PURCHASE AND SALE OF LLC MEMBERSHIP INTEREST
AGREEMENT
THIS PURCHASE AND SALE OF LLC
MEMBERSHIP INTEREST AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), dated as of May
11, 2009, is entered into by and between Golden Phoenix Minerals,
Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Seller”), and
Win-Eldrich Gold, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“the
Purchaser”). The Seller and the Purchaser are
hereinafter collectively referred to as the
“Parties.”
RECITALS
WHEREAS , pursuant to that certain Operating Agreement
by and between the Parties, dated September 28, 2006 (the
“Operating Agreement”) the Seller is the holder of a
membership interest and the Purchaser is the holder of a membership
interest, the respective ownership interest amounts being in
dispute, in Ashdown Project LLC, a Nevada limited liability company
(the “LLC”). Originally, Seller owned a 60%
Ownership Interest (defined in the LLC’s Operating Agreement)
and Purchaser owned a 40% Ownership Interest. The Seller
and Purchaser collectively own 100% of the Ownership Interests in
the LLC. Terms not defined herein shall have the meaning
assigned them in the LLC’s Operating Agreement.
WHEREAS , the Seller desires to sell, or cause to be
sold, Seller’s entire Ownership Interest in the LLC, and to
assign and transfer certain contractual obligations, equipment,
permits and other material documents contributed and/or leased to
the LLC. Purchaser desires to purchase the
Seller’s entire Ownership Interest (collectively, the
“Membership Interest”), and to accept, or cause the LLC
to accept, as applicable, such assignment upon the terms and
subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth.
WHEREAS , the Parties previously entered into a Binding
Memorandum of Understanding and two related Binding Side Letter
Agreements, each dated February 25, 2009 (collectively, the
“MOU”), pursuant to which the Parties agreed upon the
material terms of the purchase of the Membership
Interest. The parties dispute whether the MOU has
expired.
WHEREAS , the Parties hereto desire to enter into an
agreement which includes matters set forth in the MOU, whose
documentation includes, but is not limited to, this Agreement and
the related Note, Security Agreement and Deed of Trust, and certain
releases related to claims among them each as defined herein
(collectively, the “Transaction Documents”), which
Transaction Documents shall supersede the MOU as well as any other
arrangements, understandings or agreements, whether written or
oral, between the Parties prior to the date hereof.
WHEREAS , in connection with the duties and obligations
herein, including the sale of the Seller’s Membership
Interest, the Purchaser shall pay Seller the aggregate purchase
price of Five Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($5,300,000)
and cause the LLC to grant the Seller a security interest in the
assets of the LLC, and all of Purchaser’s Ownership Interest
in the LLC, as set forth herein.
WHEREAS , certain assets of the LLC are already
encumbered by certain security agreements and/or leases, which are
identified on Schedule 1.1(b)(i) attached hereto
(“Preexisting Liens”). Seller’s
security interest will be subordinate to such Preexisting
Liens.
WHEREAS , the parties intend to transfer all of
Seller’s Ownership Interest under Section 3.2.3 of the
Operating Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual promises,
covenants and terms contained in this Agreement, the parties hereby
agree as follows:
1. PURCHASE
OF SELLER’S MEMBERSHIP INTEREST IN THE LLC
1.1
Terms of the Purchase .
(a)
Purchase Price . Upon the Closing (as hereinafter defined),
in consideration for the sale and transfer of One Hundred Percent
(100%) of Seller’s Membership Interest in the LLC to
Purchaser, and Seller’s release of claims against the LLC and
Purchaser pursuant to the Release (defined below), the Purchaser
shall issue to Seller a Secured Promissory Note, dated the date of
Closing, in substantially the form attached hereto as
Exhibit A (the “Note”), whereby the
Purchaser promises to pay Seller Five Million Three Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($5,300,000) (the “Purchase Price”),
pursuant to the terms and conditions herein and as set forth in the
Note.
(b)
Grant of Security Interest . The Purchaser shall
(or shall cause the LLC to, as applicable) grant Seller a security
interest in certain Collateral (as that term is defined in the
Security Agreement) being (except to the extent excluded) all
assets of the LLC, and Purchaser’s Ownership Interest in the
LLC, which Collateral shall be Seller’s sole recourse in
an Event of Default (as defined in the Note), or upon any
default or breach of the Security Agreement or Deed of
Trust. The form of the Security Agreement is attached
hereto as Exhibit B (the “Security
Agreement”). The form of Deed of Trust is attached
hereto as Exhibit C (the “Deed of
Trust”).
i.
Priority of Security Interest; Subordination
. The parties acknowledge that the LLC and/or Purchaser
will obtain financing to complete the Purchaser’s purchase of
Seller’s Membership Interest, to provide working capital and
to refinance (when and if Purchaser deems advisable) the
LLC’s leases and loans. This may occur before, at
or after Closing. In the event that a third party
desires to provide Purchaser financing via an investment in, joint
venture with, or loan to, the LLC secured by the assets of the LLC
and/or Purchaser’s Ownership Interest, so long as the Note is
still outstanding, Seller agrees to enter into an Intercreditor
Agreement with such third party (in form and substance reasonably
acceptable to all parties), such that Seller and the third party
will each share a first priority security interest (subject to the
Preexisting Liens) in pari passu as to One Million Five
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000) of their respective
investment, venture or loan amounts. Seller agrees that
an additional One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars
($1,500,000) may be assigned to such similar priority position in
pari passu , so long as: (A) title to the Ashdown Mill has
vested in the LLC, and (B) Purchaser has made an additional capital
contribution to the LLC of at least Five Hundred Thousand Dollars
($500,000) in cash (collectively, this amount with the initial
$1,500,000, for a total of $3,000,000, is referred to as the
“Priority Amount”) Seller will subordinate its loan and
its security interests in the Collateral as to the balance of any
principal and interest outstanding under the Note (initially this
amount is $5.3M - $1.5M, or $3.8M subordinated to the Priority
Amount of $3M with Seller holding $1.5M pari passu
). Seller’s security interest in the Collateral is
subordinate to Preexisting Liens. Seller agrees to
release Collateral for sales and replacements and transactions in
the ordinary course, including, but not limited to, off take
agreements and forward sales contracts. Seller also
agrees to release its security interest in the Collateral so the
LLC may “factor” or finance its accounts receivable and
establish a “lock box” security interest for its cash
and bank accounts. Purchaser and the LLC may pay down
and reborrow at any time the amount of the Priority Amount, from
one or multiple lender/investors, and may replace the Preexisting
Liens with alternate financing so long as Seller is not obligated
as a guarantor on such alternate financing. The
Purchaser agrees to use (or cause the LLC to use) the proceeds
received from any Priority Amount loan in the business of the LLC
(which for these purposes includes refinancing of Preexisting Liens
or discharge of amounts owed Seller), including payment of those
certain required payments of the LLC set forth in Section
4.3. Collateral shall not include current assests and
the LLC may distribute to its members so long as no uncured Event
of Default is continuing, available cash.
