SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 10-K
x
ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13
OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003
Commission File No. 0-17973
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC.
Florida
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
52-2291344
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
|
9775 Businesspark Avenue, San Diego, California
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
92131
(Zip Code) |
(858) 547-5700
(Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None.
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: Common Stock, $0.01 par value.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ü No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filed (as
defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).
Yes
o
No
ü
The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates based upon the closing price of $5.70 per share on June 30, 2003, as reported by the OTC - Bulletin Board, was approximately $10,621,665.
As of April 9, 2004, there were 19,262,095 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
PAGE | ||
|
PART I | ||
Item 1.
|
Business. | 1 | |
Item 2.
|
Properties. | 6 | |
Item 3.
|
Legal Proceedings. | 7 | |
Item 4.
|
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. | 7 | |
|
PART II | ||
Item 5.
|
Market for the Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. | 8 | |
Item 6.
|
Selected Financial Data. | 10 | |
Item 7.
|
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. | 12 | |
Item 7A.
|
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. | 32 | |
Item 8.
|
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. | 32 | |
Item 9.
|
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. | 32 | |
Item 9A.
|
Controls and Procedures. | 32 | |
|
PART III | ||
Item 10.
|
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant. | 33 | |
Item 11.
|
Executive Compensation. | 36 | |
Item 12.
|
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. | 40 | |
Item 13.
|
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. | 42 | |
Item 14.
|
Principal Accountant Fees and Services. | 44 | |
|
PART IV | ||
Item 15.
|
Exhibits, Financial Statements, Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K. | 46 |
PART I
(All dollar amounts are presented in thousands USD, except per share amounts)
Item 1. Business.
Overview
The vision for Acceris Communications Inc. (Acceris or the Company),
formerly I-Link Incorporated, is to be the preferred supplier of high-quality
communications products and services to targeted markets that will deliver
profitable growth while creating value for all its stockholders. The mission
of Acceris is to provide businesses and consumers with competitively priced
voice, data and enhanced communications services via direct and indirect
channels. Through the dedication of its employees, the Company delivers
industry-leading customer care, customized product solutions and full back
office support, building long-term loyalty and trust with its customers.
Acceris telecommunications division (
Telecommunications
) operates through
two specific marketing channels
: Retail
, which offers a broad selection of
voice and data telecommunications products and services to residential and
commercial customers through a network of independent agents, primarily via
multi-level marketing (MLM) and commercial agent programs (this segment has
been referred to in previous reports as Acceris Communications Partners) and
Enterprise
, which offers voice services and fully integrated, fully managed
data services (this segment has been referred to in previous reports as Acceris
Communications Solutions). Acceris other division, referred to as
Technologies
, offers a proven network convergence solution for voice and data
in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications technology and holds
two foundational patents in the VoIP space (US Patent Nos. 6,243,373 and
6,438,124, the VoIP Patents). In 2004, Technologies intends to pursue
efforts to license the technology supported by its patents to carriers and
equipment manufacturers and suppliers in the IP telephony market.
History and Development of the Business
Acceris was incorporated in Florida in 1983 under the name MedCross, Inc.,
which was changed to I-Link Incorporated in 1997, and to Acceris Communications
Inc. in 2003.
Acceris has been growing through the acquisition of predecessor
businesses, which have been and are continuing to be integrated, consolidated
and reorganized. These predecessor businesses are organized into two
categories: Telecommunications and Technologies. Telecommunications has been
assembled through the acquisition from bankruptcy of certain assets of
WorldxChange Communications, Inc. in June 2001 (this business is referred to as
WorldxChange) and certain assets of RSL COM U.S.A. Inc., (RSL) in December 2002. Added to these was the acquisition of
all of the outstanding shares of Transpoint Communications, LLC (Transpoint)
in July 2003.
On March 1, 2001, Acceris became a majority-owned subsidiary of Counsel
Communications, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Counsel
Corporation, (collectively, Counsel). Since taking a controlling position
in Acceris, Counsel has advanced approximately $75,900 to Acceris, consisting
of notes, equity, accrued interest and other advances, ( net of approximately
$8,200 in repayments to Counsel.) Of this amount, approximately $22,500 was
utilized to complete the WorldxChange and RSL acquisitions, while the remaining
approximately $53,400 has been used directly in operations, principally to
fund the building of its Telecommunications and Technologies divisions.
The development and transition of the Company has been as follows:
Telecommunications:
Telecommunications, comprised of WorldxChange, certain assets of RSL and Transpoint, has
been built primarily through three transactions, described more fully below.
In June 2001, Acceris acquired WorldxChange from a debtor in a bankruptcy
proceeding. WorldxChange is a facilities-based telecommunications carrier that
provides international and domestic long-distance service to retail customers.
WorldxChange initially consisted primarily of a dial-around product that
allowed a customer to make a call from any phone by dialing a 10-10-XXX prefix.
Historically, WorldxChange marketed its services through consumer mass
marketing techniques, including direct mail and direct response television and
radio. In 2002, WorldxChange revamped its channel strategy by de-emphasizing
the direct mail channel and devoting its efforts to pursuing more profitable
methods of attracting and retaining customers. Today, it uses commercial
agents as well as a network of independent commission agents recruited through
its MLM programs to attract and retain new customers. Independent agents are
non-employee sales people who market and sell Acceris products and services and
are compensated through commissions and other incentives. MLM programs provide
incentives to current customers who sign up new subscribers.
1
In December 2002, Acceris completed the purchase of the assets used in the
Enterprise and Agent business of RSL from a debtor in a bankruptcy
proceeding. The purchase included the assets used by RSL
to provide long-distance voice and data services, including frame relay, to
small and medium size businesses (Enterprise business), and the assets used to
provide long-distance and other voice services to small businesses and
consumers in the residential market (Agent business), together with the
existing customer base of the Enterprise and Agent business.
In July 2003, Acceris
acquired all of the outstanding shares of Transpoint. The
acquisition of Transpoint provided Acceris with further penetration into the
commercial agent channel and a larger commercial customer base.
Starting in the fourth quarter of 2003, Telecommunications has also begun to offer local
communications products to its residential and small business customers. The
service will be provided under the terms of the Unbundled Network Element
Platform (UNE-P) authorized by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and will be
available in New York and New Jersey initially, expanding to other markets
throughout the United States.
Technologies:
In 1994, Technologies began operating as an Internet service provider and
quickly identified that the emerging IP environment was a promising basis for
enhanced service delivery. The Company soon turned to designing and building
an IP telecommunications platform consisting of Acceris proprietary software,
hardware and leased telecommunications lines. The goal was to create a
platform with the quality and reliability necessary for voice transmission. By
1996, Acceris released its first IP-based service called Fax-4-Less, which
provided users an efficient and cost-effective way to distribute facsimile
information.
In 1997, Technologies started offering enhanced services over a mixed
IP-and-circuit-switched network platform. These services offered a blend of
traditional and enhanced communication services and combined the inherent cost
advantages of an IP-based network with the reliability of the existing Public
Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The suite of services included a one
number follow me service, long-distance calling, unified messaging,
conference calling, message broadcasting and web-based interface to manage
messages and maintain personal account settings.
In August 1997, Technologies acquired MiBridge, Inc. (MiBridge), a New
Jersey-based communications technology company engaged in the design,
development, integration and marketing of a range of software
telecommunications products that supported multimedia communications over the
PSTN, local area networks (LAN) and IP networks. Historically, MiBridge
concentrated its development efforts on compression systems such as VoIP. As
part of Acceris, MiBridge continued to develop patent-pending technologies
which combined sophisticated compression capabilities with IP telephony
technology. The acquisition of MiBridge permitted the Company to accelerate
the development and deployment of IP technology across its network platform.
In 1998, Technologies deployed its real-time IP communications network
platform. With this new platform, all core operating functions such as
switching, routing and media control became software-driven. This new platform
represented the first nationwide, commercially viable VoIP platform of its
kind. Following the launch of its software-defined VoIP platform in 1998,
Technologies continued to refine and enhance the platform to make it even
more efficient and capable for its partners and customers.
In February 2000, Technologies transitioned its direct-sales marketing
program to Big Planet, Inc. (Big Planet), a subsidiary of Nu Skin
Enterprises, Inc., whereupon Big Planet became one of the Companys wholesale
customers. The transition of the network marketing sales channel to Big Planet
allowed Acceris to focus on the expansion of the VoIP platform and the
development and deployment of new enhanced services and products, while at the
same time maintaining existing channels for retail sales.
In April 2001, Acceris acquired WebToTel, Inc. (WebToTel) and Nexbell
Communications, Inc. (Nexbell), both previously subsidiaries of Counsel, in a
stock-for-stock transaction. Nexbell was sold to a third party in December
2001 (see Notes 9 and 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in
Item 15 hereof).
On December 6, 2002, Technologies entered into a definitive purchase and
sale agreement to sell substantially all of the assets and customer base of
I-Link Communications, Inc. (ILC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Acceris, to
Buyers United, Inc. (BUI). The sale closed on May 1, 2003. The sale included
the physical assets required to operate Acceris nationwide network using its
patented VoIP technology (constituting the core business of ILC) and a fully
paid perpetual license to its proprietary software-based network convergence
solution for voice and data. The sale of the ILC business removed essentially all of
Technologies operations that did not pertain to the Companys proprietary
software-based convergence solution for voice and data. This sale marked the
final stage of the transformation of Technologies operations into a business
based principally on the licensing of its proprietary software.
Technologies owns four patents and utilizes the technology supported by
those patents in providing its proprietary software solutions. The Company
believes that it holds the foundational patents for VoIP in its VoIP Patents.
To date, the Company has licensed portions of that technology to
third parties on a non-exclusive basis.
In addition, Acceris also has several patent applications pending before the United
States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and other such authorities
internationally.
2
Today, Technologies remains focused on delivering solutions for voice and
data services to its partners and customers, while launching a strategy to
realize value from its patents through licensing. With over nine years
experience developing VoIP technologies, Acceris continues to offer a solution
for companies to reduce telecommunications costs and/or to enter the enhanced
communications market. Acceris continues to market its voice and data services
and solutions and to license its enhanced services platform domestically and
internationally to organizations who wish to offer voice services without
incurring high development costs. The Company is pursuing opportunities to
leverage its patents through a strategy to license the technology to carriers,
equipment/softswitch manufacturers and customers who are deploying IP for
phone-to-phone communication. Technology licensing revenues are project-based
and, as such, these revenues vary from period to period based on timing and
size of technology licensing projects and payments.
Employees
As of December 31, 2003, Acceris had approximately 340 employees with whom
the Company feels it has a good relationship. The Company is not subject to
any collective bargaining agreements.
Business Reorganization
During 2003, Acceris continued to consolidate functions across the
Company. The Company is focused on streamlining its internal processes,
eliminating duplicate efforts of staff serving similar roles in multiple
locations and making the integration of additional companies into its
operations more cost effective and less risky. Upon the acquisition of RSL and
disposition of the ILC business in December 2002, the Company was organized into three
operating segments, Retail, Enterprise and Technologies. These segments have
been described in previous filings as Acceris Communications Partners, Acceris
Communications Solutions and Acceris Communications Technologies, respectively.
Competition
Acceris long-term success will be founded in its ability to provide
quality service, enhanced features and new product offerings, which offer
greater convenience to the Retail and Enterprise markets. These products must
be offered at value pricing, through its selected distribution channels.
The Retail and Enterprise businesses face competition from numerous
telecommunications organizations offering services in the United States.
Providers include large organizations such as AT&T, Sprint, Primus, MCI
WorldCom and Verizon, as well as numerous small, lesser known, service
providers.
The Retail business, consistent with its competitors, sees significant
attrition in its customer base over short periods of time, particularly with
dial-around products. In order to compete with other providers such as Talk
America and Ztel, Acceris has focused on developing and delivering a bundled
product including local (which began in 2003), long-distance and enhanced
services to targeted niche markets in the residential and small business
marketplace. Recognizing that customers are highly mobile, Acceris is migrating
away from dial-around products and instead is focusing its efforts on
developing and marketing product offerings that appeal to higher quality,
longer term customers. Factors that influence the highly mobile customer base
include, among other things, quality of service, enhanced feature offerings
and value pricing. Long-term success in this market is sustained by attracting
new customers and developing customer loyalty.
The Enterprise business differs significantly from the Retail business.
In this business, Enterprise customers generally enter into agreements that
extend from 1 to 3 years, which results in a recurring and more predictable
revenue stream. The Enterprise business experiences longer term customer
relationships as a result of the Companys ability to offer specific solutions
to each individual customer. The Enterprise channel differentiates itself from
its competitors by offering engineered solutions that are customized and fully
managed and by providing high quality, personalized customer care. A key
challenge in this business is to improve cross-sell with new or enhanced
product offerings.
Technologies offers an internally developed patent-based technology
solution that operates in both a convergence and IP world. Technologies
provides a 100% software solution for VoIP deployment. The solution, unlike
that of some of its competitors, does not rely on hardware to provide
switching, conference or enhanced services. Additionally, the solution
provides an open Application Programming Interface (API), to enable
development of a wide variety of voice applications and services. Commencing in
late 2002, Acceris made the decision to pursue the development of the domestic
market providing software-based IP solutions to domestic carriers which assist
those companies by reducing their internal costs and/or allowing them to offer
enhanced service products to their own retail customers. Prior to the sale of
its IP network operations based in Draper, Utah (ILC) to BUI, Acceris had
offered these products internationally and marketed its enhanced service
products to customers on a retail basis. Acceris does not currently experience
any direct competition to its current technology although there are many
competitors with certain portions of its technology, but not as an entire
package. Its competition would include the traditional switched telephony
infrastructure providers, such as Nortel and Lucent, which this technology
displaces. While its
competition offers products with similar features, its competitive product
is software versus hardware-based and as such can be deployed at a
significantly lower cost. Also, the software nature of its product makes it
easier and more economically feasible to develop additional features and
services to meet ever changing customer needs.
3
Government Regulation
Overview of Products
We offer business and residential consumers a broad suite of voice
and data telecommunications products and services, including local
exchange, long-distance (1+ or 10-10-XXX dial-around) and international
calling services. Our various business segments operate in both regulated
and non-regulated environments.
Federal and state governing authorities regulate our local and
long-distance services. For our long-distance business, we are regulated
as a non-dominant interexchange carrier (IXC). Federal and state
authorities have been reducing their regulatory requirements as the
industry faces robust competition. For our local exchange services, we
are regulated as a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC).
Additionally, we offer a variety of enhanced services, including an
open API that enables development of a variety of voice applications using
its patented VoIP software as well as
data services.
Overview of Federal Regulation
As a carrier offering telecommunications services to the public, we
are subject to the provisions of the Communications Act of 1934, as
amended, and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations issued
thereunder. These regulations require us, among other things, to offer
our regulated services to the public on a non-discriminatory basis at just
and reasonable rates. We are subject to FCC requirements that we obtain
prior FCC approval for transactions that would cause a transfer of control
of one or more regulated subsidiaries. Such approval requirements may
delay, prevent or deter transactions that could result in a transfer of
control of our company.
International Service Regulation.
We possess authority from the FCC,
granted pursuant to Section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934, to
provide international telecommunications service. The FCC has streamlined
regulation of competitive international services and has removed certain
restrictions against providing certain services. Presently, the FCC is
considering a number of international service issues that may further
alter the regulatory regime applicable to us. For instance, the FCC is
considering revisions to the rules regarding the rates that international
carriers like us pay for termination of calls to mobile phones located
abroad.
Pursuant to FCC rules, we have cancelled our international and
domestic FCC tariffs and replaced them with a general service agreement
and price lists. As required by FCC rules, we have posted these materials
on our Internet web site. The detariffing of our services has given us
greater pricing flexibility for our services, but we are not entitled to
the legal protection provided by the filed rate doctrine, which
generally provides protections to carriers from legal actions by customers
that challenge the terms and conditions of service.
Interstate Service Regulation.
As an IXC, our interstate
telecommunications services are regulated by the FCC. While we are not
required to obtain FCC approval to begin or expand our interstate
operations, we are required to obtain FCC approvals for certain
transactions that would affect our ownership or the services we provide.
Additionally, we must file various reports and pay certain fees and
assessments. We are subject to the FCCs complaint jurisdiction and must
contribute to the federal Universal Service Fund (USF). We must also
comply with the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act
(CALEA), and certain FCC regulations which require telecommunications
common carriers to modify their networks to allow law enforcement
authorities to perform electronic surveillance.
Overview of State Regulation
Through certain of our subsidiaries, we are authorized to provide
intrastate interexchange telecommunications services and, in certain
states, are authorized to provide competitive local exchange services by
virtue of certificates granted by state public service commissions. Our
regulated subsidiaries must comply with state laws applicable to all
similarly certified carriers including the regulation of services, payment
of regulatory fees and preparation and submission of reports. The adoption
of new regulations or changes to existing regulations may adversely affect
our ability to provide telecommunications services. Consumers
may file complaints against us at the public service commissions. The
certificates of authority we hold can be generally conditioned, modified,
cancelled, terminated or revoked by state public service commissions.
Further, many states require prior approval or notification for certain
stock or asset transactions, or in some states, for the issuance of
securities, debts, guarantees or other financial transactions. Such
approvals can delay or prevent certain transactions.
4
Overview of Ongoing Policy Issues
Local Service
. Through the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the 1996 Act), Congress sought to establish a
competitive and deregulated national policy framework for advanced
telecommunications and information technologies. To date, local exchange
competition has not progressed to a point where significant regulatory
intervention is no longer required. Regulators believed that a
hands-off policy would drive local exchange service into an adequately
competitive market, but there continues to be a strong need for policy
issue clarification and construction. Some policy changes have been
addressed through the court system, not the regulatory system. For
instance, the FCC has attempted several times to develop a list of
Unbundled Network Elements (UNEs) which are portions of the incumbent
local exchange carrier (ILECs) networks and services that must be sold
separately to competitors. On several occasions, the courts have rejected
the FCCs approach to defining UNEs. The FCCs most recent attempt to
develop rules, the Triennial Review Order, was vacated by the U.S. Circuit
Court of Appeals in Washington D.C. on March 4, 2004. The Courts ruling
is scheduled to go into effect 60 days after decision but will likely be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. If the U.S. Supreme Court agrees
to review the decision, the effective date of this ruling could be
delayed. We are unable to determine the outcome of these proceedings;
however, the inability to purchase UNEs could increase our costs for
providing local service, or prevent us from providing the service
altogether.
Universal Service Fund
. In 1997, the FCC issued an order
implementing Section 254 of the 1996 Act, regarding the preservation of
universal telephone service. Section 254 and related regulations require
all interstate and certain international telecommunications carriers to
contribute toward the Universal Service Fund (USF), a fund that provides
subsidies for the provision of service to schools and libraries, rural
health care providers, low income consumers and consumers in high cost
areas.
Quarterly, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC),
which oversees the USF, reviews the need for program funding and
determines the applicable USF contribution percentage that interstate
telecommunications carriers must contribute. While carriers are permitted
to pass through the USF charges to consumers, the FCC has strictly limited
amounts passed through to consumers in excess of a carriers determined
contribution percentage.
As discussed below, the industry is moving from traditional
circuit-switched telephone service to digitized IP-based communications.
It is possible that this trend could threaten the amount of revenues USAC
can collect through the USF system, and that the resulting revenue
shortfall could prevent the system from meeting its funding demands.
Separately from the FCCs inquiry into the regulation of IP-based voice
service, the FCC could exercise its so called permissive authority under
the 1996 Act and assess USF contribution on VoIP providers. To date, only
some VoIP providers contribute to the USF. If VoIP providers were
exempted from USF contributions, telecommunications carriers would likely
pay significantly higher USF contributions; conversely, if VoIP providers
were required to contribute, traditional telecommunications carriers would
contribute less. In addition to the FCC, Congress is considering this
issue. Current Congressional debates are divided over whether IP-based
telephony service providers should be required to contribute to the USF.
A decision to require VoIP providers to contribute to the USF may
adversely affect our provision of VoIP services.
VoIP Notice of Proposed Rule Making
.
In March 2004, the FCC issued
the VoIP Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to solicit comments on many aspects
of the regulatory treatment of VoIP services (the VoIP NPRM). The FCC
continues to consider the possibility of regulating access to IP-based
services, but has not yet decided on the appropriate level of regulatory
intervention for IP-based service applications. Should the FCC rule that
our software-based solution for VoIP deployment, and other similar service
applications should be regulated, our VoIP services may be
adversely affected.
Further, the VoIP NPRM will likely address the applicability of
access charges to VoIP services. Access charges provide compensation to
local exchange carriers for traffic that originates or terminates on their
networks. Certain LECs have argued that certain types of VoIP carriers
provide the same basic functionality as traditional telephone service
carriers, in that they carry a customers call from an origination point
to a termination destination. Any ruling or decision from the FCC
requiring VoIP carriers to pay access charges to ILECs for local loop use
may adversely affect our VoIP services.
The VoIP NPRM is also expected to address the extent to which CALEA
will be applicable to VoIP services. Recently, in a separate proceeding,
the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other federal agencies have asked
the FCC to clarify that VoIP is a telecommunications service, for the
purpose of subjecting VoIP to CALEAs wiretapping requirements.
Broadband Deployment
.
Broadband refers to any platform capable of
providing high bandwidth-intensive content and advanced telecommunications
capability. The FCCs stated goal for broadband services is to establish
regulatory policies that promote competition, innovation and investment
in broadband services and facilities. Broadband technologies encompass
evolving high-speed digital technologies that offer integrated access to
voice, high-speed data, video-on-demand or interactive delivery services.
The FCC is seeking to 1) encourage the ubiquitous availability of
broadband access to the Internet, 2) promote competition across different
platforms for broadband services, 3) ensure that broadband services exist
in a minimal regulatory environment that promotes investment and
innovation and 4) develop an analytical framework that is consistent, to
the extent possible, across multiple platforms. The FCC has opened
several inquiries to determine how to promote the availability of advanced
telecommunications capability with the goal of removing barriers to
deployment, encouraging competition and promoting broadband infrastructure
investment. For instance, the FCC is considering the appropriate
regulatory requirements for ILEC provision of domestic broadband
telecommunications services. The FCCs concern is whether the application
of traditional common carrier regulations to ILEC-provided broadband
telecommunications services is appropriate. Under existing regulations,
ILECs are treated as dominant carriers absent a specific finding to the
contrary for a particular market and, as dominant carriers, are subject to
numerous regulations, such as tariff filing and pricing requirements.
5
On February 7, 2002, the FCC released its third biennial report on
the availability of broadband, in which it concluded that broadband is
being deployed in a reasonable and timely manner. The report showed that
the advanced telecommunications services market continues to grow and
that the availability of and subscribership to high-speed services
increased significantly since the last report. Additionally, the report
noted that investment in infrastructure for advanced telecommunications
remains strong. The data in the report is gathered largely from
standardized information from providers of advanced telecommunications
capability including wireline telephone companies, cable providers,
wireless providers, satellite providers, and any other facilities-based
providers of 250 or more high-speed service lines (or wireless channels)
in a given state.
Internet Service Regulation
.
The demand for high-speed Internet
access has increased significantly over the past several years as
consumers increase their Internet use. The FCC is active in reviewing the
need for regulatory oversight of Internet services and to date has
advocated less regulation and more market-based competition for broadband
providers. The FCCs stated policy is to promote the continued
development of the Internet and other interactive computer-based
communications services. We cannot be certain that the FCC will continue
to take a deregulatory approach to the Internet. Should the FCC increase
regulatory oversight of Internet services, our costs could increase for
providing those services.
Available Information
Acceris is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), which requires that
Acceris file reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC maintains a website on the
Internet at
http://www.sec.gov
that contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding issuers, including
Acceris, that file electronically with the SEC. In addition, Acceris Exchange
Act filings may be inspected and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room at
450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20549. The Company has made available
free of charge through its Internet web site,
http://www.acceris.com
(follow Investor Relations tab to link to SEC Filings) its annual report on
Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and
amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such material
was electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.
Item 2. Properties.
The Company rents approximately 31,000 square feet of office space in San
Diego, California under 2 commercial leases which terminate in May 31, 2004 and
April 30, 2006. The combined rental fee is approximately $45 per month. The
Company uses this space primarily for its sales and marketing team, certain
network resources and certain administrative staff.
The Company rents approximately 46,000 square feet of office space in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania under a lease expiring on June 30, 2005, at a cost of
approximately $54 per month. The Company uses this space primarily for its
network operations center, administrative staff and other employees.
The Company rents approximately 12,000 square feet of office space in
Somerset, New Jersey under a lease expiring September 30, 2008, at a cost of
approximately $11 per month. The Company uses this space to operate its local
service offering as well as for certain of its information technology and other
employees.
The Company also leases several other co-location facilities throughout
the United States to house its network equipment, as well some additional
office space. Such spaces vary in size and length of term. The total combined
square footage of the spaces under these agreements is no greater than 29,000
square feet at a cost of approximately $95 per month.
The Company owns four issued patents and utilizes the technology supported
by those patents in providing its products and services. It has also licensed
certain portions of that technology to third parties on a non-exclusive basis.
In December 2003, Acceris purchased US Patent No. 6,243,373, including a
corresponding foreign patent and related international patent applications. In
August 2002, Acceris voice Internet transmission system patent was issued (US
Patent No. 6,438,124). This patent, together with US Patent No. 6,243,373 and
its related patent applications comprise our VoIP Patents and form an
international patent portfolio that covers the basic process and technology
that enables VoIP communications as it is used in the market today. Acceris
also has two other IP patents, US Patent Nos. 5,898,675 and 5,754,534 issued
in 1999 and 1998, respectively, which are related to the delivery of high
quality conference calls with compressed signals. Together, these patented
technologies have been successfully deployed and commercially proven in a
nationwide IP network and in Acceris unified messaging service,
API and software licensing businesses. Acceris plans to
further leverage these patents as it packages an IP solution for the growing
Enterprise segment. While the Company is using the technology supported by the
VoIP Patents in its business, it is also investigating whether and to what
extent the VoIP Patents may be able to be licensed to third parties. The
Company also has several patent applications that are currently pending before
USPTO.
6
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
The Company is involved in various legal matters arising out of its
operations in the normal course of business. None of these matters are
expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect
on the Company.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
On November 26, 2003, the Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders
(the Annual Meeting). The following is a tabulation of the voting on the
proposals presented at the Annual Meeting. The voting on Proposal 3 was
adjourned until December 30, 2003 in order to allow the Company to distribute
to its stockholders amended statutory sections of the state of Floridas
corporate statutes. Proposal 3 was voted on at an Adjourned Meeting of
Stockholders on December 30, 2003.
7
PROPOSAL 1.
The following two nominees were elected as Class I directors,
each to serve for three years and until his successor has been duly
elected and qualified.
Shares Voted For
Shares Withheld
Broker Non-Votes
107,079,096
zero
20,861,603
107,078,796
zero
20,861,603
Terms of office for Allan C. Silber, Kelly D.
Murumets, Hal B. Heaton, Albert Reichmann, Henry Y.L. Toh
and John R. Walter continued after the meeting. Mr.
Reichmann resigned his position on March 23, 2004, and the
Board appointed Mr. William H. Lomicka to fill the vacancy
left by Mr. Reichmann. Mr. Walter resigned his position on April 5, 2004 and as of
the date of this filing, the vacancy left by Mr. Walter has
not been filled. See Item 10 for further discussion.
PROPOSAL 2.
The name of the Company was changed to Acceris Communications
Inc.
Shares Voted For
Shares Voted Against
Shares Abstaining
Broker Non-Votes
1,044,170
139,324
20,861,603
PROPOSAL 3.
An amendment to the Companys Articles of Incorporation
deleting Article VI thereto was approved.
Shares Voted For
Shares Voted Against
Shares Abstaining
Broker Non-Votes
2,498,343
277,934
N/A
PROPOSAL 4.
A 1-for-20 reverse stock split of the Companys common stock
was approved.
Shares Voted For
Shares Voted Against
Shares Abstaining
Broker Non-Votes
3,264,320
127,995
20,861,603
PROPOSAL 5.
The 2003 Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan was
approved and adopted.
Shares Voted For
Shares Voted Against
Shares Abstaining
Broker Non-Votes
2,965,167
593,838
N/A
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters
and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Price Range of Common Stock
Shares of Acceris common stock, $0.01 par value per share, are traded on
the OTC Bulletin Board (OTC-BB) under the symbol ACRS.OB.
The following table sets forth the high and low prices for the Companys
common stock for the period as quoted on the OTC-BB from January 1, 2002 to
December 31, 2003 (adjusted for a 1-for-20 reverse stock split that was
approved on November 26, 2003) based on
interdealer quotations, without retail markup, markdown, commissions or
adjustments and may not represent actual transactions:
On
April 8, 2004, the closing price for a share of the Companys common
stock was $3.45.
Holders
As of March 15, 2004, the Company had approximately 898 stockholders of
common stock of record and there were approximately 9,783 beneficial owners of
the Companys common stock.
Dividends
To date, the Company has not paid dividends on its common stock nor does
it anticipate that it will pay dividends in the foreseeable future. As of
December 31, 2003, the Company does not have any preferred stock outstanding
which has any preferential dividends. The Loan and Security Agreement with
Foothill Capital Corporation restricts the ability of one of the Companys
subsidiaries from making distributions or declaring or paying any dividends to
the Company.
Dissenters Appraisal Rights
At the Companys Adjourned Meeting of Stockholders held on December 30,
2003, stockholders of the Company approved an amendment to the Companys
Articles of Incorporation, deleting Article VI thereof (regarding liquidations,
reorganizations, mergers and the like). Stockholders who were entitled to vote
at the meeting and advised the Company in writing prior to the vote on the
amendment, that they dissented and intended to demand payment for their shares
if the amendment was effectuated, were entitled to exercise their appraisal
rights and obtain payment in cash for their shares under Sections 607.1301
607.1333 of the Florida Business Corporation Act, provided their shares were
not voted in favor of the amendment.
In January 2004, appraisal notices in compliance with Florida corporate
statutes were sent to all stockholders who had advised the Company of their
intention to exercise their appraisal rights. The appraisal notices included
the Companys estimate of fair value of the Companys shares, at $4.00 per
share on a post-split basis. These stockholders had until February 29, 2004 to
return their completed appraisal notices along with certificates for the shares
for which they were exercising their appraisal rights. Approximately 33
stockholders holding approximately 74,000 shares of the Companys stock have
returned completed appraisal notices by February 29, 2004. A stockholder of
20 shares notified the Company of his acceptance of the Companys offer of
$4.00 per share, while the stockholders of the remaining shares did not accept
the Companys offer. Subject to the qualification that the Company may not
make any payment to a stockholder seeking appraisal rights if, at the time of
payment, the Companys total assets are less than its total liabilities,
stockholders who accepted the Companys offer to purchase their shares at the
estimated fair value will be paid for their shares within 90 days of the
Companys receipt of a duly executed appraisal notice. If the Company should
be required to make any payments to dissenting stockholders, Counsel will fund
any such amounts through the purchase of shares of the Companys common stock.
Stockholders who did not accept the Companys offer were required to indicate
their own estimate of fair value, and if the Company does not agree with such
estimates, the parties are required to go to court for an appraisal
proceeding on an individual basis, establishing a fair market value for the
shares in question. To date, no payments have been made and no appraisal
proceeding has commenced.
8
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered
Securities.
On November 30, 2003, the Company entered into an Amended Debt
Restructuring Agreement with Counsel whereby approximately $32,721 of notes
payable was converted into 8,681,096 shares of the Companys common stock at a
conversion rate of approximately $3.77 per share. On that same date, Counsel
also exercised its voluntary conversion right on an additional $7,952 of debt
owed to Counsel into 4,747,396 at a conversion rate of $1.68 per share. No
cash consideration was received in the transactions. The Company relied on an
exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1933.
9
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
The following selected consolidated financial information was derived from
the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. The
information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of the results of
future operations and should be read in conjunction with Item 7, entitled
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included
elsewhere in this Form 10-K. All amounts below are in thousands, except share
and per share amounts.
(1) The selected financial data above as of December 31, 2002 and for the year
then ended were restated on the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K/A #2,
filed with the SEC on October 15, 2003 from
those previously issued to account for revenues from the Companys network
service offering when the actual cash collections to be retained by the Company
are finalized. The restatement had no effect on loss from discontinued
operations or net loss per share from discontinued operations. The restatement
increased the net loss for the year ended December 31, 2002 by $3,505 or $0.60
per share.
10
Significant Acquisitions and Dispositions:
On April 17, 2001, the Company
acquired WebToTel and its subsidiaries (including Nexbell) in a stock for
stock transaction. However, as WebToTel (which was a subsidiary of Counsel)
and Acceris were under common control as of March 1, 2001 (the date Counsel
obtained its ownership in Acceris), the Company has accounted for the
acquisition using the pooling-of-interests method of accounting as of March 1,
2001. Accordingly, the financial results of WebToTel and its subsidiaries
(including Nexbell which was sold in December 2001) are included herein
subsequent to March 1, 2001.
On June 4, 2001, Acceris purchased WorldxChange from a debtor in a
bankruptcy proceeding. WorldxChange is a facilities-based telecommunications
carrier that provides international and domestic long-distance service to
residential and commercial customers. WorldxChanges operations are part of
the Retail segment.
On December 6, 2002, Acceris entered into an agreement, which closed on
May 1, 2003, to sell substantially all of the assets of ILC. The sale included
the physical assets required to operate Acceris nationwide network using its
patented VoIP technology (constituting the core business of ILC) and a license
in perpetuity to use Acceris proprietary software platform. Additionally,
Acceris sold its customer base that was serviced by ILC. Pursuant to Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144,
Accounting for the Impairment or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets
, operating results of ILC have been reclassified
in the years from 1998 to 2002 to discontinued operations.
On December 10, 2002, Acceris completed the purchase of the Enterprise and
Agent business of RSL. The acquisition included the Enterprise business assets used
by RSL to provide long-distance voice and data services, including frame relay,
to small and medium size businesses and the Agent business assets used to
provide long-distance and other voice services to small businesses and the
consumer/residential market, together with the existing customer base of the
Enterprise and Agent business. The Agent business is included in
the Retail segment while the Enterprise business is included in the Enterprise
segment.
On July 28, 2003, the Company completed the purchase of all of the
outstanding stock of Transpoint. The acquisition provided the Company with
further penetration into the commercial agent channel, as well as a larger
residential customer base.
Debt Restructuring
In order to reduce the cash requirements to pay the related party debt,
the Company entered into an Amended Debt Restructuring Agreement with Counsel
whereby approximately $32,721 was converted into common stock on November 30,
2003, reducing Acceris debt obligation and related interest charges without
expending cash. On that same date, Counsel also exercised its voluntary
conversion right on an additional $7,952 of debt owed by Counsel (see Item 13
for further discussion). Additionally, during 2003, Counsel extended the due
date on the remaining related party debt to June 30, 2005. The balance due to
Counsel for the related party debt was approximately $35,073 at December 31,
2003.
Reverse Stock Split
On November 26, 2003, Acceris stockholders approved a 1-for-20 reverse
stock split. Accordingly, the earnings per share for years prior to 2003 have been restated
to reflect the reverse split. All references to share numbers reflect the
reverse stock split unless otherwise noted. In connection with the reverse
stock split, the par value of the Companys common stock changed from $0.007 to
$0.01.
Adoption of Significant Accounting Pronouncements
In 2003, Acceris adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
145,
Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB
Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections as of
April 2002
(SFAS 145). SFAS
145 requires the modification of the Companys 2001 financial statement to reclassify the
previously reported gain on debt extinguishment from extraordinary item to
discontinued operations.
In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) issued SFAS No. 150,
Accounting for Certain
Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity
(SFAS 150). SFAS 150 establishes standards for the classification and
measurement of certain financial instruments with characteristics of both
liabilities and equity. It requires the classification of a financial
instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some
circumstances). SFAS 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or
modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the
first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company adopted SFAS
150 on July 1, 2003 and the adoption did not have any effect on the Companys
financial position or results of operations.
In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149,
Amendment of Statement 133 on
Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities (SFAS 149). This Statement
amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative
instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred
to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under FASB Statement No. 133,
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This Statement is
effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, except as
stated below and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003 and
did not have any effect on the Companys financial position or results of
operations.
In December 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commissions (the SEC)
issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 104,
Revenue Recognition
(SAB
104)
,
which supersedes portions of SAB 101. The primary purpose of SAB 104 is
to rescind accounting guidance contained in SAB 101 related to multiple element
revenue arrangements, which was superseded as a result of the
issuance of the FASBs Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No.
00-21,
Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple
Deliverables
(EITF 00-21)
While the wording of SAB 104 changed to reflect the issuance of EITF
00-21, the revenue recognition principles of SAB 101 remain largely unchanged
by the issuance of SAB 104. The adoption of SAB 104 did not have a material
impact on the Companys financial position or results of operations.
Significant Risks and Material Uncertainties
There are significant risks and material uncertainties that exist in Acceris
business model and environment that may cause the data reflected herein to not
be indicative of the Companys future financial condition. These risks and
uncertainties include, but are not limited to those presented below in Item 7,
entitled Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations.
11
Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations.
Forward-Looking Information
This report contains certain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section
21E of the Exchange Act, as amended, and information relating to Acceris
that are based on managements exercise of business judgment as well as
assumptions made by and information currently available to management. When
used in this document, the words may, will, anticipate, believe,
estimate, expect, intend and words of similar import, are intended to
identify any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue
reliance on these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our
current view of future events and are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties as noted below under Risk Factors. Should one or more of
these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions
prove incorrect, our actual results could differ materially from those
anticipated in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation
and do not intend to update, revise or otherwise publicly release any
revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or
circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of any
unanticipated events. Although we believe that our expectations are based
on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations
will materialize. Many factors could cause actual results to differ
materially from our forward-looking statements.
Overview and Recent Developments
Our vision is to be the preferred supplier of high-quality communications
products and services to targeted markets that will deliver profitable growth
while creating value for all stockholders. Our mission is to provide
businesses and consumers with competitively priced voice, data and enhanced
communications services via direct and indirect channels. Through the
dedication of our employees, we deliver industry-leading customer care,
customized product solutions and full back office support, building long-term
loyalty and trust with our customers. Our
Telecommunications
division
operates primarily through two specific marketing channels:
(1) Retail
, which
offers a broad selection of voice and data telecommunications products and
services to residential and commercial customers through a network of
independent agents, primarily via MLM and commercial agent programs;
and
(2) Enterprise
, which offers voice services and fully integrated, fully managed
data services . Our
Technologies
division offers a proven network convergence
solution for voice and data in VoIP communications technology and holds two
foundational patents in the VoIP space (US Patent Nos. 6,243,373 and
6,438,124). In 2004, we intend to pursue efforts to license the technology
supported by our patents to carriers and equipment manufacturers and suppliers
in the IP telephony market.
Acceris has been built through the acquisition of predecessor businesses,
which have been and are continuing to be integrated, consolidated and
reorganized. These predecessor businesses are organized into two categories:
Telecommunications and Technologies. Telecommunications has been assembled
through the acquisition of WorldxChange in 2001 and certain assets of RSL in 2002. Added to
this was the acquisition of all the outstanding stock of Transpoint, which
closed in 2003.
Our development and transition is articulated below:
Telecommunications:
WorldxChange is a facilities-based telecommunications carrier which
provides international and domestic long-distance service to retail customers.
At the time we purchased the business, WorldxChange consisted primarily of a
dial-around product that allowed a customer to make a call from any phone by
dialing a 10-10-XXX prefix. Historically, WorldxChange marketed its services
through consumer mass marketing techniques, including direct mail and direct
response television and radio. In 2002, we revamped our channel strategy by
de-emphasizing the direct mail channel and devoting our efforts to pursuing
more profitable methods of attracting and retaining customers. We now use
commercial agents as well as a network of independent commission agents
recruited through the WorldxChange MLM program to attract and retain new
customers. In 2004 we launched the Agent Warrant Program which awards warrants
to certain of our agents based on performance criteria as a means to attract
and incentivize new independent agents.
In December 2002, we completed the purchase of certain assets of RSL from a bankruptcy
proceeding. The purchase included the assets used by RSL to provide
long-distance voice and data services, including frame relay, to their Enterprise
customers and the assets used to provide long-distance and other voice
services to small businesses and the consumer/residential market, which they
referred to as their Agent business.
In July 2003, we completed the purchase of all the outstanding stock of
Transpoint. The acquisition of Transpoint provided us with further penetration
into the commercial agent channel and a larger commercial customer base.
Technologies:
In 1994, we began operating as an Internet service provider and quickly
identified that the emerging IP environment was a
promising basis for enhanced service delivery. We soon turned to
designing and building an IP telecommunications platform consisting of our
proprietary software, hardware and leased telecommunications lines. The goal
was to create a platform with the quality and reliability necessary for voice
transmission.
12
In 1997, we started offering enhanced services over a mixed
IP-and-circuit-switched network platform. These services offered a blend of
traditional and enhanced communication services and combined the inherent cost
advantages of the IP-based network with the reliability of the existing PSTN.
Our suite of services included a one number follow me service, long-distance
calling, unified messaging, conference calling, message broadcasting and
web-based interface to manage messages and maintain personal account settings.
In August 1997, we acquired MiBridge, a communications technology company
engaged in the design, development, integration and marketing of a range of
software telecommunications products that support multimedia communications
over the PSTN, LANs and IP networks. Historically, MiBridge concentrated its
development efforts on compression systems such as VoIP. As part of Acceris,
MiBridge continued to develop patent-pending technologies combining
sophisticated compression capabilities with IP telephony technology. The
acquisition of MiBridge permitted us to accelerate the development and
deployment of IP technology across our network platform.
In 1998, we first deployed our real-time IP communications network
platform. With this new platform, all core operating functions such as
switching, routing, and media control, became software-driven. This new
platform represented the first nationwide, commercially viable VoIP platform of
its kind. Following the launch of our software-defined VoIP platform in 1998,
we continued to refine and enhance the platform to make it even more
efficient and capable for our partners and customers.
In February 2000, we transitioned our direct-sales marketing program to
Big Planet, whereupon they became one of our wholesale customers. The
transition of the network marketing sales channel to Big Planet allowed us to
focus on the expansion of our VoIP platform and the development and deployment
of new enhanced services and products, while at the same time maintaining
existing channels for retail sales.
In April 2001, we acquired WebToTel and Nexbell, both previously
subsidiaries of Counsel, in a stock-for-stock transaction. We sold Nexbell to
a third party in December 2001 (see Notes 9 and 13 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements included in Item 15 hereof).
On December 6, 2002, we entered into a definitive purchase and sale
agreement to sell substantially all of the assets and customer base of ILC to
BUI, which closed on May 1, 2003. The sale included the physical assets
required to operate our nationwide network using our patented VoIP technology
(constituting the core business of the ILC business) and a fully paid perpetual license to
our proprietary software-based network convergence solution for voice and data.
The sale of the ILC business removed essentially all operations that did not pertain to our
proprietary software-based convergence solution for voice and data. This sale
marked the final stage of the transformation of our Technologies operations
into a business based principally on the licensing of our proprietary software.
We
own four patents and utilize the technology supported by
those patents in providing our proprietary software solutions. We
believe that we hold the foundational patents for VoIP in our VoIP
Patents. To date, we have licensed portions of that technology
to third parties on a non-exclusive basis. In addition, we also have several patent applications pending
before the USPTO and other such authorities internationally.
Today, our Technologies segment remains focused on delivering solutions for
voice and data services to our partners and customers, while launching a strategy to realize value from our patents through licensing. With over nine years experience
developing VoIP technologies, we continue to offer a proven and time-tested
solution for companies to reduce telecommunications costs and/or to enter the
enhanced communications market. We continue to market our voice and data
services and solutions and to license our enhanced services platform
domestically and internationally to organizations who wish to offer voice services
without incurring high development costs. We are evaluating opportunities to
leverage our patents through a strategy to license our technology to
carriers, equipment/softswitch manufacturers and customers who are deploying IP
for phone-to-phone communication. Technology licensing revenues are
project-based and, as such, these revenues vary from period to period based on
timing and size of technology licensing projects and payments.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have incurred substantial operating losses and negative cash flows from
operations since inception and had a stockholders deficit of $49,309 and
negative working capital of $26,576 at December 31, 2003. We had a
stockholders deficit of $63,925 and negative working capital of $17,244 at
December 31, 2002. We continued to finance our operations during 2003 through
related party debt with an outstanding balance of $35,073 and a revolving
credit facility with an unrelated third party with an outstanding balance of
$12,127 as of December 31, 2003. At December 31, 2002, the balance of our
related party debt and a third party revolving credit facility was $59,340 and
$9,086, respectively.
While there can be no assurance, we
expect that once the streamlining of our operations is complete and the
strategy changes we have implemented over the last two years have matured, the
acquired businesses comprising our Telecommunications division will begin
deriving positive cash flows during 2004. Our Technologies business achieved
positive earnings and cash flows during 2003.
13
At December 31, 2003, we have debt of $35,073 owed to Counsel, which
matures on June 30, 2005 (subject to certain contingent acceleration clauses).
This debt is supplemented by an agreement from Counsel to fund through
long-term intercompany advances or equity contributions, all capital
investment, working capital or other operational cash requirements (the Keep
Well). The Keep Well obligates Counsel to continue its financial support of
Acceris at least until June 30, 2005. In 2003, Counsel advanced us
approximately $7,896 under the Keep Well and converted approximately $5,667 of
accrued interest into principal. See Item 13 for further discussion
of the Keep Well.
During 2003, Counsel acquired a debt we owed to Winter Harbor LLC of
$2,557 and converted $40,673 of its convertible debt into Acceris common stock.
This combination of events significantly reduced our liabilities, particularly
to Counsel.
During 2004, our intention is to approach the capital markets to raise
funds, however there can be no assurance that such fund raising will be
successful. Since December 31, 2003, Counsel has advanced us approximately
$4,050 in additional funding for general operating needs. Subsequent to
December 31, 2003, we have sold approximately 50% of the shares we hold of BUI
for approximately $1,600, which proceeds will be used to fund operations,
capital expenditures and to improve working capital. We intend to sell the
remainder of these shares during 2004. These shares are shown in current
assets as investments in preferred stock at December 31, 2003.
We expect that if we improve our operational results throughout 2004 and
complete additional third party financing, our dependence on Counsel to
support our ongoing operational, capital and debt needs will be reduced.
The majority of the Companys debt matures on June 30, 2005. This includes
amounts due on our three-year asset-based credit facility, under which we owed
$12,127 at December 31, 2003 and amounts owed to Counsel of $35,073 (plus
additional interest accrued prior to June 2005). While there is no assurance, we expect that we will be able
to refinance or replace these debt facilities on acceptable terms.
While managements plans and expectations are clear, there is no assurance
that we will be able to improve our cash flow from operations, obtain
additional third party financing, extend, repay or refinance our debt with
Counsel or our asset-based lender on acceptable terms, or obtain an extension
of the existing funding commitment from Counsel beyond June 30, 2005, should it
be required. If we are unable to accomplish the above, we may have to evaluate
opportunities to sell assets or obtain alternative financing with terms that
are not favorable to us.
Cash Position
Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2003 were $2,033 compared to
$3,620 in 2002 and $4,663 in 2001.
Cash flow from operating activities
Our working capital deficit increased to $26,576 as of December 31, 2003,
from $17,244 as of December 31, 2002. The increase in our working capital
deficit is primarily related to (1) the $4,720 increase in our deferred
revenues from December 31, 2002 to 2003 due to our network service offering,
(2) the increase to our asset-backed credit facility of $3,041 from December
31, 2002 to 2003 due to new borrowings in 2003, (3) the increase in accounts
payable of $3,165 from December 31, 2002 to 2003 and (4) partially offset by
the increase in our current assets of $2,058 due to the reclassification of our
investment in the preferred stock of BUI from long term to current as of December 31,
2003.
