARD OF CARE; COLLATERAL AGENT MAY PERFORM

   24

Section 12.

 

INDEMNITY AND EXPENSES

   24

Section 13.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

   24

 

SCHEDULE I –

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

SCHEDULE II –

 

LOCATION OF INVENTORY AND EQUIPMENT

SCHEDULE III –

 

INVESTMENT RELATED PROPERTY

SCHEDULE IV –

 

MATERIAL CONTRACTS

SCHEDULE V –

 

LETTERS OF CREDIT

SCHEDULE VI –

 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

SCHEDULE VII –

 

COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS

EXHIBIT A – PLEDGE SUPPLEMENT
EXHIBIT B – JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

i


This SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of March 22, 2005 (this “Agreement”), among Viking Systems, Inc., a Nevada corporation (together with any other Person that executes a Joinder Agreement each, a “Grantor” and collectively, the “Grantors”), and ST. CLOUD CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P., acting in the capacity of agent for the benefit of the Investors (the “Collateral Agent”).

 

RECITALS:

 

WHEREAS, reference is made to that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Securities Purchase Agreement”), by and among Grantor, the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent and the Investors, pursuant to which the Secured Parties have purchased the Notes.

 

WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the purchase of the Notes by the Investors under the Securities Purchase Agreement that Grantor shall have granted the security interests and undertaken the obligations contemplated by this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements, provisions and covenants herein contained, and in order to induce the Secured Parties to purchase the Notes, Grantor and the Collateral Agent agree as follows:

 

Section 1. DEFINITIONS

 

(a) General Definitions. In this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

Account Debtor” shall mean each Person who is obligated on a Receivable or any Supporting Obligation related thereto.

 

Accounts” shall mean all “accounts” as defined in Article 9 of the UCC.

 

“Affiliate” shall mean, as applied to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, that Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as applied to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power (i) to vote ten percent (10%) or more of the Securities having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such Person or (ii) to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of that Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or by contract or otherwise.

 

Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

Authenticate” shall mean “authenticate” as defined in Article 9 of the UCC.

 

Bankruptcy Code” shall mean Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy”, as now and hereafter in effect, or any successor statute.

 

Cash Proceeds” shall mean all proceeds of any Collateral consisting of cash, checks and other near-cash items.


Chattel Paper” shall mean all “chattel paper” as defined in Article 9 of the UCC, including, without limitation, “electronic chattel paper” or “tangible chattel paper”, as each term is defined in the UCC.

 

Collateral” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) hereof.

 

Collateral Agent” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

Collateral Documents” shall mean this Agreement and all other instruments, documents and agreements delivered by any of the parties to the Loan Documents pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in order to grant, perfect and/or establish or maintain the priority of a security interest in favor of the Secured Parties and Collateral Agent on any real, personal or mixed property of Grantor as security for the Secured Obligations.

 

Collateral Records” shall mean books, records, ledger cards, files, correspondence, customer lists, blueprints, technical specifications, manuals, computer software, computer printouts, tapes, disks and other electronic storage media and related data processing software and similar items that at any time evidence or contain information relating to any of the Collateral or are otherwise necessary or helpful in the collection thereof or realization thereupon.

 

Collateral Support” shall mean all property (real or personal) assigned, hypothecated or otherwise securing any Collateral and shall include any security agreement or other agreement granting a lien or security interest in such real or personal property.

 

Commercial Tort Claims” shall mean all “commercial tort claims” as defined in the UCC, including, without limitation, all commercial tort claims listed and described with specification on Schedule VII hereto (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time).

 

Commodities Accounts” (i) shall mean all “commodity accounts” as defined in Article 9 of the UCC and (ii) shall include, without limitation, all of the accounts listed on Schedule III hereto under the heading “Commodities Accounts” (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time).

 

Copyright Licenses” shall mean any and all agreements granting any right in, to or under Copyrights (whether such Grantor is licensee or licensor thereunder) including, without limitation, each agreement referred to in Schedule VI(B) (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time).

 

Copyrights” shall mean all United States, state and foreign copyrights, including but not limited to copyrights in software and databases, and all Mask Works (as defined under 17 U.S.C. 901 of the U.S. Copyright Act), whether registered or unregistered, now or hereafter in force throughout the world, all registrations and applications for any of the foregoing including, without limitation, the applications referred to in Schedule VI(A) (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time), all rights corresponding thereto throughout the world, all extensions and renewals of any thereof, the right to sue for past, present and future infringements of any of the foregoing, and all proceeds of the foregoing, including, without limitation, licenses, royalties, income, payments, claims, damages, and proceeds of suit.

 

Deposit Accounts” (i) shall mean all “deposit accounts” as defined in Article 9 of the UCC and (ii) shall include, without limitation, all of the accounts listed on Schedule III hereto under the heading “Deposit Accounts” (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time).

 

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Documents” shall mean all “documents” as defined in Article 9 of the UCC.

 

Documents Evidencing Goods” shall mean all Documents evidencing, representing or issued in connection with Goods.

 

Equipment” shall mean: (i) all “equipment” as defined in the UCC, (ii) all machinery, manufacturing equipment, data processing equipment, computers, office equipment, furnishings, furniture, appliances, and tools (in each case, regardless of whether characterized as equipment under the UCC), (iii) all Fixtures and (iv) all accessions or additions thereto, all parts thereof, whether or not at any time of determination incorporated or installed therein or attached thereto, and all replacements therefor, wherever located, now or hereafter existing.

 

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and any successor thereto.

 

Event of Default” shall have the meaning set forth in the Notes.

 

Fixtures” shall mean all “fixtures” as defined in Article 9 of the UCC.

 

General Intangibles” (i) shall mean all “general intangibles” as defined in Article 9 of the UCC and (ii) shall include, without limitation, all interest rate or currency protection or hedging arrangements, all contracts, all tax refunds and all licenses, permits, concessions and authorizations, (in each case, regardless of whether characterized as general intangibles under the UCC).

 

Goods” (i) shall mean all “goods” as defined in Article 9 of the UCC and (ii) shall include, without limitation, all Inventory, Equipment, Documents Evidencing Goods and Software Embedded In Goods.

 

Indemnitee” shall mean the Secured Parties, the Collateral Agent, and their Affiliates’ officers, partners, directors, trustees, employees, agents.

 

Instruments” shall mean all “instruments” as defined in Article 9 of the UCC.

 

Insurance” shall mean: (i) all insurance policies covering any or all of the Collateral (regardless of whether the Collateral Agent is the loss payee thereof) and (ii) any key man life insurance policies.

 

Intellectual Property” shall mean, collectively, the Copyrights, the Copyright Licenses, the Patents, the Patent Licenses, the Trademarks, the Trademark Licenses, the Trade Secrets, and the Trade Secret Licenses.

 

Intellectual Property Licenses” shall mean, collectively, the Copyright Licenses, Patent Licenses, Trademark Licenses, and Trade Secret Licenses.

 

Inventory” shall mean: (i) all “inventory” as defined in the UCC and (ii) all goods held for sale or lease or to be furnished under contracts of service or so leased or furnished, all raw materials, work in process, finished goods, and materials used or consumed in the manufacture, packing, shipping, advertising, selling, leasing, furnishing or production of such inventory or otherwise used or consumed in Grantor’s business; all goods in which Grantor has an interest in mass or a joint or other interest or right of any kind; and all goods which are returned to or repossessed by Grantor, and all accessions thereto and products thereof (in each case, regardless of whether characterized as inventory under the UCC).

 

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Investment Accounts” shall mean the Securities Accounts, Commodities Accounts and Deposit Accounts.

 

Investment Related Property” shall mean: (a) all “investment property” (as such term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC) and (b) all of the following (regardless of whether classified as investment property under the UCC): all (i) Pledged Equity Interests, (ii) Pledged Debt, (iii) the Investment Accounts and (iv) Certificates of Deposit.

 

Investor” shall have the meaning given such term in the Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

“Joinder Agreement” means an agreement in the substantially the form of Exhibit B hereto whereby an additional person becomes a Grantor hereunder as required by the Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

Letter of Credit Right” shall mean “letter-of-credit right” as defined in the UCC.

 

Lien” shall mean (i) any lien, mortgage, pledge, assignment, security interest, charge or encumbrance of any kind (including any agreement to give any of the foregoing, any conditional sale or other Title retention agreement, and any lease in the nature thereof) and any option, trust or other preferential arrangement having the practical effect of any of the foregoing and (ii) in the case of Pledged Equity Interests, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such Pledged Equity Interests.

 

Loan Documents” shall have the meaning given such term in the Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

Material Adverse Effect” shall mean a material adverse effect on (i) the business, operations, properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of Grantor and its subsidiaries, if any, taken as a whole; (ii) the ability of Grantor to fully and timely perform its Secured Obligations; (iii) the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against Grantor of a Loan Document to which it is a party; or (iv) the rights, remedies and benefits available to, or conferred upon, any agent, the Secured Parties and Collateral Agent under any Secured Obligation.

 

Material Contract” shall mean any contract or other arrangement to which Grantor is a party for which breach, nonperformance, cancellation or failure to renew could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Money” shall mean “money” as defined in the UCC.

 

Notes” means those certain Secured Convertible Promissory Notes, each dated as of the date hereof and executed by Viking Systems, Inc. in favor of each of the Investors, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Patent Licenses” shall mean all agreements granting any right in, to, or under Patents (whether such Grantor is licensee or licensor thereunder) including without limitation, each agreement referred to in Schedule VI(D) hereto (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time).

 

Patents” shall mean all United States, state and foreign patents and applications for letters patent, including, but not limited to, each patent and patent application referred to in

 

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Schedule VI(C) hereto (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time), all reissues, divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part, extensions, renewals, and reexaminations of any of the foregoing, all rights corresponding thereto throughout the world, the right to sue for past, present and future infringements of any of the foregoing and all proceeds of the foregoing including, without limitation, royalties, income, payments, claims, damages, and proceeds of suit.

 

Payment Intangible” shall have the meaning specified in Article 9 of the UCC.

 

“Permitted Lien” shall mean:

 

  (a) Liens in favor of Collateral Agent granted pursuant to any Loan Document;

 

  (b) Liens for taxes if obligations with respect to such taxes are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted;

 

  (c) Statutory Liens of landlords, banks (and rights of set-off), of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, repairmen, workmen and materialmen, and other Liens imposed by law (other than any such Lien imposed pursuant to Section 401 (a)(29) or 412(n) of the Internal Revenue Code or by ERISA), in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business for amounts not yet overdue or for amounts that are overdue and that (in the case of any such amounts overdue for a period in excess of five days) are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, so long as such reserves or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required by generally accepted accounting principles shall have been made for any such contested amounts;

 

  (d) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security, or to secure the performance of tenders, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, bids, leases, government contracts, trade contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds and other similar obligations (exclusive of obligations for the payment of borrowed money or other indebtedness), so long as no foreclosure, sale or similar proceedings have been commenced with respect to any portion of the Collateral on account thereof;

 

  (e) Easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, encroachments, and other minor defects or irregularities in title, in each case which do not and will not interfere in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of Grantor;

 

  (f) Any interest or Title of a lessor or sublessor under any lease of real estate permitted hereunder;

 

  (g) Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by Grantor in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted hereunder;

 

  (h) Purported Liens evidenced by the filing of precautionary UCC financing statements relating solely to operating leases of personal property entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

  (i) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods;

 

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  (j) Any zoning or similar law or right reserved to or vested in any governmental office or agency to control or regulate the use of any real property;

 

  (k) Licenses of patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights granted by Grantor in the ordinary course of business and not interfering in any respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of Grantor or such subsidiary;

 

  (l) Liens granted to Silicon Valley Bank pursuant to that certain Silicon Valley Bank Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2004, between Silicon Valley Bank and Viking Systems, Inc.

 

Permitted Sale” shall mean those sales, transfers or assignments permitted by the Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

Pledge Supplement” means an agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto.

 

Person” shall mean and include natural persons, corporations, limited partnerships, general partnerships, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, joint stock companies, joint ventures, associations, companies, trusts, banks, trust companies, land trusts, business trusts or other organizations, whether or not legal entities, and governmental authorities.

 

Pledged Debt” shall mean all indebtedness for borrowed money owed to such Grantor, whether or not evidenced by any instrument or promissory note, including, without limitation, all indebtedness described on Schedule III hereto under the heading “Pledged Debt” (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time), all monetary obligations owing to Grantor from any other third party, the instruments evidencing any of the foregoing, and all interest, cash, instruments and other property or proceeds from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of the foregoing.

 

Pledged Equity Interests” shall mean all Pledged Stock, Pledged LLC Interests, Pledged Partnership Interests, Pledged Trust Interests and any other participation or other interests in any equity or profits of any business entity.

