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Loan and Security Agreement - Silicon Valley Bank and FreeMarkets OnLine Inc.

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                           LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                                 BY AND BETWEEN

                      FREEMARKETS ONLINE, INC., AS BORROWER

                                       AND

                          SILICON VALLEY BANK, THE BANK


                                FEBRUARY 5, 1999

<PAGE>   2



                           LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

         THIS LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT is entered into as of February 5,
1999, by and between SILICON VALLEY BANK, a California chartered bank ("Bank")
with its principal place of business at 3003 Tasman Drive, Santa Clara,
California 95054 and with a loan production office located at One Central Plaza
11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1205, Rockville, Maryland and FREEMARKETS ONLINE,
INC., a corporation organized and in good standing under the laws of the State
of Delaware ("Borrower").


                                    RECITALS

         Borrower wishes to obtain credit from time to time from Bank, and Bank
desires to extend credit to Borrower. This Agreement sets forth the terms on
which Bank will advance credit to Borrower, and Borrower will repay the amounts
owing to Bank.


                                    AGREEMENT

         The parties agree as follows:

1.       DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

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

                 "Accounts" means all presently existing and hereafter arising
accounts, contract rights, and all other forms of obligations owing to Borrower
arising out of the sale or lease of goods (including, without limitation, the
licensing of software and other technology) or the rendering of services by
Borrower, whether or not earned by performance, and any and all credit
insurance, guaranties, and other security therefor, as well as all merchandise
returned to or reclaimed by Borrower and Borrower's Books relating to any of the
foregoing.

                 "Advance" or "Advances" means a loan advance under the
Committed Revolving Line or the Committed Equipment Line.

                 "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any Person that
owns or controls directly or indirectly such Person, any Person that controls or
is controlled by or is under common control with such Person, and each of such
Person's senior executive officers, directors, partners and, for any Person that
is a limited liability company, such Persons, managers and members.

                 "Bank Expenses" means all reasonable costs or expenses
(including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) incurred in connection with
the preparation, negotiation, administration, and enforcement of the Loan
Documents; and Bank's reasonable attorneys' fees


<PAGE>   3


and expenses incurred in amending, enforcing or defending the Loan Documents,
(including fees and expenses of appeal or review, or those incurred in any
Insolvency Proceeding) whether or not suit is brought.

                 "Borrower's Books" means all of Borrower's books and records
including, without limitation: ledgers, records concerning Borrower's assets or
liabilities, the Collateral, business operations or financial condition; and all
computer programs, or tape files, and the equipment, containing such
information.

                 "Borrowing Base" means an amount equal to seventy-five percent
(75%) of Eligible Accounts, as determined by Bank with reference to the most
recent Borrowing Base Certificate delivered by Borrower.

                 "Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or
other day on which banks in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are authorized or
required to close.

                 "Closing Date" means the date of this Agreement.

                 "Code" means the Pennsylvania Uniform Commercial Code.

                 "Collateral" means the property described on Exhibit A attached
hereto.

                 "Committed Revolving Line" means a credit extension of up to
Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000).

                 "Committed Equipment Line" means a credit extension of up to
Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000).

                 "Committed Equipment Line Maturity Date" means February 5,
2003.

                 "Contingent Obligation" means, as applied to any Person, any
direct or indirect liability, contingent or otherwise, of that Person with
respect to (i) any indebtedness, lease, dividend, letter of credit or other
obligation of another, including, without limitation, any such obligation
directly or indirectly guaranteed, endorsed, co-made or discounted or sold with
recourse by that Person, or in respect of which that Person is otherwise
directly or indirectly liable; (ii) any obligations with respect to undrawn
letters of credit issued for the account of that Person; and (iii) all
obligations arising under any interest rate, currency or commodity swap
agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, or other
agreement or arrangement designated to protect a Person against fluctuation in
interest rates, currency exchange rates or commodity prices; provided, however,
that the term "Contingent Obligation" shall not include endorsements for
collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any
Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or
determined amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Contingent
Obligation is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably
anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by such Person in good
faith; provided, however, that such amount shall not in any event exceed the
maximum amount of the obligations under the guarantee or other support
arrangement.



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                 "Copyrights" means any and all copyright rights, copyright
applications, copyright registrations and like protections in each work or
authorship and derivative work thereof, whether published or unpublished and
whether or not the same also constitutes a trade secret, now or hereafter
existing, created, acquired or held.

                 "Credit Extension" means each Advance or Equipment Advance, or
any other extension of credit by Bank for the benefit of Borrower hereunder.

                 "Current Assets" means, as of any applicable date, all amounts
that should, in accordance with GAAP, be included as current assets on the
consolidated balance sheet of Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such date.

                 "Current Liabilities" means, as of any applicable date, all
amounts that should, in accordance with GAAP, be included as current liabilities
on the consolidated balance sheet of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as at such
date, plus, to the extent not already included therein, all outstanding Credit
Extensions made under this Agreement, including all Indebtedness that is payable
upon demand or within one year from the date of determination thereof unless
such Indebtedness is renewable or extendable at the option of Borrower to a date
more than one year from the date of determination, but excluding deferred
revenues and Subordinated Debt.

                 "Eligible Accounts" means those Accounts that arise in the
ordinary course of Borrower's business that comply with all of Borrower's
representations and warranties to Bank set forth in Section 5.4. Unless
otherwise agreed to by Bank in writing, Eligible Accounts shall not include the
following:

                 (a) Accounts that the account debtor has failed to pay within
ninety (90) days of invoice date;

                 (b) Accounts with respect to an account debtor, fifty percent
(50%) of whose Accounts the account debtor has failed to pay within ninety (90)
days of invoice date;

                 (c) Accounts with respect to an account debtor, including
Affiliates, whose total obligations to Borrower exceed forty percent (40%) of
all Accounts, except with respect to General Motors Corporation and United
Technology Corporation, as to which the percentage shall be fifty percent (50%),
to the extent such obligations exceed the aforementioned percentage, except as
approved in writing by Bank;

                 (d) Accounts with respect to which the account debtor does not
have its principal place of business in the United States;

                 (e) Accounts with respect to which the account debtor is a
federal, state, or local governmental entity or any department, agency, or
instrumentality thereof, unless the Borrower has taken all steps required by
Bank to comply with the Federal Assignment of Claims Act of 1940 and any
comparable law with respect to state or local government agencies;



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                 (f) Accounts with respect to which Borrower is liable to the
account debtor, but only to the extent of any amounts owing to the account
debtor (sometimes referred to as "contra" accounts, e.g. accounts payable,
customer deposits, credit accounts etc.);

                 (g) Accounts generated by demonstration or promotional
equipment, or with respect to which goods are placed on consignment, guaranteed
sale, sale or return, sale on approval, bill and hold, or other terms by reason
of which the payment by the account debtor may be conditional;

                 (h) Accounts with respect to which the account debtor is an
Affiliate, officer, employee, or agent of Borrower;

                 (i) Accounts with respect to which the account debtor disputes
any material amount of liability or makes any claim with respect thereto as to
which Bank believes, in its sole discretion, that there may be a basis for
dispute (but only to the extent of the amount subject to such dispute or claim),
or is subject to any Insolvency Proceeding, or becomes insolvent, or goes out of
business; and

                 (j) Accounts the collection of which Bank reasonably determines
after reasonable inquiry and reasonable consultation with Borrower to be
doubtful.

                 "Equipment" means all present and future machinery, equipment,
tenant improvements, furniture, fixtures, vehicles, tools, parts and attachments
in which Borrower has any interest.

                 "Equipment Advance" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.1.2(a).

                 "Equipment Availability End Date One" has the meaning set forth
in Section 2.1.2(a).

                 "Equipment Availability End Date Two" has the meaning set forth
in Section 2.1.2(b).

                 "Equipment Term Note" means one of the two (2) equipment term
notes now or hereafter delivered by the Borrower to the Bank in connection with
the Committed Equipment Line in substantially the form of Exhibit F and
"Equipment Term Notes" means collectively, the equipment term notes which may
now or hereafter be delivered by the Borrower to Bank in connection with the
Committed Equipment Line, together with all renewals, amendments, modifications
and substitutions therefore.

                 "ERISA" means the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended, and the regulations thereunder.



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                 "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as in
effect in the United States from time to time.

                 "Indebtedness" means (a) all indebtedness for borrowed money or
the deferred purchase price of property or services, including without
limitation reimbursement and other obligations with respect to surety bonds and
letters of credit, (b) all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or
similar instruments, (c) all capital lease obligations and (d) all Contingent
Obligations.

