UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10
GENERAL FORM FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES
Pursuant to Section 12(b) or (g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE |
27-1120628 |
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State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization |
IRS Identification No. |
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4450 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 100 Boulder, CO 80303 |
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) |
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Issuer's telephone number: (303) 500-5073 |
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Securities to be registered under Section 12(b) of the Act: |
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Title of each class to be so registered |
Name of each exchange on which each class is to be registered |
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None |
None |
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Securities to be registered under Section 12(g) of the Act: |
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Common Stock, par value $0.001 (Title of class) |
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One).
Large accelerated filer |
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Accelerated filer |
[___] |
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
[___] |
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Smaller reporting company |
[_X_] |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Title |
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Page Number |
Item 1 |
BUSINESS |
3 |
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Item 1A |
RISK FACTORS |
19 |
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Item 2 |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
29 |
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Item 3 |
PROPERTIES |
37 |
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Item 4 |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT |
38 |
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Item 5 |
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS |
40 |
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Item 6 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
43 |
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Item 7 |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS |
46 |
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Item 8 |
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
46 |
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Item 9 |
MARKET PRICE OF AND DIVIDENDS ON THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS |
47 |
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Item 10 |
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES |
49 |
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Item 11 |
DESCRIPTION OF REGISTRANT'S SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED |
51 |
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Item 12 |
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS |
51 |
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Item 13 |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA |
52 |
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Item 14 |
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE |
53 |
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Item 15 |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS |
53 |
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The following is a summary of some of the information contained in this document. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this document to "BlackStar Enterprise," "BEGI," "Company," "We," "Us", or "Our" are to BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. and our subsidiaries.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. is filing this Form 10 on a voluntary basis in order to become a 12(g) registered company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Sixty 60 days after the filing of this registration statement it will become effective and we will be automatically subject to future reporting obligations. As of the date of this registration statement, we are engaged in Merchant Banking and Finance and we have recognized net losses of ($37,930) since January 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016. We have relied solely on sales of our securities to fund our operations. To execute our business plan, our parent company, International Hedge Group, Inc., through a Securities Purchase Agreement, acquired 95% of the common stock and the Class A Super Majority Voting Preferred Stock, 1,000,000 shares, of our Company for $100,000 in August 2016 and additional $250,000 in October 2016 for working capital. To fund future operations, we may raise funds in the future, which are not yet committed.
Reports to Security Holders
Once we are subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 and Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, we intend to file all required disclosures.
You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC in the SEC's Public Reference Section, Room 1580, 100 F Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Section by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Additionally, the SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, which can be found at http://www.sec.gov.
Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act
We qualify as an "emerging growth company" as defined in Section 101 of the Jumpstart our Business Startups Act ("JOBS Act") as we did not have more than $1,000,000,000 in annual gross revenue and did not have such amount as of December 31, 2015, our last fiscal year.
We may lose our status as an emerging growth company on the last day of our fiscal year during which (i) our annual gross revenue exceeds $1,000,000,000 or (ii) we issue more than $1,000,000,000 in non-convertible debt in a three-year period. We will lose our status as an emerging growth company if at any time we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer. We will lose our status as an emerging growth company on the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of common equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement.
As an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other burdens that are otherwise applicable to generally reporting companies. These provisions include:
- A requirement to have only two years of audited financial statement and only two years of related Management Discussion and Analysis Disclosures:
- Reduced disclosure about the emerging growth company's executive compensation arrangements; and
- No non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements.
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As an emerging growth company, we are exempt from Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 14A(a) and (b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such sections are provided below:
Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires a public company's auditor to attest to, and report on, management's assessment of its internal controls.
Sections 14A(a) and (b) of the Securities and Exchange Act, implemented by Section 951 of the Dodd-Frank Act, require companies to hold shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation and golden parachute compensation.
We have already taken advantage of these reduced reporting burdens in this registration statement, which are also available to us as a smaller reporting company as defined under Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").
As long as we qualify as an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 14A(a) and (b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") for complying with new or revised accounting standards. We are choosing to irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards under Section 102(b)(2) of the JOBS Act.
HISTORY
Our Company, BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. ("BlackStar Enterprise," "We," or the "Company") was originally formed on December 17, 2007 as NPI08, Inc. in the State of Delaware. Our name was changed in 2010 to BlackStar Energy Group, Inc. In August of 2016, our name was changed to BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc.
Our Company was divested from Kingsley Capital, Inc. in a bankruptcy proceeding in 2008 in which Kingsley was the debtor. Our Company attempted to start up in the energy business in 2010 without success, resulting in losses totaling $1,819,530 over a three-year period. Our Company was inactive until 2016 when new management and capital were introduced.
BlackStar Enterprise is engaged in Merchant Banking and Finance. BlackStar Enterprise's venue is private early stage companies throughout various industries that exhibit a potential for sustained growth in our judgment. We are actively seeking opportunity for discussion with revenue generating enterprises and emerging companies for investment and financing. Our officers and directors of BlackStar Enterprise have over 100 years of combined experience in securities, corporate finance, corporate management, and consulting. BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. is traded on the OTC Pink Sheets under the symbol "BEGI."
Our principal executive offices are located at 4450 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 100, Boulder, CO 80303 and our office telephone number is (303) 500-5073. We maintain a website at www.blackstarenterprisegroup.com, and such website is not incorporated into or a part of this filing.
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CORPORATE STRUCTURE
Our corporate structure is as follows:
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. (a Delaware corporation) |
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We have no subsidiaries at this time. |
CURRENT BUSINESS
Our Company, BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. is a micro cap merchant banking and finance firm that serves clients in their early corporate lifecycles and which may provide funding in the form of loans, factoring, convertible debt, equity, and joint ventures.
Our investment strategy focuses primarily on making secured and unsecured debt investments or joint ventures in companies that we believe are poised to grow at above-average rates relative to other sectors of the U.S. economy, which we refer to as "emerging growth companies." We may also invest in equity or equity-related investments alongside our debt investments.
BlackStar Enterprise management has over 100 years of combined securities, accounting, capital structure, investment banking, management, and private equity experience spanning many completed transactions, in the public and private sectors.
SERVICES
We seek debt investments in private, or public emerging commercial-stage businesses with perceived strong growth prospects within certain industry sectors. We will not fund a company unless our parent, International Hedge Group, Inc., has a consulting engagement so that our client companies can be monitored as to their financial situations. We may, under our loan documents, convert our debt to equity and we may receive warrants in the portfolio companies, for loans factoring or joint ventures.
Given our early-stage focus, our portfolio companies will typically have an estimated path to liquidity in a three-year +/- timeframe. We seek to invest up to $10 million per company in senior debt and equity-linked securities. We may provide off-balance sheet financing to client companies.
Our success will be dependent upon are our abilities to analyze and manage the opportunities presented to us.
Our management may earn shares of our Company under our Stock Option and Award Plan as incentives on the basis of achievement, and all are accountable to each other, as well as the shareholders, and bonus awards are intended based upon individual performance, as well as team cooperation, and enterprise building.
We intend to focus on making secured and unsecured debt investments in emerging growth companies. We intend to primarily make debt investments in companies across various stages of development, including early and growth stage companies, more established companies and lower middle market companies. We may also invest in equity and equity-related securities, and joint ventures.
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Our operating principles
Participate in debt or equity underwritings which we feel we can support, with economics that reflect our relative value-add;
Provide alternative debt and joint venture funding for entrepreneurs;
Requirements for investees:
(1) We require GAAP and SEC accounting compliance from day one.
(2) We require competent and efficient legal representation of our-(the lender), side from day one.
(3) Our management chooses portfolio companies with real managers to help staff the client companies, without the excess costs of headhunting and unsuccessful attempts to bring in "name" management which rarely succeeds and which dilutes the shareholders equity with overpaid and underperforming execs.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
CAPITAL APPRECIATION. Our primary investment objective is to provide our shareholders with long term capital appreciation by investing primarily in loans, convertible debt or convertible preferred securities of small public or private companies or joint ventures with selective private companies seeking to go public. Our investment objective is to restrict our investments to emerging growth companies we believe offer special opportunities and meet our investment criteria, thereby reducing the risks associated with investments in startups. Our goal is to provide mezzanine and expansion capital to our portfolio companies in order to assist them in devising a comprehensive growth strategy, possibly involving a consolidation of similarly situated businesses or a geographic expansion of existing product or service offerings. We plan on providing funding to emerging growth companies that in the opinion of the management team, afford an opportunity for significant appreciation.
CAPITAL PRESERVATION. A second investment objective is to preserve investor capital through risk management and monitoring the management of our portfolio companies. Among the risk management techniques which we expect to employ are: (i) limiting our investments in very early stage companies, (ii) acquiring significant interests in one or more portfolio companies that have a positive cash flow; (iii) co-investing in portfolio companies with other professional venture capital investors; and (iv) investing primarily in portfolio companies where we have a defined exit strategy from the outset. While we believe that active involvement in the management of portfolio companies is essential to achieving our investment objectives, we will not provide significant managerial services to our portfolio companies, but our parent company may be so engaged (See "Conflicts of Interests"). Any single venture capital investment is risky. Many will not provide any gain, and some will be complete losses. Professional venture capital investors expect, however, that the gains on successful investments will offset the losses and provide a satisfactory percentage return on the entire portfolio.
OUR APPROACH COMPARED TO TRADITIONAL SOURCES OF VENTURE FINANCING
Emerging companies traditionally seek financing for growth from three primary sources: small private placements, independent private venture capital funds and corporate strategic investors. Each of these sources has advantages but also notable disadvantages for the emerging company. Small Private Placements are often underfunded and untimely. Venture capital funds generally are established for a limited term and their primary goal is to maximize their financial return within a short time frame. A venture capital fund often seeks to liquidate its investment in the emerging company by encouraging either an early initial public offering or a sale. This often can jeopardize an emerging company's chances for success especially if its technology has not been fully developed or its intellectual property fully safeguarded prior to its debut into the market. Traditional venture capital funds generally have limited resources available to provide managerial and operational support to an emerging company.
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Corporate strategic investors are typically large corporations that invest in emerging companies to gain access to a promising product or technology without incurring the initial cost of development or the diversion of managerial time and attention necessary to develop new products or technologies. Often these investments involve both financing support to the emerging company and an arrangement under which the strategic investor obtains the right to use, and intellectual property ownership of, the products or technology of the emerging company. While strategic investors are generally able to provide business development support, the rationale behind the investment of a strategic investor may be incompatible with the development of the emerging company. Strategic investors often discourage the emerging company from becoming a public company, selling to competitors of the strategic investor or from retaining the intellectual property rights to products developed jointly with the strategic investor.
We may be limited in our ability to fund our portfolio companies because we may not be successful in raising additional funds for such follow on investments or in establishing and sustaining an actively traded secondary market for our stock.
Through the public market for our common stock, we hope to have access to additional equity capital that may be needed for follow on investments. Thus, unlike a traditional venture capital fund, we will seek to encourage a secondary market for our Common Stock with sufficient depth and liquidity to allow us to access additional equity capital more easily than such capital could be attained through private placements to select investors and investment pools.
If an active secondary market for our common stock develops, our shareholders may have the advantage of liquidity in their investment, unlike investors in a traditional private venture equity fund. The access to capital and shareholder liquidity resulting from an actively traded secondary market for our common stock will differentiate us from traditional private venture capital funds by potentially reducing the pressure for us to take certain actions that may be detrimental to the interests of our shareholders, such as liquidating one or more of our portfolio companies or initiating a premature initial public offering of a portfolio company that has not fully developed its products or technology. An investor in our common stock may be able to liquidate his or her investment without having to wait for the liquidation of our Company or the sale of our investments in our portfolio companies. A shareholder of a private venture capital fund would typically only be able to realize value (or loss) if the Company either liquidated its positions in its portfolio companies, or liquidated itself.
We believe that our advantage over a strategic investor is that our interests are more closely aligned with those of the emerging company. We share the emerging company's interest in maximizing its success by developing and retaining ownership rights in a marketable product or technology, which in turn would maximize our return on investment. An initial public offering of the emerging company, often required to raise the additional capital investment necessary to fully develop a company's product or technology, would also benefit us by creating liquidity in our investment.
OUR INVESTMENT POLICIES
We may loan to or invest in companies which do not have any annual revenue, if we have determined that an investment in the securities of such company is reasonable and may allow us to exit our investment.
Although we may seek to loan to or invest in companies with existing positive EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization), we may consider turn around situations where we can clearly identify the source(s) of financial distress. Through our investment, or through co-investment with other private equity funding sources we may readily ascertain performance improvements. We will not change our investment intent of investing in a diverse array of industries by restricting our investment criteria to any single industry or sector.
We expect to realize value for our shareholders by selling any equity securities resulting from convertible debt or warrants of our portfolio companies for a profit,
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either to private investors or by taking the portfolio companies public. We do not anticipate paying any dividends or making other distributions. We may not be successful in selling any equity securities of our portfolio companies for a profit at any time in the future.
UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED HEREIN, ALL OF THE FOLLOWING INVESTMENT POLICIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT ANY VOTE OF THE HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY OF OUR VOTING SECURITIES.
Our investment or loan will typically be negotiated directly with the issuer in private transactions. Our investments in portfolio companies may be in the form of loans, or common stock and warrants or in the form of preferred stock and/or debentures that are convertible into common stock under certain circumstances.
After our initial loan or investment, we anticipate that we will often provide additional or follow on financing or introduce our portfolio companies to other private equity funding sources for such follow on investments.
In selecting loan investments for our portfolio, we will endeavor to meet investment guidelines, as established by our Board which include the following concepts. We may, however, make investments that do not conform to one or more of these guidelines when deemed appropriate by our Board of Directors. Such investments might be made if we believe that a failure to conform in one area is offset by exceptional strength in another or is compensated for by a higher yield, favorable warrant issuance or other attractive terms or features.
INVESTMENT CRITERIA
STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA. We are a special situations Company. We will primarily look for opportunities which we believe will provide us with a return on investment within a short period of time, typically less than thirty-six months. Our objective is to invest in emerging corporations which meet our quantitative requirements as previously described as well as qualitative requirements that we look for in each investment opportunity. In addition, we will look to invest in public corporations which have a small market capitalization but which either have shifted in business direction, been subject to a reorganization or recapitalization or other significant change. In such instances, we may relax our quantitative requirements with the view to assist such companies in developing a strategic business plan which may include merger or acquisition of other private operating businesses which may be synergistic to the existing business of the public corporation.
The stages of development are defined as follows:
Seed capital companies represent the earliest stage of development. These companies have raised relatively modest equity capital to prove a concept and qualify for start-up capital. Their activities generally are limited to product development, scientific and market research, recruiting a management team and developing a business plan. These companies likely do not have financial support from either venture capitalists or larger companies making strategic investments.
Start-up stage companies are completing or have recently completed product development and initial marketing, but have not sold their products commercially. Generally such firms have made market studies, assembled key management, developed a business plan and are ready to commence operations.
Expansion stage companies have initiated or are about to initiate full-scale operations and sales, but may not be showing a profit.
Mezzanine stage companies are approaching or have attained break even or profitability and are continuing to expand. An acquisition or initial public offering may be imminent.
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Classification of a company by stage of development necessarily involves our subjective judgment, and it is possible that other investors or market analysts would classify a company differently than the classification used by our Company.
QUALITATIVE CRITERIA. All potential portfolio companies will first be evaluated and assessed based on their relative stage of development and the quality of an investment in such portfolio company based on the above criteria. Once our management team has determined that a potential portfolio company satisfies the above criteria and is suitable for investment, it will then be evaluated using the multi-step process described below. After completion of the process, receipt and review of all internal and outside reports and evaluations of the potential portfolio company, the Board will submit the matter of investing in the potential portfolio company to a vote. If the Board approves the investment, we will then proceed with a written offer, establish a disbursement of proceeds schedule, and prepare appropriate documents to reflect our investment and any management service contracts between the potential portfolio company and our company.
(1) BUSINESS PLAN/ASSESSMENT . Business plan description and complete resumes of management from all entrepreneurs. Members of our management team will meet with the best of these entrepreneurs, attempting to identify key traits that have been associated with entrepreneurial success in the past, such as high energy, a must-win attitude, intellectual brilliance, high personal integrity, relevant experience, a strong work ethic, and the ability to prioritize and focus. A business plan submitted for evaluation to us should contain the following information:
Overview of the business concept as well as the company's strategic focus and direction.
Discussion of competition including a discussion of specialized expertise, intellectual property, patents, and/or other unique advantages held by either the company or its competitors.
Sources and uses of cash with respect to investment capital sought.
Pro forma financial projections for at least the current year and two subsequent years including expected capital requirements from the time of the investment capital received through the two subsequent years.
Operating plan including current and projected staffing, equipment, and space requirements.
Discussion of minimum dollar proceeds necessary in order to implement the business plan.
Marketing plan.
Discussion of conflicts of interest with investors together with steps being taken by the portfolio company to mitigate such conflicts of interest and to protect against future conflicts of interest.
Resumes for all key officers/managers.
(2) EVALUATE POTENTIAL MARKET. We have developed relationships with consultants, who represent a valuable source of information about a target investment's market. We will call upon these contacts as well as create new ones in the markets of each company seeking funding. As we evaluate markets, we must become confident that the company can attain a competitive market position over time.
(3) EXAMINE STRUCTURE OF BUSINESS MODEL. We will examine the structure upon which the business plan is built. The Board has indicated a distinct bias toward business models calling for high gross margins and relatively low capital intensiveness. Such businesses have the potential for higher internally sustainable growth rates than average and superior return on equity invested. In addition, we will require, whenever possible, implementation of the following policies into the articles, bylaws or operating agreements of its portfolio companies:
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There can be only one class of common shares, all with equal voting rights, and all distributions of capital or earnings can only be made to all members based upon their percentage interest without preference;
Compensation of the key officers/managers and their affiliates, including, but not limited to, all salary, bonuses, commissions and/or fees, shall be limited based upon the success of the portfolio company in reaching predetermined milestones; and
The primary responsibility of the management/officers of the entity is to serve as fiduciaries charged with serving the best interests of the stockholders/members even when such interests may be in conflict with the management, officers or other employees of the entity.
(4) CHECK REFERENCES. We will require that each entrepreneur supply a list of references in order that we may get a better sense of the entrepreneur's past experience, strengths, weaknesses, and work habits. We make it a point to get references outside of this list as well, in order to avoid only "cherry-picked references." We believe that these checks are important to develop a more complete and accurate picture of the team.
(5) CALL CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS. We intend to call a number of current and/or prospective customers and suppliers to get a sense of how they view the targeted investment including its products and the market.
(6) EVALUATE PRODUCTS/TECHNOLOGY. As part of our analysis, we will evaluate the target investment's current products, development pipeline and underlying technology. To evaluate technology, we will not rely on in-house expertise alone, but will contact and hire appropriate specialists and consultants.
(7) EVALUATE RISKS/REWARDS. Evaluate the pro-forma financials, the likelihood of an exit after a 6 month to 24 month holding period.
(8) NEGOTIATE LOAN OR INVESTMENT TERMS. When deciding on making an investment, we will draw up a term sheet for negotiation, and terms will be agreed upon.
(9) FINANCIALS AND CORPORATE INFORMATION.
In addition, consideration of an investment in mezzanine and growth stage companies will require a careful evaluation of their financial records, including an evaluation of the following:
Financial statements and notes to the financial statements including: management discussion of operations and liquidity; details regarding all forms of actual compensation of management and affiliates to compensation by the entity; number of shares outstanding at the beginning of the period and the end of the period and an explanation of the difference, if any; and a detailed discussion of the entity's rights and obligations under any joint ventures entered into along with a full discussion of any conflicts of interest management may have in entering into such joint ventures on behalf of the entity;
Equipment list and appraisal of equipment;
Facilities, current product descriptions;
Current management resumes, employment contracts;
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All material contracts (and amendments) currently in effect, including, without limitation, leases, sales, purchase, financing, distribution, franchise, intellectual property, employment, insurance, employee benefit, and joint venture contracts; currently outstanding contractual offers by and to the company;
Correspondence with contracting parties regarding contract interpretation, claims, or threats of contract litigation;
Documents relating to the company's internal determinations as to whether it can, or should, fulfill a particular contract;
Documents relating to material acquisitions and divestitures for the immediately preceding five years, particularly agreements involving covenants by or in favor of the company;
Minute books of the company, including minutes of the meetings of the board of directors, any committee (whether of the board or otherwise), and shareholders for the last five years to date;
All stock option, bonus, incentive, or pension plans, and any other agreements to issue shares of the company or any of its subsidiaries in the future;
All agreements under which registration or preemptive-rights are granted to shareholders of the company; and
All agreements, offering circulars, letters of intent, written proposals, or memoranda of any oral proposals for the disposition, acquisition, or distribution of any of the assets or shares of the company.
WARRANTS AND EQUITY SECURITIES. We expect to acquire warrants to purchase equity securities and/or convertible preferred stock of eligible portfolio companies in connection with providing venture financing. The terms of the warrants, including the expiration date, exercise price and terms of the equity security for which the warrant may be exercised, will be negotiated individually with each eligible portfolio company, and will likely be affected by the price and terms of securities issued by the eligible portfolio company to other venture capitalists and other holders. It is anticipated that most warrants will be for a term of three to five years, and will have an exercise price related to the price at which the eligible portfolio company most recently issued equity securities or, if a new equity offering is imminent, will next issue equity securities. The equity securities for which a warrant can be exercised generally will be common stock (of which there may be one or more classes) or convertible preferred stock. Substantially all of the warrants and underlying equity securities to be obtained by us will be restricted securities under the Securities Act at the time of their issuance. We intend to negotiate registration rights with portfolio companies such as (i) "piggyback" registration rights, which would permit us under certain circumstances to include some or all of the securities owned by us in a registration statement filed by the eligible portfolio company, or (ii) in rare circumstances, "demand" registration rights permitting us under certain circumstances to require the eligible portfolio company to register the securities under the Securities Act (in some cases at our expense). We also intend to request "cashless" provisions in the warrants, which would allow us to receive, upon exercise of the warrant without payment of any cash, a net amount of shares determined by the increase in the value of the issuer's stock above the exercise price stated in the warrant.
Each warrant or stock purchase is expected to contain customary and negotiated representations, warranties, covenants and events of default to protect us. We also intend to obtain a seat on the board of directors of the eligible portfolio company and request covenants against subordination of its dividend and liquidation preferences associated with its preferred shares.
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LEVERAGE. We intend to borrow money from and issue debt securities to investment funds. The use of leverage increases investment risk. Lenders may require that we pledge portfolio assets as collateral for loans. If we are unable to service the borrowings, we may risk the loss of such pledged assets. Lenders are also expected to require that we agree to covenants limiting our ability to incur additional debt or otherwise limiting our flexibility. Typically, such loan agreements provide for acceleration of the maturity of the indebtedness if certain financial tests are not met.
RESERVES. We may retain reserves after the investment in order to have sufficient funds for equity-oriented follow-on investments in portfolio companies. We intend to sell additional common stock to meet the funding requirements for such follow on investments. If such sales are successful, we expect to have cash reserves. In order to enhance the rate of return on these reserves and increase the amounts ultimately available for investments and our operating costs, we plan to engage in a reserve management strategy that may include making secured loans to portfolio companies, potential portfolio companies, or similar types of corporations. We also expect to invest some portion of these reserves in publicly traded securities.
AVERAGE LOAN OR INVESTMENT. The amount of funds committed to a portfolio company will vary depending on the funds available to us, the quality and completeness of the portfolio company's management team, the perceived business opportunity, the capital required compared to existing capital, and the potential return. Although loan or investment amounts will vary considerably, we expect that the average loan or investment (excluding follow-on investments) will be between $250,000 and $2,000,000.
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES. We may sell securities short or acquire significant amounts of equity securities within a single issuer. We will not purchase securities on margin (except to the extent our permitted borrowings are deemed to constitute margin purchases), write puts or calls, purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts. We will not underwrite the securities of other companies, except to the extent we may be deemed an underwriter upon the disposition of restricted securities acquired in the ordinary course of our business.
INDUSTRY ANALYSIS AND HISTORY
History of Merchant Banking
In modern history, we know merchant banks grew in the Italian states in the Middle Ages, when Italian merchant houses-generally small, family-owned import-export and commodity trading businesses-began to use their excess capital to finance foreign trade in return for a share of the profits. Europe saw the Medicis of Italy, the Rothschild's, and for a while, the Hapsburgs of Austria. This often involved sea trade. Thus, the investments were very high risk: war, bad weather, and piracy were constant threats, and by their nature, the investments had to return enough profit to make up for the frequent losses-so straight lending vehicles rarely worked.
As Europe evolved, the center for merchant banking shifted from the Italian states to Amsterdam and then, in the eighteenth century, to London, where immigrants from Prussia, France, Ireland, Russia, and the Italian states formed the core of early British merchant banking. Like the Italian and Dutch houses before them, these British houses were generally small, family-owned partnerships, and most of them continued both to trade for their own businesses and to finance the trading by others. By the end of the eighteenth century, however, the British merchant houses had increased in size and sophistication and began specializing in trade, marketing, or finance. As the nineteenth century opened, virtually no mercantile houses remained focused on both trade and finance. Merchant banks are in fact the original modern banks. These were invented in the Middle Ages by Italian grain merchants. As the Lombardy merchants and bankers grew in stature based on the strength of the Lombard plains cereal crops, many displaced Jews fleeing Spanish persecution were attracted to the trade. They brought with them ancient practices from the Middle and Far East silk routes. Originally intended for the finance of long trading journeys, these methods were applied to finance the production and trading of grain.
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In France during the 17th and 18th century, a merchant banker or marchand-banquier was not just considered a trader but also received the status of being an entrepreneur par excellence. Merchant banks in the United Kingdom came into existence in the early 19th century, the oldest being Barings Bank.
Merchant banking progressed from financing trade on one's own behalf to settling trades for others and then to holding deposits for settlement of "billette" or notes written by the people who were still brokering the actual grain. And so the merchant's "benches" (bank is derived from the Italian for bench, banco, as in a counter) in the great grain markets became centers for holding money against a bill (billette, a note, a letter of formal exchange, later a bill of exchange and later still a cheque). These deposited funds were intended to be held for the settlement of grain trades, but often were used for the bench's own trades in the meantime. The term bankrupt is a corruption of the Italian banca rotta, or broken bench, which is what happened when someone lost his traders' deposits. Being "broke" has the same connotation. A sensible manner of discounting interest to the depositors against what could be earned by employing their money in the trade of the bench soon developed; in short, selling an "interest" to them in a specific trade, thus overcoming the usury objection. Once again this merely developed what was an ancient method of financing long-distance transport of goods.
The medieval Italian markets were disrupted by wars and in any case were limited by the fractured nature of the Italian states. And so the next generation of bankers arose from migrant Jewish merchants in the great wheat-growing areas of Germany and Poland. Many of these merchants were from the same families who had been part of the development of the banking process in Italy. They also had links with family members who had, centuries before, fled Spain for both Italy and England. As non-agricultural wealth expanded, many families of goldsmiths also gradually moved into banking. This course of events set the stage for the rise of family banking firms whose names still are known today, such as the Warburgs and Rothschilds.
The rise of Protestantism, however, freed many European Christians from Rome's dictates against usury. In the late 18th century, Protestant merchant families began to move into banking to an increasing degree, especially in trading countries such as the United Kingdom (Barings), Germany (Schroders, Berenbergs) and the Netherlands (Hope & Co., Gülcher & Mulder) At the same time, new types of financial activities broadened the scope of banking far beyond its origins. The merchant-banking families dealt in everything from underwriting bonds to originating foreign loans. For instance, bullion trading and bond issuance were two of the specialties of the Rothschilds. In 1803, Barings teamed with Hope & Co. to facilitate the Louisiana Purchase.
In the 19th century, the rise of trade and industry in the US led to powerful new private merchant banks, culminating in J.P. Morgan & Co. During the 20th century, however, the financial world began to outgrow the resources of family-owned and other forms of private-equity banking. Corporations came to dominate the banking business. For the same reasons, merchant banking activities became just one area of interest for modern banks.
The Art of Merchant Banking
The term merchant banking is generally understood to mean negotiated private equity investment or financing through alternative methods by financial institutions in loans, convertible debt or off balance sheet vehicles, or through unregistered securities of either privately or publicly held companies. Both investment banks, commercial banks, and other companies engage in merchant banking, and the type of security in which they invest is diverse. They may invest in securities with an equity participation feature; these may be convertible preferred stock or subordinated debt with conversion privileges or warrants. Other investment bank services-raising capital from outside sources, advising on mergers and acquisitions, and providing bridge loans while bond financing is being raised in a leveraged buyout (LBO) and are also typically offered by financial institutions or broker dealers engaged in the merchant bank industry. One which is often omitted is the provision of experienced management by the merchant to commercialize ideas, or technology.
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Merchant banking has been a very lucrative-and a highly risky-endeavor for the small number of bank holding companies and banks that have engaged in it under existing law, and for private equity investors. Banking law legislation has expanded the merchant-banking activity that is permissible to commercial banks and has spurred interest in this lucrative specialty on the part of a some institutions, however, limitations exist and have scared many banks away from the markets after the Lehman collapse and the resulting fallout with JP Morgan, Bank of America and the big bank Wall Street bailout. Although for much of the past half-century commercial banks have been permitted (subject to certain restrictions) to engage in merchant banking activities, their continued role is limited by the conservatism of the regulators and their Boards.
Evolution of the Private Equity Market
Given its history, merchant banking is often thought of as a European, and especially British, financial specialty, and British institutions continue to maintain a major presence in this area. Since the 1800s and even earlier, however, U.S. firms (such as J.P. Morgan) also have been active in merchant banking. However, although both investment banks and commercial banks, as well as other types of businesses, have been authorized to engage in private equity investment in the United States, financial institutions have not been major providers of private equity.
Until the 1950s, U.S. investors in private equity were primarily wealthy individuals and families. In the 1960s and 1970s, corporations and financial institutions joined them in this type of investment. (In the 1960s, commercial banks were the major providers of one kind of private equity investing, venture-capital financing.) Through the late 1970s, wealthy families, industrial corporations, and financial institutions, for the most part investing directly in the issuing firms, constituted the bulk of private equity investors.
In the late 1970s, changes in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) regulations, in tax laws, and in securities laws brought new investors into private equity. In particular, the Department of Labor's revised interpretation of the "prudent man rule" spurred pension fund investment in private equity capital. Currently, the major investors in private equity in the United States are pension funds, endowments and foundations, corporations, and wealthy investors; financial institutions-both commercial banks and investment banks-represent approximately 20 percent of total private equity capital, divided approximately equally between the two. The U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) estimated that at year-end 1999, commercial banks accounted for approximately $35 billion to $40 billion, and investment banks for approximately another $40 billion, of the $400 billion total investment in the private equity market.
At $400 billion as of year-end 1999, the private equity market was approximately one-quarter the size of the commercial and industrial bank-loan market and the commercial-paper market. In recent years, funds raised through private equity have approximately equaled and sometimes exceeded funds raised through initial public offerings and public high-yield corporate bond issuance. The market also has grown dramatically in recent years, increasing from approximately $4.7 billion in 1980 to its 1999 figure. Despite this tremendous growth, the private equity market was extremely small compared with the public equity market, which was approximately $17 trillion at year-end 1999.
Since 1999, the markets have been through a number of cycles and the differentiation between investment banking and merchant banking has not been kept clear and statistics have been difficult to collect for reliable data.
Typical Uses of Private Equity
Private equity financing is an alternative to raising public equity, issuing public debt, or arranging a private placement of debt or bank loan. The reasons companies seek private equity financing are varied. For example, other forms of financing may be unavailable or too expensive because the company's track record is either nonexistent or poor (that is, the company is in financial distress). Or a private company may want to expand or change its ownership but not go public. Or a firm may not want to take on the fixed cost of debt financing.
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Public firms may seek private equity financing when their capital needs are very limited and do not warrant the expense, time, and regulatory paperwork required for a public issue. They also may seek private equity to keep a planned acquisition confidential or to avoid other public disclosures. They may use the private equity market because the public market for new issues in general is bad or because the public equity market is temporarily unimpressed with their industry's prospects. Finally, very often in recent years, managements of large public firms have felt their firms will benefit from a change in capital structure and ownership and will choose to go private by means of a leveraged buyout (LBO).
Although companies seek private equity for all these reasons, most private equity funding has been used for one of two purposes: to fund start-up or early-stage companies (venture capital) or to bring large public companies private in LBOs. Of the $400 billion in outstanding private equity investment at year-end 1999, venture-capital investments accounted for approximately $125 billion and non-venture capital investments for approximately $275 billion. LBOs were by far the most common use of nonventure-capital private equity.
Forms Taken by Investments
Currently, more than 80 percent of private equity investments are made by limited partnerships or limited liability companies, with professional private equity managers acting on behalf of institutional investors. In a limited partnership, the professional equity managers serve as general partners, and the institutional investors serve as limited partners. The general partners or managers manage the investment and contribute an insignificant part of the investment, generally approximately 1 percent. These entities have a contractually fixed life, usually ten years. The investments are highly illiquid over the entity's life, with a return not expected until the entity's later years, when the business is sold through a public offering or a private sale, or interest or the shares are repurchased by the company. Banks (through subsidiaries) often act as limited partners in private equity limited partnerships, and infrequently as general partners.
Commercial Bank Involvement in Merchant Banking
Commercial banks have historically utilized Small Business Investment Corporations (SBICs) or "5 percent subs" (defined below) for their domestic private equity investments, and Edge Act Corporations or foreign subsidiaries to make their foreign private equity investments. Several very large bank holding companies have come to dominate merchant banking, directing as much as 10 percent of their capital to these activities. For the most part, reported earnings from these merchant-banking activities have been very good.
Structure
Before passage of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), commercial banks and bank holding companies (BHCs) had two primary vehicles for making private equity investments in domestic corporations. They could make these investments through SBICs and/or through "5 percent subs." Typically, banks engaged in domestic merchant banking have used both of these vehicles; for equity investments in foreign companies, they have used foreign subsidiaries or Edge Act Corporations. As mentioned above, although these subsidiaries have sometimes organized limited partnerships in which they acted as general partners, more often they have invested directly in private equity or have acted as limited partners in a partnership.
5 Percent Subs. The Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 permitted bank holding companies to make passive equity investments in nonfinancial companies. Specifically, the legislation allowed bank holding companies to own a maximum of 5 percent of the voting shares (hence the "5 percent sub" designation) and a maximum of 25 percent of the total equity of companies engaged in any activity. There is no limit on the total amount of equity that a BHC can invest through all of its 5 percent subs.
Because these investments are passive equity interests only, bank holding companies often have used unregulated independent general partners to oversee them.
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And because of the 5 percent sub investment limits, in the case of growing businesses 5 percent subs often have been forced to raise outside capital and limit their role to that of a minority investor or agent. Therein lies opportunity for BlackStar Enterprise.
Evolution
A few very large BHCs have dominated large merchant banking, directing as much as 10 percent of their capital to these activities. Citigroup, Chase, Bank of America, FleetBoston, J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo have had large presence in this area over the years. No exact figures are available, but Chase, FleetBoston, Wells Fargo, J.P. Morgan, and First Union have aggregate investment of many billions in venture-capital investments, and they expect to continue to expand this area of their business.
Many banks entered merchant banking in the 1960s to take advantage of the economies of scope produced when private equity investing is added to other bank services, particularly commercial lending. As lenders to small and medium-sized companies, banks become knowledgeable about individual firms' products and prospects and consequently are natural providers of direct private equity investment to these firms. As mentioned above, commercial banks were the largest providers of venture capital in the 1960s.
In the middle to late 1980s, the decision to enter merchant banking was thrust on other banks and bank holding companies by unforeseen events. In those years, as a result of the LDC (less-developed-country) debt crisis, many banks received private equity from developing nations in return for their defaulted loans. At that time, many of these banks set up merchant-banking subsidiaries to try to get some value from this private equity.
Also at about that time, most commercial banks began refocusing their private equity investments to middle-market and public companies (often low-tech, already profitable companies) and, rather than providing seed capital, financed expansion or changes in capital structure and ownership. Most particularly, they took equity positions in LBOs, takeovers, or recapitalizations or provided subordinated debt in the form of bridge loans to facilitate the transaction. Often they did both. Commercial banks financed much of the LBO activity of the 1980s.
Then, in the mid-1990s, major commercial banks began once again focusing on venture capital, where they had substantial expertise from their previous exposure to this kind of investment. Some of these recent venture-capital investments have been spectacularly successful. For example, the Internet search engine Lycos was a 1998 investment of Chase Manhattan's venture-capital arm.
We do not compete in the area of these ultra large merchant banks, or even large or mid-market banks.
Historical Track Records
The merchant-banking subsidiaries of Chase, Wells Fargo, J.P. Morgan, First Union, and FleetBoston reported in the aggregate $5 billion in net income for 1999. Chase's merchant-banking subsidiary Chase Capital Partners reported $2.5 billion in net income in 1999-22 percent of Chase's total reported net income. Wells Fargo's merchant-banking activities accounted for 13 percent of its 1999 reported income; J.P. Morgan's for 15 percent; First Union's for 8 percent; and FleetBoston's for 9 percent, in 1999,
While reported earnings have been good over time, earnings have been adversely affected when major melt downs occurred in the economy.
With the long bull market in stocks-and a particularly hot IPO market for technology stocks BHC merchant-banking subsidiaries have increased their venture-capital investments in recent years.
JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Tudor Pickering and Holt are current examples of very large to small merchant Banks.
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COMPETITION, MARKETS, REGULATION AND TAXATION
Competition.
There are a large number of companies and individuals engaged in the Merchant Banking and Finance industry; accordingly, there is a high degree of competition. Almost all of the companies and individuals so engaged have substantially greater technical and financial resources than we do.
We are an insignificant participant among the firms which engage in the funding of business opportunities. There are many established venture capital and financial concerns that have significantly greater financial and personnel resources and technical expertise than we have. In view of our limited financial resources and limited management availability, we will continue to be at a significant competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors.
Investment Company Act 1940
Although we will be subject to regulation under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we believe we will not be subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") insofar as we will not be engaged in the business of investing or trading in securities. In the event we engage in business combinations that result in us holding passive investment interests in a number of entities, we could be subject to regulation under the 1940 Act. In such event, we would be required to register as an investment company and incur significant registration and compliance costs. We have obtained no formal determination from the SEC as to our status under the 1940 Act and, consequently, any violation of the 1940 Act would subject us to material adverse consequences. We believe that, currently, we are exempt under Regulation 3a-2 of the 1940 Act.
Markets.
Our market is highly competitive and constantly changing. Commercial success is frequently dependent on capital availability, the effectiveness and sufficiency of which are very difficult to predict accurately. It is one of the principal economic risks of mezzanine and expansion stage funding companies like ours.
Federal Regulations.
Governmental Regulation and Environmental Consideration.
We are subject to regulations by securities laws as a public company. We do not intend to become an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, but if we exceed certain thresholds of certain assets, we might inadvertently become subject to the Act.
Compliance with Environmental Laws and Regulations .
Not applicable.
State Regulations .
Not applicable.
Title to Properties.
Not applicable.
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OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
NUMBER OF PERSONS EMPLOYED
As of December 20, 2016, we have no full-time employees and 3 independent consultants who act as our officers and directors on a part-time basis of about 20 hours per week.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES/ASSETS
Real Estate | None |
Oil and Gas Properties | None |
Patents | None |
Trademarks | None |
PLAN OF OPERATIONS
We intend to expend funds over the next four quarters as follows:
1 st Quarter 2017 |
Loans |
$250,000 |
|
Operations |
$50,000 |
||
2 nd Quarter 2017 |
Loans |
$250,000 |
|
Operations |
$50,000 |
||
3 rd Quarter 2017 |
Loans |
$250,000 |
|
Operations |
$50,000 |
||
4 th Quarter 2017 |
Loans |
$250,000 |
|
Operations |
$50,000 |
Our Budget for operations in the next year is as follows:
Working Capital - Loans |
|
$1,000,000 |
Legal and Accounting |
$100,000 |
|
Fees, commissions and general & administrative expenses |
$100,000 |
|
$1,200,000 |
The Company may change any or all of the budget categories in the execution of its business model. None of the line items are to be considered fixed or unchangeable. The Company may need substantial additional capital to support its budget. We have not recognized revenues from our operational activities.
