MMI PRODUCTS INC
EXHIBIT 10.5
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<TYPE>EX-10
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<FILENAME>exhibit-10_5.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 10.5
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<B><P>EXHIBIT 10.5</P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER">FOURTH AMENDMENT TO</P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER">AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT</P>
</B><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT ("<U>this Amendment</U>") is entered into on the 14<SUP>th</SUP> day of April, 1998, to be effective April 1, 1998 (the "Effective Date"), by and among MMI
PRODUCTS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("<U>Borrower</U>"), FLEET CAPITAL CORPORATION, a Rhode Island corporation, successor by merger to Fleet Capital Corporation, a Connecticut corporation, formerly known as Shawmut Capital Corporation, a Connecticut corporation, successor in interest by
assignment to Barclays Business Credit, Inc., a Connecticut corporation ("<U>Fleet</U>"), and TRANSAMERICA BUSINESS CREDIT CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ("<U>Transamerica</U>") (Fleet and Transamerica are collectively referred to as "<U>Lenders</U>" and each as a "<U>Lender</U>"), and Fleet, as collateral agent for
Lenders ("<U>Collateral Agent</U>").</P>
<B><P ALIGN="CENTER">RECITALS</P>
</B><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">A.&#9;Borrower, Lenders and Collateral Agent have entered into that certain Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of December 13, 1996, as amended by (i) that certain First Amendment to the Amended and Restated
Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 15, 1997, (ii) that certain Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of June 11, 1997, and (iii) that certain Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Loan and
Security Agreement, dated as of February 18, 1998 (as amended, the "<U>Loan Agreement</U>").</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">B.&#9;Borrower, Lenders and Collateral Agent desire to amend the Loan Agreement and the Other Agreements to allow and provide for an increase in the maximum limit of the undrawn portions of all outstanding Letters of Credit from
$10,000,000 to $20,000,000, to amend the Letter of Credit fees charged by the Lenders, to increase the maximum limit on Capital Expenditures from $6,000,000 during any fiscal year to $10,000,000, and to allow and provide for certain other matters, all as
hereafter set forth.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>NOW,</b> <B>THEREFORE, </B>in consideration of the premises herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, agree
as follows:</P>
<B><P ALIGN="CENTER">ARTICLE I</P>
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">Definitions</P>
</U></B><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>1.01</b>&#9;Capitalized terms used in this Amendment are defined in the Loan Agreement, as amended hereby, unless otherwise stated.</P>
<B><P ALIGN="CENTER">ARTICLE 11</P>
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">Amendments</P>
</u></B><P ALIGN="CENTER">&#9;Effective as of the Effective Date hereof, the Loan Agreement is hereby amended as follows:</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>2.01&#9;Amendment to <U>Section 2.3</U></b> <B>of the Loan Agreement; Addition of Certain Definitions. </B><U>Section 2.3</U> of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the <U>first</U> <U>sentence</U> therefrom and
inserting the following sentence in lieu thereof:</P><DIR>
<DIR>

<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">"2.3&#9;<U>Letters of Credit</U>. Upon written request made by Borrower and received by Collateral Agent at least five (5) Business Days prior to the date upon which a Letter of Credit is requested to be issued, Collateral Agent (on
behalf of Lenders, in accordance with their respective Revolving Credit Percentages) may, in its sole discretion, issue or cause a Letter of Credit to be issued for the account of Borrower, <U>provided</U> that the aggregate undrawn portion of all Letters of Credit outstanding at any time shall not exceed $20,000,000."</P></DIR>
</DIR>

<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>2.02&#9;Amendment to <U>Section 3.2 (C)</U></b> <B>of the Loan Agreement; Fees and Charges</B>. <U>Section 3.2(C)</U> of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the <U>first sentence</U> therefrom and inserting the
following sentence in lieu thereof:</P><DIR>
<DIR>

<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">"(C)&#9;<U>Letter of Credit Fees</U>. As additional consideration for the issuance of Letters of Credit for Borrower's account pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof, and in addition to any other fees customarily charged by the issuer of the
Letter of Credit, Borrower agrees to pay to Collateral Agent, for the account of Lenders in accordance with their respective Revolving Credit Percentages, an amount equal to (i) two percent (2%) per annum of the aggregate face amount of Letters of Credit
outstanding from time to time with respect to standby Letters of Credit, and (ii) one percent (1%) per annum of the aggregate face amount of Letters of Credit outstanding from time to time with respect to documentary Letters of Credit, which fees shall be
deemed fully earned upon issuance of each Letter of Credit, shall be due and payable on the first Business Day of each month and shall not be subject to rebate or proration upon the termination of this Agreement for any reason."</P></DIR>
</DIR>

