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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

Current Report

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  March 24, 2009

 

GOLDEN MINERALS COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE

 

1-13627

 

26-4413382

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(Commission
File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

 

1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 3050

Denver, Colorado 80203

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (303) 839-5060

 

Former name:  Apex Silver Mines Limited

Walker House

Mary Street

George Town, Grand Cayman

Cayman Islands, British West Indies

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

o             Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o             Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o             Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

o             Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 



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EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

On January 12, 2009, Apex Silver Mines Limited (“ Apex Silver ”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Apex Silver Mines Corporation (“ ASMC ”), filed voluntary petitions for reorganization relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (the “ Bankruptcy Code ”). A Joint Plan of Reorganization, as supplemented by the Plan Supplement filed with the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”) on February 26, 2009 and the Amended Plan Supplement filed with the Bankruptcy Court on March 4, 2009 (collectively, the “ Plan ”), was approved by the Bankruptcy Court on March 4, 2009.  On March 24, 2009, Apex Silver emerged from Chapter 11 protection as a Delaware corporation named Golden Minerals Company, the successor to Apex Silver for purposes of reporting under the U.S. federal securities laws (the “ Company ” or “ Golden Minerals ”). The common stock of Golden Minerals is expected to commence trading over-the-counter (OTC) in early April 2009.

 

This Current Report on Form 8-K serves as notice that Golden Minerals is the successor issuer to Apex Silver pursuant to Rule 12g-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”). Pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 12g-3, the Common Stock is deemed registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act.

 

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TABLE OF CON TENTS

 

Item 1.01

 

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.02

 

Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.01

 

Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.02

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.03

 

Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.02

 

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.03

 

Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

 

 

 

 

 

Item 9.01

 

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

 

 

 

 

Signature

 

 

 

 

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Item 1.01                      Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

The Plan became effective on March 24, 2009 (the “ Effective Date ”).  On the Effective Date, Apex Silver consummated the sale to Sumitomo Corporation (“ Sumitomo ”) of Apex Silver’s direct and indirect interests in the San Cristóbal mine, including its 65% interest in its Bolivian subsidiary, Minera San Cristóbal, S.A. (“ MSC ”), for a cash purchase price of $27.5 million, plus $2.5 million in expense reimbursements and the assumption of certain liabilities.  The sale was completed pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement dated January 12, 2009 (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), among Apex Silver, certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of Apex Silver, Sumitomo and one of Sumitomo’s wholly-owned subsidiaries.

 

The information provided under the heading “Change of Control Agreements” in Item 5.02 (e) is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.

 

Management Services Agreement

 

In connection with the effectiveness of the Plan and the consummation of the Purchase Agreement on the Effective Date, ASMC entered into a Management Services Agreement (the “ Management Agreement ”) with MSC and Apex Metals Marketing GmbH.  Under the Management Agreement, ASMC will provide management services including, for example, management of technical and operating activities, administrative support, information technology and local community relations. ASMC will also provide logistics and marketing services for a three-month transitional period following the Effective Date.  Certain services, such as lobbying, governmental relations and tax planning, are not included in the services to be provided under the Management Agreement.  ASMC will be paid an annual fee of approximately $6 million, plus approximately $3.5 million to cover the cost of administering certain programs for the expatriate employees of MSC, and will be eligible to receive an annual incentive fee of up to $1.5 million based on achievement of certain negotiated performance targets.

 

The Management Agreement will have an initial term of 12 months and thereafter may be terminated by ASMC with 12 months’ prior notice or by Sumitomo with six months’ prior notice.  If terminated by Sumitomo, ASMC would be entitled to a $1.0 million termination fee.  ASMC would not be required to pay a termination fee.

 

The foregoing description of the Management Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

Indemnification Agreements

 

On the Effective Date, Golden Minerals entered into an indemnification agreement with each of its directors and officers (each, an “ Indemnification Agreement ” and collectively, the “ Indemnification Agreements ”).  As provided in the Indemnification Agreements, Golden Minerals has agreed to indemnify each of its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law if he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, or proceeding by reason of his or her affiliation with the Company.  The Indemnification Agreements also provide for the advancement of expenses incurred in defending or participating in any proceeding in advance of its final disposition so long as the indemnitee follows various procedures prescribed by the relevant Indemnification Agreement.

 

The foregoing description of the Indemnification Agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the agreements, the form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.  The Indemnification Agreements replace the similar agreements previously entered into by Apex Silver with its directors and officers.

 

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Item 1.02                      Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

Amendment to Open Pit Contract Mining Services Agreement

 

In connection with the effectiveness of the Plan and the consummation of the Purchase Agreement on the Effective Date, MSC entered into an amendment to the Open Pit Contract Mining Services Agreement with Washington Group Bolivia S.R.L (the “ Mining Services Agreement ”) pursuant to which Apex Silver’s guaranty in favor of Washington Group Bolivia S.R.L was terminated and released.

 

4.0% and 2.875% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024

 

The obligations of Apex Silver under the 4.0% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024 and the 2.875% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024 (collectively, the “ Subordinated Notes ”) were cancelled and extinguished as of the Effective Date in accordance with the Plan.  As provided in the Plan, because the class of holders of Subordinated Notes voted to accept the Plan, the former holders of the Subordinated Notes shall receive a pro rata distribution of (i) common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Golden Minerals (“ Common Stock ”) and (ii) approximately $45 million in cash.  Pursuant to the Plan, initial distributions of Common Stock and cash to holders of Subordinated Notes have been made by mandatory exchange as of the Effective Date.   The former holders of Subordinated Notes may be entitled to subsequent distributions of (i) Common Stock in the event that certain general unsecured creditors elect to receive cash rather than Common Stock as permitted under the Plan, and (ii) other cash or cash equivalents held by the Company in excess of the sum of $15 million plus amounts to pay for accrued liabilities at March 31, 2009 and certain projected reorganization expenses that will be incurred after March 31, 2009.

 

San Cristóbal Project Finance Facility

 

In connection with the effectiveness of the Plan and the consummation of the Purchase Agreement on the Effective Date, Sumitomo and the other senior lenders under the San Cristóbal project finance facility (the “ Project Finance Facility ”) and related agreements have waived and released Apex Silver, Golden Minerals and their affiliates other than MSC and Apex Metals Marketing GmbH (“AMM”) from all liabilities associated with the amounts outstanding under the Project Finance Facility.  As a result, the following agreements were terminated on the Effective Date and Apex Silver, Golden Minerals and their affiliates other than MSC and AMM were released from all obligations thereunder:

 

(i)                          the Sponsor Pledge and Agreement, dated December 1, 2005, between Apex Silver and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Collateral Agent (the “ Sponsor Pledge and Agreement ”);

 

( ii )                       the Completion Agreement, dated December 1, 2005, among Apex Silver, BNP Paribas, Barclays Capital PLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “ Completion Agreement ”);

 

(i ii)                    the Loan Agreement, dated December 1, 2005, between MSC, a consortium of lenders named therein, and BNP Paribas, as Administrative Agent;

 

(iv)                   the Loan Agreement, dated December 1, 2005, between MSC and Corporación Andina de Fomento;

 

(v)                      t he Common Security Agreement, dated December 1, 2005, by and among MSC, Apex Silver, certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, BNP Paribas as Administrative Agent (“BNP”), Barclays Capital as Technical Agent (“Barclays”), Corporación Andina de Fomento, as Senior Lender, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Collateral Agent (the “Collateral Agent”) and Securities Intermediary, the Senior Lenders named therein and the Hedge Banks named therein (the “CSA” );

 

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(vi)                   the Omnibus Amendment to the CSA, dated September 20, 2006, by and among Apex Silver, certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, BNP Paribas as Administrative Agent (“BNP”), Barclays Capital as Technical Agent (“Barclays”), Corporación Andina de Fomento, as Senior Lender, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Collateral Agent (the “Collateral Agent”) and Securities Intermediary, the Senior Lenders named therein and the Hedge Banks named therein;

 

(vii)                the Second Omnibus Amendment to the CSA, dated September 4, 2007, by and among Apex Silver, MSC, Comercial Metales Blancos, SC Minerals Aktiebolag, Sumitomo, BNP Paribas, as Administrative Agent, Barclays Capital (as Technical Agent), Corporación Andina de Fomento, as Senior Lender,  JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Collateral Agent and Securities Intermediary, the Senior Lenders named therein and the Hedge Banks named therein;

 

(viii)             the Fourth Omnibus Amendment to the CSA, dated December 17, 2008, between MSC, the lenders party to the CSA, Sumitomo, and certain of Sumitomo’s subsidiaries;

 

(ix)                     the Fifth Omnibus Amendment to the CSA, dated December 17, 2008, between MSC, the lenders party to the CSA, Sumitomo, and certain of Sumitomo’s subsidiaries; and

 

(x)                        the Loan Agreement, dated August 11, 2008, between MSC and SC Minerals Aktiebolag.

 

Senior Secured DIP Financing Facility

 

In connection with the effectiveness of the Plan and the consummation of the Purchase Agreement on the Effective Date, Apex Silver and Sumitomo terminated the Secured, Super-Priority Debtor-in-Possession Credit and Security Agreement dated January 20, 2009 (the “ DIP Financing Facility ”).  Apex Silver had borrowed $6.5 million under the DIP Financing Facility, all of which was used to fund Apex Silver’s 65% share of working capital required by the San Cristóbal mine.  At the Effective Date, Sumitomo waived and released Apex Silver and Golden Minerals from any liability associated with amounts outstanding under the DIP Financing Facility.

 

MSC Shareholders Agreement

 

In connection with the effectiveness of the Plan and the consummation of the Purchase Agreement on the Effective Date, the MSC Shareholders Agreement, dated September 25, 2006 by and among Apex Silver Mines Sweden AB, Apex Luxembourg S.a r.l., Gotlex Lageraktiebolag nr. 451, and MSC (the “ Shareholders Agreement ”), was terminated.  The Shareholders Agreement had set forth the parties’ agreement on the financing, operation and management of MSC, their rights and obligations relative to MSC and the San Cristóbal mine and the rights, responsibilities and obligations by and among themselves.  The parties entered into a termination and release agreement by which all parties waived and released any obligations or future claims with respect to the Shareholders Agreement.

 

Item 2.01                      Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

 

On the Effective Date, Apex Silver consummated the sale to Sumitomo of Apex Silver’s direct and indirect interests in the San Cristóbal mine, including its 65% interest in MSC for a cash purchase price of $27.5 million, plus $2.5 million in expense reimbursements and the assumption of certain liabilities.  The sale was completed pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.

 

Also on the Effective Date, all assets then held by Apex Silver other than a $50,000 liquidation reserve were transferred to Golden Minerals, free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances under Section 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

See Item 9.01 for pro forma financial information regarding the disposition of Apex Silver’s direct and indirect interests in the San Cristóbal mine.

 

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Item 3.02                   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

 

Pursuant to the Plan, as of the Effective Date, the Subordinated Notes were cancelled in exchange for a pro rata distribution of (i) Common Stock of Golden Minerals, and (ii) approximately $45 million in cash.  Each holder of Subordinated Notes received approximately 10.3 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of Subordinated Notes.  A total of 2,987,735 shares of Common Stock were distributed to the holders of the Subordinated Notes as of the Effective Date.  In addition, 12,265 shares of Common Stock have been reserved for potential future issuance in exchange for certain unsecured claims of creditors of Apex Silver.  If such reserved shares are not issued to general unsecured creditors under the Plan, they will be issued to the former holders of the Subordinated Notes in a subsequent distribution.

 

Pursuant to the Plan and the Bankruptcy Court’s order confirming the Plan, the issuance of Common Stock and the exchange of new Common Stock for the Subordinated Notes and general unsecured claims are exempt from registration under state and federal securities laws as permitted under Section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

Item 3.03                   Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

 

The information provided under the heading “ 4.0% and 2.875% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024” in Item 1.02 is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.03.

 

Under the Plan, equity holders of Apex Silver will receive no recovery.  Apex Silver expects that all outstanding ordinary shares of Apex Silver will be cancelled pursuant to a compulsory liquidation proceeding under Cayman Islands law.

 

Item 5.02                   Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

 

(b)           Resignation of Apex Silver Directors

 

                The directors of Apex Silver are expected to resign prior to its liquidation, which is pending under Cayman Islands law.

 

(c)           Principal Officers of Golden Minerals Company

 

                On March 24, 2009, the Company’s board of directors appointed Jeffrey G. Clevenger as the Company’s principal executive officer and President, Terry L. Owen as the Company’s principal operating officer, and Robert P. Vogels as the Company’s principal financial officer and principal accounting officer.  Biographical information regarding the appointed principal officers follows:

 

                Jeffrey G. Clevenger .  Mr. Clevenger was elected to serve as a director and appointed as Apex Silver’s President and Chief Executive Officer in October 2004 and as Golden Minerals President and Chief Executive Officer on March 24, 2009. Mr. Clevenger worked as an independent consultant from 1999 when Cyprus Amax Minerals Company, his previous employer, was sold until he joined us in 2004. Mr. Clevenger served as Senior Vice President and Executive Vice President of Cyprus Amax Minerals Company from 1993 to 1998 and 1998 to 1999, respectively, and as President of Cyprus Climax Metals Company and its predecessor, Cyprus Copper Company, a large integrated producer of copper and molybdenum with operations in North and South America, from 1993 to 1999. He was Senior Vice President of Cyprus Copper Company from August 1992 to January 1993. From 1973 to 1992, Mr. Clevenger held various technical, management and executive positions at Phelps Dodge Corporation, including President and General Manager of Phelps Dodge Morenci, Inc.  He is a Member of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers and the Metallurgical Society of America.  Mr. Clevenger holds a B.S. in Mining Engineering with Honors from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and is a graduate of the Advanced International Senior Management Program of Harvard University.

 

                Terry L. Owen .  Mr. Owen was named Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Golden Minerals on March 24, 2009. Mr. Owen served as Senior Vice President, Project Development of Apex Silver since June 2005 and was named Senior Vice President, Operations and Project Development in November 2007.  Prior to joining Apex Silver, Mr. Owen was an independent consultant from December 2003 through May 2005.  From February 2001 through September 2003, he served as Vice President Capital Projects for INCO Limited.  Prior to that he was employed by Cyprus Amax Minerals Company from 1995 to 2000, in various positions, including Vice President Project Development.  He also held various positions with Freeport McMoran Inc. from 1980 to 1995, beginning as Assistant General Superintendent of one of Freeport’s mines and rising to the position of Vice President and Assistant General Manager.  Mr. Owen holds a B.Sc. in Mining Engineering from the University of Idaho and is a graduate of the Advanced Senior Management Program of Harvard University.

 

                Robert P. Vogels .  Mr. Vogels was named Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Golden Minerals on March 24, 2009. Mr. Vogels served as Controller of Apex Silver since January 2005 and was named Vice President in January 2006.  Prior to joining Apex Silver, Mr. Vogels served as corporate controller for Meridian Gold Company from January 2004 until December 2004. He served as the controller of INCO Limited’s Goro project in New Caledonia from October 2002 to January 2004.  Prior to joining INCO, Mr. Vogels worked from 1985 through October 2002 for Cyprus Amax Minerals Company, which was acquired in 1999 by Phelps Dodge Corp. During that time, he served in several capacities, including as the controller for its El Abra copper mine in Chile from 1997 until March 2002.  Mr. Vogels began his career in public accounting where he earned his CPA certification. He holds a B.Sc. in accounting and an MBA degree from Colorado State University.

 

(d)                                  Board of Directors of Golden Minerals Company

 

Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, the board of directors of Golden Minerals was set at six members.  Golden Minerals’ board of directors is not classified, and under the terms of the Plan and the Company’s bylaws, the initial term of each of the six directors will be no less than 14 months.  Committee assignments for the new board of directors have not yet been determined.

 

The six directors of Golden Minerals are named below:

 

Jeffrey G. Clevenger . See Item 5.02(c) for biographical information regarding Mr. Clevenger.

 

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W. Durand Eppler .  Mr. Eppler, age 55, did not previously serve as a director of Apex Silver.  He has over 30 years’ experience in the natural resources industry and serves as Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Partners, LLC, a private investment and advisory firm since he founded it in 2004.  The firm has an exclusive focus on mining, oil and gas and energy resource industries and international experience.  From 1995 to 2004, Mr. Eppler held various positions with Newmont Mining Corporation, the world’s second largest gold producer, and its subsidiaries, including Vice President of Newmont Capital, Ltd. (2002 to August 2004), Vice President, Corporate Development of Newmont Mining Corporation (2001 to 2002), President of Newmont Indonesia (1998 to 2001), and Vice President, Corporate Planning of Newmont Mining Corporation (1995 to 1998).  Prior to joining Newmont, Mr. Eppler served as the Managing Director, Metals & Mining for Chemical Securities, Inc., a subsidiary of Chemical Bank (now JPMorgan Chase), where he was responsible for relationship management, technical support, corporate finance services, credit marketing and transaction execution for clients in the global precious, industrial and energy resources businesses.  He currently serves on the boards of directors of Vista Gold Company, Augusta Resource Corp., and Allied Nevada Gold Corp. and is the Chairman of the board of directors of Northern Energy & Mining Inc.  Mr. Eppler holds a B.A. in Geography & Religion from Middlebury College and an M.S. in Mineral Economics from the Colorado School of Mines.  Mr. Eppler is a member of the Society of Mining Engineers of A.I.M.E. and a member of the Global Leadership Council, College of Business, Colorado State University.

 

Ian Masterton-Hume .  Mr. Hume, age 58, has served as a director of Apex Silver since April 2007.  He has over 30 years’ experience in the natural resources industry.  Since January 2000, he has been a partner of The Sentient Group, a manager of closed-end private equity funds specializing in global investment in the natural resources sector headquartered in Sydney, Australia, which he also co-founded.  From 1994 to 2000, Mr. Hume served as a consultant to AMP Society’s Private Capital Division, focused on international mining and telecommunications investments primarily in North and South America, Russia and the Pacific Rim.  His experience prior to 1994 includes serving as a consultant to Equatorial Mining in Santiago, Chile, regarding development of its copper assets, and approximately 23 years of investment management and investment banking experience for companies in Australia and the United Kingdom, including Impala Pacific Corporation in Hong Kong, Bain & Company in Sydney, Australia and the Jessel Group of companies in London and South Africa.  He is a director of Andean Resources Ltd. and Norsemont Mining Inc.  Mr. Hume attended both Harrow School (England) and Nice University (France).

 

Kevin R. Morano .  Mr. Morano, age 55, has served as a director of Apex Silver since 2000.  He has been Managing Principal of KEM Capital LLC, a private equity investment company and provider of management advisory services, since March 2007.  From March 2002 to March 2007, Mr. Morano was employed by Lumenis Ltd., a laser and light-based technology company specializing in medical devices for aesthetic, surgical and ophthalmic applications.  His positions with Lumenis included Chief Financial Officer from March 2002 to August 2004 and Senior Vice President for Marketing and Business Development from May 2004 to March 2007.  Prior to joining Lumenis, Mr. Morano held a number of senior executive positions with major American public companies including a 21 year career at ASARCO Incorporated, a global copper mining company and specialty chemicals and aggregates producer, which was acquired by Grupo Mexico in December 1999. At ASARCO, Mr. Morano served in various senior executive capacities including President and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  He serves as a director of Bear Creek Mining Company.  Mr. Morano holds a B.Sc. in Finance from Drexel University and an M.B.A. from Rider University.

 

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Terry M. Palmer .  Mr. Palmer, age 64, has served as a director of Apex Silver since September 2004.  He has 40 years of financial, management and accounting experience with a particular focus on the mining industry.  Since January 2003, Mr. Palmer has worked on a part-time basis for and is a principal of the CPA firm of Marrs, Sevier & Company LLC.  He spent 36 years at Ernst & Young LLP where he rose from a staff position to partner responsible for audit and advisory services to major international mining companies and serving as the technical consulting partner in the SEC-related business.  Mr. Palmer is a director of Allied Nevada Gold Corp.  Mr. Palmer holds a B.Sc. in Business Administration from Drake University and an M.B.A. from the University of Denver.  He is a certified public accountant and a Member of the American Institute and Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants.

 

David Watkins .  Mr. Watkins, age 64, did not previously serve as a director of Apex Silver.  He has over 40 years’ experience in the mining industry, working as a senior executive with major mining companies and junior exploration and development companies.  Mr. Watkins served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Atna Resources, Ltd., a company engaged in the exploration, development and production of gold properties, from 2000 until his recent appointment to Executive Chairman in January 2009.  From 1993 to 1999, Mr. Watkins served as Senior Vice President, Exploration of Cyprus Amax Minerals Company, a producer of commodities such as copper, gold, molybdenum, lithium and coal.  Prior to his employment with Cyprus Amax, Mr. Watkins served as President of Minova Inc., a producer of precious metals and base metals from mining operations in Canada.  Mr. Watkins currently serves on the boards of directors of a number of companies, including Euro Resources S.A., Canplats Resources Corp, Commander Resources Ltd, Golden Goose Exploration Inc. and Maudore Minerals Ltd.  Mr. Watkins holds a B.A. in Geology from Queen’s University at Kingston, an M.S. in Geology from Carleton University, Ottawa and is a graduate of the Executive Business Program from the University of Western Ontario.  Mr. Watkins is a member of the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Geological Association of Canada, Geological Society of Nevada and Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada.

 

(e)                                   2009 Equity Incentive Plan

 

In accordance with the Plan, as of the Effective Date, all of the equity incentive plans of Apex Silver and awards granted under them were terminated and the parties to those equity incentive plans received no consideration or recovery under the Plan in respect of such cancelled awards. At the Effective Date, Golden Minerals adopted the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ 2009 Plan ”).

 

The purposes of the 2009 Plan are to provide long-term incentives to Golden Minerals’ officers, directors, employees and consultants to exert maximum efforts for the success of Golden Minerals and to attract and retain the services of key individuals.  The 2009 Plan provides that the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to awards under the 2009 Plan shall not exceed in the aggregate 10% of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock, as of the grant date, including without limitation, Common Stock issuable upon exercise of conversion of outstanding warrants, rights, or other exercisable or convertible securities (other than awards under the 2009 Plan).  Initially, 298,773 shares of Common Stock will be available for issuance pursuant to Stock Awards (as defined below) under the 2009 Plan.  Under the 2009 Plan, any shares of Common Stock that have been awarded under grants that then for any reason expire or otherwise terminate shall revert to and again become available for issuance under the 2009 Plan.

 

The 2009 Plan will terminate no later than March 24, 2019.

 

The 2009 Plan permits the award of the following three types of equity incentive awards (“ Stock Awards ”): (i) stock options, (ii) restricted Common Stock, and (iii) share appreciation rights.  Stock Awards, (with the exception of incentive stock options, which may only be granted to employees), may be granted to employees, directors and consultants, but no participant may be granted Stock Awards of more than 150,000 shares of Common Stock during any calendar year.

 

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The foregoing description of the 2009 Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2009 Plan, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.3 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

Change of Control Agreements

 

On the Effective Date, Golden Minerals entered into a Change of Control Agreement with each of its officers (other than the Assistant Secretary) (collectively, the “ Change of Control Agreements ”).  The Change of Control Agreements are “double trigger” agreements which provide that payments will be made only if employment is terminated by the Company other than for cause, disability or death or by the executive with good reason within two years following a “change of control” (as defined in the Change of Control Agreements).  Payments under each Change of Control Agreement are based on a multiple of the executive’s salary and target bonus.  The Company’s Chief Executive Officer is entitled to receive three times his salary and target bonus and each of the remaining officers is entitled to receive two times his or her salary and target bonus.

 

The foregoing description of the Change of Control Agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the agreements, the form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.4 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.  In connection with the execution of the Change of Control Agreements, each Apex Silver named executive officer has agreed to waive any potential payments that could otherwise be due and payable under the similar change of control agreements each had previously entered into with Apex Silver, which are no longer in effect.

 

Item 5.03         Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

 

Golden Minerals adopted its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “ Certificate of Incorporation ”) and Bylaws (the “ Bylaws ”, and together with the Certificate of Incorporation, the “ Organizational Documents ”) on the Effective Date in accordance with the Plan.

 

Common Stock

 

The Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of an aggregate of 50,000,000 shares of Common Stock.  Each holder of Common Stock will be entitled to one vote per share. Subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding Preferred Stock (as defined below), all voting rights will be vested in the holders of shares of Common Stock.  Holders of shares of Common Stock will have noncumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares of Common Stock voting for the election of directors will be able to elect 100% of the directors, and the holders of the remaining shares voting for the election of directors will not be able to elect any directors.

 

Holders of Common Stock will be entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by the Company’s board of directors, out of funds legally available for their payment, subject to the rights of holders of any Preferred Stock outstanding. The Bylaws provide that, for a one-year period following the Effective Date, Golden Minerals will not be permitted to declare or pay any dividend in respect of its Common Stock.  Additionally, during the one-year period beginning on March 24, 2010, Golden Minerals will not be permitted to declare or pay any dividend in respect of its Common Stock if, after giving effect to such dividend, the aggregate amount of dividends so declared and paid would exceed $1,500,000.

 

In the event of Golden Minerals’ voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of Common Stock will be entitled to share equally in any of Golden Minerals’ assets available for distribution after the payment in full of all debts and distributions and after the holders of any series of outstanding Preferred Stock have received their liquidation preferences in full.

 

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Preferred Stock

 

The Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (“ Preferred Stock ”). As of the Effective Date, there are no shares of Preferred Stock outstanding.  Pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, the Golden Minerals board of directors will be permitted, from time to time, to direct the issue of shares of Preferred Stock in series and may, at the time of issue, determine the voting powers, full or limited, or without voting powers, and such designations, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof. Satisfaction of any dividend preferences of outstanding Preferred Stock would reduce the amount of funds available for the payment of dividends on shares of Common Stock. Holders of Preferred Stock may be entitled to receive a preference payment in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company before any payment is made to holders of Common Stock. Under certain circumstances, the issuance of Preferred Stock may render more difficult or tend to discourage a merger, tender offer or proxy contest, the assumption of control by a holder of a large block of Golden Minerals’ securities or the removal of incumbent management. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at a special or annual meeting duly called for purposes of such business will be required for the issuance of any shares of Preferred Stock prior to the later of the date (i) that is 14 months following the Effective Date and (ii) on which Golden Minerals holds its first meeting of stockholders at which directors are elected following the Effective Date (such date, the “ Restriction Expiration Date ”).

 

Certain Provisions of the Organizational Documents

 

The Certificate of Incorporation provides that stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting and cannot be taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting.

 

The Bylaws provide that an annual meeting of stockholders can only be called pursuant to a resolution of the board of directors and, subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, special meetings of stockholders may be called for any purpose by the board of directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of directors then in office or by the chairman of the board of directors. In addition, a special meeting of stockholders may be called by stockholders solely for the purpose of removing directors by one or more written requests by the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.

 

The Bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before a special or annual meeting of stockholders, including the proposed removal of directors or nomination of persons for election to the board of directors.

 

Stockholders at an annual or special meeting will only be able to consider business within the purpose or purposes described in the notice of the meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the board of directors or by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record on the record date for such meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has given Golden Minerals’ secretary timely written notice, in proper form, of the stockholder’s intention to bring that business before the meeting.

 

In addition, the Organizational Documents provide that:

 

·                                           For a two-year period commencing on the Effective Date, the board of directors of Golden Minerals must be comprised of six members (unless otherwise required by the rules of any stock exchange on which Golden Minerals’ shares are listed), including the Chief Executive Officer and five independent directors, each of whom shall serve an initial term of not less than 14 months.  Stockholders of Golden Minerals may vote to remove any director for cause by the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of outstanding Common Stock.  Additionally,

 

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stockholders may vote to remove a maximum of two directors without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of 66-2/ 3% in voting power of outstanding Common Stock at any time prior to the Restriction Expiration Date; and

 

·                                           For a two-year period commencing on the Effective Date, Golden Minerals will not be able to enter into any Specified Transaction (as defined below) without (i) the unanimous approval of the board of directors and (ii) the affirmative vote of the holders representing at least 75% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Golden Minerals entitled to vote generally (considered for this purpose as one class). A “ Specified Transaction ” means (a) the sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of Golden Minerals’ property or assets (including, for this purpose, the property or assets of any subsidiary of Golden Minerals) in a single transaction or a series of related transactions or (b) a merger or consolidation to which Golden Minerals is a party, except any merger or consolidation involving Golden Minerals in which the shares of capital stock of Golden Minerals outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continue to represent, or are converted into or exchanged for shares of capital stock that represent, immediately following such merger or consolidation, at least a majority, by voting power, of the capital stock of (A) the surviving or resulting corporation or (B) if the surviving or resulting corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of another corporation immediately following such merger or consolidation, the parent corporation of such surviving or resulting corporation.