Based on our current cash reserves of approximately $24,000 as of December 27, 2016, we have the cash for an operational budget of three months. If we are unable to generate enough revenue, through our other subsidiaries, to cover our operational costs, we will need to seek additional sources of funds. Currently, we have no committed source for any funds as of date hereof. No representation is made that any funds will be available when needed. In the event funds cannot be
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raised if and when needed, we may not be able to carry out our business plan and could fail in business as a result of these uncertainties.
The independent registered public accounting firm's report on our financial statements as of December 31, 2015, includes a "going concern" explanatory paragraph that describes substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
MATERIAL TERMS OF OUR FIRST LOAN TO A PORTFOLIO COMPANY, MESHWORKS MEDIA CORPORATION ("Meshworks")
Meshworks Media Corporation, borrowed $250,000 from BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. on November 1, 2016, bearing Interest at the annual rate of 12 % with the following material terms:
1. PAYMENT. Commencing January 2, 2017,the borrower shall issue payments to the lender(s) equal to 15% of the previous months' revenue and said revenue payments, of principal and interest, shall continue thereafter, to be issued on the first day of each month, until the principal and interest have been paid in full to the lender(s) but in no case, later than January 1, 2019 ("Maturity Date") when any unpaid principle and interest shall be due in full.
2. SECURITY. The Note is secured to us by a security agreement covering all of Meshworks' assets.
3. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION We received, as additional consideration, 2 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred stock (Series B Stock) for each one dollar ($1.00) loaned to Meshworks. After repayment of the loan but no later than February 1, 2019 the Series B Stock, which we own is to receive priority profit distributions ("PPD")based on 15% of the previous months' revenue which will continue until such time as we have received distributions equal to the full amount of the loan. At that point, the Series B Preferred shall automatically convert to common stock of Meshworks at the rate of one share of common for each share of preferred converted. Until such time as all PPD's have been paid, Meshworks shall not pay any dividends to or on its outstanding common stock.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Registration Statement includes forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements relating to our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: ability of us to implement our business strategy; ability to obtain additional financing; our limited operating history; ability to manage growth; significant competition; ability to attract and retain talented employees; and future government regulations; and other factors described in this Registration Statement or in other of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We are under no obligation, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
RISK FACTORS RELATING TO OUR COMPANY
OUR SUCCESS WILL DEPEND, TO A LARGE DEGREE, ON THE EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE OF THE MEMBERS OF OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM.
We will rely exclusively on the skills and expertise of our management team in conducting our business. Our management team has limited experience in identifying, evaluating and acquiring prospective businesses in which we may ultimately invest. Accordingly, there is only a limited basis upon which to evaluate our prospects for achieving our intended business objectives.
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We will be wholly dependent for the selection, structuring, closing and monitoring of all of our investments on the diligence and skill of our management team, under the supervision of our Board of Directors. There can be no assurance that we will attain our investment objective. The management team will have primary responsibility for the selection of companies to which we will loan or finance, the terms of such loans and the monitoring of such investments after they are made. However, not all of the management team will devote all of their time to managing us. These factors may affect our returns.
We have limited resources and limited operating history.
OUR OPERATIONS AS A MERCHANT BANK MAY AFFECT OUR ABILITY TO, AND THE MANNER IN WHICH, WE RAISE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL, WHICH MAY EXPOSE US TO RISKS.
Our business will require a substantial amount of capital. We may acquire additional capital from the issuance of senior securities, including borrowings or other indebtedness, or the issuance of additional shares of our common stock. However, we may not be able to raise additional capital in the future on favorable terms or at all. We may issue debt securities, other evidences of indebtedness or preferred stock, and we may borrow money from banks or other financial institutions, which we refer to collectively as "senior securities". If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy loan requirements. If that happens, we may be required to liquidate a portion of our investments and repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous. As a result of issuing senior securities, we would also be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss. If we issue preferred stock, the preferred stock would rank "senior" to common stock in our capital structure, preferred stockholders would have separate voting rights and might have rights, preferences, or privileges more favorable than those of our common stockholders. If we raise additional funds by issuing more common stock or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, then the percentage ownership of our stockholders at that time will decrease.
WE HAVE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR INVESTMENT IN LOANS OR OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS TO PORTFOLIO COMPANIES AND AS A RESULT OUR LOAN INVESTMENTS LACK DIVERSIFICATION.
Based on the amount of our existing available funds, it is unlikely that we will be able to commit our funds to loans to, and the acquisition of debt or, securities of a large number of companies. We intend to operate as a diversified merchant bank. Prospective investors should understand that our current investments are not, and in the future may not be, substantially diversified. We may not achieve the same level of diversification as larger entities engaged in similar activities. Therefore, our assets may be subject to greater risk of loss than if they were more widely diversified. The loss of one or more of our limited number of investments could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
WE HAVE A LACK OF REVENUE HISTORY AND STOCKHOLDERS CANNOT VIEW OUR PAST PERFORMANCE SINCE WE HAVE A LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY.
We were incorporated on December 17, 2007 for the purpose of engaging in any lawful business and have adopted a plan as a small and micro cap market merchant banking company. During the period of inception through December 31, 2015, we did not recognize revenues. We recognized no revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. We are not profitable. We must be regarded as a new venture with all of the unforeseen costs, expenses, problems, risks and difficulties to which such ventures are subject.
WE ARE NOT DIVERSIFIED AND WE WILL BE DEPENDENT ON ONLY ONE BUSINESS, MERCHANT BANKING.
Because of the limited financial resources that we have, it is unlikely that we will be able to diversify our operations. Our probable inability to diversify our activities into more than one area will subject us to economic fluctuations within the merchant banking industry and therefore increase the risks associated with our operations due to lack of diversification.
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WE CAN GIVE NO ASSURANCE OF SUCCESS OR PROFITABILITY TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS.
There is no assurance that we will ever operate profitably. There is no assurance that we will generate revenues or profits, or that the market price of our common stock will be increased thereby.
WE MAY HAVE A SHORTAGE OF WORKING CAPITAL IN THE FUTURE WHICH COULD JEOPARDIZE OUR ABILITY TO CARRY OUT OUR BUSINESS PLAN.
Our capital needs consist primarily of expenses related to general and administrative and legal and accounting and could exceed $200,000 in the next twelve months. Such funds are not currently committed, and we have cash of approximately $24,000 as of the date of this filing.
WE WILL NEED ADDITIONAL FINANCING FOR WHICH WE HAVE NO COMMITMENTS, AND THIS MAY JEOPARDIZE EXECUTION OF OUR BUSINESS PLAN.
We have limited funds, and such funds may not be adequate to carryout the business plan in the small and micro cap market merchant banking industry. Our ultimate success depends upon our ability to raise additional capital. We have not investigated the availability, source, or terms that might govern the acquisition of additional capital and will not do so until it determines a need for additional financing. If we need additional capital, we have no assurance that funds will be available from any source or, if available, that they can be obtained on terms acceptable to us. If not available, our operations will be limited to those that can be financed with our modest capital.
WE MAY IN THE FUTURE ISSUE MORE SHARES WHICH COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL BY OUR PRESENT MANAGEMENT AND CURRENT STOCKHOLDERS.
We may issue further shares as consideration for the cash or assets or services out of our authorized but unissued common stock that would, upon issuance, represent a majority of the voting power and equity of our Company. The result of such an issuance would be those new stockholders and management would control our Company, and persons unknown could replace our management at this time. Such an occurrence would result in a greatly reduced percentage of ownership of our Company by our current stockholders, which could present significant risks to stockholders.
WE HAVE AUTHORIZED AND DESIGNATED A CLASS A PREFERRED SUPER MAJORITY VOTING CONVERTIBLE STOCK, WHICH HAVING VOTING RIGHTS OF 60% TO OUR COMMON STOCK AT ALL TIMES.
Class A Preferred Super Majority Voting Convertible Stock (the "Class A Preferred Stock") of which 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock have been authorized for the class. The Class A Preferred Stock are to have super majority voting rights over common stock voting 60% at all times. At this time, all shares of the Class A Preferred Stock have been issued to International Hedge Group, Inc. which is controlled by Mr. Harris, Mr. Lahr and Mr. Kurczodyna, our officers and directors.
OUR OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS MAY HAVE CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS AS TO CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES WHICH WE MAY NOT BE ABLE OR ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN AND MAY RECEIVE COMPENSATION FROM OUR PARENT COMPANY.
Presently there is no requirement contained in our Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or minutes which requires officers and directors of our business to disclose to us business opportunities which come to their attention. Our officers and directors do, however, have a fiduciary duty of loyalty to us to disclose to us any business opportunities which come to their attention, in their capacity as an officer and/or director or otherwise. Excluded from this duty would be opportunities which the
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person learns about through his involvement as an officer and director of another company. We have no intention of merging with or acquiring a business opportunity from any affiliate or officer or director. Our officers and directors also serve our parent company, International Hedge Group, Inc., which has and will have consulting agreements with most or all of our loan portfolio companies and such is a direct conflict and such officers and directors may be paid by such parent.
WE HAVE AGREED TO INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS AS IS PROVIDED BY DELAWARE STATUTES.
Delaware Statutes provide for the indemnification of our directors, officers, employees, and agents, under certain circumstances, against attorney's fees and other expenses incurred by them in any litigation to which they become a party arising from their association with or activities our behalf. We will also bear the expenses of such litigation for any of our directors, officers, employees, or agents, upon such person's promise to repay us therefore if it is ultimately determined that any such person shall not have been entitled to indemnification. This indemnification policy could result in substantial expenditures by us that we will be unable to recoup.
OUR DIRECTORS' LIABILITY TO US AND STOCKHOLDERS IS LIMITED
Delaware Statutes exclude personal liability of our directors and our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty except in certain specified circumstances. Accordingly, we will have a much more limited right of action against our directors that otherwise would be the case. This provision does not affect the liability of any director under federal or applicable state securities laws.
RISK FACTORS OF THE COMPANY
WE MAY NOT REALIZE RETURNS ON OUR LOANS OR INVESTMENTS IN PORTFOLIO COMPANIES FOR SEVERAL YEARS. THUS, AN INVESTMENT IN SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK IS ONLY APPROPRIATE FOR INVESTORS WHO DO NOT NEED SHORT TERM LIQUIDITY IN THEIR MONEY.
We intend to make loans and investments as quickly as possible consistent with our investment objectives in those investments that meet our criteria. However, it is likely that a significant period of time will be required before we are able to achieve repayment and any additional value from warrants or stock conversions that we hold in an eligible portfolio company and make any distributions of gains to our stockholders.
COMPETITION FOR LOANS AND INVESTMENTS.
We expect to encounter competition from other entities having similar investment objectives, some of whom may have greater resources than us. Historically, the primary competition for venture capital investments has been from venture capital funds and corporations, venture capital affiliates of large industrial and financial companies, small business investment companies, and wealthy individuals. Additional competition is anticipated from foreign investors and from large industrial and financial companies investing directly rather than through venture capital affiliates. Many of our competitors will have a competitive advantage and are much larger. The need to compete for loans or investment opportunities may make it necessary for us to offer portfolio companies more attractive transaction terms than otherwise might be the case. We anticipate being a co-investor with other venture capital groups, and these relationships with other groups may expand our access to investment opportunities.
RISKS OF COMPETITION FOR OUR PORTFOLIO COMPANIES.
Most emerging markets are highly competitive. We anticipate that nearly all our portfolio companies will compete against firms with greater financial resources, more extensive development, manufacturing, marketing, and service capabilities, and a larger number of qualified managerial and technical personnel.
ILLIQUID NATURE OF OUR INVESTMENTS.
We anticipate that substantially all of our portfolio investments (other than short-term investments) will consist of debt securities that at the time of acquisition are subject to restrictions on sale and for which no ready market will exist, or if such a market does in fact exist, that it may not have sufficient depth and liquidity to allow us to recover our loan or investment. Restricted securities cannot be sold publicly without prior agreement with the issuer to register the securities under the Securities Act, or by selling such securities under Rule 144 or other provisions of the Securities Act which permit only limited sales under specified conditions.
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Venture capital investments in the securities of portfolio companies are privately negotiated transactions. There may be no established trading market in which such securities, particularly debt, can be sold. In the case of warrants or equity securities in private companies, we generally will realize the value of such securities only if the issuer is able to make an initial public offering of its shares, or enters into a business combination with another company which purchases our warrants or equity securities or exchanges them for publicly traded securities of the acquirer. The feasibility of such transactions depends upon the portfolio company's financial results as well as general economic and equity market conditions. Furthermore, even if the restricted warrants or equity securities owned become publicly-traded, our ability to sell such securities may be limited by the lack of or limited nature of a trading market for such securities. When restricted securities are sold to the public, under certain circumstances we may be deemed an "underwriter" or a controlling person with respect thereto for the purposes of the Securities Act, and be subject to potential liabilities as such under that Act. Because of the illiquid nature of our investments, a substantial portion of our assets will be carried on its books at fair value as determined by the Board from time to time adjusted. This value will not necessarily reflect the amount which could be realized upon a sale, or payoff.
RISKS OF OUR NEED FOR ADDITIONAL CAPITAL TO FUND LOANS OR EQUITY TO OUR PORTFOLIO COMPANIES.
We expect that most portfolio companies will require additional financing to satisfy their working capital requirements. The amount of additional financing needed will depend upon the maturity and objectives of the particular company. Each round of venture financing (whether from us or other investors) is typically intended to provide a portfolio company with enough capital to reach the next major valuation milestone. If the funds provided are not sufficient, a company may have to raise additional capital at a price or at terms unfavorable to the existing investors, including Infinity. Although our goal is to structure a liquidity event for our investment within 24 months from the date we initially invest, the overall success may be reliant upon securing additional capital from PIPE ("Private Investment in Public Equity") investors for portfolio companies. This additional PIPE financing or the availability of any form of equity or debt capital is generally a function of capital market conditions that are beyond our control or any portfolio company. Our management team may not be able to predict accurately the future capital requirements necessary for success of our Company or portfolio companies. Additional funds may not be available from any source.
OUR PORTFOLIO IS AND MAY CONTINUE TO BE CONCENTRATED IN A LIMITED NUMBER OF PORTFOLIO COMPANIES AND INDUSTRIES, WHICH WILL SUBJECT US TO A RISK OF SIGNIFICANT LOSS IF ANY OF THESE COMPANIES DEFAULTS ON ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER ANY OF ITS DEBT INSTRUMENTS OR BY A DOWNTURN IN THE PARTICULAR INDUSTRY.
Our portfolio is and may continue to be concentrated in a limited number of portfolio companies and industries. We do not have fixed guidelines for diversification, and while we are not targeting any specific industries, our investments are, and could continue to be, concentrated in relatively few industries. As a result, the aggregate returns we realize may be significantly adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly or if we need to write down the value of any one investment. Additionally, a downturn in any particular industry in which we are invested could also significantly impact the aggregate returns we realize.
WE WILL NOT CONTROL ANY OF OUR PORTFOLIO COMPANIES.
We will not control any of our portfolio companies, even though we may have board observation rights. As a result, we are subject to the risk that a portfolio company in which we invest may make business decisions with which we disagree, may take risks or otherwise act in ways that do not serve our interests.
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WE MAY NOT REALIZE GAINS FROM OUR INVESTMENTS.
Our goal is ultimately to dispose of any equity interests we acquire from our portfolio companies and realize gains upon our disposition of such interests. However, any equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains from any equity interests, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience.
THE INABILITY OF OUR PORTFOLIO COMPANIES TO COMMERCIALIZE THEIR TECHNOLOGIES OR CREATE OR DEVELOP COMMERCIALLY VIABLE PRODUCTS OR BUSINESSES WOULD HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON OUR INVESTMENT RETURNS.
The possibility that our portfolio companies will not be able to commercialize their technology, products or business concepts presents significant risks to the value of our investment. Additionally, although some of our portfolio companies may already have a commercially successful product or product line when we invest, technology related products and services often have a more limited market or life span than have products in other industries. Thus, the ultimate success of these companies often depends on their ability to continually innovate in increasingly competitive markets. Their inability to do so could affect our investment return. We cannot assure you that any of our portfolio companies will successfully acquire or develop any new technologies, or that the intellectual property the companies currently hold will remain viable. Even if our portfolio companies are able to develop commercially viable products, the market for new products and services is highly competitive and rapidly changing. Neither our portfolio companies nor we have any control over the pace of technology development. Commercial success is difficult to predict, and the marketing efforts of our portfolio companies may not be successful.
RISK FACTORS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS
WE HAVE INCURRED SIGNIFICANT LOSSES AND ANTICIPATE FUTURE LOSSES.
As of December 31, 2015, we had an accumulated deficit of ($2,954,791).
Future losses are likely to occur until we are able to receive returns on our loans and investments since we have no other sources of income to meet our operating expenses. As a result of these, among other factors, we received from our registered independent public accountants in their report for the financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, an explanatory paragraph stating that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
OUR EXISTING FINANCIAL RESOURCES ARE INSUFFICIENT TO MEET OUR ONGOING OPERATING EXPENSES.
We have no sources of income at this time and insufficient assets to meet our ongoing operating expenses. In the short term, unless we are able to raise additional debt and, or, equity we shall be unable to meet our ongoing operating expenses. On a longer term basis, we intend to merge with another entity with experienced management and opportunities for growth in return for shares of our common stock to create value for our shareholders. There can be no assurance that these events will be successfully completed.
BECAUSE INSIDERS CONTROL OUR ACTIVITIES, THAT MAY CAUSE US TO ACT IN A MANNER THAT IS MOST BENEFICIAL TO THEM AND NOT TO OUTSIDE SHAREHOLDERS WHICH COULD CAUSE US NOT TO TAKE ACTIONS THAT OUTSIDE INVESTORS MIGHT VIEW FAVORABLY
Our sole executive officer, directors, and holders of 5% or more of our issued and outstanding common stock through International Hedge Group, Inc. beneficially own approximately 95% of our issued and outstanding common stock and the Super Majority Voting Class A Preferred. As a result, they effectively control all
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matters requiring director and stockholder approval, including the election of directors, the approval of significant corporate transactions, such as mergers and related party transaction. These insiders also have the ability to delay or perhaps even block, by their ownership of our stock, an unsolicited tender offer. This concentration of ownership could have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of our company that you might view favorably.
OUR THREE OFFICERS HAVE THE ABILITY TO EFFECTIVELY CONTROL SUBSTANTIALLY ALL ACTIONS TAKEN BY STOCKHOLDERS.
Mr. Harris, Mr. Kurczodyna and Mr. Lahr, the officers and directors of the Company and of our parent, International Hedge Group, Inc. ("IHG") control in excess of our 95% of our issued and outstanding common stock through IHG and are able to effectively control substantially all actions taken by our stockholders, including the election of directors. Such concentration of ownership could also have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control that might otherwise be beneficial to stockholders and may also discourage acquisition bids for us and limit the amount certain investors may be willing to pay for shares of common stock.
WE MAY DEPEND UPON OUTSIDE ADVISORS, WHO MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE ON REASONABLE TERMS AND AS NEEDED.
To supplement the business experience of our officers and directors, we may be required to employ accountants, technical experts, appraisers, attorneys, or other consultants or advisors. Our Board without any input from stockholders will make the selection of any such advisors. Furthermore, it is anticipated that such persons may be engaged on an "as needed" basis without a continuing fiduciary or other obligation to us. In the event we consider it necessary to hire outside advisors, we may elect to hire persons who are affiliates, if they are able to provide the required services.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR LOANS OR INVESTMENTS
THE INABILITY OF OUR PORTFOLIO COMPANIES TO ADEQUATELY EXECUTE THEIR GROWTH OR EXPANSION STRATEGIES WOULD HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON OUR LOAN OR INVESTMENT RETURNS.
The possibility that our portfolio companies will not be able to fully carry out or execute on their expansion or growth plans presents significant risk. Our loans or investment in our portfolio companies will ultimately depend on the success of our portfolio company or our ability to be reapid loans or liquidate securities acquired by us in the portfolio company. If the intended expansion or growth plan that was one of the main reasons we had originally invested does not come to fruition or is otherwise impeded, the secondary market value of the portfolio company's stock may negatively reflect this information, making our investment not profitable or may subject us to a substantial loss. Further, we may loan to or invest in portfolio companies for which no market for its securities exists, in which case, the portfolio companies failure to complete or execute its expansion or growth plan may severely inhibit our repayment. In such case, we may incur an entire loss of our investment.
OUR PORTFOLIO COMPANIES WILL LIKELY HAVE SIGNIFICANT COMPETITION FROM MORE ESTABLISHED COMPANIES AS WELL AS INNOVATIVE EARLY STAGE COMPANIES.
Emerging growth companies often face significant competition, both from early stage companies and from more established companies. Early stage competitors may have strategic capabilities such as an innovative management team or an ability to react quickly to changing market conditions, while more established companies may possess significantly more experience and greater financial resources than our portfolio companies. These factors could affect our investment returns.
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OUR INVESTMENT RETURNS WILL DEPEND ON THE SUCCESS OF OUR PORTFOLIO COMPANIES AND, ULTIMATELY, THE ABILITIES OF THEIR KEY PERSONNEL.
Our success will depend upon the success of our portfolio companies. Their success, in turn, will depend in large part upon the abilities of their key personnel. The day-to-day operations of our portfolio companies will remain the responsibility of their key personnel. The loss of one or a few key managers can hinder or delay a company's implementation of its business plan. Our portfolio companies may not be able to attract qualified managers and personnel. Any inability to do so may negatively impact our investment returns.
SOME OF OUR PORTFOLIO COMPANIES MAY NEED ADDITIONAL CAPITAL, WHICH MAY NOT BE READILY AVAILABLE.
Companies in which we make expansion or mezzanine round investments will often require substantial additional equity financing to fully execute their growth strategies. Each round of venture financing is typically intended to provide a company with only enough capital to reach the next stage of development, or in the case of our financings, the turn around stage or offering stage which might provide us with a liquidity event. We cannot predict the circumstances or market conditions under which our portfolio companies may seek additional capital. It is possible that one or more of our portfolio companies will not be able to raise additional financing or may be able to do so at a price or on terms which are unfavorable to us, either of which could negatively impact our investment returns.
RISKS RELATING TO OWNERSHIP OF BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. COMMON STOCK
A LIMITED PUBLIC MARKET EXISTS FOR OUR COMMON STOCK AT THIS TIME, AND THERE IS NO ASSURANCE OF A FUTURE MARKET.
There is a limited public market for our common stock, and no assurance can be given that a market will continue or that a shareholder ever will be able to liquidate his investment without considerable delay, if at all. If a market should continue, the price may be highly volatile. Factors such as those discussed in the "Risk Factors" section may have a significant impact upon the market price of the shares offered hereby. Due to the low price of our securities, many brokerage firms may not be willing to effect transactions in our securities. Even if a purchaser finds a broker willing to effect a transaction in our shares, the combination of brokerage commissions, state transfer taxes, if any, and any other selling costs may exceed the selling price. Further, many lending institutions will not permit the use of our shares as collateral for any loans.
OUR STOCK WILL IN ALL LIKELIHOOD BE THINLY TRADED AND AS A RESULT YOU MAY BE UNABLE TO SELL AT OR NEAR ASK PRICES OR AT ALL IF YOU NEED TO LIQUIDATE YOUR SHARES.
The shares of our common stock may be thinly-traded. We are a small company which is relatively unknown to stock analysts, stock brokers, institutional stockholders and others in the investment community that generate or influence sales volume, and that even if we came to the attention of such persons, they tend to be risk-averse and would be reluctant to follow an unproven, early stage company such as ours or purchase or recommend the purchase of any of our securities until such time as we became more seasoned and viable. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in our securities is minimal or non-existent, as compared to a seasoned issuer which has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales without an adverse effect on Securities price. We cannot give you any assurance that a broader or more active public trading market for our common securities will develop or be sustained, or that any trading levels will be sustained. Due to these conditions, we can give stockholders no assurance that they will be able to sell their shares at or near ask prices or at all if they need money or otherwise desire to liquidate their securities.
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OUR COMMON STOCK MAY BE VOLATILE, WHICH SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASES THE RISK THAT YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SELL YOUR SECURITIES AT OR ABOVE THE PRICE THAT YOU MAY PAY FOR THE SECURITY.
Because of the possible price volatility, you may not be able to sell your shares of common stock when you desire to do so. The inability to sell your securities in a rapidly declining market may substantially increase your risk of loss because of such illiquidity and because the price for our securities may suffer greater declines because of our price volatility.
The price of our common stock that will prevail in the market after this offering may be higher or lower than the price you may pay. Certain factors, some of which are beyond our control, that may cause our share price to fluctuate significantly include, but are not limited to the following:
Variations in our quarterly operating results;
Loss of a key relationship or failure to complete significant transactions;
Additions or departures of key personnel; and
Fluctuations in stock market price and volume.
Additionally, in recent years the stock market in general, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. In some cases, these fluctuations are unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the underlying company. These market and industry factors may materially and adversely affect our stock price, regardless of our operating performance. In the past, class action litigation often has been brought against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of those companies common stock. If we become involved in this type of litigation in the future, it could result in substantial costs and diversion of management attention and resources, which could have a further negative effect on your investment in our stock.
THE REGULATION OF PENNY STOCKS BY THE SEC AND FINRA MAY DISCOURAGE THE TRADABILITY OF OUR SECURITIES.
We are a "penny stock" company, as our stock price is less than $5.00 per share. If we are able to obtain an exchange listing for our stock, we cannot make an assurance that we will be able to maintain a stock price greater than $5.00 per share and if the share price was to fall to such prices, that we wouldn't be subject to the Penny Stocks rules. None of our securities currently trade in any market and, if ever available for trading, will be subject to a Securities and Exchange Commission rule that imposes special sales practice requirements upon broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established customers or accredited stockholders. For purposes of the rule, the phrase "accredited stockholders" means, in general terms, institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000, or individuals having a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or having an annual income that exceeds $200,000 (or that, when combined with a spouse's income, exceeds $300,000). For transactions covered by the rule, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to the transaction prior to the sale. Effectively, this discourages broker-dealers from executing trades in penny stocks. Consequently, the rule will affect the ability of purchasers in this offering to sell their securities in any market that might develop therefore because it imposes additional regulatory burdens on penny stock transactions.
In addition, the Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted a number of rules to regulate "penny stocks". Such rules include Rules 3a51-1, 15g-1, 15g-2, 15g-3, 15g-4, 15g-5, 15g-6, 15g-7, and 15g-9 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Because our securities constitute "penny stocks" within the meaning of the rules, the rules would apply to us and to our securities. The rules will further affect the ability of owners of shares to sell our securities in any market that might develop for them because it imposes additional regulatory burdens on penny stock transactions.
Stockholders should be aware that, according to Securities and Exchange Commission, the market for penny stocks has suffered in recent years from patterns of fraud and abuse. Such patterns include (i) control of the market for the security by one or a few broker-dealers that are often related to the promoter or issuer; (ii)
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manipulation of prices through prearranged matching of purchases and sales and false and misleading press releases; (iii) "boiler room" practices involving high-pressure sales tactics and unrealistic price projections by inexperienced sales persons; (iv) excessive and undisclosed bid-ask differentials and markups by selling broker-dealers; and (v) the wholesale dumping of the same securities by promoters and broker-dealers after prices have been manipulated to a desired consequent investor losses. Our management is aware of the abuses that have occurred historically in the penny stock market. Although we do not expect to be in a position to dictate the behavior of the market or of broker-dealers who participate in the market, management will strive within the confines of practical limitations to prevent the described patterns from being established with respect to our securities.
Inventory in penny stocks have limited remedies in the event of violations of penny stock rules. While the courts are always available to seek remedies for fraud against us, most, if not all, brokerages require their customers to sign mandatory arbitration agreements in conjunctions with opening trading accounts. Such arbitration may be through an independent arbiter. Stockholders may file a complaint with FINRA against the broker allegedly at fault, and FINRA may be the arbiter, under FINRA rules. Arbitration rules generally limit discovery and provide more expedient adjudication, but also provide limited remedies in damages usually only the actual economic loss in the account. Stockholders should understand that if a fraud case is filed an against a company in the courts it may be vigorously defended and may take years and great legal expenses and costs to pursue, which may not be economically feasible for small stockholders.
That absent arbitration agreements, specific legal remedies available to stockholders of penny stocks include the following:
If a penny stock is sold to the investor in violation of the requirements listed above, or other federal or states securities laws, the investor may be able to cancel the purchase and receive a refund of the investment.
If a penny stock is sold to the investor in a fraudulent manner, the investor may be able to sue the persons and firms that committed the fraud for damages.
The fact that we are a penny stock company will cause many brokers to refuse to handle transactions in the stocks, and may discourage trading activity and volume, or result in wide disparities between bid and ask prices. These may cause stockholders significant illiquidity of the stock at a price at which they may wish to sell or in the opportunity to complete a sale. Stockholders will have no effective legal remedies for these illiquidity issues.
WE WILL PAY NO FORESEEABLE DIVIDENDS IN THE FUTURE.
We have not paid dividends on our common stock and do not ever anticipate paying such dividends in the foreseeable future. Stockholders whose investment criteria are dependent on dividends should not invest in our common stock.
RULE 144 SALES IN THE FUTURE MAY HAVE A DEPRESSIVE EFFECT ON OUR STOCK PRICE.
All of the outstanding shares of common stock are held by our present officers, directors, and affiliate stockholders as "restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. As restricted shares, these shares may be resold only pursuant to an effective registration statement or under the requirements of Rule 144 or other applicable exemptions from registration under the Act and as required under applicable state securities laws. Rule 144 provides in essence that a person who has held restricted securities for six months may, under certain conditions, sell every three months, in brokerage transactions, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of 1.0% of a company's outstanding common stock or the average weekly trading volume during the four
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calendar weeks prior to the sale. There is no limit on the amount of restricted securities that may be sold by a non-affiliate after the owner has held the restricted securities for a period of two years. A sale under Rule 144 or under any other exemption from the Act, if available, or pursuant to subsequent registration of shares of common stock of present stockholders, may have a depressive effect upon the price of the common stock in any market that may develop.
OUR STOCKHOLDERS MAY SUFFER FUTURE DILUTION DUE TO ISSUANCES OF SHARES FOR VARIOUS CONSIDERATIONS IN THE FUTURE.
There may be substantial dilution to BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. stockholders as a result of future decisions of the Board to issue shares without shareholder approval for cash, services, or acquisitions.
WE WILL BECOME A REPORTING COMPANY UPON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
We will become subject to the reporting requirements under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, Section 13a, after the effectiveness of this Registration Statement under Section 12(g). As a result, stockholders will have access to the information required to be reported by publicly held companies under the Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder. As a result, we will be subject to legal and accounting expenses that private companies are not subject to and this could affect our ability to generate operating income.
WE HAVE NOT IDENTIFIED BUT ONE OF THE PORTFOLIO COMPANIES TO WHICH WE WILL LOAN OR IN WHICH WE MAY INVEST.
We have only loaned money to one portfolio company, Meshworks Media Corporation, and may take time to find another finance candidate.
ITEM 2. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Managements' Discussion and Analysis
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited and audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included herein.
This discussion contains forward-looking statements, such as statements relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business operations. These statements relate to expectations concerning matters that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views and expectations based largely upon the information currently available to us and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. Although we believe our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, they are not guarantees of future performance and there are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. By making these forward-looking statements, we do not undertake to update them in any manner except as may be required by our disclosure obligations in filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Federal securities laws. Our actual results may differ materially from our forward-looking statements.
The independent registered public accounting firm's report on our financial statements as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 includes a "going concern" explanatory paragraph that describes substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
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PLAN OF OPERATIONS
We intend to expend funds over the next four quarters as follows:
1 st Quarter 2017 |
Loans |
$250,000 |
|
Operations |
$50,000 |
||
2 nd Quarter 2017 |
Loans |
$250,000 |
|
Operations |
$50,000 |
||
3 rd Quarter 2017 |
Loans |
$250,000 |
|
Operations |
$50,000 |
||
4 th Quarter 2017 |
Loans |
$250,000 |
|
Operations |
$50,000 |
Our Budget for operations in the next year is as follows:
Working Capital - Loans |
|
$1,000,000 |
Legal and Accounting |
$100,000 |
|
Fees, commissions and general & administrative expenses |
$100,000 |
|
$1,200,000 |
The Company may change any or all of the budget categories in the execution of its business model. None of the line items are to be considered fixed or unchangeable. The Company may need substantial additional capital to support its budget. We have not recognized revenues from our operational activities.
Based on our current cash reserves of approximately $24,000 as of December 27, 2016, we have the cash for an operational budget of three months. If we are unable to generate enough revenue, through our other subsidiaries, to cover our operational costs, we will need to seek additional sources of funds. Currently, we have no committed source for any funds as of date hereof. No representation is made that any funds will be available when needed. In the event funds cannot be raised if and when needed, we may not be able to carry out our business plan and could fail in business as a result of these uncertainties.
The independent registered public accounting firm's report on our financial statements as of December 31, 2015, includes a "going concern" explanatory paragraph that describes substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
For the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2014.
Results of Operations
Revenues and Gross Profit. We had no operations and no business in 2014 and 2015. We realized revenues of $0 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Operating Expenses. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, our total operating expenses were none. General and administrative expenses were $2,800 in 2015 compared to $6,658 in 2014. Interest expenses were $15,000 in each year.
Net Loss. For the year ended December 31, 2015, our net loss was $17,800 as compared to of $21,658 for the year ended December 31, 2014. Our net loss per share was >($.01) per share.
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Results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015
We had minimal operations and no revenues in 2015 in the nine month period, incurring $1,940 in expenses resulting in a loss of ($1,940) for the period. In summer of 2016, we achieved capital of $100,000, in our efforts to recapitalize the Company. We had no revenues during the nine month period in 2016. Due to startup and administrative expenses, stock issuances, warrant expenses of $1,328,000 and consulting fees, we incurred a loss of ($1,378,583) for the period.
We had income (gain) on settlement of debt for the period in 2016 of $270,822, which resulted in a net loss for the period of ($1,096,608) or >($0.01) per share. For the same period in 2015, we had a net loss of ($4,238).
Liquidity and Capital Resources. Our total assets were $53,562 as of September 30, 2016, consisting of cash of $51,188 and other assets.
By comparison, our total assets were $0 as of December 31, 2015. Our current liabilities as of December 31, 2015, totaled $343,681, which is comprised of accounts payable of $26,423, notes payable of $200,000, to related parties, other liabilities of $50,000, and accrued interest of $67,258.
We have been, and intend to continue, working toward identifying and obtaining new sources of financing. No assurances can be given that we will be successful in obtaining additional financing in the future. Any future financing that we may obtain may cause significant dilution to existing stockholders. Any debt financing or other financing of securities senior to common stock that we are able to obtain will likely include financial and other covenants that will restrict our flexibility. Any failure to comply with these covenants would have a negative impact on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
If adequate funds are not available, we may be required to delay, scale back or eliminate portions of our operations or obtain funds through arrangements with strategic partners or others that may require us to relinquish rights to certain of our assets. Accordingly, the inability to obtain such financing could result in a significant loss of ownership and/or control of our assets and could also adversely affect our ability to fund our continued operations and our expansion efforts.
We do not anticipate that we will purchase any significant equipment over the next twelve months.
We do not anticipate any significant changes in the number of employee unless we significantly increase the size of our operations. We believe that we do not require the services of additional independent contractors to operate at our current level of activity. However, if our level of operations increases beyond the level that our current staff can provide, we may need to supplement our staff in this manner.
Material Contracts
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported assets, liabilities, sales and expenses in the accompanying financial statements. Critical accounting policies are those that require the most subjective and complex judgments, often employing the use of estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.
Critical accounting policies, including the assumptions and judgments underlying them. However, we do not believe that there are any alternative methods of accounting for our operations that would have a material effect on our financial statements.
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This summary of significant accounting policies is presented to assist the reader in understanding and evaluating the Company's financial statements. Critical accounting policies are our management's representations and require the most subjective and complex judgment, often involving the use of estimates on the impact and effects related matters with a large degree of inherent uncertainty. The accompanying policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and have been consistently applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our activities. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates as the current economic environment increases the degree of uncertainly inherent in the estimates and uncertainty. The more significant estimates and assumptions made my management include allowances for doubtful accounts, allowance for deferred income, depreciation and amortization, fair market value of equity and embedded derivative instruments, fair market value of purchased and sold assets, and impairment of intangible assets.
Identifiable Intangible Assets
In accordance with ASC 350 Intangibles - intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but instead are measured for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter, or when events indicate that impairment exists. As required by ASC 350, in the impairment tests for indefinite-lived intangible assets, we compare the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets, using a combination of discounted cash flow analysis and market value comparisons. If the carrying value exceeds the estimate of fair value, we calculate the impairment as the excess of the carrying value over the estimate of fair value and accordingly record the loss.
Intangible assets that are determined to have definite lives are amortized over the shorter of their legal lives or their estimated useful lives and are measured for impairment only when events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may be impaired in accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment discussed below.
Investments
Investments are classified as available for sale and consist of marketable equity securities that we intend to hold for an indefinite period of time. Investments are stated at fair value and unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income until realized. Realized gains or losses on disposition of investments are computed on the "specific identification" method and are reported as income or loss in the period of disposition on our consolidated statements of operations.
Related Parties
A party is considered to be related to our Company if the party directly or indirectly or through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with our Company. Related parties also include principal owners of our Company, its management, members of the immediate families of principal owners of our Company and its management and other parties with which our Company may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests. A party which can
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significantly influence the management or operating policies of the transacting parties or if it has an ownership interest in one of the transacting parties and can significantly influence the other to an extent that one or more of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests is also a related party.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Our Company applies the provisions of accounting guidance, FASB Topic ASC 825 that requires all entities to disclose the fair value of financial instruments, both assets and liabilities recognized and not recognized on the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value, and defines fair value of a financial instrument as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. As of June 31, 2016 and 2015, the fair value of cash, accounts payable, related party payables, and notes payable approximated carrying value due to the short maturity of the instruments, quoted market prices or interest rates which fluctuate with market rates.
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net earnings applicable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share is determined using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, using the treasury stock method, consisting of shares that might be issued upon exercise of common stock warrants and conversion of convertible notes. In periods where losses are reported, the weighted-average number of common stock outstanding excludes common shares equivalents, because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding adjusted for the effects of common stock that may be issued as a result of the following types of potentially dilutive instruments:
|
Warrants, |
|
|
Employee stock options, and |
|
|
Other equity awards, which include long-term incentive awards. |
The FASB ASC Topic 260, " Earnings Per Share" , requires our Company to include additional shares in the computation of earnings per share, assuming dilution. The additional shares included in diluted earnings per share represents the number of shares that would be issued if all of the Company's outstanding dilutive instruments were converted into common stock.
Diluted earnings per share are based on the assumption that all dilutive options were converted or exercised. Dilution is computed by applying the treasury stock method. Under this method, options, and warrants are assumed to be exercised at the time of issuance, and as if funds obtained thereby were used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period.
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are the same since our Company had net losses for all periods presented and including the additional potential common shares would have an anti-dilutive effect.
Revenue Recognition
All revenues are recorded in accordance with ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized when all the criteria have been met:
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When persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists.
The services have been provided to the customer.
The fee is fixed or determinable.
