As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 7, 2017
Registration No. 333-215110
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-1
(Amendment
No. 2)
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
Nevada | 7370 | 98-0550257 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of | (Primary Standard Industrial | (I.R.S. Employer | ||
incorporation or organization) | Classification Code Number) | Identification No.) |
301 McCullough Drive
4th Floor, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262
(704) 909-2806
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Mr. Shlomi Palas
301 McCullough Drive
4th Floor, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262
(704) 909-2806
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Peter J. Gennuso, Esq.
Rob D. Powell, Esq.
|
James M. Jenkins, Esq. Alexander R. McClean, Esq. Harter Secrest & Emery LLP 1600 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 (585) 232-6500 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box: ☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |
Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ |
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered |
Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering Price (1) |
Amount of
Registration Fee (2) |
|||||
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share (3) | [ ] | [ ] | |||||
Warrants to Purchase Common Stock (3)(4) | — | — | |||||
Common Stock Issuable upon Exercise of Warrants (3) | [ ] | [ ] | |||||
Underwriter Warrants to Purchase Common Stock (3)(4) | — | — | |||||
Common Stock Issuable upon Exercise of Underwriter Warrants (3) |
[ ] | [ ] | |||||
Total | $ | 15,000,000 | $ | 1,738.50(5) |
(1) | Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”). |
(2) | Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act based on an estimate of the proposed maximum aggregate offering price. |
(3) | Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, the securities being registered hereunder include such indeterminate number of additional shares of common stock as may be issued after the date hereof as a result of stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions. |
(4) | No fee pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act. |
(5) | Previously paid. |
The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or date(s) as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission acting pursuant to said Section 8(a) may determine.
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission of which this preliminary prospectus is a part becomes effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
Subject to Completion, Dated March 7, 2017
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
$15,000,000
Up to [ ] Shares of Common Stock and
Warrants to Purchase up to [ ] Shares of Common Stock
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). This prospectus relates to the offering of $15,000,000 of our securities (the “Offering”), consisting of up to [ ] shares (the “Shares”) of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”), and warrants to purchase up to [ ] shares of our Common Stock (each whole warrant, a “Warrant”). This prospectus also includes the shares of Common Stock that are issuable from time to time upon exercise of the Warrants (the “Warrant Shares”, along with the Shares and the Warrants, the “Securities”). We will offer one share of Common Stock in a fixed combination with a Warrant to purchase [ ] shares of Common Stock for a public offering price of $[ ] per share of Common Stock and $[ ] per Warrant, or of $[ ] per combination of share and warrant. Each Warrant is immediately exercisable for one share of our Common Stock at an exercise price of $[ ] per share, or [ ]% of the per share price of our Common Stock in the Offering. Each Warrant expires on [ ], 20[ ]. The shares of Common Stock and Warrants will be issued and will trade separately.
Our Common Stock is quoted on the OTCQB® Venture Marketplace (the “OTCQB”) under the symbol “BLSP.” On February 28, 2017, the closing sale price of our Common Stock was $0.045 per share. Currently, there is no established public trading market in the United States for our Common Stock and quotes of our Common Stock on the OTCQB may not be indicative of the market price on a national securities exchange. On January 19, 2017, we filed an application to have our Common Stock and the Warrants listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbols “BLSP” and “BLSPW”, respectively. No assurance can be given that our application will be approved. Listing of our Common Stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market is a condition to consummation of the Offering.
On November 23, 2016, our stockholders approved a reverse split of our Common Stock, in a ratio to be determined by the officers of the Company, provided that the ratio be the lowest reasonably necessary to satisfy the minimum requirements for listing on The NASDAQ Capital Market. We intend to effectuate the reverse split of our Common Stock in such ratio prior to the consummation of the Offering.
See the section of this prospectus entitled “Underwriting” for more information on the Offering.
On August 15, 2016, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-1 (“Resale Registration Statement”) seeking to register 89,033,337 shares of common stock on behalf of certain selling security holders named therein (“Selling Security Holders”). On September 14, 2016, the Resale Registration Statement went effective. The Company has not and will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the common stock by the Selling Security Holders.
Investing in our Securities involves a high degree of risk. For more information, see the section of this prospectus entitled “Risk Factors”.
Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
We qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart our Business Startups Act (“JOBS Act”). For more information, see the subsection entitled “Emerging Growth Company” in the Prospectus Summary.
Per Share |
Per Warrant |
Total Per Share and Warrant
|
|||||||
Public offering price | $ | [ ] | [ ] | $ | [ ] | ||||
Underwriting discount and commissions (1) | $ | [ ] | [ ] | $ | [ ] | ||||
Proceeds, before expenses, to Blue Sphere Corporation (2) | $ | [ ] | [ ] | $ | [ ] |
(1) | We have agreed to issue warrants to the underwriter and to reimburse the underwriter for expenses incurred by it, including but not limited to legal fees incurred by the Representative in connection with the Offering in an amount up to $70,000. See “Underwriting” for additional information regarding underwriter compensation. |
(2) |
We estimate our total expenses for the Offering to be approximately $170,000. |
The underwriter expects to deliver the Shares and Warrants to purchasers against payment on or about [ , 2017]. We have granted the underwriter an option for a period of up to 45 days following the closing of the Offering to purchase up to an additional 15% of the total number of Shares and/or Warrants sold in the Offering at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, to cover over-allotments, if any.
The Company is currently in the development stage and has limited operations and revenues to date, and there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in furthering its operations and/or revenues. Persons should not invest unless they can afford to lose their entire investment. See the section entitled “Risk Factors” in this prospectus.
Maxim Group LLC
Sole Underwriter and Book Running Manager
The date of this prospectus is , 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and any free writing prospectus prepared by us or on our behalf. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different or additional information. If anyone provides you with different or additional information, you should not rely on it. The information in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front of this prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since the date of this prospectus. This prospectus is not an offer or solicitation relating to the Securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation relating to the Securities is not authorized. You should not consider this prospectus to be an offer or solicitation relating to the Securities if the person making the offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or if it is unlawful for you to receive such an offer or solicitation.
For investors outside the United States: neither we nor any of the underwriters have done anything that would permit this Offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of shares of the Securities and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States.
This summary highlights certain information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information you should consider prior to investing in the Securities offered hereby. After you read this summary, you should read and consider carefully the more detailed information and financial statements and related notes that we include in this prospectus, especially the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” If you invest in our Securities, you are assuming a high degree of risk.
Unless we have indicated otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” or similar terms are to Blue Sphere Corporation and its subsidiaries.
Our Company
We are an international Independent Power Producer (“IPP”) that is active in the global clean energy production and waste-to-energy markets. We aspire to become a key player in these rapidly growing markets by developing or acquiring projects with clean energy technologies, including but not limited to waste-to-energy facilities that generate clean energy, such as electricity, natural gas, and heat, as well as soil amendment and other by-products. These markets provide tremendous opportunity, insofar as we believe there is a virtually endless supply of waste and organic material that can be used to generate power and valuable by-products. In particular, the disposal of organic material to landfills in most parts of the world is a costly problem with environmentally-damaging consequences. We seek to offer a cost-effective, environmentally-safe alternative.
Our Projects
We are currently constructing or operating, or in negotiations to develop, as applicable, eighteen (18) projects related to our strategy of acquisition, development or operations of waste-to-energy facilities, which includes developing projects for which we have entered into nonbinding letters of intent to acquire additional biogas facilities in Italy and to develop and construct waste-to-energy facilities in the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Israel. We continue to evaluate a pipeline of similar projects in the pre-development phase in the above listed countries and we are also evaluating projects in other countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland, Canada and Mexico.
We are currently constructing or operating, as indicated below, the following projects:
United States (under construction)
● | Johnston, RI Waste to Energy Anaerobic Digester 3.2 MW Plant |
United States (operating)
● | Charlotte, NC Waste to Energy Anaerobic Digester 5.2 MW Plant |
Italy (operating)
● | Soc. agr. AGRICERERE srl – Tromello (Blue Sphere Pavia) 999 KW Plant |
● | Soc. agr. AGRIELEKTRA srl – Alagna (Blue Sphere Pavia) 999 KW Plant |
● | Soc. agr. AGRISORSE srl - Garlasco (Blue Sphere Pavia) 999 KW Plant |
● | Soc. agr. GEFA srl – Dorno (Blue Sphere Pavia) 999 KW Plant |
We currently have, or are negotiating, nonbinding letters of intent to develop the following projects:
United States (negotiating and/or conducting due diligence)
● | Red Springs, NC. New Construction waste-to-energy Anaerobic Digester 3.0 MW Plant |
● | Wallace, NC. New Construction waste-to-energy Anaerobic Digester 3.0 MW Plant |
Italy (negotiating and/or conducting due diligence)
● | Cortona, Italy. Acquisition of fully operating 1.25MW Clean Energy Plants from Pronto-Verde, A.G. |
● | Cantu, Italy. Acquisition of fully operating .990 KW Clean Energy Plant from Pronto-Verde, A.G. |
● | Udine, Italy. Acquisition of fully operating .990KW Clean Energy Plant from Pronto-Verde, A.G. |
● | Ostellato, Italy. New Construction of two 1MW Anaerobic Digester Plants with Energy Lab, S.p.A |
The Netherlands (negotiating and/or conducting due diligence)
● | Sterksel, NL. New Construction waste-to-energy Anaerobic Digester 10.0 MW Plant * |
● | Terramass, NL. New Construction waste-to-energy Anaerobic Digester 2.5 MW Plant |
* | On December 8, 2016, Blue Sphere Brabant B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company in the Netherlands, won a grant to sell renewable gas on a per MWg basis to Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (“RVO”) under the Renewable Energy Production Incentive Scheme. The grant provides for the sale of up to 234,466.589 MWh per year, for a maximum total value of the grant equal to €151,934,350.00 (approximately USD $161,642,955) paid over twelve (12) years, from the date the facility begins production. The grant is conditioned upon the following: (1) the construction must be assigned to a supplier (EPC) within one (1) year, with RVO receiving a copy of the assignment; (2) the facility must begin production within four (4) years; (3) notice of any material changes (i.e., in location, receiver, power, required dates, etc.) must be given to RVO; and (4) RVO is entitled to receive an annual progress report of the realization of the facility |
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The United Kingdom (negotiating and/or conducting due diligence)
● | Carlton Forest, GB. New Construction waste-to-energy Pyrolysis Plant 7.5MW (electricity) + 10MW (thermal) |
● | Hull, GB. New Construction waste-to-energy Pyrolysis Plant 15MW (electricity) + 15MW (thermal) |
● | Seal Sands, GB. New Construction waste-to-energy Pyrolysis Plant 16MW (electricity) + 23MW (thermal) |
Israel (negotiating and/or conducting due diligence)
● | Rishon, IL. New Construction of a MRF (Materials Recycling Facility) + a 2.5MW Anaerobic Digester Plant |
Our strategy is to continue to expand in the future, including through acquisition of additional projects. From time to time we negotiate, conduct due diligence and enter into nonbinding letters of intent for projects that we are evaluating. However, until due diligence is complete, further negotiations are finalized and the parties have executed a definitive agreement, there can be no assurance that we will be able to enter into any development or acquisition transaction, on the terms in the applicable letter of intent or at all, or any other similar arrangements. Furthermore, any such transactions that we do enter into would be subject to the uncertainties regarding our existing projects described in the “Risk Factors” section.
Our Strategy
Our main focus is providing tailored solutions internationally to produce clean energy primarily out of the treatment of waste. We are focused on waste-to-energy projects in the United States, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Israel and are in the process of developing a pipeline of similar projects. We believe there is a virtually endless supply of waste suitable for such projects and the demand for energy (particularly from such projects) is growing consistently.
Our model is to acquire or build, own and operate waste-to-energy facilities. We select projects with signed, long-term agreements with waste producers or waste haulers for feedstock, with national governments or electricity corporations for energy output and with private entities for the sale of other project by-products (such as renewable energy credits, heat and soil amendment). We are currently focused on several types of projects: (i) anaerobic digestion to electricity, (ii) landfill gas to energy, (iii) anaerobic digestion to gas, (iv) gasification, (v) incineration and (vi) energy crop to electricity.
Another component of the clean energy and waste-to-energy industry in the United States is renewable energy credits (“RECs”). A REC represents a MWh or KWh of clean energy. Many states, including North Carolina and Rhode Island, the sites of our two United States projects, require their utilities to prove that a portion of the energy they sell is produced from clean or renewable sources. A REC is used to demonstrate that the relevant unit of energy has a clean or renewable source. Consequently, utilities purchase RECs from producers of clean and renewable energy. Our agreements with Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (“Duke Energy”) and The Narragansett Electric Company d/b/a National Grid (“National Grid”), for our North Carolina and Rhode Island projects, respectively, provide for “bundled” pricing for the sale of electricity and RECs.
We expect our projects to generate revenue through sales of thermal and electrical energy, energy efficiency technologies and RECs, and by-products, project development services, and tipping fees from accepting waste, as applicable to a particular project. On November 18, 2016, our project in the Charlotte, NC Waste to Energy Anaerobic Digester 5.2 MW Plant, of which we are a 25% owner, commenced commercial operations and started to provide its output to Duke Energy pursuant to the power purchase agreement with Duke Energy. The commencement of the commercial operations includes the gradual intake of waste from the facility’s feedstock suppliers, increasing the parasitic load to the digesters, completing the waste-water-treatment resources and completing all other mechanical features needed for the facility to operate at full capacity. As of December 31, 2016, the facility is in its mechanical completion and ramp-up phase of the project. We estimate that this project will be fully completed by April 30, 2017.
Our strategy is to integrate all activities and components that make up a waste-to-energy project and provide a turn-key, one-stop shop solution for waste-to-energy development. We are also actively seeking to acquire facilities that are in various stages of development. We work with and outsource key components of projects to engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) providers and other project participants that provide the most economically viable solution for each individual project. The EPC providers may also be the provider of the technology used for each project. We believe this provides us the flexibility and freedom to tailor the best solution for each project. We expect that we will remain involved in managing and financing all aspects of our projects throughout their lifetimes or until they are sold. We believe this assures all of the involved parties, including waste producers, financing stakeholders, EPC and technology providers, and customers, that there is long-term continuity and responsibility for each project.
We aim to be distinctive and successful in the waste-to-energy market by:
● | providing a one-stop, turn-key/build, own and operate/transfer solution; |
● | identifying and obtaining the rights to lucrative projects without incurring material expense; |
● | delivering seamless and professional project implementation through a combination of our own expertise and the use of third-party experts with a track-record of success; |
● | being technology agnostic and using mature and well-known technologies and when necessary to tailor-make cost-efficient and effective solutions for our projects ; |
● | leveraging our management’s more than 30 years of experience in successful implementation of large and complex projects; |
● | building local and international teams to support each project; |
● | obtaining political, property, non-performance and insolvency insurance for our projects; and |
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● | our projects receiving almost all of their revenue in United States dollars or Euros, whether operating in the United States, Europe or the developing world. |
NASDAQ Listing Application and Proposed Symbols
On January 20, 2017, we filed an application to have our Common Stock and Warrants listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbols “BLSP” and “BLSPW”, respectively. No assurance can be given that our application will be approved. Listing of our Common Stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market is a condition to consummation of the Offering.
Restated Financial Statements
On November 11, 2016, we filed amendments to our Transition Report for the transition period from October 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 and to our Quarterly Reports for the periods ending March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016. All such amendments were filed to reflect the Company’s restatement of its consolidated financial statements for such respective periods due to the application of the equity method of accounting for the investments in the SPVs in Italy (defined herein). We applied the equity method as a result of our agreements between the SPVs and Austep, S.p.A. (“Austep”), whereby Austep operates, maintains and supervises each biogas plant, which prevent us from exercising a controlling influence over operating policies of the facilities. Under this method, our equity investment is reflected in our financial statements as an investment in nonconsolidated subsidiaries and the net earnings or losses of the investments is reflected as equity in net earnings of nonconsolidated companies. We believe that, while the revised financial statements reflected substantial modifications, the revenues and expenses that had been previously reported are now reflected in a line item for the Company’s nonconsolidated wholly-owned subsidiaries, and the modifications result in no impact to our operational results. Therefore the modifications were substantially a matter of presentation.
Our Corporate Information
We are a Nevada corporation. Our principal executive offices are located at 301 McCullough Drive, 4th Floor, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262 and our telephone number is (704) 909-2806. Our web address is http://www.bluespherecorporate.com . The information on our website does not form a part of this prospectus.
Summary Risks
Before you invest in our Securities, you should carefully consider all the information in this prospectus, including matters set forth in the section of this prospectus entitled “Risk Factors”. We believe that the following are some of the major risks and uncertainties that may affect us:
● | We have a limited operating history which makes it difficult to evaluate our business and prospects; |
● | We have a history of losses and can provide no assurance of our future operating results; |
● | We will require additional funding, and our future access to capital is uncertain. Insufficient capital may limit our ability to pursue our projects; |
● | We have incurred substantial indebtedness; |
● | Project construction and development requires significant outlays of capital and is subject to numerous risks; |
● | Our power purchase agreements, which we expect to be the primary source of future revenue for our projects, require us to meet certain milestones and other performance criteria; |
● | Our business model depends on performance by third parties under contractual arrangements; |
● | Acquisition, financing, construction and development of new projects and project expansions may not commence as anticipated or at all. |
Emerging Growth Company
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies.
We have elected to use the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date that we (i) are no longer an emerging growth company or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B).
We could remain an “emerging growth company” for up to five years from the last day of our fiscal year in which the first sale of our common equity securities occurred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues are $1 billion, as adjusted, or more, (ii) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which would occur if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, and (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three-year period.
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Securities offered | Up to [ ] shares of our Common Stock and Warrants to purchase up to [ ] shares of Common Stock. | |
Offering Amount | $15,000,000 | |
Offering Price |
$[ ] per share of Common Stock and $[ ] per Warrant, or $[ ] per combination of share and warrant.
|
|
Description of the Warrants | The Warrants will have an exercise price of $[ ] per share, subject to adjustment as set forth therein and will expire [ ] years from the date of issuance. The Warrants are exercisable immediately. Investors will receive [ ] Warrant for each share of Common Stock purchased in the Offering. | |
Common Stock Issued and Outstanding Before This Offering | 282,458,613 | |
Common Stock Issued and Outstanding After This Offering | [ ] ([ ] if the Warrants being offered hereby are exercised in full) | |
Over-allotment Option | We have granted the underwriter an option for up to 45 days from the closing date of the Offering to purchase up to an additional 15% of the total number of shares of Common Stock and/or Warrants to be offered hereunder, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. | |
Underwriter’s warrants | We have agreed to issue the underwriter (or its designated affiliates), at the closing of the Offering, share purchase warrants covering a number of shares of Common Stock equal to up to three and one-half percent (3.5%) of the total number of Securities being sold in the Offering. | |
Use of proceeds | The Company will use the net proceeds from the Offering for general corporate purposes and working capital, to finance project acquisitions, to finance the development of new and current projects and facilities, to repay outstanding bridge loans and debt of the Company, to expand the services it offers and to meet the enhanced corporate governance and reporting requirements mandated by The Nasdaq Capital Market. See the section entitled “Use of Proceeds.” | |
Risk factors | See the prospectus section titled “Risk Factors” and the other information set forth in this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should consider before deciding to invest in the Securities. | |
Market for Common Stock |
Shares of the Company’s Common Stock are quoted on the OTCQB® Venture Marketplace under the symbol “BLSP”. On February 28, 2017, the closing sale price of our Common Stock was $0.045 per share. |
|
NASDAQ Listing Application
and Proposed Symbols |
On January 20, 2017, we applied to have our Common Stock and Warrants listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbols “BLSP” and “BLSPW”, respectively. No assurance can be given that our application will be approved. Listing of our Common Stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market is a condition to consummation of the Offering. | |
Reverse split | On November 23, 2016, our stockholders approved a reverse split of our Common Stock, in a ratio to be determined by the officers of the Company, provided that the ratio be the lowest reasonably necessary to satisfy the minimum requirements for listing on The NASDAQ Capital Market. We intend to effectuate the reverse split of our Common Stock in such ratio prior to the consummation of the Offering. All option, share and per share information in this prospectus does not give effect to the proposed reverse stock split. | |
Dividends | We have not declared or paid dividends on our Common Stock since our inception, and we do not anticipate paying any such dividends for the foreseeable future. |
The number of shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding before the Offering is as of February 28, 2017, and the number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding before and after the Offering excludes:
● |
1,885,509 shares of our Common Stock, vested and unvested, are outstanding pursuant to stock grants or upon the exercise of options under our Equity Incentive Plans, of which (i) 778,761 of such shares are issuable upon exercise of options granted under our 2010 Incentive Plan, and (ii) 1,106,748 of such shares are issuable pursuant to stock grants under our 2010 Incentive Plan and 2014 Incentive Plan, which have vested and not been issued or that will vest by March 31, 2017; |
|
● |
70,635,999 shares of our Common Stock are issuable upon exercise of our currently outstanding warrants, with a weighted average exercise price of $0.0895 per share; |
● | 5,787,879 shares of our Common Stock are issuable upon exercise of our currently outstanding convertible notes; | |
● | [ ] shares of our Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Over-Allotment Option; and | |
● | [ ] share of our Common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and the Underwriter’s Warrants. |
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The following summary of our financial data should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements, appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
Statements of Operations Data*
For the
Year ended
September 30, 2015 (audited) |
For the
Year ended
December 31, 2016 (audited) |
For the Three Months ended December 31, 2015 (audited) |
||||||||||
Revenue from Services | $ | — | 588 | — | ||||||||
Loss from Operations | $ | 5,317 | 7,516 | 1,106 | ||||||||
Finance Expense (Income) | $ | 2,415 | 1,728 | (75 | ) | |||||||
Income from Change in Fair Value of Warrant Liability | $ | — | 1,390 | 219 | ||||||||
Equity loss in Non consolidated S ubsidiaries | $ | — | 444 | 38 | ||||||||
Equity Earnings in Nonconsolidated Affiliates | $ | — | 5,961 | — | ||||||||
Net Loss | $ | 7,462 | 1,801 | 1,288 |
Balance Sheet Data*
As of
December 31, 2016 (audited) |
As of
December 31, 2015 (audited) |
|||||||
Current Assets | $ | 1,905 | 3,303 | |||||
Investments in Nonconsolidated Affiliates | $ | 10,137 | 7,570 | |||||
Investments in Nonconsolidated Subsidiaries | $ | 4,429 | 4,993 | |||||
Total Assets | $ | 16,521 | 15,896 | |||||
Total Current Liabilities | $ | 11,574 | 10,808 | |||||
Total Long Term Liabilities | $ | 7,171 | 8,574 | |||||
Total Stockholders’ Deficit | $ | (2,224 | ) | (3,486 | ) | |||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit | $ | 16,521 | 15,896 |
* The Company changed its fiscal year to end on December 31st each year, effective January 1, 2016. The Company filed an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and a Transition Report on Form 10-Q for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015, as amended by Amendments No. 1 and No. 2 to the Transition Report on Form 10-Q for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015. Pursuant to Rule 13a-10 of the Exchange Act, the Company has included the audited financial statements for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015 with its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.
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Investing in our Securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risk factors before deciding whether to invest in the Company. If any of the events discussed in the risk factors below occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, the value and marketability of our Securities could decline. Additional risks and uncertainties that we do not presently know or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.
Risks Relating to Financial Position and Need for Additional Capital
Our independent auditors’ report states that there is substantial doubt that we will be able to continue as a going concern.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Brightman Almagor Zohar & Co., a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, state in their audit report, dated February 14, 2017, that our recurring losses from operations raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. There is a risk that we will continue to incur expenses without generating significant revenue into the future. Our source of funds to date has been the sale of our common stock and warrants, debt financing, development fees and disbursements from our projects in Italy. Because we cannot ensure that any of our projects currently in development will ever become operational or that we will be able to generate any significant revenue from our operating projects, obtaining new sources of equity or debt financing will be difficult.
We have a limited operating history which makes it difficult to evaluate our business and prospects.
The Company has a limited operating history upon which you can base an evaluation of its business and prospects. Our facility in North Carolina commenced commercial operations on November 18, 2016, and our facility in Rhode Island has not yet commenced operations. In December 2015, we acquired four biogas plants in Italy pursuant to the Italy Projects Agreement (as defined below). We have entered into nonbinding letters of intent for the acquisition or development of other projects, but there is no assurance that we will successfully acquire or develop such projects. Accordingly, our business is subject to substantial risks, uncertainties and expenses that are difficult to evaluate. Our ability to generate revenue and become and remain profitable will depend on, among other things:
● | our ability to satisfy the conditions for obtaining ownership of our projects for those projects we have entered into definitive signed agreements for; |
● | our ability to enter into definitive signed agreements for the acquisition of our projects for which we have entered into term sheets, letter of intent or memoranda of understanding; |
● | our ability to obtain adequate financing for our projects on terms and upon timing consistent with our expectations; |
● | our ability to develop and construct our projects at our projected cost and within our projected timetables; |
● | our ability to effectively manage the operations at our projects; |
● | our ability to develop and maintain an effective internal corporate organization; and |
● | our ability to attract, hire and retain qualified and experienced management as well as technical and operations personnel. |
There can be no assurance that our projects will generate sufficient revenue or that we will have adequate working capital to meet our obligations as they become due. Readers should consider the risks and difficulties frequently encountered by companies like ours, particularly in rapidly evolving markets. We cannot be certain that our business strategy will be successful or that we will successfully address these risks. In the event that we do not successfully address these risks, our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We have a history of losses and can provide no assurance of our future operating results.
As of December 31, 2015 and 2016, we had working capital deficit of $7,505,000 and $9,669,000 respectively, and stockholders’ deficit of $3,486,000 and $2,224,000, respectively. For the years ended September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2016, we incurred net losses of $7,462,000 and $1,801,000, respectively. For the three months ended December 31, 2015, we incurred net losses of $1,288,000. As of December 31, 2016, we had an aggregate accumulated deficit of $46,493,000. There is a substantial risk that we will incur additional substantial operating losses for the foreseeable future, and we may never achieve or maintain profitability. We anticipate that our expenses will increase as we continue to implement our project development and construction plan and expand our general and administrative operations. As a result, our projects will need to generate significant revenues in order to achieve and maintain profitability. We may not be able to generate these revenues or achieve profitability in the future. Our failure to achieve or maintain profitability could negatively impact the value of our Common Stock.
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Any delay in, or failure to, accomplish our acquisition, financing and development plans could adversely affect the ability of our projects to generate revenues and become profitable.
Because of the numerous uncertainties associated with the acquisition, financing, and development of our projects, we are unable to predict the timing of when we will become profitable, if ever. No assurances can be given about if and when our Rhode Island project will commence commercial operations, if we will close acquisitions of additional biogas plants in Italy, the Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom or Israel, or if we will be able to continue to develop a pipeline of projects. We may fail to satisfy the conditions in our acquisition, financing and development agreements, and project construction may not be completed on the schedule or within the budget that we intend, or at all. The foregoing could materially and adversely affect the ability of our projects to generate revenue and become profitable. Even if we do achieve profitability, we may be unable to sustain or increase our profitability in the future.
We will require additional funding, and our future access to capital is uncertain. Insufficient capital may limit our ability to pursue our projects.
All of our current and future projects will require significant amounts of financing from us and/or our partners. We also may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations, even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. There can be no assurance that additional funds will be available on acceptable terms or at all. We may be required to pursue sources of additional capital through various means, including debt or equity financings. Future financings through equity financings are likely to be dilutive to existing stockholders. Newly issued securities may include preferences, voting rights, warrants or other derivative securities, which may have additional dilutive effects to existing stockholders. Further, we may incur substantial costs to obtain additional funding, including investment banking fees, legal fees, accounting fees, printing and distribution expenses and other costs. We may also be required to recognize non-cash expenses in connection with certain securities we issue, such as convertible notes and warrants, which will adversely impact our financial condition. Our ability to obtain additional funding may be impaired by general market conditions and/or our financial condition, which could impact the availability or cost of future financings. If the amount of capital we are able to raise from financing activities, together with our projects’ future revenues from operations, if any, is not sufficient to satisfy our capital needs, we may not be able to pursue our projects and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We have incurred substantial indebtedness.
As of December 31, 2016, we had indebtedness of approximately $11,031,000. Our level of indebtedness increases the possibility that we may not have sufficient cash to pay, when due, the principal, interest or other amounts due in respect of such indebtedness. Our level of indebtedness, combined with other financial obligations and contractual commitments, could:
● | make it difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to such indebtedness, which could result in events of default under the loan agreements and instruments governing the indebtedness; |
● | require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on indebtedness, thereby reducing funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, and other corporate purposes; |
● | increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions, which could place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that have relatively less indebtedness; |
● | limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; and |
● | limit our ability to borrow additional funds, or to dispose of assets to raise funds, if needed, for working capital, capital expenditures, and other corporate purposes. |
We may incur additional indebtedness in the future, including through the issuance of convertible notes. If we incur a substantial amount of additional indebtedness, the related risks that we face could become more significant. Additionally, the terms of any future debt that we incur may impose requirements or restrictions that further affect our financial and operating flexibility.
Risks Relating to Business and Industry
Project construction and development requires significant outlays of capital and is subject to numerous risks.
The construction and development of our projects involves numerous risks. We are required to outlay significant capital for preliminary engineering, permitting, legal, and other expenses before we can determine whether a project is feasible or economically attractive. In order to successfully construct and develop our projects, we need to negotiate satisfactory engineering, procurement and construction agreements and feedstock supply and power purchase agreements, receive all required governmental permits and approvals, obtain financing, and timely implement construction and development. Successful completion of a particular project may be adversely affected by numerous factors, including: (i) failure or delay in obtaining required government permits and approvals with acceptable conditions; (ii) unavailability of financing; (iii) uncertainties relating to land costs for projects; (iv) engineering problems; (v) construction delays and contractor performance shortfalls; (vi) work stoppages; (vii) cost over-runs; (viii) failure of equipment and materials supply; (ix) adverse weather conditions; and (x) environmental and geological conditions.
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Our power purchase agreements, which we expect to be the primary source of future revenue for our projects, require us to meet certain milestones and other performance criteria.
Our power purchase agreements typically require us to meet certain milestones and other performance criteria, including the commencement of a project’s commercial operations by a certain date. Our failure to meet these milestones and other criteria, including minimum quantities once we have achieved commercial operations, may result in termination of these contracts, in which case we would lose any future cash flow from the relevant project and may be required to pay fees and penalties to our counterparty. We cannot assure you that we will be able to perform our obligations under such contracts or that we will have sufficient funds to pay any fees or penalties thereunder. In the past, our projects have been subject to fees and penalties under the Amended and Restated Renewable Energy Purchase Agreement, dated October 12, 2012 and amended on April 25, 2013, January 31, 2014, January 20, 2015 and September 30, 2016, by and between Orbit Energy Charlotte, LLC (“OEC”) and Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (as amended, the “Duke PPA”), and the Power Purchase Agreement, dated May 26, 2011 and amended on April 11, 2013, December 9, 2013, January 9, 2015 and May 27, 2016, by and between Orbit Energy Rhode Island, LLC (“OERI”) and The Narragansett Electric Company d/b/a National Grid (as amended, the “National Grid PPA”) to extend certain milestones. The Duke PPA and National Grid PPA required us to commence commercial operations of the North Carolina and Rhode Island projects, respectively, by December 31, 2015. Because commercial operations of the North Carolina project were not commenced within 60 days of December 31, 2015, OEC was required to pay $500,000 of liquidated damages to Duke Energy pursuant to the Duke PPA during the first quarter of 2016; York Renewable Energy Partners LLC (“York”), our joint venture partner in the North Carolina and Rhode Island projects, was responsible for contributing these funds to OEC. Because commercial operations of the Rhode Island project were not commenced by December 31, 2015, OERI paid an additional “Development Period Security” payment of $22,500 pursuant to the National Grid PPA; York was responsible for contributing these funds to OERI. On May 27, 2016, National Grid agreed to modify the date to commence commercial operations to June 30, 2017. As an incentive and evidence of good faith to achieve commercial operation, OERI posted additional collateral in the amount of $22,500, such funds having been contributed to OERI by York. Although York was responsible for these amounts, we are heavily dependent on the Duke PPA and National Grid PPA as the expected primary source of future revenue for our North Carolina and Rhode Island projects, respectively.
We are heavily dependent on fixed price power purchase agreements or plant EBITDA agreements as the expected primary source of revenue for our projects.
We have entered into fixed price power purchase agreements with respect to our current projects. Currently, we are heavily dependent on the Duke PPA and National Grid PPA as the expected primary source of future revenue for our North Carolina and Rhode Island projects, respectively. In addition, we are heavily dependent on the Plant EBITDA Agreements with our operating partner, Austep, for each of our SPVs, which provide for payment of a specified amount of EBITDA by Austep. A material decrease in the output to these purchasers, a material adverse change in the terms of the purchase and sale of energy by these purchasers, the failure of Austep to make payments to us under the Plant EBITDA Agreements, or a material adverse change in the financial condition of these purchasers or Austep could significantly reduce the revenues of our projects and reduce our earnings.
Our business model depends on performance by third parties under contractual arrangements.
Our businesses depend on third parties to, among other things, own and/or operate our projects, purchase energy produced by our projects, and supply and deliver the goods and services necessary for the construction and operation of our projects. Specifically, Austep S.p.A., an Italian corporation that specializes in the design, construction, operation and servicing of anaerobic digestion plants, operates, maintains and supervises each biogas plant owned by the SPVs in Italy pursuant to certain Plant EBITDA Agreements, which provide for payment of a specified amount of EBITDA by Austep. In addition, the design, development and delivery of our North Carolina and Rhode Island projects is performed by Auspark LLC, an affiliate of Austep, and the operations of our North Carolina and Rhode Island projects, respectively, are or will be performed by Austep USA Inc. and Austep RI LLC, each of which is an affiliate of Austep. See the section of this prospectus entitled “Description of Business” for definitions and further information. The viability of our projects depends significantly upon the performance of these third parties in accordance with long-term contracts. If these third parties cannot or will not perform their contractual obligations, whether due to their financial condition, force majeure events, changes in laws or regulations, or otherwise, we may not be able to secure alternate arrangements on substantially the same terms or at all for the goods and services provided under such contracts. In addition, some of the owners and operators of our projects may be smaller companies that are more likely to experience financial and operational difficulties than relatively larger, well-established companies, which could result in interruptions or delays in the operation of our projects. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are a minority owner in our North Carolina and Rhode Island projects.
We are the owner of 25% of the North Carolina project and 22.75% of the Rhode Island project through certain joint ventures, and therefore are minority owners of these projects. The partnerships have contracted with Auspark LLC to design, construct and operate the North Carolina and Rhode Island projects. Our share of any net earnings (losses) generated by the North Carolina and Rhode Island projects is earned in accordance with our ownership of these projects. See the section of this prospectus entitled “Description of Business” for definitions and further information. As minority owners in the North Carolina and Rhode Island projects, we do not have full authority to control or make decisions concerning the development, contracting and ultimate operations of these projects. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to obtain feedstock or other inputs at acceptable prices, which could increase our operating costs significantly and harm our financial condition and results of operations.
We believe we have all definitive agreements needed to supply all feedstock needed for operation of our current projects, including an Organic Waste Delivery Agreement, dated October 13, 2016, between OERI and Renewable Organics Management LLC, for the supply of feedstock upon commencement of operations at our Rhode Island project. Although we and our third party operators can obtain certain project inputs pursuant to fixed price arrangements, we and they are vulnerable to the availability and price fluctuations of certain raw materials and utilities, such as feedstock and electricity. Our and our third party operators’ ability to operate our projects is dependent upon the availability of feedstock and utilities at reasonable prices. Market conditions can impact the availability and price of these inputs, and our and our third party operators’ suppliers may be unable to deliver our requirements for these inputs at acceptable prices or at all. During periods when availability of these inputs decreases or their prices increase, we or our third party operators may incur significant increases in operating costs without being able to increase the selling price of our projects’ energy output under fixed price power purchase agreements. This could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our operations in foreign markets could cause us to incur additional costs and risks associated with doing business internationally.
Our operations in markets outside the United States subject us to additional costs and risks, including:
● | compliance with foreign requirements regulating the environment and the waste-to-energy market; |
● | difficulties in establishing, staffing and managing international operations; |
● | U.S. laws and regulations related to foreign operations, including tax and anti-corruption laws and regulations; |
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● | differing intellectual property laws; |
● | differing contract laws that impact the enforceability of agreements among energy suppliers and energy consumers; |
● | imposition of special taxes; |
● | strong national and international competitors; |
● | currency exchange rate fluctuations; and |
● | political and economic instability in the countries in which we operate. |
Our failure to manage the risks associated with international operations could limit the future growth of our business and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may be required to make a substantial financial investment and expend significant management efforts in connection with our international operations.
We conduct our operations in Israel and therefore our results may be adversely affected by political, economic and military instability in Israel and its region.
Although our principal executive office is in the United States, a substantial part of our business and management is based in Israel and some of our officers, employees, consultants and directors are residents of Israel. Therefore, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by political, economic and military instability in Israel. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, a number of armed conflicts have taken place between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Any hostilities involving Israel or the interruption or curtailment of trade within Israel or between Israel and its trading partners could adversely affect our operations and could make it more difficult for us to raise capital.
Operations in the developing world could cause us to incur additional costs and risks associated with doing business in developing markets.
We are seeking to operate in the developing world (such as, e.g., countries in Eastern Europe), which would make us vulnerable to political, economic and social instability in such areas. Many areas of the developing world have experienced political, economic and social uncertainty in recent years, including an economic crisis characterized in some cases by increased inflation, high domestic interest rates, negative economic growth, reduced consumer purchasing power and high unemployment. Currently, many of the countries in the developing world where we have been or may be pursuing projects have been pursuing economic stabilization policies, including the encouragement of foreign trade and investment and other reforms, but there is no guarantee these policies will be successful or stay in place. Political, economic and social instability in these countries may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Acquisition, financing, construction and development of new projects and project expansions may not commence as anticipated or at all.
Our strategy is to continue to expand in the future, including through acquisition of additional projects. From time to time we enter into nonbinding letters of intent for projects that we are evaluating. However, until the negotiations are finalized and the parties have executed a definitive agreement, there can be no assurance that we will be able to enter into any development or acquisition transaction, on the terms in the applicable letter of intent or at all, or any other similar arrangements.
The acquisition, financing, construction and development of new projects involves numerous risks, including:
● | difficulties in identifying, obtaining and permitting suitable sites for new projects; |
● | assumptions with respect to the cost and schedule for completing construction; |
● | the ability to obtain financing for a project on acceptable terms or at all; |
● | delays in deliveries of, or increases in the prices of, equipment; |
● | the unavailability of sufficient quantities of waste or other fuels for startup; |
● | permitting and other regulatory issues, license revocation and changes in legal requirements; |
● | labor disputes and work stoppages; |
● | unforeseen engineering and environmental problems; |
● | cost overruns; and |
● | weather conditions and certain force majeure events. |
In addition, new projects have no operating history and may employ recently developed technology and equipment. A new project may be unable to fund principal and interest payments under its debt service obligations or may operate at a loss. In certain situations, if a project fails to achieve commercial operation, at certain levels or at all, termination rights in the agreements governing the project financing may be triggered, rendering all of the project’s debt immediately due and payable. As a result, the project may be rendered insolvent and we may lose our interest in the project.
Some of our projects require a relatively long development and/or construction cycle, and are subject to regulatory, planning and market changes, all of which can affect our ability to finish the projects.
Some of our projects may require a relatively long development and or construction cycle. These long periods of development can subject us to certain regulatory, municipal planning and financial market changes after having invested capital into the development phases of the projects. These changes could have an adverse effect on our ability to finish such projects.
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Changes in climate conditions could materially affect our business and prospects.
Significant changes in weather patterns and volatility could have a positive or negative influence on our existing business and our prospects for growth. Such changes may cause episodic events (such as floods or storms) that are difficult to predict or prepare for, or longer-term trends (such as droughts or sea-level rise). These or other meteorological changes could lead to increased operating costs, capital expenses, disruptions in facility operations or supply chains, changes in waste generation and interruptions in waste deliveries, and changes in energy pricing, among other effects.
We may face intense competition and may not be able to successfully compete.
There are a number of other companies operating in the renewable energy and waste-to-energy markets. These include service or equipment providers, consultants, managers, buyers and/or investors. In contrast to the standard market approach in these markets, we seek to provide a one-stop shop, turn-key solution to project owners.
We may not have the resources to compete with our existing competitors or with any new competitors. Most of our competitors have significantly greater personnel, financial and managerial resources than we have, and we may fail to maintain or expand our business. Moreover, as the demand for renewable energy increases, new companies may enter the market, and the influx of added competition will pose an increased risk to us. Increased competition could harm our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on key personnel, and if we are unable to retain or hire qualified personnel, we may not be able to maintain or expand our business.
The development of our business will continue to place a significant strain on our limited personnel, management, and other resources. Our future success depends upon the continued services of our executive officers and the engagement of key employees and contractors who have critical industry experience and relationships that we will rely on to implement our business plan. The loss of the services of any of our officers or the lack of availability of other skilled personnel would negatively impact our ability to maintain or expand our business, which could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. In order to support our projected growth, we will be required to effectively recruit, hire, train and retain additional qualified management personnel. Our inability to attract and retain the necessary personnel could have a material adverse effect on us. We have no “key man” insurance on any of our key employees.
In the past we have experienced material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, which caused us to restate certain financials in 2016. If we fail to establish and maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures and an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately and timely disclose information about us and our financial results or prevent fraud. Any inability to accurately and timely disclose information and financial results could harm our business and reputation and cause the value of our Securities to decline.
A system of disclosure controls and procedures is necessary to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and prevent fraud. If we cannot disclose required information or provide reliable financial reports, we may not be able to manage our business as effectively as we would if an effective control environment existed, and our business and reputation with investors may be harmed. Due to lack of segregation of duties, limited resources, and lack of a formal audit committee and financial expert on our Board, we concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective as of December 31, 2016. In addition, our management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2016, due to the Company’s limited financial and human resources, and lack of segregation of duties and the need for stronger financial reporting oversight. We have taken certain steps to address these deficiencies, but we continue to determine how best to change our current system and implement a more effective system. There can be no assurance that implementation of any changes will be completed in a timely manner or that they will be adequate once implemented.
As reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2016, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of September 30, 2016 in ensuring that (i) information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As a result, we were required to restate certain financials in 2016.
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During 2016, we established an audit committee comprised of only disinterested directors, recruited a seasoned Chief Financial Officer, and began implementing and evaluating new internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. Although management is still evaluating the design of these new controls and procedures, we believe that our improved processes and procedures will assist in the remediation of our material weaknesses. Once placed in operation for a sufficient period, we will subject these controls and procedures to appropriate tests in order to determine whether they are operating effectively. Management, with oversight from the audit committee, is committed to the remediation of known material weaknesses as expeditiously as possible. If we have continued material weaknesses in our internal financial reporting, our financial condition could be impaired or we may have to restate our financials, which could cause us to expend additional funds that would have a material impact on our ability to generate profits and on the success of our business.
Volatility in foreign exchange currency rates could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We have significant exposure to revenues, expenses and certain asset and liability balances denominated in Euros. In addition, we conduct transactions in various currencies, which increases our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. Dollar. Fluctuations in the exchange rates of the Euro relative to the U.S. Dollar, can significantly affect our operating results and equity earnings. Our operating and equity earnings are adversely affected when the U.S. Dollar strengthens relative to other currencies and are positively affected when the U.S. Dollar weakens. In the future, a larger portion of our international revenue may be denominated in foreign currencies, which will subject us to additional risks associated with fluctuations in those foreign currencies. In addition, we may be unable to successfully hedge against any such fluctuations.
If our strategy is unsuccessful, we will not be profitable and our stockholders could lose their investment.
We do not believe there is a track record for companies pursuing our specific strategy, and there is no guarantee that our strategy will be successful or profitable. If our strategy is unsuccessful and our projects do not generate revenue or profit, the value of our Securities could decrease and our stockholders could lose their investments.
We may be or may become subject to litigation claims or suits, government investigations, and other proceedings that may result in adverse outcomes.
At any given time we may be subject to litigation claims or suits, government investigations, and other proceedings involving competition, project operations, local regulatory matters, health and safety, hazardous materials usage tax, labor and employment, contract disputes, or other matters. Such claims, suits, government investigations, and proceedings are inherently uncertain and their results cannot be predicted with certainty. Regardless of the outcome, such proceedings can have an adverse impact on us because of legal costs, diversion of management resources, and other factors. Determining reserves for our pending litigation is a complex, fact-intensive process that requires significant judgment. Defense of any such proceedings could be costly and involve significant time and attention of our management and other resources, may result in monetary liabilities or penalties, and may require us to change our business in an adverse manner. It is possible that a resolution of any such proceedings could adversely affect the industry as a whole, our business, consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows in a particular period.
These proceedings could also result in reputational harm and/or regulatory sanctions, decrees or orders preventing us from engaging in certain business activity or practices. Any of these consequences could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Risks Relating to the Regulation of Projects
We may be unable to obtain, modify, or maintain the regulatory permits, approvals and consents required to construct and operate our projects.
In order to construct and operate our projects, we must obtain and modify numerous environmental and other regulatory permits and certifications from federal, state and local agencies and authorities, including air permits and wastewater discharge permits. A number of these permits and certifications must be obtained prior to the start of construction of a project, while other permits are required to be obtained at or prior to the time of first commercial operation or within prescribed time frames following commencement of commercial operations. Any failure to obtain or modify the necessary environmental and other regulatory permits and certifications on a timely basis could delay the construction or commercial operation of our projects. In addition, once a permit or certification has been issued for a project, we must take steps to comply with each permit’s or certification’s conditions, which can include conditions as to timely construction and commencement of the project. Failure to comply with these conditions could result in revocation or suspension of the permit or certification and/or the imposition of penalties or other consequences. We also may need to modify existing permits to reflect changes in project design or requirements, which could trigger a legal or regulatory review under a standard that may be more stringent than when the permits were originally granted.
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Obtaining and modifying necessary permits and certifications is a time-consuming and expensive process, and we may not be able to obtain or modify them on a timely basis or at all. In the event that we fail to obtain or modify all necessary permits and certifications, we may be forced to delay construction or operation of a project or abandon the project altogether, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may be required to make capital expenditures on an ongoing basis to comply with increasingly stringent federal, state, provincial and local environmental, health and safety laws, regulations and permits.
We are subject to environmental laws and potential exposure to environmental liabilities.
Because of the nature of our projects, we are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that govern our operations, including the import, handling and disposal of non-hazardous and hazardous wastes, and emissions and discharges into the environment. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could result in costs for corrective action, penalties or the imposition of other liabilities. We also are subject to laws and regulations that impose liability and clean-up responsibility for releases of hazardous substances into the environment. Under certain of these laws and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of property may be liable for the costs of remediating the release or spill of hazardous substances or petroleum products on or from its property, without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or caused, the contamination, and such owner or operator may incur liability to third parties impacted by such contamination. Failure to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations and the imposition of environmental liability could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in applicable laws and regulations can adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
There has been substantial debate recently in the United States and abroad in the context of environmental and energy policies affecting climate change, the outcome of which could have a positive or negative influence on our existing business and our prospects for growing our business. Governmental entities that regulate our operations or projects may adopt new laws, regulations or policies, or amend or change the interpretation of existing laws, regulations or policies, at any time. We have no control over these changes, which could potentially have an adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business and reputation could be adversely affected if we or third parties with whom we have a relationship fail to comply with United States or foreign anti-corruption laws or regulations.
Our business and operations may be conducted in countries where corruption has historically penetrated the economy to a greater extent than in the United States. It is our policy to comply, and to require our local partners and those with whom we do business to comply, with all applicable anti-corruption laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and with applicable local laws of the foreign countries in which we operate. Our business and reputation may be adversely affected if we or our local partners fail to comply with such laws.
Risk Relating to our Securities and the Offering
Future sales of our Common Stock by existing stockholders could cause the price of our Securities to decline.
If our existing stockholders sell substantial amounts of our Common Stock in the public market, or if there is a perception that our stockholders might sell shares of our Common Stock, the price of our Securities could decrease significantly. If the holders of our convertible notes or warrants elect to convert or exercise, or if we issue additional convertible notes or warrants, the conversion or exercise of these securities into shares of our Common Stock could also decrease the price of our Securities. A decline in the price of our Common Stock might impede our ability to raise capital through the issuance of additional shares of our Common Stock or other securities.
We may allocate net proceeds from this Offering in ways which differ from our estimates based on our current plans and assumptions discussed in the section entitled “Use of Proceeds” and with which you may not agree.
The allocation of net proceeds of the Offering set forth in the section entitled “Use of Proceeds” represents our estimates based upon our current plans and assumptions regarding industry and general economic conditions, our projects’ future revenues and expenditures. The amounts and timing of our actual expenditures will depend on numerous factors, including success of our management’s initiatives, cash generated by our operations and project acquisition and development. We may find it necessary or advisable to use portions of the proceeds from the Offering for other purposes. Circumstances that may give rise to a change in the use of proceeds and the alternate purposes for which the proceeds may be used are discussed in the section entitled “Use of Proceeds”. You may not have an opportunity to evaluate the information on which we base our decisions on how to use the proceeds and may not agree with the decisions made. Additional information is available in the section entitled “Use of Proceeds”.
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The market price for our Securities may be particularly volatile given our status as a relatively unknown company, with a limited operating history and lack of profits which could lead to wide fluctuations in our share price. You may be unable to sell your Securities at or above your purchase price, which may result in substantial losses to you.
Our stock price may be particularly volatile when compared to the shares of larger, more established companies that trade on a national securities exchange and have large public floats. The volatility in our share price will be attributable to a number of factors. First, our Common Stock is more sporadically and thinly traded compared to the shares of such larger, more established companies. As a consequence of this limited liquidity, the trading of relatively small quantities of shares by our stockholders may disproportionately influence the price of those shares in either direction. The price for our shares could decline precipitously in the event that a large number of shares of our Common Stock are sold on the market without commensurate demand. Second, we are a speculative or “risky” investment due to our limited operating history and lack of profits to date, and uncertainty of future market acceptance for our potential products. As a consequence of this enhanced risk, more risk-adverse investors may, under the fear of losing all or most of their investment in the event of negative news or lack of progress, be more inclined to sell their shares on the market more quickly and at greater discounts than would be the case with the stock of a larger, more established company that trades on a national securities exchange and has a large public float. Many of these factors are beyond our control and may decrease the market price of our Securities, regardless of our operating performance. We cannot make any predictions or projections as to what the prevailing market price for our Securities will be at any time. Moreover, the OTCQB is not a liquid market in contrast to the major stock exchanges. We cannot assure you as to the liquidity or the future market prices of our Securities if a market does develop. If a more active market for our Securities develops, the price of our Securities could be highly volatile. The low and/or volatile price of our Securities may make it difficult for holders to sell our Securities at an acceptable price to them or at all. If an active market for our Securities does not develop, the fair market value of our Securities could be materially adversely affected.
In addition, because there is currently a low price for our Common Stock, many brokerage and clearing firms are not willing to effect transactions in our Common Stock or accept our shares for deposit in an account. Many lending institutions will not permit the use of low priced common stock as collateral for loans.
Holders of our Common Stock may incur dilution. Our certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of shares of “blank check” preferred stock.
We may issue additional shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for share of our Common Stock in order to raise additional capital, which could dilute existing stockholders’ percentage ownership of the Company. Our Board has the authority to cause us to issue additional shares of Common Stock and to determine the rights, preferences and privileges of such shares, without consent of any of our stockholders. Consequently, the stockholders may experience more dilution in their ownership of shares of our Common Stock in the future.
We are authorized to issue up to 1,750,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and up to 500,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value, in one or more series and with such rights, preferences and privileges as our Board may determine. Shares of our “blank check” preferred stock provide the Board with broad authority to determine voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such shares. As of February 28, 2017, there were 282,458,613 shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding, up to 42,455,235 shares of Common Stock reserved and available for issuance under the 2016 Incentive Plan, up to 76,423,878 shares of Common Stock authorized but currently unissued or issuable pursuant to the exercise of outstanding convertible notes and warrants, and no shares of our preferred stock issued and outstanding.
Our Board may generally issue common and preferred shares, or convertible securities to purchase those shares, without further approval by our shareholders. Any preferred shares we may issue will have such rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions as may be designated from time-to-time by our Board, including preferential dividend rights, voting rights, conversion rights, redemption rights and liquidation provisions. The issuance of additional securities may cause substantial dilution to our stockholders.
Our Common Stock is a “penny stock”, as defined in the Exchange Act. Trading of our Common Stock may be restricted by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s “penny stock” regulations, which may limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and sell our stock.
Our Common Stock is subject to the regulations of the SEC promulgated under the Exchange Act that require additional disclosure for trading in penny stocks. The SEC regulations generally define penny stocks to be any equity security that is not listed on a national securities exchange and has a market price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Unless an exception is available, those regulations require broker-dealers to (i) approve the customer for the specific penny stock transaction and receive from the customer a written agreement to the transaction; (ii) furnish the customer a disclosure document describing the risks of investing in penny stocks; (iii) disclose to the customer the current market quotation, if any, for the penny stock; and (iv) disclose to the customer the amount of compensation the firm and its broker will receive for the trade. In addition, after executing the sale, a broker-dealer must send to its customer monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity, if any, in the secondary market for a stock that becomes subject to the penny stock rules. Consequently, these penny stock rules may adversely affect the ability of broker-dealers and stockholders to trade our Common Stock.
As an issuer of “penny stock,” the safe harbor provided by the federal securities laws relating to forward-looking statements does not apply to the Company.
Although federal securities laws provide a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by a public company that files reports under the federal securities laws, this safe harbor is not available to issuers of penny stocks. As a result, we will not have the benefit of this safe harbor in the event of a private legal action against us based on a claim that any forward-looking statement in our reports contained a material misstatement of fact or omitted a material fact necessary to make the statement not misleading. Such an action, whether successful or not, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
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Since we intend to retain any earnings for development of our business for the foreseeable future, you will likely not receive any dividends for the foreseeable future.
We have never paid dividends or made other cash distributions on our Common Stock. We currently intend to retain our future earnings to support operations and to finance expansion and therefore we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
There is a limited public market for our Common Stock.
Trading in our Common Stock is conducted on the electronic bulletin board in the over-the-counter market. As a result, a holder of our Common Stock may find it difficult to dispose of or to obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of our Common Stock, and our Common Stock may be less attractive for margin loans, investment by financial institutions, as consideration in future capital raising transactions or for other purposes.
We filed an application to have our Common Stock and Warrants listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market. We can provide no assurance that our Common Stock or Warrants will be listed, and if listed, that our Common Stock and Warrants will continue to meet NASDAQ listing requirements. If we fail to comply with the continuing listing standards of The NASDAQ Capital Market, our securities could be delisted.
On January 20, 2017, we filed an application to have our Common Stock and Warrants listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market. Listing of our Common Stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market is a condition to consummation of the Offering. We anticipate that our Common Stock and Warrants will be eligible to be listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market, subject to actions, such as a reverse stock split, which may be required to meet the exchange’s listing requirements. However, we can provide no assurance that our application will be approved, and, if approved, that an active trading market for our Common Stock and Warrants will develop and continue. As a result, you may find it more difficult to purchase and dispose of our Common Stock and Warrants and to obtain accurate quotations as to the value of our Common Stock. For our Common Stock and Warrants to be listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market, we must meet the current NASDAQ Capital Market initial and continued listing requirements. If we were unable to meet these requirements, our Common Stock and Warrants could be delisted from The NASDAQ Capital Market. Our Common Stock could continue to trade on the over-the-counter bulletin board following any delisting from The NASDAQ Capital Market. Any such delisting of our Common Stock and Warrants could have an adverse effect on the market price of, and the efficiency of the trading market for, our Common Stock and Warrants, not only in terms of the number of shares that can be bought and sold at a given price, but also through delays in the timing of transactions and less coverage of us by securities analysts, if any. Also, if in the future we were to determine that we need to seek additional equity capital, it could have an adverse effect on our ability to raise capital in the public or private equity markets.
We plan to complete a reverse stock split of our outstanding Common Stock in order to meet the initial listing requirements of The NASDAQ Capital Market. However, following any such reverse stock split, we cannot assure you that we will be able to comply with the minimum price requirements of The NASDAQ Capital Market.
We plan to complete a reverse stock split in order to achieve the requisite increase in the market price of our Common Stock to be in compliance with the minimum price requirements of The NASDAQ Capital Market. We cannot assure you that the market price of our Common Stock following the reverse stock split will remain at the level required for the period of time required for listing or for continuing compliance with that requirement. It is not uncommon for the market price of a company’s common stock to decline in the period following a reverse stock split. If the market price of our Common Stock declines following the effectuation of a reverse stock split, the percentage decline may be greater than would occur in the absence of a reverse stock split. In any event, other factors unrelated to the number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding, such as negative financial or operational results, could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock and jeopardize our ability to obtain or maintain The NASDAQ Capital Market’s minimum price requirements. In addition to specific listing and maintenance standards, The NASDAQ Capital Market has broad discretionary authority over the initial and continued listing of securities, which it could exercise with respect to the listing of our Common Stock and Warrants.
Even if a reverse stock split increases the market price of our Common Stock, there can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with other initial or continued listing standards of The NASDAQ Capital Market, and therefore our application may not be accepted for other reasons.
Even if the market price of our Common Stock increases sufficiently so that we comply with the minimum bid price requirement, we cannot assure you that we will be able to comply with the other standards that we are required to meet in order to achieve or maintain a listing of our Common Stock and Warrants on The NASDAQ Capital Market, and therefore our application may not be accepted for other reasons. Listing of our Common Stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market is a condition to consummation of the Offering. Even if our application is approved, our failure to meet these requirements could result in our Common Stock and Warrants being delisted from The NASDAQ Capital Market, irrespective of our compliance with the minimum bid price requirement.
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A reverse stock split may decrease the liquidity of the shares of our Common Stock.
The liquidity of the shares of our Common Stock may be affected adversely by a reverse stock split given the reduced number of shares that will be outstanding following a reverse stock split, especially if the market price of our Common Stock does not increase as a result of the reverse stock split.
Following a reverse stock split, the resulting market price of our Common Stock may not attract new investors, including institutional investors, and may not satisfy the investing requirements of those investors. Consequently, the trading liquidity of our Common Stock may not improve.
Although we believe that a higher market price of our Common Stock may help generate greater or broader investor interest, we cannot assure you that the reverse stock split will result in a share price that will attract new investors.
We are classified as an “emerging growth company” as well as a “smaller reporting company” and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies will make our Common Stock less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We cannot predict if investors will find our Common Stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our Common Stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our Common Stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
We have elected to use the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date that we (i) are no longer an emerging growth company or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B).
We could remain an “emerging growth company” for up to five years from the last day of our fiscal year in which the first sale of our common equity securities occurred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues exceed $1 billion, (ii) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our Common Stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, and (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three-year period.
Notwithstanding the above, we are also currently a “smaller reporting company.” Specifically, similar to “emerging growth companies,” “smaller reporting companies” are able to provide simplified executive compensation disclosures in their filings; are exempt from the provisions of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requiring that independent registered public accounting firms provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting; and have certain other decreased disclosure obligations in their SEC filings. Decreased disclosures in our SEC filings due to our status as an “emerging growth company” or “smaller reporting company” may make it harder for investors to analyze our results of operations and financial prospects.
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, that involve risk and uncertainties. Any statements contained in this prospectus that are not statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “strategy,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express our intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions or any other statements relating to our future activities or other future events or conditions:
These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may, and are likely to, differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements due to those risks discussed from time to time in this prospectus, including the risks described under “Risk Factors”, and due to numerous factors, including:
● | current or future financial performance; |
● | management’s plans and objectives for future operations; |
● | uncertainties associated with product research and development; |
● | uncertainties associated with dependence upon the actions of government regulatory agencies; |
● | product plans and performance; |
● | management’s assessment of market factors; and |
● | statements regarding our strategy and plans. |
Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances that occur in the future. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from what we may have projected. Any forward-looking statements you read in this prospectus reflects our current views with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, financial condition, growth strategy and liquidity. You should specifically consider the factors identified in this prospectus that could cause actual results to differ before making an investment decision.
Notwithstanding the above, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, expressly state that the safe harbor for forward looking statements does not apply to companies that issue penny stocks. Accordingly, the safe harbor for forward looking statements is not currently available to the Company because we may be considered to be an issuer of penny stock.
THE SUMMARY OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES SET OUT BELOW IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE PARTICULAR UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF ACQUIRING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF THE SECURITIES, THE SHARES AND WARRANTS THAT COMPRISE SUCH SECURITIES AND ANY SHARES OF THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCK UNDERLYING THE SECURITIES, AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS AND ANY OTHER UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX LAWS.
The following is a summary of certain material United States federal income tax consequences to you of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the Shares and Warrants, and the shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrants. This discussion is not a complete analysis of all of the potential United States federal income tax consequences relating thereto, and, except as otherwise specifically provided herein, it does not address any estate and gift tax consequences or any tax consequences arising under any state, local or foreign tax laws, or any other United States federal tax laws. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, and published rulings and administrative pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service (the “ IRS ”) all as in effect as of the date of this prospectus. These authorities may change, possibly retroactively, resulting in United States federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below.
The discussion does not cover all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to, or the actual tax effect that any of the matters described herein will have on, the acquisition, ownership or disposition of the Shares and Warrants, and the shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrants, by particular investors, and does not address state, local or non-U.S. tax laws, or any aspect of U.S. federal tax law other than income taxation (such as the estate and gift tax). In particular, this summary does not discuss all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to certain types of investors subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws (such as financial institutions, insurance companies, investors liable for the alternative minimum tax, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, individual retirement accounts and other tax-deferred accounts, tax-exempt organizations, partnerships and other pass-through entities, dealers or traders in securities or currencies, investors that will hold Securities as part of straddles, hedging transactions, conversion transactions or other integrated transactions for U.S. federal income tax purposes or investors whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar). This discussion is limited to holders who purchase Securities pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and who hold the Shares and Warrants, and the shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrants, as a “capital asset” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment).
If a partnership (or other entity taxed as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) holds the Securities, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will depend on the status of the partner, upon the activities of the partnership, and upon certain determinations made at the partner level. Accordingly, partnerships holding the Securities and the partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisors regarding the specific United States federal income tax consequences to them.
For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Holder” is any beneficial owner of Securities who, for United States federal income tax purposes, is (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any state or in the District of Columbia; (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or (iv) a trust, if a United States court can exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or if the trust has a valid election in place to be treated as a United States person.
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General Principles Related to Taxation of U.S. Holders
Distributions on Shares of our Common Stock .
A distribution of cash or other property (other than certain pro rata distributions of our capital stock) in respect of our Common Stock owned by a U.S. Holder generally will be treated as a dividend to the extent it is paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). If the amount of such distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, such excess generally will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such shares of our Common Stock, and then as capital gain (which will be treated in the manner described below under “- Sale or Other Taxable Dispositions of Securities ”). In the case of certain non-corporate U.S. Holders, any distribution on shares of our Common Stock treated as a dividend generally will be eligible for a reduced tax rate so long as certain holding period and other requirements are met. In general, dividends paid on our Common Stock will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction provided to corporations receiving dividends from certain United States corporations.
Sale or Other Taxable Dispositions of Securities .
Upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of the Securities or the Common Stock underlying the Securities, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on such sale, exchange or other disposition and such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such Security. Any gain or loss so recognized on such security generally will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if such U.S. Holder has held such Security for more than one year at the time of such sale, exchange or other disposition. Net long-term capital gain of certain non-corporate U.S. Holders generally is subject to preferential rates of tax. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting .
Information reporting will generally apply to non-corporate U.S. Holders with respect to payments of dividends on the Shares or the shares of Common Stock underlying the Securities and to certain payments of proceeds on the sale or other disposition of the Shares or the shares of Common Stock underlying the Securities. Certain non-corporate U.S. Holders may be subject to U.S. backup withholding on payments of dividends on the Shares or the shares of Common Stock underlying the Securities and certain payments of proceeds on the sale or other disposition of the Shares or the shares of Common Stock underlying the Securities unless the beneficial owner furnishes the payor or its agent with a taxpayer identification number, certified under penalties of perjury, and certain other information, or otherwise establishes, in the manner prescribed by law, an exemption from backup withholding.
U.S. backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a credit against a U.S. Holder’s United States federal income tax liability, which may entitle the U.S. Holder to a refund, provided the U.S. Holder timely furnishes the required information to the IRS.
Medicare Tax .
A U.S. person that is an individual or estate, or a trust that does not fall into the special classes of trusts that are exempt from such tax, will be subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) the U.S. person’s “net investment income” for the relevant taxable year and (2) the excess of the U.S. person’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold (which in the case of individuals will be between $125,000 and $250,000 depending on the individual’s circumstances). Net investment income generally includes interest, “S Corporation” flow through income, dividends, and net gains from the disposition of the Securities or the securities underlying the Securities, unless such income or gains are derived in the ordinary course of the conduct of a trade or business (other than a trade or business that consists of certain passive or trading activities). A U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate or trust should consult its tax advisor regarding the applicability of the Medicare tax to its income and gains in respect of its investment in our Securities.
We estimate that the net proceeds from our issuance and sale of all of the Shares and Warrants in the Offering will be approximately $[ ], assuming an initial public offering price of $[ ] per combination of share and warrant, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
We expect to use the net proceeds from the Offering for our general corporate purposes and working capital, to finance project acquisitions, to finance the development of new and current projects and facilities, to repay outstanding bridge loans and debt of the Company, to expand the services we offer and to meet our enhanced corporate governance and reporting requirements mandated by The NASDAQ Capital Market.
While we have no current specific plans for the proceeds, if proceeds from the Offering are used toward the repayment of debt of the Company, such proceeds would be applicable toward (i) the October 2016 Note, which has a principal balance of $1,053,000, does not bear interest and matures on the earlier of April 15, 2017 or the third business day after the closing of a public offering and (ii) the February 7, 2017 90-day Promissory Note to Viskoben Limited for the principal sum of $200,000 (the “Viskoben Note”). The Viskoben Note will mature on May 7, 2017, and bears interest at an absolute rate of ten percent (10.0%) through maturity, or a thirty percent (30.0%) rate of interest calculated annually. For additional information on the October 2016 Note and the Viskoben Note, see the section of this prospectus entitled “Description of Securities”. If proceeds are used to finance project acquisitions or new projects and facilities, our new and current projects and facilities in development, as well as proposed project acquisitions, are described in the section of this prospectus entitled “Description of Business”. However, until the negotiations for any such projects are finalized and the parties have executed a definitive agreement, there can be no assurance that we will be able to enter into any such transaction, on the terms in the applicable letter of intent or at all, or any other similar arrangement.
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However, any proceeds received by the Company may be used for other purposes that our Board or our management, in its good faith, deems to be in the best interest of the Company. Our actual expenditures may vary significantly depending on numerous factors and circumstances, including:
● | the need or desire on our part to accelerate, increase or eliminate existing initiatives due to, among other things, changing market conditions, changing regulatory requirements and/or new competitive developments; |
● | the existence of other opportunities or the need to take advantage of changes in timing of our existing activities; and/or |
● | if strategic opportunities of which we are not currently aware present themselves, including acquisitions, joint ventures or other similar transactions. |
From time to time, we evaluate these and other factors and we anticipate continuing to make such evaluations to determine if the existing allocation of capital, including the proceeds of the Offering, is being optimized.
No net proceeds will be used to repurchase shares of Common Stock in connection with our Share Repurchase Program. See “Description of Securities - Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.”
DETERMINATION OF THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE
Prior to this Offering, there has been a limited public market for our Common Stock and no public market for our Warrants. The public offering price was determined through negotiations between us and the representative of the underwriter, and does not necessarily bear any relationship to the value of our assets, our net worth, revenues or other established criteria of value, and should not be considered indicative of the actual value of the Securities. In addition to prevailing market conditions, the factors considered in determining the public offering price included the following:
● | the information included in this prospectus; |
● | the current market price of our Common Stock, trading prices of our Common Stock over time, and the illiquidity and volatility of our Common Stock; |
● | the valuation multiples of publicly traded companies that we or the underwriter believes to be comparable to us; |
● | our financial information; |
● | our prospects and the history and the prospects of the industry in which we compete; |
● | an assessment of our management, its past and present operations, and the prospects for, and timing of, our projects’ future revenues; |
● | the present state of our development; and |
● | the above factors in relation to market values and various valuation measures of other companies engaged in activities similar to ours. |
MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK AND SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Our Common Stock is quoted on the OTCQB® Venture Marketplace under the symbol “BLSP”. Trading in our Common Stock has historically lacked consistent volume, and the market price has been volatile.
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The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices of the Company’s common stock, and is based upon information provided by the OTCQB® Venture Marketplace. These quotations below reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down, or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. These quotations are rounded to the nearest hundredth of a decimal place.
HIGH | LOW | ||||||||
Quarter Ended: | |||||||||
31-Dec-16 | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.05 | |||||
30-Sept-16 | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.0 5 | |||||
30-Jun-16 | $ | 0. 10 | $ | 0.0 6 | |||||
31-Mar-16 | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.0 4 | |||||
Quarter Ended:* | |||||||||
31-Dec-15 | $ | 0.0 5 | $ | 0.0 1 | |||||
30-Sep-15 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.01 | |||||
30-Jun-15 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.02 | |||||
31-Mar-15 | $ | 0.23 | $ | 0.04 | |||||
31-Dec-14 | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.12 | |||||
Quarter Ended: | |||||||||
30-Sep-14 | $ | 0.32 | $ | 0.17 | |||||
30-Jun-14 | $ | 0.32 | $ | 0.06 | |||||
31-Mar-14 | $ | 0.37 | $ | 0.09 | |||||
31-Dec-13 | $ | 0.49 | $ | 0.05 |
* The Company changed its fiscal year to end on December 31st each year, effective January 1, 2016.
The last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock as of February 28, 2017 was $0.045 per share.
As of February 28, 2017, 1,750,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 500,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value, in one or more series and with such rights, preferences and privileges as our Board may determine, have been authorized.
As of February 28, 2017, there were 139 holders of record of the Company’s common stock, per the listing of stockholders maintained by the Company’s transfer agent, ClearTrust, LLC. This number does not include beneficial owners whose shares are held in the names of various security brokers, dealers, and registered clearing agencies.
As of February 28, 2017, there were 282,458,613 shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding, and no shares of our preferred stock were issued and outstanding. On the same date, (a) 1,885,509 shares of our Common Stock, vested and unvested, are outstanding pursuant to stock grants or upon the exercise of options under our Equity Incentive Plans, of which (i) 778,761 of such shares are issuable upon exercise of options granted under our 2010 Incentive Plan, (ii) and 1,106,748 of such shares are issuable pursuant to stock grants under our 2010 Incentive Plan and our 2014 Incentive Plan, which have vested and not been issued or that will vest by March 31, 2017; (b) 70,635,999 shares of our Common Stock are issuable upon exercise of our currently outstanding warrants, and (c) 5,787,879 shares of our Common Stock are issuable upon exercise of our currently outstanding convertible notes.
Our outstanding warrants to purchase shares of our Common Stock have a weighted average exercise price of $0.0895 per share and expire on dates ranging from January 30, 2019 to December 19, 2021. All of our outstanding issued options were issued under our 2010 Incentive Plan have an exercise price of $0.576 per share and expire on April 30, 2018. All previously disclosed options granted under our 2014 Incentive Plan but not issued were terminated by our Board on November 20, 2016.
As of February 28, 2017, there are no shares of our Common Stock that the Company presently is obligated to register but which have not been registered.
If you invest in the Securities in the Offering, your investment will be immediately and substantially diluted to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share of our Common Stock and the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our Common Stock after giving effect to the Offering.
Our net tangible book value as of December 31, 2016 was $(2,224,000), or approximately $(0.008) per share. Net tangible book value per share represents our total tangible assets less total liabilities, divided by the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding.
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Net tangible book value dilution per share of Common Stock to new investors represents the difference between the amount per share paid by purchasers in this Offering and the as-adjusted net tangible book value per share of Common Stock immediately after completion of this Offering. After giving effect to our sale of the maximum number of [ ] shares of Common Stock in this Offering (which also includes [ ] Warrant per share of Common Stock purchased, which is excluded for the purposes of this calculation) at an assumed public offering price of $[ ], and after deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated Offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma net tangible book value as of December 31, 2016 would have been $[ ], or $[ ] per share of Common Stock. This represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value of $[ ] per share of Common Stock to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $[ ] per share of Common Stock to investors of this Offering, as illustrated in the following table, based on shares outstanding as of December 31, 2016:
Assumed Offering price per share of Common Stock | $ | [ ] | * | |
Actual net tangible book value per share before this Offering as of December 31, 2016 | $ | (0.008 | ) | |
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors | $ | [ ] | ||
Pro forma net tangible book value per share of Common Stock after the Offering as of December 31, 2016 | $ | [ ] | ||
Dilution in net tangible book value per share of Common Stock to new investors in the Offering | $ | [ ] |
* | The Offering price includes [ ] Warrant per share of Common Stock purchased, which is not included in the calculation of the table and the above discussion. |
The following table summarizes, on a pro forma basis as of December 31, 2016, the total number of shares of Common Stock issued by us, the total consideration paid, or to be paid, and the average price per share paid, or to be paid, by existing stockholders and by new investors in the Offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $[ ] per share of Common Stock, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated Offering expenses payable by us. As the table shows, new investors purchasing the offered Securities will pay an average price per share substantially higher than our existing stockholders paid.
Shares Purchased | Total Consideration |
Avg. Price Per Share |
|||||||||||||||||
Number | Percentage | Amount | Percentage | Amount | |||||||||||||||
Existing stockholders | [ ] | [ ] | % | $ | [ ] | [ ] | % | $ | [ ] | ||||||||||
New investors | [ ] | [ ] | % | $ | [ ] | [ ] | % | [ ] | |||||||||||
Total | [ ] | [ ] | % | $ | [ ] | [ ] | % | [ ] |
The table above is based on 279,151,681 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and includes [ ].
The table above excludes: [ ]
We have never paid any cash dividends on our Common Stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain future earnings, if any, to fund ongoing operations and the future capital requirements of our business. Any future determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of the Board and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and such other factors as the Board deems relevant.
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of December 31, 2016, actual and as adjusted to give effect to the sale of the Securities in the Offering and the application of the estimated net proceeds derived from the sale of the Securities in the Offering. This table should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. All amounts are denominated in thousands.
Stockholders’ Deficit |
As of
December 31,
|
As Adjusted
As of December 31, 2016 (unaudited) |
||||||
Common stock, $0.001 per share par value; | $ | 279 | $ | |||||
Treasury Shares | (28 | ) | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 33 | |||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 43,985 | |||||||
Accumulated/Retained deficit | (46,493 | ) | ||||||
Total Stockholders’ Deficit | $ | (2,224 | ) | $ |
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated unaudited interim and audited financial statements and notes thereto included in this prospectus. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and our actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” contained in this prospectus. We assume no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.
Company Overview
We are an international Independent Power Producer (“IPP”) that is active in the global clean energy production and waste-to-energy markets. We aspire to become a key player in these global markets, working with enterprises with clean energy, waste-to-energy and related by-product capabilities to generate clean energy, as well as soil amendment, compost and other by-products. We are currently focusing on projects related to the construction, acquisition or development of biogas and waste-to-energy facilities in the United States, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Israel.
Our business model is based on two main activities: we are a Build, Own & Operate (BOO) company, and we are a strategic acquirer of already constructed and operational facilities. In 2016, we continued to execute on our BOO business model by integrating the construction, financing and management of the North Carolina and Rhode Island projects. The North Carolina project commenced commercial operations on November 18, 2016 and we anticipate that the Rhode Island will commence commercial operations by April 30, 2017, and the combined projects will have a collective capacity of 8.4 MW. We are the owner of 25% of the North Carolina project and 22.75% of the Rhode Island project. The partnerships have contracted with Auspark LLC to design, construct and deliver the North Carolina and Rhode Island projects, and with Austep USA Inc. to operate the North Carolina project. Our share of any net earnings (losses) generated by the North Carolina project is recognized as equity earnings (loss) in nonconsolidated affiliates. Our share of any net earnings (losses) generated by the Rhode Island project will be recorded as deferred revenue from unconsolidated affiliates until the facility is commercially operational, and thereafter will be recognized as equity earnings (loss) in nonconsolidated affiliates. Our equity investment in the North Carolina and Rhode Island projects is reflected in our financial statements as an investment in nonconsolidated affiliates. We also executed on our acquisition strategy in 2015 by acquiring four SPVs in Italy, each of which owns an operational anaerobic digester with approximately 1 MW of capacity. We apply the equity method of accounting for the investments in the SPVs because our agreements between the SPVs and Austep, whereby Austep operates, maintains and supervises each biogas plant, prevent us from exercising a controlling influence over operating policies of the facilities. Under this method, our equity investment is reflected in our financial statements as an investment in nonconsolidated subsidiaries and the net earnings or losses of the investments is reflected as equity earnings (loss) in nonconsolidated subsidiaries. The foregoing achievements have put a tremendous burden on our human and financial resources. We plan to expand our BOO and strategic acquisition activities in the coming years, which will require adding members to our team and additional capital investments.
Results of Operations – For the Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to the Year Ended September 30, 2015
Revenue from Services
Revenue from Services for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2016 were $587,500 as compared to $0 for the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2015. The increase is attributable to commencement of the commercial operation of our North Carolina project.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $7,516,000 as compared to $5,317,000 for the year ended September 30, 2015. The increase is mainly attributable to the increase in compensation expenses to employees and service providers related to our growth.
Equity Earnings in Nonconsolidated Affiliates
Equity Earnings in Nonconsolidated Affiliates for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2016 was $5,596,000, as compared to $0 for the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2015. The increase is attributable to commencement of the commercial operation of our North Carolina project, which commenced its commercial operations and began providing output to Duke Energy pursuant to the Duke PPA on November 18, 2016. Until commencement of the commercial operations, we had not recorded our share of net earnings generated by the North Carolina project as equity earnings, but rather, had recorded them as deferred revenue in our current liabilities. With the commencement of commercial operations at our North Carolina project, we were able to recognize such deferred revenue as equity earnings in the quarter ended December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, we have not recorded our share of net earnings generated by the Rhode Island project as equity earnings, but rather, have recorded them as deferred revenue in our current liabilities. Deferred revenues represent payments that were received by us in connection with those projects but were not recognized as equity earnings and increase in the affiliate’s membership interest accounted by the Company using the step-by-step basis in accordance with ASC 323-10-35-15. Such deferred revenues will be recorded to the income statement upon the commencement of the commercial operations of the Rhode Island plant and fulfillment of our obligation under the operating and development agreements.
Equity Loss in Nonconsolidated Subsidiaries
Equity Loss in Nonconsolidated Subsidiaries for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2016 was $444,000, as compared to $0 for the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2015. As demonstrated below, our loss is attributable to our share of net losses generated by the SPVs. The third quarter of 2016 was our first operational quarter after the ramp up and maintenance period that has taken place since we closed the acquisition of the SPVs. Pursuant to the Plant EBITDA Agreement with Austep, Austep operated, maintained and supervised our biogas plants and agreed that we would receive a monthly aggregate EBITDA of $204,147 (€188,000) from the four SPVs, collectively, during the initial six months following the closing date, and for periods thereafter the Plant EBITDA Agreements provides that we will receive an annual aggregate EBITDA of $4,082,946 (€3,760,000). We collected an aggregate of €3,070,000 during the year ended December 31, 2016 for the four SPVs, which represented the full amount of specified payments under the Plant EBITDA Agreement for such period. We apply the equity method of accounting because the Plant EBITDA Agreement, pursuant to which Austep operates, maintains and supervises each facility, prevents us from exercising a controlling influence over the operating policies of the facilities. Under this method, the equity investment is reflected as an investment in nonconsolidated subsidiaries on our balance sheets and the net earnings or losses of the investments is reflected as equity in net earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Summarized financial information for the Company’s equity method investment in the SPVs is as follows:
Year ended December 31, 2016 | Three Months ended December 31, 2015 | |||
Net sales | $ 6,225,000 | $ 400,000 | ||
Operating Income | 1,248,000 | 40,000 | ||
Net Loss | $ 444,000 | $ 38,000 |
Gain from Change in Fair Value of Warrants Liability
Gain from Change in Fair Value of Warrants Liability for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2016 was $1,390,000, as compared to $0 for the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2015. The gain is attributable to the decrease in the Fair Value of our Warrants Liability mainly due to the decrease in the price of shares of our Common Stock. The estimated fair value of our outstanding warrants liability was measured using Black-Scholes valuation models. These valuation models involved using such inputs as the estimated fair value of the underlying stock at the measurement date, risk-free interest rates, expected dividends on stock and expected volatility of the price of the underlying stock. The table bellows explains the changes in the Fair Value of Warrants Liability during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Warrants
Liability |
||||
Balance at January 1, 2015 | $ | |||
Issuance of warrants | 325 | |||
Changes in fair value | 219 | |||
Balance at December 31, 2015 | $ | 544 | ||
Issuance of warrants | 2,891 | |||
Changes in fair value | (1,390 | ) | ||
Balance at December 31, 2016 | $ | 2,045 |
Net Loss
We incurred a net loss of $1,801,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to a net loss of $7,462,000 for the year ended September 30, 2015. The decrease in net loss is mainly attributable to an increase in the equity earnings in nonconsolidated affiliates as a result of the commencement of the commercial operations of our North Carolina project.
Results of Operations – For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to the Three Months Ended December 31, 2014
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015 were $1,106,000 as compared to $827,000 for the three-month period ended December 31, 2014.
Equity Loss in Nonconsolidated Subsidiaries
Equity loss in nonconsolidated subsidiaries for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015 was $38,000, as compared to $0 for the three-month period ended December 31, 2014.
Loss from Change in Fair Value of Warrants Liability
Loss from Change in the Fair Value of our Warrants Liability for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015 was $219,000, as compared to $0 for the three-month period ended December 31, 2014.
Net Loss
We incurred a net loss of $1,288,000 for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015, as compared to a net loss of $1,314,000 for the three-month period ended December 31, 2014.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is the ability of a company to generate funds to support its current and future operations, satisfy its obligations, and otherwise operate on an ongoing basis. Significant factors in the management of liquidity are funds generated by operations, levels of accounts receivable and accounts payable and capital expenditures.
As of December 31, 2016, we had cash of $416,000 as compared to $1,888,000 as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2016, we had a working capital deficit of $9,669,000 as compared to $7,505,000 as of December 31, 2015. The decrease in our working capital deficit is mainly attributable to decrease in cash in the amount of $1,472,000, increase in current maturities of debentures and long term loan in the amount of $2,439,000 and increase in other accounts payable in the amount of $1,008,000. The decrease in our working capital deficit was mitigated by the decrease in deferred revenues from nonconsolidated affiliates in the amount of $3,394,000 due to the commencement of commercial operations of our North Carolina Project.
Net cash used in operating activities was $4,819,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to $818,000 for the year ended September 30, 2015. The decrease is mainly attributable to the increase in equity earnings in nonconsolidated affiliates and decrease in change in fair value of warrants liability expenses. Net cash used in operating activities was $2,125,000 for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015.
Net cash flows used in investing activities was $60,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to $37,000 for the year ended September 30, 2015. Net cash flows used in investing activities was $2,143,000 for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015 which represents mainly the cash used to acquire one hundred percent (100%) of the share capital of SPVs.
Net cash flows provided by financing activities was approximately $3,393,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to approximately $718,000 for the prior period ended September 30, 2015. The increase in cash provided by financing activities was due to increase in Proceeds from issuance of shares and warrants due to offerings that we conducted during 2016 and decrease in our loan repayments. Net cash flows provided by financing activities was approximately $5,995,000 for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015 and represents mainly cash provided by our $3 million offering of senior debentures and warrants, as further described in our Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 28, 2015, and loans received in connection with the acquisition of the SPVs.
The opinion of our independent registered public accounting firm on our audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 contains an explanatory paragraph regarding substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon raising capital from financing transactions and future sales.
To date, we have principally financed our operations through the sale of our Common Stock, the issuance of debt, our operations in Italy and development fees received for the North Carolina and Rhode Island projects. Although management anticipates that cash resources will be available to the Company from distributions from the Italian operations, North Carolina and Rhode Island projects it believes existing cash will not be sufficient to fund planned operations and projects investments through the next 12 months.
Therefore, we are still seeking to raise additional funds for future operations and possible project investment, and any meaningful equity or convertible debt financing will likely result in significant dilution to our existing stockholders. There is no assurance that additional funds will be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all.
Inflation and Seasonality
In management’s opinion, our results of operations have not been materially affected by inflation or seasonality, and management does not expect that inflation risk or seasonality would cause material impact on our operations in the future.
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Change in Fiscal Year
As previously reported, on January 24, 2016, the Company’s Board changed the Company’s fiscal year end from September 30 to December 31, effective January 1, 2016. As a result of this change, the Company initially filed a Transition Report on Form 10-Q for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015, as amended by Amendments No. 1 and No. 2 to the Transition Report on Form 10-Q for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015, and the Company has included the audited financials for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015 with its Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2016, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements of any nature.
Related Party Transactions
We are currently party to certain services and employment agreements with our executives and a non-executive member of our Board, which are specifically described under the headings “Narrative Disclosure to Executive Summary Compensation Table” and “Narrative Disclosure to Director Compensation Table” in the “Executive Compensation” section of this prospectus.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”) requires our management to make assumptions, estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements, including the notes thereto, and related disclosures of commitments and contingencies, if any. We consider our critical accounting policies to be those that require the more significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of financial statements. No new accounting standards have been adopted since the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 was filed. The significant accounting policies applied in the annual financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2016 are applied consistently in these financial statements except, for the following:
Emerging Growth Company
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies.
We have elected to use the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date that we (i) are no longer an emerging growth company or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B).
We could remain an “emerging growth company” for up to five years from the last day of our fiscal year in which the first sale of our common equity securities occurred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues are $1 billion, as adjusted, or more, (ii) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which would occur if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, and (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three-year period.
Functional currency
The functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar, except for Blue Sphere Pavia. Accordingly, all monetary assets, liabilities, expenses and equity earnings of the foreign subsidiary are re-measured into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the reporting date. The foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a component in the stockholders’ Deficit in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as a component of accumulated other Comprehensive Loss.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with US GAAP and includes the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash equivalents
Cash equivalents are short-term highly liquid investments which include short term bank deposit (up to three months from date of deposit), that are not restricted as to withdrawals or use that are readily convertible to cash with maturities of three months or less as of the date acquired.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company records its financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The accounting guidance for fair value provides a framework for measuring fair value, clarifies the definition of fair value, and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the reporting date. The accounting guidance establishes a three-tiered hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value:
● | Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
● | Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. |
● | Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. |
The Company recognizes transfers among Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 classifications as of the actual date of the events or change in circumstances that caused the transfers.
The Company’s financial instruments, including cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities have carrying amounts which approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.
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Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Annual rates of depreciation are as follows:
% | ||||
Computers, electronic equipment and software | 33 | |||
Vehicles | 15 | |||
Office furniture and equipment | 15 |
Investment in Unconsolidated Variable Interests’ Entities
The classification of the Company’s variable interests in the North Carolina, Rhode Island and Italian projects in the financial statements is based on the nature of the entity and the type of investment we hold. Variable interests in partnerships and corporate entities are classified as either equity method or cost method investments. In the ordinary course of business, the Company also make investments in entities in which we are not the primary beneficiary but may hold a variable interest such as limited partner interests or mezzanine debt investments. These investments are classified in our financial statements as investment in unconsolidated variable interest entities accounted for under the equity method. Investments in those companies that are not controlled but over which the Company can exercise significant influence (generally, entities in which the Company holds approximately between 20% to 100% of the voting rights of the investee) are presented using the equity method of accounting. Profits on intercompany sales, not realized outside the Company, are eliminated. The Company discontinues applying the equity method when its investment (including advances and loans) is reduced to zero and the Company has not guaranteed obligations of the affiliate or otherwise committed to provide further financial support to the affiliate.
Investments in preferred shares, which are not in substance common stock, are recorded on a cost basis according to ASC 323-10-15-13, “Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures - In-substance Common Stock” and ASC 323-10-40-1, “Investment -Equity Method and Joint Ventures - Investee Capital Transactions”.
A change in the Company’s proportionate share of an investee’s equity, resulting from issuance of common or in-substance common shares by the investee to third parties, is recorded as a gain or loss in the consolidated income statements in accordance with ASC 323-10-40-1.
Investments in non-marketable equity securities of entities in which the Company does not have control or the ability to exercise significant influence over their operation and financial policies, are recorded at cost (generally when the Company holds less than 20% of the voting rights).
Management evaluates investments in affiliated companies, partnerships and other non-marketable equity securities for evidence of other-than-temporary declines in value. Such evaluation is dependent on the specific facts and circumstances. Accordingly, in determining whether other-than-temporary declines exist, management evaluates various indicators for other-than-temporary declines and evaluates financial information (e.g. budgets, business plans, financial statements, etc.). During 2016 and 2015, no material impairment was recognized.
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Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates, judgments and assumptions. Those estimates and assumptions affect including investments in unconsolidated variable interest entities, investments in nonconsolidated subsidiaries, deferred revenue from unconsolidated variable interest entities, contingencies and litigation, income taxes and determination of fair value of stock-based compensation. These estimates are based available as of the date of the consolidated financial statements; therefore, actual results could differ from management’s estimates.
Loss Per Share
Net loss per share, basic and diluted, is computed on the basis of the net loss for the period divided by the weighted average number of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is based upon the weighted average number of common stock and of common stock equivalents outstanding when dilutive. Common stock equivalents include: (i) outstanding stock options under the Company’s share incentive plan and warrants which are included under the treasury share method when dilutive, and (ii) common stock to be issued under the assumed conversion of the Company’s outstanding convertible notes, which are included under the if-converted method when dilutive. The computation of diluted net loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015 and for the three months ended December 31, 2015 does not include common stock equivalents, since such inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements or in our tax returns. Estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of certain tax liabilities and in the determination of the recoverability of certain deferred income tax assets, which arise from temporary differences and carryforwards. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized or settled. Management regularly assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent that management believe, based upon the weight of available evidence, that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established through an adjustment to income tax expense. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization of our deferred tax assets include the Company’s forecast of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets. Assumptions represent management’s best estimates and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. The Company account for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements by regularly reviewing our tax positions and benefits to be realized. The Company’s recognize tax liabilities based upon management’s estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due when such estimates are more-likely-than-not to be sustained. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The provision for income taxes includes the effects of any resulting tax reserves, or unrecognized tax benefits, that are considered appropriate as well as the related net interest and penalties.
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other gains and losses affecting equity that under US GAAP are excluded from net income (loss). For the Company, such items consist of translation adjustments.
Revenues from Services
The Company recognizes revenues from Development Fees in accordance with ASC Topic 605-20 Revenue Recognition from Services.
Treasury Shares
Treasury shares are held by the Company and presented as a reduction of the Company stockholders’ equity (deficit) and carried at their cost to the Company, under treasury shares.
Stock-based Compensation
The Company recognizes the estimated fair value of share-based awards under stock-based compensation cost. The Company measures compensation expense for share-based awards based on estimated fair values on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. This option pricing model requires estimates as to the option’s expected term and the price volatility of the underlying stock. The Company measures compensation expense for the shares based on the market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant, less an estimate of dividends that will not accrue to the shares holders prior to vesting. The Company elected to recognize compensation cost for awards that have a graded vesting schedule using the straight-line approach. Share-based payments to non-employees are measured at the fair value of the goods or services received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued if it is determined the fair value of the goods or services cannot be reliably measured, and are recorded at the date the goods or services are received. The amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the number of awards expected to vest. The fair value of equity awards is charged to the statement of operations over the service period. The offset to the recorded cost is to additional paid in capital. Consideration received on the exercise of stock options is recorded as capital stock and the related share-based payments reserve is transferred to share capital.
Contingencies |
The Company is involved in various commercial and other legal proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Except for income tax contingencies or contingent consideration or other contingent liabilities incurred or acquired in a business combination, the Company records accruals for these types of contingencies to the extent that the Company concludes their occurrence is probable and that the related liabilities are reasonably estimated. When accruing these costs, the Company will recognize an accrual in the amount within a range of loss that is the best estimate within the range. When no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the Company accrues for the minimum amount within the range. Legal costs are expensed as incurred. Contingent consideration and other contingent liabilities incurred or acquired in a business combination are recorded at a probability weighted assessment of their fair value and monitored on an ongoing basis for changes in that value.
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Company Overview
We are an international Independent Power Producer (“IPP”) that is active in the global clean energy production and waste-to-energy markets. We aspire to become a key player these rapidly growing markets by developing or acquiring projects with clean energy technologies, including but not limited to waste-to-energy facilities that generate clean energy, such as electricity, natural gas, and heat, as well as soil amendment and other by-products. These markets provide tremendous opportunity, insofar as we believe there is a virtually endless supply of waste and organic material that can be used to generate power and valuable by-products. In particular, the disposal of organic material to landfills in most parts of the world is a costly problem with environmentally-damaging consequences. We seek to offer a cost-effective, environmentally-safe alternative.
What is Waste-to-Energy?
Waste-to-Energy is the process of generating energy in the form of electricity , natural gas and/or heat from the treatment of various forms of waste. Most waste-to-energy processes produce electricity and/or heat directly through combustion, or produce a combustible fuel commodity, such as methane, methanol or ethanol. Generally, waste-to-energy technology includes the following:
Incineration
Incineration is the combustion of organic material such as waste with energy recovery, and is the most common waste-to-energy implementation. All new waste-to-energy plants in OECD countries (member and partner countries with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) incinerating waste must meet strict emission standards, including those on nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, heavy metals and dioxins. Hence, modern incineration plants are vastly different from the old types of plants, some of which recovered neither energy nor materials. Modern incinerators reduce the volume of the original waste by up to 96%, depending upon composition and degree of recovery of materials, such as metals from the ash for recycling.
Anaerobic Digestion
Anaerobic digestion is a collection of processes by which microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. The process is used for industrial or domestic purposes to manage waste or to produce fuels. The digestion process begins with bacterial hydrolysis of the input materials. Insoluble organic polymers, such as carbohydrates, are broken down to soluble derivatives that become available for other bacteria. Acidogenic bacteria then convert the sugars and amino acids into carbon dioxide, hydrogen, ammonia, and organic acids. These bacteria convert these resulting organic acids into acetic acid, along with additional ammonia, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. Finally, methanogens convert these products to methane and carbon dioxide. The methanogenic archaea populations play an indispensable role in anaerobic wastewater treatments. Anaerobic digesters can also be fed with purpose-grown energy crops, such as maize. Anaerobic digestion is widely used as a source of renewable energy. The process produces a biogas, consisting of methane, carbon dioxide and traces of other ‘contaminant’ gases. This biogas can be used directly as fuel, in combined heat and power gas engines or upgraded to natural gas-quality biomethane. The nutrient-rich digestate also produced can be used as fertilizer.
Gasification
Gasification is a process that converts organic or fossil fuel based carbonaceous materials into carbon monoxide, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This is achieved by reacting the material at high temperatures (>700 °C), without combustion, with a controlled amount of oxygen and/or steam. The resulting gas mixture is called syngas (from synthesis gas or synthetic gas) or producer gas and is itself a fuel. The power derived from gasification and combustion of the resultant gas is considered to be a source of renewable energy if the gasified compounds were obtained from biomass. The advantage of gasification is that using the syngas is potentially more efficient than direct combustion of the original fuel because it can be combusted at higher temperatures or even in fuel cells, so that the thermodynamic upper limit to the efficiency defined by Carnot’s rule is higher or (in case of fuel cells) not applicable. Gasification can also begin with material which would otherwise have been disposed of such as biodegradable waste. In addition, the high-temperature process refines out corrosive ash elements such as chloride and potassium, allowing clean gas production from otherwise problematic fuels.
Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis is a thermochemical decomposition of organic material at elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen (or any halogen). It involves the simultaneous change of chemical composition and physical phase, and is irreversible. Pyrolysis is a type of thermolysis, and is most commonly observed in organic materials exposed to high temperatures. It is one of the processes involved in charring wood, starting at 200–300 °C (390–570 °F). It also occurs in fires where solid fuels are burning. In general, pyrolysis of organic substances produces gas and liquid products and leaves a solid residue richer in carbon content, char. Extreme pyrolysis, which leaves mostly carbon as the residue, is called carbonization.
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There are a number of other new and emerging technologies that can be used to produce energy from waste and other fuels without direct combustion. Many of these technologies have the potential to produce more electric power from the same amount of fuel than would be possible by direct combustion. This is mainly due to the separation of corrosive components (ash) from the converted fuel, thereby allowing higher combustion temperatures in, for example, boilers, gas turbines and fuel cells.
We Build, Own & Operate Projects and We Acquire Projects
Our business model is based on two main activities: we are a Build, Own & Operate (BOO) company, and we are a strategic acquirer of already constructed and operational facilities. Our BOO projects further fall into four primary phases of progress, making up our development cycle as follows:
1. | Pre-Development . In this phase our business development team is evaluating project opportunities that may come from various sources such as; other developers, utility companies, strategic partners and land owners. In this phase, we are conducting site research, evaluating feedstock parameters, researching the availability for offtake agreements and reviewing regulatory issues surrounding a particular location. |
2. | Development Phase . In this phase, we begin deploying capital and committing to projects. This phase generally includes the issuance of term-sheets or letters of intent for the development of projects. We begin the formal and in-depth due-diligence process to further these projects. Once due-diligence has been completed and a decision to move forward has been made, the company begins to assemble the various elements of the project. At this time, amongst other processes; technology is selected, an engineering study is completed, development plans are created, third party EPC operators are engaged, deposits are made on properties, environmental studies begin, permitting begins, feedstock agreements are put in place, a power purchase agreement (“PPA”) is agreed to and project financing is sourced. The development phase can take one year or longer depending on the project size and complexity. |
3. | Construction Phase . In this phase, we complete a financial closing with our project finance partners and third party EPC and technology providers, the property is officially purchased or leased and a ground breaking occurs. After this site prep begins, materials are ordered, equipment is ordered and construction begins. Over the next year or longer; through our third party contractors, skilled technicians, laborers and managers build an advanced power plant that turns various forms waste into sources of clean energy and other by-products. |
4. | Operating Phase . This phase includes the acceptance of waste materials, the ramp-up of biological elements in the case of an anaerobic digester plant, connecting to the electrical and or gas grids or connecting directly to a large end user. Once the connection is in place and the waste ramp-up phase is complete, and through our third party contractors, the plant is now fully operational. In addition to other administrative functions, management or our third party contractors will now begin to maintain feedstock intake, equipment monitoring and maintenance. |
For our acquisition projects, we seek to acquire ongoing projects that are already constructed or operational.
Our Projects in All Phases
We are currently constructing or operating, or in negotiations to develop, as applicable, eighteen (18) projects related to our strategy of acquisition, development or operations of waste-to-energy facilities, which includes developing projects for which we have entered into nonbinding letters of intent to acquire additional biogas facilities in Italy and to develop and construct waste-to-energy facilities in the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Israel. We continue to evaluate a pipeline of similar projects in the pre-development phase in the above listed countries and we are also evaluating projects in other countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland, Canada and Mexico.
We are currently developing, constructing or operating, as indicated below, the following projects:
United States (under construction)
● |
Johnston, RI Waste to Energy Anaerobic Digester 3.2 MW Plant |
United States (operating)
● |
Charlotte, NC Waste to Energy Anaerobic Digester 5.2 MW Plant |
Italy (operating)
● | Soc. agr. AGRICERERE srl – Tromello (Blue Sphere Pavia) 999 KW Plant |
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● | Soc. agr. AGRIELEKTRA srl – Alagna (Blue Sphere Pavia) 999 KW Plant |
● | Soc. agr. AGRISORSE srl - Garlasco (Blue Sphere Pavia) 999 KW Plant |
● | Soc. agr. GEFA srl – Dorno (Blue Sphere Pavia) 999 KW Plant |
We currently have, or are negotiating, nonbinding letters of intent to develop the following projects:
United States (negotiating and/or conducting due diligence)
● | Red Springs, NC. New Construction waste-to-energy Anaerobic Digester 3.0 MW Plant |
● | Wallace, NC. New Construction waste-to-energy Anaerobic Digester 3.0 MW Plant |
Italy (negotiating and/or conducting due diligence)
● | Cortona, Italy. Acquisition of fully operating 1.25MW Clean Energy Plants from Pronto-Verde, A.G. |
● | Cantu, Italy. Acquisition of fully operating .990KW Clean Energy Plant from Pronto-Verde, A.G. |
● | Udine, Italy. Acquisition of fully operating .990KW Clean Energy Plant from Pronto-Verde, A.G. |
● | Ostellato, Italy. New Construction of two 1MW Anaerobic Digester Plants with Energy Lab, S.p.A |
The Netherlands (negotiating and/or conducting due diligence)
● | Sterksel, NL. New Construction waste-to-energy Anaerobic Digester 10.0 MW Plant * |
● | Terramass, NL. New Construction waste-to-energy Anaerobic Digester 2.5 MW Plant |
* On December 8, 2016, Blue Sphere Brabant B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company in the Netherlands, won a grant to sell renewable gas on a per MWg basis to Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (“RVO”) under the Renewable Energy Production Incentive Scheme. The grant provides for the sale of up to 234,466.589 MWh per year, for a maximum total value of the grant equal to €151.934.350,00 (approximately USD $161,642,955) paid over twelve (12) years, from the date the facility begins production. The grant is conditioned upon the following: (1) the construction must be assigned to a supplier (EPC) within one (1) year, with RVO receiving a copy of the assignment; (2) the facility must begin production within four (4) years; (3) notice of any material changes (i.e., in location, receiver, power, required dates, etc.) must be given to RVO; and (4) RVO is entitled to receive an annual progress report of the realization of the facility. |
The United Kingdom (negotiating and/or conducting due diligence)
● | Carlton Forest, GB. New Construction waste-to-energy Pyrolysis Plant 7.5MW (electricity) + 10MW (thermal) |
● | Hull, GB. New Construction waste-to-energy Pyrolysis Plant 15MW (electricity) + 15MW (thermal) |
● | Seal Sands, GB. New Construction waste-to-energy Pyrolysis Plant 16MW (electricity) + 23MW (thermal) |
Israel (negotiating and/or conducting due diligence)
● | Rishon, IL. New Construction of a MRF (Materials Recycling Facility) + a 2.5MW Anaerobic Digester Plant |
Our strategy is to continue to expand in the future, including through acquisition of additional projects. From time to time we negotiate, conduct due diligence and enter into nonbinding letters of intent for projects that we are evaluating. However, until due diligence is complete, further negotiations are finalized and the parties have executed a definitive agreement, there can be no assurance that we will be able to enter into any development or acquisition transaction, on the terms in the applicable letter of intent or at all, or any other similar arrangements. Furthermore, any such transactions that we do enter into would be subject to the uncertainties regarding our existing projects described in the “Risk Factors” section.
Our United States Projects
On October 19, 2012, we entered into definitive project agreements in respect of both the North Carolina and Rhode Island sites with Orbit Energy, Inc. (“Orbit”), pursuant to which we would be entitled to full ownership of each of the entities that owns the rights to implement the respective projects (Orbit Energy Charlotte, LLC in the case of the North Carolina project (“OEC”) and Orbit Energy Rhode Island, LLC in the case of the Rhode Island project (“OERI”)), subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions.
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Our North Carolina Project
Design and Development
On June 5, 2014, OEC entered into an Amended and Restated Turnkey Agreement for the Design, Construction and Delivery of a Biogas Plant with Auspark LLC (“Auspark”), as amended or modified by letter agreement on January 22, 2015, February 3, 2015, March 31, 2016 and August 26, 2016 (the “NC Auspark Agreement”), and which amended and restated an original agreement dated April 30, 2014. Pursuant to the NC Auspark Agreement, Auspark has provided, and continues to provide, the design, supply, engineering, permitting, procurement, assembly, construction, installation, commissioning and delivery of the North Carolina project facility, for the fixed price of $17,350,000, payable in accordance with meeting scheduled milestones, with the final payment becoming due upon delivery of a final completion certificate by Auspark. As of February 28, 2017, approximately $15,400,000 in development fees have been paid to Auspark under the NC Auspark Agreement. Payments under the NC Auspark Agreement are funded by York Renewable Energy Partners LLC (“York”), our joint venture partner for the North Carolina project.
The term of the NC Auspark Agreement is based on the project construction and workflow completion plan, subject to amendment pursuant to the terms of the agreement. Either party may terminate the NC Auspark Agreement upon a substantial breach of performance following a 4 week cure period, or the bankruptcy/insolvency of the other party. OEC may terminate for a gross violation of work quality subject to a 5 day cure period, or if Auspark loses the permits necessary to perform, and cannot cure such loss within 30 days. Auspark may terminate for failure of OEC to make specified reimbursements or failure of OEC to make payment within 30 days of demand. Austep, Auspark’s affiliate, guaranteed Auspark’s performance under the NC Auspark Agreement.
The Amended OEC Purchase Agreement
On November 19, 2014, we signed an amended and restated purchase agreement with Orbit for the North Carolina project (the “Amended OEC Purchase Agreement”). Subject to the terms of the Amended OEC Purchase Agreement, Orbit transferred full ownership of OEC to us in exchange for our agreeing to pay Orbit a development fee of $900,000, reimbursement of $17,764 of Orbit’s expenses, and an amount equal to 30% of the distributable cash flow from the North Carolina project after the project achieves a post-recoupment 30% internal rate of return computed on the basis of any and all benefits from tax credits, depreciation and other incentives of any nature. We also agreed to use high solid anaerobic digester units designed by Orbit (the “HSAD Units”) and to retain Orbit to implement and operate the HSAD Units for an annual management fee of $187,500 (the “OEC Management Fee”), subject to certain conditions. The Amended OEC Purchase Agreement provided that we had until December 15, 2014 to pay Orbit the development fee and reimbursement amount, which was extended to January 15, 2015 in exchange for payment by us to Orbit of $75,000. We did not subsequently pay Orbit the development fee and reimbursement amount and, pursuant to the terms of the Amended OEC Purchase Agreement, ownership of OEC reverted back to Orbit on January 15, 2015.
Concord Energy Partners, LLC
On January 30, 2015, (i) the Company, Concord Energy Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Concord”) and York entered into a development and indemnification agreement (the “Concord Development and Indemnification Agreement”), pursuant to which in 2015 York funded Concord’s payment to us of $1,250,000 in development fees used for developing the project, and Concord issued us 250 Series B units of Concord (“Concord Series B Units”) and issued 750 Series A units of Concord (“Concord Series A Units”) to York, and (ii) we and York entered into an amended and restated limited liability company operating agreement (the “Concord LLC Agreement”) to establish the Concord Series A Units and Concord Series B Units and admit us and York as 25% and 75% members of Concord, respectively. Purs uant to the foregoing agreements, York also agreed to fund Concord’s payment to us of two equal installments of $587,500 upon (a) mechanical completion of the North Carolina project and (b) commercial operation of the North Carolina project. On December 14, 2016, we received payment of the first installment. We expect to receive payment of the second installment by May 1, 2017.
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Pursuant to the Concord LLC Agreement, our right to receive distributions from Concord are subject to certain priorities in favor of York, as follows:
(a) | York’s nine percent (9%) rate of return on the $500,000 capital contribution to Concord to fund liquidated damages to Duke Energy pursuant to the Duke PPA since the commercial operations had not been commenced within 60 days of December 31, 2015; |
(b) | The repayment of York’s $500,000 capital contribution to Concord to fund liquidated damages to Duke Energy pursuant to the Duke PPA since the commercial operations had not been commenced within 60 days of December 31, 2015; |
(c) | The amount of any excess profits from “feedstock tipping fees” shall be distributed with twenty percent (20%) going to York, and eighty percent (80%) going to us; |
(d) | The amount of any excess profits from “thermal energy” shall be distributed equally between us and York; and |
(e) | Any amount remaining will be distributed pro-rata to us and York in proportion to York and our respective ownership of Concord. |
In addition, our right to receive distributions upon a liquidation event of Concord are subject to certain priorities in favor of York, as follows:
(a) | York’s nine percent (9%) rate of return on its unrecovered capital contributions to Concord; |
(b) | The repayment of York’s unrecovered capital contributions to Concord; and |
(c) | Any amount remaining will be distributed pro-rata to us and York in proportion to York and our respective ownership of Concord. |
Pursuant to the Concord LLC Agreement, Concord is managed by a board of managers initially consisting of three managers (the “Concord Board”). So long as York owns more than 50% of the membership interests of Concord, York is entitled to appoint two of the Concord Board’s three managers. So long as we own no less than 50% of the membership interests of Concord that we acquired pursuant to the Concord Development and Indemnification Agreement, we are entitled to appoint one manager of the Concord Board. York will make capital contributions to Concord in accordance with the budgeted investment amount for the North Carolina project set forth in the Concord LLC Agreement. In the event that the Concord Board determines in good faith that additional capital is needed by Concord and is in the best interests of the North Carolina project, the Concord Board may determine the amount of additional capital needed and issue new units to raise the necessary funds. In this case, if we do not exercise our pre-emptive right with respect to such units, our percentage interest in Concord would be reduced accordingly. The Concord LLC Agreement also contains certain restrictions on our right to transfer our membership interests in Concord to third parties. If we propose to sell any equity or assets relating to or in connection with the development, construction or operation of an energy generation facility to a third party prior to January 30, 2020, Entropy Investment Management LLC, an affiliate of York that provides project financing for renewable energy projects, will have a right of first refusal to acquire all or a portion of such sale.
The New OEC Purchase Agreement
On January 30, 2015, we entered into the Orbit Energy Charlotte, LLC Membership Interest Purchase Agreement by and among the Company, Orbit, Concord, and OEC (the “New OEC Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which (i) Concord purchased all of Orbit’s right, title and interest in and to the membership interests of OEC (the “OEC Interests”), (ii) Orbit abandoned all economic and ownership interest in the OEC Interests in favor of Concord, (iii) Orbit ceased to be a member of OEC and (iv) Concord was admitted as the sole member of OEC, in exchange for consideration of $917,764.
Under the Amended OEC Purchase Agreement and the New OEC Purchase Agreement, we had agreed to pay to Orbit the costs of evaluating and incorporating into the North Carolina project Orbit’s high solids anaerobic digestion technology and two HSAD Units designed by Orbit. Orbit was unable to design and install this technology into the North Carolina project, and we never paid any costs pursuant thereto. Instead, digesters were designed and provided by Auspark.
The New OEC Purchase Agreement also carried forward from the Amended OEC Purchase Agreement, and we indemnified York with respect to, our obligation to pay Orbit all amounts owed under the Amended OEC Purchase Agreement, including an amount equal to thirty percent (30%) of the North Carolina project’s distributable cash flow after we and the other equity investors in the North Carolina project fully recoup their respective investments in the North Carolina project (such investments to be calculated solely as amounts expended in and for the construction of the North Carolina project) and the North Carolina project achieves a thirty percent (30%) internal rate of return (the “NC Participation Fee”). The calculation of the project’s internal rate of return would take into account and be computed on the basis of any and all benefits from tax credits, depreciation and other incentives of any nature
On January 13, 2017, the Company and Orbit entered into an agreement to eliminate the Company’s obligations to Orbit under the New OEC Purchase Agreement, the Concord LLC Agreement, the New OERI Purchase Agreement (defined below), and the Rhode Island LLC Agreement (defined below). In connection with the North Carolina project and the Rhode Island project, in exchange for an assignment to us of any rights to the NC Participation Fee and RI Participation Fee (defined below), and the termination of the OEC Management Fee and OERI Management Fee (defined below), Orbit will receive $200,000 in total, to be paid in twelve monthly equal installments, beginning on January 27, 2017.
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The Operations of the North Carolina project
On June 5, 2014, OEC entered into a Service, Maintenance and Operation Agreement with Austep and its operating entity, Austep USA Inc. (“Austep USA”), whereby Austep USA will perform the day-to-day operation, management, service, and maintenance operations at the North Carolina project facility, for a term of 10 years beginning on the date that facility achieves substantial completion, as defined in the NC Auspark Agreement. For a period of two years following such date, Austep USA will guarantee annual production of 41,000,000 kWh of electricity for two years, and will use its best efforts to generate 42,640,000 kWh each year during the term. Austep USA will receive an aggregate fee of $1,153,000 per year under the agreement. Austep guaranteed Austep USA’s performance under the agreement.
OEC and Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (“Duke Energy”) are parties to an Amended and Restated Renewable Energy Purchase Agreement, dated October 12, 2012 and amended on April 25, 2013, January 31, 2014, January 20, 2015 and September 30, 2016 (as amended, the “Duke PPA”), pursuant to which OEC has agreed to sell, and Duke has agreed to purchase, the energy output of OEC’s facility, subject to the terms and conditions of the Duke PPA. Among other things, the Duke PPA required OEC to commence commercial operations by December 31, 2015 or, if not operational within 60 days of such date, pay Duke Energy $500,000 of liquidated damages, which would then extend the deadline for commercial operation to March 30, 2016. Since the commercial operations had not been commenced within 60 days of December 31, 2015, OEC was required to pay $500,000 of liquidated damages to Duke Energy pursuant to the Duke PPA during the first quarter of 2016, and York contributed these funds to OEC. The deadline for commercial operation was thereafter extended to November 23, 2016 by amendment to the Duke PPA. The Duke PPA is effective until August 21, 2030. The loss of Duke Energy as a customer of OEC could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The Duke PPA further provides that OEC is responsible for certain interconnections fees and the costs and charges in connection with delivering power to the delivery point. OEC is responsible for delivering 100% of the output nameplate capacity of 5.2MW, and Duke Energy is responsible for purchasing up to the nameplate capacity. During the term of the Duke PPA, the bundled price payable to OEC is fixed per MWh, together with fixed prices per year for specified categories of RECs, as well as minimum REC requirements and purchase obligations during the term. Duke Energy is not responsible for purchasing additional energy or renewable energy attributes which exceeds 10% of the facility’s nameplate capacity. If OEC does not deliver up to the nameplate capacity, it must pay damages equal to specified replacement REC costs.
OEC is projected to require about 424 tons of organic feedstock on a daily basis and is working with organic waste suppliers to arrange supplies of feedstock. As of today, we believe we have all definitive agreements needed to supply all feedstock needed for operation of the North Carolina project.
On November 18, 2016, the North Carolina project connected to the grid, commenced commercial operations and started to provide output to Duke Energy pursuant to the Duke PPA. The North Carolina facility is currently in the mechanical completion and ramp-up phase of the project. Commencement of the commercial operations includes the gradual intake of waste from the facility’s feedstock suppliers, increasing the parasitic load to the digesters, completing the waste-water-treatment resources and completing all other mechanical features needed for the facility to operate at full capacity. The Company estimates that the North Carolina project will be fully completed by the end of the second quarter of 2017.
With respect to the North Carolina project, we have recognized revenue from services in the amount of $1,586,000 in the fiscal year 2015, and equity earnings in nonconsolidated affiliates in the amount of $5,960,946 and revenue from services in the amount of $587,500 in fiscal year 2016.
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Our Rhode Island Project
Design and Development
On April 7, 2015, OERI entered into an Amended and Restated Turnkey Agreement for the Design, Construction and Delivery of a Biogas Plant with Auspark, ”), as amended or modified by letter agreement on March 31, 2016 and August 26, 2016 (the “RI Auspark Agreement”), which amended and restated an original agreement dated April 30, 2014. Pursuant to the RI Auspark Agreement, Auspark has provided, and continues to provide, the design, supply, engineering, permitting, procurement, assembly, construction, installation, commissioning and delivery of the Rhode Island project facility, for the fixed price of $13,800,000, payable in accordance with meeting scheduled milestones, with the final payment becoming due upon delivery of a final completion certificate by Auspark. As of February 28, 2017, approximately $11,800,000 in development fees have been paid to Auspark under the RI Auspark Agreement. Payments under the RI Auspark Agreement are funded by York, our joint venture partner for the Rhode Island project.
The term of the RI Auspark Agreement is based on the project construction and workflow completion plan, subject to amendment pursuant to the terms of the agreement. Either party may terminate the RI Auspark Agreement upon a substantial breach of performance following a 4 week cure period, or the bankruptcy/insolvency of the other party. OERI may terminate for a gross violation of work quality subject to a 5 day cure period, or if Auspark loses the permits necessary to perform, and cannot cure such loss within 30 days. Auspark may terminate for failure of OERI to make specified reimbursements or failure of OERI to make payment within 30 days of demand. Austep, Auspark’s affiliate, guaranteed Auspark’s performance under the RI Auspark Agreement.
The Amended OEC Purchase Agreement
On January 7, 2015, we signed an amended and restated purchase agreement with Orbit for the Rhode Island project (the “Amended OERI Purchase Agreement”). Subject to the terms of the Amended OERI Purchase Agreement, Orbit transferred full ownership of OERI to us in exchange for our agreeing to pay Orbit a development fee of $300,000, reimbursement of $86,432 of Orbit’s expenses, and an amount equal to 30% of the distributable cash flow from the Rhode Island project after the project achieves a post-recoupment 30% internal rate of return computed on the basis of any and all benefits from tax credits, depreciation and other incentives of any nature. We also agreed to use HSAD Units designed by Orbit and to retain Orbit to implement and operate the HSAD Units for an annual management fee of $187,500 (the “OERI Management Fee”), subject to certain conditions. The Amended OERI Purchase Agreement provided that we had until January 22, 2015 to pay Orbit the development fee and reimbursement amount, which was extended to February 28, 2015 in exchange for payment by us to Orbit of $31,000. We did not subsequently pay Orbit the development fee and reimbursement amount and, pursuant to the terms of the Amended OERI Purchase Agreement, ownership of OERI reverted back to Orbit.
Rhode Island Energy Partners, LLC
On April 8, 2015, (i) the Company, Rhode Island Energy Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Rhode Island”) and York entered into a development and indemnification agreement (the “Rhode Island Development and Indemnification Agreement”), pursuant to which York funded Rhode Island’s payment to us of development fees of $1,541,900 used for developing the project, and Rhode Island issued us 2,275 Series B units of Rhode Island (“Rhode Island Series B Units), and issued 7,725 Series A units of Rhode Island (“Rhode Island Series A Units”) to York, and (ii) we and York entered into an amended and restated limited liability company operating agreement (the “Rhode Island LLC Agreement”) to establish the Rhode Island Series A Units and Rhode Island Series B Units and admit us and York as 22.75% and 77.25% members of Rhode Island, respectively. Pursuant to the foregoing agreements, York also agreed to fund Concord’s payment to us of us three equal installments of $562,500 upon (a) signing of the Rhode Island Development and Indemnification Agreement, (b) the later of (x) the date of mechanical completion of the Rhode Island project and (y) the date on which an executed interconnection agreement between OERI and National Grid, including receipt of any regulatory approvals from the Rhode Island Public Utility Commission, is delivered by OERI, and (c) commercial operation of the Rhode Island project. To date, York has made payment of the first $562,500 installment.
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Pursuant to the Rhode Island LLC Agreement, our right to receive distributions from OERI are subject to certain priorities in favor of York, as follows:
(a) | The amount of any excess profits from “feedstock tipping fees” shall be distributed with twenty percent (20%) going to York, and eighty percent (80%) going to us; |
(b) | The amount of any excess profits from “thermal energy” shall be distributed equally between us and York; and |
(c) | Any amount remaining will be distributed pro-rata to us and York in proportion to York and our respective ownership in Rhode Island. |
In addition, our right to receive distributions upon a liquidation event of Rhode Island are subject to certain priorities in favor of York, as follows:
(a) | York’s nine percent (9%) rate of return on the sum of all obligations guaranteed by York in connection with the Rhode Island project; |
(b) | York’s nine percent (9%) rate of return on its unrecovered capital contributions to Rhode Island; |
(c) | The repayment of York’s unrecovered capital contributions to Rhode Island; |
(d) | Any amount remaining will be distributed pro-rata to us and York in proportion to York and our respective ownership in Rhode Island. |
Pursuant to the Rhode Island LLC Agreement, Rhode Island is managed by a board of managers initially consisting of three managers (the “Rhode Island Board”). So long as York owns more than 50% of the membership interests of Rhode Island, York is entitled to appoint two of the Rhode Island Board’s three managers. So long as we own no less than 50% of the membership interests of Rhode Island that we acquired pursuant to the Rhode Island Development and Indemnification Agreement, we are entitled to appoint one manager of the Rhode Island Board. York will make capital contributions to Rhode Island in accordance with the budgeted investment amount for the North Carolina project set forth in the Concord LLC Agreement. In the event that the Rhode Island Board determines in good faith that additional equity capital is needed by Rhode Island and is in the best interests of the Rhode Island project, the Rhode Island Board may determine the amount of additional capital needed and issue new units to raise the necessary funds. In this case, if we do not exercise our pre-emptive right with respect to such units, our percentage interest in Rhode Island would be reduced accordingly. The Rhode Island LLC Agreement also contains certain restrictions on our right to transfer our membership interests in Rhode Island to third parties. If we propose to sell any equity or assets relating to or in connection with the development, construction or operation of an energy generation facility to a third party prior to April 8, 2020, Entropy Investment Management LLC will have a right of first refusal to acquire all or a portion of such sale.
The New OERI Purchase Agreement
On April 8, 2015, we entered into the Orbit Energy Rhode Island, LLC Membership Interest Purchase Agreement by and among the Company, Orbit, Rhode Island and OERI (the “New OERI Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which (i) Rhode Island purchased all of Orbit’s right, title and interest in and to the membership interests of OERI (the “OERI Interests”), (ii) Orbit abandoned all economic and ownership interest in the OERI Interests in favor of Rhode Island, (iii) Orbit ceased to me a member of OERI and (iv) Rhode Island was admitted as the sole member of OERI, in exchange for consideration of $386,432.
Under the Amended OERI Purchase Agreement and the New OERI Purchase Agreement, we had agreed to pay to Orbit the costs of evaluating and incorporating into the Rhode Island project Orbit’s high solids anaerobic digestion technology and two HSAD Units designed by Orbit. Orbit was unable to design and install this technology into the Rhode Island project, and we never paid any costs pursuant thereto. Instead, digesters were designed and provided by Auspark.
The New OERI Purchase Agreement also carried forward from the Amended OERI Purchase Agreement, and we indemnified York with respect to, our obligation to pay Orbit all amounts owed under the Amended OERI Purchase Agreement, including an amount equal to thirty percent (30%) of the Rhode Island project’s distributable cash flow after we and the other equity investors in the Rhode Island project fully recoup our respective investments in the Rhode Island project (such investments to be calculated solely as amounts expended in and for the construction of the Rhode Island project) and the Rhode Island project achieves a thirty percent (30%) internal rate of return (the “RI Participation Fee”). The calculation of the project’s internal rate of return would take into account and be computed on the basis of any and all benefits from tax credits, depreciation and other incentives of any nature
On January 13, 2017, the Company and Orbit entered into an agreement to eliminate Company’s obligations to Orbit under the, the New OEC Purchase Agreement, the Concord LLC Agreement, the New OERI Purchase Agreement, and the Rhode Island LLC Agreement. In connection with the North Carolina project and the Rhode Island project, in exchange for an assignment to us of any rights to the NC Participation Fee and RI Participation Fee, and the termination of the OEC Management Fee and OERI Management Fee, Orbit will receive $200,000 in total, to be paid in twelve monthly equal installments, beginning on January 27, 2017.
The Operations of the Rhode Island project
OERI is currently negotiating a service, maintenance and operation agreement to perform the day-to-day operation, management, service, and maintenance activities at the Rhode Island project facility.
OERI and The Narragansett Electric Company d/b/a National Grid (“National Grid”) are parties to a Power Purchase Agreement, dated May 26, 2011 and amended on April 11, 2013, December 9, 2013, January 9, 2015 and May 27, 2016 (as amended, the “National Grid PPA”), pursuant to which OERI has agreed to sell, and National Grid has agreed to purchase, the energy output of OERI’s facility, subject to the terms and conditions of the National Grid PPA. Among other things, the National Grid PPA required OERI to commence commercial operations by December 31, 2015, which could be extended up to six months by OERI upon deposit of $22,500 of collateral. Since commercial operations were not commenced by December 31, 2015, OERI paid an additional “Development Period Security” of $22,500 pursuant to the National Grid PPA, such funds having been contributed to OERI by York. On May 27 2016, National Grid agreed to modify the date to commence commercial operations to June 30, 2017. As an incentive and evidence of good faith to achieve commercial operation, OERI posted additional collateral in the amount of $22,500, such funds having been contributed to OERI by York. The National Grid PPA is effective for 15 years from the date commercial operations are commenced, which may be extended by 6 years at the option of National Grid. The loss of National Grid as a customer of OERI could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The National Grid PPA further provides that OERI is responsible for certain interconnections fees, subject to an adjustment based on MWh sold under the agreement, and the costs and charges in connection with delivering power to the interconnection point. OERI is responsible for delivering 100% of the output nameplate capacity of up to 3.2MW, and National Grid is responsible for purchasing up to our nameplate capacity. National Grid is not responsible for purchasing additional energy in excess of the specified maximum amount. During the term of the agreement, National Grid will pay a fixed bundled price per MWh for energy and RECs, subject to escalation by a factor of 2% annually. If OERI fails to deliver energy in accordance with the National Grid PPA, it will be responsible for specified replacement damages.
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OERI has obtained all the required permits, except for the operating permit, to achieve commercial operation. Although no assurances can be given, we expect the Rhode Island project to commence commercial operations on or before the modified date to commence commercial operations, or June 30, 2017.
OERI and Renewable Organics Management LLC are parties to an Organic Waste Delivery Agreement, dated October 13, 2016, in respect of 80,000 tons per year of organic feedstock. This agreement has a five-year term, subject to renewal, and begins upon commencement of operations, at which time feedstock will be supplied to the Rhode Island project. OERI is projected to require 80,000 tons per year of organic feedstock on a daily basis, so the quantity represented by this agreement is expected to satisfy 100% of facility’s feedstock requirements for operations.
As of December 31, 2016, we have recorded deferred revenue from nonconsolidated affiliates in the amount of $5,658,169 with respect to our the Rhode Island project (which will be recorded as equity earnings in nonconsolidated affiliates upon the commencement of its commercial operations).
Our Italy Projects
The Acquisition of Our Italy Projects
On May 14, 2015, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the “Italy Projects Agreement”) with Volteo Energie S.p.A., Agriholding S.r.l., and Overland S.r.l. (each, a “Seller” and collectively, the “Sellers”) through our indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary, Bluesphere Italy S.r.l. (we subsequently changed the name of Bluesphere Italy S.r.l to Bluesphere Pavia S.r.l (“Blue Sphere Pavia”), which is the name we use herein). Pursuant to the Italy Projects Agreement, we agreed to purchase one hundred percent (100%) of the share capital of Agricerere S.r.l., Agrielektra S.r.l., Agrisorse S.r.l. and Gefa S.r.l (each, an “SPV” and collectively, the “SPVs”) from the Sellers, who collectively held all of the outstanding share capital of each SPV. Each SPV is engaged in the owning and operating of an anaerobic digestion biogas plant for the production and sale of electricity to Gestore del Servizi Energetici GSE, S.p.A., a state-owned company, pursuant to a power purchase agreement. All references to, and descriptions of, the Italy Projects Agreement incorporate the terms of an amendment to the same entered into by the parties on December 14, 2015.
Pursuant to the Italy Projects Agreement, we agreed to pay an aggregate purchase price of €5,600,000 for all of the SPVs, which, upon the application of certain credits applied, was adjusted to $5,646,628 (€5,200,000) (the “Purchase Price”). Fifty percent (50%) of the Purchase Price, less certain credits, was due to the Sellers on the Closing Date and the remaining balance along with interest at a rate of two percent (2%) per year (“the deferred payment”), less certain credits, is due to the Sellers on the third anniversary of the Closing Date. The Purchase Price is subject to certain adjustments and to an adjustment based on the actual EBITDA results in the 18 months following the Closing Date, per the following mechanism:
(a) | If the actual EBITDA in the 18 months following the Closing Date divided by 1.5 is greater than € 934,519, then the deferred payment shall be increased by the amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the difference. |
(b) | If the actual EBITDA in the 18 months following the Closing Date divided by 1.5 is lesser than € 934,519, then the deferred payment shall be reduced by the amount of the amount necessary to maintain a Purchase Price that yields an Equity IRR of twenty-five percent (25%), but more than 35% of the remaining balance. |
Under the Italy Projects agreement, EBITDA is defined as “total cash revenues received minus all cash expenditures made during the relevant period excluding principle and interest payments due to the bank and taxes”.
Pursuant to the Italy Projects Agreement, the Company will reimburse the Sellers the VAT amount that was requested and will be requested by the SPVs for the fiscal year of 2014. The reimbursed amount will not exceed €1,160,425 and will be refunded to the Sellers only after the amount is refunded to Blue Sphere Pavia by the VAT authorities in Italy. Pursuant to the Italy Projects Agreement, we also issued a corporate guarantee to the Sellers, whereby the Company will secure the obligations of Blue Sphere Pavia under the Italy Projects Agreement.
On December 14, 2015 (the “Closing Date”), pursuant to the Italy Projects Agreement, we completed the acquisitions of one hundred percent (100%) of the share capital of the “SPVs. On the Closing Date, the Company paid an amount of $2,143,181 (€1,952,858), which represented fifty percent (50%) of the Purchase Price adjusted for certain post-closing adjustments and closing costs. The remaining balance of the Purchase Price (balance less the adjusted closing payment) is promised by a note accruing interest at an annual rate of two percent (2%) to each Seller, with such principal and interest accrued due to each Seller on or before the third anniversary of the Closing Date, subject to adjustment to the variation of EBITDA, as described above. The portion of the Purchase Price and all closing costs, pre-closing receivables, fees and related expenses paid at closing were primarily financed by a loan of €2,900,000, obtained pursuant to the Helios Loan Agreement, of which €200,000 was repaid to Helios in March 2016.
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The closing of the Italy Projects Agreement was subject to certain conditions precedent including, but not limited to, obtaining consent to the proposed sale and resulting change of control from Banca IMI S.p.A. (“the SPVs’ lender”) in connection with a certain €22,080,000 Financing Agreement, dated February 25, 2013, between the SPVs, Banca IMI S.p.A. and Intesa San Paolo S.p.A. (the “SPV Financing Agreement”), as well as from other counterparties to certain agreements to which the SPVs are a party. Amounts outstanding under the SPV Financing Agreement are secured by the assets of the SPVs. After the Closing Date, the SPV’s paid a waiver fee of approximately $109,000 to the SPVs’ lender, such amount representing 50% of the fees and expenses charged by the lenders in connection with obtaining these consents. In addition, under the Italy Projects Agreement, the Sellers granted us a special credit of €100,000 per SPV, half of which is allocable to each payment of the Purchase Price. Following the achievement of key milestones under the SPV Financing Agreement, on December 21, 2016, we agreed with the SPVs’ lender to certain revised terms under the SPV Financing Agreement for each SPV, specifically (a) each SPV received a new VAT line of credit equal to €300,000 per SPV, and an extension to each SPV’s existing VAT line of credit for one year, (b) our obligation to fund a debt service reserve account deposit totaling €1,100,000 was terminated, and (c) a minimum cash requirement of €200,000 per account was removed. In addition, on December 21, 2016, the SPVs’ lender also officially approved the Framework EBITDA Agreement (defined below). As of December 31, 2016, €18,326,646 was outstanding under the SPV Financing Agreement.
The Operations of the Italy Projects
On July 17, 2015, we entered into a Framework EBITDA Guarantee Agreement (the “Framework EBITDA Agreement”) with Austep S.p.A. (“Austep”), an Italian corporation. Austep specializes in the design, construction, operation and servicing of anaerobic digestion plants. The Framework EBITDA Agreement provides a framework pursuant to which Austep will perform technical analyses of operating anaerobic digestion plants in Italy that we identify as potential acquisition targets. If and when we acquire such anaerobic digestion plants in Italy, subject to the terms of the Framework EBITDA Agreement, we and Austep have agreed to negotiate individual agreements pursuant to which Austep will operate, maintain and supervise each plant and guarantee agreed-upon levels of EBITDA to us for a specified period. The Framework EBITDA Agreement will apply to the first fifteen anaerobic digestion plants that we may acquire in Italy, including the plants subject to the Italy Projects Agreement.
On the Closing Date, each SPV entered into Plant EBITDA Guarantee Agreement with Austep (collectively, the “Plant EBITDA Agreements”). In accordance with the Plant EBITDA Agreements, Austep will operate, maintain and supervise each biogas plant owned by the SPVs. In addition, the Plant EBITDA Agreements provide that we will receive a monthly aggregate EBITDA of $204,147 (€188,000) from the four SPVs, collectively, for the initial six months following the Closing Date, and thereafter the Plant EBITDA Agreements provide that we will receive an annual aggregate EBITDA of $4,082,946 (€3,760,000) from the four SPVs, collectively. Pursuant to the terms of the Plant EBITDA Agreements, the Company will receive the guaranteed levels of EBITDA, and Austep will receive ninety percent (90%) of the revenue in excess of such levels.
On December 21, 2016, each SPV entered into a Management Agreement with BlueSphere Pavia (each, an “SPV Management Agreement”), as approved by the SPVs’ lender. The SPV Management Agreement for each SPV is in substantially the same form. In addition to other customary terms, each SPV Management Agreement is for a term of 5 years, automatically renewable for subsequent 5 year terms, and provides that each SPV will pay a fee of €112,800 per year to BlueSphere Pavia, an amount equal to 12% of the annual EBITDA provided for under each SPV’s Plant EBITDA Agreement, in exchange for administration, technical and professional services. Either party may terminate the SPV Management Agreement upon 3 months’ notice. Each SPV Management Agreement further provides that in the case of an event of default under the respective SPV Financing Agreement, the payment of fees to BlueSphere Pavia under the SPV Management Agreement will be suspended and, if applicable, subordinated to the full satisfactions of the SPVs’ lender’s rights under the SPV Financing Agreement.
The Helios Loan Agreement
On August 18, 2015, we and two of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, Eastern Sphere Ltd. (“Eastern Sphere”), the parent of Blue Sphere Pavia, and Blue Sphere Pavia, entered into a Long Term Mezzanine Loan Agreement (the “Helios Loan Agreement”) with Helios Italy Bio-Gas 1 L.P. (“Helios”) to finance the Italy Projects Agreement. Under the Helios Loan Agreement, Helios made up to five million euros (€5,000,000) available to Blue Sphere Pavia (the “Helios Loan”) to finance (a) ninety percent (90%) of the total required investment of the first four SPVs acquired, (b) seventy to eighty percent (70-80%) of the total required investment of up to three SPVs subsequently acquired, if applicable, (c) certain broker fees incurred in connection with the acquisitions, and (d) any taxes associated with registration of an equity pledge agreement (as described below). Each financing of an SPV acquisition will be subject to specified conditions precedent and will constitute a separate loan under the Helios Loan Agreement. Helios’s obligation to provide additional funds under the Helios Loan Agreement, in connection with subsequently acquired SPVs, terminated on June 30, 2016.
As of December 31, 2016, the outstanding balance under the Helios Loan was $2,607,000. Subject to specified terms, representations and warranties, the Helios Loan Agreement provides that each loan thereunder will accrue interest at a rate of fourteen and one-half percent (14.5%) per annum, and that Helios is entitled to an annual operation fee of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per annum. Payments of principal, interest and the operation fee are due and payable quarterly. The final payment for each loan will become due no later than the earlier of (a) thirteen and one half years from the date such loan was made available to Blue Sphere Pavia, and (b) the date that the license to produce electricity granted to the relevant SPV expires. Pursuant to the Helios Loan Agreement and an equity pledge agreement, Eastern Sphere pledged all its shares in Blue Sphere Pavia to secure all loan amounts utilized under the Helios Loan Agreement.
In addition, the Helios Loan Agreement provides for no prepayment of the outstanding amount; however, subject to Helios’ right of first refusal and following 5 years from the date of closing, we may prepay upon meeting certain conditions, including that the net consideration of such prepayment will be the principal amount of the Helios Loan, less loan principal, interest and operation fees previously paid, multiplied by 2.12. The Helios Loan Agreement is subject to certain standard events of default subject to a 7 day cure period, including our failure to make two consecutive installment payments or pay the operations fee, events of insolvency or liquidation, and the declaration of an event of default under each the SPV Financing Agreement.
On December 2015, we borrowed €2,900,000 ($3,149,000) under the Helios Loan Agreement to finance the purchase of the SPVs, of which €200,000 was repaid to Helios in March 2016. No additional funds have since been borrowed.
Strategy
Our main focus is providing tailored solutions internationally to produce clean energy primarily out of the treatment of waste. We are focused on waste-to-energy projects in the United States, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Israel and are in the process of developing a pipeline of similar projects. We believe there is a virtually endless supply of waste suitable for such projects and the demand for energy (particularly from such projects) is growing consistently.
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Our model is to acquire or build, own and operate waste-to-energy facilities. We select projects with signed, long-term agreements with waste producers or waste haulers for feedstock, with national governments or electricity corporations for energy output and with private entities for the sale of other project by-products (such as renewable energy credits, heat and soil amendment). We are currently focused on several types of projects: (i) anaerobic digestion to electricity, (ii) landfill gas to energy, (iii) anaerobic digestion to gas, (iv) gasification, (v) incineration and (vi) energy crop to electricity.
Another component of the clean energy and waste-to-energy industry in the United States is renewable energy credits (“RECs”). A REC represents a MWh or KWh of clean energy. Many states, including North Carolina and Rhode Island, the sites of our two United States projects, require their utilities to prove that a portion of the energy they sell is produced from clean or renewable sources. A REC is used to demonstrate that the relevant unit of energy has a clean or renewable source. Consequently, utilities purchase RECs from producers of clean and renewable energy. Our agreements with Duke Energy and National Grid, for our North Carolina and Rhode Island projects, respectively, provide for “bundled” pricing for the sale of electricity and RECs.
We expect our projects to generate revenue through sales of thermal and electrical energy, energy efficiency technologies and RECs, and by-products, project development services, and tipping fees from accepting waste, as applicable to a particular project. On November 18, 2016, our project in the Charlotte, NC Waste to Energy Anaerobic Digester 5.2 MW Plant commenced commercial operations and started to provide its output to Duke Energy pursuant to the power purchase agreement with Duke Energy. The commencement of the commercial operations includes the gradual intake of waste from the facility’s feedstock suppliers, increasing the parasitic load to the digesters, completing the waste-water-treatment resources and completing all other mechanical features needed for the facility to operate at full capacity. As of December 31, 2016, the facility is in its mechanical completion and ramp-up phase of the project. We estimate that this project will be fully completed by April 30, 2017.
Our strategy is to integrate all activities and components that make up a waste-to-energy project and provide a turn-key, one-stop shop solution for waste-to-energy development. We are also actively seeking to acquire facilities that are in various stages of development. We work with and outsource key components of our projects to engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) providers and other project participants that provide the most economically viable solution for each individual project. The EPC providers may also be the provider of the technology used for each project. We believe this provides us the flexibility and freedom to tailor the best solution for each project. We expect that we will remain involved in managing and financing all aspects of our projects throughout their lifetimes or until they are sold. We believe this assures all of the involved parties, including waste producers, financing stakeholders, EPC and technology providers, and customers, that there is long-term continuity and responsibility for each project.
We aim to be distinctive and successful in the waste-to-energy market by:
● | providing a one-stop, turn-key/build, own and operate/transfer solution; |
● | identifying and obtaining the rights to lucrative projects without incurring material expense; |
● | delivering seamless and professional project implementation through a combination of our own expertise and the use of third-party experts with a track-record of success; |
● | being technology agnostic and using mature and well-known technologies and when necessary to tailor-make cost-efficient and effective solutions for our projects; |
● | leveraging our management’s more than 30 years of experience in successful implementation of large and complex projects; |
● | building local and international teams to support each project; |
● | obtaining political, property, non-performance and insolvency insurance for our projects; and |
● | our projects receiving almost all of their revenue in United States dollars or Euros, whether operating in the United States, Europe or the developing world. |
Competition
There are a number of other companies operating in the clean energy and waste-to-energy space, ranging from other project developers to service or equipment providers, buyers and/or investors. Unlike the common market approach in this space (i.e., being solely a project developer, service or equipment provider or a buyer or investor), we seek to provide a one-stop shop, turn-key solution for project development and operation. As described above, our business model is to acquire or develop and manage all aspects of project implementation and sales of the project’s clean energy and by-products. We believe this integrated approach is attractive to project stakeholders and will differentiate us in a positive manner from our competition. We are aware of several competitors in the United States, such as – Harvest Power, Neo Energy, Anaergia, Quasar, CH4 and others. We value these companies, as they are helping to create awareness and credibility for the waste-to-energy space. However, companies in the waste-to-energy industry tend to focus on new or singular technologies, whereas we believe that we have a competitive advantage in being technology agnostic. By having our own technology experts, we are able to focus on finding the best locations where waste is abundant and implementing the best technology for that particular waste stream.
The clean energy and waste-to-energy space is intensely competitive and subject to rapid and significant technological change. Many of our competitors and other companies operating in this space have greater financial and other resources than we have. As a result, these companies may be more effective in developing and implementing a business model similar to ours and/or competing with us in any aspect of project implementation and clean energy sales.
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Government Regulation
Permitting
Each of our projects in development requires certain government approvals. In the United States, the standard required environmental permits relate to solid waste composting and air quality.
All construction and operational permits for our North Carolina and Rhode Island projects have been obtained, except for the operating permit to achieve commercial operation for our Rhode Island project. In Italy, all permits for operation of the projects have been received, and these projects are operational.
Regulatory Changes and Compliance
Many aspects of our operations and facilities are affected by political developments and are subject to both domestic and foreign governmental regulations, including those relating to:
● | constructing and equipping facilities; |
● | workplace health and safety; |
● | currency conversions and repatriation; |
● | taxation of foreign earnings and earnings of expatriate personnel; and |
● | protecting the environment. |
We cannot determine the extent to which new legislation, new regulations or changes in existing laws or regulations may affect our future operations.
Environmental
Our operations and properties are subject to a wide variety of increasingly complex and stringent foreign, federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those governing discharges into the air and water, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, the remediation of soil and groundwater contaminated by hazardous substances and the health and safety of employees. Sanctions for noncompliance may include revocation of permits, corrective action orders, administrative or civil penalties and criminal prosecution. Some environmental laws provide for strict, joint and several liability for remediation of spills and other releases of hazardous substances, as well as damage to natural resources. In addition, companies may be subject to claims alleging personal injury or property damage as a result of alleged exposure to hazardous substances. Such laws and regulations may also expose us to liability for the conduct of or conditions caused by others or for our acts that were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time such acts were performed.
These laws and regulations include the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and similar laws that provide for responses to, and liability for, releases of hazardous substances into the environment. These laws and regulations also include similar foreign, state or local counterparts to these federal laws, which regulate air emissions, water discharges, hazardous substances and waste and require public disclosure related to the use of various hazardous substances. Our operations are also governed by laws and regulations relating to workplace safety and worker health, including the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Effect of Existing or Probable Government Regulations on Our Business
Our business is affected by numerous laws and regulations on the international, federal, state and local levels, including energy, environmental, conservation, tax and other laws and regulations relating to our industry. Failure to comply with any laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties, the imposition of injunctive relief or both. Moreover, changes in any of these laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business. In view of the many uncertainties with respect to current and future laws and regulations, including their applicability to us, we cannot predict the overall effect of such laws and regulations on our future operations.
We believe that our operations comply in all material respects with applicable laws and regulations and that the existence and enforcement of such laws and regulations have no more restrictive an effect on our operations than on other similar companies in our industry. We do not anticipate any material capital expenditures to comply with international, federal and state environmental requirements. However, we can provide no assurance that we will not incur significant environmental compliance costs in the future.
Employees
We have eleven full-time basis professionals: our non-executive chairman, chief executive officer, two executive vice-presidents, chief technical officer, chief financial officer, controller for European operations, vice president of strategy and business development, vice president investor relations, operation manager for the United States market and vice president of business development for the United States market. We also employ one part-time office manager. Our subsidiary, Eastern Sphere, has two full-time employees, our vice president of business development for the European market and our executive vice president of mergers and acquisitions.
Segments and Geographic Information
We have one reporting segment. For information regarding revenue and other information regarding our results of operations for each of our last two fiscal years, please refer to our financial statements included in this prospectus and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in this prospectus.
Corporate History
We were incorporated in the state of Nevada on July 17, 2007 and were originally in the business of developing and promoting automotive internet sites. In March 2010, we conducted a reverse merger, name change and forward split of our Common Stock, and current management took over operations, at which point we changed our business focus to become a project integrator in the clean energy production and waste to energy markets.
In 2013, we amended and restated our Articles of Incorporation to, among other things, (a) authorize the issuance of 500,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value, in one or more series and with such rights, preferences and privileges as our Board may determine and (b) effect a 1 for 113 reverse stock split of our outstanding Common Stock.
Our direct wholly-owned subsidiaries are Eastern Sphere, Binosphere LLC (“Binosphere”), and Blue Sphere Brabant B.V. (“BSB”). Through our ownership of Blue Sphere Pavia, which is owned 100% by Eastern Sphere, we own 100% of Agricerere S.r.l., Agrielekra S.r.l., Agrisorse S.r.l. and Gefa S.r.l. Through our ownership of Eastern Sphere, we own 50% of Sustainable Energy Ltd. (“SEL”) and PureSphere Ltd. We also own a 25% interest in Concord (which owns OEC) and a 22.75% interest in Rhode Island (which owns OERI). On January 31, 2017, we dissolved Johnstonsphere LLC, which had no operations. As of the date of this prospectus, BSB had not commenced operations. Below is a chart of our direct and indirect subsidiaries.
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Our Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at 301 McCullough Drive, 4th Floor, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262 and our telephone number is (704) 909-2806. Our web address is http:// www.bluespherecorporate.com . The information on our website does not form a part of this prospectus.
Available Information
We are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. Copies of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other documents that we will file with or furnish to the SEC will be available free of charge by sending a written request to our Chief Executive Officer at our corporate headquarters. Additionally, the documents we file with the SEC are or will be available free of charge at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington D.C. 20549. Other information on the operation of the Public Reference Room is or will be available by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330. This information is also available from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Our principal executive office is located in North Carolina at 301 McCullough Drive, 4th Floor, Charlotte, NC 28262. Since May 22, 2013, we have leased office space at this site and currently pay $196 per month through May 31, 2017, and have extended the term for an additional 12 months for $186 per month. We also have office space located at 35 Asuta St. Even Yehuda, Israel 40500, for which we pay the operating expenses but do not pay any rent.
Each of the SPVs owned by Blue Sphere Pavia own the real property used for the operation of the facilities, which has been used as collateral to secure the SPVs obligations under the SPV Financing Agreement, as follows: (i) Agrielektra S.r.l. owns the approximately 5.63 acres of real property used for the operation of the SPV, located at Strada Provinciale 29, Alagna (Pavia); (ii) Agricerere S.r.l. owns the approximately 5.85 acres of real property used for the operation of the SPV, located at Strada dei Balzini, Tromello (Pavia); (iii) Agrisorse S.r.l. owns the approximately 6.34 acres of real property used for the operation of the SPV, located at Strada Provinciale 206, Garlasco (Pavia); and (iv) Gefa S.r.l. owns the approximately 4.85 acres of real property used for the operation of the SPV, located at Strada Vicinale di Milano, Dorno (Pavia).
OERI leases the real property in Johnston, Rhode Island used for the operation of the Rhode Island project facility. The lease is for a period of 15 years beginning on April 1, 2015, and includes two subsequent renewal terms of 6 and 5 years, respectively. The lease includes a monthly base rent scale starting at $15,000 per month in year 1 and increasing each year up to $22,688.85 per month at the end of the initial term. The current monthly rent is $15,450 per month. OEC owns the approximately 13.06 acres of real property used for the operation of the North Carolina project facility, located at 600 Johnson Road, Charlotte, North Carolina.
We intend to obtain additional working space near our projects if and when we believe this is necessary for the development and operation of the projects. Until such time, we believe that our property is adequate for the conduct of our business.
From time to time we and our subsidiaries may be parties to legal proceedings arising in the normal course of our business. Except as noted below, we and our subsidiaries are currently not a party, nor is our property subject, to any material pending legal proceedings. None of our directors, officers, affiliates, or any owner of record or beneficially of more than five percent of our Common Stock, is involved in a material proceeding adverse to us or our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to us or our subsidiaries.
On October 22, 2016, the law firm of JS Barkats PLLC filed a complaint against us and Shlomo Palas, our Chief Executive Officer, seeking allegedly unpaid legal fees for services rendered from June 9, 2011 through April 23, 2012 in the amount of USD $428,964.70, plus interest for a total of USD $652,000 (the “Barkats Litigation”). The Barkats Litigation was filed as JS Barkats PLLC v. Blue Sphere Corporation and Shlomo Palas with the Supreme Court of the State of New York for the County of New York (the “New York Court”), Index No. 655600/2016.
On October 26, 2016, without notice to us or Mr. Palas or an opportunity to be heard, the New York Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order (the “TRO”) in favor JS Barkats PLLC, prohibiting us and Mr. Palas from “transferring or dissipating their assets … to the extent of $652,000”, pending the return date of JS Barkats PLLC’s asset attachment motion, due November 17, 2016. On October 28, 2016, we received notice of the foregoing. On October 31, 2016, we removed the Barkats Litigation to federal court, filed as JS Barkats PLLC v. Blue Sphere Corporation and Shlomo Palas with the United Stated District Court, Southern District Court of New York, Docket No. 1:16-cv-08404.
It is the Company’s position that by operation of law, the TRO expired no later than November 15, 2016. On November 18, 2016, the Company and Mr. Palas moved to compel mediation and arbitration of the dispute. Subsequently, on December 6, 2016, JS Barkats PLLC filed a motion to remand the action to the New York Court and also filed a motion to hold the Company and Mr. Palas in contempt for allegedly violating the TRO. The Company has opposed both motions.
We terminated the services of JS Barkats LLC in 2012 and believe the claims brought by JS Barkats PLLC are without merit, that the TRO was improvidently granted, and that JS Barkats PLLC misrepresented, mischaracterized and omitted material facts and the law in seeking the TRO. We intend to vigorously defend against the Barkats Litigation, the TRO and any other attempts to attach the assets of the Company.
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Executive Officers and Directors
The following table sets forth the names and ages of the members of our Board of Directors and our executive officers and the positions held by each. There are no family relationships among any of our directors and executive officers. The officers are appointed by our Board.
Name | Age | Position |
Joshua Shoham | 65 | Chairman of the Board, Class III Director |
Shlomo Palas | 55 | Chief Executive Officer, Class III Director |
Yigal Brosh | 53 | Class II Director |
Shimon Erlichman | 65 | Class I Director |
Lyron Bentovim | 47 | Class II Director |
David A. Doctor | 65 | Class I Director |
Roy Amitzur | 54 | Executive Vice President |
Ran Daniel | 48 | Chief Financial Officer |
Elad Kerner | 49 | Executive Vice President |
Joshua Shoham – Chairman of the Board – Mr. Shoham became our Chairman on March 2, 2012. Mr. Shoham has extensive experience in senior executive management and in international business development in the United States, Europe and China. He has held several General Manager positions and is co-founder of several high-tech startups. Mr. Shoham was also a strategic market development consultant responsible for a range of transactions in the Israeli and Chinese traditional and high-tech industries. He previously served as a director on the board of Bio-Cell (TASE: BCEL), which merged its activities into Protalix Biotherapeutics (AMEX: PLX). Mr. Shoham holds an MBA and a B.A. in Economics, both from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and an LL.B. degree from the Faculty of Law of Tel-Aviv University. Our Board believes Mr. Shoham’s qualifications to serve as a member of our Board include his extensive experience in senior management and international business development.
Shlomo Palas – Chief Executive Officer and Director – Mr. Palas became our Chief Executive Officer and a director on March 3, 2010. Mr. Palas is a highly experienced entrepreneur who has held executive positions at a number of leading Israeli firms. From 2005 to 2010, he served as an entrepreneur advising companies in the biodiesel industry. Prior to that he was a senior consultant with Mitzuv, a leading management consulting firm, and has served in a variety of marketing roles. Since 2010, Mr. Palas has specialized in the renewable and clean tech industries. He has gained significant experience in renewable and clean tech manufacturing, off-take contracts with leading petrol companies, legal/financial structuring, and fundraising for these industries. He has also developed a large network in private and government sectors in many cities across China. Mr. Palas previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Becco Biofuels China Ltd., which was a company active in the biofuel industry. Mr. Palas participated in the establishment of the largest commercial algae farm in China together with one of China’s largest electrical utilities. Mr. Palas holds a B.A. in Statistics and Management from Haifa University and an M.S. from Baruch College. Our Board believes Mr. Palas’ qualifications to serve as a member of our Board include his significant experience in renewable and clean tech manufacturing and his management and entrepreneurial experience.
Yigal Brosh – Director – Mr. Brosh has been a member of our Board since May 2014. Mr. Brosh is a director at Abroker Trading & Securities LTD. and Chairman of the Board at Environmental Services Company Ltd. Environmental Services Company is a government-owned national infrastructure company, established for the purpose of handling all the hazardous waste produced in Israel. The company owns the Ramat Hovav plant for the treatment of hazardous waste, which handles a wide variety of organic, inorganic and solid materials. Mr. Brosh previously served as a director at Analyst Portfolio Management Ltd. and is former Chief Executive Officer, director and partner of Millennium Mutual Funds. Mr. Brosh holds a B.A. in Economics and MBA (Hebrew University of Jerusalem) and an investment portfolio management license from the Israel Securities Authority (ISA). Our Board believes Mr. Brosh’s qualifications to serve as a member of our Board include his extensive experience in the environmental and waste management industry and his executive experience.
Shimon Erlichman – Director – Mr. Erlichman has been a member of our Board since September 2015. Mr. Erlichman previously served as Chief Financial Officer of two Israeli companies traded on the Israeli Stock Exchange and established his own company in 1980, which provides services to local and foreign companies in Israel. Mr. Erlichman holds a B.A. in Accounting and Economics from Bar Ilan University and is a member of the Israeli Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Our Board believes Mr. Erlichman’s qualifications to serve as a member of our Board include his financial expertise and his professional experience.
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Lyron Bentovim – Director – Mr. Bentovim has been a member of our Board since August 2016. Mr. Bentovim presently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Glimpse Group, and is the founder and Managing Partner of DarkLight Partners, a strategic advisor to small and mid-cap companies. Prior to founding DarkLight Partners, from 2014 to 2015, Mr. Bentovim served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Top Image Systems (NASDAQ: TISA). Prior to this position he served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of NIT Health from 2013 to 2014. From 2009 until 2012, Mr. Bentovim served as the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Sunrise Telecom Inc. Prior to joining Sunrise Telecom Inc., from 2001 until 2009, Mr. Bentovim was a Managing Director for Skiritai Capital LLC. Mr. Bentovim has over 20 years of industry experience, including his experience as a member of the board of directors for public and private companies, including Manhattan Bridge Capital, Inc., RTW Inc., Ault Inc., Top Image Systems, Three-Five Systems Inc., Sunrise Telecom Incorporated, and Argonaut Technologies Inc. Mr. Bentovim has also served in senior and executive positions with WebBrix Inc., USWeb/CKS, the Mitchell Madison Group LLC and McKinsey & Company Inc. Mr. Bentovim has an MBA from Yale School of Management and a Law degree from the Hebrew University. Our Board believes Mr. Bentovim’s qualifications to serve as a member of our Board include his professional executive experience and experience as a strategic advisor.
David Doctor – Director – Mr. Doctor has been a member of our Board since December 2016. Mr. Doctor presently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of E4 Carolinas, Inc., a trade association for over 130 energy companies in North Carolina and South Carolina. In 2012, Mr. Doctor joined the Duke University Energy Initiative, where he served as a Director and Engagement Administrator, and presently serves as an Energy Industry Fellow. In 2009, Mr. Doctor co-founded Datrix World, LLC, and until 2011 served as its Chief Executive Officer. In 2005, Mr. Doctor co-founded Interaction Intelligence Institute, Inc., and until 2009 served as its Chief Executive Officer. From 1997 until 2005, Mr. Doctor served as the University of Louisville’s College of Business Bank One Entrepreneur in Residence. From 2001 through 2003, Mr. Doctor served as Genscape, Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer and on its board of directors. From 1993 through 1997, Mr. Doctor was Chief Executive Officer of a subsidiary of Tenneco, Inc., Tenneco Energy Resources Corporation, a holding company containing 27 energy corporations. In 1994, Mr. Doctor co-founded and served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of EnTrade Corporation, a U.S. energy trading company which was sold to Tenneco Energy. Prior to that he served as Director of Strategy for Texas Gas Transmission Corporation. Mr. Doctor has established strategy for two Fortune 500 regulated energy utilities, and has co-founded or led seven companies, most of which have been companies in the energy industry. As a Chief Executive Officer, he has created or led more than a dozen start-ups, including energy trading, online collaboration, retail, energy information, consulting and software-as-a-service companies. Mr. Doctor has served on the boards of directors of seven private corporations. He has been twice named an Inc. Magazine/Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Mr. Doctor is a 1974 Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Detroit. Our Board believes Mr. Doctor’s qualifications to serve as a member of our Board include his extensive leadership experience in the energy industry and his executive and strategic experience with developing and growing early stage companies.
Roy Amitzur – Executive Vice President – Mr. Amitzur has served as our Executive Vice President since August 2011. Since 2008 and prior to joining the Company, Mr. Amitzur served as President of Clean Technologies Group Ltd, a holding and integration company specializing in investment in water technologies and water and waste water project execution. In addition, Mr. Amitzur has previously managed a number of start-up companies, including Bio Pure Technology Ltd., Proxy Aviation Systems, Inc., and Aquarius Technologies Inc. Mr. Amitzur has significant experience in implementing BOT and turn-key projects in water technologies and water and waste water execution around the world.
Ran Daniel – Chief Financial Officer – Mr. Daniel has served as our Chief Financial Officer since May 2016. From August 2014 to March 2016, Mr. Daniel served as General Counsel and Head of the Family Office of Elie Tahari Ltd., and from December 2012 to August 2014, he served as Executive Vice President of IDH Properties LLC. Mr. Daniel served as Principal of Daniel Capital Management Inc. from 2009 through December 2012. Mr. Daniel has more than 20 years of financial and business management experience in the United States, Europe and Israel. He has worked with real estate, fashion and high-tech companies as well as high net worth individuals. He has been involved with financing, project management, M&A and real estate transactions. Mr. Daniel is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the United States and Israel, admitted to practice law in the State of New York, licensed as a Real Estate Broker in the State of New York and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Mr. Daniel is a member of the CFA Institute, the New York Society of Security Analysts and the New York State Bar Association. Mr. Daniel holds a Bachelor of Economics, a Bachelor of Accounting and an MBA in Finance from the Hebrew University, as well as a Graduate Degree in Law from Bar-Ilan University. Our Board believes Mr. Daniel’s qualifications to serve as our Chief Financial Officer include his extensive chief financial executive experience, his expertise in reporting and finance-related activities for international operations, and his experience in M&A and real estate activities.
Dr. Elad Kerner – Executive Vice President – Dr. Kerner has served as our Executive Vice President since January 2016. Dr. Kerner has a Ph.D. in law from Bar-Ilan University and brings wealth of knowledge in economics, finance and management. Dr. Kerner is an expert in commercial transactions, international investment, mergers & acquisitions, corporate finance and corporate governance. Before joining Blue Sphere, Dr. Kerner was General Counsel for Israel Aerospace Industries, Ltd, was the Chief Executive Officer of Toptrio Group and was a Partner in the law firm of Shugol, Ketzef, Ehrlich, Kerner & Co. Dr. Kerner was a Lieutenant Colonel and Military Judge in the Israeli Defense Forces.
Board of Directors
We currently have six directors serving on our Board of Directors. A majority of the authorized number of directors constitutes a quorum of the Board for the transaction of business. The directors must be present at the meeting to constitute a quorum. However, any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board consent in writing to the action.
We are not a listed issuer, as such term is defined in Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act, and are therefore not subject to director independence standards. However, using the definition of “independent director” from NASDAQ Rule 5605(a)(2), the following directors would be considered independent: Yigal Brosh, Shimon Erlichman, David Doctor and Lyron Bentovim.
Our directors are elected by the vote of a majority in interest of the holders of our Common Stock and hold office until the earlier of his or her death, resignation, removal or expiration of the term for which he or she was elected and until a successor has been elected and qualified. The Board may also appoint directors to fill vacancies on the Board created by the death, resignation or removal of any director. Our Board consists of three classes of directors, apportioned as equally as possible, each of which is elected every three years.
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On June 17, 2015, our Board approved an amendment to the Company’s bylaws, effective as of such date, (i) to require any stockholder intending to propose business to be conducted at the annual meeting or to nominate any candidate for election to the Board to notify the Company not later than the close of business on the ninetieth (90th) day, nor earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day, in advance of the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting (provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than thirty (30) days before or more than seventy (70) days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder must be so delivered by the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Company) and (ii) to require any such stockholder to provide specified information and representations and, if applicable, require director nominees to provide specified information and representations in order to be eligible to be elected as a director.
Committees of the Board of Directors
On October 12, 2015, our Board designated the following three committees of the Board: an Audit Committee, a Finance Committee and an Administration and Management Committee. On November 20, 2016, our Board designated the following two committees of the Board: a Compensation Committee and a Nominations Committee.
Shimon Erlichman is the Chairman of the Audit Committee, and Yigal Brosh and Lyron Bentovim are its members. The Audit Committee is responsible for, among other things, overseeing the financial reporting and audit process and evaluating our internal controls over financial reporting. The Board has determined that Yigal Brosh, Shimon Erlichman and Lyron Bentovim would each be considered “independent directors” and “Audit Committee financial experts” within the meaning of the NASDAQ and Exchange Act rules.
Lyron Bentovim is the Chairman of the Finance Committee, and Yigal Brosh and Shlomo Palas are its members. The Finance Committee is responsible for, among other things, reviewing our investment policy, annual financing plan and financial structure.
The members of the Administration and Management Committee are Shlomo Palas and Joshua Shoham. The Administration and Management Committee is responsible for, among other things, managing and overseeing daily operations and transactions in the ordinary course of our business.
Yigal Brosh is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, and Shimon Erlichman is a member. The Compensation Committee is responsible for, among other things, establishing and overseeing the Company’s executive and equity compensation programs, establishing performance goals and objectives, and evaluating performance against such goals and objectives. The Board has determined that Yigal Brosh and Shimon Erlichman would each be considered “independent directors” within the meaning of the NASDAQ and Exchange Act rules.
David Doctor is the Chairman of the Nominations Committee, and Shimon Erlichman and Lyron Bentovim are its members.The Nominations Committee is responsible for, among other things, establishing and overseeing the Company’s director nominations process and procedures, developing and maintaining the Company’s corporate governance policies, and any related matters required by federal securities laws. The Board has determined that David Doctor, Lyron Bentovim and Shimon Erlichman would each be considered “independent directors” within the meaning of the NASDAQ and Exchange Act rules.
Current copies of the charters of the Audit Committee, Finance Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominations Committee are available on our corporate website at http://www.bluespherecorporate.com.
Code of Ethics
On April 27, 2016, our Board approved and adopted a code of ethics (the “Code of Ethics”). The Code of Ethics is applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The Code of Ethics addresses such individuals’ conduct with respect to, among other things, conflicts of interests; compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; rules to promote full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure; use of Company assets and corporate opportunities; confidentiality; fair dealing; and reporting and enforcement. A current copy of the Code of Ethics is available on our corporate website at http://www.bluespherecorporate.com.
Anti-Harassment Policy
On April 27, 2016, our Board approved and adopted an anti-harassment policy (the “Anti-Harassment Policy”). The Anti-Harassment Policy is applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees and addresses, among other things, fair treatment of individuals in the workplace.
Involvement in Legal Proceedings
We know of no pending proceedings in which any director, officer, or affiliate is either a party adverse to us, or our subsidiaries, or has a material interest adverse to us or our subsidiaries, except for our Chief executive Officer, Shlomi Palas, who is a co-defendant in the Barkats Litigation as described above.
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Stockholder Communications
Although we do not have a formal policy regarding communications with the Board, stockholders may communicate with the Board by writing to us at 301 McCullough Drive, 4th Floor, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262, Attention: Stockholder Communication. Stockholders who would like their submission directed to a member of the Board may so specify, and the communication will be forwarded, as appropriate.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
We are currently a party to certain services and employment agreements with our executives and a non-executive member of our Board, which are specifically described under the headings “Narrative Disclosure to Executive Summary Compensation Table” and “Narrative Disclosure to Director Compensation Table” in the “Executive Compensation” section of this prospectus.
Unless otherwise stated in this prospectus, none of the following parties has, in our fiscal years ended 2015 and 2016, had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction with us or in any presently proposed transaction that has or will materially affect us:
● | any of our directors or officers; |
● | any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, shares carrying more than 5% of the voting rights attached to our outstanding shares of common stock; or |
● | any member of the immediate family (including spouse, parents, children, siblings and in-laws) of any of the above persons. |
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Executive Summary Compensation Table for Calendar Years 2015 and 2016
The table below sets forth, for our last two calendar years, the compensation earned by our named executive officers, Shlomo Palas, our Chief Executive Officer, Roy Amitzur and Elad Kerner, our Executive Vice Presidents.
Name and Principal Position | Year (1) | Salary ($) |
Bonus
($) |
Stock awards ($) (2) | Option awards ($) (2)(3) | Non-equity incentive plan compensation ($) |
Non-qualified
deferred compensation earnings
($) |
All other compensation ($) (4) |
Total
($) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shlomo Palas (5) | 2016 | 204,000 | — | 216,386 | — | — | — | 36,720 | 457,106 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(CEO) | 2015 | 183,000 | — | 72,354 | — | — | — | 4,590 | 259,944 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Roy Amitzur | 2016 | 180,000 | — | 209,543 | — | — | — | 32,400 | 421,943 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(EVP) | 2015 | 180,000 | — | 69,100 | — | — | — | 4,050 | 253,150 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Elad Kerner | 2016 | 201,627 | — | 75,650 | — | — | — | — | 277,277 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(EVP) | 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) | The Company changed its fiscal year to end on December 31st each year, effective January 1, 2016. The Company filed an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, thereby previously reporting compensation for such fiscal period. For the purposes of comparison and clarity, the Company has presented compensation in this table on the basis of a calendar year ending December 31, 2015 and 2016. | |
(2) | For assumptions made in the valuation of stock awards and option awards, see Note 15 to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. | |
(3) | On February 24, 2015, as previously reported for option award amounts reflected for 2015, the Board granted five-year options to purchase shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.14 per share to Messrs. Palas and Amitzur under the 2014 Incentive Plan, but such options were subsequently terminated on November 20, 2016. | |
(4) | All other compensation includes payment by the Company into specified welfare benefit plans and required insurance payments. | |
(5) | Shlomo Palas is also a director of the Company. Mr. Palas receives no compensation as a director. |
Narrative Disclosure to Executive Summary Compensation Table
Shlomo Palas
On October 15, 2015, we entered into a service agreement with Mr. Palas to retain him as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The service agreement, which was intended to extend the term of a previous service agreement with Mr. Palas, will expire on October 15, 2020, subject to a five-year extension at the option of the Company and Mr. Palas. As Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Palas, among other duties, is responsible for setting our overall corporate direction, including establishing and maintaining budgets and ensuring we have adequate capital for our operations, marketing and general corporate activities. Under the terms of his service agreement, Mr. Palas will receive $204,000 in annual base compensation during the first year of the agreement, subject to an annual increase review, as well as stock grants vesting on each one year anniversary of the agreement to purchase 950,000 shares of Common Stock for a price of $0.01 and on such other terms as provided in the grants. Mr. Palas will also be entitled to participate in any bonus, incentive compensation, savings and retirement and insurance plans of the Company. Mr. Palas’ employment may be terminated with or without cause by the Company, subject to the terms of his service agreement. Mr. Palas received $183,000 in annual base compensation in 2015 and $204,000 in annual base compensation in 2016. Pursuant to his service agreement, Mr. Palas purchased 950,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $0.01 on December 20, 2016.
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On February 24, 2015, Mr. Palas was issued 750,000 shares of Common Stock under the 2010 Incentive Plan. In addition, on February 24, 2015 the Company granted 3,600,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Palas under its 2014 Incentive Plan. The shares vest on a quarterly basis over a two-year period and will be issued in annual installments. As of December 31, 2016, 3,300,000 of such shares have been issued to Mr. Palas, with the final installment of 300,000 shares to be issued following March 31, 2017. Also on February 24, 2015, the Board granted options to purchase up to 900,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Palas, such options having never been issued and subsequently terminated on November 20, 2016.
Roy Amitzur
On October 15, 2015, we entered into a service agreement with Roy Amitzur and JLS Advanced Investment Holdings Limited (“JLS”), a company owned by Mr. Amitzur, to retain Mr. Amitzur as the Company’s Executive Vice President. On December 29, 2016, we entered into an addendum to Mr. Amitzur’s service agreement, whereby the parties and Renewable Energy Management Services (“RES”), a wholly owned subsidiary of RR Water Projects Ltd., which is owned and controlled by Mr. Amitzur and his wife, agreed that all compensation and equity paid, issued or granted thereunder will be to REM. The service agreement, which was intended to extend the term of a previous service agreement with Mr. Amitzur, will expire on October 14, 2020, subject to a five-year extension at the option of the Company and Mr. Amitzur. As Executive Vice President, Mr. Amitzur, among other duties, is responsible for developing and managing the Company’s projects and sourcing the required capital for such projects. Under the terms of his service agreement, Mr. Amitzur will receive $180,000 in annual base compensation during the first year of the agreement, subject to an annual increase review, as well as stock grants vesting on each one year anniversary of the agreement to purchase up to 850,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for a price of $0.01 and on such other terms as provided in the grants. Mr. Amitzur will also be entitled to participate in any bonus, incentive compensation, savings and retirement and insurance plans of the Company. Mr. Amitzur’s employment may be terminated with or without cause by the Company, subject to the terms of his service agreement. Mr. Amitzur received $180,000 in annual base compensation in 2015 and in 2016. Pursuant to his service agreement, Mr. Amitzur purchased 850,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $0.01 on December 30, 2016.
On February 24, 2015, Mr. Amitzur was issued 675,000 shares of Common Stock under the 2010 Incentive Plan. In addition, on February 24, 2015 the Company granted 3,500,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Amitzur under its 2014 Incentive Plan. The shares vest on a quarterly basis over a two-year period and will be issued in annual installments. As of December 31, 2016, 3,208,333 of such shares have been issued to Mr. Amitzur, with the final installment of 291,667 shares to be issued following March 31, 2017. Also on February 24, 2015, the Board granted options to purchase up to 700,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Amitzur, such options having never been issued and subsequently terminated on November 20, 2016. All such shares and options are have been transferred or issued into the name of RES.
Elad Kerner
On January 1, 2016, Eastern Sphere, our wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Elad Kerner to retain him as the Company’s Executive Vice President. The service agreement commenced on April 1, 2016 and will expire on April 1, 2021, subject to a five-year extension at the option of the Company and Mr. Kerner. As Executive Vice President, Mr. Kerner, among other duties, is responsible for developing and implementing the finance strategy of the Company. Under the terms of his service agreement, Mr. Kerner will receive $180,000 in annual base compensation during the first year of the agreement, subject to an annual increase review, as well as stock grants vesting upon execution and again on each one year anniversary of the agreement to purchase 850,000 shares of Common Stock for a price of $0.01 and on such other terms as provided in the grants. Mr. Kerner will also be entitled to participate in any bonus, incentive compensation, savings and retirement and insurance plans of the Company. In connection with his business development activity, upon the closing of project acquisitions and/or new projects, Mr. Kerner is entitled to received defined amounts of shares of Common Stock as incentive compensation and cash bonus amounts determined on a case-by-case basis by our Board (which shall never exceed 3% of a project’s total value). Mr. Kerner’s employment may be terminated with or without cause by the Company, subject to the terms of the service agreement. Mr. Kerner received $201,627 in compensation in 2016, of which $180,000 was annual base salary, adjusted up by $21,627 for travel and reimbursable expenses. Pursuant to his service agreement, Mr. Kerner purchased 850,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.01 on June 13, 2016.
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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
As of December 31, 2016, the following named executive officers had the following unexercised options, stock that has not vested, and equity incentive plan awards:
Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) exercisable |
Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#)
un-exercisable |
Option
exercise price |
Option
expiration date |
Number of
shares or units of stock that have not vested |
Market
value of shares or units of stock that have not vested ($) |
Equity
incentive plan awards: Number of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested (#) |
Equity incentive
plan awards: Market or payout value of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested ($) |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Shlomo Palas (1) (CEO) |
230,089 | — | 0.5763 | 04/30/2018 | 300,000 | 20,070 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Roy Amitzur (2) (EVP) |
168,142 | — | 0.5763 | 04/30/2018 | 291,667 | 19,512 | — | — |
(1) | On April 30, 2013, under the 2010 Incentive Plan, Mr. Palas was granted options to purchase 230,089 shares of Common Stock, which vested quarterly over a two-year period. The options are fully vested and exercisable for 5 years from the date of the grant at an exercise price of $0.5763 per share. On February 24, 2015, pursuant to the 2014 Incentive Plan, Mr. Palas was granted 3,600,000 shares of Common Stock, vesting on a quarterly basis over a two-year period. As of December 31, 2016, 3,300,000 of such shares have been issued, with the final installment of 300,000 shares vesting on March 31, 2017. | |
(2) | On April 30, 2013, under the 2010 Incentive Plan, Mr. Amitzur was granted options to purchase 168,142 shares of Common Stock, which vested quarterly over a two-year period. The options are fully vested and exercisable for 5 years from the date of the grant at an exercise price of $0.5763 per share. On February 24, 2015, pursuant to the 2014 Incentive Plan, Mr. Amitzur was granted 3,500,000 shares of Common Stock, vesting on a quarterly basis over a two-year period. As of December 31, 2016, 3,208,333 of such shares have been issued, with the final installment of 291,667 shares vesting on March 31, 2017. |
Equity Compensation Plan Information
On February 24, 2015, our Board approved and adopted the Global Share and Options Incentive Enhancement Plan (2014) (the “2014 Incentive Plan”), pursuant to which the Company may award shares of Common Stock, options to purchase shares of Common Stock and other equity-based awards to eligible participants. The 2014 Incentive Plan replaced the Company’s Global Share Incentive Plan (2010) (the “2010 Incentive Plan”). All options issued and outstanding under the 2010 Incentive Plan are exercisable within five-years of issuance, at an exercise price of $0.5763 per share. All options granted under the 2014 Incentive Plan were terminated by the Board of Directors on November 20, 2016.
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On August 8, 2016, our Board approved and adopted the Company’s 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2016 Incentive Plan”), pursuant to which the Company may award shares of Common Stock, options to purchase shares of Common Stock and other equity-based awards to eligible participants. On November 23, 2016, the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock approved the 2016 Incentive Plan. The 2016 Incentive Plan replaced the 2014 Incentive Plan. The 2016 Incentive Plan is described in more detail below.
The 2010 Incentive Plan, 2014 Incentive Plan and 2016 Incentive Plan are collectively referred to as our “Equity Incentive Plans”.
The following table summarizes information as of the close of business on December 31, 2016 concerning our Equity Incentive Plans:
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Weighted-average exercise
price of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Securities remaining available
for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) |
||||||||||
Plan category | (a) | (b) | (c) | |||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1) | 2,544,765 | $ | — | 42,455,235 | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | 2,439,676 | $ | 0.180 | — | ||||||||
Total | 4,984,441 | $ | 0.090 | 42,455,235 |
(1) | The number of securities in column (a) includes 2,544,765 shares of Common Stock issued in 2017 to members of our Board under our 2016 Incentive Plan pursuant to the Directors Compensation Plan, for services rendered in 2016. |
The 2016 Incentive Plan
The purpose of the 2016 Incentive Plan is (i) assisting the Company and its affiliates in the recruitment and retention of persons with ability and initiative, (ii) providing an incentive to such persons to contribute to the growth and success of the Company’s businesses by affording such persons equity participation in the Company and (iii) associating the interests of such persons with those of the Company and its affiliates and stockholders.
General Provisions of the 2016 Incentive Plan
The Board shall have the sole authority to implement, interpret, and/or administer the 2016 Incentive Plan unless the Board delegates (i) all or any portion of its authority to implement, interpret, and/or administer the 2016 Incentive Plan to a committee of the Board (i.e., the Compensation Committee), or (ii) the authority to grant and administer awards under the 2016 Incentive Plan to an officer of the Company.
The 2016 Incentive Plan relates to the issuance of up to 45,000,000 shares of Common Stock, of which up to 15,000,000 shares shall be reserved specifically for the issuance of Incentive Stock Options, subject to adjustment as described below, and shall be effective for ten (10) years, unless earlier terminated. No single participant under the 2016 Incentive Plan may receive more than 25% of all options awarded in a single year.
Any employee of the Company or an affiliate, a director, or a consultant to the Company or an affiliate may be an “Eligible Person” under the 2016 Incentive Plan. The 2016 Incentive Plan provides Eligible Persons the opportunity to participate in the enhancement of stockholder value by the award of options and Common Stock, granted as stock bonus awards, restricted stock awards, deferred share awards and performance-based awards, under the 2016 Incentive Plan. This further provides for the Company to make payment of bonuses and/or consulting fees to certain Eligible Persons in options and Common Stock, or any combination thereof.
Certain options to be granted to employees under the 2016 Incentive Plan are intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options (“ISOs”) pursuant to Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), while other options granted under the 2016 Incentive Plan will be nonqualified options not intended to qualify as ISOs (“Nonqualified Options”), either or both as provided in the agreements evidencing the options granted.
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Stock Options
The Board or the Compensation Committee shall have sole and absolute discretionary authority (i) to determine, authorize, and designate those persons pursuant to the 2016 Incentive Plan who are to receive options under the 2016 Incentive Plan, (ii) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by such options and the terms thereof, (iii) to determine the type of option granted (ISO or Nonqualified Option), and (iv) to determine other such details concerning the vesting, termination, exercise, transferability and payment of such options. The Board or the Compensation Committee shall thereupon grant options in accordance with such determinations as evidenced by a written option agreement. Subject to the express provisions of the 2016 Incentive Plan, the Board or the Compensation Committee shall have discretionary authority to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the 2016 Incentive Plan, to interpret the 2016 Incentive Plan, to prescribe and amend the terms of the option agreements and to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the 2016 Incentive Plan.
The exercise price per share for Common Stock or options granted under the 2016 Incentive Plan shall be determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee, but in no case shall be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the fair market value of the Common Stock (determined in accordance with the 2016 Incentive Plan at the time the option is granted), provided that, with respect to ISOs granted to a person who holds ten percent (10%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company, the exercise price per share for Common Stock shall not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock. The fair market value of the Common Stock with respect to which ISOs may be exercisable for the first time by any Eligible Person during any calendar year under all such plans of the Company and its affiliates shall not exceed $100,000, or such other amount provided in Section 422 of the Code.
Bonus and Restricted Stock Awards
The Board or the Compensation Committee may, in its sole discretion, grant awards of Common Stock in the form of bonus awards and restricted stock awards. Each stock award agreement shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board or the Compensation Committee deems appropriate. The terms and conditions of each stock award agreement may change from time to time and need not be uniform with respect to Eligible Persons, and the terms and conditions of separate stock award agreements need not be identical.
Deferred Stock Awards
The Board or the Compensation Committee may authorize grants of shares of Common Stock to be awarded at a future date upon such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine. Such awards shall be conferred upon the Eligible Person as consideration for the performance of services and subject to the fulfillment of specified conditions during the deferral period. Each deferred stock award agreement shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board or the Compensation Committee deems appropriate. The terms and conditions of each deferred stock award agreement may change from time to time and need not be uniform with respect to Eligible Persons, and the terms and conditions of separate deferred stock award agreements need not be identical.
Performance Share Awards
The Board or the Compensation Committee may authorize grants of shares of Common Stock to be awarded upon the achievement of specified performance objectives, upon such terms and conditions as the Board or the Compensation Committee may determine. Such awards shall be conferred upon the Eligible Person upon the achievement of specified performance objectives during a specified performance period, such objectives being set forth in the grant and including a minimum acceptable level of achievement and, optionally, a formula for measuring and determining the number of performance shares to be issued. Each performance share award agreement shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board or the Compensation Committee deems appropriate. The terms and conditions of each performance share award may change from time to time and need not be uniform with respect to Eligible Persons, and the terms and conditions of separate performance share award agreements need not be identical.
Adjustments
If the Company shall effect a subdivision or consolidation of shares or other capital readjustment, the payment of a stock dividend, or other increase or reduction of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding, without receiving consideration therefore in money, services or property, then (i) the number, class, and per share price of shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding options and other awards under the 2016 Incentive Plan and (ii) the number of and class of shares then reserved for issuance under the 2016 Incentive Plan and the maximum number of shares for which awards may be granted to an Eligible Person during a specified time period shall be appropriately and proportionately adjusted. The Board or the Compensation Committee shall make such adjustments, and its determinations shall be final, binding and conclusive.
Change in Control
If the Company is merged or consolidated with another entity or sells or otherwise disposes of substantially all of its assets to another company while options or stock awards remain outstanding under the 2016 Incentive Plan, unless provisions are made in connection with such transaction for the continuance of the 2016 Incentive Plan and/or the assumption or substitution of such options or stock awards with new options or stock awards covering the stock of the successor company, or parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices, then all outstanding options and stock awards which have not been continued, assumed or for which a substituted award has not been granted shall, whether or not vested or then exercisable, unless otherwise specified in the stock option or stock award agreement, terminate immediately as of the effective date of any such merger, consolidation or sale.
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Withholding of Taxes
Subject to other customary terms, the Company may, prior to certificating any Common Stock, deduct or withhold from any payment pursuant to a stock option or stock award agreement an amount that is necessary to satisfy any withholding requirement of the Company in which it believes, in good faith, is necessary in connection with U.S. federal, state, local or transfer taxes as a consequence of the issuance or lapse of restrictions on such Common Stock.
Director Compensation Table
The table below sets forth, for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the compensation earned by each of our directors.
Fees earned or
paid in cash ($) |
Stock awards
($) (1)(2) |
Options
awards ($) (1)(3) |
Non-equity
incentive plan compensation ($) |
Nonqualified
deferred compensation earnings ($) |
All other
compensation ($) |
Total ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Shlomo Palas (4) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Joshua Shoham (5) | — | 236,846 | — | — | — | 212,400 | 449,246 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Yigal Brosh (6)(7) | 20,000 | 112,714 | — | — | — | — | 132,714 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Shimon Erlichman (6) | 20,000 | 50,000 | — | — | — | — | 70,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Itai Haboucha (6) | 20,000 | 50,000 | — | — | — | — | 70,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Lyron Bentovim (6) | 7,065 | 17,663 | — | — | — | — | 24,728 | |||||||||||||||||||||
David Doctor (6) | 1,033 | 2,582 | — | — | — | — | 3,615 |
(1) | Stock awards made pursuant to the Directors Compensation Plan are based on a fixed annual dollar value, with the number of shares issued determined based on the trading price of Common Stock reported on the OTCQB® Venture Marketplace on the date of the grant. For assumptions made in the valuation of all other stock awards and option awards, see Note 15 to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. | |
(2) | As of December 31, 2016, the aggregate number of stock awards outstanding was 4,205,680. As of December 31, 2016, awards of Common Stock are outstanding to each of our directors, as follows: 300,000 shares to Mr. Palas, 291,667 shares to Mr. Shoham, 776,552 shares to Mr. Brosh, 747,385 shares to Mr. Erlichman, 264,022 shares to Mr. Bentovim and 38,588 to Mr. Doctor. | |
(3) | As of December 31, 2016, the aggregate number of option awards outstanding was 778,761. As of December 31, 2016, options to purchase shares of Common Stock are outstanding to each of our directors, as follows: to Mr. Palas, options to purchase up to 230,089 shares; and to Mr. Shoham, options to purchase up to 203,540 shares. On February 24, 2015, as previously reported for option award amounts reflected, the Board granted five-year options to purchase shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.14 per share to Messrs. Shoham and Brosh under the 2014 Incentive Plan, but such options were terminated on November 20, 2016. | |
(4) | All the compensation received by Mr. Palas was attributable to his role as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. | |
(5) | Mr. Shoham received $180,000 in consulting fees pursuant to an advisory agreement and payment by the Company of 32,400 into specified welfare benefit plans and required insurance payments. | |
(6) | Reflects fees and stock awards earned pursuant to the Directors Compensation Plan. | |
(7) | Stock awards include 300,000 shares of Common Stock granted by our Board on December 20, 2016 as a one-time special award for services performed. |
Directors Compensation Plan
On April 27, 2016, our Board approved the Company’s Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan, and on February 1, 2017, our Board approved the Company’s Amended and Restated Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan (as amended, the “Directors Compensation Plan”), applicable to members of the Board who are not employees of the Company (each, an “Eligible Director”). Under the Directors Compensation Plan, beginning on January 1, 2016, each Eligible Director shall be entitled to an annual cash retainer of USD $20,000, paid semi-annually, and a quarterly stock award equal to USD $12,500, determined based on the closing price of a share of Common Stock on the last trading day of such quarter, as reported on the OTCQB® Venture Marketplace. Eligible Directors shall also receive meeting fees equal to (a) USD $1,500 for scheduled quarterly meetings of the Board attended in-person, (b) USD $500 for scheduled quarterly meetings of the Board attended by teleconference, (c) USD $250 for special meetings of the Board, and (d) USD $500 for meetings of the committees of the Board. If an Eligible Director attends a meeting of the Board and one or more meetings of a committee of the Board on the same date, the Eligible Director shall receive the full fee for the meeting of the Board and 50% of the fee for each meeting of a committee of the Board attended.
Narrative Disclosure to Director Compensation Table
All of the compensation received by Shlomo Palas was attributable to his role as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, as described above under the heading “Executive Summary Compensation Table”. The compensation received by our other directors was in accordance with the Directors Compensation Plan or was individually negotiated, as described below.
On October 15, 2015, we entered into an advisory agreement with Joshua Shoham to retain Mr. Shoham as a strategic and business advisor to the Company, in addition to his role as Chairman of the Board. The agreement, which was intended to extend the term of a previous advisory agreement with Mr. Shoham, will expire on October 14, 2020, subject to a five year extension at the option of the Company and Mr. Shoham. Under the terms of his advisory agreement, Mr. Shoham will receive $180,000 in annual base compensation during the first year of the agreement, subject to an annual increase review, as well as stock grants vesting on each one year anniversary of the agreement to purchase up to 850,000 shares of Common Stock for a price of $0.01 and on such other terms as provided in the grants. Mr. Shoham will also be entitled to participate in any bonus, incentive compensation, savings and retirement and insurance plans of the Company. Mr. Shoham’s advisory agreement may be terminated with or without cause by the Company, subject to the terms of such agreement. Mr. Shoham received $180,000 in consulting fees in 2016. Pursuant to his service agreement, Mr. Shoham purchased 850,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $0.01 on December 20, 2016.
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On February 24, 2015, our Board granted 600,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Shoham under the 2010 Incentive Plan, and on June 13, 2016 the shares were issued. In addition, on February 24, 2015 the Company granted 3,500,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Shoham under its 2014 Incentive Plan. The shares vest on a quarterly basis over a two-year period and will be issued in annual installments. As of December 31, 2016, 3,208,333 of such shares have been issued to Mr. Shoham, with the final installment of 291,667 shares to be issued following March 31, 2017. Also on February 24, 2015, the Board granted options to purchase up to 700,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Shoham, such options having never been issued and subsequently terminated on November 20, 2016.
On February 24, 2015, our Board granted 100,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Brosh under the 2010 Incentive Plan, and on June 13, 2016 the shares were issued. In addition, on February 24, 2015 the Company granted 350,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Brosh under its 2014 Incentive Plan. The shares vest on a quarterly basis over a two-year period and will be issued in annual installments. As of December 31, 2016, 320,833 of such shares have been issued to Mr. Brosh, with the final installment of 29,167 shares to be issued following March 31, 2017. On December 30, 2016, our Board granted 300,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Brosh as a one-time special award for services performed. Also on February 24, 2015, the Board granted options to purchase up to 175,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Brosh, such options having never been issued and subsequently terminated on November 20, 2016.
Indemnification of Officers and Directors
Our bylaws provide that we shall indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, our officers, directors, employees and agents against expenses incurred in connection with actions or proceedings brought against them by reason of their serving or having served as officers, directors, employees, agents or in other capacities.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors and officers pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of common stock by: (i) each director, (ii) each of the executive officers of the Company, (iii) all current directors and executive officers as a group, and (iv) each person (including any “group” as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, all information set forth in the table is as of February 28, 2017.
Directors and Named Executive Officers
Title of Class | Directors and Named Executive Officers |
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership (1) |
Percent of
Class (1) |
|||||||
Common Stock | Shlomo Palas (2) | 6,645,579 | 2.35 | % | ||||||
Common Stock | Joshua Shoham (3) | 6,079,208 | 2.15 | % | ||||||
Common Stock | Yigal Brosh (4) | 1,497,385 | 0.53 | % | ||||||
Common Stock | Shimon Erlichman | 1,874,436 | 0.66 | % | ||||||
Common Stock | Lyron L. Bentovim | 264,022 | 0.09 | % | ||||||
Common Stock | David A. Doctor | 38,588 | 0.01 | % | ||||||
Common Stock | Roy Amitzur ( 5 ) | 6,298,323 | 2.23 | % | ||||||
Common Stock | Elad Kerner | 850,000 | 0.30 | % | ||||||
Common Stock | Directors and Officers as a Group (8 persons) | 23,547,541 | 8.29 | % |
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Stockholders with 5% Beneficial Ownership
Title of Class | Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Amount
and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership (1)(2) |
Percent of
Class (1)(2) |
|||||||
Common Stock |
Dr. Amiram Borenstein Ltd. 18 Reines Street Tel Aviv, Israel |
15,490,331 | 5.48 | % | ||||||
Common Stock |
Lazarus Management Company LLC ( 6 )( 7 ) 3200 Cherry Creek South Drive, Suite 670 Denver, Colorado 80209 |
83,861,896 | 27.96 | % | ||||||
Common Stock |
Auto Transtech Inc. ( 8 ) 8155 N. 76th Street Milwaukee, WI 53223 |
26,666,668 | 9.02 | % | ||||||
Common Stock |
Justin Keener (9)
3960 Howard Hughes Parkway Las Vegas, NV 89169
|
17,004,405
|
5.68
|
% |
(1) | Applicable percentages are based on 282,458,613 shares outstanding, adjusted as required by rules of the SEC. Beneficial ownership is determined under the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Shares of Common Stock subject to options, warrants and convertible notes currently exercisable or convertible, or exercisable or convertible within 60 days are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the person holding such securities but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table, the Company believes that each of the stockholders named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of Common Stock indicated as beneficially owned by them. | |
(2) | The 6,645,579 shares of Common Stock include (i) 6,115,491 shares currently owned, (ii) 300,000 shares awarded pursuant to a stock award under the 2014 Incentive Plan which will vest within 60 days, and (iii) 230,088 shares exercisable pursuant to options awarded under the Company’s 2010 Incentive Plan. | |
(3) | The 6,079,208 shares of Common Stock include (i) 5,584,001 shares currently owned, (ii) 291,667 shares awarded pursuant to a stock award under the 2014 Incentive Plan which will vest within 60 days, and (iii) 203,540 shares exercisable pursuant to options awarded under the Company’s 2010 Incentive Plan. | |
(4) | The 1,497,385 shares of Common Stock include (i) 1,468,218 shares currently owned and (ii) 29,167 shares awarded pursuant to a stock award under the 2014 Incentive Plan which will vest within 60 days. | |
(5) | The 6,298,323 shares of Common Stock include (i) 5,838,514 shares currently owned, (ii) 291,667 shares awarded pursuant to a stock award under the 2014 Incentive Plan which will vest within 60 days, and (iii) 168,142 shares exercisable pursuant to options awarded under the Company’s 2010 Incentive Plan. | |
(6) | Lazarus Management Company LLC beneficially owns 83,861,896 shares of Common Stock as the investment advisor and general partner of Lazarus Investment Partners LLLP, Lazarus Israel Opportunities Fund LLLP and Lazarus Israel Opportunities Fund II LLLP. Lazarus Investment Partners LLLP beneficially owns 11,073,204 shares of Common Stock, consisting of 8,800,476 shares of Common Stock and 2,272,728 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants. Lazarus Israel Opportunities Fund LLLP beneficially owns 54,718,018 shares of Common Stock, consisting of 42,218,018 shares of Common Stock and 12,500,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants. Lazarus Israel Opportunities Fund II LLLP beneficially owns 18,070,674 shares of Common Stock, consisting of 15,343,401 shares of Common Stock and 2,727,273 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants. | |
(7) | Shares beneficially owned by Lazarus Management Company LLC are aggregated without regard to the “9.99% Blocker”, a provision contained in its warrants, which prevents the Company from effecting a conversion or exercise thereof, to the extent that, as a result of such conversion or exercise, the holder or its affiliates beneficially owns more than 9.99%, in the aggregate, of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock calculated immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon the conversion or exercise of such warrants. | |
(8) | The 26,666,668 shares of Common Stock consist of 13,333,334 shares of Common Stock and 13,333,334 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants. |
(9) | The 17,004,405 shares of Common Stock consist of (i) 13,333,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the October 2016 SPA Warrants issued on October 25, 2016, December 20, 2016, and February 14, 2017, and (ii) 3,671,072 shares of Common Stock, as further described in this prospectus as the October 2016 Shares. |
Since the beginning of the last two fiscal years, there has not been any transaction, and currently there is no proposed transaction, in which we were or are going to be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000, in which any related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, except as set forth below. A related person is any person who is a director or executive officer of the Company, a holder of 5% or more of our Common Stock, and any immediate family member of the foregoing.
