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Sample Business Contracts

Loan Agreement - The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and Cruachem Ltd.

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[THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND LOGO]


                                    AGREEMENT

                                     BETWEEN

                         THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC

                                       AND

                                CRUACHEM LIMITED


OUR REF: 465371V2/CD/COMM/GSB/GLWG


        The Royal Bank of Scotland plc is registered in Scotland No 90312
            Registered Office: 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2YB
   Agency agreements exist between members of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group

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THIS IS AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT. YOU SHOULD TAKE INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE BEFORE
SIGNING AND SIGN ONLY IF YOU WANT TO BE LEGALLY BOUND.

THIS AGREEMENT is made between:-

(1)  CRUACHEM LIMITED; and

(2)  THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC.

By which it is agreed as follows:-

1    PURPOSE, DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

1.1  This Agreement sets out the terms and conditions upon and subject to which
     the Bank agrees to make available to the Borrower a loan of L 1,000,000 for
     the purpose of assisting the Borrower in the purchase of the Property. As
     interest on the Loan is to be charged at a fixed rate, formal arrangements
     require to be made with Financial Markets to establish the fixed rate of
     interest and to book the Loan. In the event that the Loan is not drawn down
     and/or repaid as agreed, the Borrower shall compensate the Bank for any
     loss incurred as detailed in this Agreement.

1.2  In this Agreement unless the context otherwise requires:-

     "AVAILABILITY DATE" means the date shown in the attached Schedule and
     referred to in Clause 2;

     "BANK" means The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and its successors and assigns;

     "BASE ACCOUNTS" means the audited financial statements of the Borrower for
     the period ended 31st December 2001;

     "BORROWER" means Cruachem Limited, Company Number Sc93984;

     "BRANCH OFFICE" means the branch/office of the Bank at 100 West George
     Street, Glasgow G2 1PP or such other branch/office as the Bank may notify
     to the Borrower from time to time;

     "BUSINESS DAY" means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks
     are open for general business in London;

     "EVENT OF DEFAULT" means any of the events described in Clause 12;

     "FINANCIAL MARKETS" means the Bank's Financial Markets Department at
     Drummond House, 1 Redheughs Avenue, Edinburgh EH12 9JN or such other
     address as the Bank may notify to the Borrower from time to time;

     "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting practice in the United Kingdom;

     "LOAN" means L 1,000,000 or (as the context may require) the principal
     amount owing to the Bank under this Agreement at any relevant time;

     "PROPERTY" means the industrial unit at Block 104, 4 Fountain Avenue,
     Inchinnan Park, Renfrew;

     "SUBSIDIARY" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 736 of the
     Companies Act 1985.

1.3  Headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall be
     ignored in construing this Agreement. Unless the context otherwise
     requires, words denoting the singular number only shall include the plural
     and vice versa.

2    DRAWING OF THE LOAN /

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2    DRAWING OF THE LOAN

2.1  The Loan must be drawn down in one amount no later than the Availability
     Date. The Bank unless otherwise mutually agreed shall credit the Loan to a
     current account of the Borrower with the Bank.

2.2  If the Borrower has requested that the Availability Date be more than 14
     days after the date on which the Loan is formally booked with Financial
     Markets, a delayed drawdown fee as shown in the attached Schedule, shall be
     payable by the Borrower on drawdown of the Loan.

2.3  If the Loan is not drawn down on or before the Availability Date, the Bank
     may incur a loss as a consequence of the Loan being formally booked with
     Financial Markets and not subsequently drawn. The Borrower shall pay to the
     Bank within 3 days of demand a charge representing the amount certified by
     the Bank as sufficient to compensate the Bank for any such loss which the
     Bank shall sustain or incur. The Bank shall thereafter be entitled to
     cancel this Agreement.

3    INTEREST

3.1  Interest on the Loan shall be charged at the fixed rate shown in the
     attached Schedule.

3.2  Interest on the Loan shall be calculated on a daily basis and a year of 365
     days and shall be compounded quarterly on the penultimate Business Day of
     March, June, September and December and on final repayment of the Loan.

