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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For The Year Ended December 31, 2007

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For The Transition Period From              To             

Commission file number 001-13795

 

 

AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

 

 

 

Delaware   95-2588080

(State or other jurisdiction of

Incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

4695 MacArthur Court, Newport Beach, California   92660
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(949) 260-1200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class:

 

Name of each exchange on which registered:

Common Stock, $.10 par value   New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes   ¨     No   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15 (d) of the Act.    Yes   ¨     No   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   x     No   ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer   ¨         Accelerated filer   x         Non-accelerated filer   ¨         Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes   ¨     No   x

The aggregate market value of the voting stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates is $152.1 million. This figure is estimated as of June 29, 2007 at which date the closing price of the registrant’s Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $14.32 per share. For purposes of this calculation, shares owned by executive officers, directors, and 5% stockholders known to the registrant have been deemed to be owned by affiliates. The number of shares of $.10 par value Common Stock outstanding as of June 30, 2007, was 26,345,638. The number of shares of $.10 par value Common Stock outstanding as of March 6, 2008 was 26,424,033.

 

 

 


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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

December 31, 2007

 

          Page No.
   PART I   

Item 1.

  

Business

   1

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   8

Item 1B.

  

Unresolved Staff Comments

   13

Item 2.

  

Properties

   13

Item 3.

  

Legal Proceedings

   14

Item 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   21
   PART II   

Item 5.

  

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

   22

Item 6.

  

Selected Financial Data

   24

Item 7.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

   25

Item 7A.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   33

Item 8.

  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   33

Item 9.

  

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

   33

Item 9A.

  

Controls and Procedures

   34

Item 9B.

  

Other Information

   36
   PART III   

Item 10.

  

Directors, Executive Officers of the Registrant and Corporate Governance

   36

Item 11.

  

Executive Compensation

   38

Item 12.

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

   51

Item 13.

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

   54

Item 14.

  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

   55
   PART IV   

Item 15.

  

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

   57

SIGNATURES AND CERTIFICATIONS

   58

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART I

Unless otherwise indicated or in the context otherwise requires, the terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to American Vanguard Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Forward-looking statements in this report, including without limitation, statements relating to the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions, and adequacy of resources, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. (Refer to PART II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation, Risk Factors, of this Annual Report.)

 

ITEM 1 BUSINESS

American Vanguard Corporation was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in January 1969 and operates as a holding company. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to the “Company”, or the “Registrant” in this Annual Report refer to American Vanguard Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. The Company conducts its business through its subsidiaries, AMVAC Chemical Corporation (“AMVAC”), GemChem, Inc. (“GemChem”), 2110 Davie Corporation (“DAVIE”), AMVAC Chemical UK Ltd. (“Chemical UK”), Quimica Amvac de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (“Quimica Amvac”), AMVAC Switzerland GmbH, AMVAC do Brasil Representácoes Ltda (Refer to Export Operations), and Environmental Mediation, Inc.

Based on similar economic and operational characteristics, the Company’s business is aggregated into one reportable segment. Refer to Part I, Item 7 for selective enterprise information.

AMVAC

AMVAC is a California corporation that traces its history from 1945. AMVAC is a specialty chemical manufacturer that develops and markets products for agricultural and commercial uses. It manufactures and formulates chemicals for crops, human and animal health protection. These chemicals which include insecticides, fungicides, molluscicides, growth regulators, and soil fumigants, are marketed in liquid, powder, and granular forms. AMVAC’s business is continually undergoing an evolutionary change. Years ago AMVAC considered itself a distributor-formulator, but now AMVAC primarily manufactures, distributes, and formulates its own proprietary products or custom manufactures or formulates for others.

On March 7, 2008, AMVAC acquired from Bayer Cropscience LP (“BCS”) substantially all of the assets relating to the business conducted at BCS’s facility located in Marsing, Idaho (the “Marsing Facility”). The Marsing Facility consists of approximately 17 acres of improved real property, 15 of which are now owned by AMVAC and two of which are leased by AMVAC from the City of Marsing for a term of 25 years. The acquired assets included real property, buildings, formulating and packaging lines, raw material storage, warehousing, container recertification, a quality control laboratory, inventory and offices associated with the blending of liquid and powder raw materials and the packaging of finished liquid products in the agricultural chemical field. In connection with the acquisition, AMVAC and BCS have agreed to enter into a master processor agreement under which AMVAC will continue to provide certain tolling services to BCS over the next four years.

On December 28, 2007, AMVAC, pursuant to the provisions of that certain definitive Sale and Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated as of November 27, 2006 between AMVAC and BASF, through which AMVAC purchased the global Terbufos product line from BASF (as reported in greater detail in the Company’s Form 8-K filed as of November 29, 2006) purchased certain manufacturing assets relating to the production of Terbufos and Phorate and located at BASF’s multi-plant facility situated in Hannibal, Missouri (the “Hannibal

 

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Site”). Subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, AMVAC purchased certain buildings, manufacturing equipment, office equipment, fixtures, supplies, records, raw materials, intermediates and packaging constituting the “T/C Unit” of the Hannibal Site. The parties entered into a ground lease and a manufacturing and shared services agreement, under which BASF will continue to supply various shared services to AMVAC from the Hannibal Site. The Company anticipates growing sales of Phorate (acquired in 2005) and Counter in the coming years, and acquiring assets associated with those prior product acquisitions ensures the continuing supply of these high-quality insecticide products for use in a wide variety of agricultural applications. This acquisition ensures the continuing supply of these high-quality insecticide products for use in a wide variety of agricultural applications and significantly increases the Company’s organophosphate manufacturing capacity.

On December 17, 2007, AMVAC acquired the pentachloronitrobenzine fungicide product line from the Crop Protection division of Chemtura Corporation. Included in the purchase were the brands Turfcide ® and Terraclor ® , highly effective fungicides that control a wide range of diseases in turf and ornamental applications and certain agricultural crops, and are a component of seed treatment dressings. These products are registered in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Turkey, South Africa and a number of other countries.

In December 2006, AMVAC acquired the product line Permethrin (a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide) from Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. In connection with the transaction, AMVAC acquired both crop and non-crop uses of the product line in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Acquired assets include registration rights, manufacturing and formulation know-how, inventories, customer lists and the trademarks Ambush ® and Prelude ® in the aforementioned territories.

In November 2006, AMVAC acquired the global Terbufos insecticide product line and the Lock `N Load ® closed delivery system from BASF Aktiengesellschaft (“BASF”). The product line consisted of the active ingredient Terbufos, the trademarks Counter ® and Lock `N Load ® , the manufacturing and formulation know-how, registration rights, intellectual property rights and inventories.

In December 2005, AMVAC acquired the cereal herbicide product line, Difenzoquat from BASF. The product line consists of the active ingredient Difenzoquat, the trademark Avenge™, the manufacturing and formulation know-how, and registration rights and intellectual property rights in the United States and Canada. Avenge is a post-emergent herbicide primarily used to control wild oats in barley and wheat. Avenge has a unique mode of action: it can be tank mixed with many popular broad leaf herbicides to provide broadleaf weed control as well as for effectively managing herbicide resistance problems in wild oats.

In November 2005, AMVAC acquired the global Phorate insecticide product line from BASF. The product line consisted of the active ingredient Phorate, the trademarks Thimet ® , Granutox ® and Geomet ® , the manufacturing and formulation know-how, registration rights, intellectual property rights and inventories as well as an exclusive license to use BASF’s patented, closed delivery system, Lock ‘N Load ® , in the United States, Canada and Australia for Phorate. Phorate is registered in more than fifteen countries, with the main markets in Asia Pacific and the Americas. It is used on agricultural crops, mainly potatoes, corn, cotton, rice and sugarcane, to protect against chewing and piercing-sucking insects.

In March 2005, AMVAC entered into an exclusive multi-year agreement with BASF to develop, register and commercialize Topramezone, a new herbicide for post-emergent use in corn in North America. Under the terms of a licensing and supply agreement BASF would supply the product to AMVAC. In August 2005, AMVAC received a registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Impact ® (active ingredient: Topramezone), a new herbicide for the use in field corn, seed corn, sweet corn and popcorn.

In December 2004, AMVAC entered into an agreement with Bayer CropScience LP, an affiliate of Bayer AG, to market, sell and distribute Bolster 15G, a soybean pesticide used to control nematodes, through

 

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AMVAC’s SmartBox system in key Midwest soybean growing states beginning in the 2005 season. Additionally, in December 2004, AMVAC licensed the trade name Nuvan ® to Syngenta India Limited, a business unit of Syngenta Crop Protection AG. The agreement provides a two-year license to Syngenta India to sell products under the Nuvan name in the animal and public health market, as well as the crop protection market in India. AMVAC continues to sell products under the Nuvan name in the animal and public health market in over 30 other countries.

In January 2004, AMVAC entered into an agreement with Syngenta Crop Protection (“Syngenta”) to supply Force 3G for use through AMVAC’s SmartBox system beginning in the 2004 season. Force 3G is a corn soil insecticide manufactured and marketed by Syngenta for the control of corn rootworm, wireworm, cutworm and white grub in cotton.

In December 2003, AMVAC acquired certain assets related to the active ingredient dichlorvos (“DDVP”) used in the animal health business and marketed primarily under the trade name Nuvan ® from Novartis Animal Health, Inc. a business unit of Novartis AG. Since 1975, AMVAC has manufactured a technical form of DDVP, used primarily in specialty markets as a broad-spectrum household and specialty insecticide. Nuvan, which is used primarily for animal health to control flies and ecto-parasites, expanded the AMVAC’s animal health business as well as its international sales of DDVP. DDVP products are highly effective in controlling in enclosed spaces, a wide variety of pests including mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches. AMVAC has been the primary generator of data to support the registration of DDVP products worldwide.

In February 2003, AMVAC acquired certain assets associated with the global Pre-Harvest Protection business from Pace International, L.L.C. (“Pace”). Pace’s global Pre-Harvest Protection business encompassed five product lines:

 

 

 

Deadline ® —a line of snail and slug control products used in agriculture and by commercial landscapers;

 

 

 

Hivol ® 44—a plant growth regulator used primarily in citrus;

 

 

 

Hinder ® —a deer and rabbit repellant;

 

   

Bac-Master™—streptomycin antibiotic used primarily to control Fire Blight (a bacterial disease of apples and pears that kills blossoms, shoots, limbs, and sometimes, entire trees; and

 

 

 

Leffingwell ® Supreme 415 Oil™—a horticultural oil insecticide for aphids, mites and scale.

Pace continues to manufacture Deadline and Hinder under a multi-year supply agreement with AMVAC. Additionally, AMVAC has an option to acquire Pace’s Deadline manufacturing facility in Yakima County, Washington.

In January 2003, AMVAC acquired certain assets associated with the Evital ® 5G cranberry herbicide business conducted in the United States from Syngenta.

In July 2002, AMVAC acquired from Flowserve U.S. Inc. (“Flowserve”), all or substantially all of its assets associated with the SmartBox ® closed delivery system. The SmartBox system electronically dispenses granular crop protection products, replacing older technology that utilizes mechanically driven sprockets and chains. The state-of-the-art SmartBox technology allows farmers to apply crop protection products accurately and efficiently while avoiding contact with the product. The computer controller enables farmers to monitor and change application rates while planting and provides the farmers with a permanent record of application. Initially the SmartBox system was developed by Flowserve in partnership with E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company

 

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(“DuPont”) and Zeneca, Inc. which partnership commenced in 1995. At the same time it acquired certain assets associated with the Fortress ® corn soil insecticide business from DuPont in 2000, AMVAC assumed DuPont’s SmartBox partnership interest. Thereafter, Zeneca, Inc. abandoned its SmartBox partnership interest. In 2000, AMVAC sold its Fortress 5G (5% active ingredient—chlorethoxyfoxs) corn soil insecticide to the American farmer in the SmartBox system. Later that year, AMVAC secured exclusive marketing rights in the U.S. Bayer CropScience’s Aztec ® 4.67G corn soil insecticide which also can be applied through the SmartBox system. By offering both products, AMVAC provides farmers a choice of two different chemistries to apply through the SmartBox system. This allows farmers to rotate products from year to year, thereby preventing insects from building resistance to any one specific product. AMVAC is currently looking at utilizing this system for other crops where the safety features of the system would provide an important benefit.

In July 2002, AMVAC acquired from Syngenta all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) end-use product registrations and data support as well as a license to the Ambush 25WP trademark (wettable powder formulation) in the United States. Syngenta continues to own the rights and assets of the liquid formulation (Ambush 2EC) in the United States.

In June 2002, AMVAC acquired certain assets associated with the Folex ® cotton defoliant business conducted in the United States by Aventis CropScience USA prior to Bayer AG’s acquisition of Aventis CropScience S.A. The purchase included the EPA end-use product registration for Folex as well as the Folex trademark and product inventories. In addition, an existing supply agreement with Bayer Corporation providing for the supply of active ingredient and access to data in support of the end-use product registration has been assigned to AMVAC, allowing AMVAC to purchase the active ingredient in Folex from Bayer. Bayer markets a product under its trademark Def ® which is similar to Folex, and continues to sell Def following its acquisition of Aventis.

Seasonality

The agricultural chemical industry in general is cyclical in nature. The demand for AMVAC’s products tends to be slightly seasonal. Seasonal usage, however, does not necessarily follow calendar dates, but more closely follows varying growing seasonal patterns, weather conditions and weather related pressure from pests, and customer marketing programs and requirements.

Backlog

AMVAC does not believe that backlog is a significant factor in its business. AMVAC primarily sells its products on the basis of purchase orders, although it has entered into requirements contracts with certain customers.

Customers

UAP Distribution, Inc. (formerly United Agri Products), Windfield Solution LLC (formerly Agriliance) and Tenkoz accounted for 18%, 12% and 11%, respectively of the Company’s sales in 2007. United Agri Products, Agriliance and Helena Chemical Company accounted for 18%, 15% and 11%, respectively of the Company’s sales in 2006. United Agri Products, Agriliance and Helena Chemical Company accounted for 15%, 13% and 11%, respectively of the Company’s sales in 2005.

Competition

AMVAC faces competition from many domestic and foreign manufacturers in its marketplaces. Competition in AMVAC’s marketplace is based primarily on efficacy, price, safety and ease of application.

 

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Many of such competitors are larger and have substantially greater financial and technical resources than AMVAC. AMVAC’s ability to compete depends on its ability to develop additional applications for its current products and expand its product lines and customer base. AMVAC competes principally on the basis of the quality of its products, its price and the technical service and support given to its customers. The inability of AMVAC to effectively compete in several of AMVAC’s principal products would have a material adverse effect on AMVAC’s results of operations.

Generally, the treatment against pests of any kind is broad in scope, there being more than one way or one product for treatment, eradication, or suppression. AMVAC has attempted to position itself in smaller niche markets which are no longer of strong focus to larger companies. These markets are small by nature, require significant and intensive management input, ongoing product research, and are near product maturity. These types of markets tend not to attract larger chemical companies due to the smaller volume demand, and larger chemical companies have been divesting themselves of products that fall into such niches as is evidenced by AMVAC’s successful acquisitions of certain product lines.

Intellectual Property

AMVAC’s proprietary product formulations are protected, to the extent possible, as trade secrets and, to a lesser extent, by patents and trademarks. Although AMVAC considers that, in the aggregate, its trademarks, licenses, and patents constitute a valuable asset, it does not regard its business as being materially dependent upon any single or several trademarks, licenses, or patents.

EPA Registrations

AMVAC’s products also receive protection afforded by the effect of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (“FIFRA”) legislation that makes it unlawful to sell any pesticide in the United States unless such pesticide has first been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) as well as under similar state laws. Substantially all of AMVAC’s products are subject to EPA registration and re-registration requirements and are conditionally registered in accordance with FIFRA. This licensing by EPA is based, among other things, on data demonstrating that the product will not cause unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment when it is used according to approved label directions. All states where any of AMVAC’s products are used require a registration by that specific state before it can be marketed or used in that state. State registrations are renewed annually, as appropriate. The EPA and state agencies have required, and may require in the future, that certain scientific data requirements be performed on registered products sold by AMVAC. AMVAC, on its own behalf and in joint efforts with other registrants, has furnished, and is currently furnishing, certain required data relative to specific products.

Under FIFRA, the federal government requires registrants to submit a wide range of scientific data to support U.S. registrations. This requirement results in operating expenses in such areas as testing and the production of new products. AMVAC expensed $2,013,000, $2,884,000 and $2,853,000 during 2007, 2006 and 2005 respectively, related to gathering this information. Because scientific analyses are constantly improving, it cannot be determined with certainty whether or not new or additional tests may be required by the regulatory authorities. Additionally, while FIFRA Good Laboratory Practice standards specify the minimum practices and procedures which must be followed in order to ensure the quality and integrity of data related to these tests submitted to the EPA, there can be no assurance the EPA will not request certain tests/studies be repeated. AMVAC expenses these costs on an as incurred basis. See also PART II, Item 7 of this Annual Report for discussions pertaining to research and development expenses.

 

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Raw Materials

AMVAC utilizes numerous firms as well as internal sources to supply the various raw materials and components used by AMVAC in manufacturing its products. Many of these materials are readily available from domestic sources. In those instances where there is a single source of supply or where the source is not domestic, AMVAC seeks to secure its supply by either long-term arrangements or advance purchases from its suppliers. AMVAC believes that it is considered to be a valued customer to such sole-source suppliers. Recent increases in energy costs are expected to have an adverse impact on the Company, although the ultimate impact cannot be measured at this time.

Environmental

During 2007, AMVAC continued activities to address environmental issues associated with its facility (the “Facility”) in Commerce, California.

In March 1997, the California Environmental Protection Agency Department of Toxic Substances Control (“DTSC”) accepted the Facility into its Expedited Remedial Action Program (“ERAP”). Under this program, the Facility must prepare and implement an environmental investigation plan. Depending on the findings of the investigation, the Facility may also be required to develop and implement remedial measures to address any historical environmental impairment. The environmental investigation and any remediation activities related to ten underground storage tanks at the Facility, which had been closed in 1995, will also be addressed by AMVAC under ERAP.

Soil and groundwater characterization activities began in December 2002 in accordance with the Site Investigation Plan that was approved by the DTSC. Additional activities were conducted from 2003 to 2007 with oversight provided by the DTSC. Additional investigation is planned over the next year under the oversight of the DTSC. Potential remediation activities may be initiated in 2008 or 2009. These investigation and potential remediation activities are required at all facilities that currently have, or in the past had, hazardous waste storage permits. Because AMVAC previously held a hazardous waste management permit, AMVAC is subject to these requirements. It is uncertain whether the cost associated with the potential remediation activities will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

AMVAC is subject to numerous federal and state laws and governmental regulations concerning environmental matters and employee health and safety at the Commerce, California and Axis, Alabama facilities. AMVAC continually adapts its manufacturing process to the environmental control standards of the various regulatory agencies. The U.S. EPA and other federal and state agencies have the authority to promulgate regulations that could have an impact on AMVAC’s operations.

AMVAC expends substantial funds to minimize the discharge of materials in the environment and to comply with the governmental regulations relating to protection of the environment. Wherever feasible, AMVAC recovers raw materials and increases product yield in order to partially offset increasing pollution abatement costs.

The Company is committed to a long-term environmental protection program that reduces emissions of hazardous materials into the environment, as well as to the remediation of identified existing environmental concerns. Federal and state authorities may seek fines and penalties for violation of the various laws and governmental regulations. As part of its continuing environmental program, except as disclosed in PART I, Item 3, Legal Proceedings, of this Annual Report, the Company has been able to comply with such proceedings and orders without any materially adverse effect on its business.

 

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Employees

As of March 6, 2008, the Company employed approximately 309 employees. AMVAC, on an ongoing basis, due to the seasonality of its business, uses temporary contract personnel to perform certain duties primarily related to packaging of its products. The Company believes it is cost beneficial to employ temporary contract personnel. None of the Company’s employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement.

The Company believes it maintains positive relations with its employees.

Export Operations

The Company opened an office in Basel, Switzerland in January 2006. The office operates under the name AMVAC Switzerland GmbH. The Company formed the new subsidiary to expand its resources dedicated to non-U.S. opportunities, primarily in the European Union (“EU”).

The Company opened an office in 1998 in Mexico to conduct business in Mexico and related areas. The office operates under the name Quimica AMVAC De Mexico S.A. de C.V. and markets chemical products for agricultural and commercial uses.

The Company opened an office in August 1994, in the United Kingdom to conduct business in the European chemical market. The office, operating under the name AMVAC Chemical UK Ltd., focuses on developing product registration and distributor networks for AMVAC’s product lines throughout Europe. The office is located in Surrey, England, to the southwest of London. The operating results of this operation were not material to the Company’s total operating results for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

The Company also formed a Brazilian entity operating under the name “AMVAC do Brasil Representácoes Ltda”—it functions primarily to import technical grade agricultural chemicals and to sell them to local formulators and distributors.

The Company classifies as export sales all products bearing foreign labeling shipped to a foreign destination.

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Export Sales

   $ 32,932,000     $ 17,246,000     $ 13,856,000  

Percentage of Net Sales

     15.2 %     8.9 %     7.3 %

Risk Management

The Company continually evaluates insurance levels for product liability, property damage and other potential areas of risk. Management believes its facilities and equipment are adequately insured against loss from usual business risks. The Company has purchased claims made products liability insurance. There can be no assurance, however, that such product liability coverage insurance will continue to be available to the Company, or if available, that it will be provided at an economical cost to the Company.

GEMCHEM, INC.

GemChem is a California corporation incorporated in 1991 and purchased by the Company in 1994. GemChem is a national chemical distributor. GemChem, in addition to purchasing key raw materials for the Company, also sells into the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutritional markets. Prior to the acquisition, GemChem acted in the capacity as the domestic sales force for the Company (from September 1991).

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

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2110 DAVIE CORPORATION

DAVIE currently owns real estate for corporate use only. See also PART I, Item 2 of this Annual Report.

ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIATION, INC.

EMI is an environmental consulting firm.

* * *

Available Information

The Company makes available free of charge (through its website, www.american-vanguard.com ), its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Such reports are also available free of charge on the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) website, www.sec.gov . Also available free of charge on the Company’s website are our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee Finance and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charters, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our Code of Conduct and Ethics, our Employee Complaint Procedures for Accounting and Auditing Matters and our policy on Stockholder Nomination and Communication. The Company’s Internet website and the information contained therein or incorporated therein are not intended to be incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

* * *

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Risk Factors

The Company’s business may be adversely affected by cyclical and seasonal effects.

The chemical industry in general is cyclical and demands for its products tend to be slightly seasonal. Seasonal usage follows varying agricultural seasonal patterns, weather conditions and weather related pressure from pests, and customer marketing programs and requirements. Weather patterns can have an impact on the Company’s operations. The end user of some of its products may, because of weather patterns, delay or intermittently disrupt field work during the planting season which may result in a reduction of the use of some products and therefore may reduce our revenues and profitability. There can be no assurance that the Company will adequately address any adverse seasonal effects.

The industry in which the Company does business is extremely competitive and its business may suffer if the Company is unable to compete effectively.

Generally, the treatment against pests of any kind is broad in scope, there being more than one way or one product for treatment, eradication, or suppression. The Company faces competition from many domestic and foreign manufacturers, marketers and distributors participating in its marketplace. Competition in the marketplace is based primarily on efficacy, price, safety and ease of application. Many of the Company’s competitors are larger and have substantially greater financial and technical resources. The Company’s ability to compete depends on its ability to develop additional applications for its current products, and to expand its product lines and customer base. The Company competes principally on the basis of the quality of its products, and the technical service and support given to its customers. There can be no assurance that the Company will compete successfully with existing competitors or with any new competitors.

 

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The Company faces competition in certain markets from manufacturers of genetically modified seeds.

The Company faces competition from larger chemical companies that market genetically modified (“GMO”) seeds in certain of the crop protection sectors in which the Company competes, particularly that of corn. To the extent that growers in these markets embrace the use of GMO seeds, such growers may reduce their use of pesticides sold by the Company. There is no guarantee that the Company will maintain its market share or pricing levels in sectors that are subject to competition from GMO seed marketers.

The distribution and sale of the Company’s products are subject to prior governmental approvals and thereafter ongoing governmental regulation.

The Company’s products are subject to laws administered by federal, state and foreign governments, including regulations requiring registration, approval and labeling of its products. The labeling requirements restrict the use of and type of application for our products. More stringent restrictions could make our products less desirable, which would adversely affect our revenues and profitability. Substantially all of the Company’s products are subject to the EPA registration and re-registration requirements, and are conditionally registered in accordance with FIFRA. Such registration requirements are based, among other things, on data demonstrating that the product will not cause unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment when used according to approved label directions. All states where any of the Company’s products are used also require registration before they can be marketed or used in that state. Governmental regulatory authorities have required, and may require in the future, that certain scientific data requirements be performed on the Company’s products. The Company, on its behalf and in joint efforts with other registrants, have and are currently furnishing certain required data relative to its products. Under FIFRA, the federal government requires registrants to submit a wide range of scientific data to support U.S. registrations. This requirement has significantly increased the Company’s operating expenses in such areas as testing and the production of new products. The Company expects such increases to continue in the future. Because scientific analyses are constantly improving, it cannot be determined with certainty whether or not new or additional tests may be required by regulatory authorities. Responding to such requirements may cause delays in the sales of our products which delays would adversely affect our profitability. While FIFRA Good Laboratory Practice standards specify the minimum practices and procedures which must be followed in order to ensure the quality and integrity of data related to these tests submitted to the U.S. EPA, there can be no assurance the EPA will not request certain tests or studies be repeated. In addition, more stringent legislation or requirements may be imposed in the future. The Company can provide no assurance that any testing approvals or registrations will be granted on a timely basis, if at all, or that its resources will be adequate to meet the costs of regulatory compliance.

The Company faces risks related to acquisitions of product lines.

The Company has expanded and intends to continue to expand its operations through the acquisition of additional product lines from these larger competitors. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to identify, acquire or profitably manage additional product lines, or successfully integrate any acquired product lines without substantial expenses, delays or other operational or financial problems. There is an increasing trend in selling mature product lines through a competitive bid process. As a result, we may not be the successful bidder for a desirable product, or, if successful, we may pay a higher price for such product than if there was no competitive bid process. Further, acquisitions may involve a number of special risks or effects, including diversion of management’s attention, failure to retain key acquired personnel, unanticipated events or circumstances, minimum purchase quantities, legal liabilities and amortization of acquired intangible assets and other one-time or ongoing acquisition related expenses. Some or all of these special risks or effects could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial and operating results. Client satisfaction or performance problems associated with a business or product line could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s reputation. In addition, there can be no assurance that acquired product lines, if any, will achieve anticipated revenues and earnings.

 

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The Company’s future success will depend on its ability to develop additional applications for its products, and to expand its product lines and customer base.

The Company has grown primarily by a strategy of acquiring mature product lines from larger competitors and expanding sales of these products based on new applications and new users. The Company’s success will depend, in part, on its ability to develop additional applications for its products, and to expand its product lines and customer base in a highly competitive market. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in adequately addressing these development needs on a timely basis or that, if these developments are addressed, the Company will be successful in the marketplace. In addition, there can be no assurance that products or technologies (e.g., genetic engineering) developed by others will not render the Company’s products noncompetitive or obsolete, which would have a material adverse effect on its financial and operating results. Many of the mature product lines the Company has acquired from larger competitors were divested as a result of a mergers involving such large competitors.

If the Company is unable to successfully position itself in smaller niche markets, its business may be materially adversely affected.

The Company has attempted to position itself in smaller niche markets that have been or are being abandoned by larger chemical companies. These types of markets tend not to attract larger chemical companies due to the smaller volume demand. As a result, larger chemical companies have been divesting themselves of products that fall into such smaller niche markets. These smaller niche markets require significant and intensive management input and ongoing product research and are near product maturity. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in these smaller niche markets or, if it is successful in one or more niche markets, that it will continue to be successful in such niche markets.

The manufacturing of the Company’s products is subject to governmental regulations.

The Company currently operates three manufacturing facilities—in Los Angeles, California; Axis, Alabama; and Marsing, Idaho—and owns and has manufacturing services provided in a fourth facility in Hannibal, Missouri (the “Facilities”). The Facilities operate under the terms and conditions imposed by required licenses and permits by state and local authorities. The manufacturing of key ingredients for the Company’s products occurs at the Facilities. An inability to renew or maintain a license or permit or a significant increase in the fees for such licenses or permits could impede the Company’s access to key ingredients and increase the cost of production, which, in turn, would materially and adversely affect the Company’s ability to provide its products in a timely and affordable manner.

The Company may be subject to environmental liabilities.

The Company, its facilities and its products are subject to numerous federal and state laws and governmental regulations concerning environmental matters and employee health and safety. The Company continually adapts its manufacturing process to the environmental control standards of the various regulatory agencies. The U.S. EPA and other federal and state agencies have the authority to promulgate regulations that could have a significant impact on the Company’s operations. The Company expends substantial funds to minimize the discharge of materials into the environment and to comply with governmental regulations relating to protection of the environment. Federal and state authorities may seek fines and penalties for violation of the various laws and governmental regulations, and could, among other things, impose liability on the Company for cleaning up the damage resulting from release of pesticides and other agents into the environment.

The Company’s use of hazardous materials exposes it to potential liabilities.

The Company’s development and manufacturing of chemical products involve the controlled use of hazardous materials. While the Company continually adapts its manufacturing process to the environmental

 

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control standards of regulatory authorities, it cannot completely eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or injury from hazardous or regulated materials. In the event of such contamination or injury, the Company may be held liable for significant damages or fines. In the event that such damages or fines are assessed, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial and operating results.

The Company’s business may give rise to product liability claims not covered by insurance or indemnity agreements.

The manufacturing, marketing, distribution and use of chemical products involve substantial risk of product liability claims. A successful product liability claim which is not insured may require the Company to pay substantial amounts of damages. In the event that such damages are paid, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial and operating results.

Adverse results in pending legal and regulatory proceedings could have adverse effects on the Company’s business.

The Company is currently, and may from time to time, be involved in legal and regulatory proceedings. The results of litigation and such proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. The Company has and will continue to expend resources and incur expenses in connection with these proceedings. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in these proceedings. While the Company continually evaluates insurance levels for product liability, property damage and other potential areas of risk, an adverse determination in one or more of these proceedings could subject the Company to significant liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and operating results.

The Company relies on intellectual property which it may be unable to protect, or may be found to infringe the rights of others.

The Company’s proprietary product formulations are protected, to the extent possible, as trade secrets and, to a lesser extent, by patents and trademarks. Most of the mature products that the Company has acquired which were patented are currently “off patent” because the patent has expired. The Company can provide no assurance that the way it protects its proprietary rights will be adequate or that its competitors will not independently develop similar or competing products. Further, the Company can provide no assurance that its is not infringing other parties’ rights. Any claims could require the Company to spend significant sums in litigation, pay damages, develop non-infringing intellectual property, or acquire licenses to the intellectual property which is the subject of asserted infringement.

The Company relies on key executives in large part for its success.

The Company’s success is highly dependent upon the efforts and abilities of its executive officers, particularly Eric G. Wintemute, its President and Chief Executive Officer. Although Mr. Wintemute has entered into an employment agreement with the Company, this does not guarantee that he will continue his employment. The loss of the services of Mr. Wintemute or other executive officers could have a material adverse effect upon its financial and operating results.

Concentration of ownership among the Company’s Co-Chairmen of the Board of Directors may prevent new investors from influencing significant corporate decisions.

As of March 6, 2008, Herbert A. Kraft and Glenn A. Wintemute, the Company’s Co-Chairmen of the Board of Directors, beneficially owned approximately 13% and 6%, respectively, of the Company’s common stock.

 

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These stockholders as a group will be able to influence substantially the Company’s Board of Directors and thus its management and affairs. If acting together, they would be able to influence most matters requiring the approval by the Company’s stockholders, including the election of directors, any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets and any other significant corporate transaction. The concentration of ownership may also delay or prevent a change in control if opposed by these stockholders irrespective of whether the proposed transaction is at a premium price or otherwise beneficial to the Company’s stockholders as a whole.

The Company is dependent on a limited number of customers, which makes us vulnerable to the continued relationship with and financial health of those customers.

In 2007, three customers accounted for 41% of the company’s sales. The Company’s future prospects will depend on the continued business of such customers and on our continued status as a qualified supplier to such customers. The Company cannot guarantee that our current significant customers will continue to buy products from us at current levels. The loss of a key customer could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

The Company’s stock price may be volatile, and an investment in the Company’s stock could decline in value.

The market prices for securities of companies in the Company’s industry have been highly volatile and may continue to be highly volatile in the future. Often this volatility is unrelated to operating performance of a company.

The Company’s business may be adversely affected by terrorist activities.

The Company’s business depends on the free flow of products and services through the channels of commerce. Recently, in response to terrorists’ activities and threats aimed at the United States, transportation, mail, financial and other services have been slowed or stopped altogether. Further delays or stoppages in transportation, mail, financial or other services could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, the Company may experience an increase in operating costs, such as costs for transportation, insurance and security as a result of the activities and potential activities. The Company may also experience delays in receiving payments from counterparties that may have been affected by the terrorist activities and potential activities. The U.S. economy in general is being adversely affected by the terrorist activities and potential activities and any economic downturn could adversely impact results of operations, impair the ability to raise capital or otherwise adversely affect the ability to grow the business.

Compliance with changing regulation of corporate governance and public disclosure may result in additional expenses.

Complying with changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, new SEC regulations and changes to the New York Stock Exchange rules, will require the Company to expend significant resources. The Company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance and public disclosure. As a result, the Company will continue to invest necessary resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards, and this investment may result in increased expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities.

* * *

 

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Note On Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to future periods and include descriptions of our plans, objectives, and underlying assumptions for future operations, our market opportunities, our acquisition opportunities, and our ability to compete. Generally, “may,” “could,” “will,” “would,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “continue” and similar words identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially. For information on these risks and uncertainties, see the “Risk Factors” in this report. We urge you to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this report. Forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this report.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 2 PROPERTIES

The Company’s corporate headquarters (and Environmental Mediation, Inc.) are located in Newport Beach, California. This facility is leased. See PART IV, Item 15 of this report for further information.

AMVAC owns in fee the Facility constituting approximately 152,000 square feet of improved land in Commerce, California (“Commerce”) on which its West-Coast manufacturing and some of its warehouse facilities and offices are located.

DAVIE owns in fee approximately 72,000 square feet of warehouse, office and laboratory space on approximately 118,000 square feet of land in Commerce, California, which is leased to AMVAC.

In 2001, AMVAC completed the acquisition of a manufacturing facility from DuPont. The facility is one of three such units located on DuPont’s 510 acre complex in Axis, Alabama. The acquisition consisted of a long- term ground lease of 25 acres and the purchase of all improvements thereon. The facility is a multi-purpose plant designed primarily to manufacture pyrethroids and organophosphates. The acquisition increased AMVAC’s capacity while also providing flexibility and geographic diversity. (Refer to PART II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation of this Annual Report.)

On December 28, 2007, AMVAC, pursuant to the provisions of that certain definitive Sale and Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated as of November 27, 2006 between AMVAC and BASF, through which AMVAC purchased the global Terbufos product line from BASF (as reported in greater detail in the Company’s Form 8-K filed as of November 29, 2006) AMVAC purchased certain manufacturing assets relating to the production of Terbufos and Phorate and located at BASF’s multi-plant facility situated in Hannibal, Missouri (the “Hannibal Site”). Subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, AMVAC purchased certain buildings, manufacturing equipment, office equipment, fixtures, supplies, records, raw materials, intermediates and packaging constituting the “T/C Unit” of the Hannibal Site. The parties entered into a ground lease and a manufacturing and shared services agreement, under which BASF will continue to supply various shared services to AMVAC from the Hannibal Site.

On March 7, 2008, AMVAC acquired from Bayer Cropscience LP a facility (the “Marsing Facility”) located in Marsing, Idaho which consists of approximately 17 acres of improved real property, 15 of which are owned by AMVAC and 2 of which AMVAC leases from the City of Marsing for a term of 25 years. The Marsing Facility is engaged in the blending of liquid and powder raw materials and the packaging of finished liquid products in

 

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the agricultural chemical field. With this acquisition, AMVAC has acquired the ability to formulate flowable materials. In connection with the acquisition, AMVAC and BCS have agreed to enter into a master processor agreement under which AMVAC will provide certain tolling services to BCS on an ongoing basis through 2012.

The production areas of AMVAC’s facilities are designed to run on a continuous twenty-four hour per day basis. AMVAC regularly adds chemical processing equipment to enhance its production capabilities. AMVAC believes its facilities are in good operating condition and are suitable and adequate for AMVAC’s foreseeable needs, have flexibility to change products, and can produce at greater rates as required. Facilities and equipment are insured against losses from fire as well as other usual business risks. The Company knows of no material defects in title to, or encumbrances on, any of its properties except that substantially all of the Company’s assets are pledged as collateral under the Company’s loan agreements with its primary lender. For further information, refer to note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in PART IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report.

AMVAC owns approximately 42 acres of unimproved land in Texas for possible future expansion.

GemChem’s, Chemical UK’s, Quimica AMVAC’s and AMVAC Switzerland GmgH’s facilities consist of administration and sales offices which are leased.

 

ITEM 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

I. DBCP Litigation

AMVAC and/or the Company have been named or otherwise implicated in a number of lawsuits concerning injuries allegedly arising from either contamination (of water supplies) or personal exposure to 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (“DBCP”). A summary of these actions follows:

A. Hawaii Matters

Board of Water Supply v. Shell Oil Co. et al.

AMVAC and the Company were served with complaints in February 1997. The actions were filed in the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit, State of Hawaii entitled Board of Water Supply of the County of Maui v. Shell Oil Co., et. al. The suit named as defendants the Company, AMVAC, Shell Oil Company, The Dow Chemical Company, Occidental Chemical Company, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Occidental Chemical Corporation, and Brewer Environmental Industry, Inc. Maui Pineapple Company was joined as a cross-defendant. The Complaint alleged that between two and four of the Board’s wells had been contaminated with DBCP in excess of the maximum contaminant level (“MCL”). In addition, the Board of Water Supply contended that future wells may exceed the MCL level and would need remediation. On August 2, 1999, a global settlement was reached, which included the remediation of the existing contaminated wells in addition to the installation of filtration devices on other wells for the next forty years on the island of Maui. The cash settlement was three million dollars ($3,000,000) of which AMVAC’s (and the Company’s) portion was five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000). The settlement agreement obligates the defendants to pay for the installation of filtration devices on other wells that become contaminated later and for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the filtration devices for up to forty years. The annual costs of operation and maintenance per well is estimated to be approximately sixty-nine thousand dollars ($69,000), to be adjusted annually by the consumer price index. The obligations of the defendants under this agreement are secured by a twenty million-dollar letter of credit obtained by Dow Chemical. In connection with the settlement, in October 2005, AMVAC paid for a share of a permanent filtration system in the amount of $222,198. In June 2007, AMVAC paid $23,654 for its share of operations and maintenance expenses for 2005 and 2006.

 

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Patrickson, et. al. v. Dole Food Co., et. al

In October 1997, AMVAC was served with a Complaint(s) in which it was named as a defendant, filed in the Circuit Court, First Circuit, State of Hawaii and in the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit, State of Hawaii (two identical suits) entitled Patrickson, et. al. v. Dole Food Co., et. al (“Patrickson Case”) alleging damages sustained from injuries caused by plaintiffs’ exposure to DBCP while applying the product in their native countries. Other named defendants are: Dole Food Co., Dole Fresh Fruit, Dole Fresh Fruit International, Pineapple Growers Association of Hawaii, Shell Oil Company, Dow Chemical Company, Occidental Chemical Corporation, Standard Fruit Company, Standard Fruit & Steamship, Standard Fruit Company De Costa Rica, Standard Fruit Company De Honduras, Chiquita Brands, Chiquita Brands International, Martrop Trading Corporation, and Del Monte Fresh Produce. (American Vanguard Corporation has not been sued in these actions.) The ten named plaintiffs are citizens of four countries—Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador. Punitive damages are sought against each defendant. The plaintiffs were banana workers and allege that they were exposed to DBCP in applying the product in their native countries. The case was also filed as a class action on behalf of other workers so exposed in these four countries. The plaintiffs allege sterility and other injuries. The suits were removed to federal court and for the last several years, the focus of the case has been on procedural issues, including the dismissal of the case based on the doctrine of forum non conveniens. This doctrine would require the plaintiffs to pursue their claims in their native countries. On April 22, 2003, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision on the procedural posture of the case, holding there was no jurisdiction in federal court and remanded the case to state court. Starting in early 2004, there had been no activity in the case for about two years. However, a status conference was held on June 1, 2006 at the request of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, who expressed a desire to pursue the class action aspect or add other individuals. Plaintiffs’ counsel now claims that his class members will include workers from mainland U.S. and other countries. On September 12, 2006, the court ordered the transfer of venue from Maui County to Oahu. The court held a status conference on April 16, 2007 and tentatively set the case for trial for February 16, 2009. The plaintiffs were requested to file a preliminary motion for class certification but have not done so to date. All parties expect that the case will not be certified as a class action as a matter of law, but the plaintiffs’ attorney then wants to add several thousand other individuals as plaintiffs here or in some other action. No discovery has taken place on the individual claims of the plaintiffs. Without such discovery, it is unknown whether any of the plaintiffs was exposed to AMVAC brand DBCP, what are the actual injuries, or what statute of limitation defenses may apply. AMVAC intends to contest the cases vigorously. However, it is too early to provide an assessment as to the probability of an unfavorable outcome in these matters.

Further, the plaintiffs’ attorneys reported that the ten plaintiffs filed suit in their home countries in 1998, based on the prior order of forum non conveniens, alleging damages in excess of two million United States dollars ($2,000,000) per plaintiff. The suit in Guatemala was served on AMVAC in March 2001, but no defendant has been required to answer. Suits in the other countries have not been served. AMVAC has engaged local attorneys in the countries to defend these foreign suits.

Adams v. Dole Food Co. et al

On approximately November 23, 2007, AMVAC was served with a suit filed by two former Hawaiian pineapple workers and their spouses, alleging testicular cancer due to DBCP exposure: Adams v. Dole Food Co. et al in the First Circuit for the State of Hawaii. The complaint was filed on June 29, 2007 and names Dole Food Co., Standard Fruit and Steamship Company, Dole Fresh Food, Pineapple Growers Association, AMVAC, Shell Oil Co., Dow Chemical Co. and Occidental Corporation. Plaintiff Mark Adams alleges he was exposed to DBCP in 1974 and 1975 while working on Dole’s plantation on Oahu. Plaintiff Nelson Ng alleges he was exposed between 1971 and 1973 while working in Lanai City, Lanai. AMVAC answered the complaint on or about December 14, 2007. While no discovery has taken place, AMVAC denies that any of its product could have been used at the times and locations alleged by these plaintiffs.

 

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B. Mississippi Matters

In May 1996, AMVAC was served with five complaints in which it is named as a defendant. (These complaints were filed by the same attorneys representing the Patrickson plaintiffs in Hawaii.) The complaints are brought by plaintiffs Edgar Arroyo-Gonzalez, Eulogio Garzon-Larreategui, ValentinValdez, Amilcar Belteton-Rivera, and Carlos Nicanor Espinola-E against one or more of the following named defendants: Coahoma Chemical Co. Inc., Shell Oil Company, Dow Chemical Co., Occidental Chemical Co., Standard Fruit Co., Standard Fruit and Steamship Co., Dole Food Co., Inc., Dole Fresh Fruit Co., Chiquita Brands, Inc., Chiquita Brands International, Inc. and Del Monte Fresh Produce, N.A. The cases were filed in the Circuit Court of Harrison County, First Judicial District of Mississippi. Each case alleged damages sustained from injuries caused by plaintiffs’ (who are former banana workers and citizens of a Central American country) exposure to DBCP while applying the product in their native countries. These cases were removed to U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, Southern Division. The federal court granted defense motions to dismiss in each case pursuant to the doctrine of forum non conveniens . On January 19, 2001, the court issued an unpublished decision, finding that there was jurisdiction in federal court, but remanded just one case (Espinola) back to the trial court based on a stipulation which limited the plaintiff’s recovery to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). No activity has taken place on this matter since 2001. Without discovery, it is unknown whether this plaintiff was exposed to the Company’s product or what defenses may apply. AMVAC intends to contest the cases vigorously. It is too early to provide an evaluation of the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome in this case.

C. Louisiana Matters

In November 1999, AMVAC was served with three complaints filed in the 29 th Judicial District Court for the Parish of St. Charles, State of Louisiana entitled Pedro Rodrigues et. al v. AMVAC Chemical Corporation et. al, Andres Puerto, et. al v. Amvac Chemical Corporation, et. al and Eduardo Soriano, et al v. Amvac Chemical Corporation et. al. Other named defendants are: Dow Chemical Company, Occidental Chemical Corporation, Shell Oil Company, Standard Fruit, Dole Food, Chiquita Brands, Tela Railroad Company, Compania Palma Tica, and Del Monte Fresh Produce. American Vanguard Corporation is not named as a defendant. These suits were filed in 1996, but they were not served until November 1999. Following a dismissal of most of the plaintiffs from the action (in light of the fact that they had previously settled their claims in other actions), the complaints, with Soriano as the lead case, allege personal injuries to 314 persons (167 from Ecuador, 102 from Costa Rica, and 45 from Guatemala) from alleged exposure to DBCP (punitive damages are also sought). With the United States Supreme Court holding there was no federal court jurisdiction in the Patrickson case, the federal court judge remanded the cases to Louisiana state court in June 2003. In state court, the three cases were assigned to two different judges. On November 17, 2006, the state court separated the cases handled by attorney Scott Hendler from the cases being pursed only against the growers handled by different counsel. Subsequently, the cases against the growers were settled and all those actions were dismissed. The cases handled by Mr. Hendler were supposed to be placed in a new action, which was not done. After a hearing on January 29, 2008, the court ruled on February 8, 2008 that these plaintiffs could still proceed in the existing cases rather than in a new pleading.

As in many of the other banana workers cases, no discovery has taken place on the individual claims of the plaintiffs. Thus, it is unknown as to how many of the plaintiffs claim exposure to AMVAC’s product, what are the actual injuries, and whether their claims are barred by applicable statutes of limitation. AMVAC intends to vigorously contest these cases. It is too early to provide any evaluation of the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome at this time.

 

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D. Nicaragua Matters

Tellez et al v. Dole Food Company, Inc. et al

On March 26, 2004, 25 plaintiffs, all residents of Nicaragua, filed suit in state court in Los Angeles County, California, claiming personal injuries from alleged exposure to DBCP while working on banana plantations in their home country. The named defendants are Dole Food Company, Inc., Dole Fresh Fruit Company, Standard Fruit Company, Standard Fruit and Steamship Company, Dow Chemical Company, and AMVAC Chemical Corporation. American Vanguard was not named as a defendant. Punitive damages were also sought against all defendants.

The plaintiffs, all field workers, claim personal injuries for complete sterility (azoospermia) or in one case, severely reduced sperm count. They claim exposure from working on banana plantations in Nicaragua from dermal contact with DBCP and inhalation of vapors. The plaintiffs also claimed exposure to DBCP in groundwater that they ingested, but testing of wells in October 2005 did not reveal the presence of any DBCP contamination and this claim of exposure through groundwater was dropped.

AMVAC was served with the complaint on April 12, 2004 and filed an answer on May 5, 2004. On May 6, 2004, Dow Chemical removed the case from state court to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The case was subsequently remanded to state court.

On September 2, 2004, the plaintiffs were permitted to file an amended complaint that dropped seven plaintiffs and added 18 others, so that there were a total of 36 plaintiffs. Since that time, 18 plaintiffs have been dismissed, four others who have not yet obtained U.S. visas to come to the United States for their depositions, and one making a cancer related claim have been transferred to the Mejia case listed below, reducing the total to 13.

In March 2007, AMVAC settled with the 13 plaintiffs for a total of $300,000 without any admission of liability. The case proceeded to a jury trial against the Dole Food and Dow Chemical defendants in July 2007 for 12 plaintiffs as one was transferred to the Mejia case. On November 5, 2007, the jury found for the defendants on the claims of six of the plaintiffs and found for the plaintiffs on the other six for a total award of approximately $3.3 million. For five of the six plaintiffs, the jury allocated 80% of the liability to Dole on fraudulent concealment and strict liability causes of action and 20% to Dow (and 40% on the other plaintiff) on strict products liability. In further deliberations, the same jury awarded $500,000 in punitive damages to each of five plaintiffs as against the Dole entities for fraudulent concealment for a total of an additional $2.5 million. Motions for new trial are pending. On March 7, 2008, the trial court in Tellez granted Dole’s motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict as to punitive damages thereby reversing the award of punitive damages ($2.5 million) against Dole. In reaching its decision, the court found that any award of punitive damages as against Dole would be violative of the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment as the claimed injuries to plaintiffs and Dole’s acts occurred outside of California. As this case impacts the other DBCP suits, the Company is monitoring these developments.

This case, like the other pending banana workers suits, demonstrates the difficult issues of law and fact to all parties and the potential of large verdicts, at least in cases involving claims of complete sterility (azoospermia) that defendants cannot explain. In all of these banana worker cases, there is no guarantee that the Company will be able to avoid an adverse judgment or that the size of any such judgment will not have an adverse effect upon the Company’s financial performance. If plaintiffs continue to be successful, it is likely that other banana workers from Nicaragua will file suit in California.

 

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Rodolfo Mejia et al v. Dole Food Company, Inc. et al

On September 20, 2005, the attorneys who also represent plaintiffs in Tellez et al v. Dole Food Company et al filed an action on behalf of 16 Nicaraguan plaintiffs in the Los Angeles County Superior Court against Dole Food Company, Inc., Dole Fresh Fruit Company, Standard Fruit Company, Standard Fruit and Steamship Company, the Dow Chemical Company, and AMVAC Chemical Corporation. The complaint alleges that the 16 plaintiffs worked at various banana farms in Nicaragua and were exposed to DBCP from 1970 to 1984, suffering irreversible sterility or infertility. The complaint seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages against each defendant. The suit has been assigned to the same judge for case management and trial as in the Tellez matter. These plaintiffs allege that they were all applicators of the product at the banana farms. The plaintiffs also allege exposure to DBCP from contaminated groundwater.

Plaintiffs served a First Amended Complaint naming 21 workers as plaintiffs, including five plaintiffs who were transferred from the Tellez action. A second amended complaint was filed on January 22, 2008, that added the plaintiffs who had just filed suit in the Rivera case listed below, making a total of 26.

This case has been set for trial for February 2, 2009. The court has advised that after it is determined who will be able to obtain visas, discovery will be limited to 20 plaintiffs and any others beyond that number must be transferred to another case. Discovery has not yet begun in this case as the final selection of the plaintiffs has not yet been made. It is too early to provide any evaluation of the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome at this time.

At a status conference on February 8, 2008, the court ordered that the parties in this case and all the other DBCP cases filed in Los Angeles must engage in global mediation sessions that are to include all cases.