We are currently party to certain services and employment agreements with our executives and a non-executive member of our Board, which are specifically described under the headings “Narrative Disclosure to Executive Summary Compensation Table” and “Narrative Disclosure to Director Compensation Table” in the “Executive Compensation” section of this prospectus.
In July 2015, in order to finance a portion of the funds necessary to complete the acquisitions of the SPVs by Blue Sphere Pavia, we conducted a private placement of up to $250,000 of our Common Stock at $0.0176 per share to certain accredited investors (the “July Offering”). On December 2, 2015, we closed on the July Offering, resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of $225,526, and agreed to issue 21,588,871 shares of our Common Stock at $0.0104 per share, pursuant to certain subscription agreements. All investors in the July Offering were accredited investors and independent of the Company, but were part of a group led by a former member of our Board, Itai Haboucha. Mr. Haboucha did not receive any shares of Common Stock, was not paid any commissions and received no other compensation in connection with the July Offering. On June 2, 2016, the Company issued 13,930,742 shares of Common Stock in connection with the July Offering and pursuant to subscription agreements dated December 2, 2015, in consideration of $145,526, and on or about December 13, 2016, the Company issued the remaining 7,658,129 shares of its common stock in connection with the July Offering and pursuant to a subscription agreement dated December 2, 2015, in consideration for $80,000.
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On December 18, 2015, we entered into a no-interest bearing €118,000 promissory note with R.S. Palas Management Ltd., an entity owned and controlled by Shlomo Palas. The loan under the promissory note was used to finance a portion of the acquisition of the four SPVs in Italy pursuant to the Italy Projects Agreement. We have since paid back the loan under the promissory note with proceeds from our $3 million offering of debentures and warrants in November 2015.
We are offering up to [ ] shares of our Common Stock, together with Warrants to purchase up to [ ] shares of Common Stock at a price equal to $[ ] per combination of share and warrant for gross proceeds of up to $[ ], before deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The shares of Common Stock and Warrants are immediately separable and will be issued separately. This prospectus also relates to the offering of shares of our Common Stock issuable upon exercise, if any, of the Warrants.
Common Stock
The following description of our Common Stock is intended as a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
We are authorized to issue 1,750,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 500,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value, in one or more series and with such rights, preferences and privileges as our Board may determine. As of February 28, 2017, there were 282,458,613 shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding, and no shares of our preferred stock were issued and outstanding. In addition, on the same date, (a) 1,885,509 shares of our Common Stock, vested and unvested, are outstanding pursuant to stock grants or upon the exercise of options under our Equity Incentive Plans, of which (i) 778,761 of such shares are issuable upon exercise of options granted under our 2010 Incentive Plan, and (ii) 1,106,748 of such shares are issuable pursuant to stock grants under our 2010 Incentive Plan and 2014 Incentive Plan, which have vested and not been issued or that will vest by March 31, 2017; (b) 70,635,999 shares of our Common Stock are issuable upon exercise of our currently outstanding warrants, with a weighted average exercise price of $0.0895 per share, and (c) 5,787,879 shares of our Common Stock are issuable upon exercise of our currently outstanding convertible notes.
The Warrants
The following summary of certain terms and provisions of the Warrants offered hereby is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by the provisions of the form of the Warrant, which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this prospectus is a part. Prospective investors should carefully review the terms and provisions set forth in the form of warrant.
Exercise Price. The exercise price per share of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of the Warrants is $[ ]. If we, at any time while the Warrants are outstanding, pay a stock dividend on our Common Stock or otherwise make a distribution on any class of capital stock that is payable in shares of our Common Stock, subdivide outstanding shares of our Common Stock into a larger number of shares or combine the outstanding shares of our Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, then, the number, class and type of shares available under the Warrants and the exercise price will be correspondingly adjusted to give the holder of the Warrant, on exercise for the same aggregate exercise price, the total number, class, and type of shares or other property as the holder would have owned had the Warrant been exercised prior to the event and had the holder continued to hold such shares until the event requiring adjustment.
Exercisability . Warrants may be exercised beginning on the date of original issuance and at any time up to the date that is [ ] years from the initial issuance date.
Cashless Exercise . If at any time during the term of the Warrants, the Company is unable to issue the shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrants without a restrictive legend because there is not a currently effective registration statement, or the prospectus therein is not available for use, for the sale or resale of the shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of the Warrants, the holder of the Warrants may utilize the cashless exercise provision in the Warrant.
Rights as a Stockholder . Except by virtue of such holder’s ownership of shares of our Common Stock, the holders of the Warrants do not have the rights or privileges of holders of our Common Stock, including any voting rights, until they exercise their Warrants; provided, however, that if we choose to engage in a rights offering or make a distribution of our assets to our common stockholders as a class, the holders of the Warrants will have the right to participate in such distributions as if they had exercised the warrants.
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Fundamental Transactions . The Warrants will survive an acquisition or similar fundamental change of control transaction. In addition, upon a change of control merger or a non-surviving merger of the Company, the holders of the Warrants will have the right to require us or our successor to provide such property or securities that the holder would have received if exercised prior to the transaction occurring.
Limits on Exercise of Warrants . The holder will not have the right to exercise any portion of the Warrant if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% (or, upon election of the holder, 9.99%) of the number of shares of our Common Stock (including securities convertible into Common Stock) outstanding immediately after the exercise.
Voting Rights
The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors. The holders of Common Stock are entitled to any dividends that may be declared by the Board out of funds legally available for payment of dividends subject to the prior rights of holders of preferred stock and any contractual restrictions we have against the payment of dividends on Common Stock. In the event of our liquidation or dissolution, holders of Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preferences of any outstanding shares of preferred stock. Holders of Common Stock have no preemptive rights and have no right to convert their Common Stock into any other securities.
Dividends
We have not paid dividends on our Common Stock since inception and do not plan to pay dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
On June 17, 2015, our Board approved a share repurchase program (the “Share Repurchase Program”). Under the Share Repurchase Program, we are authorized to repurchase up to $500,000 worth of our Common Stock. We may purchase shares of our Common Stock on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions from time-to-time and in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. We are not obligated to make any purchases, including at any specific time or in any particular situation. The Share Repurchase Program may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice.
We had no share repurchase activity during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016.
Anti-Takeover Provisions and Laws
Our amended and restated bylaws, effective as of June 17, 2015 (our “Bylaws”), and certain provisions of Nevada law, which are summarized below, could discourage takeovers, coercive or otherwise. These provisions are also designed, in part, to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate first with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of increased protection of our potential ability to negotiate with an unfriendly or unsolicited acquirer outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging a proposal to acquire us.
Our Bylaws
Our Bylaws contain the following provisions that could have the effect of delaying, deferring, or discouraging another party from acquiring control of us.
Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals .
Our Bylaws (a) require any stockholder intending to propose business to be conducted at the annual meeting or to nominate any candidate for election to the Board of Directors to notify the Company not later than the close of business on the 90th day, nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day, in advance of the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting (provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 70 days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder must be so delivered by the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Company) and (b) require any such stockholder to provide specified information and representations and, if applicable, require director nominees to provide specified information and representations in order to be eligible to be elected as a director. These advance notice procedures may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the proper procedures are not followed and may also discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or otherwise attempt to obtain control of our company.
Staggered Board
Our Board is divided into three classes. The directors in each class will serve for a three-year term, one class being elected each year by our stockholders. This system of electing and removing directors may tend to discourage a third party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us because it generally makes it more difficult for stockholders to replace a majority of the directors. While each of our directors have been designated into one of the three classes, the effects of the staggered board will not go into effect until the next annual meeting of the stockholders.
Applicability of Nevada Law.
In addition, when we amended our Bylaws on June 17, 2015, we eliminated the Company’s election not to be governed by Sections 78.378 through 78.3793 and Sections 78.411 through 78.444 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, as discussed in more detail below.
53 |
Nevada Anti-Takeover Laws
We are incorporated in Nevada. Certain provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes could delay or make more difficult a change of control transaction or other business combination.
Combinations with Interested Stockholders
Sections 78.411 through 78.444 of the Nevada Revised Statutes provide that specified persons who, together with affiliates and associates, own, or within three years did own, 10% or more of the outstanding voting stock of a Nevada corporation with at least 200 stockholders cannot engage in specified business combinations with the corporation for a period of three years after the date on which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the combination or the transaction by which the person first became an interested stockholder is approved by the corporation’s board of directors before the person first became an interested stockholder.
Combinations with Interested Stockholders
Sections 78.378 to 78.3793 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, designed to protect corporations from takeovers, contain provisions governing acquisition of controlling interests in a Nevada corporation. These sections provide that persons who acquire a “controlling interest”, as defined in Section 78.3785 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, in a company may only be given full voting rights in their shares if such rights are conferred by the disinterested stockholders of the company at an annual or special meeting. However, any disinterested stockholder that does not vote in favor of granting such voting rights is entitled to demand that the company pay fair value for their shares, if the acquiring person has acquired at least a majority of all of the voting power of the company. As such, persons acquiring a controlling interest may not be able to vote their shares.
Sections 78.378 to 78.3793 of the Nevada Revised Statutes are applicable only to shares of a Nevada corporation which has 200 or more stockholders, with at least 100 of such stockholders being both stockholders of record and residents of Nevada and does business in Nevada directly or indirectly through an affiliated corporation. At this time, we do not have 100 stockholders of record resident of Nevada. Therefore, the provisions of Sections 78.378 to 78.3793 of the Nevada Revised Statutes do not apply to acquisitions of our shares of Common Stock, but could in the future.
Other Securities of the Company, Not Included in the Offering
December 2015 Debenture Offering
Beginning in November 2015, we conducted an offering (the “Debenture Offering”) of up to $3,000,000 of our Senior Debentures (the “Debentures”) and warrants to purchase up to 8,000,000 shares of our Common Stock, in proportion pro rata to each subscriber’s subscription amount relative to the total Debenture Offering amount, with 50% of the warrants exercisable at a price per share of $0.05 and the other 50% of the warrants exercisable at price per share of $0.075 (the “Debenture Warrants”).
The securities in the Debenture Offering were offered pursuant to securities subscription agreements with each investor. The Debentures bear interest at 11%, paid quarterly, and mature and become repayable two years from the date of issue. The Debentures are secured by a pledge agreement between the Company and each investor, whereby we pledged as collateral up to 49% of our shares of common stock in Eastern Sphere, Ltd., our wholly-owned subsidiary (the “Pledge Agreement”). The Pledge Agreement further provides that our obligations under the Debentures rank senior to all other indebtedness of Blue Sphere Corporation, but are subordinate to all indebtedness and liabilities of our subsidiaries and project-level operating entities. The Debenture Warrants are exercisable for 5 years from the date of issuance, with 50% exercisable at $0.05 per share and 50% exercisable at $0.075 per share.
On December 23, 2015, the Company completed the only closing of the Debenture Offering, representing aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $3,000,000. In connection with the closing, the Company and subscribers entered into subscription agreements for (a) an aggregate of $3,000,000 of Debentures, and (b) Debenture Warrants to purchase, in the aggregate, up to 8,000,000 shares of our Common Stock.
February 2016 Stock Offering
In February 2016, we conducted an offering (the “February Stock Offering”) consisting of (a) up to USD $1,925,000 of our shares of our Common Stock (the “February Offering Shares”), priced at the closing price for shares of our Common Stock, as reported on the OTCQB® Venture Marketplace on the trading day prior to the closing of the February Stock Offering, and (b) 5-year warrants to purchase shares of our Common Stock in an amount equal to 50% of the number of shares of our Common Stock so purchased by the subscriber (the “February Offering Warrants”).
The securities in the February Stock Offering were offered pursuant to securities subscription agreements with each investor (the “February Subscription Agreements”). Subject to other customary terms, the February Offering Warrants are exercisable for 5 years from the date of issuance at $0.10 per share and include an option by which the holder may exercise the February Offering Warrant by means of a cashless exercise. The February Offering Warrants also include customary weighted-average price adjustment and anti-dilution terms.
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On February 15, 2016, the Company completed the only closing of the February Stock Offering, representing aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of USD $1,925,000. In connection with the closing, the Company and subscribers entered into February Subscription Agreements for an aggregate of (a) 35,000,000 shares of our Common Stock at $0.055 per share, and (b) February Offering Warrants to purchase, in the aggregate, up to 17,500,001 shares of our Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.10 per share.
June 2016 Stock Offering
In June and July 2016, we conducted an offering (the “June Stock Offering”) consisting of (a) up to USD $3,000,000 of our shares of our Common Stock (the “June Offering Shares”), priced at the closing price for shares of Common Stock, as reported on the OTCQB® Venture Marketplace on the trading day prior to each respective closing of the June Stock Offering, and (b) five-year warrants to purchase shares of our Common Stock in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the number of shares of Common Stock so purchased by the subscriber, with an exercise price equal to the per share price of our Common Stock or $0.011 per share, whichever is greater (the “June Offering Warrants”). The June Stock Offering consisted of two closings, with the last closing occurring on July 22, 2016.
The securities in the June Stock Offering were offered pursuant to subscription agreements with each subscriber (the “June Subscription Agreement”). In addition to other customary provisions, each June Subscription Agreement also provides that if, during the period beginning on the date of the first closing of the June Stock Offering and ending on the six month anniversary thereof, the Company completes (a) a subsequent closing of the June Stock Offering or (b) a public or private offering and sale of USD $1,000,000 or more of Common Stock or warrants to purchase Common Stock, where such subsequent closing or offering, as applicable, provides for material deal terms and conditions more favorable than are contained in such June Subscription Agreement, then the June Subscription Agreement will be deemed modified to provide the applicable subscriber with the more favorable deal terms and conditions, and the Company will take all reasonable steps necessary to amend the securities and/or issue new securities to the applicable subscriber reflecting such more favorable material deal terms and conditions. Subject to other terms and conditions, the June Offering Warrants are exercisable for five years from the date of issuance, include an option by which the holder may exercise the June Offering Warrant by means of a cashless exercise, and include customary weighted-average price adjustment and anti-dilution terms.
In connection with closings on July 7, 2016 and July 26, 2016, the Company received aggregate gross proceeds of USD $1,370,000. In connection with the closings, the Company and subscribers entered into June Subscription Agreements for (a) an aggregate of 18,266,668 shares of our Common Stock at $0.075 per share, and (b) June Offering Warrants to purchase, in the aggregate, up to 18,266,668 shares of our Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.11 per share.
Registration Rights
Each February Subscription Agreement entered into by the Company in the February Stock Offering provides that the Company will use its reasonable commercial efforts to register all February Offering Shares, including all shares of our Common Stock underlying the February Offering Warrants, within 60 days of the closing of the February Stock Offering, and will use its reasonable commercial efforts to cause the registration statement to be declared effective as promptly as possible after filing. The subscriber in the February Stock Offering agreed to extend the date for filing.
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Each June Subscription Agreement entered into by the Company in the June Stock Offering provides that the Company will use its reasonable commercial efforts to register all June Offering Shares, including all shares of our Common Stock underlying the June Offering Warrants, within 20 days of the final closing of the June Stock Offering, and will use its reasonable commercial efforts to cause the registration statement to be declared effective as promptly as possible after filing.
The Company filed a registration statement covering the February Offering Shares and June Offering Shares, including all shares of our Common Stock underlying the February Offering Warrants and June Offering Warrants, on August 15, 2016, which was declared effective by the SEC on September 14, 2016.
October 2016 Financing
On October 25, 2016, the Company completed a private placement of its securities (the “October 2016 Financing”) to JMJ Financial, an accredited investor (the “October 2016 Investor”). Pursuant to the October 2016 Financing, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “October 2016 SPA”) with the October 2016 Investor thereby agreeing to issue to the October 2016 Investor shares of Common Stock, notes and warrants, in exchange for up to USD $1,000,000 (the “October 2016 Note Principal”) in accordance with the following payment schedule: USD $500,000 paid at closing, USD $250,000 in guaranteed financing upon the achievement of certain milestones, and up to an additional USD $250,000 in financing upon the mutual agreement of the October 2016 Investor and the Company.
Pursuant to the terms of the October 2016 Financing, the Company agreed to issue to the October 2016 Investor (i) restricted shares of Common Stock equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the October 2016 Note Principal paid to the Company to be issued no later than April 15, 2017 (the “October 2016 Shares”); provided that if a public offering of the Company’s securities to raise gross proceeds to the Company of at least $15,000,000 (the “Public Offering”) is not completed by April 17, 2017, the pricing of such shares shall reset to the pricing of the subsequent offering if such pricing results in a higher number of shares, (ii) a non-interest bearing six (6) month promissory note in the amount of the October 2016 Note Principal plus an amount equal to approximately five percent (5%) of the actual October 2016 Note Principal, for a total of USD $1,053,000 (the “October 2016 Note”), and (iii) a five (5) year warrant to purchase 6,666,666 shares of Common Stock (the “October 2016 Warrant”). In connection with the closing on October 25, 2016, the Company issued the October 2016 Shares, the October 2016 Note and the October 2016 Warrant.
On December 20, 2016, we received the second installment under the October 2016 Note in the amount of USD $250,000 upon achieving certain milestones, and issued a five (5) year warrant to purchase 3,333,333 shares of Common Stock in accordance with the October 2016 SPA (the “December 2016 Warrant”).
On February 15, 2017, we received the third installment under the October 2016 Note in the amount of USD $250,000 upon achieving certain milestones, and issued a five (5) year warrant to purchase 3,333,333 shares of Common Stock in accordance with the October 2016 SPA (together with the October 2016 Warrant and the December 2016 Warrant, the “October 2016 SPA Warrants”).
By letter agreement on March 1, 2017, JMJ agreed to extend specified milestone dates contained in the events of default under the October 2016 Note and the October 2016 SPA Warrants, whereby JMJ conditionally agreed to waive any such default in connection with meeting such original dates, except to the extent of damages, fees, penalties, liquidated damages, or other amounts or remedies otherwise resulting from such default, if we trigger an event of default or breach any terms of the October 2016 Note and the October 2016 SPA Warrants subsequent to the letter agreement. Specifically, JMJ agreed to extend (i) the date to receive conditional approval from The NASDAQ Capital Market from February 28, 2017 to March 31, 2017 and (ii) the date upon which a reverse split of our Common Stock will become effective from March 15, 2017 to April 15, 2017.
The Company may exercise its right to repay the October 2016 Note at any time on or before its maturity date, which is the earlier of April 15, 2017 or the third business day after the closing of a public offering, and the October 2016 Note is convertible into shares of Common Stock upon default of repayment or upon an issuance of a variable security by the Company. The October 2016 SPA Warrants are exercisable for five (5) years from the date of issuance, includes an option by which the holder may exercise the October 2016 SPA Warrants by means of a cashless exercise, and includes weighted-average price adjustment and anti-dilution terms. The exercise price per share of Common Stock under the October 2016 SPA Warrants will be the lesser of (i) 80% of the per share price of Common Stock in the Public Offering, (ii) $0.075 per share (the deemed aggregate exercise price), (iii) 80% of the unit price offering price in the Public Offering, or (iv) the exercise price of any warrants issued in the Public Offering.
February 2017 Promissory Note
On February 7, 2017, we issued a 90-day Promissory Note to Viskoben Limited for the principal sum of $200,000 (the “Viskoben Note”). The Viskoben Note will mature on May 7, 2017, and bears interest at an absolute rate of ten percent (10.0%) through maturity, or a thirty percent (30.0%) rate of interest calculated annually. Upon an event of default, which in addition to other standard provisions, includes the Company’s failure to make payment under the Viskoben Note within 15 days of such payment being demanded by Viskoben Limited, the principal balance and all accrued interest shall immediately become due and payable.
Placement Agent Securities Issued in the Debenture Offering, February Stock Offering June Stock Offering, and October 2016 Financing
The Company engaged Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”) to assist in the Debenture Offering, February Stock Offering, the June Stock Offering and the October 2016 Financing. Pursuant to the terms of an engagement letter, as amended, between Maxim and the Company, Maxim received (a) commissions equal to (i) 7% of the gross proceeds raised from Maxim investors and (ii) 3.5% of the gross proceeds raised from Company directed investors, and (b) common stock purchase warrants for a number of securities equal to (i) 8% of the total amount of securities sold to Maxim investors and (ii) 4% of the total amount of securities sold to Company directed investors, at a price per share equal to 110% of the price of the securities paid by investors (the “Maxim Warrants”). Pursuant to the letter of engagement between Maxim and the Company, Maxim was entitled to, and did, elect to have the Maxim Warrants issued into the names of its affiliates. Pursuant to the Debenture Offering, the Company issued Maxim Warrants to purchase 4,480,000 shares of our Common Stock at $0.06875 per share. Pursuant to the February Stock Offering, the Company issued Maxim Warrants to purchase (a) 2,800,000 shares of our Common Stock at $0.0605 per share and (b) 1,400,000 shares of our Common Stock at $0.11 per share. Pursuant to the June Stock Offering, the Company issued Maxim Warrants to purchase (a) 928,000 shares of our Common Stock at $0.0825 per share and (b) 928,000 shares of our Common Stock at $0.121 per share. Prior to the October 2016 Financing, Maxim and the Company agreed to amend their engagement letter, providing that, in pertinent part, Maxim would receive (y) commissions equal to 1% of the gross proceeds raised from Company directed investors, and (z) Maxim Warrants for a number of securities equal 4% of the total amount of securities sold to Company directed investors. Cash fees and Maxim Warrants are owed to Maxim, but have yet been paid or issued, in connection with the October 2016 Financing.
Each Maxim Warrant issued by the Company provides that the Company may, in its discretion, file a registration statement covering the shares of Common Stock underlying the Maxim Warrants. However, if the Company does not timely file all reports and other documents with the SEC, and as a result Rule 144 is unavailable to the holder, then the holder is entitled to one “demand” registration right at the Company’s expense, and an additional “demand” registration right at the holder’s expense.
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Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim” or the “Representative”) is acting as the sole book running manager of the Offering and as representative of the underwriter. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, dated as of the date of this prospectus, the underwriter set forth below has agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to them, the number of shares of Common Stock and Warrants to purchase common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and as indicated below:
Underwriter | Number of Shares | Number of Warrants | ||||||
Maxim Group LLC | ||||||||
The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriter to pay for and accept delivery of the Shares and Warrants offered by this prospectus are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by its counsel and to other conditions. The underwriter is obligated to take and pay for all of the Shares and Warrants offered by this prospectus if any such Shares and Warrants are taken, other than those Shares and Warrants covered by the over-allotment option described below.
Commissions
We have agreed to pay the underwriter (i) a cash fee equal to eight percent (8%) of the aggregate gross proceeds raised in this offering and (ii) share purchase warrants (the “Underwriter’s Warrants”) covering a number of shares of Common Stock equal to up to three and one-half percent (3.5%) of the total number of Securities being sold in the Offering. The Underwriter’s Warrants will be non-exercisable for six (6) months after the date of the Closing and will expire three (3) years after such date. The Underwriter’s Warrants will be exercisable at a price equal to 110.0% of the public offering price in connection with the Offering. The Underwriter’s Warrants shall not be redeemable. The Underwriter’s Warrants may not be transferred, assigned or hypothecated for a period of 180 days following the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(1), except as otherwise permitted by FINRA Rule 5110(g)(2). The Underwriter’s Warrants may be exercised as to all or a lesser number of shares of Common Stock, and will provide for cashless exercise. The Underwriter’s Warrants shall provide for the same anti-dilution protection and price adjustment rights received by investors in the Offering.
The Representative has advised us that the underwriter proposes to offer the Shares and Warrants directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus. In addition, the underwriter may offer some of the Shares and Warrants to other securities dealers at such price less a concession of up to $[ ] per combination of share and warrant. After the offering to the public, the offering price and other selling terms may be changed by the underwriter without changing the proceeds we will receive from the underwriter.
The following table summarizes the public offering price, underwriting commissions and proceeds before expenses to us assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option. The underwriting commissions are equal to the public offering price per share less the amount per share or warrant the underwriter pays us for the Shares and Warrants.
Per Share and Warrant | Total without overallotment | Total with full exercise of overallotment | ||||||
Public offering price | $ | [ ] | $ | [ ] | $ | [ ] | ||
Underwriting discounts and commissions | $ | [ ] | $ | [ ] | $ | [ ] | ||
Proceeds, before expenses, to us | $ | [ ] | $ | [ ] | $ | [ ] |
(1) The fees shown do not include the Underwriter’s Warrant.
In addition, we have agreed to reimburse the Representative for its out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the Offering, including but not limited to legal fees incurred by the Representative in connection with the Offering in an amount up to $70,000, subject to FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(D)(i). Any expenses in excess of $1,000, excluding fees for legal counsel, shall be subject to our prior approval. We estimate that the total expenses of the Offering, including registration, filing and listing fees, printing fees and legal and accounting expenses, but excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $170,000, all of which are payable by us.
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Over-Allotment Option
We have granted the underwriter an option for a period of 45 days following the closing of the Offering to purchase up to an additional 15% of the total number of Shares and/or Warrants sold in the Offering at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, to cover over-allotments, if any. The underwriter may exercise this option only to cover over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the Offering. To the extent the option is exercised and the conditions of the underwriting agreement are satisfied, we will be obligated to sell to the underwriter, and the underwriter will be obligated to purchase, these additional Shares and/or Warrants.
Indemnification
Pursuant to the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to indemnify the underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments that the underwriter or such other indemnified parties may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
Right of First Refusal
We have granted the Representative a right of first refusal for 12 months following the closing of the Offering to act as lead or co-lead managing underwriter and book runner or lead or co-lead placement agent with at least 80% of the economics for any and all future public or private equity, or equity-linked, or convertible security offerings during such 12 month period of Blue Sphere Corporation, not including any commercial debt financing, equipment financing, or seller financing in connection with any acquisition by the Company relating to the Company’s project level financings or other project level activities.
Electronic Distribution
A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by the underwriter or selling group members, if any, participating in the Offering and the underwriter may distribute prospectuses electronically. The underwriter may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriter and selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the underwriter and selling group members that will make internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on these websites is not part of, nor incorporated by reference into, this prospectus or the Registration Statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved or endorsed by us or any underwriter in its capacity as underwriter, and should not be relied upon by investors.
Lock-Up Agreements
The Company’s directors and officers and any other holder(s) of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company as of the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part (and all holders of securities exercisable for or convertible into shares of Common Stock) have entered into customary “lock-up” agreements in favor of the Representative pursuant to which such persons and entities have agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the Offering is completed, they shall neither offer, issue, sell, contract to sell, encumber, grant any option for the sale of or otherwise dispose of any securities of the Company without the Representative’s prior written consent, including the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of currently outstanding options approved by the Representative.
Determination of the Offering Price
There is a limited public market for our Common Stock and no public market for the Warrants. The public offering price was determined through negotiations between us and the Representative, and does not necessarily bear any relationship to the value of our assets, our net worth, revenues or other established criteria of value, and should not be considered indicative of the actual value of the Securities. In addition to prevailing market conditions, the factors considered in determining the public offering price included the following:
• | the information included in this prospectus; |
• | the current market price of our Common Stock, trading prices of our Common Stock over time, and the illiquidity and volatility of our Common Stock; |
• | the valuation multiples of publicly traded companies that the underwriter believes to be comparable to us; |
• | our financial information; |
• | our prospects and the history and the prospects of the industry in which we compete; |
• | an assessment of our management, its past and present operations, and the prospects for, and timing of, our projects’ future revenues; |
• | the present state of our development; and |
• | the above factors in relation to market values and various valuation measures of other companies engaged in activities similar to ours. |
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Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids
In connection with the Offering, the underwriter may engage in stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.
Over-allotment involves sales by the underwriter of shares in excess of the number of shares the underwriter is obligated to purchase, which creates a syndicate short position. The short position may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of shares over-allotted by the underwriter is not greater than the number of shares that they may purchase in the over-allotment option. In a naked short position, the number of shares involved is greater than the number of shares in the over-allotment option. The underwriter may close out any covered short position by either exercising the over-allotment option and/or purchasing shares in the open market.
Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of Common Stock in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. In determining the source of shares to close out the short position, the underwriter will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. A naked short position occurs if the underwriter sells more shares than could be covered by the over-allotment option. This position can only be closed out by buying shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriter is concerned that there could be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the Offering.
Penalty bids permit the underwriter to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when shares of the common stock originally sold by the syndicate member is purchased in a stabilizing or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions.
These stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our Common Stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of our Common Stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may be discontinued at any time.
Neither we nor the underwriter make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our shares of common stock. In addition, neither we nor the underwriter make any representation that the underwriter will engage in these transactions or that any transaction, if commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
Other Relationships
We have agreed to bear the cost of all actual expenses related to this Offering, including without limitation all filing fees and communication expenses relating to the registration of the Securities to be sold in this offering. We have paid Maxim Group LLC an advance of $10,000 for its anticipated out-of-pocket accountable expenses. Maxim Group LLC will return to us any remaining portion of the advance to the extent such monies were not used for its out-of-pocket accountable expenses and legal expenses actually incurred. We will reimburse Maxim Group LLC for certain out-of-pocket actual expenses related to the offering, including, legal fees whether or not this Offering is consummated, in an amount up to $70,000, expenses incurred to clear the offering with FINRA, background searches of our officers and directors, and all roadshow expenses.
Pursuant to an engagement letter dated May 21, 2015, between the Company and Maxim, whereby Maxim provided general financial advisory and investment banking services to us, we paid Maxim an aggregate cash fee of approximately $80,000 and issued Maxim an aggregate of 3,474,405 shares of our Common Stock. We and Maxim ceased performing under this agreement in August 2016.
In connection with the Debenture Offering, the February Stock Offering and the June Stock Offering, we paid Maxim an aggregate cash fee, including fees paid to Maxim’s counsel, of $470,650 and issued the Maxim Warrants to purchase shares of our Common Stock as follows: (a) pursuant to the Debenture Offering, the Company issued Maxim Warrants to purchase 4,480,000 shares of our Common Stock at $0.06875 per share; (b) pursuant to the February Stock Offering, the Company issued Maxim Warrants to purchase 2,800,000 shares of our Common Stock at $0.0605 per share and 1,400,000 shares of our Common Stock at $0.11 per share; and (c) pursuant to the June Stock Offering, the Company issued Maxim Warrants to purchase 928,000 shares of our Common Stock at $0.0825 per share and 928,000 shares of our Common Stock at $0.121 per share. Cash fees and Maxim Warrants are owed to Maxim, but have yet been paid or issued, in connection with the October 2016 Financing.
The Maxim Warrants will be subject to FINRA Rule 5110(g)(1) in that, except as otherwise provided by FINRA rules, for a period of 180 days following the effective date of the registration statement on which the shares underlying the Maxim Warrants are registered, the Maxim Warrant shall not be (a) sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated, or (b) the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the securities by any person except as permitted by FINRA Rule 5110(g)(2). We also reimbursed Maxim for its out of pocket expenses in an aggregate amount of $9,305 relating to the Debenture Offering, the February Stock Offering and the June Stock Offering, and granted a right of first refusal for a period of 12 months to act as lead book running underwriter and book runner for any and all future public and private equity offerings.
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The validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Thompson Hine LLP, New York, New York. Harter Secrest & Emery LLP is acting as counsel for the underwriter in this Offering.
The audited consolidated financial statements appearing in this prospectus and Registration Statement for the years ended December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015 and for the three-month period ended December 31, 2015, have been audited by Brightman Almagor Zohar & Co., a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
We have filed the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of which this prospectus forms a part under the Securities Act with the SEC with respect to the Securities to be sold in the Offering. This prospectus, which is part of the Registration Statement, does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement. For further information with respect to us and the Securities to be sold in the Offering, we make reference to the Registration Statement. Whenever we make reference in this prospectus to any of our contracts, agreements or other documents, the references are not necessarily complete, and you should refer to the exhibits filed with the Registration Statement for copies of the actual contract, agreement or other document.
We are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. You can read and copy any of this information at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 on official business days during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. This information is also available from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
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APPENDIX A - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016
IN U.S. DOLLARS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
F- 1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Blue Sphere Corporation.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Blue Sphere Corporation and its subsidiaries (“the Company”) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2016, for the year ended September 30, 2015 and for the three months period ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s Board of Directors and management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements 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. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Blue Sphere Corporation and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2016, for the year ended September 30, 2015 and for the three months period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1b to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has incurred recurring losses from operations that raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans concerning these matters are also described in Note 1b. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ Brightman Almagor Zohar & Co.
Brightman Almagor Zohar & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited
Tel Aviv, Israel
February 14, 2017
F- 2
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
(Amounts in thousands except share and per share data)
December 31,
2016 |
December 31,
2015 |
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Assets | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 416 | $ | 1,888 | ||||
Related Parties | 1,408 | 1,378 | ||||||
Other current assets | 81 | 37 | ||||||
Total current assets | 1,905 | 3,303 | ||||||
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net of accumulated depreciation | 50 | 30 | ||||||
INVESTMENTS IN NOCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES | 10,137 | 7,570 | ||||||
INVESTMENTS IN NONCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES | 4,429 | 4,993 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 16,521 | $ | 15,896 | ||||
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||||||||
Current maturities of Debentures and long term loan | $ | 2,988 | $ | 549 | ||||
Short term loan | 280 | — | ||||||
Accounts payables | 557 | 124 | ||||||
Other accounts payable | 2,091 | 1,083 | ||||||
Deferred revenues from nonconsolidated affiliates | 5,658 | 9,052 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 11,574 | 10,808 | ||||||
ACCRUED SEVERANCE PAY | 11 | — | ||||||
LONG TERM BANK LOAN | 112 | 127 | ||||||
LONG TERM LOANS AND LIABILITIES | 5,003 | 5,543 | ||||||
DEBENTURES | — | 2,360 | ||||||
WARRANTS LIABILITY | 2,045 | 544 | ||||||
COMMITMENTS AND CONTIGENCIES (Note 10) | ||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 18,745 | 19,382 | ||||||
STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT: | ||||||||
Common shares of $0.001 par value each: | ||||||||
Authorized: 1,750,000,000 shares at December 31, 2016 and 2015. Issued and outstanding: 279,151,681 shares and 180,502,443 shares at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. | 279 | 1,256 | ||||||
Proceeds on account of shares | — | 165 | ||||||
Treasury shares | (28 | ) | (28 | ) | ||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | 33 | — | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 43,985 | 39,813 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit | (46,493 | ) | (44,692 | ) | ||||
Total Stockholders’ Deficit | (2,224 | ) | (3,486 | ) | ||||
Total liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit | $ | 16,521 | $ | 15,896 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F- 3
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in thousands except share and per share data)
Year ended | Three Months ended | |||||||||||
December 31, 2016 | September 30, 2015 | December 31, 2015 | ||||||||||
Revenue from Services | $ | 588 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES - | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | (7,516) | (5,317 | ) | (1,106 | ) | |||||||
OPERATING LOSS | (6,928 | ) | (5,317 | ) | (1,106 | ) | ||||||
Financial Expense (Income), net | 1,728 | 2,145 | (75) | |||||||||
Loss (gain) from Change in Fair Value of Warrants Liability | (1,390 | ) | — | 219 | ||||||||
NET LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY EARNINGS (LOSSES) | (7,266 | ) | (7,462 | ) | (1,250 | ) | ||||||
Income Taxes | (52 | ) | — | — | ||||||||
Equity Earnings in Nonconsolidated Affiliates | 5,961 | — | — | |||||||||
Equity Losses in Nonconsolidated Subsidiaries | (444 | ) | — | (38 | ) | |||||||
NET LOSS | $ | (1,801 | ) | $ | (7,462 | ) | $ | (1,288 | ) | |||
Net loss per common share - basic and diluted | $ | (0.008 | ) | $ | (0.088 | ) | $ | (0.007 | ) | |||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period - basic and diluted | 235,909,374 | 85,135,631 | 177,011,554 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F- 4
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Amounts in thousands except share and per share data)
Year ended | Three Months ended | |||||||||||
December 31, 2016 | September 30, 2015 | December 31, 2015 | ||||||||||
NET LOSS | $ | 1,801 | $ | 7,462 | $ | 1,288 | ||||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax: | ||||||||||||
Currency translation adjustments | (33 | ) | — | — | ||||||||
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS | $ | 1,768 | $ | 7,462 | $ | 1,288 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
F- 5
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Proceeds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
on | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
account | Additional | Stockholders’ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | of | Treasury | paid-in | Accumulated | Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | shares | Shares | Capital | deficit | (deficit) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 | 50,109,036 | $ | 1,126 | $ | 20 | $ | — | $ | 35,106 | $ | (35,942 | ) | $ | 310 | ||||||||||||||
Share based compensation | — | — | — | — | 558 | — | 558 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance cost | 9,338,682 | 9 | — | — | 338 | — | 347 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock in respect of issuance of convertible notes | 75,532,381 | 76 | — | — | 1,449 | — | 1,525 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares for services | 33,116,550 | 33 | — | — | 1,541 | — | 1,574 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of convertible debentures | — | — | — | — | 482 | — | 482 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Treasury shares purchases | (144,054 | ) | — | — | (28 | ) | — | — | (28 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | — | — | (7,462 | ) | (7,462 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 | 167,952,595 | $ | 1,244 | $ | 20 | (28 | ) | $ | 39,474 | $ | (43,404 | ) | $ | (2,694 | ) | |||||||||||||
Issuance of shares for services | 2,435,000 | 2 | — | — | 134 | — | 136 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance cost | 10,114,848 | 10 | — | — | 205 | — | 215 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds on account of shares | — | — | 145 | — | — | — | 145 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | — | — | (1,288 | ) | (1,288 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 | 180,502,443 | $ | 1,256 | $ | 165 | $ | (28 | ) | $ | 39,813 | $ | (44,692 | ) | $ | (3,486 | ) |
F- 6
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Proceeds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
on | Accumulated | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
account | Additional | other | Stockholders’ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | of | Treasury | paid-in | comprehensive | Accumulated | Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | shares | Shares | Capital | income | deficit | (deficit) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 | 180,502,443 | $ | 1,256 | $ | 165 | $ | (28 | ) | $ | 39,813 | $ | — | $ | (44,692 | ) | $ | (3,486 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Share reverse split adjustment | — | (1,075) | — | — | 1,075 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Extinguish of liability upon shares issuance | 20.936,596 | 21 | — | — | 1,506 | — | — | 1,527 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance cost | 55,581,900 | 55 | (20 | ) | — | 682 | — | — | 717 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares for services | 7,508,000 | 7 | — | — | 738 | — | — | 745 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares with respect to proceeds on account of shares | 13,930,742 | 14 | (145) | — | 131 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of warrants | 700,000 | 1 | — | — | 40 | — | 41 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | 33 | (1,801 | ) | (1,768 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2016 | 279,159,681 | $ | 279 | $ | — | (28 | ) | $ | 43,985 | $ | 33 | $ | (46,493 | ) | $ | (2,224 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F- 7
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Year ended | ||||||||
December 31,
2016 |
September 30,
2015 |
|||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Net loss for the period | $ | (1,801 | ) | $ | (7,462 | ) | ||
Adjustments required to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
Share based payment | 1,181 | 558 | ||||||
Depreciation | 17 | 6 | ||||||
Capital loss from disposal of property, plant and equipment | 12 | — | ||||||
Expenses in respect of Convertible notes and loans | 162 | 1,949 | ||||||
Equity earnings in Nonconsolidated Affiliates | (5,961 | ) | — | |||||
Equity losses in nonconsolidated subsidiary | 444 | — | ||||||
Issuance of shares for services | 745 | 1,574 | ||||||
Changes in Warrants Liability | (1,338 | ) | — | |||||
Amortization of projects cost | — | 469 | ||||||
Expenses in respect of severance pay | 11 | — | ||||||
Impairment of Investment | — | (22 | ) | |||||
Decrease in related parties | (80 | ) | — | |||||
Decrease (increase) in other current assets | (33 | ) | 244 | |||||
Increase in deferred revenues from Nonconsolidated Affiliates | — | 1,482 | ||||||
Increase in accounts payables | 439 | 46 | ||||||
Increase in other account payables | 1,383 | 338 | ||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | (4,819 | ) | (818 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | (60 | ) | (37 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (60 | ) | (37 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Proceeds from Short Term Loans | 750 | — | ||||||
Proceeds from issuance of debenture | — | 625 | ||||||
Proceeds from loans | 50 | 859 | ||||||
Proceeds from exercise of warrants | 41 | |||||||
Repayment of loans and convertible debentures | (449 | ) | (1,081 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from issuance of shares and warrants | 3,001 | 315 | ||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 3,393 | 718 | ||||||
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (1,486 | ) | (137 | ) | ||||
EFFECT OF CHANGES IN EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH BALANCES IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES | 14 | — | ||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD | 1,888 | 298 | ||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD | $ | 416 | $ | 161 | ||||
NON-CASH TRANSACTION: | ||||||||
Increase in investments in nonconsolidated affiliates against deferred revenues | $ | 2,133 | $ | 4,952 | ||||
Extinguish of debt upon shares issuance | $ | 373 | $ | — | ||||
Issuance expense paid through Common Stock | $ | 225 | $ | — | ||||
Proceeds on account of shares exercised into Common Stock | $ | 229 | $ | — | ||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | ||||||||
Cash paid during the period for: | ||||||||
Interest | $ | 621 | $ | 172 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F- 8
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
F- 9
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 1 – GENERAL
a. | General |
Blue Sphere Corporation (the “Company”), together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Eastern Sphere Ltd. (“Eastern”), BinoSphere LLC (“Binosphere”), Bluesphere Pavia S.r.l (“Bluesphere Pavia”, formerly called Bluesphere Italy S.r.l.), Sustainable Energy Ltd. (“SEL”), and Blue Sphere Brabant B.V. (“BSB”), is focused on project integration in the clean energy production and waste to energy markets. The Company was incorporated in the state of Nevada on July 17, 2007 and was originally in the business of developing and promoting automotive internet sites. On February 17, 2010, the Company conducted a reverse merger, name change and forward split of its common stock, and in March 2010 current management took over operations, at which point the Company changed its business focus to become a project integrator in the clean energy production and waste to energy markets. On May 12, 2015, the Company formed Bluesphere Pavia, a subsidiary of Eastern, in order to acquire certain biogas plants located in Italy (see note 5 below). On September 19, 2016, the Company formed BSB in order to commence operations in the Netherlands. As of December 31, 2016, SEL had not commenced operations. On January 31, 2017, we dissolved Johnstonsphere LLC, which had no operations since inception.
b. | Going concern consideration |
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $416 thousand in cash, a negative working capital of approximately $9,669 thousand, a stockholders’ deficit of approximately $2,224 thousand and an accumulated deficit of approximately $46,493 thousand. Management anticipates their business will require substantial additional investments that have not yet been secured. The Company anticipates that the existing cash will not be sufficient to continue its operations through the next 12 months. Management is continuing in the process of fund raising in the private equity and capital markets as the Company will need to finance future activities and general and administrative expenses. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon raising capital from financing transactions and revenue from operations.
These financial statements do not include any adjustments that may be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. The Company’s continuation as a going concern is dependent on its ability to obtain additional financing as may be required and ultimately to attain profitability.
NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a. | Functional currency |
The functional currency of the company is U.S dollar. The functional currency of the subsidiaries is also U.S dollar, except for Blue Sphere Pavia. Accordingly, all monetary assets, liabilities, expenses and equity earnings of the foreign subsidiary are re-measured into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the reporting date. The foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a component in the stockholders’ Deficit in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as a component of accumulated other Comprehensive Loss.
b. | Basis of Presentation |
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and includes the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
F- 10
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
c. | Cash equivalents |
Cash equivalents are short-term highly liquid investments which include short term bank deposit (up to three months from date of deposit), that are not restricted as to withdrawals or use that are readily convertible to cash with maturities of three months or less as of the date acquired.
d. | Fair Value of Financial Instruments |
The Company records its financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The accounting guidance for fair value provides a framework for measuring fair value, clarifies the definition of fair value, and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the reporting date. The accounting guidance establishes a three-tiered hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value:
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
The Company recognizes transfers among Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 classifications as of the actual date of the events or change in circumstances that caused the transfers.
The Company’s financial instruments, including cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued liabilities have carrying amounts which approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.
e. | Property, plant and equipment |
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.
Annual rates of depreciation are as follows:
% | ||||
Computers, electronic equipment and software | 33 | |||
Vehicles | 15 | |||
Office furniture and equipment | 15 |
F- 11
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
f. | Investment in nonconsolidated affiliates |
Investments in companies in which the Company has the ability to exert significant influence over operating and financial policies (generally 20% to 50% ownership), but which the Company does not control, are accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, investments are initially recorded at cost and adjusted for dividends and undistributed earnings and losses. The Company evaluates its investments in nonconsolidated Affiliates for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such investments may have experienced a decline in value. When there is evidence of loss in value that is other than temporary, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the investment to the carrying value of the investment to determine whether impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value, the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment loss.
g. | Use of estimates |
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates, judgments and assumptions. Those estimates and assumptions affect including investments in nonconsolidated affiliates, investments in nonconsolidated subsidiaries, deferred revenue from nonconsolidated affiliates, contingencies and litigation, income taxes and determination of fair value of stock-based compensation. These estimates are based available as of the date of the consolidated financial statements; therefore, actual results could differ from management’s estimates.
h. | Loss per share |
Net loss per share, basic and diluted, is computed on the basis of the net loss for the period divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares and of common shares equivalents outstanding when dilutive. Common share equivalents include: (i) outstanding stock options under the Company’s share incentive plan and warrants which are included under the treasury share method when dilutive, and (ii) common shares to be issued under the assumed conversion of the Company’s outstanding convertible notes, which are included under the if-converted method when dilutive. The computation of diluted net loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015 and for the three months period ended December 31, 2015 does not include common share equivalents, since such inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
i. | Income taxes |
The Company account for income taxes using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in Company’s consolidated financial statements or in our tax returns. Estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of certain tax liabilities and in the determination of the recoverability of certain deferred income tax assets, which arise from temporary differences and carryforwards. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized or settled. Management regularly assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent that management believe, based upon the weight of available evidence, that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established through an adjustment to income tax expense. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization of our deferred tax assets include the Company’s forecast of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets. Assumptions represent management’s best estimates and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. The Company account for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements by regularly reviewing our tax positions and benefits to be realized. The Company’s recognize tax liabilities based upon management’s estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due when such estimates are more-likely-than-not to be sustained. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The provision for income taxes includes the effects of any resulting tax reserves, or unrecognized tax benefits, that are considered appropriate as well as the related net interest and penalties.
j. | Comprehensive loss |
Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other gains and losses affecting equity that under US GAAP are excluded from net income (loss). For the Company, such items consist of translation adjustments.
F- 12
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
k. | Revenues from Services |
The Company recognizes revenues from Development Fees in accordance with ASC Topic 605-20 Revenue Recognition from Services.
l. | Treasury shares |
Treasury shares are held by the Company and presented as a reduction of the Company shareholders’ deficit and carried at their cost to the Company, under treasury shares.
m. | Stock-based compensation |
The Company recognizes the estimated fair value of share-based awards under stock-based compensation cost. The Company measures compensation expense for share-based awards based on estimated fair values on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. This option pricing model requires estimates as to the option’s expected term and the price volatility of the underlying stock. The Company measures compensation expense for the shares based on the market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant, less an estimate of dividends that will not accrue to the shares holders prior to vesting. The Company elected to recognize compensation cost for awards that have a graded vesting schedule using the straight-line approach. Share-based payments to non-employees are measured at the fair value of the goods or services received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued if it is determined the fair value of the goods or services cannot be reliably measured, and are recorded at the date the goods or services are received. The amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the number of awards expected to vest. The fair value of equity awards is charged to the statement of operations over the service period. The offset to the recorded cost is to additional Paid in Capital. Consideration received on the exercise of stock options is recorded as capital stock and the related share-based payments reserve is transferred to share capital.
n. | Contingencies |
The Company is involved in various commercial and other legal proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Except for income tax contingencies or contingent consideration or other contingent liabilities incurred or acquired in a business combination, the Company records accruals for these types of contingencies to the extent that Company concludes their occurrence is probable and that the related liabilities are reasonably estimated. When accruing these costs, the Company will recognize an accrual in the amount within a range of loss that is the best estimate within the range. When no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the Company accrues for the minimum amount within the range. Legal costs are expensed as incurred. Contingent consideration and other contingent liabilities incurred or acquired in a business combination are recorded at a probability weighted assessment of their fair value and monitored on an ongoing basis for changes in that value.
F- 13
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
o. | Newly issued accounting pronouncements |
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605, Revenue Recognition. The new revenue recognition standard requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, or ASU 2015-14. This amendment defers the effective date of the previously issued Accounting Standards Update ASU 2014-09, until the interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier application is permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.
In August 2015, the FASB has issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-15, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting . This ASU adds SEC paragraphs pursuant to the SEC Staff Announcement at the June 18, 2015, Emerging Issues Task Force meeting about the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements. Given the absence of authoritative guidance within ASU 2015-03 for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements, the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The Company does not expect this update will have a material impact on the presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In November 2015, the FASB has issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which changes how deferred taxes are classified on organizations’ balance sheets. The ASU eliminates the current requirement for organizations to present deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. Instead, organizations will be required to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. The amendments apply to all organizations that present a classified balance sheet. For public companies, the amendments are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company does not expect this update will have a material impact on the presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
F- 14
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 3 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
The Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy are as follows (in thousands):
As of December 31, 2016 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Obligation to issue shares of Common Stock | $ | 187 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 187 | ||||||||
Deferred payment due to the acquisition of the SPVs | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,685 | $ | 2,685 | ||||||||
Warrants Liability | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,045 | $ | 2,045 | ||||||||
Total liabilities | $ | 187 | $ | — | $ | 4,730 | $ | 4,917 |
Balance as of December 31, 2015, | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred payment due to the acquisition of the SPVs | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,910 | $ | 2,910 | ||||||||
Warrants liability | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 544 | $ | 544 | ||||||||
Total liabilities | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,454 | $ | 3,454 |
Deferred payment due to the acquisition of the SPVs - Represents the remaining balance of fifty percent (50%) of the Purchase Price that is due to the Sellers on the third anniversary of the closing date. The fair value measurement of the fair market value of the Deferred Payment is based on significant inputs not observed in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement, which reflects the Company’s own assumptions in measuring fair value. The Company estimated the fair value of the Deferred Payment using the discounted cash flow model. Key assumptions include the level and timing of the expected future payment and discount rate consistent with the level of risk and economy in general. The Deferred payment due to the acquisition of the SPVs is included in long term loans and Liabilities in the consolidated Balance Sheets and the change in fair value of remaining balance is included in interest expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
Deferred payment due to the acquisition of the SPVs | ||||
Balance at January 1, 2015 | $ | — | ||
Increase due to acquisition of the SPVs | 2,910 | |||
Balance at December 31, 2015 | $ | 2,910 | ||
Changes in fair value, interest expense and translation adjustments | (225) | |||
Balance at December 31, 2016 | $ | 2,685 |
Warrant Liability—The estimated fair values of outstanding warrant liability were measured using Black-Scholes valuation models. These valuation models involved using such inputs as the estimated fair value of the underlying stock at the measurement date, risk-free interest rates, expected dividends on stock and expected volatility of the price of the underlying stock. Due to the nature of these inputs, the valuation of the warrants was considered a Level 3 measurement.
As of December 31,2016, and 2015, the Level 3 liabilities consisted of the Company’s warrant liability.
Warrants
Liability |
||||
Balance at January 1, 2015 | $ | — | ||
Issuance of warrants | 325 | |||
Changes in fair value | 219 | |||
Balance at December 31, 2015 | $ | 544 | ||
Issuance of warrants | 2,839 | |||
Changes in fair value | 1,338 | |||
Balance at December 31, 2016 | $ | 2,045 |
F- 15
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 4 – INVESTMENTS IN NONCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES
Investment in nonconsolidated affiliates consists of the following:
December 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||
Carrying Value
(In thousands) |
Ownership
Percentage |
Carrying Value
(In thousands) |
Ownership
Percentage |
|||||||||||||
Investment in Concord Energy Partners, LLC | $ | 5,960 | 25.00 | % | $ | 4,795 | 25.00 | % | ||||||||
Rhode Island Energy Partners LLC | $ | 4,177 | 22.75 | % | $ | 2,775 | 22.75 | % | ||||||||
Total | $ | 10,137 | $ | 7,570 |
Deferred revenues from nonconsolidated affiliates consists of the following:
December 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||
Carrying Value
(In thousands) |
Ownership
Percentage |
Carrying Value
(In thousands) |
Ownership
Percentage |
|||||||||||||
Deferred revenues from Concord Energy Partners, LLC | $ | — | 25.00 | % | $ | 4,795 | 25.00 | % | ||||||||
Deferred revenues from Rhode Island Energy Partners LLC | $ | 4,177 | 22.75 | % | $ | 2,776 | 22.75 | % | ||||||||
Deferred Revenue from Services from Rhode Island Energy Partners LLC | $ | 1,481 | 22.75 | % | $ | 1,481 | 22.75 | % | ||||||||
Total | $ | 5,658 | $ | 9,052 |
Deferred revenues represent payment that were received by the Company in connection of those projects but were not recognized as revenue and increase in the affiliate’s membership interest accounted by the Company using the step-by-step basis in accordance with ASC 323-10-35-15. Such deferred revenues will be recorded to the Income statement upon the commencement of the commercial operations of the plant and fulfillment of all the Company’s obligation under the above agreements.
F- 16
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 4 – INVESTMENTS IN NONCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES (continued)
North Carolina Project
On January 30, 2015, the Company, Concord Energy Partners, LLC (“Concord”) and York Renewable Energy Partners LLC (“York”) entered a development and indemnification agreement (the “Concord Development and Indemnification Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company will own 25% of the membership interest of Concord and York will pay the Company $1,250 in consideration of the Company’s Project Development Services. York also agreed to pay the Company two equal installments of $587 upon the commencement of the commercial operation and mechanical completion of the North Carolina project.
The Company’s right to receive distributions from Concord are subject to certain priorities in favor of York, as follows:
(a) | The unpaid rate of return, equal to nine percent (9%) per annum and compounded annually, of unrecovered capital contributions outstanding, will be paid to York; | |
(b) | The unpaid and unrecovered capital contributions outstanding will be paid to York; | |
(c) | The amount of any excess profits from “feedstock tipping fees” shall be distributed with twenty percent (20%) will be paid to York, and the balance to the Company; | |
(d) | The amount of any excess profits from “thermal energy” shall be distributed equally between the Company and York; and | |
(e) | Any amount remaining will be distributed pro-rata between the Company and York in proportion to the respective ownership Concord. |
In addition, the Company’s right to receive distributions upon a liquidation event of Concord are subject to certain priorities in favor of York, as follows:
(a) | The unpaid rate of return, equal to nine percent (9%) per annum and compounded annually, of unrecovered capital contributions outstanding, will be paid to York; | |
(b) | The unpaid and unrecovered capital contributions outstanding will be paid to York; and | |
(c) | Any amount remaining will be distributed pro-rata to the Company and York in proportion to the respective ownership in Concord. |
On November 18, 2016, The North Carolina Project commenced commercial operations and started to provide its output to Duke Energy pursuant to the Purchase Power Agreement with Duke. The commencement of the commercial operations includes the gradual intake of waste from the Facility’s feedstock suppliers, increasing the parasitic load to the digesters, completing the waste-water-treatment resources and completing all other mechanical features needed for the Facility to operate at full capacity. The Company estimates that construction of the facility will be fully completed by March 31, 2017.
F- 17
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 4 – INVESTMENTS IN NONCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES (continued)
Rhode Island Project
On April 8, 2015, the Company, Rhode Island Energy Partners LLC (“Rhode Island”) and York entered into a development and indemnification agreement (the “Rhode Island Development and Indemnification Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company will own 22.75% of the membership interest of Rhode Island and York will pay the Company $1,482 in consideration of the Company’s Project Development Services. Pursuant to this agreement York also agreed to pay the Company three equal installments of $563 upon the signing of the Rhode Island Development and Indemnification Agreement, the commencement of the commercial operation and mechanical completion of the Rhode Island project.
The company’s right to receive distributions from Rhode Island are subject to certain priorities in favor of York, as follows:
(a) | The amount of any excess profits from “feedstock tipping fees” shall be distributed with twenty percent (20%) going to York, and eighty percent (80%) going to us; | |
(b) | The amount of any excess profits from “thermal energy” shall be distributed equally between the Company and York; and | |
(c) | Any amount remaining will be distributed pro-rata to us and York in proportion to York and our respective ownership in the Rhode Island project. |
The company’s right to receive distributions upon a liquidation event of Concord are subject to certain priorities in favor of York, as follows:
(a) | The unpaid guaranteed obligation return will be paid to York; | |
(b) | The unpaid rate of return, equal to nine percent (9%) per annum and compounded annually, of unrecovered capital contributions outstanding, will be paid to York; | |
(c) | The unpaid and unrecovered capital contributions outstanding will be paid to York; and | |
(d) | Any amount remaining will be distributed pro-rata to the Company and York in proportion to York and our respective ownership in the Rhode Island project. |
On January 13, 2017, the Company and Orbit Energy, Inc., a former partner of the Company in both projects entered into an agreement to reduce certain of the Company’s past obligations in consideration of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200) which will be paid in twelve monthly equal installments starting January 27, 2017. Any amount not paid when due will accrue interest at the simple annual rate of eight per cent (8%) from the date due until the date fully paid. The Company accrued the full settlement amount at December 31, 2016.
The tables set forth below summarize the combined financial information related to the nonconsolidated affiliates that are accounted for under the equity method as of December 31, 2016, and December 31,2015.
December 31, 2016 | ||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | Concord | Rhode Island | ||||||
Assets: | ||||||||
Restricted Cash | $ | 500 | $ | 751 | ||||
Property, Plant and Equipment, net of accumulated depreciation | 26,169 | 19,230 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 26,669 | $ | 19,981 | ||||
Current liabilities | $ | 652 | $ | 142 | ||||
Membership Interest | 26,017 | 19,839 | ||||||
Total liabilities and Membership Interest | $ | 26,669 | $ | 19,981 |
December 31, 2015 | ||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | Concord | Rhode Island | ||||||
Assets: | ||||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment, net of accumulated depreciation | $ | 22,878 | 15,901 | |||||
Other assets | 17 | — | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 22,895 | $ | 15,901 | ||||
Current liabilities | $ | 2,127 | $ | 2,224 | ||||
Membership Interest | 20,768 | 13,677 | ||||||
Total liabilities and Membership Interest | $ | 22,895 | $ | 15,901 |
F- 18
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 5 – INVESTMENTS IN NONCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDAIRIES
In 2015, The Company acquired one hundred percent (100%) of the share capital of Agricerere S.r.l., Agrielektra S.r.l., Agrisorse S.r.l. and Gefa S.r.l (each, an “SVP” and collectively, the “SVPs”) in consideration of $5,647 (€5,200) (“Purchase Price”). Each SVP owns and operates an anaerobic digestion biogas plant for the production and sale of electricity to Gestore del Servizi Energetici GSE, S.p.A., a state-owned utility company, pursuant to a power purchase agreement. The Company to paid 50% of the Purchase Price on the closing date (December 14, 2015) and the remaining balance will be paid on the third anniversary of the closing date. The remaining balance bears interest at an annual rate of two percent (2%). The Purchase Price is subject to certain adjustments and to the difference between the actual EBITDA results in the 18 months following the closing date divided by 1.5 and € 935, per the following mechanism:
(i) If the actual EBITDA results in the 18 months following the closing date divided by 1.5 is greater than € 935 then the deferred payment shall be increased by the amount equal to 50% (fifty per cent) of this difference.
(ii) If the actual EBITDA results in the 18 months following the closing date divided by 1.5 is lesser than € 935 then the deferred payment shall be reduced by the amount of the amount necessary to maintain Purchase Price that yields an Equity IRR of 25%, but not more than 35% of the remaining balance.
The Company also agreed to reimburse the sellers the VAT amount that was claimed by the SPVs through the closing date. The reimbursed amount will not exceed € 1,160 and will be refunded to the Sellers only after the amount will be refunded to the Company by the VAT authorities in Italy.
In 2015, the Company entered into an EBITDA Guarantee Agreement (“EBITDA Guarantee Agreement”) with Austep S.p.A. (“Austep”). Austep specializes in design, construction, operation and servicing of anaerobic digestion plants. Pursuant to the EBITDA Guarantee Agreement, Austep will operate, maintain and supervise the Company’s biogas plants in consideration to a monthly guaranteed EBITDA of $204 (€188) during the initial six months following the Closing Date and an annual guaranteed EBITDA of $4,083 (€3,760) then after. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements with Austep, the Company will receive the guaranteed levels of EBITDA and Austep will receive ninety percent (90%) of the revenue in excess of these levels.
The Company applies the equity method because the EBITDA Guarantee Agreement whereby Austep operates, maintains and supervises each plant, prevents the Company from exercising a controlling influence over operating policies of the plants. Under this method, the equity investment is reflected as an investment in nonconsolidated subsidiaries on our Balance Sheets and the net earnings or losses of the investments is reflected as equity in net earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s investment in the SPV’s carrying value exceeded its proportionate share of the net assets of the SPVs by $19. This Premium was recognized as part of the carrying value in the Company’s equity investment in the SPVs.
Investment in nonconsolidated subsidiaries included the following activity during the years:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
2016 | 2015 | |||||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | 4,993 | $ | — | ||||
Investment in nonconsolidated subsidiaries | — | 5,031 | ||||||
Equity in losses of nonconsolidated subsidiaries | (444 | ) | (38 | ) | ||||
Translation adjustment | (120 | ) | — | |||||
Balance at end of period | $ | 4,429 | $ | 4,993 |
F- 19
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 5 – INVESTMENTS IN NONCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDAIRIES (continued)
The table set forth below summarize the combined financial information related to our nonconsolidated subsidiaries that are accounted for under the equity method as of December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015.
(Dollars in thousands) | December 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | ||||||
Assets: | ||||||||
Current Assets | $ | 2,735 | $ | 2,753 | ||||
Property, Plant and Equipment, net of accumulated depreciation | 16,167 | 18,109 | ||||||
Other Non-Current Assets | 7,970 | 6,054 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 26,872 | $ | 26,916 | ||||
Liabilities and Shareholder’s Deficit: | ||||||||
Current liabilities | $ | 8,221 | $ | 4,697 | ||||
Long Term Liabilities | 14,282 | 17,286 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 22,503 | 21,983 | ||||||
Shareholder’s Equity | 4,369 | 4,933 | ||||||
Total Shareholder’s Equity | 4,369 | 4,933 | ||||||
Total liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity | $ | 26,872 | $ | 26,916 |
F- 20
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 6 – CURRENT MATURITIES OF DEBENTURES AND LONG TERM LOANS
Current Maturities of Debentures and Long Term Loans consisted of the following:
Interest rate
as of
December 31, 2016 |
December 31,
2016 |
December 31,
2015 |
||||||||||
Debentures | 11% | $ | 2,658 | $ | — | |||||||
Current Maturities portion of Loan from Helios | 14.5% | 289 | 517 | |||||||||
Current Maturities Long Term Loan from Bank | 1.8-6% | 41 | 32 | |||||||||
Total Current Maturities of Debentures and Long Term Loans | $ | 2,988 | $ | 549 |
NOTE 7 – SHORT TERM LOAN
On October 25, 2016, the Company completed a private placement of its securities (the “October Financing”) to an accredited investor. Pursuant to the October Financing, the Company agreed to issue to the Investor shares of the Company’s common stock, notes and warrants, in exchange for up to $1,000 in accordance with the following payment schedule: $500 paid at closing, $250 in guaranteed financing upon the achievement of certain milestones, and up to an additional $250 in financing upon the mutual agreement of the Investor and the Company.
The balance as of December 31, 2016, represents a six (6) month promissory note in the amount of $750, accrued interest in the amount of $39 less the unamortized amount of fair value of the issued warrants using the Black-Scholes in the amount of $322 and a balance of $188 that represents the Company’s obligation to issue shares of Common Stock equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the Note Principal to the Investor.
Per the SPA the Company may exercise its right to repay the Note at any time on or before its maturity date. The Note is convertible into shares of the Common Stock only upon default event as set forth in the agreement of repayment at a price per share equal to the lesser of (i) USD $0.075, or (ii) a sixty percent (60%) discount to the lowest trade price in the twenty five (25) trading days prior to the conversion.
F- 21
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 8 – ACCRUED SEVERANCE PAY
The Israeli labor laws generally require severance payments upon dismissal of an employee or upon termination of employment in certain other circumstances. The following principal plans relate to the Company’s employees in Israel:
Severance pay liability with respect to Israeli employees’ is calculated pursuant to Israeli Severance Pay Law based on the most recent salary of the employees multiplied by the number of years of employment as of the balance sheet date. The Company records an expense for the increase in its severance liability, net of earnings (losses) from the related severance pay fund. The liability is presented on the undiscounted basis as a long-term liability. Severance pay expenses were $24 thousand and $2 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015, respectively. Severance pay expenses were $1 thousand for the three months’ period ended December 31, 2015, respectively. The Company’s liability for its Israeli employees is covered for by monthly deposits with severance pay funds. The value of the deposited funds is based on the cash surrender value of these policies and includes profits (or loss) accumulated through the balance sheet date. The deposited funds may be withdrawn only upon the fulfillment of the obligations pursuant to Israeli Severance Pay Law or labor agreements.
NOTE 9 – LONG TERM LOANS AND LIABILITIES
Long-term loans and liabilities consisted of the following:
Interest rate
as of
December 31, 2016 |
December 31,
2016 |
December 31,
2015 |
||||||||||
Deferred payment due to the acquisition of the SPVs (1) | 2% | $ | 2,685 | $ | 2,910 | |||||||
Long Term portion of Loan from Helios (2) | 14.5% | 2,607 | 3,149 | |||||||||
Total Long-term loans and liabilities | $ | 5,292 | $ | 6,059 | ||||||||
Less: current maturities of Long Term portion of Loan from Helios (2) | 14.5% | 289 | 516 | |||||||||
$ | 5,003 | $ | 5,543 |
(1)
Represents the remaining balance of fifty percent (50%) of the Purchase Price that is due to the Sellers on the third anniversary of the closing date. This amount will be adjusted to the variation of EBITDA as described above and is promised by a note to each Seller, to be paid on the third anniversary of the closing, along with interest on the unpaid balance due at an annual rate of two percent (2%). The fair value measurement of the fair market value of the remaining balance is based on significant inputs not observed in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement, which reflects the Company’s own assumptions in measuring fair value. The Company estimated the fair value of the remaining balance using the discounted cash flow model. Key assumptions include the level and timing of the expected future payment and discount rate consistent with the level of risk and economy in general. The balance of the Deferred payment due to the acquisition of the SPVs is included in long term loans and Liabilities in the consolidated Balance Sheets and the change in fair value of remaining balance is included in interest expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
(2)
In 2015, the Company entered into a Long Term Mezzanine Loan Agreement (the “Helios Loan Agreement”) with Helios Italy Bio-Gas 1 L.P. (“Helios”) to finance the acquisition of the SPVs. Under the Helios Loan Agreement, the Company borrowed €2,900 ($3,149) at annual interest rate of fourteen and one-half percent (14.5%), paid quarterly. Helios is also entitled to an annual operation fee of one and one-half percent (1.5%), paid quarterly. The final payment of the loan will become due no later than the earlier of (a) thirteen and one half years from the date such loan was made available to the Company, and (b) the date that the Feed in Tariff license granted to the relevant SVP expires. Pursuant to the Helios Loan Agreement, the Company pledged all its shares in Eastern and Bluesphere Pavia to secure the outstanding balance under the Helios Loan Agreement.
F- 22
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 10 – DEBENTURES
Beginning in November 2015, the Company conducted an offering of up to $3,000 of the Company’s Senior Debentures and warrants to purchase up to 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock, in proportion pro rata to each Subscriber’s subscription amount relative to the total offering amount, with 50% of the Debenture Offering Warrants exercisable at a price per share of $0.05 and the other 50% of the Debenture Offering Warrants exercisable at price per share of $0.075. The Debenture Offering Securities were offered pursuant to subscription agreements with each investor (the “Debenture Offering Subscription Agreement”). Pursuant to the Debenture Offering Subscription Agreements, the investors in the Debenture Offering shall have the right to collectively designate one observer or member to the Company’s Board of Directors. On December 23, 2015, the Company completed the Debenture Offering and entered into Debenture Offering Subscription Agreements with investors representing aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $3,000.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded amortization expenses in the amounts of $298, in respect of the discounts recorded on the debentures. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded amortization expenses in the amounts of $11, in respect of the discounts recorded on the debentures.
NOTE 11 – WARRANTS LIABILITY
At each balance sheet date, the Company had the following warrants to purchase common stock outstanding:
Fair value | Fair value | |||||||||||||||||
Warrants | of Warrants | Warrants | of Warrants | |||||||||||||||
outstanding | Liabilities as of | outstanding | Liabilities as of | |||||||||||||||
as of | December 31, 2016 | as of | December 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||
December 31, 2016 | (in thousands) | December 31, 2015 | (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
May 1, 2014 Warrants ($0.10 per share) | 1,500,000 | $ | 26 | 1,500,000 | $ | — | ||||||||||||
November 2015 Warrants ($0.05 per share) | (1) | 4,000,000 | 155 | 4,000,000 | 175 | |||||||||||||
November 2015 Warrants ($0.075 per share) | (1) | 4,000,000 | 128 | 4,000,000 | 174 | |||||||||||||
November 2015 Warrants ($0.06875 per share) | (1) | 4,480,000 | 150 | 4,480,000 | 195 | |||||||||||||
February 3, 2016 Warrants ($0.06 per share) | (2) | 1,500,000 | 42 | — | — | |||||||||||||
February 2016 Offering ($0.10 per share) | (3) | 17,500,000 | 485 | — | — | |||||||||||||
February 2016 Offering ($0.061 per share) | (3) | 2,800,000 | 101 | — | — | |||||||||||||
February 2016 Offering ($0.11 per share) | (3) | 1,400,000 | 36 | — | — | |||||||||||||
July 2016 Offering ($0.11 per share) | (4) | 18,266,668 | 512 | — | — | |||||||||||||
July 2016 Offering ($0.121 per share) | (4) | 928,000 | 25 | — | — | |||||||||||||
July 2016 Offering ($0.083 per share) | (4) | 928,000 | 30 | — | — | |||||||||||||
October 2016 Offering ($0.075 per shares) | (5) | 10,000,000 | 353 | — | — | |||||||||||||
Total | 67,302,668 | $ | 2,045 | 13,980,000 | $ | 544 | ||||||||||||
Average date to maturity (in years) | 4.25 | 4.78 | ||||||||||||||||
Average exercise price | $ | 0.0901 | $ | 0.06825 |
(1) | Pursuant to the November 2015 Offering, the Company sold warrants to purchase up to 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price per share of $0.05 and warrants to purchase up to 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price per share of $0.075. The Warrants are exercisable until December 22, 2020 and were accounted for as derivative liabilities. The Company has estimated the fair value of such warrants at a value of $209 at the date of issuance using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: |
% | |||||
Dividend yield | 0 | % | |||
Risk-free interest rate | 1.74 | % | |||
Expected term (years) | 5 | ||||
Volatility | 202 | % |
F- 23
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 11 – WARRANTS LIABILITY (continued)
The Company engaged Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”) to assist in the Debenture Offering. Pursuant to the terms of the engagement Maxim received warrants to purchase 4,480,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.06875 per share. The Warrants are exercisable until December 22, 2020 and were accounted for as derivative liabilities. The Company has estimated the fair value of such warrants at a value of $117 at the date of issuance using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions:
% | |||||
Dividend yield | 0 | % | |||
Risk-free interest rate | 1.74 | % | |||
Expected term (years) | 5 | ||||
Volatility | 202 | % |
(2) | On February 3, 2016, the Company issued warrants to purchase up to 1,500,000 shares of our common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.06 per share, in full satisfaction of certain obligations of the Company. The Warrants are exercisable until February 2, 2019 and were accounted for as derivative liabilities. The Company has estimated the fair value of such warrants at a value of $87 at the date of issuance using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: |
% | |||||
Dividend yield | 0 | % | |||
Risk-free interest rate | 1.20 | % | |||
Expected term (years) | 3 | ||||
Volatility | 203 | % |
(3) | Pursuant to the February 2016 Offering, the Company sold warrants to purchase up to 17,500,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price per share of $0.10. The Warrants are exercisable until February 14, 2021 and were accounted for as derivative liabilities. The Company has estimated the fair value of such warrants at a value of $847 at the date of issuance using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: |
% | |||||
Dividend yield | 0 | % | |||
Risk-free interest rate | 1.20 | % | |||
Expected term (years) | 5 | ||||
Volatility | 203 | % |
F- 24
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 11 – WARRANTS LIABILITY (continued)
The Company engaged Maxim Group LLC to assist in the February 2016 Offering. Pursuant to the terms of the engagement Maxim received warrants to purchase 2,800,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.0605 per share and warrants to purchase 1,400,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.11 per share. The Warrants are exercisable until February 14, 2021 and were accounted for as derivative liabilities. The Company has estimated the fair value of such warrants at a value of $204 at the date of issuance using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions:
% | |||||
Dividend yield | 0 | ||||
Risk-free interest rate | 1.20 | % | |||
Expected term (years) | 5 | ||||
Volatility | 203 | % |
(4) | Pursuant to the July 2016 Offering, the Company sold warrants to purchase up to 18,266,668 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price per share of $0.11. The Warrants are exercisable until July 25, 2021 and were accounted for as derivative liabilities. The Company has estimated the fair value of such warrants at a value of $1,140 at the date of issuance using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: |
% | |||||
Dividend yield | 0 | % | |||
Risk-free interest rate | 1.00 | % | |||
Expected term (years) | 5 | ||||
Volatility | 147 | % |
The Company engaged Maxim Group LLC to assist in the July 2016 Offering. Pursuant to the terms of the engagement Maxim received warrants to purchase 928,001 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.083 per share and warrants to purchase 928,001 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.121 per share. The Warrants are exercisable until July 25, 2021 and were accounted for as derivative liabilities. The Company has estimated the fair value of such warrants at a value of $117 at the date of issuance using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions:
% | |||||
Dividend yield | 0 | ||||
Risk-free interest rate | 1.00 | % | |||
Expected term (years) | 5 | ||||
Volatility | 147 | % |
(5) | Pursuant to the October 2016 Offering, the Company sold warrants to purchase up to 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price per share of $0.075. 6,666,666 Warrants are exercisable until October 24, 2021 and the balance are exercisable until December 19, 2021. The warrants were accounted for as derivative liabilities. The Company has estimated the fair value of such warrants at a value of $504 at the date of issuances using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: |
% | |||||
Dividend yield | 0 | % | |||
Risk-free interest rate | 1.75-2.04 | % | |||
Expected term (years) | 5 | ||||
Volatility | 77-89 | % |
F- 25
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 12 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
On December 18, 2015, The Company entered into a no-interest bearing $129 promissory note with R.S. Palas Management Ltd., an entity owned and controlled by Shlomo Palas. The loan under the promissory note was used to finance a portion of the acquisition of the four SPVs in Italy pursuant to the Italy Projects Agreement. The Company paid back the loan under the promissory note with proceeds from the debentures offering that was completed in December, 2015.
In July 2015, in order to finance a portion of the funds necessary to complete the acquisitions of the SPVs by Bluesphere Pavia, we conducted a private placement of up to $250 of our Common Stock at $0.0176 per share to certain accredited investors. On December 2, 2015, we closed on the July Offering, resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of $225 and agreed to issue 21,588,871 shares of our Common Stock at $0.0104 per share, pursuant to certain subscription agreements. All investors in the July Offering were accredited investors and independent of the Company, but were part of a group led by a former member of our Board, Itai Haboucha. Mr. Haboucha did not receive any shares of Common Stock, was not paid any commissions and received no other compensation in connection with the July Offering. On June 2, 2016 the Company issued 13,930,742 shares of Common Stock in consideration of $146. On December 14, 2016 the Company issued 7,658,129 shares of Common Stock in consideration of $84.
F- 26
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 13 – CONTINGENT AND COMMITMENTS
From time to time the Company may be a party to commercial and litigation matters involving claims against the Company. None of the Company’s directors, officers, nonconsolidated affiliates, or any owner of record or beneficially of more than five percent of the Company’s Common Stock, is involved in a material proceeding adverse to the Company and its subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to the Company or its subsidiaries. The Company accrues a liability for such matters when it is probable that future expenditures will be made and such expenditures can be reasonably estimated. In management’s opinion, there are no current matters that would have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations and no contingent liabilities requiring accrual as of December 31, 2016.
On October 22, 2016, the law firm of JS Barkats PLLC filed a complaint against the Company and its Chief Executive Officer, seeking allegedly unpaid legal fees for services rendered from June 9, 2011 through April 23, 2012 in the amount of $428 thousands, plus interest for a total of $652 thousands. This Litigation was filed as JS Barkats PLLC v. Blue Sphere Corporation and Shlomo Palas with the Supreme Court of the State of New York for the County of New York , Index No. 655600/2016. On October 26, 2016, without notice to the Company or its Chief Executive Officer or an opportunity to be heard, the New York Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order (the “TRO”) in favor JS Barkats PLLC, prohibiting the Company and Mr. Palas from transferring or dissipating any assets up to $652. On October 31, 2016, the Company removed the Barkats Litigation to federal court, filed as JS Barkats PLLC v. Blue Sphere Corporation and Shlomo Palas with the United Stated District Court, Southern District Court of New York, Docket No. 1:16-cv-08404, and on December 6, 2016, Mr. Barkats filed a motion to remand to the New York Court and request for oral argument. The Company terminated the services of JS Barkats LLC in 2012 and management believe the claims brought by JS Barkats PLLC are without merit, that the TRO was improvidently granted, and that JS Barkats PLLC misrepresented, mischaracterized and omitted material facts and the law in seeking the TRO. The Company intend to vigorously defend against this Litigation, the TRO and any other attempts to attach the assets of the Company.
F- 27
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 14 – COMMON SHARES
Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance
The Company had shares of common stock reserved for issuance as follows:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
2016 | 2015 | |||||||
Outstanding warrants to purchase common stock | 67,302,668 | 13,980,000 | ||||||
Outstanding Options to purchase common stock | 778,761 | 778,761 | ||||||
Approved but not Outstanding Options to purchase common stock | — | 3,175,000 | ||||||
Unvested Common Stock under the 2014 Incentive Plan | 962,500 | 7,316,667 | ||||||
Common Stock reserved under the 2016 Incentive Plan | 30,000,000 | — | ||||||
Option to purchase Common Stock reserved under the 2016 Incentive Plan | 15,000,000 | — | ||||||
Common Stock reserved under the October 2016 Offering | 57,000,000 | — | ||||||
Total shares reserved for issuance | 171,043,929 | 25,250,428 |
Issuances
On October 28, 2014, the Company issued 335,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, in connection with the May 1, 2014 service agreement.
During October, 2014, an investor converted $42 principal amount out of the April 11, 2014 notes for 471,967 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On December 8, 2014, the Company issued 209 shares of the Company’s common stock to Carter Terry.
On October 3, 2014, the Company signed a consulting agreement with a consultant according to which the consultant would provide investor relation and public relations services for a period of one year. The Company agreed to grant the consultant 2,000,000 shares of the Company and additional 500,000 options to purchase Company’s shares at an exercise price of $0.001 per shares. Such shares were issued on March 19, 2015. In addition, on the same date the Company issued the consultant 500,000 shares of the Company for the exercised of the options granted. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares and options, and recorded an expense of $217.
On January 5, 2015, the Company signed a consulting agreement with Dr. Borenstein Ltd according to which the company issued the consultant 1,000,000 options to purchase 1,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.001 for one year commencing the date of the agreement. The Consultant exercised such options at May 27, 2015. The Company has estimated the fair value of such options, and recorded an expense of $158.
On February 28, 2015 and March 19, 2015, the Company issued 6,114,867 shares of the Company to a consultant in respect of his September 2014 consulting investor relation and public relations services agreement with the Company. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares, and recorded an expense of $738.
On March 12, 2015, the Company issued 109,039 shares of the Company for an investor pursuant to the exercise of his options granted at May 2014. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares, and recorded an expense of $14.
In May and June 2015, the Company issued 3,765,000 shares of the Company to a consultant in respect of his investor relations and public relations services pursuant to a consulting agreement with the Company. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares, and recorded an expense of $150.
In May 2015, the Company issued 3,250,000 shares of the Company to a consultant in respect of his investor relations and public relations services pursuant to a consulting agreement with the Company. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares, and recorded an expense of $136.
On June 15, 2015 the Company issued consultant 1,500,000 shares of common stock of the Company in mutual agreement for termination of his June 2014 consulting agreement. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares, and recorded an expense of $34.
F- 28
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 14 – COMMON SHARES (continued)
From July through September 2015, the Company issued 8,035,000 shares of common stock to a consultant in respect of his investor relations and public relations services consulting agreement with the Company. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares, and recorded an expense of $199.
In August 2015, the Company issued 3,474,405 shares of the Company to Maxim Group LLC in respect of its financial advisor and investment banker agreement with the Company. The shares have been valued and recorded at $34.
In August 2015, the Company issued 1,128,237 shares of the Company to a non-U.S. person in respect of its financial advisor and investment banker settlement agreement with the Company. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares, and recorded an expense of $13.
On April 13, 2015, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with a non-U.S. person pursuant to which the Company issued 416,667 shares of common stock in exchange for $25.
On April 15, 2015, the Company entered into a Subscription Agreement with Dr. Borenstein Ltd. (the “April Borenstein Subscription Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell 1,630,000 shares of common stock of the Company for the aggregate purchase price of $48.
On June 12, 2015, the Company entered into a Subscription Agreement with Dr. Borenstein Ltd. (the “June Borenstein Subscription Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell 8,484,848 shares of common stock of the Company for the aggregate purchase price of $140.
On July 1, 2015, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with a non-U.S. person pursuant to which the Company issued 2,000,000 shares of common stock in exchange for $32.
On July 6, 2015, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with several non-U.S. entity pursuant to which the Company issued 2,428,571 shares of common stock in exchange for $51.
On July 17, 2015, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with several non-U.S. personnel pursuant to which the Company issued 2,318,183 shares of common stock in exchange for $39.
From February through August 2015, convertible promissory notes holders representing an aggregate principal amount of $1,480,716 converted their notes into 75,060,414 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On January 26, 2016, the Company issued 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock, pursuant to a subscription agreement dated June 12, 2015.
On February 1, 2016, the Company issued 540,000 shares Common Stock to a consultant in respect of his consulting services for the Company. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares, and recorded an expense of $108.
F- 29
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 14 – COMMON SHARES (continued)
In February 2016, the Company conducted an offering (the “February 2016 Offering”) consisting of (a) up to $1,925 of the Company’s shares of Common Stock, priced at the closing price for shares of Common Stock, as reported on the OTCQB Venture Marketplace, on the trading day prior to the closing of the February Offering, and (b) 5-year warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock in an amount equal to 50% of the number of shares of Common Stock so purchased by the. The Securities have been offered pursuant to subscription agreements with each investor. In addition to other customary provisions, each Subscription Agreement provides that the Company will use its reasonable commercial efforts to register all shares of Common Stock sold in the February Offering, including all shares of Common Stock underlying the February Warrants, within 60 days of the closing of the February Offering. The February Warrants are exercisable for 5 years from the date of issuance at $0.10 per share, include an option by which the holder may exercise the Warrant by means of a cashless exercise, and include customary weighted-average price adjustment and anti-dilution terms. On February 15, 2016, the Company completed the only closing of the February Offering, representing aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $1,925. In connection with the closing, the Company and subscribers entered into (a) February Subscription Agreements for, in the aggregate, 35,000,000 shares of Common Stock at $0.055 per share, and (b) February Warrants to purchase, in the aggregate, up to 17,500,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.10 per share.
The Company engaged Maxim to assist in the February 2016 Offering. Pursuant to the terms of an engagement letter between Maxim and the Company, Maxim received commissions equal to 7% of the gross proceeds raised by Maxim in the February Offering, warrants to purchase, in the aggregate, up to 2,800,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.0605 per share and to purchase, in the aggregate, up to 1,400,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.11 per share.
On March 15, 2016, the Company issued 85,000 shares of Common Stock to a consultant in respect of his consulting services for the Company. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares, and recorded an expense of $5,685.
On April 13, 2016, the Company issued 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock to a consultant in consideration for corporate finance, investor communications and financial and investor public relations services. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares, and recorded an expense of $73 in second fiscal quarter of 2016 and $10 in first fiscal quarter of 2016. On June 13, 2016 and per the consulting agreement the Company issued an additional 1,000,000 shares of common stock as a service bonus since the agreement was not terminated prior to June 9, 2016. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares, and recorded an expense of $89.
On April 13, 2016, the Company issued an aggregate of 875,000 shares of Common Stock to a consultant, pursuant to consulting agreements dated September 1, 2015 and March 1, 2016, in consideration for investor relations and communications services. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares, and recorded an expense of $42.
F- 30
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 14 – COMMON SHARES (continued)
On May 18, 2016, a 1.5-year warrant to purchase shares of Common Stock, dated May 4, 2015, was exercised into 700,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.058 per share, for total consideration of $41.
On June 2, 2016, the Company issued 13,930,742 shares of the Company’s Common Stock in consideration of $146 pursuant to the July 2015 Offering Subscription Agreements.
On June 13, 2016, the Company issued 7,103,467 shares of Common Stock to several officers, directors, employees and/or consultants of the Company. All shares were issued pursuant to the Company’s Global Share and Options Incentive Enhancement Plan (2014). The Company has estimated and recorded the fair value of such shares as an expense of $632 which was recorded through 2015 and the 2016.
On June 26, 2016, the Company issued 500,000 shares of Common Stock in order to complete its obligations under the Share Purchase Agreement from 2015.
On July 14, 2016, the Company cancelled 85,000 shares of Common Stock that were issued in error.
In June and July 2016, The Company conducted an offering (the “June 2016 Offering”) consisting of (a) up to $3,000 of shares of Common Stock, priced at the closing price for shares of Common Stock, as reported on the OTCQB Venture Marketplace on the trading day prior to each respective closing of the June Offering, and (b) five-year warrants (the “June Warrants”, together with the shares of Common Stock subscribed for, the “June Securities”) to purchase shares of Common Stock in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the number of shares of Common Stock so purchased by the subscriber, with an exercise price equal to the per share price of the Common Stock or $0.011 per share, whichever is greater. The June Securities were offered pursuant to subscription agreements with each subscriber (the “June Subscription Agreement”). In addition to other customary provisions, each June Subscription Agreement provides that the Company will use its reasonable commercial efforts to register all shares of Common Stock sold in the June Offering, including all shares of Common Stock underlying the June Warrants, within twenty (20) days of the final closing of the June Offering. Each June Subscription Agreement also provides that if, during the period beginning on the date of the first closing of the June Offering and ending on the six month anniversary thereof, the Company completes (a) a subsequent closing of the June Offering or (b) a public or private offering and sale of $1,000 or more of Common Stock or warrants to purchase Common Stock, where such subsequent closing or offering, as applicable, provides for material deal terms and conditions more favorable than are contained in such June Subscription Agreement, then the June Subscription Agreement will be deemed modified to provide the applicable subscriber with the more favorable deal terms and conditions, and the Company will take all reasonable steps necessary to amend the June Securities and/or issue new securities to the applicable subscriber reflecting such more favorable material deal terms and conditions (the “June MFN Rights”). The June Warrants are exercisable for five years from the date of issuance, include an option by which the holder may exercise the June Warrant by means of a cashless exercise, and include customary weighted-average price adjustment and anti-dilution terms. On July 26, 2016, the Company completed closings of the June Offering, both such closings representing aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $1,370. In connection with both closings, the Company and subscribers entered into (a) June Subscription Agreements for 18,266,668 shares of Common Stock at $0.075 per share, and (b) June Warrants to purchase up to 18,266,668 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.11 per share. The subscriber in the July 7, 2016 closing received an adjustment to its June Securities pursuant to its June MFN Rights. The warrants were accounted for as derivative liabilities.
F- 31
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 14 – COMMON SHARES (continued)
The Company engaged Maxim to assist in the June Offering. Pursuant to the terms of an engagement letter between Maxim and the Company, in connection with both closings, Maxim received commissions equal to 4.44% of the gross proceeds raised, warrants to purchase up to 928,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.0825 per share, and warrants to purchase up to 928,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.121 per share.
On August 7, 2016, the Company issued 143,000 shares of Common Stock, in consideration for past capital advisory services rendered to the Company. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares, and recorded an expense of $11.
On August 16, 2016, the Company issued 400,000 shares of Common Stock in satisfaction of debt of $24.
On September 15, 2016, the Company issued 500,000 shares of Common Stock to a consultant in consideration for communications and investor relations services. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares, and recorded an expense of $20.
On September 15, 2016, the Company issued 500,000 shares of Common Stock to a consultant in consideration for communications and investor relations services. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares, and recorded an expense of $34.
On October 25, 2016, the Company completed a private placement of its securities to JMJ Financial, an accredited investor. Pursuant to the financing, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with the investor thereby agreeing to issue shares of Common Stock, notes, and warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock, in exchange for $500 paid at closing and an additional $250 which were paid at December 20, 2016 after the achievement of certain milestones, as well as up to an additional $250 in financing upon the mutual agreement of the Investor and the Company.
Pursuant to the terms of such financing, the Company agreed to issue to the investor (i) restricted shares of Common Stock equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the note principal paid to the Company by the Investor, subject to certain adjustments, (ii) a six (6) month promissory note covering the note principal plus an amount equal to approximately five percent (5%) of the actual note principal, in total $1,053, and (iii) a five (5) year warrant to purchase 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock with an aggregate exercise amount of $750.
On December 14, 2016, the Company issued 7,658,129 shares of Common Stock in consideration of $84 pursuant to the July 2015 Offering Subscription Agreement.
On December 20, 2016, the Company issued 950,000 shares of Common Stock to the CEO of the Company and 850,000 shares of Common Stock to the Chairman of the Board of the Company under their service agreements with the Company. The Company has estimated and recorded the fair value of such shares as an expense of $50 which was recorded through 2016.
F- 32
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 14 – COMMON SHARES (continued)
On December 30, 2016, the Company issued 850,000 shares of Common Stock to an EVP of the under his service agreement with the Company. The Company has estimated and recorded the fair value of such shares as an expense of $24 which was recorded through 2016.
On December 30, 2016, the Company issued 5,775,000 shares of Common Stock to several officers, directors, employees and/or consultants of the Company. All shares were issued pursuant to the Company’s Global Share and Options Incentive Enhancement Plan (2014). The Company has estimated and recorded the fair value of such shares as an expense of $386.
On December 30, 2016, the Company issued 300,000 shares of Common Stock, in consideration for past services rendered a member of the Board of Directors to the Company. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares, and recorded an expense of $20.
Share Repurchase Program
On June 17, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program (the “Share Repurchase Program”). Under the Share Repurchase Program, the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $500 worth of its common stock, which, based on the value of the Company’s common stock on December 31, 2016, equates to approximately 7,473,841 shares of common stock. However, the total number of shares could differ based on the ultimate price per share paid by the Company. Further, the Company’s shares of common stock may be purchased on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions from time-to-time and in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Company is not obligated to make any purchases, including at any specific time or in any particular situation. The program may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had not repurchased any shares under the Share Repurchase Program. On June 23, 2015, the Company repurchased 144,054 shares from a shareholder for $28 as part of a settlement with such shareholder. This repurchase was not pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program.
F- 33
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 15 – STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS
On February 24, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a grant of up to 2,575,000 shares of common stock to certain of its managers, directors and key employees under the 2010 Plan, of which 2,575,000 shares were issued as of December 31, 2016.
On February 24, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved and adopted the Global Share and Options Incentive Enhancement Plan (2014) (the “2014 Plan”), pursuant to which the Company may award shares of its common stock, options to purchase shares of its common stock and other equity-based awards to eligible participants. The 2014 Plan replaced the Company’s Global Share Incentive Plan (2010). Subject to the terms and conditions of the 2014 Plan, the Board of Directors has full authority in its discretion, from time to time and at any time, to determine (i) eligible participants in the 2014 Plan, (ii) the number of options or shares to be covered by an award, (iii) the time or times at which an award shall be granted, (iv) the vesting schedule and other terms and conditions of an award, (v) the form(s) of written agreements applicable to an award, and (vi) any other matter which is necessary or desirable for, or incidental to, the administration of the 2014 Plan and the granting of awards thereunder. The 2014 Plan permits the grant of up to 13,100,000 shares of common stock and up to 3,175,000 options to purchase shares of common stock to certain of its managers, directors and key employees. The shares will vest on a quarterly basis over a two-year period, and the options will vest on a quarterly basis over a two-year period with an exercise price of $0.14 per share. As of December 2016, 10,733,333 shares granted under the 2016 Incentive Plan have been issued.
On August 8, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors approved and adopted the Global Share and Options Incentive Enhancement Plan (2016) (the “2016 Plan”), pursuant to which the Company may award shares of its common stock, options to purchase shares of its common stock and other equity-based awards to eligible participants. The 2016 Plan replaced the 2014 Plan. Subject to the terms and conditions of the 2016 Plan, the Board of Directors has full authority in its discretion, from time to time and at any time, to determine (i) eligible participants in the 2016 Plan, (ii) the number of options or shares to be covered by an award, (iii) the time or times at which an award shall be granted, (iv) the vesting schedule and other terms and conditions of an award, (v) the form(s) of written agreements applicable to an award, and (vi) any other matter which is necessary or desirable for, or incidental to, the administration of the 2016 Plan and the granting of awards thereunder. The 2016 Plan permits the grant of up to 30,000,000 shares of common stock and up to 15,000,000 options to purchase shares of common stock to certain of its managers, directors and key employees. The shares will vest on a quarterly basis over a two-year period, and the options will vest on a quarterly basis over a two-year period with an exercise price that shall not be less than the Fair Market Value on the date of grant. As of December 31, 2016, all shares and options granted under the 2016 Incentive Plan have not yet been issued. As December 31, 2016 and 2015 778,761 options were outstanding and exercisable all of which with a weighted average exercise price of 0.5763 and an intrinsic value of $9.
