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Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020

 

OR

 

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

For the transition period from __________ to __________

 

Commission file number: 001-34887

 

NEL.JPG

 

Net Element, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

90-1025599

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

3363 NE 163rd Street, Suite 705

North Miami Beach, Florida

(Address of principal executive offices)

33160

(Zip Code)

 

(305) 507-8808

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Not applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share

NETE

The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC (Nasdaq Capital Market)

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer  ☐

Non-accelerated filer   ☒

Accelerated filer  ☐

Smaller reporting company  ☒

   
  Emerging growth company  ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

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

 

The number of outstanding shares of common stock, $.0001 par value, of the registrant as of November 11, 2020 was 4,845,211.

 

 


 

Net Element, Inc.

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

Page No.

  PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
     

Item 1.

Financial Statements

3

     
 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019

3

     
 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss – for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

4

     
 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

5

     
 

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6

     

Item 2.

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

21

     

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

34

     

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

34

     
 

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

35

     

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

35

     

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

35

     

Item 6.

Exhibits

36

     
 

Signatures

37

 

 

 

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 — Financial Statements

 

NET ELEMENT, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

 

   

September 30, 2020

   

December 31, 2019

 

ASSETS

               

Current assets:

               

Cash

  $ 2,119,628     $ 486,604  

Accounts receivable, net

    5,252,882       6,560,928  
Due from Mullen Technologies, Inc.     641,000       -  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    1,156,689       1,621,144  

Total current assets, net

    9,170,199       8,668,676  

Intangible assets, net

    4,131,500       5,678,649  

Goodwill

    7,681,186       7,681,186  

Operating lease right-of-use asset

    834,089       380,986  

Other long term assets

    755,593       629,651  

Total assets

  $ 22,572,567     $ 23,039,148  
                 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

               

Current liabilities:

               

Accounts payable

  $ 5,460,746     $ 6,037,833  

Accrued expenses

    2,402,869       1,800,344  

Deferred revenue

    854,436       1,401,117  
Notes payable (current portion)     27,305       909,086  

Operating lease liability (current portion)

    32,628       133,727  

Due to related party

    222,398       126,662  
Total current liabilities     9,000,382       10,408,769  

Operating lease liability (net of current portion)

    801,594       247,259  
Notes payable (net of current portion)     9,906,134       8,342,461  
Total liabilities     19,708,110       18,998,489  
                 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

               

Series A Convertible Preferred stock ($.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019)

    -       -  

Common stock ($.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized and 4,833,880 and 4,111,082 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)

    483       410  

Paid in capital

    188,116,981       185,297,069  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (2,211,449 )     (2,274,187 )

Accumulated deficit

    (182,771,691 )     (178,750,634 )

Non-controlling interest

    (269,867 )     (231,999 )

Total stockholders' equity

    2,864,457       4,040,659  

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  $ 22,572,567     $ 23,039,148  

 

See Accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

NET ELEMENT, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(UNAUDITED)

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2020

   

2019

   

2020

   

2019

 
                                 

Net revenues

                               

Service fees

  $ 16,734,374     $ 16,819,686     $ 46,290,549     $ 48,354,179  

Total Revenues

    16,734,374       16,819,686       46,290,549       48,354,179  
                                 

Costs and expenses:

                               

Cost of service fees

    14,560,190       14,079,241       39,397,384       40,240,754  

Selling, general and administrative

    1,647,596       2,398,786       5,348,817       7,082,721  

Non-cash compensation

    1,089,113       15,008       1,135,013       2,035,855  

Bad debt expense

    592,200       423,379       1,068,288       905,877  

Depreciation and amortization

    749,474       755,985       2,301,318       2,354,552  

Total costs and operating expenses

    18,638,573       17,672,399       49,250,820       52,619,759  

Loss from operations

    (1,904,199 )     (852,713 )     (2,960,271 )     (4,265,580 )

Interest expense

    (360,503 )     (270,041 )     (1,049,936 )     (767,676 )

Other (expense) income

    (77,784 )     83,343       (48,719 )     1,281,361  

Net loss from continuing operations before income taxes

    (2,342,486 )     (1,039,411 )     (4,058,926 )     (3,751,895 )

Income taxes

    -       -       -       -  

Net loss from continuing operations

    (2,342,486 )     (1,039,411 )     (4,058,926 )     (3,751,895 )

Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest

    12,916       28,784       37,869       82,974  

Net loss attributable to Net Element, Inc. stockholders

    (2,329,570 )     (1,010,627 )     (4,021,057 )     (3,668,921 )

Foreign currency translation

    (2,086 )     4,373       62,738       (15,726 )

Comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders

  $ (2,331,656 )   $ (1,006,254 )   $ (3,958,319 )   $ (3,684,647 )
                                 

Loss per share - basic and diluted

  $ (0.52 )   $ (0.24 )   $ (0.94 )   $ (0.91 )
                                 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted

    4,498,510       4,152,433       4,264,624       4,033,521  

 

See Accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

NET ELEMENT, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2020

   

2019

 

Cash flows from operating activities

               

Net loss attributable to Net Element, Inc. stockholders

  $ (4,021,057 )   $ (3,668,921 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

               

Non-controlling interest

    (37,869 )     (82,974 )

Share based compensation

    1,135,013       2,035,855  

Deferred revenue

    (546,681 )     (551,566 )
Provision for bad debt     2,847       -  

Depreciation and amortization

    2,301,318       2,354,552  

Non cash interest

    83,370       36,683  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

               

Accounts receivable

    1,355,563       741,381  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    (382,283 )     226,353  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    (157,498 )     (2,488,057 )

Net cash used in operating activities

    (267,277 )     (1,396,694 )
                 

Cash flows from investing activities:

               

Client acquisition costs

    (439,071 )     (1,622,482 )

Purchase of equipment and changes in other assets

    (579,045 )     (463,628 )

Net cash used in investing activities

    (1,018,116 )     (2,086,110 )
                 

Cash flows from financing activities:

               
Proceeds from SBA Loans     651,392       -  

Proceeds from indebtedness

    1,684,970       2,036,684  
Repayment of indebtedness     -       (319,288 )

Lease liability

    453,236       411,996  

Related party advances

    229,709       252,503  

Net cash provided by financing activities

    3,019,307       2,381,895  
                 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

    25,052       (284 )

Net increase (decrease) in cash and restricted cash

    1,758,966       (1,101,193 )
                 

Cash and restricted cash at beginning of period

    1,116,255       2,249,551  

Cash and restricted cash at end of period

  $ 2,875,221     $ 1,148,358  
                 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

               

Cash paid during the period for:

               

Interest

  $ 966,566     $ 730,993  

Taxes

  $ 92,259     $ 120,544  

 

See Accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

NET ELEMENT, INC.

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The accompanying September 30, 2020 interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, but we believe the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein. These statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year or any other periods.

 

The condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements contained in this report include the accounts of Net Element, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

 

NOTE 2. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS

 

Net Element, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, “Net Element”, “we”, “us”, “our” or the “Company”) is a financial technology-driven group specializing in payment acceptance and value-added solutions across multiple channels in the United States and selected international markets. We are differentiated by our proprietary technology which enables us to provide a broad suite of payment products and end-to-end transaction processing services. Our transactional services business enables merchants to accept credit cards as well as other forms of payment, including debit cards, checks, gift cards, loyalty programs and alternative payment methods in traditional card-present or swipe transactions, as well as card-not-present transactions, such as those conducted over the phone or through the Internet or a mobile device. We operate in two reportable business operating segments: (i) North American Transaction Solutions, and (ii) International Transaction Solutions.

 

We are able to deliver our services across multiple points of access, or “multi-channel,” including brick and mortar locations, software integration, e-commerce, mobile operator billing, mobile and tablet-based solutions. In the United States, via our U.S. based subsidiaries, we generate revenues from transactional services and other payment technologies for small and medium-sized businesses. Through PayOnline, we provide transactional services, mobile payment transactions, online payment transactions and other payment technologies in emerging countries in the Eurasian Economic Community ("EAEC"), Europe and Asia.

 

Our transactional services business enables merchants to accept credit cards as well as other forms of payment, including debit cards, checks, gift cards, loyalty programs and alternative payment methods in traditional card-present or swipe transactions, as well as card-not-present transactions, such as those conducted over the phone or through the Internet or a mobile device. We market and sell our services through both independent sales groups (“ISGs”), which are non-employee, external sales organizations and other third-party resellers of our products and services, and directly to merchants through electronic media, telemarketing and other programs, including utilizing partnerships with other companies that market products and services to local and international merchants. We have agreements with several banks that sponsor us for membership in the Visa ®, MasterCard ®, American Express ®, and Discover ® card associations and settle card transactions for our merchants. These sponsoring banks include Citizens Bank, Esquire Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. From time to time, we may enter into agreements with additional banks. We perform core functions for merchants such as application processing, underwriting, account set-up, risk management, fraud detection, merchant assistance and support, equipment deployment and chargeback services.

 

Our Mobile Solutions business, PayOnline, provides relationships and contracts with mobile operators that gives us the ability to offer our clients in-app, premium SMS (short message services, which is a text messaging service), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)-click, one click and other carrier billing services. PayOnline provides flexible high- tech payment solutions to companies doing business on the Internet or in the mobile environment. PayOnline specializes in integration and customization of payment solutions for websites and mobile apps. In particular, PayOnline arranges payment on the website of any commercial organization, which increases the convenience of using the website and helps maximize the number of successful transactions. In addition, PayOnline is focused on providing online and mobile payment acceptance services to the travel industry through direct integration with leading Global Distribution Systems (“GDS”), which include Amadeus® and Sabre®. Key geographic regions that PayOnline serves include Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Western Europe, North America and Asia major sub regions. The PayOnline office is located in Moscow, Russia.

 

Also part of our transactional services business, Aptito is a proprietary, cloud-based payments platform for the hospitality industry, which creates an online consumer experience in offline commerce environments via tablet, mobile and all other cloud-connected devices. Aptito’s easy to use point-of-sale (“POS”) system makes things easier by providing a comprehensive solution to the hospitality industry to help streamline management and operations. Orders placed tableside by customers directly speed up the ordering process and improve overall efficiency. Aptito's mobile POS system provides portability to the staff while performing all the same functions as a traditional POS system.

 

 

 

 

NOTE 3. LIQUIDITY

 

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. We sustained a net loss of approximately $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and $6.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 and have an accumulated deficit of approximately $182.8 million and a negative working capital of approximately $0.3 million at September 30, 2020.

 

The continuing spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”) is currently impacting countries, communities, supply chains and markets, global financial markets, as well as, the largest industry group serviced by our Company. The Company cannot predict, at this time, whether COVID-19 will continue to have a material impact on our future financial condition and results of operations due to understaffing in the service sector and the decrease in revenues and profits, particularly restaurants, and any possible future government ordinances that may further restrict restaurant and other service or retail sectors operations.

 

During March 2020, our Company evaluated its liquidity position, future operating plans, and its labor force, which included a reduction in the labor force and compensation to executives and other employees, in order to maintain current payment processing functions, capabilities, and continued customer service to its merchants. We are also seeking sources of capital to pay our contractual obligations as they come due, in light of these uncertain times. Management believes that its operating strategy will provide the opportunity for us to continue as a going concern as long as we are able to obtain additional financing. At this time, due to our continuing losses from operations, negative working capital, and the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot predict the impact of these conditions on our ability to obtain financing necessary for the Company to fund its future working capital requirements. Our Company has also decided to explore strategic alternatives and potential options for its business, including sale of the Company or certain assets, licensing of technology, spin-offs, or a business combination. There can be no assurance, at this time, regarding the eventual outcome of our planned strategic alternatives.  In most respects, it is still too early in the COVID-19 pandemic to be able to quantify or qualify the longer-term ramifications on our merchant processing business, our merchants, our planned strategic alternatives to enhance current shareholder value, our current investors, and/or future potential investors.

 

On March 27, 2020, our Company entered into a Master Exchange Agreement (the “ESOUSA Agreement”) with ESOUSA Holdings, LLC ("ESOUSA"), a related party. Prior to entering into the ESOUSA Agreement, ESOUSA agreed to acquire an existing promissory note that had been previously issued by the Company, of up to $2,000,000 in principal amount outstanding plus interest due to RBL Capital Group, LLC ("RBL"). Pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement, the Company has the right, at any time prior to March 27, 2021, to request ESOUSA, and ESOUSA agreed upon each such request, to exchange this promissory note in tranches on the dates when the Company instructs ESOUSA, for such number of shares of the Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) as determined under the ESOUSA Agreement based upon the number of shares of Common Stock (already in ESOUSA’s possession) that ESOUSA sold in order to finance its purchase of such tranche of the promissory note from RBL Capital Group, LLC. ESOUSA will purchase each tranche of the promissory note equal to 88% of the gross proceeds from the shares of Common Stock sold by ESOUSA to finance the purchase of such Exchange Amount from RBL Capital Group, LLC. Each such tranche to be $148,000 unless otherwise agreed to by the Company and ESOUSA. 

 

On April 23, 2020 and August 3, 2020, the Company entered into certain amendments to the ESOUSA Agreement, which together increased from $2,000,000 to $15,000,000 the principal amount and unpaid interest of one or more promissory notes of the Company or its direct or indirect subsidiaries that ESOUSA either purchased in whole or has an irrevocable right to purchase in tranches from RBL in connection with the ESOUSA Agreement.

 

On March 27, 2020, the Company received its first tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $148,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  Included in other accrued expenses at September 30, 2020 is approximately $145,000 in connection with this first tranche for which shares of Common Stock have not yet been issued.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $148,000 from RBL under the Loan and Security Agreement (“Credit Facility”) with RBL. 

 

On April 28, 2020, the Company received its second tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $143,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 65,862 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $143,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On August 11, 2020, the Company received its third tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $707,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 66,190 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $707,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On August 21, 2020, the Company received its fourth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $401,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 45,654 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $401,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On September 25, 2020, the Company received its fifth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $426,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 50,000 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $426,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On August 4, 2020, our Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Mullen Technologies, Inc., a California corporation (“Mullen”), and Mullen Acquisition, Inc., a California corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”). Pursuant to, and on the terms and subject to the conditions of, the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Mullen (the “Merger”), with Mullen continuing as the surviving corporation in the Merger. After Mullen’s completion and delivery to our Company, of the audited financial statements for Mullen and its subsidiaries and affiliates required to be included in a registration statement, the Company intends to prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement on Form S-4 (together with all amendments thereto, the “Registration Statement”) in which the proxy statement will be included as a part of the prospectus, in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of Parent Shares to be issued in connection with the transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement contains termination rights for each of the Company and Mullen, including, among others, (i) in the event that the Merger has not been consummated by December 31, 2020, (ii) in the event that the requisite approval of the Company’s stockholders is not obtained upon a vote thereon, (iii) in the event that any governmental authority shall have taken action to restrain, enjoin or prohibit the consummation of the Merger, which action shall have become final and non-appealable and (iv) in the event that there is a breach by the other party of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements, which breach is sufficiently material and not timely cured or curable. In addition, Mullen may terminate the Merger Agreement if, prior to receipt of the requisite approval of the Company’s stockholders, the Company’s board of directors shall have changed their recommendation in respect of the Merger. Further, the Company may terminate the Merger Agreement prior to receipt of the requisite approval of the Company’s stockholders to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal (as such term is defined in the Merger Agreement). 

 

As contemplated by the Merger Agreement, on August 11, 2020, our Company as lender, entered into an unsecured Promissory Note, dated August 11, 2020 (the “Note”), with Mullen. Pursuant to the Note, Mullen borrowed from the Company $500,000. Prior to maturity of the loan, the principal amount of the loan will carry an interest rate of 14% per annum compounded monthly and payable upon demand. This loan will mature on the earlier of (i) the date that the Merger Agreement is terminated for any reason by any party thereto and (ii) the Merger Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement).

 

On September 14, 2020, an advance of $141,000 which was previously borrowed by the Company from RBL, was sent to Mullen by the Company.in connection with expenses incurred by the Company on behalf  of Mullen.  Subsequent to September 30, 2020, the Company received $55,000 from Mullen, as a payment towards this advance..

 

Consummation of the Merger, the Divestiture, the Private Placement and the other transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement, is subject to customary conditions including, among others, the approval of the Company’s stockholders. There is no guarantee that the Merger, the Divestiture, the Private Placement or the other transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement will be completed. 

 

These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

 

 

NOTE 4. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Significant accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties, and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. The Company’s significant accounting policies are described below.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and pursuant to the reporting and disclosure rules and regulations of the Commission.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Net Element, Inc. and our subsidiary companies. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Cash

 

We maintain our U.S. dollar-denominated cash in several non-interest bearing bank deposit accounts. All U.S. non-interest bearing transaction accounts are insured up to a maximum of $250,000 at FDIC insured institutions. The bank balances exceeded FDIC limits by approximately $1.5 million and $134,000 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. We maintained approximately $42,000 and $30,000 n uninsured bank accounts in Russia and the Cayman Islands at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

 

Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash represents funds held-on-deposit with processing banks pursuant to agreements to cover potential merchant losses. It is presented as other long-term assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets since the related agreements extend beyond the next twelve months. Following the adoption of ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash (Topic 230), the Company includes restricted cash along with the cash balance for presentation in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The reconciliation between the consolidated balance sheet and the consolidated statement of cash flows is as follows:

 

   

September 30, 2020

   

December 31, 2019

 

Cash on consolidated balance sheet

  $ 2,119,628     $ 486,604  

Restricted cash

    755,593       629,651  

Total cash and restricted cash

  $ 2,875,221     $ 1,116,255  

 

Accounts Receivable and Credit Policies

 

Accounts receivable consist primarily of uncollateralized credit card processing residual payments due from processing banks requiring payment within thirty days following the end of each month. Accounts receivable also include amounts due from the sales of our technology solutions to our customers. The carrying amount of accounts receivable is reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts, if necessary, which reflects management’s best estimate of the amounts that will not be collected. The allowance is estimated based on management’s knowledge of its customers, historical loss experience and existing economic conditions. Accounts receivable and the allowance are written-off when, in management’s opinion, all collection efforts have been exhausted.

 

Other Current Assets

 

Other current assets consist of point-of-sale equipment which we use to service both merchants and independent sales agents ("ISG"). Often, we will provide the equipment as an incentive for merchants and independent sales agents to enter into a merchant contracts with us. The term of these contracts have an average length of three years and the cost of the equipment plus any setup fees will be amortized over the contract period. If the merchants terminate their contract with us early, they are obligated to either return the equipment or pay for it.

 

 

 

Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets acquired, either individually or with a group of other assets (but not those acquired in a business combination), are initially recognized and measured based on fair value. Goodwill acquired in business combinations is initially computed as the amount paid in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired. We did not acquire any businesses during the year ended December 31, 2019 or the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

 

The cost of internally developing, maintaining and restoring intangible assets (including goodwill) that are not specifically identifiable, that have indeterminate lives, or that are inherent in a continuing business and related to an entity are recognized as an expense when incurred.

 

Intangible assets include acquired merchant relationships, recurring cash flow portfolios, referral agreements, trademarks, tradenames, website development costs and non-compete agreements. Merchant relationships represent the fair value of customer relationships purchased by us. Recurring cash flow portfolios give us the right to retain a greater share of the cash flow, in the form of paying less commissions to an independent sales agent, related to certain future transactions with the agent referred sales partners. Referral agreements represent the right to exclusively obtain referrals from a partner for their customers' credit card processing services.

 

We amortize definite lived identifiable intangible assets using a method that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are expected to be consumed or otherwise utilized. The estimated useful lives of our customer-related intangible assets approximate the expected distribution of cash flows on a straight- line basis from each asset. The useful lives of contract-based intangible assets are equal to the terms of the agreement.

 

Management evaluates the remaining useful lives and carrying values of long-lived assets, including definite lived intangible assets, at least annually, or when events and circumstances warrant such a review, to determine whether significant events or changes in circumstances indicate that a change in the useful life or impairment in value may have occurred. There were no impairment charges during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

 

Goodwill

 

In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, we test goodwill for impairment for each reporting unit on an annual basis, or when events or circumstances indicate the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying value.

 

Our goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired in business combinations. The goodwill generated from the business combinations is primarily related to the value placed on the employee workforce and expected synergies. Judgment is involved in determining if an indicator or change in circumstances relating to impairment has occurred. Such changes may include, among others, a significant decline in expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate, and unforeseen competition.