                 "Insolvency Proceeding" means any proceeding commenced by or
against any person or entity under any provision of the United States Bankruptcy
Code, as amended, or under any other bankruptcy or insolvency law, including
assignments for the benefit of creditors, formal or informal moratoria,
compositions, extension generally with its creditors, or proceedings seeking
reorganization, arrangement, or other relief.

                 "Intellectual Property" means

                 (a) Copyrights, Trademarks, Patents and Mask Works;

                 (b) Any and all trade secrets, and any and all intellectual
property rights in computer software and computer software products now or
hereafter existing, created, acquired or held;

                 (c) Any and all design rights which may be available to
Borrower now or hereafter existing, created, acquired or held;

                 (d) Any and all claims for damages by way of past, present and
future infringement of any of the rights included above, with the right, but not
the obligation, to sue for and collect such damages for said use or infringement
of the intellectual property rights identified above;

                 (e) All licenses or other rights to use any of the Copyrights,
Patents, Trademarks or Mask Works, and all license fees and royalties arising
from such use to the extent permitted by such license or rights;

                 (f) All amendments, renewals and extensions of any of the
Copyrights, Trademarks, Patents or Mask Works; and

                 (g) All proceeds and products of the foregoing, including
without limitation all payments under insurance or any indemnity or warranty
payable in respect of any of the foregoing.

                 "Inventory" means all present and future inventory in which
Borrower has any interest, including merchandise, raw materials, parts,
supplies, packing and shipping materials, work in process and finished products
intended for sale or lease or to be furnished



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under a contract of service, of every kind and description now or at any time
hereafter owned by or in the custody or possession, actual or constructive, of
Borrower, including such inventory as is temporarily out of its custody or
possession or in transit and including any returns upon any accounts or other
proceeds, including insurance proceeds, resulting from the sale or disposition
of any of the foregoing and any documents of title representing any of the
above.

                 "Investment" means any beneficial ownership of (including
stock, partnership interest or other securities) any Person, or any loan,
advance or capital contribution to any Person.

                 "IRC" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
the regulations thereunder.

                 "Lien" means any mortgage, lien, deed of trust, charge, pledge,
security interest or other encumbrance.

                 "Loan Documents" means, collectively, this Agreement, the
Negative Pledge Agreement, any note or notes executed by Borrower, and any other
present or future agreement entered into between Borrower and/or for the benefit
of Bank in connection with this Agreement, all as amended, extended or restated
from time to time.

                 "Mask Works" means all mask work or similar rights available
for the protection of semiconductor chips, now owned or hereafter acquired.

                 "Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on
(i) the business operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of Borrower
taken as a whole or (ii) the ability of Borrower to repay the Obligations or
otherwise perform its obligations under the Loan Documents.

                 "Maturity Date" means the later of either the Revolving
Maturity Date or the Committed Equipment Line Maturity Date.

                 "Negative Pledge Agreement" means that certain negative pledge
agreement covering all Intellectual Property executed by the Borrower in favor
of the Bank of even date herewith.

                 "Negotiable Collateral" means all of Borrower's present and
future letters of credit of which it is a beneficiary, notes, drafts,
instruments, securities, documents of title, and chattel paper.

                 "Note" means the Revolving Promissory Note or an Equipment Term
Note, and "Notes" means the Revolving Promissory Note and the Equipment Term
Notes.

                 "Obligations" means all debt, principal, interest, Bank
Expenses and other amounts owed to Bank by Borrower pursuant to this Agreement
or any other agreement, whether absolute or contingent, due or to become due,


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now existing or hereafter arising, including any interest that accrues after the
commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding and including any debt, liability, or
obligation owing from Borrower to others that Bank may have obtained by
assignment or otherwise.

                 "Patents means all patents, patent applications and like
protections including without limitation improvements, divisions, continuations,
renewals, reissues, extensions and continuations-in-part of the same.

                 "Payment Date" means the fifth calendar day of each month
commencing on the first such date after the Closing Date and ending on the
Maturity Date.

                 "Permitted Indebtedness" means:

                 (a) Indebtedness of Borrower in favor of Bank arising under
this Agreement or any other Loan Document;

                 (b) Indebtedness of Borrower in favor of The Urban
Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh;

                 (c) Indebtedness existing on the Closing Date and disclosed in
the Schedule;

                 (d) Subordinated Debt;

                 (e) Indebtedness to trade creditors incurred in the ordinary
course of business; and

                 (f) Indebtedness secured by Permitted Liens.

                 "Permitted Investment" means:

                 (a) Investments existing on the Closing Date disclosed in the
Schedule; and

                 (b) (i) marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally
guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency or any State thereof
maturing within one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof, (ii)
commercial paper maturing no more than one (1) year from the date of creation
thereof and currently having the highest rating obtainable from either Standard
& Poor's Corporation or Moody's Investors Service, Inc., and (iii) certificates
of deposit maturing no more than one (1) year from the date of investment
therein issued by Bank.




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                 "Permitted Liens" means the following:

                 (a) Any Liens existing on the Closing Date and disclosed in the
Schedule or arising under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents;

                 (b) Liens on Equipment in favor of The Urban Redevelopment
Authority of Pittsburgh;

                 (c) Liens for taxes, fees, assessments or other governmental
charges or levies, either not delinquent or being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserves are maintained on
Borrower's Books in accordance with GAAP, provided the same have no priority
over any of Bank's security interests;

                 (d) Liens (i) upon or in any Equipment acquired or held by
Borrower to secure the purchase price of such Equipment or indebtedness incurred
solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition of such Equipment, or (ii)
existing on such equipment at the time of its acquisition, provided that the
Lien is confined solely to the property so acquired and improvements thereon,
and the proceeds of such equipment; and

                 (e) Liens incurred in connection with the extension, renewal or
refinancing of the indebtedness secured by Liens of the type described in
clauses (a) through (c) above, provided that any extension, renewal or
replacement Lien shall be limited to the property encumbered by the existing
Lien and the principal amount of the indebtedness being extended, renewed or
refinanced does not increase.

                 "Person" means any individual, sole proprietorship,
partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated
organization, association, corporation, institution, public benefit corporation,
firm, joint stock company, estate, entity or governmental agency.

                 "Prime Rate" means the variable rate of interest, per annum,
most recently announced by Bank, as its "prime rate," whether or not such
announced rate is the lowest rate available from Bank.

                 "Quick Assets" means, as of any applicable date, the
consolidated cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable of Borrower
determined in accordance with GAAP.

                 "Responsible Officer" means the Chief Executive Officer, the
President, the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Finance and
Administration and the Controller of Borrower.

                 "Revolving Maturity Date" means February 5, 2000.

                 "Revolving Promissory Note" means that certain Revolving
Promissory Note of even date herewith in substantially the form of Exhibit E
hereto in the maximum principal amount of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) from
the Borrower in favor of Bank, together with all renewals, amendments,
modifications and substitutions therefore.



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                 "Schedule" means the schedule of exceptions attached hereto, if
any.

                 "Subordinated Debt" means any debt incurred by Borrower that is
subordinated to the debt owing by Borrower to Bank on terms acceptable to Bank
(and identified as being such by Borrower and Bank).

                 "Tangible Net Worth" means as of any applicable date, the
consolidated total assets of Borrower and its Subsidiaries minus, without
duplication, (i) the sum of any amounts attributable to (a) goodwill, (b)
intangible items such as unamortized debt discount and expense, patents, trade
and service marks and names, copyrights and research and development expenses
except prepaid expenses, and (c) all reserves not already deducted from assets,
and (ii) Total Liabilities.

                 "Total Liabilities" means as of any applicable date, any date
as of which the amount thereof shall be determined, all obligations that should,
in accordance with GAAP be classified as liabilities on the consolidated balance
sheet of Borrower, including in any event all Indebtedness, but specifically
excluding Subordinated Debt.

                 "Trademarks" means any trademark and servicemark rights,
whether registered or not, applications to register and registrations of the
same and like protections, and the entire goodwill of the business of Assignor
connected with and symbolized by such trademarks.

         1.2 Accounting and Other Terms. All accounting terms not specifically
defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP and all calculations
and determinations made hereunder shall be made in accordance with GAAP. When
used herein, the term "financial statements" shall include the notes and
schedules thereto. The terms "including"/ "includes" shall always be read as
meaning "including (or includes) without limitation", when used herein or in any
other Loan Document.