<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>2.03&#9;Amendment to <U>Section 9.2 (K)</U> of the Loan Agreement; Capital Expenditures</b>. <U>Section 9.2 (K)</U> of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the same and inserting the following language in lieu thereof:</P>
<DIR>
<DIR>

<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">"(K)&#9;<U>Capital Expenditures</U>. Make Capital Expenditures (including, without limitation, the annual cash payments in respect of Capital Leases incurred during the fiscal year in question, but excluding any expenses incurred by
Borrower pursuant to (i) the Environmental Plan which are capitalized or (ii) Permitted Business Acquisitions) which, in the aggregate, as to Borrower and its Subsidiaries, exceed $10,000,000 during any fiscal year of Borrower."</P></DIR>
</DIR>

<B><P ALIGN="CENTER">ARTICLE III</P>
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">Conditions Precedent</P>
</U></B><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>3.01</b>&#9;<B>Conditions to Effectiveness. </B>The effectiveness of this Amendment is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent, unless specifically waived in writing by Lenders: </P><DIR>
<DIR>

<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">(a)&#9;Collateral Agent shall have received on behalf of the Lenders:</P><DIR>
<DIR>
<DIR>
<DIR>

<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">(i)&#9;this Amendment, duly executed by Borrower;</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">(ii)&#9;a consent, ratification and release executed by Guarantor, in form and substance satisfactory to Lenders; and</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">(iii)&#9;such additional documents, instruments and information as Collateral Agent, Lenders or their legal counsel may reasonably request.</P></DIR>
</DIR>
</DIR>
</DIR>

<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">(b)&#9;The representations and warranties contained herein and in the Loan Agreement and the Other Agreements, as each is amended hereby, shall be true and correct as of the date hereof, as if made on the date hereof,</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">(c)&#9;No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, unless such Event of Default has been specifically waived in writing by Lenders; and</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">(d)&#9;All corporate proceedings taken in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Amendment and all documents, instruments and other legal matters incident thereto shall be satisfactory to Collateral Agent, Lenders and
their legal counsel.</P></DIR>
</DIR>