 

We have the option of performing a qualitative assessment of impairment to determine whether any further quantitative testing for impairment is necessary. The option of whether or not to perform a qualitative assessment is made annually and may vary by reporting unit. Factors we consider in the qualitative assessment include general macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance of our reporting units, events or changes affecting the composition or carrying amount of the net assets of its reporting units, sustained decrease in its share price, and other relevant entity specific events. If the management determines on the basis of qualitative factors that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying value, then we perform a quantitative test for that reporting unit. The fair value of each reporting unit is compared to the reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill. Subsequent to the adoption on January 1, 2017 of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we recognize an impairment equal to the excess carrying value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

 

At December 31, 2019, our management determined that an impairment charge of approximately $1.3 million was necessary to reduce the goodwill relating to the acquisition of PayOnline which is part of our International Transaction Solutions segment . We did not recognize any impairment charge to goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

 

For a discussion of the estimate methodology and the significance of various inputs, please see the subheading below titled “Use of Estimates.”

 

Capitalized Customer Acquisition Costs, Net

 

Capitalized customer acquisition costs consist of up-front cash payments made to ISG’s for the establishment of new merchant relationships. Capitalized customer acquisition costs represent incremental, direct customer acquisition costs that are recoverable through gross margins associated with merchant contracts. The up-front cash payment to the ISG is based on the estimated gross margin for the first year of the merchant contract. The deferred customer acquisition cost asset is recorded at the time amounts are receivable but not yet earned and the capitalized acquisition costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of approximately four years. These capitalized costs, net of amortization expense, are included in intangible assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (See Note 6 – item labeled “Client Acquisition Costs”).

 

 

Accrued Residual Commissions

 

We record commissions as a cost of revenues in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. We pay agent commissions to ISGs and independent sales agents based on the processing volume of the merchants enrolled. The commission obligations are based on varying percentages of the volume processed by us on behalf of the merchants. Percentages vary based on the program type and transaction volume of each merchant.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash, accounts receivables, accounts payables, and a note payable. The carrying values of these financial instruments are considered to be representative of their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying amount of notes payable of approximately $9.9 million and $9.3 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, approximates fair value because current borrowing rates do not materially differ from market rates for similar bank borrowings. The notes payable are classified as a Level 2 item within the fair value hierarchy.

 

We measure certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We use a three-level fair value hierarchy to prioritize the inputs used to measure fair value and maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

 

Level 1 — Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date

 

Level 2 — Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data

 

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data

 

These non-financial assets and liabilities include intangible assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination as well as impairment calculations, when necessary. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the PayOnline acquisition, were measured at fair value by us at the acquisition date. The fair values of our merchant portfolios are primarily based on Level 3 inputs and are generally estimated based upon independent appraisals that include discounted cash flow analyses based on our most recent cash flow projections, and, for years beyond the projection period, estimates based on assumed growth rates. Assumptions are also made regarding appropriate discount rates, perpetual growth rates, and capital expenditures, among others. In certain circumstances, the discounted cash flow analyses are corroborated by a market-based approach that utilizes comparable company public trading values, and, where available, values observed in private market transactions. The inputs used by management for the fair value measurements include significant unobservable inputs, and therefore, the fair value measurements employed are classified as Level 3. Goodwill impairment is primarily based on observable inputs using company specific information and is classified as Level 3.

 

Leases

 

Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) which supersedes the lease accounting requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 840, Leases (Topic 840). Please refer to Recent Accounting Pronouncements below for additional information on the adoption of Topic 842 and the impact upon adoption to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Under Topic 842, we applied a dual approach to all leases whereby we are a lessee and classify leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the Company. Lease classification is evaluated at the inception of the lease agreement. Regardless of classification, we record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term greater than 12 months. Our lease, for the premises we occupy for the North American Transaction Solutions segment's U.S. headquarters, was classified as an operating lease as of January 1, 2019. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

 

We identify leases in our contracts if the contract conveys the right to control the use of identified property or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. We do not allocate lease consideration between lease and non-lease components and record a lease liability equal to the present value of the remaining fixed consideration under the lease. Any interest rate implicit in our leases are generally not readily determinable. Accordingly, we use our estimated incremental borrowing rate at the commencement date of the lease to determine the present value discount of the lease liability. We estimate the incremental borrowing rate for each lease based on an evaluation of our expected credit rating and the prevailing market rates for collateralized debt in a similar economic environment with similar payment terms and maturity dates commensurate with the term of the lease. The right-of-use asset for each lease is equal to the lease liability, adjusted for unamortized initial direct costs and lease incentives. We exclude options to extend or terminate leases from the calculation of the lease liability unless it is reasonably certain the option will be exercised.

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue

 

We recognize revenue when all of the following criteria are met: (1) the parties to the contract have approved the contract and are committed to perform their respective obligations, (2) we can identify each party’s rights regarding the goods or services to be transferred, (3) we can identify the payment terms for the goods or services to be transferred, (4) the contract has commercial substance, and (5) it is probable that we will collect substantially all of the consideration to which we will be entitled in exchange for the goods or services that will be transferred to the customer. We consider persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement to be the receipt of a billable transaction from aggregators, signed contract or the processing of a credit card transaction. Collectability is assessed based on a number of factors, including transaction history with the customer and the credit worthiness of the customer. If it is determined that the collection is not reasonably assured, revenue is not recognized until collection becomes reasonably assured, which is generally upon receipt of cash. We record cash received in advance of revenue recognition as deferred revenue. Revenue consists primarily of fees generated through the electronic processing of payment transactions and related services and is recognized as revenue during the period the transactions are processed or when the related services are performed.

 

Our transactional processing fees are generated primarily from TOT Payments doing business as Unified Payments, which is our North American Transaction Solutions segment, PayOnline, which is our International Transaction Solutions segment, and Aptito, which is our point of sale solution for restaurants.

 

We work directly with payment card networks and banks so that our merchants do not need to manage the complex systems, rules, and requirements of the payments industry. We satisfy our performance obligations and therefore recognize the transactional processing service fees as revenue upon authorization of a transaction by the merchant’s customer’s bank.

 

The majority of our revenues is derived from volume-based payment processing fees ("discount fees”) and other related fixed transaction or service fees. Discount fees represent a percentage of the dollar amount of each credit or debit transaction processed. Discount fees are recognized at the time the merchants’ transactions are processed. Generally, where we have control over merchant pricing, merchant portability, credit risk and ultimate responsibility for the merchant relationship, revenues are reported at the time of sale on a gross basis equal to the full amount of the discount charged to the merchant. This amount includes interchange fees paid to card issuing banks and assessments paid to payment card networks pursuant to which such parties receive payments based primarily on processing volume for particular groups of merchants. Revenues generated from merchant portfolios where we do not have control over merchant pricing, liability for merchant losses or credit risk or rights of portability are reported net of interchange and other fees.

 

Revenues are also derived from a variety of fixed transaction or service fees, including authorization fees, convenience fees, statement fees, annual fees, and fees for other miscellaneous services, such as handling chargebacks. Revenues derived from service fees are recognized at the time the services are performed and there are no further performance obligations. Revenue from the sale of equipment is recognized upon transfer of ownership and delivery to the customer, after which there are no further performance obligations.

 

We primarily report revenues gross as a principal versus net as an agent. Although some of our processing agreements vary with respect to specific terms, the transactional processing service fees collected from merchants generally are recognized as revenue on a gross basis as we are the principal in the delivery of the managed payments solutions to the sellers. The gross fees we collect are intended to cover the interchange, assessments and other processing and non-processing fees which are included and are part of our gross margin.

 

We have primary responsibility for providing end-to-end payment processing services for our clients. Our clients contract us for all credit card processing services, including transaction authorization, settlement, dispute resolution, data/transmission security, risk management, reporting, technical support and other value-added services. We have concluded that we are the principal because we control the services before delivery to the merchant, and are primarily responsible for the delivery of the services, have discretion in setting prices charged to merchants, and are responsible for losses. We also have pricing latitude and can provide services using several different network options.

 

Net Loss per Share

 

Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss applicable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is determined using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, consisting of shares issuable upon exercise of common stock options or warrants. In periods when losses are reported, the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding excludes common stock equivalents because their inclusion would have an anti-dilutive effect.

 

 

Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes under 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 included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

We recognize net deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

 

We account for uncertainty in income taxes using a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. We classify the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as current to the extent we anticipate payment (or receipt) of cash within one year. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized and recorded as necessary in the provision for income taxes. Our evaluation of uncertain tax positions was performed for the tax years ended December 31, 2012 and forward, the tax years which remain subject to examination at September 30, 2020.

 

Interchange, Network Fees and Other Cost of Services

 

Interchange and network fees consist primarily of fees that are directly related to discount fee revenue. These include interchange fees paid to issuers and assessment fees payable to card associations, which are a percentage of the processing volume we generate from Visa and Mastercard, AMEX, and Discover, as well as fees charged by card-issuing banks. Other costs of services include costs directly attributable to processing and bank sponsorship costs, which may not be based on a percentage of volume. These costs also include related costs such as residual payments to sales groups, which are based on a percentage of the net revenues generated from merchant referrals. In certain merchant processing bank relationships we are liable for chargebacks against a merchant equal to the volume of the transaction. Losses resulting from chargebacks against a merchant are included in other cost of services or as a bad debt expense, determined on the timing and nature of the specific transaction, on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. We evaluate the risk for such transactions and our potential loss from chargebacks based primarily on historical experience and other relevant factors.

 

Foreign Currency Transactions

 

We are subject to exchange rate risk in our foreign operations in Russia, the functional currency of which is the Russian ruble, where we generate service fee revenues, interest income or expense, incur product development, engineering, website development, and selling, general and administrative costs and expenses. Our Russian subsidiaries pay a majority of their operating expenses in their local currencies, exposing us to exchange rate risk.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting period. Such estimates include, but are not limited to, the value of purchase consideration paid and identifiable assets acquired and assumed in acquisitions, amortization of intangible assets, goodwill and asset impairment review, valuation reserves for accounts receivable, valuation of acquired or current merchant portfolios, incurred but not reported claims, revenue recognition for multiple element arrangements, loss reserves, assumptions used in the calculation of equity-based compensation and in the calculation of income taxes, and certain tax assets and liabilities, as well as, the related valuation allowances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Below is a summary of the Company’s critical accounting estimates for which the nature of management’s assumptions are material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change, and for which the impact of the estimates and assumptions on financial condition or operating performance is material.

 

Goodwill

 

The Company tests goodwill for impairment using a fair value approach at least annually, absent some triggering event that would require an interim impairment assessment.

 

Significant estimates and assumptions are used in our goodwill impairment review and include the identification of reporting units, assigning assets and liabilities to reporting units, assigning goodwill to reporting units and determining the fair value of each reporting unit. Our assessment of qualitative factors involves          significant judgments about expected future business performance, general market conditions, and regulatory changes. In a quantitative assessment, the fair value of each reporting unit is determined based largely on the present value of projected future cash flows, growth assumptions regarding discount rates, estimated growth rates and our future long-term business plans. Changes in any of these estimates or assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and the associated goodwill impairment charge for each reporting unit.

 

 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases

 

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” which, for operating leases, requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, in its balance sheet. The standard also requires a lessee to recognize a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term, on a generally straight-line basis. The ASU is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted Topic 842 using the modified retrospective transition method. Under this method, we applied Topic 842 to the lease for the premises we occupy for our North American Transaction Solutions segment's U.S. headquarters. There was no cumulative impact adjustment necessary with the adoption to our accumulated deficit on January 1, 2019. Our consolidated financial statements for periods ending after January 1, 2019 are presented in accordance with the requirements of Topic 842, while comparative prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with Topic 840. Please refer to "Leases" above for a description of our lease accounting policies upon the adoption on Topic 842.

 

Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The amendments in this update changed how companies measure and recognize credit impairment for many financial assets. The new expected credit loss model will require companies to immediately recognize an estimate of credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of the financial assets (including trade receivables) that are within the scope of the update. The update also made amendments to the current impairment model for held-to-maturity and available-for-sale debt securities and certain guarantees. The guidance was effective for us on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE 5. DUE FROM MULLEN 

 

As contemplated by the Merger Agreement referred to in Note 3, on August 11, 2020, our Company as lender, borrowed an additional $500,000 from RBL and entered into an unsecured Promissory Note, dated August 11, 2020 (the “Note”), with Mullen. Pursuant to the Note, Mullen borrowed from the Company $500,000. Prior to maturity of the loan, the principal amount of the loan will carry an interest rate of 14% per annum compounded monthly and payable upon demand. This loan will mature on the earlier of (i) the date that the Merger Agreement is terminated for any reason by any party thereto and (ii) the Merger Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement).

 

On September 14, 2020, an advance of $141,000 which was previously borrowed by the Company from RBL, was sent to Mullen by the Company.in connection with expenses incurred by the Company on behalf  of Mullen.  Subsequent to September 30, 2020, the Company received $55,000 from Mullen, as a payment towards this advance..

 

 

NOTE 6. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The Company had approximately $4.1 million and $5.7 million in intangible assets, net of amortization, at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Shown below are the details of the components that represent these balances.

 

Intangible assets consisted of the following as of September 30, 2020

 

   

Cost

    Accumulated Amortization     Carrying Value  

Amortization Life and Method

                           

IP Software

  $ 2,343,888     $ (2,286,575 )   $ 57,313  

3 years - straight-line

Portfolios and Client Lists

    7,714,665       (6,485,958 )     1,228,707  

4 years - straight-line

Client Acquisition Costs

    8,719,392       (5,873,913 )     2,845,479  

4 years - straight-line

PCI Certification

    449,000       (449,000 )     -  

3 years - straight-line

Trademarks

    703,586       (703,586 )     -  

3 years - straight-line

Domain Names

    437,810       (437,810 )     -  

3 years - straight-line

Total

  $ 20,368,341     $ (16,236,841 )   $ 4,131,500    

 

Intangible assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2019

 

   

Cost

    Accumulated Amortization     Carrying Value  

Amortization Life and Method

                           

IP Software

  $ 2,343,888     $ (2,240,695 )   $ 103,193  

3 years - straight-line

Portfolios and Client Lists

    7,714,665       (5,614,880 )     2,099,785  

4 years - straight-line

Client Acquisition Costs

    8,238,018       (4,762,347 )     3,475,671  

4 years - straight-line

PCI Certification

    449,000       (449,000 )     -  

3 years - straight-line

Trademarks

    703,586       (703,586 )     -  

3 years - straight-line

Domain Names

    437,810       (437,810 )     -  

3 years - straight-line

Total

  $ 19,886,967     $ (14,208,318 )   $ 5,678,649    

 

Amortization expense for the intangible assets was approximately $665,000 and $697,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $2.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

 

The following table presents the estimated aggregate future amortization expense of intangible assets:

 

2020 (remainder of year)

  $ 249,227  

2021

    996,909  

2022

    996,909  

2023

    992,133  

2024

    896,321  

Balance September 30, 2020

  $ 4,131,500  

 

 

 

NOTE 7. ACCRUED EXPENSES 

 

At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, accrued expenses amounted to approximately $2.4 and $1.8 million, respectively. Accrued expenses represent expenses that are owed at the end of the period or are estimates of services provided that have not been billed by the provider or vendor. The following table reflects the balances outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

 

   

September 30, 2020

   

December 31, 2019

 

Accrued professional fees

  $ 220,140     $ 276,239  

PayOnline accrual

    -       69,039  

Accrued interest

    240,363       43,021  

Accrued bonus

    1,603,682       1,318,060  

Accrued foreign taxes

    5,082       2,064  

Other accrued expenses

    333,602       91,921  

Total accrued expenses

  $ 2,402,869     $ 1,800,344  

 

Included in accrued bonus are non-discretionary compensation due to our Chairman and CEO, which was approximately $1.2 million and $1.0 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and approximately $374,000 and $339,000 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, for discretionary performance bonuses due to certain employees.

 

Included in other accrued expenses at September 30, 2020 is approximately $136,000 received from RBL in connection with the first tranche of RBL promissory notes exchanged with ESOUSA on March 27, 2020, pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement, for which shares of the Company's stock have not yet been issued.

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE 8. NOTES PAYABLE 

 

Notes payable consist of the following at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:

 

   

September 30, 2020

   

December 31, 2019

 

RBL Capital Group, LLC

  $ 9,431,157     $ 9,431,157  
SBA Loan - EIDL     159,899       -  
SBA Loan - PPP     491,493       -  

Subtotal

    10,082,549       9,431,157  

Less: deferred loan costs

    (149,110 )     (179,610 )
Subtotal     9,933,439       9,251,547  

Less: current portion

    (27,305 )     (909,086 )

Long term debt

  $ 9,906,134     $ 8,342,461  

 

RBL Capital Group, LLC

 

Effective June 30, 2014, TOT Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries as co-borrowers, TOT Payments, LLC, TOT BPS, LLC, TOT FBS, LLC, Process Pink, LLC, TOT HPS, LLC and TOT New Edge, LLC (collectively, the “co-borrowers”), entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (“Credit Facility”) with RBL Capital Group, LLC (“RBL”), as lender (the “RBL Loan Agreement”). The original terms provided us with an 18-month, $10 million credit facility with interest at the higher of 13.90% per annum or the prime rate plus 10.65%. On May 2, 2016, we renewed our Credit Facility with RBL, increasing the facility from $10 million to $15 million and extending the term through February 2019.

 

The co-borrowers’ obligations to RBL pursuant to the RBL Loan Agreement are secured by a first priority security interest in all of the co-borrowers’ tangible and intangible assets, including but not limited to their merchants, merchant contracts and proceeds thereof, and all right title and interest in co-borrowers’ processing contracts, contract rights, and portfolio cash flows with all processors of the co-borrowers.

 

On December 19, 2019, in connection with an addendum to those certain term notes made by TOT Group, Inc.in favor of RBL, the Credit Facility referred to above, we received funding of $1,000,000 and new terms were negotiated for the total outstanding notes payable amount of $9,431,157. This total loan amount bears interest at 14.19%. On January 20, 2020, we were required to make one (1) payment of interest only for $117,329, followed by five (5) payments of interest only in the amount of $111,523. Effective July 20, 2020, we were required to make forty-eight (48) monthly payments, which includes principal and interest for $258,620, until March 20, 2024 the date this term note matures. In the event any of the installments or other payment required to be made is not received by or on behalf of RBL in full within ten (10) days after the due date thereof, and the same subsequently is received and accepted by or on behalf of RBL, the Company shall pay on demand a late charge in the amount of five percent (5%) of the amount of the delinquent payment. In the event of the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined in the Loan Agreement), the entire unpaid balance of principal and interest of the Loan shall become due and payable immediately, without notice or demand, at the election of the Note holder, provided that the holder shall endeavor (but is not required) to provide notice to the Company of any such acceleration. The Company waives demand, presentment for payment, protest, notice of protest and notice of nonpayment or dishonor of the Note. The Company shall not have any right to prepay this loan except as expressly provided in the Loan Agreement.

 

On June 20, 2020, in connection with those certain term notes made by TOT Group, Inc.in favor of RBL, the Credit Facility referred to above, the Company executed two (2) promissory term notes, totaling $9,431,157, which replaces all previous outstanding term notes with RBL.The first term note is for $4,432,157 and bears interest at 14.19%. On December 20, 2021, we are required to make one (1) payment of interest only for $67,746, followed by eight (8) payments of interest only for the same amount, followed by a balloon payment for any outstanding principal and accrued interest of approximately $5,540,128. The second  term note is for $5,000,000 and bears interest at 14.19%. On June 20, 2020, we are required to make one (1) payment of interest only for $59,125 followed by six (6) payments of interest only for the same amount. Starting on January 20,2021, the Company shall make twenty (20) equal monthly payments of principal and interest of $137,109, followed by one (1) payment of principal and interest for approximately $3,290,475.In connection with this term note, the Company agreed to pay a financing fee of $894,311. Such financing fee will be due and payable as follows; $25,000 on February 20, 2021; $25,000 on June 20, 2021; $94,311 on August 20, 2022; and $750,000 on September 20, 2022. The Company waives demand, presentment for payment, protest, notice of protest and notice of nonpayment or dishonor of the Note. The Company shall not have any right to prepay this loan except as expressly provided in the Loan Agreement. The Company waives demand, presentment for payment, protest, notice of protest and notice of nonpayment or dishonor of the Note. The Company shall not have any right to prepay this loan except as expressly provided in the Loan Agreement. 