Cash used by operating activities during 2003 was $8,315 as compared to
$4,871 during 2002. The net increase in cash used in 2003 was primarily due to
the increase in 2003 of $5,944 in our accounts receivable resulting from the
acquisition of RSL at the end of 2002 and Transpoint in 2003 compared to an
increase in 2002 of $1,269, the existence of an impairment of long-lived assets
in 2002 of $3,609, the receipt in 2003 of $1,100 in stock as consideration for one of
our technology licenses and offset by an increase in deferred revenue of $4,720
in 2003 compared to a decrease of $1,643 in 2002. The change in deferred
revenue is related to our network service offering which we ceased in July
2003. Cash used in operating activities during 2001 was $29,283. The decrease
from 2001 to 2002 is primarily due to a decrease in our net loss which resulted
from improved operating performance by our Retail segment in 2002 as compared
to 2001 and continued downsizing of Acceris network and development
operations.
Cash utilized in investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities in 2003 was $1,827 as compared to
net cash used of $9,233 in 2002 and $15,410 in 2001. In 2003, cash used by
investing activities relates to the purchase of equipment in the amount of
$2,036 and a payment of $100 for the purchase of US Patent No. 6,243,373. This
was offset by cash received from the sale of assets in the amount of $160. The
decrease from 2002 to 2003 relates primarily to the purchase of RSL in 2002 for
approximately $8,276. The purchase of Transpoint in 2003 was accomplished by
converting trade payables due to Acceris (which were paid over time by Acceris
on behalf of Transpoint) into equity of Transpoint in accordance with the
purchase agreement. The payment of trade payables by Acceris on behalf of
Transpoint has been accounted for in cash flows from operating activities in
2002 and 2003 and amounted to approximately $2,882 paid from the period July
2002 through July 2003. Also in 2002, we acquired $1,649 in furniture,
fixtures, equipment and software as we expanded our operations and continued to
improve
our network in order to reduce its overall operating cost, offset by
proceeds of $692 on the sale of a building.
14
In 2001, cash used by investing activities was primarily due to the
$13,447 purchase of WorldxChange assets and the purchase of approximately
$1,963 of furniture, fixtures, equipment and software.
Cash provided by financing activities
Financing activities provided net cash of $8,555 in 2003 as compared to
cash provided of $13,061 in 2002 and $47,200 in 2001. The decrease from 2002
to 2003 primarily relates to the fact that in 2003 we received $7,896 in
funding from Counsel, which included cash to fund ongoing operations and
continue the reorganization of the business, while in 2002 we received $16,823
in funding from Counsel (offset by principal repayments of $3,000 during 2002).
The cash received from Counsel in 2002 was primarily for the purchase
of certain assets of RSL
and to fund operations.
In 2001, Counsel provided advances of $43,920 (offset by principal
repayments of $2,500) to fund the purchase of WorldxChange and general
operating costs. Additionally, we made net borrowings from our revolving line
of credit of $6,996.
Contractual Obligations
We have various commitments in addition to our debt. The following table
summarizes our contractual obligations at December 31, 2003:
(1) From time to time, Acceris has various agreements with national carriers
to lease local access spans and to purchase carrier services. The agreements
include minimum usage commitments with termination penalties up to 100% of the
remaining commitment. At December 31, 2003 all of our minimum usage commitments
have been met.
Consolidated Results of Operations
We have provided consolidated
and segmented
reporting on an annual and rolling quarter basis as we believe
that this is an appropriate way to review the financial results of the
business. The following consolidated discussion and analysis should be read
in conjunction with results by segment below.
15
Key selected financial data for the three years ended December 31, 2003, 2002
and 2001 are as follows:
2003 Compared to 2002
When considering the review of the results of continuing operations
for 2003 compared to 2002, it is important to note the following
significant changes in our operations that occurred in 2003 and 2002.
Namely:
Revenues:
The increase in Telecommunications services revenue to $133,765 in 2003
from $85,252 in 2002 is primarily related to the following events:
16
Technology licensing and development revenues decreased $673 to $2,164 in
2003 from $2,837 in 2002. The decrease was related to having revenue from two
contracts outstanding in 2003 compared to three in 2002. Technology licensing
revenues are project-based and, as such, these revenues will vary from year to
year based on the timing and size of the projects and related payments.
Operating costs and expenses:
The changes in operating costs and expenses are primarily related to the
following:
17
Other income (expense):
The changes in other income (expense) are primarily related to the
following:
2002 Compared to 2001
When considering the results of continuing operations for
2002 compared to 2001, it is important to note the following significant
changes in our operations that occurred in 2002 and 2001, namely:
Revenues:
The increase in Telecommunications services revenue of $34,963 to $85,252
in 2002 from $50,289 in 2001 was primarily related to the following events:
The primary reason for the decrease of $2,860 in revenues for the
Technology segment to $2,837 in 2002 from $5,697 in 2001 was due to the
reduction in revenue recorded relating to a two-year licensing agreement which
ended in May 2002. In 2002, we recorded revenue of approximately $1,667 on
this contract, compared to approximately $5,000 in 2001.
18
Operating costs and expenses:
The changes in operating costs and expenses are primarily related to the
following:
Other income (expense):
Overall the $3,476 increase in expense was directly related to interest
expense on our increased debt from loans from Counsel (necessary to fund our
continued cash operating requirements and acquisitions) of approximately
$2,751, interest expense on our revolving credit facility which originated in
December 2001 of approximately $447 and the inclusion of interest from
WorldxChange capital leases for twelve months in 2002 as compared to seven
months in 2001.
Other income in 2002 was primarily related to WorldxChange, who in the
fourth quarter was informed that it had funds on deposit with certain carriers
that it had not previously known existed. Upon verification of such deposits,
we recorded the asset and recognized other income of approximately $200. We did
not have similar transactions in 2001. The other changes from year to year
relate to various items which do not recur from year to year and a decrease in
interest earned in 2002 compared to 2001 which corresponds to the decrease in
average cash balances on hand during the respective years and the reduction in
interest rates during the same periods.
In December 2001, we sold our subsidiary Nexbell to an unrelated party.
The sale was a sale of Nexbells stock and accordingly the assets and
liabilities of Nexbell were assumed by the purchaser with no further financial
obligation on our part. At the time of the sale, the liabilities exceeded the
assets of Nexbell and accordingly, we have recorded a gain on sale of
subsidiary in the amount of approximately $589 (the amount by which the
liabilities of Nexbell exceeded its assets).
Quarterly Analysis
Management believes that the most appropriate way to analyze Acceris is to
examine the changes in the business quarter over quarter. Accordingly, we have
presented the consolidated and segmented viewpoint on this basis.
19
Revenues:
Telecommunications network expense:
20
Operating costs and
expenses:
21
Supplemental Statistical and Financial Data
The following data is provided for additional information about our operations.
It should be read in conjunction with the quarterly segment analysis provided
herein. All amounts below are unaudited.
22
Segmented Analysis:
Telecommunications
- Retail
Revenues
Retail
revenues increased $24,444 to $108,150 for 2003 as compared to $83,706 for
2002. The increase was primarily due to:
Operating costs and expenses
Retails telecommunications network expense and network service offering
expense for 2003 and 2002 totaled $70,731 and $48,974, respectively. The
increase in 2003 over 2002 relates primarily to:
Retails SG&A was $47,941 in 2003, up from $34,468 in 2002. The increase
in 2003 over 2002 primarily relates to:
In the first quarter of 2003, we negotiated and received a concession from
one new significant supplier of a network product. We negotiated a reduction
in costs payable to the supplier of approximately $4,463 of which $2,999 was
recovered in the first quarter by reduction of commissions otherwise payable to
the supplier. During the second quarter of 2003 we recovered an additional
$1,150 by reduction of commissions otherwise payable. The balance of
approximately $314 was recovered in the third quarter by withholding
commissions that would otherwise be payable to the supplier.
Retails depreciation and amortization was $4,883 in 2003 compared to
$4,056 in 2002. The increase in 2003 over 2002 primarily relates to the
inclusion of the Agent business of RSL (acquired in December 2002) and the
Transpoint business (acquired in July 2003) for
23
which there was no comparable
expense in the same period of 2002. Assets subject to depreciation and
amortization totaling approximately $7,673 were acquired in connection with
these purchases.
Retails interest and other expense was $2,416 in 2003 compared to $2,923
in 2002. The decrease in 2003 over 2002 primarily relates to a decrease of
$519 in amortization of debt discount related to the value of warrants issued
to Counsel in 2002 which did not recur in 2003.
The Retail business approaches
the market through the MLM ethnic and commercial agent channels.
In 2004, we expect to bundle our competitive long-distance rates with the
recently launched local service and other enhanced products to offer a unique,
in-language suite of integrated services targeted at specific ethnic markets.
From the first voice a customer hears through to the receipt of an invoice, all
communications with our customers will now be in their own language. Currently,
we are targeting customers who frequently call India, China, Brazil, Latin
America and Eastern Europe, and we intend to expand this scope going forward.
Our commercial agent channel will continue to focus on providing the
highest levels of service at the most competitive price, helping our agent
customers become more successful. In 2004, we launched a loyalty program to
reward those agents who increase their
business with us with warrants to purchase common stock.
As
our revenue mix changes in 2004, our contribution from this business is
expected to improve for three primary reasons:
Telecommunications Enterprise
Revenues
Revenues from Enterprise in 2003 came from the Enterprise business of RSL,
which we acquired in December 2002. Accordingly, the Enterprise segment had no
revenues in the first eleven months of 2002. Revenues of $25,615 have been
included in 2003, compared to $1,547 in 2002.
Operating costs and expenses
24
Our Enterprise channel is targeted at medium-sized companies where we can
be more competitive on level of service and price. We believe our customer
service is second to none as clients are assigned a dedicated Acceris
representative responsible for ensuring the customers needs are met. We have
also established strong relationships with all major telecommunications
carriers, and are thus able to design a fully managed system for our customers
utilizing a combination of carriers that best suits their objectives.
Following our acquisition of the Enterprise business of RSL, we continue
to deliver the high level of service that RSL has historically brought to
the market place, which has been the hallmark of its reputation. The revenue
decline experienced during the year was due to the loss of several customers
who made the decision to change providers while the business was in a
bankruptcy proceeding as well as normal turnover. Following the acquisition, we
started to implement customer attraction strategies in this business, which has
a lengthy sales cycle. This strategy involved putting a new sales team in
place. We expect in 2004 that our customer attraction/retention initiatives,
coupled with our back office integration initiatives, will lead to improved
results of operations from the Enterprise segment.
Technologies
Revenues
Technologies
is the segment responsible for licensing and related services revenue. Technologies
had revenues of $2,164 in 2003 as compared to $2,837 in 2002. The revenues
in 2003 relate to two contracts. The first contract was entered into in the
first quarter of 2003 for which acceptance was obtained in the second quarter.
The contract involves both technology licensing and the provision of services.
Revenues from the contract are being recognized over the service period starting
with acceptance in the second quarter and will continue during the period
of our continued involvement. During 2003 we recognized $1,563 in revenue
from this customer. The second contract was entered into with a Japanese company
in the third quarter of 2003 when delivery, acceptance and payment were all
completed resulting in the recognition of $600 during the third quarter of
2003. The contract allows for additional future revenues of up to $1,250,
contingent upon future events including the issuance of patents in Japan consistent
with our existing United States patents. Subsequent to year end, the Company
recognized approximately $750 in revenues pursuant to a cash receipt in March 2004.
If and when the future events occur, the Company will recognize the additional
revenues. The Company has no continuing obligation related to this contract.
Revenues in 2002 related to three contracts no longer in effect in 2003. Technology
licensing revenues are project-based and, as such, these revenues will vary
from period to period based on timing and size of technology licensing projects
and payments.
Technologies SG&A was $1,150 in 2003 as compared to $1,850 in 2002. The
decrease is directly related to a decrease in R&D in 2002 to 2003 of
approximately $1,399. Offsetting this decrease, was an increase associated
with our addition of employees to this division in 2003, principally a
president and an independent sales agent. The president of this division
resigned at the end of 2003 and we expect to see a decrease in SG&A costs in
2004.
Technologies recorded no depreciation expense in 2003 and minimal
depreciation in 2002.
One of our most exciting developments in 2003 was the acquisition of a
second patent related to VoIP. Utilizing our patented technology, VoIP enables
telecommunications customers to originate a phone call on a traditional
handset, transmit any part of that call via the Internet, and then terminate
the call over the traditional telephone network. This new patent acquisition
combined with our existing Acceris patent, creates an international patent
portfolio covering the basic process and technology that enables VoIP
communications, and transforms Acceris into a major participant in the
provision of VoIP solutions. Going forward, we intend to aggressively pursue
recognition of our intellectual property in the marketplace through a focused
licensing program.
25
Revenue and contributions from this business to date have been based on
the sales and deployments of our VoIP solutions, which will continue. The
timing and sizing of various projects will result in a continued pattern of
mixed quarterly results.
Risk Factors
Operational Risks
- a small management team;
- limited capital and financial resources;
- our small size; and
- a small market share.
26
27
28
Industry Risks
the pricing policies of our competitors and suppliers;
the capacity, reliability, availability and security of our
real-time IP network;
the publics recognition of our name and products;
the timing of our introductions of new products and services;
our ease of access to and navigation of the Internet or other types
of data communication networks;
our ability in the future to support existing and emerging industry
standards;
our ability to balance network demand with the fixed expenses
associated with network capacity; and
our ability to deal with trends toward increasing wireless and
decreasing wire line usage.
29
Critical Accounting Estimates
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations discusses our consolidated financial statements, which have been
prepared in accordance with accounting principals generally accepted in the
United States (GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an
on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including
those related to intangible assets, contingencies, collectibility of
receivables and litigation. Management bases its estimates and judgments on
historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be
reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for
making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are
not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these
estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in Item 15 of this
report. To aid in the understanding of our financial reporting, our most
critical accounting policies are described below. These policies have the
potential to have a more significant impact on our financial statements, either
because of the significance of the financial statement item to which they
relate, or because they require judgment and estimation due to the uncertainty
involved in measuring, at a specific point in time, events which are continuous
in nature. We have identified our most critical accounting estimates to be the
following:
Revenue recognition:
Telecommunications
- We recognize revenue for telecommunications services
when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or
services have been rendered, our price to the customer is fixed and
determinable and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.
Revenue is derived from telecommunications usage based on minutes of use.
Revenue derived from usage is recognized as services are provided,
based upon agreed usage rates and is net of estimated bad debts, customer credits and
billing errors, which are recorded at the same time the corresponding revenue
is recognized. Revenue for a period is calculated from information received
through our network switches. Bad debts, customer credits and billing errors
are significant estimates made by management based on a number of factors
including historical experience and current trends. See below for further
discussion of our provision for bad debt. Revenues from billings for services
rendered where collectibility is not assured are recognized when the final cash
collections to be retained by the Company are finalized.
Network
service offering - We began to sell a network service offering in
November 2002, which we subsequently ceased selling in July 2003. We
determined that collectibility of the amounts billed to customers was not
reasonably assured at the time of billing. Under our agreements with the LECs,
cash collections remitted to us are subject to adjustment, generally over
several months. Accordingly, we recognize revenue when the actual cash
collections to be retained by us are finalized and unencumbered. There is no
further billing of customers for the network service offering subsequent to the
programs termination. Also, at December 31, 2003, we had approximately $4,621
in cash receipts that were still subject to adjustment by the LECs and
therefore encumbered. This amount is included in deferred revenue at December
31, 2003. We expect that a portion of these amounts will become unencumbered
during 2004, and we will record revenues at such time that we finalize cash
collection amounts with the LECs.
30
Technologies
- Revenue from the sale of software licenses is recognized
when a non-cancelable agreement is in force, the license fee is fixed or
determinable, acceptance has occurred and collectibility is reasonably
assured. Maintenance and support revenues are recognized ratably over the term
of the related agreements. When a license of our technology requires our
continued support or involvement, contract revenues are spread over the period
of the required support or involvement.
Telecommunications network costs:
Costs associated with carrying telecommunications traffic over our network
and over leased lines are expensed when incurred, based on invoices received
from the service providers. If invoices are not available in a timely fashion,
estimates are utilized to accrue for these telecommunications network costs.
These estimates are based on the understanding of variable and fixed costs in
our service agreements with these vendors in conjunction with the traffic
volumes that has passed over the network and circuits provisioned at the
contracted rates. Traffic volumes for a period are calculated from information
received through our network switches. From time to time, we have disputes
with our vendors relating to telecommunications network services provided and
invoiced to us. In the event of such disputes, we record an expense based on
our understanding of the agreement with that particular vendor, traffic
information received from our network switches and other factors.
Provision for doubtful accounts:
Allowances for doubtful accounts are maintained for estimated losses
resulting from the failure of customers to make required payments on their
accounts. We evaluate our provision for doubtful accounts at least quarterly
based on various factors, including the financial condition and payment history
of major customers and an overall review of collections experience on other
accounts and economic factors or events expected to affect our future
collections experience. Due to the large number of customers that we serve, it
is impractical to review the creditworthiness of each of our customers,
although a credit review is performed for larger carrier and retail business
customers. We consider a number of factors in determining the proper level of
the allowance, including historical collection experience, current economic
trends, the aging of the accounts receivable portfolio and changes in the
creditworthiness of our customers.
Purchase accounting and intangible assets:
We account for intangible assets in accordance with SFAS
No. 141,
Business Combinations
(SFAS 141) and
SFAS No. 142,
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
(SFAS 142). All
business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method and goodwill
and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are
tested for impairment at least annually. Intangible assets are
initially recorded based on estimates of fair value at the time of the
acquisition.
We
assess the fair value of our segments for goodwill
impairment based upon a discounted cash flow methodology. If the
carrying amount of the segment assets exceed the estimated fair value
determined through the discounted cash flow analysis, goodwill impairment may
be present. We would measure the goodwill impairment loss based upon
the fair value of the underlying assets and liabilities of the segment,
including any unrecognized intangible assets and estimate the implied fair
value of goodwill. An impairment loss would be recognized to the extent that a
reporting units recorded goodwill exceeded the implied fair value of goodwill.
We
performed our annual impairment test in the fourth quarters of
2003 and 2002. No impairment was present upon performing these tests.
We cannot predict the occurrence of certain events that might adversely
affect the reported value of goodwill. Such events may include, but are not
limited to, strategic decisions made in response to economic and competitive
conditions, the impact of the economic environment on our customer
base or a material negative change in its relationships with significant
customers.
We regularly evaluate whether events or circumstances have occurred that
indicate the carrying value of our other amortizable intangible assets may not
be recoverable. When factors indicate the asset may not be recoverable, we
compare the related future net cash flows to the carrying value of the asset to
determine if impairment exists. If the expected future net cash flows are less
than carrying value, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying
value exceeds the fair value of the asset.
Deferred tax asset:
We perform a valuation on our deferred tax asset, which has been generated
by a history of net operating loss carryforwards, at least annually, and
determine the necessity for a valuation allowance. We evaluate which portion,
if any, will more likely than not be realized by offsetting future taxable
income. The determination of that allowance includes a projection of our
future taxable income, as well as consideration of any limitations that may
exist on our use of our net operating loss or credit carryforwards.
Litigation
:
We are involved from time to time in various legal matters arising out of
our operations in the normal course of business. On a case by case basis, we
evaluate the likelihood of possible outcomes for this litigation. Based on
this evaluation, we determine whether a liability is appropriate.
If the likelihood of a negative outcome is probable, and the amount
is estimable, we account for the liability in the current period. A
change in the circumstances surrounding any current litigation could
have a material impact on the financial statements.
31
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of
recent accounting pronouncements and their impact on our financial statements.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Our exposure to market risk is limited to interest rate sensitivity, which
is affected by changes in the general level of US interest rates. Our cash
equivalents are invested with high quality issuers and limit the amount of
credit exposure to any one issuer. Due to the short-term nature of the cash
equivalents, we believe that we are not subject to any material interest rate
risk as it relates to interest income. As to interest expense, we
have one debt instrument that has variable interest rates based on the prime rate of
interest. Assuming the debt amount on our asset-backed facility at December 31, 2003 were constant during the
next twelve-month period, the impact of a one percent increase in the prime
interest rate would be an increase in interest expense of approximately $122
for the next twelve-month period. However, the debt instrument is subject
to an interest rate floor of 6.0%, a one percent decrease in the prime interest
rate would have no impact on interest expense during the next twelve-month
period. We do not believe that we are subject to material market risk on our
fixed rate debt with Counsel in the near term.
We did not have any foreign currency hedges or other derivative financial
instruments as of December 31, 2003. We do not enter into financial
instruments for trading or speculative purposes and do not currently utilize
derivative financial instruments. Our operations are conducted primarily in the
United States and as such are not subject to material foreign currency exchange
rate risk.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
See Consolidated Financial Statements and supplementary data beginning on pages F-1 and S-1.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
As of the end of the period covered by this annual report, the Company
carried out, under the supervision and with the participation of the Companys
management, including the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer (the Certifying Officers), an evaluation of the effectiveness of its
disclosure controls and procedures (as the term is defined under Rules
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the Exchange Act)). Based on this evaluation, the Certifying
Officers have concluded that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures
are effective to ensure that material information is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported by management of the Company on a timely basis in order
to comply with the Companys disclosure obligations under the Exchange Act, and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Further, there were no changes in the Companys internal control over
financial reporting during the fourth fiscal quarter that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal
control over financial reporting.
32
Quarter Ended
High
Low
$
10.00
$
1.40
5.80
2.60
4.80
1.80
3.40
1.40
$
3.40
$
2.00
5.60
2.00
6.00
3.00
4.80
1.20
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
(1)
$
$
$
50,289
$
85,252
$
133,765
3,673
464
2,507
8,972
5,697
2,837
2,164
400
6,180
9,836
55,986
88,089
135,929
35,546
50,936
86,006
5,400
456
10,148
14,683
30,790
33,015
57,264
2,861
5,999
5,438
2,636
4,220
2,332
1,399
5,482
3,991
6,409
4,270
7,125
23,666
23,350
77,938
95,619
155,833
(17,486
)
(13,514
)
(21,952
)
(7,530
)
(19,904
)
(4,856
)
(1,639
)
(4,023
)
(7,499
)
(6,946
)
(22,342
)
(15,153
)
(25,975
)
(15,029
)
(26,850
)
(2,317
)
(10,599
)
(18,522
)
(12,508
)
529
$
(24,659
)
$
(25,752
)
$
(44,497
)
$
(27,537
)
$
(26,321
)
$
(31,269
)
$
(16,800
)
$
(10,759
)
$
(15,029
)
$
(26,850
)
$
(29.21
)
$
(12.60
)
$
(2.17
)
$
(2.58
)
$
(3.83
)
(2.16
)
(7.95
)
(3.73
)
(2.15
)
0.08
$
(31.37
)
$
(20.55
)
$
(5.90
)
$
(4.73
)
$
(3.75
)
$
(1,319
)
$
(30,061
)
$
(40,812
)
$
(17,244
)
$
(26,576
)
7,019
10,983
21,024
11,479
8,483
6,551
3,939
1,331
2,747
4,417
21,658
21,657
46,780
41,446
39,054
8,976
35,960
64,117
40,852
50,887
9,659
2,802
19,661
64,519
37,476
8,133
59,340
35,073
9,659
2,802
11,528
5,179
2,403
(11,050
)
(28,839
)
(36,998
)
(63,925
)
(49,309
)
Payment due by period
Less than 1
1-3
3-5
More than 5
Contractual obligations:
Total
year
years
years
years
$
49,372
$
13,381
$
35,583
$
349
$
59
$
4,346
$
2,715
$
1,631
$
$
$
7,047
$
2,373
$
3,263
$
1,115
$
296
$
$
$
$
$
1.
In July 2003, we acquired Transpoint. The operations of
Transpoint from July 28, 2003 to December 31, 2003 have been included
in the statement of operations for 2003. However, there were no such
operations in 2002.
2.
On December 10, 2002, we purchased the assets of RSL, including the assumption
of certain liabilities. The RSL operations from January 1, 2003 to
December 31, 2003 have been included in the statement of operations
for the entire fiscal year. In 2002, the operations of RSL were included for
the period December 10, 2002 to December 31, 2002.
3.
On December 6, 2002, we entered into an agreement to sell
substantially all of the assets and customer base of ILC. The sale
closed on May 1, 2003. As a result of the agreement, the operational
results related to ILC have been reclassified as discontinued
operations in the current and prior years and accordingly are not
included in the following analysis of continuing operations for 2003
or 2002.
4.
In November 2002, we began to sell a network service offering
provided by a new supplier. The sale of that service offering ceased
in late July 2003. While this product has been discontinued, revenue
is recognized as cash receipts become unencumbered, and we expect this
to continue in 2004. See further discussion below, as well as in the
section entitled Critical Accounting Estimates.
(1)
In December 2002, we acquired certain assets of RSL from a
bankruptcy proceeding. The
acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting and accordingly, revenue subsequent to the acquisition has
been included in our revenue. There is a full year of RSL revenue
included in 2003, versus less than one month in 2002. The operations
of RSL provided approximately $15,300 in Telecommunications revenues
in 2003, compared to approximately $2,500 for December 2002.
Additionally, the operations of Transpoint which began in July provided
approximately $2,055 in Telecommunications revenue during 2003, which
was not present in 2002.
(2)
We have continued to experience a decline in revenue from
10-10-XXX dial around services and from a related direct mail program
launched in 2001 and curtailed in early 2002. In 2003, revenues from
our dial around product were approximately $54,900 versus
approximately $66,800 in 2002.
(3)
We have experienced growth in our revenue from customers
acquiring 1+ services through our growing commercial, ethnic
and MLM channels on which we began to focus in early
2002. Revenues from our 1+ product were approximately $44,400 in 2003
versus approximately $15,791 in 2002.
(4)
We launched a network service offering in 2002, which we
curtailed in July 2003. We recognized revenues of approximately
$7,629 in 2003 as cash receipts became unencumbered, compared to
recognizing no revenues in 2002. At December 31, 2003, $4,621 in
cash receipts remain encumbered and are accounted for as deferred
revenues on our balance sheet. We anticipate that these receipts
will become unencumbered and recognized as revenue in 2004.
(5)
Although we continued to experience price erosion in 2003 in a
very competitive long-distance market, our customer and traffic
growth is outpacing this compression. The increase in number of
subscribers from 279,532 at December 31, 2002 to 354,248 at December
31, 2003, coupled with the increase in traffic per user has driven
the remainder of our increase in revenue, year-over-year. In 2003,
we recognized approximately $97,756 of domestic and international
long distance revenues (including monthly recurring charges and USF
fees) on approximately 907,000,000 minutes, resulting in a blended
rate of approximately $0.11 per minute. In 2002, we recognized
approximately $82,466 of domestic and international long distance
revenues on approximately 680,480,000 minutes, resulting in a blended
rate of approximately $0.12 per minute.
(1)
Telecommunications network expense The $35,070 increase
relates primarily to the inclusion of a full year of the operations
of the RSL assets in 2003 as opposed to less than one month in 2002. In 2003, the
operations of RSLs Enterprise business incurred approximately
$15,279 in telecommunications network expense versus approximately
$1,190 in December of 2002. The inclusion of a full year of activity
for the Agent business of RSL, resulted in an increase of approximately
$8,734. Additionally, we recognized an increase of approximately
$7,112 in telecommunications network expense associated with our
network service offering in 2003 over 2002.
(2)
Selling, general, administrative and other (SG&A)- The
$24,249 increase relates primarily to the inclusion of a full year of
the operations of RSL in 2003 as opposed to less than one month in 2002.
In 2003, the operations of RSLs Enterprise business incurred
approximately $10,378 in SG&A versus approximately $810 in December
of 2002. The inclusion of a full year of activity for the Agent
business of RSL combined with our existing Retail segment resulted in
an increase in SG&A from 2002 to 2003 of approximately $13,471.
(3)
Provision for doubtful accounts The $561 decrease is primarily
due to lower bad debt experience levels for our direct billed
customers because of Companys implementation of a dedicated
collection team in 2003. The provision for doubtful accounts as a
percentage of total revenue was 4.0% in 2003 compared to 6.8% in
2002. This percentage decrease was also due to the revenue from our
network service offering being recognized on an unemcumbered cash
receipts method, which was $7,629 in 2003 and none in 2002.
Additionally, in 2003 we recognized $25,615, versus $1,547 in 2002 in
revenues from our Enterprise segment. The revenues for our
Enterprise segment has a significantly lower bad debt experience than
our Retail revenues.
(4)
Depreciation and amortization The increase relates primarily
to tangible and intangible assets acquired pursuant to the RSL and
Transpoint acquisitions. Depreciation and amortization on the assets
purchased from RSL was approximately $1,800 for all of 2003, which
was present for less than one month in 2002. Additionally, the
intangible assets associated with the Transpoint purchase incurred
additional amortization of approximately $245 during 2003, which was
not present in 2002. The remainder of the increase is associated
with depreciation on the purchase of new furniture, fixtures,
equipment and software during the year.
(5)
Research and development costs (R&D) We ceased our R&D
activities in 2002. We will commence investing in R&D when it becomes
necessary to supplement our existing technology platform.
(1)
Interest expense - The $268 increase in interest expense
primarily relates to interest on amounts owed to Counsel and on
amounts owed on our asset-based facility. The increase year over year
relates primarily to higher average outstanding loan amounts to both
Counsel and our asset-based lender. The balance of our revolving
credit facility was $12,127 and $9,086 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. This facility had an average
interest rate of 6% during both years. The increased average loan
balance created additional interest expense year-over-year of
approximately $154. Counsel advanced us an additional $7,896 during
2003, which created additional interest expense from 2002 to 2003 of
approximately $69.
(2)
In November 2003, $40,673 of Counsel debt was converted into
equity. We expect that in 2004, our interest expense will be
significantly lower than 2003 due to the conversion. The Counsel debt
carried an interest rate of 10%, therefore the conversion will lead
to approximately $4,000 in annual interest savings. Such savings
would be reduced by any future increases in debt.
(3)
Other income - The $821 increase to other income is primarily
related to the discharge of obligations from two settlement
agreements completed during 2003 with network carriers, which totaled
$1,141. In 2002, other income represents approximately $200 in
income recorded when we were informed that we had funds on deposit
with vendors that we had not known previously existed. The changes
year to year in other income relate to items which are non recurring
and we do not anticipate similar events to occur in 2004.
1.
On June 4, 2001, we completed the purchase of WorldxChange,
which offered a dial-around telecommunications product. We did not
offer a comparable product prior to June 4, 2001.
2.
On December 10, 2002, we purchased the assets of RSL, including the assumption
of certain liabilities. RSL offers voice services to residential and
small business customers through an indirect sales channel. RSL also
offers voice and data solutions to small and medium size enterprise
customers through a direct sales channel. The RSL operations from
December 11, 2002 to December 31, 2002 have been included in the
statement of operations for 2002.
3.
On December 6, 2002, we entered into an agreement to sell
substantially all of the assets and customer base of ILC. The sale
closed in the second quarter of 2003. As a result of the agreement,
the operational results related to ILC have been reclassified as
discontinued operations in 2002 and 2001 and accordingly are not
included in the following analysis of continuing operations.
(1)
In June 2001, we acquired the long-distance operations of
WorldxChange Communications Inc. from bankruptcy. The purchase was
accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly,
revenue in 2001 was limited to revenue from the date of acquisition
in June 2001 through the end of 2001 (approximately seven months)
compared to twelve months of operations in 2002. The revenues from
WorldxChange accounted for approximately $82,752 in 2002 and all of
the Telecommunications revenues in 2001.
(2)
In December 2002, we acquired the assets of the Agent and the
Enterprise Direct business of RSL from bankruptcy. The acquisition was
accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and
accordingly, revenue of approximately $2,500 was recognized
subsequent to the acquisition, which was not present in 2001.
(1)
Telecommunications network expense The $15,390 increase related
primarily to the inclusion of a full year of the operations of
WorldxChange in 2002 as opposed to only seven months in 2001. On an
annualized basis, telecommunications network expense decreased from 2001
to 2002. The decrease on an annualized basis correlated with a 14%
increase in telecommunications services revenue margin
(telecommunications services revenue compared to telecommunications
network expense) in 2002 over 2001, primarily relating to improved
network efficiency derived from reductions in operating costs and
efficiencies relating to more scaled utilization of our network.
Further, in 2002, we expensed approximately $2,000 of network service
offering costs for which no revenue was recognized. This expense was
not present in 2001.
(2)
SG&A The $2,225 increase related primarily to the inclusion of a
full year of the operations of WorldxChange in 2002 compared to only
seven months in 2001. This increase included $7,124 from our Retail
segment and $777 from our Enterprise segment. The overall increase was
partially offset by a decrease of $5,676 in advertising costs associated
with the curtailment of a direct advertising program in the first
quarter of 2002 that commenced in 2001.
(3)
Provision for doubtful accounts The $3,138 increase related
primarily to the inclusion of a full year of operations of WorldxChange
in 2002 compared to only seven months in 2001. Additionally, in 2002,
we experienced a shift in channels resulting in more direct billing of
customers, which incurs a larger percentage of uncollectible accounts.
(4)
Depreciation and amortization The $2,139 decline in depreciation
and amortization was related to the decrease in amortization on our
intangible assets of $2,350, as certain intangible assets associated
with the purchase of WorldxChange became fully amortized. This decrease
was partially offset by a full year of depreciation and amortization on
the acquired tangible assets of WorldxChange and the acquired tangible
and intangible assets of RSL.
(5)
R&D Over the past several years we have consolidated our research
operations and curtailed research and development activities in order to
concentrate our financial resources on sales and marketing of existing
products. With the sale of the ILC business in December 2002, we have
stopped our research and development activities, as evidenced by no
expenses being incurred in 2003.
(1)
Retail revenue grew in 2003 over 2002 due primarily to the
inclusion of the Agent business of RSL, which we acquired on December
10, 2002. In the Retail market we experienced an increase in the
volume of business, based on approximately 907,000,000 minutes
carried over our network and over lines we lease from third parties
during 2003 versus approximately 680,400,000 in 2002. Additionally,
our number of customers grew from approximately 279,532 at December
31, 2002 to approximately 354,248 at the end of 2003. However, the
average blended rate per minute (including domestic and international
calls) declined throughout 2003, from approximately $0.12 per minute
in 2002 to approximately $0.11 per minute in 2003. The ratio of
international long-distance business to domestic long-distance
continued at an approximately 65:35 ratio for 2002 and 2003.
(2)
Enterprise revenues grew in 2003 due primarily to the inclusion
of the Enterprise business of RSL, which was acquired on December 10,
2002. In 2003, the Enterprise business provided $25,615 in revenues,
compared to $1,547 in 2002.
(3)
Network service offering - We introduced a product in November
2002 which we ceased offering in July 2003. We recognized revenues of
approximately $7,629 in 2003 as cash receipts became unencumbered and
recognized no such revenue in 2002. Beginning in the second quarter
of 2003, amounts collected from this offering were considered
unencumbered and recognized as revenue. At December 31, 2003, $4,621
in cash receipts remains encumbered and is accounted for as deferred
revenues on our balance sheet. We anticipate that the remainder of
these receipts will become unencumbered and recognized as revenue in
2004.
(4)
Technologies revenue is made up of several project-based
contracts. Revenue in this business is volatile between reporting
periods. In 2003, revenue reported is from two contracts and totals
$2,164 in 2003, compared to $2,837 from three contracts in 2002.
(5)
We expect that Retail revenue will increase in 2004 as we
continue to offer local telephone services to additional markets
throughout the United States.
(1)
Costs grew in 2003 over 2002 in line with the level of revenue,
due to increased traffic on our network and on the lines we lease
from third parties. The increase in volume is directly related to
the inclusion of a full year of activity for the Agent business of RSL,
which resulted in an increase in telecommunications network expense
of approximately $8,734. Additionally, we recognized an increase of
approximately $7,112 in telecommunications network expense associated
with our network service offering in 2003 over 2002.
(2)
Our networks continued to operate in 2003 below 50%
utilization, which is consistent with 2002. The operation of the network has many fixed
cost elements and changes in network utilization affects the
Telecommunications divisions operating loss. In 2004, we expect
network utilization to improve due to anticipated increases in network
traffic and by taking traffic on low volume parts of the network
off-net and removing under performing parts of the network.
Off-net traffic refers to that which we transport on network lines
leased from third parties.
(3)
We acquire telecommunications services from a number of carriers
and pricing obtained from those carriers affects Telecommunications
operating loss.
(4)
We are subject to telecommunications taxes, and the calculation
and mandated contribution rates change from time to time which
affects our costs from period to period.
(5)
The destination of customers long-distance calls, particularly
international calls, affects the Telecommunications network expense and overall
profitability.
We expect that Telecommunications operating loss will
decrease in 2004 over 2003 as we increase network utilization by adding traffic and taking
traffic off-net in low or negative contribution parts of the United
States.
(1)
SG&A Costs increased primarily due to the
acquisition of certain assets of RSL
in December 2002 and the acquisition of Transpoint in July 2003.
Throughout 2003, we have been integrating these two businesses, as
well as WorldxChange, and have been developing an infrastructure that
allowed us to enter the local business. As our integration continues,
we expect SG&A as a percent of revenue to decline during 2004. The
inclusion of a full year of activity for the Agent business of RSL
combined with our existing Retail segment resulted in an increase in
SG&A from 2002 to 2003 of approximately $13,343, while the inclusion
of a full year of activity of the Enterprise business of RSL
accounted for an increase of approximately $9,568.
(2)
Provision for doubtful accounts Improvement as a percent of
revenue from 6.8% in 2002 to 4.0% in 2003 has occurred due to improved credit and collection processes
and due to the use of the unencumbered cash receipts method of
revenue recognition for our network service offering. We recognized
approximately $7,629 in revenue during 2003 associated with this
product which, due to the unencumbered cash method of accounting,
experiences significantly less bad debt.
(3)
Research & development We ceased our R&D activities in 2002.
We will commence investing in R&D when it becomes necessary to
supplement our existing technology platform.
(4)
Depreciation and amortization Pursuant to the acquisition of
RSL and Transpoint we acquired certain tangible and intangible
assets, which are being amortized over one to five years.
Depreciation and amortization on the assets purchased from RSL was
approximately $1,800 for all of 2003, which was present for less than
one month in 2002. Additionally, the intangible assets associated
with the Transpoint purchase accumulated additional amortization of
approximately $245 during 2003, which was not present in 2002. The
remainder of the increase is associated with depreciation on new
furniture, fixtures, equipment and software purchased during the
year.
2003
(In millions of dollars, except where indicated)
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
$
7.8
$
7.8
$
7.4
$
7.5
12.8
14.4
15.3
15.1
20.6
22.2
22.7
22.6
2.3
2.4
2.8
3.0
0.4
0.3
0.4
0.4
23.3
24.9
25.9
26.0
7.1
6.8
5.9
5.9
0.1
0.2
30.4
31.8
32.0
31.9
4.1
3.1
0.4
1.1
1.0
0.1
$
30.4
$
37.0
$
36.1
$
32.4
135,236,248
140,798,912
134,198,098
121,880,023
83,191,655
93,896,850
98,873,877
98,978,290
9,571,155
7,772,277
9,364,583
8,653,038
228,330
215,187
206,937
192,678
136,896
174,486
168,242
161,570
365,226
389,673
375,179
354,248
$
21.51
$
19.94
$
20.71
$
21.75
$
23.27
$
23.84
$
25.16
$
25.61
$
14.8
$
13.3
$
13.7
$
13.3
8.5
11.6
12.2
12.7
7.1
6.8
5.9
5.9
0.1
0.2
$
30.4
$
31.8
$
32.0
$
31.9
33.5
%
31.4
%
28.6
%
28.9
%
54.9
57.8
59.1
58.1
9.9
9.6
10.8
11.5
1.7
1.2
1.5
1.5
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
51.4
%
51.2
%
50.1
%
48.4
%
43.4
41.6
44.2
44.9
5.2
7.2
5.7
6.7
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
(1)
MRC/USF represents Monthly Recurring
Charges and Universal Service Fund fees charged to the customers.
(2)
Dial-around refers to a product which allows a customer to make a
call from any phone by dialing a 10-10-XXXX prefix.
(3)
1+ refers to a product which allows a retail customer to directly
make a long-distance call from their own phone by dialing 1 plus the
destination number.
(4)
Average revenues per user is calculated as the revenues for the last
month of the quarter divided by the number of users at the end of the
quarter.
(all amounts in thousands)
2002
2003
Full Year
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2002
2003
$
22,811
$
20,985
$
19,834
$
20,076
$
23,272
$
25,106
$
26,069
$
26,074
$
83,706
$
100,521
4,142
3,079
408
7,629
22,811
20,985
19,834
20,076
23,272
29,248
29,148
26,482
83,706
108,150
13,272
12,237
11,198
10,272
14,714
15,210
16,034
15,666
46,979
61,624
1,995
6,205
2,165
807
(70
)
1,995
9,107
8,828
7,430
7,554
10,656
11,940
11,345
12,271
12,385
34,468
47,941
980
977
966
1,133
1,164
1,163
1,452
1,104
4,056
4,883
23,080
20,644
19,718
24,056
34,023
29,883
30,564
29,085
87,498
123,555
(269
)
341
116
(3,980
)
(10,751
)
(635
)
(1,416
)
(2,603
)
(3,792
)
(15,405
)
(1,168
)
(926
)
(574
)
(255
)
(632
)
(852
)
(673
)
(259
)
(2,923
)
(2,416
)
(1,437
)
(585
)
(458
)
(4,235
)
(11,383
)
(1,487
)
(2,089
)
(2,862
)
(6,715
)
(17,821
)
incremental revenue of approximately $14,855 associated with
growth in the subscriber base primarily due to the December 2002
acquisition of the Agent business of RSL and the July 2003 acquisition
of Transpoint.
revenues of $7,629 representing actual cash collections from
our network service offering that have been finalized during the
first nine months of 2003 from billings prior to December 31, 2003.
Revenue from this product is accounted for when the actual cash
collections to be retained by the company are finalized. There was no
comparable source of revenue in 2002.
inclusion of approximately $10,095 in network expenses
associated with growth in the subscriber base primarily due to the
December 2002 acquisition of the Agent business of RSL and the July
2003 acquisition of Transpoint.
inclusion of network expenses of $9,107 related to the sale of
a network service offering in 2003 versus $1,995 in 2002.
an increase in personnel costs of approximately $2,800 from
2002 to 2003 primarily relating to the increase in number of
employees,
an increase of $9,650 in billing and collection charges and
outside agent commissions when compared to 2002 relating primarily to
the increase in Retail revenue,
an increase in professional fees in 2003 of approximately
$4,020 compared to 2002 and
partially offset by a decrease of $1,463 in advertising costs
from 2002 to 2003, which decrease relates to the curtailment of a
direct advertising program in the first quarter of 2002.
1)
We expect to increase the revenue per customer by
converting existing customers to our bundled offering while
attracting new customers at higher average revenue rates due to the
expanded service offering i.e., local and long-distance versus only
long-distance in 2003 and prior.
2)
We have commenced the roll out of our internally developed
VoIP and enhanced services complemented by deploying the latest
solutions available from Nortel. This will be coupled with the
consolidation of our network operating centers from two to one and
the reduction of the unprofitable parts of our network.
3)
The continued deployment of technology and standard process
and consolidation of our back office functions, teamed with our
shift toward increased direct billing and the attraction of a
customer base with a longer average life will improve our return on
investment for each customer.
2002
2003
Full Year
(unaudited)
(unaudited)
(audited)
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2002
2003
1,547
7,095
6,747
5,854
5,919
1,547
25,615
1,190
4,829
3,944
3,233
3,273
1,190
15,279
810
2,793
2,685
2,222
2,678
810
10,378
158
661
596
540
444
158
2,241
2,158
8,283
7,225
5,995
6,395
2,158
27,898
(611
)
(1,188
)
(478
)
(141
)
(476
)
(611
)
(2,283
)
(18
)
(89
)
(90
)
(89
)
(24
)
(18
)
(292
)
(629
)
(1,277
)
(568
)
(230
)
(500
)
(629
)
(2,575
)
Enterprise accounted for $15,279 of the total network expense
in 2003, compared to $1,190 in 2002, as Enterprise was only a part of
operations for less than one month during 2002.
Enterprise accounted for $9,568 of our overall increase in selling, general, administrative and other expense in 2003.
Enterprise recorded $2,241 in depreciation and amortization in 2003.
Enterprise recorded $292 in interest and other expense (net of other income) in 2003.
2002
2003
Full Year
(unaudited)
(unaudited)
(audited)
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2002
2003
$
1,580
$
888
$
322
$
47
$
$
1,050
$
1,049
$
65
$
2,837
$
2,164
625
684
491
50
73
575
282
220
1,850
1,150
36
19
19
(63
)
11
661
703
510
(13
)
73
575
282
220
1,861
1,150
919
185
(188
)
60
(73
)
475
767
(155
)
976
1,014
$
919
$
185
$
(188
)
$
60
$
(73
)
$
475
$
767
$
(155
)
$
976
$
1,014
We are dependent upon outside financing to meet our ongoing capital
requirements.
We have incurred substantial operating losses and negative cash flows from
operations since inception and have a net capital deficiency and negative
working capital. We have historically financed our operations through
related party debt with our controlling stockholder and a revolving credit
facility with an outside party.
We are primarily dependent upon an ongoing commitment from Counsel to fund,
through long-term intercompany advances or equity contributions, all
of our
capital investment, working capital or other operational cash requirements
through June 30, 2005.
While Counsel did convert approximately $40,673 of its debt
into 13,428,492 shares of our common stock on November 26, 2003, thereby remaining the
single largest stockholder of Acceris, there remains significant debt to
Counsel of $35,073 at December 31, 2003. The remaining debt matures on
June 30, 2005 and the commitment from Counsel to fund us also terminates on
June 30, 2005. Subsequent to June 30, 2005, should Counsel not extend its
commitment to provide us financial support, and in the event cash flow from
operations is insufficient to cover the maturing debt, we would be required
to restructure our debt with Counsel and/or further extend payments of
principal or interest or find alternative funding to replace the related
party debt and funding commitment. There can be no assurance that we will
be able to do so. If we are not, we may have to evaluate opportunities to
sell assets or obtain alternative financing with terms that are not
favourable to us. Even if we were able to do so, such restructuring may be
done on terms and conditions that are not favorable to the Company.
Our operations are dependent on leased telecommunications lines.
We use other companies to provide data communications capacity via leased
telecommunications lines and services to and from geographic areas that are
not covered by our own network. MCI, Verizon, AT&T, Global Crossing, Qwest
and other regional companies provide significant portions of the leased
telecommunications lines and services that we use. If any of these
suppliers were unable or unwilling to provide or expand their current
levels of service to us in the future, the services we offer our
subscribers would be affected. Although leased telecommunications lines are
available from several alternative suppliers, we might not be able to
obtain substitute services from other providers at reasonable or comparable
prices or in a timely fashion. Significant interruptions of our
telecommunications services might occur in the future, and we might not be
able to provide the level of service we currently offer. Changes in
tariffs, regulations, or policies by any of our telecommunications
providers might limit or eliminate our ability to continue to offer
long-distance service on commercially reasonable or profitable terms.
We are dependent upon the services of others for billing, collection and
network services.
We utilize the services of certain CLECs to bill and collect from customers
for a significant portion of our revenues. If the CLECs were
unwilling or unable to
provide such services in the future, we would be required to significantly
enhance our billing and collection capabilities in a short amount of time
and our collection experience could be adversely affected during this
transition period. If the CLECs were unable to remit payments received
from their customers relating to our billings, our operations and cash
position could be adversely affected. Management believes we have strong
business relationships with the CLECs.
We depend on certain large telecommunications carriers to provide network
services for significant portions of our telecommunications traffic. If
these carriers were unwilling or unable to provide such services in the future our
ability to provide services to our customers would be adversely affected
and we might not be able to obtain similar services from alternative
carriers on a timely basis. Management believes we have strong business
relationships with our important carriers.
We are a growing company that must attract new subscribers and minimize the
rate of customer attrition in an industry with larger and better
capitalized competitors.
We are a growing business that faces several challenges, especially when
compared to larger companies in the same business, including:
All these factors might make us unable to compete with larger, older,
better capitalized businesses.
In order to increase our subscribers, we must be able to replace
terminating subscribers and attract new subscribers. However, the sales
and marketing expenses and other subscriber costs associated with
attracting new subscribers are substantial. Our ability to improve or
maintain operating margins will depend on the ability to retain and attract
new subscribers. While we continue to invest resources in the
telecommunications infrastructure, customer support resources, sales and
marketing expenses and subscriber acquisition costs, our future efforts
might not improve subscriber retention or acquisition.