<B><P ALIGN="CENTER">ARTICLE IV</P>
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">Limited Waiver</P>
</U><P>&nbsp;</P>
</B><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>4.01</b>&#9;Except as otherwise specifically provided for in this Amendment, nothing contained herein shall be construed as a waiver by Collateral Agent or Lenders of any covenant or provision of the Loan Agreement, the Other
Agreements, this Amendment, or of any other contract or instrument between Borrower, Collateral Agent and/or Lenders, and the failure of Collateral Agent or Lenders at any time or times hereafter to require strict performance by Borrower of any provision
thereof shall not waive, affect or diminish any right of Collateral Agent or Lenders to thereafter demand strict compliance therewith. Collateral Agent and Lenders hereby reserve all rights granted under the Loan Agreement, the Other Agreements, this
Amendment and any other contract or instrument between Borrower, Collateral Agent and Lenders.</P>
<B><P ALIGN="CENTER">ARTICLE V</P>
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">Ratifications, Representations and Warranties</P>
</U></B><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>5.01</b>&#9;<B>Ratifications. </B>The terms and provisions set forth in this Amendment shall modify and supersede all inconsistent terms and provisions set forth in the Loan Agreement and the Other Agreements, and, except as
expressly modified and superseded by this Amendment, the terms and provisions of the Loan Agreement and the Other Agreements are ratified and confirmed and shall continue in full force and effect. Borrower, Collateral Agent and Lenders agree that the Loan
Agreement and the Other Agreements, as amended hereby, shall continue to be legal, valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>5.02</b>&#9;<B>Representations and Warranties. </B>Borrower hereby represents and warrants to Collateral Agent and Lenders that (a) the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment and any and all Other Agreements executed
and/or delivered in connection herewith have been authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of Borrower and will not violate the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of Borrower; (b) the representations and warranties contained in the
Loan Agreement, as amended hereby, and any Other Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date hereof and on and as of the date of execution hereof as though made on and as of each such date; (c) no Default or Event of Default under the Loan
Agreement, as amended hereby, has occurred and is continuing, unless such Default or Event of Default has been specifically waived in writing by Collateral Agent and Lenders; (d) Borrower is in full compliance with all covenants and agreements contained
in the Loan Agreement and the Other Agreements, as amended hereby; and (e) Borrower has not amended its Certificate Incorporation or its Bylaws since the date of the Loan Agreement, except for a restatement of the Certificate of Incorporation which merely
restates and integrates, but does not further amend, the Certificate of Incorporation.</P>
<B><P ALIGN="CENTER">ARTICLE VI</P>
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">Miscellaneous Provisions</P>
</U></B><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>6.01</b>&#9;<B>Survival of Representations and Warranties. </B>All representations and warranties made in the Loan Agreement or any Other Agreement, including, without limitation, any document furnished in connection with
this Amendment, shall survive the execution and delivery of this Amendment and the Other Agreements, and no investigation by Collateral Agent or Lenders or any closing shall affect the representations and warranties or the right of Collateral Agent or
Lenders to rely upon them.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>6.02</b>&#9;<B>Reference to Loan Agreement. </B>Each of the Loan Agreement and the Other Agreements, and any and all other agreements, documents or instruments now or hereafter executed and delivered pursuant to the terms hereof or
pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement, as amended hereby, are hereby amended so that any reference in the Loan Agreement and such Other Agreements to the Loan Agreement shall mean a reference to the Loan Agreement as amended hereby.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>6.03</b>&#9;<B>Expenses of Collateral Agent and Lenders. </B>As provided in the Loan Agreement, Borrower agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses incurred by Collateral Agent and Lenders in connection with the preparation,
negotiation, and execution of this Amendment and the Other Agreements executed pursuant hereto and any and all amendments, modifications, and supplements thereto, including, without limitation, the costs and fees of Collateral Agent's and Lenders' legal
counsel, and all costs and expenses incurred by Collateral Agent and Lenders in connection with the enforcement or preservation of any rights under the Loan Agreement, as amended hereby, or any Other Agreements, including, without limitation, the costs
and fees of Collateral Agent's and Lenders' legal counsel.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>6.04</b> <B>Severability. </B>Any provision of this Amendment held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable shall not impair or invalidate the remainder of this Amendment and the effect thereof shall be
confined to the provision so held to be invalid or unenforceable.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>6.05</b> <B>Successors and Assigns. </B>This Amendment is binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of Collateral Agent, Lenders and Borrower and their respective successors and assigns, except that Borrower may not assign or
transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of Collateral Agent.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>6.06</b>&#9;<B>Counterparts. </B>This Amendment may be executed by one or more of the parties hereto in any number of separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which when
taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>6.07</b>&#9;<B>Effect of Waiver. </B>No consent or waiver, express or implied, by Collateral Agent or Lenders to or for any breach of or deviation from any covenant or condition by Borrower shall be deemed a consent to or waiver of
any other breach of the same or any other covenant, condition or duty.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>6.08&#9;Headings. </b>The headings, captions, and arrangements used in this Amendment are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Amendment.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>6.09&#9;Applicable Law. </b>THIS AMENDMENT AND ALL OTHER AGREEMENTS EXECUTED PURSUANT HERETO SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN MADE AND TO BE PERFORMABLE IN AND SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE
OF TEXAS.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>6.10&#9;Release. </b>BORROWER HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS NO DEFENSE, COUNTERCLAIM, OFFSET, CROSS-COMPLAINT, CLAIM OR DEMAND OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER THAT CAN BE ASSERTED TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE ALL, OR ANY PART OF ITS
LIABILITY TO REPAY THE "OBLIGATIONS" OR TO SEEK AFFIRMATIVE RELIEF OR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE FROM COLLATERAL AGENT OR LENDERS. BORROWER HEREBY VOLUNTARILY AND KNOWINGLY RELEASES AND FOREVER DISCHARGES COLLATERAL AGENT AND LENDERS, THEIR