Rivera et al v. Dole Food Company, Inc. et al

On October 26, 2007, the attorneys who also represent plaintiffs in Tellez et al v. Dole Food Company et al filed an action on behalf of four Nicaraguan plaintiffs in the Los Angeles County Superior Court against Dole Food Company, Inc., Dole Fresh Fruit Company, Standard Fruit Company, Standard Fruit and Steamship Company, the Dow Chemical Company, and AMVAC Chemical Corporation. The complaint alleges that the four plaintiffs worked at various banana farms in Nicaragua and were exposed to DBCP from 1975 to 1990, suffering irreversible sterility or infertility. The complaint seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages against each defendant. The suit has been assigned to the same judge for case management and trial as in the Tellez and the Mejia matters.

The complaint was amended on November 30, 2007 to include a total of six plaintiffs. AMVAC answered this first amended complaint on January 10, 2008. As explained above, these six workers were then added to the Mejia suit on January 22, 2008, so presently they have two actions. These six will be dismissed from the Rivera complaint and others from the Mejia action or others selected by the plaintiffs’ attorneys will be added to this case.

At the present, it is unknown who will be named as plaintiffs in this case.

Suits filed in Nicaragua

The Los Angeles attorneys representing these workers in California have recently stated that they have as many as 10,000 clients in Nicaragua.

In prior descriptions of pending litigation and other matters, several suits filed in Nicaragua in January 2003 on behalf of banana workers claiming exposure to DBCP were mentioned. It was reported that AMVAC had been named in these suits, but was not served with the complaints.

 

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In May 2005, two suits filed in Nicaragua in 2004 were received that name AMVAC, The Dow Chemical Company, Dole Food Co., Dole Fresh Fruit, and Standard Fruit Company. The two suits for personal injuries for sterility and reduced sperm counts have been filed on behalf of a total of 15 banana workers: Flavio Apolinar Castillo et al. v. AMVAC Chemical Corporation et al. , No. 535/04 and Luis Cristobal Martinez Suazo et al. v. AMVAC Chemical Corporation et al. , No. 679/04. In December 2005, AMVAC received six additional, similar lawsuits filed on behalf of a total of 30 plaintiffs. These plaintiffs each claim $1 million in special and general damages and $5 million in punitive damages.

AMVAC has retained an attorney in Nicaragua and understands that the receipt of these eight suits constitutes first notice and an invitation to attend mediation. All but one of these suits is based on Nicaraguan Public Law 364 issued in October 2000 that is directed solely at DBCP and requires the posting of a $100,000 bond, sets forth a lessened standard of proof to show that the claimed injuries are due to DBCP, and establishes an unreasonable amount of minimum compensation for injuries. This law also provides that there is no statute of limitations.

On January 25, 2006, AMVAC was served with the Flavio Apolinar Castillo and Luis Cristobal Martinez Suazo suits listed above. In March 2006, counsel in Nicaragua filed objections to jurisdiction over Amvac in these two cases. The court finally ruled on all the defendants’ objections on March 20, 2007 by denying each objection to jurisdiction. Appeals are pending at the appellate level in Nicaragua.

A review of court filings in Chinandega, Nicaragua, by local counsel has found 85 suits filed pursuant to Public Law 364 that name AMVAC and include approximately 3,592 plaintiffs. However, only the two Castillo and Suazo cases have been served on Amvac. Each of these plaintiffs claims $1 million in special and general damages and $5 million in punitive damages. It is anticipated that the plaintiffs’ attorneys will continue to file additional actions on a monthly basis in Nicaragua.

In an earlier round of suits brought in Nicaragua against Dow, Shell, and Standard Fruit only, the Nicaragua court issued judgments for $490 million in December 2002 based on claims of 583 banana workers, despite defenses of lack of personal jurisdiction and the unconstitutionality of Public Law 364. It has been reported that in 2003, the United States District Court in Los Angeles refused to enforce these judgments on the basis that the judgments did not properly name the defendants. The U.S. District Court did not reach the issue of due process under Public Law 364. An appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit is pending.

AMVAC contends that the Nicaragua courts do not have jurisdiction over it and that Public Law 364 violates international due process of law. AMVAC intends to contest personal jurisdiction and demand under Law 364 that the claims be litigated in the United States. Thus far, it appears that the Nicaraguan courts have denied all requests of other defendants under Law 364 that allow the defendants the option of consenting to jurisdiction in the United States. It is not presently known as to how many of these plaintiffs actually claim exposure to DBCP at the time AMVAC’s product was allegedly used nor is there any verification of the claimed injuries. Based on the precedent of the earlier suits in Nicaragua, it would appear likely that the Nicaragua courts will, over the defendants’ objections, enter multi-million dollar judgments for the plaintiffs and against all defendants in these cases. One such judgment was entered in August 2005 for $97 million for 150 plaintiffs against Dole Food and other entities. It has also been reported that on December 1, 2006, the Nicaraguan court rendered a judgment for $802 million against Dow, Shell, Occidental, and Standard Fruit for some 1200 plaintiffs.

E. Ivory Coast Cases

On October 6, 2006, AMVAC was served with seven suits filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court and one suit in the United States District Court in Los Angeles that include a total of 668 residents of the Ivory

 

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Coast as plaintiffs. Each plaintiff claims bodily injuries from exposure to DBCP while residing or working on banana or pineapple plantations in that country from the 1970s to the present. The suits name AMVAC, Dow Chemical, Shell Oil Company, and Dole Food as defendants. All these suits also seek punitive damages, and the action filed in federal court alleges a claim under the Alien Tort Claims Act, alleging that the sale and use of DBCP amounted to genocide in the Ivory Coast. AMVAC did not sell any DBCP into the Ivory Coast at any time and intends to defend these cases vigorously. Discovery has not yet begun in these cases, and it is too early to provide any evaluation as to the probability of an unfavorable outcome.

On November 3, 2006, Dow and Shell removed the seven state court cases to federal court, alleging that the naming of AMVAC and the Dole entities amounted to a fraudulent joinder of those defendants by plaintiffs to defeat federal jurisdiction. However, the federal court remanded all of those cases on its own motion back to state court. These state cases were reassigned to the same complex case management judge as in the Tellez and Mejia suits in May 2007. Limited discovery has been permitted to focus on preliminary issues as to which DBCP product was used in the Ivory Coast and which defendants, if any, belong in these cases. The plaintiffs’ attorney is unwilling to dismiss any defendant at this time. A further status conference is scheduled for April 14, 2008.

On December 7, 2006 Amvac answered the Alien Tort Claims Act case in federal court. A defense motion for judgment on the pleadings in the case was granted on March 26, 2007, whereby the court dismissed the genocide and unlawful distribution of pesticide claims with prejudice, and dismissed the remaining claims with leave to amend. The plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in April 2007 regarding only the claims for relief for crimes against humanity and racial discrimination and omitting the claims that the court had dismissed. Defendants jointly filed a motion to dismiss that was heard on May 21, 2007 and was granted after being taken under submission. The plaintiffs have appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal and this appeal is pending.

F. Other DBCP Matters

Other attorneys filed suits in the Los Angeles County Superior Court in April 2005 on behalf of several thousand banana workers in other countries, including Costa Rica, Panama, and Honduras. AMVAC has not been named in these suits.

II. Other Litigation Matters

A. McLendon v. Philip Service Corporation

On July 19, 2006, AMVAC’s registered agent was served with a putative class action complaint entitled Latrice McLendon, et al. v. Philip Service Corporation etc. et al (including AMVAC), which was filed in the Superior State Court of Fulton County, State of Georgia No. 2006CN119863 and subsequently removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia No. 1:06-CV-1770-CAP, in which a class of Georgia plaintiffs seek damages, including punitive damages, in an unspecified amount for personal injuries and diminution in property value allegedly arising from the airborne release of propyl mercaptan and ethoprop from a waste treatment facility operated by PSC Recovery Services (“PSC”) in Fairburn, Georgia. Plaintiffs, residents living in the vicinity of the PSC plant, allege trespass, nuisance and negligence on behalf of defendants in handling, storing and treating waste which was generated by AMVAC’s Axis, Alabama facility. After having completed class certification discovery, and prior to a ruling from the court on certification of the class, the parties engaged in mediation on September 19, 2007 before a neutral mediator.

Working in conjunction with their insurance carriers at the mediation, defendants AMVAC and PSC have agreed in principle to settle the matter with a settlement class of approximately 2,000 households for payment of cash consideration. The settlement process involves multiple steps to be taken over several months and requires

 

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both preliminary and final court approval. As currently proposed, the settlement would not have an adverse effect upon the Company’s financial performance. However, the settlement is not yet final, members of the settlement class remain free to opt out of the settlement and to preserve their individual rights, and it is not anticipated that the settlement will include mutual releases between co-defendants. In addition, each co-defendant’s insurance carrier has reserved all rights under applicable insurance policies, including rights to subrogation and contribution. On a related note, on April 16, 2007, AMVAC executed a draft consent order (including an agreement to pay a civil penalty with the option to perform a supplemental environmental project in partial payment thereof) with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (“ADEM”) for resolution of alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations arising from AMVAC’s storage of washwater and other materials that were returned to AMVAC by PSC in connection with activities that are the subject of the McLendon litigation; the consent order has been finalized, and ADEM has approved AMVAC’s proposed supplemental environmental project.

B. Aceto Agricultural Chemicals Corporation v. AMVAC

On May 30, 2007, AMVAC’s registered agent was served with a summons, complaint and motion for preliminary injunction by Aceto Agricultural Chemicals Corporation (“Aceto”) in a matter entitled Aceto Agricultural Chemicals Corporation v. AMVAC Chemical Corporation, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division as Case No. 1:07-CV-1236-CC. In this action, plaintiff seeks damages and injunctive relief for alleged antitrust violations arising from AMVAC’s purchase of the patent relating to the EZ Load ® closed delivery system. Aceto, which has sold a generic version of the insecticide phorate through the EZ Load system, was licensee under a license with the former patent holder which permitted Aceto to use the EZ Load system through August 1, 2007. Aceto seeks, among other things, to enjoin AMVAC from asserting its patent rights following the expiration of Aceto’s license. AMVAC believes that this case has no merit and plans to defend it vigorously. The hearing on plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction concluded on October 26, 2007, and, on December 17, 2007, the court entered an order under which is denied plaintiff’s motion for preliminary injunction, finding that Aceto had not met its burden of establishing a likelihood of success on the merits of any claim. Plaintiff has filed a notice of appeal of the court’s order. It is too early in this case, however, to make an assessment of the likelihood of there being an adverse judgment against AMVAC or whether such judgment could have an adverse effect upon the Company’s financial performance.

The Company may, from time to time, be involved in other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of its business. The results of litigation, including those described above, cannot be predicted with certainty. The Company has and will continue to expend resources and incur expenses in connection with these proceedings. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in these proceedings. While the Company continually evaluates insurance levels for product liability, property damage and other potential areas of risk, an adverse determination in one or more of these proceedings could subject the Company to significant liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and operating results.

 

ITEM 4 SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted during the fourth quarter of 2007 to a vote of security holders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5 MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Effective March 7, 2006, the Company’s $0.10 par value common stock (“Common Stock”) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AVD. From January 1998 through March 6, 2006, the Common Stock was listed on the American Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AVD. The Company’s Common Stock traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol AMGD from March 1987 through January 1998.

The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices as reported for the Company’s Common Stock for the calendar quarters indicated (as adjusted for stock splits and stock dividends).

 

     High    Low

Calendar 2007

     

First Quarter

   $ 20.00    $ 13.88

Second Quarter

     17.09      12.77

Third Quarter

     20.25      11.51

Fourth Quarter

     20.30      13.37

Calendar 2006

     

First Quarter

   $ 22.91    $ 16.50

Second Quarter

     27.75      14.09

Third Quarter

     16.91      12.91

Fourth Quarter

     18.25      13.45

As of March 6, 2008 the number of stockholders of the Company’s Common Stock was approximately 4,200, which includes beneficial owners with shares held in brokerage accounts under street name and nominees.

On September 11, 2007, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.03 per share. The dividend was distributed on October 12, 2007, to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 28, 2007.

On March 13, 2007, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.04 per share. The dividend was distributed on April 13, 2007 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 30, 2007.

On September 14, 2006, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.03 per share. The dividend was distributed on October 13, 2006, to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 29, 2006.

On March 23, 2006, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a 4 for 3 stock split and a cash dividend of $0.07 per share ($0.0525 as adjusted for the 4 for 3 stock split). Both dividends were distributed on April 17, 2006 to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 3, 2006. The cash dividend was paid on the number of shares outstanding prior to the 4 for 3 stock split. Stockholders entitled to fractional shares resulting from the stock split received cash in lieu of such fractional share based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on April 3, 2006.

On September 14, 2005, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.03 per share which was distributed on October 14, 2005, to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 30, 2005.

 

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On March 21, 2005, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a 2 for 1 stock split (100% stock dividend) and a cash dividend of $0.11 per share ($0.055 as adjusted for the stock split). Both dividends were distributed on April 15, 2005 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 29, 2005. The cash dividend was paid on the number of shares outstanding prior to the 2 for 1 stock split. Stockholders entitled to fractional shares resulting from the stock split received cash in lieu of such fractional share based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on March 29, 2005.

The Company has issued a cash dividend in each of the last twelve years dating back to 1996.

Stock Performance Graph

The following graph presents a comparison of the cumulative, five-year total return for the Company, the S&P 500 Stock Index, and a peer group (Chemical—Specialty Industry). The graph assumes that the beginning values of the investments in the Company, the S&P 500 Stock Index, and the peer group of companies each was $100. All calculations assume reinvestment of dividends. Returns over the indicated period should not be considered indicative of future returns.

LOGO

 

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ITEM 6 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (in thousands, except for weighted average number of shares and per share data)

 

     2007    2006    2005    2004    2003

Net sales

   $ 216,662    $ 193,771    $ 189,796    $ 150,855    $ 124,863
                                  

Gross profit

   $ 95,730    $ 82,358    $ 85,679    $ 72,258    $ 58,874
                                  

Operating income

   $ 36,013    $ 29,216    $ 32,267    $ 24,958    $ 16,542
                                  

Income before income tax expense

   $ 30,526    $ 26,522    $ 30,939    $ 23,733    $ 16,182
                                  

Net income

   $ 18,728    $ 15,448    $ 19,002    $ 14,477    $ 10,263
                                  

Earnings per common share(1)

   $ 0.71    $ 0.60    $ 0.78    $ 0.60    $ 0.44
                                  

Earnings per common share—assuming dilution(1)

   $ 0.68    $ 0.57    $ 0.74    $ 0.57    $ 0.42
                                  

Total assets

   $ 248,581    $ 262,376    $ 183,227    $ 122,346    $ 106,734
                                  

Working capital

   $ 75,144    $ 99,233    $ 41,668    $ 36,275    $ 31,624
                                  

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, less current portion

   $ 56,155    $ 93,761    $ 34,367    $ 19,474    $ 22,142
                                  

Stockholders’ equity

   $ 139,739    $ 120,877    $ 82,448    $ 63,972    $ 50,334
                                  

Weighted average shares outstanding—basic(1)

     26,307,019      25,933,650      24,344,179      23,951,195      23,496,808
                                  

Weighted average shares outstanding—assuming dilution(1)

     27,436,105      27,186,369      25,758,740      25,556,600      24,358,008
                                  

Dividends per share of common stock(1)

   $ 0.070    $ 0.083    $ 0.064    $ 0.049    $ 0.035
                                  

The selected consolidated financial data set forth above with respect to each of the calendar years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2007 have been derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the more detailed consolidated financial statements and the independent registered public accounting firm’s reports thereon which are included elsewhere in this Report on Form 10-K for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. See ITEM 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

 

(1) The basic and diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding, net income per share and dividend information for all periods presented have been restated to reflect the effects of stock splits and dividends.

 

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ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

Results of Operations (in Thousands)

2007 Compared with 2006:

 

     2007    2006    Change  

Net sales:

        

Crop

   $ 185,886    $ 162,447    $ 23,439  

Non-crop

     30,776      31,324      (548 )
                      
   $ 216,662    $ 193,771    $ 22,891  
                      

Gross profit:

        

Crop

   $ 81,502    $ 68,629    $ 12,873  

Non-crop

     14,228      13,729      499  
                      
   $ 95,730    $ 82,358    $ 13,372  
                      

The Company reported net income of $18,728 or $ .68 per diluted share in 2007 as compared to net income of $15,448 or $ .57 per diluted share in 2006. (Net income per share data has been restated to reflect the effect of a 4 for 3 stock split that was distributed on April 17, 2006.)

Net sales in 2007 increased by 12% to $216,662 from $193,771 in 2006. The Company’s herbicide Impact ® grew substantially in 2007. Counter ® and Aztec ® , the Company’s primary owned and licensed corn soil insecticides, both contributed significantly to the results in 2007. There were no unusual or infrequent events or transactions outside of the ordinary course of business, which materially impacted net sales.

Gross profits increased $13,372 to $95,730 in 2007 from $82,358 in 2006. Gross profit margins increased to 44% in 2007 from 43% in 2006. The improved gross profit in gross profit margin was due to the changes in the sales mix of the Company’s products. Gross profit margins may not be comparable to those of other companies, since some companies include their distribution network in cost of goods sold and the Company, as well as others, include distribution costs in operating expenses (or other line items other than cost of goods sold).

Operating expenses, which are net of other income and expenses, increased by $6,575 to $59,717 in 2007 from $53,142 in 2006. Operating expenses as a percentage of sales were 28% in 2007 as compared to 27% in 2006. The differences in operating expenses by specific departmental costs are as follows:

 

     2007    2006    Change  

Selling

   $ 19,487    $ 17,231    $ 2,256  

General and administrative

     16,020      11,729      4,291  

Research, product development and regulatory

     6,947      8,243      (1,296 )

Freight, delivery and warehousing

     17,263      15,939      1,324  
                      
   $ 59,717    $ 53,142    $ 6,575  
                      

 

   

Selling expenses increased by $2,256 to $19,487 in 2007 from $17,231 in 2006. Increases in programs and related costs , advertising, promotion and marketing costs as well as increases in outside professional fees and other variable selling expenses related to both increased sales levels and product mix of sales accounted for the overall increase.

 

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General and administrative expenses increased by $4,291 to $16,020 in 2007 as compared to $11,729 in 2006. The increase was due to an increase in amortization of intangibles related to the Company’s recently acquired products as well as increase in legal expenses, other outside professional fees and increases in payroll and payroll related costs.

 

   

Research and product development costs and regulatory registration expenses declined by $1,296 to $6,947 in 2007 from $8,243 in 2006. Lower costs incurred to generate scientific data related to the registration of the Company’s products accounted for the decline.

 

   

Freight, delivery and warehousing costs increased $1,324 to $17,263 in 2007 as compared to $15,939 in 2006 due to the increased sales levels.

Interest costs before capitalized interest and interest income were $5,731 in 2007 as compared to $3,382 in 2006. The Company’s average overall debt in 2007 was $77,776 as compared to $55,520 in 2006. Higher overall debt levels coupled with higher effective interest rates accounted for the higher gross interest costs. The Company capitalized $30 of interest costs related to construction in progress in 2007 as compared to $658 in 2006. The Company recognized $214 in interest income in 2007 as compared to $30 in 2006.

Income tax expense increased by $724 to $11,798 in 2007 as compared to $11,074 in 2006. The Company’s effective tax rate was 38.7% in 2007 as compared to 41.8% in 2006. (See note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional analysis of the changes in income tax expense.)

Weather patterns can have an impact on the Company’s operations. Weather conditions influence pest population by impacting gestation cycles for particular pests and the effectiveness of some of the Company’s products, among other factors. The end user of some of the Company’s products may, because of weather patterns, delay or intermittently disrupt field work during the planting season which may result in a reduction of the use of some of the Company’s products. During 2007, weather patterns did not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

Because of elements inherent to the Company’s business, such as differing and unpredictable weather patterns, crop growing cycles, changes in product mix of sales, ordering patterns that may vary in timing, and promotional programs, measuring the Company’s performance on a quarterly basis, (gross profit margins on a quarterly basis may vary significantly) even when such comparisons are favorable, is not as meaningful an indicator as full-year comparisons. The primary reason is that the use cycles do not necessarily coincide with financial reporting cycles. Because of the Company’s cost structure, the combination of variable revenue streams, and the changing product mixes, results in varying quarterly levels of profitability.

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The following summarizes our contractual obligations at December 31, 2007 and the effects such obligations are expected to have on liquidity and cash flow in future periods:

 

     Payments Due by Period
     Total    Less than
1 Year
   1–3
Years
   4–5
Years
   After
5 Years

Long-term debt

   $ 58,261    $ 4,106    $ 12,212    $ 17,943    $ 24,000

Note payable product acquisitions

     2,000      —        2,000      —        —  

Accrued royalty obligations

     368      368      —        —        —  

Employment agreement(s)

     3,689      527      1,054      1,054      1,054

Operating leases

     967      326      361      40      240
                                  
   $ 65,285    $ 5,327    $ 15,627    $ 19,037    $ 25,294
                                  

 

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There were no off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2007.

We believe that our cash flows from operations and cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements and provide us with adequate liquidity to meet our anticipated operating needs for at least the next 12 months. Although operating activities are expected to provide cash, to the extent we grow significantly in the future, our operating and investing activities may use cash and, consequently, this growth may require us to obtain additional sources of financing. There can be no assurance that any necessary additional financing will be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. We intend to finance our long-term liquidity requirements out of net cash provided by operations and cash and cash equivalents.

Results of Operations (in Thousands)

2006 Compared with 2005:

 

     2006    2005    Change  

Net sales:

        

Crop

   $ 162,447    $ 157,327    $ 5,120  

Non-crop

     31,324      32,469      (1,145 )
                      
   $ 193,771    $ 189,796    $ 3,975  
                      

Gross profit:

        

Crop

   $ 68,629    $ 69,895    $ (1,266 )

Non-crop

     13,729      15,784      (2,055 )
                      
   $ 82,358    $ 85,679    $ (3,321 )
                      

The Company reported net income of $15,448 or $ 0.57 per diluted share in 2006 as compared to net income of $19,002 or $ 0.74 per diluted share in 2005. (Net income per share data has been restated to reflect the effect of a 4 for 3 stock split that was distributed on April 17, 2006.)

Net sales in 2006 increased 2% to $193,771 from $189,796 in 2005. Sales of products acquired through recent acquisitions accounted for approximately $16 million of additional sales. However, sales of certain corn soil and cotton insecticides and mosquito adulticides were significantly lower in 2006 compared to 2005.

Gross profit decreased by $3,321 to $82,358 (43% of sales) in 2006 from $85,679 (45% of sales) in 2005 due primarily to competitive pricing pressures, additional manufacturing overhead costs and changes in product mix. Gross profit margins may not be comparable to those of other companies, since some companies include their distribution network in cost of goods sold and the Company, as well as others, include distribution costs in operating expenses (or other line items other than cost of goods sold).

Operating expenses, which are net of other income and expenses, decreased by $270 to $53,142 in 2006 from $53,412 in 2005. Operating expenses as a percentage of sales were 27% in 2006 as compared to 28% in 2005. The changes in operating expenses by specific departmental costs are as follows:

 

     2006    2005    Change  

Selling

   $ 17,231    $ 20,140    $ (2,909 )

General and administrative

     11,729      14,382      (2,653 )

Research, product development and regulatory

     8,243      7,175      1,068  

Freight, delivery and warehousing

     15,939      11,715      4,224  
                      
   $ 53,142    $ 53,412    $ (270 )
                      

 

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Selling expenses decreased by $2,909 to $17,231 in 2006 from $20,140 in 2005 due primarily to lower sales program costs and royalties offset by additional sales compensation and advertising costs.

 

   

General and administrative expenses decreased by $2,653 to $11,729 in 2006 as compared to $14,382 in 2005 due primarily to lower bonus accruals and legal fees.

 

   

Research and product development costs and regulatory registration expenses increased by $1,068 to $8,243 in 2006 from $7,175 in 2005 due primarily to U.K. product registration activities and other product development related costs.

 

   

Freight, delivery and warehousing costs increased $4,224 to $15,939 in 2006 as compared to $11,715 in 2005 due primarily to significant cost increases passed on to us by our freight carriers and the expansion of our distribution network.

Interest costs before capitalized interest and interest income were $3,382 in 2006 as compared to $1,720 in 2005. The Company’s average overall debt in 2006 was $55,520 as compared to $30,137 in 2005. Higher overall debt levels coupled with higher effective interest rates accounted for the higher gross interest costs. The Company capitalized $658 of interest costs related to construction in progress in 2006 as compared to $363 in 2005. The Company recognized $30 in interest income in 2006 as compared to $29 in 2005.

Income tax expense decreased by $863 to $11,074 in 2006 as compared to $11,937 in 2005. The Company’s effective tax rate was 41.8% in 2006 as compared to 38.6% in 2005. (See note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional analysis of the changes in income tax expense.)

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash provided by operating activities in 2007 was $55,507. Net income of $18,728, non-cash depreciation and amortization of $10,088, a decrease in receivables of $19,174, a decrease in inventories of $3,173 and increases in other current liabilities of $5,851, deferred income taxes of $990 and non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $791 provided $58,795 of cash for operations. Increases in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $1,396 coupled with a decrease in accounts payable of $1,892 used $3,288 of cash in operating activities.

The Company used $13,887 in investing activities during 2007. It invested $8,038 in intangible assets and $5,849 in capital expenditures.

The Company used $40,475 in financing activities during 2007. The Company repaid $35,500 under its fully-secured revolving line of credit and made payments on its other long-term debt of $4,106 and paid cash dividends of $1,838. The Company received proceeds of $969 from the exercise of stock options and the sale of common stock under its ESPP.

The Company had $75,000 of availability under its $75,000 revolving line of credit (subject to meeting certain financial covenants) as of December 31, 2007. Management continues to believe, to continue to improve its working capital position and maintain flexibility in financing interim needs, it is prudent to explore all available sources of financing.

 

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Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Specifically, this statement requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. SFAS 160 clarifies that changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains it controlling financial interest. In addition, this statement requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. Such gain or loss will be measured using the fair value of the noncontrolling equity investment on the deconsolidation date. SFAS 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. The Company is evaluating the adoption of SFAS 160 and its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, cash flows and results of operations.

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141 (Revised) (“FAS 141(R)”), Business Combinations . The provisions of this statement are effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2008. Earlier application is not permitted. FAS141(R) replaces FAS 141 and provides new guidance for valuing assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination. We will adopt FAS141(R) in calendar year 2009.

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” , which provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The objective of SFAS No. 159 is to reduce both complexity in accounting for financial instruments and the volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2008. The Company has not completed its evaluation of SFAS No. 159 but it does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 159 to have a material effect on its operating results or financial position.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans . The statement requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. This statement was effective as of the end of the fiscal year ending after December 15, 2006. The adoption of SFAS 158 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements . This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company does not currently believe that the adoption of SFAS 157 will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes , (“FIN 48”) an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes . FIN 48 requires that a

 

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position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return be recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e. a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Upon adoption, the cumulative effect of applying the recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 48, if any, shall be reflected as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. FIN 48 requires that subsequent to initial adoption a change in judgment that results in subsequent recognition, derecognition or change in a measurement of a tax position taken in a prior annual period (including any related interest and penalties) be recognized as a discrete item in the period in which the change occurs. Currently, we record such changes in judgment, including audit settlements, as a component of the Company’s income tax provision. Thus, the Company’s reported quarterly income tax rate may become more volatile. This change will not impact the manner in which we record income tax expense on an annual basis. FIN 48 also requires expanded disclosures including identification of tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months, a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdiction, a tabular reconciliation of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of each annual reporting period, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate and the total amounts of interest and penalties recognized in the statements of operations and financial position. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The standard did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Foreign Exchange

Management does not believe that the fluctuation in the value of the dollar in relation to the currencies of its customers in the last three fiscal years has adversely affected the Company’s ability to sell products at agreed upon prices denominated in U.S. dollars. No assurance can be given, however, that adverse currency exchange rate fluctuations will not occur in the future. Should adverse currency exchange rate fluctuations occur in geographies where the Company sells/exports its products, management is not certain such fluctuations will materially impact the Company’s operating results.

Inflation

Management believes inflation has not had a significant impact on the Company’s operations during the past three years. However, management has witnessed a trend of rising costs with respect to raw materials sourced in other countries. Whether this trend arises from inflation or other factors is uncertain.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Certain of the Company’s policies require the application of judgment by management in selecting the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. These judgments are based on historical experience, terms of existing contracts, commonly accepted industry practices and other assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The Company’s critical accounting polices and estimates include:

Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Revenue from sales is recognized at the time title and the risks of ownership passes. This is when the customer has made the fixed commitment to purchase the goods, the products are shipped per the customers’

 

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instructions, the sales price is determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. Allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on estimates of losses related to customer receivable balances. Estimates are developed by using standard quantitative measures based on historical losses, adjusting for current economic conditions and, in some cases, evaluating specific customer accounts for risk of loss. The establishment of reserves requires the use of judgment and assumptions regarding the potential for losses on receivable balances. Though the Company considers these balances adequate and proper, changes in economic conditions in specific markets in which the Company operates could have a material effect on reserve balances required.

Inventories

The Company values its inventories at lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, including material, labor and factory overhead. The Company writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence equal to the cost of the inventory. Product obsolescence may be caused by shelf-life expiration, discontinuance of a product line, replacement products in the marketplace or other competitive situations.

Long-lived Assets

The carrying value of long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset. Generally, fair value will be determined using valuation techniques such as the present value of expected future cash flows.

Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation

Property, plant and equipment includes the cost of land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office furniture and fixtures, automobiles, and construction projects and significant improvements to existing plant and equipment. Interest costs related to significant construction projects are capitalized at the Company’s weighted average cost of capital. Expenditures for maintenance and minor repairs are expensed as incurred. When property or equipment is sold or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from the respective accounts and the gain or loss realized on disposition is reflected in earnings. All plant and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method, utilizing estimated useful property lives. Building lives range from 10 to 30 years; machinery and equipment lives range from 3 to 15 years; office furniture and fixture lives range from 3 to 10 years, automobile lives range from 3 to 6 years; construction projects and significant improvements to existing plant and equipment lives range from 3 to 15 years when placed in service.

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, where the local currency is the functional currency, have been translated at year end exchange rates and profit and loss accounts have been translated using weighted average yearly exchange rates. Adjustments resulting from translation have been recorded in the equity section of the balance sheet as cumulative translation adjustments in other comprehensive income.

The effect of foreign currency exchange gains and losses on transactions that are denominated in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency are remeasured into the functional currency using the end of the period exchange rates. The effects of remeasurement related to foreign currency transactions are included in current profit and loss accounts.

 

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The primary identifiable intangible assets of the Company relate to product rights associated with its product acquisitions. The Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, identifiable intangibles with finite lives are amortized and those with indefinite lives are not amortized. The estimated useful life of an identifiable intangible asset to the Company is based upon a number of factors including the effects of demand, competition, and expected changes in the marketability of the Company’s products. The Company tests identifiable intangible assets for impairment at least annually, relying on a number of factors including operating results, business plans and future cash flows. Identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment using a process similar to that used to evaluate elements of property. The impairment test for identifiable intangible assets not subject to amortization consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. An impairment loss, if any, is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. Fair value is typically estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis, which requires the Company to estimate the future cash flows anticipated to be generated by the particular asset(s) being tested for impairment as well as select a discount rate to measure the present value of the anticipated cash flows. When determining future cash flow estimates, the Company considers historical results adjusted to reflect current and anticipated operating conditions. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment by the Company in such areas as future economic conditions, industry-specific conditions, product pricing and necessary capital expenditures. The use of different assumptions or estimates for future cash flows could produce different impairment amounts (or none at all) for long-lived assets, goodwill and identifiable intangible assets.

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. The Company regularly reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability and establishes a valuation allowance based upon historical losses, projected future taxable income and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. A recognized tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Upon adoption, the cumulative effect of applying the recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 48, if any, shall be reflected as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. FIN 48 requires that subsequent to initial adoption a change in judgment that results in subsequent recognition, derecognition or change in a measurement of a tax position taken in a prior annual period (including any related interest and penalties) be recognized as a discrete item in the period in which the change occurs. Currently, we record such changes in judgment, including audit settlements, as a component of the Company’s income tax provision. Thus, the Company’s reported quarterly income tax rate may become more volatile upon adoption of FIN 48. This change will not impact the manner in which we record income tax expense on an annual basis. FIN 48 also requires expanded disclosures including identification of tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months, a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdiction, a tabular reconciliation of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of each annual reporting period, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate and the total amounts of interest and penalties recognized in the statements of operations and financial position.

Stock-Based Compensation

On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” (“SFAS 123(R)”) which requires the measurement and recognition of

 

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compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including employee stock options and employee stock purchases related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“employee stock purchases”) based on estimated fair values. The Company adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method, which requires the application of the accounting standard as of January 1, 2006, the first day of the Company’s fiscal year 2006. The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 reflect the impact of SFAS 123(R). In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for prior periods have not been restated to reflect, and do not include, the impact of SFAS 123(R).

 

ITEM 7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates, primarily from its borrowing activities. The Company’s indebtedness to its primary lender is evidenced by two term loans and a revolving line of credit with a variable rate of interest, which fluctuates with changes in the lender’s reference rate. At December 31, 2007, the Company’s outstanding indebtedness was $60,261. A 1% change in the reference rate during 2007 would have increased or decreased the Company’s interest expense, based on the weighted outstanding balance, by approximately $778. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

The Company conducts business in various foreign currencies, primarily in Europe and Mexico. Therefore changes in the value of the currencies of such countries or regions affect the Company’s financial position and cash flows when translated into U.S. Dollars. As of December 31, 2007, the Company had not established a formal foreign currency hedging program. The Company has mitigated and will continue to mitigate a portion of its currency exchange exposure through operation of decentralized foreign operating companies in which the majority of all costs are local-currency based. A 10% change in the value of all foreign currencies would have an immaterial effect on the Company’s financial position and cash flows.

 

ITEM 8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The Financial Statements and Supplementary Data required by this item are listed at PART IV, Item 15, Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

 

ITEM 9 CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

 

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ITEM 9A CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of December 31, 2007, management, under the supervision of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective, in all material respects, in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management of the Company is responsible for the establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for American Vanguard Corporation and its subsidiaries (“the Company”). The Company’s internal control system over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and the Board of Directors as to the fair, reliable and timely preparation and presentation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America filed with the SEC.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even processes determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the financial statement preparation and presentation.

Management conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting based on a framework set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework . This evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on the evaluation. Based on this evaluation, management believes that as of December 31, 2007, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.

BDO Seidman, LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K, was engaged to attest to and report on the effectiveness of the American Vanguard’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. Its report is included herein.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Shareholders

American Vanguard Corporation

Newport Beach, California

We have audited American Vanguard Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). American Vanguard Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Item 9A, “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.” Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, American Vanguard Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the COSO criteria .

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of American Vanguard Corporation as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 and our report dated March 17, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Los Angeles, California

March 17, 2008

 

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ITEM 9B OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

 

ITEM 10 DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The following persons are the current Directors and Executive Officers of Registrant:

 

Name of Director/Officer

  

Age

  

Capacity

Herbert A. Kraft(4)

   84    Co-Chairman

Glenn A. Wintemute(4)

   82    Co-Chairman

Eric G. Wintemute

   52    Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

Lawrence S. Clark(1)(2)

   49    Director

John B. Miles(2)(3)

   64    Director

Carl R. Soderlind(1)(2)(3)

   74    Director

Irving J. Thau(1)(3)(4)

   68    Director

James A. Barry

   57    Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer/Asst. Secretary

Glen Johnson

   53    Senior Vice President of AMVAC Chemical Corporation(5)

Christopher K. Hildreth

   56    Senior Vice President of AMVAC

Robert F. Gilbane

   57    President of GemChem, Inc.(6)

 

(1) Member of the Audit Committee.

 

(2) Member of the Compensation Committee.

 

(3) Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

 

(4) Member of the Finance Committee.

 

(5) AMVAC Chemical Corporation (“AMVAC”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Vanguard Corporation

 

(6) GemChem, Inc. (“GemChem”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Vanguard Corporation

Herbert A. Kraft has served as Co-Chairman of the Board since July 1994. Mr. Kraft served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer from 1969 to July 1994.

Glenn A. Wintemute has served as Co-Chairman of the Board since July 1994. Mr. Wintemute served as President of the Company and all operating subsidiaries since 1984 and was elected a director in 1971. He served as President of AMVAC from 1963 to July 1994.

Eric G. Wintemute has served as a director since June 1994. Mr. Wintemute has also served as President and Chief Executive Officer since July 1994. He was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company in January 1994. He is the son of the Company’s Co-Chairman, Glenn A. Wintemute.

Lawrence S. Clark was appointed a director in February 2006. Mr. Clark is the Chief Operating Officer and CFO for Legendary Pictures, a motion picture production company that develops, co-produces and co-finances major motion pictures in partnership with Warner Bros. From 2000 to 2003, Mr. Clark was the Chief Financial Officer of Creative Artists Agency, a leading entertainment talent, literary and marketing agency. From 1997 to 2000, he served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development for Sony Pictures Entertainment. Mr. Clark

 

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was Director—International for The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm, from 1995 to 1997. In 1992, he co-founded Global Film Equity Corp., which provided strategic, business advisory and capital raising services to media companies. From 1989 to 1992, Mr. Clark was Vice President, Corporate Finance at Salomon Brothers, Inc. Prior to that, he was a Corporate Finance Associate at Goldman Sachs & Co. from 1987 to 1989.

John B. Miles has served as a director since March 1999. Mr. Miles was a Partner with the law firm McDermott Will & Emery and held the position of Partner from 1987 to 2007. He currently serves as counsel to that firm. Prior to 1987, Mr. Miles was a partner with Kadison Pfaelzer Woodward Quinn & Rossi. Mr. Miles has previously served on boards of directors for public and private corporations.

Carl R. Soderlind has served as a director since June 2000. Mr. Soderlind served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Golden Bear Oil Specialties, a producer of niche specialty oil and chemical products used in a variety of industrial applications from 1997 to 2001. From 1961 to 1996 he served in various capacities of Witco Corporation, with his most recent position being Senior Executive Vice President and member of the Management Committee.

Irving J. Thau has served as a director since September 2003. From 1962 to 1995, he held various positions with Ernst & Young LLP, where his primary responsibilities were directing and providing accounting, auditing, and business advisory services to publicly held and privately owned organizations. He was admitted to partnership in 1974, and most recently served as Ernst & Young’s West Region Director of Financial Advisory Services. In 1995, Mr. Thau founded Thau and Associates, Inc., a financial consulting company of which he currently serves as President. Mr. Thau is also a director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of American Home Mortgage Investment Corp.

James A. Barry has served as Senior Vice President since 1998. He has served as Treasurer since 1994 and as Chief Financial Officer of the Company and all operating subsidiaries since 1987. He presently also serves as Assistant Secretary and served as Secretary from 1998 to 2007. He also served as Vice President from 1990 through 1997 and as Assistant Secretary from 1990 to 1997. From 1990 to 1993, he also served as Assistant Treasurer. Mr. Barry also served as a director of the Company from 1994 through June 2004.

Glen D. Johnson has served as Senior Vice President and Director of Business Development of AMVAC since February 1999. Mr. Johnson was previously the North American Senior Marketing Manager for Contract Sales at Zeneca Ag Products. Prior to joining AMVAC, Mr. Johnson had over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, acquisition and licensing, market development, and field research and development with three multinational agrochemical companies.

Christopher K. Hildreth has served as Senior Vice President and Director of Sales of AMVAC since February 2003. From 1980 to 1988, Mr. Hildreth held sales management positions at Pfizer Crop Protection. From 1988 to 1993, when United Agri Product (“UAP”) acquired Pfizer Crop Protection, Mr. Hildreth held sales management positions. From 1993 to 2001, he served as General Manager of UAP Canada. From 2001 to 2002, Mr. Hildreth held various executive positions at UAP, including Executive Vice President—International, President & General Manager—Distribution, and President—Products Company.

Robert F. Gilbane has served as President of GemChem since June 1999. He served as Executive Vice President from January 1994 (when the Company acquired GemChem) to June 1999. He co-founded GemChem in 1991 with Eric G. Wintemute.

 

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Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’s executive officers, directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Based solely on the Company’s review of the copies of such forms received by the Company, or representations obtained from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that during the year ended December 31, 2007 all filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors, and greater than ten percent beneficial stockholders were complied with.

Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a code of ethics, the American Vanguard Corporation Code of Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”), that applies to all employees, including the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. The Code of Ethics is posted on the Company’s Internet website, www.american-vanguard.com . Any amendment to, or waiver from, the Code of Ethics will be posted on the Company’s website within five business days following the date of the amendment or waiver.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is currently composed of Messrs. Irving J. Thau (Chairperson), Carl R. Soderlind and Lawrence S. Clark, who are all non-employee directors and are financially literate. The Board has determined that all members of the Audit Committee are independent directors under the applicable rules and regulations currently prescribed by the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the applicable rules and listing standards currently prescribed by the New York Stock Exchange, and that each of Irving J. Thau and Lawrence S. Clark are “audit committee financial experts” within the meaning of applicable SEC rules and regulations.

 

ITEM 11 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Compensation Objectives

The Company’s compensation program has several objectives. First, we believe that our compensation should attract and retain top-quality executives. Many of our executives have transferred to the Company from our competitors, which are typically much larger organizations. In addition, we realize that our key executives could find work in the industry very easily. We must, therefore, be mindful that we do not fall below the standard observed by other public companies of a similar size in paying executives. In February 2006, the Compensation Committee commissioned its compensation consultant, ECG Advisors, to review compensation of the top 10 most highly paid executives at the Company, including benchmarking against public companies having annual revenues of between $225 million and $400 million. According to that study, the Company’s executive salaries were between 4 percent above and 5 percent below the 50th percentile, executive bonuses were approximately 5 percent above the 50th percentile for target bonuses, and option values were 1 percent above the market.

Second, we believe in paying for performance. Performance, however, is not limited to company-wide objectives or personal goals. In fact, we hold our executives as a group accountable for both company-wide performance (typically in terms of net sales and net earnings) and individual performance, which varies by position. In 2007 we revisited the issue of individual performance standards and established revised annual

 

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standards for all managers within the Company. We are mindful of the fact that an executive may have an off-year, while the Company has an excellent year, and vice versa. We take these factors into account in determining compensation, particularly incentive-based compensation.

Third, we believe that compensation decisions should be made with the benefit of as much current information as possible. Compensation decisions that are rigorously tied to formulas can fail to take into account unforeseen matters beyond an employee’s control, may lead to undesirable results, and can fail to reward positive conduct. Indeed, it is very difficult to catalog in advance all of the factors that should be taken into account in making compensation decisions. While we do set company-wide goals and individual performance goals for our executives, when applying those criteria, we do take into account real market conditions, compensation trends, peer practices, and other factors in making compensation decisions. Thus, for example, if the entire industry is down due to unusual weather conditions, and our company has performed well compared to our peers, we will take that into account in setting compensation.

Fourth, we compensate, in part, so that our executives have a long-term interest in the Company’s success. This is especially so in the case of equity awards. Through granting options with a 7 to 10 year term, for example, we give the optionee motivation to plan for the long-term, rather than to seek solely to maximize short-term returns at the expense of long-term returns. Equity awards also serve to align our executives’ interests with those of our shareholders.

Elements of Compensation

Our named executive officers receive a base salary and certain benefits (including paid vacation, subsidized health and dental insurance, subsidized life insurance, and an automobile allowance). In addition, they participate in an annual incentive compensation plan and, from time to time, receive awards of equity, typically in the form of stock options. Further, they may choose to participate in voluntary benefit programs, such as a 401K plan and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Base salary—base salary provides the executive with a reasonable standard of living and permits the Company to put certain other elements of compensation at risk. Further, it would be virtually impossible to attract or retain qualified executives without this element of compensation. It forms the bulk of the executive’s compensation. This is the portion of compensation that does not vary with annual changes in company-wide performance or stock market fluctuations. The executive can count on his or her salary and can plan around it. In 2007, base salary accounted for more than half of total compensation among named executive officers.

Benefits—because health and dental insurance subsidies are also universally paid to executives in virtually all industries, including our industry, the Company must provide these subsidies in order to remain competitive. In addition, these subsidies are a good investment by the employer, as they serve to help keep the executives healthy or, when injury or sickness strikes, to bring them back to productive service. These coverages also help the executive to limit family medical expenses that, if not otherwise insured, might cause the executive severe financial hardship. Life insurance subsidies serve as a mechanism by which the Company can give something of value back to the executive’s family or other beneficiaries in the case of death. We believe that when our executives join the Company, they are not alone in making a commitment to us; their families are making a commitment as well. Finally, the automobile allowance serves to help the executive to offset the increasingly high cost of operating a motor vehicle. It is also a common perquisite, which the Company offers in order to remain competitive. The size of the allowance is consistent with ensuring that the executive will have reliable transportation to and from work.

Voluntary benefits—our 401K plan is a tool that serves to encourage the executive to plan for retirement now. The Company matching contribution (dollar for dollar up to five percent (5%) of base salary) has a strong

 

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effect both in recruitment and retention. Similarly, the American Vanguard Corporation Stock Purchase Plan serves as a means for retaining executives. It gives our executives (and other employees) the opportunity to acquire equity at a discount, which right is not available to outsiders. It also provides a means for acquiring stock at a discounted price through relatively minimal payroll deductions over a period of time. Further, the ESPP is a mechanism by which the executive can put some “skin in the game” by investing in the Company. Equity ownership helps to align the executive’s interests with that of our shareholders and serves to foster a long-term perspective in the executive. In addition, equity can serve as a surrogate for a pension plan with executives. Equity awards and voluntary participation in the 401K plan are the only two forms of long-term compensation offered to executives by the Company.

Our policy for allocating between long-term (equity) and current compensation depends largely on the perceived value of the equity. For example, to the extent that the Company’s stock price has appreciated continuously over multiple quarters and industry prospects look promising, we would tend to place a greater value on an award of equity. Conversely, if the stock price has exhibited volatility or lost value over time, then we might place a lesser value on equity awards, particularly if industry conditions are fair to poor. In the former case, we would place a greater emphasis on equity awards, while, in the latter case, we would place a greater emphasis on current compensation.

The Compensation Committee, working with its compensation consultant, regularly visits the question of whether, when and how to award equity. In making its recommendation, the Committee considers the length of time since the last equity award, the total shareholder return over the past several years, the impact upon earnings, the consequent dilution to shareholders, and other criteria relating to long term performance of the company. The Committee’s recommendations are also guided by the research of its compensation consultant, including benchmarking of similarly situated companies as to the prevalence of equity awards and total compensation among senior executives. In addition, the Committee maintains a relatively continuous discourse with the Chief Executive Officer on both the performance and the expectations of senior management. Through this process, the Committee selects grant dates and recommends awards that are perceived to be of value, that are consistent with those made by our peers, that have a reasonable financial impact on the Company, that are not unreasonably dilutive, and that are warranted by the Company’s and executives’ performance. The Committee is mindful of avoiding grants while in possession of material non-public information and, with respect to option grants in particular, pursuant to the Company’s 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, sets the strike price of the grant to be the closing price of the Company’s common stock as of the date of the award.

The Company is currently reviewing potential equity ownership guidelines for all of its executives.

We do take into account the accounting and tax treatments for the Company of all forms of compensation. For example, in order to maximize the Company’s ability to deduct the executive compensation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (“IRC”) Section 162(m), we have historically limited the number of Incentive Stock Option awards given to an individual in a given year to those having a fair market value of under $100,000. Further, under the terms of the Change of Control Agreements, benefits paid thereunder will be reduced to the extent that they would constitute a nondeductible “excess parachute payment” under IRC Section 280G or nondeductible “employee remuneration” under Section 162(m). We follow all applicable accounting rules and tax laws in respect of all forms of compensation; for example, we expense options and stock awards. Because the timing of this expense depends upon the vesting of these equity awards, we set vesting schedules to optimize deferring costs into the future. In making equity awards, we do consider the tax impact upon the recipient.

 

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Compensation Policies and Benchmarking

The Compensation Committee retains considerable discretion to structure and adjust compensation with respect to both individuals and executives as a group. We do not follow a formulaic approach toward setting compensation. While formulaic approaches do tend to lead to greater certainty in results, they can also have unintended consequences. It is very difficult to capture in a formula all of the factors that should be taken into account when setting or adjusting compensation. We believe that, in making compensation decisions, it is important to consider not only corporate performance, but also individual performance and further, that corporate performance should be considered in the context of the industry. Thus, for example, if company performance was behind plan in a down market, but the executive team performed well, rather than make no incentive awards, the Compensation Committee might adjust the incentive pool downward and make reduced awards to executives. Conversely, if company performance was ahead of plan in a solid market, but certain executives were not contributing, then the Committee might reduce awards to those certain individuals. The Compensation Committee has used discretion to make lower bonus awards to executives who have, in that committee’s estimation, underperformed, and has made higher bonus awards to executives who have exceeded individual performance expectations.

The Chief Executive Officer defines performance goals for his direct reports (which include all of the other named executive officers) and, working with the board and the management team, defines financial performance goals for the Company. These goals serve as the foundation upon which the Compensation Committee can build a compensation scheme in keeping with other information, including studies performed by the Committee’s compensation consultant as well as its own research and experience. Throughout the year, the Committee maintains an open dialogue with the CEO with respect to compensation philosophy, changing business conditions, and executive performance. Further, annually, the CEO provides the Committee with recommendations for defining the incentive pool and allocating that pool among employees generally. The CEO serves as a source of information for the Committee, and, in making its own decisions, the Committee does give consideration to the CEO’s recommendations. However, the Committee makes independent decisions with respect to compensation and freely draws upon all sources that it deems necessary for guidance in making those decisions.

With respect to evaluating the corporation’s performance, the Company considers several factors. First, we consider top and bottom line performance, specifically in terms of net sales and earnings per share. Specifically, we observe whether we have grown net sales and net earnings with respect to the prior year, the past several years, and the budget contained within the Company’s financial plan. Second, we look at the relative performance of each of our product lines and compare that performance to each product line budget. Third, we consider the relative performance of our company, particularly net sales and net earnings, with that of our peer companies. Fourth, we analyze whether we have met our strategic goals.

With respect to individual performance, without discussing more specific factors that are competition sensitive, we consider the following general factors in making compensation decisions. We believe that the factors listed below as well as undisclosed, competition-sensitive factors are reasonable and attainable by our executives.

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

   

Achieving financial results that equal or exceed the Company’s financial plan.

 

   

Attracting and maintaining excellent relationships with desirable investors.

 

   

The setting and achievement of strategic goals, including anticipation of, and response to, industry trends.

 

   

Building and retaining a sound management team.

 

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Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer/Assistant Secretary

 

   

Maintaining sound internal financial controls and accounting systems that result in timely and reliable financial disclosures.