We may not be able to utilize income tax loss carry forwards.
Restrictions in our ability to utilize income tax loss carry forwards have
occurred in the past due to the application of certain change in ownership
tax rules in the United States. There is no certainty that the application
of these rules may not reoccur resulting in further restrictions on our
income tax loss carry forwards existing at a particular time. Any such
additional limitations could require us to pay income taxes in the future
and record an income tax expense to the extent of such liability.
We could be liable for income taxes on an overall basis while having
unutilized tax loss carry forwards since these losses may be applicable to
one jurisdiction and or particular line of business while earnings may be
applicable to a different jurisdiction and or line of business.
Additionally, income tax loss carry forwards may expire before we have the
ability to utilize such losses in a particular jurisdiction and there is no
certainty that current income tax rates will remain in effect at the time
when we have the opportunity to utilize reported tax loss carry forwards.
Acquisition of companies, products or technologies may result in
disruptions in business and diversion of management attention, adversely
impacting our business, results of operations and financial condition and
make period to period comparisons difficult.
Acquisitions of complementary companies, products or technologies which we
have recently made or which we may make in the future will require the
assimilation of the operations, products and personnel of the acquired
businesses and the training and motivation of these individuals.
Acquisitions may therefore cause disruptions in operations and divert
managements attention from day to day operations, which could impair our
relationships with current employees, customers and strategic partners.
Although we currently have no understandings, commitments or agreements
with respect to any additional acquisitions, any such acquisitions may be
accompanied by the risks commonly encountered in such transactions. We may
also have to, or choose to, incur debt or issue equity securities to pay
for any future acquisitions. The issuance of equity securities for an
acquisition could be substantially dilutive to our stockholders holdings.
In addition, our profitability may suffer because of such
acquisition-related costs or amortization costs for acquired goodwill and
other intangible assets. Our inability to address such risks or fulfill
expectations regarding revenues from acquired businesses, products and
technologies could have a material adverse effect on our business,
operating results and financial condition. We have completed several
acquisitions over the past three years and may complete acquisitions in the
future which make it difficult to compare our financial results on a period
to period basis.
We must be able to develop and implement an expansion strategy and manage
our growth.
Our ability to develop and implement an expansion strategy, manage the same
and respond to growth will be critical to our success. To accomplish our
growth strategy, we will be required to invest additional capital and
resources and expand our geographic markets. We cannot assure you that we
will be successful in developing, implementing or managing any such growth
strategies. If we are successful in our growth strategy, there will be
additional demands on our customer support, marketing, administrative and
other resources. There can be no assurance we will be able to manage
expanding operations effectively or that we will be able to maintain or
accelerate our rate of growth.
We face risks inherent in new product and service offerings as well as new
markets.
From time to time we introduce new products and services or expand our
previous product and service offerings to our existing and target markets.
For instance, in the fourth quarter of 2003 we announced the introduction
of local exchange service under the terms of the Unbundled Network Element
Platform authorized by the 1996 Act (for further discussion of the 1996
Act, see the heading Government Regulation in Item 1 entitled, Business).
Our prospects must therefore be considered in light of the risks,
expenses, problems and delays inherent in establishing new lines of
business in a rapidly changing industry. Although we believe we can
successfully differentiate our product and service offerings from others in
the marketplace, we must be able to compete against other companies who may
already be established in the marketplace and have greater resources.
There can be no assurance we will be successful in adding products or
services or expanding into new markets or that our administrative,
operational, infrastructure and financial resources and systems will be
adequate to accommodate such offerings or expansion.
We are dependent upon the services of independent agents.
Our market penetration primarily reflects the marketing, sales and customer
service activities of our independent agents, who market our products and
services on a commission basis. The use of these agents exposes us to
significant risks, including the fact that we depend on the continued
viability, loyalty and financial stability of our agents. Our future
success depends in large part on our ability to recruit, maintain and
motivate our agents. We are subject to competition in the recruiting of
agents from other organizations that use the agents to market their
products and services, including those that market telecommunications
services. Because of the number of factors that affect the recruiting,
performance and viability of our agents and our relationship with our
agents, we cannot predict when or to what extent we will be able to
continue to recruit, maintain and motivate agents effectively, nor can we
predict the difficulties or costs associated with terminating any of our
agency relationships.
We are reliant on our enterprise billing solution.
We rely on an enterprise billing solution to bill customers. If that
technology fails to operate as expected, there is a risk that revenue could
be lost or customers could be billed incorrectly.
Our principal stockholder has voting control over the Company.
As of December 31, 2003, Counsel owned over 90% of our outstanding common
stock. As a result, Counsel controls all matters requiring approval by the
stockholders including the election of the Board of Directors and
significant corporate transactions. The Board of Directors establishes
corporate policies and has the sole authority to nominate and elect our
officers to carry out those policies. The control by Counsel could delay
or prevent a change in control of Acceris, impede a merger, consolidation,
takeover or other business combination involving Acceris and discourage a
potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to
obtain control of Acceris. Other stockholders therefore will have limited
participation in our affairs.
Our future performance relies on attracting and retaining key employees.
We have certain employees that we consider to be key. Many of these
employees are involved in executing the strategy that will impact our
planned results. If these key employees cease to be employed with us,
planned results could be delayed or might not materialize. We mitigate this
risk through the use of employment contracts, the formalization of our
strategy and business plans and by ensuring the existence of timely
knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Our Board of Directors may issue additional shares of preferred stock
without stockholder approval.
Our Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to
10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $10.00 par value per share. The Board of
Directors is authorized to determine the rights and preferences of any
additional series or class of preferred stock. The Board of Directors may,
without stockholder approval, issue shares of preferred stock with
dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights which are senior
to our shares of common stock or which could adversely affect the voting
power or other rights of the existing holders of outstanding shares of preferred
stock or common stock. The issuance of additional shares of preferred
stock may also hamper or discourage an acquisition or change in control of
Acceris.
We are subject to litigation.
We, from time to time, are involved in various claims, legal proceedings
and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business. We are not aware
of any pending or threatened proceedings that would have a material adverse
effect on our consolidated financial condition or future results.
We may be unable to maintain adequate insurance coverage.
We maintain insurance that includes liability coverage to protect us from
claims made against us. Recent events have made liability insurance more
expensive while at the same time reducing the scope of coverage. Our
ability to maintain adequate insurance coverage at a reasonable cost may be
impacted by market conditions beyond our control.
We have not declared any dividends on our common stock to date and have no
intention of doing so in the foreseeable future.
The payment of cash dividends on our common stock rests within the
discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend, among other things,
upon our earnings, unencumbered cash, capital requirements and our
financial condition, as well as other relevant factors. Payments of
dividends on our outstanding shares of preferred stock must be paid prior
to the payment of dividends on our common stock. We do not anticipate
making any cash distributions on the common stock in the foreseeable future
and investors in our common stock cannot rely on dividend income therefrom.
Further, the terms of our operating subsidiarys revolving line of credit
restricts the distribution to or payment of dividends to us.
We may fail to adequately protect our proprietary technology and processes,
which would allow competitors to take advantage of our development efforts.
We own four patents and have several patent applications on file. The value of
these patents has yet to be determined. If we fail to obtain or maintain
adequate protections, we may not be able to prevent third parties from
using our proprietary rights. Any currently pending or future patent
applications may not result in issued patents. In addition, any issued
patents may not have priority over any patent applications of others or may
not contain claims sufficiently broad to protect us against third parties
with similar technologies, products or processes. We also rely upon trade
secrets, proprietary know-how and continuing technological innovation to
remain competitive. We protect this information with reasonable security
measures, including the use of confidentiality agreements with our
employees, consultants and corporate collaborators. It is possible that
these individuals will breach these agreements and that any remedies for a
breach will be insufficient to allow us to recover our costs. Furthermore,
our trade secrets, know-how and other technology may otherwise become known
or be independently discovered by our competitors.
The telecommunications industry in which we operate is subject to
government regulation.
The telecommunications industry is subject to government regulation at
federal, state and local levels. Any change in current government
regulation regarding telecommunications pricing, system access, consumer
protection or other relevant legislation could have a material impact on
our results of operations. Most of our current operations are subject to
regulation by the FCC under the Communications Act of 1934. In addition,
certain of our operations are subject to regulation by state public utility
or public service commissions. Changes in the regulation of, or the
enactment or changes in interpretation of legislation affecting us could
damage our operations and lower the price of our common stock.
The 1996 Act, among other things, allows the Regional Bell
Operating Companies (RBOC) and others to enter the long-distance
business. Entry of the RBOCs or other entities, such as electric utilities
and cable television companies, into the long-distance business may have a
negative impact on our business or our customers. We anticipate that some
of these entrants will prove to be strong competitors because they are
better capitalized, already have substantial customer bases, and enjoy cost
advantages relating to local telecom lines and access charges. This could
adversely impact the results of our operations, which could have a negative
effect on the price of our common stock. In addition, the
1996 Act provides that state proceedings may in certain
instances determine access charges we are required to pay to the local
exchange carriers. If these proceedings occur, rates could increase which
could lead to a loss of customers, weaker operating results and lower the
price of our common stock.
Recent legislation in the United States (including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002) is increasing the scope and cost of work provided to us by our
independent auditors and legal advisors. Many guidelines have not yet been
finalized and there is a risk that we will incur significant costs in the
future to comply with legislative requirements, thereby reducing
profitability.
We must continue to have up to date technology and be attentive to general
economic trends to compete in the communications services industry.
The market for telecommunications services is extremely competitive. To be
competitive and meet changing customer requirements, we must be attentive
to rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards, emerging
competition and frequent new software and service introductions.
We believe that our ability to compete successfully will depend upon a
number of factors including, but not limited to:
Many companies offer business communications services and compete with us
at some level. These range from large telecommunications carriers such as AT&T, MCI, WorldCom and Sprint, to smaller, regional
resellers of telephone line access. These companies, as well as
others, including manufacturers of hardware and software used in the business
communications industry, could in the future develop products and services
that may directly compete with ours. These entities are far better
capitalized than us and enjoy a significant market share in their industry
segments. These entities also enjoy certain competitive advantages such as
extensive nationwide networks, name recognition, operating histories and
substantial advertising resources.
Our technology- related service revenues are derived from the licensing of
our proprietary technology. New technologies may emerge that would make
our product offering obsolete. This would require the pursuit of
technological advances which would require substantial time and expense and
may not succeed in adapting our technology offering to new or alternate
technologies. In addition, there may be other companies attempting to
introduce products similar to those we offer or plan to offer for the
transmission of information over the Internet. We might not be able to
successfully compete with these market participants.
The telecommunications market is volatile.
During the last several years, the telecommunications industry has been
very volatile as a result of overcapacity, which has led to price erosion
and bankruptcies. If we cannot control subscriber and customer attrition
through maintaining competitive services and pricing, revenue could
decrease significantly. Likewise, by maintaining competitive pricing
policies, the revenue per minute we earn may decrease significantly. Both
scenarios could result in us not meeting profitability targets.
Terrorist attacks or acts of war may seriously harm our business.
Terrorist attacks or acts of war may cause damage or disruption to our
operations, employees, facilities and our customers, which could
significantly impact our revenues, costs and expenses, and financial
condition. The terrorist attacks that took place in the United States on
September 11, 2001 were unprecedented events that have created many
economic and political uncertainties, some of which may have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial
condition. The potential for future terrorist attacks, the national and
international responses to terrorist attacks and other acts of war or
hostility have created many economic and political uncertainties, which
could also have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition in ways that management currently cannot
predict.
PART III
(All dollar amounts are presented in USD)
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.
Acceris Articles of Incorporation, as amended, provide that the Board of
Directors shall be divided into three classes, and that the total number of
directors shall not be less than five and not more than nine. Each director
shall serve a term of three years. At its February 12, 2003 meeting, the Board
of Directors appointed Ms. Kelly D. Murumets to fill the vacancy created by the
resignation of Mr. Norman Chirite, a Class II director, and on March 23, 2004,
the Board appointed William H. Lomicka to fill a vacancy created by the
resignation of Mr. Albert Reichmann. Mr. Walter resigned his position on April
5, 2004 and as of the date of this filing, the vacancy left by Mr. Walter has
not been filled. As of April 5, 2004, the Board of Directors consists of
seven members: two Class I directors (Messrs. Shimer and Weintraub), three
Class II directors (Messrs. Toh, Heaton and Silber) and two Class III directors
(Messrs. Lomicka and Ms. Murumets). Messrs. Shimer and Weintraub, the Class I
directors, were elected at the November 2003 Annual Meeting of the Companys
stockholders.
The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions with Acceris
of the persons who currently serve as our directors and executive officers.
There are no family relationships between any
present executive officers and directors.
Allan C. Silber
, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Officer. Mr. Silber was elected to the Board of Directors as a Class II
director in September 2001 and appointed as Chairman of the Board in November
2001. Mr. Silber is the chairman and CEO of Counsel Corporation, which he
founded in 1979. Mr. Silber attended McMaster University and received a
Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto.
Kelly D. Murumets
, Director and President. Ms. Murumets became a Class
III director in February 2003. Ms. Murumets joined Counsel Corporation as
Executive Vice President in February 2002 and was appointed President of
Acceris in November 2003. Prior to joining Counsel and Acceris,
Ms. Murumets was a Vice President with Managerial Design where, during her
15-year tenure, she was a valued advisor to clients throughout North America
giving leaders the insight and guidance required to implement change, achieve
results and improve profitability. Ms. Murumets received her BA from Bishops
University, her MBA from the University of Western Ontarios Ivey School of
Business and her MSW from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1996, where she was the
recipient of the Gold Medal and Governor Generals Award.
Hal B. Heaton
, Director. Dr. Heaton was appointed by the Board of
Directors as a Class II director on June 14, 2000 to fill a board vacancy.
From 1982 to present he has been a professor of Finance at Brigham Young
University and between 1988 and 1990 was a visiting professor of Finance at
Harvard University. Dr. Heaton is a director of MITY Enterprises, Inc., a
publicly traded manufacturer of furniture in Orem, Utah. Dr. Heaton holds a
Bachelors degree in Computer Science/Mathematics and a Masters in Business
Administration from Brigham Young University, as well as a Masters degree in
Economics and a Ph.D. in Finance from Stanford University.
Henry Y.L. Toh
, Director. The Board of Directors elected Mr. Toh as a
Class II director and as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors in April 1992.
Mr. Toh became President of Acceris in May 1993, Acting Chief Financial
Officer in September 1995 and Chairman of the Board in May 1996, and served as
such through September 1996. Mr. Toh serves as a director of: National Auto
Credit, Inc. (previously an originator of sub-prime automobile financing that
is transitioning into new lines of business) from 1998 through the present;
Teletouch Communications, Inc., a retail provider of Internet, cellular and
paging services, beginning in November 2001; and Isolagen, Inc., a
biotechnology company, since 2003. He is also a director of Four M
International Inc., a private investment firm. He is a graduate of Rice
University.
33
Samuel L. Shimer
, Director. Mr. Shimer was appointed by the Board of
Directors as a Class I director on April 15, 2001 to fill a board vacancy and
was appointed Senior Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions and Business
Development on February 12, 2003. From 1997 to February 2003 he was
employed by Counsel Corporation, serving as a Managing Director since 1998.
Mr. Shimer is currently serving as a director of Counsel Communications, the
parent of Acceris. From 1991 to 1997, Mr. Shimer worked at two merchant
banking funds affiliated with Lazard Frères & Co., Center Partners and
Corporate Partners, ultimately serving as a Principal. Mr. Shimer earned a
Bachelor of Science in Economics degree from The Wharton School of the
University of Pennsylvania, and a Masters of Business Administration degree
from Harvard Business School. Mr. Shimer terminated his employment with the
Company on February 27, 2004 to join Whitney & Co., an asset management company. He remains a member of the Board.
William
H. Lomicka
, Director. Mr. Lomicka was appointed by the Board of Directors
as a Class III director on March 23, 2004 to fill a board vacancy
left by the resignation of Mr. Albert Reichmann. Mr. Lomicka has been
a director of Counsel since June 26, 2002. Mr. Lomicka is Chairman of
Coulter Ridge Capital, Inc. a private investment firm, a position he has held
since 1999. Between 1989 and 1999 he was President of Mayfair Capital, Inc.,
a private investment firm. Mr. Lomicka is a director of Pomeroy IT Solutions
and is also on the board of advisors of Valley Ventures, an Arizona venture
capital fund. Mr. Lomicka is a graduate of the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio,
and has a Masters of Business Administration degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Stephen A. Weintraub
, Director and Senior Vice President and Secretary.
Mr. Weintraub was elected as a Class I director on
November 26, 2003, pursuant to a vote of the Companys stockholders. Mr.
Weintraub joined Counsel in June 1983 as Vice President, Finance and Chief
Financial Officer. He has been and is an officer and director of various
Counsel subsidiaries. He has been Secretary of Counsel since 1987 and Senior
Vice President since 1989. From 1980 to 1983 he was Secretary-Treasurer of
Pinetree Development Co. Limited, a private real estate developer and investor.
From 1975 to 1980 he was Treasurer and CFO of Unicorp Financial Corporation, a
public financial management and holding company. Mr. Weintraub received a
Bachelors degree in Commerce from the University of Toronto in 1969, qualified
as a Chartered Accountant with Clarkson, Gordon (now Ernst & Young LLP) in 1972
and received his law degree (LL.B.) from Osgoode Hall Law School, York
University in 1975.
Gary M. Clifford
, Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Mr.
Clifford joined Counsel Corporation in November 2002 as, and presently is, its
Chief Financial Officer. From June 1998 to October 2002, Mr. Clifford has held
various senior roles at Leitch Technology Corporation in Finance, Operations
and Corporate Development. From February 1996 to June 1998, Mr. Clifford
worked for NetStar Communications Inc. Mr. Clifford is a Chartered Accountant,
who articled with Coopers & Lybrand. A graduate of the University of Toronto,
with a Bachelors degree in Management, he has also lectured at Ryerson
Polytechnic University in Toronto, Canada. Mr. Clifford was appointed as Vice
President of Finance of Acceris on December 6, 2002 and Chief Financial Officer
on February 12, 2003.
James G. Ducay
, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr.
Ducay was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Acceris
in October 2003. From December 2002 until October 2003, Mr. Ducay served as
President of the Companys Enterprise business. Previously, from April 2000 to
December 2002, Mr. Ducay was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer of RSL COM USA (RSL COM) with responsibility for Marketing, Sales and
Account Services, Engineering and Operations and Information Technology. RSL
COM filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 in March 2001. Before
joining RSL COM, Mr. Ducay was Vice President of Marketing and Sales for
Ameritech Interactive Media Services from February 1998 to April 2000 where he
was responsible for managing Ameritechs Internet products and related sales
channels. He also served as Managing Director and Vice President for Bell
Atlantic/NYNEX. Mr. Ducay has a Masters Degree in Engineering from the
University of Illinois and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from
the University of Chicago.
Kenneth L. Hilton
, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Mr.
Hilton was named Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing of Acceris in
October 2003. Previously, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of
WorldxChange Corporation in May 2002. From June 1999 to December 2001, Mr.
Hilton served as the Chief Executive Officer of Handtech.com, an Internet-based
start-up company in Austin, TX. that provided customized E-commerce
storefronts, supply chain management and back office services to value-added
resellers. Prior to Handtech.com, from October 1995 to May 1999, he was the
Executive Vice President of North American Consumer Sales for Excel
Communications, where he also served as the Chairman of the Board for Excel
Canada. Prior to his 5 years at Excel, he ran North America operations for
PageMart Wireless where he launched the Canadian business and also served as
the Chairman of the Canadian Board. Prior to PageMart, Mr. Hilton held numerous
sales and management positions with IBM. His 14-year career with IBM included
sales, sales management, branch management and regional management positions.
Each officer of Acceris is appointed by the Board of Directors and holds
his office at the pleasure and direction of the Board of Directors or until
such time of his/her resignation or death.
There are no material proceedings to which any director, officer or
affiliate of Acceris, any owner of record or beneficially of more that five
percent of any class of voting securities of Acceris, or any associate of any
such director, officer, affiliate of Acceris or security holder is a party
adverse to Acceris or any of its subsidiaries or has a material interest
adverse to Acceris or any of its subsidiaries.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers and directors, and
persons who own more than ten percent of a registered
class of our equity
securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of equity
securities of Acceris with the SEC. Officers, directors, and greater than ten
percent stockholders are required by the SEC regulation to furnish us with
copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file.
34
Based solely upon a review of Forms 3 and Forms 4 furnished to us pursuant
to Rule 16a-3 under the Exchange Act during our most recent fiscal year, to
Acceris knowledge, all reporting persons complied with all applicable filing
requirements of Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, with the following exceptions: J. Ducay failed to
timely file a Form 4 in December 2003, with respect to one transaction.
K. Hilton failed to file a Form 4 in December 2003, with respect to
two transactions.
As of the date of this Annual Report,
the foregoing reporting persons have regained compliance with Section 16(a)
reporting requirements.
The Board of Directors
The Board of Directors oversees the business affairs of the Company and
monitors the performance of management. The Board of Directors held 5 meetings
during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. No incumbent director attended
less than 75% of the Board meetings during 2003.
The Board of Directors has designated two standing committees: the Audit
Committee and the Compensation Committee. We do not have a nominating or a
corporate governance committee or any committees serving similar functions.
However, corporate governance functions are included in the Audit Committee
Charter. At the February 12, 2003 Board meeting, the Board of Directors
resolved to eliminate Acceris Finance Committee.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Audit Committee
. On June 9, 2000, the Board of
Directors approved Acceris Audit Committee Charter, which was subsequently
revised and amended on July 10, 2001 and again on February 12, 2003 in order to
incorporate certain updates in light of the most recent regulatory
developments, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. A copy of the current
Audit Committee Charter was attached to the Companys Definitive Proxy
Statement filed in October 2003 in connection with the 2003 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders. The Audit Committee is responsible for making recommendations to
the Board of Directors concerning the selection and engagement of independent
auditors and for reviewing the scope of the annual audit, audit fees, results
of the audit and auditor independence. The Audit Committee also reviews and
discusses with management and the Board of Directors such matters as accounting
policies, internal accounting controls and procedures for preparation of
financial statements. Its membership is currently comprised of Mr. Heaton
(chairman) and Mr. Toh. The Audit Committee held 6 meetings during the last
fiscal year.
Compensation Committee
. The Compensation Committee
reviews and approves the compensation for executive employees. Its membership
is currently comprised of Messrs. Heaton, Toh and Lomicka. The Compensation
Committee held 1 meeting during the last fiscal year.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Henry Y.L. Toh, a member of
the Audit Committee, is an audit committee financial expert as defined by Item
401(h) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act and is independent within the
meaning of Item 7(d)(3)(iv) of Schedule 14A under the Exchange Act.
Code of Ethics
Acceris has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal
executive, financial and accounting officers. The Acceris Communications Inc.,
Code of Conduct (the Code) is attached as Exhibit 14 hereto. A copy of the
Code can also be found on the Companys website at
http://www.acceris.com
(follow Corporate Governance link to Governance Documents tab). The Company
intends to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 10 of Form 8-K
regarding any amendments to, or waivers from, a provision of the Code that
applies to its principal executive, financial and accounting officers by
posting such information on its website at the website address set forth above.
35
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The following table sets forth the aggregate cash compensation paid for
services rendered during the last three years by each person serving as our
Chief Executive Officer during the last year and our other most highly
compensated executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2003 whose
compensation was in excess of $100,000 (Named Officers).
Mr. Vannoy became a Senior Vice President of WorldxChange
on June 4, 2001. Mr. Vannoy resigned from the Company in March
2004.
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year (2003)
The following table shows information about stock option grants to the
Named Officers during fiscal 2003. These options are included in the Summary
Compensation Table above. These gains are calculated assuming annual compound
stock price appreciation of 5% and 10% from the date the option was originally
granted to the end of the option term. The 5% and 10% assumed annual compound
rates of stock price appreciation are required by SEC rules, and are not the
Companys estimate or projection of future stock prices.
36
The following table sets forth certain information concerning grants of
stock options to each of the Named Officers during 2003:
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option
Values:
The following table shows information about the value realized on option
exercises for each of the Named Officers during fiscal 2003, and the value of
their unexercised options at the end of fiscal 2003. Value realized, or gain,
is measured as the difference between the exercise price and market value or
the price at which the shares were sold on the date of exercise.
(1) None of the unexercised options above are in the money, based on the
closing price of the Companys common stock on December 31, 2003, which was
$2.18 per share.
Director Compensation
Each year subsequent
to 2002, all directors then serving who are not employed by Acceris or Counsel other than in their capacity
as directors are to receive an
option to purchase 1,000 shares of common stock and for each committee on which
the director serves, an option to purchase 250 shares of common stock. The
exercise price of such options is equal to the fair market value of the common
stock on the date of grant. The directors are also eligible to receive options
under our stock option plans at the discretion of the Board of Directors. No
discretionary stock options were awarded to directors during 2003.
In addition, each independent director is compensated $1,000 for each
in-person board meeting attended and $500 for each telephonic board meeting
attended. During 2003, Messrs. Heaton and Walter received $18,000 and $7,000,
respectively, in connection with the services that they rendered and $1,181 and
$10,330, respectively, for reimbursement of expenses paid to attend various
meetings.
Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control
Arrangements
Kenneth L. Hilton Employment Contract.
On May 1, 2002, Acceris and Kenneth L. Hilton entered into a four-year employment agreement pursuant to
which Mr. Hilton became the Chief Executive Officer of WorldxChange Corp.,
Acceris wholly-owned subsidiary. Mr. Hiltons annual salary is $275,000, and
he is eligible for a discretionary bonus in an amount to be determined by the
Board of Directors up to 100% of his annual salary.
Counsel Communications and Counsel also entered into an agreement with Mr.
Hilton dated May 1, 2002, under which agreement, Mr. Hilton was issued
approximately 0.2% of the common units of Counsel Communications, which common
units were to vest over a four-year period commencing on May 1, 2003. For additional disclosure of a loan to Mr. Hilton see Item 13.
37
James G. Ducay Employment Contract.
On July 1, 2002, Acceris
and James G. Ducay each entered into an employment agreement, which became
effective on December 10, 2002, the date on which WorldxChange completed its
acquisition of the assets of RSL, and expires on December 10, 2003. Mr.
Ducays annual salary is $275,000, and he is eligible for a discretionary bonus
in an amount to be determined by the Board of Directors up to 100% of his annual salary. On January 1,
2004, Mr. Ducay entered into another employment agreement with the Company
which is effective until January 1, 2005, under substantially the same material
terms and provisions.
Stock Option Plans
At December 31, 2003, the Company has several stock-based employee
compensation plans. All share amounts disclosed below reflect the effect of
the 1-for-20 reverse stock split which was approved by the
stockholders on November 26, 2003.
Director Stock Option Plan
The Companys Director Stock Option Plan authorizes the grant of stock
options to directors of the Company. Options granted under the Director Stock Option Plan are
non-qualified stock options exercisable at a price equal to the fair market
value per share of common stock on the date of any such grant. Options granted
under the Director Stock Option Plan are exercisable not less than six months or more than ten years
after the date of grant.
As of December 31, 2003, options for the purchase of 233 shares of common
stock at prices ranging from $17.50 to $77.50 per share were outstanding, all
of which are exercisable. In connection with the adoption of the 1995 Director
Plan, the Board of Directors authorized the termination of future grants of
options under the Director Stock Option Plan; however, outstanding options
will continue to be governed by the terms thereof until exercise or expiration
of such options. In 2003, no options were exercised or expired.
1995 Director Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan
The 1995 Director Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan (the 1995
Director Plan) provides for the issuance of incentive stock options,
non-qualified stock options and stock appreciation rights (SARs) to directors
of the Company up to 12,500 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment in
the event of stock dividends, stock splits, and other similar events).
The 1995 Director Plan also provides for the grant of non-qualified
options on a discretionary basis to each member of the Board of Directors then
serving to purchase 500 shares of common stock at an exercise price equal to
the fair market value per share of the common stock on that date. Each option
is immediately exercisable for a period of ten years from the date of grant.
The Company has 9,500 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the
1995 Director Plan. As of December 31, 2003, options to purchase 8,500 shares
of common stock at prices ranging from $20.00 to $25.00 per share are
outstanding and exercisable. No options were granted or exercised under this
plan in 2003, 2002 or 2001.
1995 Employee Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan
The 1995 Employee Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan (the 1995
Employee Plan) provides for the issuance of incentive stock options,
non-qualified stock options, and SARs. Directors of the Company are not
eligible to participate in the 1995 Employee Plan. The 1995 Employee Plan
provides for the grant of stock options which qualify as incentive stock
options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, to be issued to
officers who are employees and other employees, as well as non-qualified
options to be issued to officers, employees and consultants. In addition, SARs
may be granted in conjunction with the grant of incentive and non-qualified
options.
The 1995 Employee Plan provides for the grant of incentive options,
non-qualified options and SARs of up to 20,000 shares of common stock (subject
to adjustment in the event of stock dividends, stock splits, and other similar
events). To the extent that an incentive option or non-qualified option is not
exercised within the period of exercisability specified therein, it will expire
as to the then unexercisable portion. If any incentive option, non-qualified
option or SAR terminates prior to exercise thereof and during the duration of
the 1995 Employee Plan, the shares of common stock as to which such option or
right was not exercised will become available under the 1995 Employee Plan for
the grant of additional options or rights to any eligible employee. The shares
of common stock subject to the 1995 Employee Plan may be made available from
either authorized but unissued shares, treasury shares or both. The Company
has 20,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 1995 Employee
Plan. As of December 31, 2003, there were no options outstanding under the
1995 Employee Plan. During 2003, 2002 and 2001, options to purchase 6,763, 500
and 1,875, respectively, of common stock were forfeited or expired. No options
were granted or exercised in 2003 under the 1995 Employee Plan.
1997 Recruitment Stock Option Plan
In October 2000, the stockholders of the Company approved an amendment of
the 1997 Recruitment Stock Option Plan (the 1997 Plan) which provides for the issuance of
incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and SARs up to an
aggregate of 370,000 shares of common
stock (subject to adjustment in the event
of stock dividends, stock splits, and other similar events). The price at
which shares of common stock covered by the option can be purchased is
determined by the Companys Board of Directors; however, in all instances the
exercise price is never less than the fair market value of the Companys common
stock on the date the option is granted.
38
As of December 31, 2003, there were options to purchase 60,480 shares of
the Companys common stock outstanding under the 1997 Plan. The outstanding options vest over
three years at exercise prices of $1.40 to $127.50 per share. Options issued
under the 1997 Plan must be exercised within ten years of grant and can only be
exercised while the option holder is an employee of the Company. The Company
has not awarded any SARs under the 1997 Plan. During 2003, 2002 and 2001, options
to purchase 45,067, 42,968 and 130,022 shares of common stock, respectively,
were forfeited or expired. There were no exercises during 2003.
2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In October 2000, the stockholders of Acceris approved adoption of Acceris
2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan which plan provides for the purchase and
issuance of common stock to all eligible employees (the Stock Purchase Plan).
The purpose of the Stock Purchase Plan is to induce all eligible employees
of Acceris (or any of its subsidiaries) who have been employees for at least
three months to encourage stock ownership of Acceris by acquiring or increasing
their proprietary interest in Acceris. The Stock Purchase Plan is designed to
encourage employees to remain in the employ of Acceris. It is the intention of
Acceris to have the Stock Purchase Plan qualify as an employee stock purchase
plan within the meaning of Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code,
as amended to issue shares of common stock to all eligible employees of
Acceris (or any of Acceris subsidiaries) who have been employees for at least
three months.
The Stock Purchase Plan provides for the purchase of common stock in the
aggregate, up to 125,000 shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2003, 2,900
shares of common stock had been purchased under the Stock Purchase Plan.
2003 Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan
In November 2003, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2003 Stock
Option and Appreciation Rights Plan (the 2003 Plan) which provides for the issuance of
incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and SARs up to an
aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment in the
event of stock dividends, stock splits, and other similar events). The price
at which shares of common stock covered by the option can be purchased is
determined by the Companys Board of Directors or its committee; however, in
the case of incentive stock options the exercise price shall not be less than
the fair market value of the Companys common stock on the date the option is
granted. There were stock options granted for 1,372,000 (and outstanding at
December 31, 2003) under the 2003 Plan in 2003. The outstanding options vest over
four years at an exercise price of $3.00 per share. No SARs have been issued
under the 2003 Plan .
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Mr. Toh was formerly an officer of the Company, as described above. No
Compensation Committee members or other directors served as a member of the
compensation committee of another entity, whose executive officers
served as a director of Acceris.
39
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The following table shows, as of April 5, 2004, the common stock and any
preferred stock owned by each current director, Named Officer, other executive
officers, all executive officers and current directors a group and, to the best
of our knowledge, all other parties known to be beneficial owners of more than
5% of the common stock. As of the same date, there were 19,262,095 shares of
common stock and 619 shares of Class N preferred stock issued and outstanding.
The Class N preferred stock votes with the common stock on an as converted
basis estimated to be 24,760 shares as of April 5, 2004.
40
Securities Authorized
for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2003 information with
respect to equity compensation plans (including individual compensation
arrangements) under which the Companys securities are authorized for issuance.
41
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
Transactions with Management and Others
See Item 11 hereof for descriptions of the terms of employment, consulting
and other agreements between the Company and certain officers, directors and
other related parties. Additionally, in June 2002, the Company made a
relocation loan of $100,000 (non-interest bearing) to Mr. Hilton. The loan is
due on the earlier of June 2007 or upon sale of his former residence. While
the loan is outstanding, payments are required, equal to 20% of any incentive
awards (after the first $50,000) paid to Mr. Hilton. As of December 31, 2003,
no payments on the loan had been made.
Transactions with Counsel
Initial Acquisition of Acceris and Senior Convertible Loan
On March 1, 2001, Acceris entered into a Senior Convertible Loan and
Security Agreement, (the Senior Loan Agreement) with Counsel. Pursuant to
the terms and provisions of the Senior Loan Agreement, Counsel agreed to make
periodic loans to Acceris in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed
$10,000, which was subsequently increased to $12,000 through amendment on May
8, 2001. Advances against the Senior Loan Agreement were structured as a 3-year
convertible note with interest at 9% per annum, compounded quarterly. Counsel
initially could convert the loan into shares of common stock of Acceris at a
conversion price of $11.20 per common share. The terms of the Senior Loan
Agreement also provide that at any time after September 1, 2002, the
outstanding debt including accrued interest will automatically be converted
into common stock using the then current conversion rate, on the first date
that is the twentieth consecutive trading day that the common stock has closed
at a price per share that is equal to or greater than $20.00 per share. The
Senior Loan Agreement also provides that the conversion price is in certain
cases subject to adjustment and includes traditional anti-dilution protection
for the lender and is subject to certain events of default, which may
accelerate the repayment of principal plus accrued interest. Total proceeds
available to the Company were $12,000, less debt issuance costs of $600, which
are being amortized over three years. The Senior Loan Agreement has been
amended several times and the maturity date of the loan plus accrued interest
has been extended to June 30, 2005. As a result of the application of the
anti-dilution provisions of the Senior Loan Agreement, the conversion price has
been adjusted to $5.94 per common share. As of December 31, 2003, the total
outstanding debt under the Note (including principal and accrued interest) was
$15,145 which is convertible into approximately 2,574,198 shares of common
stock
.
In connection with the above Senior Loan Agreement, Acceris granted
Counsel a security interest in all of Acceris assets owned at the time of
execution of the Senior Loan Agreement or subsequently acquired, including but
not limited to Acceris accounts receivable, intangibles, inventory, equipment,
books and records, and negotiable instruments held by the Company
(collectively, the Collateral).
In addition to the foregoing agreements, Acceris and Counsel executed a
Securities Support Agreement, dated March 1, 2001 (the Support Agreement) for
the purpose of providing certain representations and commitments by Acceris to
Counsel, including demand registration rights for common stock issuable upon
conversion of the related loan. Counsel relied on these representations and
commitments in its decision to enter a separate agreement (the Securities
Purchase Agreement) with Winter Harbor and First Media L.P., a limited
partnership and the parent company of Winter Harbor (collectively the Winter
Harbor Parties), Counsel agreed to purchase from the Winter Harbor Parties all
of their equity securities in Acceris, including shares of Class M and Class N
preferred stock of Acceris, beneficially owned by the Winter Harbor Parties for
aggregate consideration of $5,000 in cash.
On March 7, 2001, as part of the agreements discussed above, Counsel
converted all of the Class M and N convertible preferred stock it obtained from
Winter Harbor into 3,098,303 shares of Acceris common stock. The Class N
shares were converted at $25.00 per common share and Class M at $11.20 per
common share, in accordance with their respective conversion rights. Pursuant
to the Securities Purchase Agreement, certain shares of common stock owned by
the Winter Harbor Parties were held in escrow pending resolution of certain
events.
Under the Support Agreement of March 1, 2001, Acceris also agreed to
engage appropriate advisors and proceed to take all steps necessary to merge
Nexbell Communications, Inc. (a subsidiary of Counsel) into Acceris. The
merger was completed on April 17, 2001 and Counsel received 871,724 shares of
common stock in Acceris as consideration.
Assignment of Winter Harbor Common Stock and Debt Interests
Pursuant to the terms of a settlement between Counsel and the Winter
Harbor Parties effective August 29, 2003, the Winter Harbor Parties
relinquished their right to 118,750 shares of the common stock of Acceris to
Counsel. These shares were released from escrow and
delivered to Counsel.
42
The Winter Harbor Parties further assigned to Counsel all of their rights
with respect to a note payable by Acceris of $1,999 drawn down pursuant to a
Letter of Credit issued November 3, 1998 to secure certain obligations of
Acceris together with any accrued interest thereon. The assigned amount
together with accrued interest amounted to $2,577 on August 29, 2003. As a
result of the settlement and assignment, Acceris entered into a new loan
agreement with Counsel the terms of which provide that from August 29, 2003 the
loan balance of $2,577 shall bear interest at 10% per annum compounded
quarterly with the aggregate balance of principal and accrued interest payable
on maturity of the loan on June 30, 2005. This loan agreement was subsequently
amended and restated to increase the principal of the loan by a further $100
for funding provided by Counsel to enable Acceris to acquire a VoIP patent in
December 2003 and to allow for the making of further periodic advances
thereunder at Counsels discretion. The loan amount has been further increased
by $1,546 at December 31, 2003 representing operating advances
from Counsel to Acceris in the period since the initial
acquisition of the Acceris common stock by Counsel in March 2001. As of
December 31, 2003, the total outstanding debt under the Note (including
principal and accrued interest) was $4,311.
Loan and Security Agreement and Amended Debt Restructuring
On June 6, 2001, Acceris and Counsel entered into a Loan and Security
Agreement (the Loan Agreement). Any funds advanced to Acceris between June
6, 2001 and April 15, 2002, (not to exceed $10,000) were governed by the Loan
Agreement and due on June 6, 2002. The loan was secured by all of the assets
of Acceris. As of December 31, 2001, advances under this loan agreement totaled
$10,000. On June 27, 2002 the Loan Agreement was amended to an amount of
$24,307, which included additional capital advances from Counsel to Acceris
made from December 31, 2001 through June 6, 2002. The amended agreement also further provided for additional advances as needed to Acceris, which
advances totaled $2,087 through December 31, 2002 and $650 through November 30,
2003.
On July 25, 2002 Acceris and Counsel entered into a Debt Restructuring
Agreement (Debt Restructuring Agreement) which was amended on October 15,
2002 pursuant to an Amended and Restated Debt Restructuring Agreement (Amended
Agreement). The Amended Agreement included the following terms:
Effective November 30, 2003, 8,681,096 shares of common stock were issued
to Counsel in settlement of the underlying debt and accrued interest totaling
$32,721 on the date of the conversion.
Convertible Promissory Note to Fund RSL Acquisition
In connection with the acquisition of certain assets of RSL in December 2002, Acceris issued
a $7,500 convertible note payable (the Convertible Note) to Counsel, bearing
interest at 10% per annum compounded quarterly which, as amended, matured on
June 30, 2005. The Convertible Note was convertible into common stock of
Acceris at a conversion rate of $1.68 per share. Effective November 30, 2003
Counsel exercised its right to convert the Convertible Note plus accrued
interest to that date totaling $7,952 into common stock of Acceris. This
resulted in the issuance of 4,747,396 shares of Acceris common stock.
43
Collateralized Promissory Note and Loan Agreement
During the third quarter of 2003, Counsel advanced the sum of $5,600 to
Acceris evidenced by a promissory note effective October 1, 2003. In January
2004 Acceris and Counsel entered into a loan agreement and an amended and
restated promissory note pursuant to which an additional $2,000 was loaned to
Acceris and pursuant to which additional periodic loans may be made from time
to time (collectively and as amended, the Promissory Note). The Promissory
Note matures on June 30, 2005 and accrues interest at 10% per annum compounded
quarterly from the date funds are advanced. The Promissory Note is
collateralized by certain shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the
Preferred Stock) of Buyers United, Inc. (a third party), which are held by
Acceris. In the event of the sale of the Preferred Stock (or the common stock
to which the Preferred Stock is convertible) by Acceris or an equity investment
or investments in Acceris by a third party through the capital markets and
subject to certain limitations, the maturity date of the Promissory Note will
accelerate to the date 10 calendar days following either such event. As of the
date of this filing, subsequent to year end, Counsel has provided an aggregate
of $4,050 of funds in 2004 pursuant to this loan agreement. There are no
conversion features associated with the Promissory Note.
Secured Loan to Acceris
To fund the acquisition of the WorldxChange assets purchased and
liabilities assumed by Acceris, on June 4, 2001 Counsel provided a loan (the
Initial Loan) to Acceris in the aggregate amount of $15,000. The loan was
subordinated to a revolving credit facility with Foothill Capital Corporation
(Foothill), was collateralized by all assets of the Company and matures on
June 30, 2005. On October 1, 2003 Counsel assigned the balance owed in
connection with the Initial Loan of $9,743 including accrued interest (the
Assigned Loan) to Acceris in exchange for a new loan bearing interest at 10%
per annum compounded quarterly maturing on June 30, 2005 (the New Loan).
Consistent with the terms of the Initial Loan, subject to certain conditions,
the New Loan provides for certain mandatory prepayments upon written notice
from Counsel including an event resulting in the issuance of new shares
by Acceris to a party unrelated to Counsel where the funds are not used for an
approved expanded business plan or where Acceris has sold material assets in
excess of cash proceeds of $1,000. Pursuant to a Stock Pledge Agreement as
amended, the New Loan is secured by the common stock held by Acceris in its
subsidiary subject to the priority security interests of Foothill, the
Companys asset-based lender. There are no conversion features associated with
the New Loan.
Counsel Keep Well
As a result of Counsels purchase of Winter Harbors security holdings in
Acceris, Counsel became the single largest stockholder of the Company. In
addition to the above transactions, Counsel has committed to fund, through
long-term inter company advances or equity contribution, all capital
investment, working capital or other operational cash requirements of Acceris
through June 30, 2005 (the Keep Well). Any default and loan repayment
accelerator provisions with respect to the above loan agreements are subject to
funding by Counsel pursuant to the terms of the Keep Well.
Counsel Management Services
In addition to Mr. Silbers services (described in Item 11 entitled,
Executive Compensation), Counsel provides other management services to
Acceris through time spent by Counsel executives serving roles at Acceris.
Accordingly, Acceris has valued the services of these other employees at
approximately $130 for the year ending December 31, 2003. The expense has been
reflected in SG&A, offset by an increase to additional paid-in capital.
Acceris anticipates these services to continue in 2004.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Fees paid to PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP, our independent auditors for each of
the past two years are set forth below. All fees paid to our
independent auditor were pre approved by the Audit Committee.
Audit Fees
Audit fees were for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual
financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003, the
reviews of the financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form
10-Q for the years ended December 31, 2002 and
2003 and services in connection with our statutory and regulatory filings for
the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 and amounted to $530 and $767 for
2002 and 2003, respectively.
44
Audit-Related Fees
Audit related fees were for assurance and related services rendered that are
reasonably related to the audit and reviews of our financial statements for the
years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003, exclusive of the fees disclosed as
Audit Fees above. These fees include benefit plan audits, accounting consultations and audits in connection with acquisitions, which amounted to $342 and $176 for 2002 and 2003,
respectively.
Tax Fees
Tax fees were for services related to tax compliance, consulting and planning
services rendered during the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 and
included preparation of tax returns, review of restrictions on net operating
loss carryforwards and other general tax services. Tax fees paid amounted to
$91 and $182 for 2002 and 2003, respectively.
All Other Fees
We did not incur fees for any services, other than the fees disclosed above
relating to audit, audit-related and tax services, rendered during the years
ended December 31, 2002 and 2003.
Audit and Non-Audit Service Pre-Approval Policy
In accordance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the Audit Committee has adopted
an informal approval policy that it believes will result in an effective and
efficient procedure to pre-approve services performed by the independent
auditor.
Procedures
. All requests for services to be provided by the independent
auditor, which must include a detailed description of the services to be
rendered and the amount of corresponding fees, are submitted to the Chief
Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer authorizes services that have
been pre-approved by the Audit Committee. If there is any question as to
whether a proposed service fits within a pre-approved service, the Audit
Committee chair is consulted for a determination. The Chief Financial Officer
submits requests or applications to provide services that have not been
pre-approved by the Audit Committee, which must include an affirmation by the
Chief Financial Officer and the independent auditor that the request or
application is consistent with the SECs rules on auditor independence, to the
Audit Committee (or its chair or any of its other members pursuant to delegated
authority) for approval.
45
Age
Name
(1)
Title
55
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
40
Director and President
53
Director
46
Director
40
Director
67
Director
56
Director and Senior Vice President and Secretary
35
Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer
45
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
51
Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing
(1)
As of April 5, 2004
Annual Compensation
Long-Term Compensation
Awards
Payouts
Other
Restricted
Securities
Name and
Annual
Stock
Underlying
LTIP
All Other
Principal Position
Year
Salary($)
Bonus($)
Compensation($)
Awards($)
Options(#)
Payouts($)
Compensation($)
2003
2002
2001
2003
$
275,000
$
55,000
150,000
2002
183,333
2001
2003
$
211,000
$
67,750
30,000
2002
205,500
10,400
2001
115,256
7,692
2003
$
275,000
150,000
2002
12,500
2001
2003
$
211,211
$
57,750
30,000
2002
205,705
15,000
2001
115,371
7,700
2003
$
420,900
2002
126,425
2001
2003
$
276,000
2002
2001
(1)
Mr. Silber was appointed interim Chief Executive Officer
and President of Acceris as of December 19, 2002. In November 2003,
Kelly D. Murumets was appointed President. Mr. Silber is entitled to an
annual salary of $275,000 and a discretionary bonus equal to 100% of his
base salary. For 2003, no bonus was awarded. Mr. Silber has elected
to assign his salary payable at December 31, 2003 of $275,000 to
Counsel. This amount is recorded as a liability to Counsel in the financial
statements of Acceris at December 31, 2003.
(2)
Mr. Hilton became the Chief Executive Officer of WorldxChange
on May 1, 2002.
(3)
Ms. Jamaleddin became a Senior Vice President of WorldxChange
on June 4, 2001.
(4)
Mr. Ducay became the President of the Enterprise segment
of Acceris on December 10, 2002.
(5)
(6)
Mr. Wasserson became the President of Acceris Communications
Technoligies, Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in December 2002
and served as such until December 31, 2003. Mr. Wassersons
employment with the Company ceased as of December 31, 2003. Prior
to December 2002, Mr. Wasserson was an employee of Counsel and
was not paid a salary by Acceris.
(7)
Mr. Shimer became the Senior Vice President, Mergers
and Acquisitions and Business Development beginning January 1, 2003.
Prior to 2003, Mr. Shimer was an employee of Counsel and was not
paid a salary by Acceris. In February 2004, Mr. Shimer resigned
from employment with the Company, but remains a member of the Board of
Directors.