 

The foregoing summary of the Organizational Documents is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, copies of which are filed as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 hereto, respectively and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Item 9.01               Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

(b)                                 Pro forma financial information

 

Unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma financial statements of Apex Silver for the year ended December 31, 2008 are included as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

(d)                                   Exhibits

 

Exhibit 
No.

 

Description

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Golden Minerals Company

 

 

 

3.2

 

Bylaws of Golden Minerals Company

 

 

 

10.1

 

Management Services Agreement dated March 24, 2009 by and among Minera San Cristóbal, S.A., Apex Metals Marketing GmbH and Apex Silver Mines Corporation

 

 

 

10.2

 

Form of Indemnification Agreement

 

 

 

10.3

 

2009 Equity Incentive Plan

 

 

 

10.4

 

Form of Change of Control Agreement

 

 

 

99.1

 

Pro forma financial information

 

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SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Date:  March 30, 2009

 

 

 

Golden Minerals Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert P. Vogels

 

 

 

Name: Robert P. Vogels

 

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit 
No.

 

Description

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Golden Minerals Company

 

 

 

3.2

 

Bylaws of Golden Minerals Company

 

 

 

10.1

 

Management Services Agreement dated March 24, 2009 by and among Minera San Cristóbal, S.A., Apex Metals Marketing GmbH and Apex Silver Mines Corporation

 

 

 

10.2

 

Form of Indemnification Agreement

 

 

 

10.3

 

2009 Equity Incentive Plan

 

 

 

10.4

 

Form of Change of Control Agreement

 

 

 

99.1

 

Pro forma financial information

 

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Exhibit 3.1

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

GOLDEN MINERALS COMPANY

 

The undersigned, being the duly elected Secretary of Golden Minerals Company , a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “ Company ”), hereby certifies as follows:

 

ONE:                                           The name of this corporation is Golden Minerals Company .  The date of filing of its original Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware was March 6, 2009 (the “ Effective Date ”).

 

TWO:                                       This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been duly approved by the board of directors of the Company (the “ Board of Directors ”).

 

THREE:                         This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was adopted by the sole stockholder in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “ DGCL ”).

 

FOUR:          The original Certificate of Incorporation of the Company is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

NAME

 

1.1                                  The name of the Company is Golden Minerals Company .

 

ARTICLE II

 

REGISTERED AGENT

 

2.1                                  The address of the registered office of the Company is Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, in the State of Delaware. The name of its registered agent at that address is The Corporation Trust Company.

 

ARTICLE III

 

PURPOSE

 

3.1                                  The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the DGCL.

 



 

ARTICLE IV

 

CAPITAL STOCK

 

4.1                                 Common Stock .

 

(a)                                  The total number of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“ Common Stock ”), that the Company is authorized to issue is 50,000,000.

 

(b)                                 Each holder of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held on all matters as to which holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to vote.  Except for, and subject to, those preferences, rights, and privileges expressly granted to the holders of any series of Preferred Stock (as defined below) which may from time to time be in existence, and except as may be otherwise provided by the laws of the State of Delaware, the holders of Common Stock shall have exclusively all rights of stockholders of the Company, including, but not limited to, (i) the right to receive dividends when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of assets lawfully available therefor, and (ii) in the event of any distribution of assets upon the dissolution and liquidation of the Company, the right to receive ratably and equally all of the assets of the Company remaining after the payment to the holders of Preferred Stock of the specific amounts, if any, which they are entitled to receive.

 

(c)                                   No holder of Common Stock shall be entitled to any pre-emptive, subscription, redemption, or conversion rights.

 

4.2                                 Preferred Stock .

 

(a)                                  The total number of shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (“ Preferred Stock ” and, together with Common Stock, the “ Capital Stock ”), that the Company is authorized to issue is 10,000,000.

 

(b)                                 The Board of Directors is expressly authorized at any time, and from time to time, to provide for the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series, with such voting powers, full or limited, or without voting powers and with such designations, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue thereof duly adopted by the Board of Directors, subject to the limitations prescribed by law and Section 4.2(c)  below and in accordance with the other provisions hereof, including but not limited to the following:

 

(1)                                 The designation of the series and the number of shares to constitute the series;

 

(2)                                 The dividend rate of the series, the conditions and dates upon which such dividends shall be payable, the relation which such dividends shall bear to the dividends payable on any other class or classes of stock, and whether such dividends shall be cumulative or noncumulative;

 

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(3)                                 Whether the shares of the series shall be subject to redemption by the Company and, if made subject to redemption, the times, prices and other terms and conditions of such redemption;

 

(4)                                 The terms and amount of any sinking fund provided for the purchase or redemption of the shares of the series;

 

(5)                                 Whether or not the shares of the series shall be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of any other class or classes or of any other series of any class or classes of stock of the Company, and, if provision be made for conversion or exchange, the times, prices, rates, adjustments and other terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange;

 

(6)                                 The extent, if any, to which the holders of the shares of the series shall be entitled to vote with respect to the election of directors or otherwise;

 

(7)                                 The restrictions, if any, on the issue or reissue of any additional Preferred Stock; and

 

(8)                                 The rights of the holders of the shares of the series upon the dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of the Company.

 

(c)                                  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at a special or annual meeting duly called for purposes of such business shall be required for the issuance of any shares of Preferred Stock prior to the later of the date (x) that is 14 months following the Effective Date and (y) on which the Company holds its first meeting of stockholders at which directors are elected following the Effective Date.

 

ARTICLE V

 

DIRECTORS

 

5.1                                  Authority, Number and Election of Directors .  The affairs of the Company shall be conducted by the Board of Directors.  The number of directors of the Company shall be fixed from time to time in the manner provided in the bylaws of the Company and may be increased or decreased from time to time in the manner provided in the bylaws; provided , however , that, except as otherwise provided in this Article V, the number of directors shall not be less than five or more than nine.  Election of directors need not be by written ballot except and to the extent provided in the bylaws.  A director shall hold office until the annual meeting for the year in which his or her term expires and until his or her successor shall be elected and qualified, subject to such director’s prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office.

 

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5.2                                 Removal .

 

(a)                                   Subject to any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, a maximum of two directors (including any directors elected pursuant to Section 5.4 hereof) may be removed from office without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of 66-2/3% in voting power of the outstanding shares of Common Stock at any time prior to the later of the date (x) that is 14 months following the Effective Date and (y) on which the Company holds its first meeting of stockholders at which directors are elected following the Effective Date.

 

(b)                                  Notwithstanding Section 5.2(a) above and subject to any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, a director (including any director elected pursuant to Section 5.4 hereof) may be removed for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding Common Stock prior to the expiration of his or her term of office.

 

5.3                                 Quorum .  A quorum of the Board of Directors for the transaction of business shall not consist of less than a majority of the total number of directors, except as otherwise may be provided in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or in the bylaws with respect to filling vacancies.

 

5.4                                 Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies .  Except as otherwise fixed pursuant to the rights of the holders of any class or series of Preferred Stock to elect directors under specified circumstances and subject to Section 5.2 hereof, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors and any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other cause shall be filled solely by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, or by a sole remaining director, even though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors.  Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the new directorship which was created or in which the vacancy occurred and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no person shall be elected director to fill a newly created directorship or any vacancy on the Board of Directors if such person had served as a director and was removed from his or her directorship pursuant to Section 5.2 hereof; provided , however , that the limitation in this sentence shall not apply to any director removed pursuant to Section 5.2(a) hereof if such director is elected to fill such newly created directorship or vacancy on the Board of Directors after the later of the date (x) that is 14 months following the Effective Date and (y) on which the Company holds its first meeting of stockholders at which directors are elected following the Effective Date.

 

5.5                                 Independent Directors During Specified Period .  For a two-year period commencing on the Effective Date (the “ Specified Period ”), the Board of Directors shall be comprised of six members, which shall include (i) the chief executive officer, and (ii) five individuals each of whom is not a current executive or employee of the Company and does not otherwise have a relationship with the Company (other than as a former executive or employee of the Company) that the Board of Directors has determined would interfere with his or her exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director; provided , however , that if the Company’s Common Stock is listed on a national securities exchange, the

 

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number of directors and the composition of the Board of Directors may be adjusted as may be required in order to comply with the rules of the applicable national securities exchange.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

BYLAWS

 

6.1                                 Bylaws .

 

(a)                                   Except as otherwise provided in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, in furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, repeal, alter, amend and rescind any or all of the bylaws of the Company.

 

(b)                                  Notwithstanding Section 6.1(a) hereof, any adoptions, repeals, alterations, amendments or rescissions of any of Section 2.2(b), 3.4(a) or 8.1(b)(ii) of the bylaws of the Company by the Board of Directors shall also require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at a meeting of stockholders at any time prior to the later of the date (x) that is 14 months following the Effective Date and (y) on which the Company holds its first meeting of stockholders at which directors are elected following the Effective Date.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

STOCKHOLDERS

 

7.1                                 Meetings .  Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as determined by the Board of Directors.  Each meeting of stockholders shall be held on the date and at the time and place determined by the Board of Directors.

 

7.2                                 Action by Written Consent .  Action required or permitted to be taken by stockholders at any annual or special meeting of stockholders may be taken only at such a meeting and not by written consent.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

LIABILITY OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

 

8.1                                 General .  A director of the Company shall not be liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL as currently in effect or as the same may hereafter be amended.

 

8.2                                 Amendment .  No amendment, modification or repeal of this Article VIII, nor the adoption of any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with this Article VIII, shall adversely affect any right or protection of a director that exists at the time of such amendment, modification or repeal.

 

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ARTICLE IX

INDEMNIFICATION

 

9.1            General .  The Company shall indemnify to the fullest extent permitted by and in the manner permissible under the DGCL, as amended from time to time (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the Company to provide prior to such amendment), any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative, or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person (a) is or was a director or officer of the Company or any predecessor of the Company or (b) served any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent at the request of the Company or any predecessor of the Company; provided , however , that except as provided in Section 9.4, the Company shall indemnify any such person seeking indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized in advance by the Board of Directors.

 

9.2            Advancement of Expenses .  The right to indemnification conferred in this Article IX shall include the right to be paid by the Company for the expenses (including attorney’s fees) incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition, such advances to be paid by the Company within 20 days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements from the claimant requesting such advance or advances from time to time; provided , however , that if the DGCL requires, the payment of such expenses incurred by a director or officer in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such person while a director or officer, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding, shall be made only upon delivery to the Company of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by a final judicial decision from which there is no right of appeal that such director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article IX or otherwise.

 

9.3            Procedure for Indemnification .  To obtain indemnification under this Article IX, a claimant shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to the claimant and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent the claimant is entitled to indemnification. Upon written request by a claimant for indemnification pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 9.3, a determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to the claimant’s entitlement thereto shall be made as follows: (a) if requested by the claimant or if there are no Disinterested Directors (as hereinafter defined), by Independent Counsel (as hereinafter defined), or (b) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum, or by a majority vote of a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum.  If it is so determined that the claimant is entitled to indemnification, payment to the claimant shall be made within 10 days after such determination.

 

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9.4            Certain Remedies .  If a claim under Section 9.1 is not paid in full by the Company within 30 days after a written claim pursuant to Section 9.3 has been received by the Company, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Company to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also the reasonable expense (including attorney’s fees) of prosecuting such claim.  It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking, if any, has been tendered to the Company) that the claimant has not met the standard of conduct which makes it permissible under the DGCL for the Company to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Company.  Neither the failure of the Company (including its Board of Directors, Independent Counsel or stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Company (including its Board of Directors, Independent Counsel or stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

 

9.5            Binding Effect .  If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 9.3 that the claimant is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to Section 9.4.

 

9.6            Validity of this Article .  The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to Section 9.4 that the procedures and presumptions of this Article IX are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in such proceeding that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Article IX.

 

9.7            Nonexclusivity.  The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its final disposition conferred in this Article IX shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (as may be amended from time to time), bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or Disinterested Directors or otherwise.  Such rights shall be contract rights, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of such person’s heirs, executors and administrators.

 

9.8            Insurance .  The Company may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.

 

9.9            Indemnification of Other Persons .  The Company may grant rights to indemnification, and rights to the advancement by the Company of expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition, to any present or former employee or agent of the Company or any predecessor of the Company to the fullest extent of the

 

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provisions of this Article IX with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of directors and officers of the Company.

 

9.10          Severability .  If any provision or provisions of this Article IX shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Article IX (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Article IX containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (b) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Article IX (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph of this Article IX containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

 

9.11          Certain Definitions .  For purposes of this Article IX:

 

(a)            Disinterested Director ” means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the matter in respect of which indemnification is sought by the claimant and otherwise has no material interest in the matter as determined by the Board of Directors.

 

(b)            Independent Counsel ” means a law firm, a member of a law firm, or an independent practitioner that is experienced in matters of Delaware corporation law and shall include any such person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would not have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or the claimant in an action to determine the claimant’s rights under this Article IX.  Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board of Directors.

 

9.12          Amendment .  Notwithstanding any other provision in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, no repeal or modification of this Article IX shall in any way diminish or adversely affect the rights of any present or former director or officer of the Company or any predecessor thereof hereunder in respect of any occurrence or matter arising prior to any such repeal or modification.

 

ARTICLE X

AMENDMENTS

 

10.1          The Company reserves the right to alter, amend, change or repeal any provision contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by the laws of the State of Delaware, and all rights conferred herein are granted subject to this reservation, provided , however , that notwithstanding any other provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or of the bylaws (and notwithstanding the fact that a lesser percentage may be otherwise specified by law, this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the bylaws), (i) the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 66-2/3% of the outstanding shares of the Capital Stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class), shall be required to amend or repeal or adopt any provisions inconsistent with Articles VIII or IX or clause (i) of this Article 

 

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X of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, (ii) during the Specified Period, the unanimous approval of the Board of Directors and the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 75% of the outstanding shares of the Capital Stock of the Company entitled to vote generally (considered for this purpose as one class), shall be required to amend or repeal or adopt any provisions inconsistent with Section 5.5, Article XI, or clause (ii) of this Article X of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, and (iii) any alterations, amendments, changes or repeals of any of Section 4.2(c), 5.2(a) or 6.1(b) hereof by the Board of Directors shall also require the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class) at any time prior to the later of the date (x) that is 14 months following the Effective Date and (y) on which the Company holds its first meeting of stockholders at which directors are elected following the Effective Date.

 

ARTICLE XI

RESTRICTIVE PROVISIONS

 

11.1          Specified Transactions .  During the Specified Period, the Company shall not enter into any Specified Transaction (as defined below) without (i) the unanimous approval of the Board of Directors, and (ii) the affirmative vote of holders representing at least 75% of the outstanding shares of the Capital Stock of the Company entitled to vote generally (considered for this purpose as one class).  A “ Specified Transaction ” shall be (i) the sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of the Company’s property or assets (including, for this purpose, the property or assets of any subsidiary of the Company) in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, or (ii) a merger or consolidation to which the Company is a party, except any merger or consolidation involving the Company in which the shares of Capital Stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continue to represent, or are converted into or exchanged for shares of Capital Stock that represent, immediately following such merger or consolidation, at least a majority, by voting power, of the Capital Stock of (1) the surviving or resulting corporation or (2) if the surviving or resulting corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of another corporation immediately following such merger or consolidation, the parent corporation of such surviving or resulting corporation.

 

11.2          Dividend Restrictions .

 

(a)            For a period of one year following the Effective Date, the Company shall not declare or pay any dividend (in a single distribution or series of distributions) in respect of the Company’s Capital Stock.

 

(b)            During the one-year period following March 24, 2010, the Company shall not declare or pay any dividend (in a single distribution or series of distributions) in respect of the Company’s Capital Stock, if, after giving effect to such dividend, the aggregate amount of dividends so declared and paid would exceed $1,500,000.

 

* * * * *

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being a duly authorized officer of the Company, has executed this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation the 24th day of March 2009.

 

 

 

 

GOLDEN MINERALS COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Deborah J. Friedman

 

 

 

Deborah J. Friedman

 

 

 

Secretary

 

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Exhibit 3.2

 

BYLAWS

OF

GOLDEN MINERALS COMPANY

 

Adopted March 24, 2009

 

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

 

1.1                                  The registered office of Golden Minerals Company (the “ Company ”) in the State of Delaware shall be as provided for in the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Company (as it may be further amended, the “ Certificate of Incorporation ”).  The Company shall have offices at such other places as the board of directors of the Company (the “ Board of Directors ”) may from time to time determine.

 

ARTICLE II

STOCKHOLDERS

 

2.1.                               Annual Meetings .  The annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting shall be held on the date and at the time and place, if any, fixed, from time to time, by resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

2.2.                               Special Meetings .

 

(a)           Subject to the rights of the holders of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (“ Preferred Stock ”), special meetings of stockholders may be called for any purpose, by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of directors then in office or by the chairman of the Board of Directors.

 

(b)           Subject to the rights of the holders of Preferred Stock and Section 3.4(a)  of these Bylaws, special meetings of stockholders may be called solely for the purpose of removing directors, by one or more written requests by the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, filed with the secretary of the Company.  In addition, stockholders holding sufficient shares of Common Stock to call a special meeting must also provide to the Company the names of the directors proposed to be removed, and, with respect to each director proposed to be removed, whether such proposed removal is for or without cause and the factual basis for such proposal, any other information that may be required pursuant to these Bylaws or that may be required to be disclosed under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “ DGCL ”) or included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“ SEC ”), and, as to the stockholders calling the special meeting and the beneficial owners on whose behalf the special meeting is called, (i) the name and record address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Company’s books, and of such beneficial owner, (ii) the class or series and number of shares of Preferred Stock or common stock, par

 



 

value $0.01 per share, of the Company (“ Common Stock ” and, together with Preferred Stock, the “ Capital Stock ”) that are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, (iii) a description of all agreements or other arrangements or understandings between or among such stockholder and beneficial owner or any of their respective affiliates or associates, and any other person or persons (including the name of such person(s)) in connection with such proposed removal of one or more directors, including any swap or other derivative or short positions, profit interests, options, hedging transactions or borrowed or loaned shares, the effect of any of which is to mitigate loss or to manage risk of stock price changes (increases or decreases) for, or to increase or decrease the voting power of, such stockholder or beneficial owner or any of their respective affiliates or associates with respect to the shares of the Company, (iv) a description of all other arrangements or understandings between or among such stockholder and/or the beneficial owner or any of their respective affiliates or associates, and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposed removal of one or more directors and any material interest of such stockholder and beneficial owner in such proposed removal of one or more directors, (v) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the special meeting to bring such business before such special meeting and (vi) an undertaking by such stockholder to notify the Company in writing of any change in information called for by clauses (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) as of the record date for such annual meeting, by notice received by the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company not later than the 10th day following such record date, and thereafter by notice so given and received within two business days of any change in such information and, in any event, as of the close of business on the day preceding the meeting date.

 

(c)           Upon the written request of any person or persons who have called a special meeting, it shall be the duty of the secretary of the Company to fix the date of the meeting, which shall be held at such date and time as the secretary may fix, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days after the receipt of the request ( provided that such request complies with all applicable provisions of these Bylaws), and to give due notice thereof in accordance with the applicable provisions of these Bylaws.  Any such special meeting shall be held at such place, either within or without the State of Delaware (including by remote communication as authorized by Section 211(a)(2) of the DGCL) as determined by the secretary and as set forth in the notice of the meeting.  Only business within the purpose or purposes described in the notice of the meeting may be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders.

 

2.3.                               Place of Meetings .  All meetings of stockholders shall be held at the principal executive office of the Company unless a different place is fixed by or at the direction of the Board of Directors and is specified in the notice of the meeting.

 

2.4.                               Notice of Meeting .  Written notice stating the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, and, in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting, except as otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, either personally or by mail, facsimile transmission, email, or overnight courier, to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting.  If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the stockholder at the stockholder’s address as it appears on the stock records of the Company.  Notice given by electronic transmission pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be deemed given: (a) if by facsimile transmission, when

 

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directed to a facsimile telecommunication number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (b) if by email, when directed to the email address at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; and (c) if by posting on an electronic network together with separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, upon the later of (i) such posting, and (ii) the giving of such separate notice.  An affidavit of the secretary or assistant secretary or of the transfer agent or other agent of the Company that the notice has been given by personal delivery, by mail or by a form of electronic transmission shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

 

2.5.                               Waiver .  Attendance of a stockholder of the Company, either in person or by proxy, at any meeting, whether annual or special, shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a stockholder attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.  A written or electronic transmission of waiver of notice of any such meeting signed by a stockholder or stockholders entitled to such notice, whether before, at or after the time for notice or the time of the meeting, and filed with the minutes or corporate records, shall be equivalent to notice.  If such waiver is given by electronic transmission, the electronic transmission must either set forth, or be submitted with, information from which it can be determined that the electronic transmission was authorized by the stockholder.  Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purposes of, any meeting need be specified in any written waiver of notice.

 

2.6.                               Record Date for Meetings . In order that the Company may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than 60 nor fewer than 10 days before the date of such meeting.  If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held.

 

2.7.                               Notice of Business to be Transacted at Meetings of Stockholders .

 

(a)           Except as set forth in Section 2.2 of these Bylaws, no business may be transacted at any meeting of stockholders, including the nomination or election of persons to the Board of Directors, other than business that is either (i) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by, or at the direction of, the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) with respect to an annual meeting or a special meeting, (ii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) or (iii) otherwise properly brought before an annual meeting by any stockholder of the Company (A) who is a stockholder of record on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section 2.7 and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting, and (B) who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.7 .  In addition to any other applicable requirements, for business to be properly brought before a meeting by a stockholder, such stockholder must have

 

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given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the secretary of the Company.  The notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.7 shall not be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Company’s proxy statement pursuant to, and in compliance with the requirements of, Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”).

 

(b)           To be timely, a stockholder’s notice to the secretary must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of the Company not later than the close of business on the 90th day, nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day, prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided , however , that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before, or more than 60 days after, such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered, or mailed and received, not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.  In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement, or an adjournment or postponement, of a meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

 

(c)           To be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice to the secretary regarding any business other than nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors must set forth as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting, (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting, (ii) the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, (iii) the text of any proposal or resolutions to be proposed for consideration by the stockholders and, if such business includes a proposal to amend these Bylaws, the text of the proposed amendment, (iv) the name and record address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Company’s books, and of any beneficial owner, (v) the class or series and number of shares of Preferred Stock or Common Stock that are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, (vi) a description of all agreements or other arrangements or understandings between or among such stockholder and beneficial owner or any of their respective affiliates or associates, and any other person or persons (including the name of such person(s)) in connection with such business or proposal, including any swap or other derivative or short positions, profit interests, options, hedging transactions or borrowed or loaned shares, the effect of any of which is to mitigate loss or to manage risk of stock price changes (increases or decreases) for, or to increase or decrease the voting power of, such stockholder or beneficial owner or any of their respective affiliates or associates with respect to the shares of the Company, (vii) a description of all other arrangements or understandings between or among such stockholder and/or the beneficial owner or any of their respective affiliates or associates, and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder and any material interest of such stockholder and beneficial owner in such business, (viii) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to bring such business before the meeting and (ix) an undertaking by such stockholder to notify the Company in writing of any change in information called for by clauses (v), (vi), (vii) and (viii) as of the record date for such annual meeting, by notice received by the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company not later than the 10th day following such record date, and thereafter by notice so

 

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given and received within two business days of any change in such information and, in any event, as of the close of business on the day preceding the meeting date.

 

(d)           To be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice to the secretary regarding nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors (whether or not such nominations are proposed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act) must set forth (i) as to each proposed nominee, (A) the name, age, business address and residence address of the nominee, (B) the principal occupation or employment of the nominee, (C) the class or series and number of shares of Capital Stock of the Company which are owned beneficially or of record by the nominee and (D) any other information relating to the nominee that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and (ii) as to the stockholder giving the notice, (A) the name and record address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Company’s books, and of any beneficial owner, (B) the class or series and number of shares of Capital Stock of the Company which are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, (C) a description of all agreements or other arrangements or understandings between or among such stockholder and beneficial owner or any of their respective affiliates or associates, and any other person or persons (including the name of such person(s)) in connection with such nomination, including any swap or other derivative or short positions, profit interests, options, hedging transactions or borrowed or loaned shares, the effect of any of which is to mitigate loss or to manage risk of stock price changes (increases or decreases) for, or to increase or decrease the voting power of, such stockholder, nominee or beneficial owner or any of their respective affiliates or associates with respect to the shares of the Company, (D) a description of all other arrangements or understandings between or among such stockholder, each proposed nominee and/or beneficial owner or any of their respective affiliates or associates, and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by such stockholder, (E) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the persons named in its notice, (F) any other information relating to such stockholder that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and (G) an undertaking by such stockholder to notify the Company in writing of any change in the information called for by clauses (B), (C), (D) and (F) as of the record date for such annual meeting, by notice received by the secretary and the principal executive offices of the Company not later than the 10th day following such record date, and thereafter by notice so given and received within two business days of any change in such information and, in any event, as of the close of business on the day preceding the meeting date.  Such notice must be accompanied by a written consent of each proposed nominee to being named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected.  Each proposed nominee shall be required to complete a questionnaire, in a form to be provided by the Company, to be submitted with the stockholder’s notice.  The Company may also require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Company to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as an independent director of the Company or that could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such nominee.

 

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(e)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the first sentence of Section 2.7(b) , in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors is increased and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board of Directors made by the Company at least one hundred days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by these Bylaws shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase in the number of directors, if it shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Company.

 

(f)            No business shall be conducted at any meeting of stockholders, and no person nominated by a stockholder shall be eligible for election as a director, unless proper notice was given with respect to the proposed action in compliance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.7 .  Determinations of the chairman of the meeting as to whether those procedures were complied with in a particular case shall be final and binding.

 

(g)           For purposes of this Section 2.7 , “ public announcement ” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Company with the SEC pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

 

(h)           Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.7 , a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.7 ; provided , however , that any references in these Bylaws to the Exchange Act or the rules or regulations thereunder are not intended to, and shall not, limit the requirements applicable to nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors made in accordance with Section 2.7(d)  of these Bylaws.  Nothing in this Section 2.7 shall be deemed to affect the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors under specified circumstances.

 

2.8.                               Quorum and Adjournment .  Except as otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the holders of not less than a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of Capital Stock entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders, and present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum.  If a quorum is not present at any meeting, the chairman of the meeting, or the stockholders, although less than a quorum, may adjourn the meeting to another time and place.  When a meeting is adjourned to another time and place, if any, unless otherwise provided by these Bylaws, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the date, time and place, if any, thereof by which the stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting, are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken.  At the adjourned meeting, the stockholders may transact any business that might have been transacted at the original meeting.  A determination of stockholders of record entitled to receive notice of, or vote at, a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of such meeting; provided , however , that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.  If the adjournment is for more than thirty days or, if after an adjournment, a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting,

 

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a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting.

 

2.9.                               Procedure .  The order of business and all other matters of procedure at every meeting of the stockholders may be determined by the chairman of the meeting.  The chairman of any meeting of the stockholders shall be the chairman of the Board of Directors or, in his or her absence, the most senior officer of the Company present at the meeting.  The secretary of the Company shall act as secretary of all meetings of the stockholders, but, in the absence of the secretary, the chairman of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.

 

2.10.                         Vote Required .  Except as otherwise provided by law or the Certificate of Incorporation:

 

(a)           Directors shall be elected by a plurality in voting power of the outstanding shares of Capital Stock in person or represented by proxy at a meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote in the election of directors; and

 

(b)           Whenever any corporate action other than the election of directors is to be taken, it shall be authorized by a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of Capital Stock present in person or represented by proxy at a meeting of stockholders and entitled to vote on the subject matter.

 

2.11.                         Manner of Voting; Proxies .

 

(a)           At each meeting of stockholders, each stockholder having the right to vote shall be entitled to vote in person or by proxy.  Each stockholder shall be entitled to vote each share of stock having voting power and registered in such stockholder’s name on the books of the Company on the record date fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting.

 

(b)           Each person entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after one year from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period.  A proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only so long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power.  Proxies shall be filed with the secretary of the Company prior to the meeting being called to order.  Without limiting the manner in which a stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy, the following shall constitute valid means by which a stockholder may grant such authority:

 

(i) A stockholder may execute a writing authorizing another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy.  Execution may be accomplished by the stockholder or the stockholder’s authorized officer, director, employee or agent signing such writing or causing such person’s signature to be affixed to such writing by any reasonable means including, but not limited to, by facsimile signature; and

 

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(ii) A stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy by transmitting or authorizing the transmission of an telegram, cablegram, or other means of electronic transmission to the person or persons who shall be the holder of the proxy or to an agent of the proxyholder(s) duly authorized by such proxyholder(s) to receive such transmission; provided , however , that any such telegram, cablegram or other means of electronic transmission must either set forth, or be submitted with, information from which it can be determined that the telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission was authorized by the stockholder.  If it is determined that any such telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission is valid, the inspectors or, if there are no inspectors, such other persons making that determination, shall specify the information upon which they relied.