 

Pledged LLC Interests” shall mean all interests in any limited liability company including, without limitation, all limited liability company interests listed on Schedule III hereto under the heading “Pledged LLC Interests” (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time) and the certificates, if any, representing such limited liability company interests and any interest of such Grantor on the books and records of such limited liability company or on the books and records of any securities intermediary pertaining to such interest and all dividends, distributions, cash, warrants, rights, options, instruments, securities and other property or proceeds from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of such limited liability company interests and any other warrant, right or option to acquire any of the foregoing.

 

Pledged Partnership Interests” shall mean all interests in any general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership or other partnership including, without limitation, all partnership interests listed on Schedule III hereto under the heading “Pledged Partnership Interests” (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time) and the certificates, if any, representing such partnership interests and any interest of such Grantor on the books and records of such partnership or on the books and records of any securities intermediary pertaining to such interest and all dividends, distributions, cash, warrants, rights, options, instruments, securities and other property or proceeds from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of such partnership interests and any other warrant, right or option to acquire any of the foregoing.

 

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Pledged Stock” shall mean all shares of capital stock owned by such Grantor, including, without limitation, all shares of capital stock described on Schedule III hereto under the heading “Pledged Stock” (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time), and the certificates, if any, representing such shares and any interest of such Grantor in the entries on the books of the issuer of such shares or on the books of any securities intermediary pertaining to such shares, and all dividends, distributions, cash, warrants, rights, options, instruments, securities and other property or proceeds from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of such shares and any other warrant, right or option to acquire any of the foregoing.

 

Pledged Trust Interests” shall mean all interests in a Delaware business trust or other trust including, without limitation, all trust interests listed on Schedule III hereto under the heading “Pledged Trust Interests” (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time) and the certificates, if any, representing such trust interests and any interest of such Grantor on the books and records of such trust or on the books and records of any securities intermediary pertaining to such interest and all dividends, distributions, cash, warrants, rights, options, instruments, securities and other property or proceeds from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of such trust interests and any other warrant, right or option to acquire any of the foregoing.

 

Proceeds” shall mean: (i) all “proceeds” as defined in Article 9 of the UCC, (ii) payments or distributions made with respect to any Investment Related Property and (iii) whatever is receivable or received when Collateral or proceeds are sold, leased, licensed, exchanged, collected or otherwise disposed of, whether such disposition is voluntary or involuntary.

 

Receivables” shall mean all (i) Accounts, (ii) Chattel Paper, (iii) Payment Intangibles, (iv) Instruments and (v) to the extent not otherwise covered above, all other rights to payment, whether or not earned by performance, for goods or other property sold, leased, licensed, assigned or otherwise disposed of, or services rendered or to be rendered, regardless of how classified under the UCC together with all of Grantor’s rights, if any, in any goods or other property giving rise to such right to payment and all Collateral Support and Supporting Obligations related thereto and all Receivables Records.

 

Receivables Records” shall mean (i) all original copies of all documents, instruments or other writings or electronic records or other Records evidencing the Receivables, (ii) all books, correspondence, credit or other files, Records, ledger sheets or cards, invoices, and other papers relating to Receivables, including, without limitation, all tapes, cards, computer tapes, computer discs, computer runs, record keeping systems and other papers and documents relating to the Receivables, whether in the possession or under the control of Grantor or any computer bureau or agent from time to time acting for Grantor or otherwise, (iii) all evidences of the filing of financing statements and the registration of other instruments in connection therewith, and amendments, supplements or other modifications thereto, notices to other creditors or agents thereof, and certificates, acknowledgments, or other writings, including, without limitation, lien search reports, from filing or other registration officers, (iv) all credit information, reports and memoranda relating thereto and (v) all other written or non-written forms of information related in any way to the foregoing or any Receivable.

 

Record” shall have the meaning specified in the UCC.

 

“Registered Organization” shall mean an organization organized solely under the law of a single State or the United States and as to which the State or the United States must maintain a public record showing the organization to have been organized.

 

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Securities Purchase Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

“Secured Obligations” shall mean all obligations of every nature of Grantor from time to time owing to the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party hereunder, under the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Notes or any other Loan Document, whether for principal, interest (including interest which, but for the filing of a petition in bankruptcy with respect to such Grantor, would have accrued on any obligation, whether or not a claim is allowed against such Grantor for such interest in the related bankruptcy proceeding).

 

Secured Party” shall mean the Collateral Agent, the Investors, and the holders from time of time of any Secured Obligations.

 

Securities” shall mean any stock, shares, units, limited liability company interests, partnership interests, voting trust certificates, certificates of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement or arrangement, options, warrants, bonds, debentures, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness, secured or unsecured, convertible, subordinated or otherwise, or in general any instruments commonly known as “securities” or any certificates of interest, shares or participations in temporary or interim certificates for the purchase or acquisition of, or any right to subscribe to, purchase or acquire, any of the foregoing.

 

Securities Accounts” (i) shall mean all “securities accounts” as defined in Article 8 of the UCC and (ii) shall include, without limitation, all of the accounts listed on Schedule III hereto under the heading “Securities Accounts” (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time).

 

Software Embedded in Goods” means, with respect to any Goods, any computer program embedded in Goods and any supporting information provided in connection with a transaction relating to the program if (i) the program is associated with the Goods in such a manner that it customarily is considered part of the Goods or (ii) by becoming the owner of the Goods a person acquires a right to use the program in connection with the Goods.

 

State” shall mean a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

 

Supporting Obligation” shall mean all “supporting obligations” as defined in the UCC.

 

Trade Secret Licenses” shall mean any and all agreements granting any right in or to Trade Secrets (whether such Grantor is licensee or licensor thereunder) including, without limitation, each agreement referred to in Schedule VI(G) hereto (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time).

 

Trade Secrets” shall mean all trade secrets and all other confidential or proprietary information and know-how, whether or not reduced to a writing or other tangible form, including all documents and things embodying, incorporating, or referring in any way to such Trade Secret, the right to sue for past, present and future infringement of any Trade Secret, and all proceeds of the foregoing, including, without limitation, royalties, income, payments, claims, damages, and proceeds of suit.

 

Trademark Licenses” shall mean any and all agreements granting any right in or to Trademarks (whether such Grantor is licensee or licensor thereunder) including, without limitation, each agreement referred to in Schedule VI(F) hereto (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time).

 

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Trademarks” shall mean all United States, state and foreign trademarks, service marks, certification marks, collective marks, trade names, corporate names, d/b/as, business names, fictitious business names, internet domain names, trade styles, logos, other source or business identifiers, designs and general intangibles of a like nature, rights of publicity and privacy pertaining to the right to use names likeness and biographical data as real, all registrations and applications for any of the foregoing including, but not limited to, the registrations and applications referred to in Schedule VI(E) hereto (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time), the goodwill of the business symbolized by the foregoing, the right to sue for past, present and future infringement or dilution of any of the foregoing or for any injury to goodwill, and all proceeds of the foregoing, including, without limitation, royalties, income, payments, claims, damages, and proceeds of suit.

 

UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of California.

 

(b) Definitions; Interpretation. All capitalized terms used herein (including the preamble and recitals hereto) and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Securities Purchase Agreement or, if not defined therein, in the UCC. With respect to terms defined in more than one article of the UCC, unless otherwise specified such terms shall have the meaning specified in Article 9 of the UCC. References to “Sections,” “Exhibits” “Annexes” and “Schedules” shall be to Sections, Exhibits, Annexes and Schedules, as the case may be, of this Agreement (as such Sections, Exhibits, Annexes and Schedules may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement), unless otherwise specifically provided. Section headings in this Agreement are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement for any other purpose or be given any substantive effect. Any of the terms defined herein may, unless the context otherwise requires, be used in the singular or the plural, depending on the reference. The use herein of the word “include” or “including”, when following any general statement, term or matter, shall not be construed to limit such statement, term or matter to the specific items or matters set forth immediately following such word or to similar items or matters, whether or not nonlimiting language (such as “without limitation” or “but not limited to” or words of similar import) is used with reference thereto, but rather shall be deemed to refer to all other items or matters that fall within the broadest possible scope of such general statement, term or matter. If any conflict or inconsistency exists between this Agreement and the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Securities Purchase Agreement shall govern. All references herein to provisions of the UCC shall include all successor provisions under any subsequent version or amendment to any Article of the UCC.

 

Section 2. GRANT OF SECURITY

 

(a) Grant of Security. Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent and the Secured Parties a security interest and continuing lien on all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in, to and under all personal property of such Grantor including, but not limited to the following, in each case whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or arising and wherever located (all of which being hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Collateral”):

 

(1) Documents;

 

(2) General Intangibles;

 

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(3) Goods (including, without limitation, Documents Representing Goods and Software Embedded in Goods);

 

(4) Insurance;

 

(5) Intellectual Property;

 

(6) Investment Related Property (including, without limitation, Deposit Accounts);

 

(7) Letter of Credit Rights and letters of credit;

 

(8) Money;

 

(9) Receivables and Receivable Records;

 

(10) Commercial Tort Claims;

 

(11) to the extent not otherwise included above, Material Contracts, motor vehicles, choses in action and all other personal property of any kind and all Collateral Records, Collateral Support and Supporting Obligations relating to any of the foregoing; and

 

(12) to the extent not otherwise included above, all Proceeds, products, accessions, rents and profits of or in respect of any of the foregoing.

 

(b) Certain Limited Exclusions. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event shall the security interest granted under Section 2(a) hereof attach to (i) any lease, license, contract, property rights or agreement to which Grantor is a party or any of its rights or interests thereunder if and for so long as the grant of such security interest shall constitute or result in (1) the abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability of any right, title or interest of Grantor therein or (2) in a breach or termination pursuant to the terms of, or a default under, any such lease, license, contract property rights or agreement (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9406, 9407, 9408 or 9409 of the UCC (or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable law or principles of equity), provided, however, that such security interest shall attach immediately at such time as the condition causing such abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability shall be remedied and, to the extent severable, shall attach immediately to any portion of such lease, license, contract, property rights or agreement that does not result in any of the consequences specified in (1) or (2) including, without limitation, any proceeds of such lease, license, contract, property rights or agreement; or (ii) in any of the outstanding capital stock of a “controlled foreign corporation” (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) in excess of 65% of the voting power of all classes of capital stock of such controlled foreign corporation entitled to vote; provided that immediately upon the amendment of the Internal Revenue Code to allow the pledge of a greater percentage of the voting power of capital stock in a controlled foreign corporation without material adverse tax consequences to Grantor, the Collateral shall include, and the security interest granted by such Grantor shall attach to, such greater percentage of capital stock of each controlled foreign corporation.

 

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Section 3. SECURITY FOR OBLIGATIONS.

 

(a) Security for Obligations. This Agreement secures, and the Collateral is collateral security for, the prompt and complete payment or performance in full when due, whether at stated maturity, by required prepayment, declaration, acceleration, demand or otherwise (including the payment of amounts that would become due but for the operation of the automatic stay under Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. §362(a) (and any successor provision thereof)), of all Secured Obligations.

 

(b) Continuing Liability under Collateral. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) Grantor shall remain liable for all obligations under the Collateral and nothing contained herein is intended or shall be a delegation of duties to the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party and (ii) Grantor shall remain liable under each of the agreements included in the Collateral, including, without limitation, any agreements relating to Pledged Partnership Interests or Pledged LLC Interests, to perform all of the obligations undertaken by it thereunder all in accordance with and pursuant to the terms and provisions thereof and neither the Collateral Agent nor any Secured Party shall have any obligation or liability under any of such agreements by reason of or arising out of this Agreement or any other document related thereto nor shall the Collateral Agent nor any Secured Party have any obligation to make any inquiry as to the nature or sufficiency of any payment received by it or have any obligation to take any action to collect or enforce any rights under any agreement included in the Collateral, including, without limitation, any agreements relating to Pledged Partnership Interests or Pledged LLC Interests, (iii) the exercise by the Collateral Agent or Secured Party of any of its rights hereunder shall not release Grantor from any of its duties or obligations under the contracts and agreements included in the Collateral.

 

Section 4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS.

 

(a) Generally.