ii)
Financing Mill.
Notwithstanding anything herein or in the Security
Agreement or the Limited Recourse Secured Promissory Note, the
Parties agree that Muller and or LLC can encumber, collateralize
and seek financing for the granting of a sole first priority
interest in the Ashdown Mill up to $500,000 and the lendor or
investor will not be subject to the limiting provisions
1.1(b)(i).
iii)
In consideration of the
foregoing, Muller and or the LLC agree to grant Seller a first
right of refusal to purchase the Ashdown Mill.
(c)
Termination of Existing Litigation or Disputes
. Effective upon Closing, the Parties and the LLC shall
enter into a Settlement and Release Agreement, in substantially the
form attached hereto as Exhibit D (the
“Release”), pursuant to which the Parties and the LLC
shall agree that any and all litigation and ongoing disputes
existing between the Parties shall be immediately
terminated. Not released are claims for fraud,
intentional misconduct or breach of the obligations and duties
under this Agreement. The Seller shall release the LLC
from any and all claims, including but not limited to, those
arising under the Operating Agreement. Although at
Closing Seller will cease to be a member of the LLC, the
obligations of Confidentiality under Article XII of the Operating
Agreement survive and are incorporated herein, as are the dispute
resolution provisions of Article XIII.
(d)
Wages & Expense Reimbursements . Excluding
Kent Aveson and David Tretbar (for whom any remaining contractual
obligations including employee/employer and severance compensation
(and taxes related thereto); medical insurance and expenses; other
employee benefits, and expense reimbursements, the Seller shall
hold the LLC harmless and remain responsible and shall discharge),
the Purchaser shall hold Seller harmless from all payroll
obligations of the LLC made, or required to be made, on or after
December 31, 2008, including, but not limited to, all outstanding
employee wages and expense reimbursements and all outstanding
payroll and employment-related taxes due. Any expenses
related to employees hired and/or rehired on or after
November 14, 2008 will not be the responsibility of
Seller.
(e)
Release of Existing
Loan Balance . At Closing, the entire balance of any
principal and interest owed on the loan from the LLC to the Seller,
estimated to have a balance as of the date hereof of one hundred
sixty thousand two hundred thirty dollars ($160,230.00), shall be
forgiven in its entirety.
(f)
Payment to Retrievers
LLC . On or before the Closing, Perry Muller
(“Muller”), or his assignee, will pay up to One Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) of all payments made in settlement
of the amounts owed by the LLC to Retrievers LLC, and prior to
Closing, Seller (at its cost for any additional amounts required
for settlement) shall secure a release (in a form acceptable to
Purchaser) from Retrievers LLC of any claim or title in or to the
Ashdown Mill with Muller becoming the sole owner of the Ashdown
Mill (“Retriever’s Settlement”). Upon
completion of the Retriever’s Settlement, Muller shall lease
the Ashdown Mill to the LLC, and Muller agrees to convey the
Ashdown Mill to the LLC upon repayment to him by the LLC of the One
Hundred Thousand Dollar ($100,000) payment made in the
Retriever’s Settlement, plus a loan fee in the amount of Ten
Thousand Dollars ($10,000), pursuant to that certain Side Letter
Agreement dated May 13, 2009 (“Ashdown Mill Side Letter
Agreement”), attached hereto as Exhibit E .
1.2
Interest Rate; Payments . The interest rate on
the Note will be calculated on a quarterly basis, commencing on
April 1, 2009, and will constitute the Wall Street Journal Prime
Rate plus two percent (2.00%). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, in no event will the interest rate exceed ten percent
(10.00%). Payments of principal and interest will
commence one year from the date of this Agreement, and will be
payable on a monthly basis, pursuant to the terms of the
Note.
1.3
Closing . Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, the closing of this
Agreement shall take place on the
date the Transaction Documents are entered into (the
“Closing”). At Closing : (i) all Purchaser and Seller Closing Deliverables
set forth in Section 1.4 will have
been delivered; and (ii) all Pre-Closing Covenants set forth in
Section 4 will have been satisfied
in accordance with their terms .
1.4
Effect at Closing; Deliverables .
(a)
Purchaser Deliverables . Upon Closing, the Purchaser will,
or will have the LLC as applicable, deliver to the Seller: (i) the
Note in the principal amount of Five Million Three Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($5,300,000); (ii) an executed copy of the Security
Agreement; (iii) an executed copy of the Deed of Trust; (iv) an
executed copy of the Release; (v) Purchaser’s Opinion Letter;
(vi) documentation evidencing Muller’s payment to
Retriever’s LLC of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000)
pursuant to the Retriever’s Settlement; (vii) an executed
copy of the Ashdown Mill Side Letter Agreement; (viii) evidence of
the cancellation of the loan referenced in Section 1.1(e); and (ix)
such other documents reasonably necessary to complete the
transactions contemplated herein.