 

Any copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reliable reproduction of a writing or electronic transmission authorizing a person or persons to act as proxy for a stockholder may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing or electronic transmission for any and all purposes for which the original writing or electronic transmission could be used; provided , however , that such copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or electronic transmission.

 

2.12.                         Conduct of the Meeting .  At each meeting of stockholders, the chairman of the meeting shall fix and announce the date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders shall vote at the meeting and shall determine the order of business and all other matters of procedure.  The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution such rules, regulations and procedures for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate.  Except to the extent inconsistent with any such rules and regulations adopted by the Board of Directors, the chairman of the meeting shall have the right and authority to convene and to adjourn the meeting and to establish rules, regulations and procedures, which need not be in writing, for the conduct of the meeting and to maintain order and safety.  Without limiting the foregoing, the chairman of the meeting may:

 

(a)           restrict attendance at any time to bona fide stockholders of record and their proxies and other persons in attendance at the invitation of the chairman of the meeting or the Board of Directors;

 

(b)           place restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof;

 

(c)           restrict dissemination of solicitation materials and use of audio or visual recording devices at the meeting;

 

(d)           adjourn the meeting without a vote of the stockholders, whether or not there is a quorum present; and

 

(e)           make rules governing speeches and debate, including time limits and access to microphones.

 

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The chairman of the meeting shall act in his or her absolute discretion and his or her rulings shall not be subject to appeal.

 

2.13.                         Inspectors of Election .  The Company may, and shall if required by law, in advance of any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors of election, who may be employees of the Company, to act at the meeting, or any adjournment thereof, and to make a written report thereof.  The Company may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act.  In the event that no inspector so appointed or designated is able to act at a meeting of stockholders, the chairman of the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act as inspectors at the meeting.  Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, shall take and sign an oath to execute faithfully the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability.  The inspector or inspectors so appointed or designated shall (a) ascertain the number of shares of Capital Stock of the Company outstanding and the voting power of each such share, (b) determine the shares of Capital Stock of the Company represented at the meeting and the validity of proxies and ballots, (c) count all votes and ballots, (d) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record of the disposition of any challenges made to any determination by the inspectors and (e) certify their determination of the number of shares of Capital Stock of the Company represented at the meeting and such inspectors’ count of all votes and ballots.  Such certification and report shall specify such other information as may be required by law.  In determining the validity and counting of proxies and ballots cast at any meeting of stockholders of the Company, the inspectors may consider such information as is permitted by applicable law.  No person who is a candidate for an office at an election may serve as an inspector at such election.

 

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

 

3.1.                               Number .  Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, the number of directors shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors.  No director or candidate for director need be a stockholder.

 

3.2.                               Powers .  The Board of Directors shall exercise all of the powers of the Company except such as are, by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, conferred upon, or reserved to, the stockholders of any class or classes or series thereof.  It is further provided that:

 

(a)           The Board of Directors shall have powers to fix and vary the amount of shares of Capital Stock to be reserved for any proper purpose, to authorize and cause to be executed mortgages and liens upon all or any part of the property of the Company, to determine the use and disposition of any surplus or net profits and to fix the times for the declaration and payment, if any, of dividends;

 

(b)           The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may submit any contract or act for approval or ratification at any annual meeting of the stockholders or at any meeting of the stockholders called for the purpose of considering any such contract or act, and any contract or act that shall be approved or ratified by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the

 

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voting power of the outstanding shares of Capital Stock of the Company that is represented in person or by proxy at such meeting and entitled to vote thereat ( provided that a lawful quorum of stockholders be there represented in person or by proxy) shall be as valid and binding upon the Company and upon all stockholders as though it had been approved or ratified by every stockholder of the Company, whether or not the contract or act would otherwise be open to legal attack because of a director’s or directors’ interest or for any other reason; and

 

(c)           In addition to the powers and authorities conferred upon the Board of Directors by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors is hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Company; subject , nevertheless , to the provisions of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation and these Bylaws and provided that no bylaw hereafter made shall invalidate any prior act of the Board of Directors that would have been valid if such bylaw had not been made.

 

3.3.                             Resignations .  Any director may resign at any time by giving notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Board of Directors or the secretary of the Company; provided , however , that if such notice is given by electronic transmission, such electronic transmission must either set forth, or be submitted with, information from which it can be determined that the electronic transmission was authorized by the resigning director.  Such resignation shall take effect at the date of receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein.  Acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

 

3.4.                             Removal .

 

(a)           Subject to any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock and the limitations set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation, a maximum of two directors (including any person elected to fill a newly created directorship or any vacancy on the Board of Directors if such person had served as a director and was removed from his or her directorship pursuant to this Section 3.4(a) or Section 3.4(b) below) may be removed from office without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of 66-2/3% in voting power of the outstanding shares of Common Stock at any time prior to the later of the date (x) that is 14 months following the Effective Date and (y) on which the Company holds its first meeting of stockholders at which directors are elected following the Effective Date.

 

(b)           Notwithstanding Section 3.4(a) above and subject to any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock and the limitations set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation, a director may be removed for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding Common Stock prior to the expiration of his or her term of office;

 

3.5.                             Regular Meetings .  The Board of Directors shall meet each year on the same day as the annual meeting of the stockholders, provided a quorum is present, and no notice of such meeting of the Board of Directors shall be necessary in order to legally call or convene the meeting.  Additional regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such times and places as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

 

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3.6.          Special Meetings .  Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any time, at any place and for any purpose by the chairman of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, or by a majority of the Board of Directors.

 

3.7.          Notice of Meetings .  Notice of every meeting of the Board of Directors (except the regular meeting on the same day as the annual meeting of the stockholders) shall be given to each director at his or her usual place of business or at such other address as shall have been furnished by him or her for such purpose.  Such notice shall be properly and timely given if it is (a) deposited in the United States mail not later than the third calendar day preceding the date of the meeting or (b) personally delivered, telegraphed, sent by facsimile or electronic transmission or communicated by telephone at least twenty-four hours before the time of the meeting.  Such notice need not include a statement of the business to be transacted at, or the purpose of, any such meeting.

 

3.8.          Waiver of Notice .  Attendance of a director at a meeting of the Board of Directors shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.  A written waiver of notice signed by a director or directors entitled to such notice, whether before, at or after the time for notice or the time of the meeting, and filed with the minutes or corporate records of the Company, shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice.

 

3.9.          Required Vote; Adjournment .  Except as may be otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the act of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be deemed the act of the Board of Directors.  If a quorum of directors shall fail to attend any meeting, any number of directors (whether one or more and whether or not constituting a quorum) constituting a majority of directors present at such meeting may adjourn the meeting to another place, date or time, without further notice or waiver thereof.

 

3.10.        Participation in Meetings by Telephone .  Members of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of such board or committee by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other and such participation shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

3.11.        Action Without a Meeting .  Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if written consent thereto is signed by all members of the Board of Directors or of such committee, as the case may be, and such written consent is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or such committee.  Any such consent may be in counterparts and shall be effective on the date of the last signature thereon unless otherwise provided therein.

 

3.12.        Fees and Compensation of Directors .  Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors, by resolution or resolutions, may fix the compensation of directors.  The directors may be reimbursed for their expenses, if

 

11



 

any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors, and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated salary as a director.  Nothing contained in these Bylaws shall preclude any director from serving the Company in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.  Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for attending committee meetings.

 

ARTICLE IV

COMMITTEES

 

4.1.          Designation of Committees .  The Board of Directors may establish one or more committees, consisting of one or more directors of the Company, for the performance of delegated or designated functions to the extent permitted by, or required by, law or the standards of any stock exchange on which shares of the Company are listed.  In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members present at any committee meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at such meeting in the place of such absent or disqualified member.

 

4.2.          Term .  The Board of Directors, subject to the requirements specifically set forth in this Section 4.2 , may, at any time, increase or decrease the number of members of a committee or terminate the existence of a committee.  The membership of a committee member shall terminate on the date of his or her death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office, but the Board of Directors may, at any time and for any reason, remove any individual committee member, and the Board of Directors may, subject to the requirements specifically set forth in this Section 4.2 , fill any committee vacancy created by death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or increase in the number of members of any committee.  The Board of Directors may, subject to the requirements specifically set forth in this Section 4.2 , designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, and, in addition, in the absence or disqualification of any member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may, subject to the requirements specifically set forth in this Section 4.2 , unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the committee meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.

 

4.3.          Committee Powers and Authority .  Except to the extent otherwise required by law, the Board of Directors may provide, by resolution or by amendment to these Bylaws, that a committee may exercise all the power and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Company to the extent the Board of Directors deems it reasonable and appropriate to do so.

 

4.4.          Conduct of Business of Committees .  Each committee may determine the procedural rules for meeting and conducting its business and shall act in accordance therewith, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws or required by law.  Adequate provision shall be made for notice to members of all meetings.  A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum unless the committee shall consist of one or two members, in which event one member shall constitute a quorum, and all matters shall be determined by a majority vote of the members

 

12



 

present.  Action may be taken by any committee without a meeting if all members thereof consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of the proceedings of such committee.

 

ARTICLE V

OFFICERS

 

5.1.          Number .  The officers of the Company shall consist of a chief executive officer, a president, a chief financial officer, a treasurer, a secretary and such other officers, including one or more senior vice presidents, vice presidents, assistant treasurers or assistant secretaries, as the Board of Directors may determine from time to time.  The officers shall be appointed or elected by the Board of Directors.  Any person may hold two or more offices at the same time.

 

5.2.          Additional Officers .  The Board of Directors may appoint such other officers as it may deem appropriate.

 

5.3.          Term of Office; Resignation .  All officers, agents and employees of the Company shall hold their respective offices or positions at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and may be removed at any time by the Board of Directors with or without cause.  Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice of his or her resignation to the chief executive officer, the president or the secretary, and acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless the notice so provides.  Any vacancy occurring in any office shall be filled by the Board of Directors.

 

5.4.          Duties .  The officers of the Company shall perform the duties and exercise the powers as may be assigned to them from time to time by the Board of Directors or the president and chief executive officer.

 

5.5.          Salaries .  Subject to any applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule to which the Company may be subject, the salaries of all officers of the Company shall be fixed by the Board of Directors from time to time, and no officer shall be prevented from receiving such salary by reason of the fact that he or she is also a director of the Company.

 

ARTICLE VI

CAPITAL STOCK

 

6.1.          Certificates .  The shares of Capital Stock of the Company may be represented by certificates or may be uncertificated.  To the extent required by law, every holder of Capital Stock of the Company represented by certificates, and upon request, every holder of uncertificated shares, shall be entitled to a certificate representing such shares.  Certificates for shares of Capital Stock of the Company shall be issued under the seal of the Company, or a facsimile thereof, and shall be numbered and shall be entered in the books of the Company as they are issued.  Each certificate shall bear a serial number, shall exhibit the holder’s name and the number of shares evidenced thereby, and shall be signed by the chairman of the Board of Directors or the president, if any, or any vice president, and by the secretary.  Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile.  If any officer, transfer agent or registrar who

 

13



 

has signed, or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon, a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate shall have been issued, the certificate may be issued by the Company with the same effect as if such person or entity were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

 

6.2.                             Registered Stockholders .  The Company shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share or shares of Capital Stock of the Company as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to, or interest in, such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not the Company has actual or other notice thereof, except as provided by law.

 

6.3.                             Cancellation of Certificates .  All certificates surrendered to the Company shall be canceled and, except in the case of lost, stolen or destroyed certificates, no new certificates shall be issued until the former certificate or certificates for the same number of shares of the same class of Capital Stock have been surrendered and canceled.

 

6.4.                             Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates .  The Board of Directors or chief executive officer may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Company alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed upon the making of an affidavit of that fact in a form acceptable to the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer by the person claiming the certificate or certificates to be lost, stolen or destroyed.  In its discretion, and as a condition precedent to the issuance of any such new certificate or certificates, the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer may require that the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or certificates, or such person’s legal representative, give the Company and its transfer agent or agents, registrar or registrars a bond in such form and amount as the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Company and its transfer agent or agents, registrar or registrars on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or certificates or the issuance of such new certificate or certificates.

 

ARTICLE VII

FISCAL YEAR

 

7.1.                             Fiscal Year .  The Company’s fiscal year shall be the 12 months ending on the 31st of December of each year.

 

ARTICLE VIII

AMENDMENTS

 

8.1.                             Amendments .

 

(a)           Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed at any annual meeting of the stockholders (or at any special meeting of the stockholders duly called by the Board of Directors for that purpose) by a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of Capital Stock represented and entitled to vote at such meeting.  Subject to the laws of the State of Delaware, the Certificate of Incorporation and

 

14



 

these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may amend these Bylaws or enact such other bylaws as in its judgment may be advisable for the regulation of the conduct of the affairs of the Company.

 

(b)           Notwithstanding Section 8.1(a) or any other provisions of these Bylaws or the Certificate of Incorporation (and notwithstanding the fact that a lesser percentage may be otherwise specified by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws), during the Specified Period (as defined below), (i) the unanimous approval of the Board of Directors and the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 75% of the outstanding shares of the Capital Stock of the Company entitled to vote generally (considered for this purpose as one class), shall be required to amend or repeal or adopt any provisions inconsistent with Article IX of these Bylaws or this Section 8.1(b) , and (ii) any alterations, amendments or repeals of any of Section 2.2(b) , 3.4(a) or 8.1(b)(ii) of these Bylaws by the Board of Directors shall also require the affirmative vote of the holders of the majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at a meeting of stockholders at any time prior to the later of the date (x) that is 14 months following the Effective Date and (y) on which the Company holds its first meeting of stockholders at which directors are elected following the Effective Date.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

RESTRICTIVE PROVISIONS

 

9.1.          Independent Directors During the Specified Period .  For a two-year period commencing on March 24, 2009 (the “ Effective Date ” and such two-year period, the “ Specified Period ”) the Board of Directors shall be comprised of six members, which shall include (a) the chief executive officer and (b) five individuals each of whom is not a current executive or employee of the Company and does not otherwise have a relationship with the Company (other than as a former executive or employee of the Company) that the Board of Directors has determined would interfere with his or her exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director; provided , however , that if the Company’s Common Stock is listed on a national securities exchange, the number of directors and the composition of the Board of Directors may be adjusted as may be required in order to comply with the rules of the applicable national securities exchange.

 

9.2.          Initial Term of Directors .  Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Sections 3.3 and 3.4 of these Bylaws, the individuals elected to the Board of Directors on the date these Bylaws were adopted shall serve a term of no less than 14 months.

 

9.3.          Specified Transactions .  During the Specified Period, the Company shall not enter into any Specified Transaction (as defined below) without (a) the unanimous approval of the Board of Directors and (b) the affirmative vote of holders representing at least 75% of the outstanding shares of the Capital Stock of the Company entitled to vote generally (considered for this purpose as one class).  A “ Specified Transaction ” shall be (i) the sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of the Company’s property or assets (including, for this purpose, the property or assets of any subsidiary of the Company) in a single transaction or a series of related transactions or (ii) a merger or consolidation to which the Company is a party, except any merger or consolidation involving the Company in which the shares of Capital Stock of the Company

 

15



 

outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continue to represent, or are converted into or exchanged for shares of Capital Stock that represent, immediately following such merger or consolidation, at least a majority, by voting power, of the Capital Stock of (A) the surviving or resulting corporation or (B) if the surviving or resulting corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of another corporation immediately following such merger or consolidation, the parent corporation of such surviving or resulting corporation.

 

9.4.                             Dividend Restrictions .

 

(a)           For a period of one year following the Effective Date, the Company shall not declare or pay any dividend (in a single distribution or series of distributions) in respect of the Company’s Capital Stock.

 

(b)           During the one-year period following March 24, 2010, the Company shall not declare or pay any dividend (in a single distribution or series of distributions) in respect of the Company’s Capital Stock, if, after giving effect to such dividend, the aggregate amount of dividends so declared and paid would exceed $1,500,000.

 

ARTICLE X

MISCELLANEOUS

 

10.1.                       Books and Records .

 

(a)           Any books or records maintained by the Company in the regular course of its business, including its stock ledger, books of account and minute books, may be kept on, or by means of, or be in the form of, any information storage device or method; provided , however , that the books and records so kept can be converted into clearly legible paper form within a reasonable time.  The Company shall so convert any books or records so kept upon the request of any person entitled to inspect such records pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws or the provisions of Delaware law.

 

(b)           It shall be the duty of the secretary or other officer of the Company who shall have charge of the stock ledger to prepare, or have prepared, and make, at least ten days before every meeting of the stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the stockholder’s name.  Nothing contained in this Section 10.1(b) shall require the Company to include email addresses or other electronic contact information on such list.  Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, for a period of at least 10 days prior to the meeting during ordinary business hours, at the principal executive offices of the Company.  The list of stockholders shall be available for inspection by any stockholder for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period beginning 10 days prior to the meeting for which the list was prepared and continuing through the meeting:  (i) during ordinary business hours, at the Company’s principal executive offices; or (ii) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting.  At the meeting, the list shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole

 

16



 

time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. The stock ledger shall be the only evidence of the identity of the stockholders entitled to examine such list.

 

(c)           Except to the extent otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors shall determine from time to time whether and, if allowed, when and under what conditions and regulations the stock ledger, books, records and accounts of the Company, or any of them, shall be open to inspection by the stockholders and the stockholders’ rights, if any, in respect thereof.  Except as otherwise provided by law, the stock ledger shall be the only evidence of the identity of the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger and the books, records or accounts of the Company.

 

10.2.        Voting Shares in Other Business Entities .  Any officer of the Company designated by the Board of Directors may vote any and all shares of stock or other equity interest held by the Company in any other corporation or other business entity, and may exercise on behalf of the Company any and all rights and powers incident to the ownership of such stock or other equity interest.

 

10.3.        Record Date for Distributions and Other Actions .  In order that the Company may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution, or allotment of any rights, or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of Capital Stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, except as may otherwise be provided in these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may fix a record date.  Such record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing such record date is adopted, and shall not be more than 60 days prior to such action.  If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

10.4.        Electronic Transmission .  For purposes of these Bylaws, “electronic transmission” means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.

 

10.5.        Certificate of Incorporation .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if any provision contained in these Bylaws is inconsistent with, or conflicts with, a provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, such provision of these Bylaws shall be superseded by the inconsistent provision in the Certificate of Incorporation to the extent necessary to give effect to such provision in the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

17


Exhibit 10.1

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

San Cristóbal Mine

 

MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT

among

 

MINERA SAN CRISTÓBAL, S.A.,

 

APEX METALS MARKETING GmbH

 

and

 

APEX SILVER MINES CORPORATION

 

 

Dated as of March 24, 2009

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

1

 

 

 

 

1.1

 

Definitions

1

 

 

 

 

1.2

 

References

8

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE II

APPOINTMENT OF MANAGER AND OPERATING COMMITTEE

8

 

 

 

 

2.1

 

Appointment of Manager

8

 

 

 

 

2.2

 

Operating Committee

8

 

 

 

 

2.3

 

Purpose and Authority

9

 

 

 

 

2.4

 

Meetings

9

 

 

 

 

2.5

 

Program and Budget

10

 

 

 

 

2.6

 

Operational Matters

11

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE III

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

12

 

 

 

 

3.1

 

Services

12

 

 

 

 

3.2

 

Transition and Excluded Services

12

 

 

 

 

3.3

 

Freedom of Action

13

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV

COMPENSATION

13

 

 

 

 

4.1

 

Fees

13

 

 

 

 

4.2

 

Annual Fee

13

 

 

 

 

4.3

 

Reimbursable Expenses

13

 

 

 

 

4.4

 

Annual Incentive Fee

14

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE V

INTERRUPTION AND SUSPENSION

15

 

 

 

 

5.1

 

Notice Regarding Interruption in Operations

15

 

 

 

 

5.2

 

Company-Ordered Suspensions

15

 

 

 

 

5.3

 

Adjustments for Interruption in Operations and Company-Ordered Suspensions

16

 

i



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

5.4

 

Compensation During Suspension

16

 

 

 

 

5.5

 

Suspension of Work by Manager

16

 

 

 

 

5.6

 

Right to Terminate for Extended Suspension

17

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI

CHANGES AND EMERGENCIES

17

 

 

 

 

6.1

 

Material Changes

17

 

 

 

 

6.2

 

Emergencies

18

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII

FORCE MAJEURE

18

 

 

 

 

7.1

 

Events of Force Majeure

18

 

 

 

 

7.2

 

Not Force Majeure

19

 

 

 

 

7.3

 

Notice Requirement

19

 

 

 

 

7.4

 

Performance Suspended

19

 

 

 

 

7.5

 

Adjustments as a Result of Force Majeure

19

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VIII

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

20

 

 

 

 

8.1

 

Parties’ Representations

20

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE IX

OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES

21

 

 

 

 

9.1

 

Covenants of Manager

21

 

 

 

 

9.2

 

Covenants of Company and AMM

22

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE X

SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND PERSONNEL

22

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Senior Management

22

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

Personnel

23

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE XI

INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

23

 

 

 

 

11.1

 

Indemnification

23

 

ii



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

11.2

 

Claims of Indemnification

24

 

 

 

 

11.3

 

No Liability for Contractors’ Work

25

 

 

 

 

11.4

 

Limitation of Liability

25

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE XII

INSURANCE

25

 

 

 

 

12.1

 

Required Coverage

25

 

 

 

 

12.2

 

Term of Insurance

25

 

 

 

 

12.3

 

Modification of Insurance

26

 

 

 

 

12.4

 

Evidence of Insurance

26

 

 

 

 

12.5

 

Manager Insurance

26

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE XIII

TERM AND TERMINATION

26

 

 

 

 

13.1

 

Effectiveness

26

 

 

 

 

13.2

 

Term

26

 

 

 

 

13.3

 

Initial Period

26

 

 

 

 

13.4

 

Termination by Company

26

 

 

 

 

13.5

 

Termination by Manager

26

 

 

 

 

13.6

 

Termination upon Sale Liquidity Event

27

 

 

 

 

13.7

 

Effect of Termination

27

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE XIV

MISCELLANEOUS

28

 

 

 

 

14.1

 

Governing Law

28

 

 

 

 

14.2

 

Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial; Service of Process

28

 

 

 

 

14.3

 

Notices

29

 

 

 

 

14.4

 

Assignment

30

 

 

 

 

14.5

 

Further Assurances

30

 

 

 

 

14.6

 

Entire Agreement; Severability

30

 

 

 

 

14.7

 

No Waiver

30

 

 

 

 

14.8

 

Binding Effect

30

 

iii



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

14.9

 

Headings and Titles

30

 

 

 

 

14.10

 

No Partnership

30

 

 

 

 

14.11

 

Amendment; Counterparts

30

 

iv



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

Schedule A:

 

Sumitomo Representatives and Manager Representative

 

 

 

Schedule B:

 

Approval Authority

 

 

 

Schedule C:

 

Powers of Attorney

 

 

 

Schedule D:

 

Services

 

 

 

Schedule E(1):

 

Transition Services

 

 

 

Schedule E(2):

 

Excluded Services

 

 

 

Schedule F:

 

Air Transportation Expenses

 

 

 

Schedule G:

 

Annual Performance Targets

 

 

 

Schedule H:

 

Senior Management

 

 

 

Exhibit A:

 

Sumitomo Guarantee

 

v



 

MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

THIS MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT is made as of the 24th day of March 2009, by and among Minera San Cristóbal, S.A., a Bolivian sociedad anónima (the “ Company ”), Apex Metals Marketing GmbH, a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung organized and validly existing under the Laws of Switzerland (“ AMM ”) and Apex Silver Mines Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Manager ”).  Company, Manager and AMM are each referred to herein as a “ Party ” and, collectively, as the “ Parties .”

 

Recitals

 

WHEREAS, Company owns and operates a silver, zinc and lead mine, known as the San Cristóbal Mine (the “ Mine ”), located in the San Cristóbal district, Potosí department, Bolivia, and related assets and infrastructure;

 

WHEREAS, Company is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation, a Japanese Corporation (“ Sumitomo ”), and Sumitomo shall be concurrently executing a parent guarantee with respect to Company’s and AMM’s obligations under this Agreement as a condition of the Parties to enter into this Agreement (the “ Sumitomo Guarantee ”) substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto;

 

WHEREAS, Manager maintains a staff of highly skilled and experienced mining industry personnel;

 

WHEREAS, AMM is a metals marketing company affiliated with Company; and

 

WHEREAS, Company desires to avail itself of the expertise of Manager and its personnel in the management of the Project (as defined below) and in other areas related to the business of Company.

 

Agreement

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

 

Article I

 

Definitions

 

1.1            Definitions .  Unless otherwise defined herein, all capitalized terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section 1.1.

 

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, the Person in question.

 



 

Agreement means this Management Services Agreement together with the Schedules attached hereto, as the same may be amended, restated or modified from time to time.

 

AMM has the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble hereof.

 

Annual Incentive Fee ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.4(a).

 

Annual Performance Targets ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.4(b).

 

Bolivia means the Republic of Bolivia.

 

Business Day ” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday, and a day on which banks in New York, New York, U.S.A. or Tokyo, Japan, are required or permitted to close.

 

Closing Date ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

 

Commodity Hedge Instrument ” means any forward purchase, forward sale, put option, synthetic put option, call option, collar, or any other arrangement relating to commodities entered into by a Person to hedge such Person’s exposure to or to speculate on commodity prices.

 

Company ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble hereof.

 

Company Controller means the individual enumerated in Schedule A hereto.

 

Company Indemnified Party ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 11.1(b).

 

Contract means any note, bond, indenture, debenture, security agreement, trust agreement, mortgage, lease, contract, license, franchise, permit, guaranty, joint venture agreement, or other agreement, instrument, commitment, or obligation, whether oral or written.

 

Contract Year ” means a consecutive twelve-month period during the Term from January 1 through December 31; provided , however that the first Contract Year shall commence on the Closing Date and end on December 31, 2009.

 

Control ” means the ability to direct or cause the direction (whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise) of the management and policies of a Person or to control (whether affirmatively or negatively and whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise) the decision of such Person to engage in the particular conduct at issue.  A Person shall be rebuttably presumed to control an Entity if such Person owns, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, (a) sufficient shares of stock or other equity interests of such Entity to allow such Person, under ordinary circumstances, to elect or direct the election of a majority of the members of the board of directors or other governing body of such Entity or (b) shares of stock or other equity interests of such Entity representing, in the aggregate, more than 50% of the aggregate outstanding economic interests in such Entity.  The term “Controlled” has a meaning correlative to that of Control.

 

Dispute Notice has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.4(e).

 

2



 

End Date ” means the end of seventy-eight (78) months after the Closing Date.

 

Entity ” means any sociedad anónima, sociedad de responsabilidad limitada, Aktiengesellshchaft, Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, privat aktiebolag, société à responsabilité limitée , corporation, exempted company limited by shares, general or limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, association, unincorporated entity of any kind, or Governmental Authority.

 

Equity Securities ” means outstanding shares of capital stock of Company and shall not include either (x) loans or other securities which by their terms are convertible into shares of capital stock of Company or (y) loans or other securities which by their terms are not convertible into shares of capital stock of Company.

 

Estatutos ” means the estatutos sociales of Company, as hereafter amended, modified, supplemented, and restated.

 

Excluded Services ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.2.

 

Extended Program and Budget means the Program and Budget for the prior Contract Year, adjusted for inflation.

 

Fee ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.2.

 

Force Majeure ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 7.1.

 

Governmental Authority ” means any domestic or foreign national, regional, or local, court, governmental department, commission, authority, central bank, board, bureau, agency, official, or other instrumentality exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory, or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.

 

Hedge Instrument means (a) any currency swap agreement, option contract, future contract, option on futures contract, spot or forward contract, or other agreements to purchase or sell currency or any other arrangement entered into by a Person to hedge such Person’s exposure or to speculate on movements in rates of exchange of currencies; (b) any interest rate swap, option contract, futures contract, options on futures contract, cap, floor, collar, or any other similar hedging arrangements entered into by a Person to hedge such Person’s exposure to or to speculate on movements in interest rates; (c) Commodity Hedge Instrument; and (d) any other derivative transaction or hedging arrangement of any type or nature whatsoever that is the subject at any time of trading in the over-the-counter derivatives market.