 

(i) Representations and Warranties. Grantor hereby represents and warrants that:

 

(1) such Grantor owns the Collateral purported to be owned by it or otherwise has the rights it purports to have in each item of Collateral and, as to all Collateral whether now existing or hereafter acquired, will continue to own or have such rights in each item of the Collateral (unless otherwise disposed of in connection with a Permitted Sale), in each case free and clear of any and all Liens, rights or claims of all other Persons (other than Permitted Liens), including, without limitation, liens arising as a result of such Grantor becoming bound (as a result of merger or otherwise) as debtor under a security agreement entered into by another Person;

 

(2) such Grantor has been duly organized as a corporation solely under the laws of the jurisdiction set forth in Schedule I(A) hereto and remains duly existing as such. Such Grantor has not filed any certificates of domestication, transfer or continuance in any other jurisdiction;

 

(3) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Grantor and the performance by it of its obligations under this Agreement are within its corporate or other powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other action;

 

(4) upon the filing of UCC financing statements naming such Grantor as debtor and the Collateral Agent as secured party and describing the Collateral in the filing offices set forth opposite such Grantor’s name on Schedule I(E) hereof (as

 

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such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time) and other filings delivered by such Grantor, the security interests granted to the Collateral Agent hereunder constitute valid and perfected Liens;

 

(5) other than the financing statements filed in favor of the Collateral Agent, no effective UCC financing statement, fixture filing or other instrument similar in effect under any applicable law covering all or any part of the Collateral is on file in any filing or recording office except for (x) financing statements for which proper termination statements have been delivered to the Collateral Agent for filing and (y) financing statements filed in connection with Permitted Liens;

 

(6) no authorization, approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority or regulatory body is required for either (i) the pledge or grant by Grantor of the Liens purported to be created in favor of the Collateral Agent hereunder or (ii) the exercise by Collateral Agent of any rights or remedies in respect of any Collateral (whether specifically granted or created hereunder or created or provided for by applicable law), except (A) for the filings contemplated by clause (4) above and (B) as may be required, in connection with the disposition of any Investment Related Property, by laws generally affecting the offering and sale of Securities and as may be required under federal laws pertaining to Intellectual Property;

 

(7) all actions and consents, including all filings, notices, registrations and recordings necessary or desirable for the exercise by the Collateral Agent of the voting or other rights provided for in this Agreement or the exercise of remedies in respect of the Collateral have been made or obtained;

 

(8) such Grantor has indicated on Schedule I(A) hereto (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time): (w) the type of organization of such Grantor, (x) the jurisdiction of organization of such Grantor, (y) its organizational identification number, if any, and (z) the jurisdiction where the chief executive office or its sole place of business is (or if such Grantor is a natural person principal residence and principal place of business), and for the one-year period preceding the date hereof has been, located.

 

(9) the full legal name of such Grantor is as set forth on Schedule I(A) and it has not done in the last five (5) years, and does not do, business under any other name (including any trade-name or fictitious business name) except for those names set forth on Schedule I(B) (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time);

 

(10) except as provided on Schedule I(C), it has not changed its jurisdiction of organization, chief executive office or sole place of business (or, if such Grantor is a natural person, principal residence or principal place of business) or its corporate structure in any way (e.g. by merger, consolidation, change in corporate form or otherwise) within the past five (5) years;

 

(11) such Grantor has not within the last five (5) years become bound (whether as a result of merger or otherwise) as debtor under a security agreement entered into by another Person, which has not heretofore been terminated other than the agreements identified on Schedule I(D) hereof (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time);

 

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(12) all information supplied by Grantor with respect to any of the Collateral (in each case taken as a whole with respect to any particular Collateral) is accurate and complete in all material respects; and

 

(13) none of the Collateral constitutes, or is the Proceeds of, “farm products” (as defined in the UCC).

 

(ii) Covenants and Agreements. Grantor hereby covenants and agrees that:

 

(1) except for the security interest created by this Agreement, it shall not create or suffer to exist any Lien upon or with respect to any of the Collateral, except Permitted Liens, and such Grantor shall defend the Collateral against all Persons at any time claiming any interest therein;

 

(2) such Grantor shall not produce, use or permit any Collateral to be used unlawfully or in violation of any provision of this Agreement or any applicable statute, regulation or ordinance or any policy of insurance covering the Collateral;

 

(3) without limiting any prohibitions or restrictions on mergers in the Securities Purchase Agreement, such Grantor shall not change such Grantor’s name, identity, corporate structure (e.g. by merger, consolidation, change in corporate form or otherwise), sole place of business (or principal residence if such Grantor is a natural person), chief executive office, type of organization or jurisdiction of organization or establish any trade names unless such Grantor shall have (a) notified the Collateral Agent in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to any such change or establishment, identifying such new proposed name, identity, corporate structure, sole place of business (or principal residence if such Grantor is a natural person), chief executive office, jurisdiction of organization or trade name and providing such other information in connection therewith as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request and (b) taken all actions necessary or advisable to maintain the continuous validity, perfection and the same or better priority of the Collateral Agent’s security interest in the Collateral granted or intended to be granted and agreed to hereby, which in the case of any merger or other change in corporate structure shall include, without limitation, executing and delivering to the Collateral Agent a completed Pledge Supplement, substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto, upon completion of such merger or other change in corporate structure confirming the grant of the security interest hereunder;

 

(4) if the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party gives value to enable Grantor to acquire rights in or the use of any Collateral, such Grantor shall use such value for such purposes and such Grantor further agrees that repayment of any Obligation shall apply on a “first-in, first-out” basis so that the portion of the value used to acquire rights in any Collateral shall be paid in the chronological order such Grantor acquired rights therein;

 

(5) such Grantor shall pay promptly when due all property and other taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon, and all claims (including claims for labor, materials and supplies) against, the Collateral, except to the extent the validity thereof is being contested in good faith; provided, such Grantor shall in any event pay such taxes, assessments, charges, levies or claims not later than five (5) days prior to the date of any proposed sale under any judgment, writ or warrant of attachment entered or filed against such Grantor or any of the Collateral as a result of the failure to make such payment;

 

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(6) upon such Grantor or any officer of such Grantor obtaining knowledge thereof, such Grantor shall promptly notify the Collateral Agent in writing of any event that may materially and adversely affect the value of the Collateral or any portion thereof, the ability of Grantor or the Collateral Agent to dispose of the Collateral or any portion thereof, or the rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent in relation thereto, including, without limitation, the levy of any legal process against the Collateral or any portion thereof;

 

(7) such Grantor shall not take or permit any action which could impair the Collateral Agent’s rights in the Collateral; and

 

(8) such Grantor shall not sell, transfer or assign (by operation of law or otherwise) any Collateral except for Permitted Sales.

 

(b) Equipment and Inventory.

 

(i) Representations and Warranties. Grantor represents and warrants that:

 

(1) all of the Equipment and Inventory included in the Collateral is kept for the past five (5) years only at the locations specified in Schedule II hereto (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time);

 

(2) any Inventory now or hereafter produced by Grantor included in the Collateral have been and will be produced in compliance with the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder; and

 

(3) except as set forth on Schedule II, none of the Inventory or Equipment is in the possession of an issuer of a negotiable document (as defined in Section 7104 of the UCC) therefor or otherwise in the possession of a bailee or warehouseman.

 

(ii) Covenants and Agreements. Grantor covenants and agrees that:

 

(1) such Grantor shall keep the Equipment and Inventory in the locations specified on Schedule II hereto unless it shall have (a) notified the Collateral Agent in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to any change in locations, identifying such new locations and providing such other information in connection therewith as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request and (b) taken all actions necessary or advisable to maintain the continuous validity, perfection and the same or better priority of the Collateral Agent’s security interest in the Collateral intended to be granted and agreed to hereby, or to enable the Collateral Agent to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder, with respect to such Equipment and Inventory;

 

(2) such Grantor shall keep correct and accurate records of the Inventory, including, without limitation, itemizing and describing the kind, type and quantity of such Inventory, such Grantor’s cost therefor and, where applicable, the current list prices for such Inventory and such other information as is customarily maintained under similar circumstances by Persons of established reputation engaged in similar business, and in any event in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

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(3) such Grantor shall not deliver any Document Evidencing Goods to any Person other than the issuer of such Document to claim the Goods evidenced therefor or the Collateral Agent;

 

(4) if any Equipment or Inventory is in possession or control of any third party, including, without limitation, any warehouseman, bailee or agent, Grantor shall join with the Collateral Agent in notifying the third party of the Collateral Agent’s security interest and obtaining an Authenticated acknowledgment from such third party that it is holding the Equipment and Inventory for the benefit of the Collateral Agent; and

 

(5) with respect to any item of Equipment which is covered by a certificate of Title under a statute of any jurisdiction under the law of which indication of a security interest on such certificate is required as a condition of perfection thereof, upon the reasonable request of the Collateral Agent, (A) provide information with respect to any such Equipment, (B) execute and file with the registrar of motor vehicles or other appropriate authority in such jurisdiction an application or other document requesting the notation or other indication of the security interest created hereunder on such certificate of title, and (C) deliver to the Collateral Agent copies of all such applications or other documents filed during such calendar quarter and copies of all such certificates of Title issued during such calendar quarter indicating the security interest created hereunder in the items of Equipment covered thereby.

 

(c) Receivables.

 

(i) Representations and Warranties. Grantor represents and warrants that:

 

(1) each Receivable (a) is and will be the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Account Debtor in respect thereof, representing an unsatisfied obligation of such Account Debtor, (b) is and will be enforceable in accordance with its terms, (c) is not and will not be subject to any setoffs, defenses, taxes, counterclaims (except with respect to refunds, returns and allowances in the ordinary course of business with respect to damaged merchandise) and (d) is and will be in compliance with all applicable laws, whether federal, state, local or foreign;

 

(2) none of the Account Debtors in respect of any Receivable is the government of the United States, any agency or instrumentality thereof, any state or municipality or any foreign sovereign. No Receivable requires the consent of the Account Debtor in respect thereof in connection with the security interest hereunder, except any consent which has been obtained;

 

(3) such Grantor has delivered to the Collateral Agent a complete and correct copy of each standard form of document under which a Receivable may arise.

 

(ii) Covenants and Agreements: Grantor hereby covenants and agrees that:

 

(1) such Grantor shall keep and maintain at its own cost and expense satisfactory and complete records of the Receivables, including, but not limited to, the originals of all documentation with respect to all Receivables and records of all payments received and all credits granted on the Receivables, all merchandise returned and all other dealings therewith;

 

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(2) such Grantor shall perform in all material respects all of its obligations with respect to the Receivables;

 

(3) such Grantor shall not amend, modify, terminate or waive any provision of any Receivable in any manner which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the value of such Receivable as Collateral. Other than in the ordinary course of business as generally conducted by such Grantor on and prior to the date hereof, and except as otherwise provided in subsection (5) below, following an Event of Default, such Grantor shall not, without the prior written consent of the Collateral Agent (w) grant any extension or renewal of the time of payment of any Receivable, (x) compromise or settle any dispute, claim or legal proceeding with respect to any Receivable in an amount in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) for less than the total unpaid balance thereof, (y) release, wholly or partially, any Person liable for the payment thereof, or (z) allow any credit or discount thereon;

 

(4) at the reasonable request of the Collateral Agent, such Grantor shall mark conspicuously, in form and manner reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, all Chattel Paper, Instruments and other evidence of Receivables (other than any delivered to the Collateral Agent as provided herein), as well as the Receivables Records with an appropriate reference to the fact that the Collateral Agent has a security interest therein;

 

(5) except as otherwise provided in this subsection, such Grantor shall continue to collect all amounts due or to become due to such Grantor under the Receivables and any Supporting Obligation and diligently exercise each material right it may have under any Receivable, any Supporting Obligation or Collateral Support, in each case, at its own expense, and in connection with such collections and exercise, such Grantor shall take such action as such Grantor or the Collateral Agent may deem necessary or advisable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Collateral Agent shall have the right at any time to notify, or require Grantor to notify, any Account Debtor of the Collateral Agent’s security interest in the Receivables and any Supporting Obligation and, in addition, at any time following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent may: (1) direct the Account Debtors under any Receivables to make payment of all amounts due or to become due to such Grantor thereunder directly to the Collateral Agent; (2) notify, or require Grantor to notify, each Person maintaining a lockbox or similar arrangement to which Account Debtors under any Receivables have been directed to make payment to remit all amounts representing collections on checks and other payment items from time to time sent to or deposited in such lockbox or other arrangement directly to the Collateral Agent; and (3) and subject to Section 8 below, enforce, at the expense of such Grantor, collection of any such Receivables and to adjust, settle or compromise the amount or payment thereof, in the same manner and to the same extent as such Grantor might have done. If the Collateral Agent notifies Grantor that it has elected to collect the Receivables in accordance with the preceding sentence, any payments of Receivables received by such Grantor shall be forthwith (and in any event within two (2) Business Days) deposited by such Grantor in the exact form received, duly indorsed by such Grantor to the Collateral Agent if required, into an account maintained under the sole dominion and control of the Collateral Agent, and until so turned over, all amounts and proceeds (including checks

 

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and other instruments) received by such Grantor in respect of the Receivables, any Supporting Obligation or Collateral Support shall be received in trust for the benefit of the Collateral Agent hereunder and shall be segregated from other funds of such Grantor and such Grantor shall not adjust, settle or compromise the amount or payment of any Receivable, or release wholly or partly any Account Debtor or obligor thereof, or allow any credit or discount thereon; and

 

(6) such Grantor shall use its best efforts to keep in full force and effect any Supporting Obligation or Collateral Support relating to any Receivable.