(b)
Seller Deliverables . Upon Closing, the Seller
will deliver to the Purchaser: (i) an executed copy of the Security
Agreement; (ii) an executed copy of the Deed of Trust; (iii) an
executed copy of the Release; (iv) a bill of sale or other
documentation evidencing the conveyance of the Seller’s
entire Membership Interest in the LLC; (v) Seller’s Opinion
Letter; (vi) such documentation as required to remove Seller and
its agents as signatories from the LLC’s bank accounts; (vii)
resignations by Seller’s representatives from the Management
Committee; (viii) documentation evidencing completion of the
Retriever’s Settlement; (ix) any documents relating to the
loan in Section 1.1(e) marked “Cancelled”; (x)
documents evidencing Seller’s Member Resignation pursuant to
the Operating Agreement; (xi) documents completing the
transfer of assets to the LLC as provided in Section 4.1, and
including but not limited to 3(h) and (k); and (xii) such other
documentation reasonably necessary to complete the transactions
contemplated herein.
1.5
Taxes . Purchaser shall be solely responsible for
the payment of sales, transfer, and use taxes arising out of the
sale, transfer, and assignment of the Membership Interest, and to
the extent of available funds cause the LLC to discharge sales and
use taxes on the use of the Assigned Assets (as defined below) on
or after the Closing. Purchaser shall have no liability
or responsibility for any income, franchise, or other taxes (other
than income taxes based upon or measured by Purchaser’s net
income) or charges or imposts of any kind relating to or arising
out of Seller’s Membership Interest on or prior to Closing,
or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except as
specifically set forth herein, or the use of the Assigned Assets
prior to the Closing. Seller shall remain liable for 50%
of any liabilities arising out of the LLC’s failure to pay
taxes or mineral royalties, or file tax returns due prior to
December 31, 2008.
2.
THE PURCHASER’S
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Purchaser
hereby represents, warrants and confirms the following:
(a)
Organization and Qualification
. The Purchaser is duly organized and validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it
is formed, and has the requisite power and authorization to own its
properties and to carry on its business as now being
conducted. Purchaser is duly qualified to do business in
Nevada to the extent it is required to be so qualified.
(b)
Power; Authority; Enforcement; Validity . The
Purchaser has the requisite power and authority to enter into and
perform its obligations under each of the Transaction Documents in
accordance with the terms hereof and thereof. The
execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents by the
Purchaser and the consummation by the Purchaser of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby, have been duly authorized by the
Purchaser's Board of Directors and no further filing, consent, or
authorization is required by the Purchaser, its Board of Directors
or its shareholders. This Agreement and as of Closing
the other Transaction Documents have been duly executed and
delivered by the Purchaser, and constitute the legal, valid and
binding obligations of the Purchaser, enforceable against the
Purchaser in accordance with their respective terms, except as such
enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity or
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium,
liquidation or similar laws relating to, or affecting generally,
the enforcement of applicable creditors' rights and
remedies.
(c)
Collateral . Assuming the
proper transfers of Assigned Assets by Seller to the LLC, the
Purchaser represents and warrants to the Seller to its knowledge it
and the LLC are the true and lawful owners of the Collateral, as
that term is defined in the Security Agreement, having good and
marketable title thereto, free and clear of all liens other than:
a) the security interest granted to the Seller hereunder, (ii) the
Preexisting Liens, and (iii) as set forth in Schedule 2(c)
(the “Permitted Liens”). The Purchaser shall
not (nor shall it allow the LLC to) create or assume or permit to
exist any lien on or against any of the Collateral, except as
created or permitted hereby and the Permitted Liens and
Pre-Existing Liens, and it shall promptly notify the Seller of any
other lien against the Collateral and shall defend the Collateral
against, and take all such action as may be necessary to remove or
discharge, any other lien against the Collateral. The
Purchaser shall, or shall cause the LLC to, maintain the Collateral
in good condition and repair. The Purchaser will pay, or
cause the LLC to pay, all taxes and other assessments due and owing
by each of them, respectively, pertaining to the
Collateral. The LLC shall maintain in full force and
effect insurance coverage on the Collateral that is prudent and
customary for comparably situated companies for the business being
conducted and the nature of the Collateral.
(d)
Absence of Litigation . To the knowledge of Purchaser,
except as set forth on Schedule 2(d) , there is no action,
suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or by any court,
public board, government agency, self-regulatory organization or
body pending or, to the knowledge of the Purchaser, threatened
against or affecting the Purchaser or the LLC that would prevent
the consummation of this Agreement or have a material adverse
effect on the LLC or its business.
(e)
Access to Information . Purchaser has had access
to all information regarding the LLC that the Purchaser reasonably
considers important in making the decision to purchase the
Seller’s Membership Interest. The Purchaser
further represents that it had the opportunity to ask questions and
receive answers from the Seller concerning the business and
financial condition of the LLC.
(f)
Compliance with the Securities
Laws . The Purchaser understands that, in reliance
upon the representations and warranties made by the Purchaser
herein, the Seller’s Membership Interest is not being
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or being qualified under
applicable state securities laws, but instead is being transferred
under an exemption or exemptions therefrom.
(g)
Brokerage Commissions . The Purchaser
acknowledges that no brokerage commissions or other fees were paid
by the Purchaser in connection with this transaction.
(h)
Valuation of Seller’s Membership Interest
. The Purchaser and the Seller have determined the value
of the Seller’s Membership Interest based upon arm’s
length negotiations. The Purchaser understands that
except as set forth herein the Seller can give no assurances that
the Purchase Price is in fact the fair market value of the
Membership Interest.
(i)
Contribution Agreement
. Purchaser has, or by Closing will have, completed the
assignment to the LLC of the “Assets” (as that term is
defined in the Contribution Agreement made between Purchaser and
the LLC on September 28, 2006), such that the LLC is required to
take no additional action as to title and/or ownership of the
Assets and that they have been properly
assigned. Further that there are no Assets for which
consent to transfer was not obtained and to which Purchaser still
holds title for the benefit of the LLC. To the best of
Purchaser’s knowledge, the LLC holds good and defensible
title in and to the personal property and certain unpatented mining
claims comprising the Assets, except as otherwise set forth on
Schedule 2(i).