 

Indebtedness means, without duplication, (a) all obligations created, issued, or incurred for borrowed money (whether by Loan, the issuance and sale of debt securities, or the sale of property to another Person subject to an understanding or agreement, contingent or otherwise, to repurchase such property from such other Person); (b) all obligations to pay the deferred purchase price or acquisition price of property or services (other than accrued expenses and trade accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business that are not more than 90 days past due); (c) all obligations to pay money evidenced by a note, bond, debenture, or similar instrument; (d) the principal amount of all obligations under or in respect of leases capitalized in

 

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accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as used in the U.S.; (e) all reimbursement obligations in respect of letters of credit or similar instruments issued or accepted by banks and other financial institutions; (f) all payment obligations under any Hedge Instrument to the extent constituting a liability under generally accepted accounting principles as used in the U.S.; and (g) all obligations of another Person of the type listed in clauses (a) through (f) of this definition, payment of which is guaranteed by or secured by Liens on the property of such Person (with respect to Liens, to the extent of the value of property pledged pursuant to such Liens if less than the amount of such obligations).

 

Indemnified Party ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 11.1(b).

 

Indemnifying Party ” means any Party required to provide indemnification pursuant to Article XI hereof.

 

Initial Period ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 13.3.

 

Initial Program and Budget ” means that certain San Cristóbal Program and Budget, dated November 1, 2008, concerning the operation of the Project for the calendar year beginning January 1, 2009, and in effect until the subsequent Program and Budget becomes effective at the start of the Contract Year, as amended in accordance with this Agreement.

 

Judgment means any judgment, writ, order, decree, injunction, award, restraining order, or ruling of or by any court, judge, justice, arbitrator, or magistrate, including any bankruptcy court or judge, and any writ, order, decree, or ruling of or by any Governmental Authority.

 

Law means any national, regional, or local, or any foreign, statute, law, code, ordinance, rule, regulation, resolution, Judgment, regulatory agreement with a Governmental Authority, or general principle of common or civil law or equity.

 

Lead Company Representative has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.2(d).  When reference is made in this Agreement to decisions or actions to be undertaken by Company, such reference should be understood to be to the Lead Company Representative.

 

Lead Manager Representative has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.2(e).

 

Legal Proceeding ” means any private or governmental action, suit, complaint, claim, demand, arbitration, legal, or judicial or administrative proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, or of any other nature.

 

Lien means any (a) security agreement, conditional sale agreement, or other title retention agreement; (b) lease, consignment, or bailment given for security purposes; and (c) lien, charge, restrictive agreement, prohibition against transfer, mortgage, pledge, legal privilege, option, encumbrance, adverse interest, security interest, claim, attachment, exception to or defect in title, or other ownership interest (including reservations, rights of entry, possibilities of reverter, encroachments, easements, rights of way, restrictive covenants, leases, and Licenses granted to other Persons) of any kind, but excluding any of the foregoing created or imposed by or pursuant to this Agreement.

 

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Loan means any lending of money, extending credit, or making advances to any Person by Company.

 

Manager ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble hereof.

 

Manager Indemnified Party ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 11.1(a).

 

Manager Representatives ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.2(a).

 

Materials means the materials, apparatus, parts and equipment that are by this Agreement to be procured, erected, installed or placed, or otherwise incorporated into the Project or regularly consumed during performance of the Project.

 

Material Change ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.1(b)(i).

 

Mine ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the recitals.

 

Mining Contract means that certain Open Pit Contract Mining Services Agreement, dated as of January 7, 2005, as amended by that certain First Amendment Open Pit Contract Mining Services Agreement, dated as of June 2, 2005, between Company and Washington Group Bolivia S.R.L and as further amended, restated or modified from time to time.

 

MSC Board ” means the Board of Directors of Company.

 

Operating Committee ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.2(a).

 

Operating Committee Chairman ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.2(c).

 

Parties ” or “Party ” have the meanings ascribed thereto in the preamble hereof.

 

Permitted Liens ” means, with respect to any Person, the following: (a) Liens for taxes, assessments, or other governmental charges or levies not yet due and payable or that are being contested in good faith through appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves (as determined on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles as used in the U.S.) have been established; (b) Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen, and landlords incurred in the ordinary course of business; (c) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with workmen’s compensation, unemployment insurance, or other forms of governmental insurance or benefits, or to secure performance of tenders, statutory obligations, legal privileges, leases, bank guarantees, letters of credit, and contracts (other than for borrowed money) entered into in the ordinary course of business or to secure obligations on surety or appeal bonds; and (d) purchase money security interests or Liens on property acquired or held by the applicable Person in the ordinary course of business to secure the purchase price of such property or to secure Indebtedness incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition of such property.

 

Person means any natural person or Entity.

 

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Port Agreement ” means that certain Construction and Port Services Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2003, as amended by that certain First Amendment to the Construction and Port Services Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2005, as further amended by that certain Second Amendment to the Construction Port Services Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2005, between Company and Puerto de Mejillones, S.A. and as further amended, restated or modified from time to time.

 

Power Purchase Agreement ” means that certain Power Purchase Agreement, dated March 14, 2008, between Company and Empresa Eléctrica Valle Hermoso S.A. and as amended, restated or modified from time to time, and that certain Power Purchase Agreement, dated March 14, 2008, between Company and Compañia Boliviana de Energía Eléctrica S.A. Bolivian Power Company Limited and as further amended, restated or modified from time to time.

 

Program and Budget ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.5.

 

Project means the operation by MSC of the San Cristóbal open pit silver, zinc and lead mine and processing facilities located in the Potosí Department, Bolivia, the mining and processing of silver bearing zinc and lead ores to recover silver, zinc and lead concentrates and related infrastructure (including, but not limited to, rail transportation, power transmission, and port facilities), the exploration and development activities related thereto, and the transportation, marketing, and sale of the products thereof and other activities reasonably ancillary thereto.

 

Project Area ” means the concessions and other properties on which the Services are to be executed or carried out as identified in Item 3 on Section 3.3 of the Apex Disclosure Schedule to the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

 

Project Contracts ” means the Mining Contract, the Rail Contract, the Port Agreement, the Transmission Line Agreement, the Power Purchase Agreements, the Tire Contract and any other such agreement entered into by Company with respect to the Project.

 

Project Contractor ” means the counterparties to the Project Contracts.

 

Purchase and Sale Agreement ” means that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement entered into as of January 12, 2009, by and among Apex Silver Mines Limited, Apex Luxembourg S.Á.R.L., Apex Silver Mines Sweden AB, Manager, ASC Bolivia LDC, Sumitomo and SC Minerals Aketiebolag, as amended, restated or modified from time to time.

 

Rail Contract ” means that certain Transportation Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2005, between Company and Antofagasta Railway Company PLC, as amended, restated or modified from time to time.

 

Reimbursable Expenses ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.3(a).

 

Reviewing Accountant has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.4(g).

 

Sale Liquidity Event means any transaction or series of transactions resulting in the sale or transfer, whether direct or indirect, by Sumitomo and/or any Sumitomo Affiliate to any Person or Persons that is or are not a Sumitomo Affiliate (x) of an aggregate amount of Equity Securities

 

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of Company that results in Sumitomo’s Percentage of all Equity Securities immediately after such sale or transfer being less than eighty percent (80%) or (y) that results in such Person or Persons obtaining the power (whether or not exercised) to elect a majority of the board of directors (or similar governing body) of Company.

 

Secretary ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.2(f).

 

Senior Management ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 10.1(a).

 

Services ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.1.

 

Significant Operational Matter ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.6(c).

 

Subcontractor ” means any Person or Entity, including, but limited to, suppliers of Materials and, that provides services or Materials for part of the Project under a contractual agreement with a Project Contractor.

 

Sumitomo ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the recitals.

 

Sumitomo Affiliate ” means any Entity Controlled by Sumitomo.

 

Sumitomo Guarantee ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the recitals.

 

Sumitomo Representatives ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.2(a).

 

Sumitomo’s Percentage ” means the percentage of Company’s outstanding Equity Securities, based on the voting power thereof, owned by Sumitomo and its Affiliates on (or immediately before or after, as applicable) the date of a Sale Liquidity Event or the End Date, as applicable.

 

Term ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 13.2.

 

Tire Contract ” means that certain Tire Supply Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2008, between Company and Prove SRL, as amended, restated or modified, from time to time.

 

Transmission Line Agreement ” means that certain Power Line Construction and Transmission Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2005, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Power Line Construction and Transmission Agreement, dated as of March 14, 2005, as further amended by that certain Second Amendment to Power Line Construction and Transmission Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2005, among Company, Ingelec S.A., Ingelec Transportadora de Electricidad S.A., Ingelec Electricity Transportation Investments, Corp., and San Cristóbal Transportadora de Electricidad, S.A. and as further amended, restated or modified from time to time.

 

Transition Phase has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.2.

 

Transition Services ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 3.2.

 

VAT ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.1.

 

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VPGM ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 10.1(a)

 

1.2            References .  (a)  All references in this Agreement to Exhibits, Schedules, Articles, Sections, Subsections, and other subdivisions refer to the Exhibits, Schedules, Articles, Sections, Subsections, and other subdivisions of this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise.

 

(b)            The words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited.  The phrases “this Section” and “this Subsection” and similar phrases refer only to the Sections or Subsections in which the phrase occurs.  The use herein of the words “include” or “including” when following any general statement, term or matter should not be construed to limit such statement, term or matter to the specific items or matters set forth immediately following such word or to similar items or matters, whether or not limiting language is used with reference thereto, but rather should be deemed to refer to all other matters that fall within the broadest scope of the general statement, term or matter.  The word “or” is not exclusive.  Pronouns in masculine, feminine, and neuter gender shall be construed to include any other gender.  Words in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural, and words in the plural form shall be construed to include the singular, unless the context otherwise requires.

 

Article II

 

Appointment of Manager and Operating Committee

 

2.1            Appointment of Manager .  On the terms and conditions herein stated, Company engages Manager to provide the Services described in this Agreement in connection with the organization, management, coordination and operation of the Project.  Manager accepts such engagement pursuant and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

2.2            Operating Committee .  (a)  Establishment .  Company shall establish an operating committee for the Project (the “ Operating Committee ”), which shall operate under the supervision of the MSC Board.  The Operating Committee shall consist of one or more representatives of Sumitomo (and one or more alternates therefor selected from time to time by written notice) (the “ Sumitomo Representatives ”) and one or more representatives of Manager (and one or more alternates therefor selected from time to time by written notice) (the “ Manager Representatives ”).  The Sumitomo Representatives shall include the Operating Committee Chairman.  The Manager Representatives shall include the Lead Manager Representative and other members consisting of the VPGM and the Company Controller.  The Parties further acknowledge and agree that the Sumitomo Representatives and Manager Representatives as of the Closing Date shall be as listed on Schedule A hereto; provided that each of Sumitomo and Manager shall have the right in its sole discretion to change its respective representatives from time to time and whenever it believes such change is necessary or appropriate.

 

(b)            Voting .  The Sumitomo Representatives have full voting authority and the Manager Representatives have none.  However, the Manager Representatives shall be entitled to state their agreement with or objection to Operating Committee decisions and, if so stated, such agreement or objection shall be included in the minutes of the meetings of the Operating Committee.

 

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(c)            Operating Committee Chairman .  The chairperson of the Operating Committee (the “ Operating Committee Chairman ”) shall be appointed by Sumitomo from the Sumitomo Representatives and shall have duties as shall be determined by the Operating Committee.  The initial Operating Committee Chairman shall be as set forth on Schedule A .

 

(d)            Lead Company Representative .  The lead representative of Company (the “ Lead Company Representative ”) shall be the direct contact between Company and Manager and the Lead Manager Representative on all issues relating to the performance of the Services for the Project and any related issues pursuant to the terms of this Agreement through which Company must communicate with Manager or related to any matter by which Manager needs to communicate with Company.  The initial Lead Company Representative shall be as set forth on Schedule A and may be changed at the sole discretion of Company from time to time upon written notice to Manager.

 

(e)            Lead Manager Representative .  The lead representative of Manager  (the “ Lead Manager Representative ”) shall be the direct contact with the Lead Company Representative on all issues relating to the performance of the Services for the Project and any related issue pursuant to the terms of this Agreement through which Company must communicate with Manager or related to any matter by which Manager needs to communicate with Company.  The initial Lead Manager Representative appointed by Manager shall be Mr. Terry Owen and may be changed at the sole discretion of Manager from time to time upon written notice to Company.

 

(f)             Secretary .  The secretary of the Operating Committee (the “ Secretary ”) shall be designated by the Manager Representatives from time to time and the Secretary’s powers shall be limited to promptly and clearly recording and entering into the records of Company the minutes of the meetings of the Operating Committee.

 

2.3            Purpose and Authority .  The Operating Committee shall review and adopt Programs and Budgets and shall recommend such Programs and Budgets to Company for its consideration and approval.  Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, the sole purpose of the Operating Committee shall be to provide a forum for the Sumitomo Representatives and the Manager Representatives to meet and communicate, in accordance with Section 2.4(a) and (b) below, in order to discuss and exchange information, ideas and opinions with respect to the operation and management of the Project.

 

2.4            Meetings .  (a)  Regular meetings of the Operating Committee shall be held at least once every calendar quarter in person, at such times and places as the Operating Committee Chairman and the Lead Manager Representative agree.  Regular meetings shall be held in a location reasonably convenient to all the representatives on such Committee in any of Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., New York, New York, U.S.A., La Paz, Bolivia or Tokyo, Japan, unless the Operating Committee Chairman and Lead Manager Representative otherwise agree.  The Operating Committee Chairman or his designee shall give at least fourteen (14) days advance notice of regular meetings by facsimile, email or telephone unless otherwise agreed or waived by the Operating Committee Chairman and the Lead Manager Representative.  Delivery of notice by electronic transmission via email with a notation in the subject line “MSC Operating Committee – Formal Notice” shall be effective.

 

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(b)            Special meetings of the Operating Committee may be called by the Operating Committee Chairman on his or her own initiative and shall be called if requested by the Lead Manager Representative.  The Operating Committee Chairman or his designee shall give at least three (3) Business Days advance notice of special meetings unless otherwise agreed by the Operating Committee Chairman and the Lead Manager Representative, provided that in the case of emergency the Operating Committee shall meet as soon as practicable.  Notice of special meetings shall be given by facsimile, email or telephone.  Delivery of notice by telephone or by electronic transmission via email with a notation in the subject line “MSC Operating Committee — Formal Notice” shall be effective.

 

(c)            Representatives on the Operating Committee and alternate representatives may participate in the Operating Committee’s regular and special meetings through telephone conference calls, videoconferences, or any other technological means available.  One or more individuals and other necessary personnel may accompany any representative to any meetings of the Operating Committee.  The Secretary shall cause minutes of such meetings to be recorded promptly and clearly and entered into the records of Company.

 

(d)            Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Operating Committee may be taken without a meeting, if prior to such action a written consent thereto is signed by at least one Sumitomo Representative and notice of such consent is promptly provided to a Manager Representative, and such written consent is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Operating Committee.

 

(e)            The establishment of the Operating Committee and the appointment of Manager to perform the Services hereunder shall in no way limit the right of Company or the MSC Board to be the sole arbiter of Company’s affairs and have sole authority to appoint Company’s officers.

 

2.5            Program and Budget .

 

(a)            Initial Program and Budget .  The Initial Program and Budget for the calendar year commencing January 1, 2009, has been approved by Company.  The Initial Program and Budget may be amended, modified, and revised from time to time by Manager, subject to consideration and approval by Company.

 

(b)            Subsequent Programs and Budgets .  (i)  For each Contract Year beginning with the Contract Year commencing on January 1, 2010, a proposed program and budget (the “ Program and Budget ”) shall be prepared by Manager and submitted to the Operating Committee at least forty five (45) days prior to the start of such Contract Year.  Unless otherwise agreed by the Operating Committee, each such proposed Program and Budget shall cover a five-year period, with the first year of such Program and Budget containing monthly projections and the subsequent four years of such Program and Budget containing annual projections.

 

(ii)            Manager may revise, clarify or amend the proposed Program and Budget, subject to consideration and approval by Company.

 

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(iii)           Company shall approve each proposed Program and Budget, with any approved revisions, clarifications or amendments, no later than thirty (30) days prior to the period to which such proposed Program and Budget applies.

 

(iv)           In the event that the Program and Budget is not approved by Company within the timeframe set forth in Subsection (iii) above, Manager shall operate the Project and perform its obligations hereunder pursuant to the Extended Program and Budget until a new Program and Budget is so approved.

 

(c)            Company Modifications .  Company (in consultation with Manager) may amend, modify or revise the Initial Program and Budget or any subsequent Program and Budget to reflect such changes that in Company’s reasonable judgment may be necessary for the Project.

 

2.6            Operational Matters .  (a)  Manager shall have the authority, subject to the limitations and in the manner set forth herein, to operate the Project and perform its obligations hereunder substantially in accordance with the then-current Program and Budget approved by Company, and senior employees of Manager shall have the authority to commit Company to incur authorized expenditures in respect of the operation of the Project and performance of the obligations hereunder subject to monetary limitations in accordance with Schedule B hereto as specified by Sumitomo in consultation with Manager prior to the Closing Date, provided that Manager and its senior employees shall be granted sufficient authority for the execution of the Programs and Budgets as approved by Company, including operations and production, procurement, general and personnel management and contract execution and for the performance of the Services for the Project in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.  Company shall have the right in its sole discretion to modify or amend Schedule B or otherwise limit or place conditions upon the discretionary powers and authority granted to Manager under this Agreement at any time and from time to time; provided that all such modifications or amendments shall be done in consultation with Manager; and provided further that upon the effectiveness of such modification or amendment, Manager and its employees shall continue to have sufficient authority for the execution of the Programs and Budgets as approved by Company and Manager’s performance of the Services hereunder.

 

(b)            To perform its duties under this Agreement, Company shall grant and maintain certain powers of attorney specified in Schedule C hereto as specified by Sumitomo in consultation with Manager prior to the Closing Date, provided that the powers of attorney shall be sufficient for the execution of the Programs and Budgets as approved by the Company, including operations and production, procurement, general and personnel management and contract execution and for the performance of the Services for the Project in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.  Company retains the right to revoke any power of attorney granted hereunder, provided that in the event that a power of attorney is revoked by Company, Manager shall cause each attorney in fact to continue to perform its functions and duties pursuant and subject to the terms of this Agreement, except for those functions or duties which Company may have notified each attorney in fact in writing are not to be exercised upon the adoption of the revocation resolution by Company pursuant to Company’s Estatutos.  Unless this Agreement has been terminated pursuant to Article XIII, Company shall consult with Manager to provide substitute powers of attorney promptly such that Manager shall have sufficient authority for the execution of the Programs and Budgets for the performance of the

 

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Services hereunder.  Any substitute powers of attorney granted by Company are subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

(c)            Prior to the Closing Date, Sumitomo, in consultation with Manager, shall determine the criteria for certain important acts, expenditures, decisions, and obligations made or incurred by or on behalf of Company (each, a “ Significant Operational Matter ”) for which Manager must obtain the prior written approval of Company, including but not limited to: (i) entering into any Contract that exceeds an amount as to be agreed upon by the Parties prior to the Closing Date or is not contemplated by the then-applicable Program and Budget; (ii) incurring any operating expenditure or series of related operating expenditures in any calendar year that exceeds an amount as to be agreed upon by the Parties prior to the Closing Date or is not contemplated by the then-applicable Program and Budget; (iii) incurring any capital expenditure or series of related capital expenditures in any calendar year that exceeds an amount as to be agreed upon by the Parties prior to the Closing Date or is not contemplated by the then-applicable Program and Budget; (iv) incurring any expenditure or series of expenditures relating to exploration by Company in any calendar year that exceeds an amount as to be agreed upon by the Parties prior to the Closing Date not otherwise included in the Program and Budget for that year; (v) commencing legal action with respect to any litigation or arbitration matter or claim pursuant to the terms as to be agreed upon by the Parties prior to the Closing Date and (vi) entering into any formal collective bargaining agreement with a labor union.  Such criteria shall be amended or modified from time to time by Company in its sole discretion, provided that the authority granted to Manager shall always be sufficient for the execution of the Programs and Budgets as approved by Company, including operations and production, procurement, general and personnel management and contract execution for the performance of the Services for the Project in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

Article III

 

Description of Services

 

3.1            Services .  Manager shall provide management, technical, operating, administrative and support services reasonably required for the operation of the Project during the term of this Agreement, as described in Schedule D to this Agreement, including but not limited to (a) Project Area management, (b) accounting and tax services and reports, (c) information technology support services, (d) technical support services, (e) environmental, health and safety and water support services, (f) commercial contract management and (g) local community relations (collectively, the “ Services ”).  The Services shall be for, contracted by and conducted in the name of and for the benefit of Company.

 

3.2            Transition and Excluded Services .  For the three (3) month period following the Closing Date (the “ Transition Phase ”), Manager shall provide the additional services (the “ Transition Services ”), as described in Schedule E(1)  to this Agreement. The Services and the Transition Services shall not include the services listed on Schedule E(2)  (the “ Excluded Services ”), and Manager shall not be under any duty to provide or have any liability for the Excluded Services.

 

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3.3            Freedom of Action .  This Agreement shall in no way prohibit Manager or any of its partners or Affiliates or any director, officer, partner, agent or employee of Manager or any of its partners or Affiliates from engaging in other activities, whether or not directly or indirectly in competition with any business of Company or any of its respective subsidiaries or Affiliates.

 

Article IV

 

Compensation

 

4.1            Fees .  In consideration for Manager’s performance of the Services and Transition Services, Company shall pay to Manager for the performance of the Services a Fee, of which a portion shall be paid by AMM for the Transition Services, and an Annual Incentive Fee and shall reimburse Manager for Reimbursable Expenses as set forth below.  The Fee, Annual Incentive Fee and Reimbursable Expenses are exclusive of any and all value-added taxes (“ VAT ”), import and/or customs taxes, duties or fees and any other withholding taxes.  Therefore, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, Company shall pay directly to the Bolivian Governmental Authorities any and all VAT, import and/or custom taxes, duties and fees and any other withholding taxes assessed in connection with the Services.  Company shall promptly reimburse Manager for the amount of any VAT, import and/or custom taxes, duties and fees paid to Bolivian Governmental Authorities and any other withholding taxes in accordance with the invoicing and reimbursement procedures set forth in Section 4.2.

 

4.2            Annual Fee .  (a)  Company shall pay Manager an annual fee equal to US$9,500,000 (the “ Fee ”).

 

(b)            The Fee shall accrue from and after the Closing Date.  Manager shall invoice Company for the Fee fifteen (15) days before the beginning of each quarter and such Fee shall be payable by Company quarterly, on the first day of such quarter; provided , however , that the first installment of such quarterly payment shall not require an invoice and shall be paid by Company on the later of (i) the Closing Date and (ii) April 6, 2009.  The Fee payable for any period of less than a full calendar quarter shall be the prorated portion thereof for the actual number of days elapsed in such partial calendar quarter.

 

4.3            Reimbursable Expenses .

 

(a)            Company or AMM shall reimburse Manager for the following expenses incurred by Manager in connection with the performance of the Services (collectively, the “ Reimbursable Expenses ”) as described below:

 

(i)             Company shall reimburse Manager for any Project or operating cost paid on behalf of Company and which payment has been approved by Company in advance or is made in accordance with the current Program and Budget.

 

(ii)            AMM shall reimburse Manager for (A) reasonable out-of-pocket third party expenses incurred with respect to Transition Services and (B) the reasonably allocable cost (without markup) of Manager employees providing Transition Services that are paid by Manager.

 

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(iii)           Company shall reimburse such other expenses as may be agreed upon from time to time by Manager and Company.

 

(iv)           Company shall reimburse certain expenses relating to air transportation as identified on Schedule F to this Agreement as specified by Sumitomo and Manager prior to the Closing Date.

 

(b)            Manager shall invoice Company or AMM as relevant in advance for an estimate of Reimbursable Expenses for each month and will include in such invoice any adjustments for Reimbursable Expenses not included in a previous month’s invoice or to correct Reimbursable Expenses included in a previous month’s invoice to actual amounts.  On the first business day of each month, Manager shall present Company or AMM as relevant with an invoice in reasonable detail that contains the following: (i) an estimate of Reimbursable Expenses for the current month (subject to the limitation described in the previous sentence), (ii) actual Reimbursable Expenses from preceding months that were not included as estimates in the invoices for any preceding month and (iii) positive or negative adjustments, as the case may be, for estimated Reimbursable Expenses from any previous month to reflect actual amounts incurred.  The invoice for Reimbursable Expenses will be payable by Company or AMM within thirty (30) days following receipt.

 

(c)            Manager shall establish and maintain adequate accounting, management information, and cost accounting systems that identify all Reimbursable Expenses.

 

4.4            Annual Incentive Fee .  (a)  At the end of each Contract Year, Manager shall be entitled to receive an incentive (the “ Annual Incentive Fee ”) from Company based on performance factors.

 

(b)            The annual performance targets for the initial Contract Year are as set forth in and calculated in accordance with Schedule G of this Agreement, as specified by Sumitomo in consultation with Manager prior to the Closing Date (the “ Annual Performance Targets ”).  For each subsequent Contract Year, Manager shall propose Annual Performance Targets in conjunction with the Program and Budget in accordance with Section 2.5(b), to be approved by Company at the time that the Program and Budget for such year is approved.

 

(c)            The Annual Incentive Fee for any Contract Year shall not exceed US$1,500,000; provided , however , that the Annual Incentive Fee for the first Contract Year, which period ends on December 31, 2009, shall not exceed US$1,125,000.

 

(d)            Within forty-five (45) days after the end of each Contract Year, Manager shall present to Company its calculation of the Annual Incentive Fee.  Company shall have thirty (30) days to respond to Manager after it has received Manager’s calculation of the Annual Incentive Fee.  Delivery of the Annual Incentive Fee calculation by Manager and response by Company to Manager may be made by electronic transmission via email with a notation in the subject line “MSC Annual Incentive Fee — Formal Notice of Calculation” and shall be effective, provided that such communication be followed by facsimile transmission within three (3) Business Days after the delivery of such electronic communication.

 

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(e)            Unless within thirty (30) days after the delivery to Company of the Annual Incentive Fee calculation, Company delivers to Manager a notice setting forth, in reasonable detail, any dispute as to the Annual Incentive Fee and the basis for such dispute (a “ Dispute Notice ”), the Annual Incentive Fee shall be deemed accepted by Company.

 

(f)             All undisputed amounts to be paid pursuant to this Section 4.4 shall be paid by Company within thirty (30) days after delivery by Manager to Company of its calculation of the Annual Incentive Fee in accordance with the current Annual Performance Targets.

 

(g)            For fifteen (15) days after delivery of a Dispute Notice, Company and Manager shall endeavor in good faith to resolve by mutual agreement all matters in the Dispute Notice. If the Parties are unable to resolve any matter in the Dispute Notice within such fifteen (15) day period, Company and Manager shall engage Deloitte & Touche, an independent registered public accounting firm, as the “Reviewing Accountant” (if such accounting firm is unable or unwilling to serve as the Reviewing Accountant, the parties shall, within ten (10) days after the end of such thirty-day period, agree on an alternate internationally recognized independent accounting firm) (the “ Reviewing Accountant ”) for resolution of the disputed matter(s).

 

(h)            Company and Manager shall instruct the Reviewing Accountant to resolve the disputed matters as promptly as practicable.  Company and Manager shall cooperate with each other and the Reviewing Accountant in connection with the matters set forth in this Section 4.4(h), including by furnishing such information as may be reasonably requested and shall afford the other Parties the opportunity to participate in all communications with the Reviewing Accountant.  The Reviewing Accountant’s determination shall be final and binding on both Company and Manager, and judgment on such determination may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  The costs and expenses of the Reviewing Accountant will be shared equally by Company and Manager.

 

Article V

 

Interruption and Suspension

 

5.1            Notice Regarding Interruption in Operations .  It shall be Manager’s responsibility to anticipate, wherever reasonably possible, all potential sources of interruption to operations at the Mine and to advise Company in respect thereto and to take appropriate action to limit such interruptions, where reasonably possible.

 

5.2            Company-Ordered Suspensions .  Company may, at its sole option, by providing reasonable prior written notice to Manager, suspend at any time all or a portion of the operations of the Project.  Such suspension order shall designate the amount and type of activities to be suspended.  Company may provide verbal notice of the suspension order to Manager in an urgent situation; provided that Company shall deliver a written notice of such suspension to Manager within twenty-four (24) hours thereafter.  Upon receipt of any such suspension order, Manager shall, unless the notice requires otherwise:

 

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(i)             order discontinuation of activities at the Project on the date and to the extent specified in the notice;

 

(ii)            place no further orders with respect to activities of the Project, other than to the extent required in the notice;

 

(iii)           promptly make every reasonable effort to obtain suspension upon reasonable terms satisfactory to Company of all orders, contracts, subcontracts and rental or lease agreements entered into by Manager or otherwise supervised or managed by Manager to the extent required in the notice;

 

(iv)           confer with Company regarding measures to mitigate the effects of the suspension; and

 

(v)            use its reasonable commercial efforts to minimize costs associated with suspension.