 

(iii) Delivery and Control of Receivables. With respect to any Receivables in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate from a single Person or its affiliates that are evidenced by, or constitutes, Tangible Chattel Paper or Instruments, Grantor shall cause each originally executed copy thereof to be delivered to the Collateral Agent (or its agent or designee) appropriately indorsed to the Collateral Agent or indorsed in blank: (a) with respect to any such Receivables in existence on the date hereof, on or prior to the date hereof and (b) with respect to any such Receivables hereafter arising, within ten (10) days of such Grantor acquiring rights therein. With respect to any Receivables in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate from a single Person or its affiliate which would constitute “electronic chattel paper” under the UCC, Grantor shall take all steps necessary to give the Collateral Agent control (within the meaning of Section 9105 of the UCC) over such Receivables : (a) with respect to any such Receivables in existence on the date hereof, on or prior to the date hereof and (b) with respect to any such Receivables hereafter arising, within ten (10) days of such Grantor acquiring rights therein. Any Receivable not otherwise required to be delivered or subjected to the control of the Collateral Agent in accordance with this subsection (iii) shall be delivered or subjected to such control upon request of the Collateral Agent.

 

(d) Pledged Equity Interests and Pledged Debt.

 

(i) Representations and Warranties. Grantor hereby represents and warrants that:

 

(1) Schedule III hereto (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time) sets forth under the headings “Pledged Stock,” “Pledged LLC Interests,” “Pledged Partnership Interests,” and “Pledged Trust Interests,” respectively, all of the Pledged Stock, Pledged LLC Interests, Pledged Partnership Interests and Pledged Trust Interests owned by Grantor and such Pledged Equity Interests constitute the percentage of issued and outstanding shares of stock, percentage of membership interests, percentage of partnership interests or percentage of beneficial interest of the respective issuers thereof indicated on such Schedule;

 

(2) except as set forth on Schedule III(B) hereto, such Grantor has not acquired any equity interests of another entity within the past five (5) years.

 

(3) such Grantor is the record and beneficial owner of the Pledged Equity Interests free of all Liens, rights or claims of other Persons other than Permitted Liens and there are no outstanding warrants, options or other rights to purchase, or shareholder, voting trust or similar agreements outstanding with respect to, or property that is convertible into, or that requires the issuance or sale of, any Pledged Equity Interests;

 

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(4) except for any consents that have been obtained and remain in full force and effect, no consent of any Person including any other general or limited partner, any other member of a limited liability company, any other shareholder or any other trust beneficiary is necessary or desirable in connection with the creation, perfection or first priority status of the security interest of the Collateral Agent in any Pledged Equity Interests or the exercise by the Collateral Agent of the voting or other rights provided for in this Agreement or the exercise of remedies in respect thereof; and

 

(5) Schedule III hereto (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time) sets forth under the heading “Pledged Debt” all of the Pledged Debt owned by Grantor and all of such Pledged Debt has been duly authorized, authenticated or issued, and delivered and is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the issuers thereof and is not in default and constitutes all of the issued and outstanding inter-company indebtedness evidenced by an instrument or certificated security of the respective issuers thereof owing to such Grantor.

 

(ii) Covenants and Agreements. Grantor hereby covenants and agrees that:

 

(1) without the prior written consent of the Collateral Agent, such Grantor shall not vote to enable or take any other action to: (a) amend or terminate any partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, certificate of incorporation, by-laws or other organizational documents in any way that materially changes the rights of such Grantor with respect to any Investment Related Property or adversely affects the validity, perfection or priority of the Collateral Agent’s security interest, (b) permit any issuer of any Pledged Equity Interest that is a direct or indirect subsidiary of Grantor to issue any additional stock, partnership interests, limited liability company interests or other equity interests of any nature or to issue securities convertible into or granting the right of purchase or exchange for any stock or other equity interest of any nature of such issuer, (c) other than as permitted under the Securities Purchase Agreement, permit any issuer of any Pledged Equity Interest that is a direct or indirect subsidiary of Grantor to dispose of all or a material portion of their assets, (d) waive any default under or breach of any terms of organizational document relating to the issuer of any Pledged Equity Interest or the terms of any Pledged Debt, or (e) cause any issuer of any Pledged Partnership Interests or Pledged LLC Interests which are not securities (for purposes of the UCC) on the date hereof to elect or otherwise take any action to cause such Pledged Partnership Interests or Pledged LLC Interests to be treated as securities for purposes of the UCC; provided, however, notwithstanding the foregoing, if any issuer of any Pledged Partnership Interests or Pledged LLC Interests takes any such action in violation of the foregoing in this clause (e), such Grantor shall promptly notify the Collateral Agent in writing of any such election or action and, in such event, shall take all steps necessary or advisable to establish the Collateral Agent’s “control” thereof;

 

(2) such Grantor shall comply with all of its obligations under any partnership agreement or limited liability company agreement relating to Pledged Partnership Interests or Pledged LLC Interests and shall enforce all of its rights with respect to any Investment Related Property;

 

(3) without the prior written consent of the Collateral Agent, such Grantor shall not permit any issuer of any Pledged Equity Interest that is a direct or indirect subsidiary of Grantor to merge or consolidate unless (i) such issuer creates a security interest that is perfected by a filed financing statement (that is not effective

 

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solely under Section 9508 of the UCC) in collateral in which such new debtor has or acquires rights, and (ii) all the outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of the surviving or resulting corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity is, upon such merger or consolidation, pledged hereunder and no cash, securities or other property is distributed in respect of the outstanding equity interests of any other constituent Grantor; provided that if the surviving or resulting Grantors upon any such merger or consolidation involving an issuer which is a controlled foreign corporation (as defined in the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), then such Grantor shall only be required to pledge equity interests in accordance with Section 2(b);

 

(4) such Grantor consents to the grant of a security interest in all Investment Related Property to the Collateral Agent and, without limiting the foregoing, consents to the transfer of any Pledged Partnership Interest and any Pledged LLC Interest to the Collateral Agent or its designee following an Event of Default and to the substitution of the Collateral Agent or its designee as a partner in any partnership or as a member in any limited liability company with all the rights and powers related thereto;

 

(5) such Grantor shall notify the Collateral Agent of any default under any Pledged Debt that has caused, either in any case or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect; and

 

(6) in the event such Grantor acquires rights in any Pledged Equity Interest or Pledged Debt after the date hereof, it shall deliver to the Collateral Agent a completed Pledge Supplement, substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto, together with all Supplements to Schedules thereto, reflecting such new Pledged Equity Interest or Pledged Debt and all other Pledged Equity Interest or Pledged Debt. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that the security interest of the Collateral Agent shall attach to all Pledged Equity Interest or Pledged Debt immediately upon Grantor’s acquisition of rights therein and shall not be affected by the failure of Grantor to deliver a supplement to Schedule III as required hereby.

 

(iii) Delivery and Control. Grantor agrees that with respect to any Pledged Equity Interest or Pledged Debt hereafter acquired by such Grantor, it shall comply with the provisions of this subsection (iii) immediately upon acquiring rights therein, in each case in form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent. With respect to any Pledged Equity Interest or Pledged Debt that is represented by a certificate or that is an “instrument” (other than any Investment Related Property credited to a Securities Account) such Grantor shall cause such certificate or instrument to be delivered to the Collateral Agent, indorsed in blank by an “effective indorsement” (as defined in Section 8107 of the UCC), regardless of whether such certificate constitutes a “certificated security” for purposes of the UCC. With respect to any Pledged Equity Interest or Pledged Debt that is an “uncertificated security” for purposes of the UCC (other than any “uncertificated securities” credited to a Securities Account), such Grantor shall cause the issuer of such uncertificated security to either (i) register the Collateral Agent as the registered owner thereof on the books and records of the issuer or (ii) execute an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, pursuant to which such issuer agrees to comply with the Collateral Agent’s instructions with respect to such uncertificated security without further consent by such Grantor. If any issuer of any Pledged Equity Interest or Pledged Debt is located in a jurisdiction outside of the United States, Grantor shall take such additional actions, including, without limitation, causing the issuer to register the pledge on its books and records or making such filings or recordings, in each case as may be necessary or advisable, under the laws of such issuer’s jurisdiction to insure the validity, perfection and priority of the security interest of

 

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the Collateral Agent. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent shall have the right, without notice to Grantor, to transfer all or any portion of Pledged Equity Interest or Pledged Debt to its name or the name of its nominee or agent. In addition, the Collateral Agent shall have the right at any time, without notice to Grantor, to exchange any certificates or instruments representing any Pledged Equity Interest or Pledged Debt for certificates or instruments of smaller or larger denominations.

 

(e) Investment Accounts.

 

(i) Representations and Warranties. Grantor hereby represents and warrants that:

 

(1) Schedule III hereto (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time) sets forth under the headings “Securities Accounts” and “Commodities Accounts,” respectively, all of the Securities Accounts and Commodities Accounts in which such Grantor has an interest. Such Grantor is the sole entitlement holder of each such Securities Account and Commodities Account, and such Grantor has not consented to, and is not otherwise aware of, any Person (other than the Collateral Agent pursuant hereto) having “control” (within the meanings of Sections 8106 and 9106 of the UCC) over, or any other interest in, any such Securities Account or Commodity Account or any securities or other property credited thereto;

 

(2) Schedule III hereto (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time) sets forth under the heading “Deposit Accounts” all of the Deposit Accounts in which such Grantor has an interest and such Grantor is the sole account holder of each such Deposit Account and such Grantor has not consented to, and is not otherwise aware of, any Person (other than the Collateral Agent pursuant hereto) having either sole dominion and control (within the meaning of common law) or “control” (within the meaning of Section 9104 of the UCC) over, or any other interest in, any such Deposit Account or any money or other property deposited therein; and

 

(ii) Covenants and Agreements. In the event Grantor acquires rights in any Securities Accounts, Securities Entitlements, Deposit Accounts or Commodity Accounts after the date hereof, such Grantor shall deliver to the Collateral Agent a completed Pledge Supplement, substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto, together with all Supplements to Schedules thereto, reflecting such new Securities Accounts, Securities Entitlements, Deposit Accounts or Commodity Accounts and all other Securities Accounts, Securities Entitlements, Deposit Accounts or Commodity Accounts. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that the security interest of the Collateral Agent shall attach to all Securities Accounts, Securities Entitlements, Deposit Accounts or Commodity Accounts immediately upon Grantor’s acquisition of rights therein and shall not be affected by the failure of Grantor to deliver a supplement to Schedule III as required hereby.

 

(iii) Delivery and Control. Grantor agrees that with respect to any Investment Related Property consisting of Securities Accounts or Securities Entitlements, such Grantor shall cause the securities intermediary maintaining such Securities Account or Securities Entitlement to enter into an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, pursuant to which such securities intermediary shall agree to comply with the Collateral Agent’s “entitlement orders” without further consent by such Grantor and shall establish the Collateral Agent shall have “control” (within the meaning of Section 9106 of the UCC) over such Securities Accounts or Securities Entitlements. With respect to any Investment Related Property that is a “Deposit

 

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Account,” such Grantor shall cause the depositary institution maintaining such account to enter into an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, pursuant to which the depositary institution shall agree to comply with the Collateral Agent’s instructions without further consent by such Grantor and shall establish the Collateral Agent shall have “control” (within the meaning of Section 9104 of the UCC) over such Deposit Account. With respect to any Investment Related Property that is a “Commodity Account,” such Grantor shall cause the commodity intermediary maintaining such account to enter into an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, pursuant to which the Collateral Agent shall have “control” (within the meaning of Section 9106 of the UCC) over such Commodity Account. Each Grantor shall have entered into such control agreement or agreements with respect to: (i) any Securities Accounts, Securities Entitlements or Deposit Accounts that exist on the date hereof, on or prior to the date hereof and (ii) any Securities Accounts, Securities Entitlements, Deposit Accounts or Commodity Accounts that are created or acquired after the date hereof, as of or prior to the deposit or transfer of any such Securities Entitlements or funds, whether constituting moneys or investments, into such Securities Accounts, Deposit Accounts or Commodity Accounts.

 

(f) Material Contracts.