 

On March 27, 2020, our Company entered into a Master Exchange Agreement (the “ESOUSA Agreement”) with ESOUSA Holdings, LLC ("ESOUSA"), a related party. Prior to entering into the ESOUSA Agreement, ESOUSA agreed to acquire an existing promissory note that had been previously issued by the Company, of up to $2,000,000 in principal amount outstanding plus interest due to RBL Capital Group, LLC ("RBL"). Pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement, the Company has the right, at any time prior to March 27, 2021, to request ESOUSA, and ESOUSA agreed upon each such request, to exchange this promissory note in tranches on the dates when the Company instructs ESOUSA, for such number of shares of the Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) as determined under the ESOUSA Agreement based upon the number of shares of Common Stock (already in ESOUSA’s possession) that ESOUSA sold in order to finance its purchase of such tranche of the promissory note from RBL Capital Group, LLC. ESOUSA will purchase each tranche of the promissory note equal to 88% of the gross proceeds from the shares of Common Stock sold by ESOUSA to finance the purchase of such Exchange Amount from RBL Capital Group, LLC. Each such tranche to be $148,000 unless otherwise agreed to by the Company and ESOUSA. 

 

On April 23, 2020 and August 3, 2020, the Company entered into certain amendments to the ESOUSA Agreement, which together increased from $2,000,000 to $15,000,000 the principal amount and unpaid interest of one or more promissory notes of the Company or its direct or indirect subsidiaries that ESOUSA either purchased in whole or has an irrevocable right to purchase in tranches from RBL in connection with the ESOUSA Agreement.

 

On March 27, 2020, the Company received its first tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $148,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  Included in other accrued expenses at September 30, 2020 is approximately $145,000 in connection with this first tranche for which shares of Common Stock have not yet been issued.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $148,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On April 28, 2020, the Company received its second tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $143,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 65,862 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $143,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility.

 

On August 11, 2020, the Company received its third tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $707,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 66,190 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $707,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On August 21, 2020, the Company received its fourth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $401,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 45,654 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $401,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On September 25, 2020, the Company received its fifth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $426,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 50,000 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $426,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

SBA Loans

 

On May 7, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note (the “Note”) evidencing an unsecured loan (the “Loan”) in the amount of $491,493 made to the Company under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”). The Note matures on May 7, 2022 and bears interest at a rate of 1% per annum. Beginning December 7, 2020, the Company is required to make 17 monthly payments of principal and interest, with the principal component of each such payment based upon the level amortization of principal over a two-year period from May 7, 2020. Pursuant to the terms of the CARES Act and the PPP, the Company may apply to the Lender for forgiveness for the amount due on the Loan. The amount eligible for forgiveness is based on the amount of Loan proceeds used by the Company (during the eight-week period after the Lender makes the first disbursement of Loan proceeds) for the payment of certain covered costs, including payroll costs (including benefits), interest on mortgage obligations, rent and utilities, subject to certain limitations and reductions in accordance with the CARES Act and the PPP. No assurance can be given, at this time, that the Company will obtain forgiveness of the Loan in whole or in part.

 

On May 18, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note (the "Note") in the amount of $159,899 made to the Company by the U.S. Small Business Administration under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Monthly installment payments on the Note will begin twelve months from the date of the Note, with the balance of any accrued principal and interest at 3.75% annually, payable thirty years from the date of the Note.

 

Scheduled notes payable principal repayment at September 30, 2020 is as follows:

 

2020 (remainder of year)

  $ 27,305  
2021     1,330,018  
2022     8,574,057  
2023     5,514  
2024     5,514  
thereafter     140,141  

Balance September 30, 2020

  $ 10,082,549  

 

 

 

NOTE 9. CONCENTRATIONS

 

Our credit card processing revenues are from merchant customer transactions, which were processed primarily by two third-party processors (greater than 5%) and our own dedicated bank identification number ("BIN")/Interbank Card Association ("ICA") number during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we processed 32% of our total revenue with Priority Payment Systems, 50% from our own dedicated BIN/ICA with Esquire Bank, and 10% with First Data Corp. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we processed 46% of our total revenue with Priority Payment Systems, 37% from our own dedicated BIN/ICA with Esquire Bank, and 8% from First Data Corp.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, we processed 31% of our total revenue with Priority Payment Systems, 55% from our own dedicated BIN/ICA with Esquire Bank, and 9% with First Data Corp. During the three months ended September 30, 2019, we processed 40% of our total revenue with Priority Payment Systems, 41% from our own dedicated BIN/ICA with Esquire Bank, and 10% from First Data Corp.

 

 

NOTE 10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

 

Notes Payable

 

On June 20, 2020, in connection with those certain term notes made by TOT Group, Inc.in favor of RBL, the Credit Facility (See Note. 8), the Company executed two (2) promissory term notes, totaling $9,431,157, which replaces all previous outstanding term notes with RBL. The first term note is for $4,432,157 and bears interest at 14.19%. On December 20, 2021, we are required to make one (1) payment of interest only for $67,746, followed by eight (8) payments of interest only for the same amount, followed by a balloon payment for any outstanding principal and accrued interest of approximately $5,540,128. The second  term note is for $5,000,000 and bears interest at 14.19%. On June 20, 2020, we are required to make one (1) payment of interest only for $59,125 followed by six (6) payments of interest only for the same amount. Starting on January 20,2021, the Company shall make twenty (20) equal monthly payments of principal and interest of $137,109, followed by one (1) payment of principal and interest for approximately $3,290,475.In connection with this term note, the Company agreed to pay a financing fee of $894,311. Such financing fee will be due and payable as follows; $25,000 on February 20, 2021; $25,000 on June 20, 2021; $94,311 on August 20, 2022; and $750,000 on September 20, 2022. The Company waives demand, presentment for payment, protest, notice of protest and notice of nonpayment or dishonor of the Note. The Company shall not have any right to prepay this loan except as expressly provided in the Loan Agreement. The Company waives demand, presentment for payment, protest, notice of protest and notice of nonpayment or dishonor of the Note. The Company shall not have any right to prepay this loan except as expressly provided in the Loan Agreement. 

 

Employment Agreement

 

On February 25, 2020, as per approval of the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the board of directors of the Company, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “Agreement”) with Steven Wolberg, the Company's Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary. The Agreement provides for continuation of the current base salary of $250,000. The term of the Agreement is 5 years, with subsequent 1-year renewals. The Agreement provides for a sign-on bonus of 10,000 shares of Company’s common stock, to be granted to Mr. Wolberg pursuant to the Company’s equity incentive plan, the severance in the amount of two times annual base salary of Mr. Wolberg if Mr. Wolberg’s employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” (as defined in the Agreement) or Mr. Wolberg terminates the employment for “good reason” (as defined in the Agreement). For each fiscal year during the term of the Agreement, the Agreement provides for a bonus arrangement equal to 50% of Mr. Wolberg’s base salary, payable in the Company’s shares of common stock or, at the Company’s discretion, in cash. Further, for each fiscal year during the term of the Agreement, Mr. Wolberg will be eligible to receive long-term equity incentive awards, as determined by the Committee at the time of grant, pursuant to the Company’s equity incentive plan.

 

Minimum Billing Processing Fees Commitment

 

We have non-exclusive agreements with two of our processors to provide services related to processing. The agreements require us to submit a minimum number of  billable processing fees. If we submit an amount that is lower than the minimum, we are required to pay to each processor the fees it would have received if we had submitted the required minimum number of billable processing fees. As of September 30, 2020, the aggregate minimum monthly processing fees for these processors amounts to approximately $150,000 per month.

 

Leases

 

North American Transaction Solutions

 

During May 2013, we entered into a lease agreement, for approximately 4,101 square feet of office space located at 3363 N.E. 163rd Street, Suites 705 through 707, North Miami Beach, Florida 33160. The term of the lease agreement was from May 1, 2013 through December 31, 2016, with monthly rent increasing from $16,800 per month at inception to $19,448 per month (or $233,377 per year) for the period from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. The lease was extended for a period of five years commencing August 1, 2017 and expiring July 31, 2022 with equal monthly base rent installments of $14,354 ($172,248 per year) plus sales tax. In September 2020, we entered into an agreement with the Landlord modifying this existing lease. In consideration of payment to Landlord of the sum of $65,600, the Company surrendered all existing premises occupied by it and entered into  a new 4 year lease for a smaller premises at Unit #707 in the same building for a monthly rent of $2,954. There will be a $65,600 payment payable as follows: (1) $22,700 due upon the execution of the Modification of Lease Agreement; (2) $20,100 due on or before December 31, 2020; and (3) $22,800 due on or before March 31, 2021. Except as previously mentioned, all other terms and conditions of the initial lease agreement continues to remain in effect. 

 

On September 26, 2019, we entered into a lease for additional office space in the building that our current office space is located for our North American Transactions Solutions. The space is for 5,875 square feet and the term is for 5 years commencing on September 23, 2019 and expiring on September 30, 2024. The monthly base rent is $16,156 ($193,875 per year) plus sales tax. In consideration of our Company foregoing its rights to credits from the landlord towards the cubicle installation and foregoing its rights to one (1) of the the two (2) month rent deposits prepaid to the landlord , the lease was amended. The amended lease requires the Company to begin paying $11,500 effective July 7, 2020, with the original monthly rent payment of $16,156 commencing on January 1, 2021. In addition, commencing on March 1, 2021, our Company will begin making up the difference between the original monthly lease payment of $16,156 and the amended monthly lease payment of $11,500, the deferred monthly rent, by paying the landlord an additional $2,000 per month until the deferred portion of the rent is fully repaid. All outstanding amounts of deferred rent shall be subject to interest at an annual the rate of 4%. The Company occupied the space in July of 2020.

 

Net Element Software, our subsidiary, currently leases approximately 1,654 square feet of office space in Yekaterinburg, Russia, where we develop value added services, mobile applications, smart terminals applications, sales central ERP system development and marketing activities, at an annual rent of approximately $21,000.The lease term expired on June 1, 2019 and was renewed with indefinite terms.

 

International Transaction Solutions

 

The Company occupies an office in Moscow, Russia with approximately 1600 square feet at an annual rent of $50,900, which lease expired on February 10, 2020. This lease was renewed with indefinite terms.

 

We believe that our current facilities are suitable and adequate for our present purposes, and we anticipate that we will be able to extend our existing leases on terms satisfactory to us or move to new facilities on acceptable terms.

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of the undiscounted future minimum lease payments, under the lease for the premises we occupy for our North American Transaction Solutions segment's U.S. headquarters, to the amounts reported as operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020:

 

   

Total

 

Undiscounted future minimum lease payments:

       

2020 (remainder of year)

    57,331  

2021

    229,589  

2022

    230,660  

2023

    231,764  
2024     222,926  
2025     129,250  

Total

  $ 1,101,520  

Amount representing imputed interest

    (267,299 )

Total operating lease liability

    834,222  

Current portion of operating lease liability

    (32,628 )

Operating Lease Liability, non-current

  $ 801,594  

 

   

As of September 30, 2020

 

Remaining term on Leases

    4.25  

Incremental borrowing rate

    12 %

 

As of September 30, 2020, the future minimum lease payments under other operating leases, not subject to Topic 842, are approximately $19,000 for the remainder of the year.

 

 

Litigation, Claims, and Assessments 

 

With respect to all legal, regulatory and governmental proceedings, and in accordance with ASC 450-20, Contingencies—Loss Contingencies, we consider the likelihood of a negative outcome. If we determine the likelihood of a negative outcome with respect to any such matter is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record an accrual for the estimated amount of loss for the expected outcome of the matter. If the likelihood of a negative outcome with respect to material matters is reasonably possible and we are able to determine an estimate of the amount of possible loss or a range of loss, whether in excess of a related accrued liability or where there is no accrued liability, we disclose the estimate of the amount of possible loss or range of loss. However, management in some instances may be unable to estimate an amount of possible loss or range of loss based on the significant uncertainties involved in, or the preliminary nature of, the matter, and in these instances we will disclose the nature of the contingency and describe why we are unable to determine an estimate of possible loss or range of loss.

 

In addition, we are involved in ordinary course legal proceedings, which include all claims, lawsuits, investigations and proceedings, including unasserted claims, which are probable of being asserted, arising in the ordinary course of business and otherwise not described below. We have considered all such ordinary course legal proceedings in formulating our disclosures and assessments, which are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Aptito.com, Inc.

 

On August 6, 2014, our subsidiary (Aptito, LLC) filed a lawsuit against Aptito.com, Inc. and the shareholders of Aptito.com, Inc., in state court in the 11th Judicial Circuit in and for Miami-Dade County. This is an interpleader action in regards to 125,000 shares of our stock. Aptito, LLC acquired Aptito.com, Inc. in exchange for, among other things, 125,000 shares (prior to adjustment for two one-for-ten reverse stock splits) of our stock. There has been disagreements among the Aptito.com, Inc. shareholders as to proper distribution of the 125,000 shares (prior to adjustment for two one-for-ten reverse stock splits). To avoid any liability in regards to improper distribution, Aptito, LLC filed the interpleader action so as to allow the Defendants to litigate amongst themselves as to how the shares (prior to adjustment for two one- for-ten reverse stock splits) should be distributed. Aptito.com, Inc. opposed the motion to interplead and filed counterclaims relative to Aptito, LLC for non-delivery of the 125,000 shares (prior to adjustment for two one-for-ten reverse stock splits).

 

On July 18, 2017, the Court granted Aptito LLC’s motion to interplead and also indicated that Aptito, LLC could not be held liable for any alleged damages relative to the purported non- delivery of the 125,000 shares after the interpleader action was filed on August 6, 2014.

 

In March 2018, a new Judge in the case ruled that Aptito.com, Inc. was entitled to receive 125,000 newly issued shares of our common stock, but indicated that he was not ruling that we were required to issue such shares. We plan to appeal this ruling, and our legal counsel is addressing the counterclaims filed by Aptito.com, Inc. in this matter.

 

In July 2018, our counsel was disqualified due to a conflict of interest. We engaged a new law firm to represent our ongoing interests in this case. Since that time, there have been multiple Motions and claims brought by Aptito.com, Inc., including the request for rescission of the asset purchase agreement that gave rise to the share issuance obligation. All of these Motions and claims are being vigorously defended.

 

A court ordered mediation conference was held on April 24, 2019 but the parties were unable to reach a settlement. On May 1, 2019 the Court denied Aptito.com, Inc.’s Motion for Summary Judgement and further hearings on a variety of Motions were scheduled in this matter.

 

On August 14, 2019, the court granted final Summary Judgment in favor of the Company, removing Net Element as a party to the lawsuit and denying Aptito.com, Inc’s Motion for rehearing and reconsideration of this matter. Aptito, LLC, in which the Company has a majority ownership interest, remains a Defendant in this litigation. On September 17, 2019, the court granted the Company’s Motion for sanctions against the attorney representing Aptito.com, Inc. in this matter. The Company is pursuing collection of legal fees incurred from the Plaintiff and their attorney. This matter was pending a special set hearing to be held on March 23, 2020. That hearing was postponed and rescheduled for hearing in July 2020. On July 23, 2020, the Court entered a judgement against the attorney representing Aptito.com and awarded attorney fees to the Company. The attorney stated on the record he will be filing for bankruptcy. In August 2020, Plaintiffs attorney, filed an appeal against the Judgement.  This matter is still proceeding.  The Company intends pursuing recovery from the attorney.

 

Gene Zell

 

In June 2014, we, as plaintiff, commenced an action in the Miami-Dade Circuit Court, Florida against Gene Zell ("Zell") for defamation of our Company and CEO and tortious interference with our business relationships. In October 2014, the court granted a temporary injunction against Zell enjoining him from posting any information about our Company and CEO on any website and enjoining him from contacting our business partners or investors. Zell violated the Court Order and the Court granted a Motion imposing sanctions against Zell. We continue to seek enforcement of the Court Order.

 

In April 2015, Zell filed a Motion to set aside the Court Order alleging he was unaware of the Court Proceedings. The Court, on August 26, 2015, dismissed Zell’s Motion to dissolve the injunction. In March 2017 the Court dismissed another Motion brought by Zell to dissolve the injunction. Accordingly, the injunction order prohibiting Zell from making further defamatory posts remains in place.

 

In 2018, we filed a motion to enforce the injunction and contempt orders against Zell. The court upheld the injunction and we continue to vigorously protect its interests. We are pursuing an action for damages sustained as a result of the defamation.

 

On September 20, 2019, the Court granted a Permanent Injunction against Zell. The Company is evaluating pursuing actions against Zell for collection of legal fees and damages.

 

A trial was scheduled for April 2020 on the issue of Net Element’s damages. However, Zell recently filed bankruptcy, so that trial and all further legal proceedings involving Zell will be stayed as a result of the automatic bankruptcy stay.

 

 

 

 

NOTE 11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, agent commissions resulting from merchant processing of approximately $6,000 and $18,000, respectively, were paid to Prime Portfolios, LLC, an entity owned by Oleg Firer, our Chairman and CEO, and Steven Wolberg, our Chief Legal Officer. In addition, key members of management owned companies received similar commissions and/or reimbursement for equipment purchased on the Company’s behalf, which amounted to approximately $191,000 and $181,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, agent commissions resulting from merchant processing of approximately $64,000 and $54,000 were paid to Prime Portfolios, LLC, an entity owned by Oleg Firer, our Chairman and CEO, and Steven Wolberg, our Chief Legal Officer. In addition, key members of management owned companies received similar commissions and/or reimbursement for equipment purchased on the Company’s behalf, which amounted to approximately $609,000 and $546,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had accrued expenses of approximately $208,000 and $127,000, respectively, which consisted primarily of various travel, professional fees, and other expenses paid and charged for by our CEO on his personal credit cards. This is reflected as due to related party on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. 

 

On March 27, 2020, our Company entered into a Master Exchange Agreement, (the “ESOUSA Agreement”) with ESOUSA Holdings, LLC ("ESOUSA"), a related party. Prior to entering into the ESOUSA Agreement, ESOUSA agreed to acquire an existing promissory note that had been previously issued by the Company, of up to $2,000,000 in principal amount outstanding plus interest due to RBL Capital Group, LLC ("RBL"). Pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement, the Company has the right, at any time prior to March 27, 2021, to request ESOUSA, and ESOUSA agreed upon each such request, to exchange this promissory note in tranches on the dates when the Company instructs ESOUSA, for such number of shares of the Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) as determined under the ESOUSA Agreement based upon the number of shares of Common Stock (already in ESOUSA’s possession) that ESOUSA sold in order to finance its purchase of such tranche of the promissory note from RBL Capital Group, LLC. ESOUSA will purchase each tranche of the promissory note equal to 88% of the gross proceeds from the shares of Common Stock sold by ESOUSA to finance the purchase of such Exchange Amount from RBL Capital Group, LLC. Each such tranche to be $148,000 unless otherwise agreed to by the Company and ESOUSA. 

 

On March 27, 2020, the Company received its first tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $148,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  Included in other accrued expenses at September 30, 2020 is approximately $145,000 in connection with this first tranche for which shares of Common Stock have not yet been issued.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $148,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On April 28, 2020, the Company received its second tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $143,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 65,862 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $143,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility.

 

On August 11, 2020, the Company received its third tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $707,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 66,190 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $707,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On August 21, 2020, the Company received its fourth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $401,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 45,654 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $401,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On September 25, 2020, the Company received its fifth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $426,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 50,000 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $426,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE 12. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

 

On October 5, 2017, we effected a one-for-ten reverse stock split of our common stock. Our condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures reflect these changes in capital structure for all periods presented.

 

On June 12, 2015 and June 13, 2016, our shareholders approved 100,000,000 increases in our authorized common stock to 300,000,000 and 400,000,000, respectively. On October 2, 2017, our shareholders approved a 300,000,000 decrease in our authorized common stock to 100,000,000.