3.3  If a repayment instalment referred to in Clause 5.1 should not be paid by
     the Borrower on the due date or if the Bank has served a written notice on
     the Borrower pursuant to Clause 12.1, the Borrower shall, unless the Bank
     stipulates that the prevailing fixed rate will continue to apply, pay
     interest on the amount of the repayment instalment or (in the case of a
     written notice having been served pursuant to Clause 12.1) the amount of
     the Loan outstanding from the due date until the date of actual payment at
     a rate of 3.5% per annum above the Bank's Base Rate. This interest shall be
     charged both before and after court decree or judgment, shall be in
     substitution for any other interest payable pursuant to this Agreement and
     applicable to such outstanding amount and shall be calculated on a day to
     day basis and a year of 365 days and payable quarterly on such dates as
     will be notified to the Borrower by the Bank.

4    INCREASED COSTS

4.1  If by reason of (i) the introduction of or any change in law or its
     interpretation or administration and/or (ii) compliance with any request or
     requirement of any central bank or other fiscal, monetary or other
     authority (including without limitation, a request or requirement which
     affects the manner in which the Bank allocates capital resources to its
     obligations hereunder):-

     (a)  the Bank incurs a cost as a result of entering into this Agreement
          performing its obligations and/or assuming or maintaining its
          commitment hereunder and/or making the Loan available; or

     (b)  the Bank is unable to obtain the rate of return on its overall capital
          which it would have been able to achieve but for its entering into
          this Agreement, performing its obligations and/or assuming or
          maintaining its commitment hereunder and/or making the Loan available;
          or

     (c)  there is any increase in the cost to the Bank of funding or
          maintaining all or any of the advances comprised in a class of
          advances formed by or including the Loan; or

     (d)  the Bank incurs a cost as a result of its having made the Loan
          available or the Bank becomes liable to make any payment on account of
          tax or otherwise (other than a tax imposed on its overall net income)
          on or calculated by reference to the amount of the Loan and/or any sum
          received or receivable by it hereunder, or any liability in respect of
          any such payment is imposed, levied or assessed against the Bank

     then /

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     then the Borrower shall from time to time within three Business Days of a
     demand by the Bank, pay to the Bank amounts sufficient to indemnify the
     Bank against, as the case may be, (i) such costs, (ii) such reduction in
     the rate of return (or such proportion of such reduction as is in the
     opinion of the Bank attributable to its obligations hereunder), (iii) such
     increased costs (or such proportion of such increased costs as is in the
     opinion of the Bank attributable to its funding the Loan), or (iv) such
     cost or liability (or such proportion thereof as is in the opinion of the
     Bank attributable to making the Loan available).

4.2  If the Bank makes a claim pursuant to Clause 4.1 it shall promptly after it
     becomes aware of the circumstances giving rise to such claim deliver to the
     Borrower a certificate to that effect setting out in reasonable detail the
     basis of such claim. This certificate shall be conclusive in the absence of
     manifest error.

5    REPAYMENT AND PREPAYMENT

5.1  The Borrower shall repay the Loan and interest by regular instalments as
     detailed in the attached Schedule.

5.2  In the event of the Loan being repaid in whole or in part other than as
     detailed in Clause 5.1 ("early repayment") (including any repayment
     following upon the occurrence of an Event of Default in terms of Clause 12)
     the Borrower shall pay to the Bank within 3 days of demand:-

     (a)  an administration fee of 1% of the amount repaid; and

     (b)  a sum of money representing the amount calculated by the Bank as being
          required to compensate the Bank for any loss which the Bank shall
          sustain or incur as a consequence of early repayment. A notice signed
          by the Bank certifying the sum due in terms of this Clause shall, in
          the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the
          Borrower.

          THE CALCULATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE BANK USING THE PRINCIPLES
     SET OUT IN THE GUIDE TO EARLY REPAYMENT - CHARGES FOR FIXED-RATE LOANS
    ("THE GUIDE") PROVIDED TO THE BORROWER DURING NEGOTIATIONS IN RELATION TO
    THE LOAN. UNLESS THERE HAS BEEN A CLEAR ERROR THE SUM DUE WILL BE BINDING
                                ON THE BORROWER.

5.3  Any repayment or prepayment made under Clause 5.2 shall be applied against
     the outstanding instalments under Clause 5.1 in inverse chronological
     order.

5.4  No amount repaid or prepaid may be redrawn under this Agreement.

6    PAYMENTS

6.1  All payments to be made by the Borrower under this Agreement shall be made
     to the Bank on the due date.

6.2  The amount of any payment shall unless otherwise mutually agreed be debited
     to a current account maintained by the Borrower with the Bank and the
     Borrower shall if required by the Bank grant to the Bank and maintain an
     appropriate Standing Order.