 

(i) Representations and Warranties. Grantor hereby represents and warrants that:

 

(1) Schedule IV hereto sets forth all of the Material Contracts to which such Grantor has rights;

 

(2) the Material Contracts, true and complete copies (including any amendments or supplements thereof) of which have been furnished to the Collateral Agent, have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Grantor, are in full force and effect and are binding upon and enforceable against such Grantor in accordance with their respective terms. There exists no default under any Material Contract by any party thereto and neither such Grantor, nor to its best knowledge, any other Person party thereto is likely to become in default thereunder and no Person party thereto has any defenses, counterclaims or right of set-off with respect to any Material Contract; and

 

(3) no Material Contract prohibits assignment or requires consent of or notice to any Person in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder, except such as has been given or made.

 

(ii) Covenants and Agreements. Grantor hereby covenants and agrees that:

 

(1) in addition to any rights under this Agreement relating to Receivables, the Collateral Agent may at any time notify, or require Grantor to so notify, the counterparty on any Material Contract of the security interest of the Collateral Agent therein. In addition, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent may upon written notice to Grantor, notify, or require Grantor to notify, the counterparty to make all payments under the Material Contracts directly to the Collateral Agent;

 

(2) such Grantor shall deliver promptly to the Collateral Agent a copy of each material demand, notice or document received by it relating in any way to any Material Contract;

 

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(3) such Grantor shall deliver promptly to the Collateral Agent, and in any event within ten (10) Business Days, after (1) any Material Contract of such Grantor is terminated or amended in a manner that is materially adverse to such Grantor or (2) any new Material Contract is entered into by such Grantor, a written statement describing such event, with copies of such material amendments or new contracts, delivered to the Collateral Agent (to the extent such delivery is permitted by the terms of any such Material Contract, provided, no prohibition on delivery shall be effective if it were bargained for by such Grantor with the intent of avoiding compliance with this Agreement, and an explanation of any actions being taken with respect thereto);

 

(4) such Grantor shall perform in all material respects all of its obligations with respect to the Material Contracts;

 

(5) such Grantor shall promptly and diligently exercise each material right (except the right of termination) it may have under any Material Contract, any Supporting Obligation or Collateral Support, in each case, at its own expense, and in connection with such collections and exercise, such Grantor shall take such action as such Grantor or the Collateral Agent may deem necessary or advisable; and

 

(6) such Grantor shall use its best efforts to keep in full force and effect any Supporting Obligation or Collateral Support relating to any Material Contract.

 

(g) Letter of Credit Rights.

 

(i) Representations and Warranties. Grantor hereby represents and warrants that:

 

(1) all material letters of credit to which such Grantor has rights is listed on Schedule V hereto; and

 

(2) such Grantor has obtained the consent of each issuer of any material letter of credit to the assignment of the proceeds of the letter of credit to the Collateral Agent.

 

(ii) Covenants and Agreements. Grantor hereby covenants and agrees that with respect to any material letter of credit hereafter arising, such Grantor shall obtain the consent of the issuer thereof to the assignment of the proceeds of the letter of credit to the Collateral Agent and shall deliver to the Collateral Agent a completed Pledge Supplement, substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto, together with all Supplements to Schedules thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that the security interest of the Collateral Agent shall attach to all letters of credit immediately upon Grantor’s acquisition of rights therein and shall not be affected by the failure of Grantor to deliver a supplement to Schedule V as required hereby.

 

(h) Intellectual Property.

 

(i) Representations and Warranties. Except as disclosed in Schedule VI(H) (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time), Grantor hereby represents and warrants that:

 

(1) Schedule VI (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time) sets forth a true and complete list of (i) all United States, state and foreign registrations of and applications for Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights owned by such Grantor and (ii) all Patent Licenses, Trademark Licenses and Copyright Licenses, granting rights in any Patents, Trademarks or Copyrights owned by Grantor and any other such licenses that are material to the business of such Grantor;

 

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(2) all registrations and applications of such Grantor for Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks are standing in the name of such Grantor;

 

(3) such Grantor is the sole and exclusive owner of the entire right, title, and interest in and to all Intellectual Property on Schedule VI (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time), and owns or has the valid right to use all other Intellectual Property used in or necessary to conduct its business, free and clear of all Liens, claims, encumbrances and licenses, except for Permitted Liens and the Intellectual Property Licenses set forth on Schedule VI(B), (D), (F) and (G) (as each may be amended or supplemented from time to time);

 

(4) all Intellectual Property owned by such Grantor and, to the best of such Grantor’s knowledge, licensed to such Grantor: (i) is subsisting, (ii) is valid and enforceable and (iii) has not been adjudged invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part; and such Grantor has performed all acts and has paid all renewal, maintenance, and other fees and taxes required to maintain each and every registration and application of Intellectual Property that such Grantor owns in full force and effect;

 

(5) no action or proceeding before any court or administrative authority is pending or, to such Grantor’s knowledge, threatened against such Grantor challenging such Grantor’s right to register, the validity of, or such Grantor’s rights to own, use, or license any Intellectual Property;

 

(6) such Grantor has been using appropriate statutory notice of registration in connection with its use of registered Trademarks, proper marking practices in connection with the use of Patents, and appropriate notice of copyright in connection with the publication of Copyrights material to the business of such Grantor;

 

(7) such Grantor uses adequate standards of quality in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of all products sold and in the provision of all services rendered under or in connection with all Trademarks owned by such Grantor and has taken all action necessary to insure that all licensees of such Trademarks use such adequate standards of quality;

 

(8) the conduct of such Grantor’s business does not infringe upon any trademark, patent, copyright, trade secret or similar intellectual property right owned or controlled by a third party; no claim is pending, or to the best of such Grantor’s knowledge, threatened, that the conduct of such Grantor’s business or the use of any Intellectual Property owned or used by Grantor violates the asserted rights of any third party;

 

(9) to the best of such Grantor’s knowledge, no third party is infringing upon any Intellectual Property owned or used by such Grantor;

 

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(10) no settlement or consents, covenants not to sue, nonassertion assurances, or releases have been entered into by such Grantor or to which such Grantor is bound that adversely effect such Grantor’s rights to own or use any Intellectual Property; and

 

(11) such Grantor has not made any agreements to assign, sell, transfer or grant an option or license for any Intellectual Property that has not been terminated or released. There is no effective financing statement or other document or instrument now executed, or on file or recorded in any public office, granting a security interest in or otherwise encumbering any part of the Intellectual Property, other than in favor of the Collateral Agent.

 

(ii) Covenants and Agreements. Grantor hereby covenants and agrees as follows:

 

(1) except for Intellectual Property that is not in use and has negligible value, such Grantor shall not do any act or omit to do any act whereby any of the Intellectual Property which is material to the business of Grantor may lapse, or become abandoned, dedicated to the public, or unenforceable, or which would adversely affect the validity, grant, or enforceability of the security interest granted therein;

 

(2) except for copyrights of negligible value, such Grantor shall, within thirty (30) days of the creation or acquisition of any Copyrightable work which is material to the business of Grantor, apply to register the Copyright in the United States Copyright Office;

 

(3) such Grantor shall promptly notify the Collateral Agent if such Grantor knows or has reason to know that any item of the Intellectual Property of Grantor that is in use or has more than negligible value may become (a) abandoned or dedicated to the public or placed in the public domain, (b) invalid or unenforceable, or (c) subject to any adverse determination or development (including the institution of proceedings) in any action or proceeding in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office, and state registry, any foreign counterpart of the foregoing, or any court arbitral tribunal or regulatory agency;

 

(4) such Grantor shall take all reasonable steps in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office, any state registry or any foreign counterpart of the foregoing, to pursue any application and maintain any registration of each Trademark, Patent, and Copyright owned by Grantor and which is now or shall become included in the Intellectual Property including, but not limited to, those items on Schedule VI(A), (C) and (E) (as each may be amended or supplemented from time to time) except for those pertaining to Intellectual Property that are no longer in use and have negligible value;

 

(5) in the event that any Intellectual Property owned by or exclusively licensed to Grantor is infringed, misappropriated, or diluted by a third party, such Grantor shall promptly take all reasonable actions to stop such infringement, misappropriation, or dilution and protect its exclusive rights in such Intellectual Property including, but not limited to, the initiation of a suit for injunctive relief and to recover damages;

 

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(6) Grantor shall maintain the level of the quality of products sold and services rendered under any Trademark at a level at least substantially consistent with the quality of such products and services as of the date hereof, and Grantor shall take all steps necessary to insure that licensees of such Trademarks use such standards of quality;

 

(7) such Grantor shall take all steps reasonably necessary to protect the confidentiality of all material Trade Secrets of Grantor, including, without limitation, entering into confidentiality agreements with employees and labeling and restricting access to confidential information and documents;

 

(8) such Grantor shall promptly (but in no event more than thirty (30) days) report to the Collateral Agent (i) the filing of any application to register any Intellectual Property whether it owns in whole or in part or to the best of its knowledge which it is exclusively licensing from a third party with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office, or any state registry or foreign counterpart of the foregoing (whether such application is filed by such Grantor or through any agent, employee, licensor, licensee, or designee thereof), (ii) the registration of any Intellectual Property by any such office, or (iii) the acquisition of any application or registration and, in each case, shall execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent a completed Pledge Supplement, substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto, together with all Supplements to Schedules thereto an executed Trademark Security Agreement, Patent Security Agreement, or Copyright Security Agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent;

 

(9) except with the prior consent of the Collateral Agent or as permitted under the Securities Purchase Agreement, Grantor shall not execute, and there will not be on file in any public office, any financing statement or other document or instruments, except financing statements or other documents or instruments filed or to be filed in favor of the Collateral Agent, and Grantor shall not sell, assign, transfer, license, grant any option, or create or suffer to exist any Lien upon or with respect to the Intellectual Property, except for the Lien created by and under this Security Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

(10) such Grantor shall hereafter use commercially reasonable efforts so as not to permit the inclusion in any contract to which it hereafter becomes a party of any provision that would impair or prevent the creation of a security interest in, or the assignment of, such Grantor’s rights and interests in any Intellectual Property acquired under such Contracts;

 

(11) such Grantor shall use proper statutory notice in connection with its use of any of the Intellectual Property; and

 

(12) such Grantor shall continue to collect, at its own expense, all amounts due or to become due to such Grantor in respect of any Intellectual Property. In connection with such collections, such Grantor may take (and, at the Collateral Agent’s reasonable direction, shall take) such action as such Grantor or the Collateral Agent may deem reasonably necessary or advisable to enforce collection of such amounts. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Collateral Agent shall have the right at any time, to notify, or require Grantor to notify, any obligors with respect to any such amounts of the existence of the security interest created hereby.

 

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(i) Commercial Tort Claims

 

(i) Representations and Warranties. Grantor hereby represents and warrants that Schedule VII (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time) sets forth all Commercial Tort Claims of Grantor.

 

(ii) Covenants and Agreements. Grantor hereby covenants and agrees that with respect to any Commercial Tort Claim hereafter arising, such Grantor shall deliver to the Collateral Agent a completed Pledge Supplement, substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto, together with all Supplements to Schedules thereto, identifying such new Commercial Tort Claims.

 

Section 5. DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND VOTING.

 

(a) Dividends and Distributions. Except as provided in the next sentence, in the event Grantor receives (x) any dividends, interest or distributions on any Investment Related Property, or (y) any securities or other property upon the merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution of any issuer of any Investment Related Property, then (1) such dividends, interest or distributions and securities or other property shall be included in the definition of Collateral without further action and (2) such Grantor shall immediately take all steps, if any, necessary or advisable to ensure the validity, perfection, priority and, if applicable, control of the Collateral Agent over such dividends, distributions, interest, securities or other property (including, without limitation, delivery thereof to the Collateral Agent) and pending any such action such Grantor shall be deemed to hold such dividends, distributions, interest, securities or other property in trust for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and shall be segregated from all other property of such Grantor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Collateral Agent authorizes Grantor to retain all ordinary cash dividends and distributions paid in the normal course of the business of the issuer and consistent with the past practice of the issuer and all scheduled payments of interest;

 

(b) Voting.