(j)
Investigations . To the best
of Purchaser’s knowledge, no judgment, order, injunction,
decree, investigation, proceeding, or ruling of any court or
governmental authority exists by which the assets of the LLC or its
businesses are bound, or to which any of them are subject, which
would have a material adverse effect on the LLC or its businesses,
or Purchaser’s ability to operate the LLC businesses at the
level in a manner comparable to the level and manner of
Seller’s operations of the LLC’s business prior to
December 31, 2008, except as shown on Schedule 2(j).
(k)
Accuracy of Representations . No representation
or warranty by Purchaser given in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby, contains or will contain any untrue statement
of material fact, and Purchaser represents and warrants that it
has, at all times, acted in good faith in a negotiation of and in
the representations made in reaching this
agreement. To Purchaser’s knowledge and
belief, all Schedules prepared by Purchaser attached hereto are
true, complete and accurate in all material respects.
3.
THE SELLER’S REPRESENTATIONS AND
WARRANTIES. The Seller hereby represents, warrants
and confirms the following:
(a)
Power and Authority . The Seller hereby
represents and warrants that it has full power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligation
under this Agreement. Seller and the consummation by the Seller of
the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been duly
authorized by the Seller's Board of Directors and no further
filing, consent, or authorization is required by the Seller, its
Board of Directors or its shareholders. This Agreement,
and as of Closing the other Transaction Documents, have been duly
executed and delivered by the Seller, and constitute the legal,
valid and binding obligations of the Seller, enforceable against
the Seller in accordance with their respective terms, except as
such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity
or applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium,
liquidation or similar laws relating to, or affecting generally,
the enforcement of applicable creditors' rights and
remedies.
(b)
Organization and Qualification . The Seller is an
entity duly organized and validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is formed, and has
the requisite power and authorization to own its properties and to
carry on its business as now being conducted. The Seller
is duly qualified to do business in Nevada to the extent it is
required to be so qualified.
(c)
Ownership of Seller’s Ownership Interest
. Seller has not at any time since its acquisition
transferred, assigned or agreed to convey (including a security
interest) any part or portion of its Ownership
Interest. The Seller beneficially owns all of its
Ownership Interest, free and clear of any restrictions on transfer,
taxes, security interests, purchase rights, contracts, commitments,
equities, claims and demands. The Seller is not a party
to any purchase right, pledge agreement or other contract or
commitment that could require the Seller to sell, transfer or
otherwise dispose of the Seller’s Ownership
Interest. Upon the Purchaser’s purchase of the
Seller’s Ownership Interest under this Agreement, the
Purchaser shall obtain and be fully vested in ownership of the
Seller’s Ownership Interest, free and clear of any
restrictions on transfer (other than any restrictions under the
Securities Act and state securities laws), taxes, security
interests, purchase rights, contracts, commitments, equities,
claims and demands, and except for any transfers by Purchaser of
its Ownership Interests, Purchaser shall be the sole member of the
LLC.
(d)
Reliance . The Seller acknowledges and agrees
that the decision to sell all the Seller’s Membership
Interest pursuant to this Agreement is an independent business
decision and that Seller is not relying upon the Purchaser’s
representations (except those made in Section 2 above), valuations,
or other information provided by the Purchaser. Seller
further represents that it has had the opportunity to ask Purchaser
questions of Purchaser concerning the business and financial
condition of the LLC, including events occurring after December 31,
2008.
(e)
Absence of Litigation . To the knowledge of
Seller, except as set forth on Schedule 2(c) or (d), there is no
action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or by any
court, public board, government agency, self-regulatory
organization or body pending or, to the knowledge of the Seller,
threatened against or affecting the Seller that would prevent the
consummation of this Agreement.
(f)
No Brokers . Seller has not, directly or
indirectly, in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby, (i) employed any broker, finder or agent, or (ii) agreed to
pay or incur any obligation to pay any broker’s or
finder’s fee or similar fee or compensation, and shall hold
Purchaser harmless for any claims of compensation due, or arising
from Seller’s actions.
(g)
No General Solicitation . At no time has Seller
made any form of general advertising or solicitation in connection
with the offer, sale and purchase of the Seller’s Membership
Interest.
(h)
Contribution Agreement . Seller has, or before
Closing will have, completed the assignments to the LLC of the
“Underlying Agreements” as that term is defined in the
Contribution Agreement made between Seller and the LLC on September
28, 2006 such that the LLC is required to take no additional action
as to title and/or ownership in those Agreements and that they have
been properly assigned. Further, that there are no Underlying
Agreements for which consent was not obtained and to which Seller
still holds title for the benefit of the LLC. To the
best of Seller’s knowledge each of the Underlying Agreements
is in good standing and in full force and effect, and upon the
completion of Seller’s transfers of the Underlying
Agreements, the LLC holds good and defensible title in and to the
same, except as otherwise set forth in Schedule 3(h).
(i)
Litigation . Except as
set forth in Schedule 2(d) (completed jointly by Seller and
Purchaser), to the best of Seller’s knowledge, there are no
actions, investigations, claims, suits or proceedings pending or,
to Seller’s knowledge threatened, against the LLC or its
business in any court or for any administrative agency, nor does
Seller have any likely reason to believe that any such
investigation, suit or proceeding will be brought which would have
a material adverse effect on the LLC or its business.
(j)
Investigations . To the
best of Seller’s knowledge, no judgment, order, injunction,
decree, investigation, proceeding, or ruling of any court or
governmental authority exists by which the assets of the LLC or its
businesses are bound, or to which any of them are subject, which
would have a material adverse effect on the LLC or its businesses,
or Purchaser’s ability to operate the LLC businesses at the
level in a manner comparable to the level and manner of
Seller’s operations of the LLC’s business prior to
December 31, 2008, except as shown on Schedule 3(j).