Collectability is reasonably assured.
Cost of Revenue
Our cost of revenue consists primarily of the direct expenses incurred in order to generate revenue. Such costs are recorded as incurred.
Employee Stock Based Compensation
We account for employee stock option grants in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation . ASC 718 establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. ASC 718 requires a public entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost will be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award - the requisite service period (usually the vesting period).
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following weighted-average assumptions:
Dec. 31, 2015 |
|||||
Risk-free interest rate |
1.75% |
||||
Expected volatility |
172.00% |
||||
Expected option life (in years) |
3.00 |
||||
Expected dividend yield |
0.00 |
The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero coupon issues. The expected volatility is primarily based on historical volatility levels of our public company peer group. The expected option life of each award granted was calculated using the "simplified method" in accordance with ASC 718.
Non-employee Stock Based Compensation
We account for non-employee stock based compensation in accordance with ASC 505-50, Equity Payments to Non-Employees . For awards with service or performance conditions, we generally recognize expense over the service period or when the performance condition is met; however, there may be circumstances in which we determine that the performance condition is probable before the actual performance condition is achieved. In such circumstances, the amount recognized as expense is the pro rata amount, depending on the estimated progress towards completion of the performance condition. Nonemployee share-based payments are measured at fair value, based on either the fair value of the equity instrument issued. We determine the fair value of common stock grants based on the price of the common stock on the measurement date (which is the earlier of the date at which a commitment for performance by the counterparty to earn the equity instruments is reached, if there are sufficient disincentives to ensure performance, or the date at which the counterparty's performance is complete). We use historical data to estimate expected forfeiture rate. For awards that are recognized when a performance condition is probable, the fair value is estimated at each reporting date. The cost ultimately recognized is the fair value of the equity award on the date the performance condition is achieved. Accordingly, the expense recognized may change between interim reporting dates and the date the performance condition is achieved.
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Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, as follows:
Level 1 - |
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
Level 2 - |
Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. |
Level 3 - |
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. |
Our financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, accounts payables and tenant deposits. The carrying values of these financial instruments approximate their fair value due to their short maturities. The carrying amount of our debt approximates fair value because the interest rates on these instruments approximate the interest rate on debt with similar terms available to us. Our derivative liability was adjusted to fair market value at the end of each reporting period, using Level 3 inputs.
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes, income taxes payable and deferred income taxes are determined using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the financial carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. On a periodic basis, the Company assesses the probability that its net deferred tax assets, if any, will be recovered. If after evaluating all of the positive and negative evidence, a conclusion is made that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be recovered, a valuation allowance is provided by a charge to tax expense to reserve the portion of the deferred tax assets which are not expected to be realized.
The Company reviews its filing positions for all open tax years in all U.S. federal and state jurisdictions where the Company is required to file.
When there are uncertainties related to potential income tax benefits, in order to qualify for recognition, the position the Company takes has to have at least a "more likely than not" chance of being sustained (based on the position's technical merits) upon challenge by the respective authorities. The term "more likely than not" means a likelihood of more than 50 percent. Otherwise, the Company may not recognize any of the potential tax benefit associated with the position. The Company recognizes a benefit for a tax position that meets the "more likely than not" criterion at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon its effective resolution. Unrecognized tax benefits involve management's judgment regarding the likelihood of the benefit being sustained. The final resolution of uncertain tax positions could result in adjustments to recorded amounts and may affect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
The Company's policy is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company had no accrual for interest or penalties for years ended Dec. 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively and there are no material unrecognized tax benefits. Management believes no material change to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will occur within in the next 12 months.
The tax years subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions include the years 2013 and forward by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
FASB ASU 2016-15 "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 231)" - In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, which clarified the presentation of certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. Previous GAAP was either unclear or lacked specific guidance on the presentation of the items addressed in ASU 2016-15, as a result a diversity of practice had developed. The amendment provides specific guidance on the presentation of eight specific items on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and the interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the potential impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
FASB ASU 2015-17"Income Taxes (Topic 740)" - In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, which simplifies the presentation of deferred tax assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. Previous GAAP required an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts on the balance sheet. The amendment requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the potential impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
FASB ASU 2015-16 "Business Combinations (Topic 805)," or ASU 2015-16 - In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, which requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. This ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with the option to early adopt for financial statements that have not been issued. We are currently evaluating the potential impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
FASB ASU 2015-11 "Inventory (Topic 331): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory," or ASU 2015-11 - In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, which requires an entity to measure in scope inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The amendments apply to inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. This ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with the option to early adopt as of the beginning of an annual or interim period. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
FASB ASU 2015-03 "Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-31): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Cost," or ASU 2015-03 - In Dec.2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and the interim periods within those fiscal years. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
FASB ASU 2015-02 "Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis," or ASU 2015-02 - In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, which changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. This ASU is
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effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and we are currently assessing the impact of adoption of this ASU on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Update, or FASB ASU 2016-12 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" - In May 2016, the FASB issued 2016-12. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2016-12 provides clarification on assessing collectability, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with the option to adopt as early as December 15, 2016. We are currently assessing the impact of adoption of this ASU on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
FASB ASU 2016-11 "Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)" - In May 2016, the FASB issued 2016-11, which clarifies guidance on assessing whether an entity is a principal or an agent in a revenue transaction. This conclusion impacts whether an entity reports revenue on a gross or net basis. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with the option to adopt as early as December 15, 2016. We are currently assessing the impact of adoption of this ASU on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
FASB ASU 2016-10 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" - In Dec.2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, clarify identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, while retaining the related principles for those areas. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with the option to adopt as early as December 15, 2016. We are currently assessing the impact of adoption of this ASU on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
FASB ASU 2016-09 "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718)" - In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, which includes multiple provisions intended to simplify various aspects of accounting for share-based payments. While aimed at reducing the cost and complexity of the accounting for share-based payments, the amendments are expected to significantly impact net income, earnings per share, and the statement of cash flows. Implementation and administration may present challenges for companies with significant share-based payment activities. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the potential impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
FASB ASU 2016-02 "Leases (Topic 842)" - In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which will require lessees to recognize almost all leases on their balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. For income statement purposes, the FASB retained a dual model, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance. Classification will be based on criteria that are largely similar to those applied in current lease accounting, but without explicit bright lines. Lessor accounting is similar to the current model, but updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model and the new revenue recognition standard. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 18, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the potential impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures
ITEM 3. PROPERTIES
FACILITIES
The corporate headquarters for BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. operates out of Boulder, Colorado and operates out of an office building that occupies approximately 1,000 square feet. The space is rented on a month-to-month basis. The address is 4450 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 100, Boulder, Colorado 80303 and the telephone number is (303) 500-5073.
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ITEM 4. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our outstanding common stock by:
each person who is known by us to be the beneficial owner of five percent (5%) or more of our common stock;
our executive officers, and each director as identified in the "Management - Executive Compensation" section; and
all of our directors and executive officers as a group.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Shares of common stock and options, warrants and convertible securities that are currently exercisable or convertible within 60 days of the date of this document into shares of our common stock are deemed to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding the options, warrants or convertible securities for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of the person, but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
The information below is based on the number of shares of our common stock that we believe was beneficially owned by each person or entity as of December 20, 2016.
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Title of Class |
Name of Beneficial Owner (1) |
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Owner |
Percent of Class (2)(4) |
Common Stock |
John Noble Harris, Chief Executive Officer and Director (3)(4) |
44,400,000 |
80% |
|
|||
Class A Preferred Convertible Stock |
John Noble Harris Chief Executive Officer and Director (3)(4) |
1,000,000 |
100% |
|
|||
Common Stock |
Todd H. Lahr, President and Director (3)(4) |
44,400,000 |
80% |
|
|||
Class A Preferred Convertible Stock |
Todd H. Lahr, President and Director (3)(4) |
1,000,000 |
100% |
Common Stock |
Joseph E. Kurczodyna, Chief Financial Officer and Director (3)(4) |
44,400,000 |
80% |
|
|||
Class A Preferred Convertible Stock |
Joseph E. Kurczodyna, Chief Financial Officer and Director (3)(4) |
1,000,000 |
100% |
Common shares |
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (3 persons) Common Shares |
44,400,000 |
|
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (3 persons) Preferred Shares |
1,000,000 |
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The address of each person listed above, unless otherwise indicated, is c/o BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc., 4450 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 100, Boulder, CO 80303.
Based upon 55,825,000 common shares issued and outstanding on a fully diluted basis. (Does not include conversion rights of Class A Preferred Super Majority Voting Convertible Stock held by International Hedge Group, Inc.)
Mr. Harris, Mr. Lahr and Mr. Kurczodyna are persons owning and controlling International Hedge Group, Inc.
International Hedge Group, Inc. ("IHG"), Mr. Harris, Mr. Lahr and Mr. Kurczodyna are shown collectively as they jointly control IHG. IHG also controls voting of the Class A Super Majority Voting Preferred stock which votes 60% of the common at all times.
GREATER THAN 5% STOCKHOLDERS
Title of Class |
Name of Beneficial Owner (1) |
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Owner |
Percent of Class (2)(4) |
Common Stock |
International Hedge Group, Inc. |
44,400,000 |
80% |
|
|||
Class A Preferred Convertible Stock |
International Hedge Group, Inc. |
1,000,000 |
100% |
|
|||
|
|||
Common Stock |
John Noble Harris, Chief Executive Officer and Director (3)(4) |
44,400,000 |
80% |
|
|||
Class A Preferred Convertible Stock |
John Noble Harris Chief Executive Officer and Director (3)(4) |
1,000,000 |
100% |
|
|||
Common Stock |
Todd H. Lahr, President and Director (3)(4) |
44,400,000 |
80% |
|
|||
Class A Preferred Convertible Stock |
Todd H. Lahr, President and Director (3)(4) |
1,000,000 |
100% |
|
|||
Common Stock |
Joseph E. Kurczodyna, Chief Financial Officer and Director (3)(4) |
44,400,000 |
80% |
|
|||
Class A Preferred Convertible Stock |
Joseph E. Kurczodyna, Chief Financial Officer and Director (3)(4) |
1,000,000 |
100% |
The address of each person listed above, unless otherwise indicated, is c/o BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc., 4450 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 100, Boulder, CO 80303.
Based upon 55,825,000 shares issued and outstanding on a fully diluted basis. (Does not include conversion rights of Class A Preferred Super Majority Voting Convertible Stock held by International Hedge Group, Inc.)
Mr. Harris, Mr. Lahr and Mr. Kurczodyna are persons owning and controlling International Hedge Group, Inc.
International Hedge Group, Inc. ("IHG"), Mr. Harris, Mr. Lahr and Mr. Kurczodyna are shown collectively as they jointly control IHG. IHG also controls voting of the Class A Super Majority Voting Preferred stock which votes 60% of the common at all times.
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Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 governs the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. That rule provides that a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who directly or indirectly has or shares voting power and/or investment power with respect to such security. Rule 13d-3 also provides that a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of such security within sixty days, including through the exercise of any option, warrant or conversion of a security. Any securities not outstanding which are subject to such options, warrants or conversion privileges are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of outstanding securities of the class owned by such person. Those securities are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of the class owned by any other person. Included in this table are only those derivative securities with exercise prices that we believe have a reasonable likelihood of being "in the money" within the next sixty days.
ITEM 5. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth information as to persons who currently serve as our directors or executive officers, including their ages as of December 20, 2016.
Name |
Age |
Position |
||
John Noble Harris |
70 |
Chief Executive Officer and Director |
||
Todd H. Lahr |
56 |
President and Director |
||
Joseph E. Kurczodyna |
63 |
Chief Financial Officer and Director |
||
Our officers are elected by the board of directors at the first meeting after each annual meeting of our stockholders and hold office until their successors are duly elected and qualified under our bylaws.
The directors named above will serve until the next annual meeting of our stockholders. Thereafter, directors will be elected for one-year terms at the annual stockholders' meeting. Officers will hold their positions at the pleasure of the board of directors absent any employment agreement. There is no arrangement or understanding between our directors and officers and any other person pursuant to which any director or officer was or is to be selected as a director or officer.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
John Noble Harris, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Mr. Harris began his career in the securities industry in 1971 with Newhart Cook & Co., a St. Louis based NYSE member firm. Licensed both as a broker and principal, he ultimately managed brokerage offices for several regional NASD brokerage firms. Since 1985, he has been self- employed as a business consultant and as a private investor. Mr. Harris brings to the Company experience in the public securities market. Mr. Harris served as the president of Tombstone Technologies from 2005-2010 and eventually merged the public company with Hunt Global Resources. In 2011, Mr. Harris became president of Rare Green, Inc., a private mineral exploration company. In 2014, Mr. Harris was one of the founders of International Hedge Group, Inc. ("IHG"). In 2016, IHG acquired 95% interest in BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc.
Todd H. Lahr, President and Director
Todd H. Lahr is the founder of Lahr & Lahr Law Offices. He is also the founder of Next Generation Energy Solutions, LLC and Renewable Energy Developers, LLC. Early in his career, he worked in the oil and gas exploration industry whereby he assembled a team of geologists to provide in depth geological evaluations on tracts of lands to determine their suitability for oil and gas exploration. Mr. Lahr is the CEO and president of THL Capital Resources, Inc.; a consulting firm. He provides legal services to startup companies and assists many business acquisitions and asset purchases. He has handled hundreds of residential and commercial real
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estate acquisitions and has been involved in several large real estate developments. Mr. Lahr was named Outstanding Young Men of America, Who's Who among Practicing Attorneys and Who's Who in American Law. He received his B.A. from Colorado State University, a Master's degree (MPA) from Drake University College of Business and Public Administration, and his Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) from Drake University Law School.
Joseph E. Kurczodyna, Chief Financial Officer and Director
Working with various Commodity and Stock brokerage firms in Chicago and Denver Mr. Kurczodyna began his career in 1977 trading Bonds and T-Bill futures In the 1980's, he focused on underwriting early stage companies. As a principle with Mills Financial, a registered Broker Dealer with the SEC and NASD, he underwrote and syndicated the Western International Gold & Silver (WIGS) in 1984. In 1991, Mr. Kurczodyna purchased Mills Financial and was the firm's President and General Principle. While leading Mills Financial, he underwrote and funded several private placements and IPO's. In 1998, Mills was the lead underwriter for United Financial Mortgage Corp. (UFMC), which was eventually listed on the American Stock Exchange. From 2004 to 2009, Mr. Kurczodyna was the CEO of Capital Merchant Bank LLC, an independent investment banker. From 2006-2008 he acted as the CFO and Director of OnMedia International. In 2009, Mr. Kurczodyna founded Patriot Mortgage Acceptance Corp. a private mortgage company. In 2014, Mr. Kurczodyna was one of the founders of International Hedge Group Inc.(IHG). In 2016, IHG acquired 95% interest in BlackStar Enterprise Group Inc.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - GENERAL
There can be no assurance that management will resolve all conflicts of interest in favor of the Company.
Our directors and officers are, or may become, in their individual capacities, officers, directors, controlling shareholder and/or partners of other entities engaged in a variety of businesses. Thus, there exist potential conflicts of interest including, among other things, time, efforts and corporation opportunity, involved in participation with such other entities. Consequently, there are potential inherent conflicts of interest in their acting as officers and directors of the Company. Insofar as the officers and directors are engaged in other business activities, management anticipates it will devote only up to approximately 20 hours per week to the Company's affairs.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES
Presently no requirement contained in our Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or minutes which requires officers and directors of our Company to disclose business opportunities which come to their attention. Our officers and directors do, however, have a fiduciary duty of loyalty to our company to disclose to it any business opportunities which come to their attention, in their capacity as an officer and/or director or otherwise. Excluded from this duty would be opportunities which the person learns about through his involvement as an officer and director of another company. We have no intention of merging with or acquiring an affiliate, associate person or business opportunity from any affiliate or any client of any such person.
Our Board of Directors has adopted a policy that the Company will not seek a fund of, any entity in which any officer or director serves as an officer or director or in which they or their family members own or hold a controlling ownership interest. Although the Board of Directors could elect to change this policy, the Board of Directors has no present intention to do so.
The members of the Board and management are also the Board and Management of our parent, International Hedge Group, Inc. ("IHG") and have ownership and compensation through IHG. IHG will often be engaged by client borrowers of our Company to provide, consulting services, and such poses a risk of financial conflict to our Company.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We are managed under the direction of its board of directors.
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
We do not have an executive committee, at this time.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
We have formed a non-independent audit committee in October 2016 to assist the Board in monitoring (1) the integrity of the financial statements of the Company, (2) the compliance by the Company with legal and regulatory requirements and (3) the independence and performance of the Company's internal and external auditors. Joe Kurczodyna, as Chairman, and John Harris act as the initial members of the Audit Committee.
The functions of the audit committee are to review the scope of the audit procedures employed by our independent auditors, to review with the independent auditors our accounting practices and policies and recommend to whom reports should be submitted, to review with the independent auditors their final audit reports, to review with our internal and independent auditors our overall accounting and financial controls, to be available to the independent auditors during the year for consultation, to approve the audit fee charged by the independent auditors, to report to the board of directors with respect to such matters and to recommend the selection of the independent auditors.
In the absence of a separate audit committee our board of directors functions as audit committee and performs some of the same functions of an audit committee, such as recommending a firm of independent certified public accountants to audit the annual financial statements; reviewing the independent auditors independence, the financial statements and their audit report; and reviewing management's administration of the system of internal accounting control We expect that the selection of a business opportunity will be complex. Due to general economic conditions, rapid technological advances being made in some industries and shortages of available capital, we believe that there are numerous firms seeking the benefits of an issuer who has complied with the 1934 Act. Such benefits may include facilitating or improving the terms on which additional equity financing may be sought, providing liquidity for incentive stock options or similar benefits to key employees, providing liquidity (subject to restrictions of applicable statutes) for all stockholders and other factors. Potentially, available business opportunities may occur in many different industries and at various stages of development, all of which will make the task of comparative investigation and analysis of such business opportunities extremely difficult and complex. We have, and will continue to have, essentially no assets to provide the owners of business opportunities. However, we will be able to offer owners of acquisition candidates the opportunity to acquire a controlling ownership interest in an issuer who has complied with the 1934 Act without incurring the cost and time required to conduct an initial public offering.
ANNUAL MEETING
Our annual meeting of stockholders is expected to be held at a future date about 6 months after the filing of this Form 10. This will be an annual meeting of stockholders and will include the election of directors. The annual meeting will be held at our principal office or at such other place as permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware and on such date as may be fixed from time to time by resolution of our board of directors.
PREVIOUS "BLANK CHECK" OR "SHELL" COMPANY INVOLVEMENT
No members of our management have been involved in private "blank-check" or "shell" companies.
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ITEM 6. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Executive and Directors Compensation
Summary of Executives and Director Compensation Table
The following table sets forth the compensation paid to our officers from the period of 2014 through December 31, 2015.
SUMMARY EXECUTIVES COMPENSATION TABLE
In Dollars
Name & Position |
Year |
Contract Payments ($) |
Bonus ($) |
Stock awards ($) |
Option awards ($) |
Non-equity incentive plan compensation ($) |
Non-qualified deferred compensation earnings ($) |
All other compensation ($) |
Total ($) |
John Noble Harris, CEO |
2015 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Todd H. Lahr, President |
2015 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Joseph E. Kurczodyna |
2015 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements
There are no employment contracts, compensatory plans or arrangements, including payments to be received from us, with respect to any of our directors or executive officers which would in any way result in payments to any such person because of his or her resignation, retirement or other termination of employment with us. These agreements do not provide for payments to be made as a result of any change in control of us, or a change in the person's responsibilities following such a change in control.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Our board of directors in our entirety acts as the compensation committee for BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc.
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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth certain information concerning compensation paid to our directors for services as directors, but not including compensation for services as officers reported in the "Summary Executives' Compensation Table" during the year ended December 31, 2015:
Name |
Year |
Fees earned or paid in cash ($) |
Stock awards ($) |
Option awards ($) |
Non-equity incentive plan compensation ($) |
Non-qualified deferred compensation earnings ($) |
All other compensation ($) |
Total ($) |
John Noble Harris, CEO |
2015 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
Todd H. Lahr, President |
2015 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
Joseph E. Kurczodyna |
2015 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$0 |
The term of office for each Director is one (1) year, or until his/her successor is elected at our annual meeting and qualified. The term of office for each of our Officers is at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors has no nominating, auditing committee or a compensation committee. Therefore, the selection of person or election to the Board of Directors was neither independently made nor negotiated at arm's length.
At this time, our Directors do not receive cash compensation for serving as members of our Board of Directors.
Limitation on Liability and Indemnification
We are a Delaware corporation. The Delaware General Corporation Laws (DGCL) provides that the articles of incorporation of a Delaware corporation may contain a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except that any such provision may not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or our stockholders, (ii) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) acts specified in Section 78 (concerning unlawful distributions), or (iv) any transaction from which a director directly or indirectly derived an improper personal benefit. Our articles of incorporation contain a provision eliminating the personal liability of directors to our company' or our stockholders for monetary damages to the fullest extent provided by the DGCL.
The DGCL provides that a Delaware corporation must indemnify a person who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in defense of any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative and whether formal or informal (a "Proceeding"), in which
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he or she was a party because the person is or was a director, against reasonable expenses incurred by him or her in connection with the Proceeding, unless such indemnity is limited by the corporation's articles of incorporation. Our articles of incorporation do not contain any such limitation.
The DGCL provides that a Delaware corporation may indemnify a person made a party to a Proceeding because the person is or was a director against any obligation incurred with respect to a Proceeding to pay a judgment, settlement, penalty, fine (including an excise tax assessed with respect to an employee benefit plan) or reasonable expenses incurred in the Proceeding if the person conducted himself or herself in good faith and the person reasonably believed, in the case of conduct in an official capacity with the corporation, that the person's conduct was in the corporation's best interests and, in all other cases, his or her conduct was at least not opposed to the corporation's best interests and, with respect to any criminal proceedings, the person had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. Our articles of incorporation and bylaws allow for such indemnification. A corporation may not indemnify a director in connection with any Proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which the director was adjudged liable to the corporation or, in connection with any other Proceeding charging that the director derived an improper personal benefit, whether or not involving actions in an official capacity, in which Proceeding the director was judged liable on the basis that he or she derived an improper personal benefit. Any indemnification permitted in connection with a Proceeding by or in the right of the corporation is limited to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with such Proceeding.
The DGCL, unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation, a Delaware corporation may indemnify an officer, employee, fiduciary, or agent of the corporation to the same extent as a director and may indemnify such a person who is not a director to a greater extent, if not inconsistent with public policy and if provided for by our bylaws, general or specific action of our board of directors or stockholders, or contract. Our articles of incorporation provide for indemnification of our directors, officers, employees, fiduciaries and agents to the full extent permitted by Delaware law.
Our articles of incorporation also provide that we may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director or officer of our company or who is or was serving at our request as a director, officer or agent of another enterprise against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not we would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
Key Employees Stock Compensation Plan
Effective December 1, 2016, our Stock Option and Award Plan (the "Stock Incentive Plan") was approved by our Board of Directors. Under the Stock Incentive Plan, the Board of Directors may grant options or purchase rights to purchase common stock to officers, employees, and other persons who provide services to us or any related company. The participants to whom awards are granted, the type of awards granted, the number of shares covered for each award, and the purchase or exercise price, conditions and other terms of each award are determined by the Board of Directors, except that the term of the options shall not exceed 10 years. A total of 10 million shares of our common stock are subject to the Stock Incentive Plan and maybe either a qualified or non-qualified stock option. The shares issued for the Stock Incentive Plan may be either treasury or authorized and unissued shares. As of December 20, 2016, we have granted no stock options to purchase any shares of our common stock under the Plan.
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Other than the stock transactions discussed below, we have not entered into any transaction nor are there any proposed transactions in which any of our founders, directors, executive officers, stockholders or any members of the immediate family of any of the foregoing had or is to have a direct or indirect material interest.
In 2016, we entered into an agreement whereby our parent, International Hedge Group, Inc., acquired 44,000,000 shares of common stock and 1,000,000 shares of our Class A Preferred Super Majority Voting Convertible Stock for capital infusion of $200,000 and 34,000,000 warrants to purchase common stock @ $0.05 per share expiring in 3 years (cashless). Our Directors and Officers own the control of International Hedge Group, Inc., which in turn controls the voting stock of our Company, BlackStar.
Our officers and directors, listed below, who also control our parent- International Hedge Group, Inc., and International Hedge Group, Inc., own warrants of our Company granted in August 2016, which provide for an exercise price of $.05 per share, and which expire in three years, and provide for cashless exercise. The warrants are as follows:
Messrs. Harris, Lahr, and Kurcyodyna are also affiliates of the following shareholders of International Hedge Group, Inc. which own warrants in BlackStar:
THL Holdings, LLC |
Affiliate: Todd H. Lahr |
4,000,000 Warrants |
Rare Green, Inc. |
Affiliate: John Noble Harris |
1,500,000 Warrants |
Patriot Mtg. Acceptance Corp. |
Affiliate: Joseph E. Kurczodyna |
1,500,000 Warrants |
In 2016, Messrs. Harris, Lahr, and Kurcyodnya each were paid $10,000 for their consulting services. No further compensation arrangements exist at this time.
ITEM 8. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We anticipate that we (including any future subsidiaries) will from time to time become subject to claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. It is not feasible to predict the outcome of any such proceedings and we cannot assure that their ultimate disposition will not have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. As of the filing of this Form 10, we are not a party to any pending legal proceedings, nor are we aware of any civil proceeding or government authority contemplating any legal proceeding.
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ITEM 9. MARKET PRICE OF AND DIVIDENDS ON THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Market Information
Currently there is a limited public trading market for our stock. The following information is from available sources and may not reflect interdealer prices or mark-up or markdowns.
Market Information
Fiscal Year 2016 Year to Date: |
High |
Low |
||
Quarter Ended March 31, 2016 |
$0.06 |
$0.05 |
||
Quarter Ended June 30, 2016 |
$0.05 |
$0.03 |
||
Quarter ended September 30, 2016 |
$0.55 |
$0.04 |
||
Quarter to date |
$1.15 |
$0.35 |
|
|
|
||
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015: |
High |
Low |
||
Quarter Ended March 31, 2015 |
$0.20 |
$0.06 |
||
Quarter Ended June 30, 2015 |
$0.08 |
$0.08 |
||
Quarter ended September 30, 2015 |
$0.08 |
$0.06 |
||
Quarter ended December 31, 2015 |
$0.06 |
$0.06 |
||
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2014: |
High |
Low |
||
Quarter Ended March 31, 2014 |
$0.06 |
$0.06 |
||
Quarter Ended June 30, 2014 |
$0.06 |
$0.06 |
||
Quarter ended September 30, 2014 |
$0.10 |
$0.06 |
||
Quarter ended December 31, 2014 |
$0.06 |
$0.06 |
Rules Governing Low-price Stocks That May Affect Our Stockholders' Ability to Resell Shares of Our
Common Stock
We are a "penny stock" company, as our stock price is less than $5.00 per share. If we are able to obtain an exchange listing for our stock, we cannot make an assurance that we will be able to maintain a stock price greater than $5.00 per share and if the share price was to fall to such prices, that we wouldn't be subject to the Penny Stocks rules.
The penny stock rules require broker-dealers, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to make a special suitability determination for the purchaser to receive the purchaser's written consent to the transaction prior to sale, to deliver standardized risk disclosure documents prepared by the SEC that provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer must also provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock. In addition, the penny stock regulations require the broker-dealer to deliver, prior to any transaction involving a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prepared by the SEC relating to the penny stock market, unless the broker-dealer or the transaction is otherwise exempt. A broker-dealer is also required to disclose commissions payable to the broker-dealer and the registered representative and current quotations for the securities. Finally, a broker-dealer is required to send monthly statements disclosing recent price information with respect to the penny stock held in a customer's account and information with respect to the limited market in penny stocks.
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Holders
As of December 20, 2016, we have approximately 354 stockholders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
As of the filing of this registration statement, we have not paid any dividends to stockholders. There are no restrictions which would limit our ability to pay dividends on common equity or that are likely to do so in the future. The Delaware General Corporation Laws, however, do prohibit us from declaring dividends where, after giving effect to the distribution of the dividend; we would not be able to pay our debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or our total assets would be less than the sum of the total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed to satisfy the rights of stockholders who have preferential rights superior to those receiving the distribution.
Class A Preferred Super Majority Voting Convertible Stock
The Certificate of Incorporation of the Company authorizes the issuance of up to ten million (10,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share (herein, "Preferred Stock" or "Preferred Shares"), and expressly vests in the Board of Directors of the Company the authority provided therein to issue any or all of the Preferred Shares in one (1) or more Class or classes and by resolution or resolutions to establish the designation and number and to fix the relative rights and preferences of each Class to be issued. The Board authorized One Million (1,000,000) of the Ten Million (10,000,000) authorized shares of Preferred Stock of the Company to be designated Class A Preferred Convertible Stock, $0.001 par value per share, and shall possess the rights and preferences set forth below:
Rank . The Class A Preferred Convertible Stock shall rank: (i) senior to any other class or Class of outstanding Preferred Shares or Class of capital stock of the Company; (ii) prior to all of the Company's Common Stock, ("Common Stock"); and (iii) prior to any other class or Class of capital stock of the Company hereafter created "Junior Securities"); and in each case as to distributions of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary (all such distributions being referred to collectively as "Distributions").
Dividends . The Class A Preferred Convertible Stock shall bear no dividends, except that in the event dividends are declared for common stock, the same rate of dividend per share shall be due and payable to the Class A Preferred shareholders on the same terms.
Liquidation / Merger Preference .
(a) So long as a majority of the shares of Class A Preferred authorized are outstanding, the Company will not, without the written consent of the holders of at least 51% of the Company's outstanding Class A Preferred, either directly or by amendment, merger, consolidation, or otherwise: (i) liquidate, dissolve or wind‑up the affairs of the Company, or effect any Liquidation Event; (ii) amend, alter, or repeal any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws in a manner adverse to the Class A Preferred (iii) create or authorize the creation of, or issue any other security convertible into or exercisable for, any equity security, having rights, preferences or privileges senior to the Class A Preferred, or (iv) purchase or redeem or pay any dividend on any capital stock prior to the Class A Preferred, other than stock repurchased from former employees or consultants in connection with the cessation of their employment/services.
(b) In the event of any liquidation, merger, dissolution or winding up of the Company, either voluntary or involuntary, the holders of shares of Class A Preferred Convertible Stock (each a "Holder" and collectively the "Holders") shall be entitled to receive, prior in preference to any distribution to Junior Securities, an amount per share equal to $.01 plus any allocable and due dividends per share.
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(c) Upon the completion of the distribution required to Class A holders, if assets remain in the Company, they shall be distributed to holders of Junior Securities in accordance with the Company's Certificate of Incorporation including any duly adopted Certificate(s) of Designation.
Conversion Rights
The Holders of the Class A Preferred Convertible Stock shall, individually and collectively, have the right to convert all of their Class A Preferred Convertible Stock, in one transaction, by electing, in writing, to convert the 1,000,000 shares of Class A Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock of the Company, on the basis of 100 common shares for each share of Class A Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment
Adjustment to Conversion Rate. The conversion price will be subject to adjustments for stock dividends, splits, combinations and similar events and to Adjustment Due to Merger, Consolidation, Etc . If, prior to the conversion of all Class A Preferred Convertible Stock, there shall be any merger, consolidation, exchange of shares, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar event, as a result of which shares of Common Stock of the Company shall be changed into the same or a different number of shares of the same or another class or classes of stock or securities of the Company or another entity or there is a sale of all or substantially all the Company's assets, then the Holders of Class A Preferred Convertible Stock shall thereafter have the right to receive upon conversion of Class A Preferred Convertible Stock, upon the basis and upon the terms and conditions specified herein and in lieu of the shares of Common Stock immediately theretofore issuable upon conversion, such stock, securities and/or other assets ("New Assets") which the Holder would have been entitled to receive in such transaction had the Class A Preferred Convertible Stock been convertible into New Assets from the date hereof, at the market price of such New Assets on the date of conversion, and in any such case appropriate provisions shall be made with respect to the rights and interests of the Holders of the Class A Preferred Convertible Stock to the end that the provisions hereof (including, without limitation, provisions for the adjustment of the conversion price and of the number of shares of Common Stock issuable or New Assets deliverable upon conversion of the Class A Preferred Convertible Stock) shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as may be practicable in relation to any securities thereafter deliverable upon the exercise here.
Redemption by Company . The Company may, at its sole discretion redeem all or any portion of the Class A Preferred Convertible Stock by paying in cash by wire transfer the stated value of US $50.00 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends on the Class A Preferred Convertible Stock to be redeemed, to the Holder pursuant to the Holder's written instructions. The Holders may convert Class A Preferred Convertible Stock into Common Stock of the Company until such cash has been transmitted to the Holder, at which time conversion rights shall cease and the Holder shall surrender all redeemed Class A Preferred Certificates to the Company for cancellation.
Super Majority Voting Rights . The record Holders of the Class A Preferred Convertible Stock shall have the right to vote on any matter with holders of Common Stock and may vote as required on any action, which Delaware law provides may or must be approved by vote or consent of the holders of the specific Class of voting preferred shares and the holders of common shares. The Record Holders of the Class A Preferred Shares shall have the right to vote on any matter with holders of common stock voting together as one (1) class. The Record Holders of the Class A Preferred Shares shall have that number of votes (identical in every other respect to the voting rights of the holders of other Class of voting preferred shares and the holders of common stock entitled to vote at any Regular or Special Meeting of the Shareholders) equal to that number of common shares which is not less than 60% of the vote required to approve any action, which Delaware law provides may or must be approved by vote or consent of the holders of other Class of voting preferred shares and the holders of common shares or the holders of other securities entitled to vote, if any.
ITEM 10. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
We have sold securities in the past 2 years without registering the securities under the Securities Act of 1933 as shown in the following tables:
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Shares Issued in Private Offering
44,400,000 Common shares and 1,000,000 Class A Preferred Super Majority Voting Convertible Shares were issued to International Hedge Group, Inc., for $200,000 in cash consideration and 34,000,000 (cashless) warrants exercisable in 3 years @ $0.05 per share were issued to officers, and directors and seven individuals. 250,000 shares of common were issued to William Brand for services, and 162,579 shares of common were issued to Shelly D. Williams for services.
Exemption from Registration Claimed
Sales and issuances by us of the unregistered securities listed above were made by us in reliance upon Rule 506 of Regulation D to the individuals listed above. All of the individuals and/or entities listed above that purchased the unregistered securities were all known to us and our management, through pre-existing business relationships, as long standing business associates, friends, and employees. All purchasers were provided access to all material information, which they requested, and all information necessary to verify such information and were afforded access to our management in connection with their purchases. All purchasers of the unregistered securities acquired such securities for investment and not with a view toward distribution, acknowledging such intent to us. All certificates or agreements representing such securities that were issued contained restrictive legends, prohibiting further transfer of the certificates or agreements representing such securities, without such securities either being first registered or otherwise exempt from registration in any further resale or disposition. Each purchaser made written representation under Rule 506 of Regulation D, including net worth and sophistication. We required written representation that each purchaser who was not an accredited investor, either alone or with his purchaser representative, had such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that he/she was capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment, and the issuer reasonably believed (based on written representations) immediately prior to making any sale that the purchaser came within this description.
Shares or Warrants Issued for Compensation or Services
Since January 1, 2014 through December 20, 2016, we have issued shares and Warrants of our common stock in exchange for services to the individuals and the amounts set forth below.
William Brand (1) |
250,000 shares of common stock |
Shelly D. Williams (2) |
162,579 shares of common stock |
M.A. Littman |
800,000 Warrants exercisable @ $0.05 per share for $20,000 receivable waiver |
MATERIAL RELATIONSHIPS
(1) Former Director/Officer
(2) Non-Executive Secretary
Exemption from Registration Claimed
All of the sales by us of the unregistered securities listed immediately above were made by us in reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) of the Act. All of the individuals and/or entities listed above that purchased the unregistered securities were all known to us and our management, through pre-existing business relationships, as long standing business associates, friends, and employees. All purchasers were provided access to all material information, which they requested, and all information necessary to verify such information and were afforded access to our management in connection with their purchases. All purchasers of the unregistered securities acquired such securities for investment and not with a view toward distribution, acknowledging such intent to us. All certificates or agreements representing such securities that were issued contained restrictive legends, prohibiting further transfer of the certificates or agreements representing such securities, without such securities either being first registered or otherwise exempt from registration in any further resale or disposition.
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ITEM 11. DESCRIPTION OF REGISTRANT'S SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED
Common Stock
We are presently authorized to issue two hundred million (200,000,000) common shares of our $0.001 par value stock. A total of 55,825,000 common shares are deemed issued and outstanding as of December 20, 2016.
All shares, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable. All shares are equal to each other with respect to voting, liquidation, and dividend rights. Special Stockholders' meetings may be called by our Officers or Directors, or upon the request of holders of at least one-tenth (1/10th) of the outstanding shares. Holders of shares are entitled to one vote at any Stockholders' meeting for each share they own as of the record date set by our Board of Directors. There is no quorum requirement for Stockholders' meetings. Therefore, a vote of the majority of the shares represented at a meeting will govern even if this is substantially less than a majority of the shares outstanding. Holders of shares are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefore, and upon liquidation are entitled to participate pro rata in a distribution of assets available for such a distribution to Stockholders. There is no conversion, pre-emptive or other subscription rights or privileges with respect to any shares. Reference is made to our Articles of Incorporation and our By-Laws as well as to the applicable statutes of the State of Delaware for a more complete description of the rights and liabilities of holders of shares. It should be noted that the Board of Directors without notice to the Stockholders may amend the By-Laws. Our shares do not have cumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of more than fifty percent (50%) of the shares voting for election of Directors may elect all the Directors if they choose to do so. In such event, the holders of the remaining shares aggregating less than fifty percent (50%) of the shares voting for election of Directors may not be able to elect any Director.
Employees Stock Compensation Plan
We adopted a Stock Option and Award Plan on December 1, 2016. We have authorized 10,000,000 shares of common stock to be available for the Plan. We have granted no options exercisable for shares of our common stock under the Plan.
Stockholders
Each Stockholder has sole investment power and sole voting power over the shares owned by such Stockholder. No Stockholder has entered into or delivered any lock up agreement or letter agreement regarding shares or options thereon. Under Delaware laws, no lock up agreement is required regarding our shares as it might relate to an acquisition.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Our transfer agent for our securities is Corporate Stock Transfer at 3200 Cherry Creek Drive South, Suite 430, Denver, Colorado 80209/ Phone: (303) 282-4800.
ITEM 12. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Under our Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, we may indemnify an officer or director who is made a party to any proceeding, including a lawsuit, because of his position, if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in our best interest. No officer or director may be may be indemnified, however, where the officer or director acted committed intentional misconduct, fraud, or an intentional violation of the law.
We may advance expenses incurred in defending a proceeding. To the extent that the officer or director is successful on the merits in a proceeding as to which he is to be indemnified, we must indemnify him against all expenses incurred, including attorney's fees. With respect to a derivative action, indemnity may be made only for
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expenses actually and reasonably incurred in defending the proceeding, and if the officer or director is judged liable, only by a court order. The indemnification is intended to be to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware.
Regarding the indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, which may be permitted to officers and directors under Delaware law, we are informed that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, indemnification is against public policy, as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities is asserted by our officer(s), director(s), or controlling person(s) in connection with the securities being registered, we will, unless in the opinion of our legal counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit the question of whether such indemnification is against public policy to a court of appropriate jurisdiction. We will then be governed by the court's decision.
ITEM 13. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The following is a complete list of the financial statements filed as a part of this Report.