 

5.3            Adjustments for Interruption in Operations and Company-Ordered Suspensions .  Upon the occurrence of any interruption in operations or Company-ordered suspension, the Program and Budget shall be appropriately adjusted based on amendments prepared by Manager and approved by Company.

 

5.4            Compensation During Suspension .  During any interruption in operations or Company-ordered suspension or other suspension or delay, Manager shall continue to be paid the Fee and reimbursed for Reimbursable Expenses, as applicable, in accordance with Article IV hereof for a period of ninety (90) days following such interruption, suspension or delay, without regard to whether any interruption, suspension or delay is a result of Company’s decision, Force Majeure, strike or other labor disturbance not contemplated under Article VII, temporary shutdown or any and all other cause of such interruption or suspension.  After a period of ninety (90) days following such interruption, suspension or delay, either Company or Manager may request an equitable increase or decrease in the Fee by providing written notice of such request to the other party.  In the case of any dispute related to the adjustment of the Fee, the objecting party shall deliver to the other party a Dispute Notice with such detail as described in Section 4.4(e) and shall follow the procedures to resolve such dispute in good faith as described above in Sections 4.4(g) and 4.4(h).  For the avoidance of doubt, Manager shall not be entitled to be paid an Annual Incentive Fee or any portion thereof with respect to such interruption period.

 

5.5            Suspension of Work by Manager .

 

(a)            Right to Suspend or Terminate for Failure to Pay .  If Company fails to pay Manager any undisputed amount due under this Agreement within ten (10) Business Days after the expiration of the time within which payment is to be made, Manager may terminate this Agreement, in each instance after giving not less than seven (7) days prior notice to Company.  Such action shall not prejudice Manager’s rights to payment under Article IV hereof.

 

(b)            Resumption Upon Cure .  If Manager suspends or reduces the Services and Company subsequently pays the entire undisputed amount due (prior to Manager’s termination of the Agreement in accordance with Section 5.5(a) above), Manager’s right to terminate this

 

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Agreement shall lapse in respect of such delayed payments, and Manager shall resume normal working as soon as is reasonably possible.

 

5.6            Right to Terminate for Extended Suspension .  In the event of a suspension ordered by Company lasting more than ninety (90) consecutive days, Manager shall have the right to terminate this Agreement, provided that such termination shall not prejudice Manager’s rights to payment under Section 13.7(i) (but subject to Section 5.4 above) and (ii) hereof.

 

Article VI

 

Changes and Emergencies

 

6.1            Material Changes .  (a)  Manager and Company acknowledge that the stated scope of work is descriptive and not necessarily definitive, and that the prudent management of the Project may require changes of a major or minor scope to the Services otherwise described herein.

 

(b)            Either Manager or Company, in its sole discretion, shall have the right to request changes to the Services.

 

(i)             A change shall not be deemed a material change unless such change involves a significant change in operations from those currently envisioned, which could include, but not be limited to, an expansion of the plant, an interruption of the Project, a Company-ordered suspension or the removal of a Project Contractor (each, a “ Material Change ”).

 

(ii)            In the event that a change is not a Material Change, no adjustment shall be made to the Fee and the change in Services shall be deemed to be automatically included in the scope of work.

 

(iii)           In the event that a change is a Material Change, such change shall be deemed a change in the scope of the Services and the Fee and Reimbursable Expenses shall be increased accordingly, if Company determines an increase to be appropriate in accordance with Section 6.1(c) below.

 

(c)            Manager shall make requests for adjustments to the Fee as follows:

 

(i)             As soon as possible but not more than fifteen (15) days after becoming aware of the necessity of a Material Change, Manager shall give notice to Company of the nature of Material Change and the anticipated ramifications of such Material Change;

 

(ii)            Within fifteen (15) days of giving notice of the Material Change, if Manager is of the opinion that a claim for an adjustment of the Fee is justified, it shall make such a claim in writing to Company giving details of the proposed adjustment and all other relevant facts;

 

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(iii)           Manager and Company shall discuss the claim in good faith as soon as possible and may seek further evidence as may be required to confirm the details of the claim; and

 

(iv)           Within ten (10) days after the receipt of all the information that is reasonably necessary, Company shall notify Manager of any adjustment it agrees to be appropriate under the provisions of this Article VI.  In determining the appropriate adjustment, Company is authorized to take into consideration any reasonable alterations in the method or manner of performance of the Services.

 

(d)            Unless Manager has applied for an adjustment within the period and in the aforesaid manner and unless and until Company has adjusted the Fee, as applicable, Manager shall not be entitled to additional compensation.

 

(e)            In the case of any dispute related to the adjustment of the Fee, Manager shall deliver to Company a Dispute Notice with such detail as described in Section 4.4(e), and shall follow the procedures in good faith described above in Sections 4.4(g) and 4.4(h).

 

6.2            Emergencies .  (a)  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this Agreement, in case of emergency or to comply with applicable Law or any requirement of a Governmental Authority, Manager may take any action and make any expenditures it deems necessary to protect life, limb, or property, or to protect and maintain the business and assets of Company from imminent material economic loss.

 

(b)            Manager shall notify Company promptly of any emergency of the type set forth in Subsection (a) above and advise of the actions taken or proposed to be taken and its best current estimate of the expenses incurred or to be incurred to address such emergency.

 

Article VII

 

Force Majeure

 

7.1            Events of Force Majeure .  For purposes of this Agreement, “ Force Majeure ” shall mean any of the following acts, events or causes occurring without the fault or negligence of the Party claiming it:

 

(a)            acts of God, perils of the sea, accidents of navigation, war, sabotage, acts of terrorism, riot, insurrection, civil commotion, national emergency (whether in fact or law), martial law or blockade;

 

(b)            expropriation, prohibition, intervention, requisition or embargo by legislation, regulation, decree or other legally enforceable order of any competent authority (including any court of competent jurisdiction);

 

(c)            earthquakes, floods, fire, volcanic activity, drought, entrapped gases or other physical disasters, and unusually adverse weather conditions outside of those that can reasonably be anticipated;

 

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(d)            loss of essential services or utilities supplied by third parties;

 

(e)            strikes or labor actions that are caused by or related to political disputes or disputes, including labor disputes regarding employees of any Project Contractors or other Subcontractors; or

 

(f)             any other action that presents immediate physical danger to Manager’s employees.

 

7.2            Not Force Majeure .  Financial inability of Company, Manager, AMM or Sumitomo shall not be considered Force Majeure.

 

7.3            Notice Requirement .  If any of the Parties is or reasonably expects to be prevented from performing any of its obligations under this Agreement as a result of Force Majeure, it shall promptly notify the other Parties of the nature of the Force Majeure and likely duration of the disability resulting therefrom.

 

7.4            Performance Suspended .  (a)  Upon giving the above notice of the nature of the Force Majeure and the likely duration of the resulting disability, each of Manager and Company may immediately request a consultation with the other party in order to reach agreement as to the best way to deal with the situation.  Manager shall be excused from its obligations hereunder to the extent prevented by Force Majeure, provided that:

 

(i)             the suspension of performance is of no greater scope and of no longer duration than is required by the condition or event of Force Majeure;

 

(ii)            Manager proceeds with reasonable diligence to remedy its inability to perform and provides weekly progress reports to the other Parties describing actions taken to end the non-performance due to the condition or event of Force Majeure;

 

(iii)           Manager shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to continue to perform its obligations under this Agreement and to minimize any adverse effects of such event of Force Majeure; and

 

(iv)           as soon as Manager is able to resume performance of its obligations under this Agreement, Manager shall give Company written notice to that effect,

 

provided that, this provision shall not excuse or release Manager from obligations due or performable, or compliance required, under this Agreement prior to the occurrence of Force Majeure or obligations not affected by the event of Force Majeure.

 

(b)            Unless any agreement is reached to the contrary, the Parties shall bear their own costs arising out of any Force Majeure.

 

7.5            Adjustments as a Result of Force Majeure .  Nothing in this Article VII shall excuse a Party from any of its payment obligations hereunder.  However, if the event of Force Majeure materially alters the scope of Services to be performed, requires a Material Change to the Services or materially alters Manager’s costs to perform the Services, Manager and Company

 

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shall equitably increase or decrease the Fee to account for such changes in accordance with Section 6.1.

 

Article VIII

 

Representations and Warranties

 

8.1            Parties’ Representations .  Each of the Parties represents and warrants to each other Party that as of the Closing Date:

 

(a)            it is duly incorporated or registered and validly existing under the Laws of the jurisdiction in which it was formed;

 

(b)            it has full power and authority and possesses all licenses, permits and authorizations necessary to conduct its business, to own its properties and perform its obligations under this Agreement;

 

(c)            it has financial capabilities and the means to perform its obligations under this Agreement and under any agreement or instrument entered into by it pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement;

 

(d)            the execution, delivery and performance of its respective obligations under this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by all necessary corporate action and is a valid, legal and binding obligation of the Party, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other laws of general application affecting the rights of creditors;

 

(e)            neither the execution nor the delivery by such Party of this Agreement nor the performance by that Party if its obligations hereunder:

 

(i)             conflicts with, violates, or results in a breach of any Law applicable to such Party;

 

(ii)            conflicts with, violates or results in a breach of any term or condition of any judgment, decree, agreement or instrument to which the Party is a party or by which that Party or any of its properties or assets are bound, or constitutes a default under any such judgment, decree, agreement or instrument; or

 

(iii)           violate any provision of its organizational documents.

 

(f)             no approval, authorization, order or consent of, or declarations, registration or filing with, any Governmental Authority is required for the valid execution, delivery and performance by that Party of this Agreement, except such as have been duly obtained or made; and

 

(g)            there is no action, suit or proceeding before or by any court or Governmental Authority or, to the best of the Party’s knowledge, threatened against that Party, or its Affiliates, which is likely to result in an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding that would

 

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materially and adversely affect the validity or enforceability of this Agreement, or would materially and adversely affect the performance by the Party of its obligations hereunder.

 

Article IX

 

Obligations of the Parties

 

9.1            Covenants of Manager .  (a)  Manager shall perform, or cause its consultants or subcontractors to perform, the Services at all times:

 

(i)             in full conformity with this Agreement, the applicable approved Program and Budget and such other written directives and guidelines as may be furnished to Manager by Company from time to time;

 

(ii)            in a good and workmanlike manner, in good faith, and observing prudent industry practices;

 

(iii)           in material compliance with all applicable Laws; and

 

(iv)           with the degree of care and skill ordinarily exercised by members of the international mining profession prevailing in the open pit mine operation industry as of the date such Services are provided, for managing projects of the size and complexity of the Project including without limitation production of multiple products, the national, regional and local political issues, the limited education and experience of the workforce, the relationships between the workforce and the communities, the cultural history and developments in the part of Bolivia in which the Project is located and the absence of effective civil authority.

 

(b)            Manager shall not, without the prior approval of Company or unless permitted under the authorities set forth in Schedule B, do or permit to occur or to continue any of the following:

 

(i)             create, incur, or assume any security interest or encumbrance upon the Project, Company or its properties other than Permitted Liens;

 

(ii)            cause Company to assume any debt or extend any credit, other than prepayments for operating supplies, not included in the applicable Program and Budget and exceeding US$1,000,000 in amount;

 

(iii)           enter into any Materials Contract or material amendment or modification thereof;

 

(iv)           enter into a binding commitment to sell, transfer, finance, pledge, or hypothecate any property or beneficial interest of Company, other than in the ordinary course or pursuant to the applicable Program and Budget;

 

(v)            act on behalf of, or hold itself out as having the authority to act on behalf of, Company in any manner beyond the scope of the terms of this Agreement;

 

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(vi)           take any action (or inaction) that pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement requires the prior approval or consent of Company;

 

(vii)          engage in any other Significant Operational Matters, except for as provided in Schedule B hereto; and

 

(viii)         terminate or materially alter the terms of employment of the VPGM.

 

(c)            Manager shall take all appropriate measures in order that all records and accounts pertaining to Services performed by Manager under this Agreement are maintained for such periods of time as may be required in order to comply with applicable Law.

 

9.2            Covenants of Company and AMM .  (a)  Company shall maintain the powers of attorney as specified in Section 2.6 hereof.

 

(b)            Company shall, upon reasonable request, promptly provide to any third party any necessary evidence of Manager’s authority to act pursuant to this Agreement or any power of attorney granted pursuant to this Section 9.2.

 

(c)            Company and AMM shall make prompt payment of all undisputed amounts in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

Article X

 

Senior Management and Personnel

 

10.1          Senior Management .  (a)  Manager shall appoint, subject to the consideration and approval of Company, Mr. Michael John Bunch for the position of Vice President and General Manager (the “ VPGM ”) of the Project.  Manager shall appoint appropriately qualified and experienced personnel of Manager to be seconded to Company to act as senior management for Company (collectively, “ Senior Management ”).  The positions of Senior Management include the VPGM, Assistant General Manager, the Operations Manager, the General Services Manager, Company Controller and the Vice President, Corporate.  The negotiation of related salary and benefits for the VPGM and Senior Management shall be the responsibility of Manager in consultation with Company.  Company and Manager agree that the persons identified on Schedule H hereto shall hold the positions of VPGM and Senior Management on the Closing Date.

 

(b)            Company shall be responsible for and indemnify Manager and hold it harmless from all penalties or interest for failure to properly calculate and pay any withholding, payroll, unemployment, and any and all other Bolivian taxes and social security contributions required under Bolivian law to be paid by employers relating to the employment of all employees including the VPGM and Senior Management.  Company shall maintain all necessary records with respect to payment of such taxes and contributions.

 

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(c)                                   Manager shall cause VPGM and Senior Management to devote substantially all of their time to performing for Company the Services in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

10.2                            Personnel .  (a)  Other than the VPGM and Senior Management, Manager shall provide and make available as necessary all other professional, supervisory, managerial, administrative, and other personnel as are necessary to perform the Services, which personnel will be employed by Manager or its Affiliates, at its cost and under its sole responsibility for all purposes.  Such personnel shall devote such time as is necessary to enable them to competently and professionally perform such obligations, as required hereunder.

 

(b)                                  From time to time Manager shall provide Company with such information as is reasonably requested by Company relating to Manager’s:  (i) guidelines for hiring of personnel who may be engaged in the performance of Services hereunder and (ii) employment policies and standards.

 

(c)                                   Except as set forth in Section 10.1 and subject to applicable Laws, the working hours and all other matters relating to the employment of individuals acting for Manager or its Affiliates hereunder in the performance of the Services shall be determined solely by Manager or its respective Affiliates.

 

Article XI

 

Indemnification and Limitation of Liability

 

11.1                            Indemnification .  (a)  Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Manager, VPGM, Senior Management and Manager’s officers, directors, and employees (each, a “ Manager Indemnified Party ”) absent gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including, but not limited to, amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines and penalties and reasonable attorneys’ fees for defending against any claim or alleged claim, except for and excluding any liabilities for taxes and social security contributions of any Manager Indemnified Party), which are incurred by such Manager Indemnified Party and arise out of or in connection with the business of Company or the performance by such Manager Indemnified Party of its responsibilities hereunder.

 

(b)                                  Manager shall indemnify and hold harmless Company, and its officers, directors, “síndicos”, employees and Affiliates (each, a “ Company Indemnified Party ”, together with Manager Indemnified Parties, an “ Indemnified Party ”) from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including, but not limited to, amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines and penalties and reasonable attorneys’ fees for defending against any claim or alleged claim but excluding any liabilities for taxes and social contributions of any Manager Indemnified Party), which are incurred by such Company Indemnified Party as described below.

 

(i)                                      Manager shall not be liable for any loss, damage, liability, injury, claim or expense attributable to the provision of the Services, whether claimed to result from

 

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breach of contract, warranty, tort, negligence, strict liability, delay, error or omission, indemnity or otherwise, except that Manager shall be liable for losses that arise or is alleged to have arisen from its, Senior Management’s or its employees’ gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith in the performance of its obligations or obligations of Senior Management or Manager’s employees under this Agreement.

 

(ii)                                   In no event shall the total and cumulative aggregate liability of Manager, whether in contract, warranty, tort, negligence, strict liability, delay, error or omission, indemnity or otherwise for the performance or breach of this Agreement exceed the greater of (A) US$ 1.5 million or (B) an amount equal to the aggregate amount of Fees actually paid to Manager hereunder at such time.

 

11.2                            Claims of Indemnification .  An Indemnified Party shall not be entitled to indemnification hereunder to the extent such claim arises from such Indemnified Party’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith.  The termination of any proceeding by settlement, judgment, order, or upon a plea of nolo contendre or its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that an Indemnified Party was grossly negligent or engaged in willful misconduct or bad faith.  Any person or entity entitled to indemnification from the Indemnifying Party hereunder shall obtain the written consent of the Indemnifying Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) prior to entering into any agreement or settlement that would result in an obligation of the Indemnifying Party to indemnify such person or entity.

 

(a)                                   Expenses incurred by an Indemnified Party in defense or settlement of any claim that may be subject to a right of indemnification hereunder may be advanced by the Indemnifying Party prior to the final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnified Party to repay such amount to the extent that it shall be determined ultimately that such Indemnified Party is not entitled to be indemnified hereunder.  The right of any Indemnified Party to the indemnification provided herein shall be cumulative of, and in addition to, any and all rights to which such Indemnified Party may otherwise be entitled by contract or as a matter of law or equity and shall be extended to such Indemnified Party’s successors, assigns, and legal representatives.

 

(b)                                  Promptly after receipt by an Indemnified Party of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding or threatened action or proceeding in connection with any claim, such Indemnified Party shall give written notice thereof to the Indemnifying Party; provided that the failure of an Indemnified Party to give such notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations pursuant to this Section 11.1, except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party is actually prejudiced by such failure to give notice.

 

(c)                                   In case any action or proceeding is commenced against any Indemnified Party which may be subject to indemnification pursuant to this Section 11.2, the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party.  After notice from the Indemnifying Party to such Indemnified Party of the Indemnifying Party’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnifying Party will be liable for the expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with the defense thereof.  The Indemnifying Party will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter

 

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into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term the giving to such Indemnified Party a release from all liability in respect of such claim.

 

(d)                                  If it is determined pursuant to subsequent judicial appeal that an Indemnified Party was not entitled to claim indemnification under this Article XI, the Indemnified Party shall reimburse the Indemnifying Party promptly upon demand therefor for all expenses incurred or payment made by such Indemnifying Party in connection with such claim.

 

11.3                            No Liability for Contractors’ Work .  (a)  Company and Sumitomo acknowledge that a significant portion of the Services will be carried out by Project Contractors under the Project Contracts.

 

(b)                                  Manager shall use commercially reasonable efforts to monitor each Project Contractor’s compliance with such Project Contractor’s Project Contract; provided , however , that Manager shall not be liable for any damages arising under any Project Contract, whether such liability is based, or asserted to be based, on any breach of any obligations to, of or by any Project Contractor under any Project Contract, or whether such liability is based, or asserted to be based, upon any negligent act or omission of any Project Contractor, its personnel, agents, appointed representatives or Subcontractors or whether such liability is based, or asserted to be based, on any other legal ground.

 

11.4                            Limitation of Liability .  An Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential, special, indirect or punitive damages, including but not limited to, loss of profit, loss of use, loss of opportunity, loss of production or products, regardless of the theory upon which the liability is premised.

 

Article XII

 

Insurance

 

12.1                            Required Coverage .  During the term of this Agreement, Company shall maintain insurance coverage with insurers of good repute selected by it against such risks, with such coverage (including deductibles and exclusions) and in such form and amounts as are customary and reasonable for mines and mining facilities of similar type, location and scale.  All policies shall be written with financially sound and reputable insurance companies.  All policies shall contain specific provisions that Company’s policy shall be primary in all instances regardless of like coverage, if any, carried by Manager.

 

12.2                            Term of Insurance .  All insurance required under this Agreement shall cover occurrences during the performance of Services by Manager pursuant to this Agreement and for a period of at least ten years after the Term of this Agreement.  In the event that any insurance as required herein is available only on a “claims-made” basis, such insurance shall provide for a retroactive date not later than the date of this Agreement and such insurance shall be maintained by Company, with a retroactive date not later than the retroactive date required above, for a minimum of ten years after the Term of this Agreement.

 

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12.3                            Modification of Insurance .  Manager shall have the right, at times deemed appropriate to Manager during the Term of this Agreement, to request that Company modify the insurance minimum limits in order to maintain reasonable coverage amounts, all at Company’s account, provided that this Section 12.3 shall not be construed to require Manager to determine appropriate insurance coverage for Company.

 

12.4                            Evidence of Insurance .  On the Closing Date and annually thereafter, Company shall provide Manager with two copies of insurance certificates acceptable to Manager evidencing the insurance coverage required to be maintained hereunder.  Such certificates shall (a) name Manager as additional insured; (b) provide that Manager shall receive thirty (30) days prior written notice of nonrenewal, cancellation of, or significant modification to any of the above policies (except that such notice shall be ten (10) days for nonpayment of premiums); and (c) provide a waiver of any rights of subrogation against Manager, its Affiliates and their officers, directors, agents, consultants, subcontractors, and employees.

 

12.5                            Manager Insurance .  Except as expressly set forth in the Program and Budget, Manager shall maintain insurance coverage with insurers of good repute selected by it against such risks, with such coverage (including deductibles and exclusions) and in such form and amounts as are customary and reasonable for companies in the exploration, development and mine consulting services businesses of similar type and scale.  The premium for all insurance required to be maintained by Manager hereunder shall be at Manager’s own expense.  Manager shall furnish to Company certificates evidencing the aforesaid coverages, which shall include provisions to the effect that Company shall be given at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of cancellation of or any reduction in coverage in any of the aforesaid policies.  Company shall be named as an additional insured with respect to Manager’s commercial general liability policies.

 

Article XIII

 

Term and Termination

 

13.1                            Effectiveness .  This Agreement shall be effective as of the Closing Date.

 

13.2                            Term .  This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for the life of the Project (“ Term ”), unless otherwise terminated in accordance with this Article XIII.

 

13.3                            Initial Period .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Parties may not terminate this agreement before the expiration of a period of twelve (12) months from the Closing Date (the “ Initial Period ”).

 

13.4                            Termination by Company .  After the Initial Period, Company shall be permitted to terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without cause, upon 180 days’ written notice (or such shorter period pursuant to Section 13.6(a)) to Manager delivered after the expiration of the Initial Period and in accordance with Section 14.3 hereof.

 

13.5                            Termination by Manager .  After the Initial Period, Manager shall be permitted to terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without cause, upon twelve (12) months’ written

 

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notice (or such shorter period pursuant to Section 13.6(b)) to Company delivered after the expiration of the Initial Period and in accordance with Section 14.3 hereof.

 

13.6                            Termination upon Sale Liquidity Event .  (a)  After the Initial Period and at its sole discretion, Company shall be permitted to terminate this Agreement upon three (3) months’ written notice delivered within six (6) months of the occurrence of a Sale Liquidity Event.

 

(b)                                  After the Initial Period and at its sole discretion, Manager shall be permitted to terminate this Agreement upon three (3) months’ written notice delivered within six (6) months of the occurrence of a Sale Liquidity Event.

 

(c)                                   Notwithstanding the occurrence of a Sale Liquidity Event described in Section 13.6(b) above, Company shall continue to make payments of the Fee in accordance with this Agreement pending the final termination of this Agreement.

 

13.7                            Effect of Termination .  (a)  Upon termination of this Agreement, Company shall have the right to employ any other Person to perform the Services by whatever method Company may deem expedient.  Manager shall have no further rights under this Agreement and shall not be entitled to receive any further payments under this Agreement, except for:

 

(i)                                      the ratable portion of the Fee for the calendar quarter during which this Agreement was terminated for Services rendered by Manager through such termination date; and

 

(ii)                                   any documented and unpaid Reimbursable Expenses;

 

(iii)                                in respect of Manager’s employees under the Company’s payroll, any and all applicable accrued social benefits under the laws of Bolivia, which payments shall be made directly to the individual beneficiaries thereof; and

 

(iv)                               Company shall, subject to the applicable laws and confidentiality obligations, provide any new mine operator with relevant information concerning then existing Manager employees so such mine operator may consider continuing to employ such individuals in mine operations;

 

provided , however , that if this Agreement is terminated by Company, Company shall pay a US$1,000,000 fee in cash to Manager at termination.  In addition, Company’s and Manager’s obligations under Section 11.1 hereof shall survive termination of this Agreement.

 

(b)                                  At the request of Company, Manager shall prepare records and documentation for transfer to a new manager.  Manager shall be compensated for such preparation in accordance with Sections 4.2 and 4.3 hereof.

 

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Article XIV

 

Miscellaneous

 

14.1                            Governing Law .  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW, WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY CHOICE OR CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISION OR RULE THAT WOULD CAUSE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

14.2                            Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial; Service of Process .

 

(a)                                   Each Party hereby (i) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or United States federal court located in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, for the purpose of any Legal Proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, (ii) agrees that all claims in respect of any such Legal Proceeding may be heard and determined in such courts, and (iii) irrevocably waives (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) any objection which it now or hereafter may have to the laying of venue of any such Legal Proceeding brought in any of the foregoing courts, and any objection on the ground that any such Legal Proceeding in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

 

(b)                                  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY AGREES TO WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING OF ANY TYPE BROUGHT BY ANY OF THE PARTIES AGAINST ANY OTHER PARTY OR PARTIES, WHETHER WITH RESPECT TO CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, OR OTHERWISE.  EACH PARTY AGREES THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE TRIED BY A COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY.  WITHOUT IN ANY WAY LIMITING THE FOREGOING, THE PARTIES FURTHER AGREE THAT THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IS WAIVED BY OPERATION OF THIS SECTION 14.2(B) AS TO ANY ACTION, COUNTERCLAIM, OR OTHER PROCEEDING WHICH SEEKS, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, TO CHALLENGE THE VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY PROVISION HEREOF.  THIS WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS AGREEMENT.  A COPY OF THIS SECTION 14.2(B) MAY BE FILED WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE WAIVER OF THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY AND CONSENT TO TRIAL BY COURT.

 

(c)                                   Each of Company and Manager, by the execution and delivery of this Agreement, designates and appoints CT Corporation System for a period of no less than seven (7) years as the authorized agent of each such Person upon whom process may be served in any Legal Proceeding against such Person instituted by any other such Person and based upon or arising out of this Agreement, in any New York State or United States federal court located in the Borough of Manhattan, in The City of New York.  Such designations and appointments shall

 

28



 

be irrevocable, unless and until a successor authorized agent in the County and State of New York reasonably acceptable to Manager in connection with any successor appointed by Company, and to Company in connection with any successor appointed by Manager, shall have been appointed, such successor shall have accepted such appointment, and written notice thereof shall have been given to all Parties. Company and Manager further agree that service of process upon its authorized agent or successor shall be deemed in every respect personal service of process upon such Person in any action, suit or proceeding.  Upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Company and Manager have furnished to all Parties evidence of its appointment of CT Corporation System as such agent and evidence of full payment to CT Corporation System for its charges in respect thereof.

 

14.3                            Notices .  Unless otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests, consents or other communications which either Party may desire or be required to give hereunder shall be in writing in the English language and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by registered or certified mail, or sent by facsimile transmission, as follows:

 

To Company

 

Minera San Cristóbal, S.A.

and AMM:

 

Calle 15, Calacoto

 

 

Torre Ketal, Piso 5

 

 

La Paz, 15

 

 

Bolivia

 

 

Attention: President

 

 

Tel: +591-2-243-3800

 

 

Fax: +591-2-243-3737

 

 

Email: [TBD]

 

 

 

With a copy to:

 

Sumitomo Corporation

 

 

8 11, Harumi, 1 chome,

 

 

Chuo ku, Tokyo, 104 8610 Japan

 

 

Attention: General Manager of the San Cristóbal Project Department

 

 

Fax: +81 3 5166 6423

 

 

Email: haruo.matsuzaki@sumitomocorp.co.jp

 

 

 

To Manager:

 

Apex Silver Mines Corporation

 

 

1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 3050

 

 

Denver, Colorado 80203

 

 

U.S.A.

 

 

Attention: Senior Vice President

 

 

Tel: (303) 839-5060

 

 

Fax: (303) 839-5907

 

 

Email: terry.owen@apexsilver.com

 

Any notice given as provided in this Agreement shall be in writing and may be personally served, telexed or sent by telefacsimile or United States mail or courier service and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered in person or by courier service and signed for against

 

29



 

receipt thereof, upon receipt of telefacsimile or telex with evidence of proper transmission to and of receipt by the addressee.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, d elivery of notice by electronic transmission via email with a notation in the subject line “MSC Management Services Agreement — Formal Notice” shall be effective, provided that such notice be followed by facsimile transmission within three (3) Business Days after the delivery of such electronic notice.

 

14.4                            Assignment .  This Agreement may not be assigned by any Party hereto without the other Parties’ prior written consent.