(k)
Property, Books and Records . As of Closing,
Seller represents that it has transferred to Purchaser or the LLC
all property of the LLC within its possession and control,
including, but not limited to, true, correct and complete copies of
books, records, data, information, documents, maps, reports, bank
accounts, permits, water rights, bonds (including those provided to
the BLM and NDEP), claims, deposits, studies, certificates of
deposit (whether or not in the LLC’s name, but used in its
business), or other tangible or intangible personal property or
realty, pursuant to Section 4.1 below. Within two (2)
business days of execution of this Agreement Seller will transfer
the LLC computer, and all software and data regarding the LLC to
Purchaser. Said computer is currently at Seller’s
office.
(l)
Accuracy of Representations
. No representation or warranty by Seller given in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, contains or
will contain any untrue statement of material fact, and Seller
represents and warrants that it has, at all times, acted in good
faith in a negotiation of and in the representations made in
reaching this agreement. To Seller’s
knowledge and belief, all Schedules prepared by Seller attached
hereto are true, complete and accurate in all material
respects.
4. PRE
AND POST-CLOSING COVENANTS
4.1
Transfers and Assignments . Seller at its own
cost agrees to, as soon as reasonably practicable but in no event
later than a date as of thirty (30) days from the Closing, effect
the assignment or transfer of: (i) such assignable contractual
obligations, permits and other material documents contributed to
the LLC as set forth in Exhibit A to the Contribution Agreement
between Seller and the LLC at Exhibit C to the Operating Agreement
(the “Underlying Agreements”); (ii) the leased assets
and equipment set forth in Schedule 4.1(ii) hereto; (iii)
true, correct and complete copies of any documents related to the
Ashdown Property, including, but not limited to, geological
materials, including maps, core samples, technical reports and the
like, accounting documents and any loan or lease documents related
to the Ashdown Property; (iv) all permits and bonds held in
Seller’s name (noting, however, that such Air Quality AP
1061-1554 and 1061-1557 in Seller’s name cannot be assigned
pursuant to Nevada law, but Seller agrees that Purchaser may use
Seller’s permit in connection with the Ashdown Property until
such reasonable date following Closing that Purchaser obtains a
replacement permit) and (v) all obligations of the LLC on which
Seller is a guaranlike, as set forth in Schedule 4.1(v)
hereto (collectively, items (i) through (v) being the
“Assigntor, surety or the ed Assets”). To
the extent that Seller is a guarantor on any of the Assigned
Assets, in particular those Assigned Assets set forth in Schedule
4.1(v) hereto, the LLC shall take such actions as are reasonably
necessary and available to remove Seller as a guarantor as soon as
reasonably practicable following the Closing. Such
actions shall not require Purchaser to substitute its guaranty for
Seller’s, nor to assume any personal liability for such
obligations. If, at any time prior to Seller’s
removal as a guarantor, the LLC defaults on any payment owed on
such Assigned Assets arising from amounts coming due after Closing,
the LLC shall (a) immediately notify Seller of such default, and
(b) be solely responsible for the immediate payment due to remedy
such default and for reimbursement of any of Seller’s out of
pocket expenses related to the cure of such default. In
addition, such default on payment owed by the LLC on such Assigned
Assets shall constitute an “Event of Default” under the
Note, as further defined in the Note. For the avoidance
of doubt, upon any Event of Default (as defined in the Note,
Security Agreement or Deed of Trust), Seller’s sole
recourse is to the Collateral and not to the assets of Purchaser,
other than the Membership Interest . Seller
represents and warrants to its knowledge and except as set forth in
the Schedules hereto, there were no existing defaults under any
Assigned Assets or guaranteed obligations, and the Assigned Assets
have not been used to securitize any of Seller’s obligations
or liabilities. From the Closing until such date that all
obligations and payments of principal and interest under the Note
have been satisfied, the LLC agrees that all leases and loans on
any of the Assigned Assets will remain current and in good
standing.
4.2
Ashdown Mill Side Letter Agreement . Prior to,
and as a condition to Closing, Muller shall enter into a Binding
Side Letter Agreement with the LLC and Seller (“Ashdown Mill
Side Letter Agreement”), whereby Muller promises to convey
the Ashdown Mill to the LLC upon the LLC’s repayment of One
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) paid by Muller, or his
assignee, in connection with the Retriever’s Settlement, plus
a loan fee in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) for a
total repayment of One Hundred Ten Thousand Dollars ($110,000), and
which also provides the LLC the option to purchase the Ashdown Mill
in certain circumstances as more particularly set forth in the
Ashdown Mill Side Letter Agreement, with Seller agreeing to enter
into the documentation related to its agreed to portion of the
Retriever’s Settlement upon Closing at its sole additional
expense.
4.3
Repayment Obligations of LLC . Further, Purchaser
covenants that the following payment obligations of the LLC will be
repaid out of the first monies raised from any new financing
source, whether related or unrelated, directly or indirectly,
whether via an investment in or loan to the LLC, in the following
order:
(a) All
unpaid and currently due obligations and expenses of the
LLC.
(b) Excluding
Kent Aveson and David Tretbar, all payroll obligations of the LLC
made, or required to be made, on or after December 31, 2008,
including, but not limited to, all outstanding employee wages and
expense reimbursements and all outstanding payroll and
employment-related taxes due within twelve (12) months of
Closing.
(c) All
obligations of the LLC required to be made to Tetra Financial
Group, LLC (“Tetra”) to bring the LLC current in its
contractual obligations, or otherwise pay in full, settle or
compromise as to any amounts owed by the LLC to Tetra.
(d) That
certain promissory note made by the LLC to Muller, or his assignee,
in the principal amount of One Hundred Ten Thousand Dollars
($110,000) pursuant to the Ashdown Mill Side Letter
Agreement.