 

The following table represents the change in our stockholders' equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

 

   

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

 
   

Common Stock

   

Paid in

   

Accumulated Other

   

Non-controlling

   

Accumulated

   

Total

 
   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Capital

   

Comprehensive Loss

   

interest

   

Deficit

   

Stockholder's Equity

 

Balance December 31, 2018

    3,863,019     $ 386.30     $ 183,246,232     $ (2,232,163 )   $ (125,737 )   $ (172,292,252 )   $ 8,596,466  

Share based compensation

    2,448       0.24       15,006       -       -       -       15,006  

Net income (loss)

    -       -       -       -       (13,966 )     (1,120,847 )     (1,134,813 )

Comprehensive income - foreign currency translation

    -       -       -       (14,561 )     -       -       (14,561 )

Balance March 31, 2019

    3,865,467     $ 386.55     $ 183,261,238     $ (2,246,724 )   $ (139,703 )   $ (173,413,099 )   $ 7,462,098  

Share based compensation

    319,047       23.90       2,005,816                               2,005,840  

Net loss

    -       -       -               (40,225 )     (1,537,447 )     (1,577,672 )

Comprehensive income - foreign currency translation

    -       -       -       (5,537 )                     (5,537 )

Balance June 30, 2019

    4,184,514     $ 410.45     $ 185,267,054     $ (2,252,261 )   $ (179,928 )   $ (174,950,546 )   $ 7,884,729  
Share based compensation     3,284       0.33       15,008                               15,008  
Net loss                                     (28,784 )     (1,010,627 )     (1,039,411 )
Comprehensive income - foreign currency translation                             4,373                       4,373  

Balance September 30, 2019

    4,187,798     $ 410.78     $ 185,282,062     $ (2,247,888 )   $ (208,712 )   $ (175,961,173 )   $ 6,864,700  

 

   

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

 
   

Common Stock

   

Paid in

   

Accumulated Other

   

Non-controlling

   

Accumulated

   

Total

 
   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Capital

   

Comprehensive Loss

   

interest

   

Deficit

   

Stockholder's Equity

 

Balance December 31, 2019

    4,111,082     $ 410.66     $ 185,297,069     $ (2,274,187 )   $ (231,999 )   $ (178,750,634 )   $ 4,040,659  

Share based compensation

    14,672       1.47       45,896       -       -       -       45,897  

Expenses paid in connection with ESOUSA transaction

    -       -       (5,000 )     -       -       -       (5,000 )

Net loss

    -       -       -       -       (11,228 )     (1,366,798 )     (1,378,026 )

Comprehensive loss - foreign currency translation

    -       -       -       130,813       -       -       130,813  

Balance March 31, 2020

    4,125,754     $ 412.13     $ 185,337,965     $ (2,143,374 )   $ (243,227 )   $ (180,117,432 )   $ 2,834,344  
Share based compensation     4,054       0.41       7,500       -       -       -       7,500  
ESOUSA transaction     65,862       6.59       151,475       -       -       -       151,482  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       (13,724 )     (324,690 )     (338,414 )
Comprehensive loss - foreign currency translation     -       -       -       (65,990 )     -       -       (65,990 )

Balance June 30, 2020

    4,195,670     $ 419.13     $ 185,496,940     $ (2,209,364 )   $ (256,951 )   $ (180,442,122 )   $ 2,588,922  
Share based compensation     152,459       15.25       1,085,348       -       -       -       1,085,363  
ESOUSA transaction     485,751       48.58       1,534,693       -       -       -       1,534,742  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       (12,916 )     (2,329,570 )     (2,342,486 )
Comprehensive loss - foreign currency translation     -       -       -       (2,086 )     -       -       (2,086 )

Balance September 30, 2020

    4,833,880     $ 482.95     $ 188,116,981     $ (2,211,449 )   $ (269,867 )   $ (182,771,691 )   $ 2,864,457  

 

Equity Incentive Plan Activity

 

On December 5, 2013, our shareholders approved the Net Element International, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended to date, the “2013 Plan”). Awards under the 2013 Plan may be granted in any one or all of the following forms: (i) incentive stock options meeting the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; (ii) non-qualified stock options (unless otherwise indicated, references to “Options” include both Incentive Stock Options and Non-Qualified Stock Options); (iii) stock appreciation rights, which may be awarded either in tandem with Options or on a stand-alone basis; (iv) shares of common stock that are restricted; (v) units representing shares of common stock; (vi) units that do not represent shares of common stock but which may be paid in the form of common stock; and (vii) shares of common stock that are not subject to any conditions to vesting.

 

On November 27, 2018, our shareholders approved an amendment to the 2013 Plan to increase the number of shares of the Company’s common stock available for issuance by 178,900 shares resulting in the aggregate of 773,000 shares authorized for issuance under the 2013 Plan. 

 

On October 23, 2019, our shareholders approved an amendment to the 2013 Plan to increase the number of shares of the Company’s common stock available for issuance by 177,000 shares resulting in the aggregate of 950,000 shares authorized for issuance under the 2013 Plan.

 

The maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock available for award under the 2013 Plan at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was 1,251 and 252,436, respectively. The 2013 Plan is administered by the compensation committee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013 Equity Incentive Plan - Shares and Stock Options

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we issued common stock pursuant to the 2013 Plan to the members of our Board of Directors and recorded a compensation charge of $11,250 and $15,000, respectively.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we issued common stock pursuant to the 2013 Plan to the members of our Board of Directors and recorded a compensation charge of $57,158 and $30,000, respectively. 

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, our Board of Directors approved and authorized the issuance of 151,597 shares of our common stock pursuant to the 2013 Plan which were allocated to certain named executives, certain employees, and certain consultants of the Company and we recorded compensation expense of approximately $1,077,855.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 our Board of Directors approved and authorized the issuance of 80,000 incentive stock options which were allocated to certain named executives pursuant to the 2013 Plan and we recorded compensation expense of approximately $503,000. At September 30, 2020 and
December 31, 2019, we had 154,005 incentive stock options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $10.73 and a weighted average remaining contract term of 7.33 and 8.08 years, respectively. All of the stock options were anti-dilutive at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 our Board of Directors approved and authorized the issuance of 22,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to the 2013 Plan to members of our Board of Directors and we recorded compensation expense of approximately $138,000. Also during the nine months September 30, 2019, our Board of Directors approved and authorized the issuance of 214,507 shares of our common stock pursuant to the 2013 Plan which were allocated to certain named executives, certain employees, and certain consultants of the Company and we recorded compensation expense of approximately $1,349,000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE 13. WARRANTS AND OPTIONS

 

Options

 

At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had fully vested options outstanding to purchase 200,648 and 314,218, respectively, of shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $6.29 to $134.00 per share.

 

Due to the high level of volatility in the stock price of our common stock, our management determined the grant date fair value of the options using the then quoted stock price at the grant date.

 

Warrants

 

At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had warrants outstanding to purchase 404,676 and 728,583 shares of common stock, respectively. At September 30, 2020 the warrants had a weighted average exercise price of $11.12 per share purchased and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 2.25 years. At December 31, 2019, the warrants had a weighted average exercise price of $6.18 per share purchased and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 3.00 years.

 

Non-Incentive Plan Options

 

At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had 46,643 and 323,498 non-incentive options outstanding with a weighted-average exercise price of $21.46 and $21.84, respectively. The non-incentive options have a remaining contract term of .70 years at September 30, 2020. These options were out of the money at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and had no intrinsic value.

 

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion should be read and evaluated in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this "Report") and the Risk Factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 (the "Annual Report") and in Part II, Item 1A of this Report.

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

As used in this Report, unless the context otherwise indicates, the references to “we”, “us,” “our” or the “Company” refers to Net Element, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context suggests otherwise.

 

This Report and other written or oral statements made from time to time by us may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can sometimes identify forward looking-statements by our use of the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “forecast,” “guidance” and similar expressions. Some of the statements we use in this report contain forward-looking statements concerning our business operations, economic performance and financial condition, including in particular: our business strategy and means to implement the strategy; measures of future results of operations, such as revenue, expenses, operating margins, and earnings per share; other operating metrics such as shares outstanding and capital expenditures; our success and timing in developing and introducing new products or services and expanding our business, including with respect to joint ventures; the successful integration of future acquisitions; our future responses to and the anticipated impact of novel coronavirus COVID-19 ("COVID-19"); and the potential Merger between the Company and Mullen and the related transactions, including the Divestiture.

 

Although we believe that the plans and expectations reflected in or suggested by our forward-looking statements are reasonable, those statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, cannot be foreseen and reflect future business decisions that are subject to change. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee you that our plans and expectations will be achieved. Our actual results, including actual revenues, revenue growth rates and margins, other results of operations and shareholder values, could differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements as a result of known and unknown factors, many of which are beyond our ability to predict or control. These factors include, but are not limited to, those set forth in Part II, Item 1A - Risk Factors of this Report and in our Annual Report, those set forth elsewhere in this report and those set forth in our press releases, reports and other filings made with the SEC, including under “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements” in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2020, as amended.  In particular, these statements also depend on the duration, severity, and evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and related risks, and its effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

These cautionary statements qualify all of our forward-looking statements, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

 

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing our plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update or revise forward-looking statements at some time in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to our forward-looking statements.

 

Company Overview

 

Net Element is a global technology and value-added solutions group that supports electronic payments acceptance in a multi-channel environment including point-of- sale (POS), ecommerce and mobile devices. The Company operates two business segments as a provider of North American Transaction Solutions and International Transaction Solutions.

 

We offer a broad range of payment acceptance and transaction processing services that enable merchants of all sizes to accept and process over 100 different payment options in more than 120 currencies, including credit, debit, prepaid and alternative payments. We also provide merchants with value-added services and technologies including integrated payment technologies, POS solutions, fraud management, information solutions and analytical tools.

 

We are differentiated by our technology-centered value-added service offerings built around our payments ecosystem and our diversified business model, which enables us to provide our varied customer base with a broad range of transaction-processing services from a single source across numerous channels and geographic markets. We believe these capabilities provide several competitive advantages that will enable us to continue to penetrate our existing customer base with complementary new services, win new customers, develop new sales channels and enter new markets. We believe these competitive advantages include:

 

 

Our ability to provide competitive products through use of proprietary technologies;

 

Our ability to provide in one package a range of services that traditionally had to be sourced from different vendors;

 

Our ability to provide a single agnostic on-boarding and merchant management platform to our indirect non-bank sales force ("Sales Partners");

 

Our ability to provide management and optimization tools to our Sales Partners amongst multiple networks and platforms;

 

Our ability to serve customers with disparate operations in several geographies with technology solutions that enable them to manage their business as one enterprise; and

 

Our ability to capture and analyze data across the transaction processing value chain and use that data to provide value-added services that are differentiated from those offered by pure-play vendors that serve only one portion of the transaction processing value chain (such as only merchant acquiring or POS).

 

We have operations and offices located within the United States (“U.S.”) (domestic) and outside of the U.S. (international) where sales, customer service and/or administrative personnel are based. Through U.S. based subsidiaries, we generate revenues from transactional services, valued-added payment services and technologies that we provide to SMBs. Through wholly owned subsidiaries, we focus on transactional services, mobile payment transactions, online payment transactions, value-added payment services and technologies in selected international markets.

 

Our business is characterized by transaction related fees, multi-year contracts, and a diverse client base, which allows us to grow alongside our clients. Our multi-year contracts allow us to achieve a high level of recurring revenues with the same clients. While the contracts typically do not specify fixed revenues to be realized thereunder, they do provide a framework for revenues to be generated based on volume of services provided during such contracts’ term.

 

 

Products and Services Information

 

Our broad suite of services spans the entire transaction processing value chain of commerce enabling services and technologies and includes a range of front-end customer-facing solutions, as well as back-end support services and account reconciliation. We deliver our value-added solutions from a suite of proprietary technology products, software, cloud-based applications, processing services, fraud management offerings, and customer support programs that we configure to meet our client’s individual needs.

 

Many of our payment solutions are technology-enabled in that they incorporate or are incorporated into innovative, technology-driven solutions, including enterprise software solutions, designed to enable merchants to better manage their businesses.

 

Integrated and Vertical Markets. Our integrated and vertical market solutions provide advanced payments technology that is deeply integrated into business enterprise software solutions either owned by us or by our partners. We grow our business when new merchants implement our enterprise software solutions and when new or existing merchants enable payments services through enterprise software solutions sold by us or by our partners. Our primary technology-enabled solutions include integrated and vertical markets, ecommerce and multi-channel solutions, each as described below:

 

 

Unified Payments – doing business as Unified Payments, we provide businesses of all sizes and types throughout the United States with a wide range of fully- integrated payment acceptance solutions, value-added POS and business process management services;

 

PayOnline – through our subsidiary, PayOnline Systems (“PayOnline”), we provide a wide range of value-added online solutions in the selected international markets utilizing our fully-integrated, agnostic electronic commerce platform that simplifies complex enterprise online transaction processing challenges from payment acceptance and processing through risk prevention and payment security via point-to-point encryption and tokenization solutions;

 

Pay-Travel – integrated payment processing solutions to the travel industry, which includes integrations with various Global Distribution Systems (“GDS”) such as Amadeus®, Galileo®, Sabre®, additional geo filters and passenger name record (PNR) through Pay-Travel service offered by PayOnline;

 

Aptito POS Platform – an integrated POS platform developed on Apple’s® iOS and Android® mobile operating systems for the hospitality, retail, service and on the go industries. Our goal with Aptito is to create an easy to use POS and business management solution, which incorporates everything a small business needs to help streamline every-day management, operations and payment acceptance;

 

Restoactive – utilizing Aptito POS Platform architecture, we have developed and launched Restoactive, which seamlessly plugs into a current restaurant environment through integrations with some of the biggest POS and restaurant management platforms available on the market today;

 

Unified m-POS – mobile POS application makes accepting payments on the go easy and secure. Mobile application is EMV-compliant, accepts traditional and contactless transactions such as Apple Pay®. Unified m-POS application is available for download in Apple’s App Store and Google Play;

 

Zero Pay – zero-fee payment acceptance program for SMB merchants in the United States. Zero Pay program saves merchants costs involved in accepting credit and debit cards using mobile POS;

 

Netevia – our internally developed future-ready multi-channel payments and merchant management platform. Connecting and simplifying payments across sales channels through a single integration point, Netevia delivers end-to-end payment processing through easy-to-use APIs. The Netevia platform is the core of the company’s technology stack;

 

Blade - our internally developed, proprietary, fully automated, artificial intelligence powered underwriting solution with predictive scoring. Built for underwriting and on-boarding of new merchants, reducing potential risks and decision-making time while improving the customer experience;

 

Cryptocurrency Acceptance - We are currently in the beta stage with some merchants in Europe currently utilizing our proprietary application on point terminals to effectuate cryptocurrency acceptance at the point-of-sale; and

 

Netevia Mastercard for SMB - The Netevia Mastercard®, powered by Aliaswire’s patented technology, is part of a unique platform that combines efficient and low-cost payment processing with the ability to save money on credit and debit card payment acceptance fees.

 

Recent Developments

 

The outbreak and continuing spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected businesses across the globe, in particular the service industry, which includes restaurants, a significant part of our business, as well as disrupted global supply chains and workforce participation, and created significant volatility and disruption of financial markets. Further, this has resulted in government authorities around the world implementing numerous measures to try to reduce the spread of COVID-19, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, “shelter-in-place,” “stay-at-home” or similar orders, business limitations or total shutdowns. For example, many of our restaurant merchants that we service located within mainland United States, as well as hospitality and retail sector merchants, have been temporarily closed, have shortened operating hours and/or have otherwise been adversely affected by the impact and continuing spread of COVID-19. These merchants have experienced significant sales declines or no sales at all due to closure of their business. Additionally, the COVID-19 outbreak has negatively impacted our employee productivity, including affecting the availability of employees reporting for work.

 

Since March 2020, we have taken initiatives to help minimize the risks to our business and protect our shareholders. Our management team’s experience during the 2008 financial crisis is proving to be very valuable in dealing with the current crisis. Our entire staff is fully committed and working diligently to support our merchants through these difficult times. Most of our merchants have contactless payment acceptance capabilities through their POS solutions, as well as, e-commerce and mobile contactless payment acceptance capabilities to eliminate the need for physical payments to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The following initiatives, including an extensive business continuity plan, have been implemented:

 

Risk Management:

 

● Enhanced risk controls and safeguards have been put in place for merchants that sell products with an extended delivery time frame, products paid in advance, catering, ticketing, transportation and travel related merchants
● Onboarding of new merchants in the above categories has been put on hold until further notice
● For those employees that will be working from home, we have implemented a “remote work” policy and provided employees with the technology necessary to do so
● For those employees that require office attendance, we are taking significant steps to ensure seamless service delivery while safeguarding employees health

 

Contactless Payments:


● Most of our merchants have contactless payment acceptance capabilities through their POS devices from equipment manufacturers such as PAX, Poynt and Verifone which are fully integrated into Netevia and Aptito platforms
● We launched an initiative to deploy contactless payment acceptance equipment to merchants that don’t currently have it
● Mobile contactless payment acceptance is available through our Unified mPOS App which can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store and Google’s Google Play Apps
● Online ecommerce payments through shopping carts allow our merchants to sell their products and services to customers that prefer to shop from the convenience of their homes

 

During March 2020, our Company evaluated its liquidity position, future operating plans, and its labor force, which included a reduction in the labor force and compensation to executives and other employees, in order to maintain current payment processing functions, capabilities, and continued customer service to its merchants. We are also seeking sources of capital to pay our contractual obligations as they come due, in light of these uncertain times. Management believes that its operating strategy will provide the opportunity for us to continue as a going concern as long as we are able to obtain additional financing. At this time, due to our continuing losses from operations, negative working capital, and the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot predict the impact of these conditions on our ability to obtain financing necessary for the Company to fund its future working capital requirements. Our Company has also decided to explore strategic alternatives and potential options for its business, including sale of the Company or certain assets, licensing of technology, spin-offs, or a business combination. Accordingly, on August 4, 2020, the Company entered into a merger agreement in connection with the contemplated merger (the “Merger”) with Mullen Technologies, Inc., a California corporation (“Mullen”), and certain related transactions, including a divestiture of the Company’s existing business operations.  See “—Recent Developments—Mullen Merger and Related Transactions” for additional information. There can be no assurance, at this time, regarding the eventual outcome of our planned strategic alternatives, including the Merger and the related transactions. In most respects, it is still too early in the COVID-19 pandemic to be able to quantify or qualify the longer-term ramifications on our merchant processing business, our merchants, our planned strategic alternatives to enhance current shareholder value, our current investors, and/or future potential investors.

 

As part of our Company's plan to obtain capital to fund future operations, on March 27, 2020, our Company entered into a Master Exchange Agreement, (the “ESOUSA Agreement”) with ESOUSA Holdings, LLC ("ESOUSA"), a related party. Prior to entering into the ESOUSA Agreement, ESOUSA agreed to acquire an existing promissory note that had been previously issued by the Company, of up to $2,000,000 in principal amount outstanding and unpaid interest due to RBL Capital Group, LLC ("RBL"). Pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement, the Company has the right, at any time prior to March 27, 2021, to request ESOUSA, and ESOUSA agreed upon each such request, to exchange this promissory note in tranches on the dates when the Company instructs ESOUSA, for such number of shares of the Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) as determined under the ESOUSA Agreement based upon the number of shares of Common Stock (already in ESOUSA’s possession) that ESOUSA sold in order to finance its purchase of such tranche of the promissory note from RBL.  ESOUSA will purchase each tranche of the promissory note equal to 88% of the gross proceeds from the shares of Common Stock sold by ESOUSA to finance the purchase of such exchange amount from RBL. Each such tranche shall be $148,000 unless otherwise agreed to by the Company and ESOUSA. 

 

On April 23, 2020 and August 3, 2020, the Company entered into certain amendments to the ESOUSA Agreement, which together increased from $2,000,000 to $15,000,000 the principal amount and unpaid interest of one or more promissory notes of the Company or its direct or indirect subsidiaries that ESOUSA either purchased in whole or has an irrevocable right to purchase in tranches from RBL in connection with the ESOUSA Agreement.