F- 34
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 15 – STOCK OPTIONS (continued)
The following table summarizes information about options to employees, officers and directors outstanding at December 31, 2016 under the plans:
Options Outstanding | Vested and Exercisable | |||||||||||||||||
Exercise Price |
Number
of
Option |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) |
Number
of
Option |
Weighted Average Exercise Price | ||||||||||||||
0.5763 | 778,761 | 1.33 | 778,761 | 0.5763 |
As of December 31, 2016, the aggregated intrinsic value for the options vested and exercisable was $9 thousand with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.33 years.
NOTE 16 – INCOME TAXES
US resident companies are taxed on their worldwide income for corporate income tax purposes at a statutory rate of 35%. No further taxes are payable on this profit unless that profit is distributed. If certain conditions are met, income derived from foreign subsidiaries is tax exempt in the US under applicable tax treaties to avoid double taxation.
Taxable income of Israeli companies is subject to tax at the rate of 26.5% in the year 2015, 25% in the year 2016, 24% in the year 2017 and 23% in the year 2018.
The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method, which requires the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are adjusted by a valuation allowance, if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The breakdown of the deferred tax asset as of December 31 2016, and 2015 is as follows:
2016 | 2015 | |||||||
U.S. dollars in thousands | ||||||||
Deferred tax assets: | ||||||||
Net operating loss carry-forward | $ | 9,259 | $ | 6,768 | ||||
Valuation allowance | (9, 259 | ) | (6,768 | ) | ||||
$ | — | $ | — |
A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Management has determined, based on its recurring net losses, lack of a commercially viable product and limitations under current tax rules, that a full valuation allowance is appropriate.
U.S. dollars in thousands |
|||||
Valuation allowance, December 31, 2015 | $ | 6,768 | |||
Increase | 2,491 | ||||
Valuation allowance, December 31, 2016 | $ | 9,259 |
Carry forward losses of the Company are approximately $20,635 at December 31, 2016 and available throughout 2036.
F- 35
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 16 – INCOME TAXES (continued)
Carry forward losses of the Israeli subsidiary are approximately $4,114 at December 31, 2016 and have no expiration date.
Reconciliation between the theoretical tax expense, assuming all income is taxed at the statutory tax rate applicable to income of the Company and the actual tax expense as reported in the Statement of Operations, is as follows:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
2016 | 2015 | |||||||
Loss before taxes, as reported in the consolidated statements of operations | $ | 7,266 | $ | 7,462 | ||||
Federal statutory rate | 35 | % | 35 | % | ||||
Theoretical tax benefit on the above amount at federal statutory tax rate | 2,543 | 2,611 | ||||||
Losses and other items for which a valuation allowance Was provided or benefit from loss carry forward | (2,491) | (2,611 | ) | |||||
Actual tax expense | 52 | — |
F- 36
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 17 – TRANSITION PERIOD FINANCIAL INFORMATION
In 2016, the Company changed its fiscal year to end on December 31st each year, effective January 1, 2016. The following table presents selected financial data for the transition period, the three months ended and as of December 31, 2015, and three months ended and as of December 31, 2014, (in thousands, except per share data):
Three Month Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||
Consolidated Statement of Operations data: | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses | $ | 1,106 | $ | 827 | ||||
Other losses | — | 19 | ||||||
Financial expenses. net | 144 | 468 | ||||||
Equity Losses in Nonconsolidated Subsidiaries | 38 | — | ||||||
Net Loss | $ | 1,288 | $ | 1,314 | ||||
Net loss per common share – basic and diluted | $ | (0.007 | ) | $ | (0.026 | ) | ||
Weighted average shares outstanding during the period (basic and diluted) | 177,011,554 | 51,031,823 |
NOTE 18 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 31, 2017, the Company issued 404,167 shares of Common Stock to the Former Chief Financial Officer (Israel) of the Company and 350,000 shares of Common Stock to Former Chief Financial Officer (U.S.) of the Company under their departure settlement agreements with the Company.
On January 31, 2017, the Company dissolved Johnstonsphere, LLC.
On February 1, 2017, the Board of Directors approved the Company’s Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy, applicable to members of the Board who are not employees of the Company. Under the Amended Director Compensation Policy, beginning on January 1, 2016 each Eligible Director shall be entitled to an annual cash retainer of USD $20, paid semi-annually, and a quarterly stock awards equal to $13, determined based on the closing price of a share of Common Stock on the last trading day of such quarter, as reported on the OTCQB® Venture Marketplace. Eligible Directors shall also receive meeting fees equal to (a) $1.5 for scheduled quarterly meetings of the Board attended in-person, (b) $0.5 for scheduled quarterly meetings of the Board attended by teleconference, (c) USD $0.25 for special meetings of the Board, and (d) $0.5 for meetings of the committees of the Board. If an Eligible Director attends a meeting of the Board and one or more meetings of a committee of the Board on the same date, the Eligible Director shall receive the full fee for the meeting of the Board and 50% of the fee for each meeting of a committee of the Board attended.
On February 7, 2017, the Company entered into a 90 days Loan Agreement with Viskoben Limited to borrow $200 at interest rate of ten percent (10.0%).
F- 37
[BACK COVER]
This prospectus is part of a Registration Statement we filed with the SEC. You should rely only on the information or representations contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide information other than that provided in this prospectus. We are not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction or state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the document.
$15,000,000
Up to [ ] Shares of Common Stock and
Warrants to Purchase up to [ ] Shares of Common Stock
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
Maxim Group LLC
|
________ , 2017
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. | Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution. |
The following table sets forth the costs and expenses payable by Blue Sphere Corporation (the “Registrant”, the Company”, “we” or “us”) in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered hereunder. No expenses shall be borne by the selling security holder.
SEC registration fees | $ | 1,739 | ||
Printing expenses* | $ | 5,000 | ||
Accounting fees and expenses* | $ | 15,000 | ||
Legal fees and expenses* | $ | 50,000 | ||
NASDAQ Listing Fee | $ | 75,000 | ||
Miscellaneous* | $ | 25,000 | ||
Total* | $ | 171,739 |
* Estimate
Item 14. | Indemnification of Directors and Officers. |
Our bylaws provide that our directors and officers will be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Nevada. Specifically, our bylaws require the Company to indemnify any person who is or was, or has agreed to become, a director or officer of the Company (hereinafter, a “director” or “officer”) and who is or was made or threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternative dispute mechanism, inquiry, investigation, hearing or other proceeding (hereinafter, a “proceeding”), including an action by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor and an action by or in the right of any other corporation of any type or kind, domestic or foreign, or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, which such person is serving, has served or has agreed to serve in any capacity at the request of the Company, by reason of the fact that he or she is or was, or has agreed to become, a director or officer of the Company, or, while a director or officer of the Company, is or was serving, or has agreed to serve, such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise in any capacity, against (i) judgments, fines, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement, taxes or penalties, and (ii) costs, charges and expenses, including attorneys’ fees (hereinafter, “expenses”), incurred in connection with such proceeding. However, a director and/or officer is not entitled to indemnification if a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the director or officer and from which there is no further right to appeal establishes that (i) his or her acts were committed in bad faith or were the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and, in either case, were material to the cause of action so adjudicated, or (ii) he or she personally gained in fact a financial profit or other advantage to which he or she was not legally entitled. The Company is required to indemnify a director or officer in connection with any suit (or part thereof) initiated by a director or officer only if such suit (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Item 15. | Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities. |
Each of the below transactions were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and, in the case of sales to investors who are non-US persons, Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.
In the past three years, the Company issued and/or sold the following unregistered securities:
● | On January 9, 2014, pursuant to grants by the Company’s Board of Directors made on December 13, 2013, the Company issued of 424,779 shares of the Company to its Chief Executive Officer, 353,982 shares to the Chairman of the Board, 353,982 shares to the Executive Vice-President and 283,186 shares to the Chief Carbon Officer and general counsel of the Company. |
● | On January 9, 2014, the Company issued 200,000 shares of its common stock to a consultant providing investor relation services pursuant to an agreement dated December 15, 2013. The agreement provided for two additional tranches of 200,000 shares of common stock, but the Company terminated the agreement prior to such shares vesting. |
● | On January 9, 2014, the Company issued 265,486 shares of its common stock to an investor for proceeds of $25,000. |
● | On January 9, 2014, the Company issued 17,700 shares of its common stock in exchange for consulting services, with an estimated fair value of $4,602. |
● | On January 9, 2014, the Company issued 345,132 shares of its common stock in exchange for consulting services, with an estimated fair value of $89,734. |
● | On February 7, 2014, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,200,000 shares of its common stock to an investor and financial engineering service provider pursuant to a service agreement, in exchange for (a) an investment of $77,000 (for which the provider received 385,000 shares of common stock) and (b) the provision of financial engineering services (for which the provider received 815,000 shares of common stock). |
● | On March 5, 2014, Eastern Institutional Funding, LLC purchased $68,750 of the Company’s 20% notes due one (1) year from such date and convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at a discount of 50% from the lowest trade price over the last 20 days from the date of conversion. On March 21, 2014, Capitoline Ventures II, LLC purchased $68,750 of the Company’s 20% notes due one year from such date that are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at a discount of 50% from the lowest trade price over the last 20 days from the date of conversion. In June and July 2014, the Company issued 6,434,073 shares of its common stock in respect of both notes. |
● | On March 10, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company approved and the Company thereafter issued shares of common stock of the Company to certain executives as follows: 250,000 shares to its Chief Executive Officer, 220,000 shares to the Chairman of the Board, 200,000 shares to the Executive Vice-President, and 180,000 shares to the Chief Carbon Officer and general counsel of the Company. |
● | On May 2, 2014, the Company signed an agreement with a consultant according to which the consultant would provide investor relations services for a period of 12 months. Based on the agreement, the Company issued the consultant 211,084 shares of its common stock, with an estimated fair value of $41,518. |
● | On May 25, 2014, the Company signed an agreement with a consultant according to which the consultant would provide investor relations services for a period of 6 months. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company issued the consultant 350,000 shares of its common stock and six (6) month warrants to purchase up to 350,000 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $0.20 per share. In addition, the Company agreed to issue 150,000 additional shares of its common stock after six (6) months from the date of the agreement and warrants to purchase up to 150,000 shares of its common stock for $0.20 per share. The Company evaluated the fair value of the 300,000 shares at $54,600 and the warrants at $28,310. |
● | On June 1, 2014, the Company signed an investment agreement with a third party according to which the Company issued 179,856 shares of its common stock for proceeds of $28,874. In addition, the investor received options to purchase 179,856 shares of common stock of the Company for an exercise price of $0.25 per share. |
● | In April and June 2014, the Company signed three agreements with a non-US investor who provided the Company with several loans amounted to $78,400, according to which the investor converted the balance of loans into 800,892 shares of common stock of the Company. In addition, the Company issued the same non-US investor 380,435 shares of common stock of the Company for total proceeds of $69,000. |
● | In July 2014, the Company issued a non-US investor 190,000 shares of its common stock pursuant to a convertible loan dated June 2013. |
● | On July 3, 2014, the Company issued 1,250,000 shares of its common stock to an investor for proceeds of $75,000. |
● | On July 10, 2014, a loan in the amount of $24,000 was converted into 115,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. In addition, the Company issued the investor additional 75,000 shares for granting the loan. |
● | On July 10, 2014, the Company issued 75,000 shares vested to an accredited investor pursuant to an agreement, dated June 18, 2014, to serve on the Company’s advisory board for one (1) year. The agreement was terminated prior to completion of the services, and no other compensation vested. The Company evaluated the fair value of the shares and warrants and recorded an expense of $52,800. |
● | On July 29, 2014 the Company issued 144,054 shares of its common stock to an investor for proceeds of $34,522. In addition, the investor received options to purchase up to 144,054 shares of common stock of the Company for an exercise price of $0.10 per share. In April 2015, the investor exercised the option and the Company issued 144,054 shares of its common stock to the investor. |
● | On January 26, 2014, the Company signed a subscription agreement with an investor for an investment of, in the aggregate $400,000, in exchange for 1,739,130 shares of common stock, subject to upward adjustment if, six months from the date of the agreement the investor’s ownership in the Company would be reduced below 12.3% of the shares issued and outstanding and, if on the first anniversary of the agreement, the share price of the Company common stock was $0.23 per share or less. On September 17, 2014 the Company issued 2,866,194, shares of its common stock to the investor pursuant to the subscription agreement. |
● | On September 17, 2014, the Company issued a convertible promissory note to an accredited investor in an aggregate principal amount of $75,000. The note matured one (1) year from the date of issuance and accrued interest at a rate of 8% per annum. The note was convertible into shares of our common stock at a conversion price equal to a 42% discount to our lowest trade or closing prices during periods in proximity to the time of conversion, subject to further discounts in the case of certain events of default. |
● | On September 21, 2014, the Company issued 48,183 shares of its common stock for proceeds of $11,557. In addition, the investor received options to purchase up to 48,183 shares of common stock of the Company for an exercise price of $0.32 per share. |
● | On September 21, 2014, the Company issued 114,650 and 280,592 shares of its common stock to accredited investors, for total proceeds of $83,107. |
● | On May 1, 2014, the Company signed an agreement with an investor according to which the company would issue 2,819,000 shares of its common stock and warrants to purchase up to 1,193,000 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $0.10 per share. On September 22, 2014, the Company issued the consultant 2,484,000 shares of common stock of the Company pursuant to the agreement. In addition, on September 22, 2014 the Company issued 963,000 shares of common stock of the Company to the consultant, for total proceeds of $52,708. On May 1, 2014, the Company signed an agreement with the consultant according to which the consultant would provide investor relations services for a period of 12 months. Based on the agreement the Company issued the consultant 300,000 shares of its common stock and five (5) year options to purchase up to 1,500,000 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $0.10 per share. In addition, the Company agreed to issue 500,000 shares of its common stock upon the fulfillment of other conditions set in the agreement. The Company evaluated the fair value of the 300,000 shares and 1,500,000 options issued at $90,000 and $151,434, respectively. |
● | On September 22, 2014, the Company issued a convertible promissory note to an accredited investor in an aggregate principal amount of $250,000 for an aggregate purchase price of $225,000, including an original issue discount of $25,000. The note matured one (1) year from the date of issuance. The note was convertible into shares of common stock of the Company at a conversion price equal to a 37% discount to the Company’s lowest trade or closing prices during periods in proximity to the time of conversion, subject to further discounts in the case of certain events of default. |
● | On August 28, 2014, the Company issued 1,061,762 shares of its common stock to a non-US investor. |
● | In the third quarter of 2014, the Company issued 4,000,000 shares of its common stock in connection with a one (1) year consulting services agreement, dated April 22, 2014, with a non-US person, in exchange for consulting services including advice on investor relations, public relations, transaction structuring, ongoing introductions to investors and strategic initiatives. The Company also issued to the same consultant 3,319,133 shares of its common stock pursuant to an August 21, 2014 consulting services agreement. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $1,583,273. |
● | During the third quarter of 2014, the Company signed investment agreements according to which the Company issued 880,000 shares of its common stock for total proceeds of $109,721. In addition, the investors received options to purchase up to 822,500 shares of common stock of the Company for an exercise price of $0.10 per share. |
● | During the third quarter of 2014, the Company signed investment agreements pursuant to which the Company issued 759,041 shares of its common stock tor total proceeds of $77,127. In addition, the investors received options to purchase up to 759,041 shares of common stock of the Company for an exercise price of $0.10 per share, and 759,041 shares of common stock of the Company for an exercise price of $0.13 per share. |
● | During the third quarter of 2014, the Company signed investment agreements according to which the Company issued 352,805 shares of its common stock for total proceeds of $98,784. In addition, the investors received options to purchase up to 352,805 shares of common stock of the Company for an exercise price of $0.60 per share. |
● | During the third quarter of 2014, the Company signed several investment agreements according to which the Company issued 199,039 shares of its common stock for total proceeds of $19,904. In addition, the investors received options to purchase up to 199,039 shares of common stock of the Company for an exercise price of $0.13 per share, and 199,039 shares of common stock of the Company for an exercise price of $0.16 per share. |
● | During July through September, 2014, the Company issued 2,177,000 shares of its common stock to a consultant, pursuant to consulting agreements dated September 10, 2013 and April 22, 2014. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $481,810. |
● | On October 3, 2014 the Company signed a consulting agreement with a non-US person according to which the consultant would provide investor relation and public relations services for a period of one year. The Company agreed to grant the consultant 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and additional options to purchase up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.001 per share. Such shares were issued on March 19, 2015. In addition, on the same date the Company issued the consultant 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for the exercise of the options granted. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and options, and recorded an expense of $216,828. |
● | On October 28, 2014, the Company issued 335,000 shares of the its common stock to a consultant, pursuant to a service agreement dated May 1, 2014. |
● |
During October, 2014, a noteholder converted its April 11, 2014 note, with a principal balance of $42,500, into 471,967 shares of the Company’s common stock. |
● |
On December 8, 2014, the Company issued 209,041 shares of its common stock to a registered broker-dealer in the United States, as compensation for arranging a private placement of the Company’s securities. |
● | On January 5, 2015, the Company signed a consulting agreement with Dr. Borenstein Ltd, according to which the Company issued the consultant one (1) year options to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $0.001. The Consultant exercised such options at May 27, 2015. The Company estimated the fair value of such options, and recorded an expense of $158,024. |
● | On February 28, 2015 and March 19, 2015, the Company issued 6,114,867 shares of its common stock to a consultant in respect of a September 2014 consulting agreement for investor and public relations services. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $738,353. |
● | On March 12, 2015, the Company issued 109,039 shares of its common stock to an investor, pursuant to the exercise of options granted in May 2014. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $14,103. |
● | On April 13, 2015, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with a non-U.S. person, pursuant to which the Company issued 416,667 shares of its common stock in exchange for $25,000. |
● | On April 15, 2015, the Company entered into a Subscription Agreement with Dr. Borenstein Ltd., pursuant to which the Company issued 1,630,000 shares of its common stock for the aggregate purchase price of $48,000. |
● | In April 2015, a non-US investor exercised warrants to purchase shares of common stock of the Company for total consideration of $48,549 | |
● | On May 27, 2015, the Company issued 180,000 shares of its common stock to a consultant in respect of a September 2014 consulting agreement for investor and public relations services. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $7,560. |
● | In May 2015, the Company issued 3,250,000 shares of its common stock to a consultant, pursuant to a consulting agreement with the Company for investor and public relations services. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $136,500 | |
● | On July 6, 2015, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with several non-U.S. entities, pursuant to which the Company issued 2,428,571 shares of its common stock in exchange for $51,000. |
● | On June 12, 2015, the Company entered into a Subscription Agreement with Dr. Borenstein Ltd., pursuant to which the Company issued 8,484,848 shares of its common stock for the aggregate purchase price of $140,000. |
● | On June 15, 2015, the Company issued 1,500,000 shares of its common stock to a consultant, in mutual agreement of the termination of the consultant’s June 2014 consulting agreement. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $34,500. |
● | On June 17, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program (the “Share Repurchase Program”). Under the Share Repurchase Program, the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $500,000 worth of its common stock, which, based on the value of the Company’s common stock on September 30, 2015, equates to approximately 16,666,667 shares of common stock. However, the total number of shares could differ based on the ultimate price per share paid by the Company. Further, the Company’s shares of common stock may be purchased on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions from time-to-time and in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Company is not obligated to make any purchases, including at any specific time or in any particular situation. The program may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice. On June 23, 2015, the Company repurchased 144,054 shares from a stockholder for $28,328 as part of a settlement with such stockholder. |
● | In May and June 2015, the Company issued 3,765,000 shares of the Company to a consultant in respect of his investor relations and public relations services, pursuant to a consulting agreement with the Company. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $150,118. |
● | On July 1, 2015, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with a non-U.S. person, pursuant to which the Company issued 2,000,000 shares of its common stock in exchange for $32,000. |
● | On July 17, 2015, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with several non-US persons, pursuant to which the Company issued 2,318,183 shares of its common stock in exchange for $39,394. |
● |
In July 2015, in order to finance a portion of the funds necessary to complete the acquisitions of the projects by Blue Sphere Pavia, the Company conducted a private placement of up to $250,000 of its common stock. On December 2, 2015, the Company closed on the offering, resulting in gross proceeds of $225,526. On June 2, 2016, the Company issued 13,930,742 shares of its common stock in consideration of $145,525 of proceeds pursuant to all but one of the investors, and on or about December 13, 2016, the Company issued the remaining 7,658,129 shares of its common stock, in consideration for $83,949 of proceeds. |
● | In August 2015, the Company issued 3,474,405 shares of its common stock to two affiliate entities of Maxim Group LLC, pursuant to a financial advisor and investment banking agreement with the Company. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $34,397. |
● | In August 2015, the Company issued 1,128,237 shares of its common stock to a non-US person, pursuant to a financial advisor and investment banking settlement agreement with the Company. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $13,088. |
● | Between February and August 2015, the Company issued 75,060,614 shares of its common stock to holders of convertible promissory notes representing an aggregate principal amount of $1,480,716. |
● | In August 2015, the Company issued 3,474,405 shares of its common stock to Maxim Group LLC, pursuant to a financial advisor and investment banker agreement with the Company. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $34,397. |
● | In August 2015, the Company issued 1,128,237 shares of its common stock to a non-US person, pursuant to a financial advisor and investment banker settlement agreement with the Company. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $13,088. |
● | Between July and September 2015, the Company issued 8,035,000 shares of its common stock to a consultant, pursuant to an investor relations and public relations services consulting agreement with the Company. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $198,614. |
● | On October 12, 2015, the Company issued 375,000 shares of its common stock to a consultant, pursuant to a general advisory services and strategic planning consulting agreement with the Company. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $22,586. |
● | On October 21, 2015, the Company issued 1,630,000 and 8,484,848 shares of its common stock to Dr. Borenstein Ltd., pursuant to subscription agreements dated April 15, 2015 and June 12, 2015, for an aggregate purchase price of $48,000 and $140,000, respectively. |
● | On October 26, 2015, the Company issued 690,000 shares of its common stock to a consultant, pursuant to a consulting agreement with the Company. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $25,803. |
● | On December 2, 2015, the Company issued 625,000 shares of its common stock to a consultant, pursuant to a consulting agreement with the Company. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $43,411. |
● | On December 2, 2015, the Company issued 745,000 shares of its common stock to a consultant, pursuant to a consulting agreement with the Company. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $16,544. |
● | Beginning in November 2015, the Company conducted a private offering of up to $3,000,000 of the Company’s Senior Debentures and warrants to purchase up to 8,000,000 shares of its common stock in proportion to each subscriber’s subscription amount relative to the total offering amount, with 50% of the warrants exercisable at a price per share of $0.05 and the other 50% of the warrants exercisable at price per share of $0.075. On December 23, 2015, the Company completed the closing of the offering and entered into subscription agreements with investors representing aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $3,000,000. The Company engaged Maxim Group LLC to assist in the private offering, pursuant to which Maxim Group LLC received commissions equal to 7% of the gross proceeds it raised in the offering and warrants to purchase, in the aggregate, up to 4,480,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.06875 per share. The Company estimated the fair value of such warrants at a value of $116,599 at the date of issuance. |
● |
On January 26, 2016, the Company issued 1,000,000 shares of its common stock in connection with a private offering to one investor, and pursuant to a subscription agreement dated June 12, 2015. |
● | On February 1, 2016, the Company issued 540,000 shares its common stock to a consultant, pursuant to a consulting service agreement with the Company. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $108,327. |
● | On February 3, 2016, the Company issued three (3) year warrants to three private investors to purchase up to 1,500,000 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $0.06 per share, in full satisfaction of certain obligations of the Company. |
● | On February 15, 2016, the Company completed a private offering representing aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $1,925,000, pursuant to which the Company issued (a) 35,000,000 shares of its common stock priced at $0.055 per share, the closing price for shares of its common stock reported by the OTCQB Venture Marketplace on the trading day prior to the closing of the offering, and (b) five (5) year warrants to purchase up to 17,500,000 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $0.10 per share, which was equal to 50% of the shares purchased in the offering. The Company engaged Maxim Group LLC to assist in the offering, pursuant to which Maxim received five (5) year warrants to purchase (i) up to 2,800,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.0605 per share and (ii) up to 1,400,000 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $0.11 per share. |
● | On March 15, 2016, the Company issued 85,000 shares of its common stock to a consultant, pursuant to a consulting services agreement with the Company. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $5,685. |
● | On April 13, 2016, the Company issued 1,000,000 shares of its common stock to a consultant, pursuant to a consulting agreement dated March 9, 2016, in consideration for corporate finance, investor communications and financial and investor public relations services. The Company thereafter issued an additional 1,000,000 shares of common stock as a service bonus, because the consulting agreement was not terminated prior to June 9, 2016. |
● | On April 13, 2016, the Company issued an aggregate of 875,000 shares of its common stock to a consultant, pursuant to consulting agreements dated September 1, 2015 and March 1, 2016, in consideration for investor relations and communications services. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $42,467. |
● | On May 18, 2016, the Company issued 700,000 shares of its common stock upon exercise of a warrant to purchase shares of common stock, dated May 4, 2015, at an exercise price of $0.058 per share, for total proceeds of $40,235. |
● | On June 13, 2016, the Company issued 7,103,467 shares of common stock of the Company to several officers, directors, employees and/or consultants of the Company. All shares were issued pursuant to the Company’s Global Share and Options Incentive Enhancement Plan (2014) and the Company’s Global Share Incentive Plan (2010). The Company estimated and recorded the fair value of such shares as an expense of $632,208 which was recorded through the vesting periods. | |
● | On June 26, 2016, the Company issued 500,000 shares of its common stock, in full satisfaction of certain obligations under a prior subscription agreement. | |
● | In June and July 2016, The Company conducted an offering consisting of (a) up to USD $3,000,000 of shares of its common stock, priced at the closing price for shares of its common stock, as reported on the OTCQB Venture Marketplace on the trading day prior to each respective closing of the offering, and (b) five (5) year warrants to purchase shares of its common stock in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the number of shares of common stock so purchased by the subscriber, with an exercise price equal to the per share price of the common stock, or $0.011 per share, whichever is greater. On July 7, 2016 and July 26, 2016, the Company completed closings of the offering, both such closings representing aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $1,370,000. In connection with both closings, the Company and subscribers entered into (i) subscription agreements and issued 18,266,668 shares of common stock at $0.075 per share, and (ii) warrants to purchase up to 18,266,668 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.11 per share. The Company engaged Maxim Group LLC to assist in the offering, pursuant to which, Maxim Group LLC received commissions equal to 4.44% of the gross proceeds raised, warrants to purchase up to 928,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.0825 per share, and warrants to purchase up to 928,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.121 per share. | |
● | On August 7, 2016, the Company issued 143,000 shares of its common stock, in consideration for past capital advisory services rendered to the Company. The Company estimated the fair value of such shares and recorded an expense of $11,440. | |
● | On August 16, 2016, the Company issued 400,000 shares of its common stock in satisfaction of debt of $24,000. | |
● | On September 15, 2016, the Company issued 1,000,000 shares of its common stock to a consultant in consideration for communications and investor relations services. The Company estimated the fair value and recorded an expense of $19,983 for half the shares, and of $34,450 for the other half of the shares. | |
● | On October 31, 2016, the Company completed a private placement of its securities to JMJ Financial, a Nevada sole proprietorship and accredited investor. Pursuant to the October Financing, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with the investor thereby agreeing to issue shares of its common stock, notes and warrants, in exchange for up to USD $1,000,000 in accordance with the following payment schedule: $500,000 paid at closing, $250,000 in guaranteed financing upon the achievement of certain milestones, and up to an additional $250,000 in financing upon the mutual agreement of the investor and the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the financing, the Company agreed to issue to the investor (a) restricted shares of its common stock equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the note principal paid to the Company by the investor, subject to certain adjustments, (b) a six (6) month promissory note covering the note principal plus an amount equal to approximately five percent (5%) of the actual note principal, in total $1,053,000, and (c) a five (5) year warrant to purchase up to 6,666,666 shares of common stock with an aggregate exercise amount of USD $500,000. |
● | On December 20, 2016, the Company issued 950,000 shares of its common stock to its Chief Executive Officer and 850,000 shares of its common stock to its Chairman of the Board of Directors, pursuant to their respective service agreements with the Company. The Company has estimated and recorded the fair value of such shares as an expense of $50,025, which was recorded through the vesting periods. | |
● | On December 30, 2016, the Company issued 850,000 shares of its common stock to an executive under his service agreement with the Company. The Company has estimated and recorded the fair value of such shares as an expense of $23,623 which was recorded through the vesting period. | |
● | On December 30, 2016, the Company issued 5,775,000 shares of its common stock to several officers, directors, employees and/or consultants of the Company. All shares were issued pursuant to the Company’s Global Share and Options Incentive Enhancement Plan (2014) and the Company’s Global Share Incentive Plan (2010). The Company has estimated and recorded the fair value of such shares as an expense of $386,347, which was recorded through the vesting periods. | |
● | On December 30, 2016, the Company issued 300,000 shares its common stock in consideration for past services rendered by a member of our Board of Directors. The Company has estimated the fair value of such shares, and recorded an expense of $19,770. | |
● | On January 31, 2017, the Company issued 404,167 shares of Common Stock to the Former Chief Financial Officer (Israel) of the Company and 350,000 shares of Common Stock to Former Chief Financial Officer (U.S.) of the Company under their departure settlement agreements with the Company. |
Except as noted, none of the foregoing transactions involved any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering, and the Company believes each transaction was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act as stated above. All recipients of the foregoing transactions either received adequate information about the Company or had access, through their relationships with the Company, to such information. Furthermore, the Company affixed appropriate legends to the share certificates and instruments issued in each foregoing transaction setting forth that the securities had not been registered and the applicable restrictions on transfer.
Item 16. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. |
No. | Description | Note (s) | ||
1.1 |
Underwriting Agreement |
+ | ||
3.1 | Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, dated November 22, 2013. | (1) | ||
3.2 | Amended and Restated Bylaws, dated June 17, 2015. | (2) | ||
4.1 | Form of Common Stock Certificate. | (16) | ||
5.1 | Form of opinion of Thompson Hine LLP regarding the legality of the securities being registered. | ** | ||
10.1 | Orbit Energy Rhode Island LLC Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated April 8, 2015. | (3) | ||
10.2 | Rhode Island Energy Partners LLC Development and Indemnification Agreement, dated April 8, 2015. | (3) |
10.3 | Amended and Restated Rhode Island Energy Partners LLC Agreement, dated April 8, 2015. | (3) | ||
10.4 | Orbit Energy Charlotte, LLC Letter Agreement dated January 29, 2015. | (4) | ||
10.5 | Orbit Energy Charlotte, LLC Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated January 30, 2015. | (5) | ||
10.6 | Concord Energy Partners, LLC Development and Indemnification Agreement, dated January 30, 2015. | (4) | ||
10.7 | Amended and Restated Concord Energy Partners LLC Agreement, dated January 30, 2015. | (4) | ||
10.8 | Ori Ackerman Loan Agreement, dated March 15, 2015. | (6) | ||
10.9 | Share Purchase Agreement by and among Bluesphere Italy S.r.l. and Volteo Energie S.p.A., Agriholding S.r.l. and Overland S.r.l., dated May 14, 2015. | (7) | ||
10.10
|
Amendment to the Share Purchase Agreement Dated May 14, 2015, by and among Bluesphere Italy S.r.l. and Volteo Energie S.p.A., Agriholding S.r.l. and Overland S.r.l., dated December 14, 2015. |
** | ||
10.11 | Framework EBITDA Guarantee Agreement dated July 17, 2015. | (5) | ||
10.12 | Long Term Mezzanine Loan Agreement by and among Blue Sphere Corp., Eastern Sphere Ltd., Bluesphere Italy S.r.l., and Helios Italy Bio-Gas 1 L.P., dated August 18, 2015. | (8) | ||
10.13 | Service Agreement between Blue Sphere Corporation and Shlomo Palas, dated October 15, 2015. | (9) # | ||
10.14 |
Service Agreement by and among Blue Sphere Corporation, JLS Advanced Investment Holdings Limited, and Roy Amitzur, dated October 15, 2015. |
(9) # | ||
10.15 | Advisory Agreement between Blue Sphere Corporation and Joshua Shoham, dated October 15, 2015. | (9) # | ||
10.16 | Form of Subscription Agreement from Debenture Offering. | (10) | ||
10.17 | Form of Senior Debenture from Debenture Offering. | (10) | ||
10.18 | Form of Warrants from Debenture Offering. | (10) | ||
10.19 | Form of Pledge Agreement from Debenture Offering. | (10) | ||
10.20 | Form of Securities Subscription Agreement from February Stock Offering. | (11) | ||
10.21 | Form of Offering Warrant from February Stock Offering. | (11) | ||
10.22 | Services Agreement, dated May 1, 2016, between the Company and Ran Daniel. | (12) | ||
10.23 | Form of February 3, 2016 Warrant. | (13) | ||
10.24 | Form of July Offering Subscription Agreements, entered into December 2, 2015. | (13) | ||
10.25 | Form of Securities Subscription Agreement from June Stock Offering. | (14) | ||
10.26 | Form of Offering Warrant from June Stock Offering. | (14) | ||
10.27 | 2016 Stock Incentive Plan. | (15) | ||
10.28 | Form of Maxim Warrant. | (15) | ||
10.29 | Form of Securities Purchase Agreement from the October 2016 Financing. | (17) | ||
10.30 | Form of Promissory Note from the October 2016 Financing. | (17) | ||
10.31 | Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant from the October 2016 Financing. | (17) |
10.32 | Organic Waste Delivery Agreement, dated October 13, 2016. | * | ||
10.33 | 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. | (19) | ||
10.34 | 2014 Stock Incentive Plan. | (6) | ||
10.35 | Form of Warrant for the Offering. | + | ||
10.36 | Service, Maintenance and Operation Agreement, dated June 5, 2014, between Orbit Energy Charlotte, LLC, Austep USA Inc. and Austep S.p.A. | ** | ||
10.37 | Acceptance Letter of Grant Application from Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland, dated December 8, 2016. | (20) | ||
10.38 |
Addendum No. 1 to Service Agreement dated December 29, 2016, between the Company, Mr. Amitzur, JLS Advanced Investment Holdings Limited and Renewable Energy Management Services. |
* # |
||
10.39 |
Service and Consulting Agreement dated May 30, 2013, between the Company and Efim Monsov. |
* # |
||
10.40 |
Personal Employment Agreement dated January 1, 2016, between Eastern Sphere and Elad Kerner. |
* # | ||
10.41 |
Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan. |
* # |
10.42 | Amended and Restated Turnkey Agreement for the Design, Construction and Delivery of a Biogas Plant, dated June 5, 2014, between Orbit Energy Charlotte, LLC and Auspark LLC. | ** | ||
10.43 | Amended and Restated Turnkey Agreement for the Design, Construction and Delivery of a Biogas Plant, dated April 7, 2015 between Orbit Energy Rhode Island, LLC and Auspark LLC. | ** | ||
10.44 | Form of SPV Management Agreement. | ** | ||
10.45 | Amended and Restated Lease Agreement, dated April 8, 2015, between Orbit Energy Rhode Island, LLC and Shelby Realty, Inc. | ** | ||
10.46 | Form of Plant EBITDA Guarantee Agreement entered into with Austep S.p.A. in connection with each SPV. | ** | ||
10.47 | Power Purchase Agreement, dated May 26, 2011 and amended on April 11, 2013, December 9, 2013, January 9, 2015 and May 27, 2016, between Orbit Energy Rhode Island, LLC and The Narragansett Electric Company d/b/a National Grid. | + | ||
10.48 | Second Amended and Restated Renewable Energy Purchase Agreement, dated September 30, 2016, between Orbit Energy Charlotte, LLC and Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC. | + | ||
10.49 |
Letter Agreement, dated March 1, 2017, between JMJ Financial and Blue Sphere Corporation. |
** |
14.1 | Code of Ethics and Anti-Harassment Policy of the Company. | (18) | ||
21.1 | Subsidiaries of Registrant. | * | ||
23.1 | Consent of Thompson Hine LLP (Form of included in Exhibit 5.1). | ** | ||
23.2 | Consent of Brightman Almagor Zohar & Co. | ** | ||
99.1 | Charter of the Audit Committee. | * | ||
99.2 | Charter of the Finance Committee. | * | ||
99.3 | Charter of the Nominations Committee. | * | ||
99.4 | Charter of the Compensation Committee. | * |
# | Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
* | Previously filed. |
** | Filed herewith. |
+ | To be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(1) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2013. | |
(2) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 17, 2015. | |
(3) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 14, 2015. | |
(4) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 5, 2015. | |
(5) | Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 14, 2015. | |
(6) | Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 15, 2015. | |
(7) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 18, 2015. | |
(8) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 24, 2015. | |
(9) | Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on January 13, 2016. | |
(10) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 28, 2015. | |
(11) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 17, 2016. | |
(12) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 4, 2016. | |
(13) | Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A filed with the SEC on June 13, 2016. | |
(14) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 8, 2016. | |
(15) | Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on August 15, 2016. | |
(16) | Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on September 1, 2016. | |
(17) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 31, 2016. | |
(18) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 29, 2016. | |
(19) | Incorporated by reference to our Amendment to Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 9, 2011. | |
(20) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 13, 2016. |
Item 17. | Undertakings |
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
i. To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
ii. To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;
iii. To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
(5) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities, other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred and paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding, is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered hereby, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(c) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that it will:
(1) for determining any liability under the Securities Act, treat the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant under Rule 424(b)(1), or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act as part of this registration statement as of the time the Commission declared it effective.
(2) for determining any liability under the Securities Act, treat each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus as a new registration statement for the securities offered in the registration statement, and that offering of the securities at that time as the initial bona fide offering of those securities.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on March 6, 2017.
BLUE SPHERE CORPORATION | |||
By: | /s/ Shlomo Palas | ||
Shlomo Palas | |||
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signatures | Title | Date | ||
/s/ Shlomo Palas | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | March 6, 2017 | ||
Shlomo Palas | (Principal Executive Officer) | |||
/s/ Ran Daniel | Chief Financial Officer | March 6, 2017 | ||
Ran Daniel | (Principal Accounting Officer and Principal Financial Officer) | |||
/s/ Joshua Shoham | Director, Chairman | March 6, 2017 | ||
Joshua Shoham | ||||
/s/ Yigal Brosh | Director | March 6, 2017 | ||
Yigal Brosh | ||||
/s/ Shimon Erlichman | Director | March 6, 2017 | ||
Shimon Erlichman | ||||
/s/ Lyron Bentovim | Director | March 6, 2017 | ||
Lyron Bentovim | ||||
/s/ David Doctor | Director | March 6, 2017 | ||
David Doctor |
EXHIBIT INDEX
No. | Description | Note (s) | ||
1.1 | Underwriting Agreement | + | ||
3.1 | Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, dated November 22, 2013. | (1) | ||
3.2 | Amended and Restated Bylaws, dated June 17, 2015. | (2) | ||
4.1 | Form of Common Stock Certificate. | (16) | ||
5.1 | Form of opinion of Thompson Hine LLP regarding the legality of the securities being registered. | ** | ||
10.1 | Orbit Energy Rhode Island LLC Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated April 8, 2015. | (3) | ||
10.2 | Rhode Island Energy Partners LLC Development and Indemnification Agreement, dated April 8, 2015. | (3) | ||
10.3 | Amended and Restated Rhode Island Energy Partners LLC Agreement, dated April 8, 2015. | (3) | ||
10.4 | Orbit Energy Charlotte, LLC Letter Agreement dated January 29, 2015. | (4) | ||
10.5 | Orbit Energy Charlotte, LLC Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated January 30, 2015. | (5) | ||
10.6 | Concord Energy Partners, LLC Development and Indemnification Agreement, dated January 30, 2015. | (4) | ||
10.7 | Amended and Restated Concord Energy Partners LLC Agreement, dated January 30, 2015. | (4) | ||
10.8 | Ori Ackerman Loan Agreement, dated March 15, 2015. | (6) | ||
10.9 | Share Purchase Agreement by and among Bluesphere Italy S.r.l. and Volteo Energie S.p.A., Agriholding S.r.l. and Overland S.r.l., dated May 14, 2015. | (7) | ||
10.10
|
** | |||
10.11 | Framework EBITDA Guarantee Agreement dated July 17, 2015. | (5) | ||
10.12 | Long Term Mezzanine Loan Agreement by and among Blue Sphere Corp., Eastern Sphere Ltd., Bluesphere Italy S.r.l., and Helios Italy Bio-Gas 1 L.P., dated August 18, 2015. | (8) | ||
10.13 | Service Agreement between Blue Sphere Corporation and Shlomo Palas, dated October 15, 2015. | (9) # | ||
10.14 | Service Agreement by and among Blue Sphere Corporation, JLS Advanced Investment Holdings Limited, and Roy Amitzur, dated October 15, 2015. | (9) # | ||
10.15 | Advisory Agreement between Blue Sphere Corporation and Joshua Shoham, dated October 15, 2015. | (9) # | ||
10.16 | Form of Subscription Agreement from Debenture Offering. | (10) | ||
10.17 | Form of Senior Debenture from Debenture Offering. | (10) | ||
10.18 | Form of Warrants from Debenture Offering. | (10) | ||
10.19 | Form of Pledge Agreement from Debenture Offering. | (10) | ||
10.20 | Form of Securities Subscription Agreement from February Stock Offering. | (11) | ||
10.21 | Form of Offering Warrant from February Stock Offering. | (11) | ||
10.22 | Services Agreement, dated May 1, 2016, between the Company and Ran Daniel. | (12) | ||
10.23 | Form of February 3, 2016 Warrant. | (13) |
10.24 | Form of July Offering Subscription Agreements, entered into December 2, 2015. | (13) | ||
10.25 | Form of Securities Subscription Agreement from June Stock Offering. | (14) | ||
10.26 | Form of Offering Warrant from June Stock Offering. | (14) | ||
10.27 | 2016 Stock Incentive Plan. | (15) | ||
10.28 | Form of Maxim Warrant. | (15) | ||
10.29 | Form of Securities Purchase Agreement from the October 2016 Financing. | (17) | ||
10.30 | Form of Promissory Note from the October 2016 Financing. | (17) | ||
10.31 | Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant from the October 2016 Financing. | (17) | ||
10.32 | Organic Waste Delivery Agreement, dated October 13, 2016. | * | ||
10.33 | 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. | (19) | ||
10.34 | 2014 Stock Incentive Plan. | (6) | ||
10.35 | Form of Warrant for the Offering. | + | ||
10.36 | Service, Maintenance and Operation Agreement, dated June 5, 2014, between Orbit Energy Charlotte, LLC, Austep USA Inc. and Austep S.p.A. | ** | ||
10.37 | Acceptance Letter of Grant Application from Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland, dated December 8, 2016. | (20) | ||
10.38 |
Addendum No. 1 to Service Agreement dated December 29, 2016, between the Company, Mr. Amitzur, JLS Advanced Investment Holdings Limited and Renewable Energy Management Services. |
* # |
||
10.39 |
Service and Consulting Agreement dated May 30, 2013, between the Company and Efim Monsov. |
* # |
||
10.40 |
Personal Employment Agreement dated January 1, 2016, between Eastern Sphere and Elad Kerner. |
* # | ||
10.41 |
Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan. |
* # |
14.1 | Code of Ethics and Anti-Harassment Policy of the Company. | (18) | ||
21.1 | Subsidiaries of Registrant. | * | ||
23.1 | Consent of Thompson Hine LLP (Form of included in Exhibit 5.1). | ** | ||
23.2 | Consent of Brightman Almagor Zohar & Co. | ** | ||
99.1 | Charter of the Audit Committee. | * | ||
99.2 | Charter of the Finance Committee. | * | ||
99.3 | Charter of the Nominations Committee. | * | ||
99.4 | Charter of the Compensation Committee. | * | ||
*# | Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. | |
* | Previously filed. | |
** | Filed herewith. | |
+ | To be filed by subsequent amendment. | |
(1) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2013. | |
(2) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 17, 2015. | |
(3) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 14, 2015. | |
(4) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 5, 2015. | |
(5) | Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 14, 2015. | |
(6) | Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 15, 2015. | |
(7) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 18, 2015. | |
(8) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 24, 2015. | |
(9) | Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on January 13, 2016. | |
(10) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 28, 2015. |
(11) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 17, 2016. | |
(12) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 4, 2016. | |
(13) | Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A filed with the SEC on June 13, 2016. | |
(14) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 8, 2016. | |
(15) | Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on August 15, 2016. | |
(16) | Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on September 1, 2016. | |
(17) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 31, 2016. | |
(18) | Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 29, 2016. | |
(19) | Incorporated by reference to our Amendment to Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 9, 2011. | |
(20) |
Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 13, 2016. |
Exhibit 5.1
FORM OF LEGAL OPINION, FINAL TO BE FILED BY AMENDMENT
__________, 2017
Blue Sphere Corporation
301 McCullough Drive, 4th Floor
Charlotte, NC 28262
Re: Form S-1 Registration Statement
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Blue Sphere Corporation, a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the preparation and filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “Registration Statement”) relating to the sale by the Company of up to [ ] shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 (“Common Stock”), and warrants to purchase up to [ ] shares of Common Stock (“Warrants”).
With respect to factual matters, we have relied upon statements and certificates of officers of the Company. We have also reviewed such other matters of law and examined and relied upon such other documents, records and certificates as we have deemed relevant hereto. In such examinations, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of all natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified, conformed or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents.
Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Common Stock and Warrants, when sold by the Company, will be validly authorized, legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and that the Common Stock underlying the Warrants, when issued upon such conversion or exercise and payment of the exercise price, if any, will be validly authorized, legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable. We are also of the opinion that the Warrants will be a binding obligation of the Company under the laws of the State of Nevada.
Except as explicitly set forth above, we express no opinion as to the effect or application of any laws or regulations other than Chapter 78 of the Nevada Revised Statutes and the Federal laws of the United States, in each case as currently in effect.
The information set forth herein is as of the date hereof. We assume no obligation to supplement this opinion letter if any applicable law changes after the date hereof or if we become aware of any fact that might change the opinion expressed herein after the date hereof. Our opinion is expressly limited to the matters set forth above, and we render no opinion, whether by implication or otherwise, as to any other matters relating to the Company, the Common Stock, the Warrants, the Registration Statement or the prospectus included therein.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and being named in the prospectus included in the Registration Statement under the heading “Legal Matters”. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Thompson Hine LLP
Exhibit 10.10
AMENDMENT TO THE SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT DATED May 14 2015
By and between
Bluesphere Pavia S.r.l., (formerly Bluesphere Itala S.r.l.) a limited liability company incorporated and existing under the laws of Italy, having its registered office at Corso G. Matteotti, 1, 20122 — Milan, Italy, Italian Tax Code and VAT No. 09084920967, represented by Mr. Roy Amitzur, born in [] on [], acting as director duly empowered for the purposes hereof by resolution of the board of directors dated 1 December 2015 (hereinafter referred to as the “BUYER”);
- on one side -
and
Volteo Energie S.p.A.,., incorporated and existing under the laws of Italy, having its registered office at Via Privata Bensi Giovanni 12/3, 20152 — Milan, Italy, Italian Tax Code and VAT No. 06375370969, represented by Flavio Raimondo, duly authorized by resolution of the Board of Directors of May 13, 2015, duly empowered for the purposes hereof (hereinafter referred to as the “VOLTEO”);
Agriholding S.r.l., a company incorporated and existing under the laws of Italy, having its registered office at Via Durini 27, 20122 - Milan, Italy, Italian Tax Code and VAT No. 07447890968, represented by Mr. Davide Longo, born in Vigevano (PV), Italy on April 11th, 1962, acting as legal representative, duly empowered for the purposes hereof (hereinafter referred to as “AGRIHOLDING”);
Overland S.r.l., a company incorporated and existing under the laws of Italy, having its registered office at Via del Carmine 2/A, 27029 - Vigevano (PV), Italy, Italian Tax Code and VAT No. 01926930189, represented by Mr. Luca Brindisi, born in Vercelli on (VC), Italy on October 29th, 1975, acting as legal representative, duly empowered for the purposes hereof (hereinafter referred to as “OVERLAND”);
(hereinafter, VOLTEO, AGRIHOLDING and OVERLAND, collectively referred to as the “SELLERS”);
- on the other side -
(hereinafter, the BUYER and the SELLERS, collectively referred to as the “PARTIES” and individually as the “PARTY”).
WHEREAS:
A.
on May 14, 2015 the Parties entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (hereinafter the “SPA”) for the sale and purchase of 100% of the share capital of Agricerere S.r.l. societa agricola, Agrielektra S.r.l. societa agricola, Agrisorse S.r.l. societa agricola, societa agricola Gefa S.r.l. (hereinafter, Agricerere, Agrielektra, Agrisorse and Gefa, collectively referred to as the “SPVs”);
B.
by written communication dated July 31 51 VOLTEO, on behalf of the SELLERS, informed BUYER that on July 15, 2015 in the plant owned by Agricerere (hereinafter the “TROMELLO PLANT”) the trench and the digestate tank had been seized by order of the Public Prosecutor Office of Pavia and a criminal process for violation of Article 256, lg paragraph of DLGS 152/2006 had been started against the legal representative of Agricerere, Mr. Raffaele Vanni;
C.
subsequently, the Public Prosecutor has authorized the performance of certain works on the TROMELLO PLANT indicated by his appointed expert to solve the leakage problems allegedly causing pollution of the ground (the “PUBLIC PROSECUTOR WORKS”)
D.
the PUBLIC PROSECUTOR WORKS have been completed during November 2015 and Agricerere obtained the release of the seizure, therefore the TROMELLO PLANT’s tank and trench are no more under seizure;
E.
Under Italian Law, the contravention contemplated by Article 256, 1st paragraph of D.LGS 152/2006 and contested against the legal representative of AGRICERERE (the “TROMELLO CRIMINAL CASE”), can be extinguished with the payment of a fine (“oblazione”) (circumstances under recitals B, C, D and E to be referred to as the “TROMELLO SITUATION”);
F.
the Pavia Province during 2013 and 2015 performed some inspections on the plants owned by the four SPVs and it served the following notices (collectively, the “PROVINCE NOTICES”):
1.
to Agricerere:
(a)
notice no. 3/2014, issued on February 21, 2014 (copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F.1(a), accordingly to the inspection carried out on September 30, 2013, as described under report AMBVI / 2013/1172. This notice assessed a fine to be paid for the total amount of EUR 682.15, entirely settled;
(b)
notice no. 16/2015, issued on August 25, 2015 (copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F.1(b), accordingly to the inspection carried out on August 25, 2015, as described under report no. 633. This notice assessed a fine to be paid for the total amount of EUR 682.15, entirely settled and requested the performance of certain works;
(c)
notice no. 17/2015, issued on August 25, 2015 (copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F.1(c), accordingly to the inspection carried out on August 25, 2015, as described under report no. 633. This notice assessed a fine to be paid for the total amount of EUR 682.15, entirely settled and requested the performance of certain works;
(d)
notice no. 18/2015, issued on August 25, 2015 (copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F.1(d), accordingly to the inspection carried out on August 25, 2015, as described under report no. 633. This notice assessed a fine to be paid for the total amount of EUR 682.15, entirely settled and requested the performance of certain works;
2.
to Agrisorse:
(a)
notice no. 4/2014, issued on February 21, 2014 (copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F.2(a), accordingly to the inspection carried out on September 30, 2013, as described under report AMBVI / 2013/1170. This notice assessed a fine to be paid for the total amount of EUR 682.15, entirely settled ;
(b)
notice no. 12/2015, issued on August 13, 2015 (copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F.2(b), accordingly to the inspection carried out on August 12, 2015, as described under report no. 616. This notice assessed a fine to be paid for the total amount of EUR 682.15, entirely settled and requested the performance of certain works;
(c)
notice no. 13/2015, issued on August 13, 2015 (copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F.3(c), accordingly to the inspection carried out on August 12, 2015, as described under report no. 616. This notice assessed a fine to be paid for the total amount of EUR 682.15, entirely settled and requested the performance of certain works;
(d)
notice no. 14/2015, issued on August 13, 2015 (copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F.2(d), accordingly to the inspection carried out on August 12, 2015, as described under report no. 616. This notice assessed a fine to be paid for the total amount of EUR 682.15, entirely settled and requested the performance of certain works;
(e)
notice no. 15/2015, issued on August 13, 2015 (copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F.2(e), accordingly to the inspection carried out on August 12, 2015, as described under report no. 616. This notice assessed a fine to be paid for the total amount of EUR 682.15, entirely settled and requested the performance of certain works;
(f)
According to the abovementioned notices under recital F paragraph 2 (b), (c), (d) and (e), on August 28, 2015 the Pavia Province issued a notice of initiation of a proceeding against Agrisorse under Articles 167 and 181 of Legislative Decree no. 42/2004, for some alleged breach of the relevant applicable law (copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F.2(fl(i). Accordingly, a request for a declaration of landscape compatibility was filed by Agrisorse On October 30, 2015 (record no. 71908) (copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F.2(f)(ii). The Pavia Province replied on November 17, 2015 (record no. 75870), informing Agrisorse about the beginning of landscape compatibility certification procedure (copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F.2(f)(iii) 3.to GEFA:
(a)
notice no. 19/2015, issued on August 25, 2015 (copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F.3(a), accordingly to the inspection carried out on August 12, 2015, as described under report no. 634. This notice assessed a fine to be paid for the total amount of EUR 682.15, entirely settled and requested the performance of certain works;
(b)
notice no. 20/2015, issued on August 25, 2015 (copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F.3(b), accordingly to the inspection carried out on August 12, 2015, as described under report no. 634. This notice assessed a fine to be paid for the total amount of EUR 682.15, entirely settled and requested the performance of certain works;
(e)
notice no. 21/2015, issued on August 26,2015 (copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F.3(c), accordingly to the inspection carried out on August 12, 2015, as described under report no. 634. This notice assessed a fine to be paid for the total amount of EUR 682.15,
entirely settled
4.
Some of the works requested by the Pavia Province, as detailed in Exhibit F.4, have been ordered but not yet been completed (the “UNFINISHED PROVINCE WORKS”);
G.
the Gestore dei Servizi Energetici - GSE S.p.A. (the “USE”):
1.
on June 23, 2015 performed an inspection on the TROMELLO PLANT, informing Agricerere of the initiation of a process of control pursuant to art. 42 of Legislative Decree no. 28/2011 and art. 1 of the Ministerial Decree 31 January 2014;
2.
on October 19, 2015 served Agricerere a notice (copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit G.2 the “GSE NOTICE”) which refers that the findings of the inspection revealed that the TROMELLO PLANT was allegedly built in violation of the Autorizzazione Unica, in contradiction with what referred by Agricerere to the GSE on January 4, 2013 (G3E / A20130001150), therefore inviting Agricerere to provide written informations and documents, and the Pavia Province to communicate whether or not the Autorizzazione Unica has to be considered valid and effective yet, despite the findings above, specifying whether or not variations performed by Agricerere are to be considered substantial.
H.
on November 6, 2015 Agricerere replied to the GSE NOTICE, explaining why variations performed are not to be considered substantial and, therefore, not to have occurred in a violation of Autorizzazione Unica (copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit H).
I.
notwithstanding all the above, BUYER confirms its intention to purchase from the SELLERS and SELLERS to sell to BUYER the SHARES;
J.
in consideration of the above recitals, the Parties desire to amend and supplement the SPA in order to cover and better regulate their relationship under the SPA also in light of the situations described in the previous recitals;
K.
the PARTIES wish to perform the CLOSING today.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals the Parties agree as follows
SECTION 1— AMENDMENTS TO DEFINITIONS
A. The following definitions contained in Article 1 of the SPA are hereby amended and restated as follows:
NET ASSETS | The net assets of each SPV as indicated and to be calculated according to the format attached hereto as Exhibit 1.01.c. For clarity sake, (i) as a general rule VAT receivables other than VAT relevant to LAST HARVEST INVOICES shall be excluded from the net assets value calculation 00 any outstanding balance(principal and interest) of the debts rescheduling agreements regarding trade payables towards OVERLAND and the entities controlled by AGRIHOLDING enclosed as Exhibit 8.01.10.c shall be computed (WITHOUT DUPLICATION) among the liabilities for calculation of the net assets value and (iii) the minimum required net assets value for each SPVs shall be at least EUR 409.000,00 (four hundred nine thousand/00) (hereinafter the “MINIMUM REQUIRED NET ASSETS”) |
B. The following definition is added to those contained in Article 1 of the SPA:
PAYABLE | Euro 222,754.00 the overall net amount of |
EXTRAORDINARY COSTS | EXTRAORDINARY COSTS payable as at Closing Date |
LAST HARVEST INVOICES” TROMELLO CRIMINAL CASE |
The invoices for services and feedstock in July/August/September/October 2015 and relevant to the harvest 2015/2016, irrespective whether or not such invoices have been paid by the SPVs The criminal case involving the legal representative of Agricerere, Mr. Raffaele Vanni for violation of Article 256, 1st paragraph of DLGS 152/2006 in the TROMELLO PLANT (Public Prosecutor Office of Pavia n. NRGNR n. 214/2015) |
“VOLTEO RETENTION” | The overall amount of Euro 567,142.00 |
SECTION 2 — AMENDMENTS TO THE PURCHASE PRICE
A.
The wording of Article 3.02 (b) of the SPA is hereby amended and restated as follows:
“(b) the balance equal to the AGREED PURCHASE PRICE, less the ADJUSTED CLOSING PAYMENT and less 50% (fifty per cent) of the SPECIAL CREDIT (hereinafter referred to as the “BALANCE”), or the different amount that will result from the application of adjustment mechanism provided for in Article 3.03. (hereinafter referred to as the “DEFERRED PAYMENT”), shall be paid on the third anniversary of the CLOSING DATE (hereinafter referred to as the “DEFERRED PAYMENT MATURITY DATE”) and it shall be reflected in three notes, one for each SELLER in a form substantially in line with the text of the Exhibit 3.02.(b) bearing interest at annual rate of 2% (two per cent), to be delivered by BUYER to each relevant SELLERS as provided for by Article 3.03. below (hereinafter referred to as the “NOTES”)”
B.
The wording of the first two paragraphs of Article 3.03 of the SPA is hereby amended and restated as follows (paragraphs 3.03.1 — 3.03.4, inclusive, remain unchanged):
“The PARTIES in view of SELLER’s commitment, indicated in Article 3.01. above, to guarantee the BL EBITDA and the EQUITY IRR TARGET for the period of 18 months frolp the CLOSING DATE (hereinafter referred to as the “ADJUSTMENT PERIOD”), have agreed on the following adjustment mechanism regarding the DEFERRED PAYMENT.
The DEFERRED PAYMENT shall be adjusted on the basis of the AA EBITDA versus the BL EBITDA for the same period, according to the mechanism described hereinafter. The PARTIES agree that for the purpose of this Article 3.03. the following items shall not be deducted from the cash revenues and shall be added back for the purpose of the calculation of the AA EBITDA: all fees and remunerations directly or indirect paid to BUYER or any of his affiliates or related parties. The EXTRAORDINARY COSTS already computed in the NET ASSETS calculation shall also be excluded from the calculation of the AA EBITDA”.
SECTION 3 — AMENDMENTS TO CONDITION PRECEDENT CLAUSE
A.
The following provision is added after Article 4.04:
“4.05 The PARTIES, in consideration of the fact that Battu. IMI S.p.A. expressed its consent to the change of control, subject to certain conditions, including without limitation, the reconstitution of the DSRA amounts for each SPV as provided in the FINANCING AGREEMENT (the “DSRA AMOUNT”) agree that BUYER shall be responsible to reconstitute at CLOSING the DSRA AMOUNT in the DSRA Account of each of the four SPVs”
SECTION 4 — AMENDMENTS TO THE CLOSING CLAUSE
A.
At the end Article 6.02.a of the SPA, the following wording is added:
“b. each SELLER shall:
(omissis)
(iv) deliver to the BUYER the duly executed corporate guarantee regarding the indemnity for the TROMELLO DAMAGES and GARLASCO DAMAGES in the text attached hereto under Exhibit 6.02.a (iv)”
B.
The wording of Article 6.02.b (i) of the SPA is hereby amended and restated as follows:
“b. the BUYER shall:
(i)
pay the ADJUSTED CLOSING PAYMENT to the SELLERS as follows:
(x) to VOLTEO 70% of the amount of the ADJUSTED CLOSING PAYMENT less the VOLTEO RETENTION less 70% of 50% of the Bank waiver fee and Bank’s lawyers fee;
(y) to AGRIHOLDING 20% of the amount of the ADJUSTED CLOSING PAYMENT less 20% of 50% of the Bank waiver fee and Bank’s lawyers fee;;
(z) to OVERLAND 10% of the amount of the ADJUSTED CLOSING PAYMENT less 10% of 50% of the Bank waiver fee and Bank’s lawyers fee;.”
Paragraphs (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) remain the same.
(vi) deliver to VOLTEO irrevocable bank transfers ordered by each SPV for the payment, by December 31st 2015, of VOLTEO RETENTION less the PAYABLE EXTRAORDINARY COSTS. For clarity sake, the aggregate amount of the irrevocable bank transfer is euro 315,194,00 The bank transfer will be conditioned to receipt of the payment by the GSE of the invoice regarding the production of September 2015 .
C.
At the end of Article 6.02 (b), the following wording is added:
“c. VOLTEO shall deliver a duly executed indemnity letter regarding the consequences deriving from the law suit introduced by Noe Scavi S.r.l. according to the text attached hereto under Exhibit 6.02.c”
D.
Exhibit 6.02.a(iv) and Exhibit 6.02.c are attached to this AMENDMENT Exhibit 6.02.a(iv) and Exhibit 6.02.c.
SECTION 5 - CLOSING PAYMENTS AND AMENDMENTS
TO CLOSING PAYMENT ADJUSTMENTS
A.
The Parties agree that the PRE-CLOSING NET ASSETS CALCULATION for the four SPVs is reflected in Exhibit 7.02 and that therefore: (i) no negative NET ASSET DIFFERENCE exist, subject to adjustment upon FINAL CLOSING NET ASSETS CALCULATION; and that (ft) any excess or shortfall of the FINAL CLOSING NET ASSETS CALCULATION compared with MINIMUM REQUIRED NET ASSETS, will be paid by BUYER or by SELLERS, as the case may be, pursuant to Article 7.06.
B.
The wording of Article 7.06 of the SPA is hereby amended and restated as follow:
“7.06 The PARTIES agree that: (A) in the event the FINAL CLOSING NET ASSETS CALCULATION is higher than the MINIMUM REQUIRED NET ASSETS, then the excess will be added to the DEFERRED PAYMENT and paid accordingly to SELLERS; (B) in the event the FINAL CLOSING NET ASSETS CALCULATION is lower than the MINIMUM REQUIRED NET ASSETS, then the excess will be deducted by BUYER from the DEFERRED PAYMENT.”
SECTION 6 — AMENDMENTS TO VAT CREDIT CLAUSE
A.
The wording of Article 7.07 of the SPA containing a mistake is hereby amended and restated as follows:
“7.07 The PARTIES agree that the VAT ADVANCE mechanism provided for in following Article 7.10 will be triggered only in the event the aggregate amount of the ADJUSTED CLOSING PAYMENT for the four SPVs is lower than 2,140,000.00 (two million one hundred forty thousand/00) (hereinafter the “TRIGGERING AMOUNT”).
B.
The PARTIES acknowledge that: (i) the amounts of the ADJUSTED CLOSING PAYMENTS resulting from the SPA and this AMENDMENT do not trigger the VAT ADVANCE mechanism and that therefore Article 7.07 and 7.10 shall not apply; (ii) SELLERS will retain their rights to the SHAREHOLDERS ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION.
C.
The wording of Article 7.08 of the SPA is hereby amended and restated as follows
“7.08 SELLERS represent and warrants that Exhibit 7.08. correctly represents (i) the amount of the VAT credit for which reimbursement has been requested for each SPV as well as the VAT reimbursement received in September 2015, (ii) the amount of VAT bank loans net of the reimbursement done by the SPV based on the VAT reimbursement received in September 2015, (Hi) the 2014 VAT credit for which the reimbursement still has to be requested, (iv) the VAT credit relating the LAST HARVEST INVOICES (included in the NET ASSET CALCULATION) and (v) the VAT credit as of September 30th 20I5and that all documents and surety necessary to obtain the reimbursement have been properly filed.. SELLERS represent and warrant that the 4 (four) SPVs shall have an overall non-financed VAT credits, net of VAT credit relating the LAST HARVEST INVOICE, for which reimbursement have to be requested, as specified in Exhibit 7.08, (hereinafter referred to as the “EXCESS VAT CREDIT”) and shall to be included in the overall 2015 tax declaration. BUYER shall either (i) cause each SPV as soon as technically feasible to file the reimbursement request for the EXCESS VAT CREDIT and procure the necessary surety to be filed together with the reimbursement request and provide SELLERS with a copy of the EXCESS VAT CREDIT reimbursement requests once filed or (H) cause each SPV as soon as technically feasible to execute the necessary documents/certifications in order to use the EXCESS VAT CREDIT to set off other taxes or any other offsettable taxes, duties and/or contributions .”
D.
The wording of Article 7.09 of the SPA is hereby amended and restated as follows
“7.09 In light of the representation made in Article 7.08 above, the PARTIES agree that
(a)
As of the closing date each SPV will have a trade debt towards VOLTEO only for the outstanding amount of VOLTEO’s trade receivables specified in the Exhibit 7.09.(a)..
The amount of VOLTEO OUTSTANDING TRADE RECEIVABLES shall be equal to the amount of the VOLTEO RETENTION less the PAYABLE EXTRAORDINARY COSTS and it will be paid to VOLTEO by December 31st, 2015 subject to the payment by the GSE of the invoice regarding the production of the month of September 2015 whose payment has been delayed for technical reasons
(b)
the BUYER agrees to pay to the SELLERS as additional consideration for the sale of the SHARES an amount equal to the quota of the EXCESS VAT CREDIT to be allocated to each of the SELLERS according to their respective share participation in each SPV (hereinafter the “SHAREHOLDERS ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION”);
(c)
the payment by the BUYER of the SHAREHOLDERS ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION (0 is linked and subject to the reimbursement of the EXCESS VAT CREDIT to each relevant SPV and the availability of said funds, (ii) shall be made pro-rata and pari passu to each of the SELLERS , (ii) according to the provisions of Article 7.10. to 7.14, as applicable.
E.
Exhibit 7.09 (a) of the SPA is replaced by the document enclosed herewith as Exhibit 6D that will become the new Exhibit 7.09 (a).
F.
The wording of Articles 7.11, 7.13 and 7.14 is hereby amended and restated as follows:
“7.11
BUYER undertakes: (a) to pay the SHAREHOLDERS ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION, complying with the applicable commitments under the FINANCING DOCUMENTS, pad passu with the proceeds of the VAT credit reimbursements after payment of the VAT BANK LOANS (principal and interests matured thereon) and in any case no later than 90 days from the payment of the VAT reimbursements to each relevant SPV
7.13
In the event all or part of SHAREHOLDERS ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION have not been paid at DEFERRED PAYMENT MATURIY DATE, BUYER shall, pay the outstanding balance as soon the proceeds from the reimbursement of the EXCESS VAT CREDIT are received and they become available.
7.14
In the event that after DEFERRED PAYMENT MATURITY DATE there is still a balance SHAREHOLDERS ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION to be paid, the SELLERS undertake (i) to waive, respectively and as applicable, any balance of SHAREHOLDERS ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION if the EXCESS VAT CREDIT reimbursement is not sufficient to cover the outstanding balance of the SHAREHOLDERS ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION, provided that at SELLERS’ request and costs, BUYER undertakes to cause any relevant SPV to challenge in the appropriate venues any Tax Authority ruling that reduces the amount of the EXCESS VAT CREDIT reimbursed; in such case the SELLERS’s waiver will be made according to the decision, and 00 to waive, respectively and as applicable, any balance of the SHAREHOLDERS ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION if the entire EXCESS VAT CREDIT has not been reimbursed within the seventh anniversary of the DEFERRED PAYMENT MATURITY DATE.
G.
The following provision shall be added after Article 7.14:
“7.15
BUYER shall send to each SELLER every 3 (three) months a written up-date report on the EXCESS VAT CREDIT situation of the SPVs”
SECTION 7 — AMENDMENT TO THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CLAUSE
A.
The wording of Article 8.01.16 of the SPA is hereby amended and restated as follows:
“8.01.16 Validity of contracts. The plants, building, structures, fixtures and improvements on land owned by each SPV conform to all applicable laws and regulations including, without limitation, zoning and building laws and regulations, environmental laws, and with the exception of the TROMELLO SITUATION, PROVINCE NOTICES and GSE NOTICE no notice of violation relating to the same has been threatened to or received by any SPV and no grounds exist and there is no basis in fact for the assessment of any violation thereof.”
B.
The wording of Article 8.01.21 of the SPA is hereby amended and restated as follows:
“8.1.21 Litigation. Except for the law suit instituted by Noe Scavi S.r.l., the criminal case regarding TROMELLO PLANT, PROVINCE NOTICE and GSE NOTICE, there is no claim, action, suit or arbitration, before any court, administrative or regulatory body, arbitration panel, or any governmental agency, threatened or pending against any of the SPV. There is no claim, action or proceeding now pending or threatened before any court, administrative or regulatory body, arbitration panel, or any governmental agency, which will, or could, prevent or hamper the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this AGREEMENT.”
C.
The wording of Article 8.01.22 of the SPA is hereby amended and restated as follows:
“8.01.22
Licenses and permits. The licenses, permits and authorizations held by the SPVs are valid and in full force and effect, in compliance with all applicable laws. The SELLER is not aware of any reasons for the suspension, revocation or cancellation, in whole or in part, of the licenses, permits and authorizations relating to the SPV plants. The SPVs hold any and all licenses, permits and authorizations required for the lawful performance of their business and they are being and have been complied with at all times. In particular, the SPVs with the exception of the PROVINCE NOTICES and GSE NOTICE, are in compliance with all the requirements of the various permits which were required to build, operate and sell the eleetticity produced.”
D.
3The wording of Article 8.01.23 of the SPA is hereby amended and restated as follows:
“8.01.23
Compliance. To the SELLER knowledge, the SPVs conduct and have conducted their business and operations in full compliance with applicable mandatory laws, regulations and administrative authorizations. With the exception of the TROMELLO CRIMINAL CASE, no crimes have been committed nor conducts have been carried out by any persons, for the benefit or in the interest of the SPVs, as a consequence of which the SPVs may incur any sanctions pursuant to Legislative Decree 231/2001.”
SECTION 8 — AMENDMENT TO THE INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS CLAUSE
A.
The following provisions shall be added after Article 9.16 of the SPA:
“9.17
BUYER and VOLTEO acknowledge and confirm that the limitations, exceptions and thresholds provided for by this Article 9 do not apply to VOLTEO’s indemnification obligations concerning the Noe Scavi S.r.l. law suit, which is regulated by the indemnity letter attached hereto under Exhibit 6.02.c.
9.18
The PARTIES acknowledge and confirm that the limitation, exceptions and thresholds provided for by this Article 9 do not apply to the indemnification obligations concerning the TROMELLO DAMAGES and the GARLASCO SITAUTION.
9.19
Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, OVERLAND and AGRIHOLDING shall not be liable under this Contract nor at any different title whatsoever in respect to costs, damages and liabilities airing out of the Noe Scavi S.r.l. law suit or other claims by Noe Scavi S.r.l. which will be a responsibility of VOLTEO and not of OVERLAND or AGRIHOLDING.
SECTION 9 —SPECIAL PROVISIONS REGARDING TROMELLO
A.
After Article 11 of the SPA the following Article 12 shall be added:
“ARTICLE 12
SPECIAL PROVISIONS REGARDING TROMELLO
12.1
TROMELLO PENALTY. In the event that by March 31st 2016 the plea bargain regarding the TROMELLO CRIMINAL CASE has not been approved and the fine paid BUYER is entitled to receive a penalty of Euro 100,000.00 (the “TROMELLO PENALTY”). The amount of the TROMELLO PENALTY shall be deducted from the amount of the DEFERRED PAYMENT.SELLERS undertake to assist BUYER and AGRICERE, and BUYER shall cause AGRICERERE to cooperate with SELLERS, with the management of the administrative aspects of the TROMELLO SITUATION with the Provincia of Pavia.
12.2
TROMELLO AND GARLASCO INDEMNITY GUARANTY. At CLOSING, OVERLAND and, AGRIHOLDING shall deliver and VOLTEO shall cause Gruppo Waste Italia S.p.A. to deliver a corporate guarantee pro-quota to guarantee the indemnification of any damage or negative consequence that may be originated to AGRICERERE (and indirectly to BUYER) in connection with the TROMELLO SITUATION (the “TROMELLO DAMAGES”) and to AGRISORSE (and indirectly to BUYER) in connection with and originated by the notice sent by the Pavia Province specified in Recital F.2 (f) above (the “GARLASCO DAMAGES”), in the format attached hereto under Exhibit 6.02 (a) (iv) .
SECTION 10 — ACKNOWLEDGMENT
OF THE AMOUNT OF THE CLOSING PAYMENTS —
SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS
A.
The Parties acknowledge that the ADJUSTED CLOSING PAYMENTS resulting from the SPA and this AMENDMENT are the following:
Agricerere S.r.l. (1) | Agrielektra S.r.l. (2) | Agrisorse S.r.l. (3) | Gefa S.r.l. (4) |
Total (D+(2)+(3)+(4) |
|
50% AGREED PURCHASE PRICE | 700,000 | 700,000 | 700,000 | 700,000 | 2,800,000 |
50% SPECIAL CREDIT | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 | 200,000 |
NET ASSETS ADJUSTMENT
pursuant to
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
650,000 | 650,000 | 650,000 | 650,000 | 2,600,000 |
B.
The Parties agree the following allocation of the payments by BUYER to SELLERS:
i.
The DEFERRED PAYMENT will be allocated as consideration for the assignment of the SELLERS’ shareholders loans referred to under Article 3.01 of the SPA
ii.
Any other payments provided for under the SPA — including but not limited to the SHAREHOLDERS ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION — will be allocated as consideration of the SHARES
SECTION 11— GENERAL
A.
To the extent not expressly amended hereby, the SPA remains in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.
B.
This Amendment sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the PARTIES relating to the subject matter herein and merges all prior or contemporaneous discussions between them.
C.
This Amendment may be executed in four or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, the PARTIES hereto have signed this AMENDMENT and its Enclosures on December __ 2015 in Milan.
/s/ BlueSphere Pavia S.r.l.
BlueSphere Pavia S.r.l.
/s/ Volteo Energie S.p.A.
Volteo Energie S.p.A.
/s/ Agriholding S.r.l.
Agriholding S.r.l.
/s/ Overland S.r.l
Overland S.r.l
Exhibit 10.36
SERVICE, MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION
AGREEMENT
Contract N. SER_0356-2014-GEST — June 5, 2014
BETWEEN
1. Orbit Energy Charlotte, LLC with its registered office at 301 McCullough Drive, 4 th Floor Charlotte, NC 28262, represented by its authorized signatory, Shlomi Palas (the “Client”);
2. AUSTEP USA Inc. with its registered office, at Empire State Building, 350 5 th Avenue, 41 st Floor, New York, NY 10118, represented by its legal representative and managing director, Alessandro Massone (the “S&M Contractor”); and
3. Austep S.p.A., a company organized under the laws of Italy with an office at via Mecenate 76/45, 20138 Milano, Italy, represented by its legal representative and managing director, Alessandro Massone (“Austep”), who is signing this Agreement as a guarantor as set forth above its signature.
Client and S&M Contractor are jointly defined as the “Parties”.
WHEREAS:
(a) | On even date herewith, Client and Auspark LLC, an affiliate of the S&M Contractor, entered into a turnkey agreement for the design, construction and delivery of a biogas plant with a nameplate capacity of 5,200 kw, including all machinery, processes and equipment necessary for its complete functionality and full operation (the “Plant”) to be built and operated in North Carolina (the “EPC Agreement”). |
(b) | All capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned to such terms in the EPC Agreement. |
(c) | The feedstock of Plant will consist of organic solid and liquid waste (“OSW”) as described in Annexes 2, 5 and 6 hereto. |
(d) | Once construction of the Plant reaches Power Substantial Completion in accordance with the EPC Agreement, the Client desires for S&M Contractor to operate, maintain, and service the Plant. |
(e) | The S&M Contractor represents that it has the technical know-how, experience and capacity required to perform the full service and maintenance and operation of the Plant as contemplated by the EPC Agreement and that it has personnel with adequate professional qualifications for the nature and complexity of the services required. |
(f) | Client desires to engage S&M Contractor to perform service and maintenance and operation in respect of the Plant, and S&M Contractor desires to accept such engagement. |
Now therefore, the Parties have agreed and accepted as follows:
1 | RECITALS AND ANNEXES |
1.1 The recitals and annexes constitute an integral and substantive part of this agreement
(this “Agreement”).
1.2 The annexes are as follows:
• | Annex 1: Maintenance Plan (including the technical documentation provided with the CHP Units (as defined in Section 5.1(b)) |
• | Annex 2: Plan of Analyses |
• | Annex 3: Plant Manual of operation (the “Manual of Operation”) |
• | Annex 4: Form of Performance Guarantee Agreement pursuant to which S&M Contractor guarantees from the Power Substantial Completion Date a gross annual production of 41,000,000 kWh of electricity for a term of two years (the “Performance Guarantee”). |
• | Annex 5: Schedule of feedstock arrivals (the “Schedule of Arrivals”) |
• | Annex 6: Table of feedstock deviation quality and quantity (the “Table of Deviances”) |
• | Annex 7: Form of waivers of claims to be provided by sub-contactors prior to the performance of any part of the Service (the “Form of Waiver”) |
• | Annex 8: Form of Insurance Policies (the “Form of Insurance Policies”) |
For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties agree that Annexes 5 and 6 will be prepared and inserted after definitive feedstock supply agreements are entered into in respect of the Plant.
1.3 This Agreement is a binding commitment as of the date executed but the obligations of the parties to perform hereunder shall commence on the Power Substantial Completion Date. For purposes of clarity, this Agreement may not be terminated prior to the Power Substantial Completion Date except to the extent provided in Article 13.
2 | OBJECT OF THE AGREEMENT |
2.1 Client hereby engages the S&M Contractor to perform all activities relating to the day-to-day operation and management (the “Operation Service”) and service and maintenance (both scheduled ordinary maintenance and extraordinary maintenance) (the “S&M Service”) of the entire Plant as described in more detail in below in Sections 4 and 5, respectively, on the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement. The Operation Service and the S&M Service are collectively referred to as the “Service”.
2.2 S&M Contractor hereby accepts the engagement to perform the Service on the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement.
2.3 In the performance of the Service, S&M Contractor shall operate the Plant in a commercially reasonable manner and shall maintain and preserve the Plant in good working order and condition, in accordance with its design and originally intended purposes.
2.4 In performing the Service, the S&M Contractor shall follow, and shall cause its subcontractors to follow, the applicable guidelines and instructions contained in the Plant usage manuals, the Manual of Operation and any other applicable manuals or instructions applicable to the Plant.
2.5 S&M Contractor shall be obliged to comply with, and shall cause all subcontractors to comply with, all laws and regulations relating to the performance of the Service, with special but not exclusive reference to tax, workplace safety and environmental legislation.
2.6 S&M Contractor shall perform, and shall cause its subcontractors to perform, all Service hereunder in a manner consist with (a) the original equipment manufacturer recommendations and manuals (such as the Caterpillar Application Guidelines, Operation and Maintenance Manuals and related Service Bulletins available with respect to the Equipment), including operation and maintenance guidelines, scheduled oil sampling and coolant analysis as recommended by the manufacturer (“OEM Guidelines”); and (b) all requirements of any insurance maintained with respect to the Plant.
2.7 S&M Contractor warrants that all repairs, replacements, and other Services to be performed by or on behalf of S&M Contractor in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be performed: (i) in a competent manner by qualified personnel using the reasonable skill and care to be expected of a prudent contractor undertaking similar work and in accordance with all applicable training requirements promulgated by the applicable equipment manufacturer; and (ii) in a manner consistent with all other requirements promulgated by the applicable equipment manufacturer that are necessary or desirable to preserve any and all manufacturer’s warranties. Without limiting the foregoing, all of the foregoing performed with respect to equipment manufactured by Caterpillar, Inc. or its affiliates shall be accomplished using Caterpillar-manufactured parts.
3 | TECHNICAL DATA |
During the term of the Agreement, S&M Contractor will generate or obtain any data necessary for the performance of the Service, bearing any cost necessary for the determination or receipt of such data.
4 | OPERATION SERVICE |
S&M Contractor agrees to use its best efforts to perform the Operation Service described in more detail below so as to enable the Plant to be operated in a continuous and optimal manner to generate 42,640,000 kwh each year starting from the Power Substantial Completion Date. Operation activities will be performed by S&M Contractor’s technicians 6 days/week, from Monday to Friday from 7:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. and on Saturday from 7:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. or such other times as may be agreed in writing by S&M Contractor and Client. S&M Contractor will also provide on-call Operation Service during weekends and holidays and otherwise outside of normal working hours. The components of the Operation Service include:
4.1 Operation and Supervision of the Plant
4.1(a) Operation
S&M Contractor will:
• | Coordinate feedstock arrivals, registering arrivals, weighting of each truck in/out and performing unloading, treatment and processing of feedstock |
• | Perform constant monitoring, tuning and maintenance |
• | Coordinate loading and shipping of digestate residues |
• | Execute daily routine analyses for process control in house lab |
• | Monitor and record the Plant’s emissions |
• |
Provide the hardware, software and instrumentation
for a continuous, high-speed
internet connection for use by and meeting the requirements of the S&M Service |
• | If the party providing service and maintenance in respect of the Plant is not the S&M Contractor, allow such party and its personnel to access the Plant’s software, including via telephone connection (ADSL or ISDN line with a NT1 PLUS multiple number socket), and for such purpose install a telephone connection which works with auto select that extends to the control panel of the motor and it is capable of transmitting/sending via fax and of dialling a phone number |
• | Operate the equipment, machinery, components and processes of the Plant in accordance with their respective functions and operation manuals to ensure the constant operation of the Plant and achievement of the Guaranteed Operational Level (as defined below) |
• | Order and purchase all chemicals and other materials necessary for proper and continuous Plant operation and ensure that such chemicals and materials are available on-site at all times in the correct quality and quantity (it being understood and agreed that (i) S&M Contractor will use its best efforts to obtain such chemicals and other materials at the lowest price available on the market (provided that the quality and quantity of such chemicals and other materials are not compromised and the supply terms are compatible with the Plant operation needs), (ii) Client will reimburse S&M Contractor for the actual cost of the chemicals and materials purchased for Plant operation and, in this connection, S&M Contractor will invoice Client on a monthly basis for all chemicals and other materials purchased during the previous month, which shall be payable within 10 business days of receipt and (iii) if Client does not make such reimbursement, then, after written notice is made to Client, Client shall have an additional five (5) business days to make such reimbursement and if in this second period of five (5) business days no reimbursement is made, S&M Contractor shall be entitled to suspend the Operation Service until full reimbursement is made. |
• | Perform all the daily and routine measures, checks and tests to ensure the continuous operation of the Plant |
• | Record the weight and identity of the transporter of all deliveries of feedstock to the Plant, analyse a spot sample of the content thereof and supply accurate records thereof to Client (it being understood that Client will be responsible for all other aspects of feedstock delivery, supply and billing) |
• | Maintain all records and reports necessary for the proper recording of Plant data and secure it in a safe and proper manner so that it is accessible to Client and third-parties, including Lender |
• | Take such other actions as are necessary to ensure at all times the full and optimal operation of the Plant without the management and operation assistance or participation of the Client |
4.1(b) Process and laboratory activities and advice
A) Activities in the Plant
The S&M Contractor process engineer shall be present at least monthly for an inspection of the Plant. The condition of (i) the digesters, (ii) the feedstock, (iii) the CHP Units and (iv) the wastewater treatment plant (“WWTP”) shall be assessed during the inspection. Samples shall be taken from fermenters and the WWTP and the operating temperatures shall be checked. The S&M Contractor will perform the following analyses:
I. | pH |
II. | Dry and volatile matter: TS (total solids) and VS (volatile solids) |
III. | COD |
IV. | NH4-N |
V. | TN |
VI. | TSS |
VII. | BOD |
VIII. | Total P |
IX. | VFA |
X. | Alkalinity. |
Routine analyses shall be executed three times a week by S&M Contractor’s personnel to monitor routinely the performance of the plant.
Following inspection and analysis, the results shall be provided to the Client in diagram and table form. The process manager shall also prepare a document indicating any corrective measures necessary for the best operation of the Plant.
B) Laboratory activities
The S&M Contractor undertakes to provide the following laboratory service on a monthly basis:
I. | definition and analysis of the operation of the Plant; |
II. | analysis of the Feedstock entering the Plant provided by the Client; |
III. | determination of the energy potential for different types of feedstock by means of a “Standard Labscale Methane Production Test” (up to a maximum of 4 tests per year); |
IV. | a monthly report on how the operation of the Plant can be improved. |
C) Assessment of operating data
Each month, the S&M Contractor, through its process engineer, shall analyze the operating data of the Plant and provide Client a monthly performance report on the same.
The data, which can be obtained from the Plant’s operating software shall consist of:
I. | the daily quantity of feedstock; | |
II. | a theoretical calculation of daily biogas production; | |
III. | a determination of actual production and composition of biogas; | |
IV. | a comparison of the theoretical and real data; and | |
V. | a diagram of the Plant management parameters. |
4.1(c) To the extent not mentioned elsewhere in this Agreement, S&M Contractor agrees to perform any and all other actions and services required to operate the Plant in accordance with this Agreement.
4.2 | Operations Reporting |
During the term of the Agreement, S&M Contractor shall keep Client informed of the performance of the Plant, of any qualitative and/or quantitative changes in production, and of any anomalies and unscheduled extraordinary maintenance interventions, by means of a monthly report issued to Client and, at Lender’s request (which may be a standing request), to
Lender. S&M Contractor shall also inform Client if any feedstock values are out of specifications. Operational and analysis data shall be provided in Excel tables with graphs indicating the main parameters and any variations thereof.
S&M Contractor shall compile a detailed monthly report of the operation of the Plant,
indicating:
• | Feedstock fed in (quantity and quality) |
• | COD load |
• | average degradation yield |
• | biogas produced and its composition |
• | electrical energy produced |
• | any faults and maintenance |
The above data shall be regularly monitored and recorded.
5 | S&M SERVICE |
S&M Contractor guarantees that the S&M Service as described below is sufficient to cover the full service and maintenance requirements of the Plant provided that there are no material deviations in the operation of the Plant from the information contained in Annexes 2, 5 and 6. To the extent that any service and maintenance actions that are necessary or reasonably desirable for the Plant to operate as designed and to preserve the equipment or other components of the Plant in accordance with manufacturer warranties or prudent industry standards are omitted from or not stated clearly in this Agreement, S&M Contractor hereby undertakes to perform such service and maintenance actions on the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement for no extra compensation (provided, again, that there are no material deviations in the operation of the Plant from the information contained in Annexes 2, 5 and 6).
The S&M Service shall consist of:
5.1 | Maintenance of the Plant |
5.1(a) Ordinary Scheduled Maintenance of the Plant
S&M Contractor shall perform, at its expense, the interventions and service and maintenance activities indicated in the Manual of Operation and any manuals of operation or similar documents in respect of any components, equipment or parts of the Plant in accordance with the terms and conditions indicated therein.
In particular, S&M Contractor undertakes to perform the following activities:
• | Use of equipment consumable materials as indicated in the ordinary maintenance schedule and according to the type recommended by manufacturers. |
• | Supply of the necessary replacement and consumable materials for installed equipment according to the ordinary replacement schedule indicated by manufacturers. |
• | Functional inspection of equipment and instruments. |
• | Routine scheduled inspection and if necessary cleaning and calibration of probes and instruments. |
• | Scheduled inspection and verification of current electrical draw. |
• | Repair of any Plant wear and tear and replacement of any Plant components or equipment due to wear and tear. |
• | Analysis of any faults and identification of methods to solve them. |
• | Repair of any faults, stoppages, problems, malfunctions, failure to work, nonperformance or any other issues in respect of any equipment, component or process of the Plant. |
As part of its regular S&M Service, S&M Contractor shall every 5 years perform, at its expense, an inspection and maintenance of the inner coating of each digester of the Plant (the “Digester Inner Coating Maintenance”). During Digester Inner Coating Maintenance, each digester will be stopped for 20 days during which the Plant electrical production will be reduced to 75%. S&M Contractor represents that the impact of the Digester Inner Coating Maintenance of the three digesters on the annual Plant performance will be 1.1% once every 5 years.
On conclusion of each ordinary scheduled maintenance activity, S&M Contractor shall describe the activity performed in the “General Maintenance Schedule for the Plant’
For the correct operation of electromechanical equipment, electric motors and motor reducers, S&M Contractor shall notify Client of and perform any intervention or service and maintenance activity it deems advisable and/or necessary (even if not strictly indicated in the Manual of Operation or any other manuals of operation or similar documents in respect of the Plant) in order to extend the durability and prolong the lifespan of the equipment.
5.1(b) Ordinary Scheduled Maintenance of the MWM Units generator sets and related equipment (the “CHP Units”)
S&M Contractor undertakes to perform, at its expense, all scheduled ordinary maintenance of the CHP Units as indicated in the Maintenance Plan (i.e., Annex 1) and as required by OEM Guidelines, including, without limitation, non-routine but scheduled maintenance actions such as non-routine maintenance required because of the number of hours a generator set has been operated (for example, top end overhaul).
In particular, S&M Contractor undertakes to perform the following activities:
• | scheduled cleaning of the exhaust fumes heat exchanger (if existing); |
• | ordinary scheduled maintenance of the ventilation system, with replacement of filters; |
• | scheduled overhaul maintenance of the CHP |
• | ordinary scheduled maintenance of the emergency cooling and gas mixing system, including the pumps and the thermometer, up to the heat exchanger; |
• | ordinary scheduled maintenance of candles during ordinary maintenance works; |
In addition, S&M Contractor undertakes to provide the following materials:
• | electrical materials in accordance with the ordinary maintenance schedule of the manufacturer; |
• | spare parts; |
• | mechanical materials in accordance with the schedule and of the type suggested by the manufacturer; |
• | Equipment used by personnel for the performance of ordinary maintenance activities; |
• | Lubricants, oils and other liquid materials required or useful for the performance of the Plant |
• | Laboratory tests of lubricants; |
• | Purchase (at its own expense) and supply of all chemical reagents and materials necessary for S&M Service and ensuring a sufficient stock thereof (it being understood that the expenses for the chemical reagents necessary for the Operation Service will be reimbursed to S&M Contractor by Client, as provided for in Section 4.1(a)); and |
• | Regular biological tests and laboratory analysis of the waste used in the Plant and the digestate generated by it; and |
• | replacement of catalytic converter and supply of lubricating oil for the motor. |
The following are explicitly excluded from the obligations of the S&M Contractor and therefore are the responsibility of Client:
• | modifications and/or additions to the Plant; |
• | supply of fuel, water and electrical energy necessary for interventions and service and maintenance activities; |
• | disposal of waste and oils and the relevant costs, including costs related to the necessary administrative procedures; and |
• | compilation of tax records. |
5.1(c) Unscheduled extraordinary maintenance
S&M Contractor undertakes to perform at its expense (except as expressly stated below) any and all unscheduled extraordinary service and maintenance (i.e. accidental damage, damage caused by third parties and/or by Client) as quickly as practicable. Prior to or at the same time of the performance of such extraordinary service and maintenance, S&M Contractor will send written notification thereof to Client specifying the expected scope of work. If the required extraordinary service and maintenance is not reasonably foreseeable and not caused by S&M Contractor or others under its control (“Unforeseeable Maintenance Work”), S&M Contractor shall be entitled to request additional compensation. If S&M Contractor believes that extraordinary service or maintenance constitutes Unforeseeable Maintenance Work, S&M Contractor shall send to Client, together with the written notification provided for above, a quote for the additional compensation. If Client disputes: (A) S&M Contractor’s contention that the extraordinary service and maintenance required constitutes Unforeseeable Maintenance Work, and/or (B) the amount of the quote provided by S&M Contractor, it shall inform S&M Contractor in writing and, lacking an amicable agreement between the Parties, the dispute will be submitted to the Ruler for adjudication in accordance with the rules and procedure set forth in Section 26 below. Notwithstanding any entitlement to request additional compensation above, S&M Contractor shall only receive such additional compensation from any actual cash proceeds to be received in respect of any applicable insurance policies in force. Under no circumstance will S&M Contractor wait to perform the required extraordinary service and maintenance work until adjudicated by the Rule. Instead such extraordinary service and maintenance work shall be performed as soon as possible and any claims for additional compensation shall be decided in parallel or afterward.
5.2 S&M Reporting
During the term of the Agreement, S&M Contractor shall issue monthly reports to Client (and, at Lender’s request (which may be a standing request), to Lender) detailing any and all S&M Service activities performed by S&M Contractor and the underlying issues, faults or problems requiring S&M Service in such period.
6 | Personnel of the S&M Contractor |
The S&M Contractor undertakes to assign specialised staff with the requisite experience and skill-set to perform the Service, including personnel satisfying the requirements necessary or desirable to preserve any and all manufacturer’s warranties, taking responsibility for all relevant expenses (such as, for example, transportation, travel, food and accommodation, etc.). S&M Contractor’s staff shall be equipped with the necessary operating, service and maintenance resources for the provision of the Service. S&M Contractor’s staff will be present on the Project site and monitor the Plant on a daily basis from Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and on Saturday from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm and for so long as is necessary to fulfil all obligations of the S&M Contractor under this Agreement whether during or outside of normal working hours, including weekends and holidays. S&M Contractor agrees that it shall not be entitled to any extra compensation for any time spent at the Plant by its staff outside of normal working hours or on weekends or holidays.
Professional Positions:
• | Laboratory technician defines the analytical procedures and methods applied in the laboratory to perform the analytical tests and executes them. He is also responsible for the study and selection of the optimal conditions for plant performance and assistance in the resolution of any operating anomalies, for official on-site sampling and analysis procedures carried out by external agreed laboratories. |
The Laboratory technician shall verify process operating data, prepare monthly reports on the performance of the Plant.
Presence: daily on site.
• | Site manager is responsible for coordination and execution of all aspects of the Service, assigning tasks and giving instructions to the S&M Contractor’s operating and support staff. He verifies plans for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance operations on the facilities and oversees them with the help of the personnel available on site. He is also responsible for monitoring and optimization of electricity consumption in the operation of the Plant. |
Presence: daily on site.
• | Plant Engineer is responsible for the management and performance of all engineering aspects of the Service. |
• | Operation personnel A team of three persons per each shift who will perform all aspects |
of the Service under the coordination and instruction of the Site Manager.
Presence: daily on site.
7 | ON-CALL SERVICE |
The S&M Contractor shall provide a 24x7 telephone service with direct and immediate access to a person with relevant expertise in order to take necessary actions and/or in the event of urgent operational, service and maintenance requirements. The S&M Contractor undertakes to perform Service, whenever necessary, within 24 hours, day or night including holidays and weekends, from communication in respect of the Plant. The S&M Contractor shall provide a telephone number at which it shall be available on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week, 365 days a year. To enable the S&M Contractor’s online support, the Client will in accordance with Section 8(b) below maintain or procure the maintenance of a 24/7, continuous high-speed internet connection, enabling the S&M Contractor to log on to the online control system of the Plant and perform required interventions and Service. S&M Contractor shall provide in writing the exact type of high-speed internet connection required for the purpose of this Agreement separately to Client.