PREDECESSORS, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, FROM ALL POSSIBLE CLAIMS, DEMANDS, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTION, DAMAGES, COSTS, EXPENSES, AND LIABILITIES WHATSOEVER, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, ANTICIPATED OR UNANTICIPATED, SUSPECTED OR
UNSUSPECTED, FIXED, CONTINGENT, OR CONDITIONAL, AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, ORIGINATING IN WHOLE OR IN PART ON OR BEFORE THE DATE THIS AMENDMENT IS EXECUTED, WHICH THE BORROWER MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE AGAINST COLLATERAL AGENT AND/OR LENDERS, THEIR
PREDECESSORS, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, IF ANY, AND IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER ANY SUCH CLAIMS ARISE OUT OF CONTRACT, TORT, VIOLATION OF LAW OR REGULATIONS, OR OTHERWISE, AND ARISING FROM ANY "LOANS"<B>, </B>INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY CONTRACTING FOR, CHARGING, TAKING, RESERVING, COLLECTING OR RECEIVING INTEREST IN EXCESS OF THE HIGHEST LAWFUL RATE APPLICABLE, THE EXERCISE OF ANY RIGHTS AND REMEDIES UNDER THE LOAN AGREEMENT OR OTHER
AGREEMENTS, AND NEGOTIATION FOR AND EXECUTION OF THIS AMENDMENT.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><B>6.11&#9;Final Agreement. </b>THE LOAN AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER AGREEMENTS, EACH AS AMENDED HEREBY, REPRESENT THE ENTIRE EXPRESSION OF THE PARTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF ON THE DATE THIS AMENDMENT IS EXECUTED. THE
LOAN AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER AGREEMENTS, AS AMENDED HEREBY, MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR<B>, </B>CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES. NO MODIFICATION, RESCISSION, WAIVER, RELEASE OR AMENDMENT OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE MADE, EXCEPT BY A
WRITTEN AGREEMENT SIGNED BY BORROWER AND MAJORITY LENDERS.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">&nbsp;</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">&nbsp;</P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER">[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">&nbsp;</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amendment has been executed on the date first<B> </B>above-written, to be effective on the Effective Date.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">&nbsp;</P>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">"BORROWER" </B></TD>
</TR>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">MMI PRODUCTS, INC.</B> </TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">By:<U>/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Robert N. Tenczar</U> </TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Name: <U>Robert N. Tenczar</U> </TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Title: <U>Chief Financial Officer</U> </TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">"LENDERS" </B></TD>
</TR>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P>FLEET CAPITAL CORPORATION</B> </TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp; </TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>By:<U>/s/ Joy L. Bartholomew</U> </TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Joy L. Bartholomew, </TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Vice President </TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P>TRANSAMERICA BUSINESS CREDIT CORPORATION</B> </TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp; </TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>By: <U>/s/ R.L. Heinz</U> </TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Name: <U>R.L. Heinz</U> </TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Title: <U>S.V.P.</U> </TD>
</TR>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">"COLLATERAL AGENT" </B></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P>FLEET CAPITAL CORPORATION</B> </TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp; </TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>By:<U>/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;Joy L. Bartholomew</U> </TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Joy L. Bartholomew, </TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="62%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Vice President </TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<B><U><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER">CONSENT, RATIFICATION AND RELEASE</P>
</u></B><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The undersigned, hereby consents to the terms of the within and foregoing Amendment, confirms and ratifies the terms of its guaranty agreement, and acknowledges that its guaranty agreement is in full force and effect, that it
has no defense, counterclaim, set-off or any other claim to diminish its liability under such document, that its consent is not required to the effectiveness of the within and foregoing document, and that no consent by it is required for the effectiveness
of any future amendment, modification, forbearance or other action with respect to the Loans, the Collateral, or any of the Other Agreements. THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY VOLUNTARILY AND KNOWINGLY RELEASES AND FOREVER DISCHARGES COLLATERAL AGENT AND LENDERS,
THEIR PREDECESSORS, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS,<B> </B>EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, FROM ALL POSSIBLE CLAIMS, DEMANDS, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTION, DAMAGES, COSTS, EXPENSES, AND LIABILITIES WHATSOEVER, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, ANTICIPATED OR UNANTICIPATED, SUSPECTED OR UNSUSPECTED, FIXED,
CONTINGENT, OR CONDITIONAL, AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, ORIGINATING IN WHOLE OR IN PART ON OR BEFORE THE DATE THIS AMENDMENT IS EXECUTED, WHICH THE UNDERSIGNED MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE AGAINST COLLATERAL AGENT OR LENDERS, THEIR PREDECESSORS, OFFICERS,
DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, IF ANY, AND IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER ANY SUCH CLAIMS ARISE OUT OF CONTRACT, TORT, VIOLATION OF LAW OR REGULATIONS,<B> </B>OR OTHERWISE, AND ARISING FROM ANY "LOANS", INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY CONTRACTING FOR,<B> </B>CHARGING, TAKING, RESERVING, COLLECTING OR RECEIVING INTEREST IN EXCESS OF THE HIGHEST LAWFUL RATE APPLICABLE, THE EXERCISE OF ANY RIGHTS AND
REMEDIES UNDER THE LOAN AGREEMENT OR OTHER AGREEMENTS, AND NEGOTIATION FOR AND EXECUTION OF THIS AMENDMENT.</P>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="54%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">"GUARANTOR"</B></TD>
</TR>
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<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="54%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P>MERCHANTS METALS HOLDING COMPANY</B> </TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="54%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="54%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">By: <U>/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Robert N. Tenczar</U></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="54%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Name: <U>Robert N. Tenczar</U></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="54%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Title: <U>Vice President - Finance</U></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

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