 

On May 7, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note (the “Note”) evidencing an unsecured loan (the “Loan”) in the amount of $491,493 made to the Company under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”). The Note matures on May 7, 2022 and bears interest at a rate of 1% per annum. Beginning December 7, 2020, the Company is required to make 17 monthly payments of principal and interest, with the principal component of each such payment based upon the level amortization of principal over a two-year period from May 7, 2020. Pursuant to the terms of the CARES Act and the PPP, the Company may apply to the Lender for forgiveness for the amount due on the Loan. The amount eligible for forgiveness is based on the amount of Loan proceeds used by the Company (during the eight-week period after the Lender makes the first disbursement of Loan proceeds) for the payment of certain covered costs, including payroll costs (including benefits), interest on mortgage obligations, rent and utilities, subject to certain limitations and reductions in accordance with the CARES Act and the PPP. No assurance can be given, at this time, that the Company will obtain forgiveness of the Loan in whole or in part.

 

On May 18, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note in the amount of $159,899 made to the Company by the U.S. Small Business Administration under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

 

On June 20, 2020, in connection with those certain term notes made by TOT Group, Inc.in favor of RBL, the Credit Facility (See Note. 8) , the Company executed two (2) promissory term notes, totaling $9,431,157, which replaces all previous outstanding term notes with RBL. The first term note is for $4,432,157 and bears interest at 14.19%. On December 20, 2021, we are required to make one (1) payment of interest only for $67,746, followed by eight (8) payments of interest only for the same amount, followed by a balloon payment for any outstanding principal and accrued interest of approximately $5,540,128. The second  term note is for $5,000,000 and bears interest at 14.19%. On June 20, 2020, we are required to make one (1) payment of interest only for $59,125 followed by six (6) payments of interest only for the same amount. Starting on January 20,2021, the Company shall make twenty (20) equal monthly payments of principal and interest of $137,109, followed by one (1) payment of principal and interest for approximately $3,290,475.In connection with this term note, the Company agreed to pay a financing fee of $894,311. Such financing fee will be due and payable as follows; $25,000 on February 20, 2021; $25,000 on June 20, 2021; $94,311 on August 20, 2022; and $750,000 on September 20, 2022. The Company waives demand, presentment for payment, protest, notice of protest and notice of nonpayment or dishonor of the Note. The Company shall not have any right to prepay this loan except as expressly provided in the Loan Agreement. The Company waives demand, presentment for payment, protest, notice of protest and notice of nonpayment or dishonor of the Note. The Company shall not have any right to prepay this loan except as expressly provided in the Loan Agreement. 

 

Mullen Merger and Related Transactions

 

On August 4, 2020, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Mullen and Mullen Acquisition, Inc., a California corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”).  Pursuant to, and on the terms and subject to the conditions of, the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Mullen, with Mullen continuing as the surviving corporation in the Merger.   The parties to the Merger Agreement intend that the number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding immediately after the Merger effective time on a fully diluted and fully converted basis will not exceed 75,000,000, with 15% of such common stock outstanding immediately after the Merger effective time on a fully diluted and fully converted basis to be allocated to the persons that hold shares of the Company common stock immediately prior to the Merger effective time (the “Parent Pre-Merger Stockholders”) (subject to upward adjustment described below).

 

The parties to the Merger Agreement intend that, subject to the Company’s stockholders’ approval, the Company will effect a private placement of the Company common stock prior to the Merger effective time (the “Private Placement”) and to loan at 14% annual interest rate compounding monthly all or a portion of the net proceeds of the Private Placement to Mullen on an unsecured basis. In connection with such financing, for every one dollar of loan funding (including all accrued interest on such loans) provided by the Company to Mullen prior to the Merger effective time, the Parent Pre-Merger Stockholders will retain an additional 0.00000067% of the shares of the Company common stock to be outstanding on a fully diluted basis immediately after the Merger effective time.

 

The Parties to the Merger Agreement intend that, prior to the Merger effective time but, subject to and after the Company’s stockholders’ approval, the Company will divest itself of its existing business operations to another party, and will cause such party to assume all liabilities of the Company directly related to its operations of its existing business immediately prior to the closing of such divestiture (the “Divestiture”).

 

As contemplated by the Merger Agreement, on August 11, 2020, our Company as lender, borrowed an additional $500,000 from RBL and entered into an unsecured Promissory Note, dated August 11, 2020 (the “Note”), with Mullen. Pursuant to the Note, Mullen borrowed from the Company $500,000. Prior to maturity of the loan, the principal amount of the loan will carry an interest rate of 14% per annum compounded monthly and payable upon demand. This loan will mature on the earlier of (i) the date that the Merger Agreement is terminated for any reason by any party thereto and (ii) the Merger Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement).

 

On September 14, 2020, an advance of $141,000 which was previously borrowed by the Company from RBL, was sent to Mullen by the Company.in connection with expenses incurred by the Company on behalf  of Mullen.  Subsequent to September 30, 2020, the Company received $55,000 from Mullen, as a payment towards this advance..

 

Consummation of the Merger, the Divestiture, the Private Placement and the other transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement, is subject to customary conditions including, among others, the approval of the Company’s stockholders. There is no guarantee that the Merger, the Divestiture, the Private Placement or the other transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement will be completed. For additional information, see the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2020, as amended.

 

Our Mission and Vision

 

Our mission is to power global commerce and allow our clients to conduct business globally through a centralized solution. We believe that understanding consumer behavior and the needs of our merchants is the most effective and, ultimately, the most profitable means to accomplish our mission and create long-term value for all stakeholders.

 

We drive client growth through our in-depth knowledge of global transactional services and related value-added service offerings which separate us from the competition.

 

Our vision is to set the standard for multi-channel payments acceptance and value-added service offerings with focus on the creation of a unified global transaction acceptance ecosystem. We believe in disruptive emerging technologies and, as such, we have developed Netevia, our future-ready multi-channel payments platform to support development of value-added solutions designed for everyday commerce. Moving forward, we believe exciting projects and disruptive technologies like blockchain, IoT, biometric payments and artificial intelligence will provide us the opportunity to continue developing innovative payments solutions, which will provide value to our clients.

 

In order to achieve this vision, we seek to further develop single on-boarding, global transaction acceptance ecosystem. Manifesting this vision requires scaling our direct and indirect connectivity to multiple payment and mobile networks internationally. By implementing this vision, we believe that we will be able to provide centralized, global multi-channel transactional platform to our clients internationally.

 

 

 

 

Our Strategy

 

Subject to the potential Merger between the Company and Mullen and the related transactions, including the Divestiture, our strategy is to capitalize on consumer appetite for digital payment methods, the perceived movement towards a cashless society. To continue to grow our business, our strategy is to focus on providing merchants with the ability to process a variety of electronic transactions across multiple channels. We seek to leverage the adoption of and transition to card, electronic and digital-based payments by expanding our market share through our distribution channels and services innovations. We also seek growth through strategic acquisitions to improve our offerings, scale and geography. We intend to continue to invest in and leverage our technology infrastructure and our people to increase our penetration in existing markets.

 

Key elements of our business strategy include:

 

 

Continued investment in our core technology and new technology offerings;

 

Allocation of resources and expertise to grow in commerce and payments segments;

 

Grow and control distribution by adding new merchants and partners;

 

Leverage technology and operational advantages throughout our global footprint;

 

Expansion of our cardholder and subscriber customer base;

 

Continue to develop seamless multinational solutions for our clients;

 

Increase monetization while creating value for our clients;

 

Focus on continued improvement and operation excellence; and

 

Pursue potential domestic and international acquisitions of, investments in, and alliances with companies that have high growth potential, significant market presence or key technological capabilities.

 

 

With our existing infrastructure and supplier relationships, we believe that we can accommodate expected revenue growth. We believe that our available capacity and infrastructure will allow us to take advantage of operational efficiencies and increased margin as we grow our processing volume and expand to other geographical territories.

 

Market Overview

 

The financial technology and transaction processing industry is an integral part of today’s worldwide financial structure. The industry is continually evolving, driven in large part by technological advances. The benefits of card-based payments allow merchants to access a broader universe of consumers, enjoy faster settlement times and reduce transaction errors. By using credit or debit cards, consumers are able to make purchases more conveniently, whether in person, over the Internet, or by mail, fax or telephone, while gaining the benefit of loyalty programs, such as frequent flyer miles or cash back, which are increasingly being offered by credit or debit card issuers.

 

In addition, consumers are also beginning to use card-based and other electronic payment methods for purchases at an earlier age in life, and increasingly for small dollar amount purchases. Given these advantages of card-based payment systems to merchants and consumers, favorable demographic trends, and the resulting proliferation of credit and debit card usage, we believe businesses will increasingly seek to accept card-based payment systems in order to remain competitive.

 

We believe that cash transactions are becoming progressively obsolete. The proliferation of bankcards has made the acceptance of bankcard payments a virtual necessity for many businesses, regardless of size, in order to remain competitive. In addition, the advent and growth of e-commerce and crypto-currencies have marked a significant new trend in the way business is being conducted. E-commerce is dependent upon credit and debit cards, as well as other cashless payment processing methods.

 

The payment processing industry continues to evolve rapidly, based on the application of new technology and changing customer needs. We intend to continue to evolve with the market to provide the necessary technological advances to meet the ever-changing needs of our market place. Traditional players in the industry must quickly adapt to the changing environment or be left behind in the competitive landscape.

 

The recent outbreak and continuing spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”) is currently impacting countries, communities, supply chains and markets, global financial markets, as well as, the largest industry group serviced by our Company. The Company cannot predict, at this time, whether COVID-19 will
continue to have a material impact on our future financial condition and results of operations due to understaffing in the service sector and the decrease in revenues and profits, particularly restaurants, and any possible future government ordinances that may further restrict restaurant and other service or retail sectors operations.

 

23

 

 

Business Segments

 

We operate two reportable business operating segments: (i) North American Transaction Solutions and (ii) International Transaction Solutions. Our segments are designed to establish lines of businesses that support our client base and further globalize our solutions. Management determines the reportable segments based on the internal reporting used by our Chief Operating Decision Maker to evaluate performance and to assess where to allocate resources. The principal revenue stream for all segments comes from service and transaction related fees.

 

North American Transaction Solutions

 

North American Transaction Solutions is currently our largest segment, where through our subsidiary TOT Payments, LLC, doing business as Unified Payments, we provide businesses of all sizes and types with a wide range of fully-integrated payment acceptance solutions at the point of sale, including Merchant Acquiring, e-commerce, mobile commerce, POS and other business solutions. Our largest service in this segment is Merchant Acquiring, which facilitates the acceptance of cashless transactions at the POS, whether a retail transaction at a physical business location, a mobile commerce transaction through a mobile or tablet device, which includes m-POS acceptance, Android Pay™, Apple Pay™ and Samsung Pay or an electronic commerce transaction over the web. Geographical presence for this segment is North America.

 

International Transaction Solutions

 

Through our subsidiary, PayOnline, we provide a wide range of value-added online and mobile solutions utilizing our fully-integrated, platform agnostic electronic commerce offering that simplifies complex enterprise online transaction processing challenges from payment acceptance and processing through risk prevention and payment security via point-to-point encryption and tokenization solutions. Our proprietary SaaS suite of solutions for electronic and mobile commerce gateway and payment processing platform is compliant at Level 1 of PCI DSS, streamlines the order-to-cash process, improves electronic payment acceptance and reduces the scope of burden of PCI DSS compliance. PayOnline holds a potential leadership position in the Russian Federation as one of the largest independent Internet Payment Services Providers (“IPSP”).

 

Segment Summary Information

 

The following tables present financial information of the Company’s reportable segments at and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. The “corporate and eliminations” column includes corporate expenses and intercompany eliminations for consolidated purposes.

 

Three months ended September 30, 2020

  North American Transaction Solutions     International Transaction Solutions     Corp Exp & Eliminations    

Total

 

Net revenues

  $ 16,072,518     $ 661,856     $ -     $ 16,734,374  

Cost of revenues

    14,083,449       476,741       -       14,560,190  

Gross Margin

    1,989,069       185,115       -       2,174,184  

Gross margin %

    12 %     28 %     -       13 %

Selling, general and administrative

    816,740       205,733       625,123       1,647,596  

Non-cash compensation

    -       -       1,089,113       1,089,113  

Provision for bad debt

    590,322       1,878       -       592,200  

Depreciation and amortization

    744,452       5,022       -       749,474  

Interest expense

    352,480       -       8,023       360,503  

Other expense

    -       2,784       75,000       77,784  

Net loss for segment

  $ (514,925 )   $ (30,302 )   $ (1,797,259 )   $ (2,342,486 )

Goodwill

    6,671,750       1,009,436       -       7,681,186  

Other segment assets

    14,491,982       399,399       -       14,891,381  

Total segment assets

  $ 21,163,732     $ 1,408,835     $ -     $ 22,572,567  

 

24

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2019

 

North American Transaction Solutions

   

International Transaction Solutions

   

Corp Exp & Eliminations

   

Total

 

Net revenues

  $ 15,923,805     $ 895,881     $ -     $ 16,819,686  

Cost of revenues

    13,414,334       664,907       -       14,079,241  

Gross Margin

    2,304,622       378,328       -       2,740,445  

Gross margin %

    14 %     42 %     -       16 %

Selling, general and administrative

    687,509       292,269       1,419,008       2,398,786  

Non-cash compensation

    -       -       15,008       15,008  

Provision for bad debt

    422,204       1,175       -       423,379  

Depreciation and amortization

    746,829       9,156       -       755,985  

Interest expense (income), net

    270,041       -       -       270,041  

Other expense (income)

    28,974       (151,469 )     39,152       (83,343 )

Net income (loss) for segment

  $ 485,897     $ 227,197     $ (1,313,728 )   $ (1,039,411 )

Goodwill

    6,671,750       2,972,002       -       9,643,752  

Other segment assets

    14,122,542       310,973       -       14,433,515  

Total segment assets

  $ 20,794,292     $ 3,282,975     $ -     $ 24,077,267  

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2020

  North American Transaction Solutions     International Transaction Solutions     Corp Exp & Eliminations    

Total

 

Net revenues

  $ 44,204,134     $ 2,086,415     $ -     $ 46,290,549  

Cost of revenues

    37,923,749       1,473,635       -       39,397,384  

Gross Margin

    6,280,385       612,780       -       6,893,165  

Gross margin %

    14 %     29 %     -       15 %

Selling, general and administrative

    2,406,843       742,492       2,199,482       5,348,817  

Non-cash compensation

    -       -       1,135,013       1,135,013  

Provision for bad debt

    1,065,340       2,948       -       1,068,288  

Depreciation and amortization

    2,281,517       19,801       -       2,301,318  

Interest expense

    1,041,913       -       8,023       1,049,936  

Other (income) expense

    (17,846 )     2,333       64,232       48,719  

Net loss for segment

  $ (497,382 )   $ (154,794 )   $ (3,406,750 )   $ (4,058,926 )

Goodwill

    6,671,750       1,009,436       -       7,681,186  

Other segment assets

    14,491,982       399,399       -       14,891,381  

Total segment assets

  $ 21,163,732     $ 1,408,835     $ -     $ 22,572,567  

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2019

 

North American Transaction Solutions

   

International Transaction Solutions

   

Corp Exp & Eliminations

   

Total

 

Net revenues

  $ 46,025,308     $ 2,328,871     $ -     $ 48,354,179  

Cost of revenues

    38,627,147       1,613,607       -       40,240,754  

Gross Margin

    7,398,161       715,264       -       8,113,425  

Gross margin %

    16 %     31 %     -       17 %

Selling, general and administrative

    1,972,596       813,887       4,296,238       7,082,721  

Non-cash compensation

    48,433       -       1,987,422       2,035,855  

Provision for bad debt

    913,351       (7,474 )     -       905,877  

Depreciation and amortization

    2,327,487       27,065       -       2,354,552  

Interest expense (income), net

    767,676       -       -       767,676  

Other expense (income)

    324,913       (1,328,629 )     (277,645 )     (1,281,361 )

Net income (loss) for segment

  $ 1,043,705     $ 1,210,415     $ (6,006,015 )   $ (3,751,895 )

Goodwill

    6,671,750       2,972,002       -       9,643,752  

Other segment assets

    14,122,542       310,973       -       14,433,515  

Total segment assets

  $ 20,794,292     $ 3,282,975     $ -     $ 24,077,267  

 

 

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

 

We reported a net loss attributable to common stockholders of approximately $2.3 million or $0.52 per share loss for the three months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to a net loss of approximately $1.0 million or $0.24 per share loss for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in net loss attributable to stockholders of approximately $1.3 was primarily due to an increase in non-cash compensation of approximately $1.1 million and an increase in bad debt expense of approximately $200,000.

 

The following tables set forth our sources of revenues, cost of revenues and the respective gross margins for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

 

   

Three

           

Three

                 
   

Months Ended

           

Months Ended

           

Increase /

 

Source of Revenues

 

September 30, 2020

   

Mix

   

September 30, 2019

   

Mix

   

(Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  $ 16,072,518       96.0 %   $ 15,923,805       94.7 %   $ 148,713  

International Transaction Solutions

    661,856       4.0 %     895,881       5.3 %     (234,025 )

Total

  $ 16,734,374       100.0 %   $ 16,819,686       100.0 %   $ (85,312 )

 

   

Three

           

Three

                 
   

Months Ended

   

% of

   

Months Ended

   

% of

   

Increase /

 

Cost of Revenues

 

September 30, 2020

   

revenues

   

September 30, 2019

   

revenues

   

(Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  $ 14,083,449       87.6 %   $ 13,414,334       84.2 %   $ 669,115  

International Transaction Solutions

    476,741       72.0 %     664,907       74.2 %     (188,166 )

Total

  $ 14,560,190       87.0 %   $ 14,079,241       83.7 %   $ 480,949  

 

   

Three

           

Three

                 
   

Months Ended

   

% of

   

Months Ended

   

% of

   

Increase /

 

Gross Margin

 

September 30, 2020

   

revenues

   

September 30, 2019

   

revenues

   

(Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  $ 1,989,069       12.4 %   $ 2,509,471       15.8 %   $ (520,402 )

International Transaction Solutions

    185,115       28.0 %     230,974       25.8 %     (45,859 )

Total

  $ 2,174,184       13.0 %   $ 2,740,445       16.3 %   $ (566,261 )

 

Net revenues consist primarily of service fees from transaction processing. Net revenues were approximately $16.8 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

 

Cost of revenues represents direct costs of generating revenues, including commissions, mobile operator fees, interchange expense, processing, and non-processing fees. Cost of revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2020 were approximately $14.6 million as compared to approximately $14.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019

 

The gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was approximately $2.2 million, or 13.0% of net revenues, as compared to approximately $2.7 million, or 16.3% of net revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The primary reason for the decrease in the overall gross margin percentage was primarily the result of the competitive pressure in our industry, relating to costs that can be passed through to our merchants.

 

 

Operating Expenses Analysis:

 

Operating expenses were approximately $4.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, as compared to $3.6 million for three months ended September 30, 2019. Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 primarily consisted of selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $1.6 million, non-cash compensation of approximately $1.1 million, bad debt expense of approximately $600,000 and depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $750,000. Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2019 primarily consisted of selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $2.4 million, bad debt expense of approximately $400,000, and depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $750,000. The increase in operating expenses was primarily related to the increase in non-cash compensation, partially offset by a decrease in selling, general, and administrative due to the reduction of the labor force and the reduction of compensation of certain employees and executives of the Company, as compared to the previous corresponding quarter.