 

   

Attracting and retaining sources of capital necessary to permit the Company to operate and to grow through acquisition.

 

   

Providing the CEO and board with long and short-term budgets, including strategic capital planning.

 

   

Keeping the board apprised of current and recent financial performance in detail sufficient to permit the board to carry out its duties toward our shareholders.

Senior Vice President and Director of Business Development

 

   

Finding and acquiring new product lines that are accretive to the Company’s financial performance consistent with the Company’s financial plan.

 

   

Developing business opportunities through research and development, licensing, or other means.

 

   

Achieving growth of existing product lines through expansion of permitted uses, improvement of product performance, and packaging and delivery systems.

Senior Vice President and Director of Sales

 

   

Achieving net sales that equal or exceed those set forth in the Company’s financial plan.

 

   

Maintaining excellent relations with existing customers and attracting new customers.

 

   

Successfully launching new product lines.

 

   

Managing a global sales team and distribution chain for the Company’s products.

President of GemChem Inc.

 

   

Maintaining a continuous supply chain for raw materials and intermediates at globally competitive prices.

 

   

Launching new products and expanding the use of certain existing products outside of agriculture.

We might decide to increase compensation materially if some or all of the following factors were present: the executive’s compensation is materially below that of his or her peers; the executive has taken on additional responsibilities; the executive has saved the Company significant costs; the executive has far exceeded individual performance goals. Conversely, we might decide to decrease compensation materially if some or all of the following factors were present: the executive has shown an inability to carry out responsibilities or manage his or her function; the executive seeks to work on a reduced schedule; the executive has had material duties taken away; the executive’s function or duties material thereto have become materially less important to the Company.

Severance and Change of Control Provisions

Each of the named executive officers is party to a Change of Control Severance Agreement dated as of January 1, 2004 and expiring December 31, 2008. Under the terms of those agreements, the employee is entitled to receive certain payments in the event that there is a change of control during the term of agreement and such employee is either terminated (for reasons other than cause) or resigns for good reason. If the employee is terminated for cause or due to death or disability, he is not entitled to severance under the agreement. Provided

 

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the conditions for payment are met, employee is entitled to receive a lump sum amount equal to two years’ base salary, 24 months’ worth of COBRA coverage for medical insurance, executive level outplacement costs, and acceleration of unvested options (or other securities to which employee may have a right). For purposes of these agreements, “change in control” is defined to mean, in effect, either (i) a merger or consolidation of the Company in which those who were shareholders immediately before the effective time of the merger or consolidation have less than 50% of the voting power of the new corporation or entity; (ii) a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; or (iii) when any person (as defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) directly or indirectly owns more than 50% of the common stock of the Company. As a condition to payment, the employee must enter into a written release of claims against the Company.

In addition, the Chief Executive Officer is party to an Employment Agreement dated as of January 15, 2008 which provides, among other things, that in the event of termination of such executive without cause (and not as a result of death or disability), the Company shall pay such executive an amount equal to two times the average annual cash compensation (i.e., annual base salary plus annual cash incentive bonus) received by the executive over the two immediately preceding calendar years. Any severance payment under such employment agreement is in lieu of, and not in addition to, any severance payment to which the CEO is entitled to be paid under the Change of Control Severance Agreement; that is, if the CEO is entitled to payment under the latter agreement, then he is not entitled to payment under the former. The triggering events for payment of severance to the CEO under his employment agreement were selected based upon (i) benchmarking of public companies of similar size and (ii) to provide a sense of security to the CEO given the likelihood that the constitution of the board will change over time.

The Company chose the three change of control events to protect these key executives in the event of new ownership. Our executive team has helped to build this company over many years into what it is today. In recognition of the team’s contribution, and out of a sense of fairness, we believe it is appropriate to make provision for the executive team in advance, given that a new owner may not have any allegiance to the team. Further, these arrangements would give current management a disincentive to oppose or otherwise undercut an otherwise desirable merger.

Compensation Committee Report

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402 (b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on the review and discussions referred to in paragraph (e)(5)(i)(A) of that Item, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K.

Carl R. Soderlind, Chairman

Lawrence S. Clark, Member

John B. Miles, Member

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth the aggregate cash and other compensation for services rendered for the year ended December 31, 2007 paid or awarded by the Company and its subsidiaries to the its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and certain highly compensated executive officers of the Corporation, whose aggregate remuneration exceeded $100,000 (the “named executive officers”).

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

(a)   (b)   (c)   (d)   (e)   (f)   (g)   (h)   (i)   (j)

Name and Principal Position

  Year   Salary
($)
  Bonus
($)
  Stock
Awards
($)(1)
  Option
Awards
($)
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
  Change in
Pension Value
and Non-
Qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($)
  All
Other
Compen-
sation

($)(2)
  Total
($)

Eric G. Wintemute

President and Chief Executive Officer

  2007   502,533   —     25,453   —     —     —     54,372   582,358

James A. Barry

Sr. V.P., CFO & Asst. Secretary/Treasurer

  2007   221,742   35,000   10,181   —     —     —     22,186   289,109

Glen D. Johnson

Sr. Vice President of AMVAC

  2007   249,480   50,000   15,272   —     —     —     24,420   339,172

Christopher K. Hildreth

Sr. Vice President of AMVAC

  2007   257,284   30,000   10,181   —     —     —     27,372   324,837

Robert F. Gilbane

President of GemChem

  2007   230,022   30,000   10,181   —     —     —     22,572   292,775

 

(1) These are the amounts that the Company recognized as compensation expense in its financial statements for 2007 as determined under applicable accounting standards for restricted stock granted in 2007.
(2) See table following for details of all other compensation.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE –

ALL OTHER COMPENSATION

 

    Perquisites
($)
    Tax
Reimbursements

($)
   Insurance
Premiums

($)
   Company
Contributions
to Defined
Contribution
Plans

($)(3)
   Severance
Payments /
Accruals

($)
   Change in
Control
Payments /
Accruals

($)

Eric G. Wintemute

  41,880 (1)   —      1,242    11,250    —      —  

James A. Barry

  8,614 (2)   —      2,322    11,250    —      —  

Glen D. Johnson

  11,928 (2)   —      1,242    11,250    —      —  

Christopher K. Hildreth

  13,800 (2)   —      2,322    11,250    —      —  

Robert F. Gilbane

  9,000 (2)   —      2,322    11,250    —      —  

 

(1) Automobile allowance—$16,880, personal expense allowance—$25,000.

 

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(2) Automobile allowance.

 

(3) Effective January 1, 2007, the Company matches employee contributions to its 401(k) savings plan dollar for dollar up to 5% of base salary not to exceed $11,250 per annum.

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

The following table sets forth the grant of plan-based awards for the year ended December 31, 2007 to the named executive officers. There were no grants of plan-based awards for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Name

(a)

   Grant
Date
(b)
   Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Awards
   Estimated Future Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan Awards
      Threshhold
($ )
(c)
   Target
($)
(d)
   Maximum
($)
(e)
   Threshhold
($)
(f)
   Target
($)
(g)
   Maximum
($)
(h)

Eric G. Wintemute

   6/7/07                  

James A. Barry

   6/7/07                  

Glen D. Johnson

   6/7/07                  

Christopher K. Hildreth

   6/7/07                  

Robert F. Gilbane

   6/7/07                  

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS (Continued)

 

     All Other Stock
Awards: Number of
Shares of Stock or
Units

(#)
(i)
   All Other Option
Awards: Number of
Securities
Underlying Options

(#)
(j)
   Exercise or Base Price of
Option Awards

($/Share)
(k)
   Full Grant
Date Fair
Value of Stock

($)
(l)(1)

Eric G. Wintemute

   10,000    —      —      130,900

James A. Barry

   4,000    —      —      52,360

Glen D. Johnson

   6,000    —      —      78,540

Christopher K. Hildreth

   4,000    —      —      52,360

Robert F. Gilbane

   4,000    —      —      52,360

 

(1) This column shows the full grant date fair value of restricted stock grants made. These amounts were not paid to any Named Executive Officer. The full grant date fair value is the amount that the Company plans to expense in its financial statements over the award’s vesting schedule. The recognized compensation expenses for 2007 are shown in the “Stock Awards” column in the “Summary Compensation Table”.

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

The following table shows, with respect to the named executive officers, the number of shares covered by both exercisable and non-exercisable stock options as of December 31, 2007, with respect to options to purchase Common Stock of American Vanguard Corporation. The closing price of the Common Stock on December 31, 2007, the last trading day of American Vanguard’s fiscal year, was $17.35 per share.

 

     Option Awards

Name

(a)

   Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options

(#)
Exercisable
(b)
   Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options

(#)
Unexercisable
(c)
   Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options

(#)
(d)
   Option
Exercise
Price

($)
(e)
   Option
Expiration
Date

(f)

Eric G. Wintemute

   405,000    45,000    —      $ 3.67    12/31/2012

James A. Barry

   80,000    —      —      $ 1.76    09/07/2008

James A. Barry

   72,000    —      —      $ 3.94    03/21/2010

James A. Barry

   32,000    8,000    —      $ 8.10    12/15/2010

Glen D. Johnson

   48,000    12,000    —      $ 8.10    12/15/2010

Glen D. Johnson

   187    —      —      $ 14.74    09/13/2012

Christopher K. Hildreth

   180,000    —      —      $ 3.55    02/02/2010

Robert F. Gilbane

   16,000    —      —      $ 1.76    09/07/2008

Robert F. Gilbane

   16,000    8,000    —      $ 8.10    12/15/2010

Robert F. Gilbane

   467    —      —      $ 14.74    12/13/2012

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END (continued)

 

      Stock Awards

Name

(a)

  Number of Shares or
Units of Stock That
Have Not Vested

(#)
(g)
  Market Value of Shares
or Units of Stock That
Have Not Vested

($)
(h)
  Equity Incentive Plan
Awards: Number of
Unearned Shares,
Units or Other Rights
That Have Not Vested

(#)
(i)
  Equity Incentive Plan
Awards: Market or
Payout Value of
Unearned Shares,
Units or Other Rights
That Have Not Vested

($)
(i)

Eric G. Wintemute

  10,000   130,900   —     —  

James A. Barry

  4,000   52,360   —     —  

Glen D. Johnson

  6,000   78,540   —     —  

Christopher K. Hildreth

  4,000   52,360   —     —  

Robert F. Gilbane

  4,000   52,360   —     —  

 

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OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

The following table shows, with respect to the named executive officers, the number of shares acquired on the exercise of stock options and the value realized (market price less exercise price) for the year ended December 31, 2007

 

     Option Awards    Stock Awards

Name

(a)

   Number of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise

(#)
(b)
   Value Realized on
Exercise

($)
(c)
   Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting

(#)
(d)
   Value Realized on
Vesting

($)
(e)

Eric G. Wintemute

   —      —      —      —  

James A. Barry

   —      —      —      —  

Glen D. Johnson

   —      —      —      —  

Christopher K. Hildreth

   —      —      —      —  

Robert F. Gilbane

   —      —      —      —  

PENSION BENEFITS

The following table sets forth the pension benefits payable to the named executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2007. This table is for illustrative purposes only as the Company currently does not provide this benefit to the named executive officers.

 

Name

(a)

   Plan Name
(b)
   Number of Years
Credited Service

(#)
(c)
   Present Value of
Accumulated Benefit

($)
(d)
   Payments
During Last
Fiscal Year

($)
(e)

Not Applicable

   —      —      —      —  

NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth the non-qualified deferred compensation benefits payable to the named executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2007. This table is for illustrative purposes only as the Company currently does not provide this benefit to the named executive officers.

 

Name

(a)

   Executive
Contributions
in Last Fiscal
Year

($)
(b)
   Registrant
Contributions
in Last Fiscal
Year

($)
(c)
   Aggregate
Earnings in Last
Fiscal Year

($)
(d)
   Aggregate Withdrawls/
Distributions

($)
(e)
   Aggregate
Balance at
Last Fiscal
Year End

($)
(e)

Not Applicable

   —      —      —      —      —  

 

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POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE OF CONTROL

Each of the named executive officers is party to a Change of Control Severance Agreement dated as of January 1, 2004 and expiring December 31, 2008. Under the terms of those agreements, the employee is entitled to receive certain payments in the event that there is a change of control during the term of agreement and such employee is either terminated (for reasons other than cause) or resigns for good reason. If the employee is terminated for cause or due to death or disability, he is not entitled to severance under the agreement. Provided the conditions for payment are met, employee is entitled to receive a lump sum amount equal to two years’ base salary, 24 months’ worth of COBRA coverage for medical insurance, executive level outplacement costs, and acceleration of unvested options (or other securities to which employee may have a right). For purposes of these agreements, “change in control” is defined to mean, in effect, either (i) a merger or consolidation of the Company in which those who were shareholders immediately before the effective time of the merger or consolidation have less than 50% of the voting power of the new corporation or entity; (ii) a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; or (iii) when any person (as defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) directly or indirectly owns more than 50% of the common stock of the Company. As a condition to payment, the employee must enter into a written release of claims against the Company.

The following table summarizes the estimated payments to be made to the Named Executive Officers in the event of a termination without cause or voluntary resignation for good reason after a change in control assuming, for illustration purposes, that such change in control had occurred on December 31, 2007.

 

     Salary
($)
   COBRA
Insurance
Premiums

($)
   Outplacement
Services
($)
   Accelerated
Option
Vesting
($)(1)
   Total Change in
Control
Payments

($)

Eric G. Wintemute

   1,003,000    24,000    25,000    505,000    1,557,000

James A. Barry

   443,000    24,000    25,000    54,000    546,000

Glen D. Johnson

   499,000    24,000    25,000    82,000    630,000

Christopher K. Hildreth

   514,000    24,000    25,000    —      563,000

Robert F. Gilbane

   460,000    24,000    25,000    54,000    563,000

 

(1) At current market price on March 6, 2008 of $14.90.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The following table summarizes compensation paid to the Director’s of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Name

(a)

   Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash ($)

(b)
   Stock
Awards
($)

(c)
   Option
Awards
($)

(d)
   Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)

(e)
   Change in Pension
Value and
Non-Qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($)
(f)
   All Other
Compen-
sation

($)
(g)
   Total
($)
(h)

Herbert A. Kraft

   38,500    50,000    —      —      —      —      88,500

Glenn A. Wintemute

   34,000    50,000    —      —      —      —      84,000

Eric G. Wintemute

   —      —      —      —      —      —      —  

Lawrence S. Clark

   43,500    50,000    —      —      —      —      93,500

John B. Miles

   43,500    50,000    —      —      —      —      93,500

Carl R. Soderlind

   50,500    50,000    —      —      —      —      100,500

Irving J. Thau

   61,000    50,000    —      —      —      —      111,000

 

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The Company has the following compensatory arrangements with the non-employee members of its Board of Directors:

Cash Compensation:

Effective with each non-employee director’s election/re-election of the Board of Directors is entitled to receive cash compensation for his or her services on the Board of Directors as follows:

 

   

Quarterly retainer fee of $5,000 for services on the Board of Directors.

 

   

Quarterly retainer fee of $2,500 for service as chairperson of the Audit Committee.

 

   

Quarterly retainer fee of $1,250 for service as chairperson of the Compensation Committee or the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

 

   

Attendance fee of $2,500 per meeting of the Board of Directors.

 

   

Attendance fee of $1,000 per meeting of the committees of the Board of Directors, except that the Audit Committee chairperson will receive an attendance fee of $1,500 per Audit Committee meeting and Finance Committee members receive $2,000 per meeting of the Finance Committee.

 

   

Per diem fee of $2,000 for special assignments as determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Stock Awards:

In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Company’s Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended through May 12, 2005 (the “Plan”), each non-employee director of the Board of Directors is entitled to receive awards of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units (as each term is defined in the Plan) of the Company’s Common Stock, par value $.10 (“Common Stock”), as follows:

 

   

In connection with each non-employee director’s election or re-election to the Board of Directors, such director is entitled to receive an award that equals $50,000 (the “Stock Award”).

 

   

If a person is appointed to the Board of Directors for any partial year (for example, due to a vacancy on the Board of Directors), such director will receive a pro rata portion of the Stock Award as determined by the Compensation Committee or the Board of Directors.

 

   

Each Stock Award will be calculated based on the closing price of the Common Stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or other national exchange on which the Common Stock is traded. No fractional share of any Stock Award will be issued; the value of such fractional share will be paid in cash.

 

   

Each Stock Award will vest immediately in full upon grant.

The Company has entered into written indemnification agreements with each of its directors. The agreement is effective as of the first day of such person’s service as a director. The agreement provides for contractual indemnification obligations by the Company to the extent permitted by applicable law and the advancement of expenses in connection therewith. The agreement also provides that any legal action against a director must be brought within two years from the date of the accrual of such action or such shorter period as provided by law.

See “Description of Compensatory Arrangements Applicable to Non-Employee Directors for 2005” which was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15, 2005.

Employee Contracts, Termination of Employment and Change of Control Arrangements

The Company and Eric G. Wintemute entered into a written employment agreement, dated as of January 15, 2008, pursuant to which Mr. Wintemute serves as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Mr. Wintemute’s annual base compensation is $527,253, with increases to be made by the Board of Directors in their sole discretion. Mr. Wintemute may receive a bonus in an amount as determined by the Board based on his performance against reasonable qualitative and quantitative benchmarks as determined by the Board. The agreement also provides Mr. Wintemute with certain additional benefits which are customary for executives at this level in the industry, including a car allowance of $1,500 per month and reimbursement for reasonable and customary business expenses. Mr. Wintemute’s agreement is of indefinite duration, unless terminated by the Company. If the Company terminates Mr. Wintemute’s employment without cause and not due to disability or death, the Company shall pay to Mr. Wintemute an amount equal to two times the average annual cash compensation received by him over the course of the two immediately preceding calendar years. If Mr. Wintemute dies during the term of the agreement, the Company will pay his designated beneficiary any amounts (including salary) and continue any benefits due to Mr. Wintemute under the agreement for 12 months after his death.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The Compensation Committee of the Board for the year ended December 31 , 2007 consisted of Messrs. Carl R. Soderlind, Lawrence S. Clark and John B. Miles. During 2007, no officer or employee of the Company served on the board of directors of any other entity, where any officer or director of such entity also served on the Company’s Board.

Related Person Transactions

John B. Miles, a current member of the Board and the Compensation Committee and the current chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, is a partner in the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery LLP (“MWE”), which, among other firms, provides legal services to the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2007, MWE, which has annual revenues in excess of $1 billion, provided legal services to the Company totaling approximately $544,000. See Item 13 below.

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

ITEM 12 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Common Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

To the knowledge of the Company, the ownership of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock as of March 6, 2008, by persons who are beneficial owners of 5% or more of the outstanding Common Stock is set forth below.

 

Name and Address of

Beneficial Owner

   Amount and Nature
of Beneficial Ownership(*)
    Percent of
Class
 

Herbert A. Kraft

4695 MacArthur Court

Newport Beach, CA 92660

   3,344,039 (1)   12.7 %

Glenn A. Wintemute

4695 MacArthur Court

Newport Beach, CA 92660

   1,531,974 (2)   5.8 %

St. Denis J. Villere & Company

210 Baronne Street

New Orleans, LA 70112(*)

   2,890,182     10.9 %

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

100 E. Pratt Street

Baltimore, MD 21202(*)

   3,080,432     11.7 %

Eric G. Wintemute

4695 MacArthur Court

Newport Beach, CA 92660

   1,537,502 (3)   5.7 %

Jay R. Harris

80 Pine Street

New York, NY 10005(*)

   2,133,711 (4)   8.1 %

 

(*) Based on information reported to the SEC by or on behalf of such beneficial owner.

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

To the knowledge of the Company, the ownership of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock as of March 6, 2008, by persons who are directors and nominees for directors, the executive officers of the Company named in the Summary Compensation Table, and by all directors and officers as a group is set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated the Company believes that each of the persons set forth below has the sole power to vote and to dispose of the shares listed opposite his name.

 

Office (if any)

  

Name and Address

Beneficial Owner

   Amount and Nature
of Beneficial Ownership
    Percent of
Class
 

Co-Chairman

  

Herbert A. Kraft

4695 MacArthur Court

Newport Beach, CA 92660

   3,344,039 (1)   12.7 %

Co-Chairman

  

Glenn A. Wintemute

4695 MacArthur Court

Newport Beach, CA 92660

   1,531,974 (2)   5.8 %

Director,

President & CEO

  

Eric G. Wintemute

4695 MacArthur Court

Newport Beach, CA 92660

   1,537,502 (3)   5.7 %

Director

  

Carl R. Soderlind

4695 MacArthur Court

Newport Beach, CA 92660

   96,525 (9)   (13)

Director

  

John B. Miles

4695 MacArthur Court

Newport Beach, CA 92660

   95,770 (10)   (13)

Director

  

Irving J. Thau

4695 MacArthur Court

Newport Beach, CA 92660

   20,612 (11)   (13)

Director

  

Lawrence S. Clark

4695 MacArthur Court

Newport Beach, CA 92660

   11,531 (12)   (13)

President

(GEMCHEM)

  

Bob Gilbane

4695 MacArthur Court

Newport Beach, CA 92660

   340,103 (5)   1.3 %

Senior Vice President

(AMVAC)

  

Glen D. Johnson

4695 MacArthur Court

Newport Beach, CA 92660

   114,938 (6)   (13)

Senior Vice President

(AMVAC)

  

Christopher K. Hildreth

4695 MacArthur Court

Newport Beach, CA 92660

   189,992 (7)   (13)

Sr.V.P.,CFO &

Secretary/Treasurer

  

James A. Barry

4695 MacArthur Court

Newport Beach, CA 92660

   195,009 (8)   (13)

Directors and Officers as a Group(11)

   7,477,995     27.3 %

 

(1) Mr. Kraft owns all of his shares with his spouse in a family trust where he and his spouse are co-trustees, except as to 13,834 shares held in an Individual Retirement Account. This figure includes 19,360 shares of Common Stock Mr. Kraft is entitled to acquire pursuant to stock options exercisable within sixty days of March 6, 2008.

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

(2) Mr. Glenn Wintemute owns all of his shares with his spouse in a family trust where he and his spouse are co-trustees. This figure includes 19,360 shares of Common Stock Mr. Glenn Wintemute is entitled to acquire pursuant to stock options exercisable within sixty days of March 6, 2008.

 

(3) This figure includes 450,000 shares of Common Stock Mr. Eric Wintemute is entitled to acquire pursuant to stock options exercisable within sixty days of March 6, 2008. Mr. Wintemute shares voting and investment power with his spouse with respect to certain shares, including 139,336 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Wintemute’s minor children for whom Mr. Wintemute and his spouse are trustees or custodians and for which he disclaims beneficial ownership.

 

(4) This figure includes 902,775 shares of Common Stock Mr. Harris has shared voting or dispositive power for which he disclaims beneficial ownership.

 

(5) This figure includes 32,467 shares of Common Stock Mr. Gilbane is entitled to acquire pursuant to stock options exercisable within sixty days of March 6, 2008.

 

(6) This figure includes 48,187 shares of Common Stock Mr. Johnson is entitled to acquire pursuant to stock options exercisable within sixty days of March 6, 2008.

 

(7) This figure includes 180,000 shares of Common Stock Mr. Hildreth is entitled to acquire pursuant to stock options exercisable within sixty days of March 6, 2008.

 

(8) This figure includes 184,000 shares of Common Stock Mr. Barry is entitled to acquire pursuant to stock options exercisable within sixty days of March 6, 2008.

 

(9) This figure includes 9,680 shares of Common Stock Mr. Soderlind is entitled to acquire pursuant to stock options exercisable within sixty days of March 6, 2008. Certain shares are held in a family trust where Mr. Soderlind and his spouse are co-trustees.

 

(10) This figure includes 19,360 shares of Common Stock Mr. Miles is entitled to acquire pursuant to stock options exercisable within sixty days of March 6, 2008. Certain shares are held in a family trust where Mr. Miles and his spouse are co-trustees and certain shares are held by Mr. Miles or his spouse in individual retirement accounts.

 

(11) This figure includes 10,200 shares of Common Stock Mr. Thau is entitled to acquire pursuant to stock options exercisable within sixty days of March 6, 2008.

 

(12) This figure includes 532 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Clark’s minor children for whom Mr. Clark and his spouse are trustees or custodians and for which he disclaims beneficial ownership.

 

(13) Under 1% of class.

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION (1)

 

    (a)   (b)   (c)

Plan category

  Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options,
warrants and rights
  Weighted-
average
exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
warrants
and rights
  Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

  1,774,260   $ 6.30   832,819

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

  —       —  
         

Total

  1,774,260     832,819
         

 

(1) As of December 31, 2007. Does not include the American Vanguard Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (approved by security holders in June 2001). Under this plan an aggregate of 1,760,000 shares of Common Stock (as adjusted for stock splits) may be sold to eligible employees pursuant to the plan. The purchase price shall be equal to 85% of the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock on the first day of the enrollment period or on the last day of the enrollment period, whichever is lower. There were 1,458,928 shares available for issuance under the Plan as of December 31, 2007.

 

ITEM 13 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

John B. Miles, a current member of the Board and the Compensation Committee and the current chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, is a partner in the law firm of McDermott, Will & Emery LLP (“MWE”), which, among other firms, provides legal services to the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2007, MWE, which has annual revenues in excess of $1 billion, provided legal services to the Company totaling approximately $544,000. Mr. Herbert A. Kraft, Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors, is paid on an hourly basis to provide, as needed, information necessary to defend the Company relative to the DBCP lawsuits described in Item 3 herein. Total payments to Mr. Kraft in 2007 for these services totaled $49,498.

The board believes that, as a matter of policy, a significant majority of its members should be independent directors who (i) have no close family or similar relationship with a key member of management; (ii) are not significant advisors or consultants with the Company; (iii) do not have (and their companies do not have) significant contracts with the Company or its subsidiaries; and (iv) do not have any other relationship with the Company or its subsidiaries which, in the opinion of the board, would adversely affect a director’s ability to exercise independent judgment as a director. Further, the Company will not retain a director or director’s firm to provide significant professional or financial services to the Company except in exceptional circumstances and only upon recommendation of Management and with the consent of a majority of the independent directors of the board. The Company has posted the preceding policy on its website under its Corporate Governance Guidelines. There were no related party transactions in 2007 that did not obtain this review and approval of the board.

It is the expectation and practice of the board that, in their roles as members of the board, all members will exercise their independent judgment diligently and in good faith and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders as a whole, notwithstanding any member’s other activities or affiliations. The board currently consists of seven members. The board has determined that Messrs Irving J. Thau, Carl R. Soderlind, John B. Miles and Lawrence S Clark, who constitute a majority of the board, are “independent” in accordance with the applicable rules and listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. All members of the Audit,

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committees are independent. The board’s determination concerning independence was based upon information provided by the Company’s directors and discussions among the Company’s directors. The board will re-examine the independence of each of its members at least once per year and more frequently if there is any change in a member’s material relationship with the Company that would interfere with the member’s exercise of independent judgment.

 

ITEM 14 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The Audit Committee of American Vanguard Corporation appointed and the stockholders ratified BDO Seidman, LLP (“BDO”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Aggregate fees for professional services rendered to the Company by BDO for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, were (in thousands):

 

     2007    2006

Audit

   $ 621    $ 503

Tax

     93      186
             
   $ 714    $ 689
             

Audit fees for 2007 and 2006 were for professional services rendered for the audits of the consolidated financial statements of the Company including the audit of management’s assessment of internal controls under Section 404 of the Sarbane’s Oxley Act, timely reviews of quarterly financial statements, consents, income tax provision procedures, and assistance with review of documents filed with the SEC.

Audit Related fees, if any, would primarily relate to assurance services, accounting consultations in connection with acquisitions, and consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards. There were none in 2007 and 2006.

Tax fees for 2007 and 2006 were for services related to tax compliance, including the preparation of tax returns and claims for refund, and tax planning and tax advice, including assistance with and representation in tax audits, advice related to acquisitions, and requests for technical advice from tax authorities.

Our Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of the non-audit services described above is compatible with maintaining our auditors’ independence and determined that such services are appropriate.

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The responsibilities of the Audit Committee, which are set forth in the Audit Committee Charter, include providing oversight to the Company’s financial reporting process through periodic meetings with the Company’s independent auditors and management to review accounting, auditing, internal controls and financial reporting matters. The management of the Company is responsible for the preparation and integrity of the financial reporting information and related systems of internal controls. The Audit Committee, in carrying out its role, relies on the Company’s senior management, including senior financial management, and its independent auditors.

We have reviewed and discussed with senior management the Company’s audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Management has confirmed to us that such financial statements (i) have been prepared with integrity and objectivity and are the responsibility of management and (ii) have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

We have discussed with BDO Seidman, LLP, the Company’s independent auditors, the matters required to be discussed by SAS 61 (Communications with Audit Committee). SAS 61 requires our independent auditors to provide us with additional information regarding the scope and results of their audit of the Company’s financial statements, including with respect to (i) their responsibility under generally accepted auditing standards, (ii) significant accounting policies, (iii) management judgments and estimates, (iv) any significant audit adjustments, (v) any disagreements with management, and (vi) any difficulties encountered in performing the audit.

We have received from BDO Seidman, LLP, a letter providing the disclosures required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1. (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees) with respect to any relationships between BDO Seidman, LLP and the Company that in their professional judgment may reasonably be thought to bear on independence. BDO Seidman, LLP has discussed its independence with us, and has confirmed in such letter that, in its professional judgment, it is independent of the Company within the meaning of the federal securities laws.

Based on the review and discussions described above with respect to the Company’s audited financial statements, we have recommended to the Board of Directors that such financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

As specified in the Audit Committee Charter, it is not the duty of the Audit Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the Company’s financial statements are complete and accurate and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. That is the responsibility of management and the Company’s independent auditors. In addition, it is not the duty of the Audit Committee to conduct investigations, to resolve disagreements, if any, between management and the independent auditors, or to assure compliance with laws and regulations and the Company’s Code of Conduct and Ethics. In giving our recommendation to the Board of Directors, we have relied on (i) management’s representation that such financial statements have been prepared with integrity and objectivity and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, and (ii) the report of the Company’s independent auditors with respect to such financial statements.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Irving J. Thau, Chair

Carl R. Soderlind

Lawrence S. Clark

March 14, 2008

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15 EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

  (a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:

 

Description

   Page No.

Financial Statements:

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   59

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006

   60

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005

   61

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   62

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005

   63

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   65

 

  (b) Exhibits:

The exhibits listed on the accompanying Index To Exhibits, page 92 are filed as part of this annual report.

 

  (c) Valuation and qualifying accounts:

Schedule II-A—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable (in thousands)

 

Fiscal Year Ended

   Balance
at
Beginning
of

Period
   Additions Charged to    Deductions     Balance at
End of
Period
      Costs and
Expenses
   Other     

December 31, 2007

   350    68         418

December 31, 2006

   414          (64 )   350

December 31, 2005

   200    214         414

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, American Vanguard Corporation has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

(Registrant)

 

By:  

/s/    E RIC G. W INTEMUTE        

  By:  

/s/    D AVID T. J OHNSON        

    Eric G. Wintemute      

David T. Johnson

   

President, Chief Executive Officer

and Director

      Chief Financial Officer
  March 17, 2008     March 17, 2008

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated.

 

By:  

/s/    H ERBERT A. K RAFT        

  By:  

/s/    G LENN A. W INTEMUTE        

    Herbert A. Kraft       Glenn A. Wintemute
    Co-Chairman       Co-Chairman
  March 17, 2008     March 17, 2008
By:  

/s/    J OHN B. M ILES        

  By:  

/s/    C ARL R. S ODERLIND        

  John B. Miles     Carl R. Soderlind
  Director     Director
  March 17, 2008     March 17, 2008
By:  

/s/    L AWRENCE S. C LARK        

  By:  

/s/    I RVING J. T HAU        

    Lawrence S. Clark       Irving J. Thau
    Director       Director
  March 17, 2008     March 17, 2008

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

American Vanguard Corporation

Newport Beach, California

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Vanguard Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. In connection with our audits of the financial statements, we have also audited the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statements and schedule presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Vanguard Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 , in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Also in our opinion the financial schedule when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

As more fully described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 123(R), Share-Based Payment.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), American Vanguard Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 17, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP

Los Angeles, California

March 17, 2008

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, 2007 and 2006

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

     2007     2006  
Assets     

Current assets:

    

Cash

   $ 3,201     $ 1,844  

Receivables:

    

Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $418 and $350, respectively

     55,925       75,158  

Other

     645       586  
                
     56,570       75,744  
                

Inventories

     63,455       66,628  

Prepaid expenses

     2,214       1,354  
                

Total current assets

     125,440       145,570  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     36,330       36,652  

Land held for development

     211       211  

Intangible assets

     85,318       79,030  

Other assets

     1,282       913  
                
   $ 248,581     $ 262,376  
                
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity     

Current liabilities:

    

Current installments of long-term debt

   $ 4,106     $ 4,106  

Accounts payable

     13,796       15,688  

Accrued program costs

     24,191       17,893  

Accrued expenses and other payables

     5,987       4,794  

Accrued royalty obligations

     368       603  

Income taxes payable

     1,848       3,253  
                

Total current liabilities

     50,296       46,337  

Long-term debt, excluding current installments

     56,155       93,761  

Deferred income taxes

     2,391       1,401  
                

Total liabilities

     108,842       141,499  
                

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Notes 2, 5, 7 and 9)

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, $.10 par value per share; authorized 400,000 shares; none issued

     —         —    

Common stock, $.10 par value per share; authorized 40,000,000 shares; issued 28,650,829 shares in 2007 and 28,354,322 shares in 2006

     2,865       2,835  

Additional paid-in capital

     36,551       34,821  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     64       (148 )

Retained earnings

     103,004       86,114  
                
     142,484       123,622  

Less treasury stock, at cost, 2,226,796 shares in 2007 and 2006

     (2,745 )     (2,745 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     139,739       120,877  
                
   $ 248,581     $ 262,376  
                

See summary of significant accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Net sales

   $ 216,662     $ 193,771     $ 189,796  

Cost of sales

     120,932       111,413       104,117  
                        

Gross profit

     95,730       82,358       85,679  

Operating expenses

     59,717       53,142       53,412  
                        

Operating income

     36,013       29,216       32,267  

Interest expense

     5,731       3,382       1,720  

Interest income

     (214 )     (30 )     (29 )

Interest capitalized

     (30 )     (658 )     (363 )
                        

Income before provision for income taxes

     30,526       26,522       30,939  

Income taxes

     11,798       11,074       11,937  
                        

Net income

   $ 18,728     $ 15,448     $ 19,002  
                        

Earnings per common share—basic

   $ 0.71     $ 0.60     $ 0.78  
                        

Earnings per common share—assuming dilution

   $ 0.68     $ 0.57     $ 0.74  
                        

Weighted average shares outstanding—basic

     26,307,019       25,933,650       24,344,179  
                        

Weighted average shares outstanding—assuming dilution

     27,436,105       27,186,369       25,758,740  
                        

 

See summary of significant accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

    Common Stock   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Comprehensive
Income
  Treasury Stock     Total  
    Shares   Amount           Shares   Amount    

Balance, January 1, 2005

  26,483,051   $ 2,648   $ 8,898   $ 55,378     $ (207 )     —     2,226,796   $ (2,745 )   $ 63,972  

Stocks issued under ESPP

  41,169     4     536     —         —         —     —       —         540  

Cash dividends on common stock ($0.085 per share)

  —       —       —       (1,550 )     —         —     —       —         (1,550 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net

  —       —       —       —         9       9   —       —         9  

Stock options exercised

  90,387     9     466     —         —         —     —       —         475  

Net income

  —       —       —       19,002       —         19,002   —       —         19,002  
                     

Total comprehensive income

  —       —       —       —         —       $ 19,011   —       —         —    
                                                         

Balance, December 31, 2005

  26,614,607     2,661     9,900     72,830       (198 )     —     2,226,796     (2,745 )     82,448  

Stocks issued under ESPP

  42,115     4     582     —         —         —     —       —         586  

Cash dividends on common stock ($0.0825 per share)

  —       —       —       (2,164 )     —         —     —       —         (2,164 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net

  —       —       —       —         50       50   —       —         50  

Private equity offering

  1,385,970     139     22,395     —         —         —     —       —         22,534  

FAS 123(R) expense

  —       —       984     —         —         —     —       —         984  

Stock options exercised and grants of restricted stock units

  311,630     31     960     —         —         —     —       —         991  

Net income

  —       —       —       15,448       —         15,448   —       —         15,448  
                     

Total comprehensive income

  —       —       —       —         —       $ 15,498   —       —         —    
                                                         

Balance, December 31, 2006

  28,354,322   $ 2,835   $ 34,821   $ 86,114     $ (148 )     —     2,226,796   $ (2,745 )   $ 120,877  

Stocks issued under ESPP

  44,372     5     268     —         —         —     —       —         273  

Cash dividends on common stock ($0.07 per share)

  —       —       —       (1,838 )     —         —     —       —         (1,838 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net

  —       —       —       —         212       212   —       —         212  

FAS 123(R) expense

  —       —       791     —         —         —     —       —         791  

Stock options exercised and grants of restricted stock units

  252,135     25     671     —         —         —     —       —         696  

Net income

  —       —       —       18,728       —         18,728   —       —         18,728  
                     

Total comprehensive income

  —       —       —       —         —       $ 18,940   —       —         —    
                                                         

Balance, December 31, 2007

  28,650,829   $ 2,865   $ 36,551   $ 103,004     $ 64       —     2,226,796   $ (2,745 )   $ 139,739  
                                                         

See summary of significant accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Increase (decrease) in cash

      

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income

   $ 18,728     $ 15,448     $ 19,002  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     6,338       4,745       4,965  

Amortization of intangibles

     3,750       1,929       2,051  

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options, employee stock purchases and directors’ fees

     791       984       —    

Deferred income taxes

     990       139       243  

Changes in assets and liabilities associated with operations:

      

(Increase) decrease in net receivables

     19,174       (15,475 )     (31,964 )

(Increase) decrease in inventories

     3,173       (22,269 )     (724 )

(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets

     (1,396 )     (782 )     834  

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

     (1,892 )     (12,704 )     15,456  

Increase (decrease) in other payables and accrued expenses

     5,851       (2,108 )     8,953  
                        

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

     55,507       (30,093 )     18,816  
                        

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Capital expenditures

     (5,849 )     (7,058 )     (13,186 )

Acquisitions of intangible assets

     (8,038 )     (39,737 )     (22,112 )
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (13,887 )     (46,795 )     (35,298 )
                        

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Net (repayments) borrowings under line of credit agreement

     (35,500 )     30,500       3,000  

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     —         60,000       20,000  

Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     ( 4,106 )     (35,107 )     (5,107 )

Proceeds from the issuance of common stock

     969       24,111       1,015  

Payment of cash dividends

     (1,838 )     (2,164 )     (1,550 )
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (40,475 )     77,340       17,358  
                        

Net increase in cash

     1,145       452       876  

Cash at beginning of year

     1,844       1,342       457  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     212       50       9  
                        

Cash at end of year

   $ 3,201     $ 1,844     $ 1,342  
                        

Supplemental cash flow information:

      

Cash paid during the year for:

      

Interest

   $ 6,234     $ 2,992     $ 1,580  
                        

Income taxes

   $ 11,674     $ 9,472     $ 11,552  
                        

See summary of significant accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:

On September 11, 2007, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.03 per share. The dividend was distributed on October 12, 2007, to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 28, 2007.

On March 13, 2007, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.04 per share. The dividend was distributed on April 13, 2007 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 30, 2007.

On September 14, 2006, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.03 per share. The dividend was distributed on October 13, 2006, to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 29, 2006.

On March 23, 2006, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a 4 for 3 stock split and a cash dividend of $0.07 per share ($0.0525 as adjusted for the 4 for 3 stock split). Both dividends were distributed on April 17, 2006 to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 3, 2006. The cash dividend was paid on the number of shares outstanding prior to the 4 for 3 stock split. Stockholders entitled to fractional shares resulting from the stock split received cash in lieu of such fractional share based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on April 3, 2006.

On September 14, 2005, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.03 per share which was distributed on October 14, 2005, to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 30, 2005.

On March 21, 2005, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a 2 for 1 stock split (100% stock dividend) and a cash dividend of $0.11 per share ($0.055 as adjusted for the stock split). Both dividends were distributed on April 15, 2005 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 29, 2005. The cash dividend was paid on the number of shares outstanding prior to the 2 for 1 stock split. Stockholders entitled to fractional shares resulting from the stock split received cash in lieu of such fractional share based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on March 29, 2005.

During 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of a product line in connection of which, the Company recorded intangible assets in the amount of $10,008 of which $8,008 was paid in cash during the period.

See summary of significant accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Description of Business and Basis of Consolidation

The Company is primarily a specialty chemical manufacturer that develops and markets safe and effective products for agricultural and commercial uses. The Company manufactures and formulates chemicals for crops, human and animal protection. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of American Vanguard Corporation (“Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company operates within a single operating segment.

Based on similar economic and operational characteristics, the Company’s business is aggregated into one reportable segment. Selective enterprise information is as follows:

 

     2007    2006    2005

Net sales:

        

Crop

   $ 185,886    $ 162,447    $ 157,327

Non-crop

     30,776      31,324      32,469
                    
   $ 216,662    $ 193,771    $ 189,796
                    

The Company’s subsidiary, GemChem, Inc., procures certain raw materials used in the Company’s manufacturing operations and is also a distributor of various pharmaceutical and nutritional supplement products.

Because of elements inherent to the Company’s business, such as differing and unpredictable weather patterns, crop growing cycles, changes in product mix of sales and ordering patterns that may vary in timing, measuring the Company’s performance on a quarterly basis (gross profit margins on a quarterly basis may vary significantly) even when such comparisons are favorable, is not as good an indicator as full-year comparisons.

Cost of Goods Sold

In addition to normal centers (i.e., direct labor, raw materials) of cost of goods sold, the Company includes such cost centers as Health and Safety, Environmental, Maintenance and Quality Control in cost of goods sold.

Other Than Cost of Goods Sold—Operating Expenses

Operating expenses include such cost centers as Selling, General and Administrative, Research and Product Development, Regulatory/Registration, Freight, Delivery and Warehousing in operating expenses.

Freight, Delivery and Warehousing Expense

Freight, delivery and warehousing costs incurred by the Company are reported as operating expenses. All amounts billed to a customer in a sales transaction related to freight, delivery and warehousing are recorded as a reduction in operating expenses. Freight, delivery and warehousing costs were $17,263 in 2007 , $15,939 in 2006 and $11,715 in 2005.

Advertising Expense

The Company expenses advertising costs in the period incurred. Advertising expenses, which include promotional costs, is recognized in operating costs (specifically in selling expenses) in the consolidated statements of income and were $1,734 in 2007 , $1,270 in 2006 and $1,044 in 2005.

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Inventories

The Company values its inventories at lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method, including material, labor and factory overhead. The Company writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence equal to the cost of the inventory. Product obsolescence may be caused by shelf-life expiration, discontinuance of a product line, replacement products in the marketplace or other competitive situations.

The components of inventories consist of the following:

 

     2007    2006

Finished products

   $ 56,860    $ 58,060

Raw materials

     6,595      8,568
             
   $ 63,455    $ 66,628
             

Long-lived Assets

The carrying values of long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset. Generally, fair value will be determined using valuation techniques such as the present value of expected future cash flows. Substantially all of the Company’s long-lived assets are held domestically. There was no impairment for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from sales is recognized at the time title and the risks of ownership passes. This is when the customer has made the fixed commitment to purchase the goods, the products are shipped per the customers’ instructions, the sales price is determinable, and collection is reasonably assured.

Programs

The Company has adopted Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 01-9, Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer or a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products (“EITF 01-9”). In accordance with EITF 01-9, the Company is required to classify certain payments to its customers as a reduction of sales. The Company engages in various customer programs. The Company accounts for these programs as either operating expenses or as a reduction in sales in accordance with EITF 01-9.

Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation

Property, plant and equipment includes the cost of land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office furniture and fixtures, automobiles, and construction projects and significant improvements to existing plant and equipment. Interest costs related to significant construction projects may be capitalized at the Company’s weighted average cost of capital. Expenditures for maintenance and minor repairs are expensed as incurred. When property or equipment is sold or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from the respective accounts and the gain or loss realized on disposition is reflected in earnings. All plant and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method, utilizing estimated useful property lives. Building lives range from 10 to 30 years; machinery and equipment lives range from 3 to 15 years; office furniture and fixtures lives range from 3 to 10 years, automobile lives range from 3 to 6 years; construction projects and significant improvements to existing plant and equipment lives range from 3 to 15 years when placed in service.

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, where the local currency is the functional currency, have been translated at year end exchange rates and profit and loss accounts have been translated using weighted average yearly exchange rates. Adjustments resulting from translation have been recorded in the equity section of the balance sheet as cumulative translation adjustments in other comprehensive loss.

The effect of foreign currency exchange gains and losses on transactions that are denominated in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency are remeasured into the functional currency using the end of the period exchange rates. The effects of foreign currency transactions are included in current profit and loss accounts and are immaterial.

The Company had total comprehensive income of $18,940, $15,498 and $19,011 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, which include foreign currency gains of $212, $50 and $9 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2004 and 2005, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying values of cash, receivables and accounts payable approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments.

The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt and note payable to bank is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities. Such fair value approximates the respective carrying values of the Company’s long-term debt and note payable to bank.

Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for income taxes, including recognition of deferred tax assets for the anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement amounts and their respective tax bases. Income tax expense is recognized currently for taxes payable. The Company reviews its deferred tax assets for recovery. A valuation allowance is established when the Company believes that it is more likely than not that some portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the Company’s tax provision in the period of change.

Per Share Information

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 128, Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) requires dual presentation of basic EPS and diluted EPS on the face of all income statements. Basic EPS is computed as net income divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts, which, for the Company, consists of options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock are exercised.

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows:

 

     2007    2006    2005

Numerator:

        

Net income

   $ 18,728    $ 15,448    $ 19,002
                    

Denominator:

        

Weighted average shares outstanding—basic

     26,307      25,934      24,344

Assumed exercise of stock options—fully dilutive

     1,129      1,252      1,415
                    
     27,436      27,186      25,759
                    

Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses at the date that the financial statements are prepared. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The primary identifiable intangible assets of the Company relate to product rights associated with its product acquisitions. The Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, identifiable intangibles with finite lives are amortized and those with indefinite lives are not amortized. The estimated useful life of an identifiable intangible asset to the Company is based upon a number of factors including the effects of demand, competition, and expected changes in the marketability of the Company’s products. The Company tests identifiable intangible assets for impairment at least annually, relying on a number of factors including operating results, business plans and future cash flows. Identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment using a process similar to that used to evaluate elements of property. The impairment test for identifiable intangible assets not subject to amortization consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. An impairment loss, if any, is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. Fair value is typically estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis, which requires the Company to estimate the future cash flows anticipated to be generated by the particular asset(s) being tested for impairment as well as selecting a discount rate to measure the present value of the anticipated cash flows. When determining future cash flow estimates, the Company considers historical results adjusted to reflect current and anticipated operating conditions. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment by the Company in such areas as future economic conditions, industry-specific conditions, product pricing and necessary capital expenditures. The use of different assumptions or estimates for future cash flows could produce different impairment amounts (or none at all) for long-lived assets, goodwill and identifiable intangible assets. There were no impairment losses for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Reclassifications

Certain prior years amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Stock-Based Compensation

On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” (“SFAS 123(R)”) which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including employee stock options and employee stock purchases related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“employee stock purchases”) based on estimated fair values. SFAS 123(R) supersedes the Company’s previous accounting under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”) for periods beginning in fiscal 2006. In March 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (“SAB 107”) relating to SFAS 123(R). The Company has applied the provisions of SAB 107 in its adoption of SFAS 123(R).

The Company adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method, which requires the application of the accounting standard as of January 1, 2006, the first day of the Company’s fiscal year 2006. The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 reflect the impact of SFAS 123(R). In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for prior periods have not been restated to reflect, and do not include, the impact of SFAS 123(R). Stock-based compensation expense recognized under SFAS 123(R) for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 were $791 and $984, respectively. Stock based compensation expense recognized consisted of the following:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2007
   Year Ended
December 31,
2006

Expense related to employee stock options

   $ 334    $ 576

Expense related to director stock awards

     282      316

Expense related to employee stock purchases

     175      92
             

Total SFAS 123(R) expense

   $ 791    $ 984
             

The impact of adopting SFAS 123(R) for years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 was a reduction of $0.03 and $0.03 per share respectively on a diluted basis.

SFAS 123(R) requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company accounted for stock-based awards to employees and directors using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB 25 as allowed under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”). Under the intrinsic value method, no stock-based compensation expense had been recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations, other than as related to acquisitions and investments, because the exercise price of the Company’s stock options granted to employees and directors equaled the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 included compensation expense for share-based payment awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 31, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the pro forma

 

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AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

provisions of SFAS 123 and compensation expense for the share-based payment awards granted subsequent to December 31, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123(R). In conjunction with the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company changed its method of attributing the value of stock-based compensation to expense from the accelerated multiple-option approach to the straight-line single option method. Compensation expense for all share-based payment awards granted on or prior to December 31, 2005 will continue to be recognized using the accelerated multiple-option approach while compensation expense for all share-based payment awards granted subsequent to December 31, 2005 is recognized using the straight-line single-option method. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for periods subsequent to December 31, 2005 has not been reduced for forfeitures as estimated forfeitures are anticipated to be immaterial. Instead forfeitures are being recognized as they occur. SFAS 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated, if material, at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. In the Company’s pro forma information required under SFAS 123 for the periods prior to fiscal 2006, the Company accounted for forfeitures as they occurred.

As of December 31, 2007, the Company had approximately $98 of unamortized stock-based compensation expenses, which will be recognized over the weighted-average period of 1.5 years. This projected expense will change if any stock options are granted or cancelled prior to the respective reporting periods or if there are any changes required to be made for estimated forfeitures.

Upon adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company continued its method of valuation for share-based awards granted beginning in fiscal 2006 based on the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (“Black-Scholes model”) which was previously used for the Company’s pro forma information required under SFAS 123 using the following weighted average assumptions:

 

     2007     2005  

Risk free interest rate

   4.65 %   4.7 %

Dividend yield

   .50 %   0.26 %

Volatility factor

   41 %   38 %

Weighted average life (years)

   5 years     1-5 years  

The weighted average fair value on the date of grant for options granted during 2005 was $5.20. There were no option shares granted during the year ended December 31, 2006. There were 6, 349 option shares granted during the year ended December 31, 2007.

The expected volatility and expected life assumptions are highly complex and subjective variables. The variables take into consideration, among other things, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behavior. The Company estimates expected term using the “safe harbor” provisions of SAB 107. The Company used historical volatility as a proxy for estimating expected volatility.