Individual Grants
Number of
Percent of Total
Potential Realizable Value at Assumed
Securities
Options
Annual Rates Of Stock Price
Underlying
Granted to
Exercise Of
Appreciation For Option Term
Options
Employees in
Base Price
Name
Granted (#)
Fiscal Year
($/Sh)
Expiration Date
5% ($)
10% ($)
150,000
11.6
%
$
3.00
December 20, 2013
$
283,003
$
717,184
30,000
2.3
%
$
3.00
December 20, 2013
$
56,601
$
143,437
150,000
11.6
%
$
3.00
December 20, 2013
$
283,003
$
717,184
30,000
2.3
%
$
3.00
December 20, 2013
$
56,601
$
143,437
Number of Securities
Value of Unexercised In-
Underlying Unexercised
The-Money Options At
Options At Fiscal Year-
Fiscal Year-End ($)
Shares Acquired On
End (#)
Exercisable/Unexercisable
Name
Exercise (#)
Value Realized ($)
Exercisable/Unexercisable
(1)
/
/
/
150,000
/
/
30,000
/
/
150,000
/
/
30,000
/
/
/
/
/
Name and Address of Beneficial
Number of Shares
% of Common Stock
Owner (1)
Beneficially Owned
Beneficially Owned(2)
0
(3)
*
%
0
(4)
*
%
7,948
(5)
*
%
18,575
(6)
*
%
0
(7)
*
%
0
(8)
*
%
0
(9)
*
%
0
(10)
*
%
0
(11)
*
%
0
(12)
*
%
1,000
(12)
*
%
0
(13)
*
%
0
(14)
*
%
West, Exchange Tower, Suite 1300,
Toronto, Ontario M5X1E3
20,141,664
(15)
92
%
27,523
*
%
Indicates less than one percent
Unless otherwise noted, all listed shares of common stock are owned of record by each person or entity named as beneficial
owner and that person or entity has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares of common stock owned by
each of them. All addresses are c/o Acceris Communications Inc. unless otherwise indicated.
As to each person or entity named as beneficial owners, that persons or entitys percentage of ownership is determined
based on the assumption that any options or convertible securities held by such person or entity which are exercisable or
convertible within 60 days have been exercised or converted, as the case may be.
Mr. Silber is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and a beneficial owner of approximately 4,631,361 shares in Counsel,
which represents beneficial ownership of 9.5%. Mr. Silber was appointed Chief Executive Officer and Interim President of
Acceris in December 2002 and served as such until November 2003
when the Board
appointed Ms. Murumets to succeed Mr. Silber. Mr. Silber disclaims beneficial
ownership of the shares of Acceris common stock beneficially owned by Counsel.
Ms. Murumets is Executive Vice President of Counsel and a beneficial owner of approximately 280,000 shares in Counsel,
which represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%. At the December 6, 2002 meeting of the Board of Directors of
Acceris, Ms. Murumets was appointed to the office of Executive Vice President of Acceris. At the February 12, 2003 meeting
of the Board of Directors of Acceris, Ms. Murumets was appointed a director of Acceris. At the November 26, 2003 meeting
of the Board of Directors of Acceris, Ms. Murumets was appointed President of Acceris. Ms. Murumets disclaims beneficial
ownership of the shares of Acceris common stock beneficially owned by Counsel.
Represents shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options.
Represents shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options. Does not include shares held of record by Four M
International, Ltd., of which Mr. Toh is a director. Mr. Toh disclaims any beneficial ownership of such shares.
Mr. Lomicka is a director of Counsel and a beneficial owner of approximately 46,700 shares in Counsel, which represents
beneficial ownership of less than 1%. Mr. Lomicka disclaims beneficial ownerships of the shares of Acceris common stock
beneficially owned by Counsel.
Mr. Weintraub is Senior Vice President and Secretary of Counsel and a beneficial owner of approximately 306,102 shares in
Counsel, which represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%. At the December 6, 2002 meeting of the Board of Directors
of Acceris, Mr. Weintraub was appointed to the office of Senior Vice President and Secretary of Acceris. At the November
26, 2003 meeting of the Stockholders of Acceris, Mr. Weintraub was elected director of Acceris. Mr. Weintraub
disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Acceris common stock beneficially owned by Counsel.
Mr. Shimer is not an employee at April 5, 2004, however he is a member of the Board of Directors. He was previously a
managing director of Counsel. He is a beneficial owner of approximately 819,011 shares in Counsel, which
represents beneficial ownership of 1.7%.
Mr. Wasserson is not an employee or director of Acceris as of April 5, 2004. He was previously a managing director of Counsel and
currently is a beneficial owner of approximately 330,000 shares in Counsel, which represents beneficial ownership of less
than 1%.
Mr. Clifford is the Chief Financial Officer of Counsel. He is a beneficial owner of approximately 45,000 shares in
Counsel, which represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%. At the December 6, 2002 meeting of the Board of Directors of
Acceris, Mr. Clifford was appointed Vice President of Finance of Acceris. At the February 16, 2003 meeting of the Board
of Directors of Acceris, Mr. Clifford was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Acceris. Mr. Clifford disclaims beneficial
ownership of the shares of Acceris common stock beneficially owned by Counsel.
Does not include options to purchase 150,000 shares of common stock granted on December 20, 2003.
Does not include options to purchase 30,000 shares of common stock granted on December 20, 2003.
Mr. Vannoy is not an employee of Acceris at April 5, 2004, and does not beneficially own any shares of Acceris common
stock.
Includes 3,098,303 shares of Acceris common stock issued upon conversion of Series M and N redeemable preferred stock in
March 2001 which were obtained from Winter Harbor LLC (Winter Harbor) on March 7, 2001, based on information included in
a Schedule 13D filed by Counsel on March 13, 2001 and amended by Counsel and filed with the SEC on May 2, 2001. Also
includes 2,624,395 shares of Acceris common stock issuable upon conversion of a convertible promissory note in the
principal amount (and including accrued interest) of approximately $15,590,000 as of April 5, 2004, at the conversion
price of $5.94 per share, under the terms of the Senior Convertible Loan and Security Agreement, dated March 1, 2001, as
amended on May 8, 2001 (Loan Agreement). Also includes 871,724 shares of Acceris common stock issued on April 17, 2001 to
Counsel under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 17, 2001. Also includes 4,747,396 shares of
Acceris common stock issued in connection with the Amended Debt Restructuring conversion of a certain convertible promissory note on November 30, 2003. Also
includes approximately 8,681,096 shares of Acceris common stock issued in connection with the conversion of a certain convertible promissory note on November 30, 2003. Also includes 118,750 shares received from Winter Harbor which were previously held in
escrow in accordance with the terms and provisions of a certain Securities Purchase Agreement by and between Counsel and
Winter Harbor dated March 1, 2001, and released to Counsel in accordance with the terms and provisions of certain release
agreement between Counsel and Winter Harbor dated August 29, 2003.
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
Number of securities to
Weighted-average
compensation plans
be issued upon exercise
exercise price of
(excluding securities
of outstanding options,
outstanding options,
reflected in column
Plan category
warrants and rights
warrants and rights
(a))
(a)
(b)
(c)
1,372,000
$
3.00
628,000
60,480
42.30
288,942
8,500
22.50
1,000
14,037
233
47.50
366,667
70.99
1,807,880
$
18.20
931,979
(1)
For a description of the material terms of these
options, see Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
provided in Item 15 hereto.
(2)
Does not include the Acceris Communications Inc. Platinum Agent Program
(the Agent Warrant Program), which awards warrants to
certain of the Companys agents based on performance criteria. This program
did not commence until 2004, and as of the date of this filing, warrants to
purchase approximately 225,000 shares of common stock have been issued under
the Agent Warrant Program. Warrants to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares are
available for issuance under the Agent Warrant Program.
(all amounts are in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
1.
Principal ($24,307) and associated accrued interest ($2,284), as of
October 15, 2002, under the Loan Agreement, as amended, would be
exchanged for common stock of Acceris at $3.77 per share (representing
the average closing price of Acceris common stock during May 2002).
2.
Funding provided by Counsel pursuant to the Loan Agreement, as
amended, ($2,087) and associated accrued interest ($1,996) from October
15, 2002 to December 31, 2002, would be exchanged for common stock of
Acceris at $3.77 per share (representing the average closing price of
Acceris common stock during May 2002).
3.
Counsel would, (a) fund the operations of Acceris through June 30,
2005 and the operating cash flow deficit, if any, (b) advance to Acceris
all amounts paid or payable by Acceris to its stockholders that
exercised their dissenters rights in connection with the transactions
subject to the debt restructuring transactions and (c) advance the
amount of the annual premium to renew the existing directors and
officers insurance coverage through November 2003.
4.
Counsel would reimburse Acceris for all costs, fees and expenses, in
connection with the Debt Restructuring Agreement and the Amended
Agreement and transactions contemplated thereby including all expenses
incurred and yet to be incurred, including the Special Committees costs
to negotiate these agreements and costs related to obtaining stockholder
approval. During 2003 and 2002, Counsel reimbursed Acceris $132 and
$499, respectively, for certain reimbursable expenses, which have been
recorded as additional paid-in capital.
5.
The issuance of common stock by Acceris pursuant to this Agreement
would result in a weighted average conversion price adjustment pursuant
to the provisions of the March 1, 2002 Loan Agreement. Whereas the
conversion price for the March 1, 2002 Loan Agreement had initially been
$11.20, the new conversion price would be adjusted as a result of the
anti-dilution provisions of the Senior Loan Agreement. At December 31,
2003, the new conversion price is $5.94 per common share
.
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2002
2003
$
530
$
767
342
176
91
182
$
963
$
1,125
Audit Services.
Audit services include the annual financial statement audit
(including quarterly reviews) and other procedures required to be performed
by the independent auditor to be able to form an opinion on our financial
statements. The Audit Committee may pre-approve specified annual audit
services engagement terms and fees and other specified audit fees. All
other audit services must be specifically pre-approved by the Audit
Committee. The Audit Committee monitors the audit services engagement and
may approve, if necessary, any changes in terms, conditions and fees
resulting from changes in audit scope or other items.
Audit-Related Services.
Audit-related services are assurance and related
services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or
review of our financial statements which historically have been provided to
us by the independent auditor and are consistent with the SECs rules on
auditor independence. The Audit Committee may pre-approve specified
audit-related services within pre-approved fee levels. All other
audit-related services must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
Tax Services.
The Audit Committee may pre-approve specified tax services
that the Audit Committee believes would not impair the independence of the
auditor and that are consistent with SEC rules and guidance. All other tax
services must be specifically approved by the Audit Committee.
All Other Services.
Other services are services provided by the independent
auditor that do not fall within the established audit, audit-related and
tax services categories. The Audit Committee may pre-approve specified
other services that do not fall within any of the specified prohibited
categories of services.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) | The following financial statements and those financial statement schedules required by Item 8 hereof are filed as part of this report: |
2. | Financial Statement Schedule: | |||
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts | ||||
All other schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is presented in the Financial Statements or Notes thereto. |
(b) | Reports on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of 2003. | |||
None. | ||||
(c) | The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report: |
Number
|
Title of Exhibit
|
||
3.1(i)
|
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (6). | ||
|
|||
4.2
|
Securities Purchase Agreement by and between Acceris and Winter Harbor, LLC dated as of September 30, 1997 (3). | ||
|
|||
4.3
|
Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement by and between Acceris and Winter Harbor, LLC dated as of January 15, 1999, amending Registration Rights Agreement dated October 10, 1997 (7). | ||
|
|||
4.4
|
Form of Stockholders Agreement by and among Acceris, Winter Harbor, LLC and certain holders of Acceris securities (Exhibit D to the Purchase Agreement) (3). | ||
|
|||
4.5
|
Form of Warrant Agreement by and between MedCross, Inc. and Winter Harbor, LLC (Exhibit F to the Purchase Agreement) (3). | ||
|
|||
4.6
|
Senior Convertible Loan and Security Agreement by and between Acceris and Counsel Communications LLC, dated March 1, 2001 (10). | ||
|
|||
4.7
|
Loan Note by and between Counsel Communications LLC and Acceris dated as of March 1, 2001 (10). | ||
|
|||
4.8
|
Security Agreement by and between Acceris, MiBridge Inc and Counsel Communications, LLC., dated March 1, 2001 (10). | ||
|
|||
10.1*
|
1997 Recruitment Stock Option Plan (1). | ||
|
|||
10.2*
|
2001 Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan (2). | ||
|
|||
10.2.1*
|
2003 Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan (15). | ||
|
|||
10.3
|
Agreement by and between Acceris and Winter Harbor, LLC, dated April 14, 1998 (5). | ||
|
|||
10.4
|
Pledge Agreement by and between Acceris and Winter Harbor, LLC, dated April 14, 1998 (5). | ||
|
|||
10.5
|
Security Agreement by and among certain of Acceris subsidiaries and Winter Harbor, LLC, dated April 14, 1998 (5). | ||
|
|||
10.6
|
Form of Promissory Notes issued to Winter Harbor, LLC (5). | ||
|
|||
10.7
|
Warrant to purchase 250,000 shares of Acceris common stock issued to JNC, dated June 30, 1998 (5). | ||
|
|||
10.8
|
Warrant to purchase 100,000 shares of Acceris common stock issued to JNC, dated July 28, 1998 (5). |
46
Number
|
Title of Exhibit
|
||
10.9
|
Loan Agreement by and between Acceris and Winter Harbor, LLC, dated as of January 15, 1999 (7). | ||
|
|||
10.10
|
First Amendment to Loan Agreement by and between Acceris and Winter Harbor, LLC, dated March 4, 1999 (7). | ||
|
|||
10.11
|
Promissory Note in principal amount of $8,000,000 executed by Acceris in favor of Winter Harbor, LLC, dated November 10, 1998 (7). | ||
|
|||
10.12
|
Series K Warrant Agreement by and between Acceris and Winter Harbor, LLC and form of Series K Warrant, dated as of January 15, 1999 (7). | ||
|
|||
10.13
|
Agreement by and between Acceris and Winter Harbor, LLC, dated as of January 15, 1999 (7). | ||
|
|||
10.14
|
First Amendment to Security Agreement dated as of January 15, 1999, by and among Acceris, five of its wholly-owned subsidiaries and Winter Harbor, LLC, amending Security Agreement dated April 14, 1997 (7). | ||
|
|||
10.15
|
First Amendment to Pledge Agreement dated as of January 15, 1999, by and among Acceris and Winter Harbor, LLC, amending Pledge Agreement dated April 14, 1997 (7). | ||
|
|||
10.16
|
Series D, E, F, G, H, I and J Warrant Agreement dated as of January 15, 1999 by and between Acceris and Winter Harbor, LLC, and related forms of warrant certificates (7). | ||
|
|||
10.17
|
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Helen Seltzer, dated January 3, 2002 (4). | ||
|
|||
10.18
|
Form of Wholesale Service Provider and Distribution Agreement between Acceris and Big Planet, Inc., dated February 1, 2000 (8). | ||
|
|||
10.19
|
Form of Cooperation and Framework Agreement between Acceris and CyberOffice International AG, dated May 8, 2000 (9). | ||
|
|||
10.20
|
Form of Revenue Sharing Agreement between Acceris and Red Cube International AG (formerly known as CyberOffice International AG.) dated June 30, 2000 (9). | ||
|
|||
10.21
|
Form of Letter dated June 30, 2000, clarifying a Cooperation and Framework Agreement issue (9). | ||
|
|||
10.22
|
Loan and Security Agreement by and among WorldxChange Corp. and Foothill Capital Corporation, dated December 10, 2001 (11). | ||
|
|||
10.23*
|
Employment agreement with James Ducay, dated January 1, 2004 (14). | ||
|
|||
10.24*
|
Employment agreement with Kenneth Hilton, dated May 1, 2002 (13). | ||
|
|||
10.25
|
Form of Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Counsel Springwell Communications LLC and RSL COM U.S.A. Inc. (12). | ||
|
|||
10.26
|
Form of Amendment No. 1 to Asset Purchase Agreement between Counsel Springwell Communications LLC and RSL U.S.A., Inc. (12). | ||
|
|||
10.27
|
Amended and Restated Debt Restructuring Agreement, dated October 15, 2002 (13). | ||
|
|||
10.28
|
Form of Asset Purchase Agreement between Buyers United Inc., I-Link Communications Inc., and Acceris, dated December 6, 2002 (13). | ||
|
|||
10.29
|
Acceris Convertible Promissory Note for $7,500,000 between Acceris and Counsel Corporation (US) dated December 10, 2002 (13). | ||
|
|||
10.30
|
Warrant Exchange Agreement by and between Winter Harbor, LLC and Acceris dated as of March 1, 2001 (10). | ||
|
|||
10.31
|
Securities Support Agreement by and between Counsel Communications, LLC and Acceris dated as of March 1, 2001 (10). | ||
|
|||
10.32
|
Promissory note dated as of August 29, 2003, for $2,577,070 issued to Counsel Corporation. (14) | ||
|
|||
10.33
|
Promissory note dated March 10, 2004 for $1,546,532 issued to Counsel Corporation (US). (14) | ||
|
|||
10.34
|
Loan Agreement dated as of January 26, 2004 between Acceris and Counsel Corporation. (14) |
47
Loan Agreement dated as of October 1, 2003, between Acceris
and Counsel Corporation (US). (14)
Amended and Restated Stock Pledge Agreement dated as of
January 30, 2004 between Acceris and Counsel Corporation (US).
(14)
Amended and Restated Secured Promissory Note dated as of
October 1, 2003, for $9,743,479 issued to Counsel
Corporation (US). (14)
Amended and Restated Promissory Note dated January 26, 2004
for $7,600,000 issued to Counsel Corporation. (14)
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of January 30,
2004 between Acceris and Counsel Corporation (US). (14)
Third Amendment to Senior Convertible Loan and Security
Agreement dated as of November 1, 2003 between Acceris and
Counsel Corporation. (14)
Acceris Communications Inc. Code of
Conduct (14).
List of subsidiaries (14).
Consent of Independent auditors (14).
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a)
required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(14).
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a)
required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(14).
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(14).
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(14).
* | Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed as an exhibit. | |
(1) | Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1996, file number 0-17973. | |
(2) | Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2001, file number 0-17973. | |
(3) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 30, 1997, file number 0-17973. | |
(4) | Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2002, file number 0-17973. | |
(5) | Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1998, file number 0-17973. | |
(6) | Incorporated by reference to our Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998, file number 0-17973. | |
(7) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 23, 1999, file number 0-17973. | |
(8) | Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2000, file number 0-17973. | |
(9) | Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2000, file number 0-17973. | |
(10) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 16, 2001, file number 0-17973. | |
(11) | Incorporated by reference to our Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, file number 0-17973. | |
(12) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 26, 2002, 2001, file number 0-17973. | |
(13) | Incorporated by reference to our Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, file number 0-17973. | |
(14) | Filed herewith. | |
(15) | Incorporate by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement (DEF14A) for the November 26, 2003 annual stockholder meeting. |
48
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on our behalf by
the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
In accordance with Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
49
INDEX OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE
Title of Document
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC.
(Registrant)
Dated: April 12, 2004
By:
/s/ Allan C. Silber
Allan C. Silber, Chairman of the Board of Directors
and Chief
Executive Officer
Signature
Title
Date
Allan C. Silber
Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer
April 12, 2004
Gary M. Clifford
Chief Financial Officer and VP of
Finance
April 12, 2004
Kelly Murumets
Director and President
April 12, 2004
Stephen A. Weintraub
Director and Senior Vice President
and Secretary
April 12, 2004
Hal B. Heaton
Director
April 12, 2004
William H. Lomicka
Director
April 12, 2004
Henry Y.L. Toh
Director
April 12, 2004
Samuel L. Shimer
Director
April 12, 2004
Page
F-1
F-2
F-3
F-5
F-6
F-8
S-1
Report of Independent Auditors
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the
accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Acceris Communications Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31,
2003 and 2002, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003 in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In
addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the
accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information
set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated
financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement
schedule are the responsibility of the Companys management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of
these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in
the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared
assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in
Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses
from operations and has a stockholders deficit. These matters raise
substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern.
Managements plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2.
The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from
the outcome of this uncertainty.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
F-1
of Acceris Communications Inc.:
San Diego, California
April 14, 2004
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
as of December 31, 2003 and 2002
(in thousands, except share amounts)
2003
|
2002
|
|||||||
ASSETS
|
||||||||
Current assets:
|
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$ | 2,033 | $ | 3,620 | ||||
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $1,764 and $1,704 as of December 31,
2003 and 2002, respectively
|
18,018 | 16,924 | ||||||
Investments in convertible preferred and common stock
|
2,058 | | ||||||
Other current assets
|
2,111 | 3,064 | ||||||
Net assets of discontinued operations
|
91 | | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
Total current assets
|
24,311 | 23,608 | ||||||
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and software, net
|
8,483 | 11,479 | ||||||
Other assets:
|
||||||||
Intangible assets, net
|
3,297 | 2,574 | ||||||
Goodwill
|
1,120 | 173 | ||||||
Investments
|
1,100 | | ||||||
Net assets of discontinued operations
|
| 1,350 | ||||||
Other assets
|
743 | 2,262 | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
Total assets
|
$ | 39,054 | $ | 41,446 | ||||
|
|
|
||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT
|
||||||||
Current liabilities:
|
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
$ | 28,272 | $ | 25,107 | ||||
Unearned revenue
|
5,678 | 958 | ||||||
Revolving credit facility
|
12,127 | 9,086 | ||||||
Current portion of notes payable
|
1,254 | 2,987 | ||||||
Current portion of obligations under capital leases
|
2,715 | 2,714 | ||||||
Net liabilities of discontinued operations
|
841 | | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
Total current liabilities
|
50,887 | 40,852 | ||||||
Notes payable, less current portion
|
772 | 1,033 | ||||||
Obligations under capital leases, less current portion
|
1,631 | 4,146 | ||||||
Notes payable to a related party
|
35,073 | 59,340 | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
Total liabilities
|
88,363 | 105,371 | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 12 and 16)
|
||||||||
Stockholders deficit:
|
||||||||
Preferred stock, $10.00 par value, authorized
10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 619 and
769 as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively;
liquidation preference of $613 and $761 at December
31, 2003 and 2002, respectively
|
6 | 7 | ||||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized
300,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding
19,262,095 and 5,827,477 at December 31, 2003 and
2002, respectively
|
192 | 58 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital
|
171,115 | 130,311 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit
|
(220,622 | ) | (194,301 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
||||||
Total stockholders deficit
|
(49,309 | ) | (63,925 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
||||||
Total
liabilities and stockholders deficit
|
$ | 39,054 | $ | 41,446 | ||||
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-2
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands)
2003
|
2002
|
2001
|
||||||||||
Revenues:
|
||||||||||||
Telecommunications services
|
$ | 133,765 | $ | 85,252 | $ | 50,289 | ||||||
Technology licensing and development
|
2,164 | 2,837 | 5,697 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total revenues
|
135,929 | 88,089 | 55,986 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Operating costs and expenses:
|
||||||||||||
Telecommunications network expense (exclusive of
depreciation shown below)
|
86,006 | 50,936 | 35,546 | |||||||||
Selling, general, administrative and other
|
57,264 | 33,015 | 30,790 | |||||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts
|
5,438 | 5,999 | 2,861 | |||||||||
Research and development
|
| 1,399 | 2,332 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization
|
7,125 | 4,270 | 6,409 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total operating costs and expenses
|
155,833 | 95,619 | 77,938 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Operating loss
|
(19,904 | ) | (7,530 | ) | (21,952 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Other income (expense):
|
||||||||||||
Interest expense
|
(8,162 | ) | (7,894 | ) | (4,693 | ) | ||||||
Interest and other income
|
1,216 | 395 | 81 | |||||||||
Gain on sale of subsidiary
|
| | 589 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total other expense
|
(6,946 | ) | (7,499 | ) | (4,023 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Loss from continuing operations
|
(26,850 | ) | (15,029 | ) | (25,975 | ) | ||||||
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations (net of $0 tax):
|
529 | (12,508 | ) | (18,522 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net loss
|
$ | (26,321 | ) | $ | (27,537 | ) | $ | (44,497 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-3
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS, continued
for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
2003
|
2002
|
2001
|
|||||||||
Calculation of net loss per common share:
|
||||||||||||
Loss from continuing operations
|
$ | (26,850 | ) | $ | (15,029 | ) | $ | (25,975 | ) | |||
Cumulative preferred stock dividends not paid in current year
|
| | (27 | ) | ||||||||
Dividends accrued and paid on Class M redeemable preferred stock.
|
| | (269 | ) | ||||||||
Net effect on retained earnings of redemption and reissuance of
Class M and N preferred stock, including beneficial conversion
features
|
| | 15,512 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Loss from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders
|
$ | (26,850 | ) | $ | (15,029 | ) | $ | (10,759 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding
|
7,011 | 5,828 | 4,959 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net loss per common share basic and diluted:
|
||||||||||||
Loss from continuing operations
|
$ | (3.83 | ) | $ | (2.58 | ) | $ | (2.17 | ) | |||
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations
|
0.08 | (2.15 | ) | (3.73 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net loss per common share
|
$ | (3.75 | ) | $ | (4.73 | ) | $ | (5.90 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-4
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Preferred stock | Common stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Additional paid- | Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
|
Amount
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
in capital
|
deficit
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31,
2000
|
24,435 | $ | 244 | 1,406,825 | $ | 14 | $ | 106,805 | $ | (135,902 | ) | |||||||||||||
Conversion of convertible
debt and accrued interest into Class M mezzanine preferred stock
and common warrants
|
| | | | 6,378 | | ||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued
and accumulated deficit acquired as a result of WebToTel acquisition
and conversion of notes payable
|
| | 872,717 | 9 | 11,935 | (1,246 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Stock issued - employee
stock purchase plan
|
| | 1,726 | | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of Class N
preferred stock
|
(14,404 | ) | (144 | ) | | | (14,164 | ) | | |||||||||||||||
Net contribution
from repurchase / settlement with stockholders of Class M and
N preferred stock
|
| | | | (5,000 | ) | 30,292 | |||||||||||||||||
Contingent beneficial
conversion feature on Class N preferred stock
|
| | | | 9,780 | (9,780 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common
shares to related party to repurchase warrants outstanding
|
| | 250,000 | 2 | (2 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||
Reussuance and conversion
of Class M redeemable preferred stock into common stock
|
| | 2,522,142 | 25 | 4,025 | | ||||||||||||||||||
Reussuance and conversion
of Class N preferred stock into common stock
|
| | 576,158 | 6 | 944 | | ||||||||||||||||||
Beneficial conversion
feature on the reissuance of Class M and N preferred stock
|
| | | | 5,000 | (5,000 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Other conversions
of Class N preferred stock into common stock
|
(13 | ) | (1 | ) | 457 | | | | ||||||||||||||||
Warrants issued in
connection with notes payable to related party
|
| | | | 2,170 | | ||||||||||||||||||
Beneficial conversion
feature on certain convertible note payable to related party
|
| | | | 1,092 | | ||||||||||||||||||
Conversion of Class C
preferred stock into common stock
|
(9,249 | ) | (92 | ) | 170,751 | 2 | 91 | | ||||||||||||||||
Dividend on Class C
preferred stock paid in the form of common stock
|
| | 26,701 | | 631 | (631 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Net loss
|
| | | | | (44,497 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31,
2001
|
769 | 7 | 5,827,477 | 58 | 129,700 | (166,764 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Beneficial conversion
feature on certain convertible notes payable to related party
|
| | | | 112 |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Acceris costs paid
by majority stockholder
|
| | | | 499 |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Net loss
|
| | | | | (27,537 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31,
2002
|
769 | 7 | 5,827,477 | 58 | 130,311 | (194,301 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Conversion of related
party debt to common stock
|
| | 13,428,618 | 134 | 40,539 | | ||||||||||||||||||
Conversion of Class C
preferred stock to common stock
|
(150 | ) | (1 | ) | 6,000 | | 1 | | ||||||||||||||||
Acceris costs paid
by majority stockholder
|
| | | | 132 | | ||||||||||||||||||
Management expense
from majority stockholder
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | 130 |
|
|||||||||||||||
Issuance of options
to purchase common stock to non-employee
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | 2 |
|
|||||||||||||||
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | (26,321 | ) | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31,
2003
|
619 | $ | 6 | 19,262,095 | $ | 192 | $ | 171,115 | $ | (220,622 | ) | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | All amounts shown as if the reverse stock split described more fully in Note 5 below had occurred on January 1, 2001. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-5
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
2003
|
2002
|
2001
|
||||||||||
Cash flows from operating
activities:
|
||||||||||||
Net loss
|
$ | (26,321 | ) | $ | (27,537 | ) | $ | (44,497 | ) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile
net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
|
||||||||||||
Depreciation and
amortization
|
7,125 | 8,135 | 10,167 | |||||||||
Provision for doubtful
accounts
|
5,438 | 6,110 | 4,067 | |||||||||
Decrease in allowance for impairment of net assets of discontinued
operations
|
(169 | ) | | | ||||||||
Impairment of long-lived
assets
|
| 3,609 | 8,040 | |||||||||
Amortization of discount
and debt issuance costs on notes payable and capital leases
|
945 | 1,464 | 1,518 | |||||||||
Stock received on
sale of technology license
|
(1,100 | ) | | | ||||||||
Accrued interest
added to loan principal
|
5,667 | 3,651 | 1,267 | |||||||||
Expense associated
with stock options issued to non-employee for services
|
2 | | | |||||||||
Loss on disposal
of assets
|
| 266 | | |||||||||
Gain on settlement
of note payable
|
(1,141 | ) | | (1,093 | ) | |||||||
Management expense
to controlling shareholder
|
130 | | | |||||||||
Gain on sale of subsidiary
|
| | (589 | ) | ||||||||
Increase (decrease) from
changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
|
||||||||||||
Accounts receivable
|
(5,944 | ) | (1,269 | ) | (4,528 | ) | ||||||
Other assets
|
(1,003 | ) | (1,164 | ) | (1,127 | ) | ||||||
Net assets and liabilities
of discontinued operations
|
750 | | | |||||||||
Accounts payable,
accrued liabilities and interest payable
|
2,586 | 3,507 | 12,058 | |||||||||
Unearned revenue
|
4,720 | (1,643 | ) | (14,566 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net cash used in
operating activities
|
(8,315 | ) | (4,871 | ) | (29,283 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Cash flows from investing
activities:
|
||||||||||||
Purchases of furniture,
fixtures, equipment and software
|
(2,036 | ) | (1,649 | ) | (1,963 | ) | ||||||
Purchase of patent
|
(100 | ) | | | ||||||||
Business acquisitions,
net of acquisition costs and cash acquired
|
149 | (8,276 | ) | (13,447 | ) | |||||||
Cash received from
sale of assets
|
160 | 692 | | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net cash used in
investing activities
|
(1,827 | ) | (9,233 | ) | (15,410 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Cash flows from financing
activities:
|
||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance
of notes payable to a related party
|
7,896 | 16,823 | 43,920 | |||||||||
Payment of notes
payable to related party
|
| (3,000 | ) | (2,500 | ) | |||||||
Proceeds from revolving
credit facility, net
|
3,041 | 2,089 | 6,996 | |||||||||
Payment of capital
lease obligations
|
(2,514 | ) | (2,544 | ) | (1,052 | ) | ||||||
Acceris costs paid
by majority stockholder
|
132 | 498 | | |||||||||
Payment of long-term
debt
|
| (805 | ) | (180 | ) | |||||||
Proceeds from exercise
of stock options and warrants and issuances under stock purchase plan
|
| | 16 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net cash provided
by financing activities
|
8,555 | 13,061 | 47,200 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Increase (decrease) in
cash and cash equivalents
|
(1,587 | ) | (1,043 | ) | 2,507 | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of year
|
3,620 | 4,663 | 2,156 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of year
|
$ | 2,033 | $ | 3,620 | $ | 4,663 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-6
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands)
2003
|
2002
|
2001
|
||||||||||
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
|
||||||||||||
RSL acquisition costs financed through note payable to seller
|
| $ | 875 | | ||||||||
Warrants issued in connection with notes payable to related party
|
| | $ | 2,170 | ||||||||
Conversion of notes payable to a related party and associated accrued
interest to Class M redeemable preferred stock
|
| | 10,305 | |||||||||
Reclassification of Class M redeemable preferred stock from Mezzanine
|
| | 22,040 | |||||||||
Conversion of notes payable to a related party and associated accrued
interest to common stock
|
$ | 40,673 | | 10,327 | ||||||||
Preferred stock received in exchange for assets of discontinued operations
|
1,691 | | | |||||||||
Assets included in the purchase price of Transpoint acquisition, net
|
2,882 | | | |||||||||
Stock options issued for services
|
142 | | | |||||||||
Notes payable incurred for the purchase of software and software licenses
|
921 | | | |||||||||
Equipment acquired under capital lease obligations and note payable
|
| | 9,888 | |||||||||
Supplemental cash flow information:
|
||||||||||||
Taxes paid
|
| | | |||||||||
Interest paid
|
$ | 787 | $ | 2,164 | $ | 1,270 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-7
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC.
Note 1 Description of Business and Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Acceris Communications Inc. (formerly I-Link Incorporated) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries WorldxChange Communications Corp. (WorldxChange), I-Link Communications Inc., (ILC), which is included in discontinued operations; the Enterprise and Agent business of RSL COM USA Inc., (RSL), which the Company purchased in December, 2002 and Transpoint Communications, LLC (Transpoint), which the Company purchased in July 2003 (see Note 9). These entities combined are referred to as Acceris or the Company in these consolidated financial statements.
For the past six years, Acceris has developed and marketed enhanced communications products and services utilizing its own private intranet and both owned and leased network switching and transmission facilities. The communications products and services are delivered through Acceris proprietary technologies. Enhanced communications products and services were marketed through master agent and other wholesale distributor arrangements with licensed long-distance carriers. The Company developed and licensed communications applications products and software that support multimedia communications (voice, fax and audio) over the public switched network, local area networks and the Internet.
In June 2001, Acceris, through it subsidiary WorldxChange, purchased certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of WorldxChange Communications, Inc. from a bankruptcy proceeding. WorldxChange was a facilities-based telecommunications carrier that provided international and domestic long-distance service to retail customers. Telecommunications services provided by WorldXChange consisted primarily of a dial-around product, which allowed a customer to make a call from any phone by dialing a 10-10-XXX prefix. Since the acquisition, the Company has commenced offering a 1+ product (1+ products are those with which a customer directly dials a long-distance number from their telephone by dialing 1-area code-phone number). WorldxChange has also begun to offer local communications products to its residential and small business customers. The service will be provided under the terms of the Unbundled Network Element Platform (UNE-P) authorized by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and will be available in New York and New Jersey initially, expanding to other markets throughout the United States.
In December 2002, Acceris, through its subsidiary WorldxChange, completed the purchase of certain assets of RSL (see Note 9). The acquisition included the assets used by RSL to provide long-distance voice and data services, including frame relay, to small and medium size businesses (Enterprise business), and the assets used to provide long-distance and other voice services to small businesses and the consumer/residential market (Agent business).
In May 2003, Acceris completed the sale of its domestic Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) network business, which represented the core business of its subsidiary ILC along with a fully paid license to use its patented technology, to Buyers United, Inc. (BUI). This allowed the Company to focus on the licensing of its technology and the pursuit of a patent enforcement strategy.
In December 2003, Acceris acquired US Patent No. 6,243,373. The acquisition of this patent combined with the Companys US Patent No. 6,438,124 form the foundational patents for VoIP communication.
In July 2003, Acceris, through its subsidiary WorldxChange, completed the purchase of all the outstanding shares of Transpoint (see Note 9). The acquisition allowed the Company to increase its penetration in the commercial agent channel.
All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Note 2 Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company has incurred substantial operating losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception and had a stockholders deficit of $49,309 and negative working capital of $26,576 at December 31, 2003. The Company continued to finance its operations during 2003 through related party debt with an outstanding balance of $35,073 and a revolving credit facility with an outstanding balance of $12,127 as of December 31, 2003.
At December 31, 2003, the Company has debt of $35,073 owed to its controlling stockholder, Counsel Corporation (collectively with all of its subsidiaries, Counsel), which matures on June 30, 2005 (subject to certain contingent acceleration clauses). This debt is supplemented by an agreement from Counsel to fund through long-term inter-company advances or equity contributions, all capital investment, working capital or other operational cash requirements of the Company (the Keep Well). During 2003, Counsel advanced the Company approximately $7,896 under its Keep Well and converted accrued interest of $5,070 into principal.
During 2003, Counsel acquired a debt which the Company owed to Winter Harbor LLC (Winter Harbor) of $1,999 and converted $40,673 of its convertible debt into common stock of the Company. These events significantly reduced the Companys liabilities.
F-8
The majority of the Companys debt matures on June 30, 2005. This includes amounts due on its three-year asset-based credit facility, under which it owed $12,127 at December 31, 2003 and $35,073 owed to Counsel (plus additional interest accrued prior to June 2005).
In 2004, management intends to raise capital to support the growth strategy of the business. Use of funds from such offering(s) will be detailed at the time and may include such uses as to fund operations, improve working capital, repay obligations of the business and to fund future acquisition activities. There can be no assurance that the Companys capital raising efforts will be successful.
There is no assurance that the Company will be able to improve its cash flow from operations, obtain additional third party financing, extend, repay or refinance its debt with Counsel or its asset-based lender on acceptable terms, or obtain an extension of the existing funding commitment from Counsel or its asset-based lender beyond June 30, 2005, should it be required. If the Company is unable to accomplish the above, it may need to evaluate opportunities to sell assets or obtain alternative financing with terms that are not favorable to the Company. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability of assets and liquidation of liabilities that may result from this uncertainty.
Note 3 Amendment of Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2002
The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2002 and for the year then ended were restated on the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K/A #2, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 15, 2003 from those previously issued to account for revenues from the Companys network service offering when the actual cash collections to be retained by the Company are finalized. The restatement had no effect on loss from discontinued operations or net loss per share from discontinued operations. The restatement increased the net loss for the year ended December 31, 2002 by $3,505, or $0.60 per share.
Note 4 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the Companys price to the customer is fixed and determinable, and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Revenue is derived from telecommunications usage based on minutes of use. Revenue derived from usage is recognized as services are provided, based on agreed upon usage rates. Revenue is recorded net of estimated customer credits and billing errors, which are recorded at the same time the corresponding revenue is recognized. Revenues from billings for services rendered where collectibility is not assured are recognized when the final cash collections to be retained by the Company are finalized.
Revenues for the Companys network service offering, which it began to sell in November 2002 and subsequently ceased selling in July 2003, are accounted for using the unencumbered cash method. The Company determined that collectibility of the amounts billed to customers was not reasonably assured at the time of billing. Under its agreements with the Local Exchange Carriers (LECs), cash collections remitted to the Company are subject to adjustment, generally over several months. Accordingly, the Company recognizes revenue when the actual cash collections to be retained by the Company are finalized and unencumbered. There is no further billing of customers for the network service offering subsequent to the programs termination. At December 31, 2003, the Company had approximately $4,621 in cash receipts that were still subject to adjustment by the LECs and therefore encumbered. This amount is included in deferred revenue at December 31, 2003. The Company expects that a portion of these amounts will become unencumbered during 2004, and will record revenues at such time that the Company finalizes cash collection amounts with the LECs.
Revenue from the sale of software licenses is recognized when a non-cancelable agreement is in force, the license fee is fixed or determinable, acceptance has occurred, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Maintenance and support revenues are recognized ratably over the term of the related agreements. When a license of Acceris technology requires continued support or involvement of Acceris, contract revenues are spread over the period of the required support or involvement. In the event that collectibility is in question, revenue (deferred or recognized) is recorded only to the extent of cash receipts.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Significant estimates include revenue recognition (see above), accruals for telecommunications network cost, the allowance for doubtful accounts, purchase accounting (including the ultimate recoverability of intangibles and other long-lived assets), valuation of deferred tax assets and contingencies surrounding litigation. These policies have the potential to have a more significant impact on our financial statements, either because of the significance of the financial statement item to which they relate, or because they require judgment and estimation due to the uncertainty involved in measuring, at a specific point in time, events which are continuous in nature.
F-9
Costs associated with carrying telecommunications traffic over our network and over the Companys leased lines are expensed when incurred, based on invoices received from the service providers. If invoices are not available in a timely fashion, estimates are utilized to accrue for these telecommunications network costs. These estimates are based on the understanding of variable and fixed costs in the Companys service agreements with these vendors in conjunction with the traffic volumes that has passed over the network and circuits provisioned at the contracted rates. Traffic volumes for a period are calculated from information received through the Companys network switches. From time to time, the Company has disputes with its vendors relating to telecommunications network services. In the event of such disputes, the Company records an expense based on its understanding of the agreement with that particular vendor, traffic information received from its network switches and other factors.
Allowances for doubtful accounts are maintained for estimated losses resulting from the failure of customers to make required payments on their accounts. The Company evaluates its provision for doubtful accounts at least quarterly based on various factors, including the financial condition and payment history of major customers and an overall review of collections experience on other accounts and economic factors or events expected to affect its future collections experience. Due to the large number of customers that the Company serves, it is impractical to review the creditworthiness of each of its customers, although a credit review is performed for larger carrier and retail business customers. The Company considers a number of factors in determining the proper level of the allowance, including historical collection experience, current economic trends, the aging of the accounts receivable portfolio and changes in the creditworthiness of its customers.
The Company accounts for intangible assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, Business Combinations (SFAS 141) and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142). All business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method and goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually. Intangible assets are intially recorded based on estimates of fair value at the time of the acquisition
The Company assesses the fair value of its segments for goodwill impairment based upon a discounted cash flow methodology. If the carrying amount of the segment assets exceed the estimated fair value determined through the discounted cash flow analysis, goodwill impairment may be present. The Company would measure the goodwill impairment loss based upon the fair value of the underlying assets and liabilities of the segment, including any unrecognized intangible assets and estimate the implied fair value of goodwill. An impairment loss would be recognized to the extent that a reporting units recorded goodwill exceeded the implied fair value of goodwill.
The Company performed its annual impairment test in the fourth quarters of 2003 and 2002. No impairment was present upon performing these tests. We cannot predict the occurrence of certain events that might adversely affect the reported value of goodwill. Such events may include, but are not limited to, strategic decisions made in response to economic and competitive conditions, the impact of the economic environment on its customer base or a material negative change in its relationships with significant customers.
Regularly, the Company evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate the carrying value of its other amortizable intangible assets may not be recoverable. When factors indicate the asset may not be recoverable, the Company compares the related future net cash flows to the carrying value of the asset to determine if impairment exists. If the expected future net cash flows are less than carrying value, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset.
The Company performs a valuation on its deferred tax asset, which has been generated by a history of net operating loss carryforwards, at least annually, and determine the necessity for a valuation allowance. The Company evaluates which portion, if any, will more likely than not be realized by offsetting future taxable income. The determination of that allowance includes a projection of its future taxable income, as well as consideration of any limitations that may exist on its use of its net operating loss or credit carryforwards.
The Company is involved from time to time in various legal matters arising out of its operations in the normal course of business. On a case by case basis, the Company evaluates the likelihood of possible outcomes for this litigation. Based on this evaluation, the Company determines whether a liability is appropriate. If the likelihood of a negative outcome is probable, and the amount is estimable, the Company accounts for the liability in the current period. A change in the circumstances surrounding any current litigation could have a material impact on the financial statements.
F-10
Cash and cash equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents primarily with financial institutions in California and Pennsylvania. These accounts may from time to time exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts.
Provision for doubtful accounts
The Company evaluates the collectibility of its receivables at least quarterly, based upon various factors including the financial condition and payment history of major customers, and overall review of collections experience on other accounts and economic factors or events expected to affect the Companys future collections experience. Due to the large number of customers that the Company serves, it is impractical to review the creditworthiness of each of its customers, although a credit review is performed for larger carrier and retail business customers. The Company considers a number of factors in determining the proper level of the allowance, including historical collection experience, current economic trends, the aging of the accounts receivable portfolio and changes in the creditworthiness of its customers.
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and software
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and software are stated at cost.
Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the following
estimated useful lives:
3-5 years
3-10 years
3 years
Long-lived assets that are to be disposed of by sale are carried at the lower of book value or estimated net realizable value less costs to sell.
Betterments and renewals that extend the life of the assets are capitalized. Other repairs and maintenance charges are expensed as incurred. The cost and related accumulated depreciation applicable to assets retired are removed from the accounts and the gain or loss on disposition is recognized in operations. The Company regularly evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate the carrying value of its furniture, fixtures, equipment and software may not be recoverable. When factors indicate the asset may not be recoverable, the Company compares the related future net cash flows to the carrying value of the asset to determine if impairment exists. If the expected future net cash flows are less than the carrying value, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset.
Investments
Dividends and realized gains and losses on securities are included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company holds investments in convertible preferred stock of two companies. These investments are accounted for under the cost method, as the securities or the underlying common stock are not readily marketable and the Companys ownership interests do not allow it to exercise significant influence over these entities. The Company monitors these investments for impairment by considering current factors including economic environment, market conditions and operational performance and other specific factors relating to the business underlying the investment, and will record impairments in carrying values when necessary. The fair value of the securities are estimated using the best available information as of the evaluation date, including the quoted market prices of comparable public companies, market price of the common stock underlying the preferred stock, recent financing rounds of the investee and other investee specific information.
Intangible assets
Effective January 1, 2002, the Company accounts for intangible assets in accordance with SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations (SFAS 141) and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142). The adoption of SFAS 141 and 142 did not materially impact the results of operations or financial condition of the Company. All business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method and goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually.
F-11
The Company regularly evaluates whether events or circumstances have
occurred that indicate the carrying value of its intangible assets may not be recoverable. When factors indicate the asset may not be
recoverable, the Company compares the related future net cash flows to the
carrying value of the asset to determine if impairment exists. If the expected
future net cash flows are less than carrying value, impairment is recognized to
the extent that the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. The
Company recorded a charge of approximately $8,040 in 2001, representing the
remaining balance of the goodwill associated with the WebToTel acquisition.
Amortization of intangible assets is calculated using the straight-line method
over the following periods:
60 months
12 months
36 months
60 months
12 months
Advertising costs
Advertising production costs are expensed the first time the advertisement is run. Media (television and print) placement costs are expensed in the month the advertising appears. The Company incurred $127, $1,590 and $7,270 in advertising costs in the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
Research and development costs
The Company expenses internal research and development costs, which primarily consist of salaries, when they are incurred.
Computer software costs
The Company capitalizes qualified costs associated with developing computer software for internal use. Such costs are amortized over the expected useful life, usually three years. During 2003, the Company capitalized approximately $128 in costs associated with the development and installation of a new billing system to launch a local product offering. No such costs were capitalized during 2002 or 2001.
Concentrations of credit risk
The Companys retail telecommunications subscribers are primarily residential and small business subscribers in the United States. The Companys customers are generally concentrated in the areas of highest population in the United States, more specifically California, Florida, New York, Texas and Illinois. No single customer accounted for over 10% of revenues in 2003 or 2002. The only customer that accounted for over 10% of revenues for 2001 was Red Cube International AG (Red Cube), which accounted for approximately 18% of revenues. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its larger carrier and retail business customers but generally does not require collateral to support customer receivables.
Concentration of third party service providers
Acceris utilizes the services of certain Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs) to bill and collect from customers. A significant portion of revenues in the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were derived from customers billed by CLECs. If the CLECs were unwilling or unable to provide such services in the future, the Company would be required to significantly enhance its billing and collection capabilities in a short amount of time and its collection experience could be adversely affected during this transition period.
The Company depends on certain large telecommunications carriers to provide network services for significant portions of the Companys telecommunications traffic. If these carriers were unwilling or unable to provide such services in the future, the Companys ability to provide services to its customers would be adversely affected and the Company might not be able to obtain similar services from alternative carriers on a timely basis.
Income taxes
The Company records deferred taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (SFAS 109). The statement requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and the amounts at which they are carried in the financial statements, based upon the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company establishes a valuation allowance when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The determination of that allowance includes a projection of the Companys future taxable income, as well as consideration of any limitations that may exist on the Companys use of its net operating loss or credit carryforwards.