Audited financial statements of BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. for the period January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2015 (pages F-1 through F-11)
Unaudited financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 (pages F-12 through F-23)
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BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2014 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2015
(AUDITED)
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. ("the Company") as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the related statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits 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, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
In our opinion, the financial statement referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc., as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
The company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 3 to the financial statements, the Company's significant operating losses raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ B F Borgers CPA PC
B F Borgers CPA PC
Lakewood, CO
December 28, 2016
F-2
F-3
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. | ||||||||||||
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | ||||||||||||
Year Ended | ||||||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||
REVENUE | $ - | $ - | ||||||||||
Cost of revenues | - | - | ||||||||||
GROSS PROFIT | - | - | ||||||||||
Operating Expenses: | ||||||||||||
Consulting fees | - | - | ||||||||||
Legal and professional | - | 4,533 | ||||||||||
General and administrative | 2,800 | 2,125 | ||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 2,800 | 6,658 | ||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | (2,800) | (6,658) | ||||||||||
Other income (expense) | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | (15,000) | (15,000) | ||||||||||
Other income (expense) net | (15,000) | (15,000) | ||||||||||
Income (loss) before provision | (17,800) | (21,658) | ||||||||||
for income taxes | ||||||||||||
Provision (credit) for income tax | - | - | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ (17,800) | $ (21,658) | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) per share | ||||||||||||
(Basic and fully diluted) | $ (0.00) | $ (0.00) | ||||||||||
Weighted average number of | ||||||||||||
common shares outstanding | 11,112,421 | 11,112,421 | ||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
F-4
F-5
F-6
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2015
NOTE 1 - NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. (the Company" or "BlackStar") was incorporated in the State of Delaware on December 18, 2007 as NPI08, Inc. ("NPI08"). In January 2010, NPI08 acquired an ownership interest in Black Star Energy Group, Inc., a Colorado Corporation. BlackStar Energy then merged into NPI08, with NPI08 being the surviving entity. Concurrently, NPI08 changed its name to BlackStar Energy Group, Inc.
The Company is a Delaware corporation organized for the purpose of engaging in any lawful business. The Company intends to act as a merchant bank as at the date of these financial statements. It currently trades on the Pink Sheets under the symbol "BEGI".
The Company's fiscal year end is December 31 st . The Company's financial statements are presented on the accrual basis of accounting.
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Cash and cash equivalents
The Company considers all cash on hand, cash accounts not subject to withdrawal restrictions or penalties and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less as cash equivalents.
Revenue recognition
The Company has realized minimal revenues from operations. The Company recognizes revenues when the sale and/or distribution of products is complete, risk of loss and title to the products have transferred to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, acceptance has been approved by the customer, the fee is fixed or determinable based on the completion of stated terms and conditions, and collection of any related receivable is probable. Net sales will be comprised of gross revenues less expected returns, trade discounts, and customer allowances that will include costs associated with off-invoice markdowns and other price reductions, as well as trade promotions and coupons. The incentive costs will be recognized at the later of the date on which the Company recognized the related revenue or the date on which the Company offers the incentive.
Basic and Diluted Loss per Share
The Company computes loss per share in accordance with "ASC-260," "Earnings per Share" which requires presentation of both basic and diluted earnings per share on the face of the statement of operations. Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of outstanding common share during the period. Diluted loss per share gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share excludes all potential common shares if their effect is anti-dilutive.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to ASC 740. Under ASC 740 deferred taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss carryforwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases.
The Company maintains a valuation allowance with respect to deferred tax asset. Blackstar Enterprise Group establishes a valuation allowance based upon the potential likelihood of realizing the deferred tax asset and taking into consideration the Company's financial position and results of operations for the current period. Future realization of the deferred tax benefit depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carry-forward period under Federal tax laws.
F-7
Changes in circumstances, such as the Company generating taxable income, could cause a change in judgment about the reliability of the related deferred tax asset. Any change in the valuation allowance will be included in income in the year of the change estimate.
Carrying Value, Recoverability and Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company has adopted paragraph 360-10-35-17 of FASB Accounting Standards Codification for its long-lived assets. The Company's long -lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
The company assesses the recoverability of its long-lived assets by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related long-lived asset or group of assets over their remaining estimated useful lives against their respective carrying amounts. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. Fair value is generally determined using the assets expected future discounted cash flows or market value, if readily determinable. If long-lived assets are determined to be recoverable, but the newly determined remaining estimated useful lives are shorter than originally estimated, the net book values of the long-lived assets are depreciated over the newly determined remaining estimated useful lives.
The Company considers the following to be some examples of important indicators that may trigger an impairment review; (i) significant under-performance or losses of assets relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; (ii) significant changes in the manner or use of assets or in the Company's overall strategy with respect to the manner of use of the acquired assets or changes in the Company's overall business strategy; (iii) significant negative industry or economic trends; (iv) increased competitive pressures; (v) a significant decline in the Company's stock price for a sustained period of time; and (vi) regulatory changes. The Company evaluates acquired assets for potential impairment indicators at least annually and more frequently upon the occurrence of such events.
The impairment charges, if any, are included in operating expenses in the accompanying statements of operations.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and 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. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
The Company's significant estimates include income taxes provision and valuation allowance of deferred tax assets; the fair value of financial instruments; the carrying value and recoverability of long-lived assets, and the assumption that the Company will continue as a going concern. Those significant accounting estimates or assumptions bear the risk of change due to the fact that there are uncertainties attached to those estimates or assumptions, and certain estimates or assumptions are difficult to measure or value.
Management regularly reviews its estimates utilizing currently available information, changes in facts and circumstances, historical experience and reasonable assumptions. After such reviews, and if deemed appropriate, those estimates are adjusted accordingly. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair value of Financial Instruments
The estimated fair values of financial instruments were determined by management using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. The carrying amounts of financial instruments including cash approximate their fair value because of their short maturities.
F-8
Long Lived Assets
In accordance with ASC 350 the Company regularly reviews the carrying value of intangible and other long lived assets for the existence of facts or circumstances both internally and externally that suggest impairment. If impairment testing indicates a lack of recoverability, an impairment loss is recognized by the Company if the carrying amount of a long lived asset exceeds its fair value.
Stock-based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation issued to employees based on FASB accounting standard for Share Based Payment. It requires an entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). That cost will be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award - the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). It requires that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. That cost will be measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. The scope of the FASB accounting standard includes a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including share options, restricted share plans, performance-based awards, share appreciation rights, and employee share purchase plans.
Recent pronouncements
Management has evaluated accounting standards and interpretations issued but not yet effective as of March 31, 2016, and does not expect such pronouncements to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, operations, or cash flows.
NOTE 3 - GOING CONCERN
As of the date of these financial statements our auditors have expressed a qualification as to the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. The Company has had no operations or income since 2011. It has accrued expenses for services but has not been able to raise money through loans or other financing activities to pay these expenses. The Company must necessarily rely on these sources for raising funds to support operations.
The reader is referred to Note 10 - Subsequent Events for further information as it pertains to this topic.
NOTE 4 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
The Company is indebted to its transfer agent and for delinquent filing fees with the State of Delaware..
NOTE 5 - ACCRUED INTEREST PAYABLE
The Company has been accruing interest on a note of $200,000 dated July 11, 2011 and an advance of $50,000 dated June 23, 2011. Each has been accrued at a rate of 6% simple interest. For further detail the reader is advised to refer to the note " NOTES PAYABLE".
NOTE 6 - STOCKHOLDER'S DEFICIT
The total number of common shares authorized that may be issued by the Company is 200,000,000 shares with a par value of $0.001 per share. The Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.001 per share. As at June 30, 2016 there are no preferred shares issued or outstanding.
As at December 31, 2015 the total number of common shares outstanding was 11,112,421. The Company has an ongoing program of private placements to raise funds to support the operations.
Super Majority Voting Rights. The record Holders of the Class A Preferred Convertible Stock shall have the right to vote on any matter with holders of Common Stock and may vote as required on any action, which Delaware law provides may or must be approved by vote or consent of the holders of the specific Class of voting preferred shares and the holders of common shares. The Record Holders of the Class A Preferred Shares shall have the right to vote on any matter
F-9
with holders of common stock voting together as one (1) class. The Record Holders of the Class A Preferred Shares shall have that number of votes (identical in every other respect to the voting rights of the holders of other Class of voting preferred shares and the holders of common stock entitled to vote at any Regula or Special Meeting of the Shareholders) equal to that number of common shares which is not less than 60% of the vote required to approve any action, which Delaware law provides may or must be approved by vote or consent of the holders of other Class of voting preferred shares and the holders of common shares or the holders of other securities entitled to vote, if any.
NOTE 7 - INCOME TAXES
A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes at the United States federal statutory rate of 34% and a Colorado state rate of 5% compared to the Company's income tax expense as reported is as follows:
December 31, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | |||||
Net loss before income taxes |
$ |
15,000 |
$ |
21,658 |
||
Income tax rate |
39% |
39% |
||||
Income tax recovery |
|
|||||
Valuation allowance change |
|
(5,850) |
(8,450) |
|||
Provision for income taxes |
|
$ |
- |
$ |
- |
The significant components of deferred income tax assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows
December 31, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | |||||
Net operating loss carry-forward |
$ |
1,838,530 |
$ |
1,821,730 |
||
Valuation allowance |
(1,838,530) |
(1,821,730) |
||||
Net deferred income tax asset |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
The Company's policy for classifying interest and penalties associated with unrecognized income tax benefits is to include such items as tax expense. No interest or penalties have been recorded during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 the Company did not have any amounts recorded pertaining to uncertain tax positions.
As at December 31, 2015 the current management of the Company has been unable to ascertain when the last corporation income tax returns were filed. Management will use its best efforts to bring current all the necessary filings. The Company is currently not under examination by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authorities.
NOTE 8 - NOTES PAYABLE
On June 23, 2011 the Company received $50,000 in the form of cash as a temporary loan from a director of the Company. The Company has elected to accrue interest at the rate of 6% per annum non-compounding. The Company has not received any notice of default and has continued to accrue interest on its books at the rate of 6% each year.
On July 11, 2011 the Company received $200,000 in the form of cash in exchange for a promissory note bearing interest at the rate of 6% per annum. The; note does not specify that the interest is compounding therefore the Company is accruing the expense at a simple interest rate of 6%. The Company has not received any notice of default and has continued to accrue interest on its books at the rate of 6% each year.
F-10
NOTE 9 - GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Components of General and Administrative Expenses |
||||||
|
|
Year Ended |
||||
|
|
December 31, |
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
2015 |
2014 |
||||
Consulting Fees |
|
- |
- |
|||
Transfer Agent |
|
2,275 |
1,515 |
|||
Office expense |
|
- |
- |
|||
Filing fees |
|
525 |
610 |
|||
|
$ 2,800 |
$ 2,125 |
NOTE 10 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 25, 2016 the Company received and agreed to a purchase of its common stock from International Hedge Group, Inc.(IHG) to purchase a 95% controlling interest in the Company. At the closing IHG was to provide the Company with a promissory note in the amount of $200,000 payable over a 180 day period in increments as the buyer is able to achieve funding. As at the date of these financial statements the Company has received $30,000 in cash which is in a trust account under the name of International Hedge Group. The shares associated with this purchase agreement are to be held in escrow until the obligation is satisfied.
Subsequent to the signing of the agreement between International Hedge Group, Inc. and the Company six major stockholders have agreed to surrender a total of 4,825,000 shares of common stock. In addition, the two note holders have agreed to accept stock in exchange for their notes and all accrued interest that is due. International Hedge Group received 1,000,000 shares of convertible preferred stock convertible at the rate of 100 common shares for each preferred share, and 44,400,000 shares of common stock of the Company pursuant to the purchase agreement. This took effect in August of 2016. A total of $200,000 has been paid on the purchase note by October 5, 2016.
F-11
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
AND
FOR THE NINE MONTH PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
F-12
F-13
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. | |||||||||||
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | |||||||||||
Three Months | Nine Months | ||||||||||
Ended | Ended | ||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||||
REVENUE | $ - | $ - | $ - | $ - | |||||||
Cost of revenues | - | - | - | - | |||||||
GROSS PROFIT | - | - | - | - | |||||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||
Consulting fees | - | 6,250 | |||||||||
Depreciation | 115 | 115 | |||||||||
Management consulting - related parties | 22,500 | 22,500 | |||||||||
Legal and accounting | 8,500 | 8,500 | |||||||||
Transfer agent | 3,096 | 3,899 | 1,415 | ||||||||
Warrant expense | 1,328,000 | 1,328,000 | |||||||||
General and administrative | 5,219 | 488 | 9,319 | 525 | |||||||
Total operating expenses | 1,367,430 | 488 | 1,378,583 | 1,940 | |||||||
Income (loss) from operations | (1,367,430) | (488) | (1,378,583) | (1,940) | |||||||
Other income (expense) | |||||||||||
Gain on settlement of debt | 270,822 | 270,822 | |||||||||
Interest expense | - | (3,750) | (7,500) | (11,250) | |||||||
Other income (expense) net | 270,822 | (3,750) | 263,322 | (11,250) | |||||||
Income (loss) before provision | (1,096,608) | (4,238) | (1,115,261) | (13,190) | |||||||
for income taxes | |||||||||||
Provision (credit) for income tax | - | - | - | - | |||||||
Net income (loss) | $(1,096,608) | $ (4,238) | $(1,115,261) | $ (13,190) | |||||||
Net income (loss) per share | |||||||||||
(Basic and fully diluted) | $ (0.03) | $ (0.00) | $ (0.08) | $ (0.00) | |||||||
Weighted average number of | |||||||||||
common shares outstanding | 33,468,711 | 11,112,421 | 14,093,260 | 11,112,421 | |||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. |
F-14
F-15
F-16
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
NOTE 1 - NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. (the Company" or "BlackStar") was incorporated in the State of Delaware on December 18, 2007 as NPI08, Inc. ("NPI08"). In January 2010, NPI08 acquired an ownership interest in Black Star Energy Group, Inc., a Colorado Corporation. BlackStar Energy then merged into NPI08, with NPI08 being the surviving entity. Concurrently, NPI08 changed its name to BlackStar Energy Group, Inc.
On January 25, 2016, International Hedge Group, Inc. signed an agreement to acquire a 95% interest in the Company. The name was changed to BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. in August of 2016.
The Company is a Delaware corporation organized for the purpose of engaging in any lawful business.
The Company intends to act as a merchant bank as at the date of these financial statements. It currently trades on the Pink Sheets under the symbol "BEGI".
The Company's fiscal year end is December 31 st . The Company's financial statements are presented on the accrual basis of accounting.
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Cash and cash equivalents
The Company considers all cash on hand, cash accounts not subject to withdrawal restrictions or penalties and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less as cash equivalents.
Revenue recognition
The Company has realized minimal revenues from operations. The Company recognizes revenues when the sale and/or distribution of products is complete, risk of loss and title to the products have transferred to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, acceptance has been approved by the customer, the fee is fixed or determinable based on the completion of stated terms and conditions, and collection of any related receivable is probable. Net sales will be comprised of gross revenues less expected returns, trade discounts, and customer allowances that will include costs associated with off-invoice markdowns and other price reductions, as well as trade promotions and coupons. The incentive costs will be recognized at the later of the date on which the Company recognized the related revenue or the date on which the Company offers the incentive.
Basic and Diluted Loss per Share
The Company computes loss per share in accordance with "ASC-260," "Earnings per Share" which requires presentation of both basic and diluted earnings per share on the face of the statement of operations. Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of outstanding common share during the period. Diluted loss per share gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share excludes all potential common shares if their effect is anti-dilutive.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to ASC 740. Under ASC 740 deferred taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss carryforwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases.
The Company maintains a valuation allowance with respect to deferred tax asset. Blackstar Enterprise Group establishes a valuation allowance based upon the potential likelihood of realizing the deferred tax asset and taking into consideration the Company's financial position and results of operations for the current period.
F-17
Future realization of the deferred tax benefit depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carry-forward period under Federal tax laws.
Changes in circumstances, such as the Company generating taxable income, could cause a change in judgment about the reliability of the related deferred tax asset. Any change in the valuation allowance will be included in income in the year of the change estimate.
Carrying Value, Recoverability and Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company has adopted paragraph 360-10-35-17 of FASB Accounting Standards Codification for its long-lived assets. The Company's long -lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
The company assesses the recoverability of its long-lived assets by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related long-lived asset or group of assets over their remaining estimated useful lives against their respective carrying amounts. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. Fair value is generally determined using the assets expected future discounted cash flows or market value, if readily determinable. If long-lived assets are determined to be recoverable, but the newly determined remaining estimated useful lives are shorter than originally estimated, the net book values of the long-lived assets are depreciated over the newly determined remaining estimated useful lives.
The Company considers the following to be some examples of important indicators that may trigger an impairment review; (i) significant under-performance or losses of assets relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; (ii) significant changes in the manner or use of assets or in the Company's overall strategy with respect to the manner of use of the acquired assets or changes in the Company's overall business strategy; (iii) significant negative industry or economic trends; (iv) increased competitive pressures; (v) a significant decline in the Company's stock price for a sustained period of time; and (vi) regulatory changes. The Company evaluates acquired assets for potential impairment indicators at least annually and more frequently upon the occurrence of such events.
The impairment charges, if any, are included in operating expenses in the accompanying statements of operations.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and 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. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
The Company's significant estimates include income taxes provision and valuation allowance of deferred tax assets; the fair value of financial instruments; the carrying value and recoverability of long-lived assets, and the assumption that the Company will continue as a going concern. Those significant accounting estimates or assumptions bear the risk of change due to the fact that there are uncertainties attached to those estimates or assumptions, and certain estimates or assumptions are difficult to measure or value.
Management regularly reviews its estimates utilizing currently available information, changes in facts and circumstances, historical experience and reasonable assumptions. After such reviews, and if deemed appropriate, those estimates are adjusted accordingly. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair value of Financial Instruments
The estimated fair values of financial instruments were determined by management using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. The carrying amounts of financial instruments including cash approximate their fair value because of their short maturities.
F-18
Long Lived Assets
In accordance with ASC 350 the Company regularly reviews the carrying value of intangible and other long lived assets for the existence of facts or circumstances both internally and externally that suggest impairment. If impairment testing indicates a lack of recoverability, an impairment loss is recognized by the Company if the carrying amount of a long lived asset exceeds its fair value.
Stock-based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation issued to employees based on FASB accounting standard for Share Based Payment. It requires an entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). That cost will be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award - the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). It requires that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. That cost will be measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. The scope of the FASB accounting standard includes a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including share options, restricted share plans, performance-based awards, share appreciation rights, and employee share purchase plans.
Recent pronouncements
Management has evaluated accounting standards and interpretations issued but not yet effective as of March 31, 2016, and does not expect such pronouncements to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, operations, or cash flows.
NOTE 3 - CASH IN TRUST ACCOUNT
Due to the Company's inability to open a bank account in its own name, International Hedge Group opened a trust account on behalf of the Company and paid various bills both current and previously outstanding for the Company. At such time as the Company is able to open accounts in its own name these funds will be transferred to the Company accounts
NOTE 4 - PREPAID EXPENSES
In the course of paying vendors there were overpayments to transfer agent in the amount of $217 and the accounting service in the amount of $613 that are being carried on the books of the Company as "Prepaid Expenses". These amounts will be cleared in the subsequent quarter's activity.
NOTE 5 - STOCK SUBSCRIPTION RECEIVABLE
When the Company signed the Stock Purchase Agreement, (see Note 13) it included a payment of $200,000 as a condition of the agreement. As at September 30, 2016 International Hedge Group had paid a total of $100,000 towards this obligation. This receivable reflects the balance to be received by the Company from International Hedge Group and is shown on these financial statements as "Stock Subscription Receivable."
NOTE 6 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
During the quarter ended September 30, 2016 the Company purchased certain office equipment for a total of $1,659. This equipment is being depreciated over a three year life and the Company has recorded a depreciation expense of $115 for the current quarter.
NOTE 7 - ACCRUED INTEREST PAYABLE
The Company has been accruing interest on a note of $200,000 dated July 11, 2011 and an advance of $50,000 dated September 23, 2011. Each has been accrued at a rate of 6% simple interest. For further detail the reader is advised to refer to the note " NOTES PAYABLE".
F-19
NOTE 8 - STOCKHOLDER'S DEFICIT
The total number of common shares authorized that may be issued by the Company is 200,000,000 shares with a par value of $0.001 per share. The Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.001 per share.
On August 25, 2016 the Company issued 1,000,000 shares of its preferred series A stock to IHG in fulfillment of the purchase agreement. As at September 30, 2016 there are 1,000,000 preferred series A shares issued and outstanding. These shares are convertible at a ratio of 100 shares of the common stock of the Company for each share of preferred stock of the Company.
As at September 30, 2016 the total number of common shares outstanding was 55,825,000. The Company has an ongoing program of private placements to raise funds to support the operations. During the period ended March 31, 2016 the Company entered into a purchase agreement with International Hedge Group, Inc. ("IHG") whereby certain existing stockholders would surrender their stock and IHG would acquire a 95% working interest in the Company. As at the date of these financial statements only one of the stockholders had completed the transaction. IHG's commitment was to provide at least $200,000 in working capital within 6 months of the date of the agreement. As at the date of these financial statements IHG has provided $100,000 of the commitment. On June 30, 2016 the Company signed an extension agreement allowing for an extension to October 30, 2016 for fulfillment of this obligation. During the month of October 2016 International Hedge Group fulfilled the commitment by paying the remaining $100,000.
During the quarter ended September 30, 2016 the Company issued 1,322,579 shares of its common stock to satisfy certain accounts payable and notes payable plus accrued interest. The stock was valued at $0.04 per share which valued the total debt relief at $52,903. The debts discharged in these transactions were valued at $335,072. These transactions were with unrelated parties giving the Company a net gain of $282,569 as gain on debt relief.
During the quarter ended September 30, 2016 the Company issued 34,000,000 warrants for the purchase of its common stock at $0.05 per share. Using the Black-Scholes valuation model the Company assigned a value of $1,360,000 to these warrants. The Company recorded an expense of $1,328,000 on the operating statement for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. The Company also used 800,000 of these warrants to satisfy an account payable to a service provider. The value of the debt discharged in this transaction was $20,253. This transaction was with an unrelated party giving the Company a net loss of $11,747 on the debt relief.
Total net gain on all debt relief transactions was $270,822.
Super Majority Voting Rights. The record Holders of the Class A Preferred Convertible Stock shall have the right to vote on any matter with holders of Common Stock and may vote as required on any action, which Delaware law provides may or must be approved by vote or consent of the holders of the specific Class of voting preferred shares and the holders of common shares. The Record Holders of the Class A Preferred Shares shall have the right to vote on any matter with holders of common stock voting together as one (1) class. The Record Holders of the Class A Preferred Shares shall have that number of votes (identical in every other respect to the voting rights of the holders of other Class of voting preferred shares and the holders of common stock entitled to vote at any Regula or Special Meeting of the Shareholders) equal to that number of common shares which is not less than 60% of the vote required to approve any action, which Delaware law provides may or must be approved by vote or consent of the holders of other Class of voting preferred shares and the holders of common shares or the holders of other securities entitled to vote, if any.
NOTE 9 - WARRANTS
At the time of the issuance of stocks referenced in Note 8 the Company issued 34,000,000 warrants to purchase the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $0.05 These warrants have an exercise price of $0.05 per share and an expiration date that is three years from the date of issuance. The warrants were issued to the existing shareholders of International Hedge Group. There are 15 stockholders in IHG and 6 of these represent owners of greater than 5% of IHG stock. These
F-20
6 stockholders received 57.35% of the warrants issued. 800,000 of these warrants were issued to satisfy outstanding accounts payable. The payable amounted to $20,253 and the warrants were valued at $32,000 giving rise to a loss of $11,747 on the settlement of debt.
Using the Black-Scholes valuation model a value of $1,328,000 is assigned to these warrants. The parameters used in the Black-Scholes model were as follows: stock price $0.04; strike price $0.05; volatility 172%; risk free rate 1.75% and time to expiration of 3 years. This expense is recorded on the books of the Company as "Warrant expense" with an offsetting entry in the Stockholder's Deficit section as "Additional paid in capital - Warrants."
As at September 30, 2016 the Company has not received any notifications with respect to any exercise of any outstanding warrants
Shares Under Warrant |
Exercise Price |
Remaining Life |
|
Balance at December 31, 2015 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Granted |
34,000,000 |
$ 0.05 |
3.00 |
Exercised |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Expired |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Balance at September 30, 2016 |
34,000,000 |
$ 0.05 |
3.00 |
A summary of warrant activity for the periods indicated is as follows:
NOTE 10 - INCOME TAXES
A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes at the United States federal statutory rate of 34% and a Colorado state rate of 5% compared to the Company's income tax expense as reported is as follows:
September 30, |
December 31, |
December 31, |
||||
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
||||
Net loss before income taxes |
$ |
(1,115,261) |
$ |
(15,000) |
$ |
(15,000) |
Adjustments to net loss |
||||||
Warrant expense |
1,328,000 |
- |
- |
|||
Gain on exchange of debt for stock |
(270,822) |
- |
- |
|||
Net taxable income (loss) |
(58,083) |
(15,000) |
(15,000) |
|||
Income tax rate |
39% |
39% |
39% |
|||
Income tax recovery |
22,650 |
5,850 |
5,850 |
|||
Valuation allowance change |
(22,650) |
(5,850) |
(5,850) |
|||
Provision for income taxes |
$ |
- |
$ |
- |
$ |
- |
The significant components of deferred income tax assets at September 30, 2016, December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
September 30, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | ||||
Net operating loss carry-forward |
$ |
58,083 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
Valuation allowance |
(58,083) |
0 |
0 |
|||
Net deferred income tax asset |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
As of September 30, 2016, the Company has no unrecognized income tax benefits. Based on management's understanding of IRC Sec 383 the substantial change in ownership and change in business activities precludes any carryforward of the accumulated net operating losses. The Company's policy for classifying interest and penalties associated with unrecognized income tax benefits is to include such items as tax expense. No interest or penalties have been recorded during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, and no interest or penalties have been accrued as of September 30, 2016. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 the Company did not have any amounts recorded pertaining to uncertain tax positions.
F-21
As at September 30, 2016 the current management of the Company has been unable to ascertain when the last corporation income tax returns were filed. Management will use its best efforts to bring current all the necessary filings. The Company is currently not under examination by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authorities. The Company has not recorded any liability for an uncertain tax position related to the lack of return filings since the Company records show a continuing pattern of losses for the periods in question. Since penalties are commonly assessed based on tax amounts owed management has deemed in unnecessary to record any liability.
NOTE 11 - NOTES PAYABLE
On September 23, 2011 the Company received $50,000 in the form of cash as a temporary loan from a director of the Company. The Company has elected to accrue interest at the rate of 6% per annum non-compounding. The Company has not received any notice of default and has continued to accrue interest on its books at the rate of 6% each year. During the month of August 2016 the Company agreed to issue 200,000 shares of its common stock in satisfaction for this indebtedness along with all accrued interest, and authorized the shares conditioned upon receipt of a release.
On July 11, 2011 the Company received $200,000 in the form of cash in exchange for a promissory note bearing interest at the rate of 6% per annum. The; note does not specify that the interest is compounding therefore the Company is accruing the expense at a simple interest rate of 6%. The Company has not received any notice of default and has continued to accrue interest on its books at the rate of 6% each year. During the month of August 2016 the Company issued 700,000 shares of its common stock in exchange for this indebtedness along with all accrued interest.
NOTE 12 - GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Components of General and Administrative Expenses |
||||||||
Nine Months |
|
Year Ended |
||||||
Ended |
|
December 31, |
||||||
September 30, |
|
|
||||||
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
||||||
Bank service charges |
84 |
- |
- |
|||||
Contract services |
3,175 |
|
|
|||||
Meals & entertainment |
295 |
2,275 |
1,515 |
|||||
Office expense |
4,812 |
- |
- |
|||||
Filing fees |
953 |
525 |
610 |
|||||
$ 9,319 |
$ 2,800 |
$ 2,125 |
||||||
NOTE 13 - STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
On January 25, 2016 the Company received and agreed to a purchase of its common stock from International Hedge Group, Inc.(IHG) to purchase a 95% controlling interest in the Company. At the closing IHG was to provide the Company with a promissory note in the amount of $200,000 payable over a 180 day period in increments as the buyer is able to achieve funding. As at the date of these financial statements the Company has received $100,000 in cash of which $48,812 has been disbursed to accomplish the purposes of the Company and the remainder of $51,188 is in a trust account under the name of International Hedge Group. The shares associated with this purchase agreement are to be held in escrow until the obligation is satisfied. On June 30, 2016 the Company signed an extension agreement allowing for an extension to October 30, 2016 for fulfillment of this obligation. During the month of October 2016 International Hedge Group fulfilled the commitment by paying the remaining $100,000.
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NOTE 14 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent to the signing of the agreement between International Hedge Group, Inc. and the Company six major stockholders have agreed to surrender a total of 4,825,000 shares of common stock. As of the date of these financial statements a total of 1,000,000 shares have been surrendered. During the month of October 2016 the Company received the certificates for 3,825,000 shares to be submitted to the transfer agent for official cancellation.
During the month of October 2016 International Hedge Group fulfilled the commitment by paying the remaining balance of the $100,000 subscription receivable.
During the month of October 2016 the Company received an advance of $150,000 from International Hedge Group for working capital. It is the intention of the Company (Blackstar Enterprise Group, Inc.) to act as an incubator and merchant banking company. As an incubator and merchant banking company it will provide management consulting services and mid-term financial support (loans of less than 5 years duration). These funds along with others in hand were used to facilitate a loan to a client company. The note carries an interest rate of 12% with periodic payments based on the company's revenues with a final due date of January 1, 2019. In addition the Company is to receive shares of convertible preferred stock in the client company.
F-23
ITEM 14. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ITEM 15. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(a)
Audited financial statements of BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. for the period January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2015 (pages F-1 through F-11)
Unaudited financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 (pages F-12 through F-23)
(b) |
Exhibit No. |
Description |
|
3(i).1 |
Certificate of Incorporation of NPI08, Inc. - filed December 17, 2007 |
Filed Herewith |
|
3(i).2 |
Articles of Amendment of BlackStar Energy Group, Inc. - name change to BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. filed July 14, 2016 |
Filed Herewith |
|
3(i).3 | Certificate of Amendment filed August 25, 2016 | Filed Herewith | |
3(i).4 | Certificate of Correction filed August 25, 2016 | Filed Herewith | |
3(ii).1 |
Bylaws of BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc. |
Filed Herewith |
|
10.1 |
Warrant Form |
Filed Herewith |
|
10.2 |
Amended Certificate of Designation of Class A Preferred Convertible Super Majority Voting Stock |
Filed Herewith |
|
10.3 |
Stock Option Plan |
Filed Herewith |
|
10.4 |
Meshworks Media Corp. Prom Note |
Filed Herewith |
|
10.5 |
Agreement and Plan of Merger - NPI08, Inc. and BlackStar Energy Group, Inc. |
Filed Herewith |
|
23.1 |
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
Filed Herewith |
|
-53-
SIGNATURES:
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this amended registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
/s/ John Noble Harris |
December 28, 2016 |
|
John Noble Harris |
||
(Chief Executive Officer/Principal Executive Officer/ Principal Accounting Officer |
||
/s/ Joseph E. Kurczodyna |
December 28, 2016 |
|
Joseph E. Kurczodyna |
||
(Chief Executive Officer/Principal Executive Officer/ Principal Accounting Officer |
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates stated.
/s/ John Noble Harris |
December 28, 2016 |
|
John Noble Harris, Director |
||
/s/ Todd H. Lahr |
December 28, 2016 |
|
Todd H. Lahr, Director |
||
/s/ Joseph E. Kurczodyna |
December 28, 2016 |
|
Joseph E. Kurczodyna, Director |
||
-54-
EXHIBIT 3.i.1
EXHIBIT 3.i.2
EXHIBIT 3(i).3
EXHIBIT 3(i).4
EXHIBIT 3.2
BYLAWS
OF
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
Article I
SHAREHOLDERS
1. ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING. The annual shareholders' meeting shall be held on the date and at the time and place fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors.
2. SPECIAL SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING. A special shareholders' meeting for any purpose or purposes, may be called by the Board of Directors or the president. The Corporation shall also hold a special shareholders' meeting in the event it receives, in the manner specified in Article VII, Section 3, one or more written demands for the meeting, stating the purpose or purposes for which it is to be held, signed and dated by the holders of shares representing not less than one-tenth of all of the votes entitled to be cast on any issue at the meeting. Special meetings shall be held at the principal office of the Corporation or at such other place as the Board of Directors or the president may determine.
3. RECORD DATE FOR DETERMINATION OF SHAREHOLDERS.
(a) In order to make a determination of shareholders (1) entitled to notice of or to vote at any shareholders' meeting or at any adjournment of a shareholders' meeting, (2) entitled to demand a special shareholders' meeting, (3) entitled to take any other action, (4) entitled to receive payment of a share dividend or a distribution, or (5) for any other purpose; the Board of Directors may fix a future date as the record date for such determination of shareholders provided that the record date may be fixed not more than seventy days before the date of the proposed action.
(b) Unless otherwise specified when the record date is fixed, the time of day for determination of shareholders shall be as of the Corporation's close of business on the record date.
(c) A determination of shareholders entitled to be given notice of or to vote at a shareholders' meeting is effective for any adjournment of the meeting unless the Board of Directors fixes a new record date, which the Board shall do if the meeting is adjourned to a date more than one hundred twenty days after the date fixed for the original meeting.
(d) If no record date is otherwise fixed, the record date for determining shareholders entitled to be given notice of and to vote at an annual or special shareholders' meeting is the day before the first notice is given to shareholders.
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(e) The record date for determining shareholders entitled to take action without a meeting pursuant to Article I, Section 10 is the date a written notice upon which the action is taken is first received by the Corporation.
4. VOTING LIST.
(a) After a record date is fixed for a shareholders' meeting, the secretary shall prepare a list of the names of all its shareholders who are entitled to be given notice of the meeting. The list shall be arranged by voting groups and within each voting group by class or series of shares, shall be alphabetical within each class or series, and shall show the address of, and the number of shares of each such class and series that are held by, each shareholder.
(b) The shareholders' list shall be available for inspection by any shareholder, beginning the earlier of ten days before the meeting for which the list was prepared or two business days after notice of the meeting is given and continuing through the meeting, and any adjournment thereof, at the Corporation's principal office or at a place identified in the notice of the meeting in the city where the meeting will be held.
(c) The secretary shall make the shareholders' list available at the meeting, and any shareholder or agent or attorney of a shareholder is entitled to inspect the list at any time during the meeting or any adjournment.
5. NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS.
(a) The secretary shall give notice to shareholders of the date, time, and place of each annual and special shareholders' meeting no fewer than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting; except that, if the articles of incorporation are to be amended to increase the number of authorized shares, at least thirty days' notice shall be given. Except as otherwise required by the Delaware General Corporation Law, the secretary shall be required to give such notice only to shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting.
(b) Notice of an annual shareholders' meeting need not include a description of the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called unless a purpose of the meeting is to consider an amendment to the articles of incorporation, a restatement of the articles of incorporation, a plan of merger or share exchange, disposition of substantially all of the property of the Corporation, consent by the Corporation to the disposition of property by another entity, or dissolution of the Corporation.
(c) Notice of a special shareholders' meeting shall include a description of the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.
(d) Notice of a shareholders' meeting shall be in writing and shall be given
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(1) by deposit in the United States mail, properly addressed to the shareholder's address shown in the Corporation's current record of shareholders, first class postage prepaid, and, if so given, shall be effective when mailed; or
(2) by telegraph, teletype, electronically transmitted facsimile, electronic mail, mail, or private carrier or by personal delivery to the shareholder, and, if so given, shall be effective when actually received by the shareholder.
(e) If an annual or special shareholders' meeting is adjourned to a different date, time, or place, notice need not be given of the new date, time, or place if the new date, time, or place is announced at the meeting before adjournment; provided, however, that, if a new record date for the adjourned meeting is fixed pursuant to Article I, Section 3(c), notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to persons who are shareholders as of the new record date.
(f) If three successive notices are given by the Corporation, whether with respect to a shareholders' meeting or otherwise, to a shareholder and are returned as undeliverable, no further notices to such shareholder shall be necessary until another address for the shareholder is made known to the Corporation.
6. QUORUM. Shares entitled to vote as a separate voting group may take action on a matter at a meeting only if a quorum of those shares exists with respect to that matter. One-third of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter by the voting group shall constitute a quorum of that voting group for action on the matter. If a quorum does not exist with respect to any voting group, the president or any shareholder or proxy that is present at the meeting, whether or not a member of that voting group, may adjourn the meeting to a different date, time, or place, and (subject to the next sentence) notice need not be given of the new date, time, or place if the new date, time, or place is announced at the meeting before adjournment. If a new record date for the adjourned meeting is or must be fixed pursuant to Article I, Section 3(c), notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given pursuant to Article I, Section 5 to persons who are shareholders as of the new record date. At any adjourned meeting at which a quorum exists, any matter may be acted upon that could have been acted upon at the meeting originally called; provided, however, that, if new notice is given of the adjourned meeting, then such notice shall state the purpose or purposes of the adjourned meeting sufficiently to permit action on such matters. Once a share is represented for any purpose at a meeting, including the purpose of determining that a quorum exists, it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the meeting and for any adjournment of that meeting unless a new record date is or shall be set for that adjourned meeting.
7. VOTING ENTITLEMENT OF SHARES. Except as stated in the articles of incorporation, each outstanding share, regardless of class, is entitled to one vote, and each fractional share is entitled to a corresponding fractional vote, on each matter voted on at a shareholders' meeting.
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8. PROXIES; ACCEPTANCE OF VOTES AND CONSENTS.
(a) A shareholder may vote either in person or by proxy.
(b) An appointment of a proxy is not effective against the Corporation until the appointment is received by the Corporation. An appointment is valid for eleven months unless a different period is expressly provided in the appointment form.
(c) The Corporation may accept or reject any appointment of a proxy, revocation of appointment of a proxy, vote, consent, waiver, or other writing purportedly signed by or for a shareholder, if such acceptance or rejection is in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
9. WAIVER OF NOTICE.
(a) A shareholder may waive any notice required by the Delaware General Corporation Law, the articles of incorporation or these bylaws, whether before or after the date or time stated in the notice as the date or time when any action will occur or has occurred. The waiver shall be in writing, be signed by the shareholder entitled to the notice, and be delivered to the Corporation for inclusion in the minutes or filing with the corporate records, but such delivery and filing shall not be conditions of the effectiveness of the waiver.
(b) A shareholder's attendance at a meeting waives objection to lack of notice or defective notice of the meeting, unless the shareholder at the beginning of the meeting objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting because of lack of notice or defective notice, and waives objection to consideration of a particular matter at the meeting that is not within the purpose or purposes described in the meeting notice, unless the shareholder objects to considering the matter when it is presented.
10. ACTION BY SHAREHOLDERS WITHOUT A MEETING. Whenever the vote of stockholders at a meeting thereof is required or permitted to be taken in connection with corporate action, by any provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the meeting and vote of stockholders may be dispensed with, if a majority of the stockholders who would have been entitled to vote upon the action if such meeting were held, shall consent in writing to such corporate action being taken, as allowed. Action taken pursuant to this section shall be effective when the Corporation has received writings that describe and consent to the action, signed by a majority of the shareholders entitled to vote thereon. Action taken pursuant to this section shall be effective as of the date the last writing necessary to effect the action is received by the Corporation, unless all of the writings necessary to effect the action specify another date, which
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may be before or after the date the writings are received by the Corporation. Such action shall have the same effect as action taken at a meeting of shareholders and may be described as such in any document. Any shareholder who has signed a writing describing and consenting to action taken pursuant to this section may revoke such consent by a writing signed by the shareholder describing the action and stating that the shareholder's prior consent thereto is revoked, if such writing is received by the Corporation before the effectiveness of the action.