On November 10, 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 123(R)-3 “Transition Election Related to Accounting for Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards.” The Company has elected to adopt the alternative transition method provided in the FASB Staff Position for calculating the tax effects of stock-based compensation pursuant to SFAS 123(R). The alternative transition method includes simplified methods to establish the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool (“APIC pool”) related to the tax effects of employee stock-based compensation, and to determine the subsequent impact on the APIC pool and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows of the tax effects of employee stock-based compensation awards that are outstanding upon adoption of SFAS 123(R).

 

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Pro Forma Information under SFAS 123 for the years ended December 31, 2005 (periods prior to fiscal 2006) is as follows: (amounts in thousands, except for per share data).

 

     2005  

Net income attributable to common stockholders

   $ 19,002  

Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

     -0-  

Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

     (589 )
        

Pro forma

   $ 18,413  
        

Earnings per common share—basic, as reported

   $ 0.78  
        

Pro forma

   $ 0.76  
        

Earnings per common share—diluted, as reported

   $ 0.74  
        

Pro forma

   $ 0.71  
        

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Specifically, this statement requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. SFAS 160 clarifies that changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains it controlling financial interest. In addition, this statement requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. Such gain or loss will be measured using the fair value of the noncontrolling equity investment on the deconsolidation date. SFAS 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. The Company is evaluating the adoption of SFAS 160 and its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, cash flows and results of operations.

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141 (Revised) (“FAS 141(R)”), Business Combinations . The provisions of this statement are effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2008. Earlier application is not permitted. FAS 141(R) replaces FAS 141 and provides new guidance for valuing assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination. We will adopt FAS 141(R) in calendar year 2009.

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” , which provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The objective of SFAS No. 159 is to reduce both complexity in accounting for financial instruments and the volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to

 

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facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2008. The Company has not completed its evaluation of SFAS No. 159 but it does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 159 to have a material effect on its operating results or financial position.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans . The statement requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. This statement was effective as of the end of the fiscal year ending after December 15, 2006. The adoption of SFAS 158 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements . This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company does not currently believe that the adoption of SFAS 157 will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes , (“FIN 48”) an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes . FIN 48 requires that a position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return be recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e. a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Upon adoption, the cumulative effect of applying the recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 48, if any, shall be reflected as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. FIN 48 requires that subsequent to initial adoption a change in judgment that results in subsequent recognition, derecognition or change in a measurement of a tax position taken in a prior annual period (including any related interest and penalties) be recognized as a discrete item in the period in which the change occurs. Currently, we record such changes in judgment, including audit settlements, as a component of the Company’s income tax provision. Thus, the Company’s reported quarterly income tax rate may become more volatile. This change will not impact the manner in which we record income tax expense on an annual basis. FIN 48 also requires expanded disclosures including identification of tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months, a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdiction, a tabular reconciliation of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of each annual reporting period, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate and the total amounts of interest and penalties recognized in the statements of operations and financial position. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The standard did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

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(1) Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2007 and 2006 consists of the following:

 

     2007    2006    Estimated
useful lives

Land

   $ 2,441    $ 2,441   

Buildings and improvements

     6,791      6,699    10 to 30 years

Machinery and equipment

     66,257      58,529    3 to 15 years

Office furniture, fixtures and equipment

     5,054      4,853    3 to 10 years

Automotive equipment

     269      209    3 to 6 years

Construction in progress

     5,186      7,418   
                
     85,998      80,149   

Less accumulated depreciation

     49,668      43,497   
                
   $ 36,330    $ 36,652   
                

(2) Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt of the Company at December 31, 2007 and 2006 is summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

     2007    2006

Note payable, secured by certain real property, payable in monthly installments of $9, plus interest (7.0275% as of December 31, 2007) with remaining unpaid principal due April 1, 2011

   $ 2,261    $ 2,367

Term loan, secured by personal property, payable in quarterly principal installments of $1,000 plus interest (6.08% as of December 31, 2007) through December 31, 2009 and $2,000 plus interest thereafter with remaining unpaid principal due December 15, 2013 (a)

     56,000      60,000

Product acquisitions

     2,000      —  

Revolving line of credit (interest rate of 7.69% at December 31, 2006) (a)

     —        35,500
             
     60,261      97,867

Less current installments

     4,106      4,106
             
   $ 56,155    $ 93,761
             

Approximate principal payments on long-term debt mature as follows:

 

2008

   $ 4,106

2009

     6,106

2010

     8,106

2011

     8,106

2012

     9,837

Thereafter

     24,000
      
   $ 60,261
      

 

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(a) In December 2006, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with a syndicate of commercial lenders led by the Company’s primary bank as the administrative agent and a lender along with six other banks, for a $165,000 secured credit facility. This credit facility replaced the Company’s previous Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with its primary bank and syndicate of other commercial lenders. The new credit facility consists of a $75,000 revolving line of credit, $60,000 term loan and an accordion term feature of $30,000. These loans bear interest at the prime rate (“Prime Rate Loans”), or at the Company’s option, a fixed rate of interest offered by the Bank (such as adjusted LIBOR rate plus certain margins, in each case dependent on certain debt ratios (“Eurodollar Rate Loans”)). The principal payments of the term loan are payable in equal quarterly installments of $1,000 on or before the last business day of each March, June, September and December, commencing March 31, 2007 through December 31, 2009, and in equal quarterly installments of $2,000 on or before the last business day of each March, June, September and December, commencing March 31, 2010 through September 30, 2013. One final installment in the amount necessary to repay the remaining outstanding principal balance of the term loan is due in full on the maturity date. Interest accruing on Prime Rate Loans is payable monthly. Interest accruing on the Eurodollar Rate Loans are payable on the last day of the interest period, provided that, with an interest period longer than three months, interest is payable on the last day of each three-month period after the commencement of such interest period. The senior secured revolving line of credit matures on December 15, 2011 and term loan matures on December 15, 2013. These loans contain certain covenants (with which the Company is in compliance) as defined in the agreement. The Company had $75,000 of availability under its revolving line of credit as of December 31, 2007.

Substantially all of the Company’s assets not otherwise specifically pledged as collateral on existing loans and capital leases are pledged as collateral under the credit agreement.

The average amount outstanding of the senior secured revolving line of credit during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $17,412 and $26,573. The weighted average interest rate during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was 7.51% and 7.07%.

(3) Income Taxes

The components of income tax expense are:

 

     2007    2006    2005  

Current:

        

Federal

   $ 8,031    $ 8,596    $ 9,626  

State

     2,001      2,178      2,554  

Foreign

     776      161      —    

Deferred:

        

Federal

     737      42      (320 )

State

     253      97      77  
                      
   $ 11,798    $ 11,074    $ 11,937  
                      

 

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Total income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income tax expense as a result of the following:

 

     2007     2006    2005  

Computed tax provision at statutory Federal rates

   $ 10,656     $ 9,283    $ 10,829  

Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:

       

State taxes, net of Federal income tax benefit

     1,451       1,350      1,575  

Other expenses

     (309 )     441      (467 )
                       
   $ 11,798     $ 11,074    $ 11,937  
                       

Income/ (loss) before income taxes is as follows (in thousands):

 

     2007    2006    2005  

Domestic

   $ 27,926    $ 25,884    $ 30,962  

Foreign

     2,600      638      (23 )
                      
   $ 30,526    $ 26,522    $ 30,939  
                      

Temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities that give rise to significant portions of the net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2006 and 2005 relate to the following:

 

     2007     2006  

Current:

    

Inventories

   $ 1,431     $ 968  

State income taxes

     502       324  

Vacation pay accrual

     187       199  

Accrued bonuses

     —         549  

Other

     235       150  
                

Net deferred tax asset

     2,355       2,190  
                

Non-Current:

    

Plant and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation and capitalized interest

     (4,746 )     (3,591 )
                

Net deferred tax liability

     (4,746 )     (3,591 )
                

Total net deferred tax liability

   $ (2,391 )   $ (1,401 )
                

The Company believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets above will be realized in the normal course of business. Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no provision for United States federal and state income taxes has been provided thereon. Upon distribution of earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to both United States income taxes (subject to adjustment for foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred United States income tax liability is not practicable because of the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation.

 

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Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, or FIN 48, on January 1, 2007. FIN 48 contains a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

The implementation of FIN 48 did not have a material affect on the Company’s financial statements at adoption and as of December 31, 2007. The Company’s evaluation was performed for the tax years ended December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the years which remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions as of December 31, 2007.

The Company may from time to time be assessed interest or penalties by major tax jurisdictions. In the event the Company receives an assessment for interest and/or penalties, such amounts will be classified in the financial statements as income tax expense.

(4) Litigation and Environmental

I. DBCP Litigation

AMVAC and/or the Company have been named or otherwise implicated in a number of lawsuits concerning injuries allegedly arising from either contamination (of water supplies) or personal exposure to 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (“DBCP”). A summary of these actions follows:

A. Hawaii Matters

Board of Water Supply v. Shell Oil Co. et al.

AMVAC and the Company were served with complaints in February 1997. The actions were filed in the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit, State of Hawaii entitled Board of Water Supply of the County of Maui v. Shell Oil Co., et. al. The suit named as defendants the Company, AMVAC, Shell Oil Company, The Dow Chemical Company, Occidental Chemical Company, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Occidental Chemical Corporation, and Brewer Environmental Industry, Inc. Maui Pineapple Company was joined as a cross-defendant. The Complaint alleged that between two and four of the Board’s wells had been contaminated with DBCP in excess of the maximum contaminant level (“MCL”). In addition, the Board of Water Supply contended that future wells may exceed the MCL level and would need remediation. On August 2, 1999, a global settlement was reached, which included the remediation of the existing contaminated wells in addition to the installation of filtration devices on other wells for the next forty years on the island of Maui. The cash settlement was three million dollars ($3,000,000) of which AMVAC’s (and the Company’s) portion was five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000). The settlement agreement obligates the defendants to pay for the installation of filtration devices on other wells that become contaminated later and for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the filtration devices for up to forty years. The annual costs of operation and maintenance per well is estimated to be approximately sixty-nine thousand dollars ($69,000), to be adjusted annually by the consumer price index. The obligations of the defendants under this agreement are secured by a twenty million-dollar letter of credit obtained by Dow Chemical. In connection with the settlement, in October 2005, AMVAC paid for a share of a permanent filtration system in the amount of $222,198. In June 2007, AMVAC paid $23,654 for its share of operations and maintenance expenses for 2005 and 2006.

 

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Patrickson, et. al. v. Dole Food Co., et. al

In October 1997, AMVAC was served with a Complaint(s) in which it was named as a defendant, filed in the Circuit Court, First Circuit, State of Hawaii and in the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit, State of Hawaii (two identical suits) entitled Patrickson, et. al. v. Dole Food Co., et. al (“Patrickson Case”) alleging damages sustained from injuries caused by plaintiffs’ exposure to DBCP while applying the product in their native countries. Other named defendants are: Dole Food Co., Dole Fresh Fruit, Dole Fresh Fruit International, Pineapple Growers Association of Hawaii, Shell Oil Company, Dow Chemical Company, Occidental Chemical Corporation, Standard Fruit Company, Standard Fruit & Steamship, Standard Fruit Company De Costa Rica, Standard Fruit Company De Honduras, Chiquita Brands, Chiquita Brands International, Martrop Trading Corporation, and Del Monte Fresh Produce. (American Vanguard Corporation has not been sued in these actions.) The ten named plaintiffs are citizens of four countries—Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador. Punitive damages are sought against each defendant. The plaintiffs were banana workers and allege that they were exposed to DBCP in applying the product in their native countries. The case was also filed as a class action on behalf of other workers so exposed in these four countries. The plaintiffs allege sterility and other injuries. The suits were removed to federal court and for the last several years, the focus of the case has been on procedural issues, including the dismissal of the case based on the doctrine of forum non conveniens. This doctrine would require the plaintiffs to pursue their claims in their native countries. On April 22, 2003, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision on the procedural posture of the case, holding there was no jurisdiction in federal court and remanded the case to state court. Starting in early 2004, there had been no activity in the case for about two years. However, a status conference was held on June 1, 2006 at the request of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, who expressed a desire to pursue the class action aspect or add other individuals. Plaintiffs’ counsel now claims that his class members will include workers from mainland U.S. and other countries. On September 12, 2006, the court ordered the transfer of venue from Maui County to Oahu. The court held a status conference on April 16, 2007 and tentatively set the case for trial for February 16, 2009. The plaintiffs were requested to file a preliminary motion for class certification but have not done so to date. All parties expect that the case will not be certified as a class action as a matter of law, but the plaintiffs’ attorney then wants to add several thousand other individuals as plaintiffs here or in some other action. No discovery has taken place on the individual claims of the plaintiffs. Without such discovery, it is unknown whether any of the plaintiffs was exposed to AMVAC brand DBCP, what are the actual injuries, or what statute of limitation defenses may apply. AMVAC intends to contest the cases vigorously. However, it is too early to provide an assessment as to the probability of an unfavorable outcome in these matters.

Further, the plaintiffs’ attorneys reported that the ten plaintiffs filed suit in their home countries in 1998, based on the prior order of forum non conveniens, alleging damages in excess of two million United States dollars ($2,000,000) per plaintiff. The suit in Guatemala was served on AMVAC in March 2001, but no defendant has been required to answer. Suits in the other countries have not been served. AMVAC has engaged local attorneys in the countries to defend these foreign suits.

Adams v. Dole Food Co. et al

On approximately November 23, 2007, AMVAC was served with a suit filed by two former Hawaiian pineapple workers and their spouses, alleging testicular cancer due to DBCP exposure: Adams v. Dole Food Co. et al in the First Circuit for the State of Hawaii. The complaint was filed on June 29, 2007 and names Dole Food Co., Standard Fruit and Steamship Company, Dole Fresh Food, Pineapple Growers Association, AMVAC, Shell Oil Co., Dow Chemical Co. and Occidental Corporation. Plaintiff Mark Adams alleges he was exposed to DBCP in 1974 and 1975 while working on Dole’s plantation on Oahu. Plaintiff Nelson Ng alleges he was exposed between 1971 and 1973 while working in Lanai City, Lanai. AMVAC answered the complaint on or about

 

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December 14, 2007. While no discovery has taken place, AMVAC denies that any of its product could have been used at the times and locations alleged by these plaintiffs.

B. Mississippi Matters

In May 1996, AMVAC was served with five complaints in which it is named as a defendant. (These complaints were filed by the same attorneys representing the Patrickson plaintiffs in Hawaii.) The complaints are brought by plaintiffs Edgar Arroyo-Gonzalez, Eulogio Garzon-Larreategui, ValentinValdez, Amilcar Belteton-Rivera, and Carlos Nicanor Espinola-E against one or more of the following named defendants: Coahoma Chemical Co. Inc., Shell Oil Company, Dow Chemical Co., Occidental Chemical Co., Standard Fruit Co., Standard Fruit and Steamship Co., Dole Food Co., Inc., Dole Fresh Fruit Co., Chiquita Brands, Inc., Chiquita Brands International, Inc. and Del Monte Fresh Produce, N.A. The cases were filed in the Circuit Court of Harrison County, First Judicial District of Mississippi. Each case alleged damages sustained from injuries caused by plaintiffs’ (who are former banana workers and citizens of a Central American country) exposure to DBCP while applying the product in their native countries. These cases were removed to U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, Southern Division. The federal court granted defense motions to dismiss in each case pursuant to the doctrine of forum non conveniens . On January 19, 2001, the court issued an unpublished decision, finding that there was jurisdiction in federal court, but remanded just one case (Espinola) back to the trial court based on a stipulation which limited the plaintiff’s recovery to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). No activity has taken place on this matter since 2001. Without discovery, it is unknown whether this plaintiff was exposed to the Company’s product or what defenses may apply. AMVAC intends to contest the cases vigorously. It is too early to provide an evaluation of the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome in this case.

C. Louisiana Matters

In November 1999, AMVAC was served with three complaints filed in the 29 th Judicial District Court for the Parish of St. Charles, State of Louisiana entitled Pedro Rodrigues et. al v. AMVAC Chemical Corporation et. al, Andres Puerto, et. al v. Amvac Chemical Corporation, et. al and Eduardo Soriano, et al v. Amvac Chemical Corporation et. al. Other named defendants are: Dow Chemical Company, Occidental Chemical Corporation, Shell Oil Company, Standard Fruit, Dole Food, Chiquita Brands, Tela Railroad Company, Compania Palma Tica, and Del Monte Fresh Produce. American Vanguard Corporation is not named as a defendant. These suits were filed in 1996, but they were not served until November 1999. Following a dismissal of most of the plaintiffs from the action (in light of the fact that they had previously settled their claims in other actions), the complaints, with Soriano as the lead case, allege personal injuries to about 314 persons (167 from Ecuador, 102 from Costa Rica, and 45 from Guatemala) from alleged exposure to DBCP (punitive damages are also sought). With the United States Supreme Court holding there was no federal court jurisdiction in the Patrickson case, the federal court judge remanded the cases to Louisiana state court in June 2003. In state court, the three cases were assigned to two different judges. On November 17, 2006, the state court separated the cases handled by attorney Scott Hendler from the cases being pursed only against the growers handled by different counsel. Subsequently, the cases against the growers were settled and all those actions were dismissed. The cases handled by Mr. Hendler were supposed to be placed in a new action, which was not done. After a hearing on January 29, 2008, the court ruled on February 8, 2008 that these plaintiffs could still proceed in the existing cases rather than in a new pleading.

As in many of the other banana workers cases, no discovery has taken place on the individual claims of the plaintiffs. Thus, it is unknown as to how many of the plaintiffs claim exposure to AMVAC’s product, what are the actual injuries, and whether their claims are barred by applicable statutes of limitation. AMVAC intends to

 

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vigorously contest these cases. It is too early to provide any evaluation of the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome at this time.

D. Nicaragua Matters

Tellez et al v. Dole Food Company, Inc. et al

On March 26, 2004, 25 plaintiffs, all residents of Nicaragua, filed suit in state court in Los Angeles County, California, claiming personal injuries from alleged exposure to DBCP while working on banana plantations in their home country. The named defendants are Dole Food Company, Inc., Dole Fresh Fruit Company, Standard Fruit Company, Standard Fruit and Steamship Company, Dow Chemical Company, and AMVAC Chemical Corporation. American Vanguard was not named as a defendant. Punitive damages were also sought against all defendants.

The plaintiffs, all field workers, claim personal injuries for complete sterility (azoospermia) or in one case, severely reduced sperm count. They claim exposure from working on banana plantations in Nicaragua from dermal contact with DBCP and inhalation of vapors. The plaintiffs also claimed exposure to DBCP in groundwater that they ingested, but testing of wells in October 2005 did not reveal the presence of any DBCP contamination and this claim of exposure through groundwater was dropped.

AMVAC was served with the complaint on April 12, 2004 and filed an answer on May 5, 2004. On May 6, 2004, Dow Chemical removed the case from state court to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The case was subsequently remanded to state court.

On September 2, 2004, the plaintiffs were permitted to file an amended complaint that dropped seven plaintiffs and added 18 others, so that there were a total of 36 plaintiffs. Since that time, 18 plaintiffs have been dismissed, four others who have not yet obtained U.S. visas to come to the United States for their depositions, and one making a cancer related claim have been transferred to the Mejia case listed below, reducing the total to 13.

In March 2007, AMVAC settled with the 13 plaintiffs for a total of $300,000 without any admission of liability. The case proceeded to a jury trial against the Dole Food and Dow Chemical defendants in July 2007 for 12 plaintiffs as one was transferred to the Mejia case. On November 5, 2007, the jury found for the defendants on the claims of six of the plaintiffs and found for the plaintiffs on the other six for a total award of approximately $3.3 million. For five of the six plaintiffs, the jury allocated 80% of the liability to Dole on fraudulent concealment and strict liability causes of action and 20% to Dow (and 40% on the other plaintiff) on strict products liability. In further deliberations, the same jury awarded $500,000 in punitive damages to each of five plaintiffs as against the Dole entities for fraudulent concealment for a total of an additional $2.5 million. Motions for new trial are pending. On March 7, 2008, the trial court in Tellez granted Dole’s motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict as to punitive damages thereby reversing the award of punitive damages ($2.5 million) against Dole. In reaching its decision, the court found that any award of punitive damages as against Dole would be violative of the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment as the claimed injuries to plaintiffs and Dole’s acts occurred outside of California. As this case impacts the other DBCP suits, the Company is monitoring these developments.

This case, like the other pending banana workers suits, demonstrates the difficult issues of law and fact to all parties and the potential of large verdicts, at least in cases involving claims of complete sterility (azoospermia) that defendants cannot explain. In all of these banana worker cases, there is no guarantee that the Company will

 

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be able to avoid an adverse judgment or that the size of any such judgment will not have an adverse effect upon the Company’s financial performance. If plaintiffs continue to be successful, it is likely that other banana workers from Nicaragua will file suit in California.

Rodolfo Mejia et al v. Dole Food Company, Inc. et al

On September 20, 2005, the attorneys who also represent plaintiffs in Tellez et al v. Dole Food Company et al filed an action on behalf of 16 Nicaraguan plaintiffs in the Los Angeles County Superior Court against Dole Food Company, Inc., Dole Fresh Fruit Company, Standard Fruit Company, Standard Fruit and Steamship Company, the Dow Chemical Company, and AMVAC Chemical Corporation. The complaint alleges that the 16 plaintiffs worked at various banana farms in Nicaragua and were exposed to DBCP from 1970 to 1984, suffering irreversible sterility or infertility. The complaint seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages against each defendant. The suit has been assigned to the same judge for case management and trial as in the Tellez matter. These plaintiffs allege that they were all applicators of the product at the banana farms. The plaintiffs also allege exposure to DBCP from contaminated groundwater.

Plaintiffs served a First Amended Complaint naming 21 workers as plaintiffs, including five plaintiffs who were transferred from the Tellez action. A second amended complaint was filed on January 22, 2008, that added the plaintiffs who had just filed suit in the Rivera case listed below, making a total of 26.

This case has been set for trial for February 2, 2009. The court has advised that after it is determined who will be able to obtain visas, discovery will be limited to 20 plaintiffs and any others beyond that number must be transferred to another case. Discovery has not yet begun in this case as the final selection of the plaintiffs has not yet been made. It is too early to provide any evaluation of the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome at this time.

At a status conference on February 8, 2008, the court ordered that the parties in this case and all the other DBCP cases filed in Los Angeles must engage in global mediation sessions that are to include all cases.

Rivera et al v. Dole Food Company, Inc. et al

On October 26, 2007, the attorneys who also represent plaintiffs in Tellez et al v. Dole Food Company et al filed an action on behalf of four Nicaraguan plaintiffs in the Los Angeles County Superior Court against Dole Food Company, Inc., Dole Fresh Fruit Company, Standard Fruit Company, Standard Fruit and Steamship Company, the Dow Chemical Company, and AMVAC Chemical Corporation. The complaint alleges that the four plaintiffs worked at various banana farms in Nicaragua and were exposed to DBCP from 1975 to 1990, suffering irreversible sterility or infertility. The complaint seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages against each defendant. The suit has been assigned to the same judge for case management and trial as in the Tellez and the Mejia matters.

The complaint was amended on November 30, 2007 to include a total of six plaintiffs. AMVAC answered this first amended complaint on January 10, 2008. As explained above, these six workers were then added to the Mejia suit on January 22, 2008, so presently they have two actions. These six will be dismissed from the Rivera complaint and others from the Mejia action or others selected by the plaintiffs’ attorneys will be added to this case.

At the present, it is unknown who will be named as plaintiffs in this case.

 

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Suits filed in Nicaragua

The Los Angeles attorneys representing these workers in California have recently stated that they have as many as 10,000 clients in Nicaragua.

In prior descriptions of pending litigation and other matters, several suits filed in Nicaragua in January 2003 on behalf of banana workers claiming exposure to DBCP were mentioned. It was reported that AMVAC had been named in these suits, but was not served with the complaints.

In May 2005, two suits filed in Nicaragua in 2004 were received that name AMVAC, The Dow Chemical Company, Dole Food Co., Dole Fresh Fruit, and Standard Fruit Company. The two suits for personal injuries for sterility and reduced sperm counts have been filed on behalf of a total of 15 banana workers: Flavio Apolinar Castillo et al. v. AMVAC Chemical Corporation et al. , No. 535/04 and Luis Cristobal Martinez Suazo et al. v. AMVAC Chemical Corporation et al. , No. 679/04. In December 2005, AMVAC received six additional, similar lawsuits filed on behalf of a total of 30 plaintiffs. These plaintiffs each claim $1 million in special and general damages and $5 million in punitive damages.

AMVAC has retained an attorney in Nicaragua and understands that the receipt of these eight suits constitutes first notice and an invitation to attend mediation. All but one of these suits is based on Nicaraguan Public Law 364 issued in October 2000 that is directed solely at DBCP and requires the posting of a $100,000 bond, sets forth a lessened standard of proof to show that the claimed injuries are due to DBCP, and establishes an unreasonable amount of minimum compensation for injuries. This law also provides that there is no statute of limitations.

On January 25, 2006, AMVAC was served with the Flavio Apolinar Castillo and Luis Cristobal Martinez Suazo suits listed above. In March 2006, counsel in Nicaragua filed objections to jurisdiction over Amvac in these two cases. The court finally ruled on all the defendants’ objections on March 20, 2007 by denying each objection to jurisdiction. Appeals are pending at the appellate level in Nicaragua.

A review of court filings in Chinandega, Nicaragua, by local counsel has found 85 suits filed pursuant to Public Law 364 that name AMVAC and include approximately 3,592 plaintiffs. However, only the two Castillo and Suazo cases have been served on Amvac . Each of these plaintiffs claims $1 million in special and general damages and $5 million in punitive damages. It is anticipated that the plaintiffs’ attorneys will continue to file additional actions on a monthly basis in Nicaragua.

In an earlier round of suits brought in Nicaragua against Dow, Shell, and Standard Fruit only, the Nicaragua court issued judgments for $490 million in December 2002 based on claims of 583 banana workers, despite defenses of lack of personal jurisdiction and the unconstitutionality of Public Law 364. It has been reported that in 2003, the United States District Court in Los Angeles refused to enforce these judgments on the basis that the judgments did not properly name the defendants. The U.S. District Court did not reach the issue of due process under Public Law 364. An appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit is pending.

AMVAC contends that the Nicaragua courts do not have jurisdiction over it and that Public Law 364 violates international due process of law. AMVAC intends to contest personal jurisdiction and demand under Law 364 that the claims be litigated in the United States. Thus far, it appears that the Nicaraguan courts have denied all requests of other defendants under Law 364 that allow the defendants the option of consenting to jurisdiction in the United States. It is not presently known as to how many of these plaintiffs actually claim exposure to DBCP at the time AMVAC’s product was allegedly used nor is there any verification of the claimed

 

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injuries. Based on the precedent of the earlier suits in Nicaragua, it would appear likely that the Nicaragua courts will, over the defendants’ objections, enter multi-million dollar judgments for the plaintiffs and against all defendants in these cases. One such judgment was entered in August 2005 for $97 million for 150 plaintiffs against Dole Food and other entities. It has also been reported that on December 1, 2006, the Nicaraguan court rendered a judgment for $802 million against Dow, Shell, Occidental, and Standard Fruit for some 1200 plaintiffs.

F. Ivory Coast Cases

On October 6, 2006, AMVAC was served with seven suits filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court and one suit in the United States District Court in Los Angeles that include a total of 668 residents of the Ivory Coast as plaintiffs. Each plaintiff claims bodily injuries from exposure to DBCP while residing or working on banana or pineapple plantations in that country from the 1970s to the present. The suits name AMVAC, Dow Chemical, Shell Oil Company, and Dole Food as defendants. All these suits also seek punitive damages, and the action filed in federal court alleges a claim under the Alien Tort Claims Act, alleging that the sale and use of DBCP amounted to genocide in the Ivory Coast. AMVAC did not sell any DBCP into the Ivory Coast at any time and intends to defend these cases vigorously. Discovery has not yet begun in these cases, and it is too early to provide any evaluation as to the probability of an unfavorable outcome.

On November 3, 2006, Dow and Shell removed the seven state court cases to federal court, alleging that the naming of AMVAC and the Dole entities amounted to a fraudulent joinder of those defendants by plaintiffs to defeat federal jurisdiction. However, the federal court remanded all of those cases on its own motion back to state court. These state cases were reassigned to the same complex case management judge as in the Tellez and Mejia suits in May 2007. Limited discovery has been permitted to focus on preliminary issues as to which DBCP product was used in the Ivory Coast and which defendants, if any, belong in these cases. The plaintiffs’ attorney is unwilling to dismiss any defendant at this time. A further status conference is scheduled for April 14, 2008.

On December 7, 2006 Amvac answered the Alien Tort Claims Act case in federal court. A defense motion for judgment on the pleadings in the case was granted on March 26, 2007, whereby the court dismissed the genocide and unlawful distribution of pesticide claims with prejudice, and dismissed the remaining claims with leave to amend. The plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in April 2007 regarding only the claims for relief for crimes against humanity and racial discrimination and omitting the claims that the court had dismissed. Defendants jointly filed a motion to dismiss that was heard on May 21, 2007 and was granted after being taken under submission. The plaintiffs have appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal and this appeal is pending.

F. Other DBCP Matters

Other attorneys filed suits in the Los Angeles County Superior Court in April 2005 on behalf of several thousand banana workers in other countries, including Costa Rica, Panama, and Honduras. AMVAC has not been named in these suits.

II. Other Litigation Matters

A. McLendon v. Philip Service Corporation

On July 19, 2006, AMVAC’s registered agent was served with a putative class action complaint entitled Latrice McLendon, et al. v. Philip Service Corporation etc. et al (including AMVAC), which was filed in the Superior State Court of Fulton County, State of Georgia No. 2006CN119863 and subsequently removed to the

 

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United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia No. 1:06-CV-1770-CAP, in which a class of Georgia plaintiffs seek damages, including punitive damages, in an unspecified amount for personal injuries and diminution in property value allegedly arising from the airborne release of propyl mercaptan and ethoprop from a waste treatment facility operated by PSC Recovery Services (“PSC”) in Fairburn, Georgia. Plaintiffs, residents living in the vicinity of the PSC plant, allege trespass, nuisance and negligence on behalf of defendants in handling, storing and treating waste which was generated by AMVAC’s Axis, Alabama facility. After having completed class certification discovery, and prior to a ruling from the court on certification of the class, the parties engaged in mediation on September 19, 2007 before a neutral mediator.

Working in conjunction with their insurance carriers at the mediation, defendants AMVAC and PSC have agreed in principle to settle the matter with a settlement class of approximately 2,000 households for payment of cash consideration. The settlement process involves multiple steps to be taken over several months and requires both preliminary and final court approval. As currently proposed, the settlement would not have an adverse effect upon the Company’s financial performance. However, the settlement is not yet final, members of the settlement class remain free to opt out of the settlement and to preserve their individual rights, and it is not anticipated that the settlement will include mutual releases between co-defendants. In addition, each co-defendant’s insurance carrier has reserved all rights under applicable insurance policies, including rights to subrogation and contribution. On a related note, on April 16, 2007, AMVAC executed a draft consent order (including an agreement to pay a civil penalty with the option to perform a supplemental environmental project in partial payment thereof) with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (“ADEM”) for resolution of alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations arising from AMVAC’s storage of washwater and other materials that were returned to AMVAC by PSC in connection with activities that are the subject of the McLendon litigation; the consent order has been finalized, and ADEM has approved AMVAC’s proposed supplemental environmental project.

B. Aceto Agricultural Chemicals Corporation v. AMVAC

On May 30, 2007, AMVAC’s registered agent was served with a summons, complaint and motion for preliminary injunction by Aceto Agricultural Chemicals Corporation (“Aceto”) in a matter entitled Aceto Agricultural Chemicals Corporation v. AMVAC Chemical Corporation, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division as Case No. 1:07-CV-1236-CC. In this action, plaintiff seeks damages and injunctive relief for alleged antitrust violations arising from AMVAC’s purchase of the patent relating to the EZ Load ® closed delivery system. Aceto, which has sold a generic version of the insecticide phorate through the EZ Load system, was licensee under a license with the former patent holder which permitted Aceto to use the EZ Load system through August 1, 2007. Aceto seeks, among other things, to enjoin AMVAC from asserting its patent rights following the expiration of Aceto’s license. AMVAC believes that this case has no merit and plans to defend it vigorously. The hearing on plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction concluded on October 26, 2007, and, on December 17, 2007, the court entered an order under which is denied plaintiff’s motion for preliminary injunction, finding that Aceto had not met its burden of establishing a likelihood of success on the merits of any claim. Plaintiff has filed a notice of appeal of the court’s order. It is too early in this case, however, to make an assessment of the likelihood of there being an adverse judgment against AMVAC or whether such judgment could have an adverse effect upon the Company’s financial performance.

The Company may, from time to time, be involved in other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of its business. The results of litigation, including those described above, cannot be predicted with certainty. The Company has and will continue to expend resources and incur expenses in connection with these proceedings. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in these proceedings. While the Company continually evaluates insurance levels for product liability, property damage and other potential areas of risk, an

 

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adverse determination in one or more of these proceedings could subject the Company to significant liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and operating results.

Environmental

During 2007, AMVAC continued activities to address environmental issues associated with its facility (the “Facility”) in Commerce, California.

In March 1997, the California Environmental Protection Agency Department of Toxic Substances Control (“DTSC”) accepted the Facility into its Expedited Remedial Action Program (“ERAP”). Under this program, the Facility must prepare and implement an environmental investigation plan. Depending on the findings of the investigation, the Facility may also be required to develop and implement remedial measures to address any historical environmental impairment. The environmental investigation and any remediation activities related to ten underground storage tanks at the Facility, which had been closed in 1995, will also be addressed by AMVAC under ERAP.

Soil and groundwater characterization activities began in December 2002 in accordance with the Site Investigation Plan that was approved by the DTSC. Additional activities were conducted from 2003 to 2007 with oversight provided by the DTSC. Additional investigation is planned over the next year under the oversight of the DTSC. Potential remediation activities may be initiated in 2008 or 2009. These investigation and potential remediation activities are required at all facilities that currently have, or in the past had, hazardous waste storage permits. Because AMVAC previously held a hazardous waste management permit, AMVAC is subject to these requirements. It is uncertain whether the cost associated with the potential remediation activities will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

AMVAC is subject to numerous federal and state laws and governmental regulations concerning environmental matters and employee health and safety at the Commerce, California and Axis, Alabama facilities. AMVAC continually adapts its manufacturing process to the environmental control standards of the various regulatory agencies. The U.S. EPA and other federal and state agencies have the authority to promulgate regulations that could have an impact on AMVAC’s operations.

AMVAC expends substantial funds to minimize the discharge of materials in the environment and to comply with the governmental regulations relating to protection of the environment. Wherever feasible, AMVAC recovers raw materials and increases product yield in order to partially offset increasing pollution abatement costs.

The Company is committed to a long-term environmental protection program that reduces emissions of hazardous materials into the environment, as well as to the remediation of identified existing environmental concerns. Federal and state authorities may seek fines and penalties for violation of the various laws and governmental regulations. As part of its continuing environmental program, except as disclosed in PART I, Item 3, Legal Proceedings, of this Annual Report, the Company has been able to comply with such proceedings and orders without any materially adverse effect on its business.

(5) Employee Deferred Compensation Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan (“the Plan”) for all eligible employees. The Plan calls for each eligible employee, at the employee’s election, to participate in an income deferral arrangement under

 

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Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k) whereby the Company will match the first $5.00 of weekly employee contributions. The Plan also permits employees to contribute up to an additional 15% of their salaries of which the company will match 50% of the first 6% of the additional contribution. The Company’s contributions to the Plan amounted to $503, $586 and $585 in 2007, 2006 and 2005. Effective January 1, 2005, the Company matched 100% of the elective deferrals of all eligible participants up to a maximum of 5% of compensation.

During 2001, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the American Vanguard Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan allows eligible employees to purchase shares of common stock through payroll deductions at a discounted price. An aggregate of 200,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (subject to adjustment for any stock dividend, stock split or other relevant changes in the Company’s capitalization) may be sold pursuant to the Plan which is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Plan allows for purchases in a series of offering periods, each six months in duration, with new offering periods (other than the initial offering period) commencing on January 1 and July 1 of each year. The initial offering period commenced on July 1, 2001. Unless terminated earlier by the Company’s Board of Directors, the Plan will terminate on December 31, 2010.

Shares of common stock purchased through the Plan for 2007, 2006 and 2005 were 44,372, 42,115 and 41,169, respectively.

(6) Major Customers and Export Sales

In 2007, there were three companies that accounted for 18%, 12% and 11% of the Company’s consolidated sales. In 2006, there were three companies that accounted for 18%, 15% and 11% of the Company’s consolidated sales. In 2005, there were three companies that accounted for 15%, 13% and 11% of the Company’s consolidated sales. These companies are distributors of the Company’s products.

The Company primarily sells its products to large distributors and buying cooperatives and extends credit based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. The Company had three significant customers who each accounted for approximately 28%, 9% and 6% of the Company’s receivables as of December 31, 2007. The Company had three significant customers who each accounted for approximately 28%, 14% and 6% of the Company’s receivables as of December 31, 2006. The Company has long-standing relationships with its customers and the Company considers the credit risk to be low.

Worldwide export sales for 2007, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

 

     2007    2006    2005

Canada

   $ 5,117    $ 3,493    $ 2,396

Mexico

     8,468      2,757      2,229

South & Central America

     7,638      2,908      2,262

Asia

     3,556      2,348      1,417

Africa

     3,412      1, 806      1,556

Europe

     3,110      2,120      2,447

Other international

     1,631      1,814      1,549
                    
   $ 32,932    $ 17,246    $ 13,856
                    

 

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(7) Royalties

The Company has various royalty agreements in place extending through December 2007. These agreements relate to the acquisition of certain products as well as licensing arrangements . No agreements contains a minimum royalty provision. Certain royalty agreements contain confidentiality covenants. Royalty expenses were $368, $809 and $1,465, respectively, for 2007, 2006 and 2005.

(8) Product Acquisitions

All product acquisitions have been accounted for as asset purchases and not businesses pursuant to FASB 141 and EITF 98-3.

On December 17, 2007, AMVAC acquired the pentachloronitrobenzine fungicide product line from the Crop Protection division of Chemtura Corporation. Included in the purchase were the brands Turfcide ® and Terraclor ® , highly effective fungicides that control a wide range of diseases in turf and ornamental applications, certain agricultural crops, and as a component of seed treatment dressings. These products are registered in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Turkey, South Africa and a number of other countries.

In December 2006, AMVAC acquired the product line Permethrin (a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide) from Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. In connection with the transaction, AMVAC acquired both crop and non-crop uses of the product line in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Acquired assets include registration rights, manufacturing and formulation know-how, inventories, customer lists and the trademarks Ambush ® and Prelude ® in the aforementioned territories.

In November 2006, AMVAC acquired the global Terbufos insecticide product line and the Lock `N Load ® closed delivery system from BASF Aktiengesellschaft (“BASF”). The product line consisted of the active ingredient Terbufos, the trademarks Counter ® and Lock `N Load ® , the manufacturing and formulation know-how, registration rights, intellectual property rights and inventories.

In December 2005, AMVAC acquired the cereal herbicide product line, Difenzoquat from BASF. The product line consists of the active ingredient Difenzoquat, the trademark Avenge , the manufacturing and formulation know-how, and registration rights and intellectual property rights in the United States and Canada. Avenge is a post-emergent herbicide primarily to control wild oats in barley and wheat. Avenge has a unique mode of action: it can be tank mixed with many popular broad leaf herbicides to provide broadleaf weed control as well as for effectively managing herbicide resistance problems in wild oats.

In November 2005, AMVAC acquired the global Phorate insecticide product line from BASF. The product line consisted of the active ingredient Phorate, the trademarks Thimet ® , Granutox ® and Geomet ® , the manufacturing and formulation know-how, registration rights, intellectual property rights and inventories as well as an exclusive license to use BASF’s patented, closed delivery system, Lock ‘N Load ® , in the United States, Canada and Australia for Phorate. Phorate is registered in more than fifteen countries, with the main markets in Asia Pacific and the Americas. It is used on agricultural crops, mainly potatoes, corn, cotton, rice and sugarcane, to protect against chewing and piercing-sucking insects.

In March 2005, AMVAC entered into an exclusive multi-year agreement with BASF to develop, register and commercialize Topramezone, a new herbicide for post-emergent use in corn in North America. Under the terms of a licensing and supply agreement BASF would supply the product to AMVAC. In August 2005, AMVAC received a registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Impact ® (active ingredient: Topramezone), a new herbicide for the use in field corn, seed corn, sweet corn and popcorn.

 

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The primary identifiable intangible assets of the Company relate to product rights associated with its product acquisitions. These rights, for the most part, consist of product registrations and related data filed with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and state regulatory agencies to support such registrations and other supporting data. The amount of goodwill allocated to the product acquisitions has not been material. The following schedule represents intangible assets recognized in connection with product acquisitions (See Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for the Company’s accounting policy regarding intangible assets):

The following schedule represents intangible assets recognized in connection with product acquisitions (See note 1 for the Company’s accounting policy regarding intangible assets):

 

     Amount  

Intangible assets at December 31, 2004

     21,161  

Acquisitions during fiscal 2005

     22,112  

Amortization expense

     (2,051 )
        

Intangible assets at December 31, 2005

     41,222  

Acquisitions during fiscal 2006

     39,737  

Amortization expense

     (1,929 )
        

Intangible assets at December 31, 2006

     79,030  

Acquisitions during fiscal 2007

     10,038  

Amortization expense

     (3,750 )
        

Intangible assets at December 31, 2007

   $ 85,318  
        

The above amounts represent the total cash consideration paid during the period for product acquisitions and certain related capitalized expenses incurred in connection with such acquisitions.

The following schedule represents the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the intangible assets recognized in connection with product acquisitions. Intangible assets are amortized over their expected useful lives which range from 15 to 25 years.

 

     2007     2006  

Gross carrying amount

   $ 99,290     $ 89,252  

Accumulated amortization

     (13,972 )     (10,222 )
                
   $ 85,318     $ 79,030  
                

The following schedule represents future amortization charges related to intangible assets recognized in connection with product acquisitions:

 

Year ending December 31,

    

2008

   $ 3,957

2009

     3,957

2010

     3,957

2011

     3,957

2012

     3,957

Thereafter

     65,533
      
   $ 85,318
      

 

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The following schedule represents the Company’s obligations under product acquisition agreements:

 

     Amount  

Obligations under acquisition agreements at December 31, 2004

   $ 1,000  

Additional obligations acquired

     -0-  

Payments on existing obligations

     (1,000 )
        

Obligations under acquisition agreements at December 31, 2005

     -0-  

Additional obligations acquired

     -0-  

Payments on existing obligations

     -0-  
        

Obligations under acquisition agreements at December 31, 2006

     -0-  

Additional obligations acquired

     2,000  

Payments on existing obligations

     -0-  
        

Obligations under acquisition agreements at December 31, 2007

   $ 2,000  
        

(9) Commitments

The Company and Eric G. Wintemute entered into a written employment agreement, dated as of January 15, 2008, pursuant to which Mr. Wintemute serves as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Wintemute’s annual base compensation is $527,253, with increases to be made by the Board of Directors in their sole discretion. Mr. Wintemute may receive a bonus in an amount as determined by the Board based on his performance against reasonable qualitative and quantitative benchmarks as determined by the Board. The agreement also provides Mr. Wintemute with certain additional benefits which are customary for executives at this level in the industry, including a car allowance of $1,500 per month and reimbursement for reasonable and customary business expenses. Mr. Wintemute’s agreement is of indefinite duration, unless terminated by the Company. If the Company terminates Mr. Wintemute’s employment without cause and not due to disability or death, the Company shall pay to Mr. Wintemute an amount equal to two times the average annual cash compensation received by him over the course of the two immediately preceding calendar years. If Mr. Wintemute dies during the term of the agreement, the Company will pay his designated beneficiary any amounts (including salary) and continue any benefits due to Mr. Wintemute under the agreement for 12 months after his death.

The Company has various lease agreements for offices as well as a long-term ground lease for its Axis, Alabama facility. The office leases contain provisions to pass through to the Company its pro-rata share of certain of the building’s operating expenses. The long-term ground lease is for twenty years (commencing May 2001) with up to five automatic renewals of three years each for a total of thirty-five years. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $ 387, $312 and $306 . Future minimum lease payments under the terms of the leases are as follows:

 

Year ending December 31,

    

2008

   $ 326

2009

     339

2010

     22

2011

     20

2012

     20

Thereafter

     240
      
   $ 967
      

 

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(10) Research and Development

Research and development expenses which are included in operating expenses were $2,013, $2,884 and $2,853 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

(11) Stock Options

Incentive Stock Option Plans (“ISOP”)

Under the terms of the Company’s ISOP, under which options to purchase 4,296,000 shares of common stock can be issued, all key employees are eligible to receive non-assignable and non-transferable options to purchase shares. The exercise price of any option may not be less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant; provided, however, that the exercise price of any option granted to an eligible employee owning more than 10% of the outstanding common stock may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the shares underlying such option on the date of grant. No options granted may be exercisable more than ten years after the date of grant. The options granted generally vest evenly over a three to five year period, beginning from the date of the grant.

During 2007, the Company granted an incentive stock option to purchase 6,349 shares of common stock to an employee. During 2006, the Company did not grant any incentive stock options. During 2005, the Company granted incentive stock options to purchase an aggregate of 276,933 shares of common stock to key employees. These options were fully exercisable on the date of grant. All options granted are non-assignable and non-transferable.

Nonstatutory Stock Options (“NSSO”)

The Company did not grant any non-statutory stock options in either 2007, 2006 or 2005.

Option activity within each plan is as follows:

 

     Incentive
Stock Option
Plans
    Non-Statutory
Stock Options
Plans
    Weighted Average
Price Per Share
    Exercisable
Weighted
Average
Price

Per Share

Balance outstanding, December 31, 2004

   1,886,733     169,400       4.35       3.26
            

Options granted, range from $14.74–$14.98

   276,933     —         14.75    

Options exercised, range from $1.76–$3.19

   (61,333 )   (8,805 )     (1.84 )  

Options expired

   (16,000 )   (875 )     (1.76 )  
                      

Balance outstanding, December 31, 2005

   2,086,333     159,720       5.71       6.06
            

Options granted

   —       —         —      

Options exercised, range from $1.76–$14.74

   (262,463 )   (29,040 )     3.66    

Options expired

   (3,333 )   —         (14.74 )  
                      

Balance outstanding, December 31, 2006

   1,820,537     130,680       6.09       6.13
            

Options granted ($15.75)

   6,349     —         15.75    

Options exercised, range from $1.76–$15.75

   (143,466 )   (39,840 )     4.38    

Options expired

   (13,334 )   —         (12.94 )  
                      

Balance outstanding, December 31, 2007

   1,670,086     90,840     $ 6.25     $ 6.17
                          

 

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Table of Contents

AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Information relating to stock options at December 31, 2007 summarized by exercise price is as follows:

 

     Outstanding Weighted Average    Exercisable
Weighted Average

Exercise Price Per Share

   Shares    Remaining
Life
(Months)
   Exercise
Price
   Shares    Exercise
Price

Incentive Stock Option Plan:

              

$1.76

   293,066    8    $ 1.76    293,066    $ 1.76

$3.19

   16,067    19    $ 3.19    16,067    $ 3.19

$3.52–$8.10

   1,090,000    36    $ 5.08    1,008,001    $ 4.86

$11.30

   8,000    44    $ 12.62    8,000    $ 11.30

$14.74–$14.99

   262,953    56    $ 14.74    262,953    $ 14.74
                          
   1,670,086       $ 6.03    1,588,087    $ 5.94
                          

Nonstatutory Stock Options:

              

$4.68

   29,040    12    $ 4.68    29,040    $ 4.68

$7.05

   13,400    8    $ 7.05    13,400    $ 7.05

$14.45

   48,400    17    $ 14.45    48,400    $ 14.45
                          
   90,840       $ 10.23    90,840    $ 10.23
                          

The weighted average exercise prices for options granted and exercisable and the weighted average remaining contractual life for options outstanding as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 was as follows:

 

     Number
of
Shares
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
(Months)
   Intrinsic
Value

(thousands)

As of December 31, 2006:

           

Incentive Stock Option Plans:

           

Outstanding

   1,820,537    $ 5.93    49    $ 18,151

Expected to Vest

   1,820,537    $ 5.93    49    $ 18,151

Exercisable

   1,528,037    $ 5.81    48    $ 15,418

Non-statutory Stock Option Plans:

           

Options Outstanding

   130,680    $ 8.37    20    $ 984

Expected to Vest

   130,680    $ 8.37    20    $ 984

Options Exercisable

   130,680    $ 8.37    20    $ 984

As of December 31, 2007:

           

Incentive Stock Option Plans:

           

Outstanding

   1,670,086    $ 6.03    34    $ 18,900

Expected to Vest

   1,661,886    $ 6.02    34    $ 18,822

Exercisable

   1,588,087    $ 5.94    34    $ 18,123

Non-statutory Stock Option Plans:

           

Options Outstanding

   90,840    $ 10.23    12    $ 647

Expected to Vest

   90,840    $ 10.23    12    $ 647

Options Exercisable

   90,840    $ 10.23    12    $ 647

 

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Table of Contents

AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2005, 2006 and 2007 was $554, $4,332 and $1,977, respectively. Cash received from stock options exercised during 2005, 2006 and 2007 was $417, $959 and $803, respectively.

(12) Private Equity Offering

On February 8, 2006, the Company entered into Stock Purchase Agreements with several institutional investors for the purchase and sale of, in the aggregate, 1,040,000 (before giving effect for the 4 for 3 stock split distributed April 17, 2006) shares of the Company’s common stock for a purchase price of $22.50 per share (before giving effect for the 4 for 3 stock split distributed April 17, 2006) in connection with a private placement of such shares. The shares were registered under the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333,122981) which was filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on February 25, 2005. (Refer to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated February 7, 2006, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)

(13) Subsequent Event

On January 16, 2008, AMVAC acquired the Orthene ® insecticide product line from Valent U.S.A. Corporation. The transfer of ownership included proprietary formulation information, registration rights, marketing material, certain intellectual property rights and existing inventories of Orthene.

On March 7, 2008, AMVAC acquired from Bayer Cropscience LP (“BCS”) substantially all of the assets relating to the business conducted at BCS’s facility located in Marsing, Idaho (the “Marsing Facility”). The Marsing Facility consists of approximately 17 acres of improved real property, 15 of which are now owned by AMVAC and two of which are leased by AMVAC from the City of Marsing for a term of 25 years. The acquired assets included real property, buildings, formulating and packaging lines, raw material storage, warehousing, container recertification, a quality control laboratory, inventory and offices associated with the blending of liquid and powder raw materials and the packaging of finished liquid products in the agricultural chemical field. In connection with the acquisition, AMVAC and BCS have agreed to enter into a master processor agreement under which AMVAC will continue to provide certain tolling services to BCS over the next four years.