2.       LOAN AND TERMS OF PAYMENT

         2.1 Advances. Borrower promises to pay to the order of Bank, in lawful
money of the United States of America, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of
all Advances made by Bank to Borrower hereunder. Borrower shall also pay
interest on the unpaid principal amount of such Advances at rates in accordance
with the terms hereof.

              2.1.1 (a) Subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, Bank agrees to make Advances to Borrower in an aggregate outstanding
amount not to exceed the Committed Revolving Line or the Borrowing Base,
whichever is less. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
amounts borrowed pursuant to this Section 2.1 may be repaid and reborrowed at
any time during the term of this Agreement.



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                 (b) Whenever Borrower desires an Advance, Borrower will notify
Bank by facsimile transmission or telephone no later than 3:00 p.m. Washington,
D.C. time, on the Business Day that the Advance is to be made. Each such
notification shall be promptly confirmed by a Payment/Advance Form in
substantially the form of Exhibit B hereto. Bank is authorized to make Advances
under this Agreement, based upon instructions received from a Responsible
Officer or a designee of a Responsible Officer, or without instructions if in
Bank's discretion such Advances are necessary to meet Obligations which have
become due and remain unpaid. Bank shall be entitled to rely on any telephonic
notice given by a person who Bank reasonably believes to be a Responsible
Officer or a designee thereof, and Borrower shall indemnify and hold Bank
harmless for any damages or loss suffered by Bank as a result of such reliance.
Bank will credit the amount of Advances made under this Section 2.1 to
Borrower's deposit account.

                 (c) The Committed Revolving Line shall terminate on the
Revolving Maturity Date, at which time all Advances under this Section 2.1 and
other amounts due under this Agreement (except as otherwise expressly specified
herein) shall be immediately due and payable.

              2.1.2 Equipment Advances.

                 (a) Subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, at any time from the date hereof through August 5, 1999 (the
"Equipment Availability End Date One"), Borrower may from time to time request
advances (each together with the advances described in subsection (b) below, an
"Equipment Advance" and collectively, the "Equipment Advances") to Borrower in
an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed the Committed Equipment Line.
Amounts borrowed pursuant to this Section 2.1.2(a) may not be readvanced.

                 All Equipment Advances made prior to the Equipment Availability
End Date One shall be evidenced by an Equipment Term Note ("Equipment Term Note
No. 1") to be executed and delivered by the Borrower to Bank on the Closing
Date. All Equipment Advances made prior to the Equipment Availability End Date
One shall be repaid in accordance with the terms of Equipment Term Note No. 1.

                 (b) At any time after August 5, 1999 through February 5, 2000
(the "Equipment Availability End Date Two"), Borrower may from time to time
request Equipment Advances from Bank in an aggregate amount not to exceed the
Committed Equipment Line less Equipment Advances made under 2.1.2(a) hereof.
Amounts borrowed pursuant to this Section 2.1.2(b) may not be readvanced.

                 All Equipment Advances made after the Equipment Availability
End Date One, but prior to the Equipment Availability End Date Two shall be
evidenced by an Equipment Term Note ("Equipment Term Note No. 2") to be executed
and delivered by Borrower to Bank on the Closing Date. All Equipment Advances
made after the Equipment Availability End Date One, but prior to the Equipment
Availability End Date Two shall be repaid in accordance with the terms of
Equipment Term Note No. 2.




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                 (c) To evidence the Equipment Advance or Equipment Advances,
Borrower shall deliver to Bank, at the time of each Equipment Advance request,
an invoice for the Equipment to be purchased. The Equipment Advances shall be
used only to purchase Equipment purchased on or after November 1, 1998 and shall
not exceed One Hundred Percent (100%) of the invoice amount of such equipment
approved from time to time by Bank, excluding taxes, shipping, warranty charges,
freight discounts and installation expense. Software may, however, constitute up
to twenty-five percent (25%) of aggregate Equipment Advances. At no time shall
Bank make any Equipment Advances if after giving effect to such request the
aggregate amount then outstanding would exceed the Committed Equipment Line.

                 (d) Interest shall accrue from the date of each Equipment
Advance at the rate as set forth in the Equipment Term Notes and shall be
payable monthly in accordance with the Equipment Term Notes.

         2.2 Overadvances. If, at any time or for any reason, the amount of
Obligations owed by Borrower to Bank pursuant to Section 2.1.1 of this Agreement
is greater than the lesser of (i) the Committed Revolving Line or (ii) the
Borrowing Base, Borrower shall immediately pay to Bank, in cash, the amount of
such excess.

         2.3 Interest Rates, Payments, and Calculations.

                 (a) Interest Rate. Except as set forth in Section 2.3(b), all
Advances shall bear interest as set forth in the Notes.

                 (b) Default Rate. All Obligations shall bear interest, at all
times during the continuance of any Event of Default, at a rate equal to the
lesser of (i) five (5) percentage points above the interest rate applicable
immediately prior to the occurrence of the Event of Default, or (ii) the highest
rate of interest permissible by law.

                 (c) Payments. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable on
each Payment Date. Borrower hereby authorizes Bank to debit any accounts with
Bank, including, without limitation, Account Number _____________________ for
payments of principal and interest due on the Obligations and any other amounts
owing by Borrower to Bank. Bank will notify Borrower of all debits which Bank
has made against Borrower's accounts. Any such debits against Borrower's
accounts in no way shall be deemed a set-off. Any interest not paid when due
shall be compounded by becoming a part of the Obligations, and such interest
shall thereafter accrue interest at the rate then applicable hereunder.

                 (d) Computation. In the event the Prime Rate is changed from
time to time hereafter, the applicable rate of interest hereunder shall be
increased or decreased effective as of 12:01 a.m. Washington, D.C. time on the
day the Prime Rate is changed, by an amount equal to such change in the Prime
Rate. All interest chargeable under the Loan Documents shall be computed on the
basis of a three hundred sixty (360) day year for the actual number of days
elapsed.




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         2.4 Crediting Payments. Prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default,
Bank shall credit a wire transfer of funds, check or other item of payment to
such deposit account or Obligation as Borrower specifies. After the occurrence
of an Event of Default, the receipt by Bank of any wire transfer of funds,
check, or other item of payment, whether directed to Borrower's deposit account
with Bank or to the Obligations or otherwise, shall be immediately applied to
conditionally reduce Obligations, but shall not be considered a payment in
respect of the Obligations unless such payment is of immediately available
federal funds or unless and until such check or other item of payment is honored
when presented for payment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
herein, any wire transfer or payment received by Bank after 12:00 noon Pacific
time shall be deemed to have been received by Bank as of the opening of business
on the immediately following Business Day. Whenever any payment to Bank under
the Loan Documents would otherwise be due (except by reason of acceleration) on
a date that is not a Business Day, such payment shall instead be due on the next
Business Day, and additional fees or interest, as the case may be, shall accrue
and be payable for the period of such extension.

         2.5 Fees. Borrower shall pay to Bank the following:

                 (a) Revolving Line Facility Fee. A revolving line facility fee
equal to Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000), which fee shall be due on the Closing
Date and shall be fully earned and non-refundable;

                 (b) Equipment Line Facility Fee. An equipment line facility fee
equal to Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000), which fee shall be due on the Closing
Date and shall be fully earned and non-refundable;

                 (c) Financial Examination and Appraisal Fees. Bank's customary
fees and out-of-pocket expenses for Bank's audits of Borrower's Accounts, and
for each appraisal of Collateral and financial analysis and examination of
Borrower performed from time to time by Bank or its agents, provided that such
audits will be conducted no more often than every six (6) months unless an Event
of Default has occurred and is continuing;

                 (d) Bank Expenses. Upon demand from Bank, including, without
limitation, upon the date hereof, all Bank Expenses incurred through the date
hereof, including reasonable attorneys' fees not in excess of $5,000 and
expenses, and, after the date hereof, all Bank Expenses, including reasonable
attorneys' fees and expenses, as and when they become due.

         2.6 Additional Costs. In case any law, regulation, treaty or official
directive or the interpretation or application thereof by any court or any
governmental authority charged with the administration thereof or the compliance
with any guideline or request of any central bank or other governmental
authority (whether or not having the force of law):

                 (a) subjects Bank to any tax with respect to payments of
principal or interest or any other amounts payable hereunder by Borrower or
otherwise with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby (except for taxes
on the overall net income of Bank imposed by the United States of America or any
political subdivision thereof);



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                 (b) imposes, modifies or deems applicable any deposit
insurance, reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against assets held
by, or deposits in or for the account of, or loans by, Bank; or

                 (c) imposes upon Bank any other condition with respect to its
performance under this Agreement,

and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to Bank, reduce
the income receivable by Bank or impose any expense upon Bank with respect to
any loans, Bank shall notify Borrower thereof. Borrower agrees to pay to Bank
the amount of such increase in cost, reduction in income or additional expense
as and when such cost, reduction or expense is incurred or determined, upon
presentation by Bank of a statement of the amount and setting forth Bank's
calculation thereof, all in reasonable detail, which statement shall be deemed
true and correct absent manifest error.