6.3  If any payment should become due on a day which is not a Business Day the
     due date for such payment shall be extended to the next Business Day.


7    CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

7.1  The Bank shall be under no obligation to make the Loan available until it
     has received the following and is satisfied with the same:-

     (a)  the duplicate of this Agreement signed on behalf of the Borrower;

     (b)  a certified copy of the Resolution of the Board of Directors of the
          Borrower approving the transaction contemplated by this Agreement and
          authorising a specified person to sign this Agreement and any
          documents required under this Agreement on behalf of the Borrower;

     (c)  evidence in writing that the Borrower has been awarded Regional Select
          Assistance funding of a minimum of L 950,000.

7.2 /

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7.2  The Bank shall furthermore not be obliged to make the Loan available unless
     the following conditions are satisfied on the date on which the Loan is
     drawn:-

     (a)  the insurance referred to in Clause 9.9(a) has been effected to the
          Bank's satisfaction;

     (b)  any new security to be granted in terms of Clause 11 is completed to
          the Bank's satisfaction;

     (c)  the availability of any existing security for the Loan is confirmed to
          the Bank's satisfaction;

     (d)  no Event of Default (or event which with the giving of notice, lapse
          of time or other conditions may constitute an Event of Default) has
          occurred and is continuing or might result from the drawdown of the
          Loan; and

     (e)  the representations and warranties in Clause 8 are true with respect
          to the facts and circumstances then existing.

7.3  If the conditions detailed in Clauses 7.1 and 7.2 are not complied with by
     30th September 2002 the Bank shall be entitled to cancel this Agreement.

8    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

8.1  The Borrower represents and warrants (save as disclosed to and agreed by
     the Bank) that:-

     STATUS
     (a)  it is duly incorporated and validly existing and has power to own its
          property and assets and carry on its business as presently conducted;

     POWERS AND AUTHORITY
     (b)  it has power to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under
          this Agreement and under any security provided by it pursuant to
          Clause 11, all necessary corporate, shareholder or other action has
          been taken to authorise the execution, delivery and performance of
          this Agreement and of any security provided, and no limitation on its
          powers or the powers of its Directors shall be exceeded as a result of
          the drawdown of the Loan;

     LEGAL VALIDITY
     (c)  this Agreement and any security provided by it pursuant to Clause 11
          constitute legal, valid and binding obligations on it;

     NON-CONFLICT
     (d)  the entry into and performance of the terms and conditions of this
          Agreement and of any security provided by it pursuant to Clause 11 do
          not and shall not contravene or conflict with its memorandum and
          articles of association, any law, statute, regulation or other
          instrument binding on it or any of its assets, or any agreement or
          document to which it is a party or is binding on it or any of its
          assets;

     AUTHORISATIONS AND COMPLIANCE
     (e)  it and its Subsidiaries hold and are in compliance with (i) all
          necessary licences, permits, consents or other authorisations required
          for conducting their business and (ii) all applicable laws and
          regulations or other legal requirements;

     BREACH OF OTHER AGREEMENTS
     (f)  it is not (nor with the giving of notice, lapse of time or
          satisfaction of any other condition would be) in breach of or in
          default under any agreement or document to which it is party or by
          which it or any part of its assets may be bound which could have a
          material adverse effect on the business, assets or financial condition
          of the Borrower or on its ability to perform fully its obligations
          under this Agreement or under any security provided pursuant to Clause
          11;

     ACCOUNTS /

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     ACCOUNTS
     (g)  the Base Accounts/its latest audited financial statements as provided
          to the Bank have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and fairly
          represent its financial condition and there has been no material
          adverse change in its business or financial condition since the date
          of those financial statements;

     LITIGATION
     (h)  no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding is taking
          place (including without limitation any action under any environmental
          law or regulation), pending or to the knowledge of its officers
          threatened against it or its Subsidiaries or any part of their
          undertaking, assets or revenues which could have a material adverse
          effect on their business, assets or financial condition or on its
          ability to perform fully its obligations under this Agreement or under
          any security provided pursuant to Clause 11;

     ENCUMBRANCES
     (i)  no charges or other encumbrances in the nature of a security interest
          exist on its assets or the assets of any of its Subsidiaries other
          than any charges or encumbrances in favour of the Bank;

     ENVIRONMENT
     (j)  it and its Subsidiaries (i) are in compliance with all applicable
          environmental laws, regulations and practices, (ii) hold and are in
          compliance with all necessary licences, permits, consents or other
          authorisations essential for the conduct of their business; and (iii)
          have not previously conducted nor are currently conducting their
          business in any manner which could form the basis of any environmental
          claim against them; and

     NO   DEFAULT
     (k)  no Event of Default has occurred.