(14) Quarterly Data—Unaudited

 

Quarterly Data—2007

   March 31    June 30    September 30    December 31

Net sales

   $ 40,906    $ 50,028    $ 56,641    $ 69,087

Gross profit

     18,417      22,227      24,161      30,925

Net income

     2,126      3,591      5,447      7,564

Basic net income per share

     .08      .14      .21      .29

Diluted net income per share

     .08      .13      .20      .28

Quarterly Data—2006

                   

Net sales

   $ 44,744    $ 42,721    $ 51,244    $ 55,062

Gross profit

     18,307      17,658      22,327      24,066

Net income

     2,475      3,315      4,249      5,409

Basic net income per share

     .10      .13      .16      .21

Diluted net income per share

     .09      .12      .16      .20

Note: Totals may not agree with full year amounts due to rounding and separate calculations each quarter.

 

91


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

ITEM 15

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description of Exhibit

3.1      Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of American Vanguard Corporation (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2      Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of American Vanguard Corporation (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q/A for the period ended June 30, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.3      Amended and Restated Bylaws of American Vanguard Corporation (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.)
4         Form of Indenture (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-122981) and incorporated herein by reference).
10.1      American Vanguard Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (filed as Appendix B to the Company’s Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.2      American Vanguard Corporation Fourth Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (filed as Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 11, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.3      Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the American Vanguard Corporation Fourth Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan. (1)
10.4      Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the American Vanguard Corporation Fourth Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan. (1)
10.5      Employment Agreement between American Vanguard Corporation and Eric G. Wintemute.*
10.6      Form of Change of Control Severance Agreement, dated effective as of January 1, 2004, between American Vanguard Corporation and its Executive and Senior Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.)
10.7      Form of Indemnification Agreement between American Vanguard Corporation and its Directors. (1)
10.8      Description of Compensatory Arrangements Applicable to Non-Employee Directors for 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.9      Asset Purchase Agreement dated December 14, 2007 by and between Chemtura Corporation and AMVAC Chemical Corporation (portions of which, indicated by an asterisk, the Company has requested be treated confidentially by the SEC).*
10.10    Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement dated December 28, 2007 by and between Valent USA Corporation and AMVAC Chemical Corporation (portions of which, indicated by an asterisk, the Company has requested be treated confidentially by the SEC).*
10.11    Lease dated December 28, 2007 by and between BASF Corporation and AMVAC Corporation (portions of which, indicated by an asterisk, the Company has requested be treated confidentially by the SEC).*
10.12    Manufacturing and Shared Service Agreement dated as of December 31, 2007 by and between BASF Corporation and AMVAC Chemical Corporation (portions of which, indicated by an asterisk, the Company has requested be treated confidentially by the SEC).*

 

92


Table of Contents

Exhibit

Number

  

Description of Exhibit

21       List of Subsidiaries of the Company.*
23       Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.*
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.1    Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

 

* Filed herewith.

 

(1) Filed with the Company’s Original Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

93

EXHIBIT 10.5

Execution

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made effective as of January 15, 2008, by and between AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (referred to herein as “American Vanguard”) and ERIC G. WINTEMUTE (referred to herein as “Executive”).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Statement of Work .

(a) Executive is engaged as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Vanguard and its wholly-owned subsidiary AMVAC Chemical Corporation and agrees to perform such duties, services and responsibilities as are consistent with such positions. Executive’s duties, services and responsibilities will be determined by American Vanguard’s Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors”) and will be performed under the overall supervision of, and consistent with, the policies of the Board of Directors. American Vanguard hereby agrees to employ Executive and Executive hereby accepts employment upon the terms and conditions set forth herein.

(b) Executive shall do his utmost to further enhance and develop the best interests and welfare of American Vanguard. Executive shall perform no acts contrary to the best interests of American Vanguard and American Vanguard shall be entitled to all of the benefits, profits or other results arising from or incident to all work, services and advice of Executive.

(c) Executive agrees to fully comply with reasonable rules and procedures as may be promulgated by American Vanguard in its sole and absolute discretion.

2. Period of Employment .

(a) Term . The term of this Agreement (the “Term”) shall commence on January 15, 2008 (the “Effective Date”) and shall continue until terminated pursuant to Section 6.

(b) Policies . American Vanguard shall advise Executive of its general corporate policies and procedures as to travel, entertainment and other expenses, and accounting and internal controls, and Executive shall comply with such policies and procedures. If there are any inconsistencies between the terms of this Agreement and American Vanguard’s stated policies and procedures the terms of this Agreement will prevail.

 

1


3. Cash Compensation . From the Effective Date through December 31, 2008, Executive’s annual base salary shall be five hundred twenty seven thousand two hundred fifty three dollars ($527,253.00). Executive’s annual base salary shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s then existing standard payroll schedule, policies and procedures.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors retains the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to award salary increases to Executive in excess of the designated minimum.

4. Incentive Compensation .

(a) Cash Incentive Compensation. Executive will receive at the end of each year of employment a bonus in the amount determined by the Board of Directors in its sole and absolute discretion. Executive will be eligible to receive a bonus based upon Executive’s performance against reasonable qualitative and quantitative benchmarks to be established by American Vanguard in its sole discretion.

(b) Equity Compensation. On an annual basis, the Board will decide upon an award of equity to Executive. The form, amount and terms of the award shall be at the Board’s sole discretion.

5. Fringe Benefits . In addition to reimbursable expenses allowable under Section 2(b) above, during the Term, American Vanguard will offer certain employment-related benefits to Executive as follows:

(a) In addition to the payment of salary as described above, during the Term, Executive shall be entitled to all rights and benefits for which Executive may be eligible under any bonus, participation or additional compensation plans, pension or profit-sharing plans, group life, medical, health, dental and/or disability insurance or other benefits American Vanguard may, in its sole discretion, provide for Executive or its employees generally.

(b) During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to four business weeks of vacation time each year without loss of compensation. In the event that Executive is unable to take the total amount of vacation time authorized herein during any year, he shall be paid in cash for the value of such accrued vacation, and such accrual shall be reduced to zero.

(c) Executive will be provided a car allowance of $1,500 per month.

(d) If Executive should die during the Term, American Vanguard agrees to pay the designated beneficiary any amounts (including salary) and continue any benefits due Executive under this Agreement for a period of twelve (12) months after the date of death.

 

2


(e) Executive shall be entitled to be reimbursed for reasonable and customary business expenses including those that have been either historically approved or deemed acceptable by the Board.

6. Termination for Certain Causes .

(a) Termination for Cause . Executive may be terminated for cause (as defined in this Section 6(a)) at any time, without prior notice. For these purposes, cause for termination by American Vanguard will include a determination by American Vanguard, acting in good faith based upon actual knowledge at such time, that Executive (i) is or has engaged in a willful or grossly negligent failure to perform duties as an Executive or officer of American Vanguard (other than as a result of incapacity due to disability), (ii) has committed an act of dishonesty, gross carelessness, or other misconduct in connection with his duties under this Agreement, (iii) has committed any act or series of acts without the Board of Directors’ consent which would likely have a direct, substantial and adverse effect on American Vanguard, its business or reputation, (iv) has engaged in habitual misuse of alcohol or any non-prescription drug or intoxicant which has adversely effected the performance of his duties under this Agreement, or (v) conviction in a criminal proceeding against Executive involving a felony (collectively “Cause”). In the event of termination of Executive’s employment for Cause, all rights of Executive (and his spouse and children) under Section 3, 4 and 5 shall cease as of the date of such termination. If termination is “for cause” under this section, the Board of Directors shall, within seven days of such termination provide written notice to Executive of all contractual basis for such termination, and a general statement of the facts allegedly supporting such termination for cause.

(b) Termination Due to Death or Disability . If Executive, due to physical or mental disability or incapacity, is unable substantially to perform his duties hereunder, American Vanguard, at its sole discretion, shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment hereunder on thirty (30) days’ prior written notice. If Executive is able to and recommences rendering services and performing his duties hereunder within such thirty (30)-day notice period, such notice shall be vitiated. In addition, in the event of Executive’s death or disability, Executive or his personal representatives shall be entitled to receive all earned but unpaid compensation through the date of termination of Executive’s employment (on a prorated basis). In addition, in the event of Executive’s death or disability, Executive of his personal representatives shall be entitled to receive all earned but unpaid compensation up to and including the date of termination of Executive’s employment and one full year thereafter. Nothing in this section shall affect or offset employee’s right to receive payment pursuant to a disability insurance policy or state/federal disability payments. The Company further agrees that as a part of Executive’s compensation hereunder, it shall continue to provide for the term of this Agreement, for Executive’s benefit a disability insurance policy at least equal to that coverage currently in place.

 

3


(c) Termination Without Cause . If American Vanguard terminates Executive’s employment without Cause, and not as a result of Executive’s death or disability pursuant to Section 6(b), it shall (i) give Executive written notice thereof and, (ii) provided Executive executes and delivers a full release of claims in a form reasonably acceptable to American Vanguard, it shall pay Executive an amount equal to the product of two (2) multiplied by the average annual cash compensation (i.e., annual base salary plus annual cash incentive bonus) received by the Executive over the two immediately preceding calendar years ; such payment will be made in accordance with American Vanguard’s then existing standard payroll schedule, policies and procedures. It is understood that any severance payment under this paragraph 6(c) shall be in lieu of, and not in addition to any severance payment to which Executive is entitled under the Change-in-Control Severance Agreement dated as of January 1, 2004 between Executive and American Vanguard. If Executive is qualified for payment of severance under the Change-in-Control Severance Agreement, then he shall not be entitled to any severance payment under this paragraph 6(c).

(d) Deferred Compensation . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the parties intend that no amounts payable under this agreement shall be subject to the provisions of Section 409(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and this Agreement shall be interpreted and administered accordingly.

7. Withholdings . American Vanguard shall deduct and withhold from the compensation payable to Executive hereunder any and all applicable federal, state and local income and employment withholding taxes and any other amounts required to be deducted or withheld by American Vanguard under applicable statutes, regulations, ordinances or orders governing or requiring the withholding or deduction of amounts otherwise payable as compensation or wages to Executive.

8. Disclosures and Assignment of Rights . Executive hereby agrees to promptly disclose to American Vanguard, and Executive hereby, without further compensation, agrees to assign and assigns to American Vanguard or its designee, Executive’s entire right, title, and interest in and to all designs, trademarks, logos, business plans, business models, business names, economic projections, product innovations, discoveries, formulae, processes, manufacturing techniques, trade secrets, customer lists, supplier lists, inventions, research, improvements, ideas, patents, service marks, and copyrightable works (collectively, “Inventions”), including all rights to obtain, register, perfect, and enforce these Inventions, which relate to Executive’s work during the period of Executive’s employment with American Vanguard, whether or not during normal working hours, or which are aided by the use of American Vanguard’s experience, time, material, equipment, or facilities. It is further understood that no rights are hereby conveyed in inventions, if any, made by Executive prior to Executive’s employment with American Vanguard.

 

4


9. California Labor Code . Executive understands that California Labor Code Section 2870 provides:

(a) Any provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall assign, or offer to assign, any of his rights in an invention to his employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed entirely on his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for those inventions that either:

(1) Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the employer; or

(2) Result from any work performed by the employee for the employer.

(b) To the extent that a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee to assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned under subdivision (a), the provision is against the public policy of this state and is unenforceable.

10. Notification Pursuant To Labor Code § 2872 . Executive understands, and hereby acknowledges having received notice, that this Agreement does not apply to an invention which qualifies fully under the provisions of Labor Code § 2780, which is set forth in Section 9 of this Agreement.

11. Assistance . Executive agrees to perform, during and after Executive’s employment, all acts deemed necessary or desirable by American Vanguard to permit and assist it, at its expense, including execution of documents and assistance or cooperation in legal proceedings, in obtaining and enforcing the full benefits, enjoyments, rights, and title in the items assigned to American Vanguard as set forth in Section 8 above.

12. Conflicts of Interest . Executive recognizes that Executive owes a primary and fiduciary duty to American Vanguard and that Executive shall not have any interest, financial or otherwise, direct or indirect, or engage in any business or transaction of any nature, which is in conflict with the proper and faithful discharge of Executive’s duties as an employee of American Vanguard. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive agrees that Executive will not, while employed by American Vanguard, directly or indirectly:

(a) Be employed by or receive any compensation from, a customer, supplier or competitor of American Vanguard; or

(b) Have any ownership or financial interest of any nature in a customer, supplier or competitor of American Vanguard, except where such ownership is stock in a corporation and consists of less than one percent (1%) of the outstanding capital stock of such customer, supplier or competitor and where such stock is publicly held and listed on a recognized stock exchange or actively traded in the over-the-counter market except with Board of Director approval; or

 

5


(c) Have or participate in any dealings on behalf of American Vanguard with a customer or supplier that employs, or more than five percent (5%) of whose ownership interest is beneficially held by, Executive’s spouse or any brother, sister, parent, child or grandchild of Executive or Executive’s spouse, or any person living in Executive’s household or the spouse of any of the foregoing persons except with Board of Director approval; or

(d) Engage or participate in any activity, business enterprise, business opportunity, employment, occupation, consulting, or other business activity which American Vanguard shall determine in good faith to be, or reasonably planned to be, in competition with American Vanguard or to interfere with Executive’s duties as an employee of American Vanguard; or

(e) Solicit, accept or receive any gift having a value of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or more, whether in the form of money, service, loan, hospitality (except for ordinary business meals), thing or promise, or in any other form, under circumstances in which it could reasonably be inferred that the gift was intended to influence Executive, in the performance of Executive’s duties on behalf of American Vanguard, or was intended as a reward for any action on Executive’s part on behalf of American Vanguard, unless such fact or activity is fully disclosed in writing to and discussed by the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors approves (and/or ratifies), in writing, of such fact or activity.

13. Information of Others . Executive certifies and acknowledges that Executive will not disclose or utilize in Executive’s work with American Vanguard any secret or confidential information of others (including any prior employers), or any inventions or innovations of Executive’s own which are not included within the scope of this Agreement.

14. Confidential Information . American Vanguard may, from time to time, provide Executive confidential information or trade secrets regarding its business methods, plan, products, pricing, customer lists, and other confidential customer information including, but not limited to, contact names, purchasing authority(ies), product, know-how and/or customer service requirements, buying patterns, and other proprietary information. Executive agrees not to disclose or use any such confidential information concerning American Vanguard or its customer(s) or client(s), however obtained, except in furtherance of American Vanguard’ business, and at its discretion.

Executive agrees that, in addition to those matters specified above, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, disclose, use, communicate, appropriate or exploit any information, whether of a business or personal nature, of and pertaining to American Vanguard. All information referred to herein is proprietary to American Vanguard and Executive agrees not to disseminate any of the information. Executive shall not speak with or write to the press for the purpose of divulging or disclosing confidential information learned in the context of his employment, including, without limitation, information by, about or concerning American Vanguard, its respective advisors, representatives, independent contractors, employees, vendors, attorneys, friends, agents and licensees.

 

6


Executive recognizes and acknowledges that a breach of this Agreement including its covenants, could not reasonably be compensated in damages in an action at law and that American Vanguard shall be entitled to injunctive relief obtainable in a court of competent jurisdiction, which may include but shall not be limited to restraining Executive from rendering any service which would breach this Agreement. However, no remedy conferred by any of the specific provisions of this Agreement (including this Paragraph) is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy, and each and every remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other remedy given under this Agreement or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise. The election of any one or more remedies by American Vanguard shall not constitute a waiver of the right to pursue other available remedies. These obligations shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment.

15. Non-Raiding . Executive will not, either during Executive’s employment or for a period of one (1) year thereafter, either directly or indirectly, hire, solicit, induce or attempt to induce or encourage any of American Vanguard’ employees to leave their employment.

16. Return of Property . Executive agrees that upon request by American Vanguard, and in any event upon termination of employment, Executive shall turn over to American Vanguard all documents, papers or other material in Executive’s possession or under his control which may contain or be derived from confidential information, together with all documents, notes or other work product which is connected with or derived from Executive’s services to American Vanguard, whether or not such material is at the date hereof in Executive’s possession.

17. Enforceability . Should any provision or covenant of this Agreement prove to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions and covenants hereof shall remain in full force and effect. This Agreement (a) survives Executive’s employment by American Vanguard (except that Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 shall terminate upon termination of Executive’s employment), (b) does not in any way restrict Executive’s right or the right of American Vanguard to terminate Executive’s employment, (c) inures to the benefit of successors and assigns of American Vanguard, and (d) is binding upon Executive’s heirs and legal representatives.

18. Entire Agreement . This Agreement supersedes all other agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties hereto with respect to the employment of Executive by American Vanguard and contains all of the covenants and agreements between the parties with respect to such employment. Each party acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises or agreements, orally or otherwise, have been made by either party, or anyone acting on behalf of either party, that are not embodied in this Agreement and that no other agreement, statement or promise shall be valid or binding. Should any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement conflict with any of the terms and conditions of any of American Vanguard’s Employee Handbook or Manuals, the terms and conditions of this Agreement as to Executive shall govern and control. This Agreement may not be modified or amended unless in writing and signed by both the Board of Directors and Executive.

 

7


19. Interpretation . The waiver by American Vanguard of any breach of any provision herein shall not be binding upon American Vanguard unless in writing signed by the Board of Directors, and shall not constitute a continuing waiver or a waiver of any subsequent breach by Executive. No course of conduct or failure or delay in enforcing any provision of this Agreement shall affect the validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. In addition, this Agreement shall be binding upon each party’s heirs, successors, representatives, administrators and assigns. Any provision of this Agreement which creates an obligation of Executive to perform or honor certain covenants or obligations shall survive the dismissal or termination of his employment.

20. Construction . The language in all parts of this Agreement shall in all cases be construed simply, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against any of the parties hereto. Without limitation, there shall be no presumption against any party on the ground that such party was responsible for drafting this Agreement or any part thereof.

21. Arbitration . Except a provided in this Section, any and all disputes between Executive and American Vanguard that arise out of Executive’s employment, including disputes involving the terms of this Agreement, shall be resolved first, through mediation before a mediator of the parties’ mutual choosing. In the event that the parties are unable to resolve such dispute through mediation within 90 days after first notice thereof, then either party may institute legal proceedings before a court seated in Orange County, California. Both parties waive objection to venue before such court. IN ADDITION, THE PARTIES WAIVE THE RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL FOR ANY MATTER THAT IS BROUGHT BEFORE A COURT HEREUNDER. Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, in the event that a party would be materially adversely affected by submitting a matter to mediation (e.g., in the event of a claim that requires immediate equitable relief), such party may bring such claim before a court without first resorting to mediation.

22. Attorneys’ Fees . In the event that an action or proceeding is brought to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing party in such adjudication shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs from the non-prevailing party.

23. Headings . The headings contained herein are solely for the purpose of reference, are not part of this Agreement and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

24. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

8


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

 

AMERICAN VANGUARD

CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation:

    ERIC G. WINTEMUTE:
By:          
  Carl Soderlind for the Compensation Committee     Eric G. Wintemute

 

9

EXHIBIT 10.9

ASSET PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

By and Between

CHEMTURA CORPORATION

and

AMVAC CHEMICAL CORPORATION

Dated December 14, 2007


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

         

Page

1.    DEFINITIONS    1
2.    SALE AND TRANSFER OF THE PURCHASED ASSETS; LIABILITIES; CLOSING    5
   2.1    PURCHASED ASSETS; LIABILITIES    5
   2.2    PURCHASE PRICE; CLOSING INVENTORY    7
   2.3    CLOSING    8
3.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER    9
   3.1    ORGANIZATION; AUTHORITY; NO CONFLICT; CONSENTS    9
   3.2    TITLE    10
   3.3    LITIGATION; COMPLIANCE WITH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS    10
   3.4    BROKERS OR FINDERS    10
   3.5    ABSENCE OF CHANGE    10
   3.6    TRANSFERRED REGISTRATIONS    11
   3.7    TRANSFERRED REGISTRATION DATA    11
   3.8    TRANSFERRED TRADEMARKS    11
   3.9    TRANSFERRED KNOW-HOW    12
   3.10    CLOSING INVENTORY    12
   3.11    CONTRACTS    13
   3.12    FINANCIAL INFORMATION    13
4.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER    13
   4.1    ORGANIZATION; AUTHORITY; NO CONFLICT; CONSENTS    13
   4.2    LITIGATION; COMPLIANCE WITH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS    14
   4.3    BROKERS OR FINDERS    14
   4.4    PAYMENTS OF BUYER    15
   4.5    INSPECTIONS; NO OTHER REPRESENTATIONS    15
5.    COVENANTS    15
   5.1    ***    15
   5.2    EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS    15
   5.3    ACCESS AND INVESTIGATION    16
   5.4    PRODUCT REGISTRATIONS    17
   5.5    CONFIDENTIALITY    18
   5.6    PUBLICITY    18

 

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   5.7    TRANSFER TAXES    19
   5.8    CERTAIN DOCUMENTS    19
6.    INDEMNIFICATION; REMEDIES    20
   6.1    INDEMNIFICATION AND PAYMENT OF DAMAGES BY SELLER    20
   6.2    INDEMNIFICATION AND PAYMENT OF DAMAGES BY BUYER    20
   6.3    SURVIVAL; TIME LIMITATIONS    20
   6.4    LIMITATIONS ON DAMAGES    21
   6.5    PROCEDURE FOR INDEMNIFICATION-THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS    21
   6.6    PROCEDURE FOR INDEMNIFICATION-OTHER CLAIMS    22
   6.7    NET RECOVERY; MITIGATION; ETC.    22
7.    GENERAL PROVISIONS    23
   7.1    EXPENSES    23
   7.2    NOTICES    23
   7.3    DISPUTE RESOLUTION; GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION    24
   7.4    NO IMPLIED WAIVERS; NO JURY TRIAL    24
   7.5    ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND MODIFICATION    25
   7.6    ASSIGNMENTS, SUCCESSORS, AND NO THIRD-PARTY RIGHTS    25
   7.7    SEVERABILITY    25
   7.8    SECTION HEADINGS; CONSTRUCTION    25
   7.9    TIME OF THE ESSENCE    26
   7.10    COUNTERPARTS    26
EXHIBITS    [NOTE: Conform after edit]   

***

 

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ASSET PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

This Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement (this “Agreement” ) is made as of the 15th day of December 2007, by and between Chemtura Corporation, a Delaware corporation ( “Seller” ) and AMVAC Chemical Corporation, a California corporation ( “Buyer” ).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Buyer and/or its Affiliates desires to purchase from Seller and/or its Affiliates, and Seller and/or its Affiliates desires to sell to Buyer and/or its Affiliates, the Purchased Assets, all for the consideration and on the terms set forth in this Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, Buyer and Seller hereby agree as follows:

 

1. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings specified or referred to in this Article 1:

“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person (a) any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Person, (b) any officer, director, general partner, member or trustee of such Person or (c) any Person who is an officer, director, general partner, member or trustee of any Person described in clauses (a) or (b) of this sentence. For purposes of this definition, the terms “control”, “controlling”, “controlled by” or “under common control with” shall mean the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to control the management of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

“Agreement” – is defined in the preamble hereof.

“Assignment and Assumption Agreement” – means the Assignment and Assumption Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1(a) to be entered into by Seller and Buyer at the Closing.

“Assumed Liabilities” – is defined in Section 2.1(c) hereof.

“Basket” – is defined in Section 6.4(a) hereof.

“Bill of Sale” – means the Bill of Sale in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1(b) to be entered into by Seller and Buyer at the Closing.

“Breach” – a “Breach” of a representation, warranty, covenant, obligation, or other provision of this Agreement will be deemed to have occurred if there is or has been an actual breach of, or any actual failure to perform or comply with, such representation, warranty, covenant, obligation or other provision.


“Buyer” – is defined in the preamble hereof.

“Buyer’s Disclosure Schedules” – means the disclosure schedules of Buyer referred to in Article 4 hereof and attached hereto and made a part hereof.

“Buyer Indemnified Persons” – is defined in Section 6.1 hereof.

“Closing” – means 6:00 pm EDT on the date hereof.

“Closing Inventory” – means Seller’s and its Affiliates’ inventories of the items listed in Exhibit 1(c) attached hereto as of the Closing, including (a) finished goods; (b) raw materials, packaging and intermediates for use solely for the manufacture, formulation and/or packaging of Products; and (c) semi-finished Products.

“Collateral Source” – is defined in Section 6.7 hereof.

“Confidential Information” – is defined in Section 5.5 hereof.

“Consent” – means any approval, consent or other authorization.

“Contemplated Transactions” – means all of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

“CPR” is defined in Section 7.3(b) hereof.

“Damages” – is defined in Section 6.1 hereof.

“Deferred Purchase Price” – is defined in Section 2.2(b) hereof.

“Encumbrance” – means any lien, pledge, security interest, right of first refusal, or other like restriction.

“Excluded Liabilities” – is defined in Section 2.1(d) hereof.

“Excluded Products” – means the following seed treatment products: (a) System 3 and (b) Prevail.

“Governmental Body” – means any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other governmental body entitled to exercise any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, police, regulatory or taxing authority.

“Indemnified Person” – means a Buyer Indemnified Person or a Seller Indemnified Person, as the case may be.

“Indemnifying Person” – is defined in Section 6.5(a) hereof.

 

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“Knowledge” – an individual will be deemed to have “Knowledge” of a particular fact or other matter only if such individual is actually aware of such fact or other matter.

“Legal Requirement” – means any applicable law, statute, treaty, rule, code, ordinance, regulation, order, enforcement action, injunction, judgment, decree or enforceable judicial or administrative interpretation thereof of any Governmental Body.

“Liabilities” – means any liabilities, obligations, expenses, claims, taxes or assessments, losses, or damages of or by any Person.

“Material Adverse Effect” – means a material adverse effect on the Purchased Assets, taken as a whole, except any material adverse effect (a) related to general economic, regulatory or political conditions or from terrorist acts, declared or undeclared war or other hostilities, (b) that affects the general industry in which the Purchased Assets are owned or used, (c) relating to changes in accounting requirements, under generally accepted accounting principles or other similar standards, applicable to the Products or (d) relating to the announcement of the Contemplated Transactions. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, no action taken by Seller or Buyer (or any of their Affiliates) expressly required or contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents shall be deemed to have a Material Adverse Effect.

“Ordinary Course of Business” – an action taken by a Person will be deemed to have been taken in the “Ordinary Course of Business” if such action is substantially consistent with the past practices of such Person and is taken in the ordinary course of the normal day-to-day operations of such Person.

“PCNB” – means pentachloronitrobenzene

“Permitted Encumbrance” – means (a) any Encumbrance for taxes accrued but not yet due or for taxes the validity of which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or (b) any statutory carriers’, warehousemen’s, workmen’s or mechanics’ lien or other like Encumbrance that is not yet delinquent or is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.

“Person” – means any individual , corporation, general or limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, estate, trust, association, organization, labor union or other entity or Governmental Body.

“Proceeding” – means any action , arbitration, hearing, litigation or suit (whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, or informal) commenced, brought, conducted or heard by or before any Governmental Body.

“Products” – means the products listed in Exhibit 1(d) , but specifically excluding the Excluded Products.

“Product Registration” means a permission, authorization, registration and/or approval from an applicable Governmental Body that is necessary for the sale of a Product.

 

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“Product Registration Data” – means the data, information and studies relating to a particular active ingredient and its formulations, including its impurities or metabolites, which have been submitted to a Governmental Body in support of an application for a Product Registration.

“Purchase Price” – is defined in Section 2.2(a) hereof.

“Purchased Assets” – is defined in Section 2.1(a) hereof.

“Seller” – is defined in the preamble hereof.

“Seller Indemnified Persons” – is defined in Section 6.2 hereof.

“Seller’s Disclosure Schedules” – means the disclosure schedules of Seller referred to in Article 3 hereof and attached hereto and made a part hereof.

“Seller’s Knowledge” – means the knowledge of Robert Cannings (with respect to Sales & Marketing), Alex Dzialo (with respect to Production, Manufacturing & Tolling) and Michael Dupre (with respect to Registrations).

“Third-Party Claim” – is defined in Section 6.5(a) hereof.

“Threatened” – a claim , Proceeding, order, dispute, action or other matter will be deemed to have been “Threatened” against a Person if any demand or statement has been made in writing, or any written notice has been given to such Person.

“Trademark Assignment” – means the Trademark Assignment in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1(d) to be entered into by Seller and Buyer at the Closing.

“Transaction Documents” – means this Agreement (together with the schedules and exhibits attached hereto), the Assignment and Assumption Agreement, the Trademark Assignment, the Bill of Sale, and any other documents or agreements executed and/or delivered in connection with the Contemplated Transactions.

“Transferred Contracts” – means those contracts to be transferred to Buyer hereunder as identified on Exhibit 1 (e) .

“Transferred Know-How” – is defined in Section 2.1(a)(iv) hereof.

“Transferred Registration Data” – is defined in Section 2.1(a)(ii) hereof.

“Transferred Registrations” – is defined in Section 2.1(a)(i) hereof.

“Transferred Trademarks” – is defined Section 2.1(a)(iii) hereof.

 

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2. SALE AND TRANSFER OF THE PURCHASED ASSETS; LIABILITIES; CLOSING

 

  2.1 PURCHASED ASSETS; LIABILITIES.

(a) Purchased Assets . At the Closing, and upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, Seller shall, and/or shall cause its applicable Affiliates to, sell and assign to Buyer and/or its designated Affiliates, and Buyer shall, and/or shall cause its designated Affiliates to, purchase and accept from Seller and/or its applicable Affiliates, all of Seller’s and/or its Affiliates’ right, title and interest existing on the Closing Date in and to the following assets, free and clear of Encumbrances, other than Permitted Encumbrances (the “Purchased Assets” ):

(i) Seller’s and/or its Affiliates’ Product Registrations as expressly identified and set forth in Exhibit 2.1(a)(i) (collectively, the “Transferred Registrations” );

(ii) Seller’s and/or its Affiliates’ Product Registration Data to the extent specifically relating to and in support of the Transferred Registrations which, to Seller’s Knowledge, are identified and set forth in Exhibit 2.1(a)(ii) (collectively, the “Transferred Registration Data” ) including, without limitation, rights to data compensation associated therewith;

(iii) Seller’s and/or its Affiliates’ trademarks as expressly identified and set forth in Exhibit 2.1(a)(iii) (collectively, the “Transferred Trademarks” );

(iv) Seller’s and/or its Affiliates’ know-how specifically relating to the formulation of formulated Products, as expressly identified on Exhibit 2.1(a)(v) (collectively, the “Transferred Know-How” ) ;

(v) Seller and/or its Affiliates’ books, records and files, including without limitation, customer lists, sales and marketing information, sales records, pricing information, incentive programs, distribution programs, supply information, and all efficacy data to the extent specifically relating to Seller’s and/or its Affiliates’ sales of Products;

(vi) Seller’s and/or its Affiliates’ rights under the Transferred Contracts; and

(vii) Seller’s and/or its Affiliates’ rights under customer orders for Products received by Seller for which title has not passed to customer as of the Closing.

(b) Excluded Assets . Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Purchased Assets shall not include any of the following:

(i) any cash or accounts receivable (including, but not limited to, any cash or accounts receivable arising from or relating to the sale of Products by Seller or any of its Affiliates);

 

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(ii) any prepaid deposits or prepaid expenses (including, but not limited to, any prepaid deposits or prepaid expenses arising from or relating to the sale of Products by Seller or any of its Affiliates);

(iii) rights under any contracts or agreements to which Seller is a party relating to the sale of the Products (except to the extent specifically assigned hereunder);

(iv) any asset, right or property owned or used by Seller or its Affiliates, or relating to Products, unless such asset, right or property is expressly identified in Section 2.1(a) as a Purchased Asset;

(v) the rights that accrue or will accrue to Seller under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document;

(vi) any Closing Inventory, which is specifically provided for in Section 2.2(c) hereof;

(vii) any inventories of Excluded Products; or

(viii)***.

(c) Assumed Liabilities . Effective immediately after the Closing, Buyer shall be responsible for and shall assume and agree to pay, discharge or perform, as appropriate, when due the following Liabilities (collectively, the “Assumed Liabilities” ):

(i) any Liability arising out of or relating to the Purchased Assets to the extent that any such Liability is for, relates to or arises during time periods after the Closing;

(ii) any Liability arising out of or relating to the sale of Products or the conduct of the business relating to the Purchased Assets and the sale of Products, to the extent that any such Liability is for or relates to Products sold by Buyer after the Closing (including, without limitation, any and all storage and warehouse costs associated with the Products incurred on or after the Closing), provided, however, that nothing in this section is intended to relieve Seller of warranty obligations relating to any Closing Inventory purchased by Buyer from Seller after the Closing;

(iii) any tax liability assessed against or with respect to the Purchased Assets or Products at anytime after the Closing relating to the Purchased Assets or Products sold at any time on or after the Closing; and

(iv) any Liability arising out of or relating to any Transferred Contracts to the extent that such Liability is for, relates to or arises during time periods after the Closing.

 

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(d) Excluded Liabilities . Buyer shall not assume or become responsible for the following Liabilities (collectively, the “Excluded Liabilities” ):

(i) any Liability arising out of or relating to the Purchased Assets to the extent that any such Liability is for, relates to and arises during time periods on or prior to the Closing, including, without limitation, those related to the Transferred Contracts;

(ii) any Liability arising out of or relating to Seller’s sale of Products to the extent that any such Liability is for, relates to Products sold by Seller on or prior to the Closing; and

(iii) any tax liability assessed against or with respect to the Purchased Assets or Products at any time on or prior to the Closing relating to the Purchased Assets or Products sold at any time on or prior to the Closing.

(iv) any Liability arising out of or relating to rebate or incentive payment programs in effect between Seller and its distributors or customers.

(v) any other liability that is not specifically assumed by Buyer as per Section 2.1 (c) above.

 

  2.2 PURCHASE PRICE; CLOSING INVENTORY

(a) In consideration for Seller’s and/or its Affiliates’ sale, assignment and delivery of the Purchased Assets to Buyer and/or its Affiliates, and Seller’s and its Affiliates’ performance of their respective obligations contained in this Agreement, at the Closing, Buyer shall pay, or cause to be paid, to Seller, by wire transfer to an account designated by Seller, an amount equal to *** )(the “Purchase Price” ).

(b) In addition, on or before December 15, 2009, Buyer shall pay, or cause to be paid, to Seller, by wire transfer to an account designated by Seller, an amount, equal to *** less the amount, if any, calculated as per Exhibit 2.2(b) hereto (the “Deferred Purchase Price” ).

(c) In addition to the foregoing,

(i) promptly after the Closing (and following the physical stock taking described in the immediately following paragraph), Seller shall, and/or shall cause its applicable Affiliates to, deliver to Buyer and/or its applicable Affiliates, the Closing Inventory, which Buyer and/or its Affiliates shall keep as consigned inventory in one or more locations, under Buyer’s control, segregated from Buyer’s other inventory and clearly labeled as the property of Seller (the “Consigned Storage”). Buyer shall maintain at all times during the term of the consignment provided for herein, all permits required for the storage of the consigned Products and the storage area for such consigned Products shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations. All storage and unloading costs and all costs of withdrawal of the consgined Products from storage will be for the account of Buyer. Buyer agrees to purchase the Closing Inventory from time to time on an as needed basis at the prices set forth in Exhibit 2.2(c)(i) (which will be provided to Buyer by Seller immediately after Closing), which prices shall be no greater than Seller’s book value (to be determined with accounting a valuation principles as consistently applied by Seller maintaining full accounting and valuation consistency with

 

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previous financial statements, in particular providing for sufficient and appropriate depreciation and value adjustments) for such goods; provided that if Buyer has not purchased all of the Closing Inventory from the Consigned Storage by July 31, 2008, Buyer shall be deemed to have withdrawn any and all Closing Inventory then remaining, as of such date. Title to such Closing Inventory shall remain with Seller until Buyer withdraws or is deemed to withdraw any such Closing Inventory from Consigned Storage. Risk of loss, however, shall pass to Buyer upon Buyer’s receipt of such Closing Inventory into Consigned Storage. Not later than the 10 th day of each month, Buyer agrees to provide Seller with a written report on a monthly basis indicating the level of Closing Inventory that has been withdrawn or that is deemed to have been withdrawn from Consigned Inventory during the immediately prior calendar month. Buyer agrees to make payment for Closing Inventory so reported to have been withdrawn or deemed to have been withdrawn on a net thirty (30) day basis as measured from the date of the applicable monthly report. All purchases of Closing Inventory shall be subject to, and Buyer shall pay, any applicable taxes relating to such purchases, including any value added taxes.

(ii) Seller shall perform a count of the Closing Inventory through either (a) a physical stock taking of the Closing Inventory which Buyer shall be given the opportunity to observe or (b) written certifications from warehouses holding Closing Inventory. As promptly as possible, but in any event within ten (10) business days after the Closing Date, Seller shall deliver to Buyer an un-audited statement of the value and quantity of the Closing Inventory based upon the book value as described in the immediately preceding paragraph, as shown in the records of Seller (and/or its Affiliates) holding such Closing Inventory as of the Closing Date.

 

  2.3 CLOSING

The closing of the purchase and sale of the Purchased Assets (the “Closing” ) shall take place on the Closing Date at the offices of Seller located in Middlebury, Connecticut, or at such other place or in such other manner as shall be mutually agreed upon by the parties. At the Closing, the parties shall take any actions necessary to finalize the transactions contemplated hereunder, including

(a) The parties shall execute, and procure where necessary that their Affiliates execute, such deeds or other instruments (including this Agreement) and perform and procure where necessary that their Affiliates perform all other actions as are necessary to transfer title to and possession of, the Purchased Assets, including, without limitation, the transfer of title to and possession of tangible assets sold pursuant hereto, the assignment of Transferred Registrations, the assignment of the Transferred Contracts, the transfer of title to and possession of the Transferred Registration Data, the assignment or licensing of Transferred Trademarks and Transferred Know-How, and the transfer of books, records and documentation as provided hereunder and as are necessary to transfer the rights and obligations provided for in the Assignment and Assumption Agreement;

(b) Buyer shall pay the Purchase Price in accordance with Section 2.2 above; and

 

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(c) Seller and/or its Affiliates shall execute and deliver the Bill of Sale.

Each of Seller and Buyer shall cause its respective Affiliates to take any action that is required for the Closing.

 

3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

Except as set forth in Seller’s Disclosure Schedules, Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer as of the date hereof as follows:

 

  3.1 ORGANIZATION; AUTHORITY; NO CONFLICT; CONSENTS

(a) Seller is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization.

(b) Each of Seller and its Affiliates has the requisite power and authority to (i) sell the Purchased Assets, (ii) execute and deliver the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and (iii) consummate the Contemplated Transactions required to be consummated by it. Seller has duly executed and delivered this Agreement, and this Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar laws affecting the enforceability of creditors’ rights generally, general equitable principles, and court discretion in granting equitable remedies.

(c) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.1(c) of Seller’s Disclosure Schedules , none of Seller’s execution, delivery nor performance of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, nor Seller’s consummation of the Contemplated Transactions, will:

(i) result in a violation of any of the constituent documents of Seller or any resolution currently in effect adopted by the management organization of Seller; or

(ii) result in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration) under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, license, contract, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which Seller is a party or by which it or any of its properties or assets may be bound, excluding from the foregoing clause (ii) such violations, breaches or defaults which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; or

(iii) violate any order, writ, injunction, or decree, or, to Seller’s Knowledge, any statute, rule or regulation, applicable to Seller or any of its properties or assets, excluding from the foregoing clause (iii) such violations, breaches or defaults which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; or

 

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(iv) to Seller’s Knowledge, give any Governmental Body the right to challenge any of the Contemplated Transactions.

(d) To Seller’s Knowledge, except as set forth in Schedule 3.1(d) of Seller’s Disclosure Schedules , Seller is not required to give any notice to, or obtain any Consent from any (i) Governmental Body, (ii) Person pursuant to any written contract or (iii) management organization or stockholders of Seller, in connection with the Contemplated Transactions.

 

  3.2 TITLE

(a) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.2(a) of Seller’s Disclosure Schedules , Seller and its applicable Affiliates are the record and beneficial owners of, and have good and marketable title to, the Purchased Assets, free and clear of Encumbrances, except for the Permitted Encumbrances.

(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.2(b) of Seller’s Disclosure Schedules , each of Seller and its applicable Affiliates has the right, power and authority to sell, assign and deliver the Purchased Assets to Buyer or its Affiliates free and clear of Encumbrances, other than Permitted Encumbrances.

 

  3.3 LITIGATION; COMPLIANCE WITH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

(a) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.3(a) of Seller’s Disclosure Schedules , there are no Proceedings pending or, to Seller’s Knowledge, Threatened, against Seller, (i) involving the Purchased Assets or (ii) that question the validity of this Agreement or the Contemplated Transactions or any action taken or to be taken by Seller in connection with this Agreement or the Contemplated Transactions.

(b) Seller is not in material violation of any applicable Legal Requirement relating to the Purchased Assets or Products which violations, individually or in the aggregate, would result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  3.4 BROKERS OR FINDERS

Seller has not incurred any Liability for brokerage or finders’ fees or agents’ commissions or other similar payments in connection with this Agreement or the Contemplated Transactions.

 

  3.5 ABSENCE OF CHANGE

Except as set forth in Schedule 3.5 of Seller’s Disclosure Schedules or as otherwise contemplated in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, since December 5, 2006, (a) there has not been any transaction or occurrence which has resulted in a Material Adverse Effect and (b) the Purchased Assets have been owned and operated in the Ordinary Course of Business, and there has not been:

(i) any acceptance by Seller or its Affiliates of orders for the sale of Products that were not in the Ordinary Course of Business or that involved a material change in or to the regular price, credit or distribution policies under such orders;

 

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(ii) any sale, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or transfer or material impairment of any Purchased Asset by Seller or its Affiliates;

(iii) to Seller’s Knowledge, any material increase or decrease in the stocks of Products sold by Seller or its Affiliates, other than in the Ordinary Course of Business; or

(iv) any agreement by Seller or its Affiliates to take any of the actions specified in the foregoing items (i) through (iii).

 

  3.6 TRANSFERRED REGISTRATIONS

Except as set forth in Schedule 3.6 of Seller’s Disclosure Schedules or as indicated in Exhibit 2.1(a)(i) :

(a) To Seller’s Knowledge, each of the Transferred Registrations are subsisting, are valid and in full force and effect and are not unenforceable in whole or in part; and

(b) To Seller’s Knowledge, each of the Transferred Registrations is in material compliance with all Legal Requirements to maintain and support the Product Registrations for Seller’s sale of Products as sold by Seller as of the date hereof.

 

  3.7 TRANSFERRED REGISTRATION DATA

Except as set forth in Schedule 3.7 of Seller’s Disclosure Schedules or as indicated in Exhibit 2.1(a)(ii) :

(a) Seller has not granted any third party (other than Affiliates of Seller) any right to cite to the Transferred Registration Data; and

(b) To Seller’s Knowledge, the Transferred Registration Data is sufficient to support the Transferred Registrations as of the date hereof.

 

  3.8 TRANSFERRED TRADEMARKS

Except as set forth in Schedule 3.8 of Seller’s Disclosure Schedules or as indicated in Exhibit 2.1(a)(iii) :

(a) Seller has not granted any third party (other than Affiliates of Seller) any rights in the Transferred Trademarks nor entered into any agreement with any third party in conflict with the transfer of the Transferred Trademarks as contemplated in this Agreement;

 

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(b) To Seller’s Knowledge, all of the Transferred Trademarks are valid and enforceable, and have not been adjudged unenforceable in whole or part;

(c) To Seller’s Knowledge, no third party (other than Affiliates of Seller) is engaging in any activity that infringes upon the use of the Transferred Trademarks; and

(d) To Seller’s Knowledge, the use of the Transferred Trademarks associated with the sale of Products does not infringe upon the trademark rights of any Person.

 

  3.9 TRANSFERRED KNOW-HOW

Except as set forth in Schedule 3.9 of Seller’s Disclosure Schedules :

(a) Seller or its applicable Affiliate owns the Transferred Know-How and has the right to grant to Buyer the rights granted under the Assignment and Assumption Agreement. Seller has not granted any third party (other than Affiliates of Seller) any rights in the Transferred Know-How in conflict with the terms of the Assignment and Assumption Agreement.

(b) To Seller’s Knowledge, (i) no third party has misappropriated any of the Transferred Know-How and (ii) none of the Transferred Know-How was misappropriated from any third party.

(c) To Seller’s Knowledge, (i) no written claim or demand of any Person has been made nor is there any Proceeding that is pending, or Threatened, that challenges the rights of Seller in respect of the Transferred Know-How and (ii) none of the Transferred Know-How is subject to any outstanding order, ruling, decree, judgment or stipulation by or with any court, arbitrator, or administrative agency.

 

  3.10 CLOSING INVENTORY

(a) The Closing Inventory is good and salable and has been maintained in the ordinary course of business.

(b) As of the Closing Date the Closing Inventory will have a remaining shelf-life of not less than one (1) year;

(c) Based upon the sales activity of Seller taken on a product by product basis and averaged over the course of 2004, 2005 and 2006, Seller would typically have been able to sell approximately seventy five percent (75%) of the Closing Inventory (as measured in aggregate dollar value) within a period of seven (7) months commencing on the Closing.

(d) EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, SELLER MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE CLOSING INVENTORY AND, EXCEPT FOR WARRANTY AS TO TITLE, SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

 

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  3.11 CONTRACTS/TRANSFERRED CONTRACTS

(a) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.11(a) of Seller’s Disclosure Schedules, there are no contracts relating to the Purchased Assets.

(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.11(b) of Seller’s Disclosure Schedules, to Seller’s Knowledge,

(i) there is no breach or default, or facts that, given the passage of time would result in a breach or default, of any Transferred Contract;

(ii) each Transferred Contract is legal, valid and binding; is in full force and effect; and will continue to be so upon consummation of this transaction.

 

  3.12 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Seller represents and warrants that, as of the Closing Date, the financial information set forth in Schedule 3.12 of Seller’s Disclosure Schedules , which consists of gross sales and gross margins for each of the Products during calendar year 2007, is true, complete and accurate for the time period in question and is based upon Seller’s standard accounting practices. Further, the parties agree that Schedule 3.12 of Seller’s Disclosure Schedules shall be provided to Buyer for viewing by Buyer’s attorney’s eyes only and may not be viewed by any other person in Buyer’s organization unless and until the transaction contemplated hereunder closes.

 

4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER

Except as set forth in Buyer’s Disclosure Schedules, Buyer hereby represents and warrants to Seller as of the date hereof as follows:

 

  4.1 ORGANIZATION; AUTHORITY; NO CONFLICT; CONSENTS

(a) Buyer is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization.

(b) Each of Buyer and its Affiliates has the requisite power and authority to (i) own the Purchased Assets to be purchased by it, (ii) execute and deliver the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and (iii) consummate the Contemplated Transactions required to be consummated by it. Buyer has duly executed and delivered this Agreement, and this Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar laws affecting the enforceability of creditors’ rights generally, general equitable principles, and court discretion in granting equitable remedies.

 

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(c) Except as set forth in Schedule 4.1(c) of Buyer’s Disclosure Schedules , none of Buyer’s execution, delivery nor performance of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, nor Buyer’s consummation of the Contemplated Transactions, will:

(i) result in a violation of any of the constituent documents of Buyer or any resolution currently in effect adopted by the management organization of Buyer; or

(ii) result in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration) under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, license, contract, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which Buyer is a party or by which it or any of its properties or assets may be bound, excluding from the foregoing clause (ii) such violations, breaches or defaults which would not, individually or in the aggregate, materially interfere with Buyer’s ability to consummate the Contemplated Transactions; or

(iii) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree or statute, rule or regulation applicable to Buyer or any of its properties or assets, excluding from the foregoing clause (iii) such violations, breaches or defaults which would not, individually or in the aggregate, materially interfere with Buyer’s ability to consummate the Contemplated Transactions; or

(iv) to Buyer’s knowledge, give any Governmental Body the right to challenge any of the Contemplated Transactions.

(d) To Buyer’s knowledge, except as set forth in Schedule 4.1(d) of Buyer’s Disclosure Schedules , Buyer is not required to give any notice to, or obtain any Consent from any (i) Governmental Body, (ii) Person pursuant to any written Contract or (iii) management organization, stockholders or members of Buyer, in connection with the Contemplated Transactions.

 

  4.2 LITIGATION; COMPLIANCE WITH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

(a) There are no Proceedings pending or, to Buyer’s knowledge, Threatened, against Buyer, that question the validity of this Agreement or the Contemplated Transactions or any action taken or to be taken by Buyer in connection with this Agreement or the Contemplated Transactions.

(b) Buyer is not in material violation of any applicable Legal Requirement which violations, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on Buyer’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement or consummate the Contemplated Transactions.

 

  4.3 BROKERS OR FINDERS

Buyer has not incurred any Liability for brokerage or finders’ fees or agents’ commissions or other similar payments in connection with this Agreement or the Contemplated Transactions.

 

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  4.4 PAYMENTS OF BUYER

Buyer or its Affiliates have sufficient cash on hand or available borrowing capacity under its existing lines of credit to pay the Purchase Price and the other payments required to be paid by Buyer hereunder as provided herein.

 

  4.5 INSPECTIONS; NO OTHER REPRESENTATIONS

Buyer hereby acknowledges and agrees that, except as expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement, the Purchased Assets are sold “as is” and Buyer agrees to accept, and to cause its applicable Affiliates to accept, the Purchased Assets in the condition they are in on the Closing Date, except with respect to the Closing Inventory as specifically provided in Section 2.2(c)(i), based on its own inspection, examination and determination with respect to all matters, and Seller makes no representations or warranties (express or implied) with respect to the Purchased Assets, the Products and/or the Contemplated Transactions, or any matter relating thereto, except as expressly set forth in Article 3 of this Agreement. Buyer hereby acknowledges and agrees that Seller makes no representation or warranty (express or implied) with respect to (a) any projections, estimates or budgets delivered or made available to Buyer or any of its Affiliates, or Buyer’s or any of its Affiliates’ counsel, accountants or advisors of future revenues, future results of operations (or any component thereof), future cash flows, future financial condition (or any component thereof), future business or future operations or (b) any other information or documents delivered or made available to Buyer or any of its Affiliates, or Buyer’s or any of its Affiliates’ counsel, accountants or advisors, with respect to the Purchased Assets, the Products and/or the Contemplated Transactions, or any matter relating thereto including, without limitation, any information and/or documents delivered or made available during or in connection with Buyer’s or any of its Affiliates’ due diligence, except as expressly set forth in Article 3 of this Agreement.

 

5. COVENANTS

 

  5.1 COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE

After the Closing, for a period the shorter of (a) five (5) years following the Closing Date or (b) the applicable non-compete periods permitted by Legal Requirements in the applicable jurisdictions, and subject to the limitations below, Seller shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates not to, sell products containing PCNB other than the Excluded Products. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 5.1 or elsewhere in this Agreement shall prevent Seller or any of its Affiliates from (i) performing its obligations under any Transaction Document (including, without limitation, any of its obligations under the Transition Agreement) or (ii) marketing and/or selling, directly or indirectly, any of the Products or other products on behalf of, or to, any of Buyer, its Affiliates or other Persons as mutually agreed by Buyer or its Affiliates and Seller and/or its Affiliates.