         2.7 Term. Except as otherwise set forth herein, this Agreement shall
become effective on the Closing Date and, subject to Section 12.7, shall
continue in full force and effect for a term ending on the Maturity Date.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Bank shall have the right to terminate its
obligation to make Credit Extensions under this Agreement immediately and
without notice upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of
Default. Notwithstanding termination of this Agreement, Bank's lien on the
Collateral shall remain in effect for so long as any Obligations are
outstanding.

3.       CONDITIONS OF LOANS

         3.1 Conditions Precedent to Initial Advance. The obligation of Bank to
make the initial Advance is subject to the condition precedent that Bank shall
have received, in form and substance satisfactory to Bank, the following:

                 (a) this Agreement;

                 (b) a certificate of the Secretary of Borrower with respect to
articles, bylaws, incumbency and resolutions authorizing the execution and
delivery of this Agreement;

                 (c) the Notes;

                 (d) the Negative Pledge Agreement;

                 (d) an opinion of Borrower's counsel;

                 (e) financing statements (Forms UCC-1);




                                       13
<PAGE>   15

                 (f) insurance certificate;

                 (g) payment of the fees and Bank Expenses then due specified in
Section 2.5 hereof;

                 (h) satisfactory audit of Borrower's Accounts; and

                 (i) such other documents, and completion of such other matters,
as Bank may reasonably deem necessary or appropriate.

         3.2 Conditions Precedent to all Advances. The obligation of Bank to
make each Advance, including the initial Advance, is further subject to the
following conditions:

                 (a) timely receipt by Bank of the Payment/Advance Form as
provided in Section 2.1; and

                 (b) the representations and warranties contained in Section 5
shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such
Payment/Advance Form and on the effective date of each Advance as though made at
and as of each such date, and no Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, or would result from such Advance. The making of each Advance shall
be deemed to be a representation and warranty by Borrower on the date of such
Advance as to the accuracy of the facts referred to in this Section 3.2(b).

4.       CREATION OF SECURITY INTEREST

         4.1 Grant of Security Interest. Borrower grants and pledges to Bank a
continuing security interest in all presently existing and hereafter acquired or
arising Collateral in order to secure prompt payment of any and all Obligations
and in order to secure prompt performance by Borrower of each of its covenants
and duties under the Loan Documents. Except as set forth in the Schedule, such
security interest constitutes a valid, first priority security interest in the
presently existing Collateral, and will constitute a valid, first priority
security interest in Collateral acquired after the date hereof. Borrower
acknowledges that Bank may place a "hold" on any Deposit Account pledged as
Collateral to secure the Obligations. Notwithstanding termination of this
Agreement, Bank's Lien on the Collateral shall remain in effect for so long as
any Obligations are outstanding.

         4.2 Delivery of Additional Documentation Required. Borrower shall from
time to time execute and deliver to Bank, at the request of Bank, all Negotiable
Collateral, all financing statements and other documents that Bank may
reasonably request, in form satisfactory to Bank, to perfect and continue
perfected Bank's security interests in the Collateral and in order to fully
consummate all of the transactions contemplated under the Loan Documents.

         4.3 Right to Inspect. Bank (through any of its officers, employees, or
agents) shall have the right, upon reasonable prior notice, from time to time
during Borrower's usual business hours, to inspect Borrower's Books and to make
copies thereof and to check, test, and appraise the Collateral in order to
verify Borrower's financial condition or the amount, condition of, or any other
matter relating to, the Collateral.



                                       14
<PAGE>   16


5.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         Borrower represents and warrants as follows:

         5.1 Due Organization and Qualification. Borrower is a corporation duly
existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of incorporation and
qualified and licensed to do business in, and is in good standing in, any state
in which the failure to be so qualified could have a Material Adverse Effect.

         5.2 Due Authorization; No Conflict. The execution, delivery, and
performance of the Loan Documents are within Borrower's powers, have been duly
authorized, and are not in conflict with nor constitute a breach of any
provision contained in Borrower's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, nor
will they constitute an event of default under any material agreement to which
Borrower is a party or by which Borrower is bound except to the extent that
certain intellectual property agreements prohibit the assignment of the rights
thereunder to a third party without the Borrower's or other party's consent and
the Loan Documents constitute an assignment. Borrower is not in default under
any agreement to which it is a party or by which it is bound, which default
could have a Material Adverse Effect.

         5.3 No Prior Encumbrances. Borrower has good and indefeasible title to
the Collateral, free and clear of Liens, except for Permitted Liens.

         5.4 Bona Fide Eligible Accounts. The Eligible Accounts are bona fide
existing obligations. The service or property giving rise to such Eligible
Accounts has been performed or delivered to the account debtor or to the account
debtor's agent for immediate shipment to and unconditional acceptance by the
account debtor. Borrower has not received notice of actual or imminent
Insolvency Proceeding of any account debtor whose accounts are included in any
Borrowing Base Certificate as an Eligible Account.

         5.5 [Omitted].

         5.6 Intellectual Property. Borrower is the sole owner of the
Intellectual Property, except for non-exclusive licenses granted by Borrower to
its customers in the ordinary course of business. Each of the Patents is valid
and enforceable, and no part of the Intellectual Property has been judged
invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, and to the best of Borrower's
knowledge after due inquiry no claim has been made that any part of the
Intellectual Property violates the rights of any third party.

         5.7 Name; Location of Chief Executive Office. Except as disclosed in
the Schedule, Borrower has not done business and will not without at least
thirty (30) days prior written notice to Bank do business under any name other
than that specified on the signature page hereof. The chief executive office of
Borrower is located at the address indicated in Section 10 hereof. The Bank
acknowledges that the Borrower has advised it that the Borrower intends to move
its place of business on March 1, 1999 to One Oliver Plaza, 210 Sixth Avenue,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and to change its name to FreeMarkets Corporation
within the next thirty (30) days to FreeMarkets Corporation.



                                       15
<PAGE>   17


         5.8 Litigation. Except as set forth in the Schedule, there are no
actions or proceedings pending, or, to Borrower's knowledge, threatened by or
against Borrower before any court or administrative agency in which an adverse
decision could have a Material Adverse Effect or a material adverse effect on
Borrower's interest or Bank's security interest in the Collateral

         5.9 No Material Adverse Change in Financial Statements. All
consolidated financial statements related to Borrower that have been delivered
by Borrower to Bank fairly present in all material respects Borrower's
consolidated financial condition as of the date thereof and Borrower's
consolidated results of operations for the period then ended. There has not been
a material adverse change in the consolidated financial condition of Borrower
since the date of the most recent of such financial statements submitted to Bank
on or about the Closing Date.

         5.10 Solvency. Borrower is able to pay its debts (including trade
debts) as they mature.

         5.11 Regulatory Compliance. Borrower has met the minimum funding
requirements of ERISA with respect to any employee benefit plans subject to
ERISA. No event has occurred resulting from Borrower's failure to comply with
ERISA that is reasonably likely to result in Borrower's incurring any liability
that could have a Material Adverse Effect. Borrower is not an "investment
company" or a company "controlled" by an "investment company" within the meaning
of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Borrower is not engaged principally, or
as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the
purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of
Regulations G, T and U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System).
Borrower has complied with all the provisions of the Federal Fair Labor
Standards Act. Borrower has not violated any statutes, laws, ordinances or rules
applicable to it, violation of which could have a Material Adverse Effect.

         5.12 Environmental Condition. None of Borrower's properties or assets
has ever been used by Borrower or, to the best of Borrower's knowledge, by
previous owners or operators, in the disposal of, or to produce, store, handle,
treat, release, or transport, any hazardous waste or hazardous substance other
than in accordance with applicable law. To the best of Borrower's knowledge,
none of Borrower's properties or assets has ever been designated or identified
in any manner pursuant to any environmental protection statute as a hazardous
waste or hazardous substance disposal site, or a candidate for closure pursuant
to any environmental protection statute; no lien arising under any environmental
protection statute has attached to any revenues or to any real or personal
property owned by Borrower; and Borrower has not received a summons, citation,
notice, or directive from the Environmental Protection Agency or any other
federal, state or other governmental agency concerning any action or omission by
Borrower resulting in the release, or other disposition of hazardous waste or
hazardous substances into the environment.