(e) That
certain obligation of the LLC to repay the loan in the aggregate
amount of Eighty-Seven Thousand Dollars ($87,000) made by Seller to
the LLC between February and March, 2009, which loan provided an
infusion of capital to meet the LLC’s immediate working
capital needs.
(f) Any
excess available funds may be used for any purpose.
4.4
Ashdown Mining LLC . Seller agrees, on a best
efforts basis, to enter into negotiations with the Ashdown Mining
LLC to reduce or eliminate any net smelter royalty
(“NSR”) obligation, such that there will be no NSR
attached to the property of the LLC within twelve (12) months of
the date hereof. Any costs associated with the
production payment contract with the Ashdown Mining LLC will be
borne by Seller.
4.5
Known and Unknown Contingent Liabilities; Indemnification
. Except as expressly set forth in Sections 1.1(d), 4.1,
4.4, this 4.5, 4.8, 4.10, 4.11 and 4.12 the Purchaser hereby agrees
to indemnify and hold Seller harmless from any claims or
liabilities arising from, or relating to, the operations of the
LLC. Notwithstanding the foregoing, LLC and Seller agree
to share evenly expenses related to liabilities or claims made or
asserted by a claimant within twelve (12) months of Closing arising
from or relating to the operations of the LLC accruing from events
prior to December 31, 2008, which liability was not actually known
by Purchaser before Closing or disclosed in this Agreement to
Purchaser by Seller on Schedule 4.5, which costs, liabilities and
expenses may be offset against the Note as provided in Section 4.9
below.
4.6
Perfection of Security Interest . The Parties
agree to, within two (2) business days of Closing, take such steps
as are reasonably necessary in order to perfect the security
interest granted under the Security Agreement in favor of Seller,
including, but not limited to, the filing of a UCC-1 Financing
Statement with the Nevada Secretary of State, and the filing of the
Deed of Trust with the appropriate entity as reasonably designated
by Seller and the applicable office of Humboldt County, Nevada,
with respect to the “Ashdown Property” as defined in
the Security Agreement, in forms reasonably acceptable to
Seller.
4.7
Board Representation . Effective at Closing, or
as soon thereafter as reasonably practicable pursuant to the
Parties’ respective corporate governance guidelines, Seller
shall have the right to appoint one (1) representative to serve on
the Board of Directors of Purchaser, and Purchaser shall have the
right to appoint one (1) representative to serve on the Board of
Directors of Seller. Such representatives shall be
appointed pursuant to the Parties’ respective Bylaw
provisions and the corporate laws of such party’s
jurisdiction of incorporation governing the election of directors
and shall serve on the respective Boards for such term of office as
is customary for each entity, but in no event shall such term be
for a period less than one (1) year.
4.8
Attorneys’ & Accounting Fees . The
Parties agree to individually and separately pay fifty percent
(50%) of all year-end reasonable legal and accounting costs related
to the preparation of the LLC’s year-end financials for the
year ended December 31, 2008.
4.9
Note Setoff . To the extent this Agreement
provides for costs or expenses to be incurred or shared by Seller,
Purchaser shall have a right of offset for amounts due from Seller
against amounts due under the Note.
4.10
Profits and Losses . The profits and losses of
the LLC shall be allocated to the Parties based on the number of
days of the year Seller was a member.
4.11
DRC Liabilities . Seller agrees to share equally
in the payment of all litigation costs, expenses, attorney fees and
expenses, judgments or settlements incurred by, or charged to, the
LLC in any action, potential or threatened action by DRC against
the LLC involving the sale and purchase of molybdenum pursuant to
that certain Life of Mine Contract between Seller and DRC assigned
to the LLC, up to a maximum potential liability of Seller of Two
Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000), which amount shall be
offset against the Note pursuant to Section 4.9 above.
4.12
Tetra Liabilities – Purchaser shall have a right of
offset against amounts due under the Note of up to fifty percent
(50%) of amounts due in the payment of all litigation costs and
expenses, attorney fees and expenses, judgments or settlements
incurred by, or charged to the LLC resulting from the Tetra action
identified in Schedule 2(d).
5.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
5.1
Entire Contract . This Agreement constitutes the
entire contract between the parties hereto with regard to the
subject matter hereof. The parties acknowledge that this
Agreement supersedes all previous understandings, written or oral,
including, but not limited to, the MOU dated February 25, 2009,
with respect to the subject matter hereof.
5.2
Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants
. All representations and warranties made by the Seller
and the Purchaser herein shall survive the execution of this
Agreement and the sale and delivery of the Seller’s
Membership Interest.
5.3
Currency . All amounts referenced and set forth
herein and in any of the Transaction Documents shall be in lawful
money of the United States.
5.4
Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed
by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of
Nevada, as such laws are applied to contracts entered into and
performed in such state without regard to that state’s
conflict-of-laws rules.
5.5
Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the
Seller and the Purchaser and the legal representatives, heirs,
legatees, distributees, assigns and transferees by operation of law
or otherwise, whether or not any such person shall have become a
party to this Agreement and have agreed in writing to join herein
and be bound by the terms and conditions hereof. No
party to this Agreement may assign, transfer or delegate its duties
of or under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the
non-assigning party.
5.6
Notices . Any notice, request or other
communication required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing
and shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered
or mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by
recognized overnight courier or personal delivery or sent by
facsimile, addressed (i) if to Purchaser, at the address set forth
on the signature page hereto or such other address as it has
furnished to the Seller in writing in accordance with this
subsection, or (ii) if to Seller, at the address set forth on the
signature page hereto or such other address as it has furnished to
the Purchaser in writing in accordance with this
subsection. A notice shall be deemed effectively given,
(a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified; (b) when
sent by confirmed facsimile if sent during normal business hours of
the recipient, and if not, then on the next business day; (c) three
(3) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested, postage prepaid; or (d) one (1) day after
deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying
next day delivery, with written verification of receipt.