 

  5.2 EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS

At the Closing, and in addition to entering into and delivering this Agreement, Seller and Buyer shall, and/or shall cause their respective applicable Affiliates to, enter into and deliver the other Transaction Documents required to be entered into and delivered by such parties at the Closing.

 

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  5.3 ACCESS AND INVESTIGATION/COOPERATION

(a) From and after the Closing, each party agrees to cooperate with and to grant to the other party and their respective employees and representatives, as appropriate, upon reasonable advance notice and during normal business hours, reasonable access to the other party’s management personnel and such other information and records as appropriate, relating to the Products and the Purchased Assets, in their possession after the Closing and to permit reasonable copying or, where reasonably necessary, to furnish original documents relating to the Products, the Purchased Assets and the business related thereto for the purposes of (i) any financial reporting or tax matters (including without limitation any financial and tax audits, tax contests, tax examination, preparation for any tax returns or financial records); (ii) any investigation being conducted by any Government Body involving the Products, the Purchased Assets or the Business related thereto; (iii) any claims or litigation involving either party or the Purchased Assets or the business related thereto; (iv) any matters related to registrations of Products; or (v) any similar or related matter. Each party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that its access to and requests for records and documents pursuant to this Section 5.3(a) are conducted so as not to interfere with the normal and ordinary operation of the other party’s business. Each party acknowledges that the records and documents made available to such party pursuant to this Section 5.3(a) constitute confidential information of the releasing party and shall be treated accordingly, and further, that the cost of responding to any request under this Section 5.3(a) shall be borne solely by the requesting party.

(b) Subject to the terms and conditions herein provided, each of the parties hereto agrees to, both prior to and after the Closing, use all commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective as promptly as practicable the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to cooperate with each other and to keep each other informed in connection with the foregoing, including using all commercially reasonable efforts (i) to obtain all necessary waivers, consents and approvals from other parties, (ii) to obtain all necessary consents, approvals and authorizations as are required to be obtained under any federal, state or foreign law or regulations, (iii) to effect all necessary registration transfers, and (iv) to fulfill all conditions to this Agreement. Seller shall, at any time from and after the Closing, upon the request of Buyer and at Buyer’s expense, do, execute, acknowledge and deliver, and cause to be done, executed, acknowledged and delivered, all such further acts, assignments, transfers, conveyances, powers of attorney or assurances as may be reasonably required to transfer, convey, grant and confirm to and vest in Buyer good title to all of the Purchased Assets, free and clear of all liens.

(c) Buyer agrees to deliver promptly to Seller any amounts received by or on behalf of Buyer that are clearly identifiable as pre-Closing accounts receivable from the sale of Products by the Seller and Seller agrees to deliver promptly to Buyer any amounts received by or on behalf of Seller that are clearly identifiable as post-Closing accounts receivable from the sale of Products by the Buyer.

 

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  5.4 PRODUCT REGISTRATIONS

(a) Seller shall cause the Transferred Registrations to be transferred to Buyer in its or its designated Affiliates’ name(s) as soon as is reasonably practicable after the Closing. Any and all fees, expenses and other costs associated with effectuating such transfers shall be borne by Buyer and/or its Affiliates and none of Seller nor its Affiliates shall be responsible for the payment of such fees, expenses or costs. In furtherance of effectuating such transfers, Buyer shall, promptly after the Closing, commence the filing of all applications, documents, and supporting information with all applicable Governmental Bodies that are necessary or appropriate to effectuate such transfers and complete such filings within ninety (90) days after the Closing, and shall diligently prosecute the effectuation of such transfers. Upon receipt of approvals from the appropriate Governmental Bodies regarding a transfer of a Transferred Registration, Buyer and its Affiliates shall comply with all Legal Requirements for changeover of all Product packaging, labeling, and package inserts associated with the Products that are the subject of such Transferred Registration. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary and, subject to compliance with applicable Legal Requirements, except for such inventory of Products existing at the time the appropriate Governmental Body approves the transfer of a Transferred Registrations for a Product, (i) commencing with the first production run after the appropriate Governmental Body approves the transfer of a Transferred Registration for a Product, Buyer and its Affiliates shall use Buyer’s and its Affiliates’ approved packaging, labeling, and package inserts for such Product and cease using Seller’s or its Affiliates’ packaging, labeling, and package inserts for such Product and (ii) in any event, no later than six (6) months from the date the appropriate Governmental Body approves a transfer of a Transferred Registration for a Product, Buyer and its Affiliates shall change the labels on and package inserts included with all such Product produced after such approval to Buyer’s and its Affiliates’ approved labels and package inserts and in accordance with all Legal Requirements, and shall remove Seller’s name and telephone numbers from all labeling, package inserts, and other Product supporting materials and information associated with such Product including, but not limited to, material safety data sheets. Buyer and its Affiliates shall only use Seller’s or its Affiliates’ packaging, labeling, and package inserts for a Product in a manner consistent with Legal Requirements. Until the transfer of Transferred Registrations has been completed, Seller shall take all actions reasonably necessary to permit Buyer to manufacture, market, sell, and distribute Products in reliance upon Seller’s Transferred Registrations and the underlying data.

(b)(i) Seller shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, provide reasonable assistance to Buyer and its Affiliates in seeking to have the Transferred Registrations transferred to Buyer and/or its Affiliates and (ii) until the transfer of the Transferred Registrations to Buyer and/or its Affiliates has been effected, Seller shall take reasonable actions to maintain the Transferred Registrations that have not yet been transferred to Buyer and shall not make any modifications to the Transferred Registrations without the prior written consent of Buyer (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided, however, that Buyer shall reimburse Seller and its Affiliates for any and all out-of-pocket fees, expenses and other costs incurred by Seller and its Affiliates in connection with such assistance and/or actions upon demand therefor.

 

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  5.5 CONFIDENTIALITY

This Agreement, the Transaction Documents and the Exhibits hereto and thereto and any information disclosed by one party to the other party and identified as “confidential” or similar notation, or any information which is developed by the parties in cooperation with each other, in connection with the Contemplated Transactions (such information, “Confidential Information” ) shall, except as otherwise permitted by this Agreement, be maintained in confidence by the parties, and used only for the purposes of this Agreement. Except as otherwise permitted by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, a party shall not disclose the Confidential Information of the other party to any third party without the prior written permission of the other party for a period of ten (10) years after the termination of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, as the case may be; provided that the foregoing obligation of confidentiality shall not extend to information that is:

(a) already known at the time of its receipt by the receiving party;

(b) property in the public domain through no fault of the receiving party;

(c) disclosed to the receiving party by a third party who may lawfully do so; or

(d) required to be disclosed by the receiving party to any Governmental Body, and not subject to protection as confidential business information or otherwise protected by statute or common law privilege against disclosure; provided, however, that prior to any such disclosure to any Governmental Body, the receiving party shall allow the other party reasonable time to take such steps as to limit such disclosure.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) a party may disclose Confidential Information to its Affiliates, consultants and attorneys having a need to know and who are subject to a confidentiality agreement at least as strict as this Section 5.5 and (ii) nothing contained in this Section 5.5 or elsewhere in this Agreement shall prevent or limit Seller and its Affiliates from disclosing information to third parties to the extent necessary or desired in connection with the transfer and assignment of the Purchased Assets (including, without limitation, the Transferred Contract) to Buyer or its Affiliates as contemplated in this Agreement.

 

  5.6 PUBLICITY

No public release or announcement concerning this Agreement, any other Transaction Document or the Contemplated Transactions shall be issued by either party without the prior written consent of the other party, except to the extent such release or announcement may be required by a Legal Requirement or the rules or regulations of any U.S. or foreign securities exchange, in which case the releasing party shall allow the other party reasonable time to comment on such release or announcement in advance of its issuance.

 

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  5.7 TRANSFER TAXES

(a) All transfer, documentary, sales, use, value added, goods and services, registration and other taxes, but not Seller’s income taxes, and related fees (including any penalties, interest and additions to tax) incurred in connection with this Agreement, any other Transaction Document and/or the Contemplated Transactions shall be paid by Buyer. Seller and Buyer shall cooperate in a timely manner in making all such filings, returns, reports and forms as may be required to comply with the provisions of all tax laws with respect to such taxes.

(b) To the extent Buyer is required by any applicable income tax law to withhold a portion of the payment owing to Seller hereunder, Seller shall accept the resulting net payment as due performance. Buyer shall, however, take all commercially reasonable steps necessary to secure the benefit of any reduction of withholding tax rate available under treaty and shall promptly provide Seller with a receipt for any tax withheld. Receipts should be sent to Seller’s address as set forth in Section 7.2 hereof.

 

  5.8 CERTAIN DOCUMENTS

Upon the request of a party, the other party shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, execute, deliver and file, after good faith discussions, any and all agreements and other documents reflecting or incorporating all or any of the provisions contained in this Agreement to the extent such execution, delivery and/or filing is required by, or supports compliance with, any applicable Legal Requirement, or is otherwise necessary, to effect the transfer of the Purchased Assets from Seller (or its Affiliates) to Buyer (or its Affiliates) as provided in this Agreement; provided, however, that nothing contained in such agreements and documents shall modify any of the provisions contained in this Agreement and in the event of a conflict between any provision contained in such agreement or documents and any provision contained in this Agreement, then the provision contained in this Agreement shall control.

 

  5.9 POST-CLOSING DOCUMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS

Promptly after the Closing, Seller shall provide Buyer with (a) copies of all Transferred Contracts, (b) copies of all agreements that are not Transferred Contracts that are in effect as of the Closing and relate to the tolling or formulation of Products, and (c) Seller’s production schedule for the Products for 2008. Seller agrees to facilitate the assignment of all Transferred Contracts to Buyer, which assignment, and the assumption of such Transferred Contracts by Buyer, shall be memorialized in an amendment to the Assignment and Assumption Agreement. In the event that Buyer elects not to seek assignment of one or more Transferred Contracts or if any of the Transferred Contracts requires the consent of the counter-party thereto to assign such Transferred Contract and such counter-party refuses to give such consent, then Buyer and Seller will cooperate to enable Buyer to receive the benefit of such Transferred Contract and to enable Seller to comply with its obligations thereunder. Such cooperation will include, but is not limited to, Seller, at Buyer’s request, administering such Transferred Contract so that Buyer receives the benefit thereof and (y) Buyer facilitating Seller’s performance under such Transferred Contract by, in the case of any such Transferred Contract that provides for the production of finished goods Products for Seller, purchasing such finished goods Products from Seller at Seller’s cost or, in the case of any such Transferred Contract that provides for the sale of finished goods Products, selling such Products to Seller so that it may re-sell them to the Transferred Contract counter-party in accordance with the terms of the Transferred Contract. In the event of any such resale of such Products by Seller, Seller shall pay over to Buyer the profit

 

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enjoyed upon such resale, less an administration fee equal to 2% of Seller’s price charged to the Transferred Contract counter-party. Seller and Buyer shall cooperate in the same manner with respect to the Distribution Agreement disclosed in Seller’s Disclosure Schedule 3.11(a), which is not assignable to Buyer because it includes a number of products that are not Products. Seller’s rights and obligations under this Section 5.9 shall be deemed not to breach Seller’s obligations under Section 5.1 hereof.

 

  5.10 POST-CLOSING SUPPLY AGREEMENTS

Promptly after Closing, Seller and Buyer (and/or their applicable Affiliates) shall execute and deliver agreements providing for the supply of technical grade PCNB by Buyer to Seller (and/or its applicable Affiliates) for use in production of the Excluded Products and for the supply of technical grade etridiazole by Seller to Buyer (and/or applicable Affiliates) for use in the Products.

 

6. INDEMNIFICATION; REMEDIES

 

  6.1 INDEMNIFICATION AND PAYMENT OF DAMAGES BY SELLER

Seller shall indemnify and hold harmless Buyer and its directors, officers, employees, stockholders, members and Affiliates (collectively, the “Buyer Indemnified Persons” ) for, and shall pay to each Buyer Indemnified Person the amount of, any Liabilities and/or judgments (collectively, “Damages” ) actually incurred by such Buyer Indemnified Person, arising from (a) any Breach by Seller of any representation or warranty made by Seller in this Agreement, (b) any Breach by Seller of any covenant or obligation of Seller in this Agreement or (c) any Excluded Liability.

 

  6.2 INDEMNIFICATION AND PAYMENT OF DAMAGES BY BUYER

Buyer shall indemnify and hold harmless Seller and its directors, officers, employees, stockholders, members and Affiliates (collectively, the “Seller Indemnified Persons” ) for, and shall pay to each Seller Indemnified Person the amount of, any Damages actually incurred by such Seller Indemnified Person arising from (a) any Breach by Buyer of any representation or warranty made by Buyer in this Agreement, (b) any Breach by Buyer of any covenant or obligation of Buyer in this Agreement or (c) any Assumed Liability.

 

  6.3 SURVIVAL; TIME LIMITATIONS

All representations and warranties of Seller and Buyer in this Agreement shall each survive the Closing and terminate and expire on the date that is fifteen (15) months after the Closing. The indemnification obligations under Sections 6.1(a) and 6.2(a) shall survive the Closing and expire on the date that is fifteen (15) months after the Closing Date. The indemnification obligations under Sections 6.1(c) and 6.2(c) shall each survive the Closing until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations with respect to the indemnification claim being asserted. The indemnification obligations under Section 6.1(b) and 6.2(b) shall survive without limitation.

 

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  6.4 LIMITATIONS ON DAMAGES

(a)(i) Seller shall not be liable under Section 6.1 for an indemnification claim with respect to any individual item or occurrence unless and until the amount of all Damages claimed with respect to such item or occurrence exceeds *** (the “Threshold Amount”) and all Damages individually exceeding the Threshold Amount exceed, in the aggregate, *** (the “Basket” ), whereupon Seller shall only be liable for the amount of such Damages in excess of the Basket and (ii) notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, (A) Seller’s total and aggregate liability for all claims under Section 6.1 shall in no event exceed *** and (B) in no event shall a Buyer Indemnified Person be entitled to indemnification under Section 6.1 if any Buyer Indemnified Person had knowledge of the facts or circumstances giving rise to the claim for indemnification under Section 6.1 prior to the Closing.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to the contrary, Buyer acknowledges and agrees that its and any Buyer Indemnified Person’s sole and exclusive remedies with respect to any and all claims against Seller or its Affiliates relating to any of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, the Purchased Assets or the Contemplated Transactions shall be pursuant to the indemnification provisions set forth in this Article 6.

(c) NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING CONTAINED HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY, NO INDEMNIFYING PERSON SHALL HAVE ANY OBLIGATION TO INDEMNIFY ANY INDEMNIFIED PERSON FOR LOST PROFITS OR FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. Buyer agrees that it shall not set-off or apply any Damages or other payment obligations owed by Seller to Buyer under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document against any amounts owed by Buyer to Seller under this Agreement, any other Transaction Document or any other agreement.

 

  6.5 PROCEDURE FOR INDEMNIFICATION-THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS

(a) Promptly after receipt by an Indemnified Person under Sections 6.1 or 6.2 hereof of notice of the commencement or Threatened commencement of any third party Proceeding against it (a “Third-Party Claim” ), such Indemnified Person shall, if a claim is to be made against a Person (the “Indemnifying Person” ) under Sections 6.1 or 6.2, give written notice of sufficient detail to the Indemnifying Person of the assertion of such Third-Party Claim.

(b) If any Third-Party Claim is brought against an Indemnified Person, the Indemnifying Person shall be entitled to participate in such Third-Party Claim and, to the extent that it may elect, to assume the defense of such Third-Party Claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person. In such event, the Indemnifying Person will not, so long as it maintains such defense, be liable to the Indemnified Person under Sections 6.1 or 6.2, as applicable, for any fees of other counsel with respect to the defense of such Proceeding. An election to assume the defense of a Third-Party Claim shall not be deemed to be an admission that the Indemnifying Person is liable to the Indemnified Person in respect of such Third-Party Claim or that the claims made in the Third-Party Claim are within the scope of or subject to indemnification under Sections 6.1 or 6.2, as applicable. Should the Indemnifying Person

 

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assume the defense of a Third-Party Claim, the Indemnified Person shall have the right to participate in the defense thereof, including attending meetings, conferences, teleconferences, settlement negotiations and other related events (and to employ counsel at its own expense in connection therewith); provided, it being understood that the Indemnifying Person shall control the defense of such Third-Party Claim. If the Indemnifying Person assumes the defense of any such Third-Party Claim, the Indemnified Person shall cooperate, as reasonable, with the Indemnifying Person in the defense of such Third-Party Claim. Without the Indemnifying Person’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, no Indemnified Person may settle or compromise any Third-Party Claim or consent to the entry of any judgment for which the Indemnified Person is seeking indemnification under Sections 6.1 or 6.2, as applicable, unless the Indemnifying Person fails to assume and maintain the defense of such Third-Party Claim pursuant to this Section 6.5(b). In the event that it is ultimately determined that the Indemnifying Person is not obligated to indemnify, defend or hold harmless the Indemnified Person in connection with any Third-Party Claim, the Indemnified Person shall promptly reimburse the Indemnifying Person for any and all reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs) incurred by the Indemnifying Person in its defense of such Third-Party Claim.

 

  6.6 PROCEDURE FOR INDEMNIFICATION-OTHER CLAIMS

In the event any Indemnified Person shall have a claim for indemnification for any matter not involving a Third-Party Claim, the Indemnified Person shall promptly deliver written notice of such claim to the Indemnifying Person, specifying with reasonable particularity the claim and the basis therefor.

 

  6.7 NET RECOVERY; MITIGATION; ETC.

The amount of any Damages for which indemnification is provided under Sections 6.1 or 6.2, as applicable, shall be net of (a) any amounts recovered by the Indemnified Person pursuant to any indemnification by, or indemnification agreement with, any third party who has brought any such claim or demand, (b) any insurance proceeds or other cash receipts or sources of reimbursement received from a third party as an offset against or otherwise covering such Damages (each source named in clauses (a) and (b), a “Collateral Source” ) and (c) an amount equal to the present value of the tax benefit, if any, available to or taken by the Indemnified Person attributable to such Damages. If the amount to be netted hereunder from any payment required under Sections 6.1 or 6.2, as applicable, is determined after payment by the Indemnifying Person of any amount otherwise required to be paid to an Indemnified Person pursuant to this Article 6, the Indemnified Person shall repay to the Indemnifying Person, promptly after such determination, any amount that the Indemnifying Person would not have had to pay pursuant to this Article 6 had such determination been made at the time of such payment by the Indemnifying Person. The parties shall take and shall cause their Affiliates to take all reasonable steps to mitigate any Damages for which indemnification is provided under Sections 6.1 or 6.2, as applicable, upon becoming aware of any event that would reasonably be expected to, or does, give rise to such Damages. Indemnification under this Article 6 shall not be available to any Indemnified Person unless the Indemnified Person first uses all reasonable efforts to seek recovery from all Collateral Sources. The Indemnifying Person may require the Indemnified Party to assign to the Indemnifying Party the rights to seek recovery pursuant to the

 

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preceding sentence and if any Indemnified Person is indemnified for any Damages pursuant to this Agreement with respect to any Third-Party Claim, then the Indemnifying Person will be subrogated to all rights and remedies of the Indemnified Person against any and all third parties with respect to such Third-Party Claim, and the Indemnified Person will, and will cause its Affiliates to, cooperate with and assist the Indemnifying Person in asserting all such rights.

 

7. GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

  7.1 EXPENSES

Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, each party to this Agreement will bear its respective expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the Contemplated Transactions, including all fees and expenses of agents, representatives, counsel and accountants.

 

  7.2 NOTICES

All notices, consents, waivers, and other communications under this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when (a) delivered by hand (with written confirmation of receipt), (b) sent by facsimile (with written confirmation of receipt) or other electronic means; provided that a hard copy is mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested promptly thereafter or (c) when received by the addressee, if sent by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service (receipt requested), in each case to the appropriate addresses and facsimile numbers set forth below (or to such other addresses and facsimile numbers as a party may designate by notice to the other parties):

If to Seller:

Chemtura Corporation

199 Benson Road

Middlebury, CT 06749

Attention: General Counsel

Facsimile: (203) 573-4301

If to Buyer:

AMVAC Chemical Corporation

4695 MacArthur Court, Suite 1250

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Attention: Sr. V.P. Business Development

Facsimile: 949.260.1201

 

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With a copy to:

Timothy J. Donnelly, Esq.

timd@amvac-chemical.com

Facsimile: 949.260.1215

 

  7.3 DISPUTE RESOLUTION; GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION

(a) Any dispute between the parties arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Contemplated Transactions, or the interpretations, validity or effectiveness of this Agreement, or any provision of this Agreement, in the event the parties fail to agree, shall, upon the written request of a party, be referred to designated senior management of representatives of the parties for resolution. Such representatives shall promptly meet and, in good faith, attempt to resolve the controversy, claim or issues referred to them.

(b) If such representatives do not resolve the dispute within thirty (30) calendar days after the dispute is referred to them, the dispute shall be resolved through mediation before a mediator of the parties’ mutual choosing. In the event that the parties are unable to resolve such dispute through mediation within ninety (90) days after first notice thereof, then either party may institute legal proceedings (as per the provisions set forth in the immediately following paragraph). Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, in the event that a party would be materially adversely affected by submitting a matter to mediation (e.g., in the event of a claim that requires immediate equitable relief), such party may bring such claim before a court without first resorting to mediation.

(c) This Agreement shall be governed by the substantive laws of the State of Delaware without regard to its conflicts of laws principles, and, except as otherwise provided herein, exclusive jurisdiction over any proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based upon any right arising out of, this Agreement or the Contemplated Transactions, shall be in (x) the State and Federal courts in the Orange County, California to the extent that the matter is instituted by Seller, and (y) the State and Federal courts of Connecticut , to the extent that the matter is instituted by Buyer. The parties hereto do hereby irrevocably (i) submit themselves to the personal jurisdiction of such courts, (ii) agree to service of such courts’ process upon them with respect to any such proceeding, (iii) waive any objection to venue laid therein and (iv) consent to service of process by registered mail, return receipt requested.

(d) The parties acknowledge and agree that the foregoing choice of law and forum provisions are the product of an arms-length negotiation between the parties.

 

  7.4 NO IMPLIED WAIVERS; NO JURY TRIAL

Except as otherwise set forth herein, the rights and remedies of the parties to this Agreement are cumulative and not alternative. Neither the failure nor delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power or privilege, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege will preclude any other or further exercise of such

 

24


right, power or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. Each party hereby waives to the fullest extent allowed under law, any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any litigation directly or indirectly arising out of, under or in connection with this Agreement or any of the Contemplated Transactions.

 

  7.5 ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND MODIFICATION

This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements between the parties with respect to its subject matter and constitutes (along with the documents referred to in this Agreement) a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of the agreement between the parties with respect to its subject matter. This Agreement may not be amended except by a written agreement executed by Buyer and Seller. Any items listed, set forth, described or otherwise disclosed on or in any part of this Agreement, Seller’s Disclosure Schedules or the exhibits hereto shall be deemed listed, set forth, described and otherwise disclosed on or in all other parts of this Agreement, Seller’s Disclosure Schedules and the exhibits hereto.

 

  7.6 ASSIGNMENTS, SUCCESSORS, AND NO THIRD-PARTY RIGHTS

Neither party may assign any of its rights under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may assign or transfer this Agreement to (a) an Affiliate or (b) a third party to which such party has transferred substantially all of its assets; provided, however, that such transferee shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement. This Agreement will apply to, be binding in all respects upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and permitted assigns of the parties. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed to give any Person other than the parties to this Agreement any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision of this Agreement. This Agreement and all of its provisions and conditions are for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties to this Agreement and their successors and permitted assigns.

 

  7.7 SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Agreement, other than any obligation to pay money, is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect. Any provision of this Agreement held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in full force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.

 

  7.8 SECTION HEADINGS; CONSTRUCTION

The headings of Articles and Sections in this Agreement and the Disclosure Schedules attached hereto are provided for convenience only and will not affect its construction or interpretation. All references to “Article” or “Articles” and “Section” or “Sections” refer to the corresponding Article or Articles and Section or Sections of this Agreement. All words used in this Agreement will be construed to be of such gender or number as the circumstances require. Unless otherwise expressly provided, the word “including” does not limit the preceding words or

 

25


terms. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that (a) each party and its counsel have reviewed and negotiated the terms and provisions of this Agreement and have contributed to its revision, (b) the rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement and (c) the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be construed fairly as to all parties hereto, regardless of which party was generally responsible for the preparation of this Agreement.

 

  7.9 TIME OF THE ESSENCE

With regard to all dates and time periods set forth or referred to in this Agreement, the parties hereto agree that time is of the essence.

 

  7.10 COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement.

[signature page follows]

 

26


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

 

SELLER:
CHEMTURA CORPORATION
By:    
Name:    
Title:    
BUYER:
AMVAC CHEMICAL CORPORATION
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

EXHIBIT 10.10

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

FOR THE ACQUISITION OF

CERTAIN ASSETS

OF

VALENT U.S.A. CORPORATION

DECEMBER 27, 2007


ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of December 27, 2007, (the “Effective Date”), by and among VALENT U.S.A. CORPORATION, a California corporation having a place of business at 1600 Riviera Avenue, Suite 200, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (hereinafter referred to as “VALENT”) and AMVAC Chemical Corporation, 4695 MacArthur Court, Suite 1250, Newport Beach, California 92660 (hereinafter referred to as “PURCHASER”). VALENT and PURCHASER are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party”.

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS , VALENT is the owner of certain assets specifically, the “Acephate Assets” as defined in Section 2.1 below relating to the insecticide Acephate (O, S-Dimethyl acetylphosphoramidothiate) marketed in the United States under the end use product name ORTHENE; and

WHEREAS, VALENT desires to sell and transfer to PURCHASER and PURCHASER desires to acquire the Acephate Assets upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual representations, warranties and covenants and agreements contained herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and upon and subject to the terms and the conditions hereinafter set forth, the Parties do hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1 - DEFINITIONS

As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

1.1 “Acephate Agricultural Products” means those products identified in Schedule 1.1 below.

1.2 “Acephate Assets” means each and all of the items set forth in Section 2.1 below.

1.3 “Acephate Professional Products” means those products identified in Schedule 1.3 below.


1.4 “Acephate Products” or “Products” means collectively Acephate Agricultural Products and Acephate Professional Products having Acephate as an active ingredient and sold under the brand name Orthene ® .

1.5 “Acephate Technical” means and is defined by the EPA Confidential Statement of Formula (CSF).

1.6 “Active Ingredient” means the active ingredient Acephate (O, S-Dimethyl acetylphosphoramidothiate).

1.7 “Books and Records” means all books and records relating primarily to the Acephate Assets, including books of account.

1.8 “Closing” means the consummation of the sale and purchase of the Acephate Assets and of the transactions contemplated hereby.

1.9 “Closing Date” means the date on which the Closing takes place.

1.10 “Data” means documents, research, data, studies and other materials identified on Schedule 1.10 submitted by VALENT in support of the EPA Registrations or the State Registrations.

1.11 “Data Compensation” means all rights to compensation by third parties pursuant to Section 3(c)(1)(D) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act for Data .

1.12 “Effective Date” means the date recited in the first paragraph of the preamble of the Agreement.

1.13 “EPA” means the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

1.14 “EPA Registrations” means all those EPA Registrations including Special Local Need (“SLN”, 24(c) and 2(ee) registrations identified in Schedule 1.14 for the Active Ingredient, Acephate Technical and the registration thereof in the United States, Reg. No. 59639-41 and the end use products, identified in Schedules 1.1 and 1.3 below.

1.15 “Finished Goods” means all saleable packaged formulated Acephate Products owned by VALENT

1.16 “Formulations” means a mixture of Acephate Technical and inert ingredients resulting in Acephate Products.

 

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1.17 “Governmental Authority” means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any legislative, executive or judicial unit or instrumentality of any Governmental Authority (foreign, federal, state or local) or any department, commission, board, agency, bureau, official or other regulatory, administrative or judicial authority thereof or any entity (including a court) exercising executive, legislative, judicial, tax, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government or any self-regulatory organization.

1.18 “Inventory” means collectively all unformulated Acephate Technical, Inert Raw Materials, Packaging Supplies and all Finished Goods owned by VALENT on the Closing Date.

1.19 “Material Adverse Effect” means any change, event, circumstance or development, individually or when taken together with all other such similar or related changes, events, circumstances or developments, that (i) has a material adverse effect on the Acephate Assets, or (ii) prevents or delays the ability of VALENT to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the ancillary documents or agreements to be delivered in connection herewith, other than (A) effects due to general economic conditions or matters generally affecting the industry in which VALENT operates and which do not materially disproportionately impact VALENT when compared to other businesses operating in the same industry, (B) effects which result from the loss of customers or an adverse effect on customers’ requests for VALENT’s goods and services, which, in either case, is directly attributable to the announcement or occurrence of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, (C) effects which result from liabilities incurred in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or (D) effects resulting from VALENT’s compliance with the terms of, or the taking of any action contemplated by or permitted by, this Agreement.

1.20 “Orthene ® Trademark” means the trademark ORTHENE for use in the United States on Acephate Products sold by VALENT for commercial uses exclusively licensed to VALENT by The Scotts Company and its affiliate OMS Investments, Inc. (as successor-in-interest to Chevron Chemical Company) pursuant to the Trademark License Agreement dated September 16, 1991 between Chevron Chemical Company and VALENT

1.21 “Packaging Supplies” means all packaging materials such as bags, cartons, and measuring devices, used for packaging Acephate Products.

 

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1.22 “Proprietary Information” means all existing trade secrets, know-how, recipes, product formulations, processing procedures and other proprietary information used in the conversion of Acephate Technical to Finished Goods and, Finished Goods specifications relating exclusively to the Acephate Products.

1.23 “Patent Rights” means VALENT’s interest in the patents identified on Schedule 1.23 attached and incorporated by reference herein.

1.24 “Raw Materials” means Acephate Technical and all inert ingredients used to formulate Acephate Products.

1.25 “State Registrations” means those state registrations identified on Schedule 1.25.

1.26 “Studies” means all archived study materials whether conducted under good laboratory practices (GLP) or not including paper and electronic data, blocks, slides and test materials conducted by or on behalf of VALENT of or related specifically to the Products along with wet tissues as identified on Schedule 1.26.

1.27 “Taxes” means any net income, alternative or add-on minimum tax, gross income, gross receipts, sales, use, ad valorem, value added, transfer, franchise, profits, license, withholding on amounts paid to or VALENT, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property, escheat, environmental or windfall profit tax, custom, duty or other tax, governmental fee or other like assessment or charge of any kind whatsoever, together with any interest or any penalty, addition to tax or additional amount imposed by any federal, state, local, county or foreign taxing authority.

1.28 “Technical and Market Information” means all transferable technical and market information relating to the formulation, use and sale of the Active Ingredient and Products owned by and in the possession of VALENT or an agent of VALENT, such Technical and Market Information to include without limitation the Studies and available customer information previously disclosed by VALENT to PURCHASER under the Confidentiality Agreement dated July 27, 2007 and executed by PURCHASER on August 1, 2007 identified in Schedule 1.28 below.

1.29 “Trademark Rights” means VALENT’s trademarks owned or licensed by VALENT and identified on Schedule 1.29 below.

 

- 4 -


1.30 “Transferred Contracts” means those contracts to be transferred to PURCHASER hereunder as identified on Schedule 7.13 below.

ARTICLE 2 – PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS.

2.1 Purchase and Sale of Acephate Assets . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, PURCHASER shall purchase from VALENT, and VALENT shall sell, transfer, convey, and deliver to PURCHASER at the Closing, the Acephate Assets for the consideration specified in Section 4.1. The Acephate Assets shall include the following:

 

  (a) Technical and Market Information, including existing customer lists and EDI data for the past five (5) years;

 

  (b) EPA Registrations and State Registrations of Acephate Technical, and the Acephate Products;

 

  (c) Data;

 

  (d) Inventory as of the Closing Date;

 

  (e) Finished Goods;

 

  (f) All right, title and interest in the Patent Rights;

 

  (g) All right, title and interest in the Trademark Rights;

 

  (h) All right, title and interest in the Studies;

 

  (i) Except as otherwise provided herein, all right, title and interest in the right to receive Data Compensation by third parties for Acephate;

 

  (j) All Books and Records relating to the Acephate Products;

 

  (k) All Proprietary Information;

 

  (l) Third Party Contracts, and

 

  (m) Unfilled Customer Purchase Orders for Acephate products for delivery following the Closing Date.

 

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2.2 Excluded Assets . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Assets shall not include the following assets, properties and/or rights (the “Excluded Assets”), which shall remain the property of VALENT after the Closing:

 

  (a) all personnel records and other records that VALENT is required by law to retain in its possession;

 

  (b) all claims for the refund of Taxes (as defined herein) and other governmental charges of whatever nature;

 

  (c) all rights in connection with and assets of VALENT’s Employee Benefit Plans;

 

  (d) all rights of VALENT under this Agreement and ancillary agreements/instruments;

 

  (e) the property and assets listed on Schedule 2.2(e) which would include cash, time deposits, CDs, cash equivalents and accounts owned by VALENT; VALENT’s trademarks, service marks, logos, internet domains and applications, other than the Trademarks; accounts receivable; building structures; machinery or equipment; land; rights under insurance policies of VALENT; and

 

  (f) *****

2.3 Assumption of Liabilities . After the Closing Date, PURCHASER shall assume and be responsible for all liabilities arising out of PURCHASER’s conduct of the business relating to the Acephate Assets, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, shall include:

 

  a) all open orders for Acephate Products listed on Schedule 2.3(a) below.

 

  b) all of VALENT’s present and future obligations as registrant with respect to maintaining the EPA Registrations and the State Registrations,

 

  c) all liabilities arising out of PURCHASER’S conduct of the business relating to Acephate Assets following the Closing Date, except as explicitly provided otherwise herein,

 

- 6 -


  d) all liabilities arising under any Transferred Contract (i) with respect to a breach or a default thereof committed after the Closing or (ii) required by the terms of any such contract to be performed after the Closing,

 

  e) all other liabilities expressly assumed by PURCHASER pursuant to other provisions of this Agreement.

2.4 Liabilities Not Assumed . PURCHASER shall not assume or have any responsibility with respect to any obligations or liability of VALENT, whether or not relating to the Acephate Assets incurred or created prior to or on the Closing Date, including without limitation:

 

  a) liabilities arising out of conduct of the business relating to, or ownership of, Acephate Assets prior to Closing, including taxes,

 

  b) liabilities relating to Acephate Products delivered and invoiced to third parties on or before the Closing,

 

  c) all payables relating to Acephate Assets accrued on or prior to the Closing,

 

  d) all liabilities not expressly assumed by PURCHASER under this Agreement

 

  e) all liabilities arising under any transferred contract (i) with respect to a breach of default thereof committed on or prior to the Closing or (ii) required by the terms of any such contract to be performed on or prior to the Closing,

 

  f) all liabilities resulting from, or relating to, litigation or claims arising from events on or prior to the Closing Date

 

  g) all liabilities relating to employees of VALENT or its affiliates.

2.5 Risk of Loss . From the date of this Agreement until the Closing Date, the risk of loss of or damage to such Acephate Assets shall be and remain that of VALENT. If, prior to the Closing Date, any significant part of the Acephate Assets are destroyed or damaged by fire or any other casualty, PURCHASER shall have the option to cancel this Agreement by notice in writing to VALENT and not complete the transactions provided for herein, in which case all obligations of the Parties hereunder shall forthwith terminate with no liability of either Party to the other whatsoever.

 

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2.6 Trademarks . No transfer of any right, title or interest in or to any trademark of VALENT, other than the Trademark Rights is contemplated by this Agreement. In particular, it is agreed that any products produced by PURCHASER by virtue of this Agreement will bear no reference to VALENT other than for purposes of the sale of the Inventory pursuant to this Agreement.

2.7 Unreasonable Adverse Effects . In the event VALENT receives notice regarding unreasonable adverse effects on the environment of or related to Acephate Technical or Acephate Products, VALENT shall immediately notify PURCHASER in accordance with the provisions of Article 13.

ARTICLE 3 – INVENTORY AND INVENTORY ADJUSTMENT

3.1 Inventory Statement. VALENT will provide PURCHASER fifteen (15) days prior to the Closing with a written statement of its then existing Inventory by Product type and location, and the price based on VALENT’S book value thereof (“Inventory Statement”). The Inventory Statement will be based upon a stock taking of the Inventory at all Inventory locations to be performed by VALENT through either (a) a physical inventory count or (b) obtaining written certification by warehouses in which any such Inventory is located.

3.2 Physical Inventory. Within ten (10) days after receiving the Inventory Statement, PURCHASER, shall undertake a stock taking of Inventory at all Inventory locations either through a physical inventory count or through obtaining written certification by warehouses in which any such Inventory is located.

3.3 Adjustments. If, following PURCHASER’s inventory as described in Section 3.2 above, PURCHASER finds that the value of the Inventory is less or more than the Inventory Statement then the parties shall promptly meet to resolve their differences with respect thereto.

3.4 Post Closing Consolidation. On or after the Closing Date, if so requested by PURCHASER, VALENT shall ship the Inventory to the PURCHASER based on shipment terms FOB collect and by mutually agreed upon carriers at such locations as PURCHASER shall designate.

3.5 Non-Saleable Inventory. PURCHASER shall not be required to purchase any non-saleable Inventory identified within thirty (30) days of Closing. If, however, PURCHASER elects to accept the non-saleable Inventory the Inventory Statement shall be reduced by the value of the non-saleable inventory.

 

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3.6 Transfer of Title and Risk of Loss . Risk of loss of, and title to, the Inventory will pass to PURCHASER at Closing.

3.7 Storage . The cost of storing the Inventory will be borne by PURCHASER after the Closing Date.

ARTICLE 4 – FACILITATION OF PURCHASER’S ABILITY TO SELL

4.1 VALENT will facilitate the ability of PURCHASER to sell Acephate Products on the Closing Date, including Acephate Products bearing VALENT’S name, by submitting on or before the Closing Date a Notice of Supplemental Distribution (EPA Form 8570-5) covering all Acephate Products, identified in Schedule 4.1 below. Immediately following the Closing Date, VALENT shall submit all necessary documentation to transfer the EPA Registrations and the State Registrations to PURCHASER. The Parties shall cooperate with each other to ensure the most rapid transfer of such Registrations.

ARTICLE 5 - PURCHASE PRICE; CLOSING.

5.1 Purchase Price, Closing . The Purchase Price for the Acephate Assets shall be the aggregate of:

 

  a) ***, plus

 

  b) The sum of the Inventory Statement, as adjusted, plus

 

  c) ***.

5.2 Payment of Purchase Price . The Purchase Price will be paid by wire transfer(s) in immediately available funds as follows:

 

  a) *** .

All payments shall be made to:

***

 

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5.3 Allocation . The Purchase Price shall be allocated as set forth on Schedule 5.3. PURCHASER and VALENT agree to file their federal and state income tax returns (and Form 8594, if applicable) on the basis of the allocation set forth on Schedule 5.3 and neither shall thereafter take a tax return position inconsistent with such allocation unless such inconsistent position shall arise out of or through an audit or other inquiry or examination by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority.

5.4 Closing and Closing Date . Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth herein, the consummation of the purchase and sale of the Acephate Assets (the “Closing”) shall take place at 10:00 a.m. on Janaury 15, 2008 in the offices of VALENT, or on such other date and at such other time and place as the Parties shall agree in writing (the “Closing Date”). The PURCHASER shall commence to own and control the Acephate Assets as of the Closing Date.

5.5 VALENT’s Obligations . At the Closing, VALENT shall deliver or cause to be delivered to PURCHASER the following:

 

  (a) an executed Registration Transfer Agreement in the form attached as Schedule 5.5(a);

 

  (b) an executed Bill of Sale for all of the Acephate Assets substantially in the form attached hereto as Schedule 5.5(b);

 

  (c) an Assignment of Trademark and Assignment of Patents, substantially in the forms attached hereto as Schedule 5.5(c);

 

  (d) all VALENT Technical and Market Information in hard copy and, where possible, on computer diskettes or other computer-readable media;

 

  (e) all necessary paperwork required to discontinue or assign to PURCHASER, as the Parties may agree, its State Registrations as identified on Schedule 5.5(e); and

 

  (f) an Assignment and Assumption Agreement in the form attached as Schedule 5.5(f).

 

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ARTICLE 6 - ORTHENE TRADEMARK.

In a Trademark License Agreement dated September 16, 1991, (“Trademark License”) Chevron Chemical Company granted VALENT an exclusive, fully paid and irrevocable license to use the trademark “Orthene” in the United States on Acephate Products sold by VALENT for commercial uses. The Scotts Company and its affiliate OMS Investments, Inc., is the successor-in-interest to Chevron Chemical Company as Licensor under the Trademark License and is the current owner of the Orthene Trademark. VALENT does not have right to grant sublicenses under the Trademark Agreement, however, VALENT will use commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate a grant of license from OMS, Investments, Inc. to PURCHASER to use the Orthene Trademark in the United States for use on Acephate Products sold for commercial uses

ARTICLE 7 – REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF VALENT.

VALENT hereby represents and warrants to PURCHASER, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, as follows:

7.1 Organization and Authorization . VALENT is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of California and has all requisite corporate power and authority and has been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the transactions contemplated herein. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by VALENT and constitutes VALENT’s legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as limited by (a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws of general application affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (b) general principles of equity that restrict the availability of equitable remedies.

7.2 Title . VALENT has good, valid and marketable title to the Acephate Assets and has complete and unrestricted power and the unqualified right to sell, convey, assign and transfer and deliver the Acephate Assets to PURCHASER as provided herein and, as of the Closing Date, has signed no contracts with any third party to convey title, licenses, or any other rights to the Acephate Assets. The assignments and other instruments to be executed and delivered by VALENT to PURCHASER pursuant to this Agreement will, when duly executed and delivered, effectively vest in PURCHASER good, valid and marketable title to the Acephate Assets, free and clear of any lien or encumbrance. Furthermore, VALENT represents and warrants that VALENT is not aware of any litigation, present or threatened, or any claim adverse to VALENT’s exclusive ownership of such Acephate Assets.

 

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7.3 Consents and Approvals . Except as set forth on Schedule 7.1.3, the execution, delivery and performance by VALENT of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby require no action by or in respect of, or filing with, or consent, approval, authorization from, any person or Governmental Authority. Neither the execution, delivery and performance by VALENT of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (with or without the giving of notice or the lapse of time, or both) (a) will violate any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of VALENT, (b) will violate any provision of any law, statute, rule or regulation to which VALENT is subject, (c) will violate any judgment, order, writ or decree of any court or Governmental Authority applicable to VALENT, or (d) will violate, result in a breach of or result in a default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration) under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license, franchise, permit, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which VALENT is a party, or by which VALENT or any of its respective properties or assets are bound; excluding from clauses (b), (c) and (d) requirements, violations, breaches or defaults that (i) individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on VALENT, or (ii) are applicable solely as a result of any acts or omissions by, or any facts pertaining to, PURCHASER.

7.4 Additional Documents . VALENT will execute such further documents and cooperate with PURCHASER in such manner as shall be or become reasonably necessary to effectuate the transfer and delivery of the Acephate Assets provided for herein and otherwise to carry out the intent of this Agreement.

7.5 Disclaimer . VALENT makes no guarantee or representation and expressly denies any guarantee or representation of success of any business which PURCHASER may choose to enter into utilizing the said Acephate Assets.

7.6 Claims . VALENT has not been contacted by, nor is VALENT aware of, any party who has made, has threatened to make or could make a claim that the use of the VALENT Technical and Market Information and/or the formulation, sale or use of the Acephate Products pursuant to the EPA Registrations will infringe on any U.S. or foreign patent rights. VALENT

 

- 12 -


represents and warrants that VALENT has not been contacted by, nor is VALENT aware of, any party who has made, has threatened to make or could make a claim that the use of the VALENT Trademark Rights will infringe on any U.S. or foreign trademark rights. VALENT represents and warrants that VALENT has not been contacted by, nor is VALENT aware of, any party who has made, has threatened to make or could make a claim that the use of the Patents set forth in Schedule 1.23 will infringe on any U.S. or foreign patent rights. VALENT represents and warrants that VALENT has not been contacted by, nor is VALENT aware of, any party who has made, has threatened to make a claim or threatened litigation involving VALENT’S Proprietary Information, non-proprietary information, or Non-FIFRA information, or any other claim involving the Acephate Assets.

7.7 Specifications . VALENT represents and warrants that the Acephate Technical and the Acephate Products produced and packaged will meet the specifications set forth on Schedule 7.7.

7.8 Compliance with Law . VALENT is in compliance in all material respects with all statutes, laws, ordinances, regulations, rules and orders of all Governmental Authorities applicable to its business or operations.

7.9 Storage . VALENT is in material compliance with all terms and conditions of its contracts for the warehousing of all Inventory. There are no notices, orders, suits, judgments, or other proceedings relating to material breaches of any such contracts that have not been corrected.

7.10 Brokers, Finders and Investment Bankers . VALENT has not employed any broker, finder, investment banker, or other intermediary or incurred any liability for any investment banking fees, financial advisory fees, brokerage fees, finders’ fees, or other similar fees in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

7.11 Inventory . VALENT represents and warrants that the Inventory is good and saleable and has been maintained in the ordinary course of business.

7.12 Registrations . VALENT represents and warrants that (a) the EPA and State Registrations as listed on Schedule 1.14 and Schedule 1.25 respectively are validly existing and (b) there are no circumstances justifying invalidation or restriction of registration rights or registration data packages.

 

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7.13 Transferred Contracts . Except as set forth on Schedule 7.13, VALENT has no knowledge of breach or default of Transferred Contracts and that each Transferred Contract is legal, valid and binding and in full force and effect and will continue to be so upon consummation of this transaction.

7.14 Litigation . There is no suit, claim, action, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the knowledge of VALENT, threatened against VALENT that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect VALENT’s performance under this Agreement or prevent or materially delay the Closing. VALENT is not subject to any outstanding order, writ, injunction or decree that could materially and adversely affect VALENT’s performance under this Agreement.

7.15 Financial Information . Financial Information presented to PURCHASER for the years 2003 – 2007 appearing on Schedule 7.15 are complete, accurate and were recorded in the ordinary course according to standard accounting practices of VALENT

ARTICLE 8 – REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER.

PURCHASER represents and warrants to VALENT as follows:

8.1 Organization and Authorization . PURCHASER is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of California and has the necessary corporate power and has been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action to enter into and consummate the transactions described herein.

8.2 No Guarantee . PURCHASER acknowledges that by its purchase of the Acephate Assets, it is not acquiring any guarantee or representation of success of any business which PURCHASER chooses to operate utilizing said Acephate Assets.

8.3 Consents and Approvals . The execution, delivery and performance by PURCHASER of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby require no action by or in respect of, or filing with, or consent, approval, authorization from, any person or Governmental Authority that if not obtained or made will (i) individually or in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect on VALENT, or (ii) prevent, delay, obstruct, hinder or otherwise affect the Closing. Neither the execution, delivery and performance by PURCHASER

 

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of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (with or without the giving of notice or the lapse of time, or both) (a) will violate any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of PURCHASER, (b) will violate any provision of any law, statute, rule or regulation to which PURCHASER is subject, (c) will violate any judgment, order, writ or decree of any court or Governmental Authority applicable to PURCHASER, or (d) will violate, result in a breach of or result in a default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration) under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license, franchise, permit, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which PURCHASER is a party, or by which any of them or any of their respective properties or assets are bound; excluding from clauses (b), (c) and (d) requirements, violations, breaches or defaults that (i) individually or in the aggregate, would not have a PURCHASER Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) are applicable solely as a result of any acts or omissions by, or any facts pertaining to, VALENT.

8.4 Financing . PURCHASER will have at the Closing sufficient immediately available funds in cash to enable PURCHASER to pay the Purchase Price and to effect the consummation of the Acquisition.

8.5 Size of Acquiring Person . For purposes of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (“HSR”), PURCHASER, as an “acquiring person” (as defined under 16 C.F.R. Parts 801-803), does not have sufficient annual net sales or total assets to meet the “size of the persons” test nor does the size of the transaction require a pre-merger notification report form filing under HSR.

8.6 VALENT’s Inducement . In entering into this Agreement, PURCHASER represents and warrants that, except as set forth in Article 10.5.1, it has not been induced nor has PURCHASER relied upon any representations, warranties or statements of VALENT or any of the respective officers, directors or representatives of VALENT other than representations, warranties or statements set forth in this Agreement, whether or not such representations, warranties or statements have actually been made in writing or orally, relating to (a) the earnings, assets, net worth, properties, prospects, business, profits or condition of VALENT, (b) the status of the relationships of VALENT with its respective customers and suppliers or (c) any other matter. VALENT shall not have or be subject to any liability of the PURCHASER or any other

 

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person resulting from the distribution to PURCHASER, or PURCHASER’s use or reliance on, any such information or any information, documents, or material made available to PURCHASER in any data rooms, virtual data rooms, management presentations or in any other form in expectation of, or in connection with, the transactions contemplated hereby, except to the extent that VALENT makes a representation or warranty in this Agreement with respect to such information, documents or materials.

8.7 Litigation . There is no suit, claim, action, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the knowledge of PURCHASER, threatened against PURCHASER that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect PURCHASER’s performance under this Agreement or prevent or materially delay the Closing. PURCHASER is not subject to any outstanding order, writ, injunction or decree that could materially and adversely affect PURCHASER’s performance under this Agreement.

8.8 Brokers, Finders and Investment Bankers . PURCHASER has not employed any broker, finder, investment banker, or other intermediary or incurred any liability for any investment banking fees, financial advisory fees, brokerage fees, finders’ fees, or other similar fees in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

ARTICLE 9 – INDEMNIFICATION.

9.1 VALENTs’ Agreement to Indemnify . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, from and after the Closing, VALENT shall indemnify and hold harmless PURCHASER, its Affiliates, any of their respective successors or assigns and their respective partners, members, directors, officers, employees and other agents and representatives (each, a “PURCHASER Indemnified Party”) from and against any and all liabilities, judgments, claims, suits, proceedings, settlements, assessments, losses, damages, Taxes, liens, penalties, charges, fees, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, interest obligations, costs of investigation and defense, court costs and reasonable attorney and other reasonable professional advisor and reasonable consulting fees and reasonable expenses) but specifically excluding consequential damages, punitive damages and exemplary damages (collectively, “PURCHASER Damages”) incurred or suffered by a PURCHASER Indemnified Party as a result of or arising out of or in connection with (i) any misrepresentation or breach of any representation or warranty contained in Article 9 of this Agreement or (ii) the nonfulfillment by VALENT of any covenant or

 

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agreement made by it in this Agreement, or (iii) for Liabilities not assumed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall PURCHASER Damages include, nor shall the PURCHASER Indemnified Parties make any claim for indemnification with respect to, any liability, assessments, losses, charges, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, interest, court costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) to the extent arising from any liability reflected as a liability of the PURCHASER in the Agreement.