11. MEETINGS BY TELECOMMUNICATIONS. To the extent provided by resolution of the Board of Directors or in the notice of the meeting, any or all of the shareholders may participate in an annual or special shareholders' meeting by, or the meeting may be conducted through the use of, any means of communication by which all persons participating in the meeting may hear each other during the meeting. A shareholder participating in a meeting by this means is deemed to be present in person at the meeting.
Article II
DIRECTORS
1. AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the authority of, and the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of, a Board of Directors.
2. NUMBER. Subject to the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, the number of directors shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors from time to time and may be increased or decreased by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors from time to time, but no decrease in the number of directors shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director. The number of directors shall be no less than three directors in order to carry out any business other than appointment of a replacement director to fill a vacancy on the Board.
3. QUALIFICATION. Directors shall be natural persons at least eighteen years old but need not be residents of the State of Delaware or shareholders of the Corporation.
4. ELECTION. The Board of Directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of the shareholders or at a special meeting called for that purpose.
5. TERM. Each director shall be elected to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until the director's successor is elected and qualified unless the directors are appointed to staggered terms as provided in the Articles of Incorporation. In such case, the terms of the directors shall expire as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation
6. RESIGNATION. A director may resign at any time by giving written notice of his or her resignation to any other director or (if the director is not also the secretary) to the secretary. The resignation shall be effective when it is received by the other director or secretary, as the case may be, unless the notice of resignation specifies a later effective date. Acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless the notice so provides.
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7. REMOVAL. Any director may be removed by the shareholders of the voting group that elected the director, with or without cause, at a meeting called, Notice of which includes that purpose. The notice of the meeting shall state that the purpose, or one of the purposes, of the meeting is removal of the director. A director may be removed only if the number of votes cast in favor of removal exceeds the number of votes cast against removal.
8. VACANCIES.
(a) If a vacancy occurs on the Board of Directors, including a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors:
(1) The shareholders may fill the vacancy at the next annual meeting or at a special meeting called for that purpose; or
(2) The Board of Directors may fill the vacancy; or
(3) If the directors remaining in office constitute fewer than a quorum of the Board, they may fill the vacancy by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the directors remaining in office.
(b) Notwithstanding Article II, Section 8(a), if the vacant office was held by a director elected by a voting group of shareholders, then, if one or more of the remaining directors were elected by the same voting group, only such directors are entitled to vote to fill the vacancy if it is filled by directors, and they may do so by the affirmative vote of a majority of such directors remaining in office; and only the holders of shares of that voting group are entitled to vote to fill the vacancy if it is filled by the shareholders.
(c) A vacancy that will occur at a specific later date, by reason of a resignation that will become effective at a later date under Article II, Section 6 or otherwise, may be filled before the vacancy occurs, but the new director may not take office until the vacancy occurs.
9. MEETINGS. The Board of Directors may hold regular or special meetings in or out of Delaware. A regular meeting shall be held in the principal office of the Corporation or at such other place, on such date or dates, and at such time as may be established by resolution of the Board of Directors. If the Board shall establish a date and time for a regular meeting of the Board, such meeting may be held without notice of the date, time, place, or purpose of the meeting The Board of Directors may, by resolution, establish other dates, times and places for additional regular meetings, which may thereafter be held without further notice. Special meetings may be called by the president or by any two directors and shall be held at the principal office of the Corporation unless another place is consented to by every director. At any time when the Board consists of a single director, that director may act at any time, date, or place without notice.
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10. NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING. Notice of a special meeting shall be given to every director at least twenty four hours before the time of the meeting, stating the date, time, and place of the meeting. The notice need not describe the purpose of the meeting. Notice may be given orally to the director, personally or by telephone or other wire or wireless communication. Notice may also be given in writing by telegraph, teletype, electronically transmitted facsimile, electronic mail, mail, or private carrier. Notice shall be effective at the earliest of the time it is received; five days after it is deposited in the United States mail, properly addressed to the last address for the director shown on the records of the Corporation, first class postage prepaid; or the date shown on the return receipt if mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, in the United States mail and if the return receipt is signed by the director to which the notice is addressed.
11. QUORUM. Except as provided in Article II, Section 8, a majority of the number of directors fixed in accordance with these Bylaws shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the Board of Directors. The act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors, except as otherwise specifically required by law.
12. WAIVER OF NOTICE.
(a) A director may waive any notice of a meeting before or after the time and date of the meeting stated in the notice. Except as provided by Article II, Section 12(b), the waiver shall be in writing and shall be signed by the director. Such waiver shall be delivered to the secretary for filing with the corporate records, but such delivery and filing shall not be conditions of the effectiveness of the waiver.
(b) A director's attendance at or participation in a meeting waives any required notice to him or her of the meeting unless, at the beginning of the meeting or promptly upon his or her later arrival, the director objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting because of lack of notice or defective notice and does not thereafter vote for or assent to action taken at the meeting.
13. ATTENDANCE BY TELEPHONE. One or more directors may participate in a regular or special meeting by, or conduct the meeting through the use of, any means of communication by which all directors participating may hear each other during the meeting. A director participating in a meeting by this means is deemed to be present in person at the meeting.
14. DEEMED ASSENT TO ACTION. A director who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors when corporate action is taken shall be deemed to have assented to all action taken at the meeting unless:
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(1) The director objects at the beginning of the meeting, or promptly upon his or her arrival, to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting and does not thereafter vote for or assent to any action taken at the meeting;
(2) The director contemporaneously requests that his or her dissent or abstention as to any specific action taken be entered in the minutes of the meeting; or
(3) The director causes written notice of his or her dissent or abstention as to any specific action to be received by the presiding officer of the meeting before adjournment of the meeting or by the secretary (or, if the director is the secretary, by another director) promptly after adjournment of the meeting. The right of dissent or abstention pursuant to this Article II, Section 14 as to a specific action is not available to a director who votes in favor of the action taken.
15. ACTION BY DIRECTORS WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted by law to be taken at a Board of Directors' meeting may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board consent to such action in writing. Action shall be deemed to have been so taken by the Board at the time the last director signs a written consent the action taken, unless, before such time, any director has revoked his or her consent by a written notice of revocation by the director and received by the secretary or any other person authorized by the bylaws or the Board of Directors to receive such a revocation. Such action shall be effective at the time and date it is so taken unless the directors establish a different effective time or date. Such action has the same effect as action taken at a meeting of directors and may be described as such in any document.
16. NOMINATIONS OF DIRECTORS.
(a) The Board of Directors may nominate persons to stand for election to the Board of Directors at any time prior to a meeting of shareholders at which directors are to be elected.
(b) Any shareholder may nominate a person to stand for election to the Board of Directors provided such shareholder provides written notification of the intention to nominate such persons at the next shareholder meeting not less than 90 days in advance of such meeting, and provided further such notice is accompanied by information regarding the proposed nominee meeting the requirements of part III of SEC Regulation SB or Regulation SK and information regarding all direct and indirect business or personal relationships between the shareholder and the proposed nominee.
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Article III
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1. COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
(a) Subject to the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Board of Directors may create one or more committees and appoint one or more members of the Board of Directors to serve on them. The creation of a committee and appointment of members to it shall require the approval of a majority of all the directors in office when the action is taken, whether or not those directors constitute a quorum of the Board.
(b) The provisions of these bylaws governing meetings, action without meeting, notice, waiver of notice, and quorum and voting requirements of the Board of Directors apply to committees and their members as well.
(c) To the extent specified by resolution adopted from time to time by a majority of all the directors in office when the resolution is adopted, whether or not those directors constitute a quorum of the Board, each committee shall exercise the authority of the Board of Directors with respect to the corporate powers and the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation; except that a committee shall not:
(1) Authorize distributions;
(2) Approve or propose to shareholders action that the Delaware General Corporation Law requires to be approved by shareholders;
(3) Fill vacancies on the Board of Directors or on any of its committees;
(4) Amend the articles of incorporation pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law;
(5) Adopt, amend, or repeal bylaws;
(6) Approve a plan of merger not requiring shareholder approval;
(7) Authorize or approve reacquisition of shares, except according to a formula or method prescribed by the Board of Directors; or
(8) Authorize or approve the issuance or sale of shares, or a contract for the sale of shares, or determine the designation and relative rights, preferences, and limitations of a class or series of shares; except that the Board of Directors may authorize a committee or an officer to do so within limits specifically prescribed by the Board of Directors.
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(d) The creation of, delegation of authority to, or action by, a committee does not alone constitute compliance by a director with applicable standards of conduct.
Article IV
OFFICERS
1. GENERAL.
(a) The Corporation shall have as officers a president and a secretary, each of whom who shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may appoint as additional officers a chairman and other officers of the Board.
(b) The Board of Directors, the president, and such other subordinate officers as the Board of Directors may authorize from time to time, acting singly, may appoint as additional officers one or more vice presidents, assistant secretaries, assistant treasurers, and such other subordinate officers as the Board of Directors, the president, or such other appointing officers deem necessary or appropriate.
(c) The officers of the Corporation shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such authority and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by these Bylaws, the Board of Directors, or (with respect to officers whom are appointed by the president or other appointing officers) the persons appointing them; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may change the term of offices and the authority of any officer appointed by the president or other appointing officers.
(d) Any two or more offices may be held by the same person. The officers of the Corporation shall be natural persons at least eighteen years old.
2. TERM. Each officer shall hold office from the time of appointment until the time of removal or resignation pursuant to Article IV, Section 3 or until the officer's death.
3. REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION. Any officer appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the Board of Directors. Any officer appointed by the president or other appointing officer may be removed at any time by the Board of Directors or by the person appointing the officer. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice of resignation to any director (or to any director other than the resigning officer if the officer is also a director), to the president, to the secretary, or to the officer who appointed the officer. Acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective, unless the notice so provides.
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4. PRESIDENT. The president shall preside at all meetings of shareholders, and shall also preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors unless the Board of Directors has appointed a chairman, vice chairman, or other officer of the Board and has authorized such person to preside at meetings of the Board of Directors instead of the president. Subject to the direction and control of the Board of Directors, the president of the Corporation shall have general and active management of the business of the Corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. The president may negotiate, enter into, and execute contracts, deeds, and other instruments on behalf of the Corporation as are necessary and appropriate to the conduct to the business and affairs of the Corporation or as are approved by the Board of Directors. The president shall have such additional authority and duties as are appropriate and customary for the office of president, except as the same may be expanded or limited by the Board of Directors from time to time.
5. VICE PRESIDENT. The vice president, if any, or, if there are more than one, the vice presidents in the order determined by the Board of Directors or the president (or, if no such determination is made, in the order of their appointment), shall be the officer or officers next in seniority after the president. Each vice president shall have such authority and duties as are prescribed by the Board of Directors or president. Upon the death, absence, or disability of the president, the vice president, if any, or, if there are more than one, the vice presidents in the order determined by the Board of Directors or the president, shall have the authority and duties of the president.
6. SECRETARY. The secretary shall be responsible for the preparation and maintenance of minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the shareholders and of the other records and information required to be kept by the Corporation under the Delaware General Corporation Law and for authenticating records of the corporation. The secretary shall also give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the shareholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, keep the minutes of such meetings, have charge of the corporate seal, if any, and have authority to affix the corporate seal to any instrument requiring it (and, when so affixed, it may be attested by the secretary's signature), be responsible for the maintenance of all other corporate records and files and for the preparation and filing of reports to governmental agencies (other than tax returns), and have such other authority and duties as are appropriate and customary for the office of secretary, except as the same may be expanded or limited by the Board of Directors from time to time.
7. ASSISTANT SECRETARY. The assistant secretary, if any, or, if there are more than one, the assistant secretaries in the order determined by the Board of Directors or the secretary (or, if no such determination is made, in the order of their appointment) shall, under the supervision of the secretary, perform such duties and have such authority as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors or the secretary. Upon the death, absence, or disability of the secretary, the assistant secretary, if any, or, if there are more than one, the assistant secretaries in the order designated by the Board of Directors or the secretary (or, if no such determination is made, in the order of their appointment), shall have the authority and duties of the secretary.
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8. TREASURER. The treasurer, if any, shall have control of the funds and the care and custody of all stocks, bonds, and other securities owned by the Corporation, and shall be responsible for the preparation and filing of tax returns. The treasurer shall receive all moneys paid to the Corporation and, subject to any limits imposed by the Board of Directors, shall have authority to give receipts and vouchers, to sign and endorse checks and warrants in the Corporation's name and on the Corporation's behalf, and give full discharge for the same. The treasurer shall also have charge of disbursement of funds of the Corporation, shall keep full and accurate records of the receipts and disbursements, and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as shall be designated by the Board of Directors. The treasurer shall have such additional authority and duties as are appropriate and customary for the office of treasurer, except as the same may be expanded or limited by the Board of Directors from time to time.
9. COMPENSATION. Officers shall receive such compensation for their services as may be authorized or ratified by the Board of Directors. Election or appointment of an officer shall not of itself create a contractual right to compensation for services performed as such officer.
Article V
INDEMNIFICATION
1. DEFINITIONS. As used in this article:
(a) "Corporation" includes any domestic or foreign entity that is a predecessor of the Corporation by reason of a merger or other transaction in which the predecessor's existence ceased upon consummation of the transaction.
(b) "Director" means an individual who is or was a director of the Corporation or an individual who, while a director of the Corporation, is or was serving at the Corporation's request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, fiduciary, or agent of another domestic or foreign corporation or other person or of an employee benefit plan. A director is considered to be serving an employee benefit plan at the Corporation's request if his or her duties to the Corporation also impose duties on, or otherwise involve services by, the director to the plan or to participants in or beneficiaries of the plan. "Director" includes, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or personal representative of a director.
(c) "Expenses" includes counsel fees.
(d) "Liability" means the obligation incurred with respect to a proceeding to pay a judgment, settlement, penalty, fine, including an excise tax assessed with respect to an employee benefit plan, or reasonable expenses.
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(e) "Official capacity" means, when used with respect to a director, the office of director in the Corporation and, when used with respect to a person other than a director as contemplated in Article V, Section 2(a), the office in the Corporation held by the officer or the employment, fiduciary, or agency relationship undertaken by the employee, fiduciary, or agent on behalf of the Corporation. "Official capacity" does not include service for any other domestic or foreign corporation or other person or employee benefit plan.
(f) "Party" includes a person who was, is, or is threatened to be made a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding.
(g) "Proceeding" means any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative and whether formal or informal.
2. AUTHORITY TO INDEMNIFY DIRECTORS.
(a) Except as provided in Article V, Section 2(d), the Corporation may indemnify a person made a party to a proceeding because the person is or was a director against liability incurred in the proceeding if:
(1) The person conducted himself or herself in good faith; and
(2) The person reasonably believed:
(A) In the case of conduct in an official capacity with the Corporation, that his or her conduct was in the Corporation's best interests; and
(B) In all other cases, that his or her conduct was at least not opposed to the Corporation's best interests; and
(3) In the case of any criminal proceeding, the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
(b) A director's conduct with respect to an employee benefit plan for a purpose the director reasonably believed to be in the interests of the participants in or beneficiaries of the plan is conduct that satisfies the requirement of Article V, Section 2(a)(2)(B). A director's conduct with respect to an employee benefit plan for a purpose that the director did not reasonably believe to be in the interests of the participants in or beneficiaries of the plan shall be deemed not to satisfy the requirements of Article V, Section 2(a)(1).
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(c) The termination of a proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent is not, of itself, determinative that the director did not meet the standard of conduct described in this Article V, Section 2.
(d) The Corporation may not indemnify a director under this Article V, Section 2:
(1) In connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation in which the director was adjudged liable to the Corporation; or
(2) In connection with any other proceeding charging that the director derived an improper personal benefit, whether or not involving action in an official capacity, in which proceeding the director was adjudged liable on the basis that he or she derived an improper personal benefit.
(e) Indemnification permitted under this Article V, Section 2 in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation is limited to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding.
3. MANDATORY INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS. The Corporation shall indemnify a person who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which the person was a party because the person is or was a director, against reasonable expenses incurred by him or her in connection with the proceeding.
4. ADVANCE OF EXPENSES TO DIRECTORS.
(a) The Corporation may pay for or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by a director who is a party to a proceeding in advance of final disposition of the proceeding if:
(1) The director furnishes to the Corporation a written affirmation of the director's good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct described in Article V, Section 2.
(2) The director furnishes to the Corporation a written undertaking, executed personally or on the director's behalf, to repay the advance if it is ultimately determined that he or she did not meet the standard of conduct; and
(3) A determination is made that the facts then known to those making the determination would not preclude indemnification under this article.
(b) The undertaking required by Article V, Section 4(a)(2) shall be an unlimited general obligation of the director but need not be secured and may be accepted without reference to financial ability to make repayment.
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(c) Determinations and authorizations of payments under this Article V, Section 4 shall be made in the manner specified in Article V, Section 6.
5. COURT-ORDERED INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS. A director who is or was a party to a proceeding may apply for indemnification to the court conducting the proceeding or to another court of competent jurisdiction. On receipt of an application, the court, after giving any notice the court considers necessary, may order indemnification in the following manner:
(1) If it determines that the director is entitled to mandatory indemnification under Article V, Section 3, the court shall order indemnification, in which case the court shall also order the Corporation to pay the director's reasonable expenses incurred to obtain court-ordered indemnification.
(2) If it determines that the director is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all the relevant circumstances, whether or not the director met the standard of conduct set forth in Article V, Section 2(a) or was adjudged liable in the circumstances described in Article V, Section 2(d), the court may order such indemnification as the court deems proper; except that the indemnification with respect to any proceeding in which liability shall have been adjudged in the circumstances described in Article V, Section 2(d) is limited to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding and reasonable expenses incurred to obtain court-ordered indemnification.
6. DETERMINATION AND AUTHORIZATION OF INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS.
(a) The Corporation may not indemnify a director under Article V, Section 2 unless authorized in the specific case after a determination has been made that indemnification of the director is permissible in the circumstances because the director has met the standard of conduct set forth in Article V, Section 2. The Corporation shall not advance expenses to a director under Article V, Section 4 unless authorized in the specific case after the written affirmation and undertaking required by Article V, Section 4(a)(1) and 4(a)(2) are received and the determination required by Article V, Section 4(a)(3) has been made.
(b) The determinations required by Article V, Section 6(a) shall be made:
(1) By the Board of Directors by a majority vote of those present at a meeting at which a quorum is present, and only those directors not parties to the proceeding shall be counted in satisfying the quorum; or
(2) If a quorum cannot be obtained, by a majority vote of a committee of the Board of Directors designated by the Board of Directors, which committee shall consist of two or more directors not parties to the proceeding; except that directors who are parties to the proceeding may participate in the designation of directors for the committee.
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(c) If a quorum cannot be obtained as contemplated in Article V, Section 6(b)(1), and a committee cannot be established under Article V, Section 6(b)(2) if a quorum is obtained or a committee is designated, if a majority of the directors constituting such quorum or such committee so directs, the determination required to be made by Article V, Section 6(a) shall be made:
(1) By independent legal counsel selected by a vote of the Board of Directors or the committee in the manner specified in Article V, Section 6(b)(1) or 6(b)(2), or, if a quorum of the full Board cannot be obtained and a committee cannot be established, by independent legal counsel selected by a majority vote of the full Board of Directors; or
(2) By the shareholders.
(d) Authorization of indemnification and advance of expenses shall be made in the same manner as the determination that indemnification or advance of expenses is permissible; except that, if the determination that indemnification or advance of expenses is permissible is made by independent legal counsel, authorization of indemnification and advance of expenses shall be made by the body that selected such counsel.
7. INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, FIDUCIARIES, AND AGENTS.
(a) An officer is entitled to mandatory indemnification under Article V, Section 3 and is entitled to apply for court-ordered indemnification under Article V, Section 5, in each case to the same extent as a director;
(b) The Corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee, fiduciary, or agent of the Corporation to the same extent as to a director; and
(c) The Corporation may also indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee, fiduciary, or agent who is not a director to a greater extent than is provided in these bylaws, if not inconsistent with public policy, and if provided for by general or specific action of its Board of Directors or shareholders or by contract.
8. INSURANCE. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a person who is or was a director, officer, employee, fiduciary, or agent of the Corporation, or who, while a director, officer, employee, fiduciary, or agent of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, fiduciary, or agent of another domestic or foreign corporation or other person or of an employee benefit plan, against liability asserted against or incurred by the person in that capacity or arising from his or her status as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary, or agent, whether or not
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the Corporation would have power to indemnify the person against the same liability under Article V, Sections 2, 3, or 7. Any such insurance may be procured from any insurance company designated by the Board of Directors, whether such insurance company is formed under the laws of this state or any other jurisdiction of the United States or elsewhere, including any insurance company in which the Corporation has an equity or any other interest through stock ownership or otherwise.
9. NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS OF INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTOR. If the Corporation indemnifies or advances expenses to a director under this article in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation, the Corporation shall give written notice of the indemnification or advance to the shareholders with or before the notice of the next shareholders' meeting. If the next shareholder action is taken without a meeting at the instigation of the Board of Directors, such notice shall be given to the shareholders at or before the time the first shareholder signs a writing consenting to such action.
Article VI
SHARES
1. CERTIFICATES. Certificates representing shares of the capital stock of the Corporation shall be in such form as is approved by the Board of Directors and shall be signed by the chairman or vice chairman of the Board of Directors (if any), or the president and by the secretary or an assistant secretary or the treasurer or an assistant treasurer. All certificates shall be consecutively numbered, and the names of the owners, the number of shares, and the date of issue shall be entered on the books of the Corporation. Each certificate representing shares shall state upon its face
(a) That the Corporation is organized under the laws of the State of Delaware;
(b) The name of the person to whom issued;
(c) The number and class of the shares and the designation of the series, if any, that the certificate represents;
(d) The par value, if any, of each share represented by the certificate;
(e) Any restrictions imposed by the Corporation upon the transfer of the shares represented by the certificate; and
(f) Other matters required to be stated on the certificates by the Delaware General Corporation Law, ss. 7-106-206 and other applicable sections.
2. FACSIMILE SIGNATURES. Where a certificate is signed
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(a) By a transfer agent other than the Corporation or its employee, or
(b) By a registrar other than the Corporation or its employee, any or all of the officers' signatures on the certificate required by Article VI, Section 1 may be a facsimile. If any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed, or whose facsimile signature or signatures have been placed upon, any certificate, shall cease to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar, whether because of death, resignation, or otherwise, before the certificate is issued by the Corporation, it may nevertheless be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he or she were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.
3. TRANSFERS OF SHARES. Transfers of shares shall be made on the books of the Corporation only upon presentation of the certificate or certificates representing such shares properly endorsed by the person or persons appearing upon the face of such certificate to be the owner, or accompanied by a proper transfer or assignment separate from the certificate, except as may otherwise be expressly provided by the statutes of the State of Delaware or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction. The officers or transfer agents of the Corporation may, in their discretion, require a signature guaranty before making any transfer. The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the person in whose name any shares are registered on its books as the owner of those shares for all purposes and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim or interest in the shares on the part of any other person, whether or not the Corporation shall have notice of such claim or interest.
4. SHARES HELD FOR ACCOUNT OF ANOTHER. The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution a procedure whereby a shareholder of the Corporation may certify in writing to the Corporation that all or a portion of the shares registered in the name of such shareholder are held for the account of a specified person or persons. The resolution shall set forth
(a) The classification of shareholders who may certify;
(b) The purpose or purposes for which the certification may be made;
(c) The form of certification and information to be contained herein;
(d) If the certification is with respect to a record date or closing of the stock transfer books, the time after the record date or the closing of the stock transfer books within which the certification must be received by the Corporation; and
(e) Such other provisions with respect to the procedure as are deemed necessary or desirable. Upon receipt by the Corporation of a certification complying with the procedure, the persons specified in the certification shall be deemed, for the purpose or purposes set forth in the certification, to be the holders of record of the number of shares specified in place of the shareholder making the certification.
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Article VII
MISCELLANEOUS
1. CORPORATE SEAL. The Board of Directors may adopt a seal, circular in form and bearing the name of the Corporation and the words "SEAL" and "DELAWARE," which, when adopted, shall constitute the seal of the Corporation. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile of it to be impressed, affixed, manually reproduced, or rubber stamped with indelible ink. Even if the Corporation has adopted a corporate seal, properly authorized actions of the Corporation are effective whether or not any writing evidencing such action is sealed.
2. FISCAL YEAR. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, adopt a fiscal year for the Corporation.
3. RECEIPT OF NOTICES BY THE CORPORATION. Notices, shareholder writings consenting to action, and other documents or writings shall be deemed to have been received by the Corporation when they are received
(a) At the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware;
(b) At the principal office of the Corporation (as that office is designated in the most recent document filed by the Corporation with the Secretary of State for the State of Delaware designating a principal office) addressed to the attention of the secretary of the Corporation;
(c) By the secretary of the corporation wherever the secretary may be found; or
(d) By any other person authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, the president, or the secretary to receive such writings, wherever such person is found.
4. FACSIMILE SIGNATURE. Where, under these Bylaws or under the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended, a signature of a director, officer or shareholder of the Corporation is required, such signature may be presented either in original form or by a facsimile copy thereof, to the extent permitted by law.
5. AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS. These Bylaws may at any time and from time to time be amended, supplemented, or repealed by the Board of Directors.
Duly adopted December 23, 2016
By: /s/ John Noble Harris
_____________________________
John Noble Harris, Chief Executive Officer and Director
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EXHIBIT 10.1
NEITHER THIS WARRANT NOR THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK UNDERLYING THIS WARRANT WERE ISSUED IN A REGISTERED TRANSACTION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (AS AMENDED, THE "SECURITIES ACT"). THE SECURITIES EVIDENCED HEREBY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED WITHOUT (i) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER THAT SUCH TRANSFER MAY BE LAWFULLY MADE WITHOUT REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND ALL APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAW; OR (ii) SUCH REGISTRATION.
WARRANT TO PURCHASE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
Warrant No. _____ - 1
THIS WARRANT TO PURCHASE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ("WARRANT") CERTIFIES THAT, for value received, ______________________("Holder"), is entitled to subscribe for and purchase from BlackStar Enterprises Group, Inc. (the "Company"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, at the Warrant Exercise Price specified below during the exercise period specified below to and including August 30, 2019 (the "Expiration Date") ________________ fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Company (the "Common Stock") (subject to vesting and adjustment as noted below).
The exercise price of this Warrant (subject to adjustment as noted below) shall be five cents ($0.05) per share (the "Warrant Exercise Price"). This Warrant was issued on August 30, 2016.
This Warrant is subject to the following provisions, terms, and conditions:
1. Vesting and Exercise .
(a) This Warrant shall be exercisable at any time, as to the amount of then Vested Shares (as defined below) or any portion thereof, by the registered Holder by payment of the Warrant Exercise Price per share in immediately available funds to the Company at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., Colorado time, on the Expiration Date.
(b) The number of shares of Common Stock for which this Warrant shall be exercisable at any time (the "Vested Shares") shall be determined as follows: the amount of Vested Shares from and after the date of issuance set forth above shall be______________.
(c) In addition to and without limiting the rights of the Holder under the terms of this Warrant, the Holder may elect to surrender this Warrant or any portion thereof for the purchase of Vested Shares of Common Stock, the aggregate value of which shares shall be equal to the amount by which the fair market value per share exceeds the Warrant Exercise Price per share times the number of Warrants surrendered (a "Cashless Exercise"). To exercise this Warrant by Cashless
Exercise, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant at the principal office of the Company together with notice of the Holder's intention to utilize the Cashless Exercise procedure, in which event the Company shall issue to the Holder the number of shares of the Company's Common Stock computed using the following formula:
X = PY (A-B)
A
Where:
X = The number of shares of Common Stock to be issued to the Holder.
P = The percentage of Vested Shares underlying this Warrant being exercised.
Y = The number of Vested Shares purchasable under this Warrant.
A = The fair market value of one share of the Company's Common Stock, as quoted on the over-the-counter bulletin board, or its successor, at the close of trading on the last trading day preceding the date of exercise; or if not so quoted, at a price determined by a reputable investment banker selected by Holder and reasonably acceptable to the Company.
B = Exercise Price.
2. Representations and Warranties . The Company represents and warrants that:
(a) the Company has all requisite power and authority to execute, issue and perform this Warrant and to issue the Common Stock;
(b) this Warrant has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, has been duly executed and delivered, and is a legal and binding obligation of the Company;
(c) all shares which may be issued upon the exercise of the rights represented by this Warrant according to the terms hereof or represented by the Common Stock will, upon issuance, be duly authorized and issued, fully paid, and nonassessable; and
(d) during the period within which the rights represented by this Warrant may be exercised, the Company will at all times have authorized, and reserved for the purpose of issue or transfer upon exercise of the subscription rights evidenced by this Warrant, a sufficient number of shares of its Common Stock to provide for the exercise of the rights represented by this Warrant.
3. Adjustments .
(a) In case the Company shall
(i) declare a dividend upon the Common Stock payable in Common Stock (other than a dividend declared to effect a subdivision of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, as described in subparagraph (b) below) or any obligations or any shares of stock of the Company which are convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock (such obligations or shares of stock being hereinafter referred to as "Convertible Securities"), or in any rights or options to purchase any Common Stock or Convertible Securities, or
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(ii) declare any other dividend or make any other distribution upon the Common Stock payable otherwise than out of earnings or earned surplus,
then thereafter the holder of this Warrant upon the exercise hereof will be entitled to receive the number of shares of Common Stock to which such holder shall be entitled upon such exercise, and, in addition and without further payment therefor, such number of shares of Common Stock, such that upon exercise hereof, such holder would receive as a result of each dividend described in clause (i) above and each dividend or distribution described in clause (ii) above which such holder would have received by way of any such dividend or distribution if, continuously since the record date for any such dividend or distribution, such holder (x) had been the record holder of the number of shares of Common Stock then received, and (y) had retained all dividends or distributions in stock or securities (including Common Stock or Convertible Securities, or in any rights or options to purchase any Common Stock or Convertible Securities) payable in respect of such Common Stock or in respect of any stock or securities paid as dividends or distributions and originating directly or indirectly from such Common Stock. For the purposes of the foregoing, a dividend or distribution other than in cash shall be considered payable out of earnings or surplus only to the extent that such earnings or surplus are charged an amount equal to the fair value of such dividend as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company.
(b) In case the Company shall at any time subdivide its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a greater number of shares, the number of shares subject to this Warrant immediately prior to such subdivision shall be proportionately increased, and conversely, in case the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company shall be combined into a smaller number of shares, the number of shares subject to this Warrant immediately prior to such combination shall be proportionately reduced.
(c) If any capital reorganization or reclassification of the capital stock of the Company, consolidation or merger of the Company with another corporation, or the sale of all or substantially all of its assets to another corporation shall be effected in such a way that holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive stock, securities, or assets with respect to or in exchange for Common Stock, then, as a condition of such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, or sale, lawful and adequate provision shall be made whereby the holder hereof shall thereafter have the right to purchase and receive, upon the basis and upon the terms and conditions specified in this Warrant and in lieu of the shares of the Common Stock of the Company immediately theretofore purchasable and receivable upon the exercise of the rights represented hereby, such shares of stock, securities or assets as may be issued or payable with respect to or in exchange for a number of outstanding shares of such Common Stock equal to the number of shares of such stock immediately theretofore purchasable and receivable upon the exercise of the rights represented hereby had such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, or sale not taken place, and in any such case appropriate provision shall be made with respect to the rights and interests of the holder of this Warrant to the end that the provisions hereof (including without limitation provisions for adjustments of the Warrant Exercise Price and of the number of shares purchasable upon the exercise of this Warrant) shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as may be, in relation to any shares of stock, securities, or assets thereafter deliverable upon the exercise hereof.
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(d) If the Company issues or grants any rights or options to subscribe for or to purchase shares of Common Stock at a price per share of Common Stock less than both of (I) the Warrant Exercise Price, and (II) the then-current Market Price (as defined below) per share of Common Stock, then the total number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant shall be increased by an amount determined by multiplying (I) the number of shares of Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such adjustment by (II) an amount determined by dividing (i) the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the rights or options giving rise to such adjustment by (ii) the total number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding.
(e) Upon each adjustment in the number of shares the holder is entitled to purchase upon exercise of this Warrant, the Warrant Exercise Price hereunder shall be appropriately adjusted such that the Holder shall hold Warrants entitling Holder to purchase the number of shares as so adjusted for an aggregate Warrant Exercise Price equal to the aggregate Warrant Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such adjustment. Upon any adjustment of the shares purchasable upon exercise of this Warrant, the number of Vested Shares determined in accordance with 1(b) (and the calculations therein with respect to the number of Vested Shares ) shall be adjusted pro rata to reflect such adjustments to the total number of shares purchasable upon exercise of this Warrant.
(f) In case any time:
(i) any of the adjustments required by 3(a) through (e) occur;
(ii) the Company shall make any distribution (other than regular cash dividends) to the holders of its capital stock;
(iii) the Company shall offer for subscription pro rata to the holders of its capital stock any additional shares of stock of any class or other rights; or
(iv) there shall be a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company;
then, in any one or more of said cases, the Company shall give written notice, by first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the registered holder of this Warrant at the address of such holder as shown on the books of the Company, of the date on which (x) the books of the Company shall close or a record shall be taken for such dividend, subdivision, distribution, or subscription rights, or (y) such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, dissolution, liquidation or winding up, or conversion or redemption shall take place, as the case may be. Such notice shall also specify the date as of which the holders of capital stock of record shall participate in such dividend, distribution, or subscription rights, or shall be entitled to exchange their capital stock for securities or other property deliverable upon such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, dissolution, liquidation or winding up, or conversion or redemption, as the case may be. Such written notice shall be given at least ten (10) days prior to the action in question and not less than ten (10) days prior to the record date or the date on which the Company's transfer books are closed in respect thereto.
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(g) No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant, but, instead of any fraction of a share which would otherwise be issuable, the Company shall pay a cash adjustment (which may be effected as a reduction of the amount to be paid by the holder hereof upon such exercise) in respect of such fraction in an amount equal to the same fraction of the Market Price per share of Common Stock as of the close of business on the date of the notice required by Section 3(e). "Market Price" shall mean, if the Common Stock is traded on a securities exchange or on the NASDAQ System, the average of the closing prices of the Common Stock on such exchange or the NASDAQ System on the twenty (20) trading days ending on the trading day prior to the date of determination, or, if the Common Stock is otherwise traded in the over‑the‑counter market, the average of the closing bid prices on the twenty (20) trading days ending on the trading day prior to the date of determination. If at any time the Common Stock is not traded on an exchange or the NASDAQ System, or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market, the Market Price shall be deemed to be the higher of
(i) the book value thereof as determined by any firm of independent public accountants of recognized standing selected by the Board of Directors of the Company as of the last day of any month ending within sixty (60) days preceding the date as of which the determination is to be made, or
(ii) the fair value thereof determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company as of a date which is within fifteen (15) days of the date as of which the determination is to be made.
4. No Voting Rights . This Warrant shall not entitle the Holder hereof to any voting rights or other rights as a stockholder of the Company.
5. Restrictions on Transfer . This Warrant and the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable through the exercise of this Warrant are "restricted securities" under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and may not be sold, transferred, pledged, or hypothecated without such transaction being registered under the Securities Act and applicable state laws or the availability of an exemption therefrom that is established to the satisfaction of the Company; a legend to this effect shall appear on this Warrant and, unless the issuance is a registered transaction, on all shares of Common Stock issued upon the exercise hereof. The holder of this Warrant, by acceptance hereof, agrees to give written notice to the Company before transferring this Warrant or transferring any Common Stock issuable or issued upon the exercise hereof of such holder's intention to do so, describing briefly the manner of any proposed transfer of this Warrant or such holder's intention as to the disposition to be made of shares of Common Stock issuable or issued upon the exercise hereof. Such holder shall also provide the Company with an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company to the effect that the proposed transfer of this Warrant or disposition of shares may be effected without registration or qualification (under any federal or state law) of this Warrant or the shares of Common
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Stock issuable or issued upon the exercise hereof. Upon receipt of such written notice and opinion by the Company, such holder shall be entitled to transfer this Warrant, or to exercise this Warrant in accordance with its terms and dispose of the shares received upon such exercise or to dispose of shares of Common Stock received upon the previous exercise of this Warrant, all in accordance with the terms of the notice delivered by such holder to the Company, provided that an appropriate legend respecting the aforesaid restrictions on transfer and disposition may be endorsed on this Warrant or the certificates for such shares.
6. Transfer Procedures . Subject to the provisions of Section 5, this Warrant and all rights hereunder are transferable, in whole or in part, at the principal office of the Company by the holder hereof in person or by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Warrant properly endorsed. Each taker and holder of this Warrant, by taking or holding the same, consents and agrees that the bearer of this Warrant, when endorsed, may be treated by the Company and all other persons dealing with this Warrant as the absolute owner hereof for any purpose and as the person entitled to exercise the rights represented by this Warrant, or to the transfer hereof on the books of the Company, any notice to the contrary notwithstanding; but until such transfer on such books, the Company may treat the registered holder hereof as the owner for all purposes.
7. Registration Rights .
(a) If at any time the Company proposes to register the sale of shares of Common Stock (whether for itself or any of its security holders) under the Securities Act and the registration form to be used may be used for the registration of shares underlying this Warrant (a "Piggyback Registration"), the Company shall give prompt written notice to the Holder of its intention to effect such a registration and, subject to Section 7(b) below, shall include in such registration all shares of Common Stock underlying this Warrant with respect to which the Company has received Holder's written request for inclusion in such registration, provided that such request must be received by Company within 20 days after the date of the Company's notice to Holder. The Registration Expenses in all Piggyback Registrations shall be paid by the Company.
(b) If a Piggyback Registration is an underwritten primary registration on behalf of the Company or a successor, and the managing underwriters advise the Company in writing that in their opinion the number of shares of Common Stock requested to be included in such registration exceeds the number which can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the marketability of the offering, the Company shall exclude from such registrations the excess amount of shares of Common Stock, and shall include in such registration (i) first, the securities the Company proposes to sell; (ii) second, shares of Common Stock requested to be included in such registration by the holders of all securities of the Company having registration rights, prorata among the owners of such securities on the basis of the number of shares of Common Stock or equivalent shares of Common Stock owned by each such owner, and (iii) third, other securities requested to be included in such registration, in the Company's discretion.
(c) Whenever the Holder has requested that any shares of Common Stock underlying this Warrant be registered pursuant to this Section 7, the Company shall use its best efforts to effect the registration and the sale of such shares in accordance with the intended method of disposition thereof, and pursuant thereto the Company shall as expeditiously as possible:
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(i) notify the Holder of the effectiveness of each registration statement filed hereunder and prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission such amendments and supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration statement effective for a period of not less than 180 days and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement during such period in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such registration statement;
(ii) furnish the Holder such number of copies of such registration statement, each amendment and supplement thereto, the prospectus included in such registration statement (including each preliminary prospectus) and such other documents as such seller may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the shares of Common Stock underlying this Warrant;
(iii) use its best efforts to register or qualify the shares of Common Stock underlying this Warrant under such other securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as Holder reasonably requests and do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable Holder to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the shares of Common Stock underlying this Warrant (provided that the Company shall not be required to (A) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this subsection, (B) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction or (C) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction);
(iv) notify Holder, at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus included in such registration statement contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits any fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, whereupon Holder shall cease distributing any shares of Common Stock until, at the request of Holder, the Company shall prepare a supplement or amendment to such prospectus so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such shares of Common Stock, such prospectus shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and
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(v) use its best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in the event of the issuance of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a registration statement, or of any order suspending or preventing the use of any related prospectus or suspending the qualification of any equity securities included in such registration statement for sale in any jurisdiction, the Company shall use its best efforts promptly to obtain the withdrawal of such order.