                                       16
<PAGE>   18


         5.13 Taxes. Borrower has filed or caused to be filed all tax returns
required to be filed on a timely basis, and has paid, or has made adequate
provision for the payment of, all taxes reflected therein.

         5.14 Subsidiaries. Except for the Borrower's Belgian subsidiary,
Borrower does not own any stock, partnership interest or other equity securities
of any Person, except for Permitted Investments.

         5.15 Government Consents. Borrower has obtained all consents, approvals
and authorizations of, made all declarations or filings with, and given all
notices to, all governmental authorities that are necessary for the continued
operation of Borrower's business as currently conducted.

         5.16 Full Disclosure. No representation, warranty or other statement
made by Borrower in any certificate or written statement furnished to Bank
contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material
fact necessary in order to make the statements contained in such certificates or
statements not misleading.

 6.      AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

                  Borrower covenants and agrees that, until payment in full of
all outstanding Obligations, and for so long as Bank may have any commitment to
make a Credit Extension hereunder, Borrower shall do all of the following:

         6.1 Good Standing. Borrower shall maintain its corporate existence and
good standing in its jurisdiction of incorporation and maintain qualification in
each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify could have a Material
Adverse Effect. Borrower shall maintain, to the extent consistent with prudent
management of Borrower's business, in force all licenses, approvals and
agreements, the loss of which could have a Material Adverse Effect.

         6.2 Government Compliance. Borrower shall meet the minimum funding
requirements of ERISA with respect to any employee benefit plans subject to
ERISA. Borrower shall comply with all statutes, laws, ordinances and government
rules and regulations to which it is subject, noncompliance with which could
have a Material Adverse Effect or a material adverse effect on the Collateral or
the priority of Bank's Lien on the Collateral.

         6.3 Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates. Borrower shall deliver
to Bank:

                 (a) as soon as available, but in any event within thirty (30)
days after the end of each month, a company prepared consolidated balance sheet
and income statement covering Borrower's consolidated operations during such
period, in a form and certified by an officer of Borrower reasonably acceptable
to Bank;

                 (b) as soon as available, but in any event within ninety (90)
days after the end of Borrower's fiscal year, audited financial statements of
Borrower prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, together with
an unqualified opinion on such financial statements of an independent certified
public accounting firm reasonably acceptable to Bank;




                                       17
<PAGE>   19

                 (c) as soon as available, but in any event within thirty (30)
days after the first day of Borrower's fiscal year, annual operating plan and
projections for the current fiscal year;

                 (d) promptly upon receipt of notice thereof, a report of any
legal actions pending or threatened against Borrower that could result in
damages or costs to Borrower of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) or more;

                 (e) prompt notice of any material change in the composition of
the Intellectual Property, including, but not limited to, any subsequent
ownership right of the Borrower in or to any Copyright, Patent or Trademark not
specified in any intellectual property security agreement between Borrower and
Bank or knowledge of an event that materially adversely effects the value of the
Intellectual Property; and

                 (f) such budgets, sales projections, operating plans or other
financial information as Bank may reasonably request from time to time.

         Within thirty (30) days after the last day of each month, Borrower
shall deliver to Bank a Borrowing Base Certificate signed by a Responsible
Officer in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto, together with aged
listings of accounts receivable.

         Within thirty (30) days after the last day of each month, Borrower
shall deliver to Bank with the monthly financial statements a Compliance
Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer in substantially the form of Exhibit
D hereto.

         Bank shall have a right from time to time hereafter to audit Borrower's
Accounts at Borrower's expense, provided that such audits will be conducted no
more often than every six (6) months unless an Event of Default has occurred and
is continuing.

         6.4 [Omitted.]

         6.5 Taxes. Borrower shall make due and timely payment or deposit of all
material federal, state, and local taxes, assessments, or contributions required
of it by law, and will execute and deliver to Bank, on demand, appropriate
certificates attesting to the payment or deposit thereof; and Borrower will make
timely payment or deposit of all material tax payments and withholding taxes
required of it by applicable laws, including, but not limited to, those laws
concerning F.I.C.A., F.U.T.A., state disability, and local, state, and federal
income taxes, and will, upon request, furnish Bank with proof satisfactory to
Bank indicating that Borrower has




                                       18
<PAGE>   20



made such payments or deposits; provided that Borrower need not make any payment
if the amount or validity of such payment is (I) contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings , (ii) is reserved against (to the extent required by
GAAP) by Borrower and (iii) no lien other than a Permitted Lien results.

         6.6 Insurance.

                 (a) Borrower, at its expense, shall keep the Collateral insured
against loss or damage by fire, theft, explosion, sprinklers, and all other
hazards and risks, and in such amounts, as ordinarily insured against by other
owners in similar businesses conducted in the locations where Borrower's
business is conducted on the date hereof. Borrower shall also maintain insurance
relating to Borrower's ownership and use of the Collateral in amounts and of a
type that are customary to businesses similar to Borrower's.

                 (b) All such policies of insurance shall be in such form, with
such companies, and in such amounts as are reasonably satisfactory to Bank. All
such policies of property insurance shall contain a lender's loss payable
endorsement, in a form satisfactory to Bank, showing Bank as an additional loss
payee thereof and all liability insurance policies shall show the Bank as an
additional insured, and shall specify that the insurer must give at least twenty
(20) days notice to Bank before canceling its policy for any reason. At Bank's
request, Borrower shall deliver to Bank certified copies of such policies of
insurance and evidence of the payments of all premiums therefor. All proceeds
payable under any such policy shall, at the option of Bank, be payable to Bank
to be applied on account of the Obligations.

         6.7 Principal Depository. Borrower shall maintain its principal
operating accounts and partial excess funds with Bank.

         6.8 Quick Ratio. Borrower shall maintain, tested as of the last day of
each calendar month, a ratio of Quick Assets to Current Liabilities of at least
1.5 to 1.0.

         6.9 Tangible Net Worth. Borrower shall maintain, tested as of the last
day of each calendar month, a Tangible Net Worth of not less than Four Million
Dollars ($4,000,000). From and after the Borrower's next issuance of equity, the
Borrower shall maintain at all times thereafter, Tangible Net Worth in an amount
equal to the sum of Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000) , plus seventy five
percent (75%) of the net amount raised in such equity issuance.

         6.10 Debt Service. Borrower shall maintain, tested as of the last day
of each calendar month, a ratio of (i) cash, plus the Borrowing Base, less all
Advances under the Committed Revolving Line, to (ii) the outstanding balance of
the Committed Equipment Line, of not less than 2.0 to 1.0.

         6.11 Further Assurances. At any time and from time to time Borrower
shall execute and deliver such further instruments and take such further action
as may reasonably be requested by Bank to effect the purposes of this Agreement.



                                       19
<PAGE>   21


 7.      NEGATIVE COVENANTS

         Borrower covenants and agrees that, so long as any Credit Extension
hereunder shall be available and until payment in full of the outstanding
Obligations or for so long as Bank may have any commitment to make any Advances,
Borrower will not do any of the following:

         7.1 Dispositions. Without the prior written consent of the Bank,
convey, sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of (collectively, a
"Transfer"), or permit any of its Subsidiaries to Transfer, all or any part of
its business or property, other than Transfers: (i) of Inventory in the ordinary
course of business, (ii) of non-exclusive licenses and similar arrangements for
the use of the property of Borrower or its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course
of business; (iii) that constitute payment of normal and usual operating
expenses in the ordinary course of business; or (iv) of worn-out or obsolete
Equipment. The Bank acknowledges that from time to time the Borrower may enter
into non-ordinary course of business relationships with one or more Persons,
pursuant to which the Borrower may license or otherwise permit such Persons to
use certain Intellectual Property. Prior to entering into any such arrangements,
the Borrower will notify the Bank and obtain the Bank's written consent to the
use or licensing of such Intellectual Property, provided, however, the Bank
agrees that provided the Borrower retains its ownership of such Intellectual
Property (subject to any licenses so granted), such consent will not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed.

         7.2 Changes in Business, Ownership, or Management, Business Locations.
Engage in any business, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to engage in any
business, other than the businesses currently engaged in by Borrower and any
business substantially similar or related thereto (or incidental thereto), or
suffer a change in Borrower's ownership or management. Borrower will not,
without at least thirty (30) days prior written notification to Bank, relocate
its chief executive office or add any new offices or business locations. Nothing
contained herein shall prevent the Borrower from raising additional equity
capital or undertaking an initial public offering.