     REPETITION
8.2  The representations and warranties contained in Clause 8.1 shall survive
     the signing of this Agreement and shall be deemed repeated on the date on
     which the Loan is drawn and on each date on which interest is compounded.

9    UNDERTAKINGS

9.1  The undertakings in this Clause 9 shall remain in force until the Loan has
     been repaid in full.

     USE  OF LOAN
9.2  The Borrower shall use the Loan for the purpose specified in Clause 1.1.

     FINANCIAL INFORMATION
9.3  (a)  The Borrower shall supply to the Bank:-

          (i)    as soon as they become available but in any event within 180
                 days after the end of its financial year the audited financial
                 statements of the Borrower for that year;

          (ii)   as soon as they become available but in any event within 30
                 days after the end of the accounting period to which they
                 relate, and in a format acceptable to the Bank, quarterly
                 management accounts of the Borrower incorporating balance sheet
                 and profit and loss account and aged lists of debtors and
                 creditors;

          (iii)  promptly all notices or other documents sent by the Borrower to
                 its shareholders and/or its creditors;

          (iv)   promptly such further information in the possession of the
                 Borrower regarding the financial condition and operations of
                 the Borrower as the Bank may reasonably request; and

          (v)    on each occasion financial statements are supplied to the Bank
                 pursuant to this Clause, a certificate, in a format acceptable
                 to the Bank, signed by a Director/the Secretary of the Borrower
                 confirming compliance or otherwise with the financial covenants
                 detailed in Clause 10.1 outlining the financial covenant levels
                 and including detailed workings.

     (b)  The Borrower undertakes to ensure that all accounts and other
          financial information submitted to the Bank pursuant to Clause 9.3(a)
          are prepared consistently and in accordance with GAAP.

     NOTIFICATION OF DEFAULT /

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     NOTIFICATION OF DEFAULT
9.4  The Borrower shall notify the Bank of any Event of Default immediately upon
     becoming aware of its occurrence.

     NEGATIVE PLEDGE
9.5  The Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
     create nor permit to subsist any charge, lien or other encumbrance in the
     nature of a security interest (except a lien arising by the operation of
     law in the ordinary course of business) on the whole or any part of the
     present or future assets of the Borrower (including the Property) or its
     Subsidiaries except with the prior written consent of the Bank, which
     consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

     OTHER OBLIGATIONS
9.6  The Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
     enter into any obligations whether by way of borrowing from another source,
     leasing commitments, factoring of debts, granting of guarantees or by any
     other means (other than as already disclosed to the Bank prior to the date
     of this Agreement) except with the prior written consent of the Bank, which
     consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

     MATERIAL CHANGE IN BUSINESS
9.7  The Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
     make or threaten to make any material change in the nature of its business
     as presently conducted except with the prior written consent of the Bank,
     which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

     DISPOSAL OF ASSETS
9.8  The Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
     sell, transfer, lease (or where a lease is already in existence, consent to
     the lease being assigned) or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial part
     of its or their respective assets (including the Property) except with the
     prior written consent of the Bank provided that disposals made in the
     ordinary course of business of the Borrower or the business of its
     Subsidiaries shall be permitted.

     INSURANCES
9.9  (a)  Without prejudice to the provisions of any security held pursuant to
          this Agreement the Borrower shall keep the Property fully insured
          against fire and other reasonable risks for its full reinstatement
          value with an insurer acceptable to the Bank together with Architects'
          and Surveyors' fees and when called upon by the Bank to do so produce
          the relative policy (or where the Bank agrees a copy of it) and
          premium receipts. In the event of the Property being destroyed or
          damaged by fire or otherwise all monies payable under the policy shall
          at the Bank's option be applied in making good the relevant loss or
          damage or in or towards discharge of the sums payable under this
          Agreement.

     (b)  In addition the Borrower shall, and shall procure that each of its
          Subsidiaries shall, effect and maintain such insurance over its other
          assets and business in such manner and to such extent as is reasonable
          and customary for a business engaged in the same or a similar activity
          and the same or similar localities to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries
          subject to the terms of any security provided by the Borrower or its
          Subsidiaries.

     REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY
9.10 The Borrower shall without prejudice to the provisions of any security held
     pursuant to this Agreement:-

     (a)  maintain the Property in good and sufficient repair to the reasonable
          satisfaction of the Bank;

     (b)  permit, after seven days clear notice in writing, the Bank or its
          agents to enter the Property at all reasonable times to examine its
          condition; and

     (c)  make all necessary repairs and make good all defects to satisfy the
          provisions of Clause 9.10(a) within such reasonable period as the Bank
          may require by notice in writing.

     CURRENT ACCOUNT
9.11 The Borrower shall maintain its current account banking business with the
     Bank.

     ENVIRONMENT
9.12 The Borrower shall, and shall procure that each of its Subsidiaries shall:-

     (a)  comply with any applicable environmental laws, regulations or
          practices and comply with and renew all licences, permits, consents or
          other authorisations held in respect of the Borrower's/its
          Subsidiaries business;

     (b)/

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     (b)  conduct its business in a manner which cannot form the basis of an
          environmental claim against it; and

     (c)  promptly notify the Bank of any breach of any environmental law,
          regulation or practice or any licence, permit, consent or other
          authorisation held and remedy at the Borrower's expense any such
          breach by the use of best available techniques not entailing excessive
          cost.

     AUTHORISATIONS AND COMPLIANCE
9.13 The Borrower shall, and shall procure that each of its Subsidiaries shall:-

     (a)  comply with all licences, permits, consents or other authorisations
          held and with any applicable laws, regulations or other legal
          requirements; and

     (b)  promptly notify the Bank of any breach of (i) any law, regulation or
          other legal requirement and/or (ii) any licence, permit, consent or
          other authorisation held, and immediately remedy such breach.

     ILLEGALITY
9.14 The Borrower shall on receiving notice from the Bank repay the Loan either
     forthwith or on a future specified date together with interest accrued to
     the date of repayment and all other amounts payable under this Agreement by
     the Borrower if any change in or the introduction of any law, regulation,
     treaty, official directive or rule of any regulatory authority or
     organisation having jurisdiction or any change in the interpretation or
     application thereof should render it unlawful or a breach thereof for the
     Bank to make available, fund or maintain the Loan or to give effect to its
     obligations and exercise its rights contemplated by this Agreement.

10   FINANCIAL COVENANTS

     COVENANTS
10.1 The Borrower undertakes that for each accounting period ending on a
     compliance date as specified in Clause 10.3 its financial performance shall
     have been such that:-

     NET CASH FLOW:DEBT SERVICE LIABILITY
     (a)  the ratio of Net Cash Flow to Debt Service Liability shall not be less
          than 1.3:1

     FINANCIAL DEFINITIONS
10.2 For the purposes of Clause 10.1 the following definitions shall have the
     meanings shown opposite them:-

     "BORROWING COSTS" means, in relation to any accounting period of the
     Borrower, the aggregate of all interest, commission, fees, and charges
     payable by the Borrower in respect of its Gross Borrowings during such
     period including without limitation:-
     (i)    capitalised interest;
     (ii)   finance lease charges; and
     (iii)  dividends on shares issued on the basis that they are or may become
            redeemable

     "BORROWING COSTS PAID" means, in relation to any accounting period of the
     Borrower, the aggregate of all interest, commission, fees, and charges paid
     and due to be paid by the Borrower in respect of its Gross Borrowings
     during such period including without limitation:-
     (i)    capitalised interest;
     (ii)   finance lease charges; and
     (iii)  dividends on shares issued on the basis that they are or may become
            redeemable

     "DEBT SERVICE LIABILITY" means in relation to any accounting period of the
     Borrower, the aggregate of Borrowing Costs Paid and all repayments on Gross
     Borrowings scheduled to be made during the period

     "DIVIDENDS" means, in relation to any accounting period of the Borrower,
     all dividends on:-
     (i)    its ordinary share capital and
     (ii)   its preference share capital (other than redeemable preference
            shares)