(d) All expenses incident to the Company's performance of or compliance with this Section 7, including without limitation all registration and filing fees, fees and expenses of compliance with securities or blue sky laws, NASD fees, printing expenses, messenger and delivery expenses, fees and disbursements of custodians, and fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and all independent certified public accountants, fees (up to $5,000) and disbursements of one counsel for the Holder, underwriters (excluding discounts and commissions) and other persons retained by the Company (all such expenses being herein called "Registration Expenses"), shall be borne by the Company as provided in this Section 7.
(e) The Company agrees to indemnify, to the extent permitted by law, Holder, its officers and directors and each person who controls Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses caused by any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any registration statement filed by the Company, prospectus prepared by the Company or preliminary prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as the same are caused by or contained in any information furnished in writing to the Company by Holder expressly for use therein or by Holder's failure to deliver a copy of the registration statement or prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto after the Company has furnished Holder with a sufficient number of copies of the same. In connection with an underwritten offering, the Company shall indemnify such underwriters, their officers and directors and each person who controls such underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to at least the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of the Holder issued by the Company.
(f) In connection with any registration statement in which Holder is participating, each Holder shall furnish to the Company in writing such information and affidavits as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such registration statement or prospectus and, to the extent permitted by law, shall indemnify the Company, its directors and officers and each person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in the registration statement, prospectus or preliminary prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing by Holder.
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(g) Any person entitled to indemnification under this Section 7 shall (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification (provided that the failure to give prompt notice shall not impair any person's right to indemnification hereunder to the extent such failure has not prejudiced the indemnifying party) and (ii) unless in such indemnified party's reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. If such defense is assumed, the indemnifying party shall not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent. An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim.
(h) The indemnification provided for under this Section 7 shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the indemnified party or any officer, director or controlling person of such indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of securities. In order to provide for contribution in any case in which either (i) Holder makes a claim for indemnification pursuant to this Section 7 but it is judicially determined (by the entry of a final judgment or decree by a court of competent jurisdiction and the expiration of time to appeal or the denial of the last right of appeal) that such indemnification may not be enforced in such case notwithstanding the fact that this Section 7 provides for indemnification in such case, or (ii) contribution under the Securities Act may be required on the part of Holder in circumstances for which indemnification is provided under this Section 7; then, in each such case, the Company and Holder will contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages or liabilities which they would otherwise be obligated to indemnify under Sections 7(e) and 7(f) (after contribution from others) in such proportions so that Holder is responsible for the portion of such aggregate losses, claims, damages or liabilities represented by the percentage that the public offering price of its shares of Common Stock offered by the registration statement bears to the public offering price of all securities offered by such registration statement, and the Company is responsible for the remaining portion; provided, however, that, no person or entity guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation, within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act, shall be entitled to contribution from any person or entity who is not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
(i) Holder may not participate in any registration under this Section 7 which is underwritten unless Holder (i) agrees to sell Holder's shares of Common Stock on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Company and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.
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8. Miscellaneous .
(a) Notices, Etc. All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, by facsimile transmission or electronic mail, or otherwise delivered by hand or by messenger, addressed
(i) if to a holder of this Warrant, at such holder's address set forth on the books of the Company, or at such other address as such holder shall have furnished to the Company in writing; or
(ii) if to the Company, one copy should be sent to the Company's current address at 1783 Dogwood Street, Louisville, Colorado 80027, or at such other address as the Company shall have designated by notice.
Each such notice or other communication shall for all purposes of this Agreement be treated as effective or having been given when delivered if delivered personally; if sent by first class, postage prepaid mail, at the earlier of its receipt or seventy-two (72) hours after the same has been deposited in a regularly maintained receptacle for the deposit of the United States mail, addressed and mailed as aforesaid; or, if sent by facsimile transmission or electronic mail as of the date delivery is confirmed by the sender's equipment.
(b) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, such illegality, invalidity, or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision and shall not in any manner affect or render illegal, invalid, or unenforceable any other provision of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall be carried out as if any such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision were not contained herein.
(c) Governing Law . This Warrant will be governed in accordance with federal law to the extent applicable and by the internal law, not the law of conflicts, of the State of Colorado.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Blackstar Enterprise Group, Inc Inc. has caused this Warrant to be signed by its duly authorized officer and dated as of _____________,2016.
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
By _______________________________________
Title:____________________________________
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SUBSCRIPTION FORM
To be Executed by the Holder of this Warrant if such Holder
Desires to Exercise this Warrant in Whole or in Part:
To: BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. (the "Company")
The undersigned _____________________________________ (Social Security number or taxpayer identification number of Subscriber: _______________________________) hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the right of purchase represented by this Warrant for, and to purchase thereunder, ___________ shares of the Common Stock (the "Common Stock") provided for therein and tenders payment herewith to the order of the Company in the amount of $___________, such payment being made as provided on the face of this Warrant.
The undersigned requests that certificates for such shares of Common Stock be issued as follows:
Name: ______________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Deliver to: ___________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
and, if such number of shares of Common Stock shall not be all the shares of Common Stock purchasable hereunder, that a new Warrant for the balance remaining of the shares of Common Stock purchasable under this Warrant be registered in the name of, and delivered to, the undersigned at the address stated above.
Dated: ____________________ _________________________________________
Signature
Note: The signature on this Subscription Form must correspond with the name as written upon the face of this Warrant in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatever.
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FORM OF ASSIGNMENT
(To Be Signed Only Upon Assignment)
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto this Warrant, and appoints ________________________________________ to transfer this Warrant on the books of the Company with the full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated: ____________________
In the presence of:
_______________________________
_________________________________________
(Signature must conform in all respects to the name of the holder as specified on the face of this Warrant without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever, and the signature must be guaranteed in the usual manner)
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EXHIBIT 10.2
EXHIBIT 10.3
2016 BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
STOCK OPTION AND AWARD INCENTIVE PLAN
SECTION 1: GENERAL PURPOSE OF PLAN
The name of this plan is the 2016 BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. STOCK OPTION AND AWARD INCENTIVE PLAN (the "Plan"). The purpose of the Plan is to enable BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and any Parent or any Subsidiary to obtain and retain the services of the types of Employees, Consultants and Directors who will contribute to the Company's long range success and to provide incentives which are linked directly to increases in share value which will inure to the benefit of all stockholders of the Company.
SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS
For purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below:
"Administrator" shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 3, hereof.
"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
"Cause" means (i) failure by an Eligible Person to substantially perform his or her duties and obligations to the Company (other than any such failure resulting from his or her incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (ii) engaging in misconduct or a fiduciary breach which is or potentially is materially injurious to the Company or its stockholders; (iii) commission of a felony; (iv) the commission of a crime against the Company which is or potentially is materially injurious to the Company; or (v) as otherwise provided in the Stock Option Agreement or Stock Purchase Agreement. For purposes of this Plan, the existence of Cause shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.
"Change in Control" shall mean:
The consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity or any other corporate reorganization, if more than 50% of the combined voting power (which voting power shall be calculated by assuming the conversion of all equity securities convertible (immediately or at some future time) into shares entitled to vote, but not assuming the exercise of any warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase those shares) of the continuing or Surviving Entity's securities outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or other reorganization is owned, directly or indirectly, by persons who were not stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or other reorganization; provided, however, that in making the determination of ownership by the stockholders of the Company, immediately after the reorganization, equity securities which persons own immediately before the reorganization as stockholders of another party to the transaction shall be disregarded; or
The sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company's assets.
A transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control if its sole purpose is to change the state of the Company's incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company's securities immediately before such transaction.
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"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
"Committee" means a committee of the Board designated by the Board to administer the Plan.
"Company" means BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (or any successor corporation).
"Consultant" means a consultant or advisor who is a natural person or a legal entity and who provides bona fide services to the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary; provided such services are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction and do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Company's securities.
"Date of Grant" means the date on which the Administrator adopts a resolution expressly granting a Right to a Participant or, if a different date is set forth in such resolution as the Date of Grant, then such date as is set forth in such resolution.
"Director" means a member of the Board.
"Disability" means that the Optionee is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment; provided, however, for purposes of determining the term of an ISO pursuant to Section 6.6 hereof, the term Disability shall have the meaning ascribed to it under Code Section 22(e)(3). The determination of whether an individual has a Disability shall be determined under procedures established by the Plan Administrator.
"Eligible Person" means an Employee, Consultant or Director of the Company, any Parent or any Subsidiary.
"Employee" shall mean any individual who is a common-law employee (including officers) of the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary.
"Exercise Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.3 hereof.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"Fair Market Value" shall mean the fair market value of a Share, determined as follows: (i) if the Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation, the NASDAQ National Market, the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such system or exchange (or the exchange with the greatest volume of trading in the Stock) on the last market trading day prior to the day of determination, as reported in the Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; (ii) if the Stock is quoted on the NASDAQ System (but not on the NASDAQ National Market) or any similar system whereby the stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but closing sale prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock shall be the mean between the bid and asked prices for the Stock on the last market trading day prior to the day of determination, as reported in the Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or (iii) in the absence of an established market for the Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Administrator and such determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.
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"First Refusal Right" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.7 hereof.
"ISO" means a Stock Option intended to qualify as an "incentive stock option" as that term is defined in Section 422(b) of the Code.
"Non-Employee Director" means a member of the Board who is not an Employee of the Company, a Parent or Subsidiary, who satisfies the requirements of such term as defined in Rule 16b-3(b)(3)(i) promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Non-Qualified Stock Option" means a Stock Option not described in Section 422(b) of the Code.
"Offeree" means a Participant who is granted a Purchase Right pursuant to the Plan.
"Optionee" means a Participant who is granted a Stock Option pursuant to the Plan.
"Outside Director" means a member of the Board who is not an Employee of the Company, a Parent or Subsidiary, who satisfies the requirements of such term as defined in Treasury Regulations (26 Code of Federal Regulation Section 1.162-27(e)(3)).
"Parent" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. A corporation that attains the status of a Parent on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Parent commencing as of such date.
"Participant" means any Eligible Person selected by the Administrator, pursuant to the Administrator's authority in Section 3, to receive grants of Rights.
"Plan" means this 2016 BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. STOCK OPTION AND AWARD INCENTIVE PLAN, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.
"Purchase Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.
"Purchase Right" means the right to purchase Stock granted pursuant to Section 7.
"Rights" means Stock Options and Purchase Rights.
"Repurchase Right" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.8 of the Plan.
"Service" shall mean service as an Employee, Director or Consultant.
"Stock" means Common Stock of the Company.
"Stock Option" or "Option" means an option to purchase shares of Stock granted pursuant to Section 6.
"Stock Option Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.
"Stock Purchase Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.
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"Subsidiary" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. A corporation that attains the status of a Subsidiary on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Subsidiary commencing as of such date.
"Surviving Entity" means the Company if immediately following any merger, consolidation or similar transaction, the holders of outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to the merger or consolidation own equity securities possessing more than 50% of the voting power of the corporation existing following the merger, consolidation or similar transaction. In all other cases, the other entity to the transaction and not the Company shall be the Surviving Entity. In making the determination of ownership by the stockholders of an entity immediately after the merger, consolidation or similar transaction, equity securities which the stockholders owned immediately before the merger, consolidation or similar transaction as stockholders of another party to the transaction shall be disregarded. Further, outstanding voting securities of an entity shall be calculated by assuming the conversion of all equity securities convertible (immediately or at some future time) into shares entitled to vote.
"Ten Percent Stockholder" means a person who on the Date of Grant owns, either directly or through attribution as provided in Section 424 of the Code, Stock constituting more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of his or her employer corporation or of any Parent or Subsidiary.
SECTION 3: ADMINISTRATION
3.1 Administrator. The Plan shall be administered by either (i) the Board, or (ii) a Committee appointed by the Board (the group that administers the Plan is referred to as the "Administrator").
3.2 Powers in General. The Administrator shall have the power and authority to grant to Eligible Persons, pursuant to the terms of the Plan, (i) Stock Options, (ii) Purchase Rights or (iii) any combination of the foregoing.
3.3 Specific Powers. In particular, the Administrator shall have the authority: (i) to construe and interpret the Plan and apply its provisions; (ii) to promulgate, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of the Plan; (iii) to authorize any person to execute, on behalf of the Company, any instrument required to carry out the purposes of the Plan; (iv) to determine when Rights are to be granted under the Plan; (v) from time to time to select, subject to the limitations set forth in this Plan, those Eligible Persons to whom Rights shall be granted; (vi) to determine the number of shares of Stock to be made subject to each Right; (vii) to determine whether each Stock Option is to be an ISO or a Non-Qualified Stock Option; (viii) to prescribe the terms and conditions of each Stock Option and Purchase Right, including, without limitation, the Purchase Price and medium of payment, vesting provisions and repurchase provisions, and to specify the provisions of the Stock Option Agreement or Stock Purchase Agreement relating to such grant or sale; (ix) to amend any outstanding Rights for the purpose of modifying the time or manner of vesting, the Purchase Price or Exercise Price, as the case may be, subject to applicable legal restrictions and to the consent of the other party to such agreement; (x) to determine the duration and purpose of leaves of absences which may be granted to a Participant without constituting termination of their employment for purposes of the Plan; (xi) to make decisions with respect to outstanding Stock Options that may become necessary upon a change in corporate control or an event that triggers anti-dilution adjustments; and (xii) to make any and all other determinations which it determines to be necessary or advisable for administration of the Plan.
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3.4 Decisions Final. All decisions made by the Administrator pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final and binding on the Company and the Participants.
3.5 The Committee. The Board may, in its sole and absolute discretion, from time to time, and at any period of time during which the Company's Stock is registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, delegate any or all of its duties and authority with respect to the Plan to the Committee whose members are to be appointed by and to serve at the pleasure of the Board. From time to time, the Board may increase or decrease the size of the Committee, add additional members to, remove members (with or without cause) from, appoint new members in substitution therefor, and fill vacancies, however caused, in the Committee. The Committee shall act pursuant to a vote of the majority of its members or, in the case of a committee comprised of only two members, the unanimous consent of its members, whether present or not, or by the unanimous written consent of the majority of its members and minutes shall be kept of all of its meetings and copies thereof shall be provided to the Board. Subject to the limitations prescribed by the Plan and the Board, the Committee may establish and follow such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as it may determine to be advisable. During any period of time during which the Company's Stock is registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, all members of the Committee shall be Non-Employee Directors and Outside Directors.
3.6 Indemnification. In addition to such other rights of indemnification as they may have as Directors or members of the Committee, and to the extent allowed by applicable law, the Administrator and each of the Administrator's consultants shall be indemnified by the Company against the reasonable expenses, including attorney's fees, actually incurred in connection with any action, suit or proceeding or in connection with any appeal therein, to which the Administrator or any of its consultants may be party by reason of any action taken or failure to act under or in connection with the Plan or any option granted under the Plan, and against all amounts paid by the Administrator or any of its consultants in settlement thereof (provided that the settlement has been approved by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) or paid by the Administrator or any of its consultants in satisfaction of a judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding, except in relation to matters as to which it shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding that such Administrator or any of its consultants did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Company, or was grossly negligent, and in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reason to believe that the conduct complained of was unlawful; provided, however, that within 60 days after institution of any such action, suit or proceeding, such Administrator or any of its consultants shall, in writing, offer the Company the opportunity at its own expense to handle and defend such action, suit or proceeding.
SECTION 4: STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN
4.1 Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 9, Ten Million (10,000,000) shares of Common Stock shall be reserved and available for issuance under the Plan. Stock reserved hereunder may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares.
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4.2 Basic Limitation. The number of shares that are subject to Rights under the Plan shall not exceed the number of shares that then remain available for issuance under the Plan. The Company, during the term of the Plan, shall at all times reserve and keep available a sufficient number of shares to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
4.3 Additional Shares. In the event that any outstanding Option or other right for any reason expires or is canceled or otherwise terminated, the shares allocable to the unexercised portion of such Option or other right shall again be available for the purposes of the Plan. In the event that shares issued under the Plan are reacquired by the Company pursuant to the terms of any forfeiture provision, right of repurchase or right of first refusal, such shares shall again be available for the purposes of the Plan.
SECTION 5: ELIGIBILITY
Eligible Persons who are selected by the Administrator shall be eligible to be granted Rights hereunder subject to limitations set forth in this Plan; provided, however, that only Employees shall be eligible to be granted ISOs hereunder.
SECTION 6: TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS.
6.1 Stock Option Agreement. Each grant of an Option under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Stock Option Agreement between the Optionee and the Company. Such Option shall be subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms and conditions which are not inconsistent with the Plan and which the Administrator deems appropriate for inclusion in a Stock Option Agreement. The provisions of the various Stock Option Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.
6.2 Number of Shares. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the number of shares of Stock that are subject to the Option and shall provide for the adjustment of such number in accordance with Section 9, hereof. The Stock Option Agreement shall also specify whether the Option is an ISO or a Non-Qualified Stock Option.
6.3 Exercise Price.
6.3.1 In General. Each Stock Option Agreement shall state the price at which shares subject to the Stock Option may be purchased (the "Exercise Price"), which shall, with respect to Incentive Stock Options, be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Stock on the Date of Grant. In the case of Non-Qualified Stock Options, the Exercise Price shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator.
6.3.2 Payment. The Exercise Price shall be payable in a form described in Section 8 hereof.
6.4 Withholding Taxes. As a condition to the exercise of an Option, the Optionee shall make such arrangements as the Board may require for the satisfaction of any federal, state, local or foreign withholding tax obligations that may arise in connection with such exercise or with the disposition of shares acquired by exercising an Option.
6.5 Exercisability. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the date when all or any installment of the Option becomes exercisable. In the case of an Optionee who is not an officer of the Company, a Director or a Consultant, an Option shall become exercisable at a rate of no more than 25% per year over a four-year period commencing on January 1 following the Date of Grant and 25% each year thereafter on January 1. Subject to the preceding sentence, the exercise provisions of any Stock Option Agreement shall be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.
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6.6 Term. The Stock Option Agreement shall specify the term of the Option. No Option shall be exercised after the expiration of ten years after the date the Option is granted. Unless otherwise provided in the Stock Option Agreement, no Option may be exercised (i) three months after the date the Optionee's Service with the Company, its Parent or its Subsidiaries terminates if such termination is for any reason other than death, Disability or Cause, (ii) one year after the date the Optionee's Service with the Company, its Parent or its subsidiaries terminates if such termination is a result of death or Disability, and (iii) if the Optionee's Service with the Company, its Parent, or its Subsidiaries terminates for Cause, all outstanding Options granted to such Optionee shall expire as of the commencement of business on the date of such termination. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, waive the accelerated expiration provided for in (i) or (ii). Outstanding Options that are not exercisable at the time of termination of employment for any reason shall expire at the close of business on the date of such termination.
6.7 Leaves of Absence. For purposes of Section 6.6 above, to the extent required by applicable law, Service shall be deemed to continue while the Optionee is on a bona fide leave of absence. To the extent applicable law does not require such a leave to be deemed to continue while the Optionee is on a bona fide leave of absence, such leave shall be deemed to continue if, and only if, expressly provided in writing by the Administrator or a duly authorized officer of the Company, Parent, or Subsidiary for whom Optionee provides his or her services.
6.8 Modification, Extension and Assumption of Options. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Administrator may modify, extend or assume outstanding Options (whether granted by the Company or another issuer) or may accept the cancellation of outstanding Options (whether granted by the Company or another issuer) in return for the grant of new Options for the same or a different number of shares and at the same or a different Exercise Price. Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrator may amend a previously granted Option to fully accelerate the exercise schedule of such Option and provide that upon the exercise of such Option, the Optionee shall receive shares of Restricted Stock that are subject to repurchase by the Company at the Exercise Price paid for the Option in accordance with Section 8.8.1 with such Company's right to repurchase at such price lapsing at the same rate as the exercise provisions set forth in Optionee's Stock Option Agreement. The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of an Option shall, without the consent of the Optionee, impair the Optionee's rights or increase the Optionee's obligations under such Option. However, a termination of the Option in which the Optionee receives a cash payment equal to the difference between the Fair Market Value and the Exercise Price for all shares subject to exercise under any outstanding Option shall not be deemed to impair any rights of the Optionee or increase the Optionee's obligations under such Option.
SECTION 7: TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AWARDS OR SALES
7.1 Stock Purchase Agreement. Each award or sale of shares under the Plan (other than upon exercise of an Option) shall be evidenced by a Stock Purchase Agreement between the Purchaser and the Company. Such award or sale shall be subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms and conditions which are not inconsistent with the Plan and which the Board deems appropriate for inclusion in a Stock Purchase Agreement. The provisions of the various Stock Purchase Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.
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7.2 Duration of Offers. Unless otherwise provided in the Stock Purchase Agreement, any right to acquire shares under the Plan (other than an Option) shall automatically expire if not exercised by the Purchaser within 15 days after the grant of such right was communicated to the Purchaser by the Company.
7.3 Purchase Price.
7.3.1 In General. Each Stock Purchase Agreement shall state the price at which the Stock subject to such Stock Purchase Agreement may be purchased (the "Purchase Price"), which, with respect to Stock Purchase Rights, shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator.
7.3.2 Payment of Purchase Price. The Purchase Price shall be payable in a form described in Section 8.
7.4 Withholding Taxes. As a condition to the purchase of shares, the Purchaser shall make such arrangements as the Board may require for the satisfaction of any federal, state, local or foreign withholding tax obligations that may arise in connection with such purchase.
SECTION 8: PAYMENT; RESTRICTIONS
8.1 General Rule. The entire Purchase Price or Exercise Price of shares issued under the Plan shall be payable in full by, as applicable, cash or certified check for an amount equal to the aggregate Purchase Price or Exercise Price for the number of shares being purchased, or in the discretion of the Administrator, upon such terms as the Administrator shall approve, (i) in the case of an Option and provided the Company's stock is publicly traded, by a copy of instructions to a broker directing such broker to sell the Stock for which such Option is exercised, and to remit to the Company the aggregate Exercise Price of such Options (a "cashless exercise"), (ii) in the case of an Option or a sale of Stock, by paying all or a portion of the Exercise Price or Purchase Price for the number of shares being purchased by tendering Stock owned by the Optionee, duly endorsed for transfer to the Company, with a Fair Market Value on the date of delivery equal to the aggregate Purchase Price of the Stock with respect to which such Option or portion thereof is thereby exercised or Stock acquired (a "stock-for-stock exercise") or (iii) by a stock-for-stock exercise by means of attestation whereby the Optionee identifies for delivery specific shares of Stock already owned by Optionee and receives a number of shares of Stock equal to the difference between the Option shares thereby exercised and the identified attestation shares of Stock (an "attestation exercise").
8.2 Withholding Payment. The Purchase Price or Exercise Price shall include payment of the amount of all federal, state, local or other income, excise or employment taxes subject to withholding (if any) by the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation as a result of the exercise of a Stock Option. The Optionee may pay all or a portion of the tax withholding by cash or check payable to the Company, or, at the discretion of the Administrator, upon such terms as the Administrator shall approve, by (i) cashless exercise or attestation exercise; (ii) stock-for-stock exercise; (iii) in the case of an Option, by paying all or a portion of the tax withholding for the number of shares being purchased by withholding shares from any transfer or payment to the Optionee ("Stock withholding"); or (iv) a combination of one or more of the foregoing payment methods. Any shares issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option and transferred by the Optionee to the Company for the purpose of satisfying any withholding obligation shall not again be available for purposes of the Plan. The Fair Market Value of the number of shares subject to Stock withholding shall not exceed an amount equal to the applicable minimum required tax withholding rates.
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8.3 Services Rendered. At the discretion of the Administrator, shares may be awarded under the Plan in consideration of services rendered to the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary prior to the award.
8.4 Promissory Note. To the extent that a Stock Option Agreement or Stock Purchase Agreement so provides, in the discretion of the Administrator, upon such terms as the Administrator shall approve, all or a portion of the Exercise Price or Purchase Price (as the case may be) of shares issued under the Plan may be paid with a full-recourse promissory note. However, in the event there is a stated par value of the shares and applicable law requires, the par value of the shares, if newly issued, shall be paid in cash or cash equivalents. The shares shall be pledged as security for payment of the principal amount of the promissory note and interest thereon, and held in the possession of the Company until said amounts are repaid in full. The interest rate payable under the terms of the promissory note shall not be less than the minimum rate (if any) required to avoid the imputation of additional interest under the Code. Subject to the foregoing, the Administrator (at its sole discretion) shall specify the term, interest rate, amortization requirements (if any) and other provisions of such note. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, shares of Stock having a Fair Market Value at least equal to the principal amount of the loan shall be pledged by the holder to the Company as security for payment of the unpaid balance of the loan and such pledge shall be evidenced by a pledge agreement, the terms of which shall be determined by the Administrator, in its discretion; provided, however, that each loan shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations and rules of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and any other governmental agency having jurisdiction.
8.5 Exercise/Pledge. To the extent that a Stock Option Agreement or Stock Purchase Agreement so allows and if Stock is publicly traded, in the discretion of the Administrator, upon such terms as the Administrator shall approve, payment may be made all or in part by the delivery (on a form prescribed by the Administrator) of an irrevocable direction to pledge shares to a securities broker or lender approved by the Company, as security for a loan, and to deliver all or part of the loan proceeds to the Company in payment of all or part of the Exercise Price and any withholding taxes.
8.6 Written Notice. The purchaser shall deliver a written notice to the Administrator requesting that the Company direct the transfer agent to issue to the purchaser (or to his designee) a certificate for the number of shares of Common Stock being exercised or purchased or, in the case of a cashless exercise or share withholding exercise, for any shares that were not sold in the cashless exercise or withheld.
8.7 First Refusal Right. Each Stock Option Agreement and Stock Purchase Agreement may provide that the Company shall have the right of first refusal (the "First Refusal Right"), exercisable in connection with any proposed sale, hypothecation or other disposition of the Stock purchased by the Optionee or Offeree pursuant to a Stock Option Agreement or Stock Purchase Agreement; and in the event the holder of such Stock desires to accept a bona fide third-party offer for any or all of such Stock, the Stock shall first be offered to the Company upon the same terms and conditions as are set forth in the bona fide offer.
8.8 Repurchase Rights. Following a termination of the Participant's Service, the Company may repurchase the Participant's Rights as provided in this Section 8.8 (the "Repurchase Right").
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8.8.1 Repurchase Price. Following a termination of the Participant's Service the Repurchase Right shall be exercisable at a price equal to (i) the Fair Market Value of vested Stock or, in the case of exercisable options, the Fair Market Value of the Stock underlying such unexercised options less the Exercise Price, or (ii) the Purchase Price or Exercise Price, as the case may be, of unvested Stock; provided, however, the right to repurchase unvested stock as described in Section 8.8.1(ii) shall lapse at a rate of at least 33.33% per year over three years from the date the Right is granted.
8.8.2 Exercise of Repurchase Right. A Repurchase Right may be exercised only within 90 days after the termination of the Participant's Service (or in the case of Stock issued upon exercise of an Option or after the date of termination or the purchase of Stock under a Stock Purchase Agreement after the date of termination, within 90 days after the date of the exercise or Stock purchase, whichever is applicable) for cash or for cancellation of indebtedness incurred in purchasing the shares.
8.9 Termination of Repurchase and First Refusal Rights. Each Stock Option Agreement and Stock Purchase Agreement shall provide that the Repurchase Rights and First Refusal Rights shall have no effect with respect to, or shall lapse and cease to have effect when the issuer's securities become publicly traded or a determination is made by counsel for the Company that such Repurchase Rights and First Refusal Rights are not permitted under applicable federal or state securities laws.
8.10 No Transferability. Except as provided herein, a Participant may not assign, sell or transfer Rights, in whole or in part, other than by testament or by operation of the laws of descent and distribution.
8.10.1 Permitted Transfer of Non-Qualified Option. The Administrator, in its sole discretion may permit the transfer of a Non-Qualified Option (but not an ISO or Stock Purchase Right) as follows: (i) by gift to a member of the Participant's immediate family, or (ii) by transfer by instrument to a trust providing that the Option is to be passed to beneficiaries upon death of the Settlor (either or both (i) or (ii) referred to as a "Permitted Transferee"). For purposes of this Section 8.10.1, "immediate family" shall mean the Optionee's spouse (including a former spouse subject to terms of a domestic relations order); child, stepchild, grandchild, child-in-law; parent, stepparent, grandparent, parent-in-law; sibling and sibling-in-law, and shall include adoptive relationships.
8.10.2 Conditions of Permitted Transfer. A transfer permitted under this Section 8.10 hereof may be made only upon written notice to and approval thereof by Administrator. A Permitted Transferee may not further assign, sell or transfer the transferred Option, in whole or in part, other than by testament or by operation of the laws of descent and distribution. A Permitted Transferee shall agree in writing to be bound by the provisions of this Plan, which a copy of said agreement shall be provided to the Administrator for approval prior to the transfer.
SECTION 9: ADJUSTMENTS; MARKET STAND-OFF
9.1 Effect of Certain Changes.
9.1.1 Stock Dividends, Splits, Etc. If there is any change in the number of outstanding shares of Stock by reason of a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, combination or reclassification, then (i) the number of shares of Stock available for Rights, (ii) the number of shares of Stock covered by outstanding Rights, and (iii) the Exercise Price or Purchase Price of any Stock Option or Purchase Right, in effect prior to such change, shall be proportionately adjusted by the Administrator to reflect any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Stock; provided, however, that any fractional shares resulting from the adjustment shall be eliminated.
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9.1.2 Liquidation, Dissolution, Merger or Consolidation. In the event of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any corporate separation or division, including, but not limited to, a split-up, a split-off or a spin-off, or a sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company; a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the Surviving Entity; or a reverse merger in which the Company is the Surviving Entity, but the shares of Company stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger are converted by virtue of the merger into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise, then, the Company, to the extent permitted by applicable law, but otherwise in its sole discretion may provide for: (i) the continuation of outstanding Rights by the Company (if the Company is the Surviving Entity); (ii) the assumption of the Plan and such outstanding Rights by the Surviving Entity or its parent; (iii) the substitution by the Surviving Entity or its parent of Rights with substantially the same terms for such outstanding Rights; or (iv) the cancellation of such outstanding Rights without payment of any consideration, provided that if such Rights would be canceled in accordance with the foregoing, the Participant shall have the right, exercisable during the later of the ten-day period ending on the fifth day prior to such merger or consolidation or ten days after the Administrator provides the Rights holder a notice of cancellation, to exercise such Rights in whole or in part without regard to any installment exercise provisions in the Rights agreement.
9.1.3 Par Value Changes. In the event of a change in the Stock of the Company as presently constituted which is limited to a change of all of its authorized shares with par value, into the same number of shares without par value, or a change in the par value, the shares resulting from any such change shall be "Stock" within the meaning of the Plan.
9.2 Decision of Administrator Final. To the extent that the foregoing adjustments relate to stock or securities of the Company, such adjustments shall be made by the Administrator, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive; provided, however, that each ISO granted pursuant to the Plan shall not be adjusted in a manner that causes such Stock Option to fail to continue to qualify as an ISO without the prior consent of the Optionee thereof.
9.3 No Other Rights. Except as hereinbefore expressly provided in this Section 9, no Participant shall have any rights by reason of any subdivision or consolidation of shares of Company stock or the payment of any dividend or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of Company stock of any class or by reason of any of the events described in Section 9.1, above, or any other issue by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class; and, except as provided in this Section 9, none of the foregoing events shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Stock subject to Rights. The grant of a Right pursuant to the Plan shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Company to make adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations or changes of its capital or business structures or to merge or to consolidate or to dissolve, liquidate or sell, or transfer all or part of its business or assets.
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9.4 Market Stand-Off. Each Stock Option Agreement and Stock Purchase Agreement shall provide that, in connection with any underwritten public offering by the Company of its equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including the Company's initial public offering, the Participant shall agree not to sell, make any short sale of, loan, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option for the repurchase of, or otherwise dispose or transfer for value or otherwise agree to engage in any of the foregoing transactions with respect to any Stock without the prior written consent of the Company or its underwriters, for such period of time from and after the effective date of such registration statement as may be requested by the Company or such underwriters (the "Market Stand-Off").
SECTION 10: AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
The Board may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time and for any reason. At the time of such amendment, the Board shall determine, upon advice from counsel, whether such amendment will be contingent on stockholder approval.
SECTION 11: GENERAL PROVISIONS
11.1 General Restrictions.
11.1.1 No View to Distribute. The Administrator may require each person acquiring shares of Stock pursuant to the Plan to represent to and agree with the Company in writing that such person is acquiring the shares without a view towards distribution thereof. The certificates for such shares may include any legend that the Administrator deems appropriate to reflect any restrictions on transfer.
11.1.2 Legends. All certificates for shares of Stock delivered under the Plan shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Administrator may deem advisable under the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon which the Stock is then listed and any applicable federal or state securities laws, and the Administrator may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.
11.1.3 No Rights as Stockholder. Except as specifically provided in this Plan, a Participant or a transferee of a Right shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares covered by the Rights until the date of the issuance of a Stock certificate to him or her for such shares, and no adjustment shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in cash, securities or other property) or distributions of other rights for which the record date is prior to the date such Stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 9.1, hereof.
11.2 Other Compensation Arrangements. Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, subject to stockholder approval if such approval is required; and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.
11.3 Disqualifying Dispositions. Any Participant who shall make a "disposition" (as defined in Section 424 of the Code) of all or any portion of an ISO within two years from the date of grant of such ISO or within one year after the issuance of the shares of Stock acquired upon exercise of such ISO shall be required to immediately advise the Company in writing as to the occurrence of the sale and the price realized upon the sale of such shares of Stock.
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11.4 Regulatory Matters. Each Stock Option Agreement and Stock Purchase Agreement shall provide that no shares shall be purchased or sold thereunder unless and until (i) any then applicable requirements of state or federal laws and regulatory agencies shall have been fully complied with to the satisfaction of the Company and its counsel and (ii) if required to do so by the Company, the Optionee or Offeree shall have executed and delivered to the Company a letter of investment intent in such form and containing such provisions as the Board or Committee may require.
11.5 Recapitalizations. Each Stock Option Agreement and Stock Purchase Agreement shall contain provisions required to reflect the provisions of Section 9.
11.6 Delivery. Upon exercise of a Right granted under this Plan, the Company shall issue Stock or pay any amounts due within a reasonable period of time thereafter. Subject to any statutory obligations the Company may otherwise have, for purposes of this Plan, thirty days shall be considered a reasonable period of time.
11.7 Other Provisions. The Stock Option Agreements and Stock Purchase Agreements authorized under the Plan may contain such other provisions not inconsistent with this Plan, including, without limitation, restrictions upon the exercise of the Rights, as the Administrator may deem advisable.
SECTION 12: INFORMATION TO PARTICIPANTS
To the extent necessary to comply with Delaware law, the Company each year shall furnish to Participants its balance sheet and income statement unless such Participants are limited to key Employees whose duties with the Company assure them access to equivalent information.
SECTION 13: STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT
As a condition to the transfer of Stock pursuant to a Right granted under this Plan, the Administrator, in its sole and absolute discretion, may require the Participant to execute and become a party to any agreement by and among the Company and any of its stockholders which exists on or after the Date of Grant (the "Stockholders Agreement"). If the Participant becomes a party to a Stockholders Agreement, in addition to the terms of this Plan and the Stock Option Agreement or Stock Purchase Agreement (whichever is applicable) pursuant to which the Stock is transferred, the terms and conditions of the Stockholders Agreement shall govern Participant's rights in and to the Stock; and if there is any conflict between the provisions of the Stockholders Agreement and this Plan or any conflict between the provisions of the Stockholders Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement or Stock Purchase Agreement (whichever is applicable) pursuant to which the Stock is transferred, the provisions of the Stockholders Agreement shall be controlling. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 13, if the Stockholders Agreement contains any provisions which would violate the Delaware Corporations Code if applied to the Participant, the terms of this Plan and the Stock Option Agreement or Stock Purchase Agreement (whichever is applicable) pursuant to which the Stock is transferred shall govern the Participant's rights with respect to such provisions.
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SECTION 14: EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN
The effective date of this Plan is December 1, 2016. The adoption of the Plan is subject to approval by the Company's stockholders, which approval must be obtained within 12 months from the date the Plan is adopted by the Board. In the event that the stockholders fail to approve the Plan within 12 months after its adoption by the Board, any grants of Options or sales or awards of shares that have already occurred shall be rescinded, and no additional grants, sales or awards shall be made thereafter under the Plan.
SECTION 15: TERM OF PLAN
The Plan shall terminate automatically on December 1, 2026, but no later than the tenth (10th) anniversary of the effective date. No Right shall be granted pursuant to the Plan after such date, but Rights theretofore granted may extend beyond that date. The Plan may be terminated on any earlier date pursuant to Section 10 hereof.
SECTION 16: EXECUTION
To record the adoption of the Plan by the Board, the Company has caused its authorized officer to execute the same as of December 1, 2016.
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
By: __________________________________________
John Noble Harris, Chief Executive Officer
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STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
2016 BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
STOCK OPTION AND INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN
Notice Of Stock Option Grant
You have been granted the following option to purchase Common Stock of BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. (the "Company"):
Name of Optionee:
Total Number of Shares Granted:
Type of Option:
Exercise Price Per Share:
Date of Grant:
Vesting Commencement Date:
Vesting Schedule:
Expiration Date:
By your signature and the signature of the Company's authorized representative below, you and the Company agree that this option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the 2016 BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. STOCK OPTION AND AWARD INCENTIVE PLAN and the STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT, both of which are attached hereto and are incorporated herein by reference. Optionee hereby represents that both the option and any shares acquired upon exercise of the option have been or will be acquired for investment for his own account and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution or resale of the security.
Optionee: |
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. |
By: |
By: |
Name: |
John Noble Harris |
CEO |
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ANNEX I
THE OPTION GRANTED PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE SHARES ISSUABLE UPON THE EXERCISE THEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, PLEDGED, OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION THEREOF UNDER SUCH ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY AND ITS COUNSEL, THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
2016 BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
STOCK OPTION AND AWARD INCENTIVE PLAN:
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
SECTION 1: GRANT OF OPTION
1.1 Option. On the terms and conditions set forth in the notice of stock option grant to which this agreement (the "Agreement") is attached (the "Notice of Stock Option Grant") and this agreement, the Company grants to the individual named in the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the "Optionee") the option to purchase at the exercise price specified in the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the "Exercise Price") the number of Shares set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant. This option is intended to be either an ISO or a Non-Qualified Stock Option, as provided in the Notice of Stock Option Grant.
1.2 Stock Plan and Defined Terms. This option is granted pursuant to and subject to the terms of the 2016 BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. STOCK OPTION AND AWARD INCENTIVE PLAN, as in effect on the date specified in the Notice of Stock Option Grant (which date shall be the later of (i) the date on which the Board resolved to grant this option, or (ii) the first day of the Optionee's Service) and as amended from time to time (the "Plan"), a copy of which is attached hereto and which the Optionee acknowledges having received. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement have the definitions ascribed to them in the Plan.
SECTION 2: RIGHT TO EXERCISE
2.1 Exercisability. Subject to Sections 2.2 and 2.3 below and the other conditions set forth in this Agreement, all or part of this option may be exercised prior to its expiration at the time or times set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant. Shares purchased by exercising this option may be subject to the Right of Repurchase under Section 7. In addition, all of the remaining unexercised options shall become vested and fully exercisable if (i) a Change in Control occurs before the Optionee's Service terminates, and (ii) the option is not assumed or an equivalent option is not substituted by the successor entity that employs the Optionee immediately after the Change in Control or by its parent or subsidiary.