F-12
Stock-based compensation
At December 31,
2003, the Company has several stock-based compensation plans, which are described
more fully in Note 18. The Company accounts for those plans under the recognition
and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees
, and related Interpretations
(collectively, APB 25). Stock-based employee compensation cost
is not reflected in net loss, as all options granted under those plans had
an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock
on the date of grant. In accordance with FASB SFAS No. 123,
Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation
(SFAS 123), as amended by FASB
SFAS No. 148,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition
and Disclosure,
see below for a tabular presentation of the pro forma
stock-based compensation cost, net loss and loss per share as if the fair
value-based method of expense recognition and measurement prescribed by SFAS
123 had been applied to all employee options. Options granted to non-employees
(excluding non-employee members of the Companys Board of Directors)
are recognized and measured using the fair value-based method prescribed by
SFAS 123.
Year ended December 31,
2003
2002
2001
$
(26,321
)
$
(27,537
)
$
(44,497
)
(92
)
(1,300
)
(2,933
)
$
(26,413
)
$
(28,837
)
$
(47,430
)
$
(3.75
)
$
(4.73
)
$
(5.90
)
$
(3.77
)
$
(4.95
)
$
(6.49
)
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: expected volatility of 98%, 150% and 120% in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, risk free rates ranging from 2.76% to 3.00%, 2.02% to 4.40% and 3.17% to 6.62% in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, expected lives of 4 years in 2003 and 3 years in 2002 and 2001, and dividend yield of zero for each year.
Segment reporting
The Company reports its segment information based upon the internal organization that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing the Companys performance. In late 2002, Acceris was reorganized into three operating segments, Retail, Enterprise and Technologies. These segments were previously referred to as Acceris Communications Partners, Acceris Communications Solutions and Acceris Technologies, respectively. See Note 19 for a more detailed discussion of the segments.
Reclassifications
Certain balances in the consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. These changes had no effect on previously reported net loss, total assets, liabilities or stockholders deficit. In 2003, the Company adopted SFAS No. 145, Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections as of April 2002 (SFAS 145). SFAS 145 requires the modification of the Companys 2001 financial statement to reclassify the previously reported gain on debt extinguishment from an extraordinary item to discontinued operations.
Recent accounting pronouncements
In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity (SFAS 150). SFAS 150 establishes standards for the classification and measurement of certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires the classification of a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). SFAS 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company adopted SFAS 150 on July 1, 2003 and the adoption did not have any effect on the Companys financial position or results of operations.
F-13
In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS 149). This Statement amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This Statement is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, except as stated below and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003 and did not have any effect on the Companys financial position or results of operations.
In December 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commissions (the SEC) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 104, Revenue Recognition (SAB 104) , which supersedes portions of SAB 101. The primary purpose of SAB 104 is to rescind accounting guidance contained in SAB 101 related to multiple element revenue arrangements, which was superseded as a result of the issuance of the FASB's Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-21, Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables ("EITF 00-21"). While the wording of SAB 104 changed to reflect the issuance of EITF 00-21, the revenue recognition principles of SAB 101 remain largely unchanged by the issuance of SAB 104. The adoption of SAB 104 did not have a material impact on the Companys financial position or results of operations.
Note 5 Net Loss per Share and Reverse Stock Split
Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Options, warrants, convertible preferred stock and convertible debt are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, except when their effect would be anti-dilutive. As the Company had a net loss from continuing operations for 2003, 2002 and 2001, basic and diluted loss per share are the same.
On December 6, 2002, the Board of Directors approved a 1-for-20 reverse split of Acceris common stock (the Stock Split). The stockholders of Acceris approved the Stock Split by stockholder vote on November 26, 2003. In connection with the Stock Split the par value of the common stock was changed from $0.007 to $0.01 per share. The Stock Split reduced the shares of common stock outstanding by 365,977,409 shares. The basic and diluted net loss per common share and all other share amounts in these financial statements are presented as if the reverse stock split had occurred on January 1, 2001. Contemporaneous with the Stock Split, Counsel exercised its right to convert certain debt instruments into shares of the Companys common stock. As a result of the conversion, the Company issued to Counsel 13,428,492 shares of common stock on a post-split basis.
In January 2003, 150 shares of the Companys Class N preferred stock held by an unrelated third party were converted into 6,000 shares of common stock.
The basic and diluted net loss per common share for the year ended December 31, 2001 includes a net increase to retained earnings of approximately $30,292 attributable to the redemption on March 1, 2001 of the Class M redeemable preferred stock and all Class N preferred stock owned by Winter Harbor, including redemption of the beneficial conversion feature related to such preferred stock. In addition, there was a charge to retained earnings in 2001 of approximately $9,780 representing a contingent beneficial conversion feature on the Class N preferred stock resulting from the reset of the conversion price. The basic and diluted net loss per common share in 2001 also reflects a $5,000 charge to retained earnings for the beneficial conversion feature related to the reissuance on March 1, 2001 of the Class M and Class N preferred stock to Counsel. The net effect of these transactions was a benefit included in the net loss per common share of approximately $15,512 for the year ended December 31, 2001.
On September 6, 2001, all outstanding shares of the Companys Class C preferred stock automatically converted into shares of common stock according to the terms of the designation of the Class C preferred stock. Accordingly, 9,249 shares of Class C preferred stock were converted into 170,751 shares of common stock. In addition to the conversion of the preferred stock, the Company was obligated to pay dividends declared but unpaid and other dividends not paid on the preferred stock through the conversion date. Accordingly, dividends in the amount of approximately $630 were satisfied through the issuance of 26,701 shares of common stock.
Potential common shares that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have been anti-dilutive are as follows as of December 31:
F-14
Note 6 Investments
The Companys investments as of December 31, 2003 consist of convertible preferred stock and common stock holdings in one company and convertible preferred stock holdings in another. The first investment is in BUI which investment was consideration received related to the sale of the ILC business. This investment has been recorded at its estimated fair value as of the closing date of the sale of ILC. The carrying value of the investment as of closing (May 1, 2003) was $1,624 and as of December 31, 2003 was $2,058 due to additional shares of common stock received subsequent to May 1, 2003 as earn-out shares (see Note 7). Subsequent to December 31, 2003, but prior to the issuance of the Companys financial statements, the Company converted its preferred stock into shares of common stock of BUI and sold a portion of the common stock in a private placement (see Note 21). Accordingly, this investment in shares of preferred and common stock is classified as a current asset at December 31, 2003.
The second investment in convertible preferred stock is in Accessline Communications Corporation. This stock was received as consideration for a licensing agreement (reflected in technology licensing and related services revenues) in the second quarter of 2003, the estimated fair value of which was determined to be $1,100.
Note 7 Discontinued Operations
On December 6, 2002, the Company entered into an agreement to sell substantially all of the assets and customer base of ILC to BUI. The sale includes the physical assets required to operate Acceris nationwide network using its patented VoIP technology (constituting the core business of ILC) and a license in perpetuity to use Acceris proprietary software platform. The sale closed on May 1, 2003 and provided for a post closing cash settlement between the parties. The sale price consisted of 300,000 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock (8% dividend) of BUI, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, of which 75,000 shares are subject to an earn-out provision (contingent consideration) based on future events related to ILCs single largest customer. The earn-out takes place on a monthly basis over a fourteen-month period which began January 2003. The Company recognizes the value of the earn-out shares as additional sales proceeds when and if earned. During the year ending December 31, 2003, 64,286 shares of the contingent consideration were earned and are included as a component of gain (loss) from discontinued operations. The fair value of the 225,000 shares (non-contingent consideration to be received) of Buyers United convertible preferred stock was determined to be $1,350 as of December 31, 2002. As of December 31, 2003, the combined fair value of the original shares (225,000) and the shares earned from the contingent consideration (64,286 shares) was determined to be $1,916. The value of the shares earned from the contingent consideration is included in the calculation of gain from discontinued operation for the year ended December 31, 2003. As additional contingent consideration is earned, it is recorded as a gain from discontinued operations.
Upon closing of the sale, BUI assumed all operational losses since December 6, 2002. Accordingly, the gain of $529 for the year ended December 31, 2003, includes the increase in the sales price for the losses incurred since December 6, 2002. In the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company recorded a loss from discontinued operations related to ILC of $12,508.
Net assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations are as follows:
Revenues of the discontinued operation were $2,108, $7,806 and $26,624 in
2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
Note 8 Composition of Certain Financial Statements Captions
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and software consisted of the following at
December 31:
Included
in telecommunications network equipment is $9,739 in assets
acquired under capital leases at December 31, 2003 and 2002. Accumulated
amortization on these leased assets was $6,382 and $3,930 at December 31, 2003
and 2002, respectively.
2003
2002
$
14,196
$
14,361
4,059
2,939
305
219
1,986
296
20,546
17,815
(12,063
)
(6,336
)
$
8,483
$
11,479
F-15
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consisted of the following at December 31:
2003
|
2002
|
|||||||
Accounts payable
|
$ | 3,370 | $ | 7,017 | ||||
Telecommunications and related costs
|
9,840 | 6,866 | ||||||
Regulatory fees
|
6,790 | 3,124 | ||||||
Other
|
8,272 | 8,100 | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
|
$ | 28,272 | $ | 25,107 | ||||
|
|
|
Note 9 Acquisitions
Acquisition of WebToTel
On April 17, 2001, the Company completed its acquisition of WebToTel, Inc. (WebToTel) and Nexbell Communications, Inc. (Nexbell), both previously subsidiaries of Counsel for 872,717 shares of the Companys common stock issued to Counsel. The acquisition of WebToTel was accounted for similar to a pooling-of-interests using Counsels book values of the WebToTel assets and liabilities, effective March 1, 2001, the earliest date that all three entities were under common control of Counsel.
Nexbell was sold to a third party in December 2001. The sale was a sale of Nexbells common stock and accordingly the assets and liabilities of Nexbell were assumed by the purchaser with no further financial obligation to the Company. At the time of the sale, the liabilities exceeded the assets of Nexbell and accordingly a gain on sale of subsidiary in the amount of $589 (the amount by which the liabilities of Nexbell exceeded the assets) was recorded.
Purchase of certain assets and assumption of certain liabilities of WorldxChange Communications, Inc.
On June 4, 2001, Acceris purchased certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of WorldxChange Communications, Inc. (the Debtor) from a bankruptcy proceeding, creating WorldxChange. The purchased assets included all of the assets employed in the Debtors operations in the United States and consisted of the Debtors equipment, inventory, retail long-distance business, accounts receivable, deposits, licenses, permits, authorizations, software programs and related technology. On June 4, 2001, the Debtor transferred the purchased assets to WorldxChange in exchange for $13,000.
To fund the acquisition of the assets and provide working capital, Counsel agreed to provide a collateralized loan to Acceris in the aggregate amount of $15,000 (of which $13,000 was used for the purchase) as more fully described in Note 15.
The purchase price was allocated to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as follows:
Also, in connection with the acquisition, WorldxChange agreed to pay $727 to a supplier for services rendered prior to the acquisition to continue services with that vendor. The Company also incurred $681 of transaction costs related to the purchase.
Purchase of the Enterprise and Agent business of RSL COM USA Inc .
On December 10, 2002, Acceris through its subsidiary, WorldxChange, completed the purchase of the Enterprise and Agent business of RSL COM USA Inc., (previously defined as RSL). The purchase of RSL was to advance the Companys commercial agent business, to increase network utilization and to provide an entry into the management of information technology services for enterprise clients. Acceris paid a purchase price of $7,500 in cash, which was financed by a loan from Counsel to Acceris and assumed a non-interest bearing note for $1,000 which matures on March 31, 2004. The purchase contract provided for additional purchase consideration to be paid contingent on the achievement of certain revenue levels by the Enterprise business during 2003. At December 31, 2003, the Company has accrued an obligation of approximately $123 in connection with this earn out provision. The Company also incurred $1,014 of transaction costs related to the purchase. The $123 contingent payout resulted in an adjustment to the furniture, fixtures and equipment and intangible assets included in the purchase price at December 31, 2003. The Company does not expect any further adjustments to the purchase price, as the contingency period has ended.
The allocation of fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows:
Accounts receivable and other current assets
|
$ | 6,444 | ||
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
|
3,307 | |||
Intangible assets
|
2,444 | |||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
(2,558 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
|
$ | 9,637 | ||
|
|
F-16
Components of the acquired intangible assets are as follows:
Amount
|
Amortization Period
|
|||||||
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
|
||||||||
Customer contracts and relationships
|
$ | 1,638 | 60 months | |||||
Agent relationships
|
564 | 36 months | ||||||
Agent contracts
|
242 | 12 months | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
$ | 2,444 | ||||||
|
|
Purchase of Transpoint Holdings, LLC.
In July 2002, the Company agreed to purchase certain assets and related liabilities of Transpoint Communications, LLC (previously defined as Transpoint) and Local Telecom Holdings, LLC (Local Telecom). The acquisition closed on July 28, 2003. As of the closing date, the Company had an asset (which had been included in other assets) from Local Telecom of $2,836 that represented uncollected revenues from Local Telecom prior to the closing plus costs and expenses paid for Local Telecom, less collections on accounts receivable of Local Telecom. At closing, the $2,836 was applied as part of the total purchase price of $2,882. The intent of this acquisition was primarily to increase the Companys agent relationships in the Companys commercial agent business, increase its customer base and improve network utilization.
The final allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is summarized below. The allocation of the preliminary purchase has changed since September 30, 2003 based on completion of a valuation analysis.
Accounts receivable
and other current assets
|
$ | 685 | ||
Furniture, fixtures,
and equipment
|
5 | |||
Intangible assets
|
1,917 | |||
Goodwill
|
947 | |||
Accounts payable
and accrued liabilities
|
(672 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
|
$ | 2,882 | ||
|
|
Components of the acquired intangible assets are as follows:
Amount
|
Amortization Period
|
|||||||
Intangible assets:
|
||||||||
Customer contracts and relationships
|
$ | 367 | 60 months | |||||
Agent relationships
|
1,550 | 36 months | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
$ | 1,917 | ||||||
|
|
Pro forma results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 as if the acquisitions of certain assets of RSL and Transpoint had been completed as of the beginning of each year presented are shown below. The pro forma results do not include any anticipated cost savings or other effects of the planned integration of the operations, and are not necessarily indicative of the results which would have occurred if the business combination had occurred on the dates indicated, or which may result in the future.
F-17
Note 10 Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31:
December 31, 2003
|
||||||||||||||||
Amortization | Accumulated | |||||||||||||||
period
|
Cost
|
amortization
|
Net
|
|||||||||||||
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
|
||||||||||||||||
Customer contracts and relationships
|
12 - 60 months | 2,006 | (510 | ) | 1,496 | |||||||||||
Agent relationships
|
36 months | 2,116 | (415 | ) | 1,701 | |||||||||||
Agent contracts
|
12 months | 242 | (242 | ) | | |||||||||||
Patents
|
60 months | 100 | | 100 | ||||||||||||
Goodwill
|
1,120 | | 1,120 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total intangible assets and goodwill
|
$ | 5,584 | $ | (1,167 | ) | $ | 4,417 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
Aggregate amortization expense of intangibles for the years ended December
31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $1,117 , $937 and $3,287 respectively.
Note 11 Debt
Debt, the carrying value of which approximates market, consists of the
following at December 31:
F-18
2003
2002
$
394
747
1,999
$
1,105
881
750
171
12,127
9,086
19,928
9,350
15,145
13,271
36,718
49,226
72,446
(13,381
)
(12,073
)
$
35,845
$
60,373
The Company was discharged of obligations amounting to $1,141 owed to a network service provider. The discharge of these obligations is reported as interest and other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Counsel acquired a liability of the Company that it owed to Winter Harbor LLC. Counsel replaced the loan with a 10% loan maturing on June 30, 2005. See Note 15 below for further discussion.
The maturity date of the revolving credit facility has been extended from December 2004 to June 2005. The asset-based lender has first priority over all the assets and shares of common stock of WorldxChange. The asset-based facility provides the Company advances based on outstanding billings at rates of 65% on direct billings and 85% of other receivables of WorldxChange, subject to certain restrictions. The facility has certain covenants with which the Company is in compliance at December 31, 2003.
Counsel has a priority interest in the assets of Acceris and its subsidiaries, with the exception of the assets of WorldxChange, wherein Counsel has subordinated its position in favor of the priority interest of the asset-based lender. The amounts owed to Counsel pursuant to its various notes payable mature on June 30, 2005, with the exception of $5,600 of these notes, which is subject to certain acceleration provisions triggered by events including the sale of certain investments which Acceris holds at December 31, 2003 or a cash raise in the capital markets.
In the fourth quarter of 2003, Counsel exercised its conversion rights, and converted $40,673 of notes payable into shares of common stock of the Company. Pursuant to this conversion, Counsel received 13,428,492 shares of common stock, increasing its ownership in Acceris from 70% to approximately 91%.
For further discussion of notes payable and other transactions with Counsel, see Note 15, below.
Note 12 Commitments
Agreements classified as operating leases have terms ranging from one to six years. The Companys rental expense, which is recognized on a straight line basis, for operating leases was approximately $2,148, $4,547, and $13,547 for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
Future minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable capital and operating leases with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year consist of the following at December 31, 2003:
From time to time, Acceris has various agreements with national carriers to lease local access spans and to purchase carrier services. The agreements include minimum usage commitments with termination penalties up to 100% of the remaining commitment. At December 31, 2003 all of the Companys minimum usage commitments have been met.
Note 13 Gain on Extinguishment of Debt
During the third quarter of 2001, Nexbell was in default on two leases and at the time of settlement Nexbell was liable for $1,273. The debt was settled during the fourth quarter of 2001 for a one-time payment of $180 and accordingly the Company recorded a gain in the amount of $1,093. In accordance with SFAS 145, the Company has reclassified this gain to be included in the results from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2001. Originally, the amount was recorded as an extraordinary gain.
F-19
Note 14 Income Taxes
The Company recognized no income tax benefit from its losses in 2003, 2002 and 2001. The reported benefit from income taxes varies from the amount that would be provided by applying the statutory U.S. Federal income tax rate to the loss from continuing operations before taxes for the following reasons:
2003
|
2002
|
2001
|
||||||||||
Expected federal statutory tax benefit
|
$ | (9,129 | ) | $ | (5,110 | ) | $ | (8,831 | ) | |||
Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from:
|
||||||||||||
State income taxes
|
(728 | ) | (430 | ) | (506 | ) | ||||||
Foreign loss not subject to domestic tax
|
5 | 1 | 234 | |||||||||
Non-deductible interest on certain notes
|
1,628 | 672 | 357 | |||||||||
Non-deductible goodwill
|
| | 3,096 | |||||||||
Change in valuation allowance
attributable to continuing operations
|
8,208 | 4,859 | 7,457 | |||||||||
Other
|
16 | 8 | (1,807 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
$ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||
|
|
|
|
The change in the valuation allowance, including discontinued operations, was $6,076, $9,523 and $14,356 for the years ended 2003, 2002 and 2001 respectively.
At December 31, 2003, the Company had total net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $157,000. These net operating loss carryforwards expire between 2006 and 2023.
The Companys utilization of approximately $154,000 of its available net operating loss carryforwards against future taxable income is restricted pursuant to the change in ownership rules in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. These rules in general provide that an ownership change occurs when the percentage shareholdings of 5% direct or indirect shareholders of a loss corporation have in aggregate increased by more than 50 percentage points during the immediately preceding three years.
Restrictions in net operating loss carryforwards occurred in 2001 as a result of the acquisition of the Company by Counsel. Further restrictions likely have occurred as a result of subsequent changes in the share ownership and capital structure of the Company and Counsel. Net operating loss carryforwards arising prior to such a change in ownership would be available for usage against future taxable income subject to an annual usage limitation of approximately $6,000 per annum until 2008 and thereafter $1,550 per annum respectively.
Due to the expiration of the Companys net operating loss carryforwards and the above possible usage restrictions, it is most likely that only $53,000 of the total $157,000 of net operating loss carryforwards otherwise available will be able to be utilized against future taxable income.
The Company also has net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes in those states where it has conducted business. Available state tax loss carryforwards however may differ substantially by jurisdiction and in general are subject to the same or similar restrictions as to expiry and usage described above. The Company is subject to state income tax in multiple jurisdictions.
The components of the deferred tax asset and liability of continuing and discontinued operations as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:
F-20
As the Company has not generated taxable income from its communications services in the past, a valuation allowance has been provided at December 31, 2003 and 2002 to reduce the total deferred tax asset to nil, the amount considered more likely than not to be realized. The change in the valuation allowance in the year is due primarily to an increase in the Companys net operating loss carryforwards.
Note 15 Transactions with Significant Owners
Transactions with Counsel:
Initial Acquisition of Acceris and Senior Convertible Loan
On March 1, 2001, Acceris entered into a Senior Convertible Loan and Security Agreement, (the Senior Loan Agreement) with Counsel. Pursuant to the terms and provisions of the Senior Loan Agreement, Counsel agreed to make periodic loans to Acceris in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $10,000, which was subsequently increased to $12,000 through amendment on May 8, 2001. Advances against the Senior Loan Agreement were structured as a 3-year convertible note with interest at 9% per annum, compounded quarterly. Counsel initially could convert the loan into shares of common stock of Acceris at a conversion price of $11.20 per common share. The terms of the Senior Loan Agreement also provide that at any time after September 1, 2002, the outstanding debt including accrued interest would automatically be converted into common stock using the then current conversion rate, on the first date that is the twentieth consecutive trading day that the common stock has closed at a price per share that is equal to or greater than $20.00 per share. The Senior Loan Agreement also provides that the conversion price is in certain cases subject to adjustment and includes traditional anti-dilution protection for the lender and is subject to certain events of default, which could accelerate the repayment of principal plus accrued interest. Total proceeds available to the Company were $12,000, less debt issuance costs of $600, which are being amortized over three years. The Senior Loan Agreement has been amended several times and the maturity date of the loan plus accrued interest has been extended to June 30, 2005. As a result of the application of the anti-dilution provisions of the Senior Loan Agreement, the conversion price has been adjusted to $5.94 per common share. As of December 31, 2003, the total outstanding debt under the Note (including principal and accrued interest) was $15,291 which is convertible into 2,574,663 shares of common stock .
In connection with the above Senior Loan Agreement, Acceris granted Counsel a security interest in all of Acceris assets owned at the time of execution of the Senior Loan Agreement or subsequently acquired, including but not limited to Acceris accounts receivable, intangibles, inventory, equipment, books and records, and negotiable instruments held by the Company (collectively, the Collateral). The Senior Loan Agreement also includes demand registration rights for common stock issuable upon conversion of the related loan.
In addition to the foregoing agreements, Acceris and Counsel executed a Securities Support Agreement, dated March 1, 2001 (the Support Agreement) for the purpose of providing certain representations and commitments by Acceris to Counsel. Counsel relied on these representations and commitments in its decision to enter a separate agreement (the Securities Purchase Agreement) with Winter Harbor and First Media L.P., a limited partnership and the parent company of Winter Harbor (collectively the Winter Harbor Parties), Counsel agreed to purchase from the Winter Harbor Parties all of their equity securities in Acceris, including shares of Class M and Class N preferred stock of Acceris, beneficially owned by the Winter Harbor Parties for aggregate consideration of $5,000 in cash.
On March 7, 2001, as part of the agreements discussed above, Counsel converted all of the Class M and N convertible preferred stock it obtained from Winter Harbor into 3,098,303 shares of Acceris common stock. The Class N shares were converted at $25.00 per common share and Class M at $11.20 per common share, in accordance with their respective conversion rights. Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, certain shares of common stock owned by the Winter Harbor Parties were held in escrow pending resolution of certain events.
Under the Support Agreement of March 1, 2001, Acceris also agreed to engage appropriate advisors and proceed to take all steps necessary to merge Nexbell Communications, Inc. (a subsidiary of Counsel) into Acceris. The merger was completed on April 17, 2001 and Counsel received 871,724 shares of common stock in Acceris as consideration.
Assignment of Winter Harbor Common Stock and Debt Interests
Pursuant to the terms of a settlement agreed between Counsel and the Winter Harbor Parties effective August 29, 2003, the Winter Harbor Parties relinquished their right to 118,750 shares of the common stock of Acceris to Counsel. These shares were released from escrow and delivered to Counsel.
The Winter Harbor Parties further assigned to Counsel all of their rights with respect to a note payable by Acceris of $1,999 drawn down pursuant to a Letter of Credit issued November 3, 1998 to secure certain obligations of Acceris together with any accrued interest thereon. The assigned amount together with accrued interest amounted to $2,577 on August 29, 2003. As a result of the settlement and assignment, Acceris entered into a new loan agreement with Counsel the terms of which provide that from August 29, 2003 the loan balance of $2,577 shall bear interest at 10% per annum compounded quarterly with the aggregate balance of principal and accrued interest payable on maturity of the loan on June 30, 2005. This loan agreement was subsequently amended and restated to increase the principal of the loan by a further $100 for funding provided by Counsel to enable Acceris to acquire a VoIP patent in December 2003 and to allow for the making of further periodic advances thereunder at Counsels discretion. The loan amount has been further increased by $1,546 at December 31, 2003 representing operating advances from Counsel to Acceris in the period since the initial acquisition of the Acceris common stock by Counsel in March 2001, which had previously been recorded as an intercompany payable to Counsel. As of December 31, 2003, the total outstanding debt under the Note (including principal and accrued interest) was $4,311.
F-21
Loan and Security Agreement and Amended Debt Restructuring
On June 6, 2001, Acceris and Counsel entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the Loan Agreement). Any funds advanced to Acceris between June 6, 2001 and April 15, 2002, (not to exceed $10,000) were governed by the Loan Agreement and due on June 6, 2002. The loan was secured by all of the assets of Acceris. As of December 31, 2001, advances under this loan agreement totaled $10,000. On June 27, 2002 the Loan Agreement was amended to an amount of $24,307, which included additional capital advances from Counsel to Acceris made from December 31, 2001 through June 6, 2002. The amended agreement also further provided for additional advances as needed to Acceris, which advances totaled $2,087 through December 31, 2002 and $650 through November 30, 2003.
On July 25, 2002, Acceris and Counsel entered into a Debt Restructuring Agreement (Debt Restructuring Agreement), which was amended on October 15, 2002 pursuant to an Amended and Restated Debt Restructuring Agreement (Amended Agreement). The Amended Agreement included the following terms:
1. | Principal ($24,307) and associated accrued interest ($2,284), as of October 15, 2002, under the Loan Agreement, as amended, would be exchanged for common stock of Acceris at $3.77 per share (representing the average closing price of Acceris common stock during May 2002). | |||
2. | Funding provided by Counsel pursuant to the Loan Agreement, as amended, ($2,087) and associated accrued interest ($1,996) from October 15, 2002 to December 31, 2002, would be exchanged for common stock of Acceris at $3.77 per share (representing the average closing price of Acceris common stock during May 2002). | |||
3. | Counsel would advance to Acceris all amounts paid or payable by Acceris to its stockholders that exercised their dissenters rights in connection with the transactions subject to the debt restructuring transactions and the amount of the annual premium to renew the existing directors and officers insurance coverage through November 2003. | |||
4. | Counsel would reimburse Acceris for all costs, fees and expenses, in connection with the Debt Restructuring Agreement and the Amended Agreement and transactions contemplated thereby including all expenses incurred and yet to be incurred, including the Special Committees costs to negotiate these agreements and costs related to obtaining stockholder approval. During 2003 and 2002, Counsel reimbursed Acceris $132 and $499, respectively, for certain reimbursable expenses, which have been recorded as additional paid-in capital. | |||
5. | The issuance of common stock by Acceris pursuant to this Agreement would result in a weighted average conversion price adjustment pursuant to the provisions of the March 1, 2002 Loan Agreement. Whereas the conversion price for the March 1, 2002 Loan Agreement had initially been $11.20, the new conversion price would be adjusted as a result of the anti-dilution provisions of the Senior Loan Agreement. At December 31, 2003, the new conversion price is $5.94 per common share . | |||
Effective November 30, 2003, 8,681,096 shares of common stock were issued to Counsel in settlement of the underlying debt and accrued interest. |
Convertible Promissory Note to Fund RSL Acquisition
In connection with the acquisition of RSL in December 2002, Acceris issued a $7,500 convertible note payable (the Convertible Note) to Counsel, bearing interest at 10% per annum compounded quarterly which matured on March 1, 2004. The Convertible Note was convertible into common stock of Acceris at a conversion rate of $1.68 per share. On November 30, 2003, Counsel exercised its right to convert the Convertible Note plus accrued interest to that date totaling $7,952 into common stock of Acceris. This resulted in the issuance of 4,747,396 shares of Acceris common stock.
Collateralized Promissory Note and Loan Agreement
During the third quarter of 2003, Counsel advanced the sum of $5,600 to Acceris evidenced by a promissory note effective October 1, 2003. In January 2004, Acceris and Counsel entered into a loan agreement and an amended and restated promissory note pursuant to which an additional $2,000 was loaned to Acceris and pursuant to which additional periodic loans may be made from time to time (collectively and as amended, the Promissory Note). The Promissory Note matures on June 30, 2005 and accrues interest at 10% per annum compounded quarterly from the date funds are advanced. The Promissory Note is collateralized by certain shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the Preferred Stock) of Buyers United, Inc. (a third party), which are held by Acceris. In the event of the sale of the Preferred Stock (or the common stock to which the Preferred Stock is convertible) by Acceris or an equity investment or investments in Acceris by a third party through the capital markets and subject to certain limitations, the maturity date of the Promissory Note will accelerate to the date 10 calendar days following either such event. As of the date of this filing, subsequent to year end, Counsel has provided an aggregate of $4,050 of funds in 2004 pursuant to this loan agreement. There are no conversion features associated with the Promissory Note.
F-22
Secured Loan to Acceris
To fund the acquisition of the assets purchased and liabilities assumed by WorldxChange, on June 4, 2001 Counsel provided a loan (the Initial Loan) to WorldxChange in the aggregate amount of $15,000. The loan was subordinated to a revolving credit facility with Foothill Capital Corporation (Foothill) and was collateralized against all assets of WorldxChange.
On October 1, 2003, Counsel assigned the balance owing in connection with this loan of $9,743 including accrued interest (the Assigned Loan) to Acceris in exchange for a new loan bearing interest at 10% per annum compounded quarterly maturing on June 30, 2005 (the New Loan). Consistent with the terms of the Initial Loan, subject to certain conditions, the New Loan provides for certain mandatory prepayments upon written notice from Counsel including an event resulting in the issuance of new shares by Acceris to a party unrelated to Counsel where the funds are not used for an approved expanded business plan or where Acceris has sold material assets in excess of cash proceeds of $1,000. Pursuant to a Stock Pledge Agreement as amended, the New Loan is secured by the common stock held by Acceris in WorldxChange subject to the priority security interests of Foothill, the Companys asset-based lender.
Counsel Keep Well
As a result of Counsels purchase of Winter Harbors security holdings in Acceris, Counsel became the single largest stockholder of the Company. In addition to the above transactions, Counsel has committed to fund, through long-term inter company advances or equity contribution, all capital investment, working capital or other operational cash requirements of Acceris through June 30, 2005 (the Keep Well). By virtue of the Keep Well any default and loan repayment accelerator provisions in respect of the above loans agreements are also indirectly subject to funding by Counsel under the terms of the Keep Well.
Accounting treatment of Counsel and Winter Harbor transactions
The repurchase on March 1, 2001 by Acceris of Winter Harbors 1,677,000 warrants for 250,000 common shares was recorded at market value of the common stock issued in the exchange amounting to $3,750. The repurchase was accounted for similar to the repurchase of treasury stock. Accordingly, common stock and additional paid in capital was increased by $3,750 which was offset by a charge to additional paid in capital of $3,715 to reflect the warrant repurchase. The net effect of this transaction was the recording of additional par value of $35 for the 250,000 shares issued during the year ended December 31, 2001.
As the conversion price for Class M preferred stock had dropped to $25 per share (from its original conversion price of $55.60), an amount reflecting the increase in the beneficial conversion feature was recorded in connection with the March 1, 2001 transaction as an increase in additional paid in capital and a charge to accumulated deficit for $9,780. The purchase and sale of the Class M and Class N preferred stock between Winter Harbor and Counsel, as described above, have been imputed in Acceris financial statements as if the transactions had been effected through Acceris as a repurchase of the preferred stock from Winter Harbor and a reissuance to Counsel. Accordingly, the transaction was considered a repurchase of Winter Harbors Class M and N preferred stock in exchange for $5,000. The difference between the carrying value of the Class M and N preferred stock and the $5,000 paid was recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings reflected in the form of a $30,292 contribution from settlement of these transactions between stockholders and has been reflected as such in the statement of changes in stockholders deficit for the year ended December 31, 2001. In addition, the transaction considered that Acceris resold the Class M and N preferred stock to Counsel for $5,000 (Counsels payment to Winter Harbor). However, since the conversion price on the Class M shares was below the market price on the day the transaction closed, a beneficial conversion feature was recorded as the difference between the market price of the common shares and the conversion price per share multiplied by the number of common shares into which the Class M and Class N could convert. This amount was limited to the proceeds.
The Company has also recorded a beneficial conversion feature (debt discount) in the amount of $1,018 on the convertible debt funded by Counsel that was received through March 31, 2001. The amount of the discount, if applicable, is calculated as the difference between the initial conversion price ($11.20) and the market price of the common stock (if higher than the conversion price on the date funds are drawn on the loan), multiplied by the number of shares of common stock into which the note can be converted. The beneficial conversion feature is being amortized over the life of the note payable (three years).
Counsel Management Services
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Acceris is an employee of Counsel. As CEO, he is entitled to an annual salary of $275 and a discretionary bonus equal to 100% of his base salary. For 2003, no bonus was awarded. The CEO has elected to assign his salary payable at December 31, 2003 of $275 to Counsel. This amount is recorded as a liability to Counsel in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Counsel also provides other management services to Acceris through time spent by Counsel executives serving roles at Acceris. Accordingly, Acceris has valued the services of these other employees at approximately $130 for the year ended December 31, 2003. The expense has been reflected in selling, general, administrative and other expense for the year ended December 31, 2003, offset by an increase to additional paid-in capital.
Note 16 Legal Proceedings
The Company is involved in various legal matters arising out of its operations in the normal course of business, none of which matters are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
F-23
Note 17 Class N Preferred Stock
On July 23, 1999, the Company completed its offering of 20,000 shares of Class N preferred stock. The offering was fully subscribed through cash subscriptions and the Company exercised its rights to exchange notes payable to Winter Harbor of $8,000 and $4,000, plus accrued interest. In total the Company received $7,281 in cash (before expenses of $487) and exchanged $12,719 in debt and accrued interest. The Class N conversion price was initially set at $2.78 per share. The conversion rate was adjusted to $29.60 per share as of December 31, 2000 and $25.00 per share in January 2001 based on 110% of the average trading price for any 20 day period following the date that Class N preferred stock is first issued subject to a floor of $25.00. The Class N preferred stock votes with the common stock on an as converted basis and is senior to all other preferred stock of the Company. Dividends, if any, will be paid on an as converted basis equal to common stock dividends.
During 2003, holders of the Class N preferred stock converted 150 of those shares into 6,000 shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, there were 619 and 769 shares of Class N preferred stock outstanding, respectively.
At December 31, 2003 and 2002, of the 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized, 9,486,500 remain undesignated and unissued.
Note 18 Stock-Based Compensation Plans
In November 2003, the Companys stockholders approved a 1-for-20 reverse stock split. Accordingly, all information presented below has been adjusted to reflect the reverse split.
2003 Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan
In November 2003, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2003 Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan (the 2003 Plan) which provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and stock appreciation rights (SARs) up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment in the event of stock dividends, stock splits, and other similar events). The price at which shares of common stock covered by the option can be purchased is determined by the Companys Board of Directors or its committee; however, in the case of incentive stock options the exercise price shall not be less than the fair market value of the Companys common stock on the date the option is granted. There were 1,372,000 options granted (and outstanding at December 31, 2003) under the 2003 Plan in 2003. The outstanding options vest over four years at exercise prices of $3.00 per share. No SARs have been issued under the 2003 Plan.
1997 Recruitment Stock Option Plan
In October 2000, the stockholders of the Company approved an amendment of the 1997 Recruitment Stock Option Plan (the 1997 Plan)which provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and SARs up to an aggregate of 370,000 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment in the event of stock dividends, stock splits, and other similar events). The price at which shares of common stock covered by the option can be purchased is determined by the Companys Board of Directors; however, in all instances the exercise price is never less than the fair market value of the Companys common stock on the date the option is granted.
As of December 31, 2003, there were options to purchase 60,480 shares of the Companys common stock outstanding under the 1997 Plan. The outstanding options vest over three years at exercise prices ranging from $1.40 to $127.50 per share. Options issued under the 1997 Plan must be exercised within ten years of grant and can only be exercised while the option holder is an employee of the Company. The Company has not awarded any SARs under the 1997 Plan. During 2003, 2002 and 2001, options to purchase 45,067, 42,968 and 130,022 shares of common stock, respectively, were forfeited or expired. There were no exercises during 2003.
Director Stock Option Plan
The Companys Director Stock Option Plan authorizes the grant of stock options to directors of the Company. Options granted under the Plan are non-qualified stock options exercisable at a price equal to the fair market value per share of common stock on the date of any such grant. Options granted under the Plan are exercisable not less than six months or more than ten years after the date of grant.
F-24
As of December 31, 2003, options for the purchase of 233 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $17.50 to $77.50 per share were outstanding, all of which are exercisable. In connection with the adoption of the 1995 Director Plan, the Board of Directors authorized the termination of future grants of options under the plan; however, outstanding options granted under the plan will continue to be governed by the terms thereof until exercise or expiration of such options. In 2003, no options were exercised or expired.
1995 Director Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan
The 1995 Director Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan (the 1995 Director Plan) provides for the issuance of incentive options, non-qualified options and SARs to directors of the Company up to 12,500 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment in the event of stock dividends, stock splits, and other similar events).
The 1995 Director Plan also provides for the grant of non-qualified options on a discretionary basis to each member of the Board of Directors then serving to purchase 500 shares of common stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value per share of the common stock on that date. Each option is immediately exercisable for a period of ten years from the date of grant. The Company has 9,500 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 1995 Director Plan. As of December 31, 2003, options to purchase 8,500 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $20.00 to $25.00 per share are outstanding and exercisable. No options were granted or exercised under this plan in 2003, 2002 or 2001.
1995 Employee Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan
The 1995 Employee Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan (the 1995 Employee Plan) provides for the issuance of incentive options, non-qualified options, and SARs. Directors of the Company are not eligible to participate in the 1995 Employee Plan. The 1995 Employee Plan provides for the grant of stock options which qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, to be issued to officers who are employees and other employees, as well as non-qualified options to be issued to officers, employees and consultants. In addition, SARs may be granted in conjunction with the grant of incentive options and non-qualified options.
The 1995 Employee Plan provides for the grant of incentive options, non-qualified options and SARs of up to 20,000 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment in the event of stock dividends, stock splits, and other similar events). To the extent that an incentive option or non-qualified option is not exercised within the period of exercisability specified therein, it will expire as to the then unexercisable portion. If any incentive option, non-qualified option or SAR terminates prior to exercise thereof and during the duration of the 1995 Employee Plan, the shares of common stock as to which such option or right was not exercised will become available under the 1995 Employee Plan for the grant of additional options or rights to any eligible employee. The shares of common stock subject to the 1995 Employee Plan may be made available from either authorized but unissued shares, treasury shares or both. The Company has 20,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 1995 Employee Plan. As of December 31, 2003, there were no options outstanding under the 1995 Employee Plan. During 2003, 2002 and 2001, options to purchase 6,763, 500 and 1,875, respectively, of common stock were forfeited or expired. No options were granted or exercised in 2003.
Other warrants and options
In 1996, the Company approved the issuance of 87,500 options to executives of the Company, as part of their employment agreements, and 3,200 options to a consultant. The options expire in 2006 and have an option price of $78.00. No options expired, were exercised or forfeited during 2003. As of December 31, 2003, there remained 78,200 options outstanding.
During 1997, the Company issued options to purchase 60,500 shares of common stock (10,500 of which were issued under the 1997 recruitment stock option plan) to consultants at exercise prices ranging from $97.50 to $168.75 (repriced to $78.00 on December 13, 1998), which was based on the closing price of the stock at the grant date. No options expired, were exercised or forfeited during 2003. The remaining options must be exercised within ten years of the grant date. As of December 31, 2003 there remained 44,500 options outstanding.
During 1997, the Company issued non-qualified options to purchase 114,750 shares of common stock to certain executive employees. The options must be exercised within ten years of the grant date and have an exercise price of $78.00. There were no options forfeited in 2003, 2002 or 2001. No options expired or were exercised during 2003. As of December 31, 2003 there remained 105,915 options outstanding.
During 1998, the Company issued non-qualified options to purchase 46,750 shares of common stock to certain executive employees at exercise prices ranging from $51.26 to $62.50, which price was based on the closing price of the stock at the grant date. The options must be exercised within ten years of the grant date. No options expired, were exercised or forfeited during 2003. As of December 31, 2003 there remained 40,470 options outstanding.
During 1999, the Company issued non-qualified options to purchase 32,750 shares of common stock to certain executive employees at exercise prices ranging from $50.00 to 71.26, which price was based on the closing price of the stock at the grant date. The options must be exercised within ten years of the grant date. No options were exercised during 2003 or 2002. During 2001, 2,500 of these options were forfeited. During 2000, options to purchase 11,500 shares of common stock were exercised. As of December 31, 2003, there remained 18,750 options outstanding.
During 1999, the Company issued non-qualified options to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock to a consultant at an exercise price of $60.00, which was based on the closing price of the stock at the grant date. The fair value of the options issued was recorded as deferred compensation of $300,000 to be amortized over the expected period the services were to be provided. As of December 31, 2003 there remained 10,000 options outstanding.
F-25
During 2000, the Company issued non-qualified options to purchase 129,250 shares of common stock to certain executive employees at exercise prices ranging from $55.00 to $127.50, which price was based on the closing price of the stock at the grant date. The options must be exercised within ten years of the grant date. During 2001, 60,417 of these options were forfeited. As of December 31, 2003, there remained 68,833 options outstanding.
During 2000 the Company obtained approval from its stockholders to establish the 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. This plan allows all eligible employees of the Company to have payroll withholding of 1 to 15 percent of their wages. The amounts withheld during a calendar quarter are then used to purchase common stock at a 15 percent discount off the lower of the closing sale price of the Companys stock on the first or last day of each quarter. This plan was approved by the Board of Directors, subject to stockholder approval, and was effective beginning the third quarter of 2000. The Company issued 1,726 shares to employees based upon payroll withholdings during 2001, respectively. There were no issuances in 2002 or 2003.
The following table summarizes the changes in common stock options for the common stock option plans described above:
The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options and warrants outstanding at December 31, 2003:
Note 19 Segment of Business Reporting
The Companys reportable segments are as follows:
| Enterprise is comprised of the enterprise business of RSL which was acquired in December 2002. This segment offers voice and data solutions to enterprise customers through an in-house sales force. |
| Retail includes operations of WorldxChange (began operations in June 2001 and was formerly reported as the dial-around segment) and the agent and residential business of RSL which was acquired in December 2002. This segment offers a dial around telecommunications product and a 1+ product through two channels, namely, multi-level marketing (MLM) and commercial agents. |
| Technologies is the former technology licensing and development segment, which segment offers a fully developed network convergence solution for voice and data. The Company licenses certain developed technology to third party users. |
F-26
There are no material inter-segment revenues. The Companys business is
conducted principally in the U.S.; foreign operations are not significant.
The table below presents information about net loss and segment assets used by
the Company as of and for the three years ended December 31, 2003.
F-27
For the Year ended December 31, 2003
Total
Reportable
Enterprise
Retail
Technologies
Segments
$
25,615
$
108,150
$
2,164
$
135,929
2
2
294
2,416
2,710
2,241
4,883
7,124
(2,575
)
(17,821
)
1,014
(19,382
)
5,432
6
5,438
265
2,535
2,800
6,462
28,992
1,215
36,669
For the Year ended December 31, 2002
Total
Reportable
Enterprise
Retail
Technologies
Segments
$
1,547
$
83,706
$
2,837
$
88,090
1
356
357
19
3,279
3,298
158
4,056
11
4,225
(629
)
(6,715
)
976
(6,368
)
33
5,966
5,999
3,102
3,747
6,849
9,573
27,877
173
37,623
For the Year ended December 31, 2001
Total
Reportable
Retail
Technologies
Segments
$
50,289
$
5,697
$
55,986
2,499
2,499
2,286
126
2,412
(13,927
)
1,611
(12,316
)
2,861
2,861
14,797
8
14,805
32,206
137
32,343
The following table reconciles reportable segment information to the consolidated financial statements of the Company:
* | Other assets not allocated to segments includes assets associated with segments reported in previous periods which are no longer classified as reportable segments, primarily assets of and related to the discontinued operations of ILC (former telecommunications services segment). |
Note 20 Summarized Quarterly Data (unaudited)
Following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002. The amounts for the 2002 and the first quarter of 2003 have been restated to reclassify amounts as discontinued operations related to the sale of ILC in December 2002, which had previously been reported in continuing operations.
F-28
(1) In the first quarter of 2003, the Company restated earnings from those
originally issued to account for revenues from the Companys network service
offering when the actual cash collections to be retained by the Company are
finalized. The restatement had no effect on loss from discontinued operations
or net loss per share from discontinued operations. The restatement increased
the net loss for the first quarter ending March 31, 2003 by $11,972 and the net
loss per share by $0.10. The restatement increased the net loss for
the fourth quarter of 2002 by $3,505 and the net loss per share by
$0.60. In the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company was
discharged of obligations amounting to $1,141 owed to a network service
provider. The discharge of this obligation is reported as interest and other
income in the above summary for the three months ended December 31, 2003.
Note 21 Subsequent Event
Subsequent to December 31, 2003, the Company received confirmation that certain
indefeasible rights of usage (IRUs) acquired by the Company have been
reclaimed by the IRU consortium, which is the group that owns and operates the
cable. As a result, the Company has been discharged of approximately $775 of
obligations payable to the consortium existing at December 31, 2003. The
Company expects to record the discharge of this obligation as other income for
the three months ending March 31, 2004.
Subsequent to December 31, 2003, the Company has converted its preferred stock in
BUI to shares of common stock. In a private placement, the Company sold 50% of
the shares of common stock for approximately $1,600, which proceeds will be
used to fund operations, capital expenditures and to improve working capital.
The Company will record a gain of approximately $566 in the first quarter of
2004 relating to the sale of these shares. The Company intends to sell the
remainder of these shares during 2004. These shares are shown as a current
asset at December 31, 2003.
F-29
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC.
SCHEDULE OF VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(in thousands)
Balance at | Charged to | Balance at | ||||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Costs and | Deductions | End of | |||||||||||||||||
Description
|
of Period
|
Expenses
|
(a)
|
Other
|
Period
|
|||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2001
|
$ | 101 | $ | 4,066 | $ | (2,304 | ) | | $ | 1,863 | ||||||||||
December 31, 2002
|
1,863 | 5,999 | (b) | (6,112 | ) | (46 | )(c) | 1,704 | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2003
|
$ | 1,704 | $ | 5,438 | $ | (5,570 | ) | $ | 192 | (d) | $ | 1,764 |
(a) | Deductions represents allowance amounts written off as uncollectible and recoveries of previously reserved amounts. | |
(b) | Amounts include charges and deductions related to continuing operations only. | |
(c) | Other includes an increase of $1,019 for the beginning allowance acquired in the acquisition of RSL in December 2002 and a decrease of $1,065 for the net change in discontinued operations during the year which are not included in charged to costs and expenses or deductions. | |
(d) | Amount relates to the stock purchase of Transpoint in July 2003, which was accounted for using the purchase method. |
S-1
Exhibit 10.23
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this Agreement" ) is made as of the 1st day of January, 2004 (the Effective Date" ) by and between Acceris Communications Inc., a Florida corporation (the Company ), and James Ducay ( Executive ).
The Executive is skilled in business and financial matters and possesses knowledge of the business, products and operations of the Company. The parties hereto believe that it is in their respective interests to enter into an employment agreement whereby, for the consideration specified herein, Executive shall provide the services specified herein. Certain definitions are set forth in Section 7 of this Agreement.
The parties hereto agree as follows:
Section 1. Employment .