8 | OBLIGATIONS OF CLIENT |
Without prejudice to any other provision of this Agreement, Client undertakes, at its own expense, to perform or cause one or more third parties to perform the following activities:
a) | to supply the Plant at its own expense with feedstock in accordance with Annexes 2, 5 and 6; |
b) | to provide and maintain a continuous, high-speed internet connection that meets all reasonable requirements of the S&M Contractor; |
c) | to dispose of digestate that has been dewatered and dried by S&M Contractor in accordance with applicable specifications; |
d) | to carry out an inspection of the Plant on a monthly basis, using its own personnel or through a third party other than S&M Contractor; |
e) | maintain all permits needed for the proper running of the plant; |
f) | refrain from any modification and/or direct and/or third party service and maintenance that is not provided for in the Agreement; |
g) | make available, free of charge and for the entire term of this Agreement, an appropriate space where the personnel of S&M Contractor may store the materials and tools necessary for the performance of the Service as established in this Agreement; |
h) | compile tax records (if any) of energy produced by the CHP Units; |
i) | allow S&M Contractor’s personnel and/or personnel indicated by S&M Contractor to turn off all equipment, including the endothermic engine (i.e., the CHP units), where necessary and/or useful for the Service; |
j) | ensure that S&M Contractor has direct access to the registers/meters/accounting books that indicate the amount of electricity produced and consumed by the Plant each month; |
k) | bear the cost of chemicals and materials to be used in the Operation Service, including, but |
not limited to water and electricity for Plant operation; and
I) | ensure that the Plant is supplied with electrical power and is connected to the water mains. |
9 | OBLIGATIONS OF S&M CONTRACTOR |
Without prejudice to other provisions of this Agreement, S&M Contractor generally undertakes to fulfil all the obligations that it has assumed under this Agreement in compliance with Client’s permits and the provisions of law, including without limitation environmental legislation.
In particular, S&M Contractor undertakes to perform the following activities:
a) | to assist Client in its relations with the competent authorities, both public or private (including the power off-taker and, if different, the utility providing power to the plant), providing technical information on the Plant and on the Service from time to time; |
b) | to provide all the personnel necessary for the performance of the Service and the fulfilment of the obligations under this Agreement. Each member of S&M Contractor’s staff and of any subcontractors (including specialised and qualified technicians) shall have appropriate experience in the performance of their duties and activities; |
c) | to use equipment and parts that complies with all applicable U.S. standards technical rules. |
d) | analyze the oil for the CHP Units when needed in accordance with the OEM Guidelines at a certified laboratory and provide oil sample analysis reports to Client; |
e) | use lubricating oil exclusively according to the machinery supplier’s instructions; |
f) | provide for the installation of a telecommunications connection to enable maintenance to be conducted remotely in accordance with the instructions of S&M Contractor. Client shall allow the connection; |
g) | provide and pay for the equipment to be used to create the Plant’s internet connection; bear the cost of chemicals and materials to be used in the S&M Service; and |
h) | prior to the performance by any sub-contractor of any part of the Service, provide Client with waivers of claims against or in respect of the Plant or Client in the form and substance attached hereto as Annex 7. |
10 | CLIENT MANAGER |
Client shall appoint a manager to liaise with S&M Contractor. Such manager shall act as the interface with S&M Contractor and shall sign for technical acceptance the invoices sent by S&M Contractor to Client.
11 | INSURANCE COVERAGE |
S&M Contractor shall maintain machinery breakdown insurance and a machinery breakdown business interruption insurance policy covering all the following risks and damages and will present the Principal with valid insurance policies and/or certificates.
a) Machinery breakdown insurance
I. All Risk coverage including, but not limited to
i. | machinery breakdown |
ii. | unforeseen natural hazards (including, but not limited to fire, hail, windstorm, weight of snow and ice, inundation, flood, landslide and earthquake perils)burglary/robbery/vandalism/riot mass commotion (civil unrest and looting) |
iii. | operating error, unskillfulness, construction-, material errors, short-circuit fault, over-current, over-voltage, failure of measuring and control devices, security devices; water-, oil- or lubricant-shortage; |
iv. | breakage by centrifugal force |
v. | high/low-pressure |
vi. | storm, ice, freeze. |
II. | The insurance protection will be applied to all the machinery/equipment/electronics/movable property situated at the Plant. |
III. | The protection will cover also the debris removal and clean-up costs in a min. amount of USD 600,000 and the extra costs of a minimum limit of USD 300,000. |
IV. The deductible will not exceed USD 10,000.
b) Machinery breakdown business Interruption insurance defined as
I. | Business interruption losses defined as a loss of revenue caused by an event insured under the Machinery breakdown insurance coverage. |
II. | The guarantee period should amount to 6 months for machinery breakdown claims and 12 months for unforeseen natural hazards (including, but not limited to fire, hail, windstorm, weight of snow and ice, inundation, flood, landslide and earthquake perils) |
III. | The coverage should be applicable also to utility business interruption, contingency business interruption and denial of access with a minimum guarantee period of 6 months. |
IV. | The deductible will not exceed 7 days. |
12 | PERSONNEL SAFETY AND HYGIENE |
The personnel of S&M Contractor shall observe the hygiene standards required for the Plant. In this respect, S&M Contractor shall provide its personnel with the necessary material, such as gloves, shields, etc.
S&M Contractor shall comply with all safety standards established by applicable safety regulations, taking responsibility for personnel training.
S&M Contractor shall be responsible for the maintenance and restoration after use of safety devices such as fire extinguishers, lifebuoys, masks, first aid kits, etc. required at the Plant. S&M Contractor undertakes to obtain all authorizations, permits, registrations and licenses required by applicable law and regulations that are necessary to fulfil its obligations pursuant to this Agreement prior to commencing the Service. In addition, S&M Contractor undertakes:
a) | to comply with, and to cause any subcontractors to comply with legislation on social insurance and tax obligations, whether contributory, remunerative, welfare, social security or concerning safety |
b) | to pay, and to cause any subcontractors to pay its employees regularly and pay the statutory contributions and charges, as well as any amounts due by law in relation to employment, welfare, social security and the use of labor force |
c) | to pay, and to cause any subcontractors to pay contributions due pursuant to law to every competent entity in relation to employment, welfare, social security and the use of labour force, |
d) | S&M Contractor is furthermore obliged to provide Client with a copy of the lists of its personnel and of any subcontractors personnel, who operate on the site, indicating their status pursuant to social security, welfare, insurance and accident prevention legislation, immediately notifying Client in writing of any up-date or change of status. |
e) | In the event that S&M Contractor fails to fulfil the obligations indicated in this Section 10 or fails to provide proof of the fulfilment of such obligations on the part of any subcontractors, it shall hold Client harmless from any consequences. In particular, S&M Contractor undertakes to hold Client harmless from any claim whatsoever, right or action made by anyone in relation to the remunerative, social security, insurance and tax status of its employees and/or associates, and those of any subcontractors and providers of services. S&M Contractor shall be solely responsible for any damage caused to Client by any failure on the part of its own personnel to comply with safety regulations, provided that such damage is not attributable to facts and/or conduct directly attributable to Client. |
13 | TERM OF THE AGREEMENT AND TERMINATION |
13.1 The Agreement is a binding commitment as of the date executed but the obligations of the parties to perform hereunder shall commence on the Power Substantial Completion Date. The term shall continue until the date that is 10 years after the Power Substantial Completion Date subject to the following:
(i) | The provision of the Operation Service will terminate 10 years from the Power Substantial Completion Date if not renewed in writing signed by both Parties for successive periods of one year; and |
(ii) | The provision of the S&M Service will terminate 10 years from the Power Substantial Completion Date if not renewed in writing signed by both Parties for successive periods of one year. |
13.2 The provision of the Operation Service or the S&M Service may be terminated as follows:
(a) Client may terminate the provision of the Operation Service or the S&M Service upon 14 days’ notice in any of the following cases:
i. | the insolvency, bankruptcy or commencement of voluntary/involuntary liquidation proceedings in respect of S&M Contractor; failure on the part of the S&M Contractor to obtain or maintain any required insurance coverage; |
ii. | a material breach by the S&M Contractor in the performance of the Service under this Agreement that is not cured within 30 days of written notice of such material breach; and/or |
iii. | failure to produce at least 41,000,000 kwh of electricity in any 12 month period after the expiration of the Performance Guarantee. |
(b) S&M Contractor may terminate the provision of the Operation Service or the S&M Service upon 14 days’ notice in any of the following cases:
i. | non-payment by the Client of at least two consecutive instalments of the applicable monthly fee by the established deadline; and/or |
ii. | the insolvency, bankruptcy or commencement of voluntary/involuntary liquidation proceedings in respect of Client. |
13.3 In the event of a termination of the Operation Service pursuant to Section 13.2, S&M Contractor agrees to train at its own expense Client’s personnel (who shall have appropriate technical qualifications for a Plant of this nature) in the operation and management of the Plant and in performing first interventions and service and maintenance activities in the event of failure or malfunction. Such training shall last up to three months.
14 | PLANT PERFORMANCE, EXPENSES AND OPERATION SERVICE COMPENSATION |
14.1 S&M Contractor will use its best efforts to perform the Operation Service so as to enable the Plant to be operated in a continuous and optimal manner to generate 42,640,000 kwh (the “Electrical Production Level”) each year starting from the Power Substantial Completion Date. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties agree that the Electrical Production Level is separate from any performance guarantee provided by S&M Contractor under any other agreement between the parties. Claims and compensation under the performance guarantee provided by S&M Contractor have no affect or impact on any rights or compensation to be paid by either party hereunder.
14.2 In exchange for performing the Operation Service and using its best efforts to cause the Plant to reach the Electrical Production Level and subject to the next sentence, S&M Contractor shall receive an annual fee of USD 297,000 (the “Operating Fee”), which is all-inclusive in respect of the Operation Service. S&M Contractor shall receive a bonus of 10% of the revenue to be generated from any kwh of electricity produced by the Plant in excess of the Electrical Production Level up to the maximum number of kwh that Client is entitled to sell and receive payment for under the power purchase agreement in respect of the Plant plus the actual cost of running the CHP units for each hour of excess electrical production. Conversely, S&M Contractor agrees that Client shall deduct from the Fee 10% of the revenue that Client does not receive for each kwh of electricity by which the actual number of kwh is below the Electrical Production Level up to a maximum of 41,000,000 kwh (but only for so long as the Performance Guarantee is in effect; after the expiration of the Performance Guarantee, no such limit shall apply). By way of illustration only, if the Plant produces only 42,000,000 kwh per annum then S&M Contractor agrees that Client shall deduct from the Fee that amount that equals to 10% of the revenue it would have received for 640,000 kwh of electricity. For the purpose of this Section 14.2, it is agreed that the amount to be received by Client or S&M Contractor for each kwh of electricity is USD 0.068 plus the applicable amount of any renewable energy credits and other benefits under the power purchase agreement.
14.3 In the event that S&M Contractor does not render the Operation Service as set forth in this Agreement, Client shall be entitled to deduct from the Operating Fee any reasonable amount it spends or is out of pocket to remedy such omission. For the avoidance of doubt, Client will not terminate S&M Contractor for a non-material breach of this Agreement.
15 | S&M SERVICE COMPENSATION |
15. 1 The parties hereto agree that the compensation in respect of the S&M Service set forth below has been calculated based on the fact that S&M Contractor is providing the Operation Service.
Consideration for the S&M Service: Net Price: USD 706,000/year (the “S&M Fee”)
Insurance for S&M and plant property: Net Price: USD 150,000
Total Net S&M Price: USD 856,000/year
Accordingly, the total net yearly compensation for i) the S&M Service and ii) the Operation
Service shall be as follows:
Total Net S&M Price: USD 856,000
Operating Fee (§14.2): USD 297,000
Total Net S&M, Insurance and Operation Compensation: USD 1,153,000
15.2 The Client is required to pay 1/12 of the Total Net Price on the fifth working day of the month following that in which the Service were performed. If payment is delayed by over four weeks, the S&M Contractor shall have the right to suspend service provision until payment is made.
15.3 In the event that the Plant is fed with feedstock other than or in greater quantities than the amounts indicated in Annex 6 hereto, the Client shall bear the cost of any S&M Service and/or spare parts or supplies reasonably required in addition to those provided for in this Agreement.
15.4 In the event that S&M Contractor does not render the S&M Service as set forth in this Agreement, Client shall be entitled to deduct from the S&M Fee any reasonable amount it spends or is out of pocket to remedy such omission. For the avoidance of doubt, Client will not terminate S&M Contractor for a non-material breach of this Agreement.
16 | RIGHTS OF S&M CONTRACTOR |
It is understood that the performance of the Service by S&M Contractor is necessarily conditional on the exercise of the following rights:
• | the right of access at any time to the area in which Plant, its associated facilities and the premises where the components are located |
• | the right to verify the status of the Plant and to perform maintenance or other operations or necessary activities |
• | the right to have a key or equivalent means of access to the Plant and the surrounding area, with authorization to use the access means for regular maintenance of the biogas plant and connected plants, in particular in the event of a fault or emergencies |
• | the right to perform ordinary scheduled maintenance or repairs during normal working hours from Monday to Friday between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm and outside of the aforementioned working hours and days in the event of an emergency or other necessity |
• | the right to replace or supplement the maintenance plans or other equivalent documents with a different maintenance schedule in the event of replacement of parts or components for technical reasons. |
17 | REPRESENTATIONS OF CLIENT |
Client acknowledges that it has been informed of the fact that during the performance of the Service it may be necessary to shutdown the Plant (including the shutdown of the CHP Units with a consequent interruption in energy production). Client holds S&M Contractor harmless from any liability for loss or damage arising from a required shutdown of the Plant during the performance of the Service, provided that the duration of such shutdown is minimized. In the event that Client is obliged to modify or replace the equipment and/or technology that forms part of the Plant, resulting in changes to the maintenance plan and/or changes in the use of spare parts or consumables, Client undertakes to agree any such changes with S&M Contractor and S&M Contractor reserves the right to modify the conditions of this Agreement if such changes cause S&M Contractor to incur additional expenses. Client, its associates and all its personnel who have access to the zone where work is performed shall comply with S&M Contractor instructions during the performance of ordinary scheduled maintenance works (e.g. prohibition of entry, workplace safety measures, extra protective equipment) without any right to compensation for any damages.
18 | SUBCONTRACT |
Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, Client hereby authorizes S&M Contractor to subcontract the S&M Service or part of the S&M Service to one or more Subcontractors, in each case, subject to the advance, written approval of Client and Lender with such approval not to be withheld or delayed unreasonably. The technical management of the Plant, analytical operations, and the supervision of the Plant shall not be subcontracted. Subcontractors shall be selected from companies with proven experience in the sector.
19 | WARRANTY |
With respect to the S&M Service, S&M Contractor warrants that the parts, materials and/or components used in the repair or replacement of any portion of the Plant shall be of good quality, new, and free of any defect whatsoever in material or workmanship, and that, without limiting S&M Contractor’s other obligations hereunder, S&M Contractor will repair at S&M Contractor’s expense any damage, defect and/or fault in material or workmanship for a period of two years after such work is performed. S&M Contractor further covenants that it will use original parts, materials and/or components consistent with OEM Guidelines so long as such parts, materials and/or components are available on the market.
20 | SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS - REPRESENTATIONS |
20.1 In the event that one of the terms or conditions of this Agreement is deemed invalid or in any case not executable, such circumstance shall not entail the invalidity of the remaining terms and conditions of the Agreement, which shall continue to be fully valid and effective.
20.2 The Parties warrant that they have actually discussed, negotiated and agreed each individual and specific clause of this Agreement. On conclusion of the negotiations, the Parties decided to sign two original copies of the Agreement.
21 | AMENDMENTS |
Any derogation of or amendment to the Agreement shall be valid and effective only if set forth in a written document duly signed by the Parties.
22 | AMENDMENTS TO THIS AGREEMENT BY THE LENDER |
The Parties acknowledge and accept that the Lender may request or demand that certain terms of this Agreement be revised or new terms be added and each Party hereby declares its willingness to negotiate in good faith any such amendments insofar as the requests of the Lender are reasonable.
23 | NOTIFICATION AND PROCESSING OF DATA |
All communications and the other notifications under the Agreement shall be formulated in writing and shall be deemed duly notified if delivered personally, including by courier, or if sent by registered letter with return receipt, or if transmitted by fax to the Parties at the following addresses:
24 | FORCE MAJEURE EVENT |
24. 1 The following events constitute force majeure (each a “Force Majeure Event “) so long as such events are not reasonably foreseeable and are beyond the control of the affected party: acts of God; strikes, lockouts or other industrial disturbances; acts of public enemies; orders or restraints of any kind of the government of the United States of America or of the State or any state or any of their departments, agencies, political subdivisions or officials, or any civil or military authority; insurrections; civil disturbances; riots; epidemics; landslides; lightning; earthquakes; fires; hurricanes; tornadoes; storms; droughts; floods; arrests; restraint of government and people; explosions; breakage, malfunction or accident to facilities, machinery not comprising the Plant, transmission pipes or canals; partial or entire failure of utilities; shortages of labor, materials, supplies or transportation.
24.2 In the event that for any period of time after the Power Substantial Completion Date, the Plant is completely inoperable due to the occurrence of a Force Majeure Event, S&M Contractor shall immediately notify Client with a copy to Lender of such Force Majeure Event in reasonable detail. S&M Contractor’s obligations under this Agreement shall be suspended from the date of such Force Majeure Event until it is no longer in existence; provided that S&M Contractor complies with the obligations set forth in Section 24.4; provided, further, that S&M Contractor shall at all times use all reasonable efforts to ensure that the Plant commences partial operation, as well as full operation, as soon as possible after the Force Majeure Event occurs. S&M Contractor shall provide Client with notice to Lender with periodic updates, at such intervals as Client may request, but in no event less frequently than monthly, on the status of the Force Majeure Event and the steps that S&M Contractor is taking to restore the Plant to full operation.
24.3 Notwithstanding anything else to the foregoing, the following shall not be deemed Force Majeure Events:
(i) | the absence of materials, manpower or service, unless such absences are attributable to an event of force majeure |
(ii) | site closures imposed by the competent authorities as a result of failure on the part of the S&M Contractor to comply with applicable legislation and regulations |
(iii) | strikes limited to the establishments and employees of the S&M Contractor and Subcontractors, including the states of agitation, and participation by employees of the S&M Contractor and Subcontractors in strikes of any kind that are not of a national and sectoral nature. |
24.4 The Party affected by an event of Force Majeure shall not be deemed to have defaulted only if:
(i) | it informs the other Party of the Event of Force Majeure within 24 (twenty four) hours of the occurrence of the Event, providing an adequate explanation of the Event of Force Majeure and its foreseeable duration |
(ii) | it has in full effect and force an insurance policy covering up to $2,500,000 of the damage, loss and/or claims caused by or related to such Event of Force Majeure, it makes all relevant communications to the respective insurance companies in a proper and timely manner and uses its best efforts to obtain and transfer the proceeds of such policy to Client after a claim is duly made therefor |
(iii) | it has done all in its power to prevent or mitigate the Event of Force Majeure that is an obstacle to its fulfilment. |
24.5 Force Majeure Events which only partly prevent the fulfilment of the contractual obligation of one Party shall not release the said Party from its obligation to fulfil obligations that are not hindered by the said Force Majeure Event.
24.6 In the event that the Event persists for more than 360 (three hundred and sixty) days, each Party shall have the right to withdraw from the Agreement. In such an event, S&M Contractor shall only be entitled to receive the part of the consideration due for the part of Service performed up to the date of exercise of the withdrawal.
25 | ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS |
Except to or at the direction of the Lender, to or at the direction of any party purchasing or benefiting from the investment tax credit applicable to the Plant or any party purchasing the Plant and as set forth in this Article 25, this Agreement may be assigned only with the prior written consent of the other Party. Client may collaterally assign this Agreement and any rights or obligations thereunder to any finance provider or any trustee or agent of any financer as collateral security and in connection therewith; S&M Contractor shall execute and deliver to such financer any consents or other documents reasonably requested by such financer.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Client may, without prior consent, assign its rights hereunder to a lender and/or trustee acting on behalf of a lender, or any financing entity, which acquires a security interest in Client or the Plant (collectively, the “Security Lenders”) in connection with any financing involving the Plant. In the event of an assignment of Client’s rights hereunder to any Security Lenders, S&M Contractor shall take such further actions and execute such documents as are reasonably requested by such Security Lenders to effectuate such assignment including, without limitation, a consent agreement containing customary terms and conditions. Such customary terms and conditions shall include, but not be limited to, provisions related to extended notice and cure periods to be provided to the Security Lenders, and other terms and accommodations to Security Lenders as are customary for non-recourse project financings. Solely with respect to any Security Lender which acquires a security interest in Client or this Agreement, and provided S&M Contractor has received written notice from Client of such interest and request, S&M Contractor shall give written notice to such Security Lender of any default or event of default by Principal under this Agreement.
26 | PROCEDURE FOR DECISION OF DISPUTES BY THE RULER |
The Ruler is any other person nominated pursuant to a written agreement among the Parties; in the absence of such agreement by the seventh (7) working day following a written request made by any Party for the nomination of the Ruler, the Ruler shall be appointed by the chairman of the American Association of Engineers. With respect to any disputes relating to a technical issue and\or of a technical nature under this Agreement (including any annexes thereof): (i) the relevant technical matter (including without limitation, unless explicitly indicated otherwise herein) with respect to any financial aspects thereof shall be exclusively decided by the Ruler, (ii) the Ruler’s opinion shall be final, undisputable and non-appealable, and the Parties will be finally bound thereby, and (iii) the Ruler shall give reasons for its ruling, but will not be subject to any procedural Law; (iv) Ruler’ fees shall be borne by the losing party, or as decided by the Ruler; (v) the Ruler shall give its decision within 7 working days form his appointment.
27 | ARBITRATION, JURISDICTION, APPLICABLE LAW |
With the exception of those disputes to be decided by the Rule, all disputes or claims between the Parties arising out of or related to this Agreement, its subject matter and/or its validity will be decided by binding arbitration which, unless the Parties mutually agree otherwise in writing, shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Construction Industry Arbitration Rules in effect on the date of this Agreement.
The venue of the arbitration will be in the State where the Plant is located.
The applicable law will be the law of the State where the Plant is located; the arbitrator shall: (i) apply substantive applicable Law; (ii) shall not be bound by any rules of procedure and\or evidence; and (iii) shall give reasons for his ruling.
The language of the arbitration will be English.
In witness thereof, the Parties have signed this Agreement.
Austep USA Inc., the S&M Contractor | |
/s/ Austep USA Inc. | |
Date: June 6, 2014 | |
Orbit Energy Charlotte, LLC, the Client | |
/s/ Orbit Energy Charlotte, LLC | |
Date: June 6, 2014 |
GUARANTEE
Austep S.p.A. (“Austep”) irrevocably, primarily, absolutely and unconditionally guarantees to Client and Its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the foregoing and Lender, the prompt and complete payment and performance when due of the obligations of S&M Contractor under this Agreement, including all amendments, modifications, renewals or extensions thereto, without regard to the liability or defenses of any other person or the existence of any other security for or guarantee in respect of this Agreement. Austep hereby agrees that any claimant under this guarantee may proceed directly to claim any amount due to it by S&M Contractor from Austep provided that (i) it has sent a notice of claim to S&M Contractor and (ii) S&M Contractor has not cured within 60 days from receipt of the notice and notwithstanding any bankruptcy or insolvency of Contractor. This Guarantee is a guarantee of payment and performance and not of collection, and Austep hereby waives presentment, protest and notice of acceptance, non-payment and any and all other notices and demands whatsoever to which Austep may be entitled and agrees that consent of Austep shall not be required in connection with any modification of or waiver with respect to this Agreement or S&M Contractor’s obligations hereunder. No delay in making demand on Austep shall prejudice any claimant’s rights hereunder. Austep additionally agrees to pay all costs and expenses including attorneys’ fees, incurred by any claimant in enforcing this Guarantee.
Austep S.p.A.
/s/ Austep S.p.A. |
Exhibit 10.42
Preamble
Whereas the Principal desires to have a biogas plant with an electrical output capacity of 5.2 MW to be supplied and built at the Site and engages the Contractor to perform the obligations described in Article 2.1 hereof;
And wherea s the Contractor declares that it has the appropriate know-how, experience and skills to supply, design, engineer, procure, assemble, build and commission such a biogas plant at the Site in compliance with Applicable Law ( as defined below ) and the terms and conditions of this Agreement:
And whereas the Parties have agreed to define their common obligations regarding the supply and building of such biogas plant within the scope of this Agreement:
And whereas the Parties are parties to a certain Turnkey Agreement for the Design, Construction and Delivery of a Biogas Plant dated April 30, 2014 (the “Original Agreement”) pursuant to which Principal ordered from Contractor and Contractor agreed to supply the design, supply, engineering, permitting, procurement, assembly, construction, installation, commissioning and start-up of the Plant on a turnkey basis (as better defined therein);
And whereas the Original Agreement does not contain certain terms requested by Lender; and
And whereas the Parties desire to amend and restate the Original Agreement to reflect, among other things, the terms requested by Lender.
NOW, THEREFORE the Parties have agreed as follows:
The preamble to this Agreement is an integral part thereof.
1. | DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION |
1.1 | In this Agreement specific words and expressions shall have the meaning given to them in the following Definitions and as otherwise stated in the Agreement. |
“ Agreement ” means this Turnkey Agreement for the Design, Construction and Delivery of a Biogas Plant between Principal and Contractor, entered into as of June 5, 2014, together with all annexes and attachments hereto (each of the foregoing, as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof);
“ Applicable Law ” means all laws, regulations, orders, rules, directions, judgments, and directives in force from time to time, which in any way affects or impinges upon any of the matters relating to the Plant or the Work:
“ Biogas Substantial Completion ” means that, and shall be cleaned to have occurred when the Plant has been constructed, successfully tested and commissioned such that, among other things: (a) the Plant (i) is operating within all the specified parameters in the Construction Documents (other than power generation requirements) and has satisfied all conditions precedent set forth in Article 12.7.1 hereof, (ii) has achieved Mechanical Completion, (iii) has all Permits and Related Rights and (iv) is operating and generating the Minimum Gas Amount as evidenced by Successful Completion of the applicable Performance Tests; and (b) Principal shall have received from Contractor satisfactory evidence that all payrolls, bills, and other costs and expenses relating to the work performed under the Construction Documents have been paid or otherwise satisfied (including lien waivers and releases, from every Subcontractor and every other Person who provided labor, material, equipment or supplies for the work or the Plant) (Biogas Substantial Completion shall not occur until a Certificate of Biogas Substantial Completion has been executed by all appropriate parties, including Lender’s Engineer);
“ Biogas Substantial Completion Date ” means the date the Certificate of Biogas Substantial Completion is executed by all parties, including Lenders Engineer;
“ Certificate of Final Completion ” means a Certificate of Final Completion, substantially in the form shown on Annex 13A , which is executed and delivered by Contractor and countersigned by Principal and Lenders Engineer in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
“ Certificate of Mechanical Completion ” means a Certificate of Mechanical Completion, substantially in the form shown on Annex 13B which is executed and delivered by Contractor and countersigned by Principal and Lender’s Engineer in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
“ Certificate of Biogas Substantial Completion ” means a Certificate of Biogas Substantial Completion, substantially in the form shown on Annex 13C , which is executed and delivered by Contractor and countersigned by Principal and Lenders Engineer in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
“ Certificate of Power Substantial Completion ” means a Certificate of Power Substantial Completion, substantially in the form shown on Annex 13D , which is executed and delivered by Contractor and countersigned by Principal and Lenders Engineer in accordance with the terms of this Agreement:
“ Change Order ” has the meaning given to it by Article 9 .
“ CHP Units ” means the MWM Units or Caterpillar G3520C generator sets and related equipment;
“ Commercial Operation ” means that, and shall be deemed to have occurred when, the Plant has achieved commercial operation, as such term is defined in the PPA;
“ Commissioning ” has the meaning given to it by Article 12.5 ;
“ Commissioning Date ” has the meaning given to it by Article 12.5 :
“ Confidential Information ” means all information disclosed, whether or not designated, marked or stamped as confidential by each Party to the other Party, orally or in writing, embodying or concerning the disclosing Party’s business (or its parent or subsidiary companies’), business plans, investments, equity ownership, customers, strategies, trade secrets, inventions, discoveries, developments, improvements, intellectual properties, manufacturing processes, distributors, operations, records, financial information, assets, technology, software source code and object code, or other data and information that reveals the processes, methodologies, technology or know how by which each Party’s (and their respective parent or subsidiary companies’) existing or future products, services, applications and methods of operation are developed, conducted or operated.
“ Construction Documents ” means (1) all contracts between Principal and Contractor or any Subcontractor, including the this Agreement, (2) the Interconnection Agreement (to the extent such Interconnection Agreement relates to construction matters); and (3) any subcontracts with Subcontractors, materialmen, laborers, or any other person for performance of work on the Plant or the delivery of materials to the Plant, and all amendments, modifications and supplements with respect to the foregoing documents and any replacements, renewals, extensions or restatements thereof, and any substitutes therefore, in whole or in part;
“ Contractor ” means the person named as the Contractor on page 1 of this Agreement;
“ Contract Price ” means the contract price as detailed under Article 6.1 , of this Agreement and as the same may be varied from time to time in accordance with this Agreement;
“ Defect Notice ” a written notice from the Principal to the Contractor which includes details of any defect, default or malfunction in the Plant;
“ Delay Liquidated Damages ” means the amount of seventy-five thousand United States dollars ($75,000) that Contractor will pay to Principal for each week that Contractor fails to achieve Power Substantial Completion after the Power Substantial Completion Guaranteed Date; provided, however, that delay due by Events of Force Majeure or acts or omissions of Principal, or entities or individuals under Principal’s control, in violation of express obligations in this Agreement (including Principal’s failure to provide the Plant with Sufficient Substrates) will not be counted against Contractor. Delay Liquidated Damages will be the Principal’s sole and exclusive remedies for Contractor’s failure to achieve Power Substantial Completion by the Power Substantial Completion Guaranteed Date (Contractor and Principal each agree that the foregoing sets forth a reasonable amount and reasonable formula for calculation of liquidated damages in light of the anticipated harm caused by such delay: that such harm would otherwise be difficult or impossible to calculate or ascertain: and that the foregoing consists of liquidated damages and not of a penalty);
“ Delivered Objects ” means all the materials and works to be supplied by the Contractor to the Principal in accordance with this Agreement.
“ Effective Date ” means the date Principal informs Contractor in writing that it has signed an amended and restated construction finance agreement with the Lender that supersedes the Construction Finance Agreement signed between Principal and Lender on October 29.2013: provided that the Effective Date shall not be later than August 1,2014 unless further extended in writing;
“ Equipment ” means the equipment described in the Works Description attached hereto as Annex 1 ;
“ Event of Force Majeure ” means any occurrence, other than (a) the financial capability of a Party (b) an event caused by the Contractor or any Party over whom it has control, including its Subcontractors or (c) a Party’s ability or inability to sell or to purchase equipment or materials or equivalents thereof or any component thereof to or from a market or customers at any given price, including one that is a more advantageous price, which (i) prevents or delays a Party from performing its obligations under this Agreement (except an obligation to pay any amount) within the tune required for the performance of such obligation; (ii) is not due to the fault or negligence of the claiming Party on such occurrence; (iii) at the time of such occurrence, is beyond the reasonable control of the Party required by this Agreement to perform such obligation and such Party is unable to reasonably prevent or provide against such occurrence; and (iv) at the time this Agreement was executed, could not have been reasonably contemplated by the claiming Party on such occurrence; for greater certainty, an Event of Force Majeure shall include, but not be limited to, acts of God such as hurricanes and earthquakes; strikes, lock out or other form of industrial action; outbreak of hostilities; or civil disturbance or acts of terrorism, fire, explosion, flood, theft or malicious damage;
“ Final Completion ” means that, and shall be deemed to have occurred when: (a) Power Substantial Completion has occurred and all conditions precedent to Final Completion set forth in Article 12.9 have been satisfied in full; (b) the Plant is capable of Commercial Operation on a continuous basis; (c) all Punch List Items have been completed (except for such items that Principal agree in writing may be delayed); (d) all warranties, design materials, operation and maintenance manuals, schematics, spare parts lists, design and engineering documents, performance testing data, “as-built” drawings and surveys, and such other items as are required by the Construction Documents and the Service, Operation and Maintenance Agreement have been delivered to Principal; (e) all other duties and obligations of Contractor and Subcontractors under this Agreement have been fully performed; (f) all of the Subcontractor’s personnel, supplies, equipment, waste materials, rubbish and temporary facilities have been removed from the Site; (g) Principal, shall have received from Contractor satisfactory evidence that all payrolls, bills, and other costs and expenses relating to the work performed under the this Agreement have born paid or otherwise satisfied (including lien waivers and releases, from every Subcontractor and every other person who provided labor, material, equipment or supplies for the work or the Plant and provided that Contractor is allowed the opportunity to provide a bond to satisfy any remaining Subcontractor claims); (h) all other requirements in this Agreement with respect to completion of the Plant have been satisfied (Final Completion shall not occur until a Certificate of Final Completion has been executed by all appropriate parties, including Lender’s Engineer);
“ Final Completion Guaranteed Date ” means the date that is sixteen (16) months from the Starting Date of Construction as extended due to Events of Force Majeure or delays due to Principal;
“ Full Notice to Proceed ” means a Full Notice to Proceed, substantially in the form shown on Annex 23 delivered to Contractor in accordance with Article 3.2 of this Agreement;
“ Intellectual Property Rights ” shall mean the intangible legal rights, titles and interests evidenced by or embodied in (a) any idea, design, concept, technique, invention, discovery, or improvement thereon, whether or not patentable, but including patents, patent applications and patent disclosures (together with all re-issuances, continuations, continuations-in-part, revisions, extensions and re-examinations thereof), and (b) any work of authorship, whether or not copyrightable, but including copyrights and any moral rights recognized by law, and (c) all trademarks, trade names, trade dress, trade secrets, know-how and Confidential Information, and (d) any other similar rights, on a worldwide basis;
“ Interconnection Agreement ” means that attain agreement between Principal and Power Purchaser, to be entered into subsequent to the date hereof, and any and all attachments, exhibits and schedules thereto (each as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof) setting forth the terms and conditions under which the Plant will be connected to the Power Purchaser’s electrical system;
“ Layout ” means the flow chart attached at Annex 2 ;
“ Lender ” means Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation and its successors and assigns;
“ Lender’s Engineer ” means one or more persons hired or contracted by Lender from time to time for purposes of monitoring and verifying, operational and technical aspects under this Agreement;
“ Lender Minimum Insurance Requirements ” has the meaning given to it by Article 10.3 hereof;
“ Manual ” means the manual for operation of the Plant to be provided in accordance with Article 10.2 ;
“ Mechanical Completion ” means that, and shall be deemed to have occurred when: (a) construction of the Plant has been completed in accordance with the Plans and Specifications; (b) Equipment and other components of the Plant has passed all standard and required electrical testing, hypot, megger testing, flushing and pressure testing of piping, and all other applicable testing, per codes and guides, including any applicable Caterpillar Application and Installation Guides; and (c) the Plant is ready to be tested and commissioned (Mechanical Completion shall not occur until a Certificate of Mechanical Completion has been executed by all appropriate parties, including Lender’s Engineer), as may be bifurcated with the consent of the Lender’s Engineer in accordance with Section 12.4 hereof:
“ Minimum Gas Amount ” means 2,275 standard cubic meters per hour of biogas;
“ Party ” means either tbc Principal or Contractor and “Parties” shall be construed accordingly;
“ Payment Amount ” means a portion of the Contract Price according to the Schedule of Values for which Contractor shall invoice in accordance with Article 7 ;
“ Performance Guarantee Agreement ” means the performance guarantee agreement pursuant to which Contractor guarantees from the Power Substantial Completion Date a gross annual production or 41,000,000 kWh of electricity for a term of two years, as measured in accordance with the Agreement in Annex 24 ;
“ Performance Test ” means the off-grid and on-grid performance test to be performed on the Plant during the Probation Period as set out in Article 12.6 and in accordance with the terms of the Testing Protocols;
“ Permitted Changes ” means such changes as are consented to by Principal in writing:
“ Permits and Related Rights ” means all city, county, state, federal, governmental, or other permits, authorizations, tags, licenses, certificates, and any other documents, instruments, agreements, requisite approvals or rights necessary in order to construct the Plant and in order to use and operate the Plant, including environmental, construction, operating and air permits, licenses and ether rights;
“ Plans and Specifications ” means the plans and specifications for the Plant that are referenced in the Construction Documents together with any Permitted Changes:
“ Plant ” means the biogas plant to be constructed on the Site and capable of producing biogas and generating electrical power with an output capacity of 51 MW to be designed, engineered, procured constructed tested and commissioned under this Agreement;
“ Plant Operational Manager ” means the person appointed by the Principal to be the operational manager of the Plant as notified by the Principal to the Contractor;
“ PPA ” means that certain Amended and Restated Renewable Energy Power Purchase Agreement, dated October 12, 2012, as amended April 25, 2013, and as further amended January 31, 2014, between Principal and Power Purchaser and all Exhibits and Schedules attached or to be attached thereto; each as amended, supplemented, modified, replaced, renewed, extended or restated in accordance with the terms hereof;
“ Power Purchaser ” means Duke Energy Carolinas LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company;
“ Power Substantial Completion ” means that and shall be deemed to have occurred when the Plant has been constructed, successfully tested and commissioned such that, among other thing (a) the Plant (i) has achieved Biogas Substantial Completion and (ii) is operating and generating the specified output pursuant to the Construction Documents and the PPA and is supplying power to the Power Purchaser in full accordance with the PPA, including satisfaction of the requirements of Commercial Operation; (b) a successful operational performance test of the Plant for its intended use shall have ken completed demonstrating that Plant performance criteria of electrical generation, heat rate and emission levels have been met and are satisfactory; and (c) Principal shall have received from Contractor satisfactory evidence that all payrolls, bills, and other costs and expenses relating to the work performed under the Construction Documents have ban paid or otherwise satisfied (including lien waivers and releases from every Subcontractor and every other Person who provided labor, material, equipment or supplies for the work or the Plant) (Power Substantial Completion shall not occur until a Certificate of Power Substantial Completion has been executed by all appropriate parties, including Lender’s Engineer);
“ Power Substantial Completion Date ” means the date the Certificate of Power Substantial Completion is executed by all parties, including Lender’s Engineer;
“ Power Substantial Completion Guaranteed Date ” means the date that is no later than fourteen (14) months after the Starting Date of Construction as extended (if applicable) for so long as necessary (i) for the Power Purchaser to connect the Plant to the grid; (ii) to account for extreme weather conditions during construction and or due to other Events of Forte Majeure; or (iii) to account for or delays due to Principal including Principal’s delay in providing the Plant with Sufficient Substrates;
“ Principal ” means the person named as the Principal on page 1 of this Agreement;
“ Principal Permits ” means (i) air quality permit, (ii) the solid waste permit, (iii) surface water-construction phase I, (iii) surface water - operations phase II, (iv) industrial pretreatment permit, (v) NPDES industrial stormwater no-exposure exclusion, the cost of which is to be borne 100% by Principal; it being understood that delay in obtaining Principal Permits will not result in a delay imputable to Contractor and all deadlines shall be modified accordingly in the result of a delay from any scheduled due date for such Principal Permits;
“ Probation Period ” means the period of 90 days following the Commissioning of the Plant:
“ Punch List Items ” means, with respect to the Plant, those items of work approved by Principal and Lender’s Engineer, minor in nature, which have not been completed by Contractor as of the date of issuance of the Certificate of Power Substantial Completion and which are not material to the operation of the Plant in the normal course of business and which can be completed without interfering with the operation of the Plant;
“ Retainage ” has the meaning given to it by Article 7.7.1 ;
“ Ruler ” means or any other person nominated pursuant to a written agreement among the Parties; in the absence of such agreement by the seventh (7th) Working Day following a written request made by any Party fix the nomination of the Ruler, the Ruler shall be appointed by the chairman of the American Association of Engineers. With respect to any disputes relating to a technical issue and/or of a technical nature under this Agreement (including any annexes thereof): (i) the relevant technical matter (including without limitation, unless explicitly indicated otherwise herein) with respect to any financial aspects thereof and with respect to any changes to the Workflow Plan insofar as they pertain to a technical dispute) shall be exclusively decided by the Ruler, (ii) the Ruler’s opinion shall be final, undisputable and non appealable, and the Parties will be finally bound thereby, and (iii) the Ruler shall give reasons for its ruling, but will not be subject to any procedural Law; (iv) Ruler’ fees shall be borne by the losing Party, or as decided by the Ruler;
“ Schedule of Values ” means the schedule of the components of the Contract Price which is attached hereto as Annex 8 :
“ Service, Maintenance and Operation Agreement ” means the agreement between the Principal and an affiliate of Contractor for the services, maintenance and operation in respect of the Plant in the form attached hereto as Annex 18 ;
“ Site ” means 600 Johnson Road, Charlotte, NC;
“ Starting Date Of Construction ” means the date on which construction is commenced, which must be within 15 days following delivery by the Principal of the Full Notice to Proceed (so long as it is legally permissible for the Contractor to confluence the Work within such period);
“ Subcontractor ” has the meaning given to it by Article 5.4.1 of this Agreement;
“ Successfully Complete ” or “Successful Completion” means with respect to the Performance Test that tat the Performance Test was completed in accordance with the Testing Protocols and (b) the results from such Performance Test demonstrate that the performance parameters set forth in the Testing Protocols have been achieved.
“ Sufficient Substrates ” means substrates having characteristics, ingredients, composition and quantities in line with the recipes defined by Contractor and within the permitted deviances indicated in the provisions of Annex 14 “Table of Quality and Quantity Substrates Deviances”
“ Testing Protocols ” means those protocols pursuant to which the Performance Tests shall be carried out as further set forth in Annex 19 to this Agreement (which Testing Protocols shall also include performance parameters that must be met by the Plant in order to achieve Power Substantial Completion, such as input measures of volatile solids and resulting methane production as well as performance criteria of electrical generation, heat rate and emission levels for the CHP Units);
“ Work ” has the meaning set comb in Article 2.1 hereof:
“ Works Description ” means the Descriptive of the Work as defined in Article 2.2 and attached at Annex 1 ;
“ Working Hours ” means from 8 am till 5 pm;
‘‘ Workflow Plan ” means the workflow plan attached at Annex 7 to this Agreement; and
“ Working Day ” means a day other than a Saturday or Sunday or a day, which is a public or bank holiday in the United States.
1.2 | In this Agreement unless the context otherwise requires: |
1.2.1 | words in the singular include the plural and vice versa and words in one gender include any other gender. |
1.2.2 | a reference to a statute or statutory provision includes: |
1.2.2.1 | any subordinate legislation made under it. |
1.2.2.2 | any repealed statute or statutory provision which it re-enacts with or without modifications); and |
1.2.2.3 | any statute or statutory provision which modifies, consolidates, re-enacts or supersedes it whether such statute or statutory provision comes into force before or after the date of this Agreement. |
1.2.3 | a reference to: |
1.2.3.1 | any Party includes it’s successors in title and permitted assigns; |
1.2.3.2 | a “person” includes any individual, firm body corporate association or partnership, government or state (whether or not having a separate legal personality); |
1.2.3.3 | clauses and schedules is to clauses of and schedules to this Agreement and references to sub-clauses and paragraphs are references to sub-clauses or and paragraphs of the clause or schedule in which they appear; and |
1.2.3.4 | any provision of this Agreement is to that provision as amended in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. |
1.3 | This Agreement amends and restates the Original Agreement in its entirety; which such agreement is, as amended and restated, hereby ratified and confirmed in all respect. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, all references herein to the “date of execution” or similar references shall be deemed to be references to the April 30, 2014, the date of the Original Agreement was executed, notwithstanding the date this Agreement is executed by the parties. |
1.4 | Certain Annexes to this Agreement are being provided after execution. Contractor and Principal each: (a) acknowledges and agrees that Lender will require such Annexes to be finalized in form and substance satisfactory to Lender prior to any advance of funds under the loan documents km cc n Principal and Lender, and (b) agrees to cooperate in good faith to finalize such Annexes in a timely manner. |
2. | SUBJECT OF THE AGREEMENT |
2.1 | The Principal orders from the Contractor and the Contractor agrees to supply, the design, supply, engineering, permitting (as detailed under the Responsibility Matrix - Annex 10 ), procurement, assembly, construction, installation, commissioning and start-up of the Plant on a turnkey basis at the Site and the training of Principal’s staff in the operation of the Plant all in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (collectively, the “ Work ”). The Principal represents and warrants as of the date of the Full Notice to Proceed that it has the right to use the Site and to construct the Plant thereupon. For the avoidance of doubt, it is agreed that the Contractor will not be responsible for any services or equipment to be provided by the Power Purchaser in respect of interconnection to the grid, which shall be described in the Interconnection Agreement but will be responsible for the supply of transformers and connection of CHP Units to the transformers. |
2.2 | Contractor agrees that the Work shall conform with the Scope of Work in Annex 1 , the Layout in Annex 2 and the Preliminary Plans and Specifications in Annex 3 . |
2.3 | The Contractor represents that it has visited and inspected the Site and has observed and become familiar with the local conditions under which the Work is to be performed. With regard to the Site soil, Principal hereby represents that it will have the following characteristics: Ii) specific soil loading more than 1.2 kg/cm2, (ii) no contaminations that require removal, (iii) no archaeological items that must be preserved under Applicable Law and (iv) no other impediments or structures existing underground as the Site that must be preserved in such a manner as to materially and adversely affect the performance of the obligations of Contractor under this Agreement, Contractor shall execute the soil survey to be attached as Annex 5 upon presentment by Principal if Contractor reasonable determines it is consistent with the foregoing. |
2.4 | Precedence |
2.4.1 | In the event of contradictions between the individual components of this Agreement, the Contractor shall notify the Principal as soon as it becomes aware of such a contradiction, and will seek for an agreed solution with the Principal. If consent is not reached between the Parties, the following order of precedence will apply: (i) this Agreement excluding its annexes, (ii) the Scope of Work in Annex 1 , (iii) the Table of Quality and Quantity Substrates Deviances in Annex 14 , (iv) the Responsibility Matrix in Annex 10 , (v) Plans and Specifications in Annex 3 , (vi) the Work Flow Plan in Annex 7 and, to the extent not listed above, the remaining annexes in the order in which they appear in the Table of Annexes. |
2.4.2 | Changes in the Applicable Law affecting the Work that become effective after the Effective Date of this Agreement may result in changed specifications and a changed Contract Price, as shall be agreed by the Parties. In the event that such changes result in an increase of at last 10% of the Contract Price, the Principal shall have the right to terminate (by written notice within twenty (20) Working Days from receipt of notice from the Contractor) this Agreement due to such price increase. If the Principal seeks to use its right of termination, the Principal shall reimburse the Contractor for proven expenses incurred to-date, plus 5% of the proven expenses amount as reimbursement of Contractor overhead costs (which reimbursement shall not include the increase being sought under the circumstances described in this paragraph). For the avoidance of doubt, dismantling costs to be incurred by Contractor, if any, shall be paid on top of the Principal’s reimbursement under this Article. If the Principal does not terminate the Agreement in strict accordance with the terms of this paragraph within the specified time, the Parties shall enter into a Change Order reflecting the mutually agreed upon adjustment to the Contact Price and the Schedule of Values. The Workflow Plan shall also be amended to reflect any resulting changes. Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary, if the Parties are unable to agree the amount of increase in Contract Price to reflect changed specifications due to changes in Applicable Law, then the Contractor shall perform such work on a cost-plus basis using a rate of fifteen percent (15%) profit thereon or Principal arranges payment for such changed or additional work from sources other than Lender but only if Principal first obtains the written consent of Lender, not to be withheld or delayed unreasonably. |
3. | AUTHORITY |
3.1 | Each of the Parties hereby confirms to each other Party that: (i) it has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement, (ii) its board of directors, managing member or general partner, as applicable, has taken all actions required by any Applicable Law to duly and validly authorize and approve the execution and performance by such Party of this Agreement, (iii) no other corporate proceedings on the part of such Party are, or will be, necessary under any Applicable Law to authorize this Agreement, (iv) neither the execution nor the performance by such Party of this Agreement (a) contravenes or conflicts with such Party’s memorandum of association or articles of association or any other governance document, or (b) contravenes or conflicts with or constitutes a violation of any provision of any Applicable Law binding upon or applicable to such Party, (v) no agreement to which such Party is a party prohibits or imposes any constraints on such Party’s power to execute or perform this Agreement or on such Party’s power to become bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement, and (iv) this Agreement has been duly and validly executed by such Party and assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the other Party, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Parties, enforceable against each of them in accordance with their respective terms, subject to laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors rights generally and rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies. |
3.2 | This Agreement will be valid and in full force from the Effective Date hereof and the Contractor shall be bound to commence the Work in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, including but not limited to the tasks specified under the Responsibility Matrix - Annex 10 hereto. For the avoidance of doubt upon the later to occur of the Effective Date. the delivery of the documents required pursuant to Article 11.1 hereof, the receipt and execution of the Service, Maintenance and Operation Agreement and the Performance Guarantee Agreement, Principal Permits necessary to commence work, Principal shall deliver a Full Notice to Proceed to Contractor and Contractor shall commence the performance of the Work. |
4. | CONTRACTOR’S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |
Contractor hereby represents and warrants that:
4.1 | Contractor has the knowledge, skill, financial resources, human resources, and experience required for the purpose of performing Contractor’s undertakings pursuant to herein and hereunder, the Work shall be carried out by Contractor on a turn-key, lump-sum basis in accordance with the time schedule and performance criteria set forth in this Agreement subject to adjustments in the Contract Price and to the Power Substantial Completion Date as may be made from time to time, and in accordance with this Agreement and Applicable Law. |
4.2 | The consideration with respect to the Plant shall, subject to this Agreement, take into account all risks that may be associated with the Contractor’s duties pursuant to Article 2.1 , which based on the Contractor’s experience might be involved in such a project, and such agreed Contract Price represents the Contractor’s acknowledgement of the sufficiency of the consideration for the Work to be provided with respect thereto. |
4.3 | The Contractor shall, subject to this Agreement, be solely responsible, and shall bear all liabilities with respect to the Plant from the commencement of the Work and until the Power Substantial Completion Dale (including the supply of all necessary information, documents, materials and assistance in the attainment of applicable electricity production permits and licenses) with respect thereto. |
4.4 | The characteristics of the Site, as inspected and assessed by Contractor and/or by professional experts on its behalf are known to the Contractor, and are suitable for the Work and operation of the Plant and for the provision of all other services of the Contractor hereunder. |
4.5 | No proceedings for the bankruptcy, winding up, insolvency, or reorganization of or for any moratorium or scheme of arrangement or any other similar proceedings relating to the Contractor, under any Applicable Law, including according to the country of its incorporation are outstanding, the Contractor is DM insolvent or is not expected to become insolvent under the Laws applicable to it according to the country of its incorporation. |
5. | GENERAL OBLIGATIONS AND AUTHORITY OF THE PARTIES |
5.1 | The Contractor shall exercise the reasonable skill and care to be expected of a prudent contractor undertaking works similar in size, scope, nature and complexity to the Work in performance of, and Contractor shall perform, all of the following: |
5.1.1 | Apply for and obtain (or, with respect to the Principal Permits, provide any and all technical and other assistance in obtaining) the Permits and Related Rights. Any changes in the Applicable Law resulting in additional penults or any changes thereof, shall be performed by the Contractor based on the mechanism defined under clause 2.4.2 above. For the avoidance of doubt it is aged that Principal will be responsible and pay for the Principal Permits. |
5.1.2 | Prepare all documents and or plans as may be required in order to perform the Work and all its other obligations under this Agreement, and submit all required material and applications, for the purpose of obtaining the Permits and Related Rights, through qualified personnel or advisers and in such quality that is required for the obtainment of the Permits and Related Rights and the Contractor shall maintain at all times at its own expense the Permits and Related Rights that are required for the performance of the Work under Applicable Law. |
5.1.3 | Take all required safety precautions and measures pursuant to Applicable Law with respect to the performance of Contractors undertakings pursuant to this Agreement. The Contractor shall be responsible for the compliance with safety, security, and health regulations, all in accordance with Applicable Law. |
5.1.4 | Complete the Work in the Site as explicitly specified under this Agreement in an efficient and professional manner, promptly following receipt of any and all Permits and Related Rights that are required in full and timely accordance with the Workflow Plan, subject to adjustments as provided in this Agreement and good industry practice. |
5.1.5 | Throughout the entire construction period, be fully responsible for all parts and components, which are delivered to the Site and carry out any action reasonably requited for the safekeeping, security, storage, retrieving and cataloguing thereof. |
5.1.6 | Transfer the Plant to the Principal subject to, and in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement and in accordance with the specifications as forth in this Agreement. |
5.1.7 | Remove from the Site, within a reasonable time following the Power Substantial Completion Date, any instrument, material, part, component, and/or any other object located in the Site, which was brought to the Site by Contractor and or any person on its behalf, including Subcontractors, and which does not form part of the Plant pursuant to the ramifications documents. In such manner that will enable the proper activation and commercial operation of the Plant pursuant to this Agreement to the satisfaction of the Principal. |
5.1.8 | Until the Power Substantial Completion Date, Contractor will (i) perform the Work related to the start-up and commissioning of the Plant, including, but not limited to, feeding-in the substrates that are supplied by Principal, (ii) arrange and pay for the provision of electricity, water, fire protection, sewage and waste disposal services related to the performance of the Work or any other obligations of Contractor hereunder, (iii) bear and pay 100% of the costs of the Plant and the Work of any nature. In this connection, it is agreed and understood that (i) Principal shall not be required to participate in or incur any cost or expense in respect of the Plant or the Work until Power Substantial Completion has been achieved and (ii) Contractor shall be entitled to receive any and all revenues to be generated from or in respect of the Plant until the Power Substantial Completion Date. Principal shall promptly remit to Contractor any such revenue. |
5.1.9 | Develop more detailed Testing Protocols in form and substance satisfactory to Contractor, Principal and Lender’s Engineer (addressing inter alia Performance Tests to verify Biogas Substantial Completion and Power Substantial Completion, as applicable) within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date to be added to Annex 19 . Thereafter, the Testing Protocols shall include such additional details. |
5.1.10 | Perform ongoing quality tests in accordance with the Testing Protocols, with respect to the works carried out thereby and/or by any Subcontractor in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. |
5.1.11 | Carry out the Work in compliance with Applicable Law. The Contractor shall also comply with all of its requirements set out in Annex 7 . |
5.1.12 | If the Contractor or its affiliate is not or ceases to be the party operating the Plant pursuant to the Service, Maintenance and Operation Agreement, provide the Principal and its personnel (up to 5 people) with training and instruction enabling them to fully and safely operate the Plant after the Power Substantial Completion Date in compliance with Applicable Law and to perform the Operation Services as such term is defined in the Service, Maintenance and Operation Agreement. Such training shall be at Contractor’s expense, last up to three months and fully take place either prior to the Power Substantial Completion Date or prior to the date on which Contractor ceases to be the party operating or to operate the Plant (whichever the case may be). |
5.1.13 | Provide the Principal with detailed instructions necessary for the proper and safe use of any materials and/or equipment and/or components supplied and/or used in the Plant and which are necessary to ensure the proper and safe operation of the Plant. |
5.1.14 | Give all the notices for inspections necessary for the proper execution and completion of the Work pursuant to this Agreement. |
5.1.15 | Deliver the Plant on a turnkey basis when it is operating and after it has achieved Power Substantial Completion. |
5.1.16 | Enter into, or cause an affiliate to enter into, the Service, Maintenance and Operation Agreement; enter into, or cause an affiliate to enter into, and the Performance Guarantee Agreement and deliver an insurance policy on the date on which the Performance Guarantee Agreement becomes effective in accordance with its terms, issued by an insurance company acceptable to both Principal and Lender, in support of its obligations with respect to the Performance Guarantee set forth in such Performance Guarantee Agreement. |
5.1.17 | Use equipment for which there is availability of support and spare parts on the open market on commercially reasonable terms and timing. The Contractor declares that the List of Spare Parts as attached to the Service, Maintenance and Operation Agreement under Annex 18 covers the required spare parts to be used during the first year of operation. |
5.1.18 | Cooperate with the Principal and its nominated parties such as the financing entities in addition to Article 5.3.4 below: |
● | enable third party engineering inspections during normal business hours: and |
● | provide information and data on the Work progress if requested. |
5.2 | Quality and Description |
5.2.1 | Insofar as the brand of the materials and components to be used in the Work and/or in the Plant has not been specified in the Works Description, the Contractor shall choose such new, unused materials and components provided that they are in conformity with the Works Description, are recognized and accredited in the biogas industry or have similar or better technical characteristics or are of the same or a higher standard than those materials and components included in the Works Description. Notwithstanding the above, the brand of materials and components (to the extent not specified in the Works Description) to be used in the Work and/or in the Plant shall be approved in advance and in writing by the Principal. The Principal will have Ten (10) Working Days after receipt of the relevant information to make such approval. If the Principal does not approve the materials or components within the said period, then the Contractor shall propose alternative components. For the avoidance of doubt, it is agreed that such approval will not relieve the Contractor from any responsibility or liability arising from the brand of materials and components, except for components, which based on the Contractor’s sole discretion are irreplaceable or mandatory for the Site performance. All materials and components specified in the Works Description shall also be new, unused materials and components. |
5.2.2 | The Contractor shall use the standard of reasonable skill and care to be expected of a prudent contractor undertaking works similar in size, scope, nature and complexity to the Work hereunder to verify that the Work shall; |
5.2.2.1 | Conform strictly with the quantity, specifications, quality and description of the Work detailed in the Works Description and with all requirements of Applicable Law; |
5.2.2.2 | Be of sound materials and workmanship; |
5.2.2.3 | Be in strict compliance with the Plans and Specifications referred to in this Agreement and as set forth in the Works Description, including but not limited to, Annexes 1 and 3 ; |
5.2.2.4 | Comply with the high standard of performance specified in this Agreement. |
5.2.3 | All Work under this Agreement shall be performed by suitably qualified and competent personnel. |
5.3 | Representatives of the Parties |
5.3.1 | Each Party shall designate a person who will represent it in all contact with the other Party. All communications between such designated person and the other Party will be deamed as carried out between the Parties themselves. |
5.3.2 | The Parties hereby state that their designated representatives act out in this Agreement have the authority to act on their behalf in all mailers concerning this Agreement. Each Party may, by giving at least three (3) days prior written notice to the other Party, replace its representative. |
5.3.3 | The representative may delegate specific tasks to one or more persons appointed by the representative or deputy. In any such case, the other Party’s representative shall be notified of the authority given to such appointed person of persons. |
5.3.4 | The representatives of the Principal shall be afforded access to the Site during Working Hours. The same access shall be afforded to the persons authorized by the Principal’s representatives prior to the Power Substantial Completion Date or to the Contractor’s representatives following the Power Substantial Completion Date. The Principal’s representative or any person authorized by him to access the Site shall comply with reasonable instructions or directions, provided that the Principal and any of its representatives will follow all the health and safety regulations as instructed by the Contractor. |
5.4 | Subcontracting |
5.4.1 | Contractor shall be entitled to perform part, but not all, of the Work pursuant to this Agreement, through subcontractors that shall be: (a) hired by Contractor; and (b) have the knowledge, skill, financial resources human resources, and experience required for the purpose of performing the tasks assigned thereto in a professional manner and in accordance with good industry practice (each, herein, a “ Subcontractor ”). The Principal and Lender’s Engineer shall have the right to disapprove any Subcontractor and demand the dismissal and/or replacement of a Subcontractor whose work quality and ability to meet deadlines the Principal has justified reasons to doubt. |
5.4.2 | The Contractor shall me reasonable efforts to integrate similar terms and conditions as detailed under this Agreement into the subcontracts entered with its Subcontractors. The Contractor shall be responsible to the Principal for the acts and/or omissions of its Subcontractors and or any employer thereof with respect to the delivery and performance of this Agreement, to the same extent as the Contractor is responsible to the Principal (or the acts and/or omissions of the Contractor and its employees and as if such act and/or omission was taken or omitted, as applicable, by Contractor and/or any employee thereof Entry into any subcontract shall not relieve the Contractor of any of its obligations under this Agreement, including the obligations to perform the Work in accordance with this Agreement. |
5.4.3 | Without limiting the scope of Contractor’s liability under Article 5.4.2 hereof, the Contractor further agrees to use reasonable efforts to obtain from its Subcontractors similar warranties to those required from the Contractor under this Agreement. |
5.4.4 | The Contractor shall provide the Principal with lien waivers from each Subcontractors (in each case, prior to such Subcontractors undertaking any work on the Plant), effectively waiving the Subcontractors’ rights to claim any liens or encumbrances on the Plant. |
6. | CONTRACT PRICE |
6.1 | The Contractor will be entitled to receive from the Principal the sum of $17,000,000.00 (seventeen million United States dollars) (the “ Contract Price ”) for the performance of the Work in accordance with this Agreement. The Contract Price is a fixed price and is not subject to any changes except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. |
6.2 | Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Principal shall pay the Contractor the Contract Price as comprehensive, exhaustive, full and complete consideration for the fulfillment of its obligations under this Agreement. |
6.3 | The Contractor declares that the Contract Price set out under this Agreement is sufficient to fulfill its obligations as detailed under this Agreement and in the Works Description m Annex 1 hereto, based on the Applicable Laws in effect on the date of this Agreement. |
6.4 | For the avoidance of doubt, any payments made by the Principal under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of claims by the Principal or relieve the Contractor in any manner whatsoever of any of the Contractor’s obligations under this Agreement. |
7. | INVOICING AND PAYMENT |
Payments to Contractor shall be made as follows:
7.1 | The Schedule of Values, attached hereto as Annex 8 , establishes the portion of the Contract Price payable in respect of each Payment Amount listed therein (subject to permitted adjustments under this Agreement). The Schedule of Values is intended to apportion the Work into, and is in sufficient detail to permit the Principal to evaluate, Contractor’s monthly application for payment by the element of the Work to be famished by each Subcontractor and by Contractor, the cost for such element, and such other details as agreed to by the Parties. The Schedule of Values shall be a basis for evaluating Contractor’s monthly application for payment. Subject to the provisions of this Article 7 , as and when the relevant Payment Amount is due, Contractor shall submit, for each calendar month, an application and payment request in form and substance satisfactory to Principal (which include forms AIA G702 and 703 promulgated by the American Institute of Architects), executed by a representative of Contractor, which shall request payment for all Work which has been performed and completed as of the date of the application and payment request and shall be supported by such evidence as Principal shall reasonably require, including monthly progress photos, periodic status reports and a monthly updated construction schedule (collectively, an “ Invoice ”) to Principal for all payments due in relation to all Payment Amounts payable to Contractor at such time. Principal shall use its reasonable efforts to provide Contactor advance, detailed arid prompt, written notice as to the form and substance of the evidence to be required in support of each Invoice. If Principal is unable to provide comprehensive information in advance of each Invoice, Principal shall nonetheless provide as much information as possible and as early as possible. |
7.2 | In order to verify the progress made by Contractor in connection with any Invoice submitted by Contractor, Principal and Lender’s Engineer shall have the right to inspect the Work or any part thereof that Principal or Lender’s Engineer reasonably requests; provided, however , that such inspections shall not delay payment by Principal to Contractor any undisputed amount set forth on an Invoice. Principal shall only be entitled to withhold disputed amounts if it disputes the amount due reasonably and in good faith and it provides Contractor with a detailed written statement of the basis of the dispute at least fifteen (15) days from receipt of the Invoice. |
7.3 | On or about the fifth (5th) Working Day of a relevant month after Contractor receives the Full Notice to Proceed, Contractor shall electronically deliver to Principal an Invoice for the Work for the corresponding portion of the Contract Price in the Schedule of Values. |
7.4 | Each Invoice shall include an executed Conditional Waiver and Release from Contractor and each Subcontractor performing Work for which payment is being sought in Contractor’s invoice in the form of Annex 21 hereto. |
7.5 | Contractor understands and agrees that any Invoice that is inaccurate or not in accordance with this Article 7 shall not constitute a valid request for payment Principal shall notify Contractor of any deficiencies in an Invoice within the relevant payment period. |
7.6 | Within fifteen (15) days after Principal receives an Invoice and all accompanying documentation required by this Article 7 , Principal shall notify Contractor concerning any dispute over the accuracy and entitlement to the amount of the submitted Invoice and the basis for such dispute. If Principal has not notified Contractor within fifteen (15) days after Contractor has provided such invoice of any good faith objection thereto, Principal shall be deemed to have approved such Contractor’s Invoice for purposes of making payment under this Article 7 but, as noted in Article 6.4 hereof, any payments made by the Principal under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of claims by the Principal or relieve the Contractor in any manner whatsoever of any of the Contractor’s obligations under this Agreement. Principal shall only be entitled to withhold disputed amounts if it disputes the amount due reasonably and in good faith and it provides Contractor with a detailed written statement of the basis of the dispute and the proposed amount to be withheld or suspended at least fifteen (15) days from receipt of the Invoice. In case of any disagreement in respect of a disputed invoice that is not resolved between them in a timely manner, the Parties shall refer such disputed invoice to the Ruler for final and binding adjudication. |
7.7 | Payments. |
7.7.1 | Principal shall make payment to Contractor for the full undisputed amount specified in each Invoice, except as set forth in the following sentence, no later than thirty (30) days following the date of its receipt of Contractor’s Invoice and supposing documentation in the manner and detail and at the time required pursuant to this Article 7 , Contractor acknowledges and agrees that Principal shall be entitled to withhold ten percent (10%) of the amount on each Contractor’s Invoice (the “ Retainage ”). |
7.7.2 | In addition to the Retainage, Principal may withhold payment of all or part of any Invoice to such extent as may be necessary to protect itself from loss caused by: |
(a) | a claim filed by a Subcontractor or supplier, provided that Contractor is allowed the opportunity to provide a bond or other assurance reasonably acceptable to Principal in lieu of such offset: |
(b) | a Contractor default which has occurred and is continuing: and |
(c) | Principal shall notify Contractor of such withholding and the grounds therefor and when such grounds are removed or Contractor provides other assurance reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Principal that payment will be made of the amounts withheld. When deemed reasonable by Principal and after providing Contractor with reasonable notice and an opportunity to cure, Principal may use such funds to rectify the situation giving rise to the withholding of funds. All claims and other disputes shall be handled in accordance with this Agreement and be resolved before final payment hereunder shall be due or payable to Contractor. |
7.7.3 | All payments to be made to either Party under this Agreement shall be paid in United States dollars and shall be paid electronically (by means of ACH or wire) in immediately available Funds. All payments for undisputed amounts referenced in each Invoice shall be due within thirty (30) days of the paying Party’s receipt of the other Patty’s Invoice (each, an “ Invoice Payment ”) or, if such date is not a Working Day, on the immediately succeeding Working Day, to such account as may be designated by each Party from time to time by notice to the other Party; provided, however , that banking transfer instructions have been provided by the invoicing Party to the paying Party at least five (5) Working Days before the first payment of the paying Party is due and payable. |
7.7.4 | Any undisputed payment that is delinquent by more than five (5) Working Days shall beginning on the next calendar day, bear interest at the prime rate as published in “The Money Rates” Section of The Wall Street Journal (U.S. Edition) on the date that payment was due, plus one and a half percent (1.5%) per annum, until paid, but not to exceed the maximum rate permitted by Applicable Law (the “ Contract Interest Rate ”). The payment of interest unaccompanied by payment of the delinquent payment shall not excuse or cure any default or delay in such payment. Contractor shall be responsible for paying all Subcontractors in connection with the Work completed by such Subcontractor. |
7.7.5 | Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary herein, within five (5) business days after the Biogas Substantial Completion Date, Principal shall release and pay to Contractor 50% of the Retainage. |
7.7.6 | Final Invoice. On or after the date on which Contractor delivers to Principal the Final Completion Certificate, Contractor shall submit a final Contractor’s Invoice (a “ Final Contractor’s Invoice ”) which shall set forth all amounts due to Contractor that remain unpaid in connection with the Work (including the aggregate balance of the Retainage). Within fifteen (15) days of Final Completion as confirmed in the Final Completion Certificate issued pursuant to Article 7.7.7 below, Principal shall pay to Contractor the amount due under such Final Contractor’s Invoice (“ Final Payment ”). The Final Contractor’s Invoice shall include an executed Conditional Waiver and Release from Contractor. Conditional Waiver and Releases from all Subcontractors who are to be paid with proceeds of such Final Payment and Unconditional Waiver and Release from all other Subcontractors, in each case, in the form of Annex 21 hereto. Within fifteen (15) days after Contractor receives the Final Payment, Contractor shall deliver an executed Unconditional Waiver and Release from Contractor and all its Subcontractors, in each case, in the form of Annex 21 hereto. |
7.7.7 | Upon Final Completion of the Plant, Principal shall disburse the aggregate balance of the Retainage to Contractor upon having received or verified the following: |
(a) | Punch List Items . Contractor shall have completed the Punch List Items to the reasonable satisfaction of Principal; |
(b) | Final Completion . The Plant shall have achieved Final Completion; Contractor shall have executed and delivered to Principal a Certificate of Final Completion; Principal shall have executed and delivered to Lender such Certificate of Final Completion; and Lender’s Engineer shall have confirmed the occurrence of Final Completion by his countersignature of the Certificate of Final completion. |
7.7.8 | Disputes Regarding Payments . Subject to Contractor’s rights and remedies under this Agreement, failure by Principal to pay any amount disputed in good faith until resolution of such dispute in accordance with this Agreement shall not alleviate, diminish, modify nor excuse the performance of Contractor or relieve Contractor’s obligations to perform hereunder. Contractor’s acceptance of any payment (including Final Payment, and Principal’s payment of any amount, shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver of amounts that are then in dispute. Contractor and Principal shall use reasonable efforts to resolve all disputed amounts reasonably expeditiously and in any ease in accordance with the provisions of Article 30 . No payment made hereunder shall be construed to be acceptance or approval of that part of the Work to which such payment relates or to relieve Contractor of any of its obligations hereunder. Contractor shall have the right to suspend performance of the Work, without penalty, if Principal withholds at any one time more than U.S. $1,000,000. In the event a disputed amount is withheld by Principal and is later determined that such withholding was not warranted Principal shall pay such withheld amount promptly along with interest at the rate set forth in Article 7.7.4 . In the event that it is later determined that such withholding was warranted, in addition to any other remedy Principal may have, Contractor shall pay Principal Delay Liquidated Damages if applicable. |
8. | TIME |
Workflow Plan
8.1 | The Work shall be carried out in accordance with the Workflow Plan subject to any amendment to that Workflow Plan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Workflow Plan shall present the alarmed course of the Work including the design, the permitting, the construction, the commissioning, the Performance Test of the Plant and the training of Principal’s personnel. |
8.2 | The commencement of the Work pursuant to the Workflow Plan is expressly conditioned upon the Principal having submitted to the Contractor the Principal Permits that are required under Applicable Law for such Work to be commenced by Contractor. |
8.3 | The date on which the Plant will undergo a successful Performance Test will be not later than 13 months following the Starting Date of Construction subject to any extension of this date to which the Contractor may be entitled pursuant to any Events of Force Majeure, to Principal’s delays and to any other terms of this Agreement. |
Delay
8.4 | The Contractor shall be entitled to the minimum reasonable extension of time in which to complete the Work and the minimum reasonable extension to any dates in the Workflow Plan (and an extension to the date specified in Article 8.3 ) if the reason for the Contractor being delayed in carrying out the Work is an Event of Force Majeure pursuant to this Agreement and/or one or more of the following circumstances: |
8.4.1 | Any impediment, prevention, default or non-cooperation, whether by act or omission, by the Principal or any of the Principal’s employees or agents, or any other person or entity for whose acts the Principal may be liable; |
8.4.2 | Delays in the delivery of goods and/or services and/or the substrates as specified under Annex 2 and Annex 6 and/or documents and/or information as required under this Agreement by the Principal; |
8.4.3 | Failure or delays made by the authorities to issue or gram Permits and Related Rights unless such failure or delay has occurred due to the Contractor’s fault only; |
8.4.4 | Denial of access to the Site to the Contractor; |
8.4.5 | Incorrect or missing documents submitted by the Principal after being requested by the Contractor, which are necessary for a proper evaluation of the Work and the risk evaluation involved with the construction of the Plant. The necessary documents include but are not limited to the following: |
8.4.5.1 | The approval of the Layout ( Annex 2 ) |
8.4.5.2 | Drawing with connections for water and electricity to and at the Site |
8.4.5.3 | The Principal’s obligation to supply substrates ( Annex 14 ) |
8.4.5.4 | Building interruptions imposed by the authorities having jurisdiction over the Work, unless such interruptions have been imposed due to the Contractor’s fault. |
8.4.5.5 | Delays pursuant to Article 13.4 of this Agreement. |
8.4.5.6 | The suspension of the Work by the Contractor in accordance with Article 7.7.8 of this Agreement. |
8.4.5.7 | Any change to the Work, the Plant or the subject matter of this Agreement requested by the Principal to the extent such delay is expressly set forth in the applicable Change Order. |
8.4.5.8 | Exceptionally adverse weather conditions, which make the continuation of Work on site impracticable or impossible from objective reasons including any weather condition that requires and/or necessitates the temporary suspension of activities due to applicable safety regulations. |
8.4.5.9 | Civil commotion, riot, war sabotage or the use or threat of terrorism and/or the activities of the relevant authorities in dealing with such event or threat; |
8.4.5.10 | The exercise after the date of this Agreement by any governmental body of any statutory or regulatory power which completely prevents the performance of the Work. |
8.4.5.11 | Delays in obtaining the Permits and Related Rights (excluding Principal Permits) due to the reasons beyond the Contractor’s influence or responsibility. |
8.5 | In the event that the Contractor is delayed in carrying out the Work due to any event specified in Article 8.4 the Contractor shall issue a notice to the Principal specifying the cause or causes of delay and if practicable in such notice or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, give particulars of the expected effects including the expected duration of delay. |
8.6 | Following receipt of the Contractors notice under Article 8.4 , the Principal shall give an extension of time by fixing such later date for completion of the Work and for any dates in the Workflow Plan as reasonably required for the Contractor to complete the Work; notwithstanding the aforesaid, the Contractor shall use its best efforts in order to complete the Work according to the original schedule regardless of any delay and/or extension pursuant to this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, this Article 8.4 does not preclude recovery of monetary damages by Contractor. |
9. | CHANGES AND ADDITIONAL WORK |
9.1 | In any case where, alter the signing of this Agreement, the Principal requests the Contractor to make any changes in the Work and/or to perform any additional work and or to provide any additional equipment, the Principal will inform the Contractor in writing of the intention and/or the necessity to do so (a “ Proposed Deviation ”). Changes in the Work resulting from the Contractor encountering conditions at the Site that are subsurface or otherwise concealed physical conditions that differ materially from (i) representations made by the Principal in this Agreement and/or (ii) those indicated in the reports attached to this Agreement shall be considered as changes to be addressed in this Article 9 . |
9.2 | Upon receipt of a Proposed Deviation, and as soon as practically possible the Contractor shall prepare and submit to the Principal: (i) a description of the works required in order to implement the Proposed Change Order; (ii) the Contractor’s proposals for any accessary modifications to the specifications documents and the Workflow Plan, if any, or to any of the Contractor’s obligations under this Agreement, and (iii) if the Contractor is of the view that the Proposed Deviation will result in an increase or decrease in the Contract Price, its proposed adjustment to the Contract Price, payment schedule and the extended Workflow Plan (the “ Proposed Change Order ”). |
9.3 | The Principal may approve the Proposed Change Order in its sole discretion by providing the Contractor with a signed version thereof (a “ Change Order ”), and the Contractor shall be bound to carry out the Change Order as if the provisions of such had been incorporated into this Agreement. All changes resulting from the Change Order, with respect to any adjustment to the Contract Price, the Workflow plan, the penalties, Power Substantial Completion Date, or passing the Performance Test shall be adjusted accordingly and shall be as set forth in Article 9.4 herein. |
9.4 | The price of any changed or additional work within the scope of this Article 9 shall be on a lump-sum fixed price agreed upon by the Parties in writing, provided that, if the Parties are unable to agree on a fixed price for such changed or additional work and Lender consents in writing to a cost plus arrangement with respect to such changed or additional work or Principal arranges payment for such changed or additional work from sources other than Lender, then the Contractor shall perform such work on a direct cost-plus fifteen percent (15%) basis thereon. |
10. | ADDITIONAL CONTRACTOR’S DUTIES |
10.1 | The Power Substantial Completion Date as detailed under Article 12 below shall occur not later than fourteen (14) months following the Starting Date of Construction unless such date has been extended in writing in accordance with the terms hereof, including without limitation because of any Events of Force Majeure or a delay caused by Principal. |
10.2 | Documentation |
The Contractor shall provide the Principal with two (2) written copies and one electronic copy of the Manual of Operation for the Plant (the “ Manual ”). The Manual will be drafted in English. The Manual will contain all information, descriptions, and diagrams with sufficient details to make it possible for the Principal to operate and maintain the Plant. The Manual will also include spare parts lists in the English language.
10.3 | Insurance |
The Contractor shall purchase and maintain with a reputable insurance company or companies such insurance policies as are set forth below and in Annex 9 for the duration of its activity at the Site and until the Power Substantial Completion Date; provided, however, that so long as any loan documents are in effect between Principal and Lender, Contractor’s insurance must be at least as protective of Lender’s rights as the requirements set forth in Annex 23 in the Sections titled therein as “Applies to all Insurance Policies - General Conditions” and “Specific Insurance Policy Requirements - During Assembly/ Packaging/ Construction Loan Phase” (“ Lender Minimum Insurance Requirements ”). In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Lender Minimum Insurance Requirements and the terms of this Article 10.3 , the terms of the Lender Minimum Insurance Requirements shall control.
10.3.1 | General Liability |
10.3.1.1 | The Contractor shall procure and maintain such liability and property insurance as is required by Applicable Law and as is required by this Agreement to protect the Contractor, Principal and Lender from any and all claims for damages for bodily injury, including death, and from claims for property damage which may arise from the Contractor’s or its representatives’, consultant’, subcontractors’, agents’, or employees’ operations under this Agreement. Such insurance shall be of the kinds and have limits of liability and coverage not less than the minimum limits hereinafter specified or required by law, whichever is greater. |
10.3.1.2 | Before commencing Work on the Site, the Contractor shall furnish to the Principal a certificate or certificates of insurance summarizing the insurance earned by the Contractor. Certificates shall be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. All insurance policies shall provide, as evidenced by Certificates of Insurance, that the insurance shall not be cancelled, reduced, restricted, or changed in any way without at least 30 days prior written notice to the Principal. In the event of any such notice of cancellation, nonrenewal, reduction, restriction, or change in any insurance, the Contractor is obligated to arrange for replacement of such insurance at least 7 days prior to such cancellation, nonrenewal, reduction, restriction, or change without a gap in coverage and file accordingly such notice with the Principal, and other interested parties. Failing immediate receipt of evidence of such replacement of insurance, the Principal reserves the right to procure such insurance as the Principal considers desirable, provided that it shall have equivalent coverage at reasonable premiums and the Contractor shall pay the premium in respect thereof or the Principal may deduct the full cost of such premium for the entire term such insurance is required from the next payment due. |
10.3.2 | Worker’s Compensation and Employers’ Liability Insurance |
10.3.2.1 | The Contractor, its consultants, and its subcontractors shall procure and maintain Workers’ Compensation Insurance in the amount and type inquired by the State of North Carolina and federal law for all employees employed under the Agreement who may come within the protection of Workers’ Compensation Laws and covering all operations under the Agreement whether performed by the Contractor or by his consultants and subcontractors. In Jurisdictions not providing complete Workers’ Compensation protection, the Contractor and its consultants and subcontractors shall maintain employers’ liability insurance in an amount, form company, and agency satisfactory to the State and the Principal for the benefit of all employees not protected by Workers’ Compensation Laws and covering all operations under the Agreement whether performed by the Contractor or by its consultants and subcontractors. |
10.3.2.2 | The Contractor shall pay such assessments as will protect the Contractor and the Principal from claims under the Workers’ Compensation Laws, workers’ or workmen’s compensation disability benefits and other similar employee benefit acts. |
10.3.2.3 | Coverage under this section shall be as requital by federal and state Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Disease Statutes. |
10.3.3 | Automobile Liability Insurance |
10.3.3.1 | The Contractor shall procure and maintain insurance against liability for bodily injury and property damage as described below, that may arise with respect to the Work being perforated under the Agreement, and as will provide protection from claims which may arise out of or result from the Contractor’s performance of the Work and the Contractor’s other obligations under the Agreement, whether such performance of the Work is by the Contractor, by any representative, consultant or subcontractor, by anyone, both officially and personally, directly or indirectly employed by any of them, or by anyone for whose acts any of them may be liable. |
10.3.3.2 | This policy of insurance shall carry the following minimum Limit of Liability; Combined Single Limit 42,000,000 |
10.3.4 | Umbrella Liability |
10.3.4.1 | The Contractor shall maintain either an occurrence or a claims made Umbrella Liability policy (true follow form) over the underlying Automobile Liability and Employer’s Liability, with the following limits of liability or such neater limits as are required in the Lender Minimum Insurance Requirements: |
Each Occurrence | $ 5,000,000 |
Aggregate | $ 5,000,000 |
10.3.4.2 | Such coverage will be subject to a self-insured retention (SIR) no greater than $10,000 per occurrence where coverage is not provided by the underlying insurance, but is provided by the Umbrella Liability policy. |
10.3.4.3 | The Contractor may use any combination of primary and umbrella insurance policies to comply with the insurance requirements, provided the resulting insurance is equivalent to the insurance stated herein. |
10.3.5 | Property Insurance |
10.3.5.1 | The Contractor shall be responsible for purchasing and maintaining builder’s risk insurance satisfactory to the Principal to protect the Plant from perils of physical loss. The Contractor shall be responsible for any deductibles associated with this coverage. The builder’s risk insurance shall provide for the cost of replacement of the Work, including materials stored off site, at the time of any loss. The insurance shall include as additional insured parties the Principal, the Contractor and their subcontractors and shall insure against the loss from the perils of fire and all risk coverage for physical loss or damage due to theft, vandalism, collapse, malicious mischief, terrorism, transit, flood, mold, earthquake, testing, or damages resulting from defective design, negligent workmanship or defective material. Lender and its successors and assigns shall be listed as loss payee. The Contractor shall obtain approval from the Principal before increasing any coverage due to increases in construction costs. |
10.3.5.2 | The Contractor is responsible for all physical damage to owned or rented machinery, tools, equipment, forms, and other items owned, rented or used by the Contractor and/or consultants/subcontractor(s) in the performance of the Works. The insurance coverage evidencing such shall include a waiver of subrogation in favor of the Principal. The Contractor shall name the Principal and its members as additional insured under builder’s risk insurance contracts. |
10.3.6 | Valuable Papers And Records |
The Contractor shall provide valuable papers and records insurance with coverage in the amount of $500,000.00 per occurrence.
10.3.7 | Consultants and Subcontractors |
The Contractor shall include all consultants and subcontractors as Insured parties under its policies, or shall furnish separate certificates, policies, and endorsements for each consultant and subcontractor the Contractor intends to use.
10.3.8 | Other Insurance |
Contractor shall maintain any insurance policies and coverage as customarily maintained by a prudent contractor. For the avoidance of doubt, all insurance policies shall be issued by a reputable insurance company with coverage in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Principal and such policies shall contain the usual market terms as used in construction projects in the United States.
10.4 | Upon commencement by the Contractor of its Work on the Site, the Contractor shall have the overall sole responsibility for the Site and the Contractor shall ensure the proper organization of the Work on the Site and compliance with all relevant environmental and health and safety requirements. |
10.5 | At any stage of the Work and or after the Power Substantial Completion Date, the Contractor shall support the Principal and provide it with any information, documentation or other assistance, as may be reasonably necessary for regulating the relations with authorities having jurisdiction or other third parties, in particular, during the process of applying for Principal Permits. |
10.6 | The Contractor shall inform the Principal regularly on the progress of the Work and, upon reasonable demand by the Principal, the Contractor shall submit documents and information related to the Work and/or this Agreement. The Contractor shall comply with the requirements included in Annex 10 – Responsibility Matrix. |
10.7 | Performance and Payment Bond |
To secure the due, timely and complete performance of this Agreement by the Contractor, the Contractor, prior to commencing Work and within twenty (20) days following the Effective Date, shall provide the Principal with (i) a Performance Bond covering U.S. $12,000,000 in the form attached as Annex 12 hereto and issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank, NA or another surety satisfactory to Principal and Lender; and (ii) a payment bond covering U.S. $12,000,000 in the form attached as Annex 12 and issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank, NA or another surety satisfactory to Principal and Lender with respect to the payment for all labor and materials furnished by Contractor’s suppliers and laborers. Up to U.S. $4,000,000 of such bonds may be provided by the Subcontractor responsible for the scope of the civil work provided that such bonds satisfy the foregoing requirements (the “ Civil Subcontractor Bonds ”). All bonds shall name Principal and Lender as dual obligees pursuant to dual obligee riders or other documents in form and substance satisfactory to Principal and Lender. The Civil Subcontractor Bonds may also name Contractor as a dual obligee. Bonds shall also provide for Principal’s right to full subrogation to Contractor’s rights under such bonds and for Lender’s full subrogation to Contractor’s rights thereunder, together with such other assurances and endorsements with respect to such bonds as Principal or Lender may require.
11. | PRINCIPAL’S DUTIES |
11.1 | Preliminary Contracts |
To enable the Contractor to erect the Plant, the Principal will at its own expense, before the Contractor scans the erection of the Plant supply the Contractor with copies of the signed contracts for the purchase of the Site, the PPA and the supply of substrates. These contracts must be sufficient to build and operate the plant as detailed in this Agreement.
11.2 | The Principal will provide the Contractor reasonable and unhindered access to the Site 24/7 for 365 days per year, in such condition as will enable the Contractor to construct the Plant pursuant to this Agreement. |
11.3 | Access to the Site, Storage |
11.3.1 | The Principal will provide the Contractor and its employees and Subcontractors and consultants with unlimited access to the Site during all the phases from the start of the Work and until the Power Substantial Completion Date. |
11.3.2 | The Principal will provide access to the Site suitable and sufficient for deliveries by trucks and traders with up to 45-ton load capacities. |
11.4 | [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED] |
11.5 | All of the tasks which are indicated in the Responsibility Matrix - Annex 10 – as the Principal’s duties will be provided by the Principal at its own expense and within the time frame as specified in the Workflow Plan - Annex 7 . |
11.6 | Substrates quality and characteristics |
11.6.1 | The Principal undertakes to supply the Plant with Sufficient Substrates. Any deviation from the quantities, characteristics, ingredients and composition of the recipe prepared by Contractor not in line with the indicators stated under the “Table of Quality and Quantities Substrates Deviances” attached under Annex 14 , by mass or by each of the specifications as detailed under such Annex, must be approved in writing by the Contractor prior to such change. If written approval is not provided by the Contractor, the Plant will be considered as operated not in line with the Manual. |
11.6.2 | Two weeks prior to Commissioning, the Principal shall provide the Contractor with samples of the substrates to be fed-in and the Contractor shall prepare in consultation with the Principal the initial fed-in recipe to be used during the feeding-in and the Commissioning of the Plant. Such initial feeding-in recipe shall be consistent with the samples of substrates preciously provided by Principal, so long as such samples are in line with the provisions of Annex 14, Principal shall supply Sufficient Substrate for the commissioning of the Plant in accordance with the initial feed-in recipe prepared by Contractor. If such substrates are not Sufficient Substrates, Contractor might refuse to perform the Commissioning or shall amend the level of the Performance Test to be reached under Article 12 below and the respective indicators thereof. |
12. | COMMISSIONING AND DELIVERY |
12.1 | When Contractor believes Mechanical Completion has occurred, Contractor may execute and submit to Principal a Certificate of Mechanical Completion in the form attached as Annex 13B. Within 10 Working Days thereafter, the Contractor and Principal will meet to conduct a technical inspection of the Plant to evaluate whether Mechanical Completion of the Plant has been achieved. Within 10 Working Days of any such inspection, Principal shall: (a) reject the certificate if all conditions to Mechanical Completion have not been achieved and provide written notice to Contractor of all unfinished or deficient Work (“ Notice of Deficiencies ”) which must be completed as a precondition to the Plant achieving Mechanical Completion; or (b) issue the applicable Certificate of Mechanical Completion executed by both Principal and Lenders Engineer, starting the date on which Mechanical Completion has occurred. |
12.2 | Where the Contractor’s submission of a certificate is rejected by the Principal or Lender in accordance Article 12.1(a) . Contractor will use its best efforts to remedy, repair and/or complete all incomplete Work needed for the Plant to achieve Mechanical Completion within a reasonable time thereafter but not to exceed 60 days from the date Principal provided the first Notice of Deficiencies, and inform Principal when Contractor believes the deficiencies have been corrected, at which time the procedure described in Article 12.1 will be repeated (as many times as is necessary) until the Certificate of Mechanical Completion is executed by both Principal and Lender, provided, however, that if the Principal and Lender have not executed the Certificate of Mechanical Completion within 60 days from the date of Principal’s first Notice of Deficiencies, the Principal shall be entitled to engage one or more third parties to perform any work or repairs required to cause the Plant to achieve Mechanical Completion, and any costs to be incurred thereby shall be paid for by Contractor or deduced from what is owed to Contractor. |
12.3 | The Parties expressly agree that all of the following are conditions precedent to the Plant achieving Mechanical Completion: |
12.3.1 | Construction of the Plant has been completed in accordance with the Plans and Specifications; |
12.3.2 | All equipment and other components of the Plant, including the CHP Units, has passed all standard and required electrical testing, hypot, megger testing, flushing and pressure testing of piping, and all other applicable testing, per codes and guides, including any applicable Caterpillar Application and Installation Guides; |
12.3.3 | The Plant is ready to be tested and commissioned; and |
12.3.4 | A Certificate of Mechanical Completion in the form attached as Annex 13B has been executed by Contractor and countersigned by Principal and Lender. |
12.4 | Principal and Contractor may, with the prior written consent of Lender’s Engineer, agree to a bifurcated Mechanical Completion such that: (a) “ Primary Mechanical Completion ” may be obtained first for the components of the Plant relating to digestion of the feedstock, as opposed to generation of power; and (b) “ Full Mechanical Completion ” occurs after all components of the Plant, including CHP Units, have reached Mechanical Completion. In the event Principal, Contractor and Lender’s Engineer agree to such a bifurcation of Mechanical Completion, the Certificate of Mechanical Completion shall be revised accordingly into a Certificate of Primary’ Mechanical Completion and Certificate of Full Mechanical Completion. Such certificates must be in form and substance satisfactory to Principal, Contractor and Lender’s Engineer. |
12.5 | Commissioning . After the Plant has achieved Mechanical Completion, sufficient feedstock has been delivered to the Plant (which is 100% the responsibility of Principal) and heated, and the methane content has exceeded the level of 50% of the total biogas production and the temperature within the digester has exceeded 122.4 degrees Fahrenheit, the Contractor shall notify the Principal with a copy to Lender’s Engineer in writing that the Plant is ready for initial start up and commissioning and the proposed date of such commissioning (“ Start-up Notice ”). Thereafter, Contractor shall commission the Plant by making it produce the initial power (the “ Commissioning ”). For purposes of clarity, in no event shall the CHP Units be used to provide power or heat (whether for testing or otherwise) until Full Mechanical Completion or Mechanical Completion, as applicable. The date on which the Commissioning will take place shall be not later than 12 months following the Starting Date of Construction, provided that it shall be extended if any Events of Force Majeure or a Principal delay occur, and will be known as the “ Commissioning Date ”. |
12.6 | Performance Test |
12.6.1 | Performance Test Requirements. Contractor shall perform the Work so the Plant satisfies the performance criteria for Performance Test prior to, and as a condition of, Biogas Substantial Completion or Power Substantial Completion, as applicable (in each case, in accordance with, and as set forth in the Testing Protocols). |
12.6.2 | Performance Test Schedule. Contractor shall agree on a Performance Test schedule with Principal and Lender’s Engineer and shall give notice (which notice may be by email) to Principal with a copy to Lender’s Engineer of the Performance Test in least five (5) Working Days prior to commencing any such test. Representatives of Principal and Lender’s Engineer shall be entitled to observe the Performance Test. Contractor shall keep such representatives continuously apprised of the schedule for the Performance Test and changes in the schedule, the commencement and performance of Performance Test and shall give such representatives at least two (2) Working Days advance notice (which notice may be by email) of the re-performance of any Performance Test; provided, however , that such period of advance notice may be reduced at the sole discretion of the Principal’s representative at the Site. |
12.6.3 | Test Report. Contractor shall submit a test report for the Performance Test performed by Contractor within five (5) Working Days after the completion of such Performance Test, which report shall provide the Performance Test results, together with a comparison to, and showing of compliance with, the applicable performance criteria and other testing requirements criteria set forth in Annex 19 , as applicable, Contractor shall cause such report to contain the test data and calculations to allow Principal to verify the conclusions of such report. |
12.6.4 | Non Conforming Work and Failure to Pass Performance Test. If the Plant does not pass the Performance Test, Contractor shall, at Contractor’s sole cost and expense, in accordance with the Testing Protocols, take such corrective actions to the Plant, as the case may be, to address such failure to pass the Performance Test; provided that all such corrective action shall otherwise be in compliance with the requirements for the Work hereunder. At any time during and promptly after completion (whether or not successful) of the Performance Test for any re-performance of any Performance Test or pursuant to any remedial plan adopted pursuant to the Testing Protocols), each Party shall advise the other Party in writing of any defect that was discovered during the Performance Test. Contractor shall, at Contractor’s sole cost and expense, correct any defect and promptly provide notice to Principal that such corrective measures have been completed. |
12.6.5 | Certificate of Completion of Testing. Upon the Successful Completion of the Performance Test as demonstrated by a test report delivered to Principal by Contractor and accepted by Principal and Lender’s Engineer, Principal shall issue a notice that such test has been Successfully Completed. |
12.6.6 | Intentionally Omitted. |
12.6.7 | Post Test Modifications. If prior to Biogas Substantial Completion or Power Substantial Completion, as applicable: |
(a) A Performance Tess has been Successfully Completed for the Plant;
(b) A certificate of completion of such Performance Test has been issued pursuant to Article 12.6.5 ; and
(c) Either Contractor or any Subcontractor makes any modification to the Plant, as the case may be;
then, unless otherwise waived by Principal in writing, the Performance Test shall be a re-run as a condition to the Plant achieving Biogas Substantial Completion or Power Substantial Completion, as applicable.