 

(i) So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing:

 

(1) except as otherwise provided under the covenants and agreements relating to Investment Related Property in this Agreement or elsewhere herein or in the Securities Purchase Agreement, Grantor shall be entitled to exercise or refrain from exercising any and all voting and other consensual rights pertaining to the Investment Related Property or any part thereof for any purpose not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement or the Securities Purchase Agreement; provided, Grantor shall not exercise or refrain from exercising any such right if the Collateral Agent shall have notified such Grantor that, in the Collateral Agent’s reasonable judgment, such action would have a Material Adverse Effect on the value of the Investment Related Property or any part thereof; and provided further, such Grantor shall give the Collateral Agent at least five (5) Business Days prior written notice of the manner in which it intends to exercise, or the reasons for refraining from exercising, any such right; it being understood, however, that neither the voting by such Grantor of any Pledged Stock for, or such Grantor’s consent to, the election of directors (or similar governing body) at a regularly scheduled annual or other meeting of stockholders or with respect to incidental matters at any such meeting, nor such Grantor’s consent to or approval of any action otherwise permitted under this Agreement and the Securities Purchase Agreement, shall

 

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be deemed inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement or the Securities Purchase Agreement, and no notice of any such voting or consent need be given to the Collateral Agent; and

 

(2) the Collateral Agent shall promptly execute and deliver (or cause to be executed and delivered) to Grantor all proxies, and other instruments as such Grantor may from time to time reasonably request for the purpose of enabling such Grantor to exercise the voting and other consensual rights when and to the extent which it is entitled to exercise pursuant to clause (1) above;

 

(ii) Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default:

 

(1) all rights of Grantor to exercise or refrain from exercising the voting and other consensual rights which it would otherwise be entitled to exercise pursuant hereto shall cease and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Collateral Agent who shall thereupon have the sole right to exercise such voting and other consensual rights; and

 

(2) in order to permit the Collateral Agent to exercise the voting and other consensual rights which it may be entitled to exercise pursuant hereto and to receive all dividends and other distributions which it may be entitled to receive hereunder: (1) Grantor shall promptly execute and deliver (or cause to be executed and delivered) to the Collateral Agent all proxies, dividend payment orders and other instruments as the Collateral Agent may from time to time reasonably request and (2) Grantor acknowledges that the Collateral Agent may utilize the power of attorney set forth in Section 7.

 

Section 6. ACCESS; RIGHT OF INSPECTION AND FURTHER ASSURANCES.

 

(a) Access; Right of Inspection. The Collateral Agent shall have the same access and inspection rights as the Investors under the Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

(b) Further Assurances.

 

(i) Grantor agrees that from time to time, at the expense of such Grantor, that such Grantor shall promptly Authenticate, execute and deliver all further instruments and documents, and take all further action, that may be necessary or desirable, or that the Collateral Agent may reasonably request, in order to create and/or maintain the validity, perfection or priority of and protect any security interest granted or purported to be granted hereby or to enable the Collateral Agent to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder with respect to any Collateral. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Grantor shall:

 

(1) file such financing or continuation statements, or amendments thereto, and execute and deliver such other agreements, instruments, endorsements, powers of attorney or notices, as may be necessary or desirable, or as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request, in order to perfect and preserve the security interests granted or purported to be granted hereby;

 

(2) take all actions necessary to ensure the recordation of appropriate evidence of the liens and security interest granted hereunder in the Intellectual Property with any intellectual property registry in which said Intellectual

 

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Property is registered or in which an application for registration is pending including, without limitation, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office, the various Secretaries of State, and the foreign counterparts on any of the foregoing;

 

(3) at any reasonable time, upon request by the Collateral Agent, exhibit the Collateral to and allow inspection of the Collateral by the Collateral Agent, or persons designated by the Collateral Agent; and

 

(4) at the Collateral Agent’s request, appear in and defend any action or proceeding that may affect such Grantor’s title to or the Collateral Agent’s security interest in all or any part of the Collateral.

 

(ii) Grantor hereby authorizes the filing of any financing statements or continuation statements, and amendments to financing statements, or any similar document, or the filing or recording of this Agreement (and all schedules, annexes and exhibits hereto), in any jurisdictions and with any filing offices as the Collateral Agent may determine, in its sole discretion, are necessary or advisable to perfect or otherwise protect the security interest granted to the Secured Parties and Collateral Agent herein. Such financing statements may describe the Collateral in the same manner as described herein or may contain an indication or description of collateral that describes such property in any other manner as the Collateral Agent may determine, in its sole discretion, is necessary, advisable or prudent to ensure the perfection of the security interest in the Collateral granted to the Collateral Agent herein, including, without limitation, describing such property as “all assets” or “all personal property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired. Grantor shall furnish to the Collateral Agent from time to time statements and schedules further identifying and describing the Collateral and such other reports in connection with the Collateral as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request, all in reasonable detail.

 

(iii) Grantor hereby authorizes the Collateral Agent to modify this Agreement after obtaining such Grantor’s approval of or signature to such modification by amending Schedule VI hereto (as such Schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time) to include reference to any right, Title or interest in any existing Intellectual Property or any Intellectual Property acquired or developed by Grantor after the execution hereof.

 

Section 7. COLLATERAL AGENT APPOINTED ATTORNEY-IN-FACT, IRREVOCABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY. Grantor hereby irrevocably appoints the Collateral Agent (such appointment being coupled with an interest) as such Grantor’s attorney-in-fact, with full authority in the place and stead of such Grantor and in the name of such Grantor, the Collateral Agent or otherwise, from time to time in the Collateral Agent’s discretion to take any action and to execute any instrument that the Collateral Agent may deem reasonably necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the following:

 

(i) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, to obtain and adjust insurance required to be maintained by such Grantor or paid to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Loan Documents;

 

(ii) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, to ask for, demand, collect, sue for, recover, compound, receive and give acquittance and receipts for moneys due and to become due under or in respect of any of the Collateral;

 

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(iii) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, to receive, endorse and collect any drafts or other instruments, documents and chattel paper in connection with clause (ii) above;

 

(iv) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, to file any claims or take any action or institute any proceedings that the Collateral Agent may deem necessary or desirable for the collection of any of the Collateral or otherwise to enforce the rights of the Secured Parties and the Collateral Agent with respect to any of the Collateral;

 

(v) to prepare, sign, and file for recordation in any intellectual property registry, appropriate evidence of the lien and security interest granted herein in the Intellectual Property in the name of such Grantor as assignor;

 

(vi) to take or cause to be taken all actions necessary to perform or comply or cause performance or compliance with the terms of this Agreement, including, without limitation, access to pay or discharge taxes or Liens (other than Permitted Liens) levied or placed upon or threatened against the Collateral, the legality or validity thereof and the amounts necessary to discharge the same to be determined by the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion, any such payments made by the Collateral Agent to become obligations of such Grantor to the Secured Parties and the Collateral Agent, due and payable immediately without demand; and

 

(vii) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, generally to sell, transfer, lease, license, pledge, make any agreement with respect to or otherwise deal with any of the Collateral as fully and completely as though the Collateral Agent were the absolute owner thereof for all purposes, and to do, at the Collateral Agent’s option and such Grantor’s expense, at any time or from time to time, all acts and things that the Collateral Agent deems reasonably necessary or appropriate to protect, preserve or realize upon the Collateral and the Collateral Agent’s and the Secured Parties’ security interest therein in order to effect the intent of this Agreement, all as fully and effectively as such Grantor might do.

 

Section 8. REMEDIES.

 

(a) Generally.

 

(i) If any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Collateral Agent may exercise in respect of the Collateral, in addition to all other rights and remedies provided for herein or otherwise available to it at law or in equity, all the rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent and the Secured Parties on default under the UCC (whether or not the UCC applies to the affected Collateral) to collect, enforce or satisfy any Secured Obligations then owing, whether by acceleration or otherwise, and also may pursue any of the following separately, successively or simultaneously:

 

(1) require Grantor to, and Grantor hereby agrees that it shall at its expense and promptly upon request of the Collateral Agent forthwith, assemble all or part of the Collateral as directed by the Collateral Agent and make it available to the Collateral Agent at a place to be designated by the Collateral Agent that is reasonably convenient to both parties;

 

(2) enter onto the property where any Collateral is located and take possession thereof with or without judicial process;

 

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(3) prior to the disposition of the Collateral, store, process, repair or recondition the Collateral or otherwise prepare the Collateral for disposition in any manner to the extent the Collateral Agent deems appropriate;

 

(4) without notice except as specified below or under the UCC, sell, assign, lease, license (on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis) or otherwise dispose of the Collateral or any part thereof in one or more parcels at public or private sale, at any of the Collateral Agent’s offices or elsewhere, for cash, on credit or for future delivery, at such time or times and at such price or prices and upon such other terms as the Collateral Agent may deem commercially reasonable; and

 

(ii) The Collateral Agent or any Secured Party may be the purchaser of any or all of the Collateral at any public or private (to the extent to portion of the Collateral being privately sold is of a kind that is customarily sold on a recognized market or the subject of widely distributed standard price quotations) sale in accordance with the UCC and the Collateral Agent, as collateral agent for and representative of the Secured Parties, shall be entitled, for the purpose of bidding and making settlement or payment of the purchase price for all or any portion of the Collateral sold at any such sale made in accordance with the UCC, to use and apply any of the Secured Obligations as a credit on account of the purchase price for any Collateral payable by the Collateral Agent at such sale. Each purchaser at any such sale shall hold the property sold absolutely free from any claim or right on the part of Grantor, and Grantor hereby waives (to the extent permitted by applicable law) all rights of redemption, stay and/or appraisal which it now has or may at any time in the future have under any rule of law or statute now existing or hereafter enacted. Grantor agrees that, to the extent notice of sale shall be required by law, at least ten (10) days notice to such Grantor of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale is to be made shall constitute reasonable notification. The Collateral Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of Collateral regardless of notice of sale having been given. The Collateral Agent may adjourn any public or private sale from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it was so adjourned. Grantor agrees that it would not be commercially unreasonable for the Collateral Agent to dispose of the Collateral or any portion thereof by using Internet sites that provide for the auction of assets of the types included in the Collateral or that have the reasonable capability of doing so, or that match buyers and sellers of assets. Grantor hereby waives any claims against the Collateral Agent and the Secured Parties arising by reason of the fact that the price at which any Collateral may have been sold at such a private sale was less than the price which might have been obtained at a public sale, even if the Collateral Agent accepts the first offer received and does not offer such Collateral to more than one offeree. If the proceeds of any sale or other disposition of the Collateral are insufficient to pay all the Secured Obligations, Grantor shall be liable for the deficiency and the fees of any attorneys employed by the Collateral Agent to collect such deficiency. Grantor further agrees that a breach of any of the covenants contained in this Section will cause irreparable injury to the Collateral Agent and the Secured Parties, that each of the Collateral Agent and the Secured Parties has no adequate remedy at law in respect of such breach and, as a consequence, that each and every covenant contained in this Section shall be specifically enforceable against such Grantor, and such Grantor hereby waives and agrees not to assert any defenses against an action for specific performance of such covenants except for a defense that no default has occurred giving rise to the Secured Obligations becoming due and payable prior to their stated maturities. Nothing in this Section shall in any way alter the rights of the Collateral Agent or the Secured Parties hereunder.

 

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(iii) The Collateral Agent may sell the Collateral without giving any warranties as to the Collateral. The Collateral Agent may specifically disclaim or modify any warranties of title or the like. This procedure will not be considered to adversely effect the commercial reasonableness of any sale of the Collateral.

 

(iv) The Collateral Agent shall have no obligation to marshal any of the Collateral.

 

(v) If any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Collateral Agent shall have the right to notify, or require Grantor to notify, any obligors with respect to amounts due or to become due to such Grantor in respect of the Collateral, of the existence of the security interest created herein, to direct such obligors to make payment of all such amounts directly to the Collateral Agent, and, upon such notification and at the expense of such Grantor, to enforce collection of any such amounts and to adjust, settle or compromise the amount or payment thereof, in the same manner and to the same extent as such Grantor might have done:

 

(1) all amounts and proceeds (including checks and other instruments) received by Grantor in respect of amounts due to such Grantor in respect of the Collateral or any portion thereof shall be received in trust for the benefit of the Collateral Agent hereunder, shall be segregated from other funds of such Grantor and shall be forthwith paid over or delivered to the Collateral Agent in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsement) to be held as cash Collateral and applied as provided by the sections of this Agreement relating to Cash Proceeds; and

 

(2) Grantor shall not adjust, settle or compromise the amount or payment of any such amount in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) or release wholly or partly any obligor with respect thereto or allow any credit or discount thereon, except as done in the ordinary course of business.

 

(b) Application of Proceeds. Except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, all proceeds received by the Collateral Agent in respect of any sale, any collection from, or other realization upon all or any part of the Collateral shall be applied in full or in part by the Collateral Agent against, the Secured Obligations in the following order of priority: first, to the payment of all costs and expenses of such sale, collection or other realization, including reasonable compensation to the Collateral Agent and its agents and counsel, and all other expenses, liabilities and advances made or incurred by the Collateral Agent in connection therewith, and all amounts for which the Collateral Agent is entitled to indemnification hereunder (in its capacity as the Collateral Agent) and all advances made by the Collateral Agent hereunder for the account of Grantor, and to the payment of all costs and expenses paid or incurred by the Collateral Agent in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy hereunder or under any Loan Document, all in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof; second, to the extent of any excess of such proceeds, to the payment of all other Secured Obligations for the ratable benefit of each Secured Party; and third, to the extent of any excess of such proceeds, to the payment to or upon the order of such Grantor or to whosoever may be lawfully entitled to receive the same or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.