 

14.5                            Further Assurances .  Each Party, upon the request of the other, agrees to perform such further acts and execute and deliver such further documents as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the terms and intent of this Agreement.

 

14.6                            Entire Agreement; Severability .  This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supercedes in its entirety any prior agreements between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof whether written or oral including, but not limited to, the Management and Services Agreement between Manager and Company, dated September 25, 2006.  No waiver or amendment or modification of the terms hereof shall be valid unless signed in writing by the Parties hereto and only to the extent therein set forth.  If any term or provision of this Agreement or any portion of a term or provision hereof or the application thereof to any Person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term or provision or portion thereof to Persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each term and provision of this Agreement and each portion thereof shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

14.7                            No Waiver .  The failure of either Party to enforce at any time or for any period of time any other provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as their waiver of such provision or the right of a Party to subsequently enforce each and every provision.

 

14.8                            Binding Effect .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective legal successors and permitted assigns.

 

14.9                            Headings and Titles .  Titles and headings appearing at the beginning of any subdivision are for convenience only and for not constitute any part of any such subdivision and shall be disregarded in construing the language contained in this Agreement.

 

14.10                      No Partnership .  Nothing contained herein shall create, or shall be construed as creating, a partnership or joint venture of any kind or as imposing upon any Party any partnership duty, obligation, or liability to any other Party.  Each Party shall be an independent contractor hereunder and neither shall be the agent of any other Party.

 

14.11                      Amendment; Counterparts .  This Agreement may be amended only in writing signed by all of the Parties.  This Agreement may not be executed separate counterparts.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by the Parties hereto as of the date first written above.

 

 

MINERA SAN CRISTÓBAL, S.A.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jeffrey G. Clevenger

 

 

Name:

Jeffrey G. Clevenger

 

 

Title:

President

 

S-1



 

 

APEX METALS MARKETING GMBH

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Gerald J. Malys

 

 

Name:

Gerald J. Malys

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 

S-2



 

 

APEX SILVER MINES CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jeffrey G. Clevenger

 

 

Name:

Jeffrey G. Clevenger

 

 

Title:

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

S-3


Exhibit 10.2

 

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

 

THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT (as amended, modified or otherwise supplemented from time to time, the “ Agreement ”), dated March     , 2009 is entered into by and between Golden Minerals Company, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and                                       , an individual (the “ Indemnitee ”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company and Indemnitee recognize the continued difficulty in obtaining liability insurance for corporate directors, officers, employees, agents and fiduciaries, the significant increases in the cost of such insurance and the general reductions in the coverage of such insurance;

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to attract and retain the services of highly qualified individuals, such as Indemnitee, to serve the Company and, to that end, wishes to provide for the indemnification and advancing of expenses to Indemnitee to the maximum extent permitted by law;

 

WHEREAS, Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended from time to time (the “ DGCL ”), under which the Company is organized, empowers the Company to indemnify its officers, directors, employees and agents by agreement and to indemnify persons who serve, at the request of the Company, as the directors, officers, employees or agents of other corporations or enterprises, and expressly provides that the indemnification provided by Section 145 is not exclusive; and

 

WHEREAS, in view of the considerations set forth above, the Company desires that Indemnitee shall be indemnified by the Company as set forth herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and Indemnitee hereby agree as follows:

 

1.            Indemnification .  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by and in the manner permissible under the DGCL, if Indemnitee is made, or threatened to be made, a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative, or investigative, or any hearing, inquiry or investigation is initiated that Indemnitee believes in good faith may lead to any such action, suit or proceeding (an “ Action ”), by reason of the fact that Indemnitee (a) is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any predecessor of the Company or (b) is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any predecessor of the Company and served any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent at the request of the Company or any predecessor of the Company, against any and all expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, penalties, amounts paid in settlement (provided that any such settlement is approved in advance by the board of directors of the Company (the “ Board ”), which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt by Indemnitee of any payments pursuant to this Agreement.

 

2.            Advancement of Expenses .  The right to indemnification conferred pursuant to Section 1 shall include the right to be paid by the Company the expenses incurred in defending or participating in any Action in advance of its final disposition, such advances to be paid by the

 



 

Company within twenty (20) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements from Indemnitee requesting such advance or advances from time to time; provided, however , that the payment of such expenses incurred by Indemnitee in his capacity as a director, officer or agent (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by Indemnitee while a director, officer or agent, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding shall be made only upon delivery to the Company of an undertaking by or on behalf of Indemnitee to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified under Section 1 or otherwise.  Such undertaking shall be accepted without reference to the financial ability of Indemnitee to make such repayment.  Advances shall be unsecured and interest-free.

 

3.            Procedure for Indemnification .  To obtain indemnification under Section 1, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification. Upon the Company’s receipt of such written request, indemnification shall (unless otherwise ordered by a court) be made by the Company unless a determination is made that indemnification of such person is not proper in the circumstances because he or she has not met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL.  Such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement thereto shall be made as follows: (a) if requested by Indemnitee or if there are no Disinterested Directors, by Independent Counsel, or (b) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum, or by a majority vote of a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum.  If it is determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination.  If Independent Counsel is retained with respect to the foregoing, the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be paid by the Company.

 

4.            Certain Remedies .  If a claim under Section 1 is not paid in full by the Company within thirty (30) days after a written claim pursuant to Section 3 has been received by the Company, Indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Company to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if successful in whole or in part, Indemnitee shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such suit.  It shall be a defense to any such suit (other than a suit brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking, if any, has been tendered to the Company) that Indemnitee has not met the standard of conduct which makes it permissible under the DGCL for the Company to indemnify Indemnitee for the amount claimed; provided, however , that the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Company; and provided further that the termination of any Action by judgment, order, settlement (whether with or without court approval) or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet such standard of conduct.  Neither the failure of the Company (including the Board, Independent Counsel or shareholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of Indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct under the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Company (including the Board, Independent Counsel or shareholders) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the suit or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

 

2



 

5.            Binding Effect .  If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 3 that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any suit commenced pursuant to Section 4.

 

6.            Notice by Indemnitee and the Company .  Indemnitee shall, as a condition precedent to Indemnitee’s right to receive indemnification or the advancement of expenses under this Agreement, give the Company notice in writing of any Action.  If, at the time of the receipt by the Company of such a notice, the Company has liability insurance in effect that may cover its obligation to Indemnitee in connection with the Action, the Company shall give prompt notice to its insurer(s) in accordance with the procedures set forth in the relevant policy or policies.  The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable in connection with the Action pursuant to this Agreement in accordance with the terms of such policy or policies.

 

7.            Selection of Counsel .  In the event the Company shall be obligated to pay the expenses of Indemnitee pursuant to this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to assume the defense of the Action with counsel approved by Indemnitee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, upon the delivery to Indemnitee of written notice of its election so to do.  After delivery of such notice, approval of such counsel by Indemnitee and the retention of such counsel by the Company, the Company will not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any fees of counsel subsequently incurred by Indemnitee with respect to the same Action; provided however , that, (i) Indemnitee shall have the right to employ Indemnitee’s counsel in the Action at Indemnitee’s expense and (ii) if (a) the employment of counsel by Indemnitee in such Action has been previously authorized by the Company, (b) Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there is or may be a conflict of interest between the Company and Indemnitee in the conduct of any such defense or (c) the Company shall not continue to retain such counsel to defend the Action, then the fees and expenses of Indemnitee’s counsel shall be at the expense of the Company.  The Company shall not settle, compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to the Action without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of Indemnitee from all liability arising out of such Action (other than amounts to be paid by the Company on Indemnitee’s behalf pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise).

 

8.            Liability Insurance .  The Company shall, from time to time, make a good faith determination whether it is practicable for the Company to obtain and maintain an insurance policy or policies with one or more reputable insurance companies providing the officers and directors of the Company with coverage for losses incurred in connection with their service with the Company or to insure the Company’s performance of its indemnification obligations under this Agreement.  Among other considerations, the Company will weigh the costs of obtaining such insurance coverage against the protection afforded by such coverage.  In all policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, Indemnitee shall be named as an insured in such a manner as to provide Indemnitee the same rights and benefits as are accorded to the most favorably insured of the Company’s directors, if Indemnitee is a director; or of the Company’s officers, if Indemnitee is not a director of the Company but is an officer; or of the Company’s key employees, if Indemnitee is not an officer or director but is a key employee.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no obligation to obtain or maintain such insurance if the Company determines in good faith that such insurance is not

 

3



 

reasonably available, that the premium costs for such insurance are disproportionate to the amount of coverage provided, that the coverage provided by such insurance is limited by exclusions so as to provide an insufficient benefit or that Indemnitee is adequately covered by similar insurance maintained by a subsidiary or parent of the Company.

 

9.            Exceptions .  Any other provision herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement:

 

(a)           Excluded Actions or Omissions .  To indemnify Indemnitee for expenses resulting from acts, omissions or transactions from which Indemnitee may not be relieved of liability under the DGCL;

 

(b)           Claims Initiated by Indemnitee .  To indemnify or advance expenses to Indemnitee with respect to Actions initiated or brought voluntarily by Indemnitee and not by way of defense, except (i) in connection with suits or proceedings brought in good faith to establish or enforce a right to indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Agreement, any other agreement or insurance policy or the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws (as amended and restated from time to time) now or hereafter in effect, or (ii) in specific cases if the Board has approved the initiation or bringing of such Action, regardless whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advance expense payment or insurance recovery, as the case may be; or

 

(c)           Claims Under Section 16(b) .  To indemnify Indemnitee for expenses and the payment of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any similar successor statute.

 

10.          Mutual Acknowledgment .  Both the Company and Indemnitee acknowledge that in certain instances, applicable law or public policy may prohibit the Company from indemnifying its directors, officers, employees, agents or fiduciaries under this Agreement or otherwise.  Indemnitee understands and acknowledges that the Company has undertaken or may be required in the future to undertake with the Securities and Exchange Commission to submit the question of indemnification to a court in certain circumstances for a determination of the Company’s right to indemnify Indemnitee.

 

11.          Certain Definitions .  For purposes of this Agreement:

 

(a)           “ Disinterested Director ” means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Action in question.

 

(b)           “ Independent Counsel ” means a law firm, a member of a law firm, or an independent practitioner that is experienced in matters of corporation law and shall include any such person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would not have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in a proceeding to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.  The Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board; provided however , that at any time after a “ Change of Control ” (as that term is defined in Exhibit A

 

4



 

hereto), the Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Board (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

12.          Validity of this Agreement; Severability .  Subject to the provisions of Section 10, the Company agrees that it shall be precluded from asserting in any suit commenced pursuant to Section 4 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in such proceeding that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.  If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (b) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each such portion of the Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

 

13.          Nonexclusivity, etc .  The right to indemnification and the payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its final disposition conferred in this Agreement shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company (as amended and restated from time to time), agreement, vote of stockholders or Disinterested Directors or otherwise.

 

14.          Binding Effect; Successors and Assigns .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, spouses, heirs, and personal and legal representatives.  The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all, or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.  This Agreement shall continue in effect regardless of whether Indemnitee continues to serve as a director, officer or agent of the Company or of any other enterprise at the Company’s request.

 

15.          Notice .  Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Agreement is to be in writing and either given by personal delivery or deemed to be delivered three (3) days after deposited, postage pre-paid, in the U.S. certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, addressed as follows:

 

If to the Company:

 

Golden Minerals Company
1700 Lincoln Street
Suite 3050
Denver, Colorado 80203
Attention: President

 

5



 

If to Indemnitee:

 

[                                                             ]

 

or at such other address as is specified in written notice given in the manner required in this Agreement.

 

16.          Choice of Law .  This Agreement shall be governed exclusively by and construed according to the laws of the State of Delaware, as applied to contracts between Delaware residents entered into and to be performed entirely within Delaware.  If a court of competent jurisdiction shall make a final determination that the provisions of the law of any state other than Delaware govern indemnification by the Company of its directors, then the indemnification provided under this Agreement shall in all instances be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted under such law, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary.

 

17.          Subrogation .  In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all documents required and shall do all acts that may be necessary to secure such rights and to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.

 

18.          Amendment and Termination .  No amendment or variation of the terms of this Agreement will be valid unless the same is in writing signed by all parties.

 

19.          Integration and Entire Agreement .  This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes and merges all previous written and oral negotiations, commitments, understandings and agreements relating to the subject matter hereof between the parties hereto.

 

20.          Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original.

 

6



 

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

 

 

 

Golden Minerals Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED INDEMNITEE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[                               ]

 

 

 

7



 

EXHIBIT A

 

A “Change of Control” shall mean the first to occur of the following: (A) any person becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 35% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities (other than (i) the Company, (ii) any subsidiary of the Company, or (iii) one or more employee benefit plans maintained by the Company); (B) three or more Directors of the Company, whose election or nomination for election is not approved by a majority of the applicable Incumbent Board, are elected within any single twelve month period to serve on the Board; (C) members of the applicable Incumbent Board cease to constitute a majority of the Board; (D) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into any other corporation or entity or person, or any other corporate reorganization, in which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such consolidation, merger or reorganization own less than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving entity (or its parent) following the consolidation, merger or reorganization or (E) the consummation of a sale, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.  The terms “person” and “beneficial owner” shall have the meanings set forth in Section 13(d) and Rule 13d-3, respectively, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and in the regulations promulgated thereunder.  “Incumbent Board” means (i) members of the Board of Directors of the Company as of the date hereof, to the extent that they continue to serve as members of the Board, and (ii) any individual who becomes a member of the Board after the date hereof, if such individual’s election or nomination for election as a Director was approved by a vote of at least 75% of the then applicable Incumbent Board.

 


Exhibit 10.3

 

GOLDEN MINERALS COMPANY

2009 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

1.              PURPOSES.

 

(a)            Background. On [DATE], the [Board] authorized the Company to establish the Plan, subject to the Company’s receipt of approval of the Plan by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”) on [March 24], 2009 (the “Effective Date”), as part of the Company’s confirmed plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

 

(b)            Eligible Stock Award Recipients.   The persons eligible to receive Stock Awards are the Employees, Directors, Officers and Consultants of the Company and its Affiliates; provided that in no event shall a Stock Award be granted unless, with respect to the proposed grantee, the Common Stock qualifies as “service-recipient stock” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code.

 

(c)            Available Stock Awards.   The purpose of the Plan is to provide a means by which eligible recipients may be given an opportunity to benefit from increases in value of the Common Stock through the granting of the following: (i) Incentive Stock Options, (ii) Nonqualified Stock Options, (iii) restricted Common Stock, (iv) unrestricted Common Stock and (v) stock appreciation rights.

 

(d)            General Purpose.   The Company, by means of the Plan, seeks to retain the services of the group of persons eligible to receive Stock Awards, to secure and retain the services of new members of this group and to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the Company and its Affiliates.

 

2.              DEFINITIONS .

 

(a)            “Affiliate” means any entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company.

 

(b)            “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(c)            “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(d)            “Committee” means a pre-existing or newly formed committee of members of the Board appointed by the Board in accordance with subsection 3(c).

 

(e)            “Common Stock” means the Company’s common stock par value US$0.01 and other rights with respect to such stock.

 

(f)             “Company” means Golden Minerals Company, a Delaware corporation.

 

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(g)            “Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, (i) engaged by the Company or an Affiliate to render consulting or advisory services and who is compensated for such services or (ii) who is a member of the Board of Directors of an Affiliate.

 

(h)            “Continuous Service” means that the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, whether as an Employee, Director, Officer or Consultant, is not interrupted or terminated.  Unless otherwise provided in a Stock Award Agreement or Option Agreement, as applicable, the Participant’s Continuous Service shall not be deemed to have terminated merely because of a change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an Affiliate as an Employee, Director, Officer or Consultant or a change in the entity for which the Participant renders such service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participant’s service to the Company or an Affiliate as an Employee, Director, Officer or Consultant.  For example, a change in status from an Employee of the Company to a Consultant of an Affiliate may not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service.  The Board, in its sole discretion, may determine whether Continuous Service shall be considered interrupted in the case of any leave of absence, including sick leave, military leave or any other personal leave.

 

(i)             “Covered Employee” means the Company’s chief executive officer and the four (4) other highest compensated officers of the Company for whom total compensation is required to be reported to stockholders under the Exchange Act, as determined for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

(j)             “Director” means a member of the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(k)            “Disability” means the Participant’s inability, due to illness, accident, injury, physical or mental incapacity or other disability, to carry out effectively the duties and obligations to the Company and its Affiliates performed by such person immediately prior to such disability for a period of at least six (6) months, as determined in the good faith judgment of the Board.

 

(l)             “Dollars” or “$” or “US$” means United States dollars.

 

(m)           “Employee” means any person employed by the Company or an Affiliate.  Service as a Director or payment of a director’s fee by the Company or an Affiliate alone shall not be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company or an Affiliate.

 

(n)            “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(o)            Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of the Common Stock determined as follows:

 

(i)             If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange in the United States, or traded on the Nasdaq National Market or the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock shall be the closing sales price for such share (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or market (or the exchange or market with the greatest volume of trading in

 

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Common Stock if such shares are traded on more than one such exchange or market) on the day of determination, as reported by such exchange or market or such other source as the Board reasonably deems reliable.

 

(ii)            In the absence of such markets for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Board using a reasonable valuation method in accordance with Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(a)(5)(iv)(B) or any successor thereto.

 

(p)            “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option designated as an incentive stock option in an Option Agreement and that is granted in accordance with the requirements of, and that conforms to the applicable provisions of, Section 422 of the Code.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no Option shall be treated as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code unless the Plan has been (i) approved by the shareholders of the Company in a manner intended to comply with the shareholder approval requirements of Section 422(b)(1) of the Code or (2) a determination has been made by the Committee that the method of adoption and approval of the Plan meets the shareholder approval requirements of Section 422 of the Code.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Option intended to be an incentive stock option shall not fail to be effective solely on account of a failure to obtain such approval, but rather such Option shall be treated as a nonqualified stock option unless and until such approval is obtained.

 

(q)            “Independent Director” means (i) a Director who satisfies the definition of Independent Director or similar definition under the applicable United States stock exchange or Nasdaq rules and regulations upon which the Common Stock is traded from time to time;  (ii) a Director who either (A) is not a current employee of the Company or an “affiliated corporation” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 162(m) of the Code), is not a former employee of the Company or an “affiliated corporation” receiving compensation for prior services (other than benefits under a tax qualified pension plan), was not an officer of the Company or an “affiliated corporation” at any time and is not currently receiving direct or indirect remuneration from the Company or an “affiliated corporation” for services in any capacity other than as a Director or (B) is otherwise considered an “outside director” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code; and (iii) a “Non-Employee Director”, as defined from time to time for purposes of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

 

(r)            “Nonqualified Stock Option” means an Option that is not designated in an Option Agreement as an Incentive Stock Option or was not granted in accordance with the requirements of or does not otherwise conform to the applicable provisions of, Section 422 of the Code.

 

(s)            “Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(t)             “Option” means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option granted pursuant to the Plan.

 

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(u)            “Option Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and an Optionholder evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant.

 

(v)             “Optionholder” means a person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Option.

 

(w)            “Participant” means a person to whom a Stock Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Stock Award.

 

(x)            “Plan” means this Golden Minerals Company 2009 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

(y)            “Retirement” means an Employee’s retirement from the Company or an Affilitate, (i) on or after attaining age 55 and completing at least ten (10) years of service; or (ii) on or after attaining age 62.

 

(z)            “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect from time to time.

 

(aa)          “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

(bb)          “Stock Award” means any right granted under the Plan in the form of an Option, restricted Common Stock, unrestricted Common Stock, or a stock appreciation right.

 

(cc)          “Stock Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a Stock Award (other than an Option) evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Stock Award grant.

 

(dd)          “Ten Percent Stockholder” means a person who owns (or is deemed to own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any parent corporation or any subsidiary corporation, both as defined in Section 424 of the Code.

 

3.              ADMINISTRATION.

 

(a)            Administration by Board.   The Board shall administer the Plan unless and until the Board delegates administration to a Committee, as provided in subsection 3(c).  The Board may, at any time and for any reason in its sole discretion, rescind some or all of such delegation.

 

(b)            Powers of Board.   The Board shall have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:

 

(i)             To determine from time to time which of the persons eligible under the Plan shall be granted Stock Awards; when and how each Stock Award shall be granted; what type or combination of types of Stock Award shall be granted; the provisions of each Stock Award granted (which need not be identical), including the time or times when a person shall be permitted to receive Common Stock pursuant to a Stock Award; and the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which a Stock Award shall be granted to each such person.

 

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(ii)            To construe and interpret the Plan, Stock Awards granted under it, Option Agreements and Stock Award Agreements, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for their administration.  The Board, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan or in any Option Agreement or Stock Award Agreement, in a manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or expedient to make the Plan fully effective.

 

(iii)          To amend the Plan, a Stock Award, a Stock Award Agreement or an Option Agreement as provided in Section 12.

 

(iv)           Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Board deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company which are not in conflict with the provisions of the Plan.

 

(c)            Delegation to Committee.

 

(i)             General.   The Board may delegate administration of the Plan and its powers and duties thereunder, or any portion thereof, to a Committee or Committees, and the term “ Committee ” shall apply to any person or persons to whom such authority has been delegated.  Upon such delegation, the Committee shall have the powers theretofore possessed by the Board, including the power to delegate to a subcommittee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board shall thereafter be deemed to include the Committee or subcommittee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board.  In its absolute discretion, the Board may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Committee under this Plan, except respecting matters under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or Section 162(m) of the Code, or any rules or regulations issued thereunder, which are required to be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.

 

(ii)            Committee Composition.   A Committee shall consist solely of two or more Independent Directors.  Within the scope of its authority, the Board or the Committee may (1) delegate to a committee of one or more members of the Board who are not Independent Directors, the authority to grant Stock Awards to eligible persons who are either (a) not then Covered Employees and are not expected to be Covered Employees at the time of recognition of income resulting from such Stock Award or (b) not persons with respect to whom the Company wishes to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code, and/or (2) delegate to a committee of one or more members of the Board who are not Independent Directors or to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer the authority to grant Stock Awards to eligible persons who are not then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

 

(d)            Effect of Board’s Decision; No Liability.     All determinations, interpretations and constructions relating to this Plan made by the Board in good faith shall not be subject to review by any person and shall be final, binding and conclusive on all persons.  No member of the Board or any Committee or any person to whom duties hereunder have been delegated, including any member of any committee or subcommittee, shall be liable for any action, interpretation or determination made in good faith, and such persons shall be entitled to full

 

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indemnification and reimbursement consistent with applicable law and in the manner provided in the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, as the same may be amended from time to time, or as otherwise provided in any agreement between any such member and the Company.

 

4.              STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.

 

(a)            Stock Reserve.   Subject to the provisions of Section 11 relating to adjustments upon changes in Common Stock, the Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Stock Awards shall not exceed in the aggregate ten percent (10%) of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock, as of the grant date, including without limitation, Common Stock issuable upon exercise of conversion of outstanding warrants, rights, or other exercisable or convertible securities (other than Stock Awards).  Stock appreciation rights provided for in Section 7(b) hereof that are payable only in cash will not reduce the number of Common Stock available for Stock Awards granted under the Plan.  The Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Incentive Stock Options shall not exceed in the aggregate ten percent (10%) of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock, as of the Effective Date, including without limitation , Common Stock issuable upon exercise of conversion of outstanding warrants, rights, or other exercisable or convertible securities (other than Stock Awards).

 

(b)            Reversion of Stock to the Stock Reserve .  If any Stock Award shall for any reason expire or otherwise terminate, in whole or in part, without having been exercised in full, the Common Stock not acquired under such Stock Award shall revert to and again become available for issuance under the Plan.    If any Common Stock is withheld to satisfy any tax withholding requirement in connection with any Stock Award, only the shares issued (if any), net of the shares withheld, will be deemed delivered for purposes of determining the amount of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan.

 

(c)            Source of Stock.   The Common Stock subject to the Plan may be either authorized and unissued stock or reacquired stock, bought on the market or otherwise, in the discretion of the Board.

 

5.              ELIGIBILITY.

 

(a)            Eligibility for Specific Stock Awards .  Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.  Stock Awards other than Incentive Stock Options may be granted to Employees, Directors, Officers and Consultants.

 

(b)            Ten Percent Stockholders.   A Ten Percent Stockholder shall not be granted an Incentive Stock Option unless the exercise price of such Option is at least one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock at the date of grant and the Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of grant.

 

(c)            Limitations on Stock Awards.   No Participant shall be eligible to be granted Stock Awards covering more than 150,000 shares of Common Stock during any calendar year.

 

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(d)            Consultants.

 

(i)             A Consultant shall not be eligible for the grant of a Stock Award if, at the time of grant, a Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act (“ Form S-8 ”) is not available to register a resale of the Company’s securities issued to such Consultant because of the nature of the services that the Consultant is providing to the Company, or because the Consultant is not a natural person, or as otherwise provided by the rules governing the use of Form S-8, unless the Board determines both (i) that such grant (A) shall be registered in another manner under the Securities Act ( e.g., on a Form S-3 Registration Statement) or (B) does not require registration under the Securities Act in order to comply with the requirements of the Securities Act, if applicable, and (ii) that such grant complies with the securities laws of all other relevant jurisdictions.

 

(ii)            Form S-8 generally is available to consultants and advisors only if (i) they are natural persons; (ii) they provide bona fide services to the issuer, its parents, its majority-owned subsidiaries or majority-owned subsidiaries of the issuer’s parent; and (iii) the 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 issuer’s securities.

 

6.              OPTION PROVISIONS.

 

Each Option Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan.  Each Option and Option Agreement shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate.  All Options shall be separately designated Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options at the time of grant, and, if certificates are issued, a separate certificate or certificates will be issued for Common Stock purchased on exercise of each type of Option.  The provisions of separate Options need not be identical.

 

(a)            Provisions Applicable to All Options .

 

(i)             Exercise Price.  Subject to the provisions of Section 5(b) regarding Ten Percent Shareholders, the exercise price of each Option shall be not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option on the date the Option is granted.

 

(ii)            Exercise.   The exercise price of Common Stock acquired pursuant to an Option shall be paid in by such methods and procedures as the Board determines from time to time, including without limitation through net physical settlement or other method of cashless exercise.

 

(iii)          Vesting Generally.   In the discretion of the Board, the total number of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option may (A) vest, and therefore become exercisable, in periodic installments that may, but need not, be equal, or (B) be fully vested at the time of grant.  The Option may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times when it may be exercised (which may be based on performance or other criteria) as the Board may deem appropriate.  The vesting provisions, if any, of individual Options may vary and shall be

 

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set forth in the applicable Option Agreement.  The provisions of this subsection 6(a)(iii) are subject to any Option Agreement provisions governing the minimum number of Common Stock as to which an Option may be exercised.

 

(iv)           Termination of Continuous Service.   Unless otherwise provided in the Option Agreement, in the event an Optionholder’s Continuous Service terminates (other than upon the Optionholder’s death, Disability, Retirement or as a result of a Change of Control), all Options held by the Optionholder shall immediately terminate; provided , however , if an Optionholder’s Continuous Service is terminated for reasons other than for cause, as determined by the Board in its discretion, all vested Options held by such person shall continue to be exercisable until the earlier of the expiration date of such Option or 180 days after the date of such termination.  All such vested Options not exercised within the period described in the preceding sentence shall terminate.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event an Incentive Stock Option is exercised after the date which is three months following the date the Optionholder’s employment with the Company is terminated, other than as a result of Disability or death, such Incentive Stock Option shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option, but all other terms and provisions of such Option shall remain the same.

 

(v)             Disability or Death of Optionholder.   Unless otherwise provided in the Option Agreement, in the event that an Optionholder’s Disability or death, all unvested Options shall immediately terminate, and all vested Options held by such person shall continue to be exercisable until the earlier of 12 months after the date of such Disability or death or the expiration date of such Options.  All such vested Options not exercised within such 12-month period shall terminate.

 

(vi)           Retirement.  Unless otherwise provided in the Option Agreement, in the event of the Optionholder’s Retirement, all unvested Options shall automatically vest on the date of such Retirement and all Options shall be exercisable until the earlier of 24 months after such Retirement date or the expiration date of such Options.  All such Options not exercised within the period described in the preceding sentence shall terminate.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event an Incentive Stock Option is exercised after the date which is three months following the date the Optionholder’s employment with the Company is terminated, other than as a result of Disability or death, such Incentive Stock Option shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option, but all other terms and provisions of such Option shall remain the same.

 

(b)            Provisions Applicable to Incentive Stock Options .

 

(i)             Term.   Subject to the provisions of subsection 5(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, no Incentive Stock Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date it was granted.  Further, no grant of an Incentive Stock Option shall be made under this Plan more than ten (10) years after the date of the satisfaction of the stockholder approval provisions of Section 422(b)(1) of the Code.

 

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(ii)                                 Transferability of an Incentive Stock Option.   An Incentive Stock Option shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Optionholder only by the Optionholder.