12.7 | Plant Substantial Completion . |
12.7.1 | Conditions to Biogas Substantial Completion . The following are the conditions precedent for Biogas Substantial Completion: |
(a) The Plant has been constructed, successfully tested and commissioned such that: (i) the Plant (A) is operating within all the specified parameters in the Construction Documents (other than power generation requirements), (B) has achieved Mechanical Completion, (C) has all Permits and Related Rights required for Commercial Operation and (D) is operating and generating the Minimum Gas Amount as evidenced by Successful Completion of the applicable Performance Tests; and (ii) Principal shall have received from Contractor satisfactory evidence that all payrolls, bills, and other costs and expenses relating to the work performed under the Construction Documents have been paid or otherwise satisfied (including lien waivers and releases, from every Subcontractor and every other Person who provided labor, material, equipment or supplies for the work or the Plant) (Biogas Substantial Completion shall not occur until a Certificate of Biogas Substantial Completion has been executed by all appropriate parties, including Lender’s Engineer);
12.7.2 | Biogas Substantial Completion Certificate . When Contractor believes Biogas Substantial Completion has occurred, Contractor may execute and submit to Principal a Certificate of Biogas Substantial Completion in the form attached as Annex 13C . Within 10 Working Days thereafter, the Contractor and Principal will meet to conduct a technical inspection of the Plant to evaluate whether Biogas Substantial Completion of the Plant has been achieved. Within 10 Working Days of any such inspection, Principal shall: (a) reject the certificate if all conditions to Biogas Substantial Completion have not been achieved and provide written notice to Contractor of all unfinished or deficient Work which must be completed as a precondition to the Plant achieving Biogas Substantial Completion; or (b) issue the applicable Certificate of Biogas Substantial Completion executed by both Principal and Lenders Engineer, stating the date on which Biogas Substantial Completion has occurred. Where the Contractor’s submission of a certificate is rejected by the Principal or Lender. Contractor will use its best efforts to remedy, repair and/or complete all incomplete Work needed for the Plant to achieve Biogas Substantial Completion as soon as practicable and inform Principal when Contractor believes the deficiencies have been corrected at which time the foregoing procedure will be repeated until the Certificate of Biogas Substantial Completion is executed by both Principal and Lender. |
12.8 | Conditions to Power Substantial Completion . The following are the conditions precedent for Power Substantial Completion |
(a) The Plant has been constructed, successfully tested and commissioned such that, among other things;
(a) the Plant (i) has achieved Biogas Substantial Completion and (ii) is operating and generating the specified output pursuant to the Construction Documents and the PPA and is supplying power to the Power Purchaser in full accordance with the PPA, including satisfaction of the requirements of Commercial Operation;
(b) A successful operational performance test of the Plant for its intended use has been completed demonstrating that Plant performance criteria of electrical generation, heat rate and emission levels have been met and are satisfactory:
(c) Principal has received from Contractor reasonably satisfactory evidence that all payrolls, bills, and other costs and expenses relating to the work performed under the Construction Documents have bon paid or otherwise satisfied (including lien waivers and releases, from every Subcontractor and every other Person who provided labor, material, equipment or supplies for the work or the Plant);
(d) the Work has been performed in accordance with this Agreement and the Plant as a whole is capable of being operated in a safe and proper manner;
(e) all civil works are complete and meet the requirements of this Agreement except for those civil works (if any), which are required to be performed after Power Substantial Completion to the extent that the same are Punch List Items;
(f) the Performance Test has been Successfully Completed;
(g) Contractor shall have paid all Delay Liquidated Damages, if any, due and payable pursuant to Article 12.7.3 ;
(h) Contractor has obtained, and Principal has received copies of, all Permits and Related Rights necessary for the commencement and ongoing operation of the Plant in a safe, efficient, and reliable manner and otherwise in accordance with Applicable Law and otherwise required to be obtained by Contractor hereunder as of such time, such Permits and Related Rights are in full force and effect, and Contractor shall have completed all requirements under each such Permit and Related Right required to be completed as of such time; and
(i) Contractor has procured and submitted to the Principal a Warranty Bond as set forth in Annex 11 hereto issued by a reputable insurance company authorized to do business in the jurisdiction in which the Plant is located covering the warranty period specified under Article 14 below.
(j) A Certificate of Power Substantial Completion in the form attached as Annex 13D has been executed by Contractor and countersigned by Principal and Lender’s Engineer.
12.8.2 | Power Substantial Completion Certificate . When Contractor believes Power Substantial Completion has occurred, Contractor may execute and submit to Principal a Certificate of Power Substantial Completion in the form attached as Annex 13D . Within 10 Working Days thereafter, the Contractor and Principal will meet to conduct a technical inspection of the Plant to evaluate whether Power Substantial Completion of the Plant has been achieved. Within 10 Working Days of any such inspection, Principal shall: (a) reject the certificate if all conditions to Power Substantial Completion have not been achieved and provide written notice to Contractor of all unfinished or deficient Work which must be completed as a precondition to the Plant achieving Purser Substantial Completion; or (b) issue the applicable Certificate of Power Substantial Completion executed by both Principal and Lender’s Engineer, stating the date on which Power Substantial Completion has occurred. Where the Contractor’s submission of a certificate is rejected by the Principal or Lender, Contractor will use its best efforts to remedy, repair and/or complete all incomplete Work needed for the Plant to achieve Power Substantial Completion no later than the Power Substantial Completion Guaranteed Date and inform Principal when Contractor believe the deficiencies have been corrected, at which time the foregoing procedure will be repeated until the Certificate of Power Substantial Completion is executed by both Principal and Lender. All unfinished or deficient Work in the Plant, which is not required for Power Substantial Completion but is required for Final Completion, will then be recorded in a Punch List Items report, which will be prepared by Contractor and signed by both the Contractor and the Principal (the “ PLI Report ”). The PLI Report will also include an estimated value for each deficient item or unfinished Work and the exported date of repair or delivery. The Principal has the right to refuse to sign the PLI Report if in its reasonable disunion the PLI Report is incomplete, erroneous or contains items, which are required for Power Substantial Completion. Any failure of Principal to sign the PLI Report shall not relieve Contractor of its obligation to effect a prompt remedy and repair of any item necessary for Power Substantial Completion. |
12.8.3 | Delay Liquidated Damages. Contractor agrees that if Power Substantial Completion is not achieved by the Power Substantial Completion Guaranteed Date (as extended due to Events of Force Majeure or acts or omissions of Principal or entities or individuals under Principal’s control, in violation of express obligations in this Agreement (including Principal’s failure to provide the Plant with Sufficient Substrates), then Contractor shall pay Delay Liquidated Damages for each day that Contractor fails to achieve Power Substantial Completion. Delay Liquidated Damages provided for this Article 12.7.3 are the Principal’s sole and exclusive remedy of the delay unless that is fraudulent or willful misconduct on the part of Contractor. |
12.9 | Final Completion |
12.9.1 | Conditions to Final Completion. Final Completion shall be deemed to have occurred only if all of the following conditions shall have occurred; |
(a) Power Substantial Completion has occurred;
(b) the Plant is capable of Commercial Operation;
(c) all Punch List Items have been completed, or Contractor shall have paid Principal in accordance with Article 14.8 for Principal’s correction or remediation of such items;
(d) all warranties, design materials, operation and maintenance manuals, schematics, spare parts lists, design and engineering documents, performance testing data, “as-built” drawings and surveys, and such other items as are required by the Construction Documents and the Service, Operation and Maintenance Agreement base been delivered to Principal;
(e) Each of the following shall have occurred: (i) Subcontractors personnel shall have left the Site, (ii) all surplus materials, waste materials, hazardous materials (for which Contractor is responsible), rubbish, Contractor equipment and temporary work, other than those to which Principal holds title, shall have been removed from the Site, (iii) any temporary structures on the Site built by or on behalf of the Contractor or its Subcontractors shall have been torn down and removed, (iv) the area disturbed by the Work shall have been re-graded and restored as required by the Permits and Related Rights and (v) any permanent facilities used by Contractor and the Site shall have been restored to the same condition that such permanent facilities and the Site were in on the Full Notice to Proceed Date, ordinary wear and tear excepted;
(f) Principal shall have received and accepted all items, materials and services to be provided or performed by Contractor in relation to the Plant;
(g) Contractor shall have delivered an executed Conditional Waiver and Release from Contractor, Conditional Waiver and Releases from all Subcontractors who are to be paid with proceeds of such Final Payment and Unconditional Waiver and Release from all other Subcontractors, in each case, in the form of Annex 21 hereto;
(h) To the extent any Permit or Related Right is required to be “closed out” or is subject to a similar process by the applicable governmental authority, Contractor has satisfied all such requirements for each Permit or Related Right that is the responsibility of Contractor;
(i) All other duties and obligations of Contractor and Subcontractors under this Agreement have been fully performed;
(j) A Certificate of Final Completion in the form attached as Annex 13A has been executed by Contractor and countersigned by Principal and Lender’s Engineer;
(k) all other requirements in this Agreement with respect to completion of the Plant have been satisfied.
12.9.2 | Final Completion Certificate. When Contractor believes Final Completion has occurred, Contractor may execute and submit to Principal a Certificate of Final Completion. After receipt of the Contractor’s submission of such a certificate, the Principal shall within ten (10) Working Days after the receipt of the same: (a) reject the certificate, giving reasons and specifying the work required to be done by the Contractor, or (b) issue the applicable certificate executed by both Principal and Lender’s Engineer, stating the date on which Final Completion has occurred. Where the Contractor’s submission of a certificate is rejected by the Principal in accordance with the foregoing. Contractor shall not re-submit a certificate until the deficiencies are remedied. If Final Completion does not occur by the Final Completion Guaranteed Date, the Principal shall be entitled to engage one or more third parties to perform any work or repairs required to cause the Plant to achieve Final Completion, and any costs to be incurred thereby shall be paid for by Contractor or deducted from what is owed to Contractor. |
12.10 | RISK OF LOSS OR DAMAGE |
12.10.1 | Care, Custody and Control . Until the Power Substantial Completion Date, Contractor shall have care, custody and control of the Plant, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement. In event this Agreement is terminated, Principal shall have care, custody and control of the Plant. |
12.10.2 | Risk of Loss . Until the Power Substantial Completion Date (except to the extent otherwise provided herein upon the earlier termination of this Agreement), and subject to the provisions of this Article 12 . Contractor assumes risk of loss, and full responsibility, for the cost of replacing or repairing any damage to the Work related thereto and assumes risk of loss, and full responsibility, for the cost of replacing or repairing any damage to, any maintenance equipment (including temporary materials, equipment and supplies) which is purchased by Contractor for permanent installation in, or for use during the construction of the Work as it relates to the Plant. It is however agreed that damages to the Work caused by Principal and/or its employees, partners, owners or agents shall not fall within Contractor’s liability. |
12.10.3 | Risk or Loss After Power Substantial Completion . Principal shall bear the risk of loss for, and full responsibility for, the cost of replacing or repairing any damage to the Plant from and including the Power Substantial Completion Date or the earlier termination of this Agreement. |
12.11 | Warranties . Warranties required by this Agreement shall commence on the Power Substantial Completion Date unless a different date of commencement is expressly stated in this Agreement for a particular piece of equipment in the Plant or a portion of the Plant. |
13. | RETENTION OF TITLE |
13.1 | Unless and to the extent ink has already passed to the Principal pursuant to this Agreement prior thereto, the title in the Plant, the Work and any other Delivered Objects shall be transferred to the Principal on a pro rata basis subject to Principal’s payment of amounts due under the applicable payment application pursuant to this Agreement |
13.2 | Notwithstanding such transfer of title, the Contractor will keep care and custody of, and be liable hereunder with respect to, the Work and equipment until the Power Substantial Completion Date. |
13.3 | The Contractor hereby warrants to the Principal that: (a) prior to the transfer of ownership thereof to the Principal it will have good and marketable title to, and ownership of, the Plant and equipment covered by this Agreement: and (b) ownership of the Plant and equipment covered by this Agreement shall pass to and vest in the Principal free and clear of any liens or rights of any third party. Contractor will indemnify and hold harmless Principal against any claims, costs, damages, liabilities, fees (including reasonable cost of counsel), expenses and losses that arise out of or relate to any soviets performed by Subcontractors or other parties up to the point in time when full title has passed from Contractor to Principal, in each case, whether or rid the same are incurred prior to the vesting of full title to and ownership of the Plant in Principal or afterwards. |
13.4 | If third-parties take recourse to the Delivered Objects, particularly by means of an attachment, due to claims made by third parties against the Principal, the Principal shall within five (5) days reimburse the Contractor for all costs concerning such Delivered Objects, including any damages, fees, reasonable cost of counsel, and losses thereof to enable the regular continuity of the Work as detailed under Annex 7 . Any delays to the Work due to such mean will be regarded as the Principal’s responsibility only. |
14. | WARRANTIES |
14.1 | Contractor warrants to the Principal that the materials and or components used in the construction of the Plant shall be of good quality and new unless this Agreement requires or permits otherwise. Contractor further warrants that the Work will conform to the requirements of this Agreement and shall be free of any design, manufacturing or other defect whatsoever in material or workmanship. Work, materials, or components not conforming to these requirements may be considered defective. Except as otherwise indicated in this Article 14, such warranties will remain in full force and effect for a period of one year from the Power Substantial Completion Date. |
14.2 | Subject to Article 14.4 below the Contractor, as of Power Substantial Completion Date and for the period set forth below with respect to each item below (the “Warranty Period”), Contractor shall repair at Contractor’s expense any damage, defect and/or fault in material or workmanship as contemplated in Article 14.1 above (“Damage); |
14.2.1 | Flame-swept pans of the Plant; two (2) years from the Commissioning Date. |
14.2.2 | Machine and electro-technical parts of the Plant; two (2) years from the Commissioning Date. |
14.2.3 | Concrete parts of the Plant - 10 years from the Start-Up Notice, provided that the Principal will renew the inner coating of digesters as instructed in writing by the Contractor every five (5) years. |
14.3 | The Contractor’s liability shall cease in respect of each part of the Plant specified in Articles 14.2.1 - 14.2.4 after the expiration of the relevant warranty period specified in such clauses. |
14.4 | The warranty does not include materials used or consumed in the ordinary course of business and natural wear and tear and the Principal shall be responsible for the provision of and cost of any such consumables. |
14.5 | The warranties contained in Article 14.2 are subject to and expressly conditioned upon strict compliance with the following conditions: |
14.5.1 | The input substrates used for the operation of the Plant must be within the Deviation List as detailed under Annex 14 and as described in Article 11.6 , Annex 2 and Annex 6 . If the Contractor requests, the Principal will send the Contractor a sample from the input substrates in order to perform a laboratory analysis. A refusal of the Principal to provide the Contractor with such samples permits the Contractor to terminate or void all relevant warranties. |
14.5.2 | [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED] |
14.5.3 | Machinery breakdowns and shutdowns must be recorded by the Principal according to their type and scope, and be immediately reported to the Contractor as soon as reasonably practicable following applicable breakdown and/or shutdown of the Plant. |
14.5.4 | The Contractor must be granted access to the Plant and to Plant data in order to control the Plant’s proper operation and to make the necessary repairs. Any delays and/or avoidance in such access due to the Principal will absolve the Contractor from any responsibility to repair the damages until such access is granted. |
14.5.5 | The warranty shall not include immaterial deviations in the construction of the Plant immaterial impairment of use, and natural wear and tear. Variations, changes and tolerances within the framework of the ANSI or DIN standards or standards superseding them shall be seen as insignificant variations. |
14.6 | The Principal shall issue a Defect Notice to the Contractor as soon as reasonably practicable after the Principal becomes aware of any defect, default or malfunction in the Plant. |
14.7 | The Contractor is obliged to respond to any Defect Notice received during the relevant warranty period within two (2) Working Days of receipt thereof. The Contractor shall provide the Principal with a provisional solution enabling the ongoing operation of the Plant and its components, including the CHP Units, and shall remedy such defects, defaults and malfunctions as soon as technically and commercially possible, but, in any event, no later than 30 days. |
14.8 | If the Contractor has not corrected defects and shortcomings in the Plant within the terms stated in Article 14.7 above, the Principal shall be entitled to employ another contractor to correct such defects and shortcomings and to recover the reasonable cost from the Contractor unless the Contractor’s failure to repair such defects and shortcomings is due to an Event of Force Majeure or any act, omission, written instruction or material act of prevention by the Principal in which case the period within which the Contractor is obliged to rectify any defect or shortcoming in accordance with Article 14.7 shall be extended by a period equivalent to the length of the Event of Force Majeure or the length of time which the Principal prevents the Contractor from rectifying such defect or shortcoming. |
15. | PARTIES’ LIABILITY |
15.1 | Each Party shall have full responsibility for, and agrees to indemnify and hold the other Party and any of its affiliates, their officers, directors, partners, agents, employees, successors and assigns (collectively, the “ Indemnitees ”) harmless from, any and all liabilities, claims, losses, costs, expenses, demands, suits, actions or damages, including without limitation damage to any third party or loss of third party property, attorney fees and other litigation expenses, incurred by the Indemnitees or any of them as a result of act and/or omission by such Party, any of its affiliates, officers, directors, partners, agents, employees, subcontractors, successors and assigns (in this Section, collectively, “ Agents ”), which constitutes a breach of its undertakings hereunder and/or the provisions of any Applicable Law or arising from injury or damage caused by such Party or its Agents to persons or property, in connection with such Party’s or its Agents’ performance hereunder, including without limitation injury or damage arising as a result of any malfunction or defect in the Delivered Objects, or arising as a result of any action or proceeding based on a claim that the Work (or any part thereof) infringe any third party’s Intellectual Property Rights. The aforementioned indemnification undertakings shall not apply in the event the liabilities, claims, losses, costs, expenses, demands, suits, actions or damages with respect to which indemnification is sought, arises out of intentional act of the Principal or anyone acting on its behalf. |
15.2 | Principal shall indemnify and hold Contractor Indemnitees harmless from, any and all liabilities, claims, losses, costs, expenses, demands, suits, actions or damages, attorney fees and other litigation expenses, incurred by the Indemnitees or any of them as a result of any environmental liability arising out of the condition of the Site before the Starting Date of Construction. |
15.3 | It is agreed that in the event of claim against either Party, the indemnifying Party shall have the right to select legal counsel and control the defense and settlement of any third party claim that is covered by the indemnity in this Article 15 . |
16. | PRINCIPAL’S LIABILITY |
The Principal shall compensate the Contractor for the following additional expenses incurred by Contractor:
16.1 | Additional expenses resulting from Changes in the Work to the extent reflected pursuant to a Change Order in accordance with Article 9 above: |
16.2 | Additional expenses incurred by Contractor that directly result from a delay in the Contractor’s performance caused solely by the Principal. |
17. | PRINCIPAL’S GUARANTEES |
17.1 | [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]. |
18. | INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS |
18.1 | The Contractor grants and agrees to grant to the Principal a paid-up, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to use, all plans, drawings, specifications, calculations, designs, graphs, sketches, design details, models, computer programs, photocopies, brochures, reports, notes of meetings, codes, data, documents and other written or recorded material produced by or on behalf of the Contractor in connection only with the Work (whether in existence or to be model and all amendments to them and any works, designs or inventions of the Contractor incorporated or referred to in them for all purposes relating to the Work or the Site, including the construction, completion, repair, maintenance, use and advertisement of the Work. For the avoidance of doubt, such license may be assigned to the Lender without the prior written consent of the Contractor. The Contractor shall not be liable for the use of any of the documents or other materials referred to in this Article 18.1 for any purpose other than that for which they were prepared; for the avoidance of doubt any improvement to the Work (of any kind whatsoever) following the Power Substantial Completion Date shall be the sole property of the Principal and Contractor shall have no right to such future improvements unless Contractor makes such improvements, in which case Principal’s license shall extend to and include such Contractor-made improvements, as well. |
18.2 | The Contractor represents and warrants that the Work shall not violate or otherwise infringe on the Intellectual Property Rights of any third party. If either one of the Parties learns of a claim that the Work or any part thereof, infringes on or otherwise violates the Intellectual Property Rights of a third party, the Party became aware of such possible violation or infringement shall promptly give notice with respect to such claim to the other Party. |
18.3 | If the Principal’s use of the Work for the purpose of owning and operating the Plant at the Site, or any part thereof, is enjoined due to a claim made by any third party, the Contractor shall either (i) procure for the Principal the right to continue using the affected Work or (ii) replace such Work with a non-infringing item of a similar function or performance. The Contractor shall further indemnify and hold harmless Principal from any and all claims, losses, damages, fees (including reasonable cost of counsel), expenses and other liabilities arising from or relating to such third-party claim. |
18.4 | The Contractor agrees upon request at any time made by the Principal to give the Principal or any persons authorized by the Principal access to and at the Principal’s expense copies of the material referred to in Article 18.1 and/or which are related to the Plant and/or Work for the sole purpose of owning the Plant and operating it. |
19. | CONFIDENTIALITY |
19.1 | Each Party undertakes to keep in strict confidence any Confidential Information disclosed to any such Party during the negotiations the permitting process, the construction, the delivery the commissioning or the performance of this Agreement, and neither Party shall disclose Confidential Information to any third party and shall only release the Confidential Information to those of its directors, officers, employees or subcontractors on a “need to know basis” for the purpose of this Agreement only (the “ Purpose ”). Each receiving Party shall treat Confidential Information with the same decree of care and apply no lesser security measures than it affords to its own confidential information. The receiving Party warrants that these measures provide adequate protection against unauthorized disclosure, copying or use. |
19.2 | The receiving Party shall make no commercial use of the Confidential Information or use it otherwise than for the Purpose. |
19.3 | Confidential Information may be disclosed if and to the extent: |
19.3.1 | it is required by law, by any relevant securities exchange(s), court order or other authority of competent jurisdiction or any regulatory or government authority to which the receiving Party is subject but in each case only to the extent required and for the purpose of such disclosure; |
19.3.2 | the receiving Party reasonably considers it necessary to disclose the information to its professional advisers, auditors or bankers for the purpose of this Agreement provided that it does so on terms protecting the information; |
19.3.3 | the information has entered the public domain through no fault of the receiving Party; |
19.3.4 | the information was previously disclosed to the receiving Party without any obligation of non disclosure: or |
19.3.5 | the disclosing Party has given its consent in writing to such disclosure. |
19.3.6 | The provision of this clause shall continue to apply notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement and/or the completion of the performance of the Work. |
20. | HEALTH AND SAFETY |
20.1 | The Contractor shall, subject and pursuant to Applicable Law, perform the Work and all its undertakings hereunder having regard to the health and safety of persons involved in the use, construction, occupation, maintenance, repair, modification or demolition of the Work and the Plant and shall: |
20.1.1 | give notices required by Applicable Law, statutes, ordinances, codes, rules and regulations and lawful orders of public authorities bearing on safety of persons or property or their protection from damage, injury and/or loss; and |
20.1.2 | comply with any safety policies produced by the Principal. |
21. | FORCE MAJEURE |
21.1 | Neither of the Parties shall be considered in breach of an obligation under this Agreement or otherwise liable to the other by reason of any delay in performance or non-performance of any of its obligations under this Agreement to the extent and insofar such delay or non-performance is due to an Event of Force Majeure. |
21.2 | The Party affected by the Event of Force Majeure shall, as soon as possible, notify the other Party in venting of the nature and extent of the Event of Force Majeure The notice shall set out the circumstances constituting the Event of Force Majeure event, the obligations which are thereby delayed or prevented, and shall include an estimate of the anticipated delay arising from the Event of Force Majeure. The Party affected by the Event of Force Majeure shall take all reasonable steps to alleviate its effects and shall resume performance as soon as reasonably practicable and shall notify the other Party when the Event of Force Majeure has ended. |
21.3 | In case of an Event of Face Majeure, each Party shall cover its costs caused by the Event of Force Majeure. |
21.4 | Within 14 days after the Event of Force Majeure has ceased, the Contractor shall present its claim if any, for adjustment of the Workflow Plan in accordance with Article 8.4 herein. Any adjustments to the Workflow Plan shall be made with due regard to the delay caused by the Event of Force Majeure. |
21.5 | Nothing herein shall excuse non-performance of those contractual obligations not affected directly or indirectly by the Event of Force Majeure. |
21.6 | If a Party is affected by an Event of Fora Majeure and the written notice in relation to the Event of Force Majeure has not been withdrawn within 120 Days, either Party may terminate this Agreement by saving written notice on the other. The service of such notice shall be without prejudice to any rights or obligations, which have accrued prior to termination. |
22. | VALIDITY & TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT |
22.1 | The Principal may terminate this Agreement if not all the Permits and Related Rights have been obtained by four months from the date hereof provided that such a termination was done at least 30 days prior to the planned starting date of the construction of the Plant at the Site. In such case the Principal shall pay to the Contractor that portion of the Contract Price which is fairly and reasonably attributed to the services and Work that the Contractor has performed pursuant to this Agreement up to the date of such termination. |
22.2 | The Principal may terminate this Agreement before its expiry in the event any one of the following circumstances arises: |
22.2.1 | the Contractor becomes bankrupt or insolvent goes into liquidation, has a receiving or administration order made against nor carries on business under a receiver, trustee or manager for the benefit of its creditors, or if any act is done or event occurs which (under Applicable Law) has a similar effect to any of these acts or events; the Contractor loses its individual license or permit necessary for performing the Work and such loss of permit or license could not be retrieved within a period of 30 days following the dale it was lost or expired; |
22.2.2 | the Contractor is at fault by gross violation of work quality or safety regulations and the fault has not been remedied within five (5) Working Days of a written demand from the Principal; |
22.2.3 | the Contractor substantially violates the terms of this Agreement and has not ceased this violation and remedied the consequences thereof within four (4) weeks of a written demand from the Principal; and |
22.3 | The Contractor may terminate this Agreement before its expiry in the event any one of the following circumstances arises: |
22.3.1 | the Principal becomes bankrupt or insolvent, goes into liquidation, has a receiving or administration order made against it or carries on business under a receiver, trustee or manager for the benefit of its creditors, or if any act is done or event occurs which (under Applicable Law) has a similar effect to any of these acts or events; |
22.3.2 | the Principal substantially violates terms of this Agreement and has not ceased this violation and remedied the consequences thereof within four (4) weeks of a written demand from the Contractor. |
22.3.3 | the Principal fails to reimburse the Contractor in accordance with Article 2.4.2 of this Agreement. |
22.3.4 | the Principal does not pay Contractor any amount due under this Agreement within 30 days after receiving Contractor’s written demand for payment. |
22.4 | Termination of this Agreement due to any reasons must be notified to the other Party by giving proper reasons and substantiated by all relevant documents. |
22.5 | As soon as practicable after the notice under Article 22.3 has taken effect, the Parties shall determine the value of the Work that have been executed by the Contractor prior to the notice of termination, the value of the Delivered Objects or the works performed by the Contractor, and the financial obligations the Contractor has been entered into which could not be terminated and the value of the materials and equipment for which the Principal has made payment. |
22.6 | In the event that this Agreement is terminated due to any of the reasons mentioned herein (save under Article 22.1 and 22.2 ), the Principal shall pay to the Contractor an amount equal to the Contract Price multiplied by the percentage of completion as of the date of termination less any amount which the Principal has already paid to the Contractor in consideration of the Contractor undertaking the Work pursuant to this Agreement. |
23. | FINANCE |
Contractor acknowledges its consent to cooperate with the Principal or any person on its behalf, with respect to the following, to the extent reasonably required for the purpose of allowing the Principal to obtain debt finance with respect to the construction of the Plant: (i) assignment of Principal’s rights hereunder, or any of them to the applicable financing parties, (ii) rending any information with respect to the Work, to the financing parties and otherwise fully and promptly reasonably co-operate with the financing parties, (iii) providing assistance to the financing parties which they may reasonably require in order to evaluate the Plant, the Work, this Agreement and all other matters related to the Plant.
24. | INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR |
The Contractor is acting in the performance of this Agreement as an independent Contractor, and there shall be no employer-employee relationship between him and/or his employees and the Principal. The Contractor shall not be deemed an agent of the Principal and shall not act on the Principal’s behalf and shall not make the Principal liable for its acts or omissions.
25. | ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS |
Except tom at the direction of the Lender, to or at the direction of any party purchasing or benefiting from the investment tax credit applicable to the Plant or any party purchasing the Plant and as act forth in this Article 25 , this Agreement may be assigned only with the prior written consent of the other Party. The Principal may collaterally assign this Agreement and any rights or obligations thereunder to any finance provider or any trustee or agent of any financer as collateral security and in connection therewith; the Contractor shall execute and deliver to such finances’ any consents or other documents reasonably requested by such financer.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Principal may, without prior consent, assign its rights hereunder to a lender and/or trustee acting on behalf of a lender, or any financing entity, which acquires a security interest in Principal or the Plant (collectively, the “ Security Leaders ”) in connection with any financing involving the Plant. In the event of an assignment of Principal’s rights hereunder to any Security Lenders, Contractor shall take such further actions and execute such documents as art reasonably required by such Security Lenders to effectuate such assignment including, without limitation, a consent agreement containing customary tams and conditions in the form attached hereto as Annex 20 . Such customary terms and conditions shall include, but not be limited to, provisions related to extended notice and cure periods to be provided to the Security Lenders; consent, inspection and other rights for the benefit of the Security Lenders; and other terms and accommodations to Security Lenders as are customary for non-recourse project financings. Solely with respect to any Security Lender which acquires a security interest in Principal or this Agreement, and provided Contractor has received written notice from Principal of such interest and request. Contractor shall give written notice to such Security Lender of any default or event of default by Principal under this Agreement.
Each of the Parties will have the right to assign in full or in part its rights under this Agreement to a subsidiary owned by it.
26. | CHANGES TO THE AGREEMENT |
Changes, amendments and corrections to this Agreement shall be made in writing and signed by both Parties.
27. | SEVERABILITY |
27.1 | Should any provision in this Agreement be found by any court or competent authority to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable in any jurisdiction that provision shall be deemed not to be a part of this Agreement and it shall not affect the enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement nor shall it affect the validity, lawfulness or enforceability of that provision in any other jurisdiction. |
27.2 | The Parties agree furthermore to replace an invalid provision by one, which most closely approximates the invalid provision in a legally permissible way. |
28. | ENTIRE AGREEMENT |
28.1 | This Agreement, its annexes and schedules sets out the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings or arrangements (whether oral or written) in aspect of the subject matter of this Agreement. |
28.2 | Each Party acknowledges that it has entered into this Agreement in reliance only on the representations, warranties, promises and terms contained in this Agreement its annexes and schedule and save as expressly set out in this Agreement neither Party shall have any liability in respect of any other representation, warranty or promise made prior to the date of this Agreement unless it was mode fraudulently. |
29. | NOTICES |
Any notice to a Party under this Agreement shall be in writing in the English language, signed by or on behalf of the Party giving it and shall be delivered personally, by pre-paid first class mail, or airmail, if abroad, by overnight courier service to the address of the Party appearing on page one (1) of this Agreement, or as otherwise notified in writing from time to time. A notice shall be deemed to have been saved at the time of delivery, if delivered personally, or forty-eight (48) hours after posting for an address in the United Stator and five (5) Working Days after posting for any other address Principal hereby agrees to provide Contractor all relevant notice details in a timely manner, including, but not limited to, notices to be provided to Lender and or Lenders Engineer. Furthermore, Principal hereby agrees and accepts that all notices addressed to Contractor shall also be sent in copy to:
AUSTEP S.pA.
[]
for the attention of []
30. | ARBITRATION, JURISDICTION, APPLICABLE LAW |
30.1 | Subject to any provisions of this Agreement, which grant any powers to the Ruler, all disputes or claims between the Parties arising out of or related to this Agreement, its subject and/or its validity will be decided by binding arbitration which, unless the Parties mutually agree otherwise in writing, shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Construction Industry Arbitration Rules in effect on the date of this Agreement |
30.2 | The venue of the arbitration will be in the State where the Plant is located. |
30.3 | The applicable law will be the law of the State what the Plant is located: the arbitrator shall (i) apply substantive applicable Law, (ii) shall not be bound by any rules of procedure and or evidence: and (iii) shall give reasons for his ruling. |
30.4 | The language of the arbitration will be English. |
31. | LIMITATIONS ON DAMAGES AND WARRANTIES |
The Parties agree that:
(i) | the Contractor’s liability under this Agreement shall not exceed the Contract Price. |
(ii) | Except as otherwise provided herein and in respect of Delay Liquidated Damages, Contractor shall not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental consequential punitive or exemplary damages regardless of the theory of recovery. |
(iii) | The warranties In this Agreement are exclusive and Contractor disclaims all other warranties of any kind, whether statutory, express, or implied. The remedies in this Agreement are the exclusive remedies of Principal for any failure by Contractor to comply with its warranty obligations in this Agreement, provided however that nothing herein shall abrogate any obligation of the Contractor pursuant to the Service, Maintenance and Operation Agreement or the Performance Guarantee Agreement. |
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
In witness thereof. the Parties have signed this Agreement
Auspark LLC, the Contractor
/s/ Auspark LLC | |
Date: June 6, 2014 |
Obit Energy Charlotte, LLC, the Principal
/s/ Obit Energy Charlotte, LLC | |
Date: June 5, 2014 |
GUARANTEE
Austep S.p.A. (“Austep”), irrevocably, primarily, absolutely and unconditionally guarantees to Principal and its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the foregoing and Lender, the prompt and complete payment and performance when due of the obligations of Contractor under this Agreement, including all amendments, modifications, renewal, or extensions thereto, without regard to the liability or defenses of any other person or the existence of any other security for or guarantee in respect of this Agreement. Austep hereby agrees that any claimant under this guarantee may proceed directly to claim any amount due in a by Contractor directly from Austep provided that (i) it has sent a notice of claim to Contractor and (ii) Contractor has not cured within 60 days from receipt of the notice, and notwithstanding any bankruptcy or insolvency of Contractor. This Guarantee is a guarantee of payment and performance and not of collection, and Austep hereby waives presentiment, protest and notice of acceptance, nonpayment and any and all other notices aid demands whatsoever to which Austep may be entitled and agrees that consent of Austep shall not be required in connection with any modification of or waiver with respect to this Agreement or Contractor’s obligations hereunder. No delay in making demand on Austep shall prejudice any claimant’s rights hereunder. Austep additionally agrees to pay all costs and expenses including attorneys’ fees, incurred by any claimant in enforcing this Guarantee.
Austep S.p.A.
/s/ Austep S.p.A. | |
Date: June 6, 2014 |
Exhibit 10.43
Preamble
Whereas the Principal desires to have a biogas plant with an electrical output capacity of 3.2 MW supplied and built at the Site and engages the Contractor to perform the obligations described in Article 2.1 hereof;
And whereas the Contractor declares that it has the appropriate know-how, experience and skills to supply, design, engineer, procure, assemble, build and commission such a biogas plant at the Site in compliance with Applicable Law ( as defined below ) and the terms and conditions of this Agreement;
And whereas the Parties have agreed to define their respective obligations regarding the supply and building of such biogas plant within the scope of this Agreement;
And whereas AUSTEP USA, Inc., (the controlling entity of AUSPARK LLC) and Orbit Energy Rhode Island, LLC previously agreed to a certain Turnkey Agreement for the Design, Construction and Delivery of a Biogas Plant dated 30 April, 2014 (the “Original Agreement”) pursuant to which Principal ordered from Contractor and Contractor agreed to supply the design, supply, engineering, permitting, procurement, assembly, construction, installation, commissioning and start-up of the Plant on a turnkey basis (as better defined therein);
And whereas pursuant to Article 25 of the Original Agreement AUSTEP USA, Inc. has assigned to AUSPARK LLC the Original Agreement;
And whereas the Parties desire to amend and restate the Original Agreement to reflect certain agreed changes. For clarification reasons only it is clearly stated that this Restated Agreement shall replace and supersede the Original Agreement in its entirety, and once this Amended and Restated Agreement is signed by the Parties it shall become the sole valid Agreement between the Parties with regards to the Project.
NOW, THEREFORE the Parties have agreed as follows:
The preamble to this Agreement is an integral part thereof.
1. | DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION |
1.1 | In this Agreement specific words and expressions shall have the meaning given to them in the following Definitions and as otherwise stated in the Agreement. |
1
“ Agreement ” means this Amended and Restated Turnkey Agreement for the Design, Construction and Delivery of a Biogas Plant between Principal and Contractor, entered into as of April 7, 2015, together with all annexes and attachments hereto (each of the foregoing, as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof);
“ Applicable Law ” means all laws, regulations, orders, rules, directions, judgments, and directives in force from time to time, which in any way govern, apply to, affect or impinge upon any of the matters relating to the Plant or the Work, or the performance of any obligations under this Agreement;
“ Certificate of Final Completion ” means a Certificate of Final Completion, substantially in the form shown on Annex 13A , which is executed and delivered by Contractor and countersigned by Principal in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
“ Certificate of Mechanical Completion ” means a Certificate of Mechanical Completion, substantially in the form shown on Annex 13B , which is executed and delivered by Contractor and countersigned by Principal in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
“ Certificate of Substantial Completion ” means a Certificate of Substantial Completion, substantially in the form shown on Annex 13C , which is executed and delivered by Contractor and countersigned by Principal in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
“ COD Readiness Date ” means the date as defined in the Workflow Plan;
“ Change Order ” has the meaning given to it by Article 9 ;
“ CHP Units ” means the MWM Units or Caterpillar G3520C generator sets and related equipment;
“ Commercial Operation ” means that, and shall be deemed to have occurred when, the Plant has achieved commercial operation, as such term is defined in the PPA;
“ Commercial Operation Date ” or “COD” means the date that the Plant has achieved Commercial Operation as defined in the EPC Agreement by reference to the definition in the PPA;
“ Commercial Operation Guaranteed Date ” means December 12th 2015 (as may be extended due to Events of Force Majeure or delays due to Principal, but only to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement), provided that Principal has delivered the Full Notice to Proceed no later than April 7, 2015; notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that in order for Principal to deliver the Full Notice to Proceed, Contractor shall have already procured the performance and payment bonds described in Section 10.7 hereof and in the event that Contractor fails to procure such bonds prior to April 6, 2015, then Principal shall be released from the obligation to deliver the Full Notice to Proceed prior to such date (although the December 12th, 2015 Commercial Operation Guaranteed Date will remain in full force and effect, as may be extended due to Events of Force Majeure or other delays due to Principal to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement);
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“ Commissioning ” has the meaning given to it by Article 12.5 ;
“ Commissioning Date ” has the meaning given to it by Article 12.5 ;
“ Confidential Information ” means all information disclosed, whether or not designated, marked or stamped as confidential, by each Party to the other Party, orally or in writing, embodying or concerning the disclosing Party’s business (or its parent or subsidiary companies’), business plans, investments, equity ownership, customers, strategies, trade secrets, inventions, discoveries, developments, improvements, intellectual properties, manufacturing processes, distributors, operations, records, financial information, assets, technology, software source code and object code, or other data and information that reveals the processes, methodologies, technology or know how by which each Party’s (and their respective parent or subsidiary companies’) existing or future products, services, applications and methods of operation are developed, conducted or operated;
“ Construction Documents ” means (1) all contracts related to the construction of the Plant, including this Agreement; (2) the Power Purchase Agreement (to the extent such Power Purchase Agreement is related to or affects construction or engineering matters); (3) the Interconnection Agreement (to the extent that such Interconnection Agreement relates to construction, or engineering matters); and (4) any subcontracts with Subcontractors, materialmen, laborers, or any other person for performance of work on the Plant or the delivery of materials to the Plant, and all amendments, modifications and supplements with respect to the foregoing documents and any replacements, renewals, extensions or restatements thereof, and any substitutes therefore, in whole or in part;
“ Contractor ” means the Party named as the Contractor on page 1;
“ Contract Price ” means the contract price as detailed under Article 6.1 of this Agreement and as the same may be varied from time to time in accordance with this Agreement;
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“ Defect Notice ” a written notice from the Principal to the Contractor which includes details of any defect, default or malfunction in the Plant;
“ Delay Liquidated Damages ” means the greater of (a) the amount of forty eight thousand United States dollars ($48,000) that Contractor will pay to Principal for each week that Contractor fails to achieve Substantial Completion after the Substantial Completion Guaranteed Date in accordance with Article 12.7.3 , or (b) the aggregate amount that Principal is obligated to pay to Power Purchaser as damages under the PPA in accordance with Article 12.8.1 , or (c) any failure of the Plant to meet specified power output standards in accordance with the PPA, up to a total of six hundred and ninety thousand dollars ($690,000) provided, however, that delays, to the extent caused by Events of Force Majeure, or acts or omissions of Principal (including acts or omissions of entities or individuals under Principal’s control) in violation of express obligations in this Agreement, will not be counted against Contractor. Delay Liquidated Damages will be the Principal’s sole and exclusive remedies for Contractor’s failure to achieve Substantial Completion by the Substantial Completion Guaranteed Date (Contractor and Principal each agree that the foregoing sets forth a reasonable amount and reasonable formula for calculation of liquidated damages in light of the anticipated harm caused by such delay; that such harm would otherwise be difficult or impossible to calculate or ascertain; and that the foregoing consists of liquidated damages and not of a penalty);” Delivered Objects ” means all the materials and works to be supplied by the Contractor to the Principal in accordance with this Agreement;
“ Effective Date ” means November 3, 2014;
“ Equipment ” means the equipment described in the Scope of Works attached hereto as Annex 1 ;
“ Event of Force Majeure ” means any occurrence, other than: (a) the lack of financial or operational capability of a Party (b) an event caused by the Contractor or any Party over whom it has control, including its Subcontractors; or (c) a Party’s ability or inability to sell or to purchase equipment or materials or equivalents thereof or any component thereof to or from a market or customers at any given price, including one that is a more advantageous price, which (i) prevents or delays a Party from performing its obligations under this Agreement (except an obligation to pay any amount) within the time required for the performance of such obligation, (ii) is not due to the fault or negligence of the claiming Party on such occurrence; (iii) at the time of such occurrence, is beyond the reasonable control of the Party required by this Agreement to perform such obligation and such Party is unable to reasonably prevent or provide against such occurrence; and (iv) at the time this Agreement was executed, could not have been reasonably contemplated by the claiming Party on such occurrence; for greater certainty, an Event of Force Majeure shall include, but not be limited to, acts of God such as hurricanes and earthquakes; strikes, lock out or other form of industrial action; outbreak of hostilities; or civil disturbance or acts of terrorism, fire, explosion, flood, theft or malicious damage;
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“ Extreme Weather Conditions ” means weather conditions which make the continuation of the Work on Site impracticable or impossible for objective reasons, including any weather condition or applicable safety regulation that requires and/or necessitates the temporary suspension of construction activities;
“ Final Completion ” means that, and shall be deemed to have occurred when: (a) Substantial Completion has occurred and all conditions precedent to Final Completion set forth in Article 12.9 have been satisfied in full; (b) the Plant is capable of Commercial Operation (c) all Punch List Items have been completed (except for such items that Principal agrees in writing may be delayed); (d) all warranties, design materials, operation and maintenance manuals, schematics, spare parts lists, design and engineering documents, performance testing data, “as-built” drawings and surveys, and such other items as are required by the Construction Documents and the Service, Operation and Maintenance Agreement have been delivered to Principal; (e) all other duties and obligations of Contractor and Subcontractors under this Agreement have been fully performed; (f) all of the Subcontractor’s personnel, supplies, equipment, waste materials, rubbish and temporary facilities have been removed from the Site; (g) Contractor has submitted to Principal lien waivers and releases from every Subcontractor, supplier or other entity providing products or services in connection with this Agreement, provided that Contractor is allowed the opportunity to provide a bond to satisfy any remaining Subcontractor claims; and (h) all other requirements in this Agreement with respect to completion of the Plant have been satisfied. Final Completion shall not occur until a Certificate of Final Completion has been executed by both Parties. Additionally, if requested by Financier as a prerequisite to closing financing, Financier’s Engineer’s will execute its confirmation of Final Completion in the form set forth in Annex 13D;
“ Final Completion Guaranteed Date ” means the date that is fifteen (15) months from the Starting Date of Construction as it may be extended to the extent delays are caused by Events of Force Majeure or actions or omissions of the Principal;
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“ Financier ” means (as applicable) any financing entity that enters into an agreement with the Principal for debt or equity financing of the construction of the Plant;
“ Financier’s Engineer ” means (as applicable) the engineer (if any) that Financier utilizes for its due diligence on the Plant;
“ Full Notice to Proceed ” means a Full Notice to Proceed, substantially in the form shown on Annex 23A , delivered to Contractor in accordance with Article 3.2 of this Agreement; provided, however, if Principal delivers the Full Notice to Proceed to Contractor after April 7, 2015 but prior to April 18, 2015, the milestone dates set forth in the Workflow Plan shall be automatically extended on a day-for-day basis unless otherwise agreed between the Parties; provided further, however, if the Principal does not deliver the Full Notice to Proceed by April 18, 2015, the Parties shall meet to negotiate a new Workflow Plan and any other amendment necessary to the Agreement. If the Parties do not reach an agreement within 7 days of delivery of a Full Notice to Proceed that occurs after April 18, 2015, or a different deadline as agreed upon by the Parties, either Party may terminate the Agreement. In case of termination of this Agreement, Principal shall reimburse Contractor for all disbursements paid by Contractor under this Agreement as set forth in an invoice or Purchase Order and indemnify it from any request of third parties in relation to the performance of this Agreement except in cases where Contractor default is the cause of such termination or in instances where a negligent or willfull action or omission of Contractor is the impetus for such third party action;
“ ITC Readiness Date ” means the date on which the plant must achieve COD in order to qualify for state and federal investment tax credits, and shall be the date set forth in the Workflow Plan;
“ Intellectual Property Rights ” shall mean the intangible legal rights, titles and interests evidenced by or embodied in (a) any idea, design, concept, technique, invention, discovery, or improvement thereon, whether or not patentable, but including patents, patent applications and patent disclosures (together with all re- issuances, continuations, continuations-in-part, revisions, extensions, and re-examinations thereof), and (b) any work of authorship, whether or not copyrightable, but including copyrights and any moral rights recognized by law, and (c) all trademarks, trade names, trade dress, trade secrets, know-how and Confidential Information, and (d) any other similar rights, on a worldwide basis;
“ Interconnection Agreement ” means that certain agreement between Principal and Power Purchaser, to be entered into subsequent to the date hereof, and any and all attachments, exhibits and schedules thereto (each as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof) setting forth the terms and conditions under which the Plant will be connected to the Power Purchaser’s electrical system;
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“ Layout ” means the flow-chart attached at Annex 2 ;
“ Manual ” means the manual for operation of the Plant to be provided in accordance with Article 10.2;
“ Mechanical Completion ” means that, and shall be deemed to have occurred when: (a) construction of the Plant has been completed in accordance with the Plans and Specifications; (b) all Equipment and other components of the Plant has passed all standard and required electrical testing, hypot, megger testing, flushing and pressure testing of piping, and all other applicable testing, per codes and guides, including any applicable Machinery Application and Installation Guides; and (c) the Plant is ready to be tested and commissioned (Mechanical Completion shall not occur until a Certificate of Mechanical Completion has been executed by each of the Parties), as may be bifurcated with the consent of the Principal in accordance with Section 12.4 hereof Additionally, if requested by Financier as a prerequisite to closing financing, Financier’s Engineer’s will execute its confirmation of Mechanical Completion in the form set forth in Annex 13D;
“ Party ” means either the Principal or Contractor and “Parties” shall be construed accordingly;
“ Payment Amount ” means a portion of the Contract Price according to the Schedule of Values for which Contractor shall invoice in accordance with Article 7 .
“ Performance Guarantee Agreement ” means the performance guarantee agreement pursuant to which Contractor guarantees from the Substantial Completion Date a gross annual production of 25,228,800 kWh of electricity for a term of two years, as measured in accordance with the Agreement in Annex 24 ;
“ Performance Test ” means the off-grid and on-grid performance test to be performed on the Plant during the Probation Period as set out in Article 12.6 and in accordance with the terms of the Testing Protocols;
“ Permitted Changes ” means such changes as are consented to by Principal in writing;
“ Permits and Related Rights ” means all city, county, state, federal, governmental, or other permits, authorizations, tags, licenses, certificates, and any other documents, instruments, agreements, requisite approvals or rights necessary in order to construct the Plant and in order to use and operate the Plant, including environmental, construction, operating and air permits, licenses and other rights;
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“ Plans and Specifications ” means the plans and specifications for the Plant that are referenced in the Construction Documents together with any Permitted Changes;
“ Plant ” means the biogas plant to be constructed on the Site and capable of producing biogas and generating electrical power with an output capacity of 3.2 MW to be designed, engineered, procured, constructed, tested and commissioned under this Agreement;
“ Plant Operational Manager ” means the person appointed by the Principal to be the operational manager of the Plant as notified by the Principal to the Contractor;
“ PPA ” means that certain Power Purchase Agreement, dated May 26, 2011, as amended October 12, 2011, and as further amended December 9, 2013, and January 7, 2015 between Principal and Power Purchaser and all Exhibits and Schedules attached; each as amended, supplemented, modified, replaced, renewed, extended or restated in accordance with the terms hereof, as of the date of the Agreement;
“ Power Purchaser ” means the Narragansett Electric Company d/b/a National Grid, a Rhode Island Corporation;
“ Preliminary Performance Test ” means the performance test to be performed - in accordance with the specific section of the terms of the Testing Protocols on the Plant regarding only the power production and during which the Plant is capable of producing 3.2 MW for one hour, as set out in Article 12.6;
“ Principal ” means the Party named as the Principal on page 1 of this Agreement;
“ Principal Permits ” means (i) air quality permit, (ii) the solid waste permit, (iii) industrial pretreatment permit, (iv) industrial stormwater no-exposure permit the cost of which is to be borne 100% by Principal; it being understood that delay in obtaining Principal Permits will not result in a delay imputable to Contractor and all deadlines shall be modified accordingly in the result of a delay from any scheduled due date for such Principal Permits;
“ Probation Period ” means the period of 90 days following the Commissioning of the Plant;
“ Punch List Items ” means, with respect to the Plant, those items of work approved by Principal minor in nature, which have not been completed by Contractor as of the date of issuance of the Certificate of Substantial Completion and which are not material to the operation of the Plant in the normal course of business and which can be completed without interfering with the operation of the Plant;
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“ Ruler ” means or any other person nominated pursuant to a written agreement among the Parties; in the absence of such agreement by the seventh (7) Working Day following a written request made by any Party for the nomination of the Ruler, the Ruler shall be appointed by the chairman of the American Association of Engineers. With respect to any disputes relating to a technical issue and\ or of a technical nature under this Agreement (including any annexes thereof): (i) the relevant technical matter (including without limitation, unless explicitly indicated otherwise herein) with respect to any financial aspects thereof and with respect to any changes to the Workflow Plan insofar as they pertain to a technical dispute) shall be exclusively decided by the Ruler, (ii) the Ruler’s opinion shall be final, undisputable and non appealable, and the Parties will be finally bound thereby, and (iii) the Ruler shall give reasons for its ruling, but will not be subject to any procedural Law; (iv) Ruler’ fees shall be borne by the losing Party, or as decided by the Ruler;
“ Schedule of Values ” means the schedule of the components of the Contract Price, which is attached hereto as Annex 8 ;
“ Scope of Works ” means the description of the Work as defined in Article 2.2 and attached at Annex 1 ;
“ Service, Maintenance and Operation Agreement ” means the agreement between the Principal and Contractor for the services, maintenance and operation in respect of the Plant attached hereto as Annex 18 ;
“ Site ” means Shun Pike and Scituate Avenue, Johnston, RI;
“ Starting Date Of Construction ” means the date on which construction is commenced, which must be within 15 days following the delivery by the Principal of the Full Notice to Proceed (so long as it becomes legally permissible for the Contractor to commence the Work at the Site within such period);
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“ Subcontractor ” has the meaning given to it by Article 5.4.1 of this Agreement;
“ Substantial Completion ” means that, and shall be deemed to have occurred when the Plant has been constructed, successfully tested and commissioned such that, among other things: (a) the Plant (i) is operating within all the specified parameters and otherwise in compliance with the provisions of the Construction Documents and has satisfied all conditions precedent set forth in Article 12.7 hereof, (ii) has achieved Mechanical Completion, (iii) has all Permits and Related Rights and (iv) is operating and generating the specified output pursuant to the Construction Documents and the PPA, has achieved Commercial Operation, as defined in the PPA, and is supplying power to the Power Purchaser in full accordance with the PPA, provided that (i) Client has provided the Plant with sufficient substrates in line with the initial recipes defined by Contractor for the initial commissioning of the Plant (as indicated in Annex 14 — Table of Quality and Quantity Substrates Deviances) and (ii) the PPA is then in force and the Plant has achieved interconnection with the grid (which, for the avoidance of doubt, is Principal’s responsibility and (iii) no Extreme Weather Conditions occurred during the construction period delaying the continuity of Work; (b) a successful operational performance test of the Plant for its intended use shall have been completed demonstrating that Plant performance criteria of electrical generation, heat rate and emission levels have been met and are satisfactory; and (c) Principal shall have received from Contractor satisfactory evidence that all payrolls, bills, and other costs and expenses relating to the work performed under the Construction Documents have been paid or otherwise satisfied (including lien waivers and releases, from every Subcontractor and every other Person who provided labor, material, equipment or supplies for the work or the Plant) (Substantial Completion shall not occur until a Certificate of Substantial Completion has been executed by all appropriate parties. Additionally, if requested by Financier as a prerequisite to closing financing, Financier’s Engineer’s will execute its confirmation of Substantial Completion in the form set forth in Annex 13D.;
“ Substantial Completion Date ” means the date the Certificate of Substantial Completion is executed by all parties;
“ Substantial Completion Guaranteed Date ” means the date that is no later than thirteen (13) months after the Starting Date of Construction as extended (if applicable) for so long as necessary (i) for the Power Purchaser to connect the Plant to the grid, so long as delay is not caused by Contractor’s default of its obligations under this Agreement; (ii) to account for extreme weather conditions during construction and/or due to Events of Force Majeure; (iii) to account for or delays due to any actions or omissions of Principal in breach of this Agreement, including Principal’s delay in providing the Plant with Sufficient Substrates; or (iv) as required due to changes to the Workflow Plan agreed to by Principal;
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“ Successfully Complete ” or “ Successful Completion ” means with respect to the Performance Test that (a) the Performance Test was completed in accordance with the Testing Protocols and (b) the results from such Performance Test demonstrate that the performance parameters set forth in the Testing Protocols have been achieved;
“ Testing Protocols ” means those protocols pursuant to which the Performance Tests shall be carried out as further set forth in Annex 19 to this Agreement (which Testing Protocols shall also include performance parameters that must be met by the Plant in order to achieve Substantial Completion, such as input measures of volatile solids and resulting methane production as well as performance criteria of electrical generation, heat rate and emission levels for the CHP Units);
“ Work ” has the meaning set forth in Article 2.1 hereof;
“ Working Hours ” means from 8 am till 5 pm local time;
“ Workflow Plan ” means the workflow plan attached at Annex 7 to this Agreement; and,
“ Working Day ” means a day other than a Saturday or Sunday or a day, which is a public or bank holiday in the United States.
1.2 | In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires: |
1.2.1 | words in the singular include the plural and vice versa and words in one gender include any other gender. |
1.2.2 | a reference to a statute or statutory provision includes: |
1.2.2.1 | any subordinate legislation made under it; |
1.2.2.2 | any repealed statute or statutory provision which it re-enacts (with or without modifications); and |
1.2.2.3 | any statute or statutory provision which modifies, consolidates, re-enacts or supersedes it whether such statute or statutory provision comes into force before or after the date of this Agreement. |
1.2.3 | a reference to: |
1.2.3.1 | any Party includes it’s successors in title and permitted assigns; |
1.2.3.2 | a “person” includes any individual, firm, body corporate, association or partnership, government or state (whether or not having a separate legal personality); |
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1.2.3.3 | clauses and schedules is to clauses of and schedules to this Agreement and references to sub-clauses and paragraphs are references to sub-clauses or and paragraphs of the clause or schedule in which they appear; and |
1.2.3.4 | any provision of this Agreement is to that provision as amended in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. |
2. | SUBJECT OF THE AGREEMENT |
2.1 | The Principal orders from the Contractor, and the Contractor agrees to supply, the design, supply, engineering, permitting (as detailed under the Responsibility Matrix - Annex 10), procurement, assembly, construction, installation, commissioning and start-up of the Plant on a turnkey basis at the Site and the training of Principal’s staff in the operation of the Plant, all in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (collectively, the “ Work ”). The Principal represents and warrants as of the date of the Full Notice to Proceed that it has the right to use the Site and to construct the Plant thereupon. For the avoidance of doubt, it is agreed that the Contractor will not be responsible for any services or equipment to be provided by the Power Purchaser in respect of interconnection to the grid, which shall be described in the Interconnection Agreement, but will be responsible for the supply of transformers and connection of CHP Units to the transformers. |
2.2 | Contractor agrees that the Work shall conform to the Scope of Works in Annex 1 , the Flow Chart in Annex 2 and the Preliminary Plans and Specifications in Annex 3 . |
2.3 | The Contractor represents that it has visited and inspected the Site and has observed and become familiar with the local conditions under which the Work is to be performed. With regard to the Site soil, Principal hereby represents that it will have the following characteristics: (i) specific soil loading more than 1.2 kg/cm2, (ii) no contaminations that require removal, (iii) no archaeological items that must be preserved under Applicable Law and (iv) no other impediments or structures existing underground at the Site that must be preserved in such a manner as to materially and adversely affect the performance of the obligations of Contractor under this Agreement. Contractor shall deliver the soil survey to be attached as Annex 5 as soon as practicable. |
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2.4 | Precedence |
2.4.1 | In the event of contradictions between the individual components of this Agreement, the Contractor shall notify the Principal as soon as it becomes aware of such a contradiction, and will seek for an agreed solution with the Principal. If consent is not reached between the Parties, the following order of precedence will apply: (i) this Agreement excluding its annexes, (ii) the Scope of Work in Annex 1 , (iii) the Table of Quality and Quantity Substrates Deviances in Annex 14 , (iv) the Responsibility Matrix in Annex 10 , (v) Plans and Specifications in Annex 3 , (vi) the Work Flow Plan in Annex 7 and, to the extent not listed above, the remaining annexes in the order in which they appear in the Table of Annexes on page 3 above. |
2.4.2 | Changes in the Applicable Law affecting the Work that become effective after the Effective Date of this Agreement may result in changed specifications and a changed Contract Price, subject to agreement by the Parties. In the event that such changes result in an increase of at least 10% of the Contract Price, the Principal shall have the right to terminate (by written notice within twenty (20) Working Days from receipt of notice from the Contractor) this Agreement due to such price increase. If the Principal exercises its right of termination, the Principal shall reimburse the Contractor for proven expenses incurred to-date, plus 5% of the proven expenses amount as reimbursement of Contractor overhead costs (which reimbursement shall not include the increase being sought under the circumstances described in this paragraph). For the avoidance of doubt, dismantling costs to be incurred by Contractor, if any, shall be paid on top of the Principal’s reimbursement under this Article. If the Principal does not terminate the Agreement in strict accordance with the terms of this paragraph within the specified time, the Parties shall enter into a Change Order reflecting the mutually agreed upon adjustment to the Contact Price and the Schedule of Values. The Workflow Plan shall also be amended to reflect any agreed resulting changes. Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary, if the Parties are unable to agree the amount of increase in Contract Price to reflect changed specifications due to changes in Applicable Law, and Principal does not exercise its right of termination, then the Contractor shall perform such work on a cost-plus basis using a rate of fifteen percent (15%) profit thereon. |
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3. | AUTHORITY |
3.1 | Each of the Parties hereby confirms to each other Party that: (i) it has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement, (ii) its board of directors, managing member or general partner, as applicable, has taken all actions required by any Applicable Law to duly and validly authorize and approve the execution and performance by such Party of this Agreement, (iii) no other corporate proceedings on the part of such Party are, or will be, necessary under any Applicable Law to authorize this Agreement, (iv) neither the execution nor the performance by such Party of this Agreement (a) contravenes or conflicts with such Party’s memorandum of association or articles of association or any other governance document, or (b) contravenes or conflicts with or constitutes a violation of any provision of any Applicable Law binding upon or applicable to such Party, (v) no agreement to which such Party is a party prohibits or imposes any constraints on such Party’s power to execute or perform this Agreement or on such Party’s power to become bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement, and (vi) this Agreement has been duly and validly executed by such Party and assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the other Party, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Parties, enforceable against each of them in accordance with their respective terms, subject to laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies. |
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3.2 | This Agreement will be valid and in full force from the Effective Date hereof and the Contractor shall be bound to commence the Work in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, including but not limited to the tasks specified under the Responsibility Matrix - Annex 10 hereto. For the avoidance of doubt, upon the later to occur of the Effective Date, the delivery of the documents required pursuant to Article 11.1 hereof, the receipt and execution of the Service, Maintenance and Operation Agreement and the Performance Guarantee Agreement, Permits and Related Rights necessary to commence work, Principal shall deliver a Full Notice to Proceed to Contractor. |
4. | CONTRACTOR’S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |
Contractor hereby represents and warrants that:
4.1 | Contractor has the knowledge, skill, financial resources, human resources, and experience required for the purpose of performing Contractor’s undertakings pursuant to herein and hereunder; the Work shall be carried out by Contractor on a turn-key, lump-sum basis in accordance with the time schedule and performance criteria set forth in this Agreement, subject to adjustments in the Contract Price and the Substantial Completion Date as may be made from time to time, and in accordance with this Agreement and Applicable Law. |
4.2 | The consideration with respect to the Plant shall, subject to this Agreement, take into account all risks that may be associated with the Contractor’s duties pursuant to Article 2.1 , which based on the Contractor’s experience might be involved in such a project, and such agreed Contract Price represents the Contractor’s acknowledgement of the sufficiency of the consideration for the Work to be provided with respect thereto. |
4.3 | The Contractor shall, subject to this Agreement, be solely responsible, and shall bear all liabilities, with respect to the Plant from the commencement of the Work and until Substantial Completion Date (including the supply of all necessary information, documents, materials and assistance in the attainment of applicable electricity production permits and licenses) with respect thereto. |
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4.4 | The characteristics of the Site, as inspected and assessed by Contractor and\or by professional experts on its behalf are known to the Contractor, and are suitable for the Work and operation of the Plant and for the provision of all other services of the Contractor hereunder. |
4.5 | No proceedings for the bankruptcy, winding up, insolvency, or reorganization of or for any moratorium or scheme of arrangement or any other similar proceedings relating to the Contractor, under any Applicable Law, including according to the country of its incorporation are outstanding, the Contractor is not insolvent or is not expected to become insolvent under the Laws applicable to it according to the country of its incorporation. |
5. | GENERAL OBLIGATIONS AND AUTHORITY OF THE PARTIES |
5.1 | The Contractor shall exercise the reasonable skill and care to be expected of a prudent contractor undertaking works similar in size, scope, nature and complexity to the Work in performance of, and Contractor shall perform, all of the following: |
5.1.1 | Apply for and obtain (or, with respect to the Principal Permits, provide any and all technical and other assistance in obtaining) the Permits and Related Rights. Any changes in the Applicable Law resulting in additional permits or any changes thereof shall be performed by the Contractor based on the mechanism defined under clause 2.4.2 above. For the avoidance of doubt, it is agreed that Principal will be responsible and pay for the Principal Permits. |
5.1.2 | Prepare all documents and\or plans as may be required in order to perform the Work and all its other obligations under this Agreement, and submit all required material and applications, for the purpose of obtaining the Permits and Related Rights, through qualified personnel or advisers and in such quality that is required for the obtainment of the Permits and Related Rights and the Contractor shall maintain at all times at its own expense the Permits and Related Rights that are required for the performance of the Work under Applicable Law. |
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5.1.3 | Take all required safety precautions and measures pursuant to Applicable Law with respect to the performance of Contractor’s undertakings pursuant to this Agreement. The Contractor shall be responsible for the compliance with safety, security and health regulations, all in accordance with Applicable Law. |
5.1.4 | Complete the Work in the Site as explicitly specified under this Agreement in an efficient and professional manner, promptly following receipt of any and all Permits and Related Rights that are required in full and timely accordance with the Workflow Plan, subject to adjustments as provided in this Agreement and good industry practice. |
5.1.5 | Throughout the entire construction period, be fully responsible for all parts and components, which are delivered to the Site and carry out any action reasonably required for the safekeeping, security, storage, retrieving and cataloguing thereof. |
5.1.6 Transfer the Plant to the Principal subject to, and in accordance with, the terms and provisions of this Agreement and in accordance with the specifications set forth in this Agreement.
5.1.7 | Remove from the Site, within a reasonable time following the Delivery of the Plant to the Principal, any instrument, material, part, component, and\or any other object located in the Site, which was brought to the Site by Contractor and\or any person on its behalf, including Subcontractors, and which does not form part of the Plant pursuant to the specifications documents, in such manner that will enable the proper activation and commercial operation of the Plant pursuant to this Agreement, to the satisfaction of the Principal. |
5.1.8 | Until Substantial Completion Date, Contractor will (i) perform the Work related to the start-up and commissioning of the Plant, including, but not limited to, feeding-in the substrates that are supplied by Principal, (ii) arrange and pay for the provision of electricity, water, fire protection, sewage and waste disposal services related to the performance of the Work or any other obligations of Contractor hereunder and (iii) bear and pay 100% of the costs of the Plant and the Work of any nature. In this connection, it is agreed and understood that (i) Principal shall not be required to participate in or incur any cost or expense in respect of the Plant or the Work until Substantial Completion has been achieved and (ii) Contractor shall be entitled to receive any and all revenues to be generated from or in respect of the Plant until the Substantial Completion Date. Principal shall make such arrangements and enter into such agreements as may be necessary for Contractor to receive such revenue. |
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5.1.9 | Develop more detailed Testing Protocols in form and substance satisfactory to Contractor, Principal within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date to be added to Annex 19 . Thereafter, the Testing Protocols shall include such additional details. |
5.1.10 | Perform ongoing quality tests in accordance with the Testing Protocols, with respect to the works carried out thereby and\or by any Subcontractor in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement |
5.1.11 | Carry out the Work in compliance with Applicable Law. The Contractor shall also comply with all of its requirements set out in Annex 7 . |
5.1.12 | If the Contractor [or its affiliates] is not or ceases to be the party operating the Plant pursuant to the Service, Maintenance and Operation Agreement, provide the Principal and its personnel and replacement service providers (up to 5 people) with training and instruction enabling them to fully and safely operate the Plant after the Substantial Completion Date in compliance with Applicable Law and to perform the Operation Services as such term is defined in the Service, Maintenance and Operation Agreement. Such training shall be at Contractor’s expense, last up to three months and fully take place either prior to the Substantial Completion Date or prior to the date on which Contractor ceases to be the party operating or to operate the Plant. |
5.1.13 | Provide the Principal with detailed instructions necessary for the proper and safe use of any materials and/or equipment and/or components supplied and/or used in the Plant and which are necessary to ensure the proper and safe operation of the Plant. |
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5.1.14 | Give all the notices for inspections necessary for the proper execution and completion of the Work pursuant to this Agreement. |
5.1.15 | Deliver the Plant on a turnkey basis when it is operating and after it has achieved Substantial Completion. |
5.1.16 | Enter into, or cause an affiliate to enter into, the Service, Maintenance and Operation Agreement; enter into, or cause an affiliate to enter into, and the Performance Guarantee Agreement; and deliver an insurance policy or an alternative financial instrument acceptable to the Principal on the date on which the Performance Guarantee Agreement becomes effective in accordance with its terms, issued by an insurance company or a financial institute acceptable to Principal in support of the Contractor’s obligations with respect to the Performance Guarantee set forth in such Performance Guarantee Agreement. |
5.1.17 | Use equipment for which there is availability of support and spare parts on the open market on commercially reasonable terms and timing. The Contractor declares that the List of Spare Parts as attached to the Service, Maintenance and Operation Agreement under Annex 18 covers the required spare parts to be used during the first year of operation. |
5.1.18 | Cooperate with the Principal and its nominated parties such as the financing entities in addition to Article 5.3.4 below, enable third party engineering inspections during normal business hours; and provide information and data on the Work progress if requested. |
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5.2 | Quality and Description |
5.2.1 | Insofar as the brand of the materials and components to be used in the Work and/or in the Plant has not been specified in the Scope of Works, the Contractor shall choose such new, unused materials and components provided that they are in conformity with the Scope of Works, are recognized and accredited in the biogas industry or have similar or better technical characteristics or are of the same or a higher standard than those materials and components included in the Scope of Works. Notwithstanding the above, the brand of materials and components (to the extent not specified in the Scope of Works) to be used in the Work and/or in the Plant shall be approved in advance and in writing by the Principal. The Principal will have ten (10) Working Days after receipt of the relevant information to make such approval. If the Principal does not approve the materials or components within the said period, then the Contractor shall propose alternative components. For the avoidance of doubt, it is agreed that such approval will not relieve the Contractor from any responsibility or liability arising from the brand of materials and components, except for components, which based on the Contractor’s sole discretion are irreplaceable or mandatory for the Site performance. All materials and components specified in the Scope of Works shall also be new, unused materials and components. |
5.2.2 | The Contractor shall use the standard of reasonable skill and care to be expected of a prudent contractor undertaking works similar in size, scope, nature and complexity to the Work hereunder to verify that the Work shall: |
5.2.2.1 | Conform strictly with the quantity, specifications, quality and description of the Work detailed in the Scope of Works and with all requirements of Applicable Law; |
5.2.2.2 | Be of sound materials and workmanship; |
5.2.2.3 | Be in strict compliance with the Plans and Specifications referred to in this Agreement and as set forth in the Scope of Works, including but not limited to Annexes 1 and 3; |
5.2.2.4 | Comply with the high standard of performance specified in this Agreement. |
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5.2.3 | All Work under this Agreement shall be performed by suitably qualified and competent personnel. |
5.3 | Representatives of the Parties |
5.3.1 | Each Party shall designate a person who will represent it in all contact with the other Party. All communications between such designated person and the other Party will be deemed as carried out between the Parties themselves. |
5.3.2 | The Parties hereby state that their designated representatives set out in this Agreement have the authority to act on their behalf in all matters concerning this Agreement. Each Party may, by giving at least three (3) days prior written notice to the other Party, replace its representative. |
5.3.3 | The representative may delegate specific tasks to one or more persons appointed by the representative or deputy. In any such case, the other Party’s representative shall be notified of the authority given to such appointed person or persons. |
5.3.4 | The representatives of the Principal shall be afforded access to the Site during Working Hours. The same access shall be afforded to the persons authorized by the Principal’s representatives or to the Contractor’s representatives following the Substantial Completion Date. The Principal’s representative or any person authorized by him to access the Site shall comply with reasonable instructions or directions, provided that the Principal and any of its representatives will follow all the health and safety regulations as instructed by the Contractor. |
5.4 | Subcontracting |
5.4.1 | Contractor shall be entitled to perform part, but not all, of the Work pursuant to this Agreement, through subcontractors that shall be: (a) hired by Contractor; and (b) have the knowledge, skill, financial resources, human resources, and experience required for the purpose of performing the tasks assigned thereto in a professional manner and in accordance with good industry practice (each, herein, a “ Subcontractor ”). The Principal shall have the right to disapprove any Subcontractor and demand the dismissal and/or replacement of a Subcontractor whose work quality and ability to meet deadlines the Principal has justified reasons to doubt. |
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5.4.2 | The Contractor shall use reasonable efforts to integrate similar terms and conditions as detailed under this Agreement into the subcontracts entered with its Subcontractors. The Contractor shall be responsible to the Principal for the acts and\or omissions of its Subcontractors and\or any employee thereof with respect to the delivery and performance of this Agreement, to the same extent as the Contractor is responsible to the Principal for the acts and\or omissions of the Contractor and its employees and as if such act and\or omission was taken or omitted, as applicable, by Contractor and\or any employee thereof. Entry into any subcontract shall not relieve the Contractor of any of its obligations under this Agreement, including the obligations to perform the Work in accordance with this Agreement. |
5.4.3 | Without limiting the scope of Contractor’s liability under Article 5.4.2 hereof, the Contractor further agrees to use reasonable efforts to obtain from its Subcontractors similar warranties to those required from the Contractor under this Agreement. |
5.4.4 | The Contractor shall provide the Principal with lien waivers from each Subcontractor (in each case, prior to such Subcontractor undertaking any work on the Plant), effectively waiving the Subcontractors’ rights to claim any liens or encumbrances on the Plant. |
6. | CONTRACT PRICE |
6.1 | The Contractor will be entitled to receive from the Principal the sum of $13,800,000.00 (thirteen million eight hundred thousand United States dollars) (the “Contract Price”) for the performance of the Work in accordance with this Agreement. |
6.2 | The Contract Price is a fixed price and is not subject to any changes except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Principal shall pay the Contractor the Contract Price as comprehensive, exhaustive, full and complete consideration for the fulfillment of its obligations under this Agreement. |
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6.3 | The Contractor declares that the Contract Price set out under this Agreement is sufficient to fulfill its obligations as detailed under this Agreement and in the Scope of Works in Annex 1 hereto, based on the Applicable Laws in effect on the date of this Agreement, in full conformance with the Construction Documents. |
6.4 | For the avoidance of doubt, any payments made by the Principal under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of claims by the Principal or relieve the Contractor in any manner whatsoever of any of the Contractor’s obligations under this Agreement. |
7. | INVOICING AND PAYMENT |
Payments to Contractor shall be made as follows:
7.1 | The Schedule of Values, attached hereto as Annex 8 , establishes the portion of the Contract Price payable in respect of each Payment Amount listed therein (subject to permitted adjustments under this Agreement). The Schedule of Values is intended to apportion the Work into, and is in sufficient detail to permit the Principal to evaluate, Contractor’s monthly application for payment by the element of the Work to be furnished by each Subcontractor and by Contractor, the cost for such element, and such other details as agreed to by the Parties. The Schedule of Values shall be a basis for evaluating Contractor’s monthly application for payment. Subject to the provisions of this Article 7 , as and when the relevant Payment Amount is due, Contractor shall submit, for each calendar month, an application and payment request in form and substance satisfactory to Principal (which include forms AIA G702 and 703 promulgated by the American Institute of Architects), executed by a representative of Contractor, which shall request payment for all Work which has been performed and completed as of the date of the application and payment request and shall be supported by such evidence as Principal shall reasonably require, including monthly progress photos, periodic status reports and a monthly updated construction schedule (collectively, an “Invoice”) to Principal for all payments due in relation to all Payment Amounts payable to Contractor at such time. Principal shall use its reasonable efforts to provide Contactor advance, detailed and prompt, written notice as to the form and substance of the evidence to be required in support of each Invoice. If Principal is unable to provide comprehensive information in advance of each Invoice, Principal shall nonetheless provide as much information as possible and as early as possible. |
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7.2 | In order to verify the progress made by Contractor in connection with any Invoice submitted by Contractor, Principal and Financier’s Engineer (if any) shall have the right to inspect the Work or any part thereof that Principal or Financier’s Engineer (if any) reasonably requests; provided, however, that such inspections shall not delay payment by Principal to Contractor of any undisputed amount set forth on an Invoice. Principal shall be entitled to perform all inspections under this clause through any of its appointed representatives including the Financier’s inspectors or appointed engineers. Principal shall only be entitled to withhold disputed amounts if it disputes the amount due reasonably and in good faith and it provides Contractor with a detailed written statement of the basis of the dispute no later than fifteen (15) days from receipt of the Invoice. |
7.3 | On or about the fifth (5th) Working Day of a relevant month after Contractor receives the Full Notice to Proceed, Contractor shall electronically deliver to Principal an Invoice for the Work for the corresponding portion of the Contract Price in the Schedule of Values. |
7.4 | Each Invoice shall include an executed Conditional Waiver and Release from Contractor and each Subcontractor performing Work for which payment is being sought in Contractor’s invoice in the form of Annex 21 hereto. In the event that Contractor fails to provide an executed Conditional Waiver and Release in respect of a particular invoice, then it is agreed that Principal shall only be entitled to withhold payment of such amount that is allocable to the missing Conditional Waiver and Release(s). |
7.5 | Contractor understands and agrees that any Invoice that is materially inaccurate or not in accordance with this Article 7 shall not constitute a valid request for payment. Principal shall notify Contractor of any deficiencies in an invoice within the relevant payment period. |
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7.6 | Within fifteen (15) days after Principal receives an invoice and all accompanying documentation required by this Article 7 , Principal shall notify Contractor concerning any dispute over the accuracy and entitlement to the amount of the submitted Invoice and the basis for such dispute. If Principal has not notified Contractor within fifteen (15) days after Contractor has provided such invoice of any good faith objection thereto, Principal shall be deemed to have approved such Contractor’s invoice for purposes of making payment under this Article 7 but, as noted in Article 6.4 hereof, any payments made by the Principal under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of claims by the Principal or relieve the Contractor in any manner whatsoever of any of the Contractor’s obligations under this Agreement. Principal shall only be entitled to withhold disputed amounts if it disputes the amount due reasonably and in good faith and it provides Contractor with a detailed written statement of the basis of the dispute and the proposed amount to be withheld or suspended not later than fifteen (15) days from receipt of the Invoice. In case of any disagreement in respect of a disputed invoice that is not resolved between them in a timely manner, the Parties shall refer such disputed invoice to the Ruler for final and binding adjudication. |
7.7 | Payments. |
7.7.1 | Principal shall make payment to Contractor for the full undisputed amount specified in each invoice no later than thirty (30) days following the Invoice date in the manner and detail and at the time required pursuant to this Article 7 . Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in this Agreement, the Parties agree that (i) the aggregate amount of payments to be made in respect of Mechanical Completion and thereafter shall be equal to at least 10% of the Contract Price, as adjusted by the mutual agreement of the parties or otherwise hereunder and (ii) any and all payments in respect of Mechanical Completion and thereafter are subject to delivery by Contractor to Principal of the executed Performance Guarantee Agreement, including, without limitations, any insurance policy and/or surety provided for therein, being however agreed for clarity sake that the Performance Guarantee and its annexes will become effective at Substantial Completion Date. |
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7.7.2 | All payments to be made to either Party under this Agreement shall be paid in United States dollars and shall be paid electronically (by means of ACH or wire) in immediately available funds. All payments for undisputed amounts referenced in each Invoice shall be due within thirty (30) days of the paying Party’s receipt of the other Party’s Invoice (each, an “ Invoice Payment ”) or, if such date is not a Working Day, on the immediately succeeding Working Day, to such account as may be designated by each Party from time to time by notice to the other Party; provided, however, that banking transfer instructions have been provided by the invoicing Party to the paying Party at least five (5) Working Days before the first payment of the paying Party is due and payable. |
7.7.3 | Any undisputed payment that is delinquent by more than five (5) Working Days, shall, beginning on the next calendar day, bear interest at the prime rate as published in “The Money Rates” Section of The Wall Street Journal (U.S. Edition) on the date that payment was due, plus six percent (6%) per annum, until paid, but not to exceed the maximum rate permitted by Applicable Law (the “ Contract Interest Rate ”). The payment of interest unaccompanied by payment of the delinquent payment shall not excuse or cure any default or delay in such payment. Contractor shall be responsible for paying all Subcontractors in connection with the Work completed by such Subcontractor. |
7.7.4 | Final Invoice. On or after the date on which Contractor delivers to Principal the Final Completion Certificate, Contractor shall submit a final Contractor’s Invoice (a “ Final Contractor’s Invoice ”) which shall set forth all amounts due to Contractor that remain unpaid in connection with the Work. Within fifteen (15) days of Final Completion as confirmed in the Final Completion Certificate issued pursuant to Article 7.7.6 below, Principal shall pay to Contractor the amount due under such Final Contractor’s Invoice (“ Final Payment ”). The Final Contractor’s Invoice shall include an executed Conditional Waiver and Release from Contractor, Conditional Waiver and Releases from all Subcontractors who are to be paid with proceeds of such Final Payment and Unconditional Waiver and Release from all other Subcontractors, in each case, in the form of Annex 21 hereto. Within fifteen (15) days after Contractor receives the Final Payment, Contractor shall deliver an executed Unconditional Waiver and Release from Contractor and all its Subcontractors, in each case, in the form of Annex 21 hereto. |
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7.7.5 | Intentionally omitted. |
7.7.6 | Disputes Regarding Payments . Subject to Contractor’s rights and remedies under this Agreement, failure by Principal to pay any amount disputed in good faith until resolution of such dispute in accordance with this Agreement shall not alleviate, diminish, modify nor excuse the performance of Contractor or relieve Contractor’s obligations to perform hereunder. Contractor’s acceptance of any payment (including Final Payment), and Principal’s payment of any amount, shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver of amounts that are then in dispute. Contractor and Principal shall use reasonable efforts to resolve all disputed amounts reasonably expeditiously and in any case in accordance with the provisions of Article 30 . No payment made hereunder shall be construed to be acceptance or approval of that part of the Work to which such payment relates or to relieve Contractor of any of its obligations hereunder. Contractor shall have the right to suspend performance of the Work, without penalty, if Principal withholds at any one time more than U.S. $700,000 which has been invoiced by Contractor in conformance with this Agreement. In the event a disputed amount is withheld by Principal and is later determined that such withholding was not warranted Principal shall pay such withheld amount promptly along with interest at the rate set forth in Article 7.7.4 . In the event that it is later determined that such withholding was warranted, in addition to any other remedy Principal may have, Contractor shall pay Principal Delay Liquidated Damages if applicable. TIME |
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8. | Workflow Plan |
8.1 | The Work shall be carried out in accordance with the Workflow Plan subject to any amendment to that Workflow Plan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Workflow Plan shall present the planned course of the Work including the design, the permitting, the construction, the commissioning, the Performance Test of the Plant and the training of Principal’s personnel. |
8.2 | The commencement of the Work pursuant to the Workflow Plan is expressly conditioned upon the Principal having submitted to the Contractor the Permits and Related Rights that are required under Applicable Law for such Work to be commenced by Contractor. |
8.3 | The date on which the Plant will undergo: i) a successful Preliminary Performance Test will be not later than the Commercial Operation Guaranteed Date, and ii) successful Performance Test will be no later thirteen (13) months following the Starting Date of Construction, subject to any extension of these dates this date to which the Contractor may be entitled pursuant to any Events of Force Majeure, to Principal’s delays and to any other terms of this Agreement. |
Delay
8.4 | The Contractor shall be entitled to the minimum reasonable extension of time in which to complete the Work and the minimum reasonable extension to any dates in the Workflow Plan (and an extension to the date specified in Article 8.3 ) if the reason for the Contractor being delayed in carrying out the Work is an Event of Force Majeure pursuant to this Agreement and/or one or more of the following circumstances: |
8.4.1 | Any impediment, prevention, default or non-cooperation, whether by act or omission, by the Principal or any of the Principal’s employees or agents, or any other person or entity for whose acts the Principal may be liable; |
8.4.2 | Delays in the delivery of goods and/or services and/or the substrates as specified under Annex 2 and Annex 6 and/or documents and/or information as required under this Agreement by the Principal; |
8.4.3 | Failure or delays made by the authorities to issue or grant Permits and Related Rights unless such failure or delay has occurred due to the Contractor’s fault only; |
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8.4.4 | Denial of access to the Site to the Contractor; |
8.4.5 | Incorrect or missing documents submitted by the Principal after being requested by the Contractor, which are necessary for a proper evaluation of the Work and the risk evaluation involved with the construction of the Plant. The necessary documents include but are not limited to the following: |
8.4.5.1 | The approval of the Layout ( Annex 2 ) |
8.4.5.2 | Drawing with connections for water and electricity to and at the Site |
8.4.6 | The Principal’s obligation to supply substrates ( Annex 14 ) |
8.4.7 | Building interruptions imposed by the authorities having jurisdiction over the Work, unless such interruptions have been imposed due to the Contractor’s fault. |
8.4.8 | Delays pursuant to Article 13.4 of this Agreement. |
8.4.9 | The suspension of the Work by the Contractor in accordance with Article 7.7.7 of this Agreement. |
8.4.10 | Any change to the Work, the Plant or the subject matter of this Agreement requested by the Principal to the extent such delay is expressly set forth in the applicable Change Order; |
8.4.11 | The occurrence of any Extreme Weather Condition; |
8.4.12 | Civil commotion, riot, war sabotage or the use or threat of terrorism and/or the activities of the relevant authorities in dealing with such event or threat; |
8.4.13 | The exercise after the date of this Agreement by any governmental body of any statutory or regulatory power which completely prevents the performance of the Work. |
8.4.14 | Delays in obtaining the Permits and Related Rights (excluding Principal Permits) due to the reasons beyond the Contractor’s influence or responsibility. |
8.5 | In the event that the Contractor is delayed in carrying out the Work due to any event specified in Article 8.4 the Contractor shall issue a notice to the Principal specifying the cause or causes of delay and if practicable in such notice or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, give particulars of the expected effects including the expected duration of delay. |
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8.6 | Following receipt of the Contractor’s notice under Article 8.4 , the Principal shall give an extension of time by fixing such later date for completion of the Work and for any dates in the Workflow Plan as reasonably required for the Contractor to complete the Work; notwithstanding the aforesaid, the Contractor shall use its best efforts in order to complete the Work according to the original schedule regardless of any delay and\or extension pursuant to this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, Article 8.4 does not preclude recovery of monetary damages by Contractor. |
9. | CHANGES AND ADDITIONAL WORK |
9.1 | In any case where, after the signing of this Agreement, the Principal requests the Contractor to make any changes in the Work and/or to perform any additional work and/or to provide any additional equipment, the Principal will inform the Contractor in writing of the intention and/or the necessity to do so (a “Proposed Deviation”). Changes in the Work resulting from the Contractor encountering conditions at the Site that are subsurface or otherwise concealed physical conditions that differ materially from (i) representations made by the Principal in this Agreement and/or (ii) those indicated in the reports attached to this Agreement shall be considered as changes to be addressed in this Article 9 . |
9.2 | Upon receipt of a Proposed Deviation, and as soon as practically possible, the Contractor shall prepare and submit to the Principal: (i) a description of the works required in order to implement the Proposed Change Order; (ii) the Contractor’s proposals for any necessary modifications to the specifications documents and the Workflow Plan, if any, or to any of the Contractor’s obligations under this Agreement; and (iii) if the Contractor is of the view that the Proposed Deviation will result in an increase or decrease in the Contract Price, its proposed adjustment to the Contract Price, payment schedule and the extended Workflow Plan (the “Proposed Change Order”). |
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9.3 | The Principal may approve the Proposed Change Order in its sole discretion by providing the Contractor with a signed version thereof (a “Change Order”), and the Contractor shall be bound to carry out the Change Order as if the provisions of such had been incorporated into this Agreement. All changes resulting from the Change Order, with respect to any adjustment to the Contract Price, the Workflow plan, the penalties, Substantial Completion Date, or passing the Performance Test shall be adjusted accordingly and shall be as set forth in Article 9.4 herein. |
9.4 | The price of any changed or additional work within the scope of this Article 9 shall be on a lump-sum fixed price agreed upon by the Parties in writing; provided that, if the Parties are unable to agree on a fixed price for such changed or additional work and Financier consents in writing to a cost plus arrangement with respect to such changed or additional work or Principal arranges payment for such changed or additional work from sources other than Financier, then the Contractor shall perform such work on a direct cost-plus fifteen percent (15%) basis thereon. |
10. | ADDITIONAL DUTIES OF CONTRACTOR AND PRINCIPAL |
10.1 | The Substantial Completion Date as detailed under Article 12 below shall occur not later than Substantial Completion Guaranteed Date. |
10.2 | Documentation |
The Contractor shall provide the Principal with two (2) written copies and one electronic copy of the Manual of Operation for the Plant (the “ Manual ”). The Manual will be drafted in English. The Manual will contain all information, descriptions and diagrams with sufficient details to make it possible for the Principal to operate and maintain the Plant. The Manual will also include spare part lists in the English language.
10.3 | Insurance |
Subject to the following sentence, the Contractor shall purchase and maintain with a reputable insurance company or companies such insurance policies as are set forth below and in Annex 9 for the duration of its activity at the Site and until the Delivery of the Plant to the Principal.
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10.3.1 | General Liability |
10.3.1.1 | The Contractor shall procure and maintain such liability and property insurance as is required by Applicable Law and as is required by this Agreement to protect the Contractor, Principal from any and all claims for damages for bodily injury, including death, and from claims for property damage which may arise from the Contractor’s or its representatives’, consultants’, subcontractors’, agents’, or employees’ operations under this Agreement. Such insurance shall be of the kinds and have limits of liability and coverage not less than the minimum limits hereinafter specified or required by law, whichever is greater. |
10.3.1.2 | Before commencing Work on the Site, the Contractor shall furnish to the Principal a certificate or certificates of insurance summarizing the insurance carried by the Contractor. Certificates shall be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. All insurance policies shall provide, as evidenced by Certificates of Insurance, that the insurance shall not be cancelled, reduced, restricted, or changed in any way without at least 30 days prior written notice to the Principal. In the event of any such notice of cancellation, nonrenewal, reduction, restriction, or change in any insurance, the Contractor is obligated to arrange for replacement of such insurance at least 7 days prior to such cancellation, nonrenewal, reduction, restriction, or change without a gap in coverage and file accordingly such notice with the Principal, and other interested parties. Failing immediate receipt of evidence of such replacement of insurance, the Principal reserves the right to procure such insurance as the Principal considers desirable, provided that it shall have equivalent coverage at reasonable premiums and the Contractor shall pay the premium in respect thereof or the Principal may deduct the full cost of such premium for the entire time such insurance is required from the next payment due. |
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10.3.2 | Worker’s Compensation and Employers’ Liability Insurance |
10.3.2.1 | The Contractor, its consultants, and its subcontractors shall procure and maintain Workers’ Compensation Insurance in the amount and type required by the State of Rhode Island and federal law for all employees employed under the Agreement who may come within the protection of Workers’ Compensation Laws and covering all operations under the Agreement whether performed by the Contractor or by his consultants and subcontractors. In jurisdictions not providing complete Workers’ Compensation protection, the Contractor and its consultants and subcontractors shall maintain employers’ liability insurance in an amount, form, company, and agency satisfactory to the State and the Principal for the benefit of all employees not protected by Workers’ Compensation Laws and covering all operations under the Agreement whether performed by the Contractor or by its consultants and subcontractors. |
10.3.2.2 | The Contractor shall pay such assessments as will protect the Contractor and the Principal from claims under the Workers’ Compensation Laws, workers’ or workmen’s compensation disability benefits and other similar employee benefit acts. |
10.3.2.3 | Coverage under this section shall be as required by federal and state Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Disease Statutes. |
10.3.3 | Automobile Liability Insurance |
10.3.3.1 | The Contractor shall procure and maintain insurance against liability for bodily injury and property damage as described below, that may arise with respect to the Work being performed under the Agreement, and as will provide protection from claims which may arise out of or result from the Contractor’s performance of the Work and the Contractor’s other obligations under the Agreement, whether such performance of the Work is by the Contractor, by any representative, consultant or subcontractor, by anyone, both officially and personally, directly or indirectly employed by any of them, or by anyone for whose acts any of them may be liable. |
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10.3.3.2 | This policy of insurance shall carry the following minimum Limit of Liability: Combined Single Limit $2,000,000 |
10.3.4 | Umbrella Liability |
10.3.4.1 | The Contractor shall maintain either an occurrence or a claims made Umbrella Liability policy (true follow form) over the underlying Automobile Liability and Employer’s Liability, with the following limits of liability: |
Each Occurrence | $5,000,000 |
Aggregate | $5,000,000 |
10.3.4.2 | Such coverage will be subject to a self-insured retention (SIR) no greater than $10,000 per occurrence where coverage is not provided by the underlying insurance, but is provided by the Umbrella Liability policy. |
10.3.4.3 | The Contractor may use any combination of primary and umbrella insurance policies to comply with the insurance requirements, provided the resulting insurance is equivalent to the insurance stated herein. |
10.3.5 | Property Insurance |
10.3.5.1 | The Contractor shall be responsible for purchasing and maintaining builder’s risk insurance satisfactory to the Principal to protect the Plant from perils of physical loss. The Contractor shall be responsible for any deductibles associated with this coverage. The builder’s risk insurance shall provide for the cost of replacement of the Work, including materials stored off site, at the time of any loss. The insurance shall include as additional insured parties the Principal, the Contractor and their subcontractors and shall insure against the loss from the perils of fire and all risk coverage for physical loss or damage due to theft, vandalism, collapse, malicious mischief, terrorism, transit, flood, mold, earthquake, testing, or damages resulting from defective design, negligent workmanship or defective material. Principal and its successors and assigns shall be listed as loss payee. The Contractor shall obtain approval from the Principal before increasing any coverage due to increases in construction costs. |
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10.3.5.2 | The Contractor is responsible for all physical damage to owned or rented machinery, tools, equipment, forms, and other items owned, rented or used by the Contractor and/or consultants/subcontractor(s) in the performance of the Works. The insurance coverage evidencing such shall include a waiver of subrogation in favor of the Principal. The Contractor shall name the Principal and its members as additional insured under builder’s risk insurance contracts. |
10.3.6 | Valuable Papers and Records |
The Contractor shall provide valuable papers and records insurance with coverage in the amount of $500,000.00 per occurrence.
10.3.7 | Consultants and Subcontractors |
The Contractor shall include all consultants and subcontractors as Insured parties under its policies, or shall furnish separate certificates, policies, and endorsements for each consultant and subcontractor the Contractor intends to use.
10.3.8 | Other Insurance |
Contractor shall maintain any insurance policies and coverage as customarily maintained by a prudent contractor. For the avoidance of doubt, all insurance policies shall be issued by a reputable insurance company with coverage in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Principal and such policies shall contain the usual market terms as used in construction projects in the United States.
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10.4 | Upon commencement by the Contractor of its Work on the Site, the Contractor shall have the overall sole responsibility for the Site and the Contractor shall ensure the proper organization of the Work on the Site and compliance with all relevant environmental and health and safety requirements. |
10.5 | At any stage of the Work and/or after the Delivery and Commissioning of the Plant, the Contractor shall support the Principal and provide it with any information, documentation or other assistance, as may be reasonably necessary for regulating the relations with authorities having jurisdiction or other third parties, in particular, during the process of applying for Principal Permits. |
10.6 | The Contractor shall inform the Principal regularly on the progress of the Work and, upon reasonable demand by the Principal, the Contractor shall submit documents and information related to the Work and/or this Agreement. The Contractor shall comply with the requirements included in Annex 10 — Responsibility Matrix. |
10.7 | Performance and Payment Bond |
To secure the due, timely and complete performance of this Agreement by the Contractor, the Contractor, prior to commencing Work and within twenty (20) days following the execution of this Agreement, shall provide the Principal with a performance bond (“Performance Bond”) in the amount of U.S. $3,000,000 (three million U.S. dollars) in the form attached as Annex 12 hereto and issued by a reputable a U.S.-based surety company satisfactory to Principal. Contractor shall also provide a payment bond (“Payment Bond”) in the amount of U.S. $3,000,000 in the form attached as Annex 12 and issued by a U.S.-based surety company satisfactory to Principal with respect to the payment for all labor and materials furnished by Contractor’s suppliers and laborers to be renewed once in accordance with its terms. Up to U.S. $2,000,000 (two million US dollars) of each such bond may be provided by the Subcontractor responsible for the civil work; provided that each such bond satisfies the foregoing requirements (the “Civil Subcontractor Bonds”). All bonds shall name Principal and Financier as dual obligees pursuant to dual obligee riders or other documents in form and substance satisfactory to Principal. The Civil Subcontractor Bonds may also name Contractor as a dual obligee. The bonds shall also provide for Principal’s right to full subrogation to Contractor’s rights under such bonds and for Financier’s full subrogation of Principal’s rights thereunder, together with such other assurances and endorsements with respect to such bonds as Principal may require. Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary herein, the form and substance of the Performance Bond and Payment Bond shall be subject to the reasonable discretion of Principal.
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10.8 | Contractor shall cooperate with Principal in providing documentation necessary to demonstrate that the Plant qualifies for the production tax credit or the investment tax credit under state or federal tax laws and regulations, including without limitation providing evidence of continuous construction activities occurring on the Plant, purchase orders for all equipment supplied by Contractor, and other documents requested by Principal. |
11. | PRINCIPAL’S DUTIES |
11.1 | Preliminary Contracts |
To enable the Contractor to erect the Plant, the Principal will at its own expense, before the Contractor starts the erection of the Plant, supply the Contractor with copies of the signed contracts for the lease of the Site, the PPA and the supply of substrates. These contracts must be sufficient to build and operate the plant as detailed in this Agreement.