 

(c) Sales on Credit. If Collateral Agent sells any of the Collateral upon credit, Grantors will be credited only with payments actually made by purchaser and received by Collateral Agent and applied to indebtedness of the Investor. In the event the purchaser fails to pay for the Collateral, Collateral Agent may resell the Collateral and Grantors shall be credited with proceeds of the sale.

 

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(d) Cash and Cash Proceeds. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (1) the Collateral Agent shall have the right to apply the balance from any Deposit Account or instruct the bank at which any Deposit Account is maintained to pay the balance of any Deposit Account to or for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and (2) all Cash and Cash Proceeds shall be held by such Grantor in trust for the Collateral Agent, segregated from other funds of such Grantor, and shall, forthwith upon receipt by such Grantor, be turned over to the Collateral Agent in the exact form received by such Grantor (duly indorsed by such Grantor to the Collateral Agent, if required) and held by the Collateral Agent. All such funds from any Deposit Account, Cash and Cash Proceeds or any other Money held by the Collateral Agent may, in the sole discretion of the Collateral Agent, (A) be held by the Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of each Secured Party, as collateral security for the Secured Obligations (whether matured or unmatured) and/or (B) then, or at any time thereafter, be applied by the Collateral Agent against the Secured Obligations then due and owing.

 

(e) Investment Related Property. In addition to the rights and remedies specified above, the following provisions shall also be applicable to Investment Related Property. Grantor recognizes that, by reason of certain prohibitions contained in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and applicable state securities laws, the Collateral Agent may be compelled, with respect to any sale of all or any part of the Investment Related Property conducted without prior registration or qualification of such Investment Related Property under the Securities Act and/or such state securities laws, to limit purchasers to those who will agree to, among other things, acquire the Investment Related Property for their own account, for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof. Grantor acknowledges that any such private sale may be at prices and on terms less favorable than those obtainable through a public sale without such restrictions (including a public offering made pursuant to a registration statement under the Securities Act) and, notwithstanding such circumstances, Grantor agrees that any such private sale shall be deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner and that the Collateral Agent shall have no obligation to engage in public sales and no obligation to delay the sale of any Investment Related Property for the period of time necessary to permit the issuer thereof to register it for a form of public sale requiring registration under the Securities Act or under applicable state securities laws, even if such issuer would, or should, agree to so register it. If the Collateral Agent determines to exercise its right to sell any or all of the Investment Related Property, upon written request, Grantor shall and shall cause each issuer of any Pledged Stock to be sold hereunder, each partnership and each limited liability company from time to time to furnish to the Collateral Agent all such information as the Collateral Agent may request in order to determine the number and nature of interest, shares or other instruments included in the Investment Related Property which may be sold by the Collateral Agent in exempt transactions under the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, as the same are from time to time in effect.

 

(f) Intellectual Property. In addition to the rights and remedies specified above, the following provisions shall also be applicable to Intellectual Property.

 

(i) Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default:

 

(1) the Collateral Agent shall have the right (but not the obligation) to bring suit or otherwise commence any action or proceeding in the name of Grantor, the Collateral Agent or otherwise, in the Collateral Agent’s sole discretion, to enforce any Intellectual Property, in which event such Grantor shall, at the request of the Collateral Agent, do any and all lawful acts and execute any and all documents required by the

 

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Collateral Agent in aid of such enforcement and such Grantor shall promptly, upon demand, reimburse and indemnify the Collateral Agent as provided in the Section in this Agreement relating to indemnity and expenses in connection with the exercise of its rights under this Section, and, to the extent that the Collateral Agent shall elect not to bring suit to enforce any Intellectual Property as provided in this Section, Grantor agrees to use all reasonable measures, whether by action, suit, proceeding or otherwise, to prevent the infringement of any of the Intellectual Property by others and for that purpose agrees to diligently maintain any action, suit or proceeding against any Person so infringing as shall be necessary to prevent such infringement;

 

(2) upon written demand from the Collateral Agent, Grantor shall grant, assign, convey or otherwise transfer to the Collateral Agent or such Collateral Agent’s designee all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to the Intellectual Property and shall execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent such documents as are reasonably necessary or appropriate to carry out the intent and purposes of this Agreement;

 

(3) within five (5) Business Days after written notice from the Collateral Agent, Grantor shall make available to the Collateral Agent, to the extent within such Grantor’s power and authority, such personnel in such Grantor’s employ on the date of such Event of Default as the Collateral Agent may reasonably designate, by name, title or job responsibility, to permit such Grantor to continue, directly or indirectly, to produce, advertise and sell the products and services sold or delivered by such Grantor under or in connection with the Trademarks, Trademark Licenses, such persons to be available to perform their prior functions on the Collateral Agent’s behalf and to be compensated by the Collateral Agent at such Grantor’s expense on a per diem, pro-rata basis consistent with the salary and benefit structure applicable to each as of the date of such Event of Default.

 

(ii) Solely for the purpose of enabling the Collateral Agent to exercise rights and remedies under this Section 8(f)(ii) and at such time as the Collateral Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies, Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, to the extent it has the right to do so, an irrevocable, nonexclusive worldwide license (exercisable without payment of royalty or other compensation to such Grantor), subject, in the case of Trademarks, to sufficient rights to quality control and inspection in favor of the Trademark Owner to avoid the risk of invalidation of said Trademarks, to use, operate under, license, or sublicense any Intellectual Property now or hereafter owned by or licensed to such Grantor.

 

Section 9. COLLATERAL AGENT

 

The Collateral Agent has been appointed to act as Collateral Agent hereunder by each Secured Party by their acceptance of the benefits hereof. The Collateral Agent shall be obligated, and shall have the right hereunder, to make demands, to give notices, to exercise or refrain from exercising any rights, and to take or refrain from taking any action (including, without limitation, the release or substitution of Collateral), solely in accordance with this Agreement and the Securities Purchase Agreement. Without the written consent of the Collateral Agent, no amendment, modification, termination, or consent shall be effective if the effect thereof would release all or substantially all of the Collateral except as expressly provided herein. In furtherance of the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Secured Party, by its acceptance of the benefits hereof, agrees that it shall have no right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral hereunder, it being understood and agreed by such Secured Party that

 

33


all rights and remedies hereunder may be exercised solely by the Collateral Agent for the benefit of each Secured Party in accordance with the terms of this Section. Collateral Agent may resign at any time by giving thirty (30) days’ prior written notice thereof to each Secured Party and Grantor, and Collateral Agent may be removed at any time with or without cause by an instrument or concurrent instruments in writing delivered to Grantor and Collateral Agent signed by the parties holding more than 50% of the Secured Obligations (the “Requisite Parties”). Upon any such notice of resignation or any such removal, Requisite Parties shall have the right, upon five (5) Business Days’ notice to the Collateral Agent, following receipt of Grantor’s consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed and which shall not be required while an Event of Default exists), to appoint a successor Collateral Agent. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Collateral Agent hereunder by a successor Collateral Agent, that successor shall become Collateral Agent under this Agreement, and such successor Collateral Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring or removed Collateral Agent under this Agreement, and the retiring or removed Collateral Agent under this Agreement shall promptly (i) transfer to such successor Collateral Agent all sums, Securities and other items of Collateral held hereunder, together with all records and other documents necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance of the duties of the successor Collateral Agent under this Agreement, and (ii) execute and deliver to such successor Collateral Agent such amendments to financing statements, and take such other actions, as may be necessary or appropriate in connection with the assignment to such successor Collateral Agent of the security interests created hereunder, whereupon such retiring or removed Collateral Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement. After any retiring or removed Collateral Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder as the Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Agreement shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it under this Agreement while it was the Collateral Agent hereunder.

 

Section 10. CONTINUING SECURITY INTEREST; TRANSFER OF SECURED OBLIGATIONS

 

This Agreement shall create a continuing security interest in the Collateral and shall remain in full force and effect until the payment in full of all Secured Obligations, the cancellation or termination of the commitments and any other contingent obligation included in the Secured Obligations, be binding upon Grantor, its successors and assigns, and inure, together with the rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent and the Secured Parties hereunder, to the benefit of each of the Secured Parties and the Collateral Agent and its successors, transferees and assigns. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, but subject to the terms of the Loan Documents, each Secured Party may assign or otherwise transfer any Secured Obligations held by it to any other Person, and such other Person shall thereupon become vested with all the benefits in respect thereof granted to each Secured Party herein or otherwise. Upon the payment in full of all Secured Obligations, the cancellation or termination of the commitments and any other contingent obligation included in the Secured Obligations, the security interest granted hereby shall terminate hereunder and of record and all rights to the Collateral shall revert to Grantors. Upon any such termination the Collateral Agent shall, at Grantor’s expense, execute and deliver to Grantor such documents as Grantor shall reasonably request to evidence such termination.

 

Section 11. STANDARD OF CARE; COLLATERAL AGENT MAY PERFORM.

 

The powers conferred on the Collateral Agent hereunder are solely to protect its interest in the Collateral and the interests of the Secured Parties and shall not impose any duty upon it to exercise any such powers. Except for the exercise of reasonable care in the custody of any Collateral in its possession and the accounting for moneys actually received by it hereunder, the Collateral Agent shall have no duty as to any Collateral or as to the taking of any necessary steps to preserve rights against prior

 

34


parties or any other rights pertaining to any Collateral. The Collateral Agent shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of Collateral in its possession if such Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to that which the Collateral Agent accords its own property. Neither the Collateral Agent nor any of its directors, officers, employees or agents shall be liable for failure to demand, collect or realize upon all or any part of the Collateral or for any delay in doing so or shall be under any obligation to sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral upon the request of Grantor or otherwise. If Grantor fails to perform any agreement contained herein, the Collateral Agent may itself perform, or cause performance of, such agreement, and the expenses of the Collateral Agent incurred in connection therewith shall be payable by Grantor and pending such payment shall be included in the obligations secured hereby.

 

Section 12. INDEMNITY AND EXPENSES.

 

(a) Indemnity. Grantor agrees:

 

(i) to defend (subject to Indemnitees’ selection of counsel), indemnify, pay and hold harmless each Indemnitee, from and against any and all claims, losses and liabilities in any way relating to, growing out of or resulting from this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents (including without limitation enforcement of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents), except to the extent such claims, losses or liabilities result from such Indemnitee’s gross negligence or willful misconduct; and

 

(ii) to pay to the Collateral Agent promptly following written demand the amount of any and all reasonable costs and reasonable expenses as set forth in this Agreement.

 

(b) Expenses. Grantor agrees to pay promptly all the actual costs and reasonable expenses of creating and perfecting Liens in favor of Collateral Agent, for the benefit of each Secured Party pursuant hereto, including search, filing and recording fees, expenses and taxes, stamp or documentary taxes, search fees, title insurance premiums and reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of counsel to Collateral Agent and of counsel providing any opinions that Collateral Agent may request in respect of the Collateral or the Liens created pursuant to the Collateral Documents; all the actual costs and reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of any auditors, accountants, consultants or appraisers; all the actual costs and reasonable expenses (including the reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of any appraisers, consultants, advisors and agents employed or retained by Collateral Agent and its counsel) in connection with the custody or preservation of any of the Collateral; and after the occurrence of an Event of Default, all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees (including allocated costs of internal counsel) and costs of settlement, incurred by Collateral Agent in enforcing any Secured Obligations of or in collecting any payments due from Grantor hereunder or under the other Loan Documents by reason of such Event of Default (including in connection with the sale of, collection from, or other realization upon any of the Collateral) or in connection with any refinancing or restructuring of the credit arrangements provided hereunder in the nature of a “work-out” or pursuant to any insolvency or bankruptcy cases or proceedings.

 

(c) Survival. The obligations of Grantor in this Section 12 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the discharge of such Grantor’s other obligations under this Agreement, the Securities Purchase Agreement and any other Loan Document.

 

35


Section 13. MISCELLANEOUS.

 

(a) Notices. Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice or other communication herein required or permitted to be given to Grantor or Collateral Agent, shall be sent to such Person’s address as set forth in the Securities Purchase Agreement or in the other relevant Loan Document. Each notice hereunder shall be in writing and may be personally served, telexed or sent by telefacsimile or United States mail or courier service and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered in person or by courier service and signed for against receipt thereof, upon receipt of telefacsimile or telex, or three Business Days after depositing it in the United States mail with postage prepaid and properly addressed; provided, no notice to Collateral Agent shall be effective until received by Collateral Agent.

 

(b) Amendments and Waivers.

 

(i) Collateral Agent’s Consent. Subject to Section 9, no amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, or consent to any departure by Grantor therefrom, shall in any event be effective without the written concurrence of the Collateral Agent.