         7.3 Mergers or Acquisitions. Merge or consolidate, or permit any of its
Subsidiaries to merge or consolidate, with or into any other business
organization, or acquire, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to acquire, all or
substantially all of the capital stock or property of another Person.

         7.4 Indebtedness. Create, incur, assume or be or remain liable with
respect to any Indebtedness other than Permitted Indebtedness.

         7.5 Encumbrances. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien
with respect to any of its property, or assign or otherwise convey any right to
receive income, including the sale of any Accounts, or permit any of its
Subsidiaries so to do, except for Permitted Liens.

         7.6 Distributions. Pay any dividends or make any other distribution or
payment on account of or in redemption, retirement or purchase of any capital
stock, except for those redemptions or repurchases of shares permitted under
existing agreements with stockholders or Borrower's existing stock option plans
or pursuant to any equity offering of Borrower.



                                       20
<PAGE>   22



         7.7 Investments. Directly or indirectly acquire or own, or make any
Investment in or to any Person, or permit any of its Subsidiaries so to do,
other than Permitted Investments. Borrower may establish Subsidiaries (domestic
and foreign) in the ordinary course of business provided Borrower notifies Bank
promptly after the creation of each such Subsidiary, and further provided that
none of the Collateral is in any manner transferred to any such Subsidiary.

         7.8 Transactions with Affiliates. Directly or indirectly enter into or
permit to exist any material transaction with any Affiliate of Borrower except
for transactions that are in the ordinary course of Borrower's business, upon
fair and reasonable terms that are no less favorable to Borrower than would be
obtained in an arm's length transaction with a nonaffiliated Person.

         7.9 Subordinated Debt. Make any payment in respect of any Subordinated
Debt, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to make any such payment, except in
compliance with the terms of such Subordinated Debt, or amend any provision
contained in any documentation relating to the Subordinated Debt without Bank's
prior written consent.

         7.10 [Omitted.]

         7.11 Compliance. Become an "investment company" or a company controlled
by an "investment company," within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of
1940, or become principally engaged in, or undertake as one of its important
activities, the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or
carrying margin stock, or use the proceeds of any Advance for such purpose; fail
to meet the minimum funding requirements of ERISA; permit a Reportable Event or
Prohibited Transaction, as defined in ERISA, to occur; fail to comply with the
Federal Fair Labor Standards Act or violate any other law or regulation, which
violation could have a Material Adverse Effect or a material adverse effect on
the Collateral or the priority of Bank's Lien on the Collateral; or permit any
of its Subsidiaries to do any of the foregoing.

8.       EVENTS OF DEFAULT

         Any one or more of the following events shall constitute an Event of
Default by Borrower under this Agreement:

         8.1 Payment Default. If Borrower fails to pay, when due, any of the
Obligations.

         8.2 Covenant Default.

                 (a) If Borrower fails to perform any obligation under Sections
6.3, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, or 6.10, or violates any of the covenants contained in
Article 7 of this Agreement; or



                                       21
<PAGE>   23

                 (b) If Borrower fails or neglects to perform, keep, or observe
any other material term, provision, condition, covenant, or agreement contained
in this Agreement, in any of the Loan Documents, or in any other present or
future agreement between Borrower and Bank and as to any default under such
other term, provision, condition, covenant or agreement that can be cured, has
failed to cure such default within ten (10) days after the occurrence thereof;
provided, however, that if the default cannot by its nature be cured within the
ten (10) day period or cannot after diligent attempts by Borrower be cured
within such ten (10) day period, and such default is likely to be cured within a
reasonable time, then Borrower shall have an additional reasonable period (which
shall not in any case exceed thirty (30) days) to attempt to cure such default,
and within such reasonable time period the failure to have cured such default
shall not be deemed an Event of Default (provided that no Advances will be
required to be made during such cure period);

         8.3 Material Adverse Change. If there (i) occurs a material impairment
of the perfection or priority of the Bank's security interest in the Collateral
or the value of such Collateral which is not covered by adequate insurance, or
(ii) if the Bank determines, based upon information available to it and in the
exercise of its reasonable judgment, that there is a reasonable likelihood that
Borrower will fail to comply with one or more of the financial covenants set
forth in Sections 6.8, 6.9 or 6.10 during the next succeeding financial
reporting period;

          8.4 Attachment. If any material portion of Borrower's assets is
attached, seized, subjected to a writ or distress warrant, or is levied upon, or
comes into the possession of any trustee, receiver or person acting in a similar
capacity and such attachment, seizure, writ or distress warrant or levy has not
been removed, discharged or rescinded within ten (10) days, or if Borrower is
enjoined, restrained, or in any way prevented by court order from continuing to
conduct all or any material part of its business affairs, or if a judgment or
other claim becomes a lien or encumbrance upon any material portion of
Borrower's assets, or if a notice of lien, levy, or assessment is filed of
record with respect to any of Borrower's assets by the United States Government,
or any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, or by any state, county,
municipal, or governmental agency, and the same is not paid within ten (10) days
after Borrower receives notice thereof, provided that none of the foregoing
shall constitute an Event of Default where such action or event is stayed or an
adequate bond has been posted pending a good faith contest by Borrower (provided
that no Credit Extensions will be required to be made during such cure period);

         8.5 Insolvency. If Borrower becomes insolvent, or if an Insolvency
Proceeding is commenced by Borrower, or if an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced
against Borrower and is not dismissed or stayed within 30 days (provided that no
Advances will be made prior to the dismissal of such Insolvency Proceeding);

         8.6 Other Agreements. If there is a default in any agreement to which
Borrower is a party with a third party or parties resulting in a right by such
third party or parties, whether or not exercised, to accelerate the maturity of
any Indebtedness in an amount in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) or
that could have a Material Adverse Effect;




                                       22
<PAGE>   24

         8.7 Subordinated Debt. If Borrower makes any payment on account of
Subordinated Debt, except to the extent such payment is allowed under any
subordination agreement entered into with Bank;

         8.8 Judgments. If a judgment or judgments for the payment of money in
an amount, individually or in the aggregate, of at least Fifty Thousand Dollars
($50,000) shall be rendered against Borrower and shall remain unsatisfied and
unstayed for a period of ten (10) days (provided that no Credit Extensions will
be made prior to the satisfaction or stay of such judgment); or

         8.9 Misrepresentations. If any material misrepresentation or material
misstatement exists now or hereafter in any warranty or representation set forth
herein or in any certificate or writing delivered to Bank by Borrower or any
Person acting on Borrower's behalf pursuant to this Agreement or to induce Bank
to enter into this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 9.      BANK'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES

         9.1 Rights and Remedies. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance
of an Event of Default, Bank may, at its election, without notice of its
election and without demand, do any one or more of the following, all of which
are authorized by Borrower:

                 (a) Declare all Obligations, whether evidenced by this
Agreement, by any of the other Loan Documents, or otherwise, immediately due and
payable (provided that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default described in
Section 8.5 all Obligations shall become immediately due and payable without any
action by Bank);

                 (b) Cease advancing money or extending credit to or for the
benefit of Borrower under this Agreement or under any other agreement between
Borrower and Bank;

                 (c) Settle or adjust disputes and claims directly with account
debtors for amounts, upon terms and in whatever order that Bank reasonably
considers advisable;

                 (d) Without notice to or demand upon Borrower, make such
payments and do such acts as Bank considers necessary or reasonable to protect
its security interest in the Collateral. Borrower agrees to assemble the
Collateral if Bank so requires, and to make the Collateral available to Bank as
Bank may designate. Borrower authorizes Bank to enter the premises where the
Collateral is located, to take and maintain possession of the Collateral, or any
part of it, and to pay, purchase, contest, or compromise any encumbrance,
charge, or lien which in Bank's determination appears to be prior or superior to
its security interest and to pay all expenses incurred in connection therewith.
With respect to any of Borrower's premises, Borrower hereby grants Bank a
license to enter such premises and to occupy the same, without charge;



                                       23
<PAGE>   25

                 (e) Without notice to Borrower set off and apply to the
Obligations any and all (i) balances and deposits of Borrower held by Bank, or
(ii) indebtedness at any time owing to or for the credit or the account of
Borrower held by Bank;

                 (f) Ship, reclaim, recover, store, finish, maintain, repair,
prepare for sale, advertise for sale, and sell (in the manner provided for
herein) the Collateral. Bank is hereby granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free
license or other right, solely pursuant to the provisions of this Section 9.1,
to use, without charge, Borrower's labels, patents, copyrights, mask works,
rights of use of any name, trade secrets, trade names, trademarks, service
marks, and advertising matter, or any property of a similar nature, as it
pertains to the Collateral, in completing production of, advertising for sale,
and selling any Collateral and, in connection with Bank's exercise of its rights
under this Section 9.1, Borrower's rights under all licenses and all franchise
agreements shall inure to Bank's benefit;

                 (g) Sell the Collateral at either a public or private sale, or
both, by way of one or more contracts or transactions, for cash or on terms, in
such manner and at such places (including Borrower's premises) as Bank
determines is commercially reasonable, and apply the proceeds thereof to the
Obligations in whatever manner or order it deems appropriate;

                 (h) Bank may credit bid and purchase at any public sale, or at
any private sale as permitted by law; and

                 (i) Any deficiency that exists after disposition of the
Collateral as provided above will be paid immediately by Borrower.