11.2 | The Principal will provide the Contractor reasonable and unhindered access to the Site 24/7 for 365 days per year in such condition as will enable the Contractor to construct the Plant pursuant to this Agreement. |
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11.3 | Access to the Site, Storage |
11.3.1 | The Principal will provide the Contractor and its employees and Subcontractors and consultants with unlimited access to the Site during all the phases from the start of the Work and until the Substantial Completion Date. |
11.3.2 | The Principal will provide access to the Site suitable and sufficient for deliveries by trucks and trailers with up to 45-ton load capacities. |
11.4 | [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED] |
11.5 | All of the tasks which are indicated in the Responsibility Matrix - Annex 10 - as the Principal’s duties will be provided by the Principal at its own expense and within the time frame as specified in the Workflow Plan - Annex 7 . |
11.6 | Substrates quality and characteristics |
11.6.1 | The Principal undertakes to supply the Plant with Sufficient Substrates. Any deviation from the quantities, characteristics, ingredients and composition of the recipe prepared by Contractor not in line with the indicators stated under the “Table of Quality and Quantities Substrates Deviances” attached under Annex 14 , by mass or by each of the specifications as detailed under such Annex, must be approved in writing by the Contractor prior to such change. If written approval is not provided by the Contractor, the Plant will be considered as operated not in line with the Manual. |
11.6.2 | Two weeks prior to Commissioning, the Principal shall provide the Contractor with samples of the substrates to be fed-in and the Contractor shall prepare in consultation with the Principal the initial feed-in recipe to be used during the feeding-in and the Commissioning of the Plant. Such initial feed-in recipe shall be consistent with the samples of substrates previously provided by Principal, so long as such samples are in line with the provisions of Annex 14 . Principal shall supply Sufficient Substrate for the commissioning of the Plant in accordance with the initial feed-in recipe prepared by Contractor. If such substrates are not Sufficient Substrates, Contractor might refuse to perform the Commissioning or shall amend the level of the Performance Test to be reached under Article 12 below and the respective indicators thereof. |
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12. | COMMISSIONING AND DELIVERY |
12.1 | When Contractor believes Mechanical Completion has occurred, Contractor may execute and submit to Principal a Certificate of Mechanical Completion in the form attached as Annex 13B . Within ten (10) Working Days thereafter, Contractor and Principal will meet to conduct a technical inspection of the Plant to evaluate whether Mechanical Completion of the Plant has been achieved. Within ten (10) Working Days of any such inspection, Principal shall: (a) reject the certificate if all conditions to Mechanical Completion have not been achieved and provide written notice to Contractor of all unfinished or deficient Work (“ Notice of Deficiencies ”) which must be completed as a precondition to the Plant achieving Mechanical Completion; or (b) issue the applicable Certificate of Mechanical Completion executed by both Contractor and Principal, stating the date on which Mechanical Completion has occurred. |
12.2 | Where the Contractor’s submission of a certificate is rejected by the Principal in accordance Article 12.1(a) , Contractor will use its best efforts to remedy, repair and/or complete all incomplete Work needed for the Plant to achieve Mechanical Completion within a reasonable time thereafter (but not to exceed 60 days from the date Principal provided the first Notice of Deficiencies) and inform Principal when Contractor believes the deficiencies have been corrected, at which time the procedure described in Article 12.1 will be repeated (as many times as is necessary) until the Certificate of Mechanical Completion is executed by both the Contractor and Principal; provided, however, that if the Principal has not executed the Certificate of Mechanical Completion within 60 days from the date of Principal’s first Notice of Deficiencies, the Principal shall be entitled to engage one or more third parties to perform any work or repairs required to cause the Plant to achieve Mechanical Completion, and any costs to be incurred thereby shall be paid for by Contractor or deducted from what is owed to Contractor. If Contractor disagrees with reasons of Principal’s denial to execute the Mechanical Completion Certificate, it shall submit its claim to the Ruler for final decision. |
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12.3 | The Parties expressly agree that all of the following are conditions precedent to the Plant achieving Mechanical Completion: |
12.3.1 | Construction of the Plant has been completed in accordance with the Plans and Specifications; |
12.3.2 | All equipment and other components of the Plant, including the CHP Units, has passed all standard and required electrical testing, hypot, megger testing, flushing and pressure testing of piping, and all other applicable testing, per codes and guides, including any applicable Machinery Application and Installation Guides; |
12.3.3 | The Plant is ready to be tested and commissioned; and |
12.3.4 | A Certificate of Mechanical Completion in the form attached as Annex 13B has been executed by Contractor and countersigned by Principal or the Ruler decision. |
12.4 | Principal and Contractor may agree to a bifurcated Mechanical Completion such that: (a) “ Primary Mechanical Completion ” may be obtained first for the components of the Plant relating to digestion of the feedstock, as opposed to generation of power; and (b) “ Full Mechanical Completion ” occurs after all components of the Plant, including CHP Units, have reached Mechanical Completion. In the event Principal and Contractor agree to such a bifurcation of Mechanical Completion, the Certificate of Mechanical Completion shall be revised accordingly into a Certificate of Primary Mechanical Completion and Certificate of Full Mechanical Completion. Such certificates must be in form and substance satisfactory to Principal, and Contractor. |
12.5 | Commissioning . After the Plant has achieved Mechanical Completion, sufficient feedstock has been delivered to the Plant (which is 100% the responsibility of Principal) and heated, and the methane content has exceeded the level of 50% of the total biogas production and the temperature within the digester has exceeded 122.4 degrees Fahrenheit, the Contractor shall notify the Principal in writing that the Plant is ready for initial start up and commissioning and the proposed date of such commissioning (“ Start-up Notice ”). Thereafter, Contractor shall commission the Plant by making it produce the initial power (the “ Commissioning ”). The date on which the Commissioning will take place shall be not later than 12 months following the Starting Date of Construction, provided that it shall be extended if any Events of Force Majeure or a Principal delay occur, and will be known as the “Commissioning Date”. |
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12.6 | Preliminary Performance Test Requirements . Contractor shall perform the Work so the entire Plant satisfies the performance criteria for Preliminary Performance Test prior to, and as a condition of, Commercial Operation in accordance with, and as set forth in, the specific section of the Testing Protocols. |
12.6.1 | Preliminary Performance Test Schedule . Contractor shall agree on a Preliminary Performance Test schedule with Principal and shall give notice (which notice may be by email) to Principal of the Preliminary Performance Test at least five (5) Working Days prior to commencing any such test. Representatives of Principal shall be entitled to observe the Preliminary Performance Test. Contractor shall keep such representatives continuously apprised of the schedule for the Preliminary Performance Test and changes in the schedule, the commencement and performance of Preliminary Performance Test, and shall give such representatives at least two (2) Working Days advance notice (which notice may be by email) of the re-performance of the Preliminary Performance Test; provided, however, that such period of advance notice may be reduced at the sole discretion of the Principal’s representative at the Site. |
12.6.2 | Test Report . Contractor shall submit a Preliminary Performance Test report within five (5) Working Days after the completion of such Performance Test, which report shall provide the Preliminary Performance Test results, evidencing compliance with the power production criteria set forth in the specific section of Annex 19, as applicable. Contractor shall cause such report to contain the test data and calculations to allow Principal to verify the conclusions of such report. |
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12.6.3 | Non Conforming Work and Failure to Pass Preliminary Performance Test . If the Plant does not pass the Preliminary Performance Test, Contractor shall, at Contractor’s sole cost and expense, in accordance with the specific section of the Testing Protocols, take such corrective actions to the Plant, as the case may be, to address such failure to pass the Preliminary Performance Test; provided that all such corrective action shall otherwise be in compliance with the requirements for the Work hereunder. At any time during and promptly after completion (whether or not successful) of the Preliminary Performance Test (or any re-performance of the Preliminary Performance Test or pursuant to any remedial plan adopted pursuant to the Testing Protocols), each Party shall advise the other Party in writing of any defect that was discovered during the Preliminary Performance Test. Contractor shall, at Contractor’s sole cost and expense, correct any defect and promptly provide notice to Principal that such corrective measures have been completed. In case of disagreement on the result of the Preliminary Performance Test and/or on the defects and/or the remedial actions to be taken, the issue will be submitted by either Party to Ruler for final resolution. |
12.6.4 | Certificate of Completion of Testing . Upon the Successful Completion of the Preliminary Performance Test as demonstrated by a test report delivered to Principal by Contractor and accepted by Principal, Principal shall issue a notice that Preliminary Performance Test has been Successfully Completed |
12.6.5 | Intentionally Omitted. |
12.6.6 | Post Test Modifications. If prior to Substantial Completion: |
(a) | A Performance Test has been Successfully Completed for the Plant; |
(b) | A certificate of completion of such Performance Test has been issued pursuant to Article 12.6.5 ; and |
(c) | Either Contractor or any Subcontractor makes any modification to the Plant, as the case may be; then, unless otherwise waived by Principal in writing, the Performance Test shall be a re-run as a condition to the Plant achieving Substantial Completion. |
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12.7 | Plant Substantial Completion. |
12.7.1 | Conditions to Substantial Completion. The following are the conditions precedent for Substantial Completion |
(a) | The Plant has been constructed, successfully tested and commissioned such that, among other things: (a) the Plant (i) is operating within all the specified parameters in the Construction Documents and has satisfied all conditions precedent set forth in Article 12.7 hereof, (ii) has achieved Mechanical Completion, (iii) has all Permits and Related Rights and (iv) is operating and generating the specified output pursuant to the Construction Documents, has achieved Commercial Operation, as defined in and the PPA and is supplying power to the Power Purchaser in full accordance with the PPA, provided that (i) Client has provided the Plant with sufficient substrates in line with the initial recipes defined by Contractor for the initial commissioning of the Plant (as indicated in Annex 14 — Table of Quality and Quantity Substrates Deviances); (ii) the PPA is then in force and the Plant has achieved interconnection with the grid (which, for the avoidance of doubt, is Principal’s responsibility and (iii) no Extreme Weather Conditions occurred during construction period delaying the continuity of works); |
(b) | a successful operational performance test of the Plant for its intended use shall have been completed demonstrating that Plant performance criteria of electrical generation, heat rate and emission levels have been met and are satisfactory; |
(c) | Principal shall have received from Contractor satisfactory evidence that all payrolls, bills, and other costs and expenses relating to the work performed under the Construction Documents have been paid or otherwise satisfied (including lien waivers and releases, from every Subcontractor and every other Person who provided labor, material, equipment or supplies for the work or the Plant) (Substantial Completion shall not occur until a Certificate of Substantial Completion has been executed by all appropriate parties); |
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(d) | the Work has been performed in accordance with this Agreement and the Plant as a whole is capable of being operated in a safe and proper manner; |
(e) | all civil works are complete and meet the requirements of this Agreement except for those civil works (if any), which are required to be performed after Substantial Completion; |
(f) | the Performance Test has been Successfully Completed; |
(g) | Contractor shall have paid all Delay Liquidated Damages, if any, due and payable pursuant to Article 12.7.3 ; |
(h) | Contractor has obtained, and Principal has received copies of, all Permits and Related Rights necessary for the commencement and ongoing operation of the Plant in a safe, efficient, and reliable manner and otherwise in accordance with Applicable Law and otherwise required to be obtained by Contractor hereunder as of such time, such Permits and Related Rights are in full force and effect, and Contractor shall have completed all requirements under each such Permit and Related Right required to be completed as of such time; and |
(i) | A Certificate of Substantial Completion in the form attached as Annex 13C has been executed by Contractor and countersigned by Principal. |
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12.7.2 | Substantial Completion Certificate. When Contractor believes Substantial Completion has occurred, Contractor may execute and submit to Principal a Certificate of Substantial Completion in the form attached as Annex 13C . Within 10 Working Days thereafter, the Contractor, and Principal, will meet to conduct a technical inspection of the Plant to evaluate whether Substantial Completion of the Plant has been achieved. Within 10 Working Days of any such inspection, Principal shall: (a) reject the certificate if all conditions to Substantial Completion have not been achieved and provide written notice to Contractor of all unfinished or deficient Work which must be completed as a precondition to the Plant achieving Substantial Completion; or (b) issue the applicable Certificate of Substantial Completion executed by Principal, stating the date on which Substantial Completion has occurred. Where the Contractor’s submission of a certificate is rejected by the Principal, Contractor will use its best efforts to remedy, repair and/or complete all incomplete Work needed for the Plant to achieve Substantial Completion no later than the Substantial Completion Guaranteed Date and inform Principal when Contractor believes the deficiencies have been corrected, at which time the foregoing procedure will be repeated until the Certificate of Substantial Completion is executed by Principal. All unfinished or deficient Work in the Plant, which is not required for Substantial Completion but is required for Final Completion, will then be recorded in a Punch List Items report, which will be prepared by Contractor and signed by both the Contractor and the Principal (the “ PLI Report ”). The PLI Report will also include an estimated value for each deficient item or unfinished Work and the expected date of repair or delivery. The Principal has the right to refuse to sign the PLI Report if in its reasonable discretion the PLI Report is incomplete, erroneous or contains items, which are required for Substantial Completion. In case of disagreement, the issue will be submitted by either Party to Ruler for final resolution. Any failure of Principal to sign the PLI Report shall not relieve Contractor of its obligation to affect a prompt remedy and repair of any item necessary for Substantial Completion. |
12.7.3 | Delay Liquidated Damages. Contractor agrees that if Substantial Completion is not achieved by the Substantial Completion Guaranteed Date (as extended due to Events of Force Majeure or delays due to Principal), then Contractor shall pay Delay Liquidated Damages for each day that Contractor fails to achieve Substantial Completion. Delay Liquidated Damages provided for this Article 12.7.3 are the Principal’s sole and exclusive remedy of the delay unless there is fraudulent or willful misconduct on the part of Contractor. |
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12.8 | Commercial Operation |
Commercial Operation shall be achieved by the Commercial Operation Guaranteed Date.
12.9 | In the event that Contractor fails to achieve Commercial Operation by December 31, 2015, and Principal is liable to pay liquidated damages or for an extension in accordance with the PPA as a result, provided however that such failure is not due to Principal fault or delay in providing the Plant with Sufficient Substrates as indicated in Article 11.6, Contractor shall be liable to indemnify and reimburse Principal the full amount of all such liquidated damages for which Principal is liable, or for such extension, under the PPA. |
12.10 | Final Completion |
12.10.1 | Conditions to Final Completion. Final Completion shall be deemed to have occurred only if all of the following conditions shall have occurred: |
(a) | Substantial Completion has occurred; |
(b) | [intentionally deleted] |
(c) | all Punch List Items have been completed, or Contractor shall have paid Principal in accordance with Article 14.8 for Principal’s correction or remediation of such items; |
(d) | all warranties, design materials, operation and maintenance manuals, schematics, spare parts lists, design and engineering documents, performance testing data, “as-built” drawings and surveys, and such other items as are required by the Construction Documents and the Service, Operation and Maintenance Agreement have been delivered to Principal; |
(e) | Each of the following shall have occurred: (i) Subcontractors’ personnel shall have left the Site, (ii) all surplus materials, waste materials, hazardous materials (for which Contractor is responsible), rubbish, Contractor equipment and temporary work, other than those to which Principal holds title, shall have been removed from the Site, (iii) any temporary structures on the Site built by or on behalf of the Contractor or its Subcontractors shall have been torn down and removed, (iv) the area disturbed by the Work shall have been re-graded and restored as required by the Permits and Related Rights and (v) any permanent facilities used by Contractor and the Site shall have been restored to the same condition that such permanent facilities and the Site were in on the Full Notice to Proceed Date, ordinary wear and tear excepted; |
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(f) | Principal shall have received and accepted all items, materials and services to be provided or performed by Contractor in relation to the Plant; |
(g) | The Contractor shall procure and submit to the Principal a Warranty Bond as set forth in Annex 11 hereto issued by a reputable surety company authorized to do business in the United States covering the warranty period specified under Article 14 below. |
(h) | Contractor shall have delivered an executed Conditional Waiver and Release from Contractor, Conditional Waiver and Releases from all Subcontractors who are to be paid with proceeds of such Final Payment and Unconditional Waiver and Release from all other Subcontractors, in each case, in the form of Annex 21 hereto; |
(i) | To the extent any Permit or Related Right is required to be “closed out” or is subject to a similar process by the applicable governmental authority, Contractor has satisfied all such requirements for each Permit or Related Right that is the responsibility of Contractor; |
(j) | All other duties and obligations of Contractor and Subcontractors under this Agreement have been fully performed; |
(k) | A Certificate of Final Completion in the form attached as Annex 13A has been executed by Contractor and countersigned by Principal; |
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(l) | all other requirements in this Agreement with respect to completion of the Plant have been satisfied. |
12.10.2 | Final Completion Certificate. When Contractor believes Final Completion has occurred, Contractor may execute and submit to Principal a Certificate of Final Completion. After receipt of the Contractor’s submission of such a certificate, the Principal shall, within ten (10) Working Days after the receipt of the same: (a) reject the certificate, giving reasons and specifying the work required to be done by the Contractor; or (b) issue the applicable certificate executed by both Principal, stating the date on which Final Completion has occurred. Where the Contractor’s submission of a certificate is rejected by the Principal in accordance with the foregoing, Contractor shall not re-submit a certificate until the . deficiencies are remedied If Final Completion does not occur by the Final Completion Guaranteed Date, the Principal shall be entitled to engage one or more third parties to perform any work or repairs required to cause the Plant to achieve Final Completion, and any costs to be incurred thereby shall be paid for by Contractor or deducted from what is owed to Contractor. |
12.11 | RISK OF LOSS OR DAMAGE |
12.11.1 | Care, Custody and Control . Until the Substantial Completion Date, Contractor shall have care, custody and control of the Plant, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement. In event this Agreement is terminated, Principal shall have care, custody and control of the Plant. |
12.11.2 | Risk of Loss . Until the Substantial Completion Date (except to the extent otherwise provided herein upon the earlier termination of this Agreement), and subject to the provisions of this Article 12 , Contractor assumes risk of loss, and full responsibility, for the cost of replacing or repairing any damage to the Work related thereto and assumes risk of loss, and full responsibility, for the cost of replacing or repairing any damage to, any maintenance equipment (including temporary materials, equipment and supplies) which is purchased by Contractor for permanent installation in, or for use during the construction of the Work as it relates to the Plant. It is however agreed that damages to the Work caused by Principal and/or its employees, partners, owners or agents shall not fall within Contractor’s liability. |
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12.11.3 | Risk of Loss After Substantial Completion . Principal shall bear the risk of loss for, and full responsibility for, the cost of replacing or repairing any damage to the Plant from and including Substantial Completion Date or the earlier termination of this Agreement. |
12.12 | Warranties . Warranties required by this Agreement shall commence on the Substantial Completion Date unless a different date of commencement is expressly stated in this Agreement for a particular piece of equipment in the Plant or a portion of the Plant. |
13. | RETENTION OF TITLE |
13.1 | Unless and to the extent title has already passed to the Principal pursuant to this Agreement prior thereto, the title in the Plant, the Work and any other Delivered Objects shall be transferred to the Principal on a pro rata basis subject to receipt by Contractor of the applicable payment by Principal pursuant to this Agreement. |
13.2 | Notwithstanding such transfer of title, the Contractor will keep care and custody of, and be liable hereunder with respect to, the Work and equipment until the Delivery Date. |
13.3 | The Contractor hereby warrants to the Principal that: (a) prior to the transfer of ownership thereof to the Principal, it will have good and marketable title to, and ownership of, the Plant and equipment covered by this Agreement; and (b) ownership of the Plant and equipment covered by this Agreement shall pass to and vest in the Principal free and clear of any liens or rights of any third-party. Contractor will indemnify and hold harmless Principal against any claims, costs, damages, liabilities, fees (including reasonable cost of counsel), expenses and losses that arise out of or relate to any services performed by Subcontractors or other parties up to the point in time when full title has passed from Contractor to Principal, in each case, whether or not the same are incurred prior to the vesting of full title to and ownership of the Plant in Principal or afterwards. |
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13.4 | If third-parties take recourse to the Delivered Objects, particularly by means of an attachment, due to claims made by third parties against the Principal, the Principal shall within five (5) days reimburse the Contractor for all costs concerning such Delivered Objects, including any damages, fees reasonable cost of counsel, and losses thereof to enable the regular continuity of the Work as detailed under Annex 7. Any delays to the Work due to such events will be regarded as the Principal’s responsibility only. |
14. | WARRANTIES |
14.1 | Contractor warrants to the Principal that the materials and\or components used in the construction of the Plant shall be of good quality and new unless this Agreement requires or permits otherwise. Contractor further warrants that the Work will conform to the requirements of this Agreement and shall be free of any defect whatsoever in material or workmanship. Work, materials, or components not conforming to these requirements may be considered defective. Except as otherwise indicated in this Article 14 , such warranties will remain in full force and effect for a period of one year from the Delivery Date. |
14.2 | Subject to Article14.4 below the Contractor, as of Delivery Date and for the period set forth below with respect to each item below (the “Warranty Period”), Contractor shall repair at Contractor’s expense any damage, defect and\or fault in material or workmanship as contemplated in Article 14.1 above (“Damage”): |
14.2.1 | Flame-swept parts of the Plant: two (2) years from the Commissioning Date. |
14.2.2 | Machine and electro-technical parts of the Plant: two (2) years from the Commissioning Date. |
14.2.3 | Concrete parts of the Plant – five (5) years from the Start Up Notice, provided that the Principal will renew the inner coating of digesters as instructed in writing by the Contractor every five (5) years. |
14.3 | The Contractor’s liability shall cease in respect of each part of the Plant specified in Articles 14.2.1 - 14.2.4 after the expiration of the relevant warranty period specified in such clauses. |
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14.4 | The warranty does not include materials used or consumed in the ordinary course of business and natural wear and tear and the Principal shall be responsible for the provision of and cost of any such consumables. |
14.5 | The warranties contained in Article14.2 are subject to and expressly conditioned upon strict compliance with the following conditions: |
14.5.1 | The input substrates used for the operation of the Plant must be within the Deviation List as detailed under Annex 14 and as described in Article 11.6, Annex 2 and Annex 6 . If the Contractor requests, the Principal will send the Contractor a sample from the input substrates in order to perform a laboratory analysis. A refusal of the Principal to provide the Contractor with such samples permits the Contractor to terminate or void all relevant warranties. |
14.5.2 | [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED] |
14.5.3 | Machinery breakdowns and shutdowns must be recorded by the Principal according to their type and scope, and be immediately reported to the Contractor as soon as reasonably practicable following applicable breakdown and\or shutdown of the Plant. |
14.5.4 | The Contractor must be granted access to the Plant and to Plant data in order to control the Plant’s proper operation and to make the necessary repairs. Any delays and/or avoidance in such access due to the Principal will absolve the Contractor from any responsibility to repair the damages until such access is granted. |
14.5.5 | The warranty shall not include immaterial deviations in the construction of the Plant, immaterial impairment of use, and natural wear and tear. Variations, changes and tolerances within the framework of the ANSI or DIN standards or standards superseding them shall be seen as insignificant variations. |
14.6 | The Principal shall issue a Defect Notice to the Contractor as soon as reasonably practicable after the Principal becomes aware of any defect, default or malfunction in the Plant. |
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14.7 | The Contractor is obliged to respond to any Defect Notice received during the relevant warranty period within two (2) Working Days of receipt thereof. The Contractor shall provide the Principal with a provisional solution enabling the ongoing operation of the Plant and its components, including the CHP Units, and shall remedy such defects, defaults and malfunctions as soon as technically and commercially possible, but, in any event, no later than 30 days. |
14.8 | If the Contractor has not corrected defects and shortcomings in the Plant within the terms stated in Article 14.7 above, the Principal shall be entitled to employ another contractor to correct such defects and shortcomings and to recover the reasonable cost from the Contractor unless the Contractor’s failure to repair such defects and shortcomings is due to an Event of Force Majeure or any act, omission, written instruction or material act of prevention by the Principal in which case the period within which the Contractor is obliged to rectify any defect or shortcoming in accordance with Article 14.7 shall be extended by a period equivalent to the length of the Event of Force Majeure or the length of time which the Principal prevents the Contractor from rectifying such defect or shortcoming. |
15. | PARTIES’ LIABILITY |
15.1 | Each Party shall have full responsibility for, and agrees to indemnify and hold the other Party and any of its affiliates, their officers, directors, partners, agents, employees, successors and assigns (collectively, the “ Indemnitees ”) harmless from, any and all liabilities, claims, losses, costs, expenses, demands, suits, actions or damages, including without limitation, damage to any third party or loss of third party property, attorney fees and other litigation expenses, incurred by the Indemnitees or any of them as a result of act and/or omission by such Party, any of its affiliates, officers, directors, partners, agents, employees, subcontractors, successors and assigns (in this Section, collectively, “ Agents ”), which constitutes a breach of its undertakings hereunder and/or the provisions of any Applicable Law or arising from injury or damage caused by such Party or its Agents to persons or property, in connection with such Party’s or its Agents’ performance hereunder, including without limitation injury or damage arising as a result of any malfunction or defect in the Delivered Objects, or arising as a result of any action or proceeding based on a claim that the Work (or any part thereof) infringe any third party’s Intellectual Property Rights. The aforementioned indemnification undertakings shall not apply in the event the liabilities, claims, losses, costs, expenses, demands, suits, actions or damages with respect to which indemnification is sought, arises out of intentional act of the Principal or anyone acting on its behalf. |
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15.2 | Principal shall indemnify and hold Contractor Indemnitees harmless from, any and all liabilities, claims, losses, costs, expenses, demands, suits, actions or damages, attorney fees and other litigation expenses, incurred by the Indemnitees or any of them as a result of any environmental liability arising out of the condition of the Site before the Starting Date of Construction. |
15.3 | It is agreed that in the event of claim against either Party, the indemnifying Party shall have the right to select legal counsel and control the defense and settlement of any third party claim that is covered by the indemnity in this Article 15 . |
16. | PRINCIPAL’S LIABILITY |
The Principal shall compensate the Contractor for the following additional expenses incurred by Contractor:
16.1 | Additional expenses resulting from Changes in the Work to the extent reflected pursuant to a Change Order in accordance with Article 9 above; |
16.2 | Additional expenses incurred by Contractor that directly result from a delay in the Contractor’s performance caused solely by the Principal. |
17. | PRINCIPAL’S GUARANTEE |
[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]
18. | INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS |
18.1 | The Contractor grants and agrees to grant to the Principal a paid-up, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to use, all plans, drawings, specifications, calculations, designs, graphs, sketches, design details, models, computer programs, photocopies, brochures, reports, notes of meetings, codes, data, documents and other written or recorded material produced by or on behalf of the Contractor in connection only with the Work (whether in existence or to be made) and all amendments to them and any works, designs or inventions of the Contractor incorporated or referred to in them for all purposes relating to the Work or the Site, including the construction, completion, repair, maintenance, use and advertisement of the Work. For the avoidance of doubt, such license may be assigned to the Financier without the prior written consent of the Contractor. The Contractor shall not be liable for the use of any of the documents or other materials referred to in this Article 18.1 for any purpose other than that for which they were prepared; for the avoidance of doubt, any improvement to the Work (of any kind whatsoever) following the Delivery Date shall be the sole property of the Principal and Contractor shall have no right to such future improvements unless Contractor makes such improvements, in which case Principal’s license shall extend to and include such Contractor-made improvements, as well. |
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18.2 | The Contractor represents and warrants that the Work shall not violate or otherwise infringe on the Intellectual Property Rights of any third party. If either one of the Parties learns of a claim that the Work, or any part thereof, infringes on or otherwise violates the Intellectual Property Rights of a third party, the Party became aware of such possible violation or infringement shall promptly give notice with respect to such claim to the other Party. |
18.3 | If the Principal’s use of the Work for the purpose of owning and operating the Plant at the Site, or any part thereof, is enjoined due to a claim made by any third party, the Contractor shall either (i) procure for the Principal the right to continue using the affected Work or (ii) replace such Work with a non-infringing item of a similar function or performance. The Contractor shall further indemnify and hold harmless Principal from any and all claims, losses, damages, fees (including reasonable cost of counsel), expenses and other liabilities arising from or relating to such third-party claim. |
18.4 | The Contractor agrees upon request at any time made by the Principal to give the Principal or any persons authorized by the Principal access to and at the Principal’s expense copies of the material referred to in Article 18.1 and\ or which are related to the Plant and\or Work for the sole purpose of owning the Plant and operating it. |
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19. | CONFIDENTIALITY |
19.1 | Each Party undertakes to keep in strict confidence any Confidential Information disclosed to any such Party during the negotiations the permitting process, the construction, the delivery the commissioning or the performance of this Agreement, and neither Party shall disclose Confidential Information to any third party and shall only release the Confidential Information to those of its directors, officers, employees or subcontractors on a “need to know basis” for the purpose of this Agreement only (the “ Purpose ”). Each receiving Party shall treat Confidential Information with the same degree of care and apply no lesser security measures than it affords to its own confidential information. The receiving Party warrants that these measures provide adequate protection against unauthorized disclosure, copying or use. |
19.2 | The receiving Party shall make no commercial use of the Confidential Information or use it otherwise than for the Purpose. |
19.3 | Confidential Information may be disclosed if and to the extent: |
19.3.1 | it is required by law, by any relevant securities exchange(s), court order or other authority of competent jurisdiction or any regulatory or government authority to which the receiving Party is subject, but in each case only to the extent required and for the purpose of such disclosure; |
19.3.2 | the receiving Party reasonably considers it necessary to disclose the information to its professional advisers, auditors or bankers for the purpose of this Agreement provided that it does so on terms protecting the information; |
19.3.3 | the information has entered the public domain through no fault of the receiving Party; |
19.3.4 | the information was previously disclosed to the receiving Party without any obligation of non disclosure; or |
19.3.5 | the disclosing Party has given its consent in writing to such disclosure. |
19.3.6 | The provision of this clause shall continue to apply notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement and/or the completion of the performance of the Work. |
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20. | HEALTH AND SAFETY |
20.1 | The Contractor shall, subject and pursuant to Applicable Law, perform the Work and all its undertakings hereunder having regard to the health and safety of persons involved in the use, construction, occupation, maintenance, repair, modification or demolition of the Work and\or the Plant and shall: |
20.1.1 | give notices required by Applicable Law, statutes, ordinances, codes, rules and regulations and lawful orders of public authorities bearing on safety of persons or property or their protection from damage, injury and\or loss; and |
20.1.2 | comply with any safety policies produced by the Principal. |
21. | FORCE MAJEURE |
21.1 | Neither of the Parties shall be considered in breach of an obligation under this Agreement or otherwise liable to the other by reason of any delay in performance or non-performance of any of its obligations under this Agreement to the extent and insofar such delay or non-performance is due to an Event of Force Majeure. |
21.2 | The Party affected by the Event of Force Majeure shall, as soon as possible, notify the other Party in writing of the nature and extent of the Event of Force Majeure. The notice shall set out the circumstances constituting the Event of Force Majeure event, the obligations which are thereby delayed or prevented, and shall include an estimate of the anticipated delay arising from the Event of Force Majeure. The Party affected by the Event of Force Majeure shall take all reasonable steps to alleviate its effects and shall resume performance as soon as reasonably practicable and shall notify the other Party when the Event of Force Majeure has ended. |
21.3 | In case of an Event of Force Majeure, each Party shall cover its costs caused by the Event of Force Majeure. |
21.4 | Within 14 days after the Event of Force Majeure has ceased, the Contractor shall present its claim, if any, for adjustment of the Workflow Plan in accordance with Article 8.4 herein. Any adjustments to the Workflow Plan shall be made with due regard to the delay caused by the Event of Force Majeure. |
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21.5 | Nothing herein shall excuse non-performance of those contractual obligations not affected directly or indirectly by the Event of Force Majeure. |
21.6 | If a Party is affected by an Event of Force Majeure and the written notice in relation to the Event of Force Majeure has not been withdrawn within 120 Days, either Party may terminate this Agreement by serving written notice on the other. The service of such notice shall be without prejudice to any rights or obligations, which have accrued prior to termination. |
22. | VALIDITY & TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT |
22.1 | The Principal may terminate this Agreement if not all the Permits and Related Rights have been obtained by four months from the date hereof provided that such a termination was done at least 30 days prior to the planned starting date of the construction of the Plant at the Site. In such case the Principal shall pay to the Contractor that portion of the Contract Price which is fairly and reasonably attributed to the services and Work that the Contractor has performed pursuant to this Agreement up to the date of such termination. |
22.2 | The Principal may terminate this Agreement before its expiry in the event any one of the following circumstances arises: |
22.2.1 | the Contractor becomes bankrupt or insolvent, goes into liquidation, has a receiving or administration order made against it, or carries on business under a receiver, trustee or manager for the benefit of its creditors, or if any act is done or event occurs which (under Applicable Law) has a similar effect to any of these acts or events; the Contractor loses its individual license or permit necessary for performing the Work and such lost of permit or license could not be retrieved within a period of 30 days following the date it was lost or expired; |
22.2.2 | the Contractor is at fault by gross violation of work quality or safety regulations and the fault has not been remedied within five (5) Working Days of a written demand from the Principal; |
22.2.3 | the Contractor substantially violates the terms of this Agreement and has not ceased this violation and remedied the consequences thereof within four (4) weeks of a written demand from the Principal; and |
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22.3 | The Contractor may terminate this Agreement before its expiry in the event any one of the following circumstances arises: |
22.3.1 | the Principal becomes bankrupt or insolvent, goes into liquidation, has a receiving or administration order made against it or carries on business under a receiver, trustee or manager for the benefit of its creditors, or if any act is done or event occurs which (under Applicable Law) has a similar effect to any of these acts or events; |
22.3.2 | the Principal substantially violates terms of this Agreement and has not ceased this violation and remedied the consequences thereof within four (4) weeks of a written demand from the Contractor. |
22.3.3 | the Principal fails to reimburse the Contractor in accordance with Article 2.4.2 of this Agreement. |
22.3.4 | the Principal does not pay Contractor any amount due under this Agreement within 30 days after receiving Contractor’s written demand for payment. |
22.4 | Termination of this Agreement due to any reasons must be notified to the other Party by giving proper reasons and substantiated by all relevant documents. |
22.5 | As soon as practicable after the notice under Article 22.3 has taken effect, the Parties shall determine the value of the Work that have been executed by the Contractor prior to the notice of termination, the value of the Delivered Objects or the works performed by the Contractor, and the financial obligations the Contractor has been entered into which could not be terminated and the value of the materials and equipment for which the Principal has made payment. |
22.6 | In the event that this Agreement is terminated due to any of the reasons mentioned herein (save under Article 22. 1 and 22.2 ), the Principal shall pay to the Contractor an amount equal to the Contract Price multiplied by the percentage of completion as of the date of termination less any amount which the Principal has already paid to the Contractor in consideration of the Contractor undertaking the Work pursuant to this Agreement. |
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23. | FINANCE |
Contractor acknowledges its consent to cooperate with the Principal with respect to the following, to the extent reasonably required for the purpose of allowing the Principal to obtain debt finance with respect to the construction of the Plant: (i) assignment of Principal’s rights hereunder, (ii) rendering any information with respect to the Work, to the financing parties and otherwise fully and promptly reasonably co-operate with the financing parties, (iii) providing assistance to the financing parties which they may reasonably require in order to evaluate the Plant, the Work, this Agreement and all other matters related to the Plant.
24. | INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR |
The Contractor is acting in the performance of this Agreement as an independent Contractor, and there shall be no employer-employee relationship between him and/or his employees and the Principal. The Contractor shall not be deemed an agent of the Principal and shall not act on the Principal’s behalf and shall not make the Principal liable for its acts or omissions.
25. | ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS |
Except to or at the direction of the Financier, to or at the direction of any party purchasing or benefiting from the investment tax credit applicable to the Plant or any party purchasing the Plant, this Agreement may be assigned only with the prior written consent of the other Party. The Principal may collaterally assign this Agreement and any rights or obligations thereunder to any finance provider or any trustee or agent of any financer as collateral security and in connection therewith; the Contractor shall execute and deliver to such financer any consents or other documents reasonably requested by such financer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Principal may, without prior consent, assign its rights hereunder to a lender and/or trustee acting on behalf of a lender, or any financing entity, which acquires a security interest in Principal or the Plant (collectively, the “Security Lenders”) in connection with any financing involving the Plant. In the event of an assignment of Principal’s rights hereunder to any Security Lenders, Contractor shall take such further actions and execute such documents as are reasonably requested by such Security Lenders to effectuate such assignment including, without limitation, a consent agreement. Such customary terms and conditions shall include, but not be limited to, provisions related to extended notice and cure periods to be provided to the Security Lenders; consent, inspection and other rights for the benefit of the Security Lenders; and other terms and accommodations to Security Lenders as are customary for non-recourse project financings. Solely with respect to any Security Lender which acquires a security interest in Principal or this Agreement, and provided Contractor has received written notice from Principal of such interest and request, Contractor shall give written notice to such Security Lender of any default or event of default by Principal under this Agreement. Each of the Parties will have the right to assign in full or in part its rights under this Agreement to a subsidiary owned by it.
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26. | CHANGES TO THE AGREEMENT |
Changes, amendments and corrections to this Agreement shall be made in writing and signed by both Parties.
27. | SEVERABILITY |
27.1 | Should any provision in this Agreement be found by any court or competent authority to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable in any jurisdiction that provision shall be deemed not to be a part of this Agreement and it shall not affect the enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement nor shall it affect the validity, lawfulness or enforceability of that provision in any other jurisdiction. |
27.2 | The Parties agree furthermore to replace an invalid provision by one, which most closely approximates the invalid provision in a legally permissible way. |
28. | ENTIRE AGREEMENT |
28.1 | This Agreement, its annexes and schedules sets out the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings or arrangements (whether oral or written) in respect of the subject matter of this Agreement. |
28.2 | Each Party acknowledges that it has entered into this Agreement in reliance only on the representations, warranties, promises and terms contained in this Agreement, its annexes and schedule and save as expressly set out in this Agreement neither Party shall have any liability in respect of any other representation, warranty or promise made prior to the date of this Agreement unless it was made fraudulently. |
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29. | NOTICES |
Any notice to a Party under this Agreement shall be in writing in the English language, signed by or on behalf of the Party giving it and shall be delivered personally, by pre-paid first class mail, or airmail, if abroad, by overnight courier service to the address of the Party appearing on page one (1) of this Agreement, or as otherwise notified in writing from time to time. A notice shall be deemed to have been served at the time of delivery, if delivered personally, or forty-eight (48) hours after posting for an address in the United States and five (5) Working Days after posting for any other address. Principal hereby agrees to provide Contractor all relevant notice details in a timely manner, including, but not limited to, notices to be provided to Financier. Furthermore Principal hereby agrees and accepts that all notices addressed to Contractor shall also be sent in copy to: []
Contractor hereby agrees and accepts that all notices addressed to Principal shall also be sent in copy to: []
30. | ARBITRATION, JURISDICTION, APPLICABLE LAW |
30.1 | Subject to any provisions of this Agreement, which grant any powers to the Ruler, all disputes or claims between the Parties arising out of or related to this Agreement, its subject matter and/or its validity will be decided by binding arbitration which, unless the Parties mutually agree otherwise in writing, shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Construction Industry Arbitration Rules in effect on the date of this Agreement. |
30.2 | The venue of the arbitration will be North Carolina. |
30.3 | The applicable law will be the law of North Carolina; the arbitrator shall: (i) apply substantive applicable Law; (ii) shall not be bound by any rules of procedure and\ or evidence; and (iii) shall give reasons for his ruling. |
30.4 | The language of the arbitration will be English. |
31. | LIMITATIONS ON DAMAGES AND WARRANTIES |
The Parties agree that:
(i) | the Contractor’s liability under this Agreement shall not exceed the Contract Price. |
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(ii) | Except as otherwise provided herein and in respect of Delay Liquidated Damages, Contractor shall not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, consequential, punitive or exemplary damages regardless of the theory of recovery. |
(iii) | The warranties in this Agreement are exclusive and Contractor disclaims all other warranties of any kind, whether statutory, express, or implied. The remedies in this Agreement are the exclusive remedies of Principal for any failure by Contractor to comply with its warranty obligations in this Agreement, provided however that nothing herein shall abrogate any obligation of the Contractor pursuant to the Service, Maintenance and Operation Agreement or the Performance Guarantee Agreement. |
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In witness thereof, the Parties have signed this Agreement
AUSPARK LLC, the Contractor | |
/s/ AUSPARK LLC | |
Date: April 7, 2015 |
Orbit Energy Rhode Island, LLC, the Principal | |
/s/ Orbit Energy Rhode Island, LLC | |
Date: April 7, 2015 |
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This PARENT GUARANTY (this “Guaranty”) of Austep S.p.A. with offices at Mecenate, 76/45 20138 Milano, Italia (the “Guarantor”) is made in favor of Orbit Energy Rhode Island, LLC (the Beneficiary”):
WHEREAS, pursuant to: an Amended and Restated Turnkey Agreement for the Design, Construction and Delivery of a Biogas Plant dated April 7, 2015 with a lump sum of $13,800,000, including all of its exhibits and attachments (the “Agreement”), the Beneficiary has agreed to engage Anspark LLC of North Carolina (the “Contractor”) to perform certain described obligations in relation to the Project; and,
WHEREAS, Beneficiary has agreed that Contractor’s parent shall provide this Guaranty.
IT IS AGREED as follows:
1. | For good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, including the Beneficiary entering into the Contract with the Contractor, the Guarantor guarantees to the Beneficiary the performance by the Contractor of each and all of the obligations, warranties, duties, liabilities and undertakings of the Contractor under and pursuant to the Contract when and if such obligations, duties and undertakings shall become due and performable, or liabilities are incurred, according to the terms of the Contract (collectively, the “Guaranteed Obligations”). |
2. | If the Contractor is determined in good faith by the Beneficiary to be in default under the Contract, the Beneficiary shall provide the Guarantor prompt written notice of the Contractor’s default and provide the Contactor and Guarantor a reasonable time to cure any default, but in no event less than thirty (30) days. No obligations shall be owed to the Beneficiary by the Guarantor under this. Guaranty with respect to ongoing work unless, prior to performing any remedial work or incurring any expenses related to Contractor’s default, the Beneficiary provides the Guarantor with sufficient notice and opportunity to properly remedy the Contractor’s alleged default. |
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3. | If the Guarantor and Contractor fail to correct any default with respect to ongoing obligations, after notice and an opportunity to cure, Guarantor shall be responsible to pay only the direct costs that Beneficiary incurs to complete the Contract, and only to the extent that the direct costs incurred by Beneficiary for completion of the entire. Contract are in excess of the lump sum. In addition, in the event that Contractor incurs any liability for damages or indemnification obligations to Beneficiary under the. Agreement, and Contractor has failed to pay such damages or indemnification payments within thirty (30) days following the later of (a) receipt of written notice from Beneficiary stating the amount of the damages or indemnification amounts due or, (b) if disputed, a third party decision imposing liability or payment obligation on Contractor, Guarantor shall within twenty (20) days make payment to Beneficiary equal to the full amount of Contractor’s liability or payment obligation, but only to the extent that such liability or payment obligation is in excess of any funds being retained by the Beneficiary reflecting undisputed amounts owed to the Contractor under the Agreement. For the purposes of this Guaranty, direct costs shall mean all hard and soft construction costs and liquidated damages, but shall not include any consequential, indirect or like costs, liabilities or damages to the extent these are recoverable• under the Agreement. In no event shall the obligations or liabilities imposed on Guarantor exceed the obligations or liabilities of Contractor under the Agreement. Under no circumstances shall. Guarantor be liable to Beneficiary for any special or consequential damages (including without limitation lost profits), except as noted in the Agreement. Beneficiary may enforce against Guarantor any and all of the rights of Beneficiary under this Guaranty without having instituted or completed any legal, arbitration or other proceedings against Contractor, but it is explicitly understood that Guarantor reserves and shall be permitted to enforce any defenses available to Contractor under the Agreement. |
4. | Guarantor’s obligations hereunder (a) are absolute and unconditional, (b) constitute a guaranty of payment and performance, and not merely a guaranty of performance, (c) are as primary obligor and not as a surety only, (d) shall be a continuing guaranty of all Guaranteed Obligations and (e) shall be irrevocable. Guarantor’s obligations hereunder shall terminate six (6) months after the date of full compliance with• all obligations and duties, and discharge and payment of all liabilities and payment obligations, to the Beneficiary under the Agreement. |
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5. | No change, extension of time, alteration or modification of the Agreement, or of the work to be performed thereunder, shall in any way affect Guarantor’s obligations on this Guaranty; and Guarantor does hereby waive notice of any change, extension of time, alteration or modification of the Agreement or of work to be performed thereunder. |
6. | Guarantor represents and warrants to Beneficiary that: (a) Guarantor is duly organized and validly existing as a corporation under the laws of Italy; (b) Guarantor is authorized and has all necessary power and authority, corporate and other, to execute and deliver this. Guaranty and to perform the Guaranteed Obligations; (c) this Guaranty has been duly executed and delivered by Guarantor and is the valid, binding, and enforceable contract of Guarantor, except as affected by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, general equitable principles and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; and (d) the execution and delivery of this Guaranty by Guarantor and its performance of its obligations under the Guaranty, do not (and, to the best of Guarantor’s, knowledge, will not) conflict with any law, rule or regulation, or any agreement, instrument, indenture, deed or any other restriction, including those of its home country, to which Guarantor is subject or a party, or accelerate or affect any of its obligations under any thereof. |
7. | The Guarantor obligations contained herein will be terminated as of the date that, not subject to any ongoing claims or disputes, Contractor has: (1) completely performed and fulfilled all the undertakings, covenants, terms, conditions, and agreements of the Agreement during the term of the Agreement and any extensions thereof that are granted by the Beneficiary, with or without notice to the Guarantor; (2) completely performed and fulfilled all the undertakings, covenants, terms, conditions, and agreements of any and all duly authorized modifications of the Agreement that hereafter are made; and (3) fully discharged and paid any and all liabilities or payment obligations to Beneficiary that may be incurred in connection with the Agreement or if the Beneficiary breaches the Agreement with Contractor in any manner. |
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8. | Upon default or any action under this Guaranty, Beneficiary shall maintain the obligation to pay Contractor all remaining funds due under the Agreement or, in the alternative, shall agree to pay the Guarantor as the Work is completed. |
9. | No right of action shall accrue on this Guaranty to or for the use of any person or corporation other than the Beneficiary, its successors and assigns. |
10. | Guarantor shall remain responsible to ensure that all obligations under this Guaranty are performed. Without limiting its ongoing joint and several obligations to Beneficiary following such assignment, Guarantor tray assign any of its rights and obligations under this Guaranty upon the mutual agreement of the parties. Guarantor agrees that this Guaranty shall inure to the benefit of and may be enforced by the Beneficiary and its successors and assigns and shall be binding upon and enforceable, jointly and severally, against the Guarantor and the Guarantor’s successors and assigns without any formal action or notice to the Guarantor. |
11. | This Guaranty is governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina. Subject to any provisions of the Agreement, which grant any powers to the Ruler (as defined therein), all disputes or claims between the Parties arising out of or related to the Agreement or this Guaranty, their subject matter and/or their validity will be decided by binding arbitration which, unless the Parties mutually agree otherwise hi writing, shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Construction Industry Arbitration Rules in effect on the date of this Agreement. The venue of the arbitration will be North Carolina. The applicable law will be the law of North Carolina; the arbitrator shall: (i) apply substantive applicable Law; (ii) shall not be bound by any rules of procedure and \or evidence; and (iii) shall give reasons for his ruling. The language of the arbitration will be English. |
12. | In case any provision of this Guaranty shall be found unenforceable or invalid for any reason, the enforcement of any such provision shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to be enforceable or if such modification is not practicable, such provisions shall be deemed deleted from this Guaranty. |
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13. | Correspondence, notices or claims relating to this Guaranty shall be sent to Guarantor at the address set forth above, attention “Managing Director”. |
14. | Capitalized, undefined terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Agreement. |
Austep S.p.A.
|
|
/s/ Austep S.p.A |
Acknowledged and accepted
Orbit Energy Rhode Island, LLC
|
|
/s/ Orbit Energy Rhode Island, LLC | |
Date: April 7, 2015 |
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Exhibit 10.44
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
21 December 2016
BY and BETWEEN
1 | Bluesphere Pavia S.r.l. (the “Service Provider”), with registered business address in [ ], acting herein represented by Mr. Roy Amitzur, duly empowered to act by virtue of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the company dated 19 December 2016. |
And
2 | [SPV], with registered business address in [ ], acting herein represented by Mr. Roy Amitzur, duly empowered to act by virtue of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the company dated 19 December 2016 (the “Receiver of Services”). |
Hereinafter, and for the purposes of this agreement, the term “Party” is deemed to mean either the Service Provider or the Receiver of Services according to the meaning of the expression in each particular instance, and “Parties” is deemed to refer jointly to both the Service Provider and the Receiver of Services.
WHEREAS
I. | The Receiver of Services is the owner of 1 biogas plant with a nominal capacity of 1 MWp (hereinafter, referred to as the “Facility”). |
II. | Both Parties have agreed that the Service Provider provides to the Receiver of Services certain administration and professional services in connection with the operation of the Facility and of the Company. |
III. | Pursuant to the terms of a facility agreement entered into between, inter alia, the Receiver of Services, Banca IMI S.pA. (the Lender) and Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A. on 25 February 2013 (as amended from time to time, the “Facility Agreement”), this Agreement (as defined below) is a Project Contract (Contratto di Progetto) and, as such, the Receiver of Services is required to confoini with all the obligations set out in the Facility Agreement which relate to the Project Contracts (Contratti di Progetto). |
On the basis of the above, the Parties, acknowledging each other as having due legal capacity as necessary in that regard, authorise this agreement for the provision of administrative and professional services (hereinafter, referred to as the “Agreement”), to be governed as follows:
CLAUSES
ONE - SUBJECT
The subject matter of this Agreement is the provision, by the Service Provider to the Receiver, of professional and administrative services, throughout the period of time and under the terms and conditions as set forth in this Agreement.
Services to be provided by the Service Provider are listed under Annex I herein (the “Services”).
The Receiver of Services may request changes to the scope of Services in writing to the Service Provider, i.e. the addition of new services, modification or elimination of any particular Services.
The Service Provider will review any requests received from the Receiver of Services and will express in writing whether it is able or not to attend to such variations within fifteen (15) working days following the dates on which such requests are received. If the response is affirmative, the new scope of Services may involve the Price being amended, but in no case increased, and all other conditions set out in this Agreement remain applicable. In case of additional Services to those established under Annex I, the Parties will duly sign and attach details of the new Services to be provided to this Agreement in an Annex to this Agreement, together with the additional consideration to be paid by the Receiver of Services to the Service Provider.
TWO - DURATION - WITHDRAWAL
This Agreement is valid and effective and shall enter into force on the date of its execution.
The duration of this Agreement shall be five years as from the date of its execution and shall automatically renew for additional periods of five years each provided that no notice is served by any Party to the other on the contrary by registered mail with return receipt at least three months prior to termination of each five year duration period. Notwithstanding the above, both Parties will be entitled to terminate this Agreement at any time with 3 (three) month notice to be provided in writing to the other Party. In such event, the Receiver of Services shall pay to the Service Provider the Price for all the Services provided until the date of such termination.
THREE - PRICE
The Receiver of Services shall pay the Service Provider, as consideration for the provision of the annual Services, the amount of Euro 112,800.00 plus applicable VAT. Exclusively for the Year 2016, the fee to be paid shall amount to Euro 20,000.00 plus applicable VAT.
FOUR - METHOD OF PAYMENT
For the purposes of the provisions set out under clause three above, the Price of Services will be paid quarterly against the relevant invoices issued by the Service Provider.
The Receiver of Services will pay the invoiced amount in 4 equal installments - to be paid on 31/03, 30/06, 30/09 and 31/12 of each calendar year - subject to the fulfilment by the Service Provider of all the obligations under this Agreement and to the availability of sufficient funds on the Revenues Account of the Receiver of Services.
FIVE - SUBORDINATION CLAUSE
The Parties agree that, should an event of default (Evento Rilevante) and/or potential event of default (Evento Rilevante Potenziale) be communicated and pending under the Facility Agreement, the payment of any amounts due under this Agreement will be suspended and subordinated to (and until) the full satisfaction of all the Lender’s rights under the Facility Agreement and other finance documents, and the Service Provider shall be entitled to suspend the Services under this Agreement.
SIX - OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES
The Receiver of Services shall:
(i) | provide Service Provider with any document and/or information either affecting or which might in any way affect the way the Services are carried out, including but not limited to communications with the authorities, land owners and contractors; |
(ii) | pay the Price for the Services as established in the Agreement. |
The Service Provider will provide the Services in a professional manner and with an appropriate quality level for generally accepted standards and practices for the industry and which may objectively be required with regard to the provision of the Services subject of this Agreement. Nevertheless, the Parties expressly state that all of the obligations of the Service Provider under this Agreement shall not be considered as obligations of results but of means, i.e. the Service Provider does not make any representation or warranties in connection with the result of the Services which are provided “as is” with no express or implied warranty for accuracy or result.
Should any special events or emergencies occur, the Service Provider shall use its best efforts in order to inform the Receiver of Services specifying suggested actions and asking the prior relevant authorization to proceed. Should the authorization not be released in a reasonable time given the circumstances, the Service Provider shall be entitled to deal with such events and emergencies at its own discretion in the best interest of the Facility and Receiver of Services.
Should the Receiver of Services delay payments, the Service Provider shall not be entitled to claim default interests. The Service Provider undertakes to refrain from starting any legal claim or action to obtain fulfilment of the obligations of the Receiver of Services under the present agreement.
SEVEN - PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION
Any personal data files pertaining to the Receiver of Services either processed or managed by the Service Provider under the scope of this Agreement are deemed to belong to and shall continue to belong to the Receiver of Services and will be returned to the latter as soon as the Services provided under this Agreement have been fulfilled and, at all events, whenever the Agreement duly expires or is terminated, at the exclusive cost of the Service Provider, together with any device or document containing any personal data.
In order to comply with the provisions set down under Art. 7 of the Legislative Decree no. 196/2003, governing Personal Data protection, the Service Provider may only use any personal data stored in files pertaining to the Receiver of Services and accessed by the former in order to fulfil its obligations under this Agreement and shall at all times comply with instructions received from the Receiver of Services. Equally, the Service Provider undertakes neither to communicate nor transfer said personal data in any form to third parties, not even for conservation purposes. The only exception to the above is that, in the event that the Service Provider should decide to subcontract legal advisory Services to a third party and if this involves processing personal data for which the Receiver of Services is deemed responsible, then the Service Provider is duly authorised to carry out such sub-contracting but must inform the Receiver of Services of the identity of said Provider of legal advisory Services.
The Service Provider shall, at all events, maintain the strictest confidentiality with regard to personal data subject to processing instructions, pursuant to the mentioned Legislative Decree no. 196/2003, throughout the period that processing is carried out and also after processing has terminated, for whatever reason, and this obligation is deemed to prevail over any exception which may be established hereunder, as the case may be, to the Service Provider duty of confidentiality with regard to information pertaining to the Receiver of Services.
The Service Provider will immediately forward any request it may receive from affected parties in writing to the Receiver of Services concerning the rights of such parties to access, correct, cancel or challenge such data together with all details and information available to it by virtue of this Agreement and which is deemed relevant in order to effectively exercise such rights, so that the Receiver of Services may attend to the particular request.
EIGHT - CONFIDENTIALITY
Unless otherwise provided for under this Agreement, all information communicated by the Receiver of Services to the Service Provider, either prior to or following the date this Agreement is signed and having to do either with its preparation or for compliance herewith, is deemed confidential and exclusively to be used for the purposes of this Agreement (hereinafter, referred to as the “Confidential Information”).
Equally, any information regarding personnel, methodology or know how and provided by the Service Provider to the Receiver of Services in execution of this Agreement is also deemed to be Confidential Information.
The Parties duly undertake to keep such Confidential Information secret and shall not disclose it on to any third parties without the prior consent in writing of the other Party.
Each of the Parties must take care to ensure that such Confidential Information is not made available to anyone other than employees, agents, representatives or advisers requiring such information either in order to ensure this Agreement is properly carried out or in order to comply with tasks incumbent upon them.
Obligations of confidentiality as established under this clause are deemed not to apply: (i) with regard to any official government or judicial requirement or from any other legal authority to the contrary; (ii) in the event that such Confidential Information is already in the public domain; (iii) if such Confidential Information was already known prior to the Agreement being negotiated; (iv) if the Confidential Information was provided by third parties upon whom there is no such duty of confidentiality; or (v) if it was provided in writing with regard to dissemination of such Confidential Information by the Party from whom the relevant information arose. In any of these instances, the Party giving the information must inform the other Party of the reason and of the specific information provided within a maximum time period of one month as from the disclosure.
NINE - NOTICES
Unless otherwise provided for under this Agreement, all notices and any other communications between the Parties and issued with regard to this Agreement, must be carried out in writing and shall be considered duly executed or delivered if sent to the address, fax number or e-mail address herein below listed, or any other address that will be notified in writing by the Party, and shall be deemed as received at the date of receipt by the addressee of the registered letter as specified in the return notice or in receipt of the courier or in the fax or e-mail receipt message, as long as the date of receipt is a working day at the location where such notice or communication is received, or, otherwise, the following working day:
To the Receiver of Services:
[SPV]
To the Service Provider:
Bluesphere Pavia S.r.1.
TEN-TERMINATION OF CONTRACT AND LIABILITY
The following are deemed to be grounds for termination of this Agreement:
(a) | Whenever the Agreement term has duly elapsed, or; |
(b) | breach by either Party of the respective obligations set forth in this Agreement; in that event the Party in compliance must inform the other Party in written, granting a remedy period of thirty (30) working days for such breach to be remedied and after that time period has elapsed and if the breach has not been corrected, then the Party in compliance may terminate this Agreement by sending a written notice to the other Party. |
Liability of any kind arising out of this Agreement and incurred either by the Service Provider, its employees, administrators or executives, with regard to the Receiver of Services, include repair of any indirect or consequential damages, nor any loss of income, production nor other losses, nor loss of profit, and the Receiver of Services hereby expressly waive any claim for such damages. The amount of such liabilities is, at all events, limited hereunder to 100% of the annual fee to be paid by the Receiver of Services to the Service Provider under clause three of this Agreement.
The aforesaid liability of the Service Provider is deemed at all events to be personal with regard to the Receiver of Services and may not be extended to any claims brought by third parties with whom the Receiver of Services may have commercial or contractual relationships.
ELEVEN - MISCELLANEOUS
(a) | Integrity and modification |
This Agreement is deemed to expressly set out the will of both parties with regard to the purpose of the Agreement. Any other verbal or written agreement reached in this regard prior to the date the Agreement is signed is deemed null and void.
No amendment or modification of this Agreement shall be effective, unless it is in writing agreed by the Parties.
(b) | Conservation |
If any clause contained in this Agreement is deemed null and void or invalid, either by legal order or ruling, the remaining clauses are deemed not to be affected. The Parties will negotiate mutually satisfactory replacement or modification for the particular clause or clauses declared null and void or invalid by others in similar terms that do have effect.
(c) | Waive |
If either of the Parties wishes to waive any rights arising out of this Agreement they must do so in writing. If either of the Parties fails to require strict compliance by the other Party with the obligations established hereunder, one or more occasions, this may not in any event be deemed as waving the corresponding rights, nor will it deprive that Party of the entitlement to require strict compliance with the contractual obligation/s a posteriori.
(d) | Assignment- Subcontract |
Unless previously agreed in writing between the Parties on the contrary, any assignment or subrogation of this Agreement is prohibited.
In the event the Service Provider wished to subcontract part of the Services covered by this Agreement, it shall first apply for approval by the Receiver of Services. The Service Provider shall be directly responsible, vis-à-vis the Receiver of Services, in relation to the Services performed by the subcontractors.
TWELVE - APPLICABLE LEGISLATION
The obligations and rights of the Parties, with regard to any matters not expressly provided for under this Agreement, are deemed to be governed by the laws of Italy.
THIRTEEN - JURISDICTION
The Parties expressly agree that any litigation, dispute, controversy or claim arising out of interpretation or execution of this Agreement shall be subject to the courts of Milan.
And as evidence of the above, this Agreement is duly signed, in two copies and to one sole effect at the place and on the date set out in the heading.
[SPV] | Bluesphere Pavia S.r.1. | |
ANNEX I
LIST OF SERVICES
1. | Administration services: | |
— | Accounting and bookkeeping services. | |
— | Financial reporting to banks | |
— | Issue invoices and credit management. | |
— | Management administrative relationships with suppliers, orders and payments; | |
— | Management administrative relationship with GSE; | |
— | Working Capital management, bank reconciliation and cut off calculation till end of period. | |
— | Comparison between forecast and actual P&L and cash flow figures. | |
— | Monthly financial performance reports. | |
— | Provide quarterly financial figures in excel format and annually financial statements. | |
— | Managing documents relevant for the fmancial statements. | |
— | Drafting and filling of Financial Statements of each fiscal year. | |
— | Support during audit process. | |
— | Tax and VAT declaration filling. | |
— | Manage the VAT reimbursement practices. | |
— | Representation in front of Tax Authorities during any inspection. | |
— | Keeping statutory books and records. | |
2. | Technical Services | |
— | Technical Supervision. | |
— | Management of technical relationship with the sub contractor. | |
— | Monthly production reports. | |
— | Site visit. | |
— | Periodic operational performance checks on sub contractors’ activity. |
3. | Professional services: | |
— | Legal advice services. | |
— | Brokerage services. | |
— | Company directorship services. | |
— | Secretary of the Board of Directors and Shareholders’ meetings. |
Exhibit 10.45
AMENDED
AND RESTATED
LEASE AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LEASE AGREEMENT (this “ Lease ”) is executed as of the 8th day of April 2015 (the “ Execution D ate”), by and between SHELBY REALTY, INC., a Rhode Island corporation, with an address of [] (“ Landlord ”), and ORBIT ENERGY RHODE ISLAND, LLC , a Rhode Island limited liability company, with an address of [] (“ Tenant ”), with the term “ Party ” meaning either Tenant or Landlord, as the context requires, and the term “ Parties ” meaning Tenant and Landlord, collectively. This Lease supplants a lease dated October 15, 2013, as amended between the Parties, which is hereby null and void, but Landlord acknowledges that all obligations under such prior lease have been satisfied.
Article
1
GRANT, TERM AND RENT
1.1 Leased Premises . In consideration of the rents, covenants, and agreements hereinafter reserved and contained herein on the part of Tenant to be observed and performed, Landlord leases to Tenant, and Tenant leases from Landlord, the leased premises, more particularly described as follows (the “ Leased Premises ”):
That certain parcel of land located in Johnston, Rhode Island commonly referred to at the time of this Lease Agreement as Town of Johnston Tax Assessor’s Plat 43, Lot 2, and more particularly described in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein.
1.2 Condition of Leased Premises . Tenant has examined the Leased Premises and accepts the Leased Premises in its condition as of the Execution Date. WITH REGARD TO THE LEASED PREMISES, LANDLORD SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Tenant acknowledges and agrees that it has had full, open, and unobstructed access to the Leased Premises and it is relying only on its own inspections and evaluations, and is not relying on any representation of Landlord in leasing the Leased Premises. Landlord is leasing, and Tenant shall lease, the Leased Premises “as is/where is and with all faults” and subject to all applicable easements, laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, documents, rights, and restrictions of record as of the Execution Date (the “ Permitted Encumbrances ”). Landlord shall have no obligation to do any work in, on, at and/or under the Leased Premises to render the Leased Premises ready for occupancy and use by Tenant.
1.3 Term . The term of this Lease (the “ Lease Term ”) begins on April 1, 2015 (the “ Commencement Date ”) and ends, unless otherwise terminated, renewed or extended as provided herein, on the date fifteen (15) years thereafter (the “ Expiration Date ”). With respect to Tenant’s access to and/or use of the Leased Premises prior to the Commencement Date pursuant to this Lease, any reference in this Lease to the Parties’ duties and obligations under this Lease, including without limitation, any insurance and indemnification obligations (but excluding the payment of Rent) during the “Term” of this Lease shall include from and after the Execution Date.
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1.4 Rent . Tenant agrees to pay to Landlord both:
(a) base rent equivalent to the sum of the “ Annual Base Rent ” for Year 1 through Year 15 (as set forth below), and any permitted extensions (the “ Base R ent”), which shall be payable in monthly installments of base rent (the “ Monthly Base Rent ”) as follows:
Lease
Year
|
Annual
Base Rent
|
Monthly
Base Rent |
||||||||
1 | $ | 180,000.00 | $ | 15,000.00 | ||||||
2 | $ | 185,400.00 | $ | 15,450.00 | ||||||
3 | $ | 190,962.00 | $ | 15,913.50 | ||||||
4 | $ | 196,690.86 | $ | 16,390.91 | ||||||
5 | $ | 202,591.59 | $ | 16,882.63 | ||||||
6 | $ | 208,669.33 | $ | 17,389.11 | ||||||
7 | $ | 214,929.41 | $ | 17,910.78 | ||||||
8 | $ | 221,377.30 | $ | 18,448.11 | ||||||
9 | $ | 228,018.61 | $ | 19,001.55 | ||||||
10 | $ | 234,859.17 | $ | 19,571.60 | ||||||
11 | $ | 241,904.95 | $ | 20,158.75 | ||||||
12 | $ | 249,162.10 | $ | 20,763.51 | ||||||
13 | $ | 256,636.96 | $ | 21,386.41 | ||||||
14 | $ | 264,336.07 | $ | 22,028.01 | ||||||
15 | $ | 272,266.15 | $ | 22,688.85 |
and (b) such other and further charges, costs, expenses, and/or obligations as provided for in this Lease (“ Additional Rent ”).
Together, Base Rent and Additional Rent shall be referred to in this Lease as “ Rent ”.
Monthly Base Rent for partial months shall be prorated. All Monthly Base Rent payments shall be paid in advance, such that Landlord actually receives the same on or before the first (1st) day of each calendar month during the Lease Term. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall pay the entire Lease Year 1 Annual Base Rent ($180,000.00), in advance, on the Commencement Date. All Additional Rent shall be paid such that Landlord (or, such other party as is entitled to said payment(s) under this Lease) receives said payment in a timely manner, time being of the essence, and in no event later than the earlier of (i) thirty (30) days after Tenant receives notice of such obligation, or (ii) the due date provided for in this Lease.
1.5 Renewal Options .
(a) Tenant shall have two (2) renewal options of six (6) years and five (5) years, respectively, following completion of the initial Lease Term (the “ Renewal Options ”), with each such tem. being hereinafter individually referred to as a “ Renewal Term ”.
(b) With the exception of: (i) the amount of Base Rent payable during each Renewal Term (which shall be as set forth below); and (ii) the unavailability of any Renewal Options after the completion of the second Renewal Term, any renewal shall be on the same terms and conditions as herein contained.
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(c) Each of the Renewal Options may be exercised by giving Landlord written notice of Tenant’s election at least one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the expiration of the Lease Term or first Renewal Term (as applicable).
(d) Base Rent for each Renewal Term (if exercised and applicable per this Lease) shall be as follows:
Lease
Year
|
Annual
Base Rent
|
Monthly
Base Rent
|
||||||||
1st
Renewal
Term
|
||||||||||
16 | $ | 280,434.13 | $ | 23,369.51 | ||||||
17 | $ | 288,847.16 | $ | 24,070.60 | ||||||
18 | $ | 297,512.57 | $ | 24,792.71 | ||||||
19 | $ | 306,437.95 | $ | 25,536.50 | ||||||
20 | $ | 315,631.09 | $ | 26,302.59 | ||||||
21 | $ | 325,100.02 | $ | 27,091.67 | ||||||
2nd
Renewal
Term
|
||||||||||
22 | $ | 334,853.02 | $ | 27,904.42 | ||||||
23 | $ | 344,898.61 | $ | 28,741.55 | ||||||
24 | $ | 355,245.57 | $ | 29,603.80 | ||||||
25 | $ | 365,902.94 | $ | 30,491.91 | ||||||
26 | $ | 376,880.03 | $ | 31,406.67 |
(e) Upon the commencement of a Renewal Term, all references in this Lease to the Lease Term shall be deemed to include the Renewal Term.
1.6 Quiet Enjoyment . Tenant, upon paying the Rent, and any other costs, expenses and/or charges herein specified, as they become due, and upon observing Tenant’s covenants and agreements herein, shall and may peaceably and quietly have, hold, and enjoy the Leased Premises during the Lease Term, unless and until terminated as herein provided, subject to the terms of this Lease, and also subject to
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(a) any Permitted Encumbrances;
(b) any fire, casualty, natural disaster, taking by eminent domain, action by any Governmental Authority (as defined in Footnote 1 below), 1 and/or cause beyond the reasonable control of Landlord; and/or
(c) any local, state, and/or federal rules, laws, requirements, directions, directives, orders and/or regulations, which shall include, but not be limited to, rules, laws, requirements, directions, directives, orders and/or regulations the State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (“ RIDEM ”), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“ EPA ”), or any Governmental Authority (collectively, “ Laws ”).
1.7 Past Due Rent . If Rent and/or any other monies payable under this Lease is not received within ten (10) days of the date the same shall be due and payable (with no notice of the same required to be made to Tenant), Tenant shall be obligated to pay, on demand and as Additional Rent, a late charge equal to Ten Percent (10%) of such unpaid amount. In addition, interest of Twelve Percent (12%) per annum shall accrue and be payable by Tenant to Landlord with respect to all unpaid amounts, including late charges, which remain unpaid more than thirty (30) days after notice of default from Landlord to Tenant.
1.8 Net Lease . This Lease shall be deemed and construed to be a “net lease,” and, except as set forth herein, Tenant shall pay absolutely net throughout the Lease Term (including any Renewal Term), the Rent and other costs, taxes, fees, payments, etc. due by Tenant hereunder in any manner whatsoever (including, but not limited to, and except as otherwise provided herein, real estate taxes, personal property taxes, utility charges, service charges, operational costs/expenses, repair costs/expenses, upkeep costs/expenses, maintenance costs/expenses, management costs/expenses, cleaning costs/expenses, costs/expenses for any minor and/or major repair(s) to and/or replacement(s) of and/or to any portion of the Leased Premises), free of any charges, assessments, imposition or deductions of any kind and without abatement, deduction or set-off; provided, further, that following a written request by Landlord for the same, Tenant shall provide Landlord written evidence that Tenant has timely satisfied said obligations. Except as set forth in this Lease, under no circumstances or conditions, whether now existing or hereafter arising, or whether beyond the present contemplation of Landlord and/or Tenant, shall Landlord be expected or required to make any payment of any kind whatsoever associated with the Leased Premises, or be under any obligation and/or liability associated with the Leased Premises and/or Tenant.
Article
2
TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS
2.1 Taxes . Tenant shall timely pay, directly to the assessing authority for the Town of Johnston, Rhode Island, as Additional Rent, all taxes assessed in any way attributable to the Leased Premises and Tenant’s property (including, without limitation, leasehold improvements, fixtures, and equipment) with respect to the Lease Term. Tenant shall provide Landlord with written proof of such payment(s) of Taxes within fourteen (14) days of such payment(s). “ Taxes ” shall include, without limitation: all taxes and special assessments of every kind and nature assessed and/or levied against and/or concerning the Leased Premises; real estate taxes concerning the Leased Premises and any improvement thereon; impact fees; fire district taxes; any taxes upon buildings or land levied or imposed by any Governmental Authority; any charges in addition to, in lieu of, or as a substitute or supplement for, real estate taxes, fire district taxes, or other assessments concerning the Leased Premises; installments and interest on assessments for public betterments or public improvements; all personal property taxes upon building appurtenances for the use and benefit of Tenant and/or the occupants of the Leased Premises; expenses, including but not limited to reasonable legal expenses, of any proceedings for abatement of taxes; all taxes levied or assessed against or for leasehold improvements to the Leased Premises, fixtures, lighting fixtures, merchandise, equipment, interior partitions, HVAC equipment, and/or other improvements located upon, within or at the Leased Premises; any improvement or other property situated or installed in or upon the Leased Premises, whether or not affixed to the Leased Premises; and any such tax attributable to the Leased Premises or improvements by or for the benefit of Tenant upon the Leased Premises. Taxes shall not include gains, income or other taxes payable by Landlord based on income, or any taxes due on transfer of the Leased Premises.
1 “ Governmental Authority ” means any federal, state, local or other governmental, regulatory or administrative agency, commission, department, board, or other governmental subdivision, court, tribunal, arbitral body or other governmental authority.
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2.2 Landlord’s Obligation . Landlord shall pay all Taxes attributable to periods prior to the Commencement Date.
2.3 Payment . All Taxes shall be due and payable in accordance with the maximum benefit of any law allowing real estate taxes or assessments to be paid in installments; provided, however, that regardless of the allowance of any installment or other payment schedule, all such Taxes levied for the period encompassed by the Lease Term regardless of when actually levied, shall be paid in full by Tenant as Additional Rent.
2.4 Contest . Landlord shall furnish Tenant with copies of any tax bills received on the Leased Premises promptly upon receipt thereof and in sufficient time to allow Tenant to determine whether or not to contest any increase in Taxes. If Tenant desires to contest such tax increase, Tenant shall promptly notify Landlord and Tenant shall have the right to so contest such Tax increase at Tenant’s expense. In the event Tenant elects to contest a Tax increase, Tenant shall continue to make timely payment of Taxes, and Tenant shall remain responsible for all penalties and charges, if any, resulting from such contest.
Article
3
INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION
3.1 Insurance Coverage .
(a) Tenant shall, during the Lease Term, keep in full force and effect, at Tenant’s expense, a policy or policies of insurance for: (i) commercial general liability (so-called “CGL” or its equivalent) with respect to persons and property in connection with Tenant’s use and occupation of the Leased Premises; and (ii) “all risk” property insurance (ISO “Special Form” policy) with respect to personal property, improvements, etc. at and/or concerning the Leased Premises, including, without limitation, loss by fire, with extended coverage, and by all other casualties and risks; all such insurance, in amounts, with insurance companies and on forms reasonably satisfactory to Landlord. With respect to general liability, the limits of liability shall be not less than: (i) $4,000,000 general aggregate; and (ii) $2,000,000 per occurrence. With respect to personal property damage, fire and other casualty, coverage shall be not less than full replacement cost. The limits of the general liability coverage may be increased from time to time, upon Landlord’s written request, if such increase is commercially reasonable. All such policies shall name Landlord and Landlord’s lender(s) as additional insured(s) and Tenant shall endeavor to cause the insurer to agree to a provision that the insurer will not cancel or change the insurance without first giving Landlord and Landlord’s lender(s) twenty (20) days’ prior written notice. A copy of the certificate(s) of insurance (and the underlying policies, if specifically requested by Landlord) shall be delivered to Landlord: (i) prior to the Execution Date; and (ii) upon each anniversary of the Commencement Date; and (iii) at any other time upon written request of Landlord.
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(b) Landlord shall have no obligation whatsoever to maintain any insurance concerning the Leased Premises and/or Tenant; provided, however, that if Landlord elects to maintain any insurance, Tenant’s insurance (and not Landlord’s) shall be deemed primary.
(c) Tenant shall ensure, and obtain appropriate certificates confirming, that all contractors and subcontractors performing work at the Leased Premises (including, without limitation, the Tenant Improvements as defined herein) are duly licensed, bonded, and insured in a commercially reasonable manner for a similar project taking place in the State of Rhode Island. Such insurance shall include, without limitation, general liability, workers’ compensation, and excess coverage policies. If as a result of a violation of this provision which is not cured within reasonable time after notice from Landlord to Tenant, costs are incurred or losses are sustained by Landlord, Tenant shall indemnify, defend (with counsel of Landlord’s choosing), and hold harmless Landlord with respect to the same.
(d) Tenant shall cause Workers Compensation insurance, in sums not less than the amounts required from time to time by applicable law, to be provided to cover all persons working in, on, and/or at the Leased Premises. If as a result of a violation of this provision which is not cured within reasonable time after notice from Landlord to Tenant, costs are incurred or losses are sustained by Landlord, Tenant shall indemnify, defend (with counsel of Landlord’s choosing), and hold harmless Landlord with respect to the same.
(e) Prior to the Commencement Date, Tenant shall obtain a Pollution Legal Liability (PLL) policy covering environmental conditions on, at, from, or under the Leased Premises, including, without limitation, Hazardous Substances in the soil, groundwater, or soil vapor, on, at, from, or under the Leased Premises, with annual coverage of at least $5,000,000. Tenant shall maintain such PLL policy in force during the entire Lease Term and Landlord and Landlord’s Lender(s) shall be named as an additional insured(s) under said policy. A copy of the certificate(s) of insurance (and the underlying policy, if specifically requested by Landlord) shall be delivered to Landlord: (i) prior to the Commencement Date; (ii) upon each anniversary of the Commencement Date; and (iii) at any other time upon written request of Landlord.
3.2 Tenant’s Indemnification of Landlord . Tenant agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend Landlord from and against any losses, costs, damages, liens, and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees with counsel selected by Landlord, except in the event of insurance coverage providing for such counsel, in which case Landlord shall reasonably approve the same) occasioned by, arising out of and/or relating to: (a) Tenant’s use, maintenance, control, and/or occupancy of the Leased Premises; (b) Tenant’s use, maintenance, control, and/or occupancy, whether permitted or not, of any other property owned and/or controlled by Landlord; and/or (c) any breach or default in the performance by Tenant under this Lease. Tenant agrees to defend (with counsel selected by Landlord, except in the event of insurance coverage providing for such counsel, in which case Landlord shall reasonably approve the same), indemnify, and hold harmless Landlord from and against any claim, order, decree, judgment, action, suit, cost, fine, fee, penalty or other expense or liability, and will perform all investigation, cleanup or remedial or responsive actions required under any environmental laws, regulations, rules, orders, and/or directives whatsoever arising from the handling, use, storage or disposal of any materials at, on, under or around the Leased Premises on and/or following the Execution Date. For purposes of this section, the term “Tenant” shall refer to Tenant and/or any entity or person, occupying, acting, holding, or claiming by, through, for or under Tenant, including, without limitation, Tenant’s employees, agents, contractors, servants, guests, customers, clients, representatives, invitees, and licensees, but specifically excluding Landlord and any entity or person occupying, acting, holding, or claiming by, through, for or under Landlord, including, without limitation, Landlord’s employees, agents, servants, guests, customers, clients, representatives, invitees, and licensees. The indemnification, defense, and hold harmless obligations and liabilities undertaken hereunder shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.
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3.3 Subrogation . To the extent covered by the insurance to be maintained by Tenant hereunder, Tenant hereby releases Landlord from liability for any and all loss or damage to the extent so covered, even if such loss or damage shall be brought about by the fault or negligence of Landlord or persons and/or entities claiming under Landlord or for whom Landlord may be derivatively liable.
3.4 Environmental . In furtherance of Tenant’s obligations set forth in Section 3.2 above, Tenant shall indemnify, defend (with counsel selected by Landlord, except in the event of insurance coverage providing for such counsel, in which case Landlord shall reasonably approve the same), and hold harmless Landlord and its officers, owners, shareholders, directors, members, employees and agents from any claims, judgments, damages, fines, penalties, suits, actions, costs, liabilities (including sums paid in settlement of claims) or loss (including, without limitation, property devaluation), including attorneys’ fees, consultants fees, and expert fees, arising during or after the Lease Term in any way out of, or in connection with, the presence or suspected presence of “ Hazardous Materials ,” which shall mean any hazardous or toxic substance, pollutant, material or waste which is or becomes regulated or as to which liability or standards of conduct may be imposed by any Governmental Authority, including, without limitation, any material or substance which is (i) designated as a “hazardous substance” pursuant to Section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. §1317), (ii) defined as “hazardous waste” pursuant to Section 1004 of the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. §6901, et seq. (42 U.S.C. §6903), (iii) defined as a “hazardous substance” pursuant to Section 101 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. §9601 et seq. (42 U.S.C. §9601), (iv) defined as a hazardous substance by the RIDEM, (v) petroleum and any petroleum by-products, and (vi) asbestos, toxic or hazardous substances in the soil, groundwater, or soil vapor on, under, and/or near the Leased Premises caused by activities or operations undertaken on, at, or under the Leased Premises by Tenant, its officers, invitees, guests, contractors, licensees, representatives, employees and/or agents. Tenant covenants and agrees that if any environmental condition arises after the Execution Date, including the presence of Hazardous Materials on, at, from, or under the Leased Premises in violation of applicable Laws, which was caused by Tenant or its officers, invitees, guests, contractors, licensees, representatives, employees or agents, Tenant promptly shall remove, clean, contain, and/or otherwise remediate any such condition in accordance with applicable Laws, and shall otherwise comply with all requirements whatsoever pertaining thereto. Tenant shall promptly provide notice to Landlord when it becomes aware of any environmental condition that arises after the Execution Date, including, without limitation, the presence of Hazardous Materials on, at, from, and/or under the Leased Premises in violation of applicable Laws. Tenant shall not be responsible or liable for any environmental conditions, including the presence of Hazardous Materials in the soil, groundwater, or soil vapor on, at, from, and/or under the Leased Premises existing prior to the Execution Date, so long as Tenant confirms such pre-existence to a reasonable degree of scientific certainty by retaining licensed professionals to perform an environmental assessment of the Leased Premises prior to the Execution Date (establishing a so-called “baseline”) and retaining professionals after the Execution Date to confirm the presence of such Hazardous Materials prior to the Execution Date. The indemnification, defense, and hold harmless obligations and liabilities undertaken hereunder shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.
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Article
4
MAINTENANCE, UTILITIES, IMPROVEMENTS AND OPERATIONS
4.1 Tenant Obligations .
(a) Tenant shall, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, perform any and all business operations, monitoring and reporting to Government Authorities as is legally required of Tenant, as well as maintenance and repair, necessary to keep the Leased Premises in good order and repair, in a clean and industry standard condition, in accordance with customary industry practices, and in as clean, neat and attractive a state as they were on the Execution Date or placed in thereafter by Tenant, with the exception of reasonable wear and tear, damage by casualties for which full and adequate insurance proceeds are actually received by Landlord, and in compliance with all Laws.
(b) Tenant’s obligations with respect to the Leased Premises shall extend to include, but not be limited to, maintaining all portions of the buildings and other improvements on the Leased Premises, including but not limited to, walls, foundations, exterior components, interior components, piping, sewer, water, electrical, boiler, elevator, security, heating, air conditioning, plumbing, wiring, fire system, fire notification systems, fire protection systems, firewater protection systems and infrastructure, machinery and equipment relating to utilities (including, but not limited to, heating, electricity, water, sewer, telephone, internet, cable, alarm, and alarm monitoring and security services).
(c) Tenant’s obligations with respect to the Leased Premises shall also extend to any and all landscaping, snow and ice treatment and removal, mowing and other gardening, and lighting of the Leased Premises. The Leased Premises shall be kept by Tenant in a reasonably neat and attractive appearance to reasonable industry standards.
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(d) Tenant’s obligations with respect to the Leased Premises shall also extend to installing, maintaining, and/or repairing all utility infrastructure located on, above or below the Leased Premises, including water, electrical, sewer, firewater, communications, fiber optic, etc.
(e) If Tenant shall fail to proceed with reasonable diligence to satisfy its obligations under this Section, Landlord may after reasonable notice to Tenant cause such obligations to be satisfied and the cost of the same shall be payable to Landlord on demand as Additional Rent.
(f) All damage or injury to the Leased Premises, or to any equipment, fixtures, goods, items, improvements and/or appurtenances located thereon, caused by Tenant and/or any of Tenant’s employees, agents, servants, guests, customers, clients, representatives, invitees, and/or licensees, shall be repaired by Tenant, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense. Any action, conduct and/or activity engaged in by Tenant in conjunction with Tenant’s rights and obligations under this Section shall be effectuated in a neat, safe, and industry standard condition.
(g) Tenant shall not enter into any contract, agreement or arrangement that will result in an obligation affecting the Leased Premises that is not terminable at the expiration or termination of the Lease Term. If as a result of any such contract, agreement or arrangement, costs are incurred or losses are sustained by Landlord in connection therewith, Tenant shall indemnify, defend (with counsel of Landlord’s choosing), and hold harmless Landlord with respect to the same.
4.2 Obligations of Landlord . Landlord shall have no obligation to provide any work, utilities, services or equipment, or any other objects, items, benefits or goods, pursuant to this Lease and/or for the benefit of Tenant’s use and/or enjoyment of the Leased Premises.
4.3 Utilities .
(a) Tenant shall pay for all utilities associated with Tenant’s use and occupancy of the Leased Premises, including, but not limited to, heating, electricity, water, sewer, telephone, Internet, cable, alarm, and alarm monitoring and security services. Tenant shall make such payment directly to the utility provider(s) and indemnify, defend (with counsel of Landlord’s choosing), and hold harmless Landlord concerning the same.
(b) If at any time during the Lease Term (including any Renewal Term), the State of Rhode Island Department of Transportation or any other Governmental Authority requires the performance of any construction, repair, or maintenance of any property outside the Leased Premises (e.g., installation and maintenance of any traffic control system) due to Tenant’s use and/or control of the Leased Premises, Tenant (and not Landlord) shall perform such construction, repair or maintenance, or fund the same. In the event Tenant does not perform the same, and fails to commence and thereafter diligently perform the same following notice from Landlord to Tenant that Landlord will perform the same at Tenant’s expense if Tenant fails to do so, Landlord shall have the right (but not the obligation) to perform the same whereupon Tenant shall indemnify, defend (with counsel of Landlord’s choosing), and hold harmless Landlord.
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4.4 Tenant’s Improvements .
(a) Tenant is accepting the Leased Premises in an as-is condition and any improvements thereto shall be made by Tenant at Tenant’s expense (and in no event at Landlord’s expense).
(b) “Tenant Improvements” are those improvements, modifications, and/or alterations to the Leased Premises to be performed by or for Tenant. Tenant shall submit to Landlord a complete set of professionally prepared plans and specifications prior to commencement of Tenant Improvements construction, which plans and specifications shall be consistent with the program previously discussed by the parties. Tenant shall use reasonable efforts to cause the improvements shown thereon to be completed within one (1) year of commencement of construction, subject to force majeure. It is understood that Tenant must construct a building(s) capable of permitting Tenant to engage in the Permitted Use, and that such improvements are generally approved in advance by Landlord as reasonably necessary to operate the Leased Premises for the Permitted Use. Tenant shall provide Landlord with as-built plans prepared by an architect or engineer, accurately depicting the Tenant Improvements, within ninety (90) days of Tenant’s completion of the Tenant Improvements. Landlord shall reasonably cooperate with Tenant concerning Tenant’s acquisition of permits, licenses, and/or authorizations, including signing applications for the same as owner of the Leased Premises, so long as such requested cooperation (i) is in furtherance of permits, licenses, and/or authorizations entirely consistent with the terms and conditions of this Lease, and (ii) does not require Landlord’s expenditure of any monies.
(c) Tenant shall cause the Tenant Improvements to be done in a good and workmanlike manner in compliance with all Laws, including without limitation, building codes and the requirements of the appropriate Board of Fire Underwriters. The Tenant Improvements shall be promptly commenced at the earliest practicable date; shall not affect the soundness of the Leased Premises or any improvement thereon; and shall be diligently prosecuted to completion. In the event any Tenant Improvements do not materially conform to the requirements of this Lease, Landlord may, after reasonable prior notice to Tenant from Landlord, remove and replace any such Tenant Improvements which do not so conform, at Tenant’s expense, as Additional Rent.
(d) Tenant shall promptly pay for all Tenant Improvements, keeping the Leased Premises free from any lien or encumbrance (including, without limitation, any mechanic’s liens, Notice of Intention, or other documents recorded under R.I.G.L. § 34-28-1, et seq.), hereby covenanting and agreeing to indemnify, defend (with counsel of Landlord’s choosing), and hold harmless Landlord from and against any loss, cost, claim, suit, or damage with respect thereto (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees). Tenant agrees to discharge within seven (7) days of Tenant’s receipt of notice of the same, by surety bond if necessary, any liens or encumbrances (including, without limitation, any mechanic’s liens or Notices of Intention) placed upon the Leased Premises. Landlord may, but need not, require Tenant to obtain, at reasonable intervals determined by Landlord in order to avoid the imposition of liens and encumbrances, signed lien waivers from all contractors, subcontractors, and other providers of services and/or materials associated with Tenant Improvements at the Leased Premises. Tenant shall maintain at all times an updated list (with all identifying information, including the nature and scope of the work and/or materials provided) of all contractors, subcontractors, and other providers of services and materials associated with Tenant Improvements at the Leased Premises (the “ Contractor/Supplier List ”), and Tenant shall promptly provide the most updated Contractor/Supplier List to Landlord upon Landlord’s request for the same. Tenant shall require Tenant’s general contractor and/or construction manager to promptly provide Tenant with the underlying information for the Contractor/Supplier List, including any changes thereto. The aforesaid shall not constitute Landlord’s consent in writing to subject Landlord’s interest in the Leased Premises to a lien(s) in accordance with R.I.G.L. § 34-28-1, et seq.
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(e) In the event that the Leased Premises are not ready for Tenant’s business use on or before the Commencement Date, for any reason whatsoever, this Lease shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect and Tenant shall not have any claim against Landlord and Landlord shall have no liability to Tenant by reason thereof. If Tenant shall enter into possession of all or any part of the Leased Premises prior to the Commencement Date, all of the covenants and conditions of this Lease except the obligation to pay Rent (which shall commence on the Commencement Date) shall be binding upon the Parties in respect to such possession the same day as if the first day of the Lease Term had been fixed as of the date when Tenant entered into such possession (but such earlier tenancy shall not change the termination date of the Lease Term).
(f) Any buildings, additions, infrastructure, installations, improvements, fixtures, and/or alterations placed upon and/or attached to the Leased Premises (or attached to the buildings, additions, infrastructure, installations, improvements, fixtures, and/or alterations thereon) (“ Improvements ”) shall become part of the Leased Premises, but shall be Tenant’s property during the Lease Tenn. At the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, such Improvements shall remain on the Leased Premises, or shall be removed by Tenant at Tenant’s expense, as Landlord elects in Landlord’s sole discretion as hereinafter provided. In the event Landlord elects to cause Tenant to remove any Improvements, it shall do so by notice to Tenant prior to the expiration of this Lease, whereupon Tenant shall remove the same and shall restore any resulting damage to the Leased Premises or Improvements not to be removed, at Tenant’s expense, all within three (3) months of such expiration, during which time Tenant shall have an exclusive license to occupy the Leased Premises for such purpose, subject to Tenant’s obligations under this Lease except with respect to the payment of Rent. Also at the expiration or termination of this Lease, Tenant shall fully remove its unattached equipment, goods, and effects (including trade fixtures, signs, furniture, etc.).
4.5 Removal Upon Termination; Surrender of Leased Premises . At the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease (time being of the essence), Tenant shall remove all of Tenant’s personal property, equipment, supplies, furniture, goods and effects, and peaceably yield up the Leased Premises in good order, repair and condition, broom clean, excepting reasonable wear and tear, damage by casualty or taking by eminent domain (if applicable) and other damage covered by insurance proceeds actually received by Landlord. In the event Tenant fails to satisfy its obligations as set forth in this Section, Tenant shall be obligated to indemnify, defend (with counsel of Landlord’s choosing), and hold harmless Landlord with respect to any and all expenses, costs, and/or other damages sustained by Landlord as a result of Tenant’s failure to comply with the aforesaid, and Tenant hereby authorizes Landlord to: (1) store such property in any public warehouse or elsewhere in the name, and at the risk and expense, of Tenant; (2) sell any or all such property at public or private sale; (3) take possession, control and ownership of such property, and/or (4) destroy such property, as applicable and in Landlord’s sole discretion.
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4.6 Compliance with Law . In connection with Tenant’s use, occupancy, improvement, and/or enjoyment of the Leased Premises, Tenant shall strictly observe, comply with, and bear all expenses relating to, all Laws.
4.7 Access by Landlord . Tenant shall allow Landlord, Landlord’s agents, servants, contractors, and representatives, to enter upon and have access to the Leased Premises at all reasonable times and upon reasonable notice (except in the case of emergency, in which case no such notice shall be necessary), in conjunction with (i) Landlord’s rights and/or obligations under this Lease; (ii) inspecting and viewing the Leased Premises; (iii) ensuring compliance with this Lease; (iv) showing the Leased Premises to prospective purchasers; (v) showing the Leased Premises to current or prospective mortgagees; and/or (vi) exercising any rights provided for in any Permitted Encumbrances. Landlord may not unreasonably interfere with Tenant’s business and shall keep confidential all information it shall gain from such entry.
4.8 Signs . Tenant shall have the right, at its sole cost and expense, to place on or at the Leased Premises such signs as Tenant deems necessary and proper in the conduct of Tenant’s business, provided , however , that such signs shall comply with Laws.
4.9 Use of Leased Premises . During the Lease Term, and any holdover period, Tenant shall use the Leased Premises only for the purpose set forth on the attached Lease Data Exhibit, and subject to any Permitted Encumbrances (the “ Permitted Use ”). Further, Tenant shall not use the Leased Premises in a manner that will: (i) violate any certificate(s) of occupancy affecting any of the buildings or other improvements on the Leased Premises; (ii) make void or voidable any insurance then in force; (iii) cause or be likely to cause structural damage to the Leased Premises and/or Improvements placed thereon; (iv) constitute a public or private nuisance; (v) materially adversely affect the value of the Leased Premises; (vi) violate any Laws; and/or (vii) cause any waste (other than reasonable wear and tear), damages, or injury to the Leased Premises or any other property or person.
Article
5
CONDEMNATION AND DESTRUCTION
5.1 Condemnation . In the event that the entire Leased Premises (or such portion thereof as would reasonably prevent Tenant from or make it uneconomic for Tenant reasonably to continue operating Tenant’s business) is taken or condemned by any Governmental Authority for any public or quasi-public use or purpose, or are sold as a result of an impending taking or condemnation (a “ Taking ”), this Lease may be terminated by Tenant as of the date of the Taking. If Tenant reasonably determines that it is economically feasible to continue to operate in the balance of the Leased Premises following any Taking, Landlord (after such Taking and the determination of Landlord’s award therein) shall expend so much as may be necessary of the net amount of Landlord’s award (and in no event more than such award) in effecting any restoration necessary to restore the balance of the Leased Premises and the Lease shall continue and Tenant shall pay Rent on a pro rata basis, based upon the extent to which Tenant is able to operate at the Leased Premises after such restoration. In any event of a Taking that affects the Leased Premises or Tenant’s ability to utilize the Leased Premises at a reasonably acceptable level of profit and reasonably conduct its business in the ordinary course, Tenant shall be entitled to receive a pro rata reduction of Rent during the period of restoration. All compensation awarded and paid for any Taking as to which this Lease shall not terminate shall solely belong to and be the property of Landlord irrespective of the basis upon which it is awarded, Tenant hereby specifically assigning to Landlord any such award or compensation for the value of Tenant’s leasehold estate and/or other rights; but if this Lease is terminated as a result of any such Taking Landlord and Tenant shall be entitled to make their respective claims against the condemning authority.
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5.2 Destruction . If, during the Lease Term, the whole or any part of the Leased Premises (land and/or Improvements placed thereon) is destroyed by casualty so as to render any part or the whole of the same untenantable and/or unfit for occupancy, this Lease shall not terminate and there shall be no abatement, adjustment, proration and/or modification of the Rent; provided , however , that any insurance proceeds arising in connection with such destruction shall be payable to Tenant and the portions of such destroyed property shall be rebuilt by Tenant, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense. In no event shall Landlord be required to use any of its own funds for any rebuilding, restoration, and/or replacement due to casualty, it being the intent that Tenant shall solely be responsible for the same. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant may terminate this Lease if there shall occur a casualty during the last two (2) years of the Lease Term if the time required to restore shall exceed one quarter of the then balance of the Lease Term. Any insurance proceeds arising in connection with such destruction followed by termination shall be payable to Landlord; provided, however, that in the event Landlord elects under Section 4.4(f) to direct Tenant to remove any Improvements in connection with Tenant’s termination election, Tenant shall be entitled to that portion of the insurance proceeds necessary for Tenant to comply with such removal obligations.