 

(iii)                             Incentive Stock Option $100,000 Limitation.   Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or an Option Agreement, the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by an Optionholder in any calendar year, under the Plan or any other option plan of the Company or its Affiliates, shall not exceed $100,000.  For this purpose, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be determined as of the time an Option is granted.  The Options or portions thereof which exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) shall be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options but all other terms and provisions of such Options shall remain the same.

 

(iv)                                Disposition During the Holding Period .  Any participant who disposes of Common Stock acquired upon the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option either (i) within two years after the date of grant of such Incentive Stock Option, or (ii) within one year after the transfer of such shares to the Participant, shall notify the Company of such disposition and of the amount realized upon such disposition.

 

(c)                                   Provisions Applicable to Nonqualified Stock Options.

 

(i)                                     Transferability of a Nonqualified Stock Option. A Nonqualified Stock Option shall be transferable, if at all, to the extent provided in the Option Agreement.  If the Option Agreement does not provide for transferability, then the Nonqualified Stock Option shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Optionholder only by the Optionholder.

 

7.                                       PROVISIONS OF STOCK AWARDS OTHER THAN OPTIONS .

 

(a)                                   Restricted and Unrestricted Common Stock Awards.   Each Stock Award Agreement evidencing a grant of restricted or unrestricted Common Stock shall be in such form and shall contain such restrictions, terms and conditions, if any, as the Board shall deem appropriate and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan.  The terms and conditions of restricted Common Stock may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate restricted Common Stock awards need not be identical, but each Stock Award Agreement evidencing a grant of restricted or unrestricted Common Stock shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

 

(i)                                     Consideration.   A restricted or unrestricted Common Stock award may be awarded in consideration for past services actually rendered, or for future services to be rendered, to the Company or an Affiliate for its benefit.

 

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(ii)                                 Vesting.   Common Stock awarded under the Stock Award Agreement may (A) be subject to a vesting schedule to be determined by the Board (i.e. restricted Common Stock), or (B) be fully vested at the time of grant (i.e. unrestricted Common Stock).

 

(iii)                             Termination of Participant’s Continuous Service.   Unless otherwise provided in the Stock Award Agreement, in the event a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates prior to a vesting date set forth in the Stock Award Agreement, any unvested restricted Common Stock shall be forfeited and automatically transferred to and reacquired by the Company at no cost to the Company, and neither the Participant nor his or her heirs, executors, administrators or successors shall have any right or interest in such restricted Common Stock.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise provided in the Stock Award Agreement, in the event a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates as a result of (A) being terminated by the Company for reasons other than for cause, (B) death, (C) Disability, (D) Retirement, or (E) a Change of Control (subject to the provisions of Section 11(c) hereof), then any unvested restricted Common Stock shall vest immediately upon such date.

 

(iv)                                Transferability.   Rights to acquire Common Stock under the Stock Award Agreement shall be transferable by the Participant only upon such terms and conditions as are set forth in the Stock Award Agreement, as the Board shall determine in its discretion, so long as Common Stock awarded under the Stock Award Agreement remains subject to the terms of the Stock Award Agreement.

 

(b)                                   Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights .  Stock appreciation rights to receive in cash (or its equivalent in Common Stock) the excess of the Fair Market Value of Common Stock on the date the rights are surrendered over the Fair Market Value of Common Stock on the date of grant may be granted to any Employee, Director, Officer or Consultant selected by the Board.  A stock appreciation right may be granted (i) in connection and simultaneously with the grant of another Stock Award, (ii) with respect to a previously granted Stock Award, or (iii) independent of another Stock Award.  A stock appreciation right shall be subject to such terms and conditions not inconsistent with this Plan as the Board shall impose and shall be evidenced by a written Stock Award Agreement, which shall be executed by the Participant and an authorized officer of the Company.  The Board, in its discretion, may determine whether a stock appreciation right is to qualify as performance-based compensation as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code and Stock Award Agreements evidencing stock appreciation rights intended to so qualify shall contain such terms and conditions as may be necessary to meet the applicable provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code.  The Board may, in its discretion and on such terms as it deems appropriate, require as a condition of the grant of a stock appreciation right that the Participant surrender for cancellation some or all of the Stock Awards previously granted to such person under this Plan or otherwise, provided that such action does not result in a violation of Section 409A of the Code.  A stock appreciation right, the grant of which is conditioned upon such surrender, may have an exercise price lower (or higher) than the exercise price of the surrendered Stock Award, may contain such other terms as the Board deems appropriate, and shall be exercisable in accordance with its terms, without regard to the number of shares, price, exercise period or any other term or condition of such surrendered Stock Award.

 

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8.                                       AVAILABILITY OF STOCK.   During the terms of the Stock Awards, the Company shall keep available at all times the number of Common Stock required to satisfy such Stock Awards.

 

9.                                       USE OF PROCEEDS FROM STOCK.

 

Proceeds from the sale of Common Stock pursuant to Stock Awards shall constitute general funds of the Company.

 

10.                                MISCELLANEOUS.

 

(a)                                   Exercise of Awards.   Stock Awards shall be exercisable at such times, or upon the occurrence of such event or events as the Board shall determine at or subsequent to grant.  Stock Awards may be exercised in whole or in part.  Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of a Stock Award shall be paid for in full at the time of such purchase.

 

(b)                                   Acceleration of Exercisability and Vesting.   The Board shall have the power to accelerate the time at which a Stock Award may first be exercised or the time during which a Stock Award or any part thereof will vest in accordance with the Plan, notwithstanding the provisions in the Stock Award stating the time at which it may first be exercised or the time during which it will vest.

 

(c)                                   Stockholder Rights.

 

(i)                                     Options.   Unless otherwise provided in and upon the terms and conditions in the Option Agreement, no Participant shall be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, any Common Stock subject to an Option unless and until such Participant has satisfied all requirements for exercise of, and has exercised, the Option pursuant to its terms.

 

(ii)                                 Restricted Common Stock.  Unless otherwise provided in and upon the terms and conditions in the Stock Award Agreement, a Participant shall have the right to receive all dividends and other distributions paid or made respecting such restricted Common Stock, provided, however, no unvested restricted Common Stock shall have any voting rights of a stockholder respecting such unvested restricted Common Stock unless and until such unvested restricted Common Stock become vested.

 

(d)                                   No Employment or other Service Rights.   Nothing in the Plan or any instrument executed or Stock Award granted pursuant thereto shall confer upon any Participant any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Stock Award was granted, or any other capacity, or shall affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate with or without notice and with or without cause (i) the employment of an Employee, (ii) the service of a Consultant to the Company or an Affiliate or (iii) the service of a Director of the Company or an Affiliate.

 

(e)                                   Withholding Obligations.   If the Company has or will have a legal obligation to withhold the taxes related to the grant, vesting or exercise of the Stock Award, such Award may

 

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not be granted, vested or exercised in whole or in part, unless such tax obligation is first satisfied in a manner satisfactory to the Company.  To the extent provided by the terms of a Stock Award Agreement or Option Agreement, the Participant may satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation relating to the exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under a Stock Award by any of the following means (in addition to the Company’s right to withhold from any compensation paid to the Participant by the Company) or by a combination of such means:  (i) tendering a cash payment in Dollars; (ii) authorizing the Company to withhold Common Stock from the Common Stock otherwise issuable to the Participant as a result of the exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under the Stock Award, provided, however, that no Common Stock is withheld with a value exceeding the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by law; or (iii) delivering to the Company owned and unencumbered Common Stock.

 

(f)                                     Substitutions and Repricings .  The Board may, in its discretion, issue new Stock Awards in substitution for outstanding Stock Awards previously granted to Participants, or approve a repricing (within the meaning of U.S. generally accepted accounting practices or any applicable stock exchange rule) of Stock Awards issued under this Plan, in each case without the stockholders of the Company expressly approving such substitution or repricing.

 

(g)                                  Listing and Qualification of Stock.   This Plan and grant and exercise of Stock Awards hereunder, and the obligation of the Company to sell and deliver Common Stock under such Stock Awards, shall be subject to all applicable United States federal and state laws, rules and regulations and to such approvals by any government or regulatory agency as may be required. The Company, in its discretion, may postpone the issuance or delivery of Common Stock upon any exercise of a Stock Award until completion of any stock exchange listing, or other qualification of such Common Stock under any United States federal or state law rule or regulation as the Company may consider appropriate, and may require any individual to whom a Stock Award is granted, such individual’s beneficiary or legal representative, as applicable, to make such representations and furnish such information as the Board may consider necessary, desirable or advisable in connection with the issuance or delivery of the Common Stock in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.

 

(h)                                  Non-Uniform Determinations.   The Board’s determinations under this Plan (including, without limitation, determinations of the persons to receive Stock Awards, the form, term, provisions, amount and timing of the grant of such Stock Awards and of the agreements evidencing the same) need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among persons who receive, or are eligible to receive, Stock Awards under this Plan, whether or not such persons are similarly situated.

 

11.                                ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN STOCK.

 

(a)                                   Capitalization Adjustments .  If any change is made in the Common Stock subject to the Plan, or subject to any Stock Award, without the receipt of consideration by the Company (through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or other transaction), the Plan will be appropriately adjusted in the class(es) and maximum number of securities subject to the Plan

 

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pursuant to subsection 4(a) and the maximum number of securities subject to award to any person pursuant to subsection 5(c), and the outstanding Stock Awards will be appropriately adjusted in the class(es) and number of securities and price per share of Common Stock subject to such outstanding Stock Awards.  The Board shall make such adjustments, and its determination shall be final, binding and conclusive.  (The conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be treated as a transaction “without receipt of consideration” by the Company.)

 

(b)                                   Asset Sale, Merger, Consolidation or Reverse Merger .  In the event of (i) a sale, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, (ii) a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into any other corporation or entity or person, or any other corporate reorganization, in which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such consolidation, merger or reorganization, own less than 50% of the Company’s outstanding voting power of the surviving entity (or its parent) following the consolidation, merger, or reorganization or (iii) any transaction (or series of related transactions involving a person or entity, or a group of affiliated persons or entities) in which in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the Company’s outstanding voting power is transferred (individually, a “ Change of Control ”), then any unvested Stock Awards shall vest immediately prior to the closing of the Change of Control, and the Board shall have the power and discretion to provide for the Participant’s election alternatives regarding the terms and conditions for the exercise of, or modification of, any outstanding Stock Awards granted hereunder, provided, however, such alternatives shall not affect the then current exercise provisions without such Participant’s consent.  The Board may provide that Stock Awards granted hereunder must be exercised in connection with the closing of such transaction, and that if not so exercised such Stock Awards will expire.  Any such determinations by the Board may be made generally with respect to all Participants, or may be made on a case-by-case basis with respect to particular Participants.  The provisions of this Section 11(c) shall not apply to any transaction undertaken for the purpose of reincorporating the Company under the laws of another jurisdiction, if such transaction does not materially affect the beneficial ownership of the Company’s capital stock.

 

12.                                AMENDMENT OF THE PLAN AND STOCK AWARDS.

 

(a)                                   Amendment of Plan.   The Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend the Plan, provided that such amendment does not result in a violation of Section 409A of the Code.  However, except as provided in Section 11 relating to adjustments upon changes in Common Stock, no amendment shall be effective unless approved by the stockholders of the Company to the extent stockholder approval is necessary to satisfy the requirements of applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 422 of the Code or Rule 16b-3) or any applicable Nasdaq or securities exchange listing requirements.

 

(b)                                   Stockholder Approval.   The Board may, in its sole discretion, submit any other amendment to the Plan for stockholder approval, including, but not limited to, amendments to the Plan intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations thereunder regarding the exclusion of performance-based compensation from the limit on corporate deductibility of compensation paid to certain executive officers.

 

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(c)                                   Contemplated Amendments.   It is expressly contemplated that the Board may amend the Plan in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable to provide eligible Employees with the maximum benefits provided or to be provided under the provisions of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder relating to Incentive Stock Options and/or to bring the Plan and/or Incentive Stock Options granted under it into compliance therewith.

 

(d)                                   No Impairment of Rights.   Rights under any Stock Award granted before amendment of the Plan shall not be impaired by any amendment of the Plan unless the Participant consents in writing.

 

(e)                                   Amendment of Stock Awards.   The Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of any one or more Stock Awards; provided, however, that the rights under any Stock Award shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless the applicable Participant consents in writing and provided further that such amendment does not result in a violation of Section 409A of the Code.

 

13.                                TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF THE PLAN.

 

(a)                                   Plan Term.   The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time.  Unless sooner terminated, the Plan shall terminate on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date, after which no grants of Incentive Awards may be made; provided, that administration of the Plan shall continue in effect until all matters relating to Stock Awards previously granted have been settled.

 

(b)                                   No Impairment of Rights.   Suspension or termination of the Plan shall not impair rights and obligations under any Stock Award granted while the Plan is in effect except with the written consent of the Participant.

 

(c)                                   Savings Clause.   This Plan is intended to comply in all aspects with applicable laws and regulations. In case any one more of the provisions of this Plan shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under applicable law or regulation, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision shall be deemed null and void; however, to the extent permissible by law, any provision which could be deemed null and void shall first be construed, interpreted or revised retroactively to permit this Plan to be construed in compliance with all applicable laws so as to foster the intent of this Plan.

 

14.                                CHOICE OF LAW .

 

The law of the Delaware shall govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Plan, without regard to such state’s conflict of laws rules.

 

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15.                                PERFORMANCE -BASED COMPENSATION UNDER SECTION 162(M).

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the performance criteria for any Stock Award that is intended to satisfy the requirements for “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code shall be established by the Committee based on one or more Qualifying Performance Criteria selected by the Committee and specified in writing in accordance with the regulations pursuant to Section 162(m).

 

(a)                                   Qualifying Performance Criteria.   For purposes of this Plan, the term “Qualifying Performance Criteria” shall mean any one or more of the following performance criteria, applied to either the Company as a whole or to a business segment, subsidiary or Affiliate, and measured either annually or cumulatively over a period of years, on an absolute basis or relative to a pre-established target, to previous years’ results or to a designated comparison group, in each case as specified by the Committee in the applicable Option Agreement or Stock Award Agreement: revenue; revenue growth; operating income (before or after taxes); pre- or after-tax income (before or after allocation of corporate overhead and bonus); earnings per share; return on equity; total stockholder return; return on assets or net assets; appreciation in and/or maintenance of the price of the Common Stock or any other publicly-traded securities of the Company; gross profits; earnings (including earnings before taxes, earnings before interest and taxes or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization); economic value-added models or equivalent metrics; comparisons with various stock market indices; reductions in costs; cash flow, cash flow per share or cash flow from operations; return on capital; improvement in or attainment of expense levels or working capital levels; operating margins, gross margins or cash margin; year-end cash; debt reductions; stockholder equity; regulatory achievements (including submitting or filing applications or other documents with regulatory authorities or receiving approval of any such applications or other documents); financing and other capital raising transactions (including sales of the Company’s equity or debt securities); implementation, completion or attainment of objectives with respect to exploration, development, production or costs, acquisitions and divestitures, operational objectives, including those relating to environmental, health and safety requirements, recruiting and maintaining personnel, and joint venture or similar arrangements.

 

(b)                                   Certification.   Before payment of any compensation under a Stock Award intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee shall certify, in writing, the extent to which any Qualifying Performance Criteria and any other material terms under such Stock Award have been satisfied (other than in cases where such relate solely to the price of Common Stock).

 

(c)                                   Discretionary Adjustments Pursuant to Section 162(m).   Notwithstanding satisfaction or completion of any Qualifying Performance Criteria, to the extent specified at the time of grant of a Stock Award to Covered Employees, the number of shares of Common Stock or other benefits granted, issued, retained, or vested under a Stock Award on account of satisfaction of such Qualifying Performance Criteria may be reduced by the Committee on the basis of such further considerations as the Committee in its sole discretion shall determine.  In addition, in the event that the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations

 

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thereunder change to permit the Committee discretion to alter the Qualifying Performance Criteria obtaining shareholder approval of such changes, the Committee shall have sole discretion to make such changes without obtaining shareholder approval.  Furthermore, in the event that the Committee determines that it is advisable to grant Stock Awards that shall not qualify as performance-based compensation and/or to amend previously granted Stock Awards in a way that would disqualify them as performance-based compensation, the Committee may make such grants without satisfying the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code and may base vesting on performance measures other than those set forth above and/or make such amendments.

 

16


Exhibit 10.4

 

CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

 

[Name]

[Title]

[Address]

 

Dear [Name]:

 

Golden Minerals Company (the “Company”) considers it essential to the best interests of its stockholders to foster the continuous employment of key management personnel.  In this connection, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) recognizes that the possibility of a Change of Control (as defined in Section 2 hereof) may exist and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions which it may raise among management, may result in the departure or distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders.

 

The Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s management, including yourself, to their assigned duties without distraction in the face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a Change of Control, although no such change is now contemplated.

 

In order to induce you to remain in the employ of the Company, the Company agrees that you shall receive the severance benefits set forth in this letter agreement (the “Agreement”) in the event your employment with the Company is terminated subsequent to a Change of Control under the circumstances described below.

 

1.              TERM OF AGREEMENT.  This Agreement shall be effective as of the effective date of the Joint Plan of Reorganization of Apex Silver Mines Limited and Apex Silver Mines Corporation Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (the “Effective Date”) and shall continue from year to year at the discretion of the Board.  Provided no Change of Control shall have occurred, the Company may terminate this Agreement at any time upon 12 months prior written notice to you; provided , however , that in the event of a Change of Control during the term of this Agreement, this Agreement shall remain in effect until the later of (a) the date all of the obligations of the parties under the Agreement are satisfied or (b) the second anniversary of the Change of Control.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, and provided no Change of Control shall have occurred, this Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the earlier to occur of (i) your termination of employment with the Company, or (ii) the Company’s furnishing you with notice of termination of employment, irrespective of the effective date of such termination.

 

2.              CHANGE OF CONTROL.  No benefits shall be payable hereunder unless there shall have been a Change of Control, as set forth below.  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” shall mean the first to occur of the following: (A) any person becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 35% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities (other than (i) the Company, (ii) any subsidiary of the Company, or (iii) one or more employee benefit plans maintained by the Company); (B) three or more Directors of the Company, whose election or nomination for election is not approved by a majority of the applicable Incumbent Board, are

 



 

elected within any single twelve month period to serve on the Board; (C) members of the applicable Incumbent Board cease to constitute a majority of the Board; (D) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into any other corporation or entity or person, or any other corporate reorganization, in which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such consolidation, merger or reorganization own less than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving entity (or its parent) following the consolidation, merger or reorganization or (E) the consummation of a sale, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.  For purposes of Section 2(A) hereof, the terms “person” and “beneficial owner” shall have the meanings set forth in Section 13(d) and Rule 13d-3, respectively, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and in the regulations promulgated thereunder.  For purposes of this Section 2, “Incumbent Board” means (i) members of the Board of Directors of the Company as of the date hereof, to the extent that they continue to serve as members of the Board, and (ii) any individual who becomes a member of the Board after the date hereof, if such individual’s election or nomination for election as a Director was approved by a vote of at least 75% of the then applicable Incumbent Board.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change of Control shall not be deemed to occur under this Agreement unless the events that have occurred would also constitute a “Change in the Ownership or Effective Control of a Corporation or in the Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Assets of a Corporation” under Treasury Department Final Regulation 1.409A-3(j)(5), or any successor thereto.

 

3.              TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT FOLLOWING CHANGE OF CONTROL.  If a Change of Control occurs during the term of this Agreement, you shall be entitled to the benefits provided in Subsection 4(iii) hereof upon the subsequent termination of your employment within the two years immediately following the Change of Control unless such termination is (A) because of your death or Disability, (B) by the Company for Cause, or (C) by you other than for Good Reason.

 

(i)             Disability.  If, as a result of your incapacity due to physical or mental illness, you shall have been absent from the full-time performance of your duties with the Company for six consecutive months, and within 30 days after written notice of termination is given you shall not have returned to the full-time performance of your duties, your employment may be terminated for “Disability.”

 

(ii)                                   Cause.  Termination by the Company of your employment for “Cause” shall mean termination for (A) the commission of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude or the commission of any other act involving dishonesty, disloyalty, or fraud with respect to the Company, (B) conduct tending to bring the Company into substantial public disgrace or disrepute, (C) substantial and repeated failure to perform duties as reasonably directed by the Board, (D) gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Company or any of its affiliated entities, or (E) any other material breach of any other agreement between you and the Company or its affiliated entities which is not cured within 15 days after written notice thereof to you.

 

(iii)                                Good Reason.  You shall be entitled to terminate your employment for Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean, without your express written consent, the occurrence within the two years immediately following a Change of Control of any of the following circumstances unless, in the case of paragraphs (A), (B), (D), (E),

 



 

(F), (G) or (H), such circumstances are fully corrected prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of Termination, as such terms are defined in Subsections 3(v) and 3(iv) hereof, respectively, given in respect thereof:

 

(A)                               the assignment to you of any duties inconsistent with your current status as an executive of the Company or a substantial adverse alteration in the nature or status of your responsibilities from those in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control;

 

(B)                                 a reduction by the Company in your annual base salary as in effect on the date hereof or as the same may be increased from time to time, except for across-the-board salary reductions similarly affecting all senior executives of the Company and all senior executives of any person in control of the Company;

 

(C)                                 your relocation to a location not within 25 miles of your present office or job location, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with your present business travel obligations;

 

(D)                                the failure by the Company to pay to you any portion of your current compensation, or to pay to you any portion of an installment of deferred compensation under any deferred compensation program of the Company, within seven days of the date such compensation is due;

 

(E)                                  the failure by the Company to continue in effect any bonus to which you were entitled, or any compensation plan in which you participated immediately prior to the Change of Control which is material to your total compensation, including but not limited to any bonus plan, stock option plan, 401(k) profit sharing plan, or any substitute plan or plans adopted prior to the Change of Control, unless an equitable arrangement (embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with respect to such plan and such equitable arrangement provides substantially equivalent benefits not materially less favorable to you (both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and the level of your participation relative to other participants), or the failure by the Company to continue your participation therein (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not materially less favorable (both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and the level of your participation relative to other participants) as existed at the time of the Change of Control of the Company.

 

(F)                                  the failure by the Company to continue to provide you with benefits substantially similar or superior to those enjoyed by you under any of the Company’s life insurance, medical, dental, and accident, or disability plans in which you were participating at the time of the Change of Control, the taking of any action by the Company which would directly or indirectly materially reduce any of such benefits or deprive you of any material fringe benefit enjoyed by you at the time of the Change of Control, or the failure by the Company to provide you with the number of paid vacation days to which you are entitled in accordance with the Company’s normal vacation policy in effect at the time of the Change of Control;

 



 

(G)                                 the failure of the Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to assume and agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 5 hereof; or

 

(H)                                any purported termination of your employment which is not effected pursuant to a Notice of Termination satisfying the requirements of Subsection 3(iv) hereof (and, if applicable, the requirements of Subsection 3(ii) hereof); for purposes of this Agreement, no such purported termination shall be effective.

 

Your rights to terminate your employment pursuant to this Subsection 3(iii) shall not be affected by your incapacity due to physical or mental illness.  Your continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good Reason hereunder.

 

(iv)                               NOTICE OF TERMINATION.  Any purported termination of your employment by the Company or by you shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 8 hereof.  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment under the provision so indicated.

 

(v)                                  DATE OF TERMINATION.  “Date of Termination” shall mean (A) if your employment is terminated for Disability, 30 days after Notice of Termination is given (provided that you shall not have returned to the full-time performance of your duties during such 30-day period), (B) if your employment is terminated for Good Reason, the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which shall not be less than 15 nor more than 60 days from the date such Notice of Termination is given) or (C) if your employment is terminated by the Company other than for Disability or death, the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which shall not be less than 30 nor more than 60 days from the date such Notice of Termination is given).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the “Date of Termination” shall mean the date of your “separation from service”, as determined in accordance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

 

4.              COMPENSATION UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR DURING DISABILITY.  During a period of Disability or upon termination of your employment, in each case, within the two years immediately after a Change of Control you shall be entitled to the following benefits:

 

(i)                                      During any period that you fail to perform your full-time duties with the Company as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness, you shall continue to receive your base salary at the rate in effect at the commencement of any such period, together with all amounts payable to you under any compensation plan of the Company during such period, until the Date of Termination.  Thereafter, your benefits shall be determined under the Company’s insurance or other compensation programs then in effect in accordance with the terms of such programs.

 



 

(ii)                                   If your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, Disability or death, or by you other than for Good Reason, the Company shall, to the extent not theretofore paid, pay to you in a lump sum your full base salary through the Date of Termination, at the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given, within 10 business days of the Date of Termination, plus all other amounts to which you are entitled under any insurance and other compensation programs of the Company at the time such payments are due (collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”), and the Company shall have no further obligations to you under this Agreement.

 

(iii)                                If your employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause, Disability or death or by you for Good Reason, then you shall be entitled to the following, after payment and/or provision of which, the Company shall have no further obligations to you under this Agreement:

 

(A)                               The Company shall pay to you the Accrued Obligations at the same time and in the same manner as set forth in Section 4(ii) above.

 

(B)                                 The Company shall pay as severance pay to you a lump sum severance payment (the “Severance Payment”) equal to two times the sum of (a) your annual base salary in effect immediately prior to the occurrence of the circumstance giving rise to the Notice of Termination given in respect thereof, (b) 100% of your target bonus amount established pursuant to the compensation or bonus plan in effect immediately prior to the occurrence of the circumstance giving rise to the Notice of Termination, and (c) in the event the Date of Termination occurs prior to the expiration of the applicable notice period as set forth in Section 3(v) above, the base salary you would have earned from the Date of Termination through the expiration of such notice period had your employment continued through the expiration of such notice period.  The Severance Payment shall be paid no sooner than the 40th day following the Date of Termination, provided you have not revoked the Release as of such date.

 

(C)                                 You shall be reimbursed by the Company for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by you prior to December 31 of the second calendar year following the calendar year that includes the Date of Termination as a result of such termination, including all such fees and expenses, if any, incurred in contesting or disputing any such termination or in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this Agreement.  All such expenses shall be reimbursed in full within 30 business days after submission by you of a detailed invoice to the Company in accordance with the Company’s general reimbursement guidelines, as may be in effect from time to time, provided that in no event shall such amounts be paid later than the end of the Company’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense is incurred.  Any reimbursement provided hereunder may not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.  In no event shall the benefits payable pursuant to this Subsection 4(iii)(C) in one taxable year affect the benefits payable pursuant to this Subsection 4(iii)(C) in another taxable year.

 



 

(D)                                Provided you timely elect continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), the Company shall pay, on your behalf, the portion of premiums of your group health insurance, including coverage for your eligible dependents, that the Company paid immediately prior to the Date of Termination (“COBRA Payments”) for the period that you are entitled to coverage under COBRA, but not to exceed 24 months (“COBRA Period”).  The Company will pay such COBRA Payments for your eligible dependents only for coverage for which those dependents were enrolled immediately prior to the Date of Termination.  You will continue to be required to pay that portion of the premium of your health coverage, including coverage for your eligible dependents, that you were required to pay as an active employee immediately prior to the Date of Termination.  The benefit provided under this Subsection 4(iii)(D) is intended to be exempt from Section 409A of the Code pursuant to the medical benefits exception set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v)(b) of the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(E)                                  For the 24-month period immediately following the Date of Termination, the Company shall arrange to provide you, at a cost not to exceed $5,000 in the aggregate, with life, disability, and accident insurance benefits substantially similar to those that you are receiving immediately prior to the Notice of Termination.  Benefits otherwise receivable by you pursuant to this Subsection 4(iii)(E) shall be reduced to the extent comparable benefits are actually received by you from another employer during such 24-month period, and any such benefits actually received by you shall be reported to the Company.

 

(F)                                  You shall be reimbursed by the Company for reasonable expenses incurred for outplacement counseling (i) which are pre-approved by the Company, (ii) which do not exceed $10,000 and (iii) which are incurred by you within the 52 weeks immediately following the Date of Termination.  All such expenses shall be reimbursed in full within 30 business days after submission by you of a detailed invoice to the Company in accordance with the Company’s general reimbursement guidelines, as may be in effect from time to time, provided that in no event shall such amounts be paid later than the end of the Company’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense is incurred.  Any reimbursement provided hereunder may not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.  In no event shall the benefits payable pursuant to this Subsection 4(iii)(F) in one taxable year affect the benefits payable pursuant to this Subsection 4(iii)(F) in another taxable year.  The provision of benefits under this Subsection 4(iii)(F) is intended to be exempt from Section 409A of the Code pursuant to the in-kind benefits exception as set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v)(c) of the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(G)                                 Gross-Up of Benefits.  (a) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event that this Agreement shall become operative and it shall be determined (as hereafter provided) that any payment or distribution by the Company or any of its affiliates to or for your benefit, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise

 



 

pursuant to or by reason of any other agreement, policy, plan, program or arrangement, including without limitation any stock option, performance share, performance unit, stock appreciation right or similar right, or the lapse or termination of any restriction on, or the vesting or exercisability of, any of the foregoing (a “Payment”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) by reason of being considered “contingent on a change in ownership or control” of the Company, within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) or to any similar tax imposed by state or local law, or any interest or penalties with respect to such tax (such tax or taxes, together with any such interest and penalties, being hereafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then you shall be entitled to receive an additional payment or payments (collectively, a “Gross-Up Payment”); provided , however , that no Gross-up Payment shall be made with respect to the Excise Tax, if any, attributable to (i) any incentive stock option, as defined by Section 422 of the Code (“ISO”) granted prior to the Effective Date, or (ii) any stock appreciation or similar right, whether or not limited, granted in tandem with any ISO described in clause (i).  The Gross-Up Payment shall be in an amount such that, after payment by you of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, you retain an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payment.