         9.2 Power of Attorney. Effective only upon the occurrence and during
the continuance of an Event of Default, Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints
Bank (and any of Bank's designated officers, or employees) as Borrower's true
and lawful attorney to: (a) send requests for verification of Accounts or notify
account debtors of Bank's security interest in the Accounts; (b) endorse
Borrower's name on any checks or other forms of payment or security that may
come into Bank's possession; (c) sign Borrower's name on any invoice or bill of
lading relating to any Account, drafts against account debtors, schedules and
assignments of Accounts, verifications of Accounts, and notices to account
debtors; (d) make, settle, and adjust all claims under and decisions with
respect to Borrower's policies of insurance; (e) settle and adjust disputes and
claims respecting the accounts directly with account debtors, for amounts and
upon terms which Bank determines to be reasonable; and (f) to file, in its sole
discretion, one or more financing or continuation statements and amendments
thereto, relative to any of the Collateral without the signature of Borrower
where permitted by law. The appointment of Bank as Borrower's attorney in fact,
and each and every one of Bank's rights and powers, being coupled with an
interest, is irrevocable until all of the Obligations have been fully repaid and
performed and Bank's obligation to provide advances hereunder is terminated.

         9.3 Accounts Collection. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance
of an Event of Default, Bank may notify any Person owing funds to Borrower of
Bank's security interest in such funds and verify the amount of such Account.
Borrower shall collect all amounts owing to Borrower for Bank, receive in trust
all payments as Bank's trustee, and if requested or required by Bank,
immediately deliver such payments to Bank in their original form as received
from the account debtor, with proper endorsements for deposit.



                                       24
<PAGE>   26



         9.4 Bank Expenses. If Borrower fails to pay any amounts or furnish any
required proof of payment due to third persons or entities, as required under
the terms of this Agreement, then Bank may do any or all of the following: (a)
make payment of the same or any part thereof; (b) set up such reserves under the
Committed Revolving Line as Bank deems necessary to protect Bank from the
exposure created by such failure; or (c) obtain and maintain insurance policies
of the type discussed in Section 6.6 of this Agreement, and take any action with
respect to such policies as Bank deems prudent. Any amounts so paid or deposited
by Bank shall constitute Bank Expenses, shall be immediately due and payable,
and shall bear interest at the then applicable rate hereinabove provided, and
shall be secured by the Collateral. Any payments made by Bank shall not
constitute an agreement by Bank to make similar payments in the future or a
waiver by Bank of any Event of Default under this Agreement.

         9.5 Bank's Liability for Collateral. So long as Bank complies with
reasonable banking practices, Bank shall not in any way or manner be liable or
responsible for: (a) the safekeeping of the Collateral; (b) any loss or damage
thereto occurring or arising in any manner or fashion from any cause; or (c) any
diminution in the value thereof. All risk of loss, damage or destruction of the
Collateral shall be borne by Borrower.

         9.6 Remedies Cumulative. Bank's rights and remedies under this
Agreement, the Loan Documents, and all other agreements shall be cumulative.
Bank shall have all other rights and remedies not expressly set forth herein as
provided under the Code, by law, or in equity. No exercise by Bank of one right
or remedy shall be deemed an election, and no waiver by Bank of any Event of
Default on Borrower's part shall be deemed a continuing waiver. No delay by Bank
shall constitute a waiver, election, or acquiescence by it. No waiver by Bank
shall be effective unless made in a written document signed on behalf of Bank
and then shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific
purpose for which it was given.

         9.7 Demand; Protest. Borrower waives demand, protest, notice of
protest, notice of default or dishonor, notice of payment and nonpayment, notice
of any default, nonpayment at maturity, release, compromise, settlement,
extension, or renewal of accounts, documents, instruments, chattel paper, and
guarantees at any time held by Bank on which Borrower may in any way be liable.




                                       25
<PAGE>   27


10.      NOTICES

         Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, all notices or demands by
any party relating to this Agreement or any other agreement entered into in
connection herewith shall be in writing and (except for financial statements and
other informational documents which may be sent by first-class mail, postage
prepaid) shall be personally delivered or sent by a recognized overnight
delivery service, by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested,
or by telefacsimile to Borrower or to Bank, as the case may be, at its addresses
set forth below:



     If to Borrower:  FreeMarkets OnLine, Inc.
                      130 Seventh Street, Suite 500
                      Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
                      Attn: Gary Doyle, Director of Finance and Administration
                      Fax: (412) 434-5607

     If to Bank:      Silicon Valley Bank
                      One Central Plaza, Suite 1205
                      11300 Rockville Pike
                      Rockville, Maryland 20852
                      Attn: Ash L. Lilani, Senior Vice President
                      Fax: (301) 984-6282

         The parties hereto may change the address at which they are to receive
notices hereunder, by notice in writing in the foregoing manner given to the
other.

11.      CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE

         The Loan Documents shall be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the internal laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to
principles of conflicts of law. Each of Borrower and Bank hereby submits to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the state and Federal courts located in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. BORROWER AND BANK EACH HEREBY WAIVE THEIR
RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR
ARISING OUT OF ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED
THEREIN, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL
OTHER COMMON LAW OR STATUTORY CLAIMS. EACH PARTY RECOGNIZES AND AGREES THAT THE
FOREGOING WAIVER CONSTITUTES A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR IT TO ENTER INTO THIS
AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER
WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL AND THAT IT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY
TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.

12.      GENERAL PROVISIONS

         12.1 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the
benefit of the respective successors and permitted assigns of each of the
parties; provided, however, that neither this Agreement nor any rights hereunder
may be assigned by Borrower without Bank's prior written consent, which consent
may be granted or withheld in Bank's sole discretion. Bank shall have the right
without the consent of or notice to Borrower to sell, transfer, negotiate, or
grant participation in all or any part of, or any interest in, Bank's
obligations, rights and benefits hereunder.



                                       26
<PAGE>   28


         12.2 Indemnification. Borrower shall , indemnify ,defend, protect and
hold harmless Bank and its officers, employees, and agents against: (a) all
obligations, demands, claims, and liabilities claimed or asserted by any other
party in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents;
and (b) all losses or Bank Expenses in any way suffered, incurred, or paid by
Bank as a result of or in any way arising out of, following, or consequential to
transactions between Bank and Borrower whether under the Loan Documents, or
otherwise (including without limitation reasonable attorneys fees and expenses),
except for losses caused by Bank's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

         12.3 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence for the performance of all
obligations set forth in this Agreement.

         12.4 Severability of Provisions. Each provision of this Agreement shall
be severable from every other provision of this Agreement for the purpose of
determining the legal enforceability of any specific provision.

         12.5 Amendments in Writing, Integration. This Agreement cannot be
amended or terminated except by a writing signed by Borrower and Bank. All prior
agreements, understandings, representations, warranties, and negotiations
between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement,
if any, are merged into this Agreement and the Loan Documents.

         12.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which,
when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of
which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Agreement.

         12.7 Survival. All covenants, representations and warranties made in
this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect so long as any
Obligations remain outstanding. The obligations of Borrower to indemnify Bank
with respect to the expenses, damages, losses, costs and liabilities described
in Section 12.2 shall survive until all applicable statute of limitations
periods with respect to actions that may be brought against Bank have run.



                                       27
<PAGE>   29


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

                                       FREEMARKETS ONLINE, INC.