Article
6
OPTION TO OFFER TO PURCHASE
6.1 Option to Offer to Purchase . So long as this Lease is in effect, Tenant shall enjoy the option from time to time to offer to purchase the Leased Premises, subject to the following terms and conditions:
(a) Tenant shall provide notice to Landlord of Tenant’s election to exercise Tenant’s option to offer to purchase (“ Tenant’s Option Notice ”) at least one hundred eighty (180) days (but in no event more than one year) prior to the proposed closing date contained in Tenant’s Purchase Notice;
(b) Tenant’s Purchase Notice shall include Tenant’s proposed purchase price, deposit amount, closing date, and any other terms and conditions associated with Tenant’s proposed purchase of the Leased Premises;
(c) For no more than thirty (30) days following the delivery of Tenant’s Option Notice to Landlord (the “ Negotiation Period ”), the Parties shall negotiate and attempt to agree upon (in their respective sole discretion) the purchase price, deposit amount, closing date, and the other terms and conditions of the proposed purchase and sale (the “ Terms ”);
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(d) If the Parties are unable to agree upon the Terms prior to the expiration of the Negotiation Period (in their respective sole discretion), Tenant’s Option Notice shall be deemed terminated, null and void, and of no force or effect;
(e) In the event the Terms are agreed upon (in the Parties’ respective sole discretion), in no event shall any brokerage, finder, or other fee be due and payable by Landlord concerning the Parties’ purchase and sale of the Leased Premises;
(f) Tenant may not submit to Landlord more than one Tenant’s Option Notice in any two (2) year period; and
(g) This Article does not afford Tenant, nor shall it be construed as granting to Tenant, any right of first refusal or similar right in the Leased Premises.
Article
7
REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS
7.1 | Landlord’s Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties set forth below are true and correct as of the Execution Date: |
(i) | Title . Landlord has good and marketable title to the Leased Premises, subject to the Permitted Encumbrances. |
(ii) | No Bankruptcy . There are no bankruptcy, reorganization or insolvency proceedings pending, being contemplated by or, to the best knowledge of Landlord, threatened against Landlord. |
(iii) | Leases, Easements and Licenses . With the exception of the Permitted Encumbrances, Landlord has not entered into any leases, easements, licenses or other occupancy agreements affecting any portion of the Leased Premises with any person other than Tenant. |
(iv) | Disclaimer . WITH REGARD TO THE LEASED PREMISES, LANDLORD SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE . Tenant acknowledges and agrees that it has had full, open, and unobstructed access to all of the Leased Premises and it is relying only on its own inspections and evaluations, and is not relying on any representation of Landlord or Landlord’s agents, representatives, and/or professionals, in entering into this Lease. Landlord is leasing the Leased Premises “as is/where is and with all faults” and subject to all Permitted Encumbrances. |
(v) | Organization, Existence and Authority . Landlord is a duly organized and validly existing Rhode Island corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Rhode Island. Landlord has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted, to lease the Leased Premises, and to enter into and carry out its obligations under this Lease. |
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(vi) | Execution, Delivery and Enforceability . The execution and delivery of this Lease and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by Landlord. |
7.2 Tenant’s Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties set forth below are true and correct as of the Execution Date:
(i) | No Consents . Tenant has no knowledge of any consent or approval of, registration, filing with or notice to any Governmental Authority that is required to be obtained or made by Tenant in connection with Tenant’s execution, delivery and performance of this Lease, which, if not obtained or made, will result in a material adverse effect. |
(ii) | Organization, Existence and Authority . Tenant is a duly organized and validly existing Rhode Island limited liability company in good standing under the laws of the State of Rhode Island. Tenant has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted, to lease the Leased Premises, and to enter into and carry out its obligations under this Lease. |
(iii) | Execution, Delivery and Enforceability . The execution and delivery of this Lease and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by Tenant. |
(iv) | Financial Resources . Tenant represents and warrants to Landlord that Tenant has the necessary funds to fully and timely comply with all of Tenant’s obligations under this Lease, or has firm commitments from reliable funding sources to obtain the monies necessary to fully and timely comply with all of Tenant’s obligations under this Lease. |
Article
8
DEFAULT AND TERMINATION
8.1 Default . Tenant shall be in default of this Lease upon the happening of any one or more of the following:
(i) | If Tenant shall neglect or fail to pay Rent, or any other monetary amount due hereunder, and such neglect or failure shall (a) continue for more than ten (10) days after written notice from Landlord to Tenant or (b) have occurred four (4) times or more within any twelve (12) month period (so long as notice of such neglect or failure shall have been provided by Landlord to Tenant with respect to each such occurrence); |
(ii) | If Tenant shall neglect or fail to perform or observe any term, covenant or condition by Tenant to be performed or observed hereunder with respect to any term, covenant, or condition other than the covenant to pay Rent and/or any other covenant calling for the payment of money by Tenant, and such neglect or failure shall continue for more than twenty (20) days after written notice to Tenant; provided, however, that if more than twenty (20) days is reasonably required to remedy such neglect or failure, Tenant shall not be in default if it commences such remedy promptly and diligently pursues to completion; |
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(iii) | If Tenant shall abandon the Leased Premises; |
(iv) | If the leasehold hereby created shall be taken on execution, or by other process of law, against Tenant; |
(v) | If any assignment shall be made of Tenant’s or Guarantor’s (during the term of the Guaranty) property for the benefit of creditors; |
(vi) | If a receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, or similar officer or custodian shall be appointed to take charge of all or any part of Tenant’s or Guarantor’s (during the term of the Guaranty) property by a court of competent jurisdiction, and such appointment shall remain in effect twenty (20) days following the date of such appointment; |
(vii) | If Tenant or Guarantor (during the term of the Guaranty) is insolvent; |
(viii) | If a petition is filed by Tenant or Guarantor (during the term of the Guaranty) under any bankruptcy, receivership, or other insolvency law; |
(ix) | If a petition is filed against Tenant or Guarantor (during the term of the Guaranty) under any bankruptcy, receivership, or other insolvency law and the same shall not be dismissed within twenty (20) days from the date upon which it is filed; |
(x) | If any liquidation or dissolution or other termination of Tenant’s or Guarantor’s (during the term of the Guaranty) existence shall result in a termination of the obligations hereunder to pay Rent and otherwise observe Tenant’s or Guarantor’s (during the term of the Guaranty) obligations hereunder; and/or |
(xi) | Tenant’s power purchase agreement (including any amendments thereto to subsequent power purchase agreements) shall have been finally expired and/or terminated, with Tenant having no remaining right of cure, appeal or alternative lawful arrangement for the offtake of energy generated pursuant to the Permitted Use, for a period of not less than thirty (30) days. |
In the event Tenant shall neglect or fail to perform or observe any term, covenant or condition by Tenant to be performed or observed hereunder and as a result thereof there is imminent threat to health, safety, people and/or property, and/or an “emergency”, then Landlord may, but only following reasonable prior notice to Tenant from Landlord, perform and/or observe said term, covenant or condition (with no liability therefore to, or obligation upon, Landlord) prior to the expiration of any waiting and/or cure period as is reasonably necessary to protect the Leased Premises, any other land owned by Landlord in the vicinity of the Leased Premises and/or to prevent injury or damage likely to result to persons or property, and should Landlord expend funds in conjunction therewith, Tenant shall reimburse Landlord, on demand, as Additional Rent, time being of the essence.
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8.2 Landlord’s Remedies . In the event Tenant defaults, and does not cure the default within the applicable cure period (if applicable), Landlord shall then and at any time thereafter be entitled to immediate possession of the Leased Premises, to all arrearages in Rent, to terminate this Lease, and/or to exercise any remedy legally available to Landlord to enforce its rights by reason of Tenant’s default. Without limiting the foregoing and in supplement to and not replacement of any other obligation of Tenant relevant to termination of this Lease, Tenant shall at Landlord’s option (i) vacate the Leased Premises, and/or (ii) remove Tenant’s property from the Leased Premises. Notwithstanding termination of the Lease and surrender of the Leased Premises to Landlord, Landlord shall immediately be entitled to recover from Tenant, and Tenant shall forthwith pay to Landlord as compensation, in addition to any other payment obligations of Tenant under this Lease, all unpaid Rent or other payments called for hereunder accrued to such date, as well as all sums Tenant was otherwise obligated to pay to Landlord for the remainder of the Lease Term (including, but not limited to, the balance of the Rent, which shall be deemed accelerated) less the fair market value of the Leased Premises for the balance of the Lease Term. In addition to the amounts to be paid by Tenant under the preceding sentence and otherwise under this Lease, Tenant shall pay to Landlord, as compensation, all of Landlord’s expenses in connection with the reletting of the Leased Premises, including, without limitation, all repossession costs, brokerage commissions, fees for legal services and expenses of preparing the Leased Premises for such reletting (but pro-rated to the extent of any reletting for periods beyond the Lease Term), it being agreed by Tenant that Landlord may: (a) relet the Leased Premises or any part or parts thereof, for a term or terms which may at Landlord’s option be equal to, less than, or exceed the period which would otherwise have constituted the balance of the Lease Term and may grant such concessions and free rent as Landlord in its reasonable judgment considers advisable or necessary to relet the same; and (b) make such alterations, repairs and decorations in at, on and/or to the Leased Premises as Landlord in its sole judgment considers advisable or necessary to relet the same, and no action of Landlord in accordance with the foregoing or failure to relet or to collect rent under reletting shall operate or be construed to release or reduce Tenant’s liability as aforesaid, including with respect to mitigation.
8.3 No Waiver . No consent or waiver, express or implied, by a Party, to or of any breach of any term, covenant or condition hereunder shall be construed as a consent or waiver to or of said breach and/or any other breach of the same or any other term, covenant or condition, unless said consent or waiver is set forth in a duly authorized writing executed by the Party alleged to have provided said consent and/or waiver. Acceptance by Landlord of any Rent or other payment shall not constitute a consent or waiver by Landlord to or of any breach of any term, covenant or condition hereunder.
8.4 Attorneys’ Fees, Costs and Expenses . The prevailing Party in any dispute between the Parties shall recover from the non-prevailing Party the full amount of any and all reasonable attorneys’ fees, expert fees, costs, and expenses incurred by the prevailing Party in enforcing and/or defending its rights and remedies hereunder (including reasonable pre-suit and post judgment collection expenses and fees). Tenant shall also reimburse Landlord, as Additional Rent, which shall be due and payable within ten (10) days of demand by Landlord to Tenant, for all reasonable and actual losses, costs, damages, and/or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by Landlord in connection with a default by Tenant under this Lease that is not timely cured in accordance with this Lease; provided, however, that the exercise of cure rights by a Leasehold Mortgagee pursuant to Section 11 of this Lease shall be deemed a timely cure for the purposes of Tenant’s obligations under this sentence only if such Leasehold Mortgagee’s cure shall have occurred within (and not beyond) the same period afforded Tenant to cure such default under this Lease.
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8.5 Rights Cumulative . Each right and remedy of Landlord provided for in this Lease or otherwise existing at law or in equity shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other right or remedy provided for in this Lease, or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise, and the exercise or beginning of the exercise by Landlord of any one or more of the rights or remedies provided for in this Lease, or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise shall not preclude or waive the simultaneous or later exercise by Landlord of any or all other rights or remedies provided for in this Lease, if any, or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise, but neither party shall be liable to the other for any indirect, punitive or consequential damages (including loss of business) regardless of cause. The provisions of Sections 8.1 and 8.2 above shall be subject to the provisions of Article 11.
Article
9
LANDLORD’S MORTGAGES
9.1 SNDA . Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, including, without limitation, Tenant’s non-disturbance rights under this Section, this Lease shall become subject to and subordinate to all mortgages, and to all advances made thereunder, the interest thereon, and all renewals, modifications, consolidations, replacements and extensions thereof if (a) the mortgagee named in said mortgage shall execute and deliver a customary Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement recognizing Tenant’s and any Leasehold Mortgagee’s rights hereunder (the “ SNDA ”), and (b) the mortgagee named in said mortgage shall elect by written notice delivered to Tenant to subject and subordinate the rights and interest of Tenant and any Leasehold Mortgagee under this Lease to the lien of its mortgage. Alternatively, any mortgagee may elect to give the rights and interest of Tenant and any Leasehold Mortgagee under this Lease priority over the lien of its mortgage. In the event of either of such election, and upon notification by such mortgagee to Tenant to that effect, the rights and interests of Tenant under this Lease shall be deemed to be subordinate to or to have priority over, as the case may be, the lien of said mortgage(s) whether this Lease is dated prior to or subsequent to the date of said mortgage(s). This clause shall be self-operative and no further instrument of subordination shall be required by any mortgagee; provided, however, that in confirmation of such subordination, non-disturbance, and attornment rights and obligations, the mortgagee and Landlord shall execute and deliver to Tenant, and Tenant shall countersign and deliver to Landlord within fifteen (15) days of delivery to Tenant, an SNDA in the case of any subordination. The subordination of this Lease (self-operative or otherwise) pursuant to this Section is dependent upon Tenant’s receipt of a non-disturbance agreement as set forth in the SNDA. In the event Tenant fails to execute the SNDA within fifteen (15) days after demand in writing, Landlord shall deliver to Tenant a second notice to Tenant of Tenant’s obligation to so execute the SNDA, whereupon, if Tenant fails to execute or alternatively confirm in writing within ten (10) days of such final notice Landlord’s appointment as Tenant’s attorney-in-fact in its name, place and stead to execute the SNDA, Tenant hereby agrees to constitute and appoint Landlord as Tenant’s attorney-in-fact duly authorized to execute, deliver, and record the SNDA for and on behalf of Tenant and the execution of the SNDA by Landlord, on behalf of Tenant, after said fifteen (15) day and ten (10) day periods shall be conclusive evidence that Landlord has obtained for Tenant’s behalf a non-disturbance agreement as set forth in the SNDA in conformance with the provisions of this Section.
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9.2 Notice . After receiving written notice from any person, firm or other entity that it holds or has acquired a mortgage which includes as part of the mortgaged property the Leased Premises, and containing the address of such holder and which notice is countersigned by Landlord, Tenant shall, so long as such mortgage is outstanding, be required to give such holder of the same notices as may be given to Landlord under the terms of this Lease, but such notice may be given by Tenant to Landlord and such holder concurrently.
9.3 Assignment . With reference to any assignment by Landlord of Landlord’s interest in this Lease, or the Rents payable hereunder, conditional in nature or otherwise, Tenant consents thereto and agrees that the execution thereof by Landlord and the acceptance thereof by the holder or the exercise by such holder of its rights under such assignment shall never be deemed an assumption by such holder of any of the obligations of Landlord hereunder, unless such holder shall, by written notice to Tenant, specifically otherwise elect or such holder takes action to specifically assume the obligations of Landlord.
Article
10
MISCELLANEOUS
10.1 Assignment and Subletting . Tenant shall not assign, transfer, mortgage, pledge and/or otherwise encumber this Lease or the Leased Premises, nor shall Tenant sublet, underlet, or underlease the Leased Premises or any part thereof, without the prior written consent of Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, except that Tenant may without Landlord’s consent assign this Lease to any entity controlled by, controlling or under common control with Tenant, so long as it gives prompt notice to Landlord. If Landlord shall grant Landlord’s consent, the same shall not be an ongoing and/or future waiver of this covenant and condition, except as to the particular act to which said consent related. Notwithstanding any permitted assignment, Tenant shall not be relieved of any obligation hereunder, but shall remain primarily liable for the payment of the Rent herein reserved and for the performance of all the other terms and obligations of this Lease required to be performed by Tenant. This Section 10.1 shall not apply to any grant by Tenant of a Leasehold Mortgage or any acquisition of Tenant’s interest under this Lease by or through such Leasehold Mortgage, and the provisions of Article 12 shall control in the case of any inconsistency.
10.2 Notices . All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Lease shall be in writing and shall be delivered by both (a) first class mail or electronic mail and (b) hand delivery or certified mail or overnight delivery, by a service providing evidence of receipt, and properly addressed as follows:
If to Landlord: []
If to Tenant: []
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10.3 Recording Notice . The Parties agree that this Lease shall not be recorded, but Landlord and Tenant hereby agree, upon request of either Party, to enter into a memorandum of lease in recordable form, setting forth the actual date of commencement and the actual date of termination of this Lease and such other provisions, except rental provisions, with respect to this Lease as will put on notice any third party of the existence of this Lease. Such notice shall expressly state that it is executed pursuant to the provisions contained in this Lease and is not intended to vary the terms and conditions of this Lease. Upon the expiration or termination of this Lease, Tenant shall execute and deliver to Landlord, upon the request of Landlord, an instrument in recordable form, reasonably satisfactory to Landlord, certifying that this Lease has expired or terminated, or alternatively Tenant may constitute and appoint Landlord its attorney-in-fact for such purpose. In the event Tenant fails to execute such instrument within fifteen (15) business days after demand in writing, or fails to alternatively constitute and appoint Landlord as its attorney-in-fact, in its name, place and stead so to do within said period of fifteen (15) days, Tenant shall be deemed in Default of this Lease, and Landlord may alone execute and record in the Town of Johnston Land Evidence Records an affidavit stating that this Lease has been cancelled, terminated or expired.
10.4 Parties and Definitions . The terms “Landlord” and “Tenant” wherever used in this Lease shall include the successors and assigns of said parties (subject to the assignment provisions hereof), and all of the covenants, terms and conditions herein contained shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and said assigns of the parties in the same manner as if they were expressly mentioned (except as otherwise expressly provided herein). The term “Landlord” as used in this Lease means only the owner for the time being of the Leased Premises so that in the event of any sale of the Leased Premises, Landlord shall be and it hereby is entirely freed and relieved of all covenants and obligations of Landlord hereunder, it being understood and that the purchaser has assumed and agreed to carry out any and all obligations of Landlord hereunder. Each term and provision of this Lease to be performed by Tenant shall be construed to be joint and several and both a covenant and a condition. The reference contained to successors and assigns of Tenant is not intended to constitute a consent to an assignment by Tenant or to vary the provisions of this Lease.
10.5 Holding Over . If Tenant shall hold possession of any portion of the Leased Premises beyond the Expiration Date, in the absence of a written agreement to the contrary, Tenant shall be deemed a tenant from month to month; provided , however , that the Rent to be paid by Tenant shall be equal to 200% of the Rent. For purposes of calculating the holdover rent, the Rent (which shall be doubled during the holdover period) shall be the Rent for the month immediately prior to the Expiration Date. Nothing herein shall preclude Landlord from the exercise of any right of re-entry or other remedy under this Lease or under law, including Landlord’s right to recover attorneys’ fees and costs in enforcing Landlord’s rights and remedies. Any acceptance by Landlord of any monthly payment, Rent or other payment during any such period of continued occupancy shall not constitute a consent or waiver by Landlord to or of any breach of any term, covenant or condition hereunder, nor shall it operate as a consent to, or waiver with respect to, any continued occupancy by Tenant.
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10.6 Brokers . Tenant warrants and represents that Tenant has dealt with no broker, agent, or finder in connection with this Lease other than Jeff Finan of Hayes & Sherry, and in the event of any brokerage, finder, or similar claims against Landlord predicated upon dealings with Tenant, Tenant agrees to hold harmless, defend, and indemnify Landlord against any such claim, including, without limitation, payment of Landlord’s legal fees with counsel of Landlord’s choosing. Landlord warrants and represents that Landlord has dealt with no broker, agent, or finder in connection with this Lease other than Jeff Finan of Hayes & Sherry, and in the event of any brokerage, finder, or similar claims against Tenant predicated upon dealings with Landlord, Landlord agrees to hold harmless, defend, and indemnify Tenant against any such claim, including, without limitation, payment of Tenant’s legal fees with counsel of Tenant’s choosing. Landlord shall have no obligation whatsoever to pay any brokerage, finder, or other fee with respect to the sale of the Leased Premises.
10.7 Landlord’s Liability . Tenant specifically agrees to look solely to Landlord’s equity interest in the Leased Premises for recovery of any judgment against Landlord and no other asset shall be subject to legal action, equitable action, judgment, levy, execution or other procedures for the satisfaction of any obligation owed to Tenant and/or any of Tenant’s remedies, any rights associated therewith, with any right to pursue the same being hereby waived by Tenant to the fullest extent permitted by law; it being specifically agreed that the officers, members, managers, employees, shareholders, owners, servants, agents and/or representatives of Landlord (original and successor) and any affiliated entities, companies and/or corporations of Landlord shall never be personally liable for any such judgment, or for the payment of any monetary obligation to Tenant.
10.8 Entire Lease; No Waiver . This Lease contains the entire agreement between Landlord and Tenant with respect to the matters set forth herein, and supersedes all negotiations, representations, warranties, commitments, offers, contracts and writings prior to the Execution Date, written or oral, including that August 2013 Letter of Intent between the Parties. The Parties hereto acknowledge that they have read the terms of this Lease and hereby agree that no statement, agreement, or understanding, oral or written, pertaining to the matters set forth herein and not contained herein, will be recognized or enforced. This Lease can be amended by, and only by, a writing signed by Landlord and Tenant. No waiver and no modification or amendment of any provision of this Lease is effective unless made in writing and duly signed by Landlord and Tenant.
10.9 Counterparts and Copies . This Lease may be executed by the Parties to this Lease in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. Each counterpart may consist of a number of copies of this Lease each signed by fewer than all, but together signed by all of the Parties. Copies of this Lease, including any copy with a facsimile or .pdf signature, shall have the same force and effect as an original and each of the Parties waives any right to assert at any time that a copy fails to comply with the “best evidence” rule of any applicable Rules of Evidence or any equivalent rule or law of evidence of any state or jurisdiction.
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10.10 Intentionally deleted .
10.11 Governing Law; Jurisdiction . This Lease shall in all aspects be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Rhode Island without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Rhode Island or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Rhode Island, and the obligations, rights and remedies of the Parties shall be determined in accordance with such laws. The Parties agree that any litigation one or more Parties commences, maintains and/or is engaged in against any other Party and/or Parties (whether pursuant to this Lease or otherwise) shall be brought exclusively in the courts of the State of Rhode Island, and the federal courts of the United States of America sitting in the State of Rhode Island, with any right to bring, commence, engage and/or maintain litigation in any other courts being hereby waived to the fullest extent permitted by law. Each Party hereby irrevocably submits generally and unconditionally for themselves and with respect to any and all property that is the subject matter hereof, to the jurisdiction of any state court in the State of Rhode Island or any United States federal court sitting in the State of Rhode Island. Each Party hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that either Party may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue in any such court and any claim that any such court is an inconvenient forum. Each Party hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by-law, trial by jury in any litigation in any court with respect to, in connection with, or arising out of this Lease or any instrument or document delivered in connection herewith, or the validity, interpretation or enforcement thereof.
10.12 Severability . Any provision of this Lease which is prohibited or unenforceable shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Lease in that jurisdiction or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. To the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability, this Lease shall be reformed and construed as if such provision or part of a provision that would be invalid or unenforceable had never been part of this Lease, it being the Parties’ intention that such provision shall be reformed to the fullest extent permitted to be made valid and enforceable under applicable law.
10.13 Construction; Headings . Each Party acknowledges that such Party has been represented by legal counsel of such Party’s choice in the negotiation and preparation of this Lease, or has had the full and fair opportunity to retain such counsel. Each Party agrees that Brian LaPlante, Esq. and the law office of LaPlante Sowa Goldman solely represents Landlord concerning this Lease. Each Party has read and reviewed this Lease, in consultation with its own legal counsel, and is aware not only of its content but also of its legal effect and consequences. Since the Lease is a joint effort of the Parties and their respective counsel, it should and shall be construed with fairness as between the Parties, and it should not and shall not be more strictly construed in favor of or against any particular Party. The captions of the various articles and sections of this Lease have been inserted only for convenience of reference and do not modify, explain, enlarge or restrict, or in any way affect the construction or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Lease.
10.14 No Third Party Beneficiaries . Unless otherwise expressly set forth in this Lease (including as provided in Articles 9, 10 and 11), nothing in this Lease is intended to confer any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Lease on any person and/or entity other than Landlord and Tenant and their respective permitted successors and assigns, nor is anything in this Lease intended to relieve or discharge the obligation or liability of any third person and/or entity to Tenant and/or Landlord (as applicable), nor give any third person and/or entity any right of subrogation or action against Tenant and/or Landlord (as applicable).
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10.15 No Joint Venture . Nothing in this Lease creates or is intended to create an association, trust, partnership, joint venture or other entity or similar legal relationship between Landlord and Tenant, or impose a trust, partnership or fiduciary duty, obligation, or liability on or with respect to Landlord and/or Tenant. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, neither Landlord nor Tenant is or shall act as or be the agent or representative of the other.
10.16 Non-Reliance . Landlord and Tenant acknowledge that (i) any analyses, assessments and conclusions expressed in any information provided by Landlord to Tenant does not necessarily reflect the final assessment or conclusions of Landlord; (ii) except as expressly set forth herein, Landlord makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any facts contained in any information provided by Landlord to Tenant, the assumptions or analysis used, the assessment obtained, nor the methods employed in association therewith; (iii) Landlord’s payment for and/or possession and/or acceptance of the information provided by Landlord to Tenant does not imply an endorsement of any of the information provided by Landlord to Tenant; (iv) the information provided by Landlord to Tenant was given to Tenant for informational purposes only and Tenant will not rely on said information and/or any of the information, conclusions or recommendations therein; and (v) Tenant hereby waives any and all claims for misrepresentation that Tenant may now have or hereafter have against Landlord associated with the information provided by Landlord to Tenant in connection with this Lease.
10.17 No Knowledge of Landlord’s Breach . Tenant has no knowledge of any breach by Landlord of any representation or warranty of Landlord, or of any other condition or circumstance, which would excuse Tenant from its timely performance of its obligations hereunder.
10.18 Inability to Perform . The obligations of Tenant to pay Base Rent, Additional Rent and any other sums, amounts and charges hereunder shall in no way be affected, impaired or excused because of strike or labor troubles, governmental preemption in connection with a national emergency or by reason of any rule, order, notice of violation (whether present or future) or regulation of any governmental agency or any department or subdivision thereof or by reason of the conditions of supply and demand which have been or are affected by war or natural catastrophe.
10.19 Notice to Mortgagee . After receiving written notice from any person, firm or other entity that it holds or has acquired a mortgage which includes as part of the mortgaged property the Leased Premises, and containing the address of such holder and which notice is countersigned by Landlord, Tenant shall, so long as such mortgage is outstanding, be required to give such holder notices as may be given to Landlord under this Lease.
10.20 Estoppel Certificate . Tenant and Landlord shall, at any time and from time to time upon not less than ten (10) days prior written request by the other or any mortgagee, execute, acknowledge and deliver to the requesting party within said period a statement in writing (and in form provided by the requesting party that is reasonable) certifying that this Lease is unmodified and in full force and effect (or, if there have been modifications, that this Lease is in full force and effect as modified and stating the modifications), the dates to which the Base Rent, Additional Rent and other amounts, sums and charges have been paid in advance, if any, stating whether or not, to the best knowledge of the signer of such certificate, Landlord or Tenant is in Default in performance of any covenant, agreement, term, provision or condition contained in this Lease and, if so, specifying each such Default to which the signer may have knowledge, the existence of any claimed counterclaims or defenses to this Lease, the Commencement Date and the date of termination, and any other matters as may be reasonably requested, it being intended that any such statement delivered pursuant hereto may be relied upon by any prospective purchaser of the Leased Premises or of the interest of Landlord therein, any mortgagee or prospective mortgagee thereof, or any prospective assignee of any mortgagee thereof or any such party requesting the same.
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10.21 Assignment By Landlord . Landlord shall have the right to assign this Lease to any other party succeeding in the ownership of and rights of Landlord to the Leased Premises, in which event Landlord’s obligations under this Lease shall terminate as of the date of such assignment for events occurring after such date. Tenant shall execute and deliver such documents of assignment as are reasonably necessary to confirm the validity of such assignment by Landlord.
10.22 Time is of the Essence . Tenant’s performance of all of the covenants, conditions, and agreements of this Lease, and of any and all rules and regulations issued pursuant hereto, shall be based upon time being of the essence.
10.23 Guaranty of Lease . In order to induce Landlord to execute this Lease, Landlord requires a guaranty of the obligations of Tenant hereunder by Guarantor, in the form attached as Exhibit B.
Article
11
MORTGAGES
11.1 Leasehold Mortgages Authorized . On one or more occasions, without Landlord’s prior consent, Tenant may grant one or more Leasehold Mortgages (as hereinafter defined) on its leasehold interest in the Leased Premises. Such Leasehold Mortgages (as hereinafter defined) shall be (a) subject and subordinate to all rights and interests of Landlord under this Lease and as to Landlord’s fee interest in the Leased Premises, (b) subject and subordinate to the terms and conditions of this Lease, and (c) a lien solely upon Tenant’s interest in this Lease and the leasehold estate thereby created, and not on Landlord’s fee interest in the Leased Premises.
11.2 Definitions .
(a) The term “ Leasehold Mortgage ” as used throughout this Lease shall include a mortgage, a deed to secure debt, or other security instrument by which the leasehold estate or any other rights of Tenant created by this Lease is mortgaged, conveyed, assigned, or otherwise transferred by Tenant, to secure a loan or loans obtained, or obligations incurred, by Tenant.
(b) The term “ Leasehold Mortgagee ” as used throughout this Lease shall refer to the holder of a Leasehold Mortgage which shall have complied with Section 11.3.
(c) Leasehold Mortgagee Successor . A purchaser at foreclosure or the grantee or beneficiary of a deed or other transfer of the leasehold interest in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise or the assignee of a right of possession by, through or under the Leasehold Mortgagee, other than the Leasehold Mortgagee.
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11.3 Notices to Landlord . Promptly upon the granting of any Leasehold Mortgage, Tenant or the applicable Leasehold Mortgagee shall give notice thereof to Landlord, such notice to identify the name and address of the Leasehold Mortgagee and to be accompanied by a copy of the applicable Leasehold Mortgage. In the event of a change of address of a Leasehold Mortgagee or of any amendment to or assignment of a Leasehold Mortgage, Tenant or the applicable Leasehold Mortgagee shall promptly provide notice of such new address, amendment or assignment to Landlord, together with a copy of each such amendment or assignment.
11.4 Notice of Default. Landlord, upon providing Tenant with any notice (a “ Default Notice ”) of: (i) any breach under this Lease, (ii) a termination of this Lease (a “ termination notice ”), or (iii) a matter on which Landlord may predicate or claim a default, shall at the same time deliver a copy of such Default Notice to the Leasehold Mortgagee. No Default Notice from Landlord to Tenant shall be deemed effective as to any Leasehold Mortgagee unless and until a copy thereof has also been sent to the Leasehold Mortgagee. Any notice to be given by Landlord to a Leasehold Mortgagee pursuant to the provisions of this Section 11.4 shall be deemed properly addressed if sent to the address of the Leasehold Mortgagee as then in effect pursuant to Section 11.3, and shall be deemed given on the date delivered at the address of the Leasehold Mortgagee as then in effect pursuant to Section 11.3.
11.5 Rights of Cure of Leasehold Mortgagees .
(a) From and after the time that a Default Notice has been given to a Leasehold Mortgagee, such Leasehold Mortgagee shall have the same period in which to cure any default under this Lease as is afforded Tenant hereunder plus the additional time specified in Subsections 11.5(b) and (c) below. Landlord shall accept performance by any Leasehold Mortgagee as if the same had been done by Tenant. Notwithstanding the aforesaid, (i) all Additional Rent (including amounts due pursuant to Section 1.7), if any, in connection with Tenant’s default shall continue to accrue until the same is paid in full, and (ii) the additional time to cure specified in Subsections 11.5(b) and (c) below shall be for the benefit of only Leasehold Mortgagee in preserving and protecting its rights under its Leasehold Mortgage, and neither Leasehold Mortgagee nor Tenant shall utilize such additional time for the purpose of extending the cure periods otherwise applicable to Tenant under this Lease.
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(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, if any default by Tenant shall occur under this Lease or Tenant shall fail to comply with any of its covenants or agreements under this Lease and such default or failure shall neither be cured nor remedied within the applicable grace period provided in Article 8, Landlord shall neither (i) terminate this Lease nor (ii) exercise any rights to gain possession of all or any portion of the Leased Premises until Landlord shall, after the expiration of the applicable grace period, have notified the Leasehold Mortgagee of Landlord’s intent to so terminate or exercise such rights to gain such possession (x) at least thirty (30) days in advance of the proposed date of such termination or exercise of such rights if such default is reasonably capable of being cured by only the payment of money (provided, however, that as to Rent then due and in arrears, the Leasehold Mortgagee shall only be required to pay so much as commenced to accrue as of the date thirty (30) days prior to the date of the Default Notice giving rise to the termination notice, Landlord agreeing that no Leasehold Mortgagee or Leasehold Mortgagee Successor shall be responsible for any such payments accruing prior to the date thirty (30) days prior to such Default Notice) or (y) at least forty five (45) days in advance of the proposed date of such termination or exercise of such rights if such default is not reasonably capable of being cured by only the payment of money. Any such termination notice from Landlord shall specify the date on which Landlord intends to so terminate or exercise such rights. If a default which is reasonably capable of being cured by only the payment of money is not cured within the thirty (30) day period provided above then Landlord may terminate this Lease or exercise such rights any time after such thirty (30) day period and as long as such default remains uncured, subject however to the provisions of Section 11.7. If a default which is not reasonably capable of being cured by only the payment of money but which is capable of being cured within the forty five (45) day period provided above is not cured within the forty five (45) day period provided above, then Landlord may (except as otherwise provided in Subsection 11.5(c)) terminate this Lease or exercise such rights to regain possession any time after such forty five (45) day period and as long as such default remains uncured. Notwithstanding the aforesaid, Landlord may at any time take such action consistent with this Lease and in connection with Tenant’s default as Landlord deems necessary or appropriate, including without limitation, pursuing Tenant directly for monetary damages, so long as such action prior to the expiration of the cure periods afforded to Leasehold Mortgagee does not include (i) seeking and/or obtaining the termination of this Lease, or (ii) the exercise of any rights to gain possession of all or any portion of the Leased Premises, and so long as any such action is subject to the provisions of Section 11.7.
(c) The provisions of Subsection 11.5(d) hereinbelow shall apply in the event of a termination notice associated with a non monetary default which is not reasonably capable of being cured by the Leasehold Mortgagee within forty five (45) days if, during such forty five (45) day period, Leasehold Mortgagee shall:
(i) | Notify Landlord of such Leasehold Mortgagee’s desire to nullify the termination notice; |
(ii) | Pay or cause to be paid to Landlord all Rent and other monetary obligation due and owing under the Lease commencing to accrue thirty (30) days prior to the date of the applicable Default Notice in accordance with Subsection 11.5(b) hereinabove, and thereafter continue to pay or cause to be paid to Landlord all Rent and other monetary obligations due and owing under the Lease (time being of the essence); |
(iii) | Comply, or in good faith with reasonable diligence and continuity commence to comply and thereafter reasonably and diligently persist to complete compliance, with all non monetary requirements of this Lease then in default and susceptible of being complied with by such Leasehold Mortgagee by the use of reasonable and diligent efforts; and |
(iv) | Use reasonable and diligent efforts to cause the Leased Premises to be operated by a reputable operator which has experience in operating a facility or facilities of the size, character and quality of the Leased Premises, including the use of reasonable and diligent efforts to obtain leasehold possession of the Leased Premises by foreclosure or other remedies reasonably available at law or in equity. |
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(d) (i) If Landlord shall have given a termination notice to Leasehold Mortgagee based upon a non monetary default by Tenant which is not reasonably capable of being cured by Leasehold Mortgagee within the aforementioned forty five (45) day period and such Leasehold Mortgagee shall be proceeding in accordance with Subsection 11.5(c) hereinabove, then the date for the termination of this Lease or the exercise of such other rights to gain possession of all or any portion of the Leased Premises specified by Landlord in the termination notice shall be tolled for a period of six (6) months from the date of the termination notice, provided that such Leasehold Mortgagee shall, during such six (6) month period:
(1) Pay or cause to be timely paid, prior to the expiration of any applicable grace period afforded Tenant as set forth in this Lease (and not subject to any additional grace period(s) for Leasehold Mortgagee specified in Subsections 11.5(b) and (c)), the Rent as the same becomes due from and after the date thirty (30) days prior to the Default Notice given in accordance with Subsection 11.5(b) hereinabove.
(2) Continue using reasonable and diligent efforts to perform all of Tenant’s non-monetary obligations under this Lease, except for non monetary obligations in default at the time of the Default Notice and not susceptible of being cured by the Leasehold Mortgagee by the use of reasonable efforts;
(3) Use reasonable and diligent efforts to cause the Leased Premises to be operated by an operator which has satisfied the qualifications set forth in Subsection 11.5(c)(iv) above; and
(4) If not enjoined or stayed, take steps to acquire or sell Tenant’s interest in this Lease by foreclosure of the Leasehold Mortgage or other appropriate means and prosecute the same to completion with due diligence.
(ii) | (1) If at the end of such six (6) month period, the Leasehold Mortgagee is complying with Subsection 11.5(d)(i), this Lease shall not terminate and Landlord shall not exercise its rights to gain possession of all or any portion of the Leased Premises and the time for completion by such Leasehold Mortgagee of its proceedings shall continue, but only for so long as such Leasehold Mortgagee proceeds to complete steps to acquire or sell Tenant’s interest in this Lease by foreclosure of the Leasehold Mortgage or other appropriate means with reasonable diligence and continuity. Nothing in this Subsection 11.5(d) shall be construed to extend this Lease beyond the Lease Term (including any extension or renewal options) thereof nor to require a Leasehold Mortgagee to continue a foreclosure proceeding after the default has been cured, and so long as no additional default (monetary or non monetary) has occurred and remains uncured, and the Leasehold Mortgagee may discontinue foreclosure proceedings and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect as if Tenant had not defaulted. |
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(iii) | (Notwithstanding any other terms and conditions set forth in this Section 11.5(d), (1) Tenant shall remain primarily obligated under this Lease, including for Rent and other monetary obligations due and owing to Landlord, even in the event that Tenant’s leasehold estate is acquired by a Leasehold Mortgagee, a Leasehold Mortgagee Successor or the designee of either of them or any other purchaser at a foreclosure sale or otherwise, and (2) Landlord may at any time take such action consistent with this Lease as Landlord deems necessary or appropriate, including without limitation, pursuing Tenant directly for monetary damages, so long as such action does not include (i) seeking and/or obtaining the termination of this Lease, or (ii) the exercise of any rights to gain possession of all or any portion of the Leased Premises. |
(1) If a Leasehold Mortgagee has complied with this Subsection 11.5(d), upon the acquisition of Tenant’s leasehold estate by such Leasehold Mortgagee, a Leasehold Mortgagee Successor or the designee of either of them or any other purchaser at a foreclosure sale or otherwise, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect but with the Leasehold Mortgagee, its designee or any other purchaser at a foreclosure sale, as the case may be, as the Tenant.
(e) The granting of a Leasehold Mortgage shall not constitute an assignment or transfer of this Lease or of the leasehold estate hereby created, nor shall any Leasehold Mortgagee be deemed to be an assignee or transferee of any interest in this Lease or of the leasehold estate hereby created so as to require such Leasehold Mortgagee to assume the performance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions on the part of Tenant to be performed hereunder. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence or anything to the contrary contained in this Lease, the purchaser at any sale of Tenant’s leasehold interest in the Lease under any instrument of assignment or transfer in lieu of foreclosure shall be deemed to be an assignee or transferee and shall be deemed to have agreed to perform all of the terms, covenants and conditions on the part of Tenant to be performed hereunder from and after the date of such purchase and assignment but only for so long as such purchaser or assignee is the owner of the leasehold estate.
(f) Any Leasehold Mortgagee, Leasehold Mortgagee Successor or other acquirer of the leasehold estate of Tenant by foreclosure of the Leasehold Mortgage or other appropriate means may, upon acquiring Tenant’s leasehold estate, sell or assign the leasehold estate on such terms and to such persons and organizations as are acceptable to such Leasehold Mortgagee, Leasehold Mortgagee Successor or acquirer and thereafter be relieved of all obligations under this Lease, provided that such transferee or assignee has delivered to Landlord its written agreement to be bound by all obligations of Tenant hereunder arising from and after the date of such assignment, including, without limitation, the obligation to pay Rent and all other amounts provided for under this Lease.
11.6 Amendments; Execution of Mortgage Instruments by Landlord . Landlord acknowledges that prospective Leasehold Mortgagees may require minor modifications to this Lease, and Landlord agrees to cooperate with Tenant and any such Leasehold Mortgagee with respect to any such amendments and other aspects of any financing of Tenant’s leasehold estate in the Leased Premises and, in connection therewith, to execute, acknowledge and deliver to Tenant and/or the Leasehold Mortgagees any and all minor amendments, instruments, agreements and other documents as may reasonably be required by such Leasehold Mortgagee(s); provided, however, that Landlord shall never be required to enter into any amendment to this Lease or execute, acknowledge, and deliver any document or instrument which would: (a) result in modification of any material business term hereof; (b) impair Landlord’s rights or benefits hereunder; (c) subordinate Landlord’s fee interest in the Leased Premises to any such Leasehold Mortgage; (d) materially increase Landlord’s obligations hereunder; or (e) materially adversely affect the Leased Premises. Landlord shall be reimbursed, as Additional Rent payable on demand, for any costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees, incurred in way related to Landlord’s consideration, review, and/or execution of any amendments or documents requested by Tenant or any Leasehold Mortgagee.
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11.7 New Lease/Reinstatement of Lease . In addition to, and not in limitation of the other provisions of this Article 11, and notwithstanding any other provisions of this Lease to the contrary, in the event that this Lease is terminated or canceled for any reason or in the event that Landlord shall obtain possession of the Leased Premises pursuant to any other rights at law or in equity, the Leasehold Mortgagee or, at any Leasehold Mortgagee’s designation, any Leasehold Mortgagee Successor, shall have the right, at any time within thirty (30) days after notice to the Leasehold Mortgagee of either the termination of this Lease or Landlord’s acquisition of possession of the Leased Premises pursuant to any other rights at law or in equity, either (i) to reinstate the Lease with the Leasehold Mortgagee or the Leasehold Mortgagee Successor as Tenant as of the date of such election or (ii) to demand a new lease covering the Leased Premises for a term to commence on the date of such election and to expire on the same date as this Lease would have expired if it had otherwise continued uninterrupted until its scheduled date of termination, and containing all of the same rights, terms, covenants, considerations, unexpired options and obligations as set forth in this Lease. Such new lease shall be executed and delivered by Landlord to Leasehold Mortgagee within thirty (30) days after receipt by Landlord of, or such reinstatement of the Lease shall be effective upon receipt by Landlord of, all the following: (a) written notice from the Leasehold Mortgagee (or the Leasehold Mortgagee Successor) of the applicable election, (b) upon payment of all amounts due and payable to Landlord by Tenant under the provisions of this Lease from and after the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the date of the termination notice given by Landlord in accordance with Subsection 11.5(b) hereof and all Rent thereafter accrued until the date of the applicable election, (c) payment of all reasonable costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees, incurred by Landlord in any way related to Landlord’s consideration, review, amendment, and/or execution of such new lease or reinstatement of the Lease, and (d) proof of compliance, or proof of good faith and diligent commencement to comply and subsequent reasonable and diligent persistence to complete compliance, with all non-monetary requirements of the Lease then in default. Upon compliance with the aforesaid election obligations, the existence of any default occurring prior to the reinstatement of this Lease or the granting of the new lease (as applicable) shall be deemed null and void and without effect. The reinstated Lease and any new Lease granted to the Leasehold Mortgagee or the Leasehold Mortgagee Successor shall enjoy the same priority as this Lease over any lien, encumbrance, or other interest created by Landlord before or after the date of such reinstatement or new Lease; and the provisions of this Section 11.7 shall survive what would otherwise be the termination of this Lease. Notwithstanding any other terms and conditions set forth in this Section 11.7, (1) Tenant shall remain primarily obligated under this Lease, including for Rent and other monetary obligations due and owing to Landlord, even in the event that Tenant’s leasehold estate is acquired by a Leasehold Mortgagee, a Leasehold Mortgagee Successor or the designee of either of them or any other purchaser at a foreclosure sale or otherwise, and (2) Landlord may at any time take such action as Landlord deems necessary or appropriate, including without limitation, pursuing Tenant directly for monetary damages, so long as such action does not include (i) seeking and/or obtaining the termination of this Lease (in the event of reinstatement) or the new lease (as the case may be), or (ii) the exercise of any rights to gain possession of all or any portion of the Leased Premises.
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11.8 Lease Rejection . Landlord and Tenant agree, for the benefit of any Leasehold Mortgagee, that no election by Tenant to exercise its rights under 11 U.S.C. Section 365(h) to treat this Lease as having been terminated shall be effective for such purpose without written approval of any Leasehold Mortgagee.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Lease to be executed on the date first above written.
LANDLORD: | TENANT: | |
SHELBY REALTY, INC., | ORBIT ENERGY RHODE ISLAND, LLC, | |
a RI corporation | a RI limited liability company | |
/s/ Shelby Realty, Inc. | /s/ Orbit Energy Rhode Island, LLC |
30
Exhibit A
Leased Premises Description
That certain lot or parcel of land with all the buildings and improvements thereon situated on Scituate Avenue in the Town of Johnston and State of Rhode Island, bounded and described as follows:
Beginning at the northwesterly corner of the herein-described parcel, also being the southwesterly corner of land now or formerly of Debra Aiello and also being in the easterly line of Scituate Avenue;
thence running along a stone wall 84.32 feet, more or less, to a point;
thence running 127.50 feet, more or less to a point;
thence running along a stone wall 157.87 feet, more or less, to a point;
thence running along a stone wall 313.42 feet, more or less, to a point;
thence running along a stone wall 146.15 feet, more or less, to a point;
thence running along a stone wall 105.50 feet, more or less, to a point; the last six (6) courses
running along the easterly line of Scituate Avenue;
thence turning and running northeasterly along the westerly line of Old Pocasett Road 166.79 feet, more or less to a point;
thence turning an interior angle of 175°-54’ and running northeasterly along the westerly line of Old Pocasett Road 122.20 feet, more or less, to a point;
thence turning an interior angle of 190°-18’ a distance of 125.0 feet, more or less, to a point;
thence turning an interior angle of 162°-00’ a distance of 127.76 feet, more or less, to a point;
thence turning an interior angle of 186°-22’ a distance of 283.5 feet, more or less, to a point;
thence turning an interior angle of 181°-00’, a distance of 205.0 feet more or less, to a point; the last six (6) courses running along the westerly line of Old Pocasett Road;
thence turning and running northwesterly with land now or formerly of Pauline Varner & Delia Varner 135.26 feet to a point;
thence turning and running southwesterly with land now or formerly of Debra Aiello 920.0 feet, more or less, to the point and place of beginning.
31
GUARANTY OF LEASE
York Renewable Energy Partners, LLC (“ Guarantor ”), with a principal address of 767 Fifth Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10153, Attention: Margaret Mauro, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees the payment of the obligation to pay (a) Annual Base Rent attributable to Lease Year 2 and Lease Year 3, and (b) Additional Rent attributable solely to Article 2 and Section 3.1 for the time period comprising the Commencement Date through and including December 31, 2016 (collectively, the “ Obligation ”) under that Lease of even date herewith (the “ Lease ”) by and between SHELBY REALTY, INC., as Landlord, and ORBIT ENERGY RHODE ISLAND, LLC, as Tenant.
1. As used herein, (a) “Tenant” shall include ORBIT ENERGY RHODE ISLAND, LLC, and all permitted successors and assigns of ORBIT ENERGY RHODE ISLAND, LLC under the Lease (direct or remote), and (b) “Landlord” shall include SHELBY REALTY, INC., and all successors and assigns of SHELBY REALTY, INC. under the Lease (direct or remote). Capitalized terms not defined in this Guaranty of Lease shall have the meaning set forth in the Lease.
2. This Guaranty of Lease shall continue from the date hereof through but not beyond the date (the “ Expiration Date ”) which is six (6) months after the expiration of Lease Year 3, after which Guarantor shall have no obligation under this Guaranty of Lease; provided, however, that Guarantor shall remain obligated beyond the Expiration Date for unsatisfied Obligations hereunder, if any, which were in existence as of the Expiration Date but only to the extent that Landlord afforded notice to Guarantor of such unsatisfied Obligations before the Expiration Date.
3. The undersigned Guarantor hereby agrees that Landlord may make immediate demand upon the undersigned as Guarantor without first making demand upon Tenant. The liability of Guarantor under this Guaranty of Lease shall be primary, direct and immediate and not conditional or contingent upon pursuit by Landlord of any remedies it may have against Tenant or any other party with respect to the Lease, whether pursuant to the terms thereof or otherwise. No exercise or nonexercise by Landlord of any right given to Landlord hereunder or under the Lease, and no change, impairment or suspension of any right or remedy of Landlord shall in any way affect any of Guarantor’s obligations hereunder or give Guarantor any recourse against Landlord. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Landlord shall not be required to make any demand on Tenant and/or any other party, or otherwise pursue or exhaust its remedies against Tenant or any other party, before, simultaneously with or after enforcing its rights and remedies hereunder against Guarantor. Any one or more successive and/or concurrent actions may be brought hereon against Guarantor, either in the same action, if any, brought against Tenant and/or any other party, or in separate actions, as often as Landlord, in its sole discretion, may deem advisable.
4. Guarantor hereby agrees that at any time and from time to time without notice to the undersigned, the time for Tenant’s performance of or compliance with any of its obligations contained in the Lease may be extended or such performance may be waived by Landlord; the Lease may from time to time be amended in any manner but not so as to extend the Expiration Date hereunder; and payment of any sums due or to become due under the Lease may be waived by Landlord in its sole discretion, all without affecting the liability of the undersigned under this Guaranty; provided, however, that the undersigned shall in no event be liable for or bound by any term or condition of an amendment made by Tenant to the extent such term or condition of such amendment purports to increase the undersigned’s Obligation hereunder, without the undersigned’s prior written consent.
32
5. Landlord may assign and/or pledge this Guaranty of Lease or any rights under it with any assignment of the Lease or any sums due or to become due, or any rights, claims, powers and remedies under it and, in the event of an assignment, the assignee shall have the same rights and remedies as if originally named in this Guaranty of Lease.
6. Guarantor waives (i) diligence, presentment of any instrument, demand for payment, protest and notice of nonpayment or protest, (ii) all other notices and demands otherwise required by law which Guarantor may lawfully waive, (iii) the right to assert in any action or proceeding hereupon by Landlord any set-off, counterclaim or other claim which it may have against Landlord, (iv) the benefit of all other principles or provisions of law, statutory or otherwise; which are or might be in conflict with the terms hereof, and (v) the performance of each and every condition precedent to which Guarantor might otherwise be entitled under the law and notice of the creation or accrual of any obligation of Tenant to Landlord under the Lease and all demands whatsoever, except as may be otherwise expressly provided in the Lease.
7. This Guaranty of Lease cannot be changed or terminated orally, shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of Rhode Island, shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Guarantor and Landlord, and their respective permitted heirs, administrators, estates, successors and assigns.
8. All rights, powers and remedies of Landlord by reason of this Guaranty of Lease and the Lease, or by law, are separate and cumulative and the exercise of one shall not in any way limit or prejudice the exercise of any other such rights or remedies. No delay or omission by Landlord in exercising any such right or remedy shall operate as a waiver thereof. No waiver of any rights and remedies hereunder, and no modification or amendment hereof, shall be deemed made by Landlord unless in writing and duly executed. Any such written waiver shall apply only to the particular instance specified therein and shall not impair the further exercise of such right or remedy or of any other right or remedy of Landlord, and no single or partial exercise of any right or remedy hereunder shall preclude further exercise of any other right or remedy.
9. GUARANTOR KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT GUARANTOR MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION, ACTION OR PROCEEDING WHICH ARISES OUT OF, OR IS IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT OR DOCUMENT EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH. GUARANTOR ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE FOREGOING WAIVER IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT TO LANDLORD’S ENTERING INTO THIS GUARANTY OF LEASE AND THE LEASE TO TENANT, AND THAT LANDLORD IS RELYING UPON THE FOREGOING WAIVER IN ITS FUTURE DEALINGS WITH GUARANTOR. GUARANTOR FURTHER WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT GUARANTOR HAS REVIEWED THE FOREGOING WAIVERS WITH LEGAL COUNSEL AND HAS KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVED GUARANTOR’S JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.
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10. THIS GUARANTY OF LEASE HAS BEEN NEGOTIATED, EXECUTED AND DELIVERED AT, AND SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN MADE IN, THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. THIS GUARANTY OF LEASE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. REGARDLESS OF ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE DOMICILE OR PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS OF GUARANTOR, TENANT, OR LANDLORD, GUARANTOR HEREBY CONSENTS AND AGREES THAT THE COURTS LOCATED IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION TO HEAR AND DETERMINE ANY CLAIMS OR DISPUTES BETWEEN GUARANTOR AND LANDLORD PERTAINING TO THIS GUARANTY OF LEASE OR TO ANY MATTER ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS GUARANTY OF LEASE. GUARANTOR EXPRESSLY SUBMITS AND CONSENTS IN ADVANCE TO SUCH JURISDICTION IN ANY ACTION OR SUIT COMMENCED IN ANY SUCH COURT, AND GUARANTOR HEREBY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION WHICH GUARANTOR MAY HAVE BASED UPON LACK OF PERSONAL JURISDICTION, IMPROPER VENUE OR FORUM NON CONVENIENS AND HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE GRANTING OF SUCH LEGAL OR EQUITABLE RELIEF AS IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY SUCH COURT.
11. In case any one or more of the provisions contained herein shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, but this Guaranty of Lease shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision never had been included.
12. If Guarantor fails to pay any amounts due hereunder within twenty (20) days of demand following non-payment by Tenant, Guarantor agrees to pay to Landlord, on demand, all costs and expenses paid or incurred by Landlord (including court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees) in connection with the enforcement of this Guaranty of Lease, including through and including post-judgment collection. Guarantor hereby acknowledges and agrees that (a) the covenants and agreements of Landlord with respect to the obligations under the Lease are of material benefit to Guarantor and (b) Guarantor is receiving some benefit by virtue of Guarantor’s relationship with Tenant, and that the aforesaid constitutes full and fair consideration for the obligations, covenants and agreements of Guarantor under this Guaranty of Lease, and that, by virtue of such consideration, Guarantor has received reasonably equivalent value in exchange for the covenants and agreements hereunder and thereunder.
34
YORK RENEWABLE ENERGY PARTNERS, LLC | ||
Date: 4/8/15 | /s/ York Renewable Energy Partners, LLC | |
/s/ Witness |
35
Exhibit 10.46
PLANT EBITDA GUARANTEE AGREEMENT
Entered on the date of ______, 2015
Between
AUSTEP S.p.A. (“ Austep ”) registered identification number [ ] a company incorporated under the laws of Italy, with registered office in [ ], represented by its legal representative [ ];
and
[ ] registered identification number a company incorporated under the laws of Italy, with registered office in [ ] represented by its legal representative [ ] (the “ SPV ”);
(AUSTEP and SPV will be referred to under this Agreement individually as a “ Party ” and together as the “ Parties ”)
WHEREAS
a)
Austep is an Italian based technology provider and an EPC contractor of biogas plants, specializing in the design, construction, operation and the servicing of anaerobic digestion plants within Italy and worldwide;
b)
the SPV is an Italian limited liability company controlled indirectly through its Italian subsidiary Bluesphere Italy S.r.l. by Bluesphere Corporation (“ Bluesphere ”), a company specializing in the Waste-to-Energy (W2E) industry;
c)
the SPV owns an already built and under operation anaerobic digestion plant (hereinafter the “ AD Plant ” or “ Plant ”), located in [ ] which has been built and commissioned prior to 31 st of December 2012, based on the subsidizing policy then existing, of 280 €/Mwh feed in tariff, valid for 15 (fifteen) years as of [ ] under the PPA in force;
d)
the AD Plant is capable of producing up to 999kw/h of electricity and heat, based on the above feed in tariff;
e)
Austep and Blusphere have entered into a Framework EBIDTA Guaranteed Agreement on [ ] in order to establish the general rules to be applied to the maintenance and operation activities to be performed by Austep to certain AD Plants owned by Bluesphere’s Italian subsidiaries and in order to guarantee the agreed Plant EBIDTA to Bluesphere and each SPV, by Austep;
f)
the SPV and Bluesphere Italy S.r.l. (“ BI ” and the “ Purchaser ”, respectively) are interested in securing the future EBITDA of the Plant, its operation, technical state and function and benefit of the rules established in the Framework Guaranteed EBITDA Agreement;
g)
Austep, due to its in-depth expertise in operating and servicing such Plants, and based on an inspection and a technical due diligence process of the AD Plant owned by the SPV conducted by Austep, states that, under its strict and in-depth operational supervision of the AD Plant, it is willing to guarantee a certain EBITDA of the Plant up to the end of the Power Purchase Agreement period and enter into this Agreement;
Now, therefore,
the Parties have agreed to enter into this Agreement setting the terms and conditions for the operation of the SPV’s AD Plant and the guaranteed Plant EBITDA:
1.
Preambles, Annexes and Interpretation
1.1.
The Preambles to this Agreement and its Annexes comprise an integral part thereof.
2.
Definitions
For purpose of this Agreement, the following terms, set alphabetically, have the meanings set forth below:
2.1.
“ AD Plant ” or “ Plant ” – the anaerobic digestion plant located in [ ], owned by the SPV;
2.2.
“ Agreement ” – this Plant EBITDA Guarantee Agreement entered into between Austep and the SPV;
2.3.
“ Annual EBITDA Review Process ” – a review process performed at the end of each calendar year for the determination of the annual EBITDA as set forth in Section 6 herein;
2.4.
“ EBITDA ” – an accounting-based term meaning earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization of the reviewed or inspected entity, based on generally accepted accounting principles as specified in Annex A to this Agreement;
2.5.
“ Expiration Date of the Power Purchase Agreement ” – [ ]
2.6.
“ Event of Force Majeure ” – as defined in Section 14;
2.7.
“ GSE ” - Gestore dei Sistemi Energetici;
2.8.
“ Guaranteed Plant EBITDA ” – the Plant EBITDA which Austep guarantees to the Plant for the period beginning at the end of the Initial Period and ending at the Expiration Date of the Power Purchase Agreement as set forth in Annex B ;
2.9.
“ Initial Expected Plant EBITDA ” – the Plant EBITDA which Austep expects to be able to reach for the Plant for the Initial Period as set forth in Annex B ;
2.10.
“ Initial Period ”- a period of 6 (six) months, starting on the date of execution of this Agreement;
2.11.
“ Power Purchase Agreement ” – the Power Purchase Agreement in force for the Plant between GSE and the SPV;
2.12.
“ Purchaser ” – BI, the Italian subsidiary of Bluesphere Corporation who purchased the SPV and became the controlling entity of the SPV;
2.13.
“ Regulatory Requirements ” - all regulatory provisions, instructions, permits, and licenses, pertaining to the operation and maintenance of the Plant, as may be applicable from time to time, including without limitation, treatment of sewage, land and air pollution, emission standards, noise regulation, biomass stock PPA requirements etc.;
2.14.
“ Term ” – as defined in Section 7 below.
3.
Austep DD and Report
3.1.
Austep represents that, during the due diligence process that preceded the acquisition by BI of a controlling participation in the SPV, it has performed a technical due diligence of the Plant and it has prepared and delivered to Bluesphere and the Purchaser the technical report (the “ Austep DD Report ” or the “ Report ”) attached hereto under Annex B covering the following issues:
3.1.1.
a technical review of the Plant covering the existing technology used in the Plant;
3.1.2.
an analysis of the expected lifespan of the different components used in the Plant;
3.1.3.
the expected service and maintenance costs of the Plant;
3.1.4.
the necessary improvements to be performed in order to reach the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA and the technical description of the required improvements and their expected budget. To dispel any doubt, the improvements suggested by Austep for Bluesphere’s approval shall contemplate the repair of any deficiency in the original construction of the Plant, to meet all applicable Regulatory Requirements in force at the date of the release of the Report and to ensure the operation of the Plant in compliance with the technology provider manual of operation;
3.1.5.
the necessary improvements – if any – to be performed in order to reach the formal full compliance of the Plant with all applicable Regulatory Requirements; and
3.1.6.
the Initial Expected Plant EBITDA and the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA.
3.2.
It is agreed between the Parties that expenses arising from new regulation entered into force following the date of the provision of the Report and any expenses and/or costs deriving directly from an Event of Force Majeure shall not be covered under the definition of the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA.
3.3.
Furthermore, Austep hereby confirms that, subject to full completion of the improvements evidenced in the Report as provided by Section 3.1.5 above, the Plant is formally in full compliance with all applicable Regulatory Requirements in force as of the Report date.
4.
Plant’s operation
Plant’s operation during the Initial Period
4.1.
Annex B and Annex C of this Agreement contain, respectively: i) the Initial Expected Plant EBITDA agreed upon between the Parties and ; ii) the technical report which includes, without limitation, the improvements to be carried by Austep in accordance with Sections 3.1.4 and 3.1.5 above and iii) the periodic maintenance programme of the Plant;
4.2.
During the Initial Period payments due to Austep, shall be made only from proceeds received from GSE for the electricity generated in the Plant during the period corresponding to that of each applicable Invoice issued by Austep. .
4.3.
Austep hereby undertakes that the implementation of the recommended improvements, the new recipes, and the changes in the feed in process and in the operation necessary to reach the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA shall not last more than the Initial Period.
Plant’s operation after the Initial Period
4.4.
Annex B of this Agreement contains the agreed Plant’s turnover and the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA.
Austep remuneration
4.5.
Austep, at the end of each calendar month, shall invoice the SPV the monthly amount calculated as indicated in Annex A (“ Austep Remuneration ”), for the Plant’s operation, services and maintenance – which shall include feed-in substrate, equipment and all periodic, preventive and breakdown maintenance, treatments, and services (such as overhaul, repair of generators and engines, and of any other system in the Plant, regardless of the cause or reason for the breakage), as will be set forth in a periodic maintenance programme, as indicated in Annex C.
4.6.
Austep’s monthly invoices shall be paid by the SPV for work and expenses actually performed and incurred by Austep within 60 (sixty) days from invoice date, subject to the provision of Section 4.10 and in any event no more than 7 (seven) days following the date on which the SPV actually receives the applicable payment from GSE for the month corresponding to that for which each such invoice was issued, with the exception of an amount equal to the VAT accrued on each invoice, up to an aggregate maximum amount of € 170,000.00 (“Delayed Amount”), that will be paid within 18 (eighteen) months from the payment date of each invoice, and according to procedure indicated in following Section 8.7. Need to compare to the FEGA
4.7.
At the end of each calendar year the Parties shall conduct the Annual EBITDA Review Process, as specified in Section 6 hereinafter and act accordingly, without derogating from Section 4.9 hereinafter.
4.8.
Notwithstanding the above, at the end of the first month of activity, Austep will be entitled to issue an invoice for the overall Austep Remuneration amount provided under Section 4.4. for the first 4 (four) months of operation, (the “First Invoice”). The payment terms of the First Invoice, subject to the applicable Delayed Amount provided pursuant to Section 4.5, shall be: ¼ at 60 (sixty) days invoice date, ¼ at 90 (ninety) days invoice date, ¼ at 120 (onehundredtwenty) days invoice date and ¼ at 150 (onehundredfifty) days invoice date all subject to section 4.10 and provided, however, that the payments received by the relevant Plant SPV from GSE are sufficient to cover each relevant payment instalment. The First Invoice amount shall be adjusted prior to payment of each instalment to reflect the actual work and expenses performed and incurred by Austep during the period corresponding to the applicable instalment. Should Austep choose to request a short term financial advance on the First Invoice, the SPV shall bear and reimburse to Austep the interest accrued on the financing and charged by the financing entity, estimated at approximately € 2,500.00 and all subject to the advance written approval of the SPV.
4.9.
Austep Remuneration shall be the sole payment to Austep for all its costs, expenses, services etc. Austep will not be entitled to any additional payment whatsoever.
4.10.
To dispel any doubt, all payments due to Austep shall be made only from proceeds received from GSE for the generation of electricity during the period corresponding to that of such invoice in the Plant and, after the Initial Period, following and subject to first securing the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA to the SPV. In the event the payments received from GSE are not sufficient to cover both the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA and the payments to Austep, and provided that such insufficiency of payments does not result from Austep’s fault, those payments to Austep - as may be available after full coverage of the Guaranteed EBITDA - shall be postponed until the proceeds received from GSE shall enable to cover the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA (the “ Postponed Payments ”).
5.
Austep’s Obligations
5.1.
Under this Agreement Austep shall become the sole responsible party for the operation, maintenance and supervision of the Plant, including but not limited to the supply of substrates thereof, to the equipment and all periodic, preventive and breakdown maintenance, treatments, and services (such as overhaul; repair of generators and engines, and of any other system in the Plant, regardless of the cause or reason for the breakage), as indicated in the periodic maintenance programme enclosed herewith under Annex C .
5.1.1.
During the Initial Period, the Initial Expected Plant EBITDA provided for in Annex B shall apply and Austep warrants and undertakes to implement the improvements approved by the SPV and the new recipe for reaching the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA, as specified in the Report attached hereto under Annex B .
5.1.2.
Following the Initial Period and until the Expiration Date of the Power Purchase Agreement, Austep warrants and undertakes that the Plant shall meet the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA, and Austep shall have no right to claim for additional charges exceeding those specified in this Agreement for the purpose of complying with the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA, and for any other purposes other than for an Event of Force Majeure or changes of regulations which have been introduced following the Report date, unless agreed in writing between the Parties of this Agreement.
5.1.3.
Austep represents and warrants that it shall operate the Plant in best practices and a prudent manner, and in full compliance with all the technical requirements of the equipment manufacturers and suppliers and all rules and Regulatory Requirements, including but not limited to, health and safety regulations, environmental regulations, covenants and obligations stipulated in the permits granted to the SPV for the construction and operation of the Plant.
5.1.4.
The representatives of the SPV, of the Purchaser and of Bluesphere shall, on every visit to the Plant site, comply with the safety regulations and will notify Austep in writing, and in advance of their intention to visit the Plant site.
5.1.5.
During the term of the Agreement, Austep will provide the SPV with all data and materials of the AD plant.
5.1.6.
In addition, and without derogating from any of Austep’s obligations and liabilities according this Agreement and any applicable law, the SPV, through its appointed representatives, shall perform supervisions from time to time at SPV’s sole discretion and as it sees fit, provided that such supervisions shall not delay or obstruct the regular operation of the Plant, and as much as possible shall be performed during regular working days and hours.
5.1.7.
During the term of this Agreement, Austep will operate the Plant with sufficient and qualified manpower to ensure the proper and ongoing operation of the Plant and it will supply the feed in substrates.
5.1.8.
Austep shall promptly inform in writing the SPV of the entrance into force of any new rule and/or Regulatory Requirements that may affect the Plant operation specifying the implications of the change and recommending actions that need to be taken including improvements to be made to the Plant in order to comply with the new requirements and their costs. Once obtained the SPV approval, Austep shall perform the indicated improvements and SPV shall reimburse the costs to Austep at the conditions agreed between the Parties. Should the SPV not approve the improvements, Austep will be exempted from full compliance liability provided for in Section 5.1.9 hereinafter.
5.1.9.
To dispel any doubt, and without derogating from the aforesaid, Austep shall bear the sole and complete responsibility for full compliance with any and all Regulatory Requirements pertaining to the operation of the Plant, as applicable from time to time and will be responsible to pay any fines imposed by the authorities for lack of compliance.
6.
Annual EBITDA Review Process
6.1.
The Guaranteed Plant EBITDA specified in Annex B shall be subject to the annual review process specified in the following paragraphs of this Section.
6.2.
The SPV, no later than 60 days following the end of each calendar year, shall deliver to Austep the Plant financial statements of the preceding year, audited by an auditor appointed by the SPV and a report showing the calculation of the Plant EBIDTA and Austep Remuneration according to Annex A and Annex B (“ EBITDA Reports ”). Austep shall review the EBITDA Reports prepared by the nominated auditor, and shall have the right to contest, if it is the case, the Plant EBITDA as presented by the nominated auditor according to the procedure indicated in the following paragraphs of this Section.
6.3.
Austep shall review the results of operation of the Plant as presented in the EBITDA Reports and:
6.3.1.
No later than 14 days from receipt of the EBITDA Reports, Austep shall: i) either approve the EBITDA Reports or ii) send to the SPV, with copy to the Purchaser and Bluesphere, a written report and explanations detailing the amounts to be excluded from, or added to the Plant EBITDA, if at all. In the event that no communication is received from Austep by the SPV within the above deadline, the EBITDA Reports shall be considered approved and the Plant EBITDA calculation contained therein shall be binding for the Parties.
6.3.2.
In the event that the SPV does not agree with the conclusion of Austep’s report sent pursuant Section 6.3.1 above, the Parties shall meet within 10 (ten) days from the receipt by the SPV of Austep’s report. If the Parties are unable to agree on the amount of the Plant EBITDA and the expenses to be included or excluded thereof within 7 days from the first meeting, a CPA of Ernst Young accounting firm, in Milan, Italy, shall be appointed as a ruler (hereinafter the “ Ruler ”) to quantify the amount of the Plant EBITDA, based on the guidelines specified under this Guaranteed Plant EBITDA Agreement. The Ruler’s decision shall be in writing in English language and it shall be communicated to each Party within 14 working days following his nomination. The Ruler’s decision shall be final and binding on the Parties. The Parties shall bear the costs of the Ruler on a 50/50 basis.
6.3.3.
If the Plant EBITDA indicated in the EBITDA Report and agreed between the Parties, or as quantified by the Ruler is lower than the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA specified in Annex B of this Agreement, Austep shall, within 60 (sixty) days following the date of the final quantification of the Plant EBITDA, reimburse the SPV for the missing amount of Guaranteed Plant EBITDA or, at Bluesphere’s and at Purchaser’ sole discretion, the SPV shall receive the above amount, in whole or in part, by assignment of any payment due to Austep from one or more other Plant SPV owned by the Purchaser or Bluesphere who have entered into a similar Guaranteed Plant EBITDA Agreement with Austep.
6.3.4.
If the Plant EBITDA indicated in the EBITDA Reports and agreed between the Parties, or as quantified by the Ruler, is higher than the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA specified in Annex B of this Agreement (the “ Yearly Positive Difference ”), the SPV shall, within 60 (sixty) days following the date of final quantification of the Plant EBITDA, reimburse Austep for 90% of the Yearly Positive Difference. Notwithstanding the above, in the event that Austep shall accumulate any Postponed Payments, as set forth in Section 4.7, the SPV’s quota of the Yearly Positive Difference shall first be utilized for the payment of the Postponed Payments, and the remaining balance of the SPV’s quota of the Yearly Positive Difference shall remain finally for the SPV.
6.3.5.
To dispel any doubt, all payments due to Austep shall be made only from proceeds received from GSE for the generation of electricity in the Plant and following and subject to first securing the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA to the SPV. In the event the payments received from GSE are not sufficient to cover both the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA and the payments to Austep, and provided that such insufficiency of payments does not result from Austep’s fault, those payments to Austep - as may be available after full coverage of the Guaranteed EBITDA and the setoff mechanism mentioned in Section 9 hereinbelow, shall be postponed until the proceeds received from GSE shall enable to cover the Postponed Payments of all SPVs as detailed in Annex D .
6.4.
For clarity sake, payments of all operational costs, including all those detailed in Sections 4.4 and 4.5 above and costs of a commonly used insurance policy covering theft, machinery breakdown and business interruption, as accustomed in the industry shall be fully covered by Austep Remuneration and should not be deducted from any of the Plant Guaranteed EBITDA.
6.5.
It is also agreed that in the calculation of the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA the costs relating to the Plant financing (including any financial leasing activated for the construction of the Plant) and management fee due to the owners of the Plant, the rent or, in general, any consideration to be paid for the use of the land where the Plant is located and which is not owned by the SPV, if any, shall be excluded, all as better specified in detail in Annex A .
6.6.
The Purchaser irrevocably, primarily and unconditionally guarantees to Austep all payments – including any Postponed Payments – due to Austep by the SPV under this Agreement, which may be due to Austep, subject to full coverage of the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA, subject to the offset mechanism provided for by Section 9 and provided that Austep has sent a written notice of claim to the SPV with a copy to the Purchaser and the SPV has not reacted within 15 (fifteen) business days of receipt of the written notice.
6.7.
The SPV hereby undertakes to cover all direct costs and expenses of attorneys’ fees, incurred by Austep in the event the SPV does not transfer to Austep payments due to it in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, provided that:
6.7.1.
Austep has sent a written notice of claim to the SPV and the Plant SPV has not complied within 15 (fifteen) business days of receipt of the written notice; and
6.7.2.
such abovementioned costs and expenses have been awarded to Austep as a result of the arbitration procedure provided for by this Agreement.
7.
Term and Termination of the Agreement
7.1.
This Agreement shall come into effect on the signing by both Parties and terminate at the Expiration Date of the Power Purchase Agreement (the “ Term ”).
7.2.
The Parties hereby agree that during the Term of this Agreement, but not before the elapse of 3 (three) years from the date of execution of this Agreement, Austep will have the right to terminate this Agreement only if:
7.2.1.
it has offered the SPV an alternative solution to operate the Plant under the same or better terms; and
7.2.2.
the SPV has given its written consent for the alternative solution, which will not be unreasonably refused.
7.3.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the SPV is entitled to terminate this Agreement before the conclusion of its Term by sending a written communication to Austep with 15 (fifteen) days’ notice, in the event Austep becomes bankrupt or insolvent, or goes into liquidation, or has a receiving or administration order made against it or carries on business under a receiver, trustee or manager for the benefit of its creditors, or if any act is done or event occurs which (under applicable law) has a similar effect to any of these acts or events.
7.4.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, either Party is entitled to terminate this Agreement before the conclusion of its Term in the event the other Party substantially violates the terms of this Agreement and has not ceased this violation and remedied the consequences thereof within 4 (four) weeks from the receipt by the Party in default of a written demand. For clarity sake and without derogating from the above and from Section 7.6 hereinafter, an event in which Austep’s operation of the Plant does not reach the Guaranteed Plant EBIDTA and Austep does not pay the missing amount of the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA shall be considered as substantial violation by Austep.
7.5.
In case of substantial violation, the non-violating Party shall send a notice of such violation to the violating Party. If the violating Party fails to remedy such violation within 30 (thirty) days of the receipt of such notice, the other Party shall have the right to terminate this agreement in a written form to the violating Party any time thereafter.
7.6.
Without derogating from Section 7.4, the SPV is also entitled to terminate this Agreement by written communication with 90 (ninety) days prior notice in the event that the Plant EBITDA for 2 (two) consecutive years has not reached, by more than 10% the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA per each respective year, even though Austep has reimbursed the missing Guaranteed Plant EBITDA.
7.7.
Upon termination of this Agreement, Austep shall furnish the SPV and Purchaser with all information, data and documentation, pertaining to the operation, maintenance, and treatment of the Plant, including - without limitation - any information and data regarding suppliers of substrates and other equipment, and machinery and engine technicians and all agreements related to the AD Plant. In any event of termination and without derogating from any of Austep obligations due under this Agreement, and from any of the remedies available to the SPV, Austep shall make its best efforts to include in every agreement relating to or relevant to the Plant’s operation, a clause of optional assignment to the SPV and will take all necessary actions to assign to the SPV all relevant operational agreements of the Plant. Furthermore, Austep shall assign to the SPV all guarantee certificates related to the SPV.
7.8.
To dispel any doubt, termination of this Agreement prior to the conclusion of its Term, for any cause, shall not derogate from any rights or remedies available to the Parties at law or in equity, or pursuant to this Agreement .
8.
Guarantees
8.1.
Austep hereby irrevocably undertakes and guarantees to fulfill all its obligations, whether now existing or arising hereafter, under this Agreement, including all its Annexes, exhibits, schedules, amendments, modifications, renewals and extensions thereto, as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, regardless of the existence of any other security, guarantee or surety given by Austep for fulfillment of its said obligations.
8.2.
Austep undertakes to provide the SPV within 14 (fourteen) days following the date of execution this Agreement with an Advance Loss of Profit Insurance Policy (“ ALOP ”) in full effect starting from the end of the Initial Period, issued by Synkronos Italia S.r.l. – a Munich RE insurance company – or another primary insurance company, authorized to conduct business in Italy, covering an amount equal to 12 (twelve) months of the Guaranteed Plant EBITDA of the Plant, substantially in line with the text attached hereto as Annex E
8.3.
In addition, Austep hereby guarantees towards the SPV, that in the event of termination of this Agreement, Austep shall supply, either through existing feedstock in storage or through supplier’s contractual commitments, sufficient feedstock to regularly operate the Plant until the next harvest, provided however that the next harvest supply is covered by a written and assignable supply agreement for a period of not less than 6 (six) months (the “ Feed Stock Guaranty ”).
8.4.
Austep undertakes to procure, at its own expense, the abovementioned ALOP, and to fulfil all the conditions thereof, including without limitation, pay the deductibles; fully and punctually pay the premiums; and arrange for, and ensure that the insurance coverage is in effect according to Austep’s undertakings hereunder and provide the SPV with copies of such insurance being in effect and in case of renewal of such insurance, copies of such renewal will be provided no less than 30 days prior to the expiration of such insurance policy.
8.5.
Austep shall manage the ALOP claims vis-à-vis the insurance company specified above, and shall retain the reimbursement proceeds received for the repair of the damages directly incurred by Austep. The ALOP policy shall contemplate that in the event Austep does not file directly a claim, the SPV is entitled to file it on behalf of Austep.
8.6.
The SPV shall have retention of titles on the ALOP to be procured by Austep with regards to the Plant, or alternatively shall be indicated as the insured / beneficiary of the ALOP in addition to Austep, Bluesphere Italy S.r.l. and the SPV. For the avoidance of doubt and without derogating from Austep’s obligations pursuant to Sections 8.4-8.5above, the SPV shall have the right to trigger the ALOP at its sole discretion.
8.7.
Austep in order to cover the risk of an increase of substrates costs, shall, set aside and deposit the amount as set forth hereinbelow in a special bank account to be opened by Austep dedicated for the purpose of this Section with a primary Italian bank (the “ Guaranty Account ”). The amounts deposited in the Guaranty Account (the “ Guaranty Amounts ”) shall constitute a guarantee for the risk of increase of substrates costs and shall be used only with the written consent of the SPV and/or Bluesphere Italy and/or any other subsidiary of Bluesphere as Bluesphere shall instruct (“ Bluesphere Entities ”). Austep shall cause Bluesphere Entities to be registered as a co-signatory of the Guaranty Account, so that the signature of Bluesphere Entities shall be required for all intents and purposes with respect to the Guaranty Account and/or use of the Guaranty Amounts. Austep shall open the Guaranty Account, with the joint signature powers of the Bluesphere Entities as above indicated simultaneously with the execution of the first Guaranteed Plant EBITDA Agreement. In the event of an aggregate increase in the price of substrate of 10% or more within a 12 (twelve) month period, Bluesphere Entities shall have the right, at their sole discretion, to exercise the guarantee pursuant to this Section. In the event that Bluesphere Entities elect to exercise the guarantee, a sum representing the actual increase in substrate costs shall be released out of the Guaranty Account for the purpose of purchasing substrate for the operations of the SPV over the subsequent 12 (twelve) months period.
8.8.
Beginning on the 19 th month following the date of the first invoice submitted by Austep to the SPV, the SPV shall pay into the Guaranty Account each Delayed Amount which becomes due and payable according to the provisions of Section 4.6 above, up to the amount of € 85,000.00 (the “ Guaranty Amounts Limit ”). Once the Guaranty Amounts Limit has been reached, Delayed Amounts which become due and payable as aforesaid shall be paid directly to Austep. Notwithstanding the above, except as provided in following Section 8.9, in no event shall the Guaranty Amounts together with the aggregate outstanding Delayed Amounts exceed an aggregate value of € 170,000.00 .
8.9.
Upon an exercise of the guarantee, the SPV shall pay into the Guaranty Account each Delayed Amount which becomes due and payable until the Guaranty Amounts Limit has been restored, at which point subsequent Delayed Amounts which become due and payable as aforesaid shall be paid directly to Austep.
8.10.
The Parties undertake to meet every 2 (two) years in order to evaluate if, in light of the market situation, the Guaranty Amount provided for the SPV is sufficient, insufficient or in excess, taking into consideration of the purpose of the guarantee and take the appropriate measures, provided however in the event of no consent between the Parties the above amount and mechanism shall continue to be in force.
8.11.
The Guaranty pursuant Sections, 8.6-8.8 shall survive for a period of 3 years following the termination of this Agreement due to Sections 7.3-7.4 and 7.6, other than if such termination was due to a violation by the SPV under section 7.4 above and in any event, for a period not exceeding 12 (twelve) months after the full Term of this Agreement during which time the Guaranty Account and the Guaranty Amounts will continue to be used to guarantee the price of substrate and no breach or violation by Austep of any of its undertakings and/or representations under this Agreement and/or each Guaranteed Plant EBITDA Agreement, shall in any way derogate from its obligations pursuant to this Section which shall continue to have full force and effect.
9.
The Right to Offset
9.1.
In the event of not reaching the Guaranteed Plant EBIDTA in one of the SPVs controlled by the Purchaser and signed on a similar Plant EBITDA Agreement, Austep agrees that the SPV, upon Bluesphere’s instruction, shall be entitled to make any payment due to Austep under this Agreement to the other said SPV all in accordance with Bluesphere and/or the Purchaser instructions.
For clarity sake, Austep hereby agrees that the SPV shall have the right to make payments on behalf of Austep in favor of any other SPV.
9.2.
In the event such situation materializes, the following procedure shall be followed: Purchaser and/or Bluesphere shall notify the SPV, with copy to Austep, a communication i) indicating the name of the other controlled SPV (the “ Other SPV ”) who is a final and unchallenged creditor of Austep under a different Guaranteed Plant EBITDA Agreement and the amount of its credit and ii) instructing the SPV to pay all or part of the money due to Austep under this Agreement directly to the Other SPV on behalf of Austep as provided for by article 1269 Italian Civil Code.
10.
Damage to Property and Injury to Persons
10.1.
Damage to the Plant . Austep shall be liable for all losses and expenses in respect of any loss of or damage to the Plant whenever to the extent caused by:
10.1.1.
defective design, material or workmanship of the Contractor, or
10.1.2.
negligence of Austep, its subcontractors or their respective employees and agents.
10.2.
Third Party Claims . Austep shall indemnify the SPV against all third party claims in respect of any loss of or damage to physical property, death or personal injury whenever occurring to the extent:
10.2.
10.2.1.
caused by negligence of Austep, its subcontractors or their respective employees and agents, or
10.2.2.
of Austep’s, its subcontractors’ or their respective employees’ and agents’ liability at law.
10.3.
Accidents . Austep shall be liable for and shall indemnify the SPV against all losses, expenses or claims arising in connection with the death of or injury to any person employed by Austep or its subcontractors, unless caused by any acts or defaults of the SPV or other contractors engaged by the SPV or by their respective employees or agents.
11.
Indemnification
11.1.
Austep (the “ Indemnitor ”) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the SPV, Bluesphere and its affiliates and their respective partners, members, officers, directors, managers, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, the “ Indemnified Parties ”), from and against any loss or expense by reason of physical damage to property or bodily injury, including death, any action, cost, damage, disbursement, expense, liability, loss, deficiency, obligation, including but not limited to, interest or other carrying costs, penalties, reasonable legal, accounting and other professional fees and expenses incurred in the investigation, collection, prosecution and defense of claims, that may be imposed on or otherwise incurred or suffered by the Indemnified Parties, excluding any indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive damages or lost profits, except to the extent such damages are recovered by third parties in connection with third party claims that are indemnified under this Agreement (“ Losses ”).
Indemnification for Losses in accordance with Section 11.1 shall be limited to a maximum amount of 5,000,000 Euro per event, with the exception of Losses incurred due to bodily injury, death and with the exception of Losses resulting from malicious and/or willful actions with respect to which no limitation shall apply.
11.2.
Indemnification Procedures
11.2.1.
An Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the Indemnitor of any event or occurrence that may give rise to Losses for which such Indemnified Party (a “ Claimant ”) may seek recovery from the Indemnitor pursuant to this Section; provided that, if such event or occurrence is a claim or proceeding by a third party (a “ Third Party Claim ”), a Claimant shall give such notice thereof in writing as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 20 (twenty) days following the receipt of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding. Each such notice shall describe in reasonable detail the basis of the claim for indemnification and, to the extent received, deliver copies of all related notices and documents (including court filings) concerning such claim. The failure to give notice as required by this Section in respect of a Third Party Claim in a timely fashion shall not result in a waiver of any right hereunder except to the extent that the ability of the Indemnitor to defend against such Third Party Claim is actually prejudiced by the failure of the Claimant to give notice in a timely fashion as required by this Section.
12.
Insurance
12.1.
Austep shall maintain with financially sound and reputable insurers a property All Risks insurance to cover the hazards, liabilities and losses, and specifically:
Direct Damages: Euro 2,400,000 coverage for machinery and equipment and Euro 2,000,000 coverage for buildings;
RCT: Euro 5,000,000 coverage;
RCO: Euro 2,500,000 coverage;
Product Liability: Euro 5,000,000 coverage.
13.
Confidentiality of Information
13.1.
For the duration of this Agreement, and for 5 (five) years following its termination, each Party shall keep all information received from the other Party and marked confidential (hereinafter the “ Confidential Information ”).
13.2.
The Confidential Information shall not be divulged without both Parties’ written consent given in advance. The Parties may not use the Confidential Information for any purpose other than the purposes set out in this Agreement, except if needed by Blusphere and/or the Purchaser and/or the SPV. This provision will survive the termination of the Agreement or the conclusion of its Term. The Parties shall uphold the confidentiality of, and shall not use other than for the purposes set out in this Agreement, any Confidential Information related to the Plant, including documents, data, technical, business, financial and/or any other written and or oral information regarding the Project which was prepared by any of the Parties, except for:
13.2.1.
when the information becomes part of the public domain (and not as a result of the breach of this Agreement);
13.2.2.
when the information was in the one Party’s possession prior to receiving it form the other Party;
13.2.3.
when the information was received by a third party which is not, to the knowledge of the receiving Party, in breach of an obligation of confidentiality, and is therefore not subject to the limitations of its exposure;
13.2.4.
when the information is requested by any governmental, regulatory, judicial or other such body under applicable legislation, regulations or rules.
13.3.
Each Party shall take reasonable measures to protect Confidential Information.
13.4.
A Party may divulge the Confidential Information to its consultants, technical or commercial consultants, accountants, auditors, counsels, investors, creditors (including the Purchaser Creditors), shareholders, prospective buyers and prospective buyers or investors of the shareholders, bankers and subsidiaries (hereinafter the “ Consultants ”) to the extent it is necessary for the development of a relevant Plant. A Party transferring Confidential Information to Consultants must inform them of its confidential nature and guarantee their commitment to keeping such information confidential. None of the Parties including their consultants, representatives, sub-contractors or any of their related parties will use or disclose any of the Confidential Information obtained from the other Party during the period of this Agreement for a purpose other than the development of a joint Plant. Such Confidential Information will not be held as confidential if it were proven to be publicly available prior to it being transferred to the Consultants.
14.
Force Majeure
14.1.
Failure of a Party to execute, or delay in a Party’s execution of this Agreement or part thereof, shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement if caused by an Event of Force Majeure.
14.2.
An Event of Force Majeure means events beyond the reasonable control of either Party, which constitutes exceptional and unforeseeable circumstances, as stipulated hereunder and which are the direct cause of:
(i)
material and unavoidable physical damage or destruction to the Plant;
(ii)
delay and/or interruption of the full and regular operation of the Plant for more than 3 (three) consecutive days;
and which, despite the exercise of diligent efforts, such Party was unable to prevent, limit or minimize.
14.3.
Pursuant to all of the above, the following events constitute an Event of Force Majeure, so long as such events are the direct cause of failure to execute or delay in execution, as can be proven, and as stated above (for avoidance of doubt any events which is not specifically set forth as Force Majeure event cannot be deemed as a Force Majeure event: acts of God; acts of public enemies; orders or restraints of any kind of the government of the Italian Republic or any of its departments, agencies, political subdivisions or officials, or any civil or military authority; earthquakes; fires; hurricanes; tornadoes; floods; explosions; partial or entire failure of national utilities. Furthermore the Parties agree that the occurrence of hidden construction fault and/or defects of the Plant which delay or interrupt the regular operation of the Plant and which Austep could not have discovered in its DD review process, shall be considered as an Event of Force Majeure, provided however that such fault and/or defects could not be cured without affecting the Guaranteed EBIDTA.
14.4.
A Party affected by an Event of Force Majeure shall inform the other Party in writing within 3 (three) days of such occurrence, and in addition shall provide supporting documentation and evidence regarding the circumstances which constitute the Event of Force Majeure, specifying why under these circumstances the implementation, or the timely implementation, of a contractual obligation was not possible, and proving that such failure or delay were the direct result of those circumstances.
15.
Waiver - Remedies
15.1.
All remedies specified in this Agreement or otherwise available shall be cumulative and in addition to any other remedy provided hereunder or now or hereafter available at law or in equity. No waiver with respect to any breach or default hereunder, whether or not the other Party received notice thereof, shall be deemed to be a waiver with respect to any subsequent breach or default, whether of similar or different nature; nor shall the failure of a Party to insist upon the performance by the other of any term hereof be deemed a waiver of the rights of the first-mentioned Party with respect thereto.
16.
Assignment
16.1.
The rights and obligations of Austep pursuant to this Agreement shall not be assigned to a third party without the SPV’s written prior consent. The SPV shall not unreasonably withhold its consent.
Assignability of Subcontracts . All of Austep’s operational subcontracts necessary the performance of work under this Agreement, including substrate/feedstock supply agreements, the engine maintenance agreement, shall be assignable to the SPV, in the case of a default by Austep under the Agreement, Purchaser and/or the SPV shall have receive such additional documentation it requires with respect to such assignment. For clarity sake, , Bluesphere Italy S.r.l. and/or the SPV shall be indicated as the insured / beneficiary of the ALOP insurance policy and they shall be entitled, at their sole discretion, to trigger the ALOP insurance by written notice to the insurance company in case of default/termination
17.
Conflict Resolution and Jurisdiction
17.1.
The Parties will attempt to resolve all conflicts and disputes relating to this Agreement by negotiation. Should the Parties be unsuccessful in resolving their dispute within 90 (ninety) days, the dispute shall be brought before an arbitration panel.
17.2.
Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach, termination or invalidity thereof, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, Paris (ICC) as are presently in force. The number of arbitrators shall be 3 (three). The place of arbitration shall be Lugano (Switzerland). The language to be used in the arbitral proceedings shall be English. The decision of the Arbitrator shall be final and conclusive.
18.
Miscellaneous
18.1.
This Agreement including the Annexes (whether attached to this Agreement on its signing date or added later in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement) hereto constitute the entire and only agreement between the Parties, and no modification of the terms and conditions contained herein shall be binding unless agreed upon in writing and signed by both Parties.
18.2.
In the event of any inconsistency between the FEGA and this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail.
18.3.
Notices . All notices and other communications required or desired to be communicated by one Party to the other shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when sent by email, facsimile, or manual delivery or 10 (ten) days after mailing by registered airmail to the respective addresses set forth below or to such other addresses as may be designated by a written notice to the other Party, provided, however, that any notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt:
To Austep:
To SPV:
IN WITNESS HEREOF , the Parties have duly executed this Agreement.
By: | AUSTEP S.p.A. | |
Name: | ||
Title: | CEO | |
Company: | Austep S.p.A. | |
Date: | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
Company: | ||
Date: |
LIST OF ANNEXES
Annex A –Principles for EBITDA Calculation
Annex B – Austep DD Report, Guaranteed Plant EBITDA, Initial Expected Plant EBITDA, Agreed Plant Turnover
Annex C – Periodic Maintenance Programme
Annex D – List of SPVs Covered Under Plant EBITDA Guarantee Agreements
Annex E – ALOP
Exhibit 10.49
March 1, 2017
Eilon Natan
Director of Investments
JMJ Financial
Re: Extension of Certain Deadlines in Promissory Note and Common Stock Purchase Warrants
Dear Eilon:
This letter (this “ Letter Agreement ”) concerns the Promissory Note issued by Blue Sphere Corporation (“ Blue Sphere ”) to JMJ Financial (“ JMJ ”) on October 24, 2016 in the Principal Sum of up to $1,053,000 (the “ Note ”) and the three Common Stock Purchase Warrants issued by Blue Sphere to JMJ on October 24, 2016, December 20, 2016 and February 14, 2017, numbered as W-10212015, W-12202016 and W-02142017, respectively (each, a “ Warrant ” and collectively, the “ Warrants ”). All capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning given to such term in the Note or Warrants, as applicable.
Section 6 of the Note and Section 1.11 the Warrants each set forth, in identical form, the following specified events of default:
… or (xxii) the reverse split of the Issuer’s common stock fails to become effective by March 15, 2017; or (xxiii) the Issuer fails to obtain from Nasdaq or NYSE by February 28, 2017 conditional approval of the listing of the Issuer’s common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market or NYSE-MKT subject only to completion of the Public Offering pursuant to the Registration Statement and to the Issuer’s common stock maintaining the minimum price requirements prior to uplisting;.
On January 20, 2017, Blue Sphere filed an application to have its common stock listed with The Nasdaq Capital Market (“ NASDAQ ”), and as of the date hereof, has provided its response to the first comment letter received from NASDAQ. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that NASDAQ may have further comments prior to granting its conditional approval, and therefore such approval will not likely be received by February 28, 2017. In addition, the Company will not conduct the reverse split of its common stock until such time that NASDAQ has provided conditional approval and until a date closely aligned with the anticipated closing of the Public Offering.
Blue Sphere has made significant strides toward achieving the timeline set forth in Section 6 of the Note and Section 1.11 the Warrants. However, the dates set forth in Sections 6(xxii)-(xxiii) of the Note and Sections 1.11(xxii)-(xxiii) of the Warrants do not realistically reflect the current timeline of the Public Offering. Therefore, the undersigned parties hereby agree to the following, effective as of the date first set forth above:
(a) | Section 6(xxii) of the Note and Section 1.11(xxii) of the Warrants shall hereinafter be deleted and replaced with the following text: |
(xxii) the reverse split of the Issuer’s common stock fails to become effective by April 15, 2017;
(b) | Section 6(xxiii) of the Note and Section 1.11(xxiii) of the Warrants shall hereinafter be deleted and replaced with the following text: |
(xxiii) the Issuer fails to obtain from Nasdaq or NYSE by March 31, 2017 conditional approval of the listing of the Issuer’s common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market or NYSE-MKT subject only to completion of the Public Offering pursuant to the Registration Statement and to the Issuer’s common stock maintaining the minimum price requirements prior to uplisting;
(c) | The Investor conditionally waives the defaults for the Issuer's failure to meet the original dates set forth in Sections 6(xxii)-(xxiii) of the Note and Sections 1.11(xxii)-(xxiii) of the Warrants, but the Investor does not waive any damages, fees, penalties, liquidated damages, or other amounts or remedies otherwise resulting from such defaults (which damages, fees, penalties, liquidated damages, or other amounts or remedies the Investor may choose in the future to assess, apply or pursue in its sole discretion) and the Investor's conditional waiver is conditioned on the Issuer's not being in default of and not breaching any term of the Note or the Wan-ants or any other Transaction Documents (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement Document SPA-10212016 between the Issuer and the Investor) at any time subsequent to the date of this Letter Agreement (if the Issuer triggers an event of default or breaches any term of the Note, the Warrants, or the Transaction Documents at any time subsequent to the date of this Letter Agreement, the Investor may issue a notice of default for the Issuer's failure to meet the original dates set forth in Sections 6(xxii)-(xxiii) of the Note and Sections 1.11(xxii)-(xxiii) of the Warrants). |
Please indicate your acceptance of the foregoing terms and conditions by signing and returning this Letter Agreement to me.
Very truly yours, | |
/s/ Shlomi Palas | |
Shlomi Palas | |
Chief Executive Officer | |
Blue Sphere Corporation |
The undersigned hereby agrees to be bound by this Letter Agreement.
INVESTOR:
/s/ JMJ Financial |
JMJ Financial / Its Principal |
Date: March 1, 2017 |
Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated February 14, 2017 relating to the financial statements of Blue Sphere Corp. (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern), appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.
We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Prospectus.
/S/ Brightman Almagor Zohar & Co.
Brightman Almagor Zohar & Co.,
Certified Public Accountants
A Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited
Tel Aviv, Israel
[ ], 2017