     "GROSS BORROWINGS" /

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     "GROSS BORROWINGS" means at any time the aggregate of all obligations of
     the Borrower for the repayment of money, whether present or future, actual
     or contingent incurred in respect of:-
     (i)    money borrowed from all sources;
     (ii)   any bonds, notes, loan stock, debentures or similar instruments;
     (iii)  acceptance credits, bills of exchange or documentary credits;
     (iv)   shares issued on the basis that they are or may become redeemable
            (at redemption value); (
     (v)    gross obligations under finance leases;
     (vi)   the factoring of debts;
     (vii)  guarantees, indemnities or other assurances against financial loss;
            and
     (viii) amounts raised or obligations incurred in respect of any other
            transaction which has the commercial effect of borrowing

     "NET CASH FLOW" means in relation to any accounting period of the Borrower,
     PBIT for that period, PLUS:-
     (i)    any decrease in Net Working Capital during the period;
     (ii)   any loss on the sale of tangible fixed assets;
     (iii)  any loss on the sale of investments;
     (iv)   any increase in provisions not having a cash effect;
     (v)    depreciation; and
     (vi)   exceptional/extraordinary charges not having a cash effect (not
            already dealt with under (ii), (iii), (iv)   or (v) above);
     and LESS:-
     (vii)  any increase in Net Working Capital during the period;
     (viii) any profit on the sale of tangible fixed assets;
     (ix)   any profit on the sale of investments;
     (x)    any release of provisions;
     (xi)   exceptional/extraordinary income not having a cash effect (not dealt
            with under (viii), (ix), or (x) above);
     (xii)  tax paid; and
     (xiii) Dividends paid

     "NET WORKING CAPITAL" means in relation to any accounting period of the
     Borrower current assets (excluding:-
     (i)    cash at bank and in hand;
     (ii)   debtors due more than one year after the end of the accounting
            period;
     (iii)  corporation tax assets; and
     (iv)   deferred tax assets)
     LESS current liabilities (excluding:-
     (v)    obligations to pay money in respect of Gross Borrowings (a) on
            demand, or (b) within one year after the end of the accounting
            period;
     (vi)   Dividends payable; and
     (vii)  corporation tax payable)

     "PBIT" means, in relation to any accounting period of the Borrower, the
     profit/loss of the Borrower on ordinary activities before tax and after
     exceptional items but after ADDING back:-
     (i)    Borrowing Costs (net of capitalised interest and dividends on
            redeemable shares);
     (ii)   amortisation of goodwill and other intangible assets;
     and  after DEDUCTING:-
     (iii)  interest receivable and other similar income; and
     (iv)   income from fixed asset investments

     COMPLIANCE DATES
10.3 The dates for compliance with Clause 10.1 are :-

     (a)  each date as at which the financial statements produced pursuant to
          Clause 9.3(a)(i) are prepared;

     (b)  each date as at which the management accounts produced pursuant to
          Clause 9.3(a)(ii) are prepared;

     (c)  each date as at which any additional accounts produced pursuant to
          Clause 9.3(a)(iv) are prepared.

     CALCULATION /

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     CALCULATION
10.4 The calculation of the financial covenant detailed in Clause 10.1 shall :-

     (a)  be confirmed by the Bank with reference to the financial
          statements/accounts/compliance certificates produced pursuant to
          Clause 9.3(a). The calculation of the financial covenant detailed in
          Clause 10.1(a) which is undertaken with reference to management
          accounts produced in accordance with Clause 9.3(a)(ii) shall be based
          on cumulative figures for the period since the end of the Borrower's
          last financial year;

     (b)  be in accordance with the accounting principles and policies applied
          in connection with the Base Accounts.

     CONSISTENT APPLICATION OF ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
10.5 If the Borrower (a) changes its accounting policies as applied in
     connection with the preparation of the Base Accounts whether as a result of
     a change in GAAP or otherwise, and/or (b) changes its financial year end,
     it shall immediately notify the Bank to determine whether the change
     affects the financial covenant detailed in Clause 10.1. The Borrower and
     the Bank shall at the Bank's request negotiate in good faith with a view to
     agreeing such amendments to the financial covenant and/or the relevant
     definitions as set out in Clause 10.2 as may be necessary to provide the
     Bank with protection comparable to that granted as at the date of this
     Agreement. Any such amendments will be documented by means of a
     Supplementary Agreement between the Borrower and the Bank.

     COMPUTATION
10.6 If there is any dispute as to any computation under this Clause 10
     (including any amendment sought pursuant to Clause 10.5) or as to the
     interpretation of any of the relevant definitions in Clause 10.2, the
     decision of the Bank shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive
     and binding on the Borrower.