                                       By: /s/ Glen T. Meakem
                                          ------------------------------------
                                             Name: Glen T. Meakem
                                             Title: President and CEO


                                       SILICON VALLEY BANK


                                       By: /s/ Ash Lilani
                                          ------------------------------------
                                             Ash R. Lilani
                                             Senior Vice President

                                       SILICON VALLEY BANK


                                       By:
                                          ------------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:





                                       28
<PAGE>   30



                                    EXHIBIT A


The Collateral shall consist of all right, title and interest of Borrower in and
to the following:

         (a) All goods and equipment now owned or hereafter acquired, including,
without limitation, all machinery, fixtures, vehicles (including motor vehicles
and trailers), and any interest in any of the foregoing, and all attachments,
accessories, accessions, replacements, substitutions, additions, and
improvements to any of the foregoing, wherever located;

         (b) All inventory, now owned or hereafter acquired, including, without
limitation, all merchandise, raw materials, parts, supplies, packing and
shipping materials, work in process and finished products including such
inventory as is temporarily out of Borrower's custody or possession or in
transit and including any returns upon any accounts or other proceeds, including
insurance proceeds, resulting from the sale or disposition of any of the
foregoing and any documents of title representing any of the above, and
Borrower's Books relating to any of the foregoing;

         (c) All contract rights and general intangibles now owned or hereafter
acquired, including, without limitation, goodwill, leases, license agreements,
franchise agreements, blueprints, drawings, purchase orders, customer lists,
route lists, claims, literature, reports, catalogs, income tax refunds, payments
of insurance and rights to payment of any kind;

         (d) All now existing and hereafter arising accounts, contract rights,
royalties, license rights and all other forms of obligations owing to Borrower
arising out of the sale or lease of goods, the licensing of technology or the
rendering of services by Borrower, whether or not earned by performance, and any
and all credit insurance, guaranties, and other security therefor, as well as
all merchandise returned to or reclaimed by Borrower and Borrower's Books
relating to any of the foregoing;

         (e) All documents, cash, deposit accounts, securities, letters of
credit, certificates of deposit, instruments and chattel paper now owned or
hereafter acquired and Borrower's Books relating to the foregoing; and

         (f) Any and all claims, rights and interests in any of the above and
all substitutions for, additions and accessions to and proceeds thereof.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Collateral shall not be deemed to include any
copyright rights, copyright applications, copyright registrations and like
protections in each work of authorship and derivative work thereof, whether
published or unpublished, now owned or hereafter acquired; any patents,
trademarks, servicemarks and applications therefor; any trade secret rights,
including any rights to unpatented inventions, know-how, operating manuals,
license rights and agreements and confidential information, now owned or
hereafter acquired; or any claims for damages by way of any past, present and
future infringement of any of the foregoing.





                                       29
<PAGE>   31



                                    EXHIBIT B

                   LOAN PAYMENT/ADVANCE TELEPHONE REQUEST FORM
              DEADLINE FOR SAME DAY PROCESSING IS 3:00 P.M., E.S.T.


TO:  CENTRAL CLIENT SERVICE DIVISION           DATE:  _______________________

FAX#:  (408) __________                        TIME:  _______________________

FROM:________________________________________________________________________
                  BORROWER'S NAME

FROM:________________________________________________________________________
                  AUTHORIZED SIGNER'S NAME

_____________________________________________________________________________
                  AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

PHONE:_______________________________________________________________________

FROM ACCOUNT #______________________________ TO ACCOUNT#_____________________


   REQUESTED TRANSACTION TYPE                        REQUEST DOLLAR AMOUNT
   --------------------------                        ---------------------
   PRINCIPAL INCREASE (ADVANCE)                           $
   PRINCIPAL PAYMENT (ONLY)                               $
   INTEREST PAYMENT (ONLY)                                $
   PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST (PAYMENT)                       $

   OTHER INSTRUCTIONS:

         All representations and warranties of Borrower stated in the Loan and
Security Agreement are true, correct and complete in all material respects as of
the date of the telephone request for and Advance confirmed by this Advance
Request; provided, however, that those representations and warranties expressly
referring to another date shall be true, correct and complete in all material
respects as of such date.

                                 BANK USE ONLY:
                               TELEPHONE REQUEST:

The following person is authorized to request the loan payment transfer/loan
advance on the advance designated account and is known to me.

___________________________________
Authorized Requester

                                      ______________________________________
                                      Authorized Signature (Bank)

                                      Phone #____________________________




                                       30
<PAGE>   32



                                    EXHIBIT C

                           BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>               <C>                                               <C>                            <C>
Borrower:         FreeMarkets OnLine, Inc.                           Bank:              Silicon Valley Bank

Commitment Amount:         $2,000,000


ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
     1.           Accounts Receivable Book Value as of ________                                     $__________________
     2.           Additions (please explain on reverse)                                             $__________________
     3.           TOTAL ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE                                                         $__________________

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE DEDUCTIONS (without duplication)
     4.           Amounts over 90 days due                                                          $__________________
     5.           Balance of 50% over 90 day accounts                 $__________________
     6.           Concentration Limits                                                              $__________________
     7.           Foreign Accounts                                                                  $__________________
     8.           Governmental Accounts                               $__________________
     9.           Contra Accounts                                     $__________________
     10.          Promotion or Demo Accounts                                                        $__________________
     11.          Intercompany/Employee Accounts                      $__________________
     12.          Other (please explain on reverse)                   $__________________
     13.          TOTAL ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE DEDUCTIONS                                              $__________________
     14.          Eligible Accounts (#3 minus #13)                                                  $__________________
     15.          LOAN VALUE OF ACCOUNTS (75% of #14)                                               $__________________

BALANCES
     16.          Maximum Loan Amount                                                               $       2,000,000
     17.          Total Funds Available (Lesser of #16 or #15)                                      $__________________
     18.          Present balance owing on Line of Credit                                           $__________________
     19.          RESERVE POSITION (#17 minus #18)                                                  $__________________
</TABLE>

The undersigned represents and warrants that the foregoing is true, complete and
correct, and that the information reflected in this Borrowing Base Certificate
complies with the representations and warranties set forth in the Loan and
Security Agreement between the undersigned and Silicon Valley Bank.

COMMENTS:

                                          ====================================

                                                    BANK USE ONLY
                                          RECEIVED BY:____________________
                                          DATE:________________
                                          REVIEWED BY:____________________
                                          COMPLIANCE STATUS:  YES / NO
                                          ====================================

FreeMarkets OnLine, Inc.


By: ________________________________
           Authorized Signer





                                       31
<PAGE>   33



                                    EXHIBIT D

                             COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

TO:      SILICON VALLEY BANK

FROM:    FREEMARKETS ONLINE, INC.

         The undersigned authorized officer of FREEMARKETS ONLINE, INC. hereby
certifies that in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Loan and
Security Agreement between Borrower and Bank (the "Agreement"), (i) Borrower is
in complete compliance for the period ending with all required covenants except
as noted below and (ii) all representations and warranties of Borrower stated in
the Agreement are true and correct in all material respects as of the date
hereof. Attached herewith are the required documents supporting the above
certification. The Officer further certifies that these are prepared in
accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and are
consistently applied from one period to the next except as explained in any
accompanying letter or footnotes. The Officer expressly acknowledges that no
borrowings may be requested by the Borrower at any time or date of determination
that Borrower is not in compliance with any of the terms of the Agreement, and
that such compliance is determined not just at the date this certificate is
delivered.

PLEASE INDICATE COMPLIANCE STATUS BY CIRCLING YES/NO UNDER "COMPLIES" COLUMN.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REPORTING COVENANT                          REQUIRED                                             COMPLIES
------------------                          --------                                             --------
<S>                                         <C>                                                 <C>
Monthly financial statements                Monthly within 30 days                               Yes    No
Annual (CPA Audited)                        FYE within 90 days                                   Yes    No
Annual Operating Plan & Projections         Within 30 days of beginning of fiscal year           Yes    No
A/R  Agings                                 Monthly within 30 days                               Yes    No

FINANCIAL COVENANT                  REQUIRED                      ACTUAL                         COMPLIES
------------------                  --------                      ------                         --------

Maintain on a Monthly Basis:

Minimum Quick Ratio                 1.5:1.0                       _____:1.0                      Yes    No
Minimum Debt Service                2.0:1.0                       _____:1.0                      Yes    No
Minimum Tangible Net Worth          $4,000,000                    $________                      Yes    No
After Equity Issuance               $4,000,000 plus 75%           $________                      Yes    No
                                        of Equity Raised
</TABLE>

                                           ====================================

                                                      BANK USE ONLY
                                           RECEIVED BY:____________________
                                           DATE:________________
                                           REVIEWED BY:____________________
                                           COMPLIANCE STATUS:  YES / NO
                                           ====================================

COMMENTS REGARDING EXCEPTIONS:

Sincerely,

_______________________                Date:_______________
SIGNATURE

_______________________
TITLE



                                       32