 

The components of our selling, general and administrative expenses are reflected in the tables below.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 consisted of operating expenses not otherwise delineated in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss, as follows:

 

Three months ended September 30, 2020

                               
                                 

Category

  North American Transaction Solutions     International Transaction Solutions     Corporate Expenses & Eliminations    

Total

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments

  $ 563,948     $ 95,254     $ 84,688     $ 743,890  

Professional fees

    91,468       29,523       251,262       372,253  

Rent

    16,664       16,183       10,568       43,415  

Business development

    42,198       2,500       2,929       47,627  

Travel expense

    1,306       12,396       39,506       53,208  

Filing fees

    -       -       18,916       18,916  

Transaction gains

    -       12,641       -       12,641  

Office expenses

    65,208       2,961       18,091       86,260  

Communications expenses

    33,387       32,210       25,707       91,304  

Insurance expense

    -       -       46,772       46,772  

Other expenses

    2,561       2,065       126,684       131,310  

Total

  $ 816,740     $ 205,733     $ 625,123     $ 1,647,596  

 

Three months ended September 30, 2019

                               
                                 

Category

  North American Transaction Solutions     International Transaction Solutions     Corporate Expenses & Eliminations    

Total

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments

  $ 304,391     $ 124,921     $ 729,426     $ 1,158,738  

Professional fees

    125,713       58,478       486,984       671,175  

Rent

    -       23,048       51,795       74,843  

Business development

    75,414       540       18,707       94,661  

Travel expense

    36,337       10,553       18,466       65,356  

Filing fees

    -       -       37,213       37,213  

Transaction losses

    -       7,169       -       7,169  

Office expenses

    91,051       4,460       12,093       107,604  

Communications expenses

    39,530       61,428       17,710       118,668  

Insurance expense

    -       -       42,418       42,418  

Other expenses

    15,073       1,672       4,196       20,941  

Total

  $ 687,509     $ 292,269     $ 1,419,008     $ 2,398,786  

 

Variance

                               
                                 

Category

  North American Transaction Solutions     International Transaction Solutions     Corporate Expenses & Eliminations    

Total

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments

  $ 259,557     $ (29,667 )   $ (644,738 )   $ (414,848 )

Professional fees

    (34,245 )     (28,955 )     (235,722 )     (298,922 )

Rent

    16,664       (6,865 )     (41,227 )     (31,428 )

Business development

    (33,216 )     1,960       (15,778 )     (47,034 )

Travel expense

    (35,031 )     1,843       21,040       (12,148 )

Filing fees

    -       -       (18,297 )     (18,297 )

Transaction gains

    -       5,472       -       5,472  

Office expenses

    (25,843 )     (1,499 )     5,998       (21,344 )

Communications expenses

    (6,143 )     (29,218 )     7,997       (27,364 )

Insurance expense

    -       -       4,354       4,354  

Other (income) expenses

    (12,512 )     393       122,488       110,369  

Total

  $ 129,231     $ (86,536 )   $ (793,885 )   $ (751,190 )

 

27

 

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments decreased by approximately $0.4 million on a consolidated basis for the three months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019. This was primarily due to the staffing reductions necessary and the reduction of  compensation of certain employees and executives of the Company, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations.

 

Segment

  Salaries and benefits for the three months ended September 30, 2020     Salaries and benefits for the three months ended September 30, 2019    

Increase / (Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  $ 563,948     $ 304,391     $ 259,557  

International Transaction Solutions

    95,254       124,921       (29,667 )

Corporate Expenses & Eliminations

    84,688       729,426       (644,738 )

Total

  $ 743,890     $ 1,158,738     $ (414,848 )

 

Professional fees decreased by approximately $0.3 million compared to the previous comparable quarter due to the staffing reductions necessary due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations.

 

Three months ended September 30, 2020

                               
                                 

Professional Fees

  North American Transaction Solutions     International Transaction Solutions     Corporate Expenses & Eliminations    

Total

 

General Legal

  $ -     $ 941     $ -     $ 941  

SEC Compliance Legal Fees

    -       -       89,147       89,147  

Accounting and Auditing

    -       -       98,223       98,223  

Tax Compliance and Planning

    -       -       -       -  

Consulting

    91,468       28,582       63,892       183,942  

Total

  $ 91,468     $ 29,523     $ 251,262     $ 372,253  

 

Three months ended September 30, 2019                                
                                 

Professional Fees

  North American Transaction Solutions     International Transaction Solutions     Corporate Expenses & Eliminations    

Total

 

General Legal

  $ 554     $ 1,681     $ 173,115     $ 175,350  

SEC Compliance Legal Fees

    -       -       43,393       43,393  

Accounting and Auditing

    -       -       98,051       98,051  

Tax Compliance and Planning

    -       -       13,800       13,800  

Consulting

    125,159       56,797       158,625       340,581  

Total

  $ 125,713     $ 58,478     $ 486,984     $ 671,175  

 

Variance

                               
                                 

Professional Fees

 

North American Transaction Solutions

   

International Transaction Solutions

   

Corporate Expenses & Eliminations

   

Increase / (Decrease)

 

General Legal

  $ (554 )   $ (740 )   $ (173,115 )   $ (174,409 )

SEC Compliance Legal Fees

    -       -       45,754       45,754  

Accounting and Auditing

    -       -       172       172  

Tax Compliance and Planning

    -       -       (13,800 )     (13,800 )

Consulting

    (33,691 )     (28,215 )     (94,733 )     (156,639 )

Total

  $ (34,245 )   $ (28,955 )   $ (235,722 )   $ (298,922 )

 

All other operating expenses were relatively in line with the previous comparable quarter, with the exception of the decreases in general legal and consulting fees which totalled approximately $0.3 million.

 

 

Other Income and Expenses Delineated in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss: 

 

Non-cash compensation expense was approximately $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to $15,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2019. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Board of Directors approved and authorized the issuance of 151,597 shares of our common stock pursuant to the 2013 Plan which were allocated to certain executives, employees, and consultants of the Company resulting in compensation expense of approximately $1.1 million.

 

Bad Debt Expense Analysis:

 

We reflected a bad debt expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, which represents uncollected fees of approximately $592,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to bad debt expense, representing uncollected fees of approximately $423,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2019The increase in bad debt expense was primarily due to billing adjustments relating to chargebacks made by our processors due to the to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our merchants.

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expense:

 

Depreciation and amortization expense consists primarily of the amortization of merchant portfolios in connection with residual buyout arrangements and client acquisition costs.  Depreciation and amortization expense was approximately $750,000 for each of  the three months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019.

 

Interest Expense:

 

Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019 is as follows;

 

Funding Source

  Three months ended September 30, 2020     Three months ended September 30, 2019    

Increase / (Decrease)

 

RBL Notes

  $ 328,165     $ 262,289     $ 65,876  

Other

    32,338       7,752       24,586  

Total

  $ 360,503     $ 270,041     $ 90,462  

 

Total interest expense increased primarily due to additional borrowings from RBL.

 

Other Income (Expense):

 

Other losses were approximately $(78,000) for the three months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to other income of approximately $83,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2019

 

 

Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

 

We reported a net loss attributable to common stockholders of approximately $4.0 million or $0.94 per share loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to a net loss of approximately $3.7 million or $0.91 per share loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in net loss attributable to stockholders was primarily due to a decrease in net revenues of approximately $2.0 million, which was partially offset by decreases in selling, general, and administrative expenses of approximately $1.7 million and non-cash compensation of approximately $0.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 Also, interest expense increased approximately $0.3 million which was combined with a decrease of  approximately $1.3 million in other income due to recognizing other income of approximately $1.1 million relating to merchant reserves recorded in a previous year, deemed not to be an obligation during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

The following tables set forth our sources of revenues, cost of revenues and the respective gross margins for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

 

   

Nine

           

Nine

                 
   

Months Ended

           

Months Ended

           

Increase /

 

Source of Revenues

 

September 30, 2020

   

Mix

   

September 30, 2019

   

Mix

   

(Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  $ 44,204,134       95.5 %   $ 46,025,308       95.2 %   $ (1,821,174 )

International Transaction Solutions

    2,086,415       4.5 %     2,328,871       4.8 %     (242,456 )

Total

  $ 46,290,549       100.0 %   $ 48,354,179       100.0 %   $ (2,063,630 )

 

   

Nine

           

Nine

                 
   

Months Ended

   

% of

   

Months Ended

   

% of

   

Increase /

 

Cost of Revenues

 

September 30, 2020

   

revenues

   

September 30, 2019

   

revenues

   

(Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  $ 37,923,749       85.8 %   $ 38,627,147       83.9 %   $ (703,398 )

International Transaction Solutions

    1,473,635       70.6 %     1,613,607       69.3 %     (139,972 )

Total

  $ 39,397,384       85.1 %   $ 40,240,754       83.2 %   $ (843,370 )

 

   

Nine

           

Nine

                 
   

Months Ended

   

% of

   

Months Ended

   

% of

   

Increase /

 

Gross Margin

 

September 30, 2020

   

revenues

   

September 30, 2019

   

revenues

   

(Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  $ 6,280,385       14.2 %   $ 7,398,161       16.1 %   $ (1,117,776 )

International Transaction Solutions

    612,780       29.4 %     715,264       30.7 %     (102,484 )

Total

  $ 6,893,165       14.9 %   $ 8,113,425       16.8 %   $ (1,220,260 )

 

Net revenues consist primarily of service fees from transaction processing. Net revenues were approximately $46.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to approximately $48.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in net revenues for the comparable period was primarily due to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our end-to-end payment volumes and gateway transactions.

 

Cost of revenues represents direct costs of generating revenues, including commissions, mobile operator fees, interchange expense, processing, and non-processing fees. Cost of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were approximately $39.4 million as compared to approximately $40.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. This decrease is in line with the decrease in revenues for the nine months ended September, 30, 2020.

 

The gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was approximately $6.9 million, or 14.9% of net revenues, as compared to approximately $8.1 million, or 16.8% of net revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in gross margin was primarily the result of the competitive pressure in our industry, relating to costs that can be passed through to our merchants.

 

 

Operating Expenses Analysis:

 

Operating expenses were approximately $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, as compared to $12.4 million for nine months ended September 30, 2019. Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 primarily consisted of selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $5.3 million, non-cash compensation of approximately $1.1 million, bad debt expense of approximately $1.0 million and depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $2.3 million. Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 primarily consisted of selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $7.1 million, non-cash compensation of approximately $2.0 million, bad debt expense of approximately $0.9 million, and depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $2.4 million.

 

The components of our selling, general and administrative expenses are reflected in the table below.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 consisted of operating expenses not otherwise delineated in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss, as follows:

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2020

                               
                                 

Category

  North American Transaction Solutions     International Transaction Solutions     Corporate Expenses & Eliminations    

Total

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments

  $ 1,649,488     $ 300,221     $ 753,983     $ 2,703,692  

Professional fees

    253,046       117,951       748,210       1,119,207  

Rent

    34,307       46,341       102,076       182,724  

Business development

    153,547       2,517       8,836       164,900  

Travel expense

    6,615       46,892       135,032       188,539  

Filing fees

    -       -       56,254       56,254  

Transaction gains

    -       89,140       -       89,140  

Office expenses

    184,692       13,688       63,065       261,445  

Communications expenses

    122,158       121,574       61,578       305,310  

Insurance expense

    -       -       127,457       127,457  

Other expenses

    2,990       4,168       142,991       150,149  

Total

  $ 2,406,843     $ 742,492     $ 2,199,482     $ 5,348,817  

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2019

                               
                                 

Category

  North American Transaction Solutions     International Transaction Solutions     Corporate Expenses & Eliminations    

Total

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments

  $ 926,868     $ 400,943     $ 2,294,391     $ 3,622,202  

Professional fees

    400,058       186,440       1,334,367       1,920,865  

Rent

    -       57,144       157,086       214,230  

Business development

    168,582       1,655       28,821       199,058  

Travel expense

    95,984       24,038       83,833       203,855  

Filing fees

    -       -       78,125       78,125  

Transaction losses

    -       (36,923 )     -       (36,923 )

Office expenses

    249,232       14,485       38,406       302,123  

Communications expenses

    119,233       158,495       59,584       337,312  

Insurance expense

    -       -       112,932       112,932  

Other expenses

    12,639       7,610       108,693       128,942  

Total

  $ 1,972,596     $ 813,887     $ 4,296,238     $ 7,082,721  

 

Variance

                               
                                 

Category

  North American Transaction Solutions     International Transaction Solutions     Corporate Expenses & Eliminations    

Total

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments

  $ 722,620     $ (100,722 )   $ (1,540,408 )   $ (918,510 )

Professional fees

    (147,012 )     (68,489 )     (586,157 )     (801,658 )

Rent

    34,307       (10,803 )     (55,010 )     (31,506 )

Business development

    (15,035 )     862       (19,985 )     (34,158 )

Travel expense

    (89,369 )     22,854       51,199       (15,316 )

Filing fees

    -       -       (21,871 )     (21,871 )

Transaction gains

    -       126,063       -       126,063  

Office expenses

    (64,540 )     (797 )     24,659       (40,678 )

Communications expenses

    2,925       (36,921 )     1,994       (32,002 )

Insurance expense

    -       -       14,525       14,525  

Other (income) expenses

    (9,649 )     (3,442 )     34,298       21,207  

Total

  $ 434,247     $ (71,395 )   $ (2,096,756 )   $ (1,733,904 )

 

 

Salaries, benefits, taxes and contractor payments decreased by approximately $0.9 million on a consolidated basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019. This was primarily due to the staffing reductions necessary and the reduction of compensation of certain employees and executives of the Company, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations.

 

Segment

  Salaries and benefits for the nine months ended September 30, 2020     Salaries and benefits for the nine months ended September 30, 2019    

Increase / (Decrease)

 

North American Transaction Solutions

  $ 1,649,488     $ 926,868     $ 722,620  

International Transaction Solutions

    300,221       400,943       (100,722 )

Corporate Expenses & Eliminations

    753,983       2,294,391       (1,540,408 )

Total

  $ 2,703,692     $ 3,622,202     $ (918,510 )

 

Professional fees decreased by approximately $0.8 million compared to the previous comparable quarter due to the staffing reductions necessary due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations.

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2020

                               
                                 

Professional Fees

  North American Transaction Solutions     International Transaction Solutions     Corporate Expenses & Eliminations    

Total

 

General Legal

  $ 2,600     $ 1,005     $ 19,708     $ 23,313  

SEC Compliance Legal Fees

    -       -       169,922       169,922  

Accounting and Auditing

    -       -       294,844       294,844  

Tax Compliance and Planning

    -       -       -       -  

Consulting

    250,446       116,946       263,736       631,128  

Total

  $ 253,046     $ 117,951     $ 748,210     $ 1,119,207  

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2019

                               
                                 

Professional Fees

  North American Transaction Solutions     International Transaction Solutions     Corporate Expenses & Eliminations    

Total

 

General Legal

  $ 21,670     $ 23,315     $ 390,925     $ 435,910  

SEC Compliance Legal Fees

    -       -       136,484       136,484  

Accounting and Auditing

    -       -       293,051       293,051  

Tax Compliance and Planning

    -       -       19,800       19,800  

Consulting

    378,388       163,125       494,107       1,035,620  

Total

  $ 400,058     $ 186,440     $ 1,334,367     $ 1,920,865  

 

Variance

                               
                                 

Professional Fees

  North American Transaction Solutions     International Transaction Solutions     Corporate Expenses & Eliminations    

Increase / (Decrease)

 

General Legal

  $ (19,070 )   $ (22,310 )   $ (371,217 )   $ (412,597 )

SEC Compliance Legal Fees

    -       -       33,438       33,438  

Accounting and Auditing

    -       -       1,793       1,793  

Tax Compliance and Planning

    -       -       (19,800 )     (19,800 )

Consulting

    (127,942 )     (46,179 )     (230,371 )     (404,492 )

Total

  $ (147,012 )   $ (68,489 )   $ (586,157 )   $ (801,658 )

 

All other operating expenses were relatively in line with the previous comparable quarter, with the exception of the decreases in general legal and consulting fees which totalled approximately $0.8 million.

 

 

Other Income and Expenses Delineated in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss: 

 

Non-cash compensation expense was approximately $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to approximately $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in expense was associated with less shares issued during the comparable period to certain executives,  employees, and consultants in connection with equity incentive awards approved by the Board of Directors.

 

Bad Debt Expense Analysis:

 

We reflected a bad debt expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, which represents uncollected fees of approximately $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to bad debt expense, representing uncollected fees of approximately $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019The increase in bad debt expense was primarily due to billing adjustments relating to chargebacks made by our processors due to the to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our merchants.

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expense:

 

Depreciation and amortization expense consists primarily of the amortization of merchant portfolios in connection with residual buyout arrangements and client acquisition costs. Depreciation and amortization expense was approximately $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to approximately $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019

 

Interest Expense:

 

Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019 is as follows;

 

Funding Source

  Nine months ended September 30, 2020     Nine months ended September 30, 2019    

Increase / (Decrease)

 

RBL Notes

    997,265       730,992       266,273  

Other

    52,671       36,684       15,987  

Total

  $ 1,049,936     $ 767,676     $ 282,260  

 

Total interest expense increased primarily due to additional borrowings from RBL.

 

Other Income:

 

Other income decreased by approximately $1.3 million due to the recognition in other income of approximately $1.1 million relating to merchant reserves recorded in a previous year, deemed not to be an obligation during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Total assets at September 30, 2020 were approximately $22.6 million compared to approximately $23.0 million at December 31, 2019. The net decrease in total assets reflects an increase in operating cash, a decrease in cash for the amount loaned to Mullen, and the increase in the operating lease right-of-use asset with a corresponding decrease in accounts receivable and intangible assets.

 

At September 30, 2020, we had total current assets of approximately $9.2  million and approximately $8.7 million at December 31, 2019. The primary reason for the increase in total current assets reflects an increase in operating cash, with a corresponding decrease in cash for the amount loaned to Mullen.

 

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. We sustained a net loss of approximately $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and $6.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 and have an accumulated deficit of $182.8 million and a negative working capital of $0.3 million at September 30, 2020.

 

During March 2020, our Company evaluated its liquidity position, future operating plans, and its labor force, which included a reduction in the labor force and compensation to executives and other employees, in order to maintain current payment processing functions, capabilities, and continued customer service to its merchants. We are also seeking sources of capital to pay our contractual obligations as they come due, in light of these uncertain times. Management believes that its operating strategy will provide the opportunity for us to continue as a going concern as long as we are able to obtain additional financing. At this time, due to our continuing losses from operations, negative working capital, and the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot predict the impact of these conditions on our ability to obtain financing necessary for the Company to fund its future working capital requirements. Our Company has also decided to explore strategic alternatives and potential options for its business, including sale of the Company or certain assets, licensing of technology, spin-offs, or a business combination. There can be no assurance, at this time, regarding the eventual outcome of our planned strategic alternative.  In most respects, it is still too early in the COVID-19 pandemic to be able to quantify or qualify the longer-term ramifications on our merchant processing business, our merchants, our planned strategic alternatives to enhance current shareholder value, our current investors, and/or future potential investors.

 

As part of our Company's plan to obtain capital to fund future operations, on March 27, 2020, our Company entered into a Master Exchange Agreement (the “ESOUSA Agreement”) with ESOUSA Holdings, LLC ("ESOUSA"), a related party. Prior to entering into the ESOUSA Agreement, ESOUSA agreed to acquire an existing promissory note that had been previously issued by the Company, of up to $2,000,000 in principal amount outstanding and unpaid interest due to RBL Capital Group, LLC ("RBL"). Pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement, the Company has the right, at any time prior to March 27, 2021, to request ESOUSA, and ESOUSA agreed upon each such request, to exchange this promissory note in tranches on the dates when the Company instructs ESOUSA, for such number of shares of the Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) as determined under the ESOUSA Agreement based upon the number of shares of Common Stock (already in ESOUSA’s possession) that ESOUSA sold in order to finance its purchase of such tranche of the promissory note from RBL.  ESOUSA will purchase each tranche of the promissory note equal to 88% of the gross proceeds from the shares of Common Stock sold by ESOUSA to finance the purchase of such exchange amount from RBL. Each such tranche shall be $148,000 unless otherwise agreed to by the Company and ESOUSA. 

 

On April 23, 2020 and August 3, 2020, the Company entered into certain amendments to the ESOUSA Agreement, which together increased from $2,000,000 to $15,000,000 the principal amount and unpaid interest of one or more promissory notes of the Company or its direct or indirect subsidiaries that ESOUSA either purchased in whole or has an irrevocable right to purchase in tranches from RBL in connection with the ESOUSA Agreement.

 

 

On March 27, 2020, the Company received its first tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $148,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  Included in other accrued expenses at September 30, 2020 is approximately $145,000 in connection with this first tranche for which shares of Common Stock have not yet been issued.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $148,000 from RBL under the Loan and Security Agreement (“Credit Facility”) with RBL.  See Note 8. "Notes Payable" in the condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Report for more information regarding the terms of the Credit Facility. 

 

On April 28, 2020, the Company received its second tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $143,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 65,862 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $143,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. \

 

On August 11, 2020, the Company received its third tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $707,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 66,190 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $707,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On August 21, 2020, the Company received its fourth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $401,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 45,654 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $401,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On September 25, 2020, the Company received its fifth tranche of RBL promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $426,000, less any fees, from ESOUSA to be exchanged for Common Stock pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.  The Company issued 50,000 shares of Common Stock to ESOUSA in connection with this exchange.  Concurrently with this transaction, the Company received an equivalent aggregate amount of $426,000 from RBL under the Credit Facility. 