5.7
Waivers and Amendments . No provision of this
Agreement or any other Transaction Document may be amended, waived
or modified other than by a document signed by the Purchaser and
the Seller (as of the effective date of such action).
5.8
Titles and Subtitles . The titles and subtitles
used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not
considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
5.9
Severability . In the event that any of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be held by a court or other
tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, invalid or
unenforceable, such provisions shall be limited or eliminated to
the minimum extent necessary so that this Agreement shall otherwise
remain in full force and effect.
5.10
Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but
all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.
5.11
Cooperation . Each party shall use all reasonable
good faith efforts to make or file all required notifications and
to obtain all consents, approvals and authorizations which must be
obtained by such party in order to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. Each party covenants and agrees to
promptly furnish to the other all information and data in its
possession requested in writing by the requesting party which such
furnishing party has the right to disclose and which is reasonably
necessary in order to assist the requesting party to give the
necessary notices or secure the permits, licenses and approval
required as contemplated by this Agreement.
5.12
Opinions of Counsel .
(a) Seller
shall provide an opinion from legal counsel as to matters normally
addressed in transactions of this nature, including, but not
limited to, Seller’s power, authority, capacity,
enforceability and absence of any conflict with other agreements of
Seller or any threatened or known
litigation/investigations.
(b) Purchaser
shall provide an opinion from legal counsel as to matters normally
addressed in transactions of this nature, including, but not
limited to, Purchaser’s power, authority, capacity,
enforceability, absence of any conflict with other agreements of
Purchaser or any threatened or known litigation/investigations and
perfection of security interest granted.
5.13
Material Adverse Effect . In the event of a
material adverse effect prior to Closing on a portion of the assets
or business of the LLC, including that such assets are damaged or
destroyed, or if condemnation proceedings are threatened or
commenced against all or a portion of the real property of the LLC,
upon Purchaser’s giving notice of such material adverse
effect and Seller’s receipt of notice, either party shall
then have the right, exercisable to terminate this Agreement in
which case neither party shall any further rights or obligations
hereunder.
5.14
Future Cooperation . Each party acknowledges that
the LLC may be a party to audits, investigations, litigation and
other proceedings following the Closing which relate to the
LLC’s business or assets, and covenants to fully cooperate
with the other in the handling or defense of such matters and to
maintain and make available to the other upon reasonable request
any and all files and business records and any and all individuals
employed by the other party hereto who’s testimony or
knowledge is necessary or useful with respect to the issues
involved in such matters or preparation therefore.
[SIGNATURE PAGE IMMEDIATELY
FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have
executed this Agreement on the date first indicated
above.
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PURCHASER:
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WIN-ELDRICH GOLD, INC.
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/s/ Perry D. Muller
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Name: Perry D. Muller
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Title: President
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Address: PO Box 3540
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Silver Springs, NV 89429
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SELLER:
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GOLDEN PHOENIX MINERALS, INC.
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/s/ David A. Caldwell
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Name: David A. Caldwell
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Title: Chief Executive Officer
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Address: 1675 East Prater
Way, #102
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Sparks, NV 89434
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EXHIBIT A
SECURED PROMISSORY NOTE
Confidential
LIMITED RECOURSE SECURED PROMISSORY
NOTE
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$5,300,000
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Made as of May 13, 2009
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For value received, Win-Eldrich Gold, Inc., a
Nevada corporation (“ Maker ”) HEREBY
UNCONDITIONALLY PROMISES TO PAY to the order of Golden Phoenix
Minerals, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“ Holder
” or “ Company ”), the principal
sum of Five Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($5,300,000)
(the “ Principal Amount ”) together with
simple interest on the unpaid Principal Amount at a rate equal to
the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate plus two percent (2.00%),
computed on a quarterly basis beginning April 1, 2009 and payable
pursuant to the terms of this Note (the “ Interest
Rate ”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, or
any other provision contained herein, in no event shall the
Interest Rate exceed ten percent (10.00%).
The following is a statement of the rights of
Holder and the conditions to which this Note is subject, and to
which Holder hereof, by the acceptance of this Note,
agrees:
1.
SECURITY AGREEMENT AND LIMITED RECOURSE TO MAKER
.
a) Maker’s obligations under
this Note are secured by a security interest in certain Collateral
granted by Maker and Ashdown Project LLC, a Nevada limited
liability company (the “LLC”) to the original Holder of
this Note pursuant to the terms of a certain Security Agreement by
and between Maker, LLC and Holder, dated the date hereof and
attached hereto as Exhibit A , which agreement is
incorporated herein by reference. As used herein,
“Collateral” means the assets and property of the LLC
defined in the Security Agreement as well as One Hundred Percent
(100%) of Maker’s ownership interest in the LLC, now existing
or hereafter acquired which may at any time be or become subject to
a security interest in favor of Holder securing the payment and
performance of Maker’s obligations under this Note and as
more specifically described in the Security Agreement.
b) This Note shall be limited
recourse against Maker and its successors in
interest. The sole recourse of the Company (or any
successor in interest to or assign of Company) for the collection
of amounts owed, or the enforcement of rights arising hereunder,
shall be foreclosure (without rights of deficiency) on that LLC
membership interest pledged as collateral and the Collateral (as
defined in the Security Agreement) owned by the LLC in which a
security interest is given to secure this Note pursuant to the
Security Agreement (and Deed of Trust) made by Maker, and dated
evenly herewith, and no other property of Maker or LLC, or their
successors in interest, shall be subject to levy, execution or
other enforcement action in connection with this Note, or the
Maker’s payment of the Purchase Price (defined under the
Purchase Agreement (defined below)).
2.