 

(ii) No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative. No failure or delay on the part of the Collateral Agent in the exercise of any power, right or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall impair such power, right or privilege or be construed to be a waiver of any default or acquiescence therein, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power, right or privilege preclude other or further exercise thereof or of any other power, right or privilege. All rights, powers and remedies existing under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents are cumulative, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies otherwise available. Any forbearance or failure to exercise, and any delay in exercising, any right, power or remedy hereunder shall not impair any such right, power or remedy or be construed to be a waiver thereof, nor shall it preclude the further exercise of any such right, power or remedy.

 

(c) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns including all persons who become bound as debtor to this Agreement. Grantor shall not, without the prior written consent of the Collateral Agent, assign any right, duty or obligation hereunder.

 

(d) Independence of Covenants. All covenants hereunder shall be given independent effect so that if a particular action or condition is not permitted by any of such covenants, the fact that it would be permitted by an exception to, or would otherwise be within the limitations of, another covenant shall not avoid the occurrence of an Event of Default if such action is taken or condition exists.

 

(e) Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements. All representations, warranties and agreements made herein shall survive the execution and delivery hereof. Notwithstanding anything herein or implied by law to the contrary, the agreements of Grantor set forth in Sections 11 and 12 shall survive the payment of the Secured Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

 

(f) Marshalling; Payments Set Aside. Collateral Agent shall not be under any obligation to marshal any assets in favor of Grantor or any other Person or against or in payment of any or all of the Secured Obligations.

 

(g) Severability. In case any provision in or obligation hereunder shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions or obligations, or of such provision or obligation in any other jurisdiction, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

36


(h) Headings. Section headings herein are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part hereof for any other purpose or be given any substantive effect.

 

(i) APPLICABLE LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.

 

(j) CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. ALL JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS BROUGHT AGAINST GRANTOR ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING HERETO OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY OF THE OBLIGATIONS, MAY BE BROUGHT IN ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN THE STATE, COUNTY AND CITY OF LOS ANGELES. BY EXECUTING AND DELIVERING THIS AGREEMENT, GRANTOR, FOR ITSELF AND IN CONNECTION WITH ITS PROPERTIES, IRREVOCABLY ACCEPTS GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION AND VENUE OF SUCH COURTS; WAIVES ANY DEFENSE OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS; AGREES THAT SERVICE OF ALL PROCESS IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT MAY BE MADE BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, TO GRANTOR AT ITS ADDRESS PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION 13; AGREES THAT SUCH SERVICE IS SUFFICIENT TO CONFER PERSONAL JURISDICTION OVER GRANTOR IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT, AND OTHERWISE CONSTITUTES EFFECTIVE AND BINDING SERVICE IN EVERY RESPECT; AND AGREES COLLATERAL AGENT RETAINS THE RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR TO BRING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST GRANTOR IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

 

(k) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY AGREES TO WAIVE ITS RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING HEREUNDER OR UNDER ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS. THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL-ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS TRANSACTION, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS. EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS WAIVER IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT TO ENTER INTO A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP, THAT EACH HAS ALREADY RELIED ON THIS WAIVER IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT, AND THAT EACH WILL CONTINUE TO RELY ON THIS WAIVER IN ITS RELATED FUTURE DEALINGS. EACH PARTY HERETO FURTHER WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL AND THAT IT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL. THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE, MEANING THAT IT MAY NOT BE MODIFIED EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING (OTHER THAN BY A MUTUAL WRITTEN WAIVER SPECIFICALLY REFERRING TO THIS SECTION 13(K) AND EXECUTED BY EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO), AND THIS WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS HERETO. IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

 

(l) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

 

37


(m) Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution of a counterpart hereof by each of the parties hereto and receipt by Grantor and the Collateral Agent of written or telephonic notification of such execution and authorization of delivery thereof.

 

(n) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents embody the entire agreement and understanding between Grantor and the Collateral Agent and supersede all prior agreements and understandings between such parties relating to the subject matter hereof and thereof. Accordingly, the Loan Documents may not be contradicted by evidence of prior, contemporaneous or subsequent oral agreements of the parties. There are no unwritten oral agreements between the parties.

 

38


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantor and the Collateral Agent have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above.

 

“GRANTOR”
VIKING SYSTEMS, INC.

By:

 

/s/ Thomas B. Marsh


Name:

 

Thomas B. Marsh

Title:

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

“COLLATERAL AGENT” and a “SECURED PARTY”
ST. CLOUD CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P.

as the Collateral Agent and a Secured Party

By:

 

SCGP, LLC

Its:

 

General Partner

By:

 

/s/ Cary S. Fitchey


Name:

 

Cary S. Fitchey

Title:

 

Senior Managing Member


SCHEDULE I

TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

(a) Full Legal Name, Type of Organization, Jurisdiction of Organization, Chief Executive Office/Sole Place of Business (or Residence if Grantor is a Natural Person) and Organizational Identification Number of Grantor:

 

Full Legal Name


 

Type of

Organization


 

Jurisdiction of

Organization


  

Chief Executive

Office/Sole Place

of Business (or

Residence if

Grantor is a

Natural Person)


   Organization I.D.#

 

(b) Other Names (including any Trade-Name or Fictitious Business Name) under which Grantor has conducted business for the past five (5) years:

 

Full Legal Name


  

Trade Name or Fictitious Business Name


 

(c) Changes in Name, Jurisdiction of Organization, Chief Executive Office or Sole Place of Business (or Principal Residence if Grantor is a Natural Person) and Corporate Structure within past five (5) years:

 

Name of Grantor


  

Date of Change


  

Description of Change


 

(d) Agreements pursuant to which Grantor is found as debtor within past five (5) years:

 

Name of Grantor


  

Description of Agreement


 

(e) Financing Statements:

 

Name of Grantor


  

Filing Jurisdiction(s)


 

S-I-1


SCHEDULE II

TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

LOCATION OF EQUIPMENT AND INVENTORY

 

Name of Grantor


  

Location of Equipment and Inventory


 

S-II-1


SCHEDULE III

TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

INVESTMENT RELATED PROPERTY

 

Pledged Stock:

 

Grantor


 

Stock

Issuer


 

Class of

Stock


 

Certificated

(Y/N)


 

Stock

Certificate

No.


 

Par

Value


 

No. of

Pledged

Stock


 

% of

Outstanding

Stock of the

Stock Issuer


 

Pledged LLC Interests:

 

Grantor


 

Limited

Liability

Company


 

Certificated

(Y/N)


  

Certificate

No. (if any)


  

No. of

Pledged

Units


  

% of

Outstanding

LLC Interests

of the Limited

Liability

Company


 

Pledged Partnership Interests:

 

Grantor


 

Partnership


 

Type of

Partnership

Interests (e.g.,

general or

limited)


  

Certificated

(Y/N)


  

Certificate

No. (if any)


  

% of

Outstanding

Partnership

Interests of

the

Partnership


 

Pledged Trust Interests:

 

Grantor


 

Trust


 

Class of Trust

Interests


  

Certificated

(Y/N)


  

Certificate

No. (if any)


  

% of

Outstanding

Trust

Interests of

the Trust


 

S-III-1


Pledged Debt:

 

Grantor


 

Issuer


 

Original

Principal

Amount


  

Outstanding

Principal

Balance


   Issue Date

   Maturity Date

 

Securities Account:

 

Grantor


 

Share of Securities

Intermediary


 

Account Number


   Account Name

 

Commodities Accounts:

 

Grantor


 

Name of Commodities

Intermediary


 

Account Number


   Account Name

 

Deposit Accounts:

 

Grantor


 

Name of Depositary

Bank


 

Account Number


   Account Name

 

    (B)

 

Name of Grantor


 

Date of Acquisition


 

Description of Acquisition


 

S-III-2


SCHEDULE IV

TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

MATERIAL CONTRACTS

 

Name of Grantor


 

Description of Material Contract


 

S-IV-1


SCHEDULE V

TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

LETTERS OF CREDIT

 

Name of Grantor


 

Description of Letters of Credit


 

S-V-1


SCHEDULE VI

TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

(A) Copyrights

 

(B) Copyright Licenses

 

(C) Patents

 

(D) Patent Licenses

 

(E) Trademarks

 

(F) Trademark Licenses

 

(G) Trade Secret Licenses

 

(H) Intellectual Property Matters

 

S-VI-1


SCHEDULE VII

TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS

 

Name of Grantor


 

Commercial Tort Claims


 

EXHIBIT A-1


EXHIBIT A

 

PLEDGE SUPPLEMENT

 

This PLEDGE SUPPLEMENT, dated                      , is delivered by [NAME OF GRANTOR OR GRANTORS] a [NAME OF STATE OF INCORPORATION] [Corporation] (the “Grantor”) pursuant to the Security Agreement, dated as of                          , 2005 (as it may be from time to time amended, restated, modified or supplemented, the “Security Agreement”), among [NAME OF COMPANY], the other Grantors named therein, and St. Cloud Capital Partners, L.P., as the Collateral Agent. Capitalized terms used herein not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Security Agreement.

 

Grantor hereby confirms the grant to the Collateral Agent set forth in the Security Agreement of, and does hereby grant to the Collateral Agent, a security interest in all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to all Investment Related Property and Letter of Credit Rights including, without limitation, those specified on the Schedule attached hereto and agrees that such attached schedule shall supplement and become a part of Schedule [III][V] to the Security Agreement. Grantor represents and warrants that the attached Schedule is a true and correct list of all [Investment Related Property] [Letter of Credit Rights] in which it has rights and that it has complied with all provisions of the Security Agreement relating thereto and that the Collateral Agent has a valid, perfected first priority security interest therein.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, New Grantor has caused this Pledge Supplement to be duly executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of                     .

 

[NAME OF GRANTOR]

By:

 

 


Name:

   

Title:

   

 

EXHIBIT A-1


EXHIBIT B

 

JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

This JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated                     , is delivered by [NAME OF NEW GRANTOR] a [NAME OF STATE OF INCORPORATION] [corporation] (the “New Grantor”) pursuant to the Security Agreement, dated as of                          , 2005 (as it may be from time to time amended, restated, modified or supplemented, the “Security Agreement”), among Viking Systems, Inc., the other Grantors named therein, and St. Cloud Capital Partners, L.P., as the Collateral Agent. Capitalized terms used herein not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Security Agreement.

 

New Grantor hereby confirms the grant to the Collateral Agent set forth in the Security Agreement of, and does hereby grant to the Collateral Agent, a security interest in all of New Grantor’s right, Title and interest in and to all Collateral to secure the Secured Obligations [and SPECIFY ANY NEW OBLIGATIONS TO BE SECURED, E.G. NEW GUARANTEES], in each case whether now or hereafter existing or in which New Grantor now has or hereafter acquires an interest and wherever the same may be located. From and after the date hereof, New Grantor shall be a “Grantor” for all purposes of the Security Agreement. New Grantor hereby makes all of the representations and warranties set forth in the Security Agreement. New Grantor represents and warrants that the attached Supplements to Schedules accurately and completely set forth all additional information required pursuant to the Security Agreement and hereby agrees that such Supplements to Schedules shall constitute part of the Schedules to the Security Agreement.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, New Grantor has caused this Joinder Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of                     .

 

[NAME OF NEW GRANTOR]

By:

 

 


Name:

   

Title:

   

 

EXHIBIT B-1

EX-99 7 dex99.htm JOINT FILING AGREEMENT Joint Filing Agreement

EXHIBIT 99

 

JOINT FILING AGREEMENT

 

The undersigned hereby agree to jointly file a statement on Schedule 13D, together with any amendments thereto (collectively, the “Schedule 13Ds”), with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the requirements of Rule 13d-1(k) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This Joint Filing Agreement may be signed in counterpart copies.

 

Dated March 30, 2005

      ST. CLOUD CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P.
       

By:

 

SCGP, LLC

       

Its:

 

General Partner

       

By:

 

/s/ Cary S. Fitchey


       

Name:

 

Cary S. Fitchey

       

Title:

 

Senior Managing Member

Dated: March 30, 2005

      SCGP, LLC
       

By:

 

/s/ Cary S. Fitchey


       

Name:

 

Cary S. Fitchey

       

Title:

 

Managing Member

Dated: March 30, 2005

      ST. CLOUD CAPITAL, LLC
       

By:

 

/s/ Cary S. Fitchey


       

Name:

 

Cary S. Fitchey

       

Title:

 

Managing Member

Dated: March 30, 2005

      MARSHALL S. GELLER
       

By:

 

/s/ Marshall S. Geller


       

Name:

 

Marshall S. Geller

Dated: March 30, 2005

      CARY S. FITCHEY
       

By:

 

/s/ Cary S. Fitchey


       

Name:

 

Cary S. Fitchey