     DURATION
10.7 The financial covenant set out in this Clause 10 shall remain in force
     until the Loan has been repaid in full.

11   SECURITY

11.1 The obligations of the Borrower to the Bank under this Agreement shall be
     secured by:-

     (a)  all existing security held by the Bank for the Borrower's liabilities
          including the Bond and Floating Charge by the Borrower over their
          whole property and undertaking;

     (b)  a Standard Security constituting a first charge over the Property in
          the Bank's preferred form; and

     (c)  all future security which the Bank may from time to time hold for the
          Borrower's liabilities.

11.2 For the avoidance of doubt the Borrower acknowledges that all security held
     and to be held by the Bank shall unless the security document expressly
     states otherwise secure all the liabilities of the Borrower to the Bank of
     whatsoever nature.

12   EVENTS OF DEFAULT

12.1 In the event that:-

     NON PAYMENT
     (a)  the Borrower fails to pay on the due date any amount payable under
          this Agreement (other than where the Borrower demonstrates to the
          satisfaction of the Bank that such failure is due to an administrative
          or technical payment error, in which case the Borrower shall have 3
          Business Days from the due date to make such payment); or

     MISREPRESENTATION /

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     MISREPRESENTATION
     (b)  any representation or warranty made or repeated by the Borrower in
          this Agreement is or proves to have been incorrect in any material
          respect when made or repeated; or

     BREACH OF OTHER OBLIGATIONS
     (c)  the Borrower fails to comply with any provision of this Agreement or
          the Borrower or any other grantor of security fails to comply with any
          provision of the security provided pursuant to Clause 11 and, where
          capable of remedy, such failure is not remedied to the reasonable
          satisfaction of the Bank within 7 Business Days of the Bank giving
          notice to the Borrower or other grantor requiring the Borrower or
          other grantor to remedy the same; or

     CROSS DEFAULT
     (d)  the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries defaults in the performance of
          any other agreement for borrowed monies so as to accelerate or render
          capable of acceleration the due date of repayment thereunder or such
          borrowed monies are not repaid in full on the due date or repayment of
          any such borrowed monies is due on demand and is not paid in full
          forthwith on such demand being made; or

     INSOLVENCY AND ANALOGOUS PROCEEDINGS
     (e)  the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is unable to pay its debts
          within the meaning of Section 123 of the Insolvency Act 1986 or the
          Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries otherwise becomes insolvent or
          suspends making payments to all or any class of its creditors or
          announces an intention to do so; or

     (f)  any distress, diligence, execution, attachment or other legal process
          affects the whole or a material part of the assets of the Borrower or
          any of its Subsidiaries and is not discharged within 21 days; or

     (g)  an administrative or other receiver or similar officer is appointed of
          the whole or any part of the assets of the Borrower or any of its
          Subsidiaries or the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries requests any
          person to appoint such a receiver or similar officer or any other
          steps are taken to enforce any charge or other security over any of
          the property of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; or

     (h)  any order is made or any effective resolution is passed or a petition
          is presented or other steps are taken for:-

          (i)    the winding up, dissolution or liquidation of the Borrower or
                 any of its Subsidiaries  other than for the purpose of a
                 reconstruction  or  amalgamation  the terms of which have
                 previously been approved by the Bank in writing; or

          (ii)   the making of an administration order against the Borrower or
                 any of its Subsidiaries; or

     (i)  any steps are taken by another creditor to repossess any goods in the
          possession of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under any hire
          purchase, conditional sale, leasing, retention of title or similar
          agreement; or

     VALUE OF BUSINESS AND SECURITY
     (j)  there is a significant drop in the value of the Borrower's business or
          the security held by the Bank; or

     CONTROL
     (k)  control of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries passes without the
          consent of the Bank to any person, firm or company acting either
          individually or in concert; or

     DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY
     (l)  the Property is destroyed; or

     DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY
     (m)  the Property is sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of; or

     MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE
     (n)  any event occurs which in the opinion of the Bank is likely to have a
          material adverse effect on the ability of the Borrower to comply with
          its obligations under this Agreement

     then /

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     then in any such case and at any time thereafter while such event is
     continuing the Bank may by written notice to the Borrower declare the Loan,
     all interest accrued and all other sums payable by the Borrower under this
     Agreement including the additional payment detailed in Clauses 5.2(a) and
     5.2(b) to be immediately due and payable and/or terminate the obligations
     of the Bank under this Agreement.