(a) Employment Period . The Company agrees to employ Executive and Executive accepts such employment for the period (the Employment Period ) beginning as of the Effective Date and ending upon (a) the first anniversary of the Effective Date or (b) such earlier date upon which the employment of the Executive shall terminate in accordance with Section 2 herein (the date of termination being hereinafter called the Termination Date) . The Employment Period may be extended by written agreement of the parties hereto. Any employment of Executive by the Company following the expiration of the Employment Period shall be at will and may be terminated by the Company at any time without any liability other than the payment of any base salary and earned bonus through the effective date of termination.
(b) Position and Duties .
(i) During the Employment Period, Executive shall serve as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and the Executive shall report to the President and/or Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Executive shall perform all duties and shall have all powers which are commonly incident to his office as well as all powers that are delegated to Executive by the President and/or chief Executive Officer.
(ii) Executive shall devote his best efforts and his full business time and attention to the business and affairs of the Company, except for permitted vacation periods in accordance with the Companys policy, periods of illness or other incapacity, and reasonable time spent with respect to civic and charitable activities, provided that none of such activities shall materially interfere with Executives duties to the Company or its Subsidiaries.
(c) Salary. Bonus and Benefits .
(i) During the Employment Period, the Company will pay Executive a base salary at the rate of $275,000 per annum (the Annual Base Salary) . The Annual Base Salary shall be paid in such installments as is the policy of the Company with respect to executive officers of the Company.
1
(ii) Commencing with the Effective Date, Executive shall be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus of up to one hundred percent (100%) of Executives Annual Base Salary (the Bonus). The amount of any Bonus to be awarded shall be determined pursuant to the Acceris Management System, based on performance criteria established at the beginning of each fiscal year, and the timing of such award and the payment of any such Bonus shall be consistent with the practice of the Company.
(iii) Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee stock option, pension and welfare benefit plans, programs and practices maintained by the Company for its employees generally in accordance with the terms of such plans, programs and practices as in effect from time to time, and in any other insurance, pension, retirement or welfare benefit plans, programs and practices which the Company generally provides to its executives from time to time.
(d) Expenses . The Company shall pay, or reimburse the Executive (at the Companys option), in accordance with policies established by the Company, for all reasonable and necessary expenses and other disbursements incurred by the Executive for or on behalf of the Company in the performance of his duties hereunder, including, without limitation, travel on behalf of or in connection with his services for the Company in a manner customary for the Companys senior executives, including food and lodging expenses while the Executive is away from home performing services for the Company.
(e) Workplace and Work Schedule . Executives workplace shall be the Companys office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Executive shall be entitled to such holidays as are established by the policies of the Company. Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of vacation per year, which may be taken in various periods, subject to the Companys needs.
Section 2. Termination Of Employment .
(a) Death or Disability . The Company may terminate the Executives employment hereunder due to the Executives death or Disability. If the Executive dies during the Employment Period, the Termination Date shall be deemed to be the date of the Executives death.
(b) Cause . The Company may terminate the employment of Executive hereunder at any time for Cause (such termination being referred to herein as a Termination for Cause ) by giving the Executive written notice of such termination, with such termination to take effect as of the date of such notice.
(c) Without Cause . The Company may terminate the employment of the Executive at any time during the Employment Period without Cause by giving the Executive written notice of such termination, with such termination to take effect as of the date of such notice.
(d) Good Reason , Executive may terminate his employment hereunder for Good Reason by providing written notice to the Company within 45 days of his knowledge of the event constituting Good Reason. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions to the contrary, in no event shall the Executive terminate his employment hereunder for Good Reason without providing the Company with at least fifteen (15) days prior written Notice of Termination given by the Executive to the Company and an opportunity for the Company to cure within that fifteen (15) day period the Good Reason which the Executive believes provides him with grounds to terminate his employment.
2
(e) Notice of Termination . Any termination pursuant to this Section 2 shall be communicated to Executive or the President and/or Chief Executive Officer, as applicable, by Notice of Termination.
Section 3. Effect Of Termination Of Employment .
(a) Death or Disability . Upon the termination of Executives employment hereunder due to death or Disability pursuant to Section 2(a) , neither Executive nor his beneficiary or estate shall have any further rights or claims against the Company under this Agreement, except the right to receive (i) the unpaid portion, if any, of the Annual Base Salary provided for in Section 1 , computed on a pro rata basis to the Termination Date (based on the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable), (ii) the unpaid portion, if any, of the Bonus and (iii) reimbursement for any expenses for which Executive shall not have been reimbursed as provided for in Section 1 (such amounts being collectively referred to as Accrued Compensation) .
(b) Cause . Upon a termination of Executives employment hereunder by the Company for Cause pursuant to Section 2(b) , neither Executive nor his beneficiary or estate shall have any further rights or claims against the Company under this Agreement, except the right to receive (i) the unpaid portion, if any, of the Annual Base Salary provided for in Section 1 , computed on a pro rata basis to the Termination Date (based on the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable) and (ii) reimbursement for any expenses for which the Executive shall not have been reimbursed as provided for in Section 1 .
(c) Without Cause . Upon a termination of Executives employment hereunder by the Company without Cause pursuant to Section 2(c) , neither Executive nor his beneficiary or estate shall have any further rights or claims against the Company under this Agreement, except the right to receive:
(i) any Accrued Compensation;
(ii) off payroll, an amount equal to the amount of the Annual Base Salary, payable in accordance with Section 1 ( c)(i) , Executive would have received for the period commencing on the Termination Date and ending on the first anniversary of the Termination Date; and
(iii) provided that Executive has met, as of the Termination Date, the performance criteria established with respect to the Bonus for the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs, the pro rata portion of the Bonus for such fiscal year (based on the actual number of days elapsed from the beginning of the fiscal year to the Termination Date), the timing of the payment of any such Bonus to be consistent with the past practice of the Company.
(d) Upon a termination of the Executives employment hereunder by the Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 2(d) , neither the Executive nor his beneficiary or estate shall have any further rights or claims against the Company under this Agreement, except the right to receive:
(i) any Accrued Compensation; and
3
(ii) off payroll, an amount equal to the amount of the Annual Base Salary, payable in accordance with Section 1(c)(i) , Executive would have received for the period commencing on the Termination Date and ending on the earlier of (x) the first anniversary of the Termination Date and (y) the first anniversary of the Effective Date.
(e) Release . Executive acknowledges and agrees that the payments provided for in Sections 3(c)(ii) and 3(d)(ii ) constitute liquidated damages for any claim of breach of contract under this Agreement as it relates to termination of his employment during the Employment Period without Cause pursuant to Section 2(c ) or with Good Reason pursuant to Section 2(d) . Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive is entitled to the payments set forth in Section 3(c)(ii ) or Section 3(d)(ii ) of this Agreement, Executive shall execute and agree to be bound by an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Company (the Release), relating to the waiver and general release of any and all claims arising out of or relating to Executives employment and termination of employment, and the Company shall have no obligation to make the payments contemplated under Section 3(c)(ii ) or Section 3(d)(ii) , as the case may be if Executive fails to execute such Release or seeks to revoke such Release. In addition, if Executive should violate or threaten to violate the terms of Section 4 of this Agreement, the continuing obligations of the Company to make the payments contemplated under Section 3(c)(ii ) or Section 3(d)(ii) , as the case may be, shall immediately terminate.
(f) Mitigation . Notwithstanding the foregoing and subject to the limitations on competition hereunder, the amount of any payment by the Company provided for in Section 3(c)(ii ) or Section 3(d)(ii) , as the case may be, shall be reduced by the amount of any compensation earned by the Executive from a competitor of the Company or any Subsidiary during the period such payment is to be made by the Company.
Section 4. Confidentiality .
(a) Executive agrees that at all times, both during and after Executives employment by the Company, Executive will hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company and not use or disclose to any third party any trade secret, or other information, knowledge or data not generally known to the public which Executive may have learned, discovered, developed, conceived, originated, prepared or received during or as a result of Executives employment by the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate with respect to the operations, businesses, affairs, products, services, technology, intellectual properties, Agents, customers, clients, pricing of products or services, policies, procedures, accounts, personnel, concepts, format, style, techniques or software of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company ( Proprietary Information) . Executive agrees that Companys Proprietary Information includes, without limitation, the business or other needs, requirements, preferences or other information relating to Agents and customers of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, acquisition targets of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company and all information or data collected by the Company with reference thereto. Executive agrees to comply with any and all procedures which the Company may adopt from time to time to preserve the confidentiality of any trade secret or other non-public proprietary, information, knowledge or data; that the absence of any legend indicating the confidentiality of any materials will not give rise to an inference that the contents thereof or information derived there from are not confidential; that immediately following the termination of Executives employment by the Company, Executive will return to Company all materials, except for Executives personal items, provided to Executive by the Company during the term hereof, all works created by Executive or others during the term
4
of Executives employment hereunder and all copies thereof; and that the Company may, in its sole discretion, upon or after termination of Executives employment by the Company, notify Executives new employer, clients or other parties that Executive has had access to certain trade secrets, information, knowledge or data which Executive is under a continuing obligation not to use or disclose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the limitations imposed on Executive pursuant to this Section 4(a ) shall not apply to Executives (i) compliance with legal process or subpoena or (ii) statements in response to inquiry from a court or regulatory body; provided, that Executive gives the Company reasonable prior written notice of such process, subpoena or request.
(b) In order to protect the Proprietary Information, Executive agrees that for a period of eighteen (18) months following the expiration or termination of Executives employment hereunder, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, for Executives own account or as a partner, joint venturer, employee, agent, or consultant: (a) employ as an employee, engage as an independent contractor or agent or otherwise retain or solicit or seek to so employ, engage, retain or solicit any person who, during any portion of the two (2) years prior to the date of expiration or termination of Executives employment was, directly or indirectly, employed as an employee, engaged as an independent contractor or Agent or otherwise retained by the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company; or (b) induce any person or entity (except for individuals considered to be clerical or secretarial staff) to leave his or her employment with the Company, terminate an independent contractor or Agent relationship with the Company or terminate or reduce any contractual relationship with Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company or (c) directly or indirectly induce or influence any Agent, customer, supplier, or other person that has a business relationship with the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company to discontinue or reduce the extent of such relationship. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree that Executive shall not be deemed to have violated the provisions of this Section 4(b ) in the event that any Person of which Executive is a partner, joint venturer, employee, agent or consultant takes any action that would otherwise violate the terms of this Section 4(b ), so long as such action is taken without the knowledge of Executive and not with respect to any Person identified by Executive to the Person taking such action.
(c) All processes, improvements, formulations, ideas, inventions, designs and discoveries, whether patentable or not (collectively Discoveries ) and all patents, copyrights, trademarks, and other intangible rights (collectively Intellectual Property Rights ) that may be conceived or developed by Executive either alone or with others, during the term of employment, whether or not conceived or developed during working hours, and with respect to which any equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company was used, or that related to the business of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company or to the Companys or any Subsidiarys or Affiliates actual or demonstrably anticipated research and development, or that result from any work performed by Executive for the Company, shall be the sole property of the Company. As provided in Section 2870 of the California Labor Code, the requirement to assign inventions hereunder shall not apply to an invention that Executive develops entirely on his own time without using the Companys or any Subsidiarys or Affiliates equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information, except for those inventions that either (a) relate, at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the Companys or any Subsidiarys or Affiliates business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company; or (b) result from any work performed by Executive for the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company. Executive shall take all action and execute and deliver all agreements, assignments and other documents, including, without limitation, all patent applications and assignments, requested by the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the
5
Company to establish the rights of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company under this Section 4(c ) and to vest in the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company title to all Discoveries and Intellectual Property Rights which are the property of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company under this Section 4(c) . Executive shall disclose to the Company all Discoveries and Intellectual Property Rights conceived during the term of employment which Executive believes meet the criteria set forth in California Labor Code Section 2870, whether or not the property of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company under the terms of the preceding sentence, provided that such disclosure shall be received by the Company in confidence to the extent it pertains to Discoveries and Intellectual Property Rights which are not the property of the Company under this Section 4(c) .
(d) Because the breach or attempted or threatened breach of this Section 4 may result in immediate and irreparable injury to the Company for which the Company may not have an adequate remedy at law, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to all other remedies, to a decree of specific performance thereof and to a temporary and permanent injunction enjoining such breach, without posting bond or furnishing similar security. The parties obligations under this Section 4 shall survive any termination of Executives employment or this Agreement.
Section 5. Acknowledgments By Executive .
Executive understands that the restrictions contained in Section 4 herein may limit the ability of Executive to earn a livelihood in a competing business, but Executive nevertheless believes that Executive has received and will receive sufficient consideration and other benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise provided hereunder to clearly justify such restrictions which, in any event (given the education, skills and ability of Executive), Executive does not believe would prevent him from earning a livelihood
Section 6. Tax Withholding .
The Company may withhold from any compensation or severance payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city or other taxes as shall be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling.
Section 7. Definitions.
Affiliate of any particular Person means (i) any other Person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such particular Person, where control means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management and policies of a Person whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise, and (ii) if such Person is a partnership, any partner thereof.
Agent means any Person which has received or is entitled to receive a commission from the Company related to the sale or marketing of the Companys products or services.
Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.
6
Cause means (i) Executives conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a crime constituting a felony, (ii) gross misconduct by the Executive that is materially inconsistent with the terms hereof, (iii) material failure by the Executive to perform his duties, which nonperformance continues after written notice thereof and a fifteen (15) day chance to cure, (iv) the Executives material breach of this Agreement, (v) habitual drug or alcohol use which impairs the ability of Executive to perform his duties hereunder, or (vi) Executives engaging in fraud, embezzlement or any other illegal conduct with respect to the Company which acts are harmful to, either financially, or to the business reputation of, the Company or (vii) breach of the fiduciary duty owed by Executive to the Company or of any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.
Disability means a physical or mental infirmity which impairs Executives ability to perform substantially his duties for a total period exceeding six (6) months during the Employment Period or for a period of four (4) consecutive months. Disability shall be determined by a physician acceptable to both the Company and Executive, or, if the Company and Executive cannot agree upon a physician within 15 days after the Company claims that Executive is suffering from a Disability, by a physician selected by two physicians, one designated by each of the Company and Executive. Executives failure to submit to any physical examination by any such physician after such physician has given reasonable notice of time and place of such examination shall be conclusive evidence of Executives inability to perform his duties hereunder.
Good Reason means, during the Employment Period and without Executives consent:
(i) a material diminution of Executives title, reporting structure, position or responsibilities or
(ii) a reduction in, or failure to pay, Executives Annual Base Salary or any reduction in the benefits being required to be provided herein or any other material breach of this Agreement.
Notice of Termination means a written notice which indicates the Termination Date, the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, and the facts and circumstances, if any, claimed to provide a basis for such termination.
Person means an individual, a partnership, a limited liability company, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof
Subsidiary means any corporation or other entity of which the securities having a majority of the ordinary voting power in electing the board of directors are, at the time as of which any determination is being made, owned by the Company either directly or through one or more Subsidiaries.
Section 8. Notices .
Any notice provided for in this Agreement must be in writing and must be either personally delivered, mailed by first class mail (postage prepaid and. return receipt requested) or sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) to the recipient at the address below indicated:
7
If to Company : |
Acceris Communications Inc. | ||
9775 Business Park Avenue | ||
San Diego, California 92131 | ||
Attention: Chief Executive Officer |
If to Executive : |
951 Oak Knoll | ||
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045 |
or such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party shall have specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice under this Agreement will be deemed to have been given when so delivered or sent or, if mailed, five days after deposit in the U.S. mail.
Section 9. General Provisions .
(a) Severability . Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
(b) Complete Agreement . This Agreement, those documents expressly referred to herein and other documents of even date herewith embody the complete agreement and understanding among the parties and supersede and preempt any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.
(c) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an original and all of which taken together constitute one and the same agreement.
(d) Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive, the Company and their respective successors and assigns; provided that the rights and obligations of Executive under this Agreement shall not be assignable.
(e) Choice of Law . This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.
8
(f) Remedies . Except as provided in Section 4(d ) hereof, if any contest or dispute arises between the parties with respect to this Agreement, such contest or dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration for resolution in New York City in accordance with the rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on both parties, and any court of competent jurisdiction may enter judgment upon the award. Each party shall pay its own legal fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith.
(g) Amendment and Waiver . The provisions of this Agreement may be amended and waived only with the prior written consent of the Company and Executive.
(h) Insurance . The Company, at its discretion, may apply for and procure in its own name and for its own benefit life and/or disability insurance on Executive in any amount or amounts considered available. Executive agrees to cooperate in any medical or other examination, supply any information, and to execute and deliver any applications or other instruments in writing as may be reasonably necessary to obtain and constitute such insurance. Executive hereby represents that he has no reason to believe that his life is not insurable at rates now prevailing for healthy men of his age.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Employment Agreement on the date first written above.
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC.
By:
|
||
Name: | ||
Its: | ||
James Ducay |
9
Exhibit 10.32
NOTE
$2,577,070.00
|
As of August 29, 2003
San Diego, California |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, I-LINK INCORPORATED, a Florida corporation (the Maker ) hereby promises to pay to the order of COUNSEL CORPORATION (US), a Delaware corporation (the Payee ) in immediately available funds, on or before the Maturity Date, the principal sum of Two Million Five Hundred Seventy-Seven Thousand Seventy and 00/l00ths Dollars ($2,577,070.00), or if less, the outstanding principal balance of the Indebtedness pursuant to the Loan Agreement, as that term is defined below, together with interest thereon as provided herein. All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Loan Agreement (as defined below).
1. Loan Agreement . The unpaid principal balance of this Note shall bear interest at the rate and in the manner determined in accordance with the provisions of that certain Loan Agreement dated as of November 13, 2003, between the Maker and the Payee (as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated, the Loan Agreement ), the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference.
2. Address for Payments . All payments made hereunder shall be paid in lawful money of the United States of America at Payees business address, or at such other place as the Payee may at any time or from time to time designate in writing to the Maker.
3. Severability . If any part of this Note is declared invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the remainder of this Note, which shall continue in full force and effect. Any provision that is invalid or unenforceable in any application shall remain in full force and effect as to valid applications.
4. Notices . All notices which are required or permitted hereunder shall be given by first class mail, to be confirmed by telephone.
5. Governing Law . This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York with the exception of the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.
6. Authority . The party executing this Note for and on behalf of Maker warrants and represents that he has full power and authority to bind Maker for the uses and purposes as in this Note contained.
7. Waivers .
(a) Maker hereby waives and renounces, for itself and all its successors and assigns, all right to the benefit of any moratorium, reinstatement, marshalling, forbearance,
valuation, stay, extension, redemption, appraisement, exemption and homestead now provided or which hereafter may be provided by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America and of any state thereof, as to itself and in and to all of its property, real and personal, against the enforcement and collection of the Indebtedness evidenced by this Note.
(b) Presentment for payment, demand, protest and notice of demand, notice of dishonor and notice of nonpayment and all other notices are hereby waived by Maker.
8. Prohibition on Assignment . Maker shall not give, grant, bargain, sell, transfer, assign, convey or deliver this Note or any of its obligations hereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Maker has executed this Note as of the date and year first above written.
I-LINK INCORPORATED | ||
By: | ||
|
||
Its
|
Exhibit 10.33
NOTE
March 10, 2004 | ||
$1,546,531.53 | San Diego, California |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Acceris Communications Inc., a Florida corporation formerly known as I-Link Incorporated (the Maker ) hereby promises to pay to the order of COUNSEL CORPORATION (US), a Delaware corporation (the Payee ) in immediately available funds, on or before the Maturity Date, the principal sum of One Million Five Hundred Forty-Six Thousand Five Hundred Thirty One and 53/l00ths Dollars ($1,546,531.53), pursuant to the Loan Agreement, as that term is defined below, together with interest thereon as provided herein. All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Loan Agreement (as defined below).
1. Loan Agreement . The unpaid principal balance of this Note shall bear interest commencing January 1, 2004, at the rate and in the manner determined in accordance with the provisions of that certain Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of January 30, 2004, between the Maker and the Payee (as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated, the Loan Agreement ), the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference.
2. Address for Payments . All payments made hereunder shall be paid in lawful money of the United States of America at Payees business address, or at such other place as the Payee may at any time or from time to time designate in writing to the Maker.
3. Severability . If any part of this Note is declared invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the remainder of this Note, which shall continue in full force and effect. Any provision that is invalid or unenforceable in any application shall remain in full force and effect as to valid applications.
4. Notices . All notices which are required or permitted hereunder shall be given by first class mail, to be confirmed by telephone.
5. Governing Law . This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York with the exception of the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.
6. Authority . The party executing this Note for and on behalf of Maker warrants and represents that he has full power and authority to bind Maker for the uses and purposes as in this Note contained.
7. Waivers .
(a) Maker hereby waives and renounces, for itself and all its successors and assigns, all right to the benefit of any moratorium, reinstatement, marshalling, forbearance, valuation, stay, extension, redemption, appraisement, exemption and homestead now provided or which hereafter may be provided by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America and
of any state thereof, as to itself and in and to all of its property, real and personal, against the enforcement and collection of the Indebtedness evidenced by this Note.
(b) Presentment for payment, demand, protest and notice of demand, notice of dishonor and notice of nonpayment and all other notices are hereby waived by Maker.
8. Prohibition on Assignment . Maker shall not give, grant, bargain, sell, transfer, assign, convey or deliver this Note or any of its obligations hereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Maker has executed this Note as of the date and year first above written.
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||||||
By: | ||||||
|
||||||
Its | ||||||
|
Exhibit 10.34
LOAN AGREEMENT
This Loan Agreement dated as of January 26, 2004 (Loan Agreement) is entered into by Acceris Communications Inc., formerly known as I-Link Incorporated, a Florida corporation (Acceris) and Counsel Corporation, an Ontario corporation (Counsel Corp).
WHEREAS, Counsel Corp has provided advances in the aggregate original principal amount of Five Million Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($5,600,000) evidenced by a promissory note issued by Acceris to Counsel Corp as of October 1, 2003 (the Original Advances); and
WHEREAS, on January 26, 2004, Counsel Corp advanced the further sum of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) to Acceris (the Additional Advance) evidenced by the Amended and Restated Promissory Note issued by Acceris to Counsel Corp as of the date hereof in the principal amount of Seven Million Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($7,600,000) which promissory note supersedes and replaces the promissory note dated as of October 1, 2003, representing the Original Advances; and
WHEREAS, the repayment of the Original Advances and Additional Advance are secured pursuant to that Amended and Restated Stock Pledge Agreement dated as of January 26, 2004 (as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated, the Stock Pledge Agreement) pursuant to which Acceris granted to Counsel Corp a security interest in the Collateral described therein including all of the shares of common stock of Buyers United, Inc. issued to and owned by Acceris, the terms of which Stock Pledge Agreement are incorporated herein by this reference; and
WHEREAS, Acceris and Counsel Corp desire and intend that the Original Advances and the Additional Advance together with any subsequent financing provided by Counsel Corp to Acceris from time to time in its discretion (each a Subsequent Advance) be subject to the terms and condition of this Loan Agreement and the Stock Pledge Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Counsel Corp and Acceris believe that it is in their mutual interest to enter into this Loan Agreement effective as of October 1, 2003 (the Effective Date).
In consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. Periodic Loans . From and after the Effective Date through and until the termination of the Term (as hereinafter defined) Counsel Corp may make periodic loans to Acceris hereunder. However, nothing contained herein shall be construed as an obligation on the part of Counsel Corp to make any future advances. Similarly, nothing contained herein alters any obligation on the part of Counsel Corp and/or understanding of the parties pursuant to any other arrangement. Acceris agrees to execute and deliver a promissory note substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, evidencing its obligation to repay Subsequent Advances
hereunder (any such promissory note, including the January 26, 2004 promissory note, the Note). Any funds advanced by Counsel Corp to Acceris hereunder during the Term or otherwise subject hereof, including the Original Advances, the Additional Advance and the Subsequent Advances (the Indebtedness) shall bear interest at a rate equal to ten percent (10%) per annum from the date thereof and shall be governed by this Loan Agreement and the Stock Pledge Agreement. Interest shall accrue and be compounded quarterly and shall result in a corresponding increase in the principal amount of the Indebtedness.
2. Payments of Principal and Interest . All borrowings hereunder, together with any interest thereon, shall be due and payable to Counsel Corp in one installment on June 30, 2005 (the Maturity Date); provided, however, the Maturity Date shall be accelerated to the date ten (10) calendar days following closing under or conclusion of each occurrence of (a) the sale or sales by Acceris to a third party unrelated to Counsel Corp of the Buyers United, Inc. Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and/or the common stock into which such stock is convertible owned by Acceris and held by Counsel Corp as security for the performance by Acceris hereunder pursuant to the Stock Pledge Agreement, or any portion thereof (a BUI Sale) or (b) an equity investment or investments in Acceris by a third party unrelated to Counsel Corp through the capital markets, whether pursuant to a registered offering or unregistered offering or other transaction (an Equity Investment); provided, further, however, that the Maturity Date shall be accelerated with respect only to the portion of the unpaid Indebtedness equal to the net amount received by Acceris from any such BUI Sale or any such Equity Investment.
3. Prepayments . The Indebtedness may be voluntarily prepaid in whole or in part without premium or penalty at any time and from time to time. In making a prepayment in whole, Acceris shall pay all accrued interest through the date of such prepayment.
4. Payment on Business Days . If any payment of principal or interest on the Indebtedness shall become due on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, such payment may be made on the next succeeding business day, and such extension of time in such case shall be included in the computation of interest in connection with such payment.
5. Form of Payment . All payments made pursuant to the terms of this Loan Agreement shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America and shall be payable to Counsel Corp in Toronto, Ontario or at such other place as Counsel Corp shall have designated to Acceris in writing.
6. Term . The term of this Loan Agreement (the Term) shall commence on the Effective Date and shall terminate on the Maturity Date.
7. Events of Default . When any of the following events or conditions (each an Event of Default), other than the Event of Default in Section 7(d) occurs and is continuing, Counsel Corp may give written notice of the occurrence of such Event of Default to Acceris and Acceris shall have the shorter of (i) thirty (30) days or (ii) such remedy period as set forth in this Section 7 (a) through (g) inclusive after receipt of such written notice within which to cure such
Event of Default. If the Event of Default is not cured within such cure period, then Counsel Corp may, at its option, elect to declare Acceris to be in default (a Default):
(a) Acceris shall fail to pay any of the Indebtedness pursuant to terms of this Loan Agreement;
(b) Acceris fails to comply with any term, obligation, covenant, or condition contained in this Loan Agreement;
(c) Any warranty or representation made to Counsel Corp by Acceris under this Loan Agreement or proves to have been false when made or furnished;
(d) If Acceris voluntarily files a petition under the federal Bankruptcy Act, as such Act may from time to time be amended, or under any similar or successor federal statute relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, arrangements or reorganizations, or under any state bankruptcy or insolvency act, or files an answer in an involuntary proceeding admitting insolvency or inability to pay debts, or if Acceris is adjudged a bankrupt, or if a trustee or receiver is appointed for Acceris property, or if Acceris makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or if there is an attachment, receivership, execution or other judicial seizure, then Counsel Corp may, at Counsel Corps option, declare all of the Indebtedness to be immediately due and payable without prior notice to Acceris, and Counsel Corp may invoke any remedies permitted by this Loan Agreement. Any attorneys fees and other expenses incurred by Counsel Corp in connection with Acceris bankruptcy or any of the other events described in this Section shall be additional Indebtedness of Acceris secured by this Loan Agreement.
(e) There exists a material breach by Acceris under (or a termination by any party of) a material contract of Acceris (for purposes of this Section 7 a material contract shall mean any contract resulting in revenues in excess of $10,000 per annum);
(f) Acceris is in default under any funded indebtedness, including but not limited to indebtedness evidenced by notes or capital leases, of Acceris other than the amounts loaned pursuant to this Loan Agreement; or
(g) If Acceris business undergoes a material adverse change in Counsel Corps reasonable opinion.
If an Event of Default specified in Section 7(d) hereof occurs and is continuing, the principal amount of the Indebtedness, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, shall automatically become and be immediately due and payable, without any declaration or other act on the part of Counsel Corp.
Any written notification from Counsel Corp to Acceris hereunder shall be deemed to be written notification of an Event of Default, or Default, or rescission of acceleration (as provided below), respectively, only if such notification, communication or other election shall (a) be clearly and distinctly identified as such a Notice of Event of Default, Notice of Default, or Notice of Rescission of Acceleration, respectively, and (b) be given by certified mail, return receipt requested or overnight delivery requiring acknowledgement of receipt, and any communication between the parties not so designated and delivered shall not be construed or deemed to be effective notice under this Section 7.
8. Acceleration . At the option of Counsel Corp, upon a Default, all sums due
hereunder shall become immediately due and payable. Counsel Corp, by notice thereof to Acceris, may rescind an acceleration and its consequences if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived in writing.
9. Forbearance by Counsel Corp . Any forbearance by Counsel Corp in exercising any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise afforded by applicable law, shall not be a waiver of or preclude the exercise of any right or remedy.
10. Collection Expenses . If at any time the Indebtedness evidenced by this Loan Agreement is collected through legal proceedings or the Note, or any such Note, is placed in the hands of attorneys for collection, Acceris and each endorser hereof hereby jointly and severally agree to pay all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees) incurred by the holder of this Loan Agreement in collecting or attempting to collect such Indebtedness.
11. Waivers . To the extent permitted by law, except as otherwise provided herein, Acceris, and its respective successors and assigns, hereby severally waives presentment; protest and demand; notice of protest, demand, dishonor and nonpayment; diligence in collection, and any relief whatever from the valuation or appraisement laws of any state.
12. Choice of Law . This Loan Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York with the exception of the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.
13. Assignment . This Loan Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the parties and their respective successors and assigns. This Loan Agreement may not be assigned by Acceris without the prior written consent of Counsel Corp.
14. Headings . The headings and captions in this Loan Agreement are included for purposes of convenience only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of any of its provisions.
15. Counterparts . This Loan Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute on and the same instrument.
[See attached signature page]
Signature page
to
Loan Agreement
dated as of January 26, 2004
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Acceris and Counsel Corp have executed this Loan Agreement as of this 26th day of January, 2004.
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC. | ||||||
By: | ||||||
|
||||||
Name: | ||||||
|
||||||
Its | ||||||
|
||||||
COUNSEL CORPORATION | ||||||
By: | ||||||
|
||||||
Name: | ||||||
|
||||||
Its | ||||||
|
||||||
EXHIBIT A
PROMISSORY NOTE
$ __________ | __________, 2004 |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Acceris Communications Inc., a Florida corporation formerly known as I-Link Incorporated (the Maker) promises to pay to Counsel Corporation, an Ontario corporation, or its assigns (the Payee), in the lawful money of the United States of America (Dollars or $) the principal sum of __________ Dollars ($ __________) funded from time to time by Payee to Maker, together with interest thereon as set forth herein, on or before the Maturity Date as provided below and in accordance with the provisions of that certain Loan Agreement dated as of January 26, 2004 between the Maker and Payee as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated, the Loan Agreement. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Loan Agreement.
1. Interest . The outstanding principal amount of this Promissory Note (the Note), together with unpaid interest, shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum commencing on the date funded as to principal hereunder, which interest shall accrue and be compounded quarterly and shall result in a corresponding increase in the principal amount of the Indebtedness.
2. Time and Place of Payment . The Indebtedness shall be due and payable in full on June 30, 2005 (the Maturity Date); provided, however, the Maturity Date shall be accelerated to the date ten (10) calendar days following closing under or conclusion of each occurrence of (a) the sale or sales by Maker to a third party unrelated to Payee of the Buyers United, Inc. Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and/or the common stock into which such stock is convertible owned by Maker and held by Payee as security for the performance by Maker hereunder pursuant to the Stock Pledge Agreement between the Maker and Payee (as hereinafter defined), or any portion thereof (a BUI Sale) or (b) an equity investment or investments in Maker by a third party unrelated to Payee through the capital markets, whether pursuant to a registered offering or unregistered offering or other transaction (an Equity Investment); provided, further, however, that the Maturity Date shall be accelerated with respect only to the portion of the unpaid Indebtedness equal to the net amount received by Maker from any such BUI Sale or any such Equity Investment.
3. The Indebtedness, including that portion of the Indebtedness represented by this Note, is secured pursuant to that Amended and Restated Stock Pledge Agreement between the Maker and Payee dated as of January 26, 2004, executed and delivered concurrent herewith as the same has been amended, modified, extended or restated, the Stock Pledge Agreement.
4. Events of Default . The occurrence of any of the following events or conditions shall constitute an event of default (each an Event of Default):
(a) Maker shall fail to pay any of the Indebtedness pursuant to terms of this Note;
(b) Maker shall fail to comply with any term, obligation, covenant, or condition contained in any agreement between Maker and Payee (each, an Agreement);
(c) Any warranty or representation made to Payee by Maker under any Agreement proves to have been false when made or furnished;
(d) If Maker voluntarily files a petition under the federal Bankruptcy Act, as such Act may from time to time be amended, or under any similar or successor federal statute relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, arrangements or reorganizations, or under any state bankruptcy or insolvency act, or files an answer in an involuntary proceeding admitting insolvency or inability to pay debts, or if Maker is adjudged a bankrupt, or if a trustee or receiver is appointed for Makers property, or if Maker makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or if there is an attachment, receivership, execution or other
judicial seizure, then Payee may, at Payees option, declare all of the Indebtedness to be immediately due and payable without prior notice to Maker, and Payee may invoke any remedies permitted by this Note. Any attorneys fees and other expenses incurred by Payee in connection with Makers bankruptcy or any of the other events described in this Section 3 shall be additional Indebtedness of Maker secured by this Note.
(e) There exists a material breach by Maker under (or a termination by any party of) a material contract of Maker (for purposes of this Section 4 a material contract shall mean any contract resulting in revenues of in excess of $10,000 per annum);
(f) Maker is in default under any funded indebtedness, including but not limited to indebtedness evidenced by notes or capital leases, of Maker other than the amounts loaned pursuant to this Note; or
(g) If Makers business undergoes a material adverse change in Payees reasonable opinion.
If an Event of Default specified in Section 4(d) hereof occurs and is continuing, the principal amount of the Indebtedness, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, shall automatically become and be immediately due and payable, without any declaration or other act on the part of Payee.
5. Acceleration . Upon an Event of Default, the Payee may give written notice to the Maker of the occurrence of such Event of Default and Maker shall have the shorter of (i) thirty (30) days or (ii) such remedy period as set forth in the applicable provisions of Section 4 within which to cure such Event of Default. If the Event of Default is not cured within the applicable cure period, then, at the option of the Payee, Payee may declare the Maker in default (a Default) and all sums due hereunder shall become immediately due and payable.
Any written notification from Payee to Maker hereunder shall be deemed to be written notification of an Event of Default, or Default, or rescission of Acceleration (as provided below), respectively, only if such notification, communication or other election shall (a) be clearly and distinctly identified as such a Notice of Event of Default, Notice of Default, or Notice of Rescission of Acceleration, respectively, and (b) be given by certified mail, return receipt requested or overnight delivery requiring acknowledgement of receipt, and any communication between the parties not so designated and delivered shall not be construed or deemed to be effective notice under this Section 5.
6. Waivers . The Maker hereby waives presentment, demand for payment, notice of dishonor and any and all other notices or demands in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of this Note and hereby consents to any waivers or modifications that may be granted or consented to by the Payee of this Note. No waiver by the Payee or any breach of any covenant of the Maker herein contained or any term or condition hereof shall be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or of any other covenant, term or condition whatsoever.
7. Enforcement . In the event that any Payee of this Note shall institute any action for the enforcement or the collection of this Note, there shall be immediately due and payable, in addition to the unpaid balance of this Note, all late charges, and all costs and expenses of such action including reasonable attorneys fees. The Maker waives the right to interpose any setoff, counterclaim or defense of any nature or description whatsoever.
8. Replacement of Note . Upon receipt by the Maker of evidence satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note, and (in case of loss, theft or destruction) of an indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it, and upon reimbursement to the Make of all reasonable expenses incidental thereto, and upon surrender and cancellation of this Note if mutilated, the Maker will make and delivery a new Note of like tenor in lieu of this Note.
9. Amendments . This Note may not be changed, modified, amended, or terminated except by a writing duly executed by the Maker and the Payee.
2
10. Governing Law . This Note shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
11. Assignment . This Note may not be assigned, in whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise, by the Maker without the prior written consent of the Payee in its sole and absolute discretion, and any purported assignment without the express prior written consent of the Payee shall be void ab initio. The Payee may assign any or all of its rights and interests hereunder to any party. Subject to the foregoing, this Note shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the successors and assigns of the Payee and the Maker.
[See attached Signature Page]
3
Signature Page
to Promissory Note
dated as of
__________
, 2004
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Maker has executed this Promissory Note by its duly authorized officer as of the __________ day of __________, 2004.
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC. | ||||
By: | ||||
|
||||
Name: | ||||
|
||||
Title: | ||||
|
4
Exhibit 10.35
LOAN AGREEMENT
THIS LOAN AGREEMENT (Agreement) is made and entered into as of October 1, 2003, by and between ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC., formerly known as I-Link Incorporated, a Florida corporation (the Borrower), and COUNSEL CORPORATION (US), a Delaware corporation (the Lender).
RECITALS
WHEREAS , WorldxChange Corp., a Delaware corporation (WorldxChange), Lender and I-Link entered into a Loan and Security Agreement dated June 4, 2001, as heretofore amended (the 2001 Loan Agreement); and
WHEREAS , pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated as of October 1, 2003, between Lender and Borrower, Lender assigned to Borrower the total principal plus accrued interest of the indebtedness represented by and subject to the 2001 Loan Agreement and the Promissory Note of even date issued by WorldxChange in the principal amount of Nine Million Seven Hundred Forty-Three Thousand Four Hundred Seventy-Nine and 16/100ths Dollars ($9,743,479.16) (the Assigned Debt); and
WHEREAS , Borrower and WorldxChange entered into that Stock Subscription and Purchase Agreement dated as of October 1, 2003 (the Subscription Agreement) pursuant to which Borrower contributed the Assigned Debt to WorldxChange in partial consideration for the issuance by WorldxChange of 221 shares of WorldxChange common stock; and
WHEREAS , Borrower issued its Secured Promissory Note as of October 1, 2003, in the principal amount of Nine Million Seven Hundred Forty-Three Thousand Four Hundred Seventy-Nine and 16/l00ths Dollars ($9,743,479.16) to Lender, which indebtedness is subject to the terms and conditions of this Loan Agreement; and
WHEREAS , the repayment of the indebtedness represented by the Secured Promissory Note, (as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated, the Secured Promissory Note) is secured pursuant to that Stock Pledge Agreement (as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated, the Stock Pledge Agreement) between the Lender and the Borrower pursuant to which the Borrower granted to Lender a security interest in the Collateral described therein including all of the shares of common stock of WorldxChange issuable or issued to Borrower. Hereinafter this Agreement, the Secured Promissory Note and the Stock Pledge Agreement are sometimes referred to collectively as the Loan Documents.
AGREEMENTS
IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual promises and agreements herein contained, Lender and Borrower agree as follows:
1
ARTICLE ONE
AMOUNT AND TERMS OF THE LOAN
Section 1.1 The Loan . Lender agrees, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, to make a loan to Borrower in an aggregate principal amount of Nine Million Seven Hundred Forty Three Thousand Four Hundred Seventy Nine and 16/100ths Dollars ($9,743,479.16) (the Loan).
Section 1.2 The Secured Promissory Note . The Loan shall be evidenced by and subject to the terms of a Secured Promissory Note, dated as of October 1, 2003, substantially in the form set forth as Exhibit 1.2 hereto (as amended, renewed, restated, increased, consolidated or substituted from time to time, (the Secured Promissory Note), payable to the order of Lender.
Section 1.3 Interest . The Loan shall bear interest on the unpaid principal amount thereof at a rate per annum at all times equal to ten percent (10%). Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a year of 360 days and the actual number of days elapsed during the period for which such interest is payable. Interest shall begin to accrue on the outstanding principal amount of the Loan as of October 1, 2003. Interest shall accrue and be compounded quarterly and shall result in a corresponding increase in the principal amount of the Loan. Upon the occurrence of any Default (as defined herein), the entire outstanding principal amount of the Loan and (to the extent permitted by law) unpaid interest thereon and all other amounts due hereunder shall bear interest, from the date of occurrence of such Default until the earlier of the date the Loan is paid in full and the date on which such Default is cured or waived in writing, at an interest rate equal of twelve percent (12%) per annum, which shall be payable upon demand. Lender may waive in writing Borrowers obligation to make one or more cash interest payments in which case interest shall continue to accrue.
Section 1.4 Principal Repayment . The outstanding principal balance of the Loan plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, together with any and all other Liabilities (as such term is defined in the Stock Pledge Agreement (collectively, the Secured Obligations), shall be due and payable on June 30, 2005 (the Maturity Date).
Section 1.5 Prepayments .
Section 1.5.1 Voluntary Prepayments . By written notice to Lender no later than 12:00 noon, New York time on the business day prior to such prepayment, Borrower may, at its option, prepay the Loan in whole at any time or in part from time to time without penalty or premium. | |
Section 1.5.2 Mandatory Prepayments . By written notice to Borrower from Lender, Borrower shall be required to make the following prepayments: |
(i) | Receivable Lending or Debt Issuance . Borrower shall make a mandatory prepayment of the Loan in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the cash proceeds, net of any directly related reasonable fees and expenses incurred, from: (a) the initial |
2
purchase of Borrowers accounts receivable pursuant to a third-party financing arrangement (A/R Financing); or (b) future debt issuance of Borrower to a third party unrelated to Lender. Such prepayment(s) shall be made concurrently with the funding of such transaction(s). | |||
(ii) | Proceeds of Asset Sales . Borrower shall make a mandatory prepayment of the Loan in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the cash proceeds in excess of one million dollars ($1,000,000) of any sale(s) by Borrower to a third party unrelated to Lender of any of Borrowers material assets, net of any reasonable costs directly incurred in connection with such sale(s) and any taxes payable in connection with such sale(s). Together with any prepayment required by this Section, Borrower shall deliver to Lender a certificate executed by Borrowers chief financial officer setting forth the calculation of the net cash proceeds of such sale(s), including a calculation of the taxes payable in respect of such sale(s). Such prepayment(s) shall be made concurrently with the funding of such sale(s). | ||
(iii) | If Borrower issues or sells any shares of its capital stock or other equity interests or securities convertible into or exercisable for any share of its capital stock or other equity interests, it shall, within five (5) days of such sale or issuance, make a mandatory prepayment of the Loan in an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the cash proceeds thereof, net of: (a) any reasonable costs directly incurred in connection with such sale or issuance; (b) proceeds used by Borrower to acquire businesses or business assets; and (c) proceeds used to fund any Lender approved expanded business plan, provided , however , that no such prepayment shall be required in connection with any such issuance or sale: (i) to a subsidiary of Borrower or Borrowers parent or an affiliate thereof, including the Lender; (ii) in connection with any acquisition (including by way of merger or consolidation or share exchange) by Borrower of the stock or assets of another person or entity in a transaction pursuant to which the purchase price is paid in whole or in part by the delivery of capital stock of Borrower to the seller; or (iii) to officers, directors, employees or agents of Borrower or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to stock option or other benefit or incentive plans. |
Section 1.6 Application of Prepayments . All voluntary and mandatory prepayments of the Loan shall be applied first to accrued interest and then to the principal outstanding under the Loan.
Section 1.7 Payment on Non-Business Days . Whenever any payment to be made hereunder or under the Secured Promissory Note shall be due on a Saturday, Sunday or public
3
holiday, such payment may be made on the next succeeding business day, and such extension of time in such case shall be included in the computation of interest hereunder and under the Secured Promissory Note.
Section 1.8 Taxes . All sums payable by Borrower hereunder or under the Secured Promissory Note, whether of principal, interest, fees, expenses or otherwise, shall be paid in full, free of any deductions or withholdings for any and all present and future taxes, levies, imposts, stamps, duties, fees, assessments, deductions, withholdings, and other governmental charges and all liabilities with respect thereto. If Borrower is prohibited by law from making payments hereunder or under the Secured Promissory Note free of such deductions or withholdings, then Borrower shall pay such additional amount as may be necessary in order that the actual amount received by Lender after such deduction or withholding shall equal the full amount stated to be payable hereunder or under the Secured Promissory Note.
ARTICLE TWO
CLOSING
Section 2.1 Closing . The full disbursement of the Loan and the other transactions contemplated hereby shall take place as of October 1, 2003.
ARTICLE THREE
SECURITY
Section 3.1 Sale or Removal of Collateral Prohibited . Except as provided in the Stock Pledge Agreement, the Borrower shall not sell, lease, encumber, pledge, mortgage, assign, grant a security interest in, or otherwise transfer the Collateral (as the term Collateral is defined in the Stock Pledge Agreement).
Section 3.2 Perfection of Security Interest . From the date hereof, Borrower agrees to execute and file financing statements, and do whatever may be necessary under the applicable Uniform Commercial Code in the state where the Collateral is located, to perfect and continue the Lenders interest in the Collateral, all at the Borrowers expense.
Section 3.3 Taxes and Assessments . The Borrower will pay or cause to be paid promptly when due all taxes and assessments on the Borrowers assets or the Collateral, this Agreement and the Secured Promissory Note. The Borrower may, however, withhold payment of any tax, assessment or claim if a good faith dispute exists as to the obligation to pay.
Section 3.4 Protection of Lenders Security . If the Borrower fails to perform any of its respective covenants and agreements contained or incorporated in this Agreement, or if any action or proceeding is commenced which affects the Collateral or title thereto or the interest of the Lender therein, including, but not limited to insolvency, or arrangements or proceedings involving a bankrupt or decedent, then the Lender, at the Lenders option, may make such appearance, disburse such sums, and take such action as the Lender deems necessary, in its sole discretion, to protect the Lenders interest, including but not limited to (i) disbursement of attorneys fees, (ii) entry upon the Borrowers property to make repairs to the Borrowers assets, and (iii) procurement of satisfactory insurance. Any amounts disbursed by Lender pursuant to
4
this Section, with interest thereon, shall become additional indebtedness of the Borrower secured by this Agreement. Unless the Borrower and the Lender agree to other terms of payment, such amounts shall be immediately due and payable and shall bear interest from the date of disbursement at the rate stated in the Secured Promissory Note. Nothing contained in this Section shall require the Lender to incur any expense or take any action.
Section 3.5 Borrower and Lien Not Released . From time to time, the Lender may, at the Lenders option, without giving notice to or obtaining the consent of the Borrower, the Borrowers successors or assigns or of any other lienholder, without liability on the Lenders part, and notwithstanding the Borrowers breach of any covenant or agreement of the Borrower in this Agreement, extend the time for payment of said indebtedness or any part thereof, reduce the payments thereon, release anyone liable on any of said indebtedness, accept a renewal note or notes therefor, modify the terms and the time of payment of said indebtedness, release from the lien of this Agreement any part of the Collateral, take or release other or additional security, reconvey any part of the Collateral, consent to the granting of any easement, join in any extension or subordination agreement, and agree in writing with the Borrower to modify the rate of interest or period of amortization of the Secured Promissory Note or change the amount of any installments payable thereunder. Any actions taken by the Lender pursuant to the terms of this Section shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower or the Borrowers successors or assigns to pay the sums secured by this Agreement and to observe the covenants of the Borrower contained herein, shall not affect the guaranty of any person, corporation, partnership, or other entity for payment of the indebtedness secured hereby, and shall not affect the lien or priority of lien hereof on the Collateral. The Borrower shall pay the Lender a reasonable service charge, together with attorneys fees as may be incurred, at the Lenders option for any such action if taken at the Borrowers request.
Section 3.6 Forbearance by Lender Not a Waiver . Any forbearance by the Lender in exercising any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise afforded by applicable law, shall not be a waiver of or preclude the exercise of any right or remedy. The acceptance by the Lender of payment of any sum secured by this Agreement after the due date of such payment shall not be a waiver of the Lenders right to either require prompt payment when due of all other sums so secured or to declare a default for failure to make prompt payment. The procurement of insurance or the payment of taxes, rents or other liens or charges by the Lender shall not be a waiver of the Lenders right to accelerate the maturity of the indebtedness secured by this Agreement, nor shall the Lenders receipt of any awards, proceeds or damages as provided in this Agreement operate to cure or waive the Borrowers default in payment of sums secured by the Loan Documents.