PRIORITY OF SECURITY INTEREST; SUBORDINATION
. As set forth in Section 1.1(b)(i) of the Purchase and
Sale of LLC Membership Interest Agreement dated the date hereof
between Maker and Holder (“Purchase Agreement”)
pursuant to which this Note is being issued, in the event that a
third party desires to provide Maker financing via an investment in
or loan to the LLC secured by the assets of the LLC and/or
Maker’s Ownership Interest, so long as this Note is still
outstanding, Holder agrees to enter into an Intercreditor Agreement
with such third party (in form and substance reasonably acceptable
to all parties), such that Holder and the third party will share a
first priority security interest (subject to the Preexisting Liens,
as set forth in the Purchase Agreement) in pari passu as to One
Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000) of their
respective investment or loan amounts. An additional One
Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000) may be assigned
to such similar priority position in pari
passu, (collectively, with the initial $1,500,000, such
amounts being referred to as the “Priority Amount”), so
long as (A) title to the Ashdown Mill has vested in the LLC and (B)
Maker has made an additional capital contribution to the LLC of at
least Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) in cash and Holder
will subordinate its loan and its security interest in the
Collateral as to the balance of any principal and interest
outstanding under this Note, providing such documentation as
reasonably requested by Maker evidencing such subordination within
five (5) business days of request.
Notwithstanding anything herein or in the
Security Agreement or the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Parties
agree that Muller and or LLC can encumber, collateralize and seek
financing for the granting of a sole first priority interest in the
Ashdown Mill up to $500,000 and the lendor or investor will
not be subject to the limiting provisions 1.1(b)(i).
3.
PAYMENT TERMS . This Note is to be paid
over a seventy-two (72) month term. Commencing one (1)
year from the Closing (defined in the Purchase Agreement), and on
the same day of each month thereafter, through and including a
payment due 30 days prior to the seventh anniversary date of the
Closing on May 13, 2016, Maker shall make seventy-two (72) monthly
payments of principal and interest to Holder payable by check,
money order or wire transfer of immediately available
funds. Notwithstanding the above, any unpaid Principal
Amount, together with any unpaid accrued interest thereon, shall be
due and payable on the earlier of (i) the seventh anniversary
of the Closing (the “ Maturity Date ”)
and (ii) the date on which such amounts are made automatically
due and payable upon or after the occurrence of an Event of Default
(as defined below), at the principal offices of the Company or by
mail to the address of the registered holder of this Note in lawful
money of the United States, except to the extent this Note (or a
portion hereof) shall have been previously prepaid pursuant to
Section 4 hereof.
4.
DEFAULT . An “ Event of
Default ” will occur if any of the following happens
and such default is not cured, unless otherwise provided in this
Section 4, within a fifteen (15) business-day period, or in the
case of a non-monetary default thirty (30) calendar days or such
other reasonable period of time to cure if cure cannot be
reasonably accomplished within such time, after Holder has given
Maker written notice of such default:
(a) Maker
fails to make any payment of principal or interest when due
hereunder.
(b) Maker
breaches any material obligation to the Holder under this Note, or
Maker fails to perform promptly at the time and in the manner
provided in this Note.
(c) Maker’s
commencement of a case or other proceeding (i) relating to the
Maker under bankruptcy laws, as now or hereafter constituted, or
any other applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws,
(ii) seeking the assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the
Maker becomes a debtor or alleged debtor in a case under the U.S.
Bankruptcy Code or becomes the subject of any other bankruptcy or
similar proceeding for the general adjustment of its debts; (iii)
seeking the appointment of a receiver, liquidated, assignee,
custodian, trustee, sequestrator (or similar official) of the Maker
for all or substantially all of the Maker’s property, or (iv)
seeking the winding-up or liquidation of the Maker’s
affairs.
(d) (i)
An order for relief with respect to Maker is entered under
bankruptcy laws, as now or hereafter constituted, or any other
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, or (ii) any
other order, judgment or decree shall be entered in any proceeding
by any court of competent jurisdiction appointing, without the
consent of Maker, a receiver, trustee or liquidator of Maker, or
for all or substantially all of its property, or a sequestering of
all or substantially all of the property of Maker, and any such
order, judgment or decree or appointment or sequestration shall be
final or shall remain in force undismissed, unstayed or unvacated
for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days after the date of
entry thereof.
(e) The
dissolution of any entity status of the Maker, as
applicable.
(f)
Maker
or LLC defaults on such obligations or Assigned Assets (as that
term is defined in the Purchase Agreement) of the LLC on which
Holder is a guarantor, surety or the like, pursuant to Section 4.1
of the Purchase Agreement, which default results in a final
judgment being rendered by a federal or state court, or other
administrative proceeding, after the date hereof, against the
Holder.
Upon the occurrence of any Event of
Default, all Principal Amounts (and accrued but unpaid interest
thereon) outstanding under this Note shall become immediately due
and payable in full without further notice, presentment or demand
by the Holder. The Holder, at its option, shall have the
right to demand payment of less than all of the Principal Amounts
(and accrued but unpaid interest thereon) due and payable under
this Note, and if the Holder demands such lesser amount, the Maker
shall execute and deliver to the Holder a new Note, dated the date
hereof, evidencing the right of the Holder to the balance of the
Note not demanded by the Holder upon the same terms and conditions
set forth herein.
5.
PREPAYMENT . Maker may at any
time, without penalty, upon at least thirty (30) days’
advance written notice to the Holder, prepay in whole or in part
the unpaid balance of this Note. All payments will first
be applied to the repayment of accrued interest until all then
outstanding accrued interest has been paid, and then shall be
applied to the repayment of principal.
6.
OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO INTEREST AND
CHARGES . Notwithstanding any other provision contained in
this Note or in any agreement, document or instrument related to
the transaction of which this Note is a part: (a) the
Interest Rate, charges and the payments provided for herein and
therein shall in no event exceed the rates and charges and the
payments which would result in interest being charged at a rate
exceeding the maximum allowed by law; and (b) if, for any reason
whatsoever, the holder hereof ever receives as interest (or as a
charge in the nature of interest) in connection with the
transaction of which this Note is a part an amount which would
result in interest being charged at a rate exceeding the
maximu