13   FEES CHARGES AND EXPENSES

13.1 The Borrower shall pay to the Bank the charges and fees referred to in
     Clauses 2, 4 and 5 and in addition shall meet all costs, charges and
     expenses incurred (including the fees and expenses of any legal advisers
     whether directly employed by the Bank or who provide other services to the
     Bank) in connection with:-

     (a)  the preparation and execution of this Agreement;

     (b)  the constitution and discharge of the security detailed in Clause 11
          and any further security granted in favour of the Bank pursuant to
          Clause 11;

     (c)  the occurrence of any Event of Default;

     (d)  the enforcement or preservation of the Bank's rights under this
          Agreement and any security held by the Bank in terms of Clause 11; and

     (e)  any breach of any environmental law or regulation by the Borrower or
          its Subsidiaries.

13.2 The Borrower shall remain liable for any outstanding charges detailed in
     Clause 13.1 if this Agreement is cancelled by the Bank.

13.3 The Borrower shall pay to the Bank an arrangement fee of L 10,000 on the
     date which is the earlier of (i) the date on which the Loan is drawn and
     (ii) the date which is 5 Business Days after this Agreement is signed on
     behalf of the Borrower.

13.4 The Borrower authorises the Bank to debit any unpaid fees, charges and
     expenses to a current account maintained by the Borrower with the Bank.

14   NOTICES

14.1 Every notice or other communication made under this Agreement shall unless
     otherwise stated be in writing (by way of letter, telex or facsimile
     transmission) and shall be given:-

     (a)  in the case of the Borrower to its registered office; and

     (b)  in the case of the Bank to the Branch Office.

14.2 Every notice or other communication shall be deemed to have been received:-

     (a)  in the case of a letter when delivered personally or two days after
          its posting by first class post; and

     (b)  in the case of a telex or facsimile transmission when despatched.

15     MISCELLANEOUS

15.1 The Borrower may not assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations
     under this Agreement.

15.2 The Bank may assign all or any part of its rights or benefits under this
     Agreement without the consent of the Borrower. The Bank may disclose to a
     prospective assignee or to any other person who may propose entering into
     contractual relations with the Bank in relation to this Agreement such
     information about the Borrower as the Bank shall consider appropriate.

15.3 No delay or omission on the part of the Bank in exercising any of its
     rights powers or privileges under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver
     thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right power or
     privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of
     any other right power or privilege.

15.4/

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15.4 This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements, arrangements or
     correspondence between the Bank and the Borrower in relation to the Loan.

16   LAW

16.1 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
     laws of Scotland.

IN WITNESS whereof this Agreement is executed by the duly authorised
representatives of the Bank and the Borrower.

For and on behalf of the Bank


Signature..................... /s/ Illegible


Date................. 18/8/02

   THE BORROWER IS ADVISED TO READ CLAUSE 5.2 IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE GUIDE TO
   EARLY REPAYMENT - CHARGES FOR FIXED-RATE LOANS WHICH EXPLAINS THE BASIS FOR
       EARLY REPAYMENT CHARGES, AND HOW THE BANK CALCULATES SUCH A CHARGE

The Borrower herby accepts the above terms and conditions and confirms having
received and read the Guide to early repayment charges for fixed-rate loans.

For and on behalf of the Borrower


Signature....................../s/ John Ackroyd


Date..................21/8/02

<Page>

                                    SCHEDULE

Schedule to Agreement between THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND plc and CRUACHEM
LIMITED

    1.   With reference to Clause 2.1 the Loan must be drawn down no later than
         3 SEPTEMBER (the "Availability Date").

2.   With reference to Clause 3.1 interest on the Loan will be charged at a
     fixed rate of 6.77 % per annum. This fixed rate is equal to the aggregate
     of:-

     (i)     5.27% representing the Bank's cost of funding the Loan and;
     (ii)    1.50% representing the Bank's margin.

*3.  DELETED

4.   With reference to Clause 6.1 the Loan, together with interest, will be
     repayable by 179 payments of L 26,666.66 and a final payment of
     L 26667.25 at monthly intervals commencing 1 month(s) after the date the
     Loan is drawn.

Signed for and on behalf of The Royal Bank of Scotland plc


Signature.................../s/ Illegible


Date................3/9/02

Signed for and on behalf of the Borrower


Signature.................../s/ John Ackroyd


Date................3/9/02


*Delete if not applicable