Op 22 juni 2001 heeft [geïntimeerde] met Europa Marchand, Inc (hierna Europa Marchand) een overeenkomst van geldlening (hierna de overeenkomst) gesloten. [appellant] heeft de overeenkomst ondertekend in zijn hoedanigheid van directeur van Europa Marchand én voor zich persoonlijk. In de overeenkomst staat, voor zover hier van belang:
PROMISSORY NOTE
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For value received, the undersigned EUROPA MARCHAND, Inc. (the “Borrower”), (…), promises to pay to the order of [geïntimeerde], (the “Lender”), (…) the sum of $60,050.00 with interest from June 28, 2001, on the unpaid principal at the rate of l6.00% per annum, COMPOUNDED DAILY.
The unpaid principal and accrued interest shall be payable in full on December 31, 2001 (the “Due Date”).
All payments on this Note shall be applied first in payment of accrued interest and any remainder in payment of principal.
If any payment obligation under this Note is not paid when due, the remaining unpaid principal balance and any accrued interest shall become due immediately at the option of the Lender.
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If any payment obligation under this Note is not paid when due, the Borrower promises to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorney fees, whether or not a lawsuit is commenced as part of the collection process.
This Note is secured by the personal guarantee of (…) [appellant], President, EUROPA MARCHAND (...).
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This Note shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Massachusetts.
Signed, this 22nd day of June, 2001, at Zeist, Netherlands.
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