2.2 Limitation. If this option is designated as an ISO in the Notice of Stock Option Grant, then to the extent (and only to the extent) the Optionee's right to exercise this option causes this option (in whole or in part) to not be treated as an ISO by reason of the $100,000 annual limitation under Section 422(d) of the Code, such options shall be treated as Non-Qualified Stock
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Options, but shall be exercisable by their terms. The determination of options to be treated as Non-Qualified Stock Options shall be made by taking options into account in the order in which they are granted. If the terms of this option cause the $100,000 annual limitation under Section 422(d) of the Code to be exceeded, a pro rata portion of each exercise shall be treated as the exercise of a Non-Qualified Stock Option.
2.3 Stockholder Approval. Any other provision of this Agreement notwithstanding, no portion of this option shall be exercisable at any time prior to the approval of the Plan by the Company's stockholders.
SECTION 3: NO TRANSFER OR ASSIGNMENT OF OPTION
Except as provided herein, an Optionee may not assign, sell or transfer the option, in whole or in part, other than by testament or by operation of the laws of descent and distribution. The Administrator, in its sole discretion may permit the transfer of a Non-Qualified Option (but not an ISO) as follows: (i) by gift to a member of the Participant's immediate family, or (ii) by transfer by instrument to a trust providing that the Option is to be passed to beneficiaries upon death of the Settlor (either or both (i) or (ii) referred to as a "Permitted Transferee"). For purposes of this Section 3, "immediate family" shall mean the Optionee's spouse (including a former spouse subject to terms of a domestic relations order); child, stepchild, grandchild, child-in-law; parent, stepparent, grandparent, parent-in-law; sibling and sibling-in-law, and shall include adoptive relationships. A transfer permitted under this Section 3 hereof may be made only upon written notice to and approval thereof by Administrator. A Permitted Transferee may not further assign, sell or transfer the transferred option, in whole or in part, other than by testament or by operation of the laws of descent and distribution. A Permitted Transferee shall agree in writing to be bound by the provisions of this Plan, which agreement shall be submitted to and approved by the Administrator before the transfer.
SECTION 4: EXERCISE PROCEDURES
4.1 Notice of Exercise. The Optionee or the Optionee's representative may exercise this option by delivering a written notice in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto ("Notice of Exercise") to the Company in the manner specified pursuant to Section 14.4 hereof. Such Notice of Exercise shall specify the election to exercise this option, the number of Shares for which it is being exercised and the form of payment, which must comply with Section 5. The Notice of Exercise shall be signed by the person who is entitled to exercise this option. In the event that this option is to be exercised by the Optionee's representative, the notice shall be accompanied by proof (satisfactory to the Company) of the representative's right to exercise this option.
4.2 Issuance of Shares. After receiving a proper Notice of Exercise, the Company shall cause to be issued a certificate or certificates for the Shares as to which this option has been exercised, registered in the name of the person exercising this option (or in the names of such person and his or her spouse as community property or as joint tenants with right of survivorship). The Company shall cause such certificate or certificates to be deposited in escrow or delivered to or upon the order of the person exercising this option.
4.3 Withholding Taxes. In the event that the Company determines that it is required to withhold any tax as a result of the exercise of this option, the Optionee, as a condition to the exercise of this option, shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Company to enable it to satisfy all withholding requirements. The Optionee shall also make arrangements satisfactory to the Company to enable it to satisfy any withholding requirements that may arise in connection with the vesting or disposition of Shares purchased by exercising this option, and shall provide to the Company his/her/its social security number or employment identification number.
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SECTION 5: PAYMENT FOR STOCK
5.1 General Rule. The entire Exercise Price of Shares issued under the Plan shall be payable in full by cash or cashier's check for an amount equal to the aggregate Exercise Price for the number of shares being purchased. Alternatively, in the sole discretion of the Plan Administrator and upon such terms as the Plan Administrator shall approve, the Exercise Price may be paid by:
5.1.1 Cashless Exercise. Provided the Company's Common Stock is publicly traded, a copy of instructions to a broker directing such broker to sell the Shares for which this option is exercised, and to remit to the Company the aggregate Exercise Price of such option ("Cashless Exercise");
5.1.2 Stock-For-Stock Exercise. Paying all or a portion of the Exercise Price for the number of Shares being purchased by tendering Shares owned by the Optionee, duly endorsed for transfer to the Company, with a Fair Market Value on the date of delivery equal to the Exercise Price multiplied by the number of Shares with respect to which this option is being exercised (the "Purchase Price") or the aggregate Purchase Price of the shares with respect to which this option or portion hereof is exercised ("Stock-for-Stock Exercise"); or
5.1.3 Attestation Exercise. By a stock for stock exercise by means of attestation whereby the Optionee identifies for delivery specific Shares already owned by Optionee and receives a number of Shares equal to the difference between the Option Shares thereby exercised and the identified attestation Shares ("Attestation Exercise").
5.2 Withholding Payment. The Exercise Price shall include payment of the amount of all federal, state, local or other income, excise or employment taxes subject to withholding (if any) by the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation as a result of the exercise of a Stock Option. The Optionee may pay all or a portion of the tax withholding by cash or check payable to the Company, or, at the discretion of the Administrator, upon such terms as the Administrator shall approve, by (i) Cashless Exercise or Attestation Exercise; (ii) Stock-for-Stock Exercise; (iii) in the case of an Option, by paying all or a portion of the tax withholding for the number of shares being purchased by withholding shares from any transfer or payment to the Optionee ("Stock withholding"); or (iv) a combination of one or more of the foregoing payment methods. Any shares issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option and transferred by the Optionee to the Company for the purpose of satisfying any withholding obligation shall not again be available for purposes of the Plan. The fair market value of the number of shares subject to Stock withholding shall not exceed an amount equal to the applicable minimum required tax withholding rates.
5.3 Promissory Note. The Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, upon such terms as the Plan Administrator shall approve, may permit all or a portion of the Exercise Price of Shares issued under the Plan to be paid with a full-recourse promissory note. However, in the event there is a stated par value of the shares and applicable law requires, the par value of the shares, if newly issued, shall be paid in cash or cash equivalents. The Shares shall be pledged as security for payment of the principal amount of the promissory note and interest thereon, and shall be held in the possession of the Company until the promissory note is repaid in full. Subject to the foregoing, the Plan Administrator (at its sole discretion) shall specify the term, interest rate, amortization requirements (if any) and other provisions of such note.
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5.4 Exercise/Pledge. In the discretion of the Plan Administrator, upon such terms as the Plan Administrator shall approve, payment may be made all or in part by the delivery (on a form prescribed by the Plan Administrator) of an irrevocable direction to pledge Shares to a securities broker or lender approved by the Company, as security for a loan, and to deliver all or part of the loan proceeds to the Company in payment of all or part of the Exercise Price and any withholding taxes.
SECTION 6: TERM AND EXPIRATION
6.1 Basic Term. This option shall expire and shall not be exercisable after the expiration of the earliest of (i) the Expiration Date specified in the Notice of Stock Option Grant, (ii) three months after the date the Optionee's Service with the Company and its Subsidiaries terminates if such termination is for any reason other than death, Disability or Cause, (iii) one year after the date the Optionee's Service with the Company and its Subsidiaries terminates if such termination is a result of death or Disability, and (iv) if the Optionee's Service with the Company and its Subsidiaries terminates for Cause, all outstanding Options granted to such Optionee shall expire as of the commencement of business on the date of such termination. Outstanding Options that are not exercisable at the time of termination of employment for any reason shall expire at the close of business on the date of such termination. The Plan Administrator shall have the sole discretion to determine when this option is to expire. For any purpose under this Agreement, Service shall be deemed to continue while the Optionee is on a bona fide leave of absence, if such leave to the extent required by applicable law. To the extent applicable law does not require such a leave to be deemed to continue while the Optionee is on a bona fide leave of absence, such leave shall be deemed to continue if, and only if, expressly provided in writing by the Administrator or a duly authorized officer of the Company, Parent or Subsidiary for whom Optionee provides his or her services.
6.2 Exercise After Death. All or part of this option may be exercised at any time before its expiration under Section 6.1 above by the executors or administrators of the Optionee's estate or by any person who has acquired this option directly from the Optionee by beneficiary designation, bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent that this option had become exercisable before the Optionee's death. When the Optionee dies, this option shall expire immediately with respect to the number of Shares for which this option is not yet exercisable and with respect to any Share that is subject to the Right of Repurchase (as such term is defined in below) (the "Restricted Stock").
6.3 Notice Concerning ISO Treatment. If this option is designated as an ISO in the Notice of Stock Option Grant, it ceases to qualify for favorable tax treatment as an ISO to the extent it is exercised (i) more than three months after the date the Optionee ceases to be an Employee for any reason other than death or permanent and total disability (as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), (ii) more than 12 months after the date the Optionee ceases to be an Employee by reason of such permanent and total disability, or (iii) after the Optionee has been on a leave of absence for more than 90 days, unless the Optionee's reemployment rights are guaranteed by statute or by contract.
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SECTION 7: RIGHT OF REPURCHASE
7.1 Option Repurchase Right. Following a termination of the Optionee's Service, the Company shall have the option to repurchase the Optionee's vested and exercisable options at a price equal to the Fair Market Value of the Stock underlying such options, less the Exercise Price (the "Option Repurchase Right").
7.2 Stock Repurchase Right. Unless they have become vested in accordance with the Notice of Stock Option Grant and Section 7.4 below, the stock acquired under this Agreement initially shall be Restricted Stock and shall be subject to a right (but not an obligation) of repurchase by the Company, which shall be exercisable at a price equal to the Exercise Price paid for the Restricted Stock (the "Stock Repurchase Right"). Vested stock acquired under this Agreement shall be subject to a right (but not an obligation) of repurchase by the Company, which shall be exercisable at a price equal to the Fair Market Value of the vested Stock.
7.3 Condition Precedent to Exercise. The Option Repurchase Right and Stock Repurchase Rights (collectively, the "Right of Repurchase") shall be exercisable over Restricted Stock only during the 90-day period next following the later of:
7.3.1 The date when the Optionee's Service terminates for any reason, with or without Cause, including (without limitation) death or disability; or
7.3.2 The date when this option was exercised by the Optionee, the executors or administrators of the Optionee's estate, or any person who has acquired this option directly from the Optionee by bequest, inheritance or beneficiary designation.
7.4 Lapse of Right of Repurchase. The Right of Repurchase shall lapse with respect to the Shares subject to this option in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant. In addition, the Right of Repurchase shall lapse and all of the remaining Restricted Stock shall become vested if (i) a Change in Control occurs before the Optionee's Service terminates, and (ii) the Right of Repurchase is not assigned to the entity that employs the Optionee immediately after the Change in Control or to its parent or subsidiary. The Right of Repurchase shall lapse with respect to (i) Shares that are registered under a then currently effective registration statement under applicable federal securities laws and the issuer is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or becomes an investment company registered or required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or (ii) Shares for which a determination is made by counsel for the Company that such Exercise Price restrictions are not required in the circumstances under applicable federal or state securities laws.
7.5 Exercise of Right of Repurchase. The Company shall exercise the Right of Repurchase by written notice delivered to the Optionee prior to the expiration of the 90-day period specified in Section 7.3 above. The notice shall set forth the date on which the repurchase is to be effected, which must occur within 31 days of the notice. The certificate(s) representing the Restricted Stock to be repurchased shall, prior to the close of business on the date specified for the repurchase, be delivered to the Company properly endorsed for transfer. The Company shall, concurrently with the receipt of such certificate(s), pay to the Optionee the Purchase Price determined according to this Section 7. Payment shall be made in cash or cash equivalents or by canceling indebtedness to the Company incurred by the Optionee in the purchase of the Restricted Stock. The Right of Repurchase shall terminate with respect to any Restricted Stock for which it has not been timely exercised pursuant to this Section 7.5.
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7.6 Rights of Repurchase Adjustments. If there is any change in the number of outstanding shares of Stock by reason of a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, an extraordinary dividend payable in a form other than stock, recapitalization, combination or reclassification, or a similar transaction affecting the Company's outstanding securities without receipt of consideration, then (i) any new, substituted or additional securities or other property (including money paid other than as an ordinary cash dividend) distributed with respect to any Restricted Stock (or into which such Restricted Stock thereby become convertible) shall immediately be subject to the Right of Repurchase; and (ii) appropriate adjustments to reflect the distribution of such securities or property shall be made to the number and/or class of the Restricted Stock and to the price per share to be paid upon the exercise of the Right of Repurchase; provided, however, that the aggregate Purchase Price payable for the Restricted Stock shall remain the same.
7.7 Termination of Rights as Stockholder. If the Company makes available, at the time and place and in the amount and form provided in this Agreement, the consideration for the Restricted Stock to be repurchased in accordance with this Section 7, then after such time the person from whom such Restricted Stock is to be repurchased shall no longer have any rights as a holder of such Restricted Stock (other than the right to receive payment of such consideration in accordance with this Agreement). Such Restricted Stock shall be deemed to have been repurchased in accordance with the applicable provisions hereof, whether or not the certificate(s) therefore have been delivered as required by this Agreement.
7.8 Escrow. Upon issuance, the certificates for Restricted Stock shall be deposited in escrow with the Company to be held in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Any new, substituted or additional securities or other property described in Section 7.6 above shall immediately be delivered to the Company to be held in escrow, but only to the extent the Shares are at the time Restricted Stock. All regular cash dividends on Restricted Stock (or other securities at the time held in escrow) shall be paid directly to the Optionee and shall not be held in escrow. Restricted Stock, together with any other assets or securities held in escrow hereunder, shall be (i) surrendered to the Company for repurchase and cancellation upon the Company's exercise of its Right of Repurchase or Right of First Refusal or (ii) released to the Optionee upon the Optionee's request to the extent the Shares are no longer Restricted Stock (but not more frequently than once every six months). In any event, all Shares which have vested (and any other vested assets and securities attributable thereto) shall be released within 60 days after the earlier of (i) the Optionee's cessation of Service or (ii) the lapse of the Right of First Refusal.
SECTION 8: RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL
8.1 Right of First Refusal. In the event that the Company's stock is not readily tradable on an established securities market and the Optionee proposes to sell, pledge or otherwise transfer to a third party any Shares acquired under this Agreement, or any interest in such Shares, to any person, entity or organization (the "Transferee") the Company shall have the Right of First Refusal with respect to all (and not less than all) of such Shares (the "Right of First Refusal"). If the Optionee desires to transfer Shares acquired under this Agreement, the Optionee shall give a written transfer notice ("Transfer Notice") to the Company describing fully the proposed transfer, including the number of Shares proposed to be transferred, the proposed transfer price, the name and address of the proposed Transferee and proof satisfactory to the Company that the proposed sale or transfer will not violate any applicable federal or state securities laws. The Transfer Notice shall be signed both by the Optionee and by the proposed Transferee and must constitute a binding commitment of both parties to the transfer of the Shares. The Company shall have the right to purchase all, and not less than all, of the Shares on the terms of the proposal described in the Transfer Notice by delivery of a notice of exercise of the Right of First Refusal within 30 days after the date when the Transfer Notice was received by the Company. The Company's rights under this Section 8.1 shall be freely assignable, in whole or in part.
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8.2 Additional Shares or Substituted Securities. In the event of the declaration of a stock dividend, the declaration of an extraordinary dividend payable in a form other than stock, a spin-off, a stock split, an adjustment in conversion ratio, a recapitalization or a similar transaction affecting the Company's outstanding securities without receipt of consideration, any new, substituted or additional securities or other property (including money paid other than as an ordinary cash dividend) which are by reason of such transaction distributed with respect to any Shares subject to this Section 8 or into which such Shares thereby become convertible shall immediately be subject to this Section 8. Appropriate adjustments to reflect the distribution of such securities or property shall be made to the number and/or class of the Shares subject to this Section 8.
8.3 Termination of Right of First Refusal. Any other provision of this Section 8 notwithstanding, in the event that the Stock is readily tradable on an established securities market when the Optionee desires to transfer Shares, the Company shall have no Right of First Refusal, and the Optionee shall have no obligation to comply with the procedures prescribed by this Section 8.
8.4 Permitted Transfers. This Section 8 shall not apply to a transfer (i) by gift to a member of the Participant's immediate family or (ii) by transfer by instrument to a trust providing that the Option is to be passed to beneficiaries upon death of the Settlor. For purposes of this Section 8.4, "immediate family" shall mean the Optionee's spouse (including a former spouse subject to terms of a domestic relations order); child, stepchild, grandchild, child-in-law; parent, stepparent, grandparent, parent-in-law; sibling and sibling-in-law, and shall include adoptive relationships.
8.5 Termination of Rights as Stockholder. If the Company makes available, at the time and place and in the amount and form provided in this Agreement, the consideration for the Shares to be purchased in accordance with this Section 8, then after such time the person from whom such Shares are to be purchased shall no longer have any rights as a holder of such Shares (other than the right to receive payment of such consideration in accordance with this Agreement). Such Shares shall be deemed to have been purchased in accordance with the applicable provisions hereof, whether or not the certificate(s) therefore have been delivered as required by this Agreement.
SECTION 9: OBLIGATION TO SELL.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time following Optionee's acquisition of Shares hereunder, stockholders of the Company owning 51% or more of the shares of the Company (on a fully diluted basis) (the "Control Sellers") enter into an agreement (including any agreement in principal) to transfer all of their shares to any person or group of persons who are not affiliated with the Control Sellers, such Control Sellers may require each stockholder who is not a Control Seller (a "Non-Control Seller") to sell all of their shares to such person or group of persons at a price and on terms and conditions the same as those on which such Control Sellers have agreed to sell their shares, other than terms and conditions relating to the performance or non-performance of services. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, an affiliate of a Control Seller is a person who controls, which is controlled by, or which is under common control with, the Control Seller.
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SECTION 10: STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT
As a condition to the transfer of Stock pursuant to this Stock Option Agreement, the Administrator, in its sole and absolute discretion, may require the Participant to execute and become a party to any agreement by and among the Company and any of its stockholders which exists on or after the Date of Grant (the "Stockholders Agreement"). If the Participant becomes a party to a Stockholders Agreement, in addition to the terms of the Plan and this Stock Option Agreement, the terms and conditions of Stockholders Agreement shall govern Participant's rights in and to the Stock; and if there is any conflict between the provisions of the Stockholders Agreement and the Plan or any conflict between the provisions of the Stockholders Agreement and this Stock Option Agreement, the provisions of the Stockholders Agreement shall be controlling. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 10, if the Stockholders Agreement contains any provisions which would violate Delaware corporate law if applied to the Participant, the terms of the Plan and this Stock Option Agreement shall govern the Participant's rights with respect to such provisions.
SECTION 11: LEGALITY OF INITIAL ISSUANCE
No Shares shall be issued upon the exercise of this option unless and until the Company has determined that:
11.1 It and the Optionee have taken any actions required to register the Shares, provided the Stock is publicly traded, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or to perfect an exemption from the registration requirements thereof;
11.2 Any applicable listing requirement of any stock exchange on which Stock is listed has been satisfied; and
11.3 Any other applicable provision of state or federal law has been satisfied.
SECTION 12: NO REGISTRATION RIGHTS
The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, register or qualify the sale of Shares under the Securities Act or any other applicable law. The Company shall not be obligated to take any affirmative action in order to cause the sale of Shares under this Agreement to comply with any law.
SECTION 13: RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER
13.1 Securities Law Restrictions. Regardless of whether the offering and sale of Shares under the Plan have been registered under the Securities Act or have been registered or qualified under the securities laws of any state, the Company, at its discretion, may impose restrictions upon the sale, pledge or other transfer of such Shares (including the placement of appropriate legends on stock certificates or the imposition of stop-transfer instructions) if, in the judgment of the Company, such restrictions are necessary or desirable in order to achieve compliance with the Securities Act, the securities laws of any state or any other law.
13.2 Market Stand-Off. In the event of an underwritten public offering by the Company of its equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement filed under the Act, including the Company's initial public offering (a "Public Offering"), the Optionee shall not transfer for value any shares of Stock without the prior written consent of the Company or its underwriters, for such period of time from and after the effective date of such registration statement as may be requested by
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the Company or such underwriters (the "Market Stand-Off"). The Market Stand-off shall be in effect for such period of time following the date of the final prospectus for the offering as may be requested by the Company or such underwriters. In the event of the declaration of a stock dividend, a spin-off, a stock split, an adjustment in conversion ratio, a recapitalization or a similar transaction affecting the Company's outstanding securities without receipt of consideration, any new, substituted or additional securities which are by reason of such transaction distributed with respect to any Shares subject to the Market Stand-Off, or into which such Shares thereby become convertible, shall immediately be subject to the Market Stand-Off. In order to enforce the Market Stand-Off, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the Shares acquired under this Agreement until the end of the applicable stand-off period.
13.3 Investment Intent at Grant. The Optionee represents and agrees that the Shares to be acquired upon exercising this option will be acquired for investment, and not with a view to the sale or distribution thereof.
13.4 Investment Intent at Exercise. In the event that the sale of Shares under the Plan is not registered under the Securities Act but an exemption is available which requires an investment representation or other representation, the Optionee shall represent and agree at the time of exercise that the Shares being acquired upon exercising this option are being acquired for investment, and not with a view to the sale or distribution thereof, and shall make such other representations as are deemed necessary or appropriate by the Company and its counsel.
13.5 Legends. All certificates evidencing Shares purchased under this Agreement in an unregistered transaction shall bear the following legend (and such other restrictive legends as are required or deemed advisable under the provisions of any applicable law):
"THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, PLEDGED, OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION THEREOF UNDER SUCH ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY AND ITS COUNSEL, THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED."
13.6 Removal of Legends. If, in the opinion of the Company and its counsel, any legend placed on a stock certificate representing Shares sold under this Agreement no longer is required, the holder of such certificate shall be entitled to exchange such certificate for a certificate representing the same number of Shares but without such legend.
13.7 Administration. Any determination by the Company and its counsel in connection with any of the matters set forth in this Section 13 shall be conclusive and binding on the Optionee and all other persons.
SECTION 14: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
14.1 Rights as a Stockholder. Neither the Optionee nor the Optionee's representative shall have any rights as a stockholder with respect to any Shares subject to this option until the Optionee or the Optionee's representative becomes entitled to receive such Shares by filing a notice of exercise and paying the Exercise Price pursuant to Section 4 and Section 5 hereof.
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14.2 Adjustments. If there is any change in the number of outstanding shares of Stock by reason of a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, combination or reclassification, then (i) the number of shares subject to this option and (ii) the Exercise Price of this option, in effect prior to such change, shall be proportionately adjusted to reflect any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Stock; provided, however, that any fractional shares resulting from the adjustment shall be eliminated.
14.3 No Retention Rights. Nothing in this option or in the Plan shall confer upon the Optionee any right to continue in Service for any period of specific duration or interfere with or otherwise restrict in any way the rights of the Company (or any Parent or Subsidiary employing or retaining the Optionee) or of the Optionee, which rights are hereby expressly reserved by each, to terminate his or her Service at any time and for any reason, with or without Cause.
14.4 Notice. Any notice required by the terms of this Agreement shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effective upon personal delivery or upon deposit with the United States Postal Service, by registered or certified mail, with postage and fees prepaid. Notice shall be addressed the Optionee at the address set forth in the records of the Company. Notice shall be addressed to the Company at:
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
Attn: John Noble Harris
4450 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 100
Boulder, CO 80303
14.5 Entire Agreement. The Notice of Stock Option Grant, this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire contract between the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof. They supersede any other agreements, representations or understandings (whether oral or written and whether express or implied) that relate to the subject matter hereof.
14.6 Choice of Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CHOICE OF LAWS PROVISIONS, AS DELAWARE LAWS ARE APPLIED TO CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO AND PERFORMED IN SUCH STATE.
14.7 Attorneys' Fees. In the event that any action, suit or proceeding is instituted upon any breach of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be paid by the other party thereto an amount equal to all of the prevailing party's costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees incurred in each and every such action, suit or proceeding (including any and all appeals or petitions therefrom). As used in this Agreement, "attorneys' fees" shall mean the full and actual cost of any legal services actually performed in connection with the matter involved calculated on the basis of the usual fee charged by the attorney performing such services and shall not be limited to "reasonable attorneys' fees" as defined in any statute or rule of court.
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EXHIBIT A
TO
2016 BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
STOCK OPTION AND AWARD INCENTIVE PLAN:
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
ANNEX I
NOTICE OF EXERCISE
(To be signed only upon exercise of the Option)
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
Attn: John Noble Harris, CEO
4450 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 100
Boulder, CO 80303
The undersigned, the holder of the enclosed Stock Option Agreement, hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the purchase rights represented by the Option and to purchase thereunder __________* shares of Common Stock of BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. (the "Company"), and herewith encloses payment of $_______ and/or _________ shares of the Company's common stock in full payment of the purchase price of such shares being purchased.
Dated:
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NOTICE: YOUR STOCK MAY BE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS AND FORFEITABLE UNDER THE NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT AND STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
(Signature must conform in all respects to name of holder as specified on the face of the Option)
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(Please Print Name)
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--------------------------------------------------------------
(Address)
* Insert here the number of shares called for on the face of the Option, or, in the case of a partial exercise, the number of shares being exercised, in either case without making any adjustment for additional Common Stock of the Company, other securities or property that, pursuant to the adjustment provisions of the Option, may be deliverable upon exercise.
FORM OF RESOLUTIONS FOR OPTION GRANTS
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS WRITTEN CONSENT
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
As of ______________, 20__
The undersigned directors, constituting the entire board of directors (the "Board") of BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC., a Delaware Corporation (the "Company"), hereby take the following actions, adopt the following resolutions, and transact the following business, by written consent without a meeting, as of the date above written, pursuant to the applicable corporate laws of the State of Delaware and the Company's Bylaws.
WHEREAS, the Company previously adopted the 2016 BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. STOCK OPTION AND AWARD INCENTIVE PLAN (the "Plan"), and has delegated the responsibility to administer the Plan to the Board;
WHEREAS, Ten Million (10,000,000) shares of Common Stock of the Company were originally reserved for issuance under the Plan;
WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, _____________ shares remain available for issuance under the Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Board has determined that it is in the best interests of this Company and its stockholders to provide, under the Plan, equity incentives to those employees, directors and/or consultants of the Company identified below.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the persons listed on the Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, which exhibit was reviewed by the Board and shall be included with this Consent, are hereby granted, as of the date hereof, an option (the "Option") to purchase the number of shares with the vesting schedule and exercise price as set forth in Exhibit A;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that each of the Options shall be either a Non-Qualified Stock Option or an ISO (as such terms are defined in the Plan) as specified in Exhibit A;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Options shall be evidenced by stock option agreements and be subject to the restrictions (including transfer and/or repurchase rights), if any, set forth in such stock option agreements;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Options shall be granted pursuant to the exemptions provided under Section 701 of the Securities Act Rules and Delaware Securities Laws;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that there is hereby reserved and set aside under the Plan the number of shares adequate to cover the shares underlying the Options granted herein; and
RESOLVED FURTHER, that the officers of this Company, and each of them, be, and they hereby are, authorized, directed and empowered for and on behalf of the Company to do or cause to be done all such acts and things and to sign, deliver and/or file all such documents and notices as any of such officers may deem necessary or advisable in order to carry out and perform the foregoing resolutions and the intention thereof.
The Secretary of the Corporation is directed to file the original executed copy of this Consent with the minutes of proceedings of the Board.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has executed this consent as of the date first written above.
DIRECTORS:
John Noble Harris, Director |
Todd H. Lahr, Director |
|
Joseph E. Kurczodyna, Director |
||
EXHIBIT A
TO
FORM OF RESOLUTIONS FOR OPTION GRANTS
Stock Option Grant Information
Name |
No. Shares |
ISO or NQSO |
Exercise Price* |
Vesting Schedule |
* In the case of an ISO, the per share exercise price must be at least 100% of the Fair Market Value (as such term is defined in the Plan) of the underlying share as of the date of grant. In the case of a NQSO, the per share exercise price must be at least 85% of the Fair Market Value of the underlying share as of the date of grant.
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
STOCK PURCHASE CERTIFICATE
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), has offered you (the "Purchaser") the right to purchase Common Stock (the "Stock" or "Shares") of the Company under its 2016 BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. STOCK OPTION AND AWARD INCENTIVE PLAN (the "Plan"), as follows:
Name of Purchaser: |
|
Address of Purchaser: |
|
Number of Shares: |
|
Purchase Price: |
$ |
Offer Grant Date: |
|
Offer Expiration Date: |
15 days after the Offer Grant Date |
Vesting Commencement Date: |
|
Vesting Schedule: |
|
By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative below, you and the Company agree to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Stock Purchase Agreement, which is attached hereto as Annex I and the Plan (both incorporated herein by this reference as if set forth in full in this document). By executing this Agreement, Purchaser hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the purchase rights granted pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement and to purchase ________ shares of Stock of BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC., and herewith encloses payment of $____________ in payment of the purchase price of the shares being purchased.
PURCHASER: | BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. | |
By:
|
By:
|
|
John Noble Harris | ||
Printed Name:_______________________ | Its: CEO |
ANNEX I
to
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THE STOCK GRANTED PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, PLEDGED, OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY AND ITS COUNSEL, THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
2016 BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
STOCK OPTION AND AWARD INCENTIVE PLAN:
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This Stock Purchase Agreement (this "Agreement") is made and entered into on the execution date of the Stock Purchase Certificate to which it is attached (the "Certificate"), by and between BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and the Director, Employee or Consultant ("Purchaser") named in the Certificate.
Pursuant to the 2016 BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. STOCK OPTION AND AWARD INCENTIVE PLAN (the "Plan"), the Administrator of the Plan has authorized the grant to Purchaser of the right to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and in the Plan. Capitalized terms not otherwise defied herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan.
SECTION 1: THE OFFER.
1.1 Offer of the Stock. The Company hereby offers to sell to purchaser the number of shares of stock set forth in the certificate at the price and subject to the restrictions set forth in this Agreement (the shares of stock which you purchase under this agreement are referred to as the "Stock" or "Shares").
1.2 Purchase Price. The Purchase Price for the Stock is set forth in the Certificate.
1.3 Payment For The Stock. Purchaser may pay for the stock by delivering to the company the purchase price in the form of either (i) cash or cashier's check or (ii) your promissory note, in the form of the Promissory Note attached to this agreement as Exhibit A. If Purchaser pays for the stock by delivery of the Promissory Note, Purchaser must also deliver to the company at the same time one executed copy of both the Security Agreement attached as Exhibit B and the Stock Assignment attached as Exhibit C.
1.4 Expiration of Offer. This offer expires at 5:00 o'clock p.m. on the date set forth in the certificate.
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SECTION 2: ACCEPTANCE OF THE OFFER.
There is no obligation to exercise the rights granted to you under this Agreement, in whole or in part. Purchaser may purchase fewer shares than the number offered to Purchaser in this Agreement. If Purchaser decides to accept the offer and purchase any shares offered, Purchaser must do the following:
2.1 Complete Documents. Complete, sign and date one copy of the Certificate, and, if Purchaser is paying by delivery of a promissory note, one copy each of the attached Promissory Note, Security Agreement and Stock Assignment;
2.2 Spousal Consent. If Purchaser is married, Purchaser must have his or her spouse sign and date one copy of the attached Spousal Consent; and
2.3 Deliver to Company. Deliver to the Company on or before the time the offer expires, the signed copy of this Agreement, the Spousal Consent, and payment for the Stock, in cash, by cashier's check or by the Promissory Note. If Purchaser is paying for the stock by the Promissory Note, Purchaser must also deliver to the Company the executed original Promissory Note, Security Agreement and Stock Assignment.
Purchaser should retain a copy of all of the signed documents for his or her files, and if Purchaser does so, Purchaser should mark the retained copy of the Promissory Note "COPY." THE SIGNED PROMISSORY NOTE IS A NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENT AND IS ENFORCEABLE AGAINST PURCHASER BY ANY HOLDER OF THE PROMISSORY NOTE, AND ANY ADDITIONAL SIGNED COPIES WHICH ARE NOT MARKED "COPY" MAY ALSO BE NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS WHICH ARE ENFORCEABLE AGAINST PURCHASER BY THEIR HOLDER.
SECTION 3: RESTRICTIONS ON THE STOCK.
3.1 Restrictions on Transfer of Shares. Purchaser shall not sell, make any short sale of, loan, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option for the repurchase of, or otherwise dispose or transfer for value (each a "Transfer") or otherwise agree to engage in any of the foregoing transactions with respect to any shares of Stock. The Company shall not be required to register any such Transfer and the Company may instruct its transfer agent not to register any such Transfer, unless and until all of the following events shall have occurred:
3.1.1 The Company has declined to exercise the right of first refusal provided for in Section 5 hereof;
3.1.2 The Shares are Transferred pursuant to and in conformity with: (i) (x) an effective registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") or (y) an exemption from registration under the Act; and (ii) the securities laws of any state of the United States; and
3.1.3 Purchaser has, prior to the Transfer of such Shares, and if requested by the Company, provided all relevant information to the Company's counsel so that upon the Company's request, the Company's counsel is able to deliver, and actually prepares and delivers to the Company a written opinion that the proposed Transfer is: (i) (x) pursuant to a registration statement which has been filed with the Commission and is then effective or (y) exempt from registration under the Act as then in effect, and the Rules and Regulations of the Commission thereunder; and (ii) is either qualified or registered under any applicable state securities laws, or exempt from such qualification or registration. The Company shall bear all reasonable costs of preparing such opinion.
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3.2 Additional Restrictions on Transfer of Non-Vested Shares. Purchaser agrees, for himself or herself and for his or her heirs, successors and assigns, that Purchaser shall have no right or power under any circumstance to Transfer any interest in shares of the Stock which are "Non-Vested Shares," as determined by the schedule set forth in the Certificate, except to the Company. As used in this Agreement, "Vested Shares" means all shares of the Stock which Purchaser has the right to Transfer at a specified point in time and "Non-Vested Shares" means all shares of the Stock which Purchaser does not have the right to Transfer at a specified point in time. The Certificate sets forth the vesting schedule.
3.3 Company's Repurchase Right.
3.3.1 Scope of Repurchase Right. Unless they have become vested, the Shares acquired under this Agreement initially shall be "Restricted Stock" and shall be subject to a right (but not an obligation) of repurchase by the Company (the "Repurchase Right"). The Purchaser shall not transfer, assign, encumber or otherwise dispose of any Restricted Stock, except as provided in the following sentence. The Purchaser may transfer Restricted Stock:
3.3.1.1 By testament or intestate succession or by transfer by instrument to a trust providing that the Restricted Stock is to be passed to one or more beneficiaries upon death of the Settlor; or
3.3.1.2 To the Purchaser's "immediate family," as that term is defined in the Plan (together, "Transferee").
Provided, however, in either case the Transferee must agree in writing on a form prescribed by the Company to be bound by all provisions of this Agreement. If the Purchaser transfers any Restricted Stock, then this Section 3 will apply to the Transferee to the same extent as to the Purchaser.
3.3.2 Exercise Period. The Repurchase Right shall be exercisable only during the 90-day period following the later of the date when the Purchaser's service as an Employee, outside Director or Consultant ("Service") terminates for any reason, with or without cause, including (without limitation) death or disability.
3.3.3 Non Applicability and Lapse of Repurchase Right. The Repurchase Right shall lapse with respect to the Shares in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in the Certificate. In addition, the Repurchase Right shall lapse and all of such Stock shall become vested if (i) a Change in Control occurs before the Purchaser's Service terminates and (ii) the options are not assumed by, or Repurchase Right is not assigned to, the entity that employs the Participant immediately after the Change in Control or to its parent or subsidiary.
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The Repurchase Right shall not exist with respect to shares of Stock that have been registered under a then currently effective registration statement under applicable federal securities laws and the issuer is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or becomes an investment company registered or required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or (ii) a determination is made by counsel for the Company that such Exercise Price restrictions are not required in the circumstances under applicable federal or state securities laws.
3.3.4 Repurchase Price. Following a termination of the Participant's Service, which does not result from the Company's termination of Service for Cause, the Repurchase Right shall be exercisable at a price equal to (i) the Fair Market Value of vested Stock and (ii) the Purchase Price of unvested Stock. Following the termination of the Participant's Service for Cause, the Repurchase Right shall be exercisable as to both vested and unvested Shares at a price equal to the Purchase Price as set forth in the Certificate.
3.3.5 Rights of Repurchase Adjustments. If there is any change in the number of outstanding shares of Stock by reason of a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, an extraordinary dividend payable in a form other than stock, recapitalization, combination or reclassification, or a similar transaction affecting the Company's outstanding securities without receipt of consideration, then (i) any new, substituted or additional securities or other property (including money paid other than as an ordinary cash dividend) distributed with respect to any Restricted Stock (or into which such Restricted Stock thereby become convertible) shall immediately be subject to the Right of Repurchase; and (ii) appropriate adjustments to reflect the distribution of such securities or property shall be made to the number and/or class of the Restricted Stock and to the price per share to be paid upon the exercise of the Right of Repurchase; provided, however, that the aggregate Purchase Price payable for the Restricted Stock shall remain the same.
3.3.6 Escrow. Upon issuance, the certificates for Restricted Stock shall be deposited in escrow with the Company to be held in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Any new, substituted or additional securities or other property described in Section 3.3.5 above shall immediately be delivered to the Company to be held in escrow, but only to the extent the Shares are at the time Restricted Stock. All regular cash dividends on Restricted Stock (or other securities at the time held in escrow) shall be paid directly to the Purchaser and shall not be held in escrow. Restricted Stock, together with any other assets or securities held in escrow hereunder, shall be (i) surrendered to the Company for repurchase and cancellation upon the Company's exercise of its Right of Repurchase or Right of First Refusal or (ii) released to the Purchaser upon the Purchaser's request to the extent the Shares are no longer Restricted Stock (but not more frequently than once every six months). In any event, all Shares which have vested (and any other vested assets and securities attributable thereto) shall be released within 60 days after the earlier of (i) the Purchaser's cessation of Service or (ii) the lapse of the Right of First Refusal.
3.4 Retention of Non-Vested Shares. Purchaser shall immediately deliver to the Company each certificate representing Non-Vested Shares issued to Purchaser hereunder, or deemed to be issued to Purchaser hereunder, together with the collateral instruments of transfer executed in blank, to be held by the Company until such time as all shares represented by that certificate are Vested Shares and any indebtedness with respect to those shares has been paid in full; provided, however, that if the Company holds a certificate representing Vested Shares and Non-Vested Shares, and any indebtedness with respect to the Vested Shares has been paid in full, upon Purchaser's request the Company will cause a certificate representing the Vested Shares to be delivered to Purchaser, but the Company will retain any certificate representing the Non-Vested Shares.
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3.5 Non-Complying Transfers. Every attempted Transfer of any shares of the Stock in violation of this Section 3 shall be null and void ab initio, and of no force or effect.
SECTION 4: LEGENDS ON STOCK CERTIFICATES.
Purchaser agrees that the Company may place on each certificate representing Shares the following legend:
"THE SECURITIES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ISSUER AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE, WHICH AGREEMENT PROVIDES, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE ISSUER HAS A RIGHT TO REPURCHASE THE SECURITIES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE. A COPY OF THAT AGREEMENT IS ON FILE AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE ISSUER."
SECTION 5: RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.