 

On May 7, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note (the “Note”) evidencing an unsecured loan (the “Loan”) in the amount of $491,493 made to the Company under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”). The Note matures on May 7, 2022 and bears interest at a rate of 1% per annum. Beginning December 7, 2020, the Company is required to make 17 monthly payments of principal and interest, with the principal component of each such payment based upon the level amortization of principal over a two-year period from May 7, 2020. Pursuant to the terms of the CARES Act and the PPP, the Company may apply to the Lender for forgiveness for the amount due on the Loan. The amount eligible for forgiveness is based on the amount of Loan proceeds used by the Company (during the eight-week period after the Lender makes the first disbursement of Loan proceeds) for the payment of certain covered costs, including payroll costs (including benefits), interest on mortgage obligations, rent and utilities, subject to certain limitations and reductions in accordance with the CARES Act and the PPP. No assurance can be given, at this time, that the Company will obtain forgiveness of the Loan in whole or in part.

 

On May 18, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note in the amount of $159,899 made to the Company by the U.S. Small Business Administration under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

 

On August 4, 2020, our Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Mullen Technologies, Inc., a California corporation (“Mullen”), and Mullen Acquisition, Inc., a California corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”). Pursuant to, and on the terms and subject to the conditions of, the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Mullen (the “Merger”), with Mullen continuing as the surviving corporation in the Merger. After Mullen’s completion and delivery to our Company, of the audited financial statements for Mullen and its subsidiaries and affiliates required to be included in a registration statement, the Company intends to prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement on Form S-4 (together with all amendments thereto, the “Registration Statement”) in which the proxy statement will be included as a part of the prospectus, in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of Parent Shares to be issued in connection with the transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement contains termination rights for each of the Company and Mullen, including, among others, (i) in the event that the Merger has not been consummated by December 31, 2020, (ii) in the event that the requisite approval of the Company’s stockholders is not obtained upon a vote thereon, (iii) in the event that any governmental authority shall have taken action to restrain, enjoin or prohibit the consummation of the Merger, which action shall have become final and non-appealable and (iv) in the event that there is a breach by the other party of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements, which breach is sufficiently material and not timely cured or curable. In addition, Mullen may terminate the Merger Agreement if, prior to receipt of the requisite approval of the Company’s stockholders, the Company’s board of directors shall have changed their recommendation in respect of the Merger. Further, the Company may terminate the Merger Agreement prior to receipt of the requisite approval of the Company’s stockholders to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal (as such term is defined in the Merger Agreement). 

 

As contemplated by the Merger Agreement, on August 11, 2020, our Company as lender, borrowed an additional $500,000 from RBL and entered into an unsecured Promissory Note, dated August 11, 2020 (the “Note”), with Mullen. Pursuant to the Note, Mullen borrowed from the Company $500,000. Prior to maturity of the loan, the principal amount of the loan will carry an interest rate of 14% per annum compounded monthly and payable upon demand. This loan will mature on the earlier of (i) the date that the Merger Agreement is terminated for any reason by any party thereto and (ii) the Merger Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement).

 

On September 14, 2020, an advance of $141,000 which was previously borrowed by the Company from RBL, was sent to Mullen by the Company.in connection with expenses incurred by the Company on behalf  of Mullen.  Subsequent to September 30, 2020, the Company received $55,000 from Mullen, as a payment towards this advance..

 

Consummation of the Merger, the Divestiture, the Private Placement and the other transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement, is subject to customary conditions including, among others, the approval of the Company’s stockholders. There is no guarantee that the Merger, the Divestiture, the Private Placement or the other transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement will be completed.  For additional information, see the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2020, as amended.

 

These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

 

The net loss attributable to Net Element, Inc. stockholders was approximately $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to approximately $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

 

The net loss attributable to Net Element, Inc. stockholders was approximately $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to approximately $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

Operating activities used approximately $0.3 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to approximately $1.4 million of cash used for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease is primarily the result of the decrease in non-cash compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to the previous nine months ended September 30, 2019.

 

Investing activities used approximately $1.0 million in cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to approximately $2.1 million used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in cash used in investing was primarily due to the decrease in client acquisition costs.

 

Financing activities provided approximately $3.0 million in cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to approximately $2.4 million of cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily the result of proceeds received from the Small Business Administration.

 

Off-balance sheet arrangements

 

At September 30, 2020, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this Report, our management conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")).

 

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not deemed effective due to the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f )and Rule 15d-15(f ) under the Exchange Act), as discussed in Item 9A. Controls and Procedures of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, under the heading “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.”

 

Changes in Internal Control

 

As of September 30, 2020, the material weaknesses disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 have not yet been fully remediated; however, significant progress were made during 2019 in remediating certain material weaknesses. Several steps taken in improving and remediating internal controls over financial reporting have included retaining a financial reporting manager, the formation of a disclosure committee, as well as, formal education and training of our Board members. Remediation activities for our material weaknesses include:

 

 

Risk Assessment. We are continuing the process of designing and implementing an improved enterprise wide risk management process that follows the COSO 2013 framework and one aspect of this process will focus on identifying and mitigating risks to our business that could have an impact on our internal control over financial reporting. Our process includes periodic updates of the enterprise risk universe through the consideration of current and historical risks, periodic input from executive management, and our domestic and international segment local management. Each time a new potential risk is identified, we will evaluate if any additional controls are required to mitigate risks to our internal control over financial reporting. During the year ended December 31, 2019, management sent a consultant to Russia in an effort to fully understand, implement, train, and eventually test the internal controls relating to our International Transaction Solution's segment’s internal control over financial reporting. The local management team in our International Transaction Solution's segment is continuing in the process of documenting processes, controls, and recommendations provided under the guidance and assistance of the Company's consultant.

 

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has had to allocate resources to mitigate risks with its current merchant accounts and evaluated its operational plans to eliminate any potential exposure to its disclosure controls and procedures. Pending the outcome of this uncertainty, including health concerns and travel restrictions to Russia, we cannot determine how or when we expect to remediate the material weaknesses noted above, including the allocation of appropriate resources to department heads during 2020.

 

Except as stated above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in management’s evaluation pursuant to Rules 13a-15(d) or 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act during our quarter ended September 30, 2020 that are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting

 

Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures

 

Control systems, no matter how well conceived and operated, are designed to provide a reasonable, but not an absolute, level of assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Because of the inherent limitations in any control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

 

 

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal proceedings

 

For a discussion of legal proceedings, Refer to Note 10. "Commitments and Contingencies” in the condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Report, which section is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

In addition to the information set forth in this Report, you should read and consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results of operation. The risks described in such report are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may eventually prove to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and/or future operating results.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Sale of Unregistered Securities

 

Information required by Item 701 of Regulation S-K as to other unregistered equity securities we sold during the period covered by this Report that were not registered under the Securities Act has been previously reported in the Company’s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Commission in addition to the following:

 

On August 11, 2020, we issued 66,190 shares of our common stock in exchange for a tranche of $707,000 aggregate amount, less any fees, of certain RBL promissory notes purchased by ESOUSA pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.

 

On August 21, 2020, we issued 45,654 shares of our common stock in exchange for a tranche of $401,000 aggregate amount, less any fees, of certain RBL promissory notes purchased by ESOUSA pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.

 

On September 25, 2020, we issued 50,000 shares of our common stock in exchange for a tranche of $426,000 aggregate amount, less any fees, of certain RBL promissory notes purchased by ESOUSA pursuant to the ESOUSA Agreement.

 

Such shares of common stock were issued to ESOUSA under an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in reliance upon Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act. See Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35

 

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit

Description

     
2.1+   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 4, 2020, among Net Element, Inc., Mullen Acquisition, Inc. and Mullen Technologies, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 5, 2020)
     

3.1

 

Certificate of Corporate Domestication of Cazador, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on October 2, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 5, 2012)

     

3.2

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Net Element International, Inc., a Delaware corporation, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on October 2, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 5, 2012)

     

3.3

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Net Element International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 5, 2012)

     

3.4

 

Certificate of Merger, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on October 2, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 5, 2012)

     

3.5

 

Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated December 5, 2013, changing the Company’s name from Net Element International, Inc. to Net Element, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 6, 2013)

     

3.6

 

Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated December 16, 2014, to increase authorized common stock to 200 million shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 17, 2014)

     

3.7

 

Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 1, 2015)

 

3.8

 

Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated June 15, 2015, to increase authorized common stock to 300 million shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 16, 2015)

     

3.9

 

Amendment No. 1 to the Bylaws of the Company, dated June 15, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 16, 2015)

     

3.10

 

Amendment No. 2 to the Bylaws of the Company, dated July 10, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 10, 2015)

     

3.11

 

Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated May 24, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s second Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 24, 2016)

     

3.12

 

Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated June 15, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 16, 2016)

     

3.13

 

Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated October 4, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 4, 2017)

     
10.1   Amendment No. 1, dated as of July 10, 2020, to the Binding Letter of Intent, dated June 12, 2020, between Net Element, Inc. and Mullen Technologies, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 13, 2020)
     
10.2   Second Amendment, dated as of August 3, 2020, to Master Exchange Agreement, dated as of March 27, 2020, as amended on April 23, 2020, between Net Element, Inc. and ESOUSA Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 5, 2020)
     
10.3   Commercial Lease, dated September 26, 2019, between Lara One Investments, LLC and Net Element, Inc.
     
10.4   Commercial Lease, dated September 11, 2020, between Golden Star Investments Corp and Net Element, Inc.
     
31.1 *   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
     
31.2 *   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
     
32.1*   Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350

 

 

101.INS* XBRL Instance Document

 

101.SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

101.CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

101.DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

101.LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

101.PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

* Filed herewith (furnished herewith with respect to Exhibit 32.1).

 

 + Certain schedules (or similar attachments) have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish copies of any such schedules (or similar attachments) to the Commission upon request.

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

Net Element, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: November 16, 2020

By:

/s/ Oleg Firer

 

 

 

Name: Oleg Firer

 

 

 

Title:  Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

Net Element, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: November 16, 2020

By:

/s/ Jeffrey Ginsberg

 

 

 

Name: Jeffrey Ginsberg

 

 

 

Title:  Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

37

Exhibit 10.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OFFICE LEASE AGREEMENT

 

9/26/2019

 

 

THIS OFFICE LEASE AGREEMENT ("Lease") is made and entered into as of the day of September 2019 ("Effective Date"), by and between, Lara One Investments LLC, a Florida Limited Liability Company (“Landlord") and Net Element, Inc. a Delaware corporation ("Tenant").

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

THAT LANDLORD, in consideration of the rents and agreements promised and agreed by Tenant to be paid and performed, leases to Tenant, and Tenant leases from Landlord, the Premises described herein, subject to the following terms.

 

 

ARTICLE I GENERAL TERMS

 

 

1.

Contained below are some of the pertinent terms used throughout this Lease.

 

A.     "Building" means that certain building located in Miami-Dade County, Florida and having an address of 3363 NE 163th Street, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160.

 

B.     "Premises" approximately 5,875 sq. ft. known as Suite 605-609, located on the 6th floor of the Building.

 

C.     "Permitted Use" means, subject to the terms and conditions of this Lease, use of the Premises as a professional office space and other uses incidental thereto.

 

D.     "Lease Term" is 5 years commencing on the Effective Date September 23rd, 2019 and on the Expiration Date: September 30th, 2024th.

 

E.     "Lease Year" means the Effective Date through the last day of the twelfth (12th) full calendar month after the Effective Date, and each successive twelve (12) month period thereafter.

 

F.     "Rent Commencement Date" means the completion date of Landlord’s Work when the Premises are broom clean and ready for occupancy by Tenant. This does not include the purchase and installation of cubicles, which will be the Tenant’s responsibility.

 

 

G.

"Expiration Date" means September 30th, 2024.

 

H.     “Option to Cancel” Tenant has one option to cancel the lease on October 31st, 2022. Tenant shall provide Landlord with written notification of Tenant’s intentions to exercise this option One Hundred Twenty (120) days before October 31st, 2022. If the tenant does not exercise this Option to Cancel the lease, then the tenant’s lease will continue until expiring on September 30th, 2024. If Tenant exercises the Option to Cancel, then the Tenant will pay $10,000 to the Landlord in reimbursement costs for Landlord Work and the cubicles installed will stay in the Premises as part of the Landlord’s property. If Tenant or its assigns stays in the Premises for the Lease Term, Tenant may at its election remove and keep the cubicles at the end of the Lease Term.

 

 

“Option to Renew” Tenant has one option to renew the lease by providing Landlord with written notification of Tenant’s intentions to exercise this option One Hundred Twenty (120) days before the Expiration Date.

 

I.     “Landlord Work” Landlord will at it sole cost and expense perform the Landlord Work set forth in Exhibits A and A-1 hereto. Tenant will move in once Landlord’s Work is complete. The estimated time is 1 month to complete the work. All furniture in the Premises (except for the cubicles per H above) is the Landlord’s property and will remain in the Premise after the expiration of the Lease. The purchase and installation of the cubicles will be the Tenant’s responsibility, of which the Landlord will reimburse $10,000 of the costs to the Tenant either by check or by rent credit, whichever method Landlord chooses; the $10,000 cubicle reimbursement will take place between the 3rd and 4th months of the lease.

 

J.     "Additional Rent" means any other amounts in addition to Base Rent that Tenant may owe or become liable for under this Lease, which by the terms and conditions of this Lease may be incorporated into Additional Rent. For the sake of clarity, this is not a “triple net” lease and Tenant has no responsibility for payment of real estate taxes, common area charges, association dues or other charges not specifically referenced in this Lease.

 

K.     "Base Rent" means $193,875.00 per year for the Lease Term, payable in equal monthly installments of $16,156.25, in advance, subject to increase only for any Additional Rent and sales tax in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Lease.

 

L.     "Rent" means, collectively, Base Rent and Additional Rent and any sales tax on the foregoing. With a current 6.7% sales tax rate, the Tenant’s monthly Rent payment is estimated to be $17,238.72.

 

 

M.     “Electricity” Tenant will be responsible for paying electricity costs for the premise. Nonpayment of the electricity bill will result in defaulting on the lease.

 

.     "Security Deposit" means $17,238.72 to be delivered to Landlord by Tenant simultaneous to Tenant's execution of this Lease.

 

M.     “Upon Execution” Tenant agrees to pay first and last months of rent along with the Security Deposit upon execution of this lease. In total, $51,716.16 is to be delivered to Landlord by Tenant simultaneous to Tenant’s execution of this Lease.

 

 

N.     "Designated Parking Spaces" means those 11 parking spaces, designated by Landlord for Tenant's exclusive use, subject to the terms and conditions of this Lease.

 

O.     "Landlord's Notice Address" Lara One Investments LLC, Attention: Eric Giray, 5600 N Flagler Dr 709, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407. Telephone: (718) 208-3011.

 

 

P.

Landlord’s Email Address" eric.giray@gmail.com

 

 

 

Q.

"Tenant's Email Address" jginsberg@netelement.com

 

R.     "Tenant's Notice Address" 3363 NE 163th Street, Suite 605-609, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160.

 

 

 

 

TENANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT RENT PAYMENTS DUE UNDER THIS LEASE ARE DUE ON THE FIRST OF THE MONTH AND ARE LATE AFTER THE FIFTH DAY OF THE MONTH AND ALL SUCH PAYMENTS ARE TO BE MAILED TO: 5600 N. Flagler Dr. Unit 709, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407 OR DIRECTLY DEPOSITED

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

TENANT’S INITIALS

 

LANDLORD’S INITIALS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE I

PREMISES, COMMON AREA, PROPERTY AND TERM

 

1.     Premises. Landlord hereby leases to Tenant and Tenant hereby leases from Landlord the Premises, together with the non-exclusive right to use in common with other tenants the Common Areas (as defined hereinafter).

 

2.     Common Areas. "Common Area(s)" means that part of the Property (as defined hereinafter) designated by the Landlord from time to time for the common use of all tenants, including, among other facilities, parking areas, sidewalks, landscaping, water retention, curbs, loading areas, elevators, private streets and alleys, lighting facilities, hallways, restrooms and lobby areas, all of which will be subject to the Landlord's sole management and control.

 

3.     Property. "Property" means, collectively, the Premises and the Building as well as the land below and adjacent to the Building and any and all improvements to the Building or such land that are used in connection with the operation of the Building.

 

4.     Term. Tenant shall have and hold the Premises from the Delivery Date through the duration of the Lease Term, subject to the terms and conditions of this Lease.

 

ARTICLE II BASE RENT

 

1.     Base Rent; Late Charge; Sales Tax. Commencing on the Rent Commencement Date and continuing through the duration of the Lease Term, Tenant will pay to Landlord the Base Rent, payable in advance and without demand, in equal monthly installments on the first day of each month of the Lease Term. If the Rent Commencement Date should be a day other than the first day of the month, the Tenant will pay Base Rent for such partial month based on a daily rate of 1/365th of the annual Base Rent multiplied by the number of rental days in such fractional month. In the event any Base Rate and/or Additional Rent payment is not paid within five (5) days after it is due, Tenant agrees to pay a late charge of ten (10%) percent of the past due amount ("Late Charge"). In addition, should Tenant’s check for any payment of Rent be returned by Landlord’s bank as a result of insufficient funds in Tenant’s account or Tenant’s check is otherwise dishonored, Tenant shall pay Landlord a bad check fee in the amount of Fifty and 00/100 Dollars ($50.00) ("Bad Check Fee") as compensation for any fees assessed Landlord by Landlord’s bank and other costs and administrative expenses incurred by Landlord. If Tenant makes any payment with a bad check, Landlord may elect to require Tenant to pay all future Rent in cash or by money order. Tenant further agrees that the Late Charge and Bad Check Fee imposed are fair and reasonable and constitutes an agreement between Landlord and Tenant as to the estimated compensation for costs and administrative expenses incurred by Landlord due to the late payment of Rent by Tenant or delivery of a bad or dishonored check by Tenant, respectively. Tenant further agrees that the Late Charge and Bad Check Fee assessed pursuant to this Lease is not interest, and the Late Charge and Bad Check Fee assessed do not constitute a lender or borrower/creditor relationship between Landlord and Tenant, and may be treated by Landlord as Additional Rent owed by Tenant. Tenant shall also pay to Landlord all sales, use or other taxes pertaining to the Rent, which shall be remitted by Landlord to the Florida Department of Revenue or other appropriate taxing authority, as applicable; Tenant will pay Landlord sales tax for base rent. Tenant will not be responsible for landlord’s business license tax, if any.

 

2.     Rental Adjustment. Commencing with the first (1st) day of the second (2nd) Lease Year of the Lease, and each and every anniversary of such date occurring during the Lease Term, the Base Rent shall increase by 3% (Three percent).

 

 

3.     Payment Without Notice or Demand. The Rent called for in this Lease shall be paid to Landlord without notice or demand, and without counterclaim offset, deduction, abatement, suspension, deferment, diminution or reduction. Tenant hereby waives all rights now or hereafter conferred to any offset, deduction, abatement, suspension, deferment, diminution or reduction of the Rent on account of any such circumstances or occurrence.

 

4.     Rent Payment Address. Tenant shall deliver all payments of Rent under this Lease to Landlord at 5600 N Flagler Dr 709, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407, or such other address as Landlord may designate in accordance with Article XXII of this Lease.

 

 

ARTICLE III SECURITY/DAMAGE DEPOSIT

 

Landlord shall hold the Security Deposit as security for the performance by Tenant of all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease and the payment of Rent or any other sum due Landlord pursuant to this Lease. It is expressly understood that such deposit shall not be considered an advance payment of Rent or a measure of Landlord's damages in the event of default by Tenant. Landlord shall have the right to apply all or any part of the security deposit against any damage, injury, expense or liability caused to Landlord by Tenant's breach of this Lease if tenant has not cured such default within applicable cure period, of a maximum of 15 days, following receipt of written notice from Landlord. Landlord shall not be limited in pursuing Landlord's remedies against Tenant for costs, losses or damages to the Premises or to any other property of Landlord for any such costs, losses or damages which are in excess of the above described Security Deposit. Such money shall bear no interest.