9.2 PURCHASER’s Agreement to Indemnify . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, from and after the Closing, PURCHASER shall indemnify and hold harmless VALENT and its respective Affiliates, any of their respective successors or assigns and their respective partners, members, directors, officers, employees and other agents and representatives (each, a “VALENT Indemnified Party”) from and against any and all liabilities, judgments, claims, suits, proceedings, settlements, assessments, losses, damages, Taxes, liens, penalties, charges, fees, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, interest obligations, costs of investigation and defense, court costs and reasonable attorney and other reasonable professional advisor and reasonable consulting fees and reasonable expenses) but specifically excluding consequential damages, punitive damages and exemplary damages (collectively, “VALENT Damages”) incurred by a VALENT Indemnified Party as a result of or arising out of (i) any misrepresentation or breach of any representation or warranty contained in Article 8 of this Agreement, or (ii) the nonfulfillment by PURCHASER of any covenant or agreement made by it in this Agreement, or (iii) the Assumed Liabilities. (The PURCHASER Indemnified Parties and VALENT Indemnified Parties referred to in 9.1 and 9.2 are sometimes referred to collectively herein as the “Indemnified Parties”; “PURCHASER Damages” and “VALENT Damages” are sometimes referred to collectively herein as “Damages”).

9.3 Third Party Indemnification . The obligations of VALENT and PURCHASER (as applicable, the “Indemnifying Party”) to indemnify Indemnified Parties under Section 9.1 or Section 9.2 hereof, respectively, with respect to Damages resulting from the assertion of liability by third parties (each, as the case may be, a “Claim”), shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

 

  (a)

Promptly after receipt by an Indemnified Party of notice by a third party of any complaint or the commencement of any action or proceeding

 

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with respect to which such Indemnified Party may be entitled to receive payment from the other party for Damages (a “Claims Event”), such Indemnified Party shall, within thirty (30) days, notify VALENT or PURCHASER, as the appropriate Indemnifying Party, of such complaint or of the commencement of such action or proceeding; provided , however , that the failure to so notify the Indemnifying Party shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party from liability under this Agreement with respect to such claim, except to the extent that, such failure to notify the Indemnifying Party shall have adversely prejudiced the Indemnifying Party. In addition, the Indemnified Party shall provide to the Indemnifying Party as promptly as practicable thereafter such information and documentation as may be reasonably requested by the Indemnifying Party to support and verify the claim asserted, so long as such disclosure would not violate the attorney-client privilege of the Indemnified Party. The Indemnifying Party may, at its option, undertake the defense thereof by representatives of its own choosing; provided , that any Indemnified Party may, in any event, at its own expense, monitor and participate in, but not control, the defense of such claim. If the Indemnifying Party within thirty (30) days after notice of any such Claim fails to assume the defense of such Claim, the Indemnified Party will (upon further notice to the Indemnifying Party) have the right to undertake the defense, compromise or settlement of such claim on behalf of and for the account and risk, and at the expense, of the Indemnifying Party; provided , however , that as long as the Indemnifying Party is reasonably contesting any claim in good faith, the Indemnified Parties shall not pay or settle any such claim. If the Indemnifying Party chooses to defend or prosecute a Claim, the Parties hereto shall cooperate with respect to the defense or prosecution of such Claim. Such cooperation shall include providing to the Indemnifying Party, after reasonable notice of the need therefor, records and information that are reasonably relevant to such Claim, and making employees available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any materials provided hereunder.

 

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  (b) Anything in this Section 9.3 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Indemnifying Party shall not enter into any settlement or compromise of any action, suit or proceeding or consent to the entry of any judgment (i) which does not include as an unconditional term hereof the delivery by the claimant or plaintiff to the Indemnified Parties of a written release from all liability in respect of such action, suit or proceeding or (ii) for other than monetary damages without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

9.4 Survival; Time to Assert Claims .

 

  (a) Survival . The representations warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, except for covenants and agreements to be performed by the Parties prior to the Closing, will not be extinguished by the Closing but will survive subject to the limitations set forth in subsection (b) below

 

  (b) Representations and warranties of the parties shall survive for eighteen (18) months following the Closing. The indemnification obligations of the parties set forth in Sections 9.1(i) and 9.2 (i) shall survive for a period of eighteen (18) months following the Closing. The indemnification obligations of the parties set forth in Sections 9.1(ii), and 9.2(ii) shall survive the Closing without limitation. And the indemnification obligations of the parties set forth in Sections 9.1(iii) and 9.2(iii) shall survive the Closing until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations with respect to the indemnification claim being asserted.

 

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ARTICLE 10 – COVENANTS.

10.1 Conduct of Business of VALENT . Except as contemplated by this Agreement or as consented to by PURCHASER, during the period commencing on January 1, 2007 to the Closing Date (a) VALENT has conducted, and shall conduct its business in the ordinary course consistent with past practices and has used and will use its commercially reasonable efforts to preserve and keep intact the business of selling Acephate Products, and preserve its relationships with customers, suppliers and others having business dealings, with VALENT; and (b) VALENT shall not take any action that would reasonably be expected (i) to have a Material Adverse Effect and (ii) to cause any of the representations and warranties of VALENT contained herein not to be true and correct in any material respect at any time between the date hereof and the Closing Date.

10.2 Additional Agreements . Subject to the terms and conditions herein provided, each of the Parties hereto agrees to, both prior to and after the Closing, use all commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective as promptly as practicable the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to cooperate with each other and to keep each other informed in connection with the foregoing, including using all commercially reasonable efforts (a) to obtain all necessary waivers, consents and approvals from other parties, (b) to obtain all necessary consents, approvals and authorizations as are required to be obtained under any federal, state or foreign law or regulations, (c) to lift or rescind any injunction or restraining order or other order adversely affecting the ability of the Parties to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, (d) to effect all necessary Registrations, and (e) to fulfill all conditions to this Agreement. VALENT shall, at any time from and after the Closing, upon the request of PURCHASER and at PURCHASER’s expense, do, execute, acknowledge and deliver, and cause to be done, executed, acknowledged and delivered, all such further acts, assignments, transfers, conveyances, powers of attorney or assurances as may be reasonably required to transfer, convey, grant and confirm to and vest in PURCHASER good title to all of the Acephate Assets, free and clear of all liens.

10.3 Access to Information .

10.3.1 From the Effective Date to the Closing, VALENT shall afford to PURCHASER and PURCHASER’s employees, agents and representatives (collectively, “ Representatives ”) reasonable access to its properties, accounts, contracts, books and records and to furnish PURCHASER and Representatives such existing financial, operating and other data

 

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and information as it may reasonably request; provided , however , that any such investigation by PURCHASER and Representatives shall be conducted pursuant to reasonable prior notice during normal business hours under the supervision of VALENT’s personnel and in such a manner as to maintain the confidentiality of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and shall not interfere with the business operations of VALENT.

10.3.2 PURCHASER shall afford VALENT with such information concerning PURCHASER as may be necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and to verify the performance of and compliance with their representations, warranties, covenants and conditions herein contained.

10.3.3 The Confidentiality Agreement by and between VALENT and PURCHASER dated as of July 27, 2007 (the “Confidentiality Agreement”) shall remain in full force and effect and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the termination of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever.

10.4 Public and Employee Announcements . PURCHASER and VALENT, and their respective affiliates, shall not issue any press release or make any public statement with respect to the purchase and sale of the Acephate Assets or the terms thereof without the prior consent of the other Party, except as may be required by law, court process or by obligations pursuant to any securities exchange. PURCHASER and VALENT agree to reasonably cooperate regarding any written communications made to the employees of VALENT during the period from the Effective Date to the Closing Date which relate to the sale of the Acephate Assets, and shall confer prior to the dissemination of any such written communications.

10.5 Restrictive Covenants .

10.5.1 Conditioned and effective only upon the occurrence of the Closing, as a material inducement to cause PURCHASER to enter into this Agreement, VALENT agrees that for a period of ten (10) years from and after the Closing Date, not to sell or engage in the resale of Acephate Products or Active Ingredient in the United States.

10.6 Limited Right to Use Valent Name . VALENT covenants and agrees that PURCHASER may use the VALENT name, trademarks, and logos in connection with the sale of Inventory and Products until such time as applicable registrations have been transferred to PURCHASER.

 

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10.7 Reliance on Registrations . VALENT covenants that PURCHASER may sell Acephate Products in reliance on VALENT’S EPA and State Registrations until such time as the Registrations have been transferred to PURCHASER.

10.8 PURCHASER Covenants . PURCHASER covenants and agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any and all consents for the transfer of contracts, agreements, permits, licenses (as provided hereunder) not obtained by the Closing Date

10.9 **** If the parties agree to such valuation, then PURCHASER shall promptly pay VALENT one half of such valuation in cash. If the parties are unable to agree to such value within thirty (30) days, then the parties shall submit the matter to a public accounting firm of their mutual choice. The parties agree to cooperate with the accounting firm and to provide access to people, data and documents relevant to the dispute promptly upon request. The accounting firm will endeavor to reach a decision within thirty (30) days of commencing its review; such decision will binding upon the parties. For purposes of this paragraph “Disputed Amount” shall mean the amount by which VALENT’s valuation exceeds PURCHASER’s valuation. To the extent that the accounting firm’s valuation includes (x) greater than or equal to fifty percent (50%) of the Disputed Amount, then PURCHASER shall pay all of the accounting firm’s fees and expenses for this exercise; (y) greater than or equal to twenty five (25%) but less than fifty percent (50%) of the Disputed Amount, then the parties shall evenly split the accounting firm’s fees and expenses for this exercise; and (z) less than twenty five percent (25%) of the Disputed Amount, then VALENT shall pay all of the accounting firm’s fees and expenses for this exercise. Following the accounting firm’s decision, PURCHASER agrees to pay VALENT promptly one half of the accounting firm’s valuation.

10.10 *** . If payment is tendered to PURCHASER, PURCHASER shall facilitate the transfer of the payment to VALENT within thirty (30) days.

 

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ARTICLE 11 – CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF VALENT AND PURCHASER

The obligations of the Parties hereunder shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of each of the following conditions:

11.1 Representations and Warranties True at Closing Date . The representations and warranties made by either Party herein shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date.

11.2 Use of Assets . All of the Acephate Assets shall be used, operated, maintained and repaired in a normal business manner by VALENT at all times up through and including the Closing Date, and VALENT shall not subject or allow any of the Acephate Assets to become subject to any lien or encumbrance of any nature after the date hereof.

11.3 Litigation . No suit, investigation, action or other proceeding shall be pending or overtly threatened against VALENT or PURCHASER before any court or governmental agency, which has resulted in the restraint or prohibition of any such party from entering into this Agreement or consummating the transactions contemplated hereby, or, could in the reasonable opinion of counsel for VALENT, result in the obtaining of material damages or other relief from any such Party, as a result of entering into this Agreement or consummating the transactions contemplated hereby.

11.4 Required Governmental Approvals . All governmental authorizations, consents and approvals necessary for the valid consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained and shall be in full force and effect.

11.5 No Material Adverse Effect . With respect to the Acephate Assets, VALENT shall not have suffered any Material Adverse Effect since January 1, 2007 (whether or not such change is referred to or described in any Schedule) in its business, prospects, financial condition, working capital (excluding customary seasonal changes), assets, liabilities (absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise), reserves or operations. No suit, investigation or claim against VALENT has or, with the passage of time, will have a Material Adverse effect upon the Acephate Assets.

11.6 Approval of Sumitomo Chemical Company, Inc . The Board of Directors of VALENT’s parent Company, Sumitomo Chemical Company, Inc. shall have authorized the transaction contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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11.7 Assignment/Grant of Trademark Rights. VALENT shall have obtained either (a) an assignment of VALENT’s Trademark Rights to PURCHASER or (b) a new License Agreement giving PURCHASER the right to use the name ORTHENE in the United States.

ARTICLE 12 – VALENT POST-CLOSING OBLIGATIONS.

12.1 VALENT Obligations . VALENT shall perform the following post-Closing obligations:

 

  (a) Send Ag Data, Charlotte, North Carolina, a “letter of authorization” to provide PURCHASER with EDI transactions for Acephate Products and provide a copy to PURCHASER in a timely manner;

 

  (b) Maintain all EPA Registrations and State Registrations until such time as the Registrations have been transferred to PURCHASER;

 

  (c) Notify warehouses as identified on Schedule 12.1(c) of the Inventory transfer to PURCHASER and provide a copy to PURCHASER in a timely manner;

 

  (d) Notify the lab(s) as identified on Schedule 12.1(d) of transfer of ownership of the Studies (wet tissue) and provide a copy to PURCHASER in a timely manner; and

 

  (e) Deliver the Studies via an archive transfer within sixty (60) days of the Closing to a location chosen by PURCHASER.

ARTICLE 13 – NOTICES.

13.1 Notice to Party or Parties. All notices in connection with this Agreement shall be given by notice in writing, hand delivered or sent by courier service with a copy sent by facsimile transmission (transmission confirmed). All such notices shall be sent to the telecopier number and addresses specified hereafter, or to such other number or address the Parties may have last specified by notice to the other Party sent as aforesaid. All such notices shall be effective upon receipt of the written notice.

 

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13.2 Addresses of Notice. For the purpose of sending notices and other communications relative to this Agreement, the addresses of the Parties are as follows:

 

For VALENT:

  

Valent U.S.A. Corporation

Anita Dale

Senior Director, Business Development

1600 Riviera Avenue, Suite 200

Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Phone: (925) 256-2839

Facsimile No.: (925) 817-5004

With Copy to:

  

Valent U.S.A. Corporation

Robin M. Demouth, Vice President & General Counsel

1600 Riviera Avenue, Suite 200

Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Phone: (925) 256-2758

For PURCHASER:

  

AMVAC Chemical Corporation

Glen Johnson

Senior Vice President, Business Development

4695 MacArthur Court, Suite 1250

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Phone: (949)260-1200

ARTICLE 14 - TERMINATION; AMENDMENT; WAIVER.

14.1 Termination . This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:

 

  (a) By mutual written consent of PURCHASER and VALENT;

 

  (b) By VALENT, without liability, if PURCHASER breaches any of its representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or fails to perform any of its covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, and such breach or failure to perform cannot be or has not been cured prior to the date that is fifteen (15) days from the date upon which PURCHASER is notified of such breach or failure to perform;

 

  (c) By PURCHASER, without liability, if VALENT breaches any of its representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or fail to perform any of their respective covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, and such breach or failure to perform cannot be or has not been cured prior the date that is fifteen (15) days from the date upon which VALENT is notified of such breach or failure to perform; or

 

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  (d) By either the VALENT or PURCHASER, without liability, if the Closing shall not have occurred on or before February 15, 2008.

 

  (e) By VALENT, without liability, if it fails to receive approval of the Board of Directors of its parent company, Sumitomo Chemical Company, Inc. with respect to the transaction contemplated by this Agreement.

 

  (f) By PURCHASER, without liability, if a) VALENT fails to obtain an assignment of VALENT’s Trademark Rights to PURCHASER, or b) fails to obtain for PURCHASER a new License Agreement giving PURCHASER the right to use the name ORTHENE in the United States.

 

  (g) By PURCHASER if there is a Material Adverse Effect between the date of the execution hereof and the Closing.

14.2 Effect of Termination . In the event of the termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 14.1 hereof, this Agreement shall forthwith become void, and all obligations of PURCHASER and VALENT shall terminate, except as set forth in this Section 14 and in Section 10.3.3 hereof; provided that the foregoing shall not relieve any defaulting or breaching party for liability for damages actually incurred as a result of any breach of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 15 – GENERAL

15.1 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to such states choice of law principles or rules. Any action to enforce the terms of this Agreement, or arising out of the subject matter of this Agreement, shall be brought in the State of California.

15.2 Arbitration . Any matter that arises involving the performance or interpretaton of this Agreement that the Parties are unable to settle by mutual agreement, and in any case in which this Agreement provides for the adjustments or determinations by mutual agreement of the Parties and the Parties are unable to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement within a reasonable time, shall be settled and determined by an Arbitrator to be chosen by mutual agreement between the Parties. The arbitration proceeding shall be conducted in accordance with the prevailing rules and regulations of the American Arbitration Association.

 

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15.3 Entire Agreement . This Agreement (including the Schedules attached hereto) contains the entire agreement between VALENT and PURCHASER and supersedes and merges all pre-existing agreements between VALENT and PURCHASER representing its subject matter (with the express exception of the Confidentiality Agreement dated July 27, 2007 which is hereby confirmed by the Parties in all respects and incorporated by reference to the same degree as if expressly set forth herein). Any prior representations, warranties, promises or conditions whether the same be oral or written, express or implied, in connection with the subject matter which are not incorporated by the terms of this Agreement shall not be binding upon either Party, and this Agreement is executed and delivered on the basis of this understanding.

15.4 Amendment . Neither Party shall be bound by amendment, modification or rescission of any provisions hereof unless such amendment, modification or rescission is in writing, signed by the other Party, and specifically refers to the provisions of this Agreement which it purports to amend, modify or rescind.

15.5 Waiver . No waiver of any breach of any term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of any other terms or conditions herein or of a repeated similar breach.

15.6 Assignment . This Agreement shall not be assigned without the prior written consent of the other Party; provided that either Party may unilaterally assign all or any of its rights under this Agreement to any affiliate or subsidiary without prior consent.

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

15.8 Gender and Number . Where the context requires, the use of a pronoun of one gender or the neuter is to be deemed to include a pronoun of the appropriate gender, singular words are to be deemed to include the plural, and vice versa.

15.9 Descriptive Headings . The descriptive headings herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

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15.10 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.

[Signature page on next page]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the Effective Date first set forth above.

 

PURCHASER     VALENT U.S.A. CORPORATION
By:         By:    
Name:   Eric G. Wintemute     Name:   Trevor Thorley
Title:   President & CEO     Title:   President & COO
Date:       Date:  
By:         By:    
Name:   Timothy J. Donnelly     Name:   Robin M. Demouth
Title:   Vice President & General Counsel     Title:   Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Treasurer
Date:       Date:  

EXHIBIT 10.11

LEASE

BETWEEN

BASF Corporation, as LESSOR

AND

AMVAC Chemical Corporation, as LESSEE

For Lease of Land located at

Hannibal, Missouri

Dated as of DECEMBER 28, 2007


LEASE

THIS LEASE made as of the 28th day of December, 2007, by and between BASF Corporation, with a location at Hannibal, Missouri (“LESSOR”) and AMVAC Chemical Corporation (“LESSEE”), having its principal place of business at 4695 MacArthur Court, Suite 1250, Newport Beach, California 92660.

WHEREAS , LESSEE has purchased from LESSOR and its Affiliates certain of the assets of LESSOR and its Affiliates (the “Purchased Assets”) relating to the Terbufous Product Line pursuant to a Sale and Purchase Agreement dated as of November 27, 2006 entered into by between LESSOR’s parent company and LESSEE (the “SPA”);

WHEREAS , pursuant to Article 3 of the SPA, LESSEE has exercised an Option to purchase certain manufacturing assets currently located on the Premises (defined below);

WHEREAS , LESSEE wishes to use the Premises (defined below) for the continued operation of the manufacturing equipment within the buildings within LESSOR’s production site at Hannibal Missouri; and,

WHEREAS , LESSOR desires to lease and demise to LESSEE and LESSEE desires to lease and hire from LESSOR all that certain land, more particularly described in Exhibit A, annexed hereto and made a part hereof.

In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITONS

1.1 For purposes of this Lease the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person, who directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. The term “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, and the terms “controlled” and “controlling” have meanings correlative thereto;

Additional Plants ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.02;


Base Rent ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.01;

Effective Date ” shall mean the date that LESSOR delivers possession of the Premises to LESSEE or any earlier date upon which LESSEE uses or occupies the Premises;

Effective Date ” shall mean the date of this Lease;

Existing Improvements ” means Improvements existing upon the Premises as of the Term Effective Date;

Force Majeure ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 22.2;

Governmental Authority ” means any national, federal, state, provincial, county, municipal or local government, foreign or domestic, or the government of any political subdivision of any of the foregoing, or any entity, authority, agency, ministry or other similar body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative authority or functions of or pertaining to government, including any authority or other quasi-governmental entity established to perform any of such functions;

Hannibal Site ” shall mean LESSOR’s production site located in Hannibal, Missouri, USA.

Improvements ” means all excavations, paving, landscaping, utility lines, pipes, fences, walls, buildings, and other structures and permanent improvements located on the Premises, whether presently in existence or hereafter erected or placed upon the Premises, including all alterations and additions thereto, and without regard to whether ownership thereof is in LESSOR or LESSEE, including, but not limited to, the buildings located within the Premises and the Roadways to the extent the Roadways are located on the Premises;

Initial Term ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.01;

Law ” shall mean any present and future laws, statutes, codes, regulations, rules, ordinances, injunctions, judgments, orders, decrees, rulings, charges, or other restrictions, administrative guidelines, requirements or directions and actions of any Governmental Authority and any other legal requirements of whatever kind or nature that are applicable to the Leased Premises and/or the Lease and any amendments, modifications or changes to any of the foregoing;

Lease ” means this Lease Agreement;

LESSEE’s Access Rights ” is defined in Section 2.02;

LESSOR’s Adjoining Uses ” shall mean the uses, from time to time, on LESSOR’s Premises;


LESSOR’s Premises ” shall mean all that portion of the Property, which is not leased to LESSEE hereunder, as such portion of the Property exists as of the Effective Date;

LESSEE’s Improvements ” shall mean all those Improvements existing upon the Premises as of the Effective Date together with all Improvements constructed or installed in, at or on the Premises by or for the benefit of LESSEE;

MSSA ” shall mean the Manufacturing and Shared Service Agreement between the parties of even date herewith;

Permitted Uses ” shall have the meaning as described in Sections 5.01 and 5.02;

Person ” means an individual, partnership, corporation, joint stock company, unincorporated organization or association, trust or joint venture, or a governmental agency or political subdivision thereof;

Personal Property ” means all furnishings, equipment, inventory, trade fixtures, and other personal property owned by Lessee or by any other person or entity holding an interest in the Premises or any portion thereof under LESSEE and located, from time to time, on or about the Premises and not included in the definition of Improvements set forth above;

Plant ” shall mean the T/C Unit facilities located at the LESSOR’s Property that operates and manufactures the Products as more fully set forth in accordance with the terms and conditions of the MSSA;

Purchased Assets ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the preamble hereof;

Premises ” shall mean the surface area of that certain land leased to LESSEE herein, upon which the T/C Unit facilities are located within the Hannibal Site, as such land is more particularly described in Exhibit A annexed hereto;

Product(s) ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the MSSA, which from time to time, may be changed, altered or supplemented in accordance with the provisions of the MSSA;

Property ” shall mean that certain real property, as the same is more particularly described in Exhibit B , attached hereto and made a part hereof, within which the Premises are located;

Renewal Term ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.02;

Roadway(s) ” shall mean those certain private road(s) within the Property that provide access, ingress and egress to and from the Property and the Premises, as the same may be altered, changed or modified, as provided in this Lease, and more particularly as provided in Section 2.02 herein;


SPA ” shall mean that certain Sale and Purchase Agreement between LESSOR’s parent company and LESSEE as identified in the preamble hereof;

““ Service” or “Services ”” shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the MSSA;

Term ” the Initial Term and any Renewal Term.

Section 1.2 Other Terms . Other terms not defined in this Section 1 shall have the meanings given in the text. The definitions in this Section 1 and elsewhere on this Lease shall apply equally to both the singular and the plural terms defined, as the context may require. The terms “herein”, and “hereof” refer to this Lease on its entirety unless the context otherwise requires.

ARTICLE 2

PREMISES

Section 2.01 Grant . In consideration of the terms, covenants, conditions, and agreements set forth in this Lease to be kept and performed by LESSEE, LESSOR does hereby lease unto LESSEE and LESSEE does hereby lease from LESSOR, the Premises, together with all rights, privileges, easements and appurtenances relating thereto, but excluding any and all mineral, water and subsurface rights, or other rights of LESSOR as provided herein and expressly subject to all of the following:

 

  (a) All existing encumbrances, easements, covenants and restrictions of record, if any, to the extent that the same are in force or effect;

 

  (b) Any state of facts which an accurate survey may show;

 

  (c) Present and future zoning laws, ordinances, resolutions and regulations of the City of Hannibal, and all present and future ordinances, laws, regulations and orders of all boards, bureaus, commissions and bodies of any municipal, county, state or federal sovereigns now or hereafter having or acquiring jurisdiction of the Premises and the use and improvement thereof;

 

  (d) Condition and state of repair of the Premises, including all faults, as the same may be on the date of the commencement of the term of this Lease;

 

  (e) All drainage, surface and sub-surface conditions, whether visible or invisible, foreseen or unforeseen;


Section 2.02 Access Rights. LESSOR hereby agrees to provide to LESSEE, at all times during the Term, reasonable and sufficient ingress and egress to and from the Premises over, upon and across portions of LESSOR’s Property as designated by LESSOR to provide the Premises with access to the nearby public highway (“LESSEE’s Access Rights”). LESSEE’s Access Rights shall be deemed to be a license coupled with an interest that LESSOR shall have no right to terminate during the Term, subject to the following provisions:

 

  (a) LESSEE’s Access Rights are non-exclusive and shall be exercised only upon such Roadways, or portions thereof, as are reasonably designated from time to time by LESSOR;

 

  (b) Subject to the terms and conditions of LESSEE’s Access Rights as set forth in this Lease, and subject to the rights, if any, to use Roadways granted by LESSOR to others from time to time, whether before or after the execution of this Lease, LESSOR shall control all Roadways, including, but not limited to, the portions of the Roadways located on the Premises, and every part thereof, including, but not limited to, the exclusive right and power:

 

  (1) To adopt from time to time and to enforce reasonable rules and regulations respecting use of the Roadways by LESSEE and others;

 

  (2) To adopt security measures designed to prevent or discourage use of Roadways by unauthorized people and to comply with governmental requirements, as applicable from time to time, for the operation and security of LESSOR’s Adjoining Uses, including, but not limited to, fencing and locked gates and imposition of background and identity checking and other procedures for all or some persons entering upon LESSOR’s Property or through Roadways or LESSOR’s Property to the Premises;

 

  (3) To close or restrict temporarily use of the Roadways or any portion thereof as may be necessary in the event of any emergency or to make improvements to, or to repair, the Roadways, or for security or other legitimate purposes;

 

  (4) To close, relocate, realign, replace, regrade, repave, improve, abandon, or demolish, from time to time, all or any part of the Roadways, in which event any new or different roads that LESSOR may, in the future, build upon the LESSOR’s Property shall be deemed part of the “Roadways” as that term in used in this Lease; provided that LESSOR shall always and continuously during the Term provide reasonable means for LESSEE’s exercise of LESSEE’s Access Rights;


  (5) To offer all or any part of the Roadways for dedication to public use or to any governmental entity, and with respect to any such offer, LESSEE agrees fully and promptly to cooperate with LESSOR and to execute, acknowledge (when needed), and deliver all appropriate instruments and documents;

 

  (6) To grant easements over, and licenses to use, the Roadways or any portion thereof to third parties chosen by LESSOR; and

 

  (7) To conduct, or contract for, all maintenance, repair, and improvement work on the Roadways as LESSOR, in its sole and absolute discretion, may determine is appropriate or necessary from time to time.

 

  (c) With respect to any portion of the Roadways over which Lessee exercises Lessee’s Access Rights:

 

  (1) LESSEE agrees that, when, and if ever, that portion becomes a public roadway, whether through acceptance of an offer of dedication made by LESSOR or otherwise, then LESSEE’s Access Rights shall cease as to that portion, with LESSEE relying upon the public nature of that portion to assure access to the Premises; and

 

  (2) LESSOR shall, subject to reimbursement for Lessee’s share of Roadway Costs, if any, as provided in the MSSA, arrange and pay for all appropriate maintenance and repair of the Roadways, as well as for any improvements to the Roadways that LESSOR may deem desirable.

Section 2.03 Partitioning . Subject to the consent of LESSOR, LESSEE may, at its option and at its own cost, build a fence(s) and segregate the Premises from LESSOR’s Adjoining Property, or any part thereof. The fence shall be reasonably consistent with other fencing used at LESSOR’s Property.

Section 2.04. Effect of Conditions . This Lease is granted and accepted upon the foregoing terms and conditions of this Section 2 and upon the following covenants and conditions of this Lease. Subject to the restrictions herein, to all and every one of which the parties consent; each of the parties hereby expressly covenants and agrees to keep, perform and observe all the terms, covenants and conditions herein contained on its part to be kept, performed and observed.

ARTICLE 3

TERM

Section 3.01 Term . The Initial Term of this Lease shall commence on the Effective Date and shall expire at 11:59 p.m. local time twenty (20) years from Effective Date, subject to earlier termination or expiration in accordance with any express provisions contained herein.


Section 3.02 Extension of Term . If this Lease shall be in force and effect on the date for expiration of the Initial Term and provided that no event of default under the Lease or the MSSA has occurred or exists on the date of renewal, this Lease shall renew for additional (1) year terms (each a Renewal Term) thereafter, unless terminated by either party at the end of the Initial or any Renewal Term by written notice given twelve (12) months in advance of the end of such Initial or Renewal Term. The Renewal Term shall be upon the same terms, covenants and conditions as those contained herein except Base Rent.

Section 3.03 Early Termination .

Section 3.03.01 As of Right . Provided that LESSEE shall not be in default under this Lease, LESSEE shall have the right to terminate this Lease by giving LESSOR one hundred and eighty (180) days prior written notice of termination, such notice to provide the date of termination which shall not be sooner than that date which is 180 days from date of delivery to LESSOR of said termination notice.

Section 3.02.02 For Cause . Provided that LESSEE shall not be in default under this Lease, LESSEE shall have the right to terminate this Lease for cause as set forth in Section 6(b) of the MSSA.

Section 3.02.03 By LESSOR . In addition to all rights of LESSOR hereunder, LESSOR shall have the right to terminate this Lease as provided in Section 6(b) of the MSSA.

Section 3.03.04 Effect of Termination . Termination of this Lease shall also terminate the MSSA.

ARTICLE 4

RENT

Section 4.01 Base Rent . The Base Rent for the Initial Term shall be *** per month, payable in advance on the first day of each month beginning January 1, 2008.

Section 4.02 Additional Rent. Lessee shall pay and discharge as additional rent, as and when the same shall become due and payable, all other amounts to be paid by LESSEE pursuant to this Lease and the MSSA. If not directly billed to LESSEE, all or any part of such amounts as aforesaid, shall be paid within thirty (30) days from the date LESSOR renders an invoice therefor to LESSEE. If the LESSOR makes any


expenditure for which the LESSEE is responsible under this Lease, or if the LESSEE fails to make any required payment under this Lease, LESSOR shall have all remedies for the collection thereof that it may have for the nonpayment of Base Rent hereunder.

Section 4.03 Net Lease . This is an absolute net lease, so that this Lease shall yield net to LESSOR the rent for each year during the term of this Lease. LESSEE shall pay all costs, expenses, and obligations of every kind or nature, relating to the Premises, the Plant, the Additional Plants or any Improvements that may arise or become due during the term of this Lease, and LESSEE shall protect, indemnify, defend and hold harmless LESSOR from and against all costs, expenses, fees or impositions whatsoever in connection with the Premises.

Section 4.04 No Services . Except as set forth in the MSSA, LESSEE assumes the sole responsibility for the condition, operation, maintenance, repair, replacement and management of the Premises, the Plant, the Additional Plants and all Improvements, facilities or appurtenances now or hereafter erected, installed or constructed in, at, on, or under the Premises by LESSEE or for LESSEE’s use. Except as provided in the MSSA, LESSOR shall have no obligation to provide LESSEE any services for or in connection with LESSEE’s use of the Premises.

ARTICLE 5

USE OF THE PREMISES

Section 5.01 Permitted Use . The Premises shall be used for the construction, installation, operation, maintenance and removal of the Plant and such other uses as expressly permitted in this Lease. In connection with the use for the Plant, the Premises may also be used, at LESSEE’ option, for the construction, installation, operation, maintenance and removal of any facility (e.g., a wastewater treatment facility), pipeline, system or equipment and activities related thereto, reasonably ancillary or accessory to LESSEE’s operations on the Premises, provided however that such reasonably ancillary or accessory uses are not in conflict with the MSSA and do not impair or interfere with any infrastructure of LESSOR or LESSOR’s Adjoining Uses.

Section 5.02 Approved Use . LESSEE may use the Premises to construct and operate any new plants (including any additional T/C Unit or other plant) that produce Products for conversion or resale (“Additional Plants”), as set forth in the MSSA.

Section 5.03 No other Uses . Except the Permitted Uses, as expressly permitted by Sections 5.01 and 5.02, LESSEE shall not use the Premises for any other use or purpose.

Section 5.04 Condition of Leased Premises . LESSEE has made such inspections of the Premises as it deems necessary and Lessee accepts possession of the Premises in an “AS IS, WHERE IS” condition, with all faults. LESSOR makes no representations or warranties whatsoever (express, implied, statutory or otherwise) as to the nature, condition, habitability, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or use, or compliance with laws and regulations, of the Premises.


Section 5.05 LESSOR Representation . LESSOR represents and warrants that it has good title to the Premises and the Roadways.

Section 5.06 Plant Rules . LESSEE undertakes the duty to control movement of its employees, contractors, suppliers and other invitees and shall limit their movements to the Premises by and through LESSEE’s Access Rights. While off the Premises on LESSOR’s Property, LESSEE shall obey and cause its employees and contractors to obey all of LESSOR’s rules and regulations which are contained in the most recent written form provided to LESSEE in accordance with the Notice provisions in Article 17 of this Lease.

Section 5.07. Compliance With Law . LESSEE agrees that it shall during the Term, fulfill, observe and comply with all of the terms and provisions of any Law applicable to LESSEE, or LESSEE’s use of, or operations on, the Premises or in the use or exercise of LESSEE’s Access Rights, or promulgated by any governmental or quasi-governmental agency, authority or body having jurisdiction. Except as otherwise provided expressly to the contrary herein, LESSEE shall perform all obligations and conditions with regard to its use of the Premises and operations thereon or in connection therewith as may be required by Law, including without limitation such obligations as the Law may impose upon an owner or operator of the property.

ARTICLE 6

LESSEE’S IMPROVEMENTS, ALTERATIONS, LIENS AND TITLE

Section 6.01 LESSEE’s Improvements . After the Effective Date, at any time during the Term, but subject to the limitations otherwise set forth in this Lease and the MSSA, LESSEE may, at LESSEE’s sole expense, commence new construction, or, enlarge, replace or alter any of LESSEE’s Improvements in place on the Premises. All operating expenses and maintenance associated with the Premises and any Improvements thereon shall be borne by LESSEE. LESSEE shall, at all times during the Term of the Lease, keep or cause to be kept the Plant and all of LESSEE’s improvements in a condition so as to not cause a hazard or unsafe condition on the premises. LESSEE shall use all reasonable precaution to prevent waste, damage or injury to the Premises and the Roadways. LESSEE shall not allow any process water, onto LESSOR’s adjacent property.

Section 6.02 Title . Title to the buildings, equipment and Improvements erected by LESSEE on the Premises, and the equipment and other items installed thereon, and any alterations, changes, or additions thereto, shall remain solely the property of LESSEE. LESSEE shall alone be entitled to deduct all depreciation on LESSEE’ income tax returns for the buildings, equipment, Improvements and other items, alterations, changes or additions made by LESSEE on the Premises.


Section 6.03. Removal of Personal Property and Improvements . Subject to the limitations set forth in section 7 of the MSSA, upon surrender of the Premises, LESSEE shall remove, at its own cost and expense, the Plant, Additional Plants and all other Improvements upon the Premises, unless purchased by LESSOR, owned by LESSOR and elected by LESSOR to remain, or otherwise agreed by the parties in writing. If LESSEE is required to remove the Plant, Additional Plants and other Improvements, LESSEE shall remove the same to grade including, the surface foundations and all infrastructure and Improvements below grade, but LESSEE shall not be required to remove any Roadways or rail tracks upon the Premises. LESSEE shall surrender and deliver the Premises to LESSOR free of all surface debris, but shall not be required to plant trees or otherwise restore the land to the condition in which it existed on the Effective Date, provided that nothing herein is intended to, nor shall it, relieve LESSEE or LESSOR from any obligation either has pursuant to Article 13.

Section 6.04 LESSEE’s Liens . LESSEE shall pay when due all claims for labor or materials furnished to or for LESSEE at or for use in the Premises or Plants. If, because of any act of omission of LESSEE, any mechanic’s lien or other lien for the payment of money shall be filed against LESSOR or any portion of the Premises, LESSEE shall, at its own cost and expense, cause the same to be discharged of record or bonded within forty-five (45) days after LESSOR shall have given LESSEE notice of the filing thereof, or if LESSEE shall fail to do so within such time, LESSOR may do so at LESSEE’ cost and expense. LESSEE shall indemnify and save harmless LESSOR from and against all costs, liabilities, suits, penalties, claims and demands, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, resulting therefrom. LESSEE shall give LESSOR not less than ten (10) days notice prior to the commencement of any construction work on the Premises estimated to exceed $100,000.00, and LESSOR shall have the right to post notices of non-responsibility in or on the Premises as provided by law.

Section 6.05 LESSOR’s Liens . LESSOR shall pay when due all claims for labor or materials furnished to or for LESSOR at or for use in the property it owns or holds other than the Premises. If, because of any act or omission of LESSOR, any mechanic’s lien or other lien for the payment of money shall be filed against LESSEE or any portion of the Premises or the Plant or Additional Plants, LESSOR shall, at its own expense, cause the same to be discharged of record or bonded within forty-five (45) days after LESSOR receives written notice of the filing thereof, or if LESSOR shall fail to do so within such time, LESSEE may do so at LESSOR’s cost and expense. LESSOR shall indemnify and save harmless LESSEE from and against all costs, liabilities, suits, penalties, claims and demands, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, resulting therefrom.


ARTICLE 7

REQUIREMENTS OF GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY

Section 7.01. Requirements of Governmental Authority . LESSEE shall have the right to contest by appropriate legal proceedings, in the name of LESSEE, or, in the name of LESSOR (if legally required), or both (if legally required), the validity or application of any law, ordinance, rule, regulation or requirement affecting the Premises or LESSEE operations on the Premises. If by the terms of any such law, ordinance, order, rule, regulation or requirement, compliance therewith may legally be delayed pending the prosecution of any such proceeding, LESSEE may delay such compliance therewith until the final determination of such proceeding. If, because of any such proceeding by LESSEE, any lien shall be filed against LESSOR or any portion of the Premises or the Hannibal Site, LESSEE shall, at its own cost and expense, cause the same to be discharged of record or bonded within thirty (30) days after LESSOR shall have given LESSEE notice of the filing thereof, or if LESSEE shall fail to do so within such time, LESSOR may do so at LESSEE cost and expense.

ARTICLE 8

INSURANCE

Section 8.01 LESSEE’s Insurance. During the term of this Lease, LESSEE shall procure and maintain in full force and effect (or shall have the option to self insure), the following minimum insurance coverage against the risks specified in this Agreement:

 

  (a) All risks property insurance (including fire and extended coverage) sufficient to provide full replacement value for loss or damage to facilities and equipment owned by LESSEE, or for which LESSEE may be responsible.

 

  (b) Workers’ compensation insurance in compliance with the workers’ compensation laws of the State of Missouri, and employer’s liability insurance with a minimum limit of $500,000/occurrence but only for employees of LESSEE working on the Premises.

Section 8.02 LESSOR’s Insurance . During the term of this Agreement, BASF shall procure and maintain in full force and effect or shall have the option to self insure), the following minimum insurance coverage against the risks specified in this Agreement:

 

  (a) Workers’ compensation insurance in compliance with the workers’ compensation laws of the state in which LESSOR has employees performing Services, and employer’s liability insurance with a minimum limit of $500,000/occurrence, and coverage required under the Longshoreman and Harbor Workers’ Act, and Federal Employee Liability Act if applicable;

 

  (b) Commercial general liability insurance including premises, broad form property damage, contractual, products/completed operations coverage, each with a minimum limit of $5,000,000 each occurrence;


  (c) All risks insurance (including fire and extended coverage) sufficient to provide full replacement value for loss or damage to Products and raw material and packaging of LESSEE in the care, custody or control of LESSOR; and

 

  (d) Motor vehicle insurance for vehicles owned, leased or operated by LESSOR, with minimum limits of $1,000,000 liability coverage per occurrence combined single limit.

Section 8.02 Coverage Conditions .

 

  (a) All insurance required to be maintained by LESSEE in Section 8.01 (a) above, shall (i) include LESSOR as additional insureds (policies to be primary with respect to coverages afforded to additional insureds), and (ii) indicate that the insurer will endeavor to provide at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to LESSOR before any cancellation, or non-renewal. Evidence of all such insurance shall be made available by LESSEE to LESSOR (A) upon execution of this Agreement and (B) as reasonably requested thereafter.

 

  (b) All insurance required to be maintained by LESSOR in Section 8.01 (b) above, shall (i) include LESSEE as additional insureds (policies to be primary with respect to coverages afforded to additional insureds), and (ii) indicate that the insurer will endeavor to provide at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to LESSEE before any cancellation or non-renewal. Evidence of all such insurance shall be made available by LESSOR to LESSEE (A) prior to performance of Services as specified in this Agreement and (B) as reasonably requested thereafter

Section 8.03 Subrogation Waiver . LESSEE agrees to release and waive, and hereby releases and waives, all rights of subrogation against LESSOR possessed by LESSEE’s insurer(s). LESSEE hereby represents to LESSOR that it is authorized to make such release and waiver under such policies of insurance. LESSOR agrees to release and waive, and hereby releases and waives, all rights of subrogation against LESSEE possessed by LESSOR’s insurer(s). LESSOR hereby represents to LESSEE that it is authorized to make such release and waiver under such policies of insurance.

ARTICLE 9

ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING

Section 9.01 Assignment and Subletting . Except as expressly provided to the contrary in Section 9.03, LESSEE will not transfer, sell, pledge, hypothecate, assign or sublease its leasehold interests created hereby without LESSOR’s prior written consent, which LESSOR may grant or withhold in its absolute discretion. Except as provided in Section 9.03, any attempted assignment shall be null and void.


Section 9.02 No Release . Except as expressly provided in Section 9.03, no transfer, sale, pledge, hypothecation, assignment or subletting, with or without consent, shall release LESSEE from any liability for any failure in the performance of LESSEE’s obligations under this Lease notwithstanding the assumption of such obligations by the assignee or sublessee.

Section 9.03 Exceptions . Notwithstanding Section 9.01 to the contrary, either party may without further consent of the other party assign its rights under this Lease (a) in connection with the transfer or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of such party, (b) pursuant to the sale of a majority of the ownership interest of such party or the merger or consolidation of such party with a third party, (c) to any affiliate of the assigning party, or (d) in connection with the sale by LESSOR of the Hannibal Site to a third party. Any successor, assign or legal representative of the assigning party shall assume all of the party’s obligations under this Lease and shall be fully bound by the terms and conditions of this Lease, and any such assignment shall relieve the assigning party of any further obligations first arising under this Lease from and after the date of the assignment. LESSOR shall not sell or assign either: (i) all or substantially all of its assets or (ii) the Hannibal Site to a third party without also assigning this Lease to such third party.

ARTICLE 10

EMINENT DOMAIN

Section 10.01 Whole Taking . If the whole of the Premises shall be acquired by any authority having the power of eminent domain (referred to as a “Taking”), this Lease shall automatically terminate as of the date title shall vest in the condemning authority.

Section 10.02 Partial Taking . If there is a partial Taking of the Premises and the remaining part of the Premises would not be suitable for the conduct of LESSEE’s business (as conducted on the Premises at the time of the Taking), then LESSEE shall have the right, at its election, by written notice to LESSOR either before the Taking or within sixty (60) days thereafter, to terminate this Lease and all rent and other charges which under any provision hereof are payable by LESSEE shall be prorated, adjusted and apportioned as of the date of termination. If LESSEE exercises its election under this Section 10.02, this Lease shall terminate on the later of the date of LESSEE’s exercise of its election or on the date of the Taking.

Section 10.03 Allocation of Award . In the event of either a total or a partial Taking, the parties hereto agree to cooperate in applying for and in prosecuting any claim for such Taking. LESSOR and LESSEE will separately pay for such counsel as each directly and independently retains to defend their respective interests.


Section 10.04 Moving and Other Business Expenses and Damages. LESSEE will have the right to claim and recover from such acquiring authority such compensation as may be separately awarded or recoverable by LESSEE, in its own right on account of any and all damages to LESSEE’ businesses by reason of such Taking of personal property, or for damages for business interruption or displacement. LESSOR will not participate in any such recovery.

If LESSEE is not permitted to apply independently for a claim for such Taking, the parties hereto agree to cooperate in applying for and in prosecuting any claim for such Taking, and further agree that the aggregate award shall be paid and distributed as follows:

 

  (a) LESSEE shall be entitled to the proportion of any award attributable to the businesses and property of LESSEE (including LESSEE’ leasehold interest in the event that LESSEE’ use of the Premises is materially altered), particularly all improvements of LESSEE after the commencement of this Lease, their removal, and relocation, and for any damages afforded for inconvenience, business interruption, lost profits and displacement or dislocation of its operations.

 

  (b) During the Term of this Lease, LESSOR shall be entitled to the proportion of the award attributable to the fee value of the land portion of the property taken, any damages afforded the value of the remainder lands, and to any damages afforded for any loss of value suffered by LESSOR due to any adverse impact of the Taking on the material/products then being supplied by LESSEE to LESSOR.

Section 10.05 General . Nothing herein shall relieve LESSEE of any of its obligations under Section 6.03 above.

ARTICLE 11

QUIET ENJOYMENT

Section 11.01 Quiet Enjoyment . LESSOR covenants and agrees that LESSEE, upon observing and keeping the covenants and conditions of this Lease and the MSSA on its part to be kept, shall lawfully and quietly hold, occupy, use and enjoy the Premises throughout the entire term of this Lease free from any claim of any entity or person of superior title thereto and without hindrance to, interference with or molestation of LESSEE’ use and enjoyment thereof, whether by LESSOR, LESSOR’s agents, or by any entity, person or persons having or claiming an interest in the Premises through LESSOR.

Section 11.02 LESSOR Entry . Upon reasonable advance notice, LESSOR shall have the right to enter upon and examine and inspect the Premises at reasonable times during the Term (except during emergencies, when LESSOR shall have immediate access to the Premises, if desired by LESSOR) to monitor LESSEE’s compliance with the terms and conditions of this Lease or to make repairs or perform any obligations of LESSOR.


ARTICLE 12

DEFAULT

Section 12.01 Default . For the purposes of this Lease, the terms “ Default by Lessee ” and “ Lessee’s Default ” both mean the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:

 

  (a) failure of LESSEE to pay when due any Base Rent and Additional Rent;

 

  (b) failure of LESSEE timely to perform any obligation under this Lease;

 

  (c) commencement of any action or proceeding by or against LESSEE under any federal or state bankruptcy or insolvency law or other debtors’ relief law, whether now or hereafter in force, if such proceedings continued for a period of ninety (90) days after such commencement, and provided no law then prohibits the treatment of such commencement as a default under a lease;

 

  (d) appointment, either voluntarily or involuntarily, of a receiver, trustee, keeper, or other person to take possession of all or substantially all of the assets of Lessee, if such appointment and possession continues for a period of ninety (90) days after commencement, and provided no law then prohibits the treatment of such appointment as a default under a lease;

 

  (e) the abandonment or vacation of the Premises;

 

  (f) execution by LESSEE of an assignment for the benefit of creditors of all or substantially all of its assets that are available by law for the satisfaction of claims of judgment creditors of LESSEE; or

 

  (g) breach by LESSEE of any provision of this Lease, except those mentioned in subparts (a) through (f)of this Section 12.1, not cured within thirty (30) days after LESSOR gives LESSEE written notice of the breach, or, in the case of breaches reasonably requiring more than thirty (30) days to cure, not cured within a reasonable time after the giving of such notice, provided that the curing of the breach is commenced within said thirty (30) days after the giving of such notice and is diligently prosecuted to completion thereafter, provided further that, in all events, the curing of the breach must be completed within ninety (90) days after the giving of such notice.


Section 12.2 LESSOR’s Right to Terminate . In the event of a Default by LESSEE, LESSOR shall have, in addition to any other remedies now or later available to LESSOR at law or equity, the right to terminate this Lease and LESSEE’s right to possession of the Premises by giving written notice of termination to LESSEE and to recover from LESSEE:

 

  (a) the worth at the time of award (computed by including interest at the rate specified elsewhere in this Lease for arrearages) of the unpaid Base Rent and Additional Rent required to be paid by LESSEE under this Lease that had been earned at the time of termination;

 

  (b) the worth at the time of award (computed by including interest at the rate specified elsewhere in this Lease for arrearages) of the amount by which the unpaid Rent and Additional Rent required to be paid by LESSEE under this Lease that would have been earned after termination until the time of award exceeds the amount of such rental loss that LESSEE proves could have been reasonably avoided;

 

  (c) the worth at the time of award (computed by discounting at the discount rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York City at the time of award plus one percent (1%)) of the amount by which the unpaid Rent and Additional Rent required to be paid by LESSEE under this Lease for the balance of the Term after the time of award exceeds the amount of such rental loss that LESSEE proves could be reasonably avoided; and

 

  (d) any and all other amounts necessary to compensate LESSOR for detriment proximately caused by the Default by LESSEE or which in the ordinary course of events would be likely to result therefrom.

Section 12.3 LESSOR’s Right Not to Terminate . Unless and until LESSOR elects to terminate this Lease and LESSEE’s right to possession as provided in Section 12.2, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect after Default by LESSEE, and LESSOR may enforce all of its rights and remedies under this Lease, including, but not limited to, the right to recover or enforce payment of Base Rent and Additional Rent as they become due under this Lease.

Section 12.4 General . Efforts by LESSOR to mitigate damages caused by any Default by LESSEE shall not constitute a waiver by LESSOR of any of LESSOR’s rights or remedies under this Lease, and nothing contained in this Lease shall affect the right of LESSOR under this Lease to indemnification for liability for personal injuries or property damages arising prior to termination of this Lease. Neither reasonable acts of repair, alteration, maintenance, reletting, or preservation of the Premises, nor the appointment of a receiver or trustee, whether in bankruptcy proceedings or otherwise, upon initiative of LESSOR to protect LESSOR’s interests under this Lease, shall constitute an election by LESSOR to terminate this Lease or LESSEE’s right to possession of the Premises. If LESSOR permits this Lease to continue in full force and effect after a Default by LESSEE, LESSOR may, nevertheless, at any time thereafter elect to terminate this Lease and LESSEE’s right to possession of the Premises under the provisions of Section 12.2, for such previous Default by LESSEE, provided the


Default by LESSEE has not then been cured. The rights and remedies of LESSOR under this Article 12 shall be additional to all other rights and remedies provided to LESSOR in this Lease or by Law, whether now in force or hereafter enacted, including, but not limited to, injunctions and other equitable relief.