5.1 Right of First Refusal. In the event that the Stock is not readily tradable on an established securities market and the Purchaser proposes to sell, pledge or otherwise transfer to a third party any Shares acquired under this Agreement, or any interest in such Shares, to any person, entity or organization (the "Transferee") the Company shall have the Right of First Refusal with respect to all (and not less than all) of such Shares (the "Right of First Refusal"). If the Purchaser desires to transfer Shares acquired under this Agreement, the Purchaser shall give a written transfer notice ("Transfer Notice") to the Company describing fully the proposed transfer, including the number of Shares proposed to be transferred, the proposed transfer price, the name and address of the proposed Transferee and proof satisfactory to the Company that the proposed sale or transfer will not violate any applicable federal or state securities laws. The Transfer Notice shall be signed both by the Purchaser and by the proposed Transferee and must constitute a binding commitment of both parties to the transfer of the Shares. The Company shall have the right to purchase all, and not less than all, of the Shares on the terms of the proposal described in the Transfer Notice by delivery of a notice of exercise of the Right of First Refusal within 30 days after the date when the Transfer Notice was received by the Company. The Company's rights under this Section 5 shall be freely assignable, in whole or in part.
5.2 Additional Shares or Substituted Securities. In the event of the declaration of a stock dividend, the declaration of an extraordinary dividend payable in a form other than stock, a spin-off, a stock split, an adjustment in conversion ratio, a recapitalization or a similar transaction affecting the Company's outstanding securities without receipt of consideration, any new, substituted or additional securities or other property (including money paid other than as an ordinary cash dividend) which are by reason of such transaction distributed with respect to any Shares subject to this Section 5 or into which such Shares thereby become convertible shall immediately be subject to this Section 5. Appropriate adjustments to reflect the distribution of such securities or property shall be made to the number and/or class of the Shares subject to this Section 5.
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5.3 Termination of Right of First Refusal. Any other provision of this Section 5 notwithstanding, in the event that the Stock is readily tradable on an established securities market when the Purchaser desires to transfer Shares, the Company shall have no Right of First Refusal, and the Purchaser shall have no obligation to comply with the procedures prescribed by this Section 5.
5.4 Permitted Transfers. This Section 5 shall not apply to a transfer (i) by gift to a member of the Participant's immediate family or (ii) by transfer by instrument to a trust providing that the Shares is to be passed to beneficiaries upon death of the Settlor. For purposes of this Section 5.4, "immediate family" shall mean the Purchaser's spouse (including a former spouse subject to terms of a domestic relations order); child, stepchild, grandchild, child-in-law; parent, stepparent, grandparent, parent-in-law; sibling and sibling-in-law, and shall include adoptive relationships.
5.5 Termination of Rights as Stockholder. If the Company makes available, at the time and place and in the amount and form provided in this Agreement, the consideration for the Shares to be purchased in accordance with this Section 5, then after such time the person from whom such Shares are to be purchased shall no longer have any rights as a holder of such Shares (other than the right to receive payment of such consideration in accordance with this Agreement). Such Shares shall be deemed to have been purchased in accordance with the applicable provisions hereof, whether or not the certificate(s) therefor have been delivered as required by this Agreement.
SECTION 6: OBLIGATION TO SELL.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time following Purchaser's acquisition of Shares hereunder, stockholders of the Company owning 51% or more of the shares of the Company (on a fully diluted basis) (the "Control Sellers") enter into an agreement (including any agreement in principal) to transfer all of their shares to any person or group of persons who are not affiliated with the Control Sellers, such Control Sellers may require each stockholder who is not a Control Seller (a "Non-Control Seller") to sell all of their shares to such person or group of persons at a price and on terms and conditions the same as those on which such Control Sellers have agreed to sell their shares, other than terms and conditions relating to the performance or non-performance of services. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, an affiliate of a Control Seller is a person who controls, which is controlled by, or which is under common control with, the Control Seller.
SECTION 7: STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT.
As a condition to the transfer of Stock pursuant to this Stock Purchase Agreement, the Administrator, in its sole and absolute discretion, may require the Participant to execute and become a party to any agreement by and among the Company and any of its stockholders which exists on or after the Date of Grant (the "Stockholders Agreement"). If the Participant becomes a party to a Stockholders Agreement, in addition to the terms of the Plan and this Stock Purchase Agreement, the terms and conditions of Stockholders Agreement shall govern Participant's rights in and to the Stock; and if there is any conflict between the provisions of the Stockholders Agreement and the Plan or any conflict between the provisions of the Stockholders Agreement and this Stock Purchase Agreement, the provisions of the Stockholders Agreement shall be controlling. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 7, if the Stockholders Agreement contains any provisions which would violate Delaware law if applied to the Participant, the terms of the Plan and this Stock Purchase Agreement shall govern the Participant's rights with respect to such provisions.
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SECTION 8: WAIVER OF RIGHTS TO PURCHASE STOCK.
By signing this Agreement, Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that neither the Company nor any other person or entity is under any obligation to sell or transfer to Purchaser any option or equity security of the Company, other than the shares of Stock subject to this Agreement and any other right or option to purchase Stock which was previously granted in writing to Purchaser by the Board (or a committee thereof). By signing this Agreement, except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, Purchaser specifically waives all rights he or she may have had prior to the date of this Agreement to receive any option or equity security of the Company.
SECTION 9: INVESTMENT INTENT.
Purchaser represents and agrees that if he or she purchases the Stock in whole or in part and if at the time of such purchase the Stock has not been registered under the Act, that he or she will acquire the Stock upon such purchase for the purpose of investment and not with a view to the distribution of such Stock and upon each purchase, he or she will furnish to the Company a written statement to such effect.
SECTION 10: GENERAL PROVISIONS.
10.1 Further Assurances. Purchaser shall promptly take all actions and execute all documents requested by the Company which the Company deems to be reasonably necessary to effectuate the terms and intent of this Agreement. Any sale or transfer of the Stock to Purchaser by the Company shall be made free of any and all claims, encumbrances, liens and restrictions of every kind, other than those imposed by this Agreement.
10.2 Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given to the parties hereto as follows:
10.2.1 If to the Company, to:
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
Attn: John Noble Harris, CEO
4450 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 100
Boulder, CO 80303
10.2.2 If to Purchaser, to the address set forth in the records of the Company.
10.2.3 Any such notice request, demand or other communication shall be effective (i) if given by mail, 72 hours after such communication is deposited in the mail by first-class certified mail, return receipt requested, postage pre-paid, addressed as aforesaid, or (ii) if given by any other means, when delivered at the address specified in this Section 10.2.
10.3 Transfer of Rights under this Agreement. The Company may at any time transfer and assign its rights and delegate its obligations under this Agreement to any other person, Company, firm or entity, including its officers, Directors and stockholders, with or without consideration.
10.4 Purchase Rights Non Transferable. Purchaser may not sell, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of any rights hereunder except by testament or the laws of descent and distribution and the rights hereunder may be exercised during the lifetime of Purchaser only by the Purchaser or by his or her guardian or legal representative.
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10.5 Market Stand-Off. In the event of an underwritten public offering by the Company of its equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement filed under the Act, including the Company's initial public offering (a "Public Offering"), Purchaser shall not transfer for value any shares of Stock without the prior written consent of the Company or its underwriters, for such period of time from and after the effective date of such registration statement as may be requested by the Company or such underwriters (the "Market Stand-Off"). The Market Stand-Off shall be in effect for such period of time following the date of the final prospectus for the offering as may be requested by the Company or such underwriters. In the event of the declaration of a stock dividend, a spin-off, a stock split, an adjustment in conversion ratio, a recapitalization or a similar transaction affecting the Company's outstanding securities without receipt of consideration, any new, substituted or additional securities which are by reason of such transaction distributed with respect to any Shares subject to the Market Stand-Off, or into which such Shares thereby become convertible, shall immediately be subject to the Market Stand-Off. In order to enforce the Market Stand-Off, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the Shares acquired under this Agreement until the end of the applicable stand-off period.
10.6 Adjustment. If there is any change in the number of outstanding shares of Stock by reason of a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, an extraordinary dividend payable in a form other than stock, recapitalization, combination or reclassification, or a similar transaction affecting the Company's outstanding securities without receipt of consideration, then (i) any new, substituted or additional securities or other property (including money paid other than as an ordinary cash dividend) distributed with respect to any Restricted Stock (or into which such Restricted Stock thereby become convertible) shall immediately be subject to the Repurchase Right; and (ii) appropriate adjustments to reflect the distribution of such securities or property shall be made to the number and/or class of the Restricted Stock and to the price per share to be paid upon the exercise of the Repurchase Right; provided, however, that the aggregate purchase price payable for the Restricted Stock shall remain the same.
10.7 Successors and Assigns. Except to the extent this Agreement is specifically limited by the terms and provisions of this Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successor, assigns, heirs and personal representatives.
10.8 Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CHOICE OF LAW PROVISIONS, AS DELAWARE LAWS ARE APPLIED TO CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO AND PERFORMED IN SUCH STATE.
10.9 Severability. Should any paragraph or any part of a paragraph within this Stock Purchase Agreement be rendered void, invalid or unenforceable by any court of law for any reason, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not void or render invalid or unenforceable any other paragraph or part of a paragraph in this Stock Purchase Agreement.
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10.10 Attorneys' Fees. In the event that any action, suit or proceeding is instituted upon any breach of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be paid by the other party thereto an amount equal to all of the prevailing party's costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees incurred in each and every such action, suit or proceeding (including any and all appeals or petitions therefrom). As used in this Agreement, "attorneys' fees" shall mean the full and actual cost of any legal services actually performed in connection with the matter involved calculated on the basis of the usual fee charged by the attorney performing such services and shall not be limited to "reasonable attorneys' fees" as defined in any statute or rule of court.
10.11 The Plan. This Agreement is made pursuant to the Plan, and it is intended, and shall be interpreted in a manner, to comply herewith. Any provision of this Agreement inconsistent with the Plan shall be superseded and governed by the Plan.
10.12 Miscellaneous. Title and captions contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience and reference only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement for any purpose.
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SPOUSAL CONSENT
The undersigned spouse of __________________________ does hereby consent to the execution of the foregoing Agreement by _____________________, and the performance by him (or her) of his (or her) obligations thereunder.
Dated:_______________ |
||
Signature |
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EXHIBIT A
to
ANNEX I
of
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
PROMISSORY NOTE
$ |
Date: |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned promises to pay to BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation, 4450 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 100, Boulder, Colorado 80303 (the "Company"), the principal sum of $_______________ with interest from the date hereof on the unpaid principal balance at the rate of _______% per annum, compounded annually. Accrued but unpaid interest under this Note shall be due and payable annually on the date immediately preceding the anniversary of this Note, at the rate of ____% per annum, and the unpaid principal balance and any remaining accrued but unpaid interest shall be due and payable on _______________, _____.
All sums paid hereunder shall be paid in lawful money of the United States of America at the principal executive offices of the Company or at such other place as the holder of this Note shall have designated to the undersigned in writing. The principal amount of this Note may be paid in whole or in part (in either case with any interest accrued through the date of payment) at any time or from time to time, prior to maturity, without penalty or charge for prepayment. All sums paid hereunder shall be applied first to any unpaid interest and then to the principal amount then outstanding.
If service of the undersigned with the Company is terminated for any reason, with or without cause, the holder of this Note shall be entitled at its option to demand payment of the full principal amount of this Note then unpaid, together with all interest accrued thereon to the date of payment, by delivery to the undersigned of written demand. Not later than 30 days after delivery of such demand the undersigned shall pay the principal amount together with all accrued interest.
The undersigned shall pay to the holder of this Note reasonable attorneys' fees and all costs and other expenses (including, without limitation, fees, costs and expenses of litigation) incurred by the holder in enforcing this Note. This Note is secured by a Security Agreement of even date herewith between the Company and the undersigned. The holder of this Note is entitled to the benefits of the Security Agreement and may enforce the agreements of the undersigned contained therein and exercise the remedies provided for thereby or otherwise available with respect to this Note.
Borrower:
Print name and Address:
EXHIBIT B
to
ANNEX I
of
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
SECURITY AGREEMENT
THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT (the "Security Agreement") is made and entered into as of the ___ day of ______________, ____, between BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Lender") and ___________________ ("Debtor").
WHEREAS, Debtor has concurrently herewith purchased from Lender _____ shares of Lender's Stock (the "Stock") pursuant to that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated ________________, ____, between Lender and Debtor (the "Purchase Agreement") and has made payment therefor by delivery of Debtor's promissory note of even date herewith (the "Note"); and
WHEREAS, Debtor and Lender desire to have Debtor grant to Lender a security interest in the collateral described below as security for Debtor's performance of the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement, the Note and this Security Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, on the basis of the above facts and in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth below, Lender and Debtor agree as follows:
SECTION 1: GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST.
As security for Debtor's full and faithful performance of each and all of its obligations and liabilities under the Note, and any and all modifications, extensions or renewals thereof, the Purchase Agreement and this Security Agreement, Debtor hereby grants and assigns to Lender a continuing security interest in and to the Stock, and all stock dividends, cash dividends, liquidating dividends, new securities and all other property, moneys and rights to which Debtor may become entitled on account thereof (the "Collateral").
SECTION 2: PERFECTION OF SECURITY INTEREST.
To perfect Lender's security interest in and lien on the Collateral, Debtor shall, upon the execution of this Agreement, immediately deliver to Lender, together with collateral instruments of transfer executed in blank, all certificates representing the Stock to be held by Lender until released pursuant to Section 6 hereof.
SECTION 3: DEFAULT.
At the sole and exclusive option of Lender, upon an Event of Default (as defined in Section 3.2 below) Lender may exercise any or all of the rights and remedies of a secured party under the Delaware Uniform Commercial Code, as amended from time to time. All rights and remedies of Lender shall be cumulative and may be exercised successively or concurrently and without impairment of Lender's interest in the Collateral.
As used herein, an Event of Default ("Event of Default") shall mean any of the following:
The failure of Debtor to perform any of its obligations under the Purchase Agreement, the Note or this Security Agreement; or
The occurrence of one or more of the following: (i) Debtor becoming the subject of any case or action or order for relief under the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978; (ii) the filing by Debtor of a petition or answer to take advantage of any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, readjustment of debts, dissolution or liquidation law or statute, or the filing of any answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against Debtor in any proceeding under any such law or the taking of any action by Debtor for the purpose of effecting the foregoing; the appointment of a trustee, receiver or custodian of Debtor or any of Debtor's material assets or properties; (iii) Debtor making an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (iv) the occurrence of any other act by Debtor or Debtor's creditors which Lender reasonably determines may jeopardize Debtor's ability to pay the Note or perform Debtor's obligations under the Purchase Agreement or this Security Agreement.
SECTION 4: WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS OF DEBTOR.
Debtor hereby represents and warrants that the Collateral is free and clear of any security interest, lien, restriction or encumbrance and that he has the full right and power to transfer the Collateral to Lender free and clear thereof and to enter into and carry out the Purchase Agreement, the Note and this Security Agreement.
SECTION 5: POWER OF ATTORNEY.
Debtor hereby appoints Lender's Secretary as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact to transfer the Collateral or cause it to be transferred on Lender's books whenever Lender determines in its sole and absolute discretion that such transfer is necessary or advisable to protect its rights or interests under this Security Agreement.
SECTION 6: RELEASE OF THE COLLATERAL.
Within five days following receipt by Lender of the unpaid principal amount of the Note from Debtor, Lender shall release from its security interest hereunder and deliver or cause to be delivered to Debtor the Stock.
SECTION 7: WAIVERS.
No waiver by Lender of any breach or default by Debtor under the Purchase Agreement, the Note or this Security Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of any breach or default thereafter occurring, and the taking of any action by Lender shall not be deemed an election of that action in exclusion of any other action. The rights, privileges, remedies and options granted to Lender under this Security Agreement or under any applicable law shall be deemed cumulative and may be exercised successively or concurrently.
SECTION 8: GENERAL PROVISIONS.
8.1 Notices. All notices, requests, demands or other communications under this Security Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given to parties hereto as follows: If to the Company, to:
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
Attn: John Noble Harris, CEO
4450 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 100
Boulder, CO 80303
If to Debtor, to the address set forth in the records of the Company, or such other address as may be furnished by either such party in writing to the other party hereto.
Any such notice, request, demand or other communication shall be effective (i) if given by mail, 72 hours after such communication is deposited in the mail by first-class certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as aforesaid, or (ii) if given by any other means, when delivered at the address specified in this Paragraph 8.
8.2 Successors and Assigns. This Security Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives.
8.3 Severability. Should any paragraph or any part of a paragraph within this Security Agreement be rendered void, invalid or unenforceable by any court of law for any reason, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not void or render invalid or unenforceable any other paragraph or part of a paragraph in this Security Agreement.
8.4 Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CHOICE OF LAW PROVISIONS, AS DELAWARE LAWS ARE APPLIED TO CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO AND PERFORMED IN SUCH STATE.
8.5 Attorneys' Fees. In the event that any action, suit or proceeding is instituted upon any breach of this Security Agreement, the prevailing party shall be paid by the other party thereto an amount equal to all of the prevailing party's costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees incurred in each and every such action, suit or proceeding (including any and all appeals or petitions therefrom). As used in this Agreement, "Attorneys' Fees" shall mean the full and actual cost of any legal services actually performed in connection with the matter involved calculated on the basis of the usual fee charged by the attorney performing such services and shall not be limited to "reasonable attorneys' fees" as defined in any statute or rule of court.
8.6 Entire Agreement. The making, execution and delivery of this Security Agreement by the parties hereto have been induced by no representations, statements, warranties or agreements other than those herein expressed. This Security Agreement, the Purchase Agreement and the Note embody the entire understanding of the parties and there are no further or other agreements or understandings, written or oral, in effect between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, unless expressly referred to by reference herein.
8.7 Miscellaneous. Titles and captions contained in this Security Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and do not constitute part of this Security Agreement for any other purpose.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Security Agreement as of the date first above written.
DEBTOR: |
LENDER: BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. |
|
By: |
||
(Sign) |
John Noble Harris |
|
Its: CEO |
||
(Please print name and address) |
||
EXHIBIT C
to
ANNEX I
of
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
STOCK ASSIGNMENT
SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE
For Value Received, _________________________________ ("Holder") hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto ____________________________________ (________) shares (the "Shares") of the Stock of BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), held of record by Holder and represented by Certificate No. ______, and hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints as Holder's attorney to transfer the Shares on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.
The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name written upon the face of the Certificate in every particular without any alteration or addition or any other change.
Dated
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Signature of Holder)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Please print name and address)
SIGNATURE GUARANTEED BY:
(Holder's signature must be guaranteed by a
bank, a trust company or a brokerage firm):
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
LETTER REGARDING
FEDERAL AND _________ TAX CONSEQUENCES
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
4450 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 100
Boulder, CO 80303
[Purchaser]
Dear :
------------------------------
This letter is to notify you of certain federal and ___________ income tax consequences to you as a result of your purchase of shares (the "Shares") of Common Stock of BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. (the "Company") pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement dated __________, 20__ between you and the Company.
The conclusion of this letter is that, if the purchase price for the Shares equals their fair market value on the date you sign the Stock Purchase Agreement, you should send copies of the attached form (the "Section 83 Form") relating to Section 83 ("Section 83") of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Internal Revenue Code"), to the Internal Revenue Service and the Company, not later than 30 days after the date of the Stock Purchase Agreement. If the purchase price for the Shares is less than their fair market value on the date you sign the Stock Purchase Agreement, you should consider carefully whether or not you should file the Section 83 Form within 30 days after you sign the Stock Purchase Agreement.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
Certain federal income tax consequences to you in connection with your purchase of the Shares are determined in accordance with Section 83.
Section 83(a). Under Section 83(a), a person to whom property is transferred in connection with the performance of services ("Section 83 property") must recognize ordinary income in the year the property is transferred in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Section 83 property at the time it is transferred less the amount, if any, paid for the Section 83 property, unless the Section 83 property is not transferable and is subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture (collectively, a "Restriction on Transfer"). If there is a Restriction on Transfer, then the person acquiring Section 83 property will not recognize income until the Restriction on Transfer lapses (unless a Section 83(b) election is made - see below), at which time the person must recognize as ordinary income the fair market value of the Section 83 property at that time less the amount, if any, paid for the Section 83 property.
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Your purchase of the Shares probably constitutes a transfer of Section 83 property. Further, the Stock Purchase Agreement provides that, if you cease to be employed by the Company for any reason, the Company must repurchase from you and you must sell to the Company all Non-Vested Shares (as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement) for an amount which may be less than their fair market value. Under Regulations promulgated under Section 83, these provisions probably constitute a Restriction on Transfer over your Non-Vested Shares. Thus, under Section 83(a), you would not be required to recognize any income as a result of your purchase of the Shares until they vest; when they vest, you would be required under Section 83(a) to recognize as ordinary income the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Shares (as of the day they vest) over the price you paid for those Shares under the Stock Purchase Agreement. If the price of the Company's Common Stock is greater when the Shares vest than when you purchased them, you could have a substantial tax liability in connection with your purchase of the Shares when they vest.
Section 83(b) Election. Section 83(b) provides an alternative method for taxing Section 83 property. Under Section 83(b), a person may elect to recognize ordinary income in the year Section 83 property is transferred to him or her, rather then waiting until it vests. Thus, if you make a Section 83(b) election, you will be required to recognize as ordinary income in the year you purchase the Shares the difference, if any, between the fair market value of the Shares on the date you sign the Stock Purchase Agreement and the purchase price you pay for the Shares. For example, if you make the Section 83(b) election and you paid a purchase price for the Shares equal to their fair market value, you will not pay any taxes in the year of the purchase in connection with your purchase of the Shares. On the other hand, if you make the Section 83(b) election and the purchase price of the Shares is less than their fair market value on the date you sign the Stock Purchase Agreement, you will be required to pay taxes on the difference between those amounts in the year of the purchase. In either case, however, if you make the Section 83(b) election, you will not be required to recognize any income when the Shares vest.
To make the Section 83(b) election, you must file the Section 83 Form with both the Company and the Internal Revenue Service office where you file federal income tax returns. You must file the Section 83(b) Form within 30 days after you sign the Stock Purchase Agreement. In addition, you must attach a copy of the Section 83(b) Form to your income tax return that covers the year in which you filed the Form.
Sale of Section 83 Property. If a person sells Section 83 property after the Restriction on Transfer lapses (or after making a Section 83(b) election), he or she will recognize taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the sale of the Section 83 property and the person's "adjusted basis" for the Section 83 property. The person's adjusted basis for the Section 83 property will be (i) the amount paid for the Section 83 property plus (ii) any amount which the person has included in gross income pursuant to the Section 83(b) election. Thus, upon sale, you will recognize taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between the sale price of the Shares and your adjusted basis for the Shares.
In general, the gain or loss you recognize will be capital gain or loss if the following "Capital Gain Requirements" are met: (i) the Section 83 property is a capital asset and (ii) the Section 83 property is held for more than 12 months from either the date the Restrictions on Transfer lapse or, if a Section 83(b) election is made, the date the Section 83 property is acquired. Thus, as the Shares are probably a capital asset in your hands, you will recognize capital gain or loss upon their sale if you hold them for more than 12 months from either the date they vest or, if you make the Section 83(b) election, from the date you sign the Stock Purchase Agreement.
Forfeiture of Section 83 Property. If a person's interest in Section 83 property is forfeited, the person will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized upon forfeiture and the amount paid for the Section 83 property. In your case, if your employment with the Company is terminated before all of the Shares have vested, the Company is obligated to repurchase from you, and you are obligated to sell to the Company, any Non-Vested Shares at the price you paid for them. As there would be no difference between the amount realized upon forfeiture and the amount paid for the Shares, you would not be required to recognize any gain or loss at that time. However, upon forfeiture, you would not be able to recoup any taxes you pay pursuant to a Section 83(b) election.
Delaware Income Tax Consequences.
The Delaware income tax consequences to you in connection with your purchase of the Shares are identical to the federal income tax consequences. To make the Section 83(b) election in Delaware, you must file the Section 83(b) Form with the Internal Revenue Service, as described above; there are no extra filing requirements for making the Section 83(b) election in Delaware.
If you have any questions concerning the tax consequences described in this letter, please feel free to call me.
Sincerely,
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
By: __________________________________________________
John Noble Harris
Its: CEO
ELECTION TO INCLUDE IN GROSS INCOME IN
YEAR OF TRANSFER PURSUANT TO SECTION 83(b)
OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
The undersigned hereby makes an election pursuant to the provisions of Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Section 83 property described below, and supplies the following information in connection with that election:
The name, address, taxable year and taxpayer identification number of the undersigned are:
Name: |
||
Address: |
||
Taxable Year ________ |
Taxpayer I.D. No.__________ |
The description of the Section 83 property with respect to which the undersigned is making the election is as follows:
_______________ (_____) shares (the "Subject Shares") of the Common Stock of BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company").
The date upon which the Subject Shares were transferred to, and acquired by, the undersigned was ____________, ________.
The Subject Shares are subject to restrictions under a ___________ vesting period. If the undersigned's employment terminates, the Company is obligated to purchase and the undersigned is obligated to sell to the Company all Subject Shares that are not vested for a purchase price, which in certain circumstances may be less than the fair market value of the Subject Shares.
The fair market value of the Subject Shares at the time of the transfer to, and acquisition by, the undersigned (determined without regard to any restrictions other than restrictions which by their terms will never lapse) was $_____ per share.
The amount paid by the undersigned for the Subject Shares was $____ per share.
The undersigned has furnished a copy of this election to the Company.
[Signature Page Follows]
Dated:
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(Signature)
Make 4 copies
(1) IRS (to be filed at the IRS where you ordinarily file your returns) within 30 days of the purchase
(1) IRS (to be filed with your income tax return)
(1) BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
(1) Copy for purchaser
FORM OF RESOLUTIONS FOR PURCHASE RIGHTS GRANTS
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS WRITTEN CONSENT
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC.
As of __________________, 2016
The undersigned directors, constituting the entire board of directors (the "Board") of BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby take the following actions, adopt the following resolutions, and transact the following business, by written consent without a meeting, as of the date above written, pursuant to the applicable corporate laws of the State of Delaware and the Company's Bylaws.
WHEREAS, The Company Previously Adopted the 2016 BLACKSTAR ENTERPRISE GROUP, INC. STOCK OPTION AND AWARD INCENTIVE PLAN (The "Plan"), and has delegated the responsibility to administer the Plan to the Board;
WHEREAS, Ten Million (10,000,000) shares of Common Stock of the Company were originally reserved for issuance under the Plan;
WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, _____________ shares remain available for issuance under the Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Board has determined that it is in the best interests of this company and its stockholders to provide, under the plan, equity incentives to those employees of the company identified below.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the persons listed on the Exhibit A, which exhibit was reviewed by the Board and shall be included with this Consent, are hereby granted, as of the date hereof, the current right to purchase (the "Purchase Right") the number of shares at the per share purchase price as set forth in Exhibit A at any time on or prior to the date which is 15 days from the date this grant is first communicated to each recipient;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that this Company be, and it hereby is, authorized to accept a promissory note from each purchaser as consideration for the stock so purchased, in such form (including security for the obligation thereunder) heretofore approved by the Board;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that the officers of this Company, and each of them, be, and they hereby are, authorized, directed and empowered for and on behalf of this Company to prepare or cause to be prepared a stock purchase agreement, promissory note and/or security agreement (the "Purchase Agreements") to represent the rights granted at this meeting substantially in the form, and containing the terms and provisions, heretofore approved by the Board, and containing such other terms and provisions as such officers shall, upon advice of counsel, determine to be necessary or appropriate, their execution of such Purchase Agreements to conclusively evidence such determination;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Purchase Rights shall be evidenced by stock purchase agreements and be subject to the restrictions (including transfer and/or repurchase rights), if any, set forth in such stock purchase agreements;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Purchase Rights shall be granted pursuant to the exemptions provided under Section 701 of the Securities Act Rules and Delaware Corporate Securities Laws;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that there is hereby reserved and set aside under the Plan the number of shares adequate to cover the shares underlying the Purchase Rights granted herein;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that upon receipt of executed Purchase Agreements from the person or persons granted rights hereunder, the officers of this Company, and each of them, be, and they hereby are, authorized, directed and empowered for and on behalf of this Company to issue the stock so purchased, and to do or cause to be done all such further acts and things and to sign, deliver and/or file all such documents and notices as any of such officers may deem necessary or advisable in order to carry out and perform the foregoing resolutions and the intention thereof; and
RESOLVED FURTHER, that the officers of this Company, and each of them, be, and they hereby are, authorized, directed and empowered for and on behalf of the Company to do or cause to be done all such acts and things and to sign, deliver and/or file all such documents and notices as any of such officers may deem necessary or advisable in order to carry out and perform the foregoing resolutions and the intention thereof.
The Secretary of the Corporation is directed to file the original executed copy of this Consent with the minutes of proceedings of the Board.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has executed this consent as of the date first written above.
DIRECTORS:
John Noble Harris, Director |
Todd H. Lahr, Director |
|
Joseph E. Kurczodyna, Director |
||
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EXHIBIT A
Purchase Rights Grant Information
Name |
No. Shares |
Purchase Price* |
* The per share purchase price must be at least 85% of the Fair Market Value (as such term is defined in the Plan) of the underlying share as of the date of grant.
EXHIBIT 10.4
SENIOR SECURED
PROMISSORY NOTE
$250,000
November 1, 2016
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Meshworks Media Corporation, having an office and address for purposes of notices and legal process at 2600 South Shore Blvd., Suite 100, League City, TX 77573 (" Borrower ") promises to pay to the order of BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc.(" Lender "), at (address)_________________ or at any such other place as may be designated in writing by Lender, the principal sum of $250,000.00 in lawful money of the United States of America, together with interest thereon to be computed from November 1, 2016 at the Interest Rate (as defined below), and to be paid in accordance with the terms of this Promissory Note (" Note ").
1. INTEREST. Interest at the annual rate of 12 % shall be payable on the principal in accordance with the terms set forth immediately below.
2. PAYMENT. Commencing January 2, 2017, the borrower shall issue payments to the lender(s) equal to 15% of the previous months' revenue and said revenue payments, of principal and interest, shall continue thereafter, to be issued on the first day of each month, until the principal and interest have been paid in full to the lender(s) but in no case, later than January 1, 2019 ("Maturity Date") when any unpaid principle and interest shall be due in full.
3. APPLICATION OF PAYMENTS .
3.1. The Lender shall first apply the payments to interest and, after all interest is paid in full the balance of any payment shall be applied to the principal amount of the Note.
3.2. The designation or allocation by Borrower of the disposition or allocation of any payments made will not be binding upon the Lender which may allocate any and all such payments to interest, principal and other fees and charges due hereunder or to any one or more of them, in such amount, priorities and proportions as Lender may determine in its sole discretion in accordance with the terms hereof.
4. SECURITY. The Note shall be secured by a security agreement covering all of the Borrower's assets both tangible and intangible.
5. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION FOR LENDER Lender(s) shall receive, as additional consideration, 2 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred stock (Series B Stock) for each one dollar ($1.00) loaned to the Company. Upon full repayment of the loan but no later than February 1, 2019 the Series B Stock is to receive priority profit distributions ("PPD")based on 15% of the previous months' revenue and said PPD's will continue until such time as each lender has received
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distributions equal to the full amount of that lender's proportionate share of the loan. At that point, the Series B Preferred shall automatically convert to common stock at the rate of one share of common for each share of preferred converted. Until such time as all PPD's have been paid, Borrower shall not pay any dividends to or on its outstanding common stock.
6. DEFAULT AND ACCELERATION.
6.1. It is hereby expressly agreed that all principal and interest shall become immediately due and payable at the option of the holder hereof upon the happening of any of the following events (each, an " Event of Default "):
6.1.(a) Borrower fails to pay any amount due to Lender under this Note within ten (10) calendar days after the due date of any payment required hereunder or at the Maturity Date (whether or not there is any notice thereof from the Lender).
6.1.(b) A receiver, liquidator or trustee shall be appointed for Borrower or for any substantial part of its property, an assignment shall be made for the benefit of creditors, Borrower shall be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or any petition for bankruptcy, reorganization or arrangement pursuant to the United States Bankruptcy Code, or under the provisions of any federal or state bankruptcy or receiver laws, shall be filed by or against Borrower, unless such appointment, assignment, adjudication or petition was involuntary, in which event only if the same is not discharged, stayed or dismissed within forty-five (45) days;
6.1.(c) A final judgment for the payment of money in excess of $1 million not covered by a policy of insurance or which would materially adversely affect such Borrower's ability to make payments under this Note shall be rendered against Borrower and such party shall not discharge the same or cause it to be discharged within forty-five (45) days from the entry thereof, or shall not appeal therefrom or from the order, decree or process upon which or pursuant to which said judgment was granted, based or entered within twenty (20) days, and thereafter to secure a stay of execution pending such appeal;
6.1.(d) Borrower shall have concealed, removed and/or permitted to be concealed or removed any substantial part of their property and/or assets with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud Lender of any of its property and/or assets which may be fraudulent under any federal or state bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance or similar law now or hereafter enacted, or if Borrower shall have made any transfer of any of their property and/or assets to or for the benefit of a creditor at a time when other creditors similarly situated have not been paid, or if Borrower shall have suffered or permitted to be suffered, while insolvent, any creditor to obtain a lien upon any of its property and/or assets through legal proceedings or distrain which is not vacated within (30) days from the date of entry thereof;
6.2. After the occurrence of an Event of Default, Lender may accept any payments from Borrower without prejudice to the rights and remedies of Lender provided herein.
6.3. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Section 5, if the Lender declares an Event of Default for failure to repay this Note in full on the Maturity Date, the Company will have 10 days to remedy the Default through repayment of the Note. If the Default is not cured through repayment of this Note within the 10-day grace period, then all other provisions of Sections 6 and 7 shall apply.
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7. DEFAULT INTEREST/LATE CHARGES .
7.1. If the indebtedness is not paid in full on the Maturity Date, interest shall continue to accrue until paid in full.
7.2. Should the Indebtedness or any part thereof be collected at law or in equity, or in bankruptcy, receivership or any collected at law or in equity, or in bankruptcy, receivership or any other court proceeding (whether at the trial or appellate level), or should this Note be placed in the hands of attorneys for collection under default, Borrower agrees to pay, in addition to the Indebtedness, all costs of collecting or attempting to collect the Indebtedness, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses and court costs, regardless of whether any legal proceeding is commenced hereunder, together with interest thereon from the date paid or incurred by Lender until such expenses are paid by Borrower.
7.3. After the entry of a judgment Lender shall have the right to continue to charge Borrower and to increase the amount of the judgment for post-judgment reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, post-judgment interest and other charges that may be incurred by Lender.
8. WAIVERS.
8.1. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Borrower hereby waives demand, notice of demand, presentment for payment, notice of intent to accelerate maturity, notice of acceleration of maturity, notice of dishonor, protest, notice of protest and non-payment and all other notices of any kind, except for notices expressly provided for in this Note.
8.2. The liability of Borrower shall be unconditional and shall not be in any manner affected by any indulgence whatsoever granted or consented to by the holder hereof, including, but not limited to any extension of time, renewal, waiver or other modification. No release of any security for the Indebtedness or extension of time for payment of this Note or any installment hereof, and no alteration, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Note, or any other guaranty or instrument made by agreement of Lender or any other person or party shall release, modify, amend, waive, extend, change, discharge, terminate or affect the liability of Borrower, and any other person or entity who may become liable for the payment of all or any part of the Indebtedness under this Note.
8.3. No notice to or demand on Borrower shall be deemed to be a waiver of the obligation of Borrower or of the right of Lender to take further action without further notice or demand on Borrower as provided for in this Note. Any failure of the holder of this Note to exercise any right hereunder shall not be construed as a waiver of the right to exercise the same or any other right at any time and from time to time thereafter. Lender or any holder may accept late payment, or partial payment, even though marked "payment in full" or containing words of similar import or other conditions, without waiving any of its rights. No amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Note nor consent to any departure by Borrower therefrom shall be effective, irrespective of any course of dealing, unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Lender, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.
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8.4. BORROWER AGREES THAT ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING IN RESPECT OF OR ARISING OUT OF THIS NOTE MAY BE INITIATED AND PROSECUTED IN THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS, AS THE CASE MAY BE, LOCATED IN HARRIS COUNTY, STATE OF TEXAS. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, BORROWER CONSENTS TO AND SUBMITS TO THE EXERCISE OF JURISDICTION OVER THE SUBJECT MATTER, WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL PROCESS UPON HIM AND CONSENTS THAT ALL SUCH SERVICE OF PROCESS BE MADE BY REGISTERED MAIL DIRECTED TO THE BORROWER AT HIS ADDRESS SET FORTH ABOVE OR TO ANY OTHER ADDRESS AS MAY APPEAR IN THE LENDER'S RECORDS AS THE ADDRESS OF THE BORROWER (BUT NOTHING HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE VALIDITY OR EFFECTIVENESS OF PROCESS SERVED IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW).
9. PREPAYMENT . The Borrower shall have the right to prepay the Note but no prepayment shall entitle the Borrower to reduce the total amount of principal and interest due hereunder.
10. NOTICES . All notices to be given pursuant to this Note shall be in writing and sufficient if given by personal service, by guaranteed overnight delivery service, or by being mailed postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail, to the address of the parties first hereinabove set forth or to such other address as either party may request in writing from time to time. Any time period provided in the giving of any notice hereunder shall commence upon the date of personal service, the date after delivery to the guaranteed overnight delivery service, or three (3) days after any notices are deposited, postage prepaid, in the United States mail, certified or registered mail. Notices may be given by a party's attorneys or agents with the same force and effect as though given by such party.
11. MISCELLANEOUS .
11.1. Time shall be of the essence with respect to all provisions of this Note and both parties hereto.
11.2. If any payment to be made by Borrower shall otherwise become due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the preceding day which is a Business Day. "Business Day" shall mean any day of the week other than a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday.
11.3. Borrower represents that it has full power, authority and legal right to execute and deliver this Note, and that this Note constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Borrower.
11.4. This Note cannot be changed, modified, amended, waived, extended, discharged or terminated orally or by estoppel or waiver, regardless of any claimed partial performance referable thereto, or by any alleged oral modification or by any act or failure to act on the part of Borrower or Lender. The agreements contained herein shall remain in full force and effect, notwithstanding any changes in the individuals or entities comprising Borrower, and the term "Borrower," as
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used herein, shall include any alternate or successor person or entity, but any predecessor person or entity, and its partners or members, as the case may be, shall not thereby be released from any liability. Nothing in the foregoing shall be construed as a consent to, or a waiver of, any prohibition or restriction on transfers of interests in Borrower which may be set forth in this Note.
11.5. Titles of articles and sections are for convenience only and in no way define, limit, amplify or describe the scope or intent of any provision hereof.
11.6. If any paragraph, clause or provision of this Note is construed or interpreted by a court of competent jurisdiction to be void, invalid or unenforceable, such voidness, invalidity or unenforceability will not affect the remaining paragraphs, clauses and provisions of this Note, which shall nevertheless be binding upon the parties hereto with the same effect as though the void or unenforceable part had been severed and deleted.
11.7. The terms and provision of this Note shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Borrower and Lender and their respective heirs, executors, legal representatives, successors, successors-in-title, and assigns, whether by voluntary action of the parties or by operation of law. As used herein, the terms "Borrower" and "Lender" shall be deemed to include their respective heirs, executors, legal representative, successors, successors-in-title, and assigns, whether by voluntary action of the parties or by operation of law.
11.8. All the terms and words used in this Note, regardless of the number and gender in which they are used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine, or neuter, as the context or sense of this Note or any paragraph or clause herein may require, the same as if such work had been fully and properly written in the correct number and gender.
11.9. This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas without regard to conflicts of laws principles.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed the foregoing instrument as of the date first above written.
BORROWER :
Meshworks Media Corporation
By: /s/
______________________________
Its: Chief Executive Officer
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EXHIBIT 10.5
EXHIBIT 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation in this Registration Statement on Form 10 of our report dated December 28, 2016, relating to the financial statements of BlackStar Enterprise Group, Inc., as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and to all references to our firm included in this Registration Statement.
/s/ BF Borgers CPA PC
Certified Public Accountants
Lakewood, Colorado
December 28, 2016