ARTICLE FOUR
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
In order to induce Lender to enter into this Agreement and make the Loan, Borrower represents and warrants as follows:
Section 4.1 Existence and Standing . Borrower is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Florida, is qualified to do business and in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which it conducts its
5
business, and has all requisite power and authority, corporate or otherwise, to conduct its business, to own its properties and to execute and deliver, and to perform all of its obligations under the Loan Documents.
Section 4.2 Authorizations, Compliance with Laws . The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of each Loan Document to which it is a party, and of each other document required to be executed and delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and do not and will not (i) violate (A) any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to Borrower or (B) any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, By-Laws or other organizational documents of Borrower; or (ii) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any agreement or instrument to which Borrower is a party or by which any of its properties may be affected; or (iii) result in the creation of a lien, charge or encumbrance of any nature upon Borrowers properties or assets other than as contemplated by the Loan Documents.
Section 4.3 Approvals . No authorization, consent, approval, license, exemption of or filing or registration with any court or governmental department or agency or any other person is or will be necessary for the valid execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of this Agreement, the Secured Promissory Note, the Stock Pledge Agreement or any other document required to be executed and delivered by Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.
Section 4.4 Binding Obligations . This Agreement, the Secured Promissory Note, the Stock Pledge Agreement and all other documents required to be executed and delivered by Borrower pursuant to this Agreement have been executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of Borrower and constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.
Section 4.5 Compliance with Laws . The Borrower has complied and is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal, state and local laws. The Borrower has obtained all necessary licenses and permits required for the conduct of its business and operations or such licenses and permits have been applied for and are now being diligently pursued.
Section 4.6 Taxes . Except as set forth on Schedule 4.6 attached hereto, the Borrower has filed all tax returns and reports (federal, state and local) required to be filed by it, and has paid all taxes shown thereon, including interest and penalties, and all assessments received by it (except to the extent that the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently prosecuted and as to which adequate reserves have been set aside on the books of Borrower and its subsidiaries, as appropriate, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles).
Section 4.7 Title to Properties . The Borrower has title to all of its property and assets and valid and enforceable leasehold interests in the property which it holds under lease. The Borrower owns or possesses the valid right to use all the patents, patent applications, patent and know-how licenses, inventions, technology, permits, trademark registrations and applications, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, product designs, applications, formulae,
6
processes, circulation, and other subscriber lists, industrial property rights and licenses and rights in respect of the foregoing used in or necessary for the conduct of its business (collectively proprietary rights). Except as set forth in Schedule 4.7, the Borrower is not aware of any existing or threatened infringement or misappropriation of (a) any such proprietary rights of others by Borrower or (b) any proprietary rights of Borrower by others.
ARTICLE FIVE
COVENANTS OF BORROWER
Section 5.1 Covenants . So long as the Secured Promissory Note shall remain unpaid and this Agreement shall not have been terminated, Borrower hereby agrees, unless Lender shall otherwise consent in writing and except as otherwise provided in the Stock Pledge Agreement, to:
Section 5.1.1 Payment of Obligations . Pay punctually and discharge when due: (i) all indebtedness heretofore or hereafter incurred; (ii) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or its income or profits, or upon any properties belonging to it; and (iii) all claims or demands of materialmen, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen, landlords and other like persons which, if unpaid, might become a lien or charge upon the property of Borrower; provided that this covenant shall not require the payment of any of the matters set forth in (i), (ii) and (iii) above if the same shall be contested in good faith and by proper proceedings diligently pursued and as to which adequate reserves have been set aside on the books of Borrower in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. | |
Section 5.1.2 Preservation of Existence . Preserve and maintain Borrowers respective corporate existence, and all material rights, franchises, licenses and privileges used or useful in the operation of its business. | |
Section 5.1.3 Maintenance of Properties . Maintain and preserve all of its properties necessary or useful in the proper conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. | |
Section 5.1.4 Compliance with Laws . Comply in all material respects with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority. | |
Section 5.1.5 Perfection of Liens . Do all things requested by Lender to preserve and perfect the security interests of Lender arising pursuant to this Agreement or any other agreement required hereunder. | |
Section 5.1.6 Governmental Approval . If counsel to Lender reasonably determines that the consent of the Federal Communications Commission or any other federal, state or local governmental or licensing authority is required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Secured Promissory Note, the Stock Pledge Agreement or any other document delivered to Lender in |
7
connection herewith or therewith or as a result of any action which may be taken pursuant hereto or thereto, then Borrower, at its sole cost and expense, agrees to use its good faith reasonable efforts to secure such consent and to cooperate with Lender in any action commenced by Lender to secure such consent. | |
Section 5.17 Agreements . Comply with its obligations under the Loan Documents. | |
Section 5.18 Insurance . The Borrower shall have and maintain, or cause to be maintained, insurance at all times with respect to all Borrowers assets except accounts receivable, against such risks as the Lender may reasonably require, in such form, for such periods, and written by such companies as may be satisfactory to the Lender. In the event of failure to provide insurance as herein provided, the Lender may, at the Lenders option, provide such insurance at the Borrowers expense. |
ARTICLE SIX
ORDER OF PAYMENTS
Section 6.1 Order of Payments . Any and all amounts actually received by the Lender in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement, including the proceeds of any collection, sale or other disposition of all or any part of the Collateral (collectively, the Proceeds), shall, promptly upon receipt by the Lender, be applied:
(i) | first, to the payment in full of the Loan, or in the event that such Proceeds are insufficient to pay in full the Loan, to the Lender in the following order of priority: |
(A) | to all interest (including default interest) owing to the Lender on the Loan; | ||
(B) | to principal amounts owing to the Lender on the Loan; | ||
(C) | any other fees or expenses incurred hereunder; and |
(ii) | second, to the Borrower or in the manner that a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct. |
ARTICLE SEVEN
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
Section 7.1 Events of Default . The occurrence of any of the following events or conditions shall constitute an event of default (each an Event of Default):
Section 7.1.1 Borrower shall fail to pay all principal due under the Secured Promissory Note on or before the Maturity Date; or |
Section 7.1.2 Borrower shall fail to pay any of the Secured Obligations (other than payment of principal due under the Secured Promissory Note on or before the |
8
Maturity Date) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and such failure is not remedied within five (5) days of Lenders written notice to Borrower; or |
Section 7.1.3 Any representation or warranty made by Borrower (or any of its officers) herein, in this Agreement or any other Loan Document or in any certificate, agreement, instrument or statement contemplated by or made or delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made; or |
Section 7.1.4 Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any other term, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and any such failure remains unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice from Lender; or |
Section 7.1.5 (i) Borrower shall file a petition commencing a voluntary case concerning it under any Chapter of Title 11 of the United States code entitled Bankruptcy; or (ii) Borrower shall apply for or consent to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian or similar officer for it or for all or any substantial part of its property; or (iii) such receiver, trustee, custodian or similar officer shall be appointed without the application or consent of Borrower and such appointment shall continue undischarged for a period of forty five (45) days; or (iv) an involuntary case is commenced against Borrower under any Chapter of the aforementioned Title 11 and an order for relief under such Title 11 is entered or the petition commencing the case is controverted but is not dismissed within forty five (45) days after the commencement of the case; or (v) Borrower shall institute (by petition, application, answer, consent or otherwise) any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, readjustment of debt, dissolution, liquidation or similar proceeding relating to it under the laws of any jurisdiction; or (vi) any such proceeding shall be instituted against Borrower and shall remain undismissed for a period of forty five (45) days; or (vii) Borrower shall take any action for the purpose of effectuating any of the foregoing; or |
Section 7.1.6 Any court, government, or government agency shall condemn, seize or otherwise appropriate or take custody or control of all or a substantial portion of the property or assets of Borrower; or |
Section 7.1.7 Borrower defaults under any funded indebtedness, including but not limited to indebtedness evidenced by notes or capital leases, of Borrower other than the amounts loaned pursuant to this Agreement; or | |
Section 7.1.8 Any money judgment, writ or warrant of attachment, or similar process involving, either individually or in the aggregate, an amount in excess of $100,000, and in either case not adequately covered by insurance as to which the insurance company has acknowledged coverage, shall be entered or filed against Borrower or its assets and shall remain undischarged, unvacated, unbonded or unstayed for a period of thirty (30) days or in any event later than five (5) days prior to the date of any proposed sale thereunder. |
9
Section 7.2 Acceleration . Upon an Event of Default, the Lender may give written notice to the Borrower of the occurrence of such Event of Default and Borrower shall have the shorter of (i) thirty (30) days or (ii) such remedy period as set forth in the applicable provisions of Sections 7.1.1 through 7.1.8 inclusive within which to cure such Event of Default. If the Event of Default is not cured within the thirty (30) day cure period, then, at the option of the Lender, Lender may declare the Borrower in default (a Default) and all sums due hereunder shall become immediately due and payable.
Any written notification from Lender to Borrower hereunder shall be deemed to be written notification of an Event of Default, or Default, or rescission of Acceleration (as provided below), respectively, only if such notification, communication or other election shall (a) be clearly and distinctly identified as such a Notice of Event of Default, Notice of Default, or Notice of Rescission of Acceleration, respectively, and (b) be given by certified mail, return receipt requested or overnight delivery requiring acknowledgement of receipt, and any communication between the parties not so designated and delivered shall not be construed or deemed to be effective notice under this Agreement.
Lender by notice thereof to Borrower may rescind an acceleration and its consequences if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived in writing.
ARTICLE EIGHT
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 8.1 Expenses . Borrower agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses incurred by Lender directly in the enforcement of this Agreement, or any other Loan Document, and other instruments and documents to be delivered hereunder, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and expenses of any attorney to whom the Secured Promissory Note is referred for collection (whether or not litigation is commenced) or for representation out of court, in trial, on appeal or in proceedings under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or otherwise. In addition, Borrower shall pay any and all taxes and fees payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution, delivery or recordation of any instruments and documents to be delivered hereunder.
Section 8.2 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies . No failure or delay on the part of Lender in exercising any right, power or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy hereunder operate as a waiver. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.
Section 8.3 Amendments . No amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any provision of the Agreement or any other Loan Document, nor consent to any departure by Borrower, shall in any event be effective unless in writing, signed by Lender and then only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given. No notice to or demand on Borrower in any case shall entitle it to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances except as expressly provided herein or in another Loan Document.
10
Section 8.4 Notices . All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered in person or by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified U.S. mail, return receipt requested, to the applicable party at the addresses indicated below:
If to Borrower: | Acceris Communications Inc. | |
9775 Business Park Avenue | ||
San Diego, CA 92131 | ||
Attn: Gary Clifford, CFO | ||
If to Lender: | Counsel Corporation (US) | |
500 Atrium Drive, First Floor | ||
Somerset, NJ 08873 | ||
Attn: Stephen Weintraub |
or at such other address as may be designated by either party in a written notice to the other complying as to delivery with the terms of this Section. All such notices and other communications shall be effective when deposited in the mails.
Section 8.5 Binding Effect . This Agreement shall become effective when executed and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Borrower, Lender and their respective successors and assigns, except that Borrower shall not have the right to assign any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of Lender. Lender shall be permitted to assign, without Borrowers consent, all or any portion of Lenders rights and interests hereunder and under each other document executed in connection with this Agreement.
Section 8.6 Governing Law . This Agreement, the Secured Promissory Note, the Stock Pledge Agreement and related documents shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York with the exception of its conflicts of laws provisions; provided that the effect of any recordation shall be determined by the State thereof.
Section 8.7 Severability of Provisions . Any provision of this Agreement, the Secured Promissory Note, or the Stock Pledge Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions or affecting the validity or enforceability of any provisions in any other jurisdiction.
Section 8.8 Headings . Article and Section headings in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement for any other purpose.
Section 8.9 Rights Affected by Extensions . The rights of Lender and its assigns shall not be impaired by any indulgence, release, renewal, extension or modification which Lender may grant with respect to the indebtedness or any part thereof, or with respect to the Collateral or with respect to any endorser, guarantor, or surety without notice or consent of Borrower or any endorser, guarantee or surety.
11
Section 8.10 Survival of Representations and Warranties . All representations and warranties made in this Agreement and in any agreements, documents or certificates delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Secured Promissory Note and the making of the Loan hereunder and continue in full force and effect, as of the respective dates as of which they were made, until all of the obligations of Borrower to Lender hereunder have been paid in full.
Section 8.11 Further Assurances . From time to time, Borrower shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to Lender such additional documents as Lender may reasonably require to carry out the purposes of this Agreement or any of the documents entered into in connection herewith, or to preserve and protect the rights of Lender hereunder or thereunder.
Section 8.12 Indemnification . Borrower hereby indemnifies and holds harmless Lender and its partners, directors, officers, shareholders, employees, agents, counsel, subsidiaries and affiliates (the Indemnified Persons) from and against any and all losses, liabilities, obligations, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses of disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against any Indemnified Person in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the documents entered into in connection herewith or therewith, or any of them or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, the making of the Loan, the use of the proceeds of the Loan or the ownership or operation of the business or assets of Borrower or any of its subsidiaries; provided, however, that Borrower shall not be liable to any Indemnified Person, if there is a judicial determination that such losses, liabilities, obligations, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting solely from the negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Person.
JURY TRIAL WAIVER. EACH OF LENDER AND BORROWER HEREBY AGREE TO WAIVE ITS RESPECTIVE RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS, OR ANY DEALINGS BETWEEN THEM RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS LOAN TRANSACTION AND THE LENDER/BORROWER RELATIONSHIP THAT IS BEING ESTABLISHED. THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE, MEANING THAT IT MAY NOT BE MODIFIED EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING, AND THE WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, REPLACEMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR TO ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS OR AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE LOAN.
Section 8.13 Maximum Interest . Lender and Borrower intend that this Agreement and the other Loan Documents conform to all applicable usury laws. Accordingly, no provisions of the Loan Documents shall require the payment or permit the collection of interest in excess of the maximum rate permitted by applicable law (Maximum Rate), or obligate Borrower to pay any taxes, assessments, charges, insurance premiums or other amounts which are held to constitute interest to the extent that such payments, when added to the other obligations under the Loan Documents, would be held to constitute contracting for, or the payment by Borrower of, interest at a rate greater than the Maximum Rate. Lender and Borrower further agree that:
12
Section 8.13.1 if any excess of interest in such respect is herein or in any such other instrument provided for, or shall be adjudicated to be so provided for herein or in any such instrument, the provisions of this subsection shall govern, and neither Borrower nor its successors or assigns shall be obligated to pay the amount of such interest to the extent it is in excess of the Maximum Rate; |
Section 8.13.2 if at any time the amount of interest under any of the Loan Documents for a calendar year exceeds the Maximum Rate and the Maximum Rate at all times been in effect, the interest chargeable under any such Loan Document shall be limited to the amount of interest that could have been charged if the Maximum Rate had at all times been in effect, but any subsequent reductions in the interest due shall not reduce the rate of interest chargeable under any such Loan Document below the Maximum Rate until the total amount of interest accrued under any such Loan Document equals the amount of interest that would have accrued if the interest provided for in any such Loan Document had at all times been in effect and collectible; |
Section 8.13.3 if the maturity of any Loan Document is accelerated for any reason, or in the event of any prepayment by Borrower, or in any other event, earned interest may never include more than the Maximum Rate, computed from the date of disbursement of the funds evidenced by such Loan Document until payment, and any interest otherwise payable under such Loan Document that is in excess of the Maximum Rate shall be canceled automatically as of such acceleration or such other event and (if theretofore paid) shall be credited against principal; |
Section 8.13.4 if it should be held that any interest payable or chargeable under any Loan Document is in excess of the Maximum Rate, the interest payable or chargeable under such Loan Document shall be reduced to the maximum amount permitted by applicable federal or state law, whichever shall permit the higher lawful interest, as construed by courts having jurisdiction thereof; and |
Section 8.13.5 the spreading, prorating and amortizing of interest over the Maturity Date of the Loan Documents shall be allowed to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. |
[See attached Signature Page]
13
Signature page
to Loan Agreement
dated as of October 1, 2003
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Loan Agreement to be executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the 30 TH day of January, 2004.
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC. | ||||||
By: | ||||||
|
||||||
Name: | ||||||
|
||||||
Title: | ||||||
|
||||||
COUNSEL CORPORATION (US) | ||||||
By: | ||||||
|
||||||
Name: | ||||||
|
||||||
Title: | ||||||
|
14
Exhibit 10.36
AMENDED AND RESTATED
STOCK PLEDGE AGREEMENT
FOR VALUE RECEIVED and in consideration of the loan, or other financial accommodations now or hereafter made by Counsel Corporation (US), a Delaware corporation (Secured Party), on the one hand, to Acceris Communications Inc., formerly known as I-Link Incorporated, a Florida corporation (Pledgor), on the other hand, including specifically the loan to Pledgor of up to Nine Million Seven Hundred Forty Three Thousand, Four Hundred Seventy Nine and 16/100ths Dollars ($9,743,479.16) evidenced by the Promissory Note of Pledgor dated as of October 1, 2003 (the Note) and to induce Secured Party to make such extensions of credit or financial accommodations to Pledgor, Pledgor does hereby convey and grant a security interest to Secured Party as of October 1, 2003 in accordance with the terms set forth below in this Stock Pledge Agreement (the Agreement). It is specifically understood and agreed that nothing in this Agreement shall impair or hinder the rights of Foothill Capital Corporation (Foothill) as the secured party pursuant to the Stock Pledge Agreement dated as of December 10, 2001 between CPT-1 Holdings, Inc. as pledgor and Foothill (the Foothill Pledge).
I. Definitions . When used in this agreement:
A. Collateral shall mean the following personal property:
All of the 291 shares of common stock, no par value, of WorldxChange Corp., a Delaware corporation, issuable or issued to and subscribed for and owned by the Pledgor (the Shares) and all distributions of property, whether or not in cash, made to Pledgor on account of its interest in the above-described property, including stock dividends as well as all other property so distributed, together with all documents, instruments, and share certificates of Pledgor relating to the above, and all other property of Pledgor now or hereafter in the possession or control of Secured Party, and all proceeds of the foregoing and all cash and additional securities or other property at any time and from time to time receivable or otherwise distributable in respect of, exchange for or as substitution for any and all of the foregoing.
B. Default shall mean any of the following: (1) the occurrence or existence of a Default, as that term is defined in the Loan Agreement or the Note; (2) the sale, transfer or exchange, either directly or indirectly, of a controlling stock interest of any Obligor, if such Obligor is a corporation; (3) appointment of a receiver for the Collateral or for any property in which any Obligor has an interest; or (4) seizure of the Collateral by any third party.
C. Liabilities shall mean all obligations of Pledgor hereunder, under the Note, and any and all other obligations of Pledgor to Secured Party, direct or indirect, however and whenever arising, created or evidenced, joint or several, whether absolute, contingent or otherwise, original, renewed or extended, whether originally to Secured Party or endorsed or assigned to Secured Party, now or hereafter existing, or due or to become due, including, without limitation, all principal, interest, costs and other indebtedness owed thereunder.
1
D. Loan Agreement shall mean that Loan Agreement dated as of October 1, 2003, as amended or modified from time to time, between Pledgor and Secured Party.
E. Obligor shall mean Pledgor and each other individual or entity primarily or secondarily, directly or indirectly, liable on or directly or indirectly securing any of the Liabilities.
II. Grant of Security Interest . As security for the payment and performance of the Note, Pledgor hereby grants to Secured Party a security interest in and security title to the Collateral, all substitutions therefor and replacements thereof and all proceeds thereof in any form. Unless and until there shall have occurred a Default and such Default is continuing, Pledgor shall be entitled to vote or consent with respect to the Collateral in any manner not inconsistent with this Agreement or the Loan Agreement, as amended.
III. Representations, Warranties and Covenants .
1. Pledgor hereby warrants, represents, and covenants that:
A. The Pledgor (i) is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Florida, and (ii) has all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement.
B. The execution, delivery and performance by the Pledgor of this Agreement (i) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, (ii) do not and will not contravene its charter or by-laws, law or any contractual restriction binding on or affecting the Pledgor or any of its properties, and (iii) except as herein specifically provided, do not and will not result in or require the creation of any lien, security interest or other charge or encumbrance upon or with respect to any of its properties.
C. Pledgor will at all times hereafter keep the Collateral free of all security interests, liens and claims whatsoever, other than the Foothill Pledge and the security interest and security title granted herein.
D. Pledgor will, from time to time, on request of Secured Party, execute such financing statements, statements of assignment, notices and other documents and pay the costs of filing or recording the same in all public offices deemed necessary by Secured Party and do such other acts as Secured Party may request to establish and maintain a valid security interest in and security title to the Collateral, including, without limitation, delivery to Secured Party of any stock certificate, note, deed to secure debt, security agreement, or other instrument issuable with respect to any of the Collateral.
E. Pledgor will not sell, pledge, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral or any interest therein other than pursuant to the Foothill Pledge.
2
F. Pledgor shall account fully and faithfully for and promptly pay or turn over to Secured Party proceeds in whatever form received in disposition in any manner of any of the Collateral, but nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to authorize any such disposition.
G. Pledgor shall at all times keep accurate and complete records of the Collateral and its proceeds, and should any Collateral come into the possession of Pledgor, it shall hold it in trust for Secured Party and keep it separate and distinct from his other property.
H. All information now or hereafter furnished by Pledgor to Secured Party relating in any way to the Collateral is and will be true and correct as of the date furnished.
2. Secured Party hereby covenants that during the term of this Agreement, Secured Party (i) shall not take any action which would jeopardize the rights, titles and interests transferred and assigned to Secured Party pursuant to this Agreement; (ii) shall immediately notify Pledgor of any pending or threatened action by any governmental authority or body or any court or governmental agency or third party to suspend, revoke, terminate or challenge such rights, titles and interests; and (iii) shall not take any action that would result in the violation of any covenant or agreement, or otherwise constitute a default under the agreements or instruments evidencing any indebtedness of the Pledgor.
IV. Power of Attorney . Pledgor hereby grants to Secured Party a power of attorney, which being coupled with an interest is irrevocable while any of the Liabilities remain unpaid, whereby it constitutes and appoints Secured Party or its designee as Pledgors true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for Pledgor and in its name and, upon the occurrence and the continuance of a Default, to vote any shares of stock which may be or become Collateral at any and all meetings in which the owners of such stock are entitled to vote, to waive notice of any such meeting, to take part in any consent action in lieu of any such meeting, to execute any and all documents in connection with said stock, to exercise any and all powers which may be exercised by the owners of said stock and to accomplish such actions necessary to transfer and reissue said stock in the name of Pledgor. Pledgor hereby further grants to Secured Party a power of attorney, which being coupled with an interest is irrevocable while any of the Liabilities remain unpaid, whereby it constitutes Secured Party or its designee as Pledgors attorney-in-fact: to endorse Pledgors name upon any notes, acceptances, checks, drafts, money orders and other remittances received by Pledgor or Secured Party on account of the Collateral and to do all other acts and things necessary to carry out this Agreement. All acts of Secured Party as attorney-in-fact as so constituted above are hereby authorized and ratified, and said attorney-in-fact or designee shall not be liable for any acts of omission or commission, nor for any error of judgment or mistake of fact or law, other than acts of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
V. Secured Partys Rights and Remedies Upon Pledgors Default . At the option of Secured Party, immediately upon the occurrence and the continuance of a Default, the Liabilities, notwithstanding any provisions thereof, without demand or notice of any kind, shall become immediately due and payable, and Secured Party may exercise from time to time the rights and
3
remedies available to it under the Uniform Commercial Code and other applicable law, in equity, or under any agreement. Pledgor agrees, in the event of Default, to deliver at Pledgors expense all the Collateral not then in possession of Secured Party to Secured Party. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Secured Party may sell the Collateral, or any part thereof at any public or private sale or at any brokers board or on any securities exchange, for cash, upon credit or for future delivery, as the Secured Party shall deem appropriate. In view of the position of Pledgor in relation to the Shares, or because of other, present or future circumstances, a question may arise under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as now or hereafter in effect, or any similar statute hereafter enacted analogous in purpose or effect or any similar such statute enacted in the State of Florida (such Act and any such other statute as from time to time in effect being hereinafter called the Securities Laws) with respect to any disposition of the Shares permitted hereunder, Pledgor understands that compliance with the Securities Laws may very strictly limit the course of conduct of the Secured Party if the Secured Party were to attempt to dispose of all or any part of the Shares and may also limit the extent to which or the manner in which any subsequent transferee of any of Shares may dispose of the same. Under applicable law, in the absence of an agreement to the contrary, the Secured Party may be held to have certain general duties and obligations to Pledgor, to make some effort towards obtaining a fair price even though the obligations under the Note may be discharged or reduced by proceeds of a sale at a lesser price. Pledgor acknowledges that any private sale may be at prices and on terms less favorable to the seller than the prices and other terms which might have been obtained at a public sale and, notwithstanding the foregoing, agrees that such private sales shall be deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner and that Secured Party shall have no obligation to delay sale of any such Collateral. Pledgor agrees to pay all costs of Secured Party of collection of the Liabilities and enforcement of rights hereunder, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys fees and legal and court expenses, including the costs of retaining experts.
VI. Consents . Pledgor hereby consents and agrees that Secured Party may from time to time:
A. Retain or obtain a security interest, lien, title or other interest in any property, whether real, personal, mixed, tangible or intangible, to secure any of the Liabilities, provided, however, that nothing contained in this subparagraph A shall be construed or interpreted as granting Secured Party a security interest, lien, title or other interest in any such property other than the Collateral;
B. Retain or obtain the primary or secondary liability of any party or parties with respect to any of the Liabilities;
C. Extend or renew for any period (whether or not longer than the original period), alter, modify or exchange, any of the Liabilities, or any right evidencing the Liabilities, or any of them;
4
D. Release, discharge, compromise, or enter into any accord and satisfaction with respect to the Collateral, or any other security for the Liabilities, any liability of Pledgor hereunder or any liability of any Obligor;
E. Release or surrender all or any part of the Collateral or any other security for the Liabilities, with or without consideration, or exchange or substitute for all or any part of the Collateral or any other security for the Liabilities, any other security of like kind, or of any kind; and
F. Resort to or bring suit against Pledgor to enforce this Agreement for the collection of any of the Liabilities or otherwise enforce its security interest in the Collateral, whether or not Secured Party shall have resorted to or brought suit against any other collateral or any other Obligor, and whether or not Secured Party shall have exhausted its rights or remedies against any of the foregoing.
VII. Waivers . Pledgor hereby expressly waives:
A. Notice of acceptance of this instrument;
B. Notice of the existence or creation of all or any of the Liabilities;
C. Notice of any default, nonpayment, partial payment, presentment, demand, and all other notices not expressly required under the terms of this Agreement;
D. Any invalidity or disability in whole or in part at the time of his acceptance or at any other time with respect to the Collateral or any part thereof, as well as with respect to the liability of any Obligor;
E. All diligence in collection or protection of or realization upon the Collateral, the Liabilities, or any part thereof, any liability hereunder, any liability of any Obligor, or any security for any of the foregoing; and
F. Any duty or obligation on the part of Secured Party to ascertain the extent or nature of all or any part of the Collateral, or any other security for the Liabilities, or any insurance or other rights respecting such security, or the liability of any Obligor, as well as any duty or obligation on the part of Secured Party to take any steps or actions to safeguard, protect, deal with, handle, obtain or convey information respecting, or otherwise follow in any manner, such security or any part thereof, or such insurance, or other rights.
VIII. Release of Pledge . The pledge set forth in this Agreement shall be deemed satisfied, and the security interest of Secured Party in the Collateral, as defined in this Agreement, shall be released upon full satisfaction and release of the obligations of the Pledgor.
5
IX. Miscellaneous .
A. Notice . Except as otherwise provided herein, notices required or permitted hereunder shall be deemed given when made in writing and deposited in the U.S. mail, with first class postage prepaid and properly addressed, to the addresses set forth below, or to such other address as one party hereto shall have notified the other party pursuant hereto:
|
If to Pledgor, to: |
Acceris Communications Inc.
9775 Business Park Avenue San Diego, CA 92131 Attn: Gary Clifford, CFO |
||
|
||||
|
with a copy to: |
Ralph De Martino, Esq.
Dilworth Paxson LLP 1818 N Street, N.W. Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 |
||
|
||||
|
If to Secured Party, to: |
Counsel Corporation (US)
500 Atrium Drive, First Floor Somerset, NJ 08873 Attn: Stephen Weintraub |
If any notification of intended disposition of the Collateral or of any other act by Secured Party is required by law and a specific time period is not stated therein, such notification, if given in accordance with this section at least five (5) days before such disposition or act, shall be deemed reasonable and properly given.
B. Non-Waiver of Rights and Remedies . No delay or failure on the part of Secured Party in the exercise of any right or remedy shall operate as a waiver thereof or of the exercise of any other right or remedy. Time is of the essence of this Agreement.
C. Construction . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. The terms security interest and security title as used herein shall include, and Secured Party shall have, all the rights, interests, title, liens, claims and privileges that may be derived hereunder and under the applicable law of the various states of the United States. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, said provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provisions or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.
6
D. Modification . This Agreement shall not be modified or amended except in a writing signed by the parties hereto.
E. Survival of Representations . All representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements contained herein or made in writing by Pledgor in connection herewith shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and any and all other documents relating to or arising out of any of the foregoing or any of the Liabilities.
F. Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, and their respective successors, legal representatives, heirs and assigns.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
7
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties executed this Amended and Restated Stock Pledge Agreement as of this 30 TH day of January, 2004.
PLEDGOR: | ||||
|
||||
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC. | ||||
|
||||
|
By: | |||
|
|
|||
|
Name: | |||
|
|
|||
|
Title: | |||
|
|
|||
|
||||
SECURED PARTY: | ||||
|
||||
COUNSEL CORPORATION (US) | ||||
|
||||
|
By: | |||
|
|
|||
|
Name: | |||
|
|
|||
|
Title: | |||
|
|
Exhibit 10.37
AMENDED AND RESTATED
SECURED PROMISSORY NOTE
$9,743,479.16 | as of October 1, 2003 |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Acceris Communications Inc., formerly known as I-Link Incorporated, a Florida corporation (the Maker) as of October 1, 2003, promises to pay to Counsel Corporation (US), a Delaware corporation, or its assigns (the Payee), in the lawful money of the United States of America (Dollars or $) the principal sum of Nine Million Seven Hundred Forty-Three Thousand Four Hundred Seventy-Nine and 16/l00ths Dollars ($9,743,479.16), together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon (the Indebtedness) on or before the Maturity Date as provided below.
1. Interest . The unpaid principal amount of this Note shall bear interest at the rates determined in accordance with the provisions of that certain Loan Agreement dated as of October 1, 2003, between the Maker and the Payee, as the same has been amended, modified, extended or restated, the Loan Agreement. Interest accrued hereunder shall be paid quarterly in arrears and in cash on the last business day of each quarter until all principal and interest hereunder is paid in full at the repayment or maturity of the Indebtedness.
2. Time and Place of Payment . The Indebtedness shall be due and payable in full on June 30, 2005 (the Maturity Date). The Maker may from time to time, in its discretion, make one or more periodic payments of principal to the Payee. All principal due hereunder is payable in Dollars in immediately payable funds at the Payees principal office (or at such other office of the Payee as may be designated from time to time in writing by the Payee) for the account of the Payee, not later than 11:00 am, New York City time, on the due date therefor. If any payment of principal on or with respect to this Note becomes due and payable on a Saturday, Sunday, or any other day on which commercial banks are required or authorized by law or regulation to be closed in New York City, such amount shall be payable on the next succeeding day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are so required or authorized to be closed.
3. Stock Pledge Agreement . The Indebtedness is secured pursuant to that Stock Pledge Agreement between the Maker and Payee dated as of October 1, 2003, executed and delivered concurrent herewith as the same has been amended, modified, extended or restated, the Stock Pledge Agreement.
4. Events of Default . The occurrence of any of the following events or conditions shall constitute an event of default (each, an Event of Default).
(a) Maker shall fail to pay any of the Indebtedness pursuant to terms of this Note on or before the Maturity Date; or
(b) Maker shall fail to pay any of the Indebtedness (other than payment of principal due under the Note on or before the Maturity Date) pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement and such failure is not remedied within five (5) days of Lenders written notice to Borrower;
(c) Any representation or warranty made by Maker (or any of its officers) in any agreement or in any certificate, agreement, instrument or statement contemplated by or made or delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Note or any other loan document shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made; or
(d) Maker shall fail to perform or observe any other term, covenant or agreement contained in this Note, the Pledge Agreement or any other loan document between the parties, and any such failure remains unremedied for the shorter of the remedy period relating thereto or thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice from Lender; or
(e) Either (i) Maker shall file a petition commencing a voluntary case concerning it under any Chapter of Title ll of the United States Code entitled Bankruptcy; or (ii) Maker shall apply for or consent to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian or similar officer for it or for all or any substantial part of its property; or (iii) such receiver, trustee, custodian or similar officer shall be appointed without the application or consent of Maker and such appointment shall continue undischarged for a period of forty-five (45) days; or (iv) an involuntary case is commenced against Maker under any Chapter of the aforementioned Title ll and an order for relief under such Title ll is entered or the petition commencing the case is controverted but is not dismissed within forty-five (45) days after the commencement of the case; or (v) Maker shall institute (by petition, application, answer, consent or otherwise) any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, readjustment of debt, dissolution, liquidation or similar proceeding relating to it under the laws of any jurisdiction; or (vi) any such proceeding shall be instituted against Maker and shall remain undismissed for a period of forty-five (45) days; or (vii) Maker shall take any action for the purpose of effectuating any of the foregoing; or
(f) Any court, government, or government agency shall condemn, seize or otherwise appropriate or take custody or control of all or a substantial portion of the property or assets of Maker; or
(g) Maker defaults under any funded indebtedness, included but not limited to indebtedness evidenced by notes or capital leases, of Maker other than the amounts loaned pursuant to this Note; or
(h) Any money judgment, writ or warrant of attachment, or similar process involving, either individually or in the aggregate, an amount in excess of $100,000, and in either case not adequately covered by insurance as to which the insurance company has acknowledged coverage, shall be entered or filed against Maker or its assets and shall remain undischarged, unvacated, unbonded or unstayed for a period of thirty (30) days or in any event later than five (5) days prior to the date of any proposed sale thereunder.
If an Event of Default specified in Section 4(e) hereof occurs and is continuing, the principal amount of the Indebtedness, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, shall automatically become and be immediately due and payable, without any declaration or other act on the part of Payee.
5. Acceleration . Upon an Event of Default, the Lender may give written notice to the Maker of the occurrence of such Event of Default and Maker shall have the shorter of (i) thirty (30) days or (ii) such remedy period as set forth in the applicable provisions of Sections 4(a) through (h) inclusive within which to cure such Event of Default. If the Event of Default is not cured within the applicable cure period, then, at the option of the Payee, Payee may declare the Maker in default (a Default) and all sums due hereunder shall become immediately due and
2
payable. Payee, by notice thereof to Maker, may rescind an acceleration and its consequences if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived in writing.
Any written notification from Payee to Maker hereunder shall be deemed to be written notification of an Event of Default, or Default, or rescission of Acceleration (as provided above), respectively, only if such notification, communication or other election shall (a) be clearly and distinctly identified as such a Notice of Event of Default, Notice of Default, or Notice of Rescission of Acceleration, respectively, and (b) be given by certified mail, return receipt requested or overnight delivery requiring acknowledgement of receipt, and any communication between the parties not so designated and delivered shall not be construed or deemed to be effective notice under this Agreement.
6. Waivers . The Maker hereby waives presentment, demand for payment, notice of dishonor and any and all other notices or demands in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of this Note and hereby consents to any waivers or modifications that may be granted or consented to by the Payee of this Note. No waiver by the Payee or any breach of any covenant of the Maker herein contained or any term or condition hereof shall be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or of any other covenant, term or condition whatsoever.
7. Enforcement . In the event that any Payee of this Note shall institute any action for the enforcement or the collection of this Note, there shall be immediately due and payable, in addition to the unpaid balance of this Note, all late charges, and all costs and expenses of such action including reasonable attorneys fees. The Maker waives the right to interpose any setoff, counterclaim or defense of any nature or description whatsoever.
8. Replacement of Note . Upon receipt by the Maker of evidence satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note, and (in case of loss, theft or destruction) of an indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it, and upon reimbursement to the Make of all reasonable expenses incidental thereto, and upon surrender and cancellation of this Note if mutilated, the Maker will make and delivery a new Note of like tenor in lieu of this Note.
9. Amendments . This Note may not be changed, modified, amended, or terminated except by a writing duly executed by the Maker and the Payee.
10. Governing Law . This Note shall be governed by, construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
11. Assignment . This Note may not be assigned, in whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise, by the Maker without the prior written consent of the Payee in its sole and absolute discretion, and an purported assignment without the express prior written consent of the Payee shall be void ab initio. The Payee may assign any or all of its rights and interests hereunder to any party. Subject to the foregoing, this Note shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the successors and assigns of the Payee and the Maker.
3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Maker has executed this Amended and Restated Secured Promissory Note by its duly authorized officers as of the 30 TH day of January, 2004.
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC. | ||||
By: | ||||
|
||||
Name: | ||||
|
||||
Title: | ||||
|
4
Exhibit 10.38
AMENDED AND RESTATED
PROMISSORY NOTE
$7,600,000.00 | January 26, 2004 |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Acceris Communications Inc., formerly known as I-Link Incorporated (the Maker) promises to pay to Counsel Corporation, an Ontario corporation, or its assigns (the Payee), in the lawful money of the United States of America (Dollars or $) the principal sum of Seven Million Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($7,600,000) funded from time to time by Payee to Maker, together with interest thereon as set forth herein, on or before the Maturity Date as provided below and in accordance with the provisions of that certain Loan Agreement dated as of January 26, 2004, between the Maker and Payee as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated, the Loan Agreement. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Loan Agreement.
1. Interest . The outstanding principal amount of this Promissory Note (the Note), evidencing advances to the Maker by Payee in November 2003 and December 2003 in the aggregate principal amount of Five Million Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($5,600,000) and an advance on January 26, 2004 in the principal amount of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000), together with unpaid interest (the Indebtedness), shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum commencing on the date funded as to principal hereunder, which interest shall accrue and be compounded quarterly and shall result in a corresponding increase in the principal amount of the Indebtedness. This Note supersedes and replaces the Note dated as of October 1, 2003 in the principal amount of Five Million Six Hundred Thousand Dollars issued by Maker to Payee.
2. Time and Place of Payment . The Indebtedness shall be due and payable in full on June 30, 2005 (the Maturity Date); provided, however, the Maturity Date shall be accelerated to the date ten (10) calendar days following closing under or conclusion of each occurrence of (a) the sale or sales by Maker to a third party unrelated to Payee of the Buyers United, Inc. Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and/or the common stock into which such stock is convertible owned by Maker and held by Payee as security for the performance by Maker hereunder pursuant to the Stock Pledge Agreement between the Maker and Payee (as hereinafter defined), or any portion thereof (a BUI Sale) or (b) an equity investment or investments in Maker by a third party unrelated to Payee through the capital markets, whether pursuant to a registered offering or unregistered offering or other transaction (an Equity Investment); provided, further, however, that the Maturity Date shall be accelerated with respect only to the portion of the unpaid Indebtedness equal to the net amount received by Maker from any such BUI Sale or any such Equity Investment. The Maker may from time to time, in its discretion, make one or more periodic payments of Indebtedness to the Payee. All amounts due hereunder are payable in Dollars in immediately payable funds at the Payees principal office (or at such other office of the Payee as may be designated from time to time in writing by the Payee) for the account of the Payee, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the due date therefor. If any payment on or with respect to this Note becomes due and payable on a Saturday, Sunday, or any other day on which commercial banks are required or authorized by law or regulation to be closed in New
York City, such amount shall be payable on the next succeeding day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are so required or authorized to be closed.
3. The Indebtedness, including that portion of the Indebtedness represented by this Note, is secured pursuant to that Amended and Restated Stock Pledge Agreement between the Maker and Payee dated as of January 26, 2004, executed and delivered concurrent herewith as the same has been amended, modified, extended or restated, the Stock Pledge Agreement.
4. Events of Default . The occurrence of any of the following events or conditions shall constitute an event of default (each an Event of Default):
(a) Maker shall fail to pay any of the Indebtedness pursuant to terms of this Note;
(b) Maker shall fail to comply with any term, obligation, covenant, or condition contained in any agreement between Maker and Payee (each, an Agreement);
(c) Any warranty or representation made to Payee by Maker under any Agreement proves to have been false when made or furnished;
(d) If Maker voluntarily files a petition under the federal Bankruptcy Act, as such Act may from time to time be amended, or under any similar or successor federal statute relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, arrangements or reorganizations, or under any state bankruptcy or insolvency act, or files an answer in an involuntary proceeding admitting insolvency or inability to pay debts, or if Maker is adjudged a bankrupt, or if a trustee or receiver is appointed for Makers property, or if Maker makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or if there is an attachment, receivership, execution or other judicial seizure, then Payee may, at Payees option, declare all of the Indebtedness to be immediately due and payable without prior notice to Maker, and Payee may invoke any remedies permitted by this Note. Any attorneys fees and other expenses incurred by Payee in connection with Makers bankruptcy or any of the other events described in this Section 4 shall be additional Indebtedness of Maker secured by this Note;
(e) There exists a material breach by Maker under (or a termination by any party of) a material contract of Maker (for purposes of this Section 4 a material contract shall mean any contract resulting in revenues of in excess of $10,000 per annum);
(f) Maker is in default under any funded indebtedness, including but not limited to indebtedness evidenced by notes or capital leases, of Maker other than the amounts loaned pursuant to this Note; or
(g) If Makers business undergoes a material adverse change in Payees reasonable opinion.
If an Event of Default specified in Section 4(d) hereof occurs and is continuing, the principal amount of the Indebtedness, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, shall automatically become and be immediately due and payable, without any declaration or other act on the part of Payee.
5. Acceleration . Upon an Event of Default, the Payee may give written notice to the Maker of the occurrence of such Event of Default and Maker shall have the shorter of (i) thirty (30) days or (ii) such remedy period as set forth in the applicable provisions of Section 4 within which to cure such Event of Default. If the Event of Default is not cured within the applicable
2
cure period, then, at the option of the Payee, Payee may declare the Maker in default (a Default) and all sums due hereunder shall become immediately due and payable.
Any written notification from Payee to Maker hereunder shall be deemed to be written notification of an Event of Default, or Default, or rescission of Acceleration (as provided below), respectively, only if such notification, communication or other election shall (a) be clearly and distinctly identified as such a Notice of Event of Default, Notice of Default, or Notice of Rescission of Acceleration, respectively, and (b) be given by certified mail, return receipt requested or overnight delivery requiring acknowledgement of receipt, and any communication between the parties not so designated and delivered shall not be construed or deemed to be effective notice under this Section 5.
6. Waivers . The Maker hereby waives presentment, demand for payment, notice of dishonor and any and all other notices or demands in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of this Note and hereby consents to any waivers or modifications that may be granted or consented to by the Payee of this Note. No waiver by the Payee or any breach of any covenant of the Maker herein contained or any term or condition hereof shall be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or of any other covenant, term or condition whatsoever.
7. Enforcement . In the event that Payee of this Note shall institute any action for the enforcement or the collection of this Note, there shall be immediately due and payable, in addition to the unpaid balance of this Note, all late charges, and all costs and expenses of such action including reasonable attorneys fees. The Maker waives the right to interpose any setoff, counterclaim or defense of any nature or description whatsoever.
8. Replacement of Note . Upon receipt by the Maker of evidence satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note, and (in case of loss, theft or destruction) of an indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it, and upon reimbursement to the Make of all reasonable expenses incidental thereto, and upon surrender and cancellation of this Note if mutilated, the Maker will make and deliver a new Note of like tenor in lieu of this Note.
9. Amendments . This Note may not be changed, modified, amended, or terminated except by a writing duly executed by the Maker and the Payee.
10. Governing Law . This Note shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
11. Assignment . This Note may not be assigned, in whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise, by the Maker without the prior written consent of the Payee in its sole and absolute discretion, and any purported assignment without the express prior written consent of the Payee shall be void ab initio. The Payee may assign any or all of its rights and interests hereunder to any party. Subject to the foregoing, this Note shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the successors and assigns of the Payee and the Maker.
[See attached Signature Page]
3
Signature Page
to Amended and Restated Promissory Note
dated as of January 26, 2004
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Maker has executed this Amended and Restated Promissory Note by its duly authorized officer as of the 26 th day of January, 2004.
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC. | ||||
|
||||
|
By: | |||
|
|
|||
|
Name: | |||
|
|
|||
|
Title: | |||
|
|
4
Exhibit 10.39
AMENDED AND RESTATED
LOAN AGREEMENT
This Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of January 30, 2004 ( Loan Agreement ) is entered into by Acceris Communications Inc., formerly known as I-Link Incorporated, a Florida corporation ( Acceris ) and Counsel Corporation (US), a Delaware corporation ( CCUS ).
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement dated August 29, 2003 (the Settlement Agreement ), between Counsel Communications, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( CCOM ) and Winter Harbor, LLC ( Winter Harbor ) as supplemented and amended by Agreement dated as of October 23, 2003 (the Supplemental Agreement ) Winter Harbor assigned as of August 29, 2003 (the Effective Date ) to CCOM (the Assignment ) all of its rights with respect to the One Million Nine Hundred Ninety-Eight Thousand Six Hundred Thirty One and 24/100ths ($1,998,631.24) drawn down pursuant to the Letter of Credit issued November 3, 1998 to secure certain obligations of Acceris together with any accrued interest thereon (the Assigned LC Debt ); and
WHEREAS, CCOM has assigned all of its rights in respect of the Indebtedness (as hereinafter defined) to CCUS as of the Effective Date; and
WHEREAS, CCUS has provided financing in the form of the Assigned LC Debt and desires to provide additional financing to Acceris from time to time and both CCUS and Acceris believe that it is in their mutual interest to enter into this Loan Agreement; and
In consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. Periodic Loans . From and after the Effective Date through and until the termination of the Term (as hereinafter defined) CCUS may make periodic loans to Acceris hereunder. However, nothing contained herein shall be construed as an obligation on the part of CCUS to make any future advances. Similarly, nothing contained herein alters any obligation on the part of CCUS and/or understanding of the parties pursuant to any other arrangement. Acceris agrees to execute and deliver a promissory note substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, evidencing its obligation to repay advances hereunder (any such promissory note, the Note). Any funds advanced by CCUS to Acceris hereunder during the Term or otherwise subject hereof, including the assigned LC Debt (the Indebtedness ) shall bear interest at a rate equal to ten percent (10%) per annum from the date thereof and shall be governed by this Agreement. Interest shall accrue and be compounded quarterly and shall result in a corresponding increase in the principal amount of the Indebtedness.
CCUS and Acceris acknowledge and agree that (a) as of the Effective Date Acceris owed to CCUS the Assigned LC Debt in the principal sum of Two Million Five Hundred Seventy-
1
Seven Thousand Seventy and 00/l00ths Dollars ($2,577,070.00), including interest thereon at a rate equal to ten percent (10%) per annum to and including August 29, 2003 evidenced by the Promissory Note issued by Acceris as of the Effective Date, and (b) that on December 3, 2003 CCUS advanced the sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) to Acceris evidenced by the Promissory Note issued by Acceris as of the date hereof.
2. Payments of Principal and Interest . All borrowings hereunder, together with any interest thereon, shall be due and payable to CCUS in one installment on June 30, 2005 (the Maturity Date ). Interest shall accrue and be compounded quarterly and shall result in a corresponding increase in the principal amount of the Indebtedness.
3. Prepayments . The Indebtedness may be voluntarily prepaid in whole or in part without premium or penalty at any time and from time to time. In making a prepayment in whole, Acceris shall pay all accrued interest through the date of such prepayment.