Section 12.5 LESSOR’s Default . If LESSOR shall be in default hereunder, which default may be cured with the mere payment of money, then LESSEE, after sixty (60) days written notice that LESSEE intends to cure such default, or without notice if in LESSEE’s reasonable judgment an emergency shall exist, shall have the right, but not the obligation, to cure such default, and LESSOR shall pay to LESSEE upon demand the reasonable cost thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 12.5, and notwithstanding any other provision of this Lease, (a) LESSEE’s recourse against LESSOR with respect to any breach by LESSOR of any of its obligations under or related to this Lease or the Premises shall extend only to LESSOR’s interest in the Premises and not to any other assets of LESSOR; (b) LESSOR shall have no personal liability with respect to any such obligations or any breach thereof; (c) LESSEE agrees not to assert, or bring any action against LESSOR or any of its affiliates, employees, agents, or representatives alleging, personal liability of any of them for any such breach by LESSOR; and (d) in no event shall LESSEE or any of its assets, including its interest in the Premises, be held liable for, or be a source of collection of, any consequential damages or damages for loss of profits or business goodwill arising from or related to any alleged breach by LESSOR of its said obligations.

Section 12.6 Right of LESSOR to Perform . LESSOR may, but shall not be obligated, to make any payment or perform any obligation required of LESSEE under this Lease that LESSEE fails timely to pay or perform, and LESSOR may do so with or without giving notice of LESSOR’s intention to do so. No such payment or performance by LESSOR shall constitute a waiver of, or release LESSEE from, LESSEE’s said obligation or any other obligation of LESSEE under this Lease, nor shall such payment or performance by LESSOR diminish or affect in any way other rights and remedies of LESSOR set forth elsewhere in this Lease that may be applicable by reason of such failure by LESSEE to pay or perform its obligation.

ARTICLE 13

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 13.01 LESSEE’s Indemnity . Notwithstanding LESSOR’s operation of the T/C Unit for LESSEE pursuant to the MSSA, LESSEE shall assume the sole responsibility for and indemnify, defend and hold LESSOR harmless from and against all costs, claims and liabilities arising from LESSEE’s use or occupancy of the Premises, including without limitation: (i) damage to LESSEE’s building and all equipment located on the Premises and (ii) environmental liabilities at the Premises arising after the Effective Date, including without limitation those that arise from LESSOR’s use or occupancy of the Premises or performance of obligations under this Lease or of Services under the MSSA, except to the extent arising from LESSOR’s intentionally tortious acts or omissions.


Section 13.02 LESSOR’s Indemnity. LESSOR shall defend and indemnify LESSEE: (i) for any liabilities claimed against LESSEE by third parties to the extent arising from LESSOR’s breach of its obligations under Sections 4(b), 10, 14, and 18 of the MSSA (ii) for any liabilities claimed against LESSEE by LESSOR employees providing Services for worker’s compensation obligations owed by LESSSOR to said LESSOR employees, and (iii) any liabilities arising from the LESSOR’s use, occupancy or operation of the Premises or Property prior to the Effective Date hereof.

ARTICLE 14

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

Section 14.01 Entire Agreement. This Lease, together with the other agreements referred to herein, is a full recitation of the terms of the understanding between the parties with respect to the respective subject matters thereof, superseding all prior agreements, representations, proposals or understandings relating to such subject matters and may only be modified by a writing signed by both parties. The parties intend that the terms of this Lease and those of the MSSA be read, wherever possible, to give full expression to all documents. However, in the event of a conflict between any term of this Lease and a term of the MSSA, the terms of the MSSA shall control.

ARTICLE 15

WAIVER

Section 15.01. Waiver. Failure of LESSOR or LESSEE to seek redress for violation of or to insist upon the timely performance of any term, covenant or condition of this Lease (regardless of the length of the breach), shall not be deemed to be a waiver by said party of any of its rights hereunder. No waiver by LESSOR or LESSEE at any time, expressed or implied, of any breach of any provision of this Lease shall be deemed a waiver of the breach or of any other provision of this Lease or a consent to any subsequent similar breach or breach of any other provision.

ARTICLE 16

GOVERNING LAW

Section 16.01 Governing Law. To the extent that this Lease affects the rights and obligations pertaining to immovable property, it shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri. In all other respects, this Lease shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri.


ARTICLE 17

NOTICE

Section 17.01 Notice . To be effective, any notice, consent, approval, submission or demand given pursuant to this Lease or pursuant to any law or governmental regulation must be in writing. Any notice to be given under this Lease shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or by certified mail (postage prepaid and return receipt delivered), courier or overnight delivery service (delivery charge prepaid), or by telecopy. Any notice shall be effective only if and when it is received by the addressee. For the purposes hereof, the addresses and telephone and telecopier numbers of LESSEE and LESSOR are as follows, provided that, either party may change such address, telephone and/or telecopier number by notice to the other party given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 17.01:

 

LESSEE:   

AMVAC Chemical Corporation

c/o American Vangard Corporation

4695 MacArthur Court, Suite 1250

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Attn: Eric Wintemute

Fax No.: (949) 260-1201

     With a copy to:
  

Timothy J. Donnelly

American Vanguard Corporation

4695 MacArthur Court, Suite 1250

Newport Beach, CA 92660

timd@amvac-chemical.com

LESSOR:   

BASF Corporation

100 Campus Drive

Florham Park, NJ

Attention: Corporate Real Estate

Telephone: (973)245-6591

Telecopier: (973)245-6782

   With a copy to:
  

Legal Department (at the same address)

Telecopier: (973) 245-6706


ARTICLE 18

SIGNS

Section 18.01 Signs . LESSEE shall have the right to install, maintain and replace signs identifying LESSEE at the entrance to the Access Area, at the entrance to the Premises, and within the Premises, provided that LESSEE shall first have obtained the prior written approval of LESSOR of the appearance of the signs, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, and LESSEE shall comply with any applicable requirements of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction and shall obtain all necessary permits for such purposes. As used herein, the word “sign” shall be construed to include any placard, pylon, logo, light or other advertising symbol or object, irrespective of whether it is temporary or permanent. Any signs installed by LESSEE shall be removed by LESSEE at the expiration of the Term or sooner termination of this Lease and LESSEE shall promptly repair any damage caused thereby.

ARTICLE 19

BROKERS

Section 19.01 Commissions . Each party represents and warrants to the other party that it has not dealt with any broker, salesman or other person who may be entitled to claim a broker’s commission, finder’s fee or other compensation in connection with the leasing of the Premises and it has no knowledge or information that any party may or shall make such claim. Each party shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the other party from and against any and all claims, loss, liability, cost, and expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) resulting from any claim that may be made by any broker or other person claiming a commission, fee or other compensation by reason of this transaction, if the same shall arise from a breach of the foregoing representation or warranty by such party.

ARTICLE 20

PARTIAL INVALIDITY

Section 20.01 Partial Invalidity . If any provision of this Lease shall be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the provisions of this Lease shall not be effected thereby and each and every provision of this Lease shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.


ARTICLE 21

FORCE MAJEURE

Section 21.01 Excusable Delays . The delay or inability of either party to perform any obligation to be performed by it pursuant hereto when required (other than the obligation to make payments as provided herein), if caused by reason of “Force Majeure” (as hereafter defined) will not constitute a default nor subject the party so failing to any liability to the other. The party affected by or anticipating a Force Majeure will promptly notify the other by the most expeditious means, confirming in writing within ten (10) working days, the details thereof and of its expected duration and the estimated effect upon its ability to perform its obligations hereunder. Such party will promptly notify the other party when Force Majeure circumstances have ceased to affect its ability to perform its obligations pursuant to this Lease.

Section 21.02 Force Majeure . The phrase “Force Majeure” means any act of God or the public enemy; explosion; fire; storm; lightning; earthquake; flood; drought; strike; lockout or other labor trouble; riot or civil disorder; sabotage; blockade or embargo; war (whether or not declared and whether or not the United States is a participant); Federal, State or Municipal law, regulation, order, license, priority, seizure, requisition or allocation, whether or not valid; inability of LESSEE or LESSOR to obtain raw materials, equipment, fuel, power, labor, or transportation equipment; machinery or equipment breakdown of the Plants or a supplier’s plant, delay or accident involving transportation equipment; or any other circumstances of a similar or different nature beyond the reasonable control of the party affected thereby.

ARTICLE 22

SHORT FORM LEASE

Section 22.01 Memorandum of Lease . The parties hereto will at any time, at the request of either one, promptly execute duplicate originals of a Memorandum of Lease (in the form set forth at Exhibit C ) in recordable form. In the event that this Lease is terminated pursuant to the provisions contained herein for any cause other than LESSOR’s breach, and thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the Term, LESSEE shall execute and deliver to LESSOR, within ten (10) days after LESSOR’s written request therefor, a release and cancellation of this Lease, in recordable form.

ARTICLE 23

AMENDMENTS

Section 23.01 Amendments . No amendments or other changes to this Lease shall be effective or binding unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the party to be charged or against whom such document is to be enforced.


ARTICLE 24

SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

Section 24.01 Successors and Assigns . The terms, covenants, conditions, and agreements of this Lease shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Lessor and Lessee and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and such terms, covenants, conditions and agreements shall be covenants running with the land and with each subsequent permitted transfer or assignment of the Leased Premises.

ARTICLE 25

HEADINGS

Section 25.01 Headings . The titles and headings set forth in this Lease have been included solely for ease of reference and shall not be considered in the interpretation or construction of this Lease.

ARTICLE 26

NO PARTNERSHIP

Section 26.01 No Partnership Created . It is not the purpose or intention of this Lease to create (and it shall not be construed as creating) a joint venture, partnership or any type of association, and the parties are not authorized to act as agent or principal for each other with respect to any matter related hereto.

ARTICLE 27

CONSTRUCTION

Section 27.01 Not to be Construed Against Drafter . The parties acknowledge that they have had an adequate opportunity to review each and every provision contained in this Lease and to submit the same to legal counsel for review and comment, including without limitation the waivers and indemnities. Based on said review and consultation, the parties agree with each and every term contained in this Lease. Based on the foregoing, the parties agree that the rule of construction that a contract be construed against the drafter, if any, shall not be applied in the interpretation and construction of this Lease.

ARTICLE 28

SEVERABILITY

Section 28.01. Severability . The invalidity of any one or more provisions of this Lease shall not affect the validity of this Lease as a whole, and in case of any such invalidity, this Lease shall be construed as if the invalid provision had not been included herein.


ARTICLE 29

TIME OF THE ESSENCE

Section 29.01 Time of the Essence . Time is of the essence for the performance of each and every provision of this Lease.

ARTICLE 30

SURVIVAL

Section 30.01. Survival . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Lease, all disclaimers, indemnities, representations and warranties contained in this Lease shall survive any expiration or termination of this Lease; any other agreements, covenants, obligations and liabilities described in this Lease which from their sense and context are intended to survive any expiration or termination of this Lease (whether or not such provision expressly provides as such) shall also survive such expiration or termination of this Lease.

ARTICLE 31

NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES

Section 31.01. No Third Party Beneficiaries . Nothing contained in this Lease shall entitle anyone other than Lessor or Lessee or their permitted successors and assigns to any claim, cause of action, remedy or right of any kind whatsoever.

ARTICLE 32

OBLIGATIONS UNCONDITIONAL

Section 32.01 Obligations Unconditional and Absolute . The obligations of LESSEE to make the payments required hereof and to perform and observe the other agreements on its part contained herein shall be for purposes hereof construed as separate and independent, and the breach of any covenant by LESSOR shall not discharge or relieve LESSEE from its obligations to perform such obligations and agreements.

ARTICLE 33

RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

Section 33.01 Rules of Construction. Unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary:

 

  (a) “Herein”, “hereby”, “hereunder”, “hereinbefore”, “hereafter” and any other equivalent words refer to this Lease and not solely to the particular portion thereof in which such word is used;


  (b) Words importing the singular number shall include the plural number and vice versa, and any pronoun used herein shall be deemed to cover all genders;

 

  (c) All references therein to particular Articles or Sections are references to Articles or Sections of this Lease; and

 

  (d) Any certificate or statement required to be delivered under the provisions of this Lease shall, in the absence of manifest error, be deemed to be conclusive evidence of the truth, correctness and accuracy of the matters covered in such certificate or statement.

ARTICLE 34

Negotiated Resolution

Section 34.01 Arbitration; Consent to Jurisdiction . In the event of any dispute between the parties arising out of or relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, the parties shall first use their reasonable efforts to resolve such dispute among themselves. If the parties are unable to use their reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute within thirty (30) calendar days of the initiation of such procedure, the dispute shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration under the Rules of Arbitration of the American Arbitration Association, which Rules shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this clause. The tribunal shall consist of three (3) arbitrators, of whom each of Seller and Purchaser shall be entitled to nominate one (1) and the third (3 rd ) of whom shall be nominated by the arbitrators nominated by Seller and Purchaser. The place of arbitration shall be Washington, D.C., USA and the language of arbitration shall be English.

ARTICLE 35

SURRENDER

Section 35.01 Delivery of Possession . LESSEE shall, at the end of the Term, or upon any earlier or sooner termination of this Lease, or upon any termination of LESSEE’s right to possess the Premises pursuant to the provisions of this Lease, well and truly surrender and deliver up the Premises into the possession and use of LESSOR, without fraud or delay and in the condition in which LESSOR has herein agreed to maintain them, free and clear of all lettings, occupancies, liens and encumbrances, other than those existing immediately prior to the commencement of the Term.

Section 35.02 Removal of Personal Property . LESSEE shall remove any and all of LESSEE’s Personal Property which does not constitute part of the Premises.

Section 35.03 Retention of Personal Property . Any Improvements or personal property which shall remain on the Premises after the expiration of the Term


or earlier termination of this Lease or LESSEE’s right to possess the Premises may, at the option of LESSOR, be deemed to have been abandoned by LESSEE and may be retained by LESSOR as LESSOR’s property or be disposed of, without liability of or accounting by LESSOR, in such manner as LESSOR may see fit, or LESSOR, at its option, may require LESSEE to remove the same at LESSEE’s expense. In case of such removal, all costs of removal and of repairing any damage to the Premises arising from such removal shall be paid by LESSEE upon LESSOR’s demand. LESSEE shall pay to LESSOR on demand (a) a reasonable fee for storing and disposing of any such personal property, and (b) all costs and expenses incurred by LESSOR in storing and disposing of any such personal property (including, without limitation, counsel fees relating to claims against LESSOR by any and all parties claiming interests in such personal property).

{Signatures appear on the next page}


IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have caused this Lease to be executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the Effective Date.

 

WITNESSES:    
    BASF Corporation
      By    
      Title    
WITNESSES:    
    AMVAC Chemical Corporation
      By    
      Title    


STATE OF                                 

COUNTY OF                             

BEFORE ME, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, on this the              day of December2007, personally came and appeared                              who, being first duly sworn, did declare and acknowledge that he is the identical person who executed the foregoing instrument in writing, that his signature thereto is his own true and genuine signature, and that he executed said instrument in his capacity as                          of LESSOR Corporation of his own free will and accord, and as the act and deed of the said corporation, for the purposes and consideration therein set forth and expressed.

 

           
My Commission Expires     Notary Public


STATE OF                                 

COUNTY OF                             

BEFORE ME, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, on this the              day of                      2007, personally came and appeared                          who, being first duly sworn, did declare and acknowledge that he is the identical person who executed the foregoing instrument in writing, that his signature thereto is his own true and genuine signature, and that he executed said instrument in his capacity as                          of LESSEE and Chemicals, Inc., of his own free will and accord, and as the act and deed of the said corporation, for the purposes and consideration therein set forth and expressed.

 

           
My Commission Expires     Notary Public

EXHIBIT 10.12

MANUFACTURING AND SHARED SERVICE AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of December 31, 2007 (“Effective Date”) (this “Agreement”) by and between BASF Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“BASF”), with offices at 100 Campus Drive, Florham Park, New Jersey 07932, and AMVAC Chemical Corporation, a California corporation, with offices at 4695 MacArthur Court, Suite 1250, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (“AMVAC”). All capitalized terms herein, not otherwise defined, shall have the same meaning given to them in that certain Sale and Purchase Agreement by and between AMVAC and BASF, dated November 27, 2006 (the “SPA”).

WHEREAS, AMVAC and BASF’s parent company BASF Aktiengesellschaft entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement dated November 17, 2006 (“SPA”), and pursuant to Article 3 of the terms of that SPA, AMVAC exercised its option to purchase those certain assets defined and set forth in the SPA as the Optioned Assets, and have purchased such Optioned Assets as of the Option Closing Date; and

WHEREAS, in connection with such purchase BASF and AMVAC have entered into a lease of that certain parcel of land described in a Ground Lease as of the Option Closing Date; and

WHEREAS, AMVAC desires to obtain from BASF and BASF desires to provide certain manufacturing services and the sharing of support services as more fully set forth herein.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:

WITNESSETH:

1. Definitions.

(a) All capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the definition set forth in the SPA.

(b) “Hannibal Site” shall mean BASF's production site located in Hannibal, Missouri, U.S.A.

(c) Reserved.

(d) “Product(s)” shall mean those products listed on Exhibit B of the SPA. New products may be added to the definition of Products upon the written agreement of both Parties, which agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, provided however, that BASF may take into account, without limitation, the following factors in considering the appropriateness of new products proposed by AMVAC: (i) the compatibility of the proposed new product and its associated equipment, raw materials, intermediates, and waste streams, with those already existing at, and planned for, the Hannibal Site, and (ii) the ability of BASF to stay within all regulatory permit conditions. As part of the new product discussions between the parties as contemplated by this section, AMVAC shall provide adequate information and training to BASF concerning any agreed new product, including without limitation the information set forth on Exhibit B-1. Once new products are accepted, all terms related to Products, including without limitation the Management Fee set forth in Exhibit I, shall apply to such new products.

 

1


(e) “Services” shall mean those activities and services described in this Agreement and all other services, sites, equipment, material and activities, including labor and performance, necessary, incidental or appropriate to provide the services called for in this Agreement, in a safe, clean, prompt and efficient manner.

(f) “T/C Unit” shall mean the T/C Site as defined in the SPA located on the property as defined in the Ground Lease.

2. Services.

(a) During the Term, and in consideration of the fee set forth in Section 4, BASF shall: (i) purchase and pay for, receive, and store (subject to the storage limitations set forth in Exhibit M) quantities of raw materials (mutually agreed upon as set forth more fully in Exhibit E) and packaging materials, and (ii) manufacture, load, ship and deliver, such quantities of Product, both as shall from time to time be specified by AMVAC. Manufacturing of the Product shall take place only at the T/C Unit using the Manufacturing Equipment, and warehousing and other non-manufacturing facilities. However, the parties acknowledge that the Services shall further include all necessary services and infrastructure provided at the Hannibal Site necessary for BASF to meet its obligations under this Agreement in a timely manner. The Services may only be conducted at facilities that operate in compliance with all Federal, State and local laws and in conformance with good practices. The Services shall also include quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) services for AMVAC. BASF will not change any process qualified for use in the production of Products without the prior written consent of AMVAC, except that BASF may change such processes within the current ranges of accepted and existing process controls. BASF also agrees to test and approve production lots according to an agreed upon sample and control plan.

(b) So long as AMVAC performs its obligations under Section 8, BASF shall maintain the Manufacturing Equipment and other Hannibal Site resources, including employees, necessary to provide the Services to AMVAC pursuant to this Agreement.

(c) BASF shall operate the T/C Unit in compliance with BASF's then applicable Hannibal Site policies relating to health and safety, and applicable permit and other legal requirements and restrictions.

(d) The Parties acknowledge that a crew of operational, supervisory and clerical personnel, as set forth at Exhibit K (“Direct Charged Personnel”), shall be charged directly to the T/C Unit. In the event the T/C Unit does not need the services of one or more of the Direct Charged Personnel, and BASF is able to employ such personnel, then AMVAC will be credited for all hours they are employed outside the T/C Unit, at the rate BASF then is able to obtain for temporary workers for such work. BASF shall have no obligation to employ such personnel outside the T/C Unit. BASF shall take direction from AMVAC concerning the employment at the T/C Unit of any unused Direct Charged Personnel.

(e) AMVAC grants to BASF and its Affiliates a revocable, paid up, royalty free, T/C Unit based license to use the Divested Transferred Rights to the extent necessary to perform BASF’s obligations under this Agreement. BASF shall have the right to sublicense such rights to their permitted assigns, coextensive with BASF rights to assign this Agreement to a third party under Section 23 herein.

 

2


(f) BASF reserves the right, upon reasonable notice to AMVAC, to decline to operate the Manufacturing Equipment at the T/C Unit if BASF deems it unsafe to do so.

3. Volume Forecasts.

(a) Forecast : Each month AMVAC will for planning purposes provide to BASF a non-binding rolling written forecast of its estimated monthly requirements for Products for the ensuing eighteen (18) month period.

(b) Binding Forecast : At least six (6) months prior to the date of delivery, AMVAC shall submit a binding order for Product. AMVAC is responsible for variable costs to the extent reasonably incurred in reliance on such forecast, changes that are made thereto, and other direction given to BASF from time to time. BASF agrees that to the extent reasonably practicable, it will provide AMVAC with a best estimate of forecast changes and the potential impact on scheduled production as a result of other directions made by AMVAC .

(c) Deliveries : BASF shall make commercially reasonable efforts to meet delivery schedule specified by AMVAC, but BASF shall have no liability to AMVAC if, despite BASF’s efforts, a particular delivery is not made on schedule.

4. Payment for Services.

(a) In consideration of the Services rendered pursuant to this Agreement, AMVAC shall pay monthly BASF a fee equal to:

***.

(b) BASF shall accept, in connection with the Services called for hereby, exclusive liability for the payment of any wages, salaries or other remuneration paid to any and all persons employed by BASF in connection with the performance of the Services and other direct costs associated with the Services. BASF shall also accept exclusive liability for the payment and reporting of any taxes or contributions for Social Security, unemployment insurance, old age payments, annuities or retirement benefits which are measured by such wages, salaries or other remuneration paid by it in connection with the performance of the Services and comply with all applicable rules and regulations respecting the assumption of liability for any of the aforesaid taxes or contributions.

(c) BASF shall invoice AMVAC at the end of each calendar month for the fees for that month set forth in Section 4(a).

5. Payment Terms.

AMVAC shall pay the invoices referenced in Section 4(c) above within forty-five (45) days from invoice date. Any invoiced amount not paid by the forty-sixth (46 th ) day following the invoice date (the “Forty-Sixth Day”) will accrue interest at the default interest rate set forth in Section 17.4 of the SPA from the Forty-Sixth Day to the date of payment.

 

3


6. Term.

(a) This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue in effect twenty (20) years, and shall renew for additional one (1) year terms thereafter, unless terminated by either party at the end of the initial, or any subsequent term by written notice given six (6) months in advance of the end of such term (the “Term”).

(b) AMVAC shall have an immediate right to terminate this Agreement and the Ground Lease by providing written notice to BASF in the event that (A) BASF is in material breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement and does not (i) either cure such breach within thirty (30) days after the date of such notice or, (ii) if cure can not be accomplished within thirty (30) days, begin such cure within such thirty (30) days and proceed diligently to effect such cure thereafter, or (B) BASF (i) ceases to function as a going concern, (ii) makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (iii) becomes the subject of any proceeding under applicable bankruptcy, receivership, insolvency or similar laws instituted by or against AMVAC, which proceeding is not dismissed as to AMVAC within forty-five (45) days after it has been instituted, or (iv) liquidates or dissolves. BASF shall have an immediate right to terminate this Agreement and the Ground Lease by providing written notice to AMVAC in the event that (A) AMVAC is in breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement and does not cure such breach within thirty (30) days after the date of such notice, or (B) AMVAC (i) ceases to function as a going concern, (ii) makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (iii) becomes the subject of any proceeding under applicable bankruptcy, receivership, insolvency or similar laws instituted by or against BASF, which proceeding is not dismissed as to BASF within forty-five (45) days after it has been instituted, or (iv) liquidates or dissolves.

(c) AMVAC shall have the right to assume the operations of the T/C Unit, upon one hundred eighty (180) days written notice to BASF. In that event: (i) AMVAC shall pay to BASF all the training costs associated with retraining of each of the BASF operating personnel covered by a collective bargaining agreement as such personnel are reassigned (through any “bid and bump” procedure then in effect with any collective bargaining agreement) into BASF jobs outside the T/C Unit, and (ii) the fee payable to BASF shall be reduced as set forth on Exhibit J. AMVAC shall thereafter be responsible for all operation of the T/C Unit, and BASF shall be responsible only for the providing of the Services as set forth on Exhibit H and those Services set forth on Exhibit F.

(d) AMVAC shall have the right to cease operations at the Hannibal facility, upon one hundred eighty (180) days prior written notice, to terminate this Agreement and the Ground Lease without cause, provided that AMVAC shall be responsible for the Shutdown Costs (defined in Section 7).

(e) The Parties intend that all obligations of this Agreement shall be performed, and accordingly, any provisions and obligations of this Agreement that must survive termination or expiration of this Agreement for their fulfillment shall so survive.

7. Termination and Obligation to Remove Manufacturing Equipment.

Upon termination of the Agreement, AMVAC will remove at its sole cost and expense and will assume sole responsibility and liability for the dismantling, cleaning and removal of the Manufacturing Equipment and Improvements as defined in the Ground Lease from the T/C Unit as set forth more fully in the Ground Lease (“Shutdown Costs”). In the event BASF assigns this Agreement, by operation of law or otherwise to a non-Affiliate, and AMVAC within two (2) years of such assignment elects, pursuant to Section 6(d) to terminate this Agreement and the Ground Lease, then notwithstanding the provisions set forth above, AMVAC shall be relieved of the obligation to pay Shutdown Costs, but will make to BASF’s Assignee a one time payment of *** on the last day of this Agreement.

 

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8. Maintenance Capital and Identified Capital Expenditures.

(a) As described in Section 4(v) hereof, AMVAC shall pay to BASF the costs of maintenance capital items above five thousand US Dollars ($5,000.00) expended at the T/C Unit which (i) appreciably extend the life of the Manufacturing Equipment or (ii) are necessary for the mechanical reliability of the Manufacturing Equipment to produce Products or (iii) for the protection of health, safety and the environment. An item shall only be defined as maintenance capital if doing so would be consistent with past practices at the Hannibal Site. BASF agrees to provide AMVAC with a maintenance capital appropriation request prior to incurring any such cost, to which AMVAC may consent or not in its reasonable discretion.

AMVAC has in Section 8.4 of the SPA committed to reimburse BASF the costs of the Maintenance Capital items set forth in Exhibit C, and in reliance upon such commitment, BASF has previously undertaken such Maintenance Capital efforts. AMVAC shall have the right to retain a third party to perform maintenance capital items provided that (a) AMVAC shall pay such third party directly for such work and such work shall be removed from AMVAC’s payment responsibilities in the maintenance capital budget, (b) the third party must perform the work to reasonable standards required by BASF, (c) such third party shall agree to abide by BASF’s contractor Hannibal Site rules and policies in effect at such time, and (d) the retention of such third party complies with the Hannibal Site collective bargaining agreement(s) in place at such time.

(b) AMVAC agrees that it shall, at its sole cost and expense, perform, or arrange with third parties to perform, all engineering services associated with identified capital improvements set forth on Exhibit C which remain unimplemented as of the Effective Date of this Agreement.

(c) AMVAC acknowledges that under no circumstances is BASF required to perform or provide to AMVAC engineering services, but further acknowledges that, in order to safely perform the Services hereunder, BASF shall need to monitor and understand the engineering services being provided by AMVAC or such third party, and the costs of such monitoring shall be deemed by the parties part of the costs of BASF’s rendered Services hereunder.

9. BASF Standard of Care and Limitation of Warranty.

(a) BASF shall perform the services that it is required to provide to AMVAC under this Agreement with reasonable skill and care and shall use at least that degree of skill and care that it would exercise in similar circumstances in carrying out its own business, provided that, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the liability of BASF with respect to its performance hereunder shall be subject to Section 9(b) and (c), below.

(b) Except as set forth in Section 15(c), neither BASF nor any of its respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or affiliates shall be liable, either in contract, in tort or otherwise, for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or such person under or in connection with this Agreement, except that BASF shall be liable for losses incurred by AMVAC arising out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of BASF in the performance of the Services; provided, however, BASF’s total liability shall be limited to 100% of the fee for the particular Service for which BASF failed to provide the required standard of care. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY, IN NO EVENT SHALL BASF HAVE ANY LIABILITY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT FOR PUNITIVE, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES.

 

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(c) EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, NEITHER PARTY GIVES NOR RECEIVES ANY WARRANTY OR INDEMNITY, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN FACT OR IN LAW (INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE).

(d) EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, AMVAC SHALL NOT HAVE ANY LIABILTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT FOR PUNITIVE, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES.

10. Covenant Not To Encumber.

Title to all raw material, Products and packaging furnished by or on behalf of AMVAC shall at all times remain in AMVAC, and BASF hereby disclaims any right, title or interest in any such raw material, Products or packaging. BASF shall not impose or permit to be imposed upon any of the raw material, Product or packaging furnished by or on behalf of AMVAC or the Manufacturing Equipment and within the custody and control of BASF any liens or encumbrances whatsoever, except for liens caused by or created by AMVAC, and BASF warrants to AMVAC with respect to all of the same delivered by it hereunder, that such raw material, Products and packaging shall be delivered free from any lawful security interest or lien or other encumbrance through BASF. BASF shall defend, indemnify and hold AMVAC harmless against all liens and claims created by BASF against any of the raw material, Products or packaging, and those for labor and materials, except for liens caused or created by AMVAC. AMVAC shall be solely responsible for settling by agreement or otherwise providing for the discharge of any lien or claim not created by BASF which prevents or interferes with BASF's performance of Services, and shall indemnify and hold BASF harmless from all claims, liabilities, expenses, damages or losses arising out of or resulting from any such lien or claim. BASF shall be solely responsible for settling by agreement or otherwise providing for the discharge of any lien or claim permitted by BASF on the raw material, Products, packaging, or Manufacturing Equipment.

11. Hazards.

AMVAC must receive BASF's prior written approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, before bringing any raw material onto the Hannibal Site, shall be responsible for properly registering all such materials with the USEPA, shall convey in writing to BASF any use restrictions that may exist in connection with such materials, and shall provide BASF at a minimum with a copy of the MSDS and the materials set forth in Exhibit B-1.

12. Insurance.

(a) During the term of this Agreement, BASF shall procure and maintain in full force and effect (or shall have the option to self insure), the following minimum insurance coverage against the risks specified in this Agreement:

(i) Workers’ compensation insurance in compliance with the workers’ compensation laws of the state in which BASF has employees performing Services, and employer’s liability insurance with a minimum limit of $500,000/occurrence, and coverage required under the Longshoreman and Harbor Workers’ Act, and Federal Employee Liability Act if applicable;

 

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(ii) Commercial general liability insurance including premises, broad form property damage, contractual, products/completed operations coverage, each with a minimum limit of $5,000,000 each occurrence;

All risks insurance (including fire and extended coverage) sufficient to provide full replacement value for loss or damage to Products and raw material and packaging of AMVAC in the care, custody or control of BASF; and

(iii) Motor vehicle insurance for vehicles owned, leased or operated by BASF, with minimum limits of $1,000,000 liability coverage per occurrence combined single limit.

(b) All insurance required to be maintained by BASF in paragraph 12(a) above, shall (i) include AMVAC as additional insureds (policies to be primary with respect to coverages afforded to additional insureds), and (ii) indicate that the insurer will endeavor to provide at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to AMVAC before any cancellation or non-renewal. Evidence of all such insurance shall be made available by BASF to AMVAC (A) prior to performance of Services as specified in this Agreement and (B) as reasonably requested thereafter.

(c) BASF agrees to release and waive, and hereby releases and waives, all rights of subrogation against AMVAC possessed by BASF’s insurer(s). BASF hereby represents to AMVAC that it is authorized to make such release and waiver under such policies of insurance.

(d) During the term of this Agreement, AMVAC shall procure and maintain in full force and effect (or shall have the option to self insure), the following minimum insurance coverage against the risks specified in this Agreement:

(i) All risks property insurance (including fire and extended coverage) sufficient to provide full replacement value for loss or damage to facilities and equipment owned by AMVAC, or for which AMVAC may be responsible.

(ii) With respect to any AMVAC employees located at the T/C Unit, Workers' compensation insurance in compliance with the workers’ compensation laws of the State of Missouri, and employer's liability insurance with a minimum limit of $500,000/occurrence.

(e) All insurance required to be maintained by AMVAC in paragraph 12(d) above, shall (i) include BASF as additional insureds (policies to be primary with respect to coverages afforded to additional insureds), and (ii) indicate that the insurer will endeavor to provide at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to BASF before any cancellation, or non-renewal. Evidence of all such insurance shall be made available by AMVAC to BASF (A) upon execution of this Agreement and (B) as reasonably requested thereafter.

(f) AMVAC agrees to release and waive, and hereby releases and waives, all rights of subrogation against BASF possessed by AMVAC’s insurer(s). AMVAC hereby represents to BASF that it is authorized to make such release and waiver under such policies of insurance.

 

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13. Inspection. Audit Rights.

(a) BASF shall keep separate, full and accurate books, accounts and records pertaining to (i) the provision of Services, including the quantities and inventories of raw material, packaging and labels received from AMVAC or on behalf of AMVAC and the quantities and inventory of raw materials, containers, and Product used, manufactured, packaged, repackaged, stored and loaded by BASF, whichever applies, (ii) the performance of capital maintenance and (iii) its calculation of the costs of both (i) and (ii) for a period of three (3) calendar years or for any additional periods as may be prescribed or required by applicable law. BASF shall also provide to AMVAC a sample of each batch of Product manufactured or packaged under this Agreement, appropriately coded to identify samples to the Product shipped. BASF shall sample each batch of deodorized product and maintain a four (4) ounce sample onsite for one (1) year.

(b) BASF shall provide to AMVAC such information as AMVAC shall reasonably request with respect to the employee benefits provided to any employees who perform Services on a substantially full-time basis for a period of one year or longer and such other information needed by AMVAC to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 4l4(n) and related subsections, as amended from time to time, pertaining to “leased employees.” For this purpose, “on a substantially full-time basis” shall mean 1500 hours or more in a twelve (12) month period or such other amount specified by U.S. tax regulation or notice in effect during the term of this Agreement.

(c) AMVAC shall have the right to request an independent audit in order to verify that all costs charged to AMVAC by BASF under this Agreement have been calculated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, provided, however that such request must be made in writing delivered to BASF within one year after the costs involved are invoiced to AMVAC. AMVAC may request that such audit be made by an independent auditor acceptable to BASF, no more than once per year. The auditor shall report its findings and the auditor’s report shall be final and binding on both parties. BASF shall make any necessary adjustments to the charges, including reimbursement of any retroactive overcharges or invoicing of any retroactive undercharges, based on the auditor's report. The costs of any audit would be borne by AMVAC, unless a discrepancy of ten percent (10%) or greater is discovered in favor of AMVAC, in which instance the cost of the audit shall be borne by BASF.

14. Taxes.

All Federal, state and municipal taxes (except taxes levied on net income or net worth and except taxes and withholdings based on wages and salaries) which are directly attributable to the receipt by BASF of raw material, the manufacture, packaging or repackaging, as applicable, of Product or deliveries of Product made pursuant to this Agreement, shall be for the account of AMVAC, and AMVAC shall either pay all such taxes directly or reimburse BASF for payment of the same, as the case may be, consistent with the provisions hereof. In no event shall AMVAC be liable to BASF for any license, franchise or income tax payable by BASF as a result of the existence of the Hannibal Site or income derived therefrom. BASF shall pay all property, ad valorem and other taxes and charges relating to the T/C Unit, the Hannibal Site, materials and services provided to AMVAC hereunder directly to the appropriate taxing authority, except personal property taxes on the Manufacturing Equipment, which shall be paid by AMVAC, and except for those permits required by Section 21 to be obtained and maintained by AMVAC shall obtain and maintain all necessary federal, state or local licenses, permits and other required documentation for BASF's operations hereunder.

 

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15. Risk of Loss/Indemnification.

(a) BASF shall have responsibility and liability for care, custody or control of all raw materials, container, labels and Product from the time the same is delivered to BASF until delivery of Product to AMVAC, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to reduce yield loss to two and one half percent (2.5%) above the target yields for the Products set forth in Exhibit E-1.

(b) Notwithstanding BASF’s operation of the T/C Unit for AMVAC as set forth herein, AMVAC shall assume the sole responsibility for and indemnify, defend and hold BASF harmless from and against all liabilities, including without limitation: (i) damage to AMVAC building and all equipment located on the T/C Unit and environmental liabilities at the T/C Unit arising after the Effective Date, including without limitation those that arise from BASF’s performance of Services under this Agreement, except to the extent arising from BASF’s intentionally tortious acts or omissions.

(c) BASF shall defend and indemnify AMVAC: (i) for any liabilities claimed against AMVAC by third parties to the extent arising from BASF’s breach of its obligations under Sections 4(b), 10, 14, and 18 , and (ii) for any liabilities claimed against AMVAC by BASF employees providing Services hereunder for worker’s compensation obligations owed by BASF to said BASF employees, and (iii) for any liabilities claimed against AMVAC by third parties solely arising from BASF’s failure to maintain necessary licenses and permits applicable to the performance of Services hereunder, but such indemnity in this subsection (iii) shall only apply if obtaining and maintenance of such permits was within the control of BASF.

(d) In the case of any claim for indemnification arising from a claim of a third party, the Indemnified party shall give prompt written notice, in no event more than twenty (20) days following such indemnified party's receipt of such claim or demand, to the indemnifying party of any claim or demand which such indemnified party has knowledge and as to which it may request indemnification hereunder, provided that the failure so to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve such indemnifying party of its obligations hereunder except to the extent such failure shall have actually and materially prejudiced the indemnifying party. The indemnifying party shall have the right to defend and to direct the defense against any such claim or demand, in its name or in the name of the indemnified party, as the case may be, at the expense of the indemnifying party, and with counsel selected by the indemnifying party unless (i) such claim or demand seeks an order, injunction or other equitable relief against the indemnified party, or (ii) the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that (x) there is a conflict of interest between the indemnified party and the indemnifying party in the conduct of the defense of such claim or demand or (y) the indemnified party has one or more defenses not available to the indemnifying party. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the indemnified party shall, at the expense of the indemnifying party, cooperate with the indemnifying party, and keep the indemnifying party fully informed, in the defense of such claim or demand. The indemnified party shall have the right to participate in the defense of such claim or demand with counsel employed at its own expense; provided, however, that, in the case of any claim or demand described in clause (i) or (ii) of the second preceding sentence or as to which the indemnifying party shall not in fact have employed counsel to assume the defense of such claim or demand, the reasonable fees and disbursements of such counsel shall be at the expense of the indemnifying party. The indemnifying party shall have no indemnification obligations with respect to any such claim or demand which shall be settled by the indemnified party without the prior written consent of the indemnifying party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

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16. Delivery.

Product shall be delivered to AMVAC FOB BASF’s Hannibal, MO site, to the T/C Unit warehouse for Product in drums and the bulk tanks in the case of bulk Product.

17. Force Majeure.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no liability for failure or delay in performance hereunder (other than payment of any invoice) shall be incurred by either party to the other, where such failure or delay is due, in whole or in part, to acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, war, riot, fire, flood, storm, labor difficulties, act of God, unavailability or shortage of raw material or energy, failure of transportation or transmission facilities or any cause beyond the reasonable control of the affected party. In the event of an occurrence of any contingency which interrupts or interferes with, or can reasonably be foreseen to interrupt or interfere with, the delivery of Products hereunder, the affected party shall notify the other party, in writing and with particularity, of the nature of any such occurrence and the projected duration thereof, and shall thereafter continue to keep the other party apprised of developments that may lengthen or shorten the duration of such interruption or interference. The affected party shall act in good faith and with due diligence to remove such contingency; provided, however, that the settlement of any labor dispute by the party so affected shall be within the sole discretion of that party. Nothing in this Section 17 shall be construed so as to excuse liability for any payment due and unpaid during the time of the force majeure event.

18. Exclusive Use of Manufacturing Equipment.

BASF agrees that it shall use the Manufacturing Equipment and T/C Unit exclusively to perform Services for AMVAC, provided, however, that BASF shall have the right to use the P255 Tow Motor for occasional use, such use not to interfere with the operation of the T/C Unit.

19. Relationship of Parties.

Nothing contained in any Agreement shall be deemed to create an agency, joint venture, partnership or franchise relationship between the parties, and neither AMVAC nor BASF is authorized to take any action in any way whatsoever binding on, or for or on behalf of, the other, except to the extent, if any, expressly set forth in the applicable Agreement.

20. Confidentiality.

All confidential and/or proprietary information or documentation, regardless of its form (“Confidential Information”), of either party which is disclosed to, is acquired by or comes into the possession of, the other party hereto through operation of this Agreement shall be held in confidence by the other party (including its affiliates) and shall be protected against unauthorized disclosure to the same extent and in the same manner as such party protects its own confidential or proprietary information. Neither party shall disclose, publish, release, transfer or otherwise make available Confidential Information of the other party in any form to, or for the use or benefit of, any person or entity, or duplicate or reproduce the same, without such other party's prior written approval. Each party shall, however, be permitted to disclose relevant aspects of the other party’s Confidential Information to its officers, agents, employees and authorized representatives and to the officers, agents, employees and authorized representatives of its affiliates, to the extent that such disclosure is reasonably necessary to the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, provided that such party shall take all reasonable measures to ensure that Confidential

 

10


Information of the other party is not disclosed or duplicated in contravention of the provisions of this Agreement by any such officer, agent, employee or authorized representative. The obligations in this Section 21 shall not ( a) restrict any disclosure by either party of the other party’s Confidential Information pursuant to any applicable law, or in compliance with the order of any governmental or regulatory authority of competent jurisdiction, provided that the disclosing party shall promptly give written notice thereof to the other party so as to permit such other party to apply for a protective order, (b) apply with respect to information that (i) can be demonstrably shown to have been in the possession of the receiving party at the time of disclosure by the disclosing party or to have been independently developed by the receiving party; (ii) is at the time of such disclosure in the public domain, or thereafter comes into the public domain from a third party and through no fault of the receiving party; or (iii) shall have become legally available to the receiving party from a third party having no obligation of confidentiality with respect thereto; or (c) apply after five (5) years from the termination date of this Agreement.

21. Compliance With Laws.

(a) BASF hereby agrees that in performing its obligations under this Agreement, BASF shall comply with all Federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and ordinances (including, but not limited to, CERCLA, RCRA, CWA, HMTA and OSHA) as the same may be amended from time to time. BASF has maintained and shall at all times maintain all necessary licenses and permits applicable to the performance of the Services under this Agreement except for a Missouri permit for air emissions and a permit from the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms of the use of ethanol, to be obtained and maintained by AMVAC.

(b) AMVAC shall provide and be solely responsible for the legal and regulatory company of container markings, label text or the labels themselves and AMVAC warrants that such markings, text and labels shall be, at all times, in compliance with, and shall conform to the requirements of all applicable Federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations. BASF shall affix such markings, text and labels to Product, packaging and containers as directed by AMVAC.

(c) BASF acknowledges that it understands that AMVAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and BASF warrants that BASF complies with the Fair Labor Standard Act of 1938, as amended, in its operations in support of this Agreement. BASF agrees that, if this Agreement is construed to be a subcontract within the meaning of the Rules and Regulations approved by the United States Secretary of Labor pursuant to Executive Order 11246, as amended, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, as amended, or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, or of the regulations issued pursuant to Executive Order 11625, the provisions of those regulations as well as the Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination provision of Section 202 of Executive Order 11246 shall be incorporated herein by reference and shall be binding upon BASF as part of this Agreement.

22. Access Rights.

During the Term, BASF shall provide AMVAC with access to the T/C Unit for the purpose of observing, forecasting, planning production and operations. Additionally, AMVAC shall have reasonable access to the employees operating the Manufacturing Equipment and the T/C Unit provided that at no time shall AMVAC act in a supervisory position to the operators. All access shall be in accordance with the provisions set forth in Exhibit G hereto. AMVAC employees that are granted such access shall at all times be subject to and shall follow all Hannibal Site and T/C Unit guidelines and policies, including all safety guidelines and policies.

 

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23. Miscellaneous.

(a) Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the Exhibits hereto, and the Ground Lease, and the SPA, constitutes the entire agreement and sets forth the entire understanding of the parties and their Affiliates with respect to the subject matter hereof, supersedes all prior agreements, covenants, arrangements, letters, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party, including without limitation the Technical Deodorized Grade Phorate Product Sales Agreement dated October 31, 2005 and the Terbufos Supply Agreement as defined in the SPA, and may not be modified, amended or terminated by mutual consent except by a written agreement specifically referring to this Agreement and signed by the parties hereto and any other party to be charged. The parties expressly agree that to the extent that form purchase orders, confirmations, acceptances and invoices, or similar documents, are used to facilitate specific purchases of Services or payment for Services under this Agreement, any conflicting, additional or different terms (other than transaction specific information covering quantity, times for performance or method for transportation, which information is added to the forms), provisions or conditions contained therein, shall not become a part of the Agreement.

(b) Notices . Any and all notices or other communications required or permitted to be given under any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally, or by facsimile, or sent by first class registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or if mailed, five (5) Business Days after the date of mailing. For the purposes hereof, the addresses, telephone numbers and facsimile numbers (until notice of a change thereof, served as provided in this section) are as follows:

If to BASF:

BASF Corporation

26 Davis Drive

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Attn: Group Vice President Agricultural Products

With a copy to:

BASF Corporation

100 Campus Drive

Florham Park, NJ 07932

Attn: General Counsel

If to American Vanguard Corporation:

American Vanguard Corporation

4695 MacArthur Court, Suite 1250

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Attn: Eric Wintemute

Fax No.: (949) 260-1201

With a copy to:

Timothy J. Donnelly

American Vanguard Corporation

4695 MacArthur Court, Suite 1250

Newport Beach, CA 92660timd@amvac-chemical.com

 

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Routine operating instructions, requests, directions and notices dealing with the delivery and shipment of Products, and other similar communications, unless otherwise requested to be in writing, may be given in such manner and to such persons as is customary or practicable.

(c) No Waiver; Remedies . No waiver of any breach or default hereunder shall be considered valid unless in writing and signed by the party giving such waiver, and no such waiver shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or default of the same or similar nature. No failure on the part of any party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege; and no waiver whatever shall be valid unless in writing signed by the party or parties to be charged and then only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, rights, powers and privileges, either under an Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded the parties to an Agreement shall be cumulative and shall not be exclusive of any remedies, rights, powers and privileges provided by law. Each party hereto may exercise all such remedies afforded to it in any order of priority.

(d) Assignment; Successors and Assigns . This Agreement may not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise, and any attempted assignment shall be null and void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may without further consent of the other party assign its rights under this Agreement (a) in connection with the transfer or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of such party, (b) pursuant to the sale of a majority of the ownership interest of such party or the merger or consolidation of such party with a third party, (c) to any affiliate of the assigning party, or (d) in connection with the sale by BASF of the Hannibal Site to a third party. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns and legal representatives. Any such successor or assign shall assume all of the party's obligations under this Agreement and shall be fully bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and any such assignment shall relieve the assigning party of any further obligations arising from this Agreement. BASF shall not sell or assign either: (i) all or substantially all of its assets or (ii) the Hannibal Site to a third party without also assigning this Agreement to such third party.

(e) Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Missouri.

(f) Arbitration; Consent to Jurisdiction . In the event of any dispute between the parties arising out of or relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, the parties shall first use their reasonable efforts to resolve such dispute among themselves. If the parties are unable to use their reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute within thirty (30) calendar days of the initiation of such procedure, the dispute shall be settled by arbitration as provided in Section [17.11] of the SPA.

(g) Severability . Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective as to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforcement of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

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(h) Counterparts/Facsimile Signature . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Additionally, the parties acknowledge and agree that a facsimile signature to this Agreement shall be recognized as an original signature.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement on the date and year first above written.

 

AMVAC CHEMICAL CORPORATION
By:    
Name:  
Title:  
Date:  

 

BASF CORPORATION
By:    
Name:  
Title:   Assistant Secretary
Date:  

 

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EXHIBIT 21

AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

LISTING OF SUBSIDIARIES

Subsidiaries of the Company and the jurisdiction in which each company was incorporated are listed below. Unless otherwise indicated parenthetically, 100% of the voting securities of each subsidiary are owned by the Company. All companies indicated with an asterisk (*) are subsidiaries of AMVAC. All of the following subsidiaries are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements:

 

AMVAC Chemical Corporation

   California

GemChem, Inc.

   California

2110 Davie Corporation (formerly ABSCO Distributing)

   California

AMVAC Chemical UK Ltd.*

   Surrey, England

AMVAC Chemical GmbH

   Switzerland

AMVAC do Brasil Representácoes Ltda

   Brasil

Agroservicios Amvac, SA de CV

   Mexico

Quimica Amvac de Mexico SA de CV

   Mexico

Environmental Mediation, Inc.

   California

Calhart Corporation

   California

Manufacturers Mirror & Glass Co., Inc.

   California

Todagco (80%)*

   California

American Vanguard Corporation of Imperial Valley (90%)*

   California

AMVAC Ag-Chem*

   California

AMVAC Chemical Corporation-Nevada*

   Nevada

Exhibit 23

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors

American Vanguard Corporation

Newport Beach, CA

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-122981, 333-109320 and 333-62612) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-102381, 333-76218 and 333-64220) of American Vanguard Corporation of our reports dated March 17, 2008, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of American Vanguard Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting, which appear in this Form 10-K.

/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP

Los Angeles, California

March 17, 2008

Exhibit 31.1

AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Eric G. Wintemute, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of American Vanguard Corporation;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures, and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosures controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an Annual Report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

  (a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: March 17, 2008     / S /    E RIC G. W INTEMUTE        
    Eric G. Wintemute
    Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, David T. Johnson, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of American Vanguard Corporation;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures, and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosures controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an Annual Report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

  (a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: March 17, 2008     /s/    D AVID T. J OHNSON        
   

David T. Johnson

    Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32.1

AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED

PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of American Vanguard Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that based on their knowledge (1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (2) the information contained in the Report fairly represents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the periods covered in the Report.

 

/s/    E RIC G. W INTEMUTE        

Eric G. Wintemute,

Chief Executive Officer

/s/    D AVID T. J OHNSON        

David T. Johnson

Chief Financial Officer

March 17, 2008

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to American Vanguard Corporation and will be retained by American Vanguard Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

The foregoing certification is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Form 10-K and shall not be considered filed as part of the Form 10-K.