 

(b)            Subject to the provisions of Subsection 4(iii)(G)(f), all determinations required to be made under this Subsection 4(iii)(G), including whether an Excise Tax is payable by you and the amount of such Excise Tax and whether a Gross-Up Payment is required to be paid by the Company to you and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment, if any, shall be made by a nationally recognized accounting firm (the “Accounting Firm”) selected by the Company.  The Accounting Firm shall be directed to submit its determination and detailed supporting calculations to both the Company and you within 30 calendar days after the Date of Termination, and any such other time or times as may be requested by the Company or you.  If the Accounting Firm determines that any Excise Tax is payable by you, the Company shall pay the required Gross-Up Payment to you within five business days after receipt of such determination and calculations with respect to any Payment to you, provided , however , that the Company can estimate and pay any Excise Tax to any applicable taxing authority if the Company determines in its sole discretion that such amount is due and payable prior to the date such determination is made by the Accounting Firm, and such payment shall reduce the amount of the Gross-Up Payment payable to you.  If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by you, it shall, at the same time as it makes such determination, furnish the Company and you with an opinion that you have substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on your federal, state or local income or other tax return.  As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) and the possibility of similar uncertainty regarding applicable state or local tax law at the time of any determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible

 



 

that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made (an “Underpayment”), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder.  In the event that the Company exhausts or fails to pursue its remedies pursuant to Section (G)(f) and you thereafter are required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, you shall direct the Accounting Firm to determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and to submit its determination and detailed supporting calculations to both the Company and you as promptly as possible.  Any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to, or for your benefit within five business days after receipt of such determination and calculations.

 

(c)            The Company and you shall each provide the Accounting Firm access to and copies of any books, records and documents in the possession of the Company or you, as the case may be, reasonably requested by the Accounting Firm, and otherwise cooperate with the Accounting Firm in connection with the preparation and issuance of the determinations and calculations contemplated by Section (G)(b).  Any determination by the Accounting Firm as to the amount of the Gross-Up Payment shall be binding upon the Company and you, subject to (G)(d) below.

 

(d)            The federal, state and local income or other tax returns filed by you shall be prepared and filed on a consistent basis with the determination of the Accounting Firm with respect to the Excise Tax payable by you.  You shall make proper payment of the amount of any Excise Payment, and at the request of the Company, provide to the Company true and correct copies (with any amendments) of your federal income tax return as filed with the Internal Revenue Service and corresponding state and local tax returns, if relevant, as filed with the applicable taxing authority, and such other documents reasonably requested by the Company, evidencing such payment.  If prior to the filing of your federal income tax return, or corresponding state or local tax return, if relevant, the Accounting Firm determines that the amount of the Gross-Up Payment should be reduced, you shall within five business days pay to the Company the amount of such reduction.  Any such determination by the Accounting Firm as to such recalculation of the Gross-Up Payment shall be binding upon the Company and you.

 

(e)            The fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm for its services in connection with the determinations and calculations contemplated by Section (G)(b) shall be borne by the Company.

 

(f)             You shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority that, if successful, would require the payment by the Company of a Gross-Up Payment.  Such notification shall be given as promptly as practicable but no later than ten business days after you actually receive notice of such claim and you shall further apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid (in each case, to the extent known by you).  You shall not pay such claim

 



 

prior to the earlier of (i) the expiration of the thirty calendar-day period following the date on which he gives such notice to the Company and (ii) the date that any payment of amount with respect to such claim is due.  If the Company notifies you in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, you shall:

 

(i)                                      provide the Company with any written records or documents in his possession relating to such claim reasonably requested by the Company;

 

(ii)                                   take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including without limitation accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney competent in respect of the subject matter and reasonably selected by the Company;

 

(iii)                                cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively to contest such claim; and

 

(iv)                               permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim; provided , however , that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold you harmless, on an after-tax basis, for and against any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest and penalties with respect thereto, imposed as a result of such representation and payment of costs and expenses.  Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Subsection 4(iii)(G)(f), the Company shall control all proceedings taken in connection with the contest of any claim contemplated by this Subsection 4(iii)(G)(f) and, at its sole option, may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim ( provided , however , that you may participate therein at your own cost and expense) and may, at its option, either direct you to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and you agree to prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company shall determine; provided , however , that if the Company directs you to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund, the Company shall advance the amount of such payment to you on an interest-free basis and shall indemnify and hold you harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income or other tax, including interest or penalties with respect thereto, imposed with respect to such advance; and provided further , however , that any extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for your taxable year with

 



 

respect to which the contested amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount.  Furthermore, the Company’s control of any such contested claim shall be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and you shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.

 

(g)            If, after your receipt of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Subsection 4(iii)(G)(f), you receive any refund with respect to such claim, you shall (subject to the Company’s complying with the requirements of Section (G)(f)) within 10 business days after receiving such refund pay to the Company the amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after any taxes applicable thereto).  If, after your receipt of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section (G)(f), a determination is made that you shall not be entitled to any refund with respect to such claim and the Company does not notify you in writing of its intent to contest such denial or refund prior to the expiration of thirty calendar days after such determination, then such advance shall be forgiven and shall not be required to be repaid and the amount of any such advance shall offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid by the Company to you pursuant to this Subsection 4(iii)G.

 

(h)            Any Gross-Up Payment payable hereunder, shall be paid by the Company to you within five days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm’s determination; provided that, the Gross-Up Payment shall in all events be paid no later than the end of your taxable year next following your taxable year in which the Excise Tax (and any income or other related taxes or interest or penalties thereon) on a Payment are remitted to the Internal Revenue Service or any other applicable taxing authority or, in the case of amounts relating to a claim that does not result in the remittance of any federal, state, local and foreign income, excise, social security and other taxes, the calendar year in which the claim is finally settled or otherwise resolved.  Notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, the Company may, in its sole discretion, withhold and pay over to the Internal Revenue Service or any other applicable taxing authority, for your benefit, all or any portion of any Gross-Up Payment, and you hereby consent to such withholding.

 

(iv)           All payments under this Agreement, other than the Accrued Obligations, will be contingent upon the execution of a Release of Claims by you and the Company within 30 days following the Date of Termination, substantially in the form attached as an appendix to this Agreement.

 

(v)            You shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Section 4 by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this Section 4 be reduced by any compensation earned by you as the result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by offset against any amount claimed to be owed by you to the Company (other than by any cash

 



 

payments which may be available to you under the Company’s Severance Policy), or otherwise except as specifically provided in this Section 4.

 

(vi)           Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if on the Date of Termination of your employment with the Company, as a result of such termination, you would receive any payment that, absent the application of this Subsection 4(viii), would be subject to interest and additional tax imposed pursuant to Section 409A(a) of the Code as a result of the application of Section 409A(2)(B)(i) of the Code, then such payment shall be payable on the date that is the earliest of (i) six (6) months after the Date of Termination, (ii) your death or (iii) such other date as will not result in such payment being subject to such interest and additional tax.  For purposes of clarification, all amounts not subject to the six month delay as set forth in Section 409A of the Code, shall be paid as otherwise provided in this Agreement.  It is the intention of the parties that payments or benefits payable under this Agreement not be subject to the additional tax imposed pursuant to Section 409A of the Code.  To the extent such potential payments or benefits could become subject to such Section, the parties shall cooperate to amend this Agreement with the goal of giving you the economic benefits described herein in a manner that does not result in such tax being imposed (it being understood that if such amendments do not avoid the application of Section 409A of the Code, the Company will make such payments nonetheless).

 

5.              SUCCESSORS; BINDING AGREEMENT.

 

(i)             The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, share exchange, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.  As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.

 

(ii)            This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees and legatees.  If you should die while any amount would still be payable to you hereunder if you had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this agreement to your legatee or other designee or, if there is no such designee, to your estate.

 

(iii)           In the event that you are employed by a subsidiary of the Company, wherever in this Agreement reference is made to the “Company,” unless the context otherwise requires, such reference shall also include such subsidiary.  The Company shall cause such subsidiary to carry out the terms of this Agreement insofar as they relate to the employment relationship between you and such subsidiary, and the Company shall indemnify you and save you harmless from and against all liability and damage you may suffer as a consequence of such subsidiary’s failure to perform and carry out such terms.  Wherever reference is made to any benefit program of the Company, such reference shall

 



 

include, where appropriate, the corresponding benefit program of such subsidiary if you were a participant in such benefit program on the date a Change of Control has occurred.

 

6.              COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 409A OF THE CODE.  This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code and shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent.  Any provision of this Agreement that would cause a violation of Section 409A of the Code shall have no force or effect until amended to comply with Section 409A of the Code, to the extent permitted by Section 409A.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event shall the Company be required to provide you with any gross-up for any tax, interest or penalty incurred under Section 409A of the Code.

 

7.              WITHHOLDING.  All payments shall be subject to the withholding of such amounts as the Company is required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable federal, state, or local law or regulation, and you are responsible for any tax liability on such payments.

 

8.              NOTICE.  For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth on the first page of this Agreement, provided that all notices to the Company shall be directed to the attention of the Board with a copy to the Secretary of the Company, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

 

9.              MISCELLANEOUS.  No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by you and such officer as may be specifically designated by the Board.  No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.  No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not expressly set forth in this Agreement.

 

10.            VALIDITY.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

11.            COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

 

12.            ARBITRATION.  Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in the State of Colorado, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect.  Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction; provided , however , that you shall be entitled to seek specific performance of your right to be paid until the Date of Termination

 



 

during the pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement.

 

13.            WAIVER OF RIGHTS UNDER CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT WITH APEX SILVER MINES LTD.  By signing this Agreement, you agree to waive all rights and claims to any payments and benefits that you might otherwise be entitled to receive pursuant to the Change of Control Agreement entered into by you and Apex Silver Mines Ltd on [Date](1) (the “Apex Change of Control Agreement”).  Furthermore, you agree that the Apex Change of Control Agreement shall be terminated in its entirety as of the Effective Date.

 

If this letter sets forth our agreement on the subject matter hereof, kindly sign and return to the Company the enclosed copy of this letter which will then constitute our agreement on this subject.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Golden Minerals Company

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

[Name]

 

 

[Title]

 

 

 

Agreed to as of the              day of                                  ,                 .

 

 

 

Signature:

 

 

 

[Name]

 

 


(1)            To be inserted by the Company.

 



 

APPENDIX

 

FORM OF

 

GENERAL RELEASE

 

I,                                                 , for good and valuable consideration, including the performance by Golden Minerals Company, a Delaware Company (the “Company”), of certain obligations under that certain Change of Control Agreement dated as of                      between myself and the Company (the “Change of Control Agreement”), do hereby release and forever discharge as of the date hereof, the Company and all present, future and former subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, agents, attorneys, insurers, shareholders, representatives and employees of the Company (including all subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, agents, attorneys, insurers, shareholders, partners, representatives and employees thereof), and the successors and assigns of each of them (collectively, the “Released Parties”) to the extent provided below.

 

1.              Except as provided in Section 2 below, I knowingly and voluntarily release and forever discharge the Company and the other Released Parties from any and all claims, controversies, actions, causes of action, cross-claims, counter-claims, demands, debts, damages (however styled, including compensatory, liquidated, punitive or exemplary damages), claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity, both past and present (from the beginning of the world through the date of this General Release) and whether known or unknown, suspected, or claimed against the Company or any of the Released Parties which I, my spouse, or any of my heirs, executors, administrators, representatives or assigns, have or may have, which arise out of or are connected with my employment or association with, or my separation or termination from, the Company (including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim or violation, arising under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991, as amended; the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1866, as amended; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq.), as amended (“ADEA”), subject to Section 15 below; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act, as amended; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended; any applicable Executive Order Programs; the Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended; or their state or local counterparts; or under any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or under any other local, state, or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract or tort, or under common law; or arising under any policies, practices or procedures of the Company; or any claim for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, defamation; or any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses, including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters) (all of the foregoing collectively referred to herein as the “Claims”).  As part of the release set forth in this Section 1, I fully and forever covenant not to sue or cause to be sued the Company or any other Released Party with respect to any Claims.

 

2.              This General Release shall not relinquish, diminish, or in any way affect (i) any accrued benefits under the terms of the Change of Control Agreement or any other plans or programs of the Company which are due to me, or (ii) rights for indemnification as a director of

 

1



 

the Company under the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws for duly approved acts taken prior to the date of this General Release, subject to the provisions thereof.

 

3.              I represent that I have made no assignment or transfer of any Claims, or any other matter covered by Section 1 above.  I agree that I will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company from any and all Claims so assigned and transferred.  I have not been involved in any personal bankruptcy or other insolvency proceedings at any time since I began my employment with the Company.  No child support orders, garnishment orders, or other orders requiring that money owed to me by the Company be paid to any other person are now in effect.

 

4.              In signing this General Release, I acknowledge and intend that it shall be effective as a bar to each and every one of the Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied that are released by me.  I further acknowledge and agree that my separation from employment with the Company shall not serve as the basis for any claim or action.  I agree that this General Release shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown and unsuspected Claims (notwithstanding any state statute that expressly limits the effectiveness of a general release of unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated Claims), if any, as well as those relating to any other Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied.  I acknowledge and agree that this waiver is an essential and material term of this General Release.  I therefore agree that in the event a Claim is brought seeking damages against me in violation of the terms of this General Release, or in the event a party should seek to recover against the other in any Claim brought by a governmental agency on such party’s behalf, this General Release shall serve as a complete defense to such Claims.  I further agree that I am not aware of any pending or threatened charge or complaint of the type described above as of the execution of this General Release.

 

5.              I agree that, by my signature below, I hereby resign from all positions, including any board memberships, related to the Company and its subsidiaries contemporaneously with the execution of this General Release.

 

6.              I understand that this General Release embodies the complete agreement and understanding among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.

 

7.              Whenever possible, each provision of this General Release shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this General Release is held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this General Release shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

 

8.              This General Release shall be binding in all respects upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the heirs, successors and assigns of the parties hereto; provided that I acknowledge that I may not assign my rights under the this General Release without the prior written consent of the Company.  I agree, upon reasonable request of the Company, to execute, acknowledge and

 



 

deliver any additional instrument or documents that may be reasonably required to carry out the intentions of this General Release.  This General Release may be executed in counterparts and facsimile signatures shall be originals for all purposes.

 

9.              I agree that this General Release shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado and that any disputes arising under this General Release or by any asserted breach of it, or from the employment relationship between the Company and Executive, shall be litigated in the state or federal courts in Colorado and I consent to such jurisdiction.

 

10.            I represent that I am over the age of forty (40).  As part of the release set forth in Section 1, I knowingly and voluntarily agree to waive any rights or claims arising out of or relating to the ADEA (the “ADEA Waiver”) and acknowledge that I have been informed of the following:

 

a.              I represent and acknowledge that I am waiving any and all rights or claims that I may have arising under the ADEA;

 

b.              I represent and acknowledge that I have been informed of my right to consult with an attorney regarding these ADEA rights, before executing this General Release;

 

c.              I know and understand that I am not waiving any rights or claims that may arise after the date this waiver of ADEA rights is executed;

 

d.              I know and understand that in exchange for the waiver of my rights under the ADEA, I am receiving consideration in addition to any consideration to which I am already entitled;

 

e.              BY SIGNING THIS GENERAL RELEASE, I REPRESENT AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE BEEN INVITED AND ADVISED TO CONSULT AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT.  I acknowledge and understand that I have been given a period of at least twenty-one (21) days in which to consider the terms of the ADEA Waiver provided to me; and

 

f.               I understand that I have the right to revoke this ADEA Waiver contained in this General Release at any time within seven (7) days after signing this General Release, by providing written notice to the following address:  Golden Minerals Company,                                                                   , and that, upon such revocation, this General Release will not have any further legal force and effect.  I further understand and agree that this General Release shall not become effective or enforceable until this seven day revocation period has expired.

 



 

By signing this General Release, I further represent and agree that:

 

(i)             I have read it carefully;

 

(ii)            I understand all of its terms and know that I am giving up important rights, including but not limited to, rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended;

 

(iii)           I voluntarily consent to everything in this General Release;

 

(iv)           I have been advised to consult with an attorney before executing this General Release and I have done so or, after careful reading and consideration I have chosen not to do so of my own volition;

 

(v)            I have signed this General Release knowingly and voluntarily and with the advice of any counsel retained to advise me with respect to this General Release;

 

(vi)           I agree that the provisions of this General Release may not be amended, waived, changed or modified except by an instrument in writing signed by an authorized representative of the Company and by me.

 

DATE:                           , 20

 

 

 

 

[Executive]

 

 

 

Acknowledged and agreed to this                day of                                     , 20       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Golden Minerals Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 


Exhibit 99.1

 

Selected Consolidated Pro Forma Financial Data

 

The following unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma financial statements give effect to the sale of Apex Silver’s 65% direct and indirect interests in the San Cristóbal mine to Sumitomo for a cash purchase price of $27.5 million, plus $2.5 million for the reimbursement of certain expenditures previously incurred by Apex Silver on behalf of the San Cristóbal mine (the “Sale”). As part of the transaction, the Company has been released from all liabilities associated with the San Cristóbal mine, including Apex Silver’s guarantee of San Cristóbal indebtedness.  As a condition to the closing, the Company entered into the Management Agreement with Sumitomo under which the Company will provide certain management services to the San Cristóbal mine.  The Company will receive an annual fee of approximately $6.0 million, and a potential annual incentive fee of $1.5 million.

 

In addition, the unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma financial statements also give effect to the Plan under which holders of Apex Silver’s Subordinated Notes received a pro rata distribution of (i) Common Stock of Golden Minerals Company and (ii) approximately $45 million in cash. In connection with the Plan, the Subordinated Notes were cancelled.

 

The unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma balance sheet has been prepared as if the Sale had occurred, the Plan had been consummated and the Company had emerged from Chapter 11 on December 31, 2008. The unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma statement of operations has been prepared as if the Sale had occurred, the Plan had been consummated and the Company had emerged from Chapter 11 on January 1, 2008. Actual amounts may vary from these pro forma amounts pending a final determination of selling costs, the book value of the assets sold and liabilities assumed by Sumitomo at the date of the Sale and a final determination of payments made under the Plan. These unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma financial statements should be read in conjunction with Apex Silver’s historical financial statements included in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED PRO-FORMA BALANCE SHEET

DECEMBER 31, 2008

(Expressed in United States dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reflect Sale of 

 

Adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining 65%

 

to Reflect the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Interest In 

 

Plan of

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

Historical

 

San Cristobal

 

Reorganization

 

Amounts

 

 

 

Amounts

 

(Note 1)

 

(Note 2)

 

(Note 3)

 

 

 

(in thousands except share data)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

33,723

 

$

27,238

(a) 

$

(28,649

)(a)

$

32,312

 

Restricted cash

 

20,575

 

(20,575

)(c)

 

 

Investments

 

16,351

 

 

(16,351

)(a)

 

Trade receivables

 

7,315

 

(7,315

)(c)

 

 

Inventories

 

75,008

 

(75,008

)(c)

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

15,550

 

(14,250

)(c)

 

1,300

 

Current assets

 

168,522

 

(89,910

)

(45,000

)

33,612

 

Property, plant and equipment (net)

 

202,534

 

(199,040

)(c)

 

3,494

 

Ore stockpile inventories

 

72,628

 

(72,628

)(c)

 

 

Value added tax recoverable

 

157,146

 

(157,146

)(c)

 

 

Investments

 

5,487

 

 

 

5,487

 

Other

 

30

 

(16

)(c)

 

14

 

Total assets

 

$

606,347

 

$

(518,740

)

$

(45,000

)

$

42,607

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

$

48,728

 

$

(44,746

)(c)

$

 

$

3,982

 

Accrued interest payable

 

8,660

 

(5,797

)(c)

(2,863

)(b)

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

532,670

 

(242,683

)(c)

(289,987

)(b)

 

Current liabilities

 

590,058

 

(293,226

)

(292,850

)

3,982

 

Long-term debt

 

50,891

 

(50,891

)(c)

 

 

Asset retirement obligation

 

9,155

 

(9,155

)(c)

 

 

Other long term liabilities

 

4,531

 

(4,531

)(c)

 

 

Total liabilities

 

654,635

 

(357,803

)

(292,850

)

3,982

 

Minority interest in subsidiaries

 

150,792

 

(150,792

)(c)

 

 

Shareholders’ equity (deficit)

 

(199,080

)

(10,145

)(b)

247,850

(b) 

38,625

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity (deficit)

 

$

606,347

 

$

(518,740

)

$

(45,000

)

$

42,607

 

 


Note 1. The unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma balance sheet reflects the sale of Apex Silver’s 65% direct and indirect interests in the San Cristóbal mine to Sumitomo as if the sale had occurred at December 31, 2008. The pro forma adjustments reflect:

 

a)   The $27.7 million net cash received from the sale of the San Cristóbal mine consisting of net proceeds from the sale of $30.0 million received from Sumitomo less $2.3 million of selling costs.  The adjustment also includes $0.5 million of restricted cash released to Apex Silver as a result of the sale, less approximately $1.0 million of cash held by the San Cristóbal mine.

 

b)  The $10.1 million loss recognized on the sale of the San Cristóbal mine, calculated as the difference between the $27.7 million of net cash received and the net book value of the assets sold and liabilities assumed by Sumitomo.

 

c)  The elimination of the $546.0 million of assets sold and $508.6 million of liabilities assumed by Sumitomo.

 

Note 2. The unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma balance sheet reflects the results of consummation of the Plan and Apex Silver’s emergence from Chapter 11 as if they had occurred at December 31, 2008. The pro forma adjustments reflect:

 

a)  The $45.0 million payment to the holders of Apex Silver’s Subordinated Notes consisting of $28.6 million of existing cash and cash equivalents along with the assumed liquidation of $16.4 million of short term investments.

 



 

b)  The full settlement of the $290.0 Subordinated Notes liability, including accrued interest, for a $45.0 million cash payment and 100% of the Common Stock of Golden Minerals and the recognition of a $247.9 million gain on the reorganization.

 

Note 3. As a result of the consummation of the Plan and emergence from Chapter 11 on the Effective Date, Golden Minerals will be subject to the fresh-start accounting rules prescribed by AICPA Statement of Position 90-7, “Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code” (“ SoP 90-7 ”). Fresh-start accounting requires that each balance sheet account be recorded at fair value at the date of emergence.  Furthermore, the value of Apex Silver’s assets and liabilities will be impacted by Apex Silver’s operating activities between December 31, 2008 and the date of emergence from Chapter 11.  A fair value assessment of Apex Silver’s assets and liabilities (Golden Minerals has no debt) is currently in process and may result in amounts different from those reported on the pro forma balance sheet.  The fair value assessment will most likely result in an increase in the carrying value of a number of the exploration properties that the Company owns or has the right to conduct exploration activities on, which historically have had a zero carrying value following Apex Silver’s policy to recognize exploration costs as expense in the period incurred. In addition, SoP 90-7 provides that to the extent the reorganization value of a company upon emergence from Chapter 11 is less than or greater than the fair value of such company’s net assets and liabilities, a gain or loss, respectively, would be reported upon emergence.  As set forth in the Disclosure Statement filed with the Bankruptcy Court, for purposes of estimating recovery to creditors under the Plan, Apex Silver’s estimated value is between $15 million and $30 million.  Accordingly, the $38.6 million pro forma balance of shareholders’ equity will be adjusted based upon application of fresh-start accounting to Apex Silver’s assets and liabilities and any gain or loss recorded.

 

APEX SILVER MINES LIMITED

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED PRO-FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended December 31, 2008

(Expressed in United States dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to Reflect Sale

 

Adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of Remaining

 

to Reflect the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

65% Interest

 

Plan of

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

Historical

 

In San Cristobal

 

Reorganization

 

Amounts

 

 

 

Amounts

 

(Note 1)

 

(Note 2)

 

(Note 3)

 

 

 

(in thousands except per share data)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales of concentrates

 

$

419,512

 

$

(419,512

)(a)

$

 

$

 

Fees from management services agreement, net

 

 

6,000

(g)

 

6,000

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs applicable to sales (exclusive of amounts shown separately below)

 

(346,199

)

346,199

(a)

 

 

Write down of inventories

 

(52,547

)

52,547

(a)

 

 

Exploration

 

(25,397

)

 

 

(25,397

)

Administrative

 

(22,160

)

 

 

(22,160

)

Gain (loss)—commodity derivatives

 

467,871

 

(467,871

)(b)

 

 

Gain (loss)—foreign exchange

 

18,310

 

(18,342

)(a)

 

(32

)

Asset retirement accretion expense

 

(794

)

794

(a)

 

 

Impairment of long lived assets

 

(625,649

)

625,649

(a)

 

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

(37,942

)

37,416

(a)

 

(526

)

Total operating expenses

 

(624,507

)

576,392

 

 

(48,115

)

Loss from operations

 

(204,995

)

162,880

 

 

(42,115

)

Other income and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income

 

6,031

 

(647

)(d)

 

5,384

 

Royalty income

 

351

 

 

 

351

 

Gain (loss) on sale of interest in subsidiaries

 

64,471

 

(64,471

)(c)

 

 

Reorganization costs

 

(2,153

)

 

2,153

(a)

 

Loss on auction rate securities

 

(16,263

)

 

 

(16,263

)

Interest expense and other borrowing costs

 

(75,448

)

59,600

(d)

15,848

(b)

 

Total other income and expenses

 

(23,011

)

(5,518

)

18,001

 

(10,528

)

Loss before minority interest and income taxes

 

(228,006

)

157,362

 

18,001

 

(52,643

)

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

(8,353

)

7,735

(e)

 

(618

)

Minority interest in loss of subsidiary

 

118,122

 

(118,122

)(f)

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(118,237

)

$

46,975

 

$

18,001

 

$

(53,261

)

 


Note 1.   The unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 includes the results of operations for that period as if the sale of Apex Silver’s 65% interest in the San Cristóbal mine to Sumitomo occurred at January 1, 2008. The pro forma adjustments reflect:

 

a)  The elimination of the results of operations of the San Cristóbal mine, and other subsidiaries, for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

b) The elimination of the gain recorded during the year related to the commodity derivatives required by the Project Finance Facility.

 

c) The elimination of the $64.5 million gain recognized from the sale of certain retained interests in the San Cristóbal mine to Sumitomo effective June 30, 2008.

 

d) The elimination of interest income earned by the subsidiaries that hold the San Cristóbal mine and interest expense primarily related to the $225 million Project Finance Facility, notes payable to Sumitomo and interest on leased mining equipment recorded as capital leases.

 

e) The elimination of income taxes associated with the San Cristóbal mine.

 

f)  The elimination of Sumitomo’s minority interest in the subsidiaries that own and operate the San Cristóbal mine.

 

g) The contractual proceeds for services performed under the Management Agreement whereby the Company will manage the San Cristóbal mine on behalf of Sumitomo.

 

Note 2.   The unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 includes the results of operations for that period as if consummation of the Plan and emerging from Chapter 11 protection had occurred at January 1, 2008. The pro forma adjustments reflect:

 



 

a) The elimination of costs related to the Plan and from Chapter 11.

 

b) The elimination of interest expense related to the Subordinated Notes.

 

Note 3.   Golden Minerals will be subject to fresh-start accounting rules which may result in the recognition of a gain or loss on reorganization upon emerging from Chapter 11. The pro forma statement of operations does not reflect the gain the Company will recognize upon emergence from Chapter 11, estimated to total approximately $247.9 million, related to the settlement of the Subordinated Notes, as reflected in the pro forma balance sheet above. Additionally, such gain will be adjusted as necessary to record fair value of the assets and liabilities of Golden Minerals Company upon emergence from Chapter 11.

 

Golden Minerals Company will also be treated as a “successor company” for accounting purposes and will be required to continue to report its prior ownership in the San Cristóbal mine when comparable prior period consolidated financial statements are presented.