4. Payment on Business Days . If any payment of principal or interest on the Note shall become due on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, such payment may be made on the next succeeding business day, and such extension of time in such case shall be included in the computation of interest in connection with such payment.
5. Form of Payment . All payments made pursuant to the terms of this Loan Agreement shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America and shall be payable to CCUS in Toronto, Ontario or at such other place as CCUS shall have designated to Acceris in writing.
6. Term . The term of this Agreement (the Term) shall commence on the Effective Date and shall terminate on the Maturity Date.
7. Events of Default . When any of the following events or conditions (each an Event of Default ), other than the Event of Default in Section 7(d) occurs and is continuing, Payee may give written notice of Event of Default thereof to Acceris and Acceris shall have thirty (30) days after receipt of such written notice within which to cure such Event of Default. If the Event of Default is not cured within the thirty (30) days, then CCUS may, at its option, elect to declare Acceris to be in default (a Default ):
(a) Acceris shall fail to pay any of the Indebtedness pursuant to terms of this Loan Agreement;
(b) Acceris fails to comply with any term, obligation, covenant, or condition contained in this Loan Agreement;
(c) Any warranty or representation made to CCUS by Acceris under this Loan Agreement or proves to have been false when made or furnished;
(d) If Acceris voluntarily files a petition under the federal Bankruptcy Act, as such Act may from time to time be amended, or under any similar or successor federal statute relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, arrangements or reorganizations, or under any state bankruptcy or insolvency act, or files an answer in an involuntary proceeding admitting insolvency or inability
2
to pay debts, or if Acceris is adjudged a bankrupt, or if a trustee or receiver is appointed for Acceris property, or if Acceris makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or if there is an attachment, receivership, execution or other judicial seizure, then CCUS may, at CCUSs option, declare all of the Indebtedness to be immediately due and payable without prior notice to Acceris, and CCUS may invoke any remedies permitted by this Agreement. Any attorneys fees and other expenses incurred by CCUS in connection with Acceris bankruptcy or any of the other events described in this Section shall be additional Indebtedness of Acceris secured by this Agreement.
(e) There exists a material breach by Acceris under (or a termination by any party of) a material contract of Acceris (for purposes of this Section 7 a material contract shall mean any contract resulting in revenues or in excess of $10,000 per annum);
(f) Acceris is in default under any funded indebtedness, including but not limited to indebtedness evidenced by notes or capital leases, of Acceris other than the amounts loaned pursuant to this Loan Agreement; or
(g) If Acceris business undergoes a material adverse change in CCUSs reasonable opinion.
If an Event of Default specified in Section 7(d) hereof occurs and is continuing, the principal amount of the Indebtedness, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, shall automatically become and be immediately due and payable, without any declaration or other act on the part of CCUS.
Any written notification from CCUS to Acceris hereunder shall be deemed to be written notification of an Event of Default, or Default, or rescission of acceleration (as provided below), respectively, only if such notification, communication or other election shall (a) be clearly and distinctly identified as such a Notice of Event of Default, Notice of Default, or Notice of Rescission of Acceleration, respectively, and (b) be given by certified mail, return receipt requested or overnight delivery requiring acknowledgement of receipt, and any communication between the parties not so designated and delivered shall not be construed or deemed to be effective notice under this Section 7.
8. Acceleration . At the option of CCUS, upon a Default, all sums due hereunder shall become immediately due and payable. CCUS, by notice thereof to Acceris, may rescind an acceleration and its consequences if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived in writing.
9. Forbearance by CCUS . Any forbearance by CCUS in exercising any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise afforded by applicable law, shall not be a waiver of or preclude the exercise of any right or remedy.
10. Collection Expenses . If at any time the Indebtedness evidenced by this Loan Agreement is collected through legal proceedings or the Note, or any such Note, is placed in the hands of attorneys for collection, Acceris and each endorser hereof hereby jointly and severally agree to pay all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees) incurred by the holder of this Loan Agreement in collecting or attempting to collect such Indebtedness.
3
11. Waivers . To the extent permitted by law, except as otherwise provided herein, Acceris, and its respective successors and assigns, hereby severally waives presentment; protest and demand; notice of protest, demand, dishonor and nonpayment; diligence in collection, and any relief whatever from the valuation or appraisement laws of any state.
12. Choice of Law . This Loan Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York with the exception of the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.
13. Assignment . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the parties and their respective successors and assigns. This Agreement may not be assigned by Acceris without the prior written consent of CCUS.
14. Headings . The headings and captions in this Agreement are included for purposes of convenience only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of any of its provisions.
15. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute on and the same instrument.
[See attached signature page]
4
Signature page
to
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement
dated as of January 30, 2004
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Acceris and CCUS have executed this Amended and Restated Loan Agreement as of the date and year first above written.
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC. | ||||||
|
||||||
|
By: | |||||
|
||||||
|
Name: | |||||
|
|
|||||
|
Its | |||||
|
|
|||||
|
||||||
COUNSEL CORPORATION (US) | ||||||
|
||||||
|
By: | |||||
|
||||||
|
Name: | |||||
|
|
|||||
|
Its | |||||
|
|
5
EXHIBIT A
NOTE
|
, 2004 | |
$
|
San Diego, California |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Florida corporation formerly known as I-Link Incorporated (the Maker ) hereby promises to pay to the order of COUNSEL CORPORATION (US), a Delaware corporation (the Payee ) in immediately available funds, on or before the Maturity Date, the principal sum of Dollars ($ ), pursuant to the Loan Agreement, as that term is defined below, together with interest thereon as provided herein. All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Loan Agreement (as defined below).
1. Loan Agreement . The unpaid principal balance of this Note shall bear interest at the rate and in the manner determined in accordance with the provisions of that certain Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of January 23, 2004, between the Maker and the Payee (as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated, the Loan Agreement ), the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference.
2. Address for Payments . All payments made hereunder shall be paid in lawful money of the United States of America at Payees business address, or at such other place as the Payee may at any time or from time to time designate in writing to the Maker.
3. Severability . If any part of this Note is declared invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the remainder of this Note, which shall continue in full force and effect. Any provision that is invalid or unenforceable in any application shall remain in full force and effect as to valid applications.
4. Notices . All notices which are required or permitted hereunder shall be given by first class mail, to be confirmed by telephone.
5. Governing Law . This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York with the exception of the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.
6. Authority . The party executing this Note for and on behalf of Maker warrants and represents that he has full power and authority to bind Maker for the uses and purposes as in this Note contained.
7. Waivers.
(a) Maker hereby waives and renounces, for itself and all its successors and assigns, all right to the benefit of any moratorium, reinstatement, marshalling, forbearance, valuation, stay, extension, redemption, appraisement, exemption and homestead now provided or which hereafter may be provided by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America and of any state thereof, as to itself and in and to all of its property, real and personal, against the enforcement and collection of the Indebtedness evidenced by this Note.
(b) Presentment for payment, demand, protest and notice of demand, notice of dishonor and notice of nonpayment and all other notices are hereby waived by Maker.
8. Prohibition on Assignment . Maker shall not give, grant, bargain, sell, transfer, assign, convey or deliver this Note or any of its obligations hereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Maker has executed this Note as of the date and year first above written.
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC. | ||||||
|
||||||
|
By: | |||||
|
||||||
|
Its | |||||
|
|
Exhibit 10.40
THIRD AMENDMENT
TO
SENIOR CONVERTIBLE LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
THIS THIRD AMENDMENT TO SENIOR CONVERTIBLE LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of November 19, 2003, by and between I-Link Incorporated, a Florida corporation (the Borrower ) and Counsel Corporation, an Ontario corporation (Counsel Corp), and Counsel Capital Corporation, an Ontario corporation (Counsel Capital), (collectively hereinafter referred to as the Parties ).
WHEREAS , Counsel Communications, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( CCOM ) having assigned ninety percent (90%) of its right title and interests in the Loan Agreement (as hereinafter defined) subject to the Amended Debt Restructuring Agreement (as hereinafter defined) on October 31, 2001, to Counsel Corp and ten percent (10%) of its right, title and interests to Counsel Capital (hereinafter Counsel Corp and Counsel Capital collectively referred to as the Lender" ); and
WHEREAS , the Borrower and the Lender are Parties to a Senior Convertible Loan and Security Agreement, dated March 1, 2001 as amended by the First and Second Amendments to Senior Convertible Loan and Security Agreement, dated May 8, 2001 and March 1, 2003 (collectively the Loan Agreement ) and subject of the Amended and Restated Debt Restructuring Agreement dated October 15, 2002 between Borrower, Counsel Corporation (US), a Delaware corporation, and CCOM (the Amended Debt Restructuring Agreement ); and
WHEREAS, the Parties, inter alia, desire to amend the Loan Agreement effective as of July 1, 2003 (the Effective Date ) as provided herein.
NOW, THEREFORE , for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Extension of Maturity Date . Effective as of the Effective Date, Section 4 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
Section 4. Term . This Agreement shall be effective from the date hereof and shall terminate on June 30, 2005, unless terminated earlier pursuant to the default provisions of this Agreement (the Maturity Date ). Principal and interest shall be due and payable on the Maturity Date. |
2. Modification of Periodic Finance Charges . Effective as of the Effective Date, Section 2 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
Section 2. Periodic Finance Charges . All principal and interest then outstanding shall bear interest as a rate of 9.0% per annum (based on a 360 day year), compounded quarterly and shall result in a corresponding increase in the principal amount of the Note. All past due principal and accrued interest on this Note shall bear interest from the Maturity Date (whether at scheduled maturity, upon acceleration of maturity following a Default (as defined below) or otherwise) until paid at the lesser of (i) the rate of 18% per annum or (ii) the highest rate for which Borrower may legally contract under applicable |
law.All payments hereunder shall be payable in lawful money of the United States of America which shall be legal tender for public and private debts at the time of payments. |
3. Modification of Default . Effective as of the Effective Date, Section 19 of the Loan Agreement is amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
Section 19. Events of Default . When any of the following events or conditions (each an Event of Default) occurs, Payee may give written notice of Event of Default to Maker and Maker shall have thirty (30) days after receipt of such written notice within which to cure such Event of Default. If the Event of Default is not cured within the thirty (30) days, then the Lender may, at its option, elect to declare Borrower to be in default (a Default ):
(a) The Borrower shall fail to pay any of the Secured Obligations pursuant to terms of this Agreement;
(b) The Borrower fails to comply with any term, obligation, covenant, or condition contained in this Agreement;
(c) Any warranty or representation made to the Lender by the Borrower under this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents proves to have been false when made or furnished;
(d) If the Borrower voluntarily files a petition under the federal Bankruptcy Act, as such Act may from time to time be amended, or under any similar or successor federal statute relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, arrangements or reorganizations, or under any state bankruptcy or insolvency act, or files an answer in an involuntary proceeding admitting insolvency or inability to pay debts, or if the Borrower is adjudged a bankrupt, or if a trustee or receiver is appointed for the Borrowers property, or if the Collateral becomes subject to the jurisdiction of a federal bankruptcy court or similar state court, or if the Borrower makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or if there is an attachment, receivership, execution or other judicial seizer, then the Lender may, at the Lenders option, declare all of the sums secured by this Agreement to be immediately due and payable without prior notice to the Borrower, and the Lender may invoke any remedies permitted by this Agreement. Any attorneys fees and other expenses incurred by the Lender in connection with the Borrowers bankruptcy or any of the other events described in this Section shall be additional indebtedness of the Borrower secured by this Agreement.
(e) There exists a material breach by the Borrower under (or a termination by any party of) a material contract of the Borrower with the exception of that certain Cooperation and Framework Agreement with Red Cube International AG (for purposes of this Section 19(e) a material contract shall mean any contract resulting in revenues or in excess of $10,000 per annum);
(f) Borrower is in default under any funded indebtedness, including but not limited to indebtedness evidenced by notes or capital leases, of Borrower other than the amounts loaned pursuant to this Agreement;
(g) If Borrower breaches any material terms contained in any of the Ancillary Documents, including, but not limited to, Borrowers obligation to perform any of its covenants respecting board representation and corporate governance;
(h) If Borrowers business undergoes a material adverse change in Lenders reasonable opinion;
(i) Any levy, seizure, attachment, lien, or encumbrance of or on the collateral which is not discharged by the Borrower within 10 days or, any sale, transfer, or disposition of any interest in the Collateral, other than in the ordinary course of business, without the written consent of the Lender; or
(j) If at the end of any month (beginning with the calculation at the end of April 2001), Cumulative Negative Cash Flow (as defined herein) exceeds 120% of the forecasted
2
amount for such month, as revised from time to time to reflect events outside of the ordinary course of business. For purposes of this Agreement, Cumulative Negative Cash Flow means the cumulative negative cash flow for such month as set forth in the base financial model made available to Lender (such model to be amended from time to time hereafter upon mutual agreement of Borrower and Lender).
Any written notification from Lender to Borrower hereunder shall be deemed to be written notification of an Event of Default, or Default, or rescission of Acceleration (as provided below), respectively, only if such notification, communication or other election shall (a) be clearly and distinctly identified as such a Notice of Event of Default, Notice of Default, or Notice of Rescission of Acceleration, respectively, and (b) be given by certified mail, return receipt requested or overnight delivery requiring acknowledgement of receipt, and any communication between the parties not so designated and delivered shall not be construed or deemed to be notice under this Section 19.
4. Acceleration . Section 20 of the Loan Agreement is amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
Section 20. Acceleration. At the option of the Lender, upon a Default, all sums due hereunder shall become immediately due and payable. Lender, by notice thereof (a Notice of Rescission of Acceleration) to the Borrower, may rescind an acceleration and its consequences if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived in writing. |
5. Rights of Secured Parties . References in Section 21 of the Loan Agreement to Event of Default are hereby modified to read Default.
6. Effect on Loan Agreement and Loan Note. This Third Amendment is not intended, nor shall it be construed, as a modification or termination of the Amended Debt Restructuring Agreement. Except as expressly provided herein, the Loan Agreement and the Loan Note annexed thereto are hereby ratified and confirmed and remain in full force and effect in accordance with their respective terms. Lender and CCOM confirm that no Default under the Loan Agreement or Loan Note has occurred from October 15, 2002 to the date hereof and in the interest of specificity and clarity, Lender and CCOM agree with Borrower that they and each of them waive forever any prior Event of Default which may have occurred during such period.
[See attached signature page]
3
Signature page
to
Third Amendment to Senior Convertible Loan and Security Agreement
dated as of November 19, 2003
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Borrower and the Lender have executed this Third Amendment as the date first set forth above.
I-LINK INCORPORATED | ||||
By: | ||||
|
||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
COUNSEL CORPORATION | ||||
By: | ||||
|
||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
COUNSEL CAPITAL CORPORATION | ||||
By: | ||||
|
||||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
4
Exhibit 14
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Acceris Communications Inc., and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as Acceris or the Company) are committed to conducting the Companys business in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, honesty in our business dealings, prudent use of our assets and resources, sound growth and achievement of business objectives and fair treatment of our employees. We are committed to achieving and maintaining the highest level of integrity and ethics in our dealings with our employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders and the public. For the purposes of these business and ethical conduct standards (Standards), the Company considers its officers, directors, employees, agents and consultants to be Employees and each an Employee.
As Employees, we are responsible for fully implementing the business practices and corporate policies of Acceris. These Standards are presented to govern the conduct of all our Employees. The Standards are directed to all Acceris Employees as well as our business alliance partners.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
It is very important that every Employee avoid any situation which involves a conflict with his/her duty to the Company and the interests of the Company and its shareholders. We expect our Employees to exercise good judgment, honesty and high ethical standards at all times. Adherence to these Standards should prevent the occurrence of conflicts of interest. Employees should be particularly sensitive to possible conflicts with suppliers, brokers or any vendors which could arise from engaging in business dealings with, or accepting gifts or compensation from, others. If the Employee is in doubt, the Corporate Secretary should be consulted. The Corporate Secretary and the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors are identified in the Key Contact Section of this handbook. Should questions arise regarding the appropriate handling of your responsibilities under this Code of Conduct, please contact either of these persons; and, definitely, contact the Chairman of the Audit Committee if and whenever you have concerns about the prompt and responsive handling of any matter of concern to you.
Playing favorites or having conflicts of interest, in practice or appearance, runs counter to the fair treatment to which we are all entitled. Each Employee should avoid any relationship, influence or activity that might impair, or have the appearance of impairing, his/her ability to make objective and fair decisions when performing his/her job. Conflict of interest laws and regulations must be fully and carefully observed. When in doubt, review Company policies and procedures, and share the facts of the situation with the Corporate Secretary.
Here are some ways a conflict of interest could arise:
| Employment by a competitor or potential competitor, regardless of the nature of the employment, while employed by the Company. | ||
| Acceptance of gifts, cash or in kind, from those seeking to do business with the Company. |
| Placement of business with a firm owned or controlled by an Employee or his/her family. | ||
| Ownership of, or substantial interest in, a company which is a competitor of or a supplier to the Company. | ||
| Acting as a consultant to a Company customer or supplier without the Companys express prior written approval. Approval is required for any Employees services as director, officer, employee, or consultant to any company which is a supplier or a customer having business dealings with Acceris. |
In order to preserve the Companys reputation for honesty and integrity, the management of our Company must be advised of any matters which might be considered sensitive. Any such notification should be addressed to the Corporate Secretary. Each Employee has a duty to ensure that proprietary information relating to the Company or any entity or person with which the Company does business is not disclosed to anyone without proper authorization. Every Employee has a duty to keep proprietary documents protected and secure, particularly when dealing with suppliers, customers and competitors.
FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Companys senior financial officers (e.g., principal financial officer, comptroller, principal accounting officer and any person performing similar functions) as well as any person whose responsibilities include financial reporting duties (Finance Personnel) have a heightened obligation to perform their duties in a diligent, honest and ethical manner. This duty of honesty extends to the full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure of information relating to the Companys financial condition and results of operation in its periodic reports and compliance with all applicable government rules and regulations. The primary responsibility for financial reporting, internal control, and compliance with laws, regulation, and ethics rests with executive management.
If Finance Personnel discover, or have reason to believe, that there is an actual or potential conflict of interest between their personal and professional relationships, they must report this information in a prompt fashion to the Corporate Secretary or the Companys Audit Committee. Examples of information which should be reported include but are not limited to: (i) internal control deficiencies such as failure to conduct quarterly reviews of those controls, or control overrides (such as situations in which Company officials responsible for a certain function have avoided performing such function or their decisions are overridden); (ii) fraud by management or by Employees with significant roles in financial reporting or internal controls (regardless of materiality); (iii) utilization of proprietary Company information by Company and non-Company personnel for the benefit of persons or entities other than the Company; and (iv) provision of non-auditing services by the Companys auditors without the prior consent of the Companys Audit Committee.
The Companys Audit Committee has important oversight responsibilities that relate to the Companys financial reporting, internal controls, compliance with applicable laws and regulations and Company ethics. In this capacity, the Audit Committee has the power to authorize investigations that are within the scope of its responsibilities, including conducting
2
interviews or discussions with Employees and other persons whose views may be helpful to them. In its oversight capacity, the Audit Committee also monitors internal control processes by reviewing reports issued by external auditors and other information to gain reasonable assurance that the Company is in compliance with pertinent laws and regulations, is conducting its affairs ethically, and is maintaining effective controls against conflict of interest and fraud. If you have any concerns regarding the Companys financial reporting, internal controls, compliance with applicable laws and regulations and compliance of Company Employees with this Code of Conduct, you should contact the Corporate Secretary or the Chairman of the Audit Committee directly.
GIFTS, GRATUITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT
Customer and Supplier Personnel
The purchase of supplies, materials and services from vendors, suppliers and subcontractors must be accomplished in a fair and nondiscriminatory process based solely on quality, performance, price and customer criteria (in cases where purchases are made for customers).
Acceris specifically prohibits offering, attempting to give, soliciting or receiving any form of bribe or kickback. These are criminal acts. Since the mere receipt of a request to engage in such activity may be a reportable event under the law, all Employees should immediately seek advice from the Corporate Secretary if any such request is received. Similarly, any dealings with affiliated persons of the Company or of any officer of the Company must be reviewed by the Corporate Secretary. No transaction may be effected with an affiliated person or entity absent the written approval of the Audit Committee.
Government Personnel
No Employee may give federal, state or local government employees any meal, beverage, gift or form of entertainment regardless of value with the following exceptions:
| Promotional items which have a retail value of less than $25.00 and which contain the Companys name or logo may be offered without violating this Code of Conduct; | ||
| Employees may also provide (i) modest items of food and refreshments offered other than as part of a meal (such as soft drinks, coffee and doughnuts) to employees of federal executive agencies other than uniformed services; and (ii) greeting cards and items with little intrinsic value such as plaques, certificates and trophies, which are intended solely for presentation. | ||
| Employees may socially entertain relatives or personal friends employed by government agencies. It should be clear, however, that such entertainment is not related to the Companys business. Expenditures for such non-business entertainment are not reimbursable by the Company to the Employee. |
3
Employees may not make loans, guarantee loans or make payments to or on behalf of federal, state or local government employees. Anyone with questions regarding this section should contact the Corporate Secretary. The making of gifts that exceed these limits is a violation of the Code of Conduct and other policies.
Non-Government Personnel
Furnishing meals, refreshments, modest gifts/honorariums (see below) and entertainment in conjunction with business discussions with non-government personnel is a commonly accepted business practice. Acceris permits its Employees, within reason, to engage in such practices. The furnishing of meals, refreshments or entertainment and the making of modest gifts/honorariums, however, should not violate good common sense and the standards of conduct of the recipients organization, and must be consistent with past practices and standards established from time to time by the Company.
Employees who make, and supervisors who approve, expenditures for meals, refreshments or entertainment, must use discretion and care to ensure that such expenditures are in the proper course of business and cannot reasonably be construed as bribes or improper inducements.
Modest gifts/honorariums should only be given in order to commemorate a specific holiday or special event. In no event should the value of such individual items exceed $75.00 without the prior approval of the Chief Financial Officer. Detailed records of all such gifts and their business purpose should be maintained for at least three years. Employees should at all times be mindful of the need to avoid the appearance of gift giving for the purpose of inducing favorable treatment.
Employees may accept meals, refreshments or entertainment in connection with business discussions, provided , that they are not excessive as to cost or frequency. It is the personal responsibility of every Employee to ensure that his/her acceptance of such meals, refreshments or entertainment is within prevailing Company Standards and could not reasonably be construed as an attempt by the offering party to secure favorable treatment or create an appearance of impropriety.
Employees may not accept gifts, including travel and accommodations, which have a retail or exchange value of $75.00 or more from an individual or firm doing or seeking to do business with the Company. Exceptions may be granted on an individual basis; however, Employees must immediately report the gift to their supervisor and the Corporate Secretary and request a waiver of this rule.
In any circumstance where an Employee is offered meals, refreshments, entertainment or gifts and the offering may create an appearance of impropriety, regardless of the value thereof, the Employee should disclose the offering to his/her supervisor and the Corporate Secretary in writing.
Except for loans by recognized banks and financial institutions which are available generally at market rates and terms, no Employee or member of his/her family may accept any loan, guarantee of loan or payment from an individual or firm doing or seeking to do business with Acceris; nor is it permissible to accept any service, accommodation or travel of any value whatsoever, unless the primary purpose of such is the performance of the Companys business.
4
Gifts or Payments to Foreign Officials
Acceris will scrupulously adhere to the letter and spirit of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits, among other things, giving money or items of value to a foreign official or instrumentality for the purpose of influencing a foreign government. The Act further prohibits giving money or items of value to any person or firm, such as a consultant or marketing representative, when there is a reason to believe that it will be passed on to a foreign government official for this purpose. All questions concerning compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act should be referred to the Corporate Secretary.
Gifts or Payments in General
| All approved expenditures for meals, refreshments and entertainment must be fully documented and recorded on the books of the Company in strict compliance with established policies and procedures. | ||
| Employees are required to report to their supervisors any instance in which they are offered money, gifts which have retail or exchange value of $75.00 or more or anything else of value by a supplier or prospective supplier to Acceris. | ||
| Laws and regulations pertaining to entertainment, gifts and payments may be and are complicated. Questions regarding interpretations of specific policies should be submitted to the Corporate Secretary. |
ANTITRUST
The antitrust laws of the United States are calculated to promote free and open competition. It is incumbent upon Employees to seek guidance and instructions from supervisors, and if necessary, from the Corporate Secretary whenever any questions relating to their compliance with those laws and regulations arise. All Employees are expected to conduct themselves in a manner designed to promote the Companys compliance with the antitrust laws, and no Employee shall discuss with any competitor: prices or terms of sale; division of territories or markets; allocation of customers; or boycotts of customers or suppliers.
5
INTEGRITY OF COMPANY RECORDS
Financial Information and Records
To ensure that public companies such as Acceris disclose complete and accurate financial information in their periodic reports, federal securities law requires the Companys CEO and CFO to certify that: (i) they have reviewed each periodic report; (ii) based on their knowledge, there are no materially false statements or material omissions in the subject periodic report; (iii) the report fairly presents the issuers financial condition and results of operations; (iv) the signing officers are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures and have evaluated the effectiveness of those controls as of the date of the report; (v) they have disclosed control deficiencies and any fraud by management or Employees with a significant role in internal controls (regardless of materiality) to the auditors and the Audit Committee; and (vi) they have disclosed any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in internal controls to the Companys auditors. In addition, all annual reports must include an internal control report concerning managements responsibility for establishing and assessing its internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting. It is anticipated that additional requirements may be promulgated in the near future.
It is Company policy to comply with accepted accounting rules and controls at all times. All Company records must accurately reflect the transactions they record. In particular, this policy requires the following:
| No undisclosed or unrecorded fund or asset of the Company shall be established for any purpose; | ||
| No false or misleading entries shall be made in the books or records of the Company for any reason and no Employee shall assist in any arrangement that results in any such entry; | ||
| No payment or expenditure of the Company shall be approved without adequate supporting documentation or made with intention or understanding that any Party of such payment or expenditure is to be used, directly or indirectly, for any purpose other than that expressly described by the supporting documentation; | ||
| Any Employee having information concerning any unrecorded fund or asset or any prohibited act shall promptly report such matter to the Corporate Secretary; | ||
| Medical claims of Employees contain confidential information. Such claims shall be treated in a manner to retain that confidentiality and in a manner consistent with Company policy and procedures; and | ||
| The Companys internal and outside accountants must maintain all audit and review work product for five (5) years from the end of the applicable fiscal period. |
6
In addition, every Employee should be aware that:
| It is a crime, punishable by imprisonment of up to ten (10) years, to knowingly and willfully violate Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 provisions regarding retention of corporate audit records; | ||
| It is a crime, punishable by imprisonment of up to twenty (20) years, to knowingly alter, destroy, conceal, etc. records or documents with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence a federal government investigation or case filed in bankruptcy, or in relation to or contemplation of any such matter or case; | ||
| It is a crime, punishable by imprisonment of up to twenty (20) years, to corruptly alter, destroy, mutilate, or conceal records or documents with the intent to impair their integrity or availability in an official proceeding; or to otherwise obstruct, influence, or impede a proceeding (or attempt to do so); | ||
| It is a crime, punishable by imprisonment of up to ten (10) years, to knowingly, with the intent to retaliate, take any action harmful to a person for providing to a law enforcement officer any truthful information relating to the commission or possible commission of any federal offense. | ||
You should contact the Corporate Secretary should you have any question regarding the foregoing discussion. |
Personnel Records
Personnel records are treated as confidential by the Company, unless otherwise required by law or permission to disclose their contents is given by an Employee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company will confirm length of service and position held (and pay rate, when written permission is given by the Employee) when contacted by a prospective lender to an Employee or by a prospective employer after an Employees separation from the Company.
Information to Customers
It is our Company policy to provide technical information which is as accurate as possible in order to properly guide our own Employees and customers in the sales and use of our products and services. No false or inaccurate data shall knowingly be recorded or used by any Employee. Any Employee having information concerning any such false data being recorded or used shall promptly report such a situation to the Corporate Secretary.
Computer Usage/Software Licensing
It is our Company policy to restrict access to computer databases and electronic mail communications systems to authorized users for business and business-related purposes only. It is the Company policy to maintain compliance with software licensing requirements of our suppliers and vendors.
7
POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
The Company may not make any remuneration of money or offer to do so directly or indirectly to any government official or politician in the United States or abroad for the purpose of influencing such officials or politicians actions. Our Employees are expected not to use Company funds or facilities or services for any political purpose in contravention of this policy.
This policy shall not apply to purely individual contributions by Employees. However, the use of Company funds to fund an Employee contribution, or the reimbursement of an Employee contribution is strictly prohibited.
SECURITIES TRADES BY COMPANY PERSONNEL
Reasons for This Policy Statement
Federal securities regulators are vigorously pursuing violations of insider trading laws. Recent federal legislation has increased the penalties for insider trading and put the onus on companies for violations by their personnel. These policies and procedures covering securities trades by Acceris personnel will help protect the Company and its personnel from potentially severe consequences.
This Policy Statement establishes policies for securities trading for all personnel and also sets forth compliance guidelines for officers and directors to whom special reporting obligations apply. It is intended to avoid even the appearance of improper conduct on the part of anyone employed by or associated with the Company. It is everyones responsibility to maintain the Companys reputation for integrity and ethical conduct.
The Consequences
The consequences of insider trading violations can be severe:
For individuals who trade on insider information (or tip information to others):
| A civil penalty of up to three times the profit gained or loss avoided; | ||
| A criminal fine (no matter how small the profit) of up to $1 million; and | ||
| A jail term of up to ten years. |
For companies (and possibly any supervisory persons) that fail to take appropriate steps to prevent illegal trading:
| A civil penalty of the greater of $1 million or three times the profit gained or loss avoided as a result of the employees violation; and | ||
| A criminal penalty of up to $2.5 million. |
8
In addition, the Securities Enforcement Remedies and Penny Stock Reform Act of 1990 provides the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) with greater enforcement powers, including the ability to go to court and seek significant fines for securities law violations (ranging up to $100,000 for individuals and $500,000 for companies per violation) and to seek its own cease and desist orders in an SEC administrative hearing.
Furthermore, under the so-called short swing profit rules, any profit made by a director or officer through the purchase and sale or sale and purchase, of Company shares occurring within six months, whatever the circumstances, must be paid to the Company.
Moreover, if an employee violates the Companys insider trading policy, he or she may be subject to Company-imposed sanctions, including dismissal for cause.
Acceris Communications Policy
If a director, officer or any other employee has material non-public information relating to the Company, neither that person nor any related person may buy or sell securities of the Company or engage in any other action to take advantage of that information or pass it on to others. This policy also applies to information relating to any other company, including our customers, suppliers or vendors and those with which the Company may be negotiating major transactions, obtained in the course of employment and to trading in the shares of such a customer or supplier. Information that is not material to the Company may nevertheless be material to one of these other companies.
Transactions that may appear justifiable for independent reasons (such as the need to raise money for an emergency) are no exception. Even the appearance of an improper transaction must be avoided to preserve our reputation for adhering to the highest standards of conduct.
Material Information . Material information is any information that a reasonable investor would consider important in a decision to buy, hold or sell stock. In short, any information that could reasonably affect the price of stock should be considered material .
Examples . Information that will likely be regarded as material includes: annual or quarterly financial results; projections of future earnings or losses; a significant change in earnings or earnings projections, news of a proposed merger, acquisition or tender offer; news of a significant purchase or sale of assets or the purchase or disposition of a division or subsidiary; changes in dividend policies or the declaration of a stock split or the offering of additional securities; changes in management; significant new products; impending bankruptcy or financial or liquidity problems; major litigation or regulatory sanctions; and the gain or loss of a substantial customer or supplier. Either positive or negative information may be material.
Benefit of Hindsight . Remember, if your securities transactions become the subject of scrutiny, they will be reviewed after-the-fact with the benefit of hindsight. As a result, before engaging in any transaction you should carefully consider how regulators and others might view your transaction in hindsight.
Transactions By Family Members . The very same restrictions apply to your family members and others living in your household. You are responsible for their compliance.
9
Tipping Information to Others . Whether the information is proprietary information about our Company or information that could affect our stock price, employees must never pass such information on to others. The above penalties may apply regardless of whether or not you derive any benefit from anothers actions. For example, the SEC has imposed a $470,000 penalty on a tipper even though he did not profit from his tippees trading.
Posting material, nonpublic information, or making statements or recommendations based on this information, on any Internet website, electronic bulletin board, Internet message board, Internet chat room, or other similar form of electronic communication, can also constitute tipping under the securities laws. Because of the high potential for improper or premature disclosure of material, nonpublic information posed by these activities and the resulting liability under the securities laws for the employee and the Company, employees may not post any information about the Company, its business plans, its employees or directors, or its customers, suppliers or vendors, nor engage in any discussions with other parties about the Company, its business plans, its employees or directors, or its customers, suppliers or vendors, on any of these forums . Furthermore, employees should notify the Companys Corporate Secretary if they are aware of such activities by any other employee.
When Information Becomes Public . It is also improper for an officer, director or employee to enter a trade immediately after the Company has made a public announcement of material information, including earnings releases. Because the companys stockholders and the investing public should be afforded the time to receive the information and act upon it, as a general rule you should not engage in any transactions involving Company shares until one full business day after such information has been released . Thus, if an announcement is made after the market closes on a Monday, Wednesday generally would be the first day on which you should trade. If an announcement is made before the market opens on a Friday, Monday would be the first day.
Period of No Securities Transactions . To minimize the risk of liability on the part of the Company and its personnel for violations of the foregoing insider trading restrictions, the Company has established a period relating to the Companys earnings during which the Companys directors, officers, senior executives, and certain other employees should not buy or sell Company shares under any circumstances. The quiet period begins on the last day of the last month of the quarter and extends until the end of the first full business day following the public release of the Companys 10Q or 10K report covering that quarter.
Method of Preserving Confidentiality . Directors, officers and other employees of the Company should not discuss inside information in public places where it can be overheard such as elevators, restaurants, taxis and airplanes. Such information should be divulged only to persons having a need to know it in order to carry out their job responsibilities. To avoid even the appearance of impropriety, directors, officers and employees should refrain from providing any advice or making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of the Companys shares. Use particular caution when receiving inquiries from securities analysts, companies in the same business as the Company and members of the press. All such inquiries should be handled by offering no comment on the matter and by referring the inquirer to the Companys investor relations area of its website or the Corporate Secretary.
10
Additional Prohibited Transactions
Because we believe it is improper and inappropriate for any Company personnel to engage in short-term or speculative transactions involving Company stock, directors, officers and employees should not engage in any of the following activities with respect to securities of the Company:
1. Trading in Securities on a Short-Term Basis . Any Company shares purchased by any personnel in the open market must be held for a minimum of six months and ideally longer, unless (in the case of employees who are not officers or directors) the sale results from personal emergency and the holding period is waived by the Companys General Counsel. (Note that the SECs short-swing profit rule already prevents officers and directors from selling any Company stock within six months of a purchase. We are simply expanding this rule to all employees.)
2. Short Sales .
3. Buying or Selling Puts or Calls .
Company Assistance
Any person who has any questions about specific transactions may obtain additional guidance from the Companys Corporate Secretary. Remember, however, the ultimate responsibility for adhering to this Policy Statement and avoiding improper transactions rests with you.
Special Guidelines for Directors and Officers
Pre-Clearance Of All Trades By Directors and Officers
To provide assistance in preventing inadvertent violations and avoiding even the appearance of an improper transaction (which could result, for example, where an officer engages in a trade while unaware of a pending major development), we are implementing the following procedure:
All transactions in Company stock (acquisitions, dispositions, transfers, etc.) by directors and officers must be pre-cleared by the Companys Corporate Secretary . If you contemplate a transaction, you should contact the Corporate Secretary in advance.
Section 16 Reporting . One reason for pre-clearing trades by officers and directors is that their purchases and sales of Company securities are subject to the short-swing profit rules imposed by Sections 16(a) and (b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the 1934 Act).
A. Ownership Reports .
Under Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act, officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders of the Company (insiders) must file with the SEC public reports disclosing their holdings of, and transactions in, the Companys equity securities. For purposes of these filing requirements, the individuals identified as executive officers in the Companys Form 10-K and the Companys principal accounting officer are required to |
11
file such reports. Insiders who have delinquent or late filings under Section 16 must be disclosed by name in the Companys proxy statement (and Form 10-K). |
Forms 3 . An initial report on Form 3 must be filed by every insider disclosing all equity securities of the Company beneficially owned by the reporting person on the date he or she became an insider. Even if no securities were owned on that date, the insider must file a report. The report is due ten days after such person becomes an insider. Reports under Section 16(a) are intended to cover all Company securities beneficially owned either directly by the insider or indirectly through others. An insider is considered the direct owner of all shares of the Company held in his or her own name or held jointly with others. An insider is considered the indirect owner of any securities in which he or she has a pecuniary interest. In other words, an insider is the beneficial owner of shares if he or she can profit from purchases and sales of the shares. Thus, shares of the Company beneficially owned through partnerships, corporations, trusts, and estates, are subject to reporting. Absent countervailing facts, an insider is presumed to be the beneficial owner of securities held by his or her spouse and other members of his or her family sharing the insiders home. But an insider is free to disclaim beneficial ownership of these or any other securities being reported if insider believes he or she has a reasonable basis for doing so. Those who have questions regarding the beneficial ownership of shares should contact the Companys Corporate Secretary. | |
Forms 4 . A Form 4 must be filed whenever there is a non-exempt acquisition or disposition of shares by the insider. Transfers to trusts and other changes in the nature of an insiders ownership ( e.g. from direct to indirect) must be reported. Small acquisitions are exempt from immediate Form 4 reporting but must be reported on the next Form 4 otherwise due or on the annual Form 5 if no Form 4 is filed in the interim. This form must be filed before the end of the second business day following the day on which a transaction resulting in a change in beneficial ownership has been executed. In addition, officers and directors must report any changes which occur after they are no longer insiders if the change takes place within six months of any transaction while an insider. | |
Forms 5 . The Form 5 must be filed by every person subject to Section 16 reporting within 45 days after the end of the Companys fiscal year. Form 5 is to be used to report any exempt transactions, including sales and purchases of shares under certain employee stock benefit plans, and gifts of stock, and to report failures to file previously due reports. A primary purpose of the Form 5 is to promote compliance with Section 16(a) by requiring insiders to report any required Forms 3 and 4 which had not been filed during the year. At year-end officers and directors who have no Form 5 items to report will be required to provide the Company with a written representation that no Form 5 filing is due ( i.e. , there are no unreported transactions). |
B. Procedures to Ensure Compliance with Section 16(a)
Introduction |
12
Full compliance with your reporting and other obligations under the securities laws is your personal responsibility, not the Companys. While this statement sets forth guidelines, it is not exhaustive. Although the Corporate Secretary should be able to assist you with routine filings, you should direct any significant questions to your own counsel. | |
In an effort to ensure that its insiders comply with the reporting requirements of Section 16, the Company has implemented the following compliance procedures: |
1. Corporate Secretary . The Company has designated the Corporate Secretary to assist officers and directors in preparing and/or reviewing all Forms 3, 4 and 5 filings. | |||
2. Preparing and Reviewing Forms 3, 4 and 5 . The Corporate Secretary will prepare the required Form 3 upon an individuals assumption of officer or director status. In addition, the Corporate Secretary will assist all officers and directors in preparing a Form 4 whenever there is an acquisition or disposition of shares that would require a filing and in preparing a Form 5 after the end of each fiscal year. | |||
3. Power of Attorney . Even if an individual is unable to sign personally a Form 3, 4 or 5 ( e.g. , if the reporting person is out of town), the SEC permits the Form to be signed by another person without a prior or simultaneous filing of a power of attorney as long as a power is sent as soon as practicable. The SEC will not excuse a late filing simply because the individual is unavailable. To facilitate timely filings, a power of attorney has been designed that gives the Corporate Secretary or persons substituted by that individual the authority to sign Forms 4 and 5 on behalf of a reporting person. Every insider should obtain from the Corporate Secretary this form of Power of Attorney, sign it and return it to the Corporate Secretary. | |||
If an insiders share ownership changes at any time, the insider should immediately inform the Corporate Secretary to ensure that a Form 4 is timely filed on his or her behalf. The Form 4 must be received by the SEC no later than two business days following any reportable transaction, so time is of the essence . |
C. Rule 144 .
13
If you are an officer or director of the Company or are otherwise in a control relationship with the Company, you are also deemed to be an affiliate of the Company under the securities laws, making your sales of shares subject to special limitations. To avoid risking liability, all such persons are required to comply with SEC Rule 144 in selling shares. |
1. Brokered Transaction . You may only sell in an unsolicited transaction through a licensed broker or to a market maker in Company shares. You must inform the broker or market maker of your status as a Company affiliate. | |||
2. Limitation . In any three months, sales by you, your family and household members, affiliates and other entities in which you hold a 10% or greater interest may not exceed the greater of (a) 1% of the outstanding Company shares or (b) the average weekly reported trading volume of Company shares for the 4 calendar weeks preceding your Rule 144 filing (or, if no filing is required, the time you direct your broker to effect the sale). | |||
3. Form 144 . If your sales and those of your associates described in item (2) above in any three months exceed either $10,000 or 500 shares, you must file Form 144. Three copies must be filed with the SEC at the following address: |
Securities and Exchange Commission | ||
450 Fifth Street, N.W. | ||
Washington, D.C. 20549-1004 |
The filing must be mailed by the time you place your order with your broker. | |||
4. Assistance . Normally, your broker will assist you with Form 144. Remember to pre-clear all transactions with the Corporate Secretary. Questions or requests for assistance may be directed to the Corporate Secretary. |
Consequences of Violation
Any employee who violates this Policy Statement is subject to possible suspension or discharge. Any employee who assists in, or knowingly fails to report, a violation of this Policy Statement is also subject to suspension, discharge or other appropriate action. Any employee who suspects a violation of this Policy Statement should inform the Corporate Secretary or the Chairman of the Board of the Company (anonymously if desired).
EXCEPTIONS TO THE CODE OF CONDUCT
14
The Corporate Secretary may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis of this Code upon a determination that the conduct at issue involves a negligible opportunity for abuse or otherwise merits an exemption from the Standards set forth herein. All such exceptions must be received in writing by the person requesting the exemption before becoming effective.
* * * * *
15
SUPERVISORY PROCEDURES
The role of the Corporate Secretary is critical to the implementation and maintenance of this Code of Conduct. Supervisory Procedures can be divided into two classifications: (i) prevention of violations of law; and (ii) the preservation of systems necessary to assure the integrity of the Companys financial reporting.
Prevention of Violations of Law
To prevent insider trading, the Corporate Secretary should:
| provide, on a regular basis, a program to familiarize Employees with the Companys policy and procedures, including the furnishing of this Code of Conduct to all Employees and to each new Employee upon commencement of employment; | ||
| answer questions regarding the Code of Conduct; | ||
| resolve issues of whether information received by an Employee of the Company is material and non-public; | ||
| review, with the assistance of the Companys legal counsel, on a regular basis and update as necessary the Code of Conduct; | ||
| when it has been determined that an Employee of the Company has Material Non-Public Information, implement measures to prevent dissemination of such information, and if necessary, restrict Employees from trading the affected securities; and | ||
| promptly review, and either approve or disapprove, in writing, each request of an Employee for clearance to trade in specified securities. |
Detection of Insider Trading
To detect insider trading, the Corporate Secretary should:
| review the trading activity reports and beneficial ownership disclosure, as filed with the SEC, filed by each officer and director; | ||
| maintain regular communication with and be available to answer questions from Employees of the Company who are contemplating securities transactions; and | ||
| coordinate the review of such reports with other appropriate officers or directors of the Company. |
Special Reports to Management
16
Upon learning of a potential violation of the Code of Conduct, the Corporate Secretary should promptly prepare a written report to management and the Audit Committee providing full details and recommendations for further action.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We will expect every Employee requested to do so to submit a letter affirming the knowledge and understanding of this Code of Conduct and to disclose any transactions where it might appear to an outsider that any of these policies have not been observed.
CORPORATE SECRETARY
Employees who discover violations of Company policies are encouraged to report the violations immediately to the Corporate Secretary and to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Corporate Secretary will be responsible for providing information about the Companys position on ethical issues, for responding to inquiries about Employee conduct, and for considering disciplinary action which may be taken against any persons found in violation of these Standards.
17
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
To: Corporate Secretary
I have read the Code of Conduct. I understand my responsibility to comply with the Code of Conduct and the process and consequences for dealing with violations thereof.
If I have any questions or concerns regarding conduct that may raise concern under this Code of Conduct, I will immediately follow one of the procedures suggested in this policy and will notify the Corporate Secretary.
Signature |
||
Print Your Name |
||
Date |
||
Job Title or Classification |
||
Location |
18
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC.
CODE OF CONDUCT
KEY CONTACT SECTION
Corporate Secretary: |
Stephen A. Weintraub
Senior Vice President and Secretary Counsel Corporation P.O. Box 435 1300 King Street West, Suite 1300 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5X 1E3 Telephone: (416) 866-3058 Email: sweintraud@counselcorp.com |
|
Chairman of the Audit Committee Of the Board of Directors: |
Hal Heaton
Professor of Finance Brigham Young University Salt Lake City, Utah Telephone: (801) 422-2132 |
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors: |
Allan Silber
Counsel Corporation P.O. Box 435 1300 King Street West, Suite 1300 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5X 1E3 Telephone: (416) 866-3059 Email: asilber@counselcorp.com |
19
Exhibit 21
List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Name | State of Incorporation | |
Acceris Communications Inc. | Florida | |
Acceris Communications Corp. | Delaware | |
Transpoint Holding Corporation | Delaware | |
Local Telecom Holdings LLC | Delaware | |
Acceris Local Communications Inc. | Delaware | |
Acceris Communications Technologies, Inc. | Delaware | |
I-Link Worldwide LLC | Utah | |
I-Link Systems Inc. | Utah | |
I-Link Communications Inc. | Utah | |
Mibridge Inc. | New Jersey | |
Vianet Technologies | Israel | |
Waters Edge Scanning Associates, Inc. | Utah | |
WebtoTel Inc. | Delaware | |
CPT-1 Holdings Inc. | Delaware | |
Solomon Datatransport, Inc. | Delaware |
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on: Form S-8 Nos. (333-86761, 333-88881, 333-08483, 333-08477, 333-81646) of Acceris Communications Inc. of our report dated April 14, 2004, relating to the consolidated financial statements, and financial statement schedule, which appear in this Form 10-K.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Diego, California
April 14, 2004
Exhibit 31.1
OFFICERS CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Allan C. Silber, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Acceris Communications Inc.; | |||
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; | |||
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; | |||
4. | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; | |||
(b) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and | |||
(c) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and | |||
(b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: April 12, 2004
By: | /s/ Allan C. Silber | ||
Allan C. Silber | |||
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
Board of Directors |
Exhibit 31.2
OFFICERS CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Gary M. Clifford, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Acceris Communications Inc.; | |||
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; | |||
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; | |||
4. | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; | |||
(b) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and | |||
(c) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and | |||
(b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date:
April 12, 2004
By: | /s/ Gary M. Clifford | ||
Gary M. Clifford | |||
Chief Financial Officer and VP of Finance |
Exhibit 32.1
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC.
OFFICERS CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
(18 U.S.C. 1350)
April 12, 2004
The undersigned Allan C. Silber, duly appointed and incumbent officer of Acceris Communications Inc., a Florida corporation (the Corporation), in connection with the Corporations Annual Report on Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2003, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), does hereby represent, warrant and certify pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, that, to the best of his knowledge:
1. | The Report is in full compliance with reporting requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and | |||
2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operation of the Corporation. |
/s/ Allan C. Silber | ||||
Allan Silber | ||||
Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 32.2
ACCERIS COMMUNICATIONS INC.
OFFICERS CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
(18 U.S.C. 1350)
April 12, 2004
The undersigned Gary M. Clifford, duly appointed and incumbent officer of Acceris Communications Inc., a Florida corporation (the Corporation), in connection with the Corporations Annual Report on Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2003, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), does hereby represent, warrant and certify pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, that, to the best of his knowledge:
1. | The Report is in full compliance with reporting requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and | |||
2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operation of the Corporation. |
/s/ Gary M. Clifford | ||||
Gary M. Clifford | ||||
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance | ||||