 

                                                                                                                           ARTICLE IV USE OF PREMISES

 

1.     Tenant shall solely use the Premises for the Permitted Purposes. Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, shall comply with all ordinances, laws, rules or regulations of any governmental body ("Laws") or the rules and regulations. Tenant shall not do or permit any act which would constitute a public or private nuisance or waste or which would be a nuisance or annoyance or cause damage to Landlord or Landlord's other tenants or which would invalidate any policies of insurance or increase the premiums of any such insurance, now or hereafter written on the Building and/or Premises.

 

2.     Tenant shall pay all of the costs, expenses, fines penalties and damages which may be imposed upon Landlord by reason or arising out of Tenant's failure to fully and promptly comply with and observe the provisions of this Lease after any applicable cure provisions. Tenant's obligation to comply with Laws shall include, without limitation, those laws and regulations referenced in Article XXIII and Title III of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, as Amended, and the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act (FCIAA) stating a person may not smoke in an enclosed indoor workplace. In the event Tenant receives any notice (except from Landlord) alleging violation ("Violation Notice") of any Laws (including, but not limited to, those referenced in this Lease) relating to any portion of the Premises, the Building or of the Property; or any notice of regulatory action or investigation instituted in connection with any portion of the Premises, Building or the Property, Tenant shall provide written notice to Landlord informing Landlord of Tenant's receipt of such Violation Notice within ten

(10)     days after receipt of such Violation Notice by Tenant. Tenant shall cure the violation within the later of: (i) the time period proscribed by the authority providing the Violation Notice; or (ii) within ten (10) days after of receipt of such violation notice from such governmental authority.

 

ARTICLE V PARKING

 

Except for the Designated Parking Spaces which are designated for Tenant’s exclusive use, all parking spaces not designated for other tenants of the Building shall be available on a first come first serve basis. In the event that Tenant desires to reserve additional designated parking spaces for Tenant’s exclusive use, Tenant may request Landlord to designate additional designated parking spaces for Tenant’s use at a charge to be determined by Landlord, provided, however, Landlord shall have no obligation to grant any such additional parking spaces. There are 11 (eleven) Designated Parking Spaces assigned hereby for the exclusive use by Tenant which have been designated to the premises by the Building’s Declaration of Condominium.

 

ARTICLE VI

DELIVERY AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE PREMISES

 

1.     Tenant hereby accepts the Premises in its “As Is” “Where Is” “How Is” condition (subject to Landlord’s completion of the Landlord’s Work, and acknowledges that except for Landlord’s Work, Landlord has not made any representations or warranties with respect to the condition of the Premises and neither Landlord nor any assignee of Landlord shall be liable for any latent defect within the Premises.

 

2.     The taking of possession of the Premises on the Delivery Date by Tenant shall be conclusive evidence that the Premises were in good and satisfactory condition at the time such possession was taken. If Landlord shall give Tenant permission to enter into possession of the Premises prior to the Delivery Date, (i) such possession or occupancy shall be deemed to be upon all the terms, covenants, conditions, and provisions of this Lease; (ii) Tenant shall not interfere, hinder or otherwise obstruct Landlord’s Work; and (iii) such occupancy will not advance the Expiration Date. On the Delivery Date, if so requested by Landlord, Tenant shall execute a one- page agreement specifying the Delivery Date and, if applicable, acknowledging the completion of Landlord’s Work.

 

 

ARTICLE VII TENANT OBLIGATIONS

 

1.     Tenant's Obligations. Tenant shall maintain the Premises in good condition and repair, at its sole cost and expense. Tenant shall be responsible for any repairs necessary to Tenant’s Premises due to ordinary wear and tear (e.g. replacing light bulbs in ceiling fixtures). Tenant shall maintain the air conditioning/heating system in the Premises. Tenant shall keep and maintain both the office rooms and common area in the Premise and the systems and facilities serving the Premises, in good working order and shall make all repairs as and when needed in or about the Premise. Should any equipment or machinery breakdown or for any cause malfunction, Tenant must notify Landlord in writing when such repairs are required and Landlord will at its expense make all necessary repairs as soon as practically possible. If the tenant breaks appliances in unreasonable use then tenant will be responsible for repairing and/or replacing the appliance. In addition, tenant shall be responsible for cleaning services within the Premise and for maintaining the premise in a clean and presentable state at all times. In the event Tenant does not keep and maintain the Premises to Landlord's reasonable satisfaction or make any repairs or replacements (that Tenant is obligated to make) that are reasonably requested by Landlord within thirty(30) days of such written request by Landlord, then Landlord may, but is not obligated to, in addition to any other remedies it may have under law or this Lease, enter upon the Premises and maintain the Premises and/or make the said repairs or replacements itself, as the case may be, and charge the cost of such repairs or replacements to Tenant as Additional Rent together with interest at the maximum legal rate authorized by applicable law from the date of expenditure by Landlord to the date of payment by Tenant. Landlord represents and warrants that HVAC system and appliances and all other systems and facilities serving the Premises are in good working condition. Tenant will be responsible for paying electricity costs for the premise. Nonpayment of the electricity bill will result in defaulting on the lease.

 

Tenant waives all claims against Landlord for damage to person or property arising for any reason. Landlord shall not be liable for any damage to Tenant's property caused by (a) water from bursting or leaking pipes or waste-water about the Property unless caused by Landlord’s gross negligence; (b) an intentional or negligent act of any other tenant or occupant of the Building or the Property; (c) fire, hurricane or other acts of God; (d) riots or vandals; or (e) any other cause unless caused by Landlord’s gross negligence; all such risks shall be assumed by Tenant. Landlord shall not be required to furnish any services or facilities to, or to make any

repairs to or replacements or alterations of the Premises where necessitated due to the fault of Tenant, its officers, agents, invitees and employees, or other tenants and their agents or employees. Additionally, Tenant waives any and all claims of any kind, nature or description against Landlord arising out of the failure of Landlord from time to time to furnish any of the services requested to be furnished under this Lease that are beyond Landlord’s control including, without limitation, air conditioning, heat, electricity, elevator service, and restroom facilities. Base Rent includes water/sewer, and Tenant is not responsible for HOA assessments.

 

Prior to moving into premise, Tenant must complete the screening application for approval by the Building’s management company. This includes filling out the necessary paperwork for the application.

 

2.     Floor Loads; Noise and Vibration. Tenant shall not place a load upon any floor of the Premises which exceeds the load per square foot, which such floor was designed to carry or which is allowed by law. Business machines and mechanical equipment belonging to Tenant which cause noise, electrical interference or vibration that may be transmitted to the structure of the Building or to the Premises to such a degree as to be reasonably objectionable to Landlord shall, at Tenant's expense, be placed and maintained by Tenant in settings of cork, rubber, or spring-type vibration eliminators sufficient to eliminate as much as possible such noise, electrical interference or vibration. With respect to occupancy, Tenant shall at all times maintain an occupancy that does not exceed more than (1) one person per (100) one hundred square feet or the legal limit, whichever is stricter.

 

 

3.     Payment for Services. Tenant shall be solely responsible for and pay promptly, or cause to be paid promptly, all charges for: (i) utilities serving, supplied to or used by the Premises, including, but not limited to gas, electricity, light, heat, power, telephone and any other applicable utilities; and (ii) all telephone, television, cable and other communication expenses incurred in connection with Tenant's use of the Premises. Tenant shall pay for such services through: (i) payment to Landlord for such services that are paid by Landlord and billed to Tenant for reimbursement; and/or (ii) payment to such service provider directly, to the extent such services are not paid by Landlord and billed for reimbursement to Tenant. To the extent any services are furnished to the Premises pursuant to this Lease and such services are not separately metered, Tenant shall pay its proportionate share thereof, as reasonably determined by Landlord. Landlord is responsible for making HOA payments which includes water usage.

 

4.     Landlord Provided Information. Tenant acknowledges Landlord and its agents are not contractors or construction professionals ("Contractors"); however, to effectuate certain obligations of Landlord under this Lease, Landlord from time to time may need to retain Contractors. In addition, while Landlord’s goal is to deliver accurate information and keep Tenant reasonably informed, Tenant acknowledges and except to the extent such matters are within Landlords control, holds Landlord harmless with respect to any misconstrued, inaccurate or wrong information and such indemnity shall include, but not be limited to, any costs, expenses or damages Tenant suffers as a result of such information delivered by Landlord with respect to any construction related work, completion dates, permit dates, delays, change orders, code violations or other unforeseen obstacles or delays with respect to the completion of any work to be performed by said Contractors.

 

ARTICLE VIII LANDLORD'S AND TENANT'S PROPERTY

 

1.     Landlord's Property. All fixtures, equipment, improvements and appurtenances attached to or built into the Premises at the commencement of, or during the Term of this Lease, including carpeting or other similar personal property, whether or not by or at the expense of Tenant, shall be and remain a part of the Premises and shall be deemed the property of Landlord ("Landlord's Property") and shall not be removed by Tenant except as set forth in this Lease. All furniture in place in the premise, prior to the execution of the lease, including but not limited to tables, chairs, kitchen supplies, television sets will remain the Landlord’s property.

 

2.     Tenant's Property. Notwithstanding subparagraph 1 above, all furniture, furnishings and other articles of moveable personal property owned as well as all business and trade fixtures, machinery and equipment, communications equipment and office equipment, whether or not attached to or built into the

Premises, which are installed or located in the Premises by Tenant during the Lease Term without any expense to Landlord and which can be removed without any damage (superficial, structural or otherwise) to any fixture, Tenant improvement, the Premises or to the Building (collectively, "Tenant's Property") shall be and shall remain the property of Tenant and may be removed by Tenant at any time during the Term of this Lease so long as Tenant's payment obligations under this Lease are current and no material default exists under this Lease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall "Tenant's Property" include floor coverings or window, wall and ceiling treatments or any items that were acquired, installed, constructed, maintained or operated at any cost whatsoever to Landlord. Tenant shall promptly repair any damage to the Premises caused by Tenant's removal of the Tenant's Property.

 

3.     Removal of Tenant's Property. At or before the Expiration Date of this Lease, or within five (5) days after any earlier termination of this Lease, Tenant, at its expense, shall remove from the Premises all of Tenant's Property, and Tenant shall repair any damage to the Premises or the Building resulting from any installation and/or removal of Tenant's Property, and shall restore the Premises to the same physical condition and layout as they existed after Landlord Work at the time Tenant was given possession of the Premises, reasonable wear and tear excepted. Any items of Tenant's Property which shall remain in the Premises after the Expiration Date of this Lease, or the earlier termination of this Lease, may, at the option of Landlord, in addition to any other rights afforded Landlord under the Lease, be deemed to have been abandoned, and in such case, such items may be retained by, or otherwise disposed of by Landlord.

 

4.     Removal of Electrical Equipment. Without limiting the generality of subparagraph 3 above and in connection with its obligations set forth in this Article X, Tenant specifically acknowledges that it shall be solely responsible prior to the expiration or earlier termination of the Lease for the removal of all of its computer and telecommunication-related equipment, including but not limited to, all wiring and cabling installed in connection with such equipment, unless Landlord, in its sole discretion, consents in writing to Tenant leaving such equipment, wiring or cabling at the Premises. Tenant agrees that any cabling or wiring installed during the Lease Term shall be subject to Landlord’s prior consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, and shall comply, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, with all the requirements of the National Electric Code (NEC) and applicable Laws and fire and safety codes. In the event that Tenant fails to remove all of its cabling and wiring from the Premises in accordance with the terms contained in this Lease, in addition to any other rights afforded Landlord under this Lease, Landlord shall be entitled, in its sole discretion, to remove such wiring, and Tenant shall promptly reimburse Landlord for all sums incurred by Landlord for such removal, plus an administrative fee of fifteen percent (15%) of the cost of such removal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall not remove any electrical outlets, light or power switches or other electrical fixtures, wiring or cable that was located within the Premises as of the Effective Date or otherwise installed by Landlord in the Premises during the Lease Term.

 

 

5.     Landlord's Lien and Security Interest. As security for the performance of Tenant's obligations under this Lease, Tenant hereby grants to Landlord a security interest in, and Landlord's lien upon, all of Tenant's Property located in the Premises. Tenant agrees to promptly execute any and all UCC-1 Financing Statements necessary to effectuate this provision. In the event Tenant fails to execute said UCC-1 Financing Statement for any reason or such UCC-1 Financing Statement does not require Tenant’s signature to be filed, Tenant hereby irrevocably appoints Landlord as Tenant's attorney-in-fact and empowers Landlord to execute on Tenant's behalf a UCC-1 Financing Statement, renewals and terminations of such financing statement, for the purpose of perfecting Landlord's security interest as provided in this subparagraph 5 or as otherwise provided by law. The lien and security interest granted in this subparagraph 5 is given in addition to the Landlord's statutory lien and shall be cumulative to such statutory lien.

 

 

ARTICLE IX INSURANCE

 

 

 

1.

Tenant's Insurance.

 

A.     During the Term of this Lease, Tenant shall maintain insurance against public liability, including that from personal injury or property damage in or about the Premises resulting from the occupation, use or operation of the Premises, insuring both Landlord and Tenant, in an amount of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) Combined Single Limit for both bodily injury and property damage.

 

B.     Tenant shall maintain insurance upon all property in the Premises owned by Tenant, or for which Tenant is legally liable, and shall provide Landlord with evidence of such insurance. The insurance specified herein shall provide protection against perils included within the standard Florida form of fire and extended coverage insurance policy, together with insurance against vandalism and malicious mischief.

 

C.     All policies of insurance provided for herein shall be issued in a form acceptable to Landlord by insurance companies with general policyholder's rating of "A" as rated in the most current available "Best's Insurance Reports", and qualified to do business in Florida. Each and every such policy:

 

(i)     shall be issued in the name of Tenant and shall name Landlord and any other parties in interest designated in writing by notice from Landlord to Tenant as additional insured, and to the extent necessary to ensure that the additional insured are afforded maximum coverage under the applicable insurance policies, Tenant will obtain any necessary endorsements to the insurance policies (e.g., without limitation, CG 20 11 Additional Insured – Managers or Lessors of Premises endorsement);

 

(ii)     shall be for the mutual and joint benefit and protection of Landlord and Tenant and any such other parties in interest as additional insured;

 

(iii)     shall be delivered to Landlord and any such other parties in interest designated by Landlord on or before the Delivery Date and after such Delivery Date, within 30 days prior to the expiration of each policy, and as often as any such policy shall expire or terminate, renewal or additional policies shall be procured and maintained in like manner and to like extent;

 

(iv)     shall contain a provision that the insurer will give to Landlord and such other parties in interest designated by Landlord at least 30 days notice in writing in advance of any cancellation, termination or lapse, or the effective date of any reduction in the amount of insurance;

 

(v)     shall be written as a primary policy which does not contribute to and is not in excess of coverage which Landlord may carry; and

 

(vi)     shall contain a provision that Landlord and any such other parties in interest, although named as an insured, shall nevertheless be entitled to recover under said policies for any loss occasioned to it, its servants, officers, agents, invitees and employees by reason of the negligence of Tenant.

 

D.     Any insurance provided for in this Article IX may be maintained by means of a policy or policies of blanket insurance, provided, however, that: (i) Landlord and any other parties in interest from time to time designated by Landlord to Tenant shall be named as an additional insured under such blanket policy of insurance as their respective interest may appear; (ii) the coverage afforded Landlord and any such other parties in interest will not be reduced or diminished by reason of the use of such blanket policy of insurance; and (iii) the requirements set forth in this Article IX are otherwise satisfied.

 

E.     These insurance requirements are subject to reasonable modification that does not have financial impact on the Tenant in the event, and to the extent any mortgagee of Landlord requires different insurance. In such event, the requirements of such mortgagee shall control. In addition, not more than once in

any 3 year period, if, in the reasonable opinion of Landlord, the amount of liability insurance required under Article IX should not be adequate, Tenant will increase said insurance coverage as required by Landlord.

 

F.     Tenant waives any and all rights of recovery against Landlord, or against the officers, employees, agents and representatives of Landlord, for loss of or damage to Tenant or its property of others under its control to the extent that such loss or damage is insured against under any insurance policy in force at the time of such loss or damages.

 

2.     Destruction of the Premises or Building. If, during the Lease Term, the Premises and/or the Building are damaged by reason of fire or other casualty, Tenant shall give immediate notice to Landlord of such damage. Subject to the prior rights of any Superior Mortgagee (as defined hereinafter), Landlord shall restore the Premises to substantially the same condition they were in immediately before said destruction. If, in Landlord’s reasonable discretion and based on objective information received from a qualified contractor, the restoration can be accomplished within one hundred eighty (180) working days after the date Landlord receives notice of the destruction, such destruction shall not terminate this Lease. If, in Landlord's reasonable discretion, and based on objective information received from a qualified contractor the restoration cannot be performed within the time stated in this paragraph, then within ninety (90) days after Landlord determines that the restoration cannot be completed within said time and informs Tenant of the same, either party may terminate this Lease upon thirty (30) days notice to the other party. If Tenant fails to terminate this Lease within such ninety (90) days period and restoration is permitted under existing laws, Landlord, at its election, may restore the Premises, within a reasonable period of time, and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect. Rent and any other amounts payable under this Lease shall be abated during the period in which the Premises (or portion thereof on a prorated basis) are rendered untenantable as a result of such damage, unless said damage was caused by the negligence or intentional wrongful act of Tenant or its officers, employees, agents or invitees. Should Landlord elect to terminate this Lease, the entire insurance proceeds shall be and remain the outright property of Landlord (unless any damage was caused by the gross negligence or intentional wrongful act of Landlord or its officers, employees, agents), subject to the prior rights of any mortgagee and except any proceeds received for Tenant’s Property, or proceeds received from Tenant’s business interruption insurance, if any. Notwithstanding anything within this Lease to the contrary, Landlord’s obligation to rebuild and/or repair the Premises shall be limited to the extent of the insurance proceeds available to Landlord for such restoration and, further, shall exclude any obligation with regard to improvements in the Premises paid for by Tenant, the personal property of Tenant and the trade fixtures of Tenant. Notwithstanding anything in this Article IX to the contrary, in the event that the damage specified in this paragraph was caused by the gross negligence or intentional wrongful act of Landlord or its officers, employees, agents or invitees, Tenant shall have the right to forthwith terminate the Lease.

 

 

ARTICLE X

RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL

If at any time during the term of this Lease described herein, or during any extension thereof, Landlord desires to sell the premise to a third party from whom Landlord receives a bona fide written offer to Purchase the Premises, the Landlord shall promptly give written notice (the “Notice”) to the tenant. The Notice shall state the identity of the third-party offeror, the Purchase terms (the “Offer”) and the other terms and conditions of the Offer. Tenant shall then have an exclusive right of first refusal for then thirty (30) days to elect to purchase the premises from Landlord upon the same terms and conditions as set forth in the Offer (the time for which shall begin to run from Tenant’s delivery of notice exercising the right of first refusal), and for the Offer subject to the following terms:

 

 

a)

The right of first refusal expires one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the expiration of the lease

 

b)

Excludes family transfers or purchases, or to other entities owned by Landlord

 

c)

Tenant has 30 days from date of notice to exercise this right of first refusal

 

d)

Sign a purchase contract for the premise within 15 days of exercising right of first refusal

 

e)

Provided Tenant is not in breach of material terms and conditions of this Lease beyond any applicable cure periods

 

f)

This option shall be void if more than two previous events of Major default of any terms and conditions of this Lease on the part of the Tenant were not cured after expiration of applicable

cure periods. Major default being defined as failure to make rent payment on time or damage caused to property by tenant and inability or unwillingness to fix the damage.

 

g)

This right is exclusive to Tenant, or a company wholly owned and controlled by the Tenant, and may not be assigned or transferred.

 

No sale of the Premises to any third party shall impact this Lease or Tenant’s rights hereunder.

 

ARTICLE XI

ALTERATIONS AND MECHANIC'S LIENS

 

1.     Alterations by Tenant. No alterations to the Premises shall be made by Tenant without Landlord's prior written consent which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

2.     Mechanic’s, Materialman’s and Laborer’s Liens Tenant will not permit liens to be created nor to remain undischarged of any lien, encumbrance or charge arising out of any work of any contractor, mechanic, laborer or materialman which might be or become a lien, encumbrance or charge upon the Premises or the Property or the income from the Premises or the Property. Tenant will not permit any other matter or thing whereby the estate, right and interest of the Landlord in the Premises or in the Property might be impaired. If any lien or notice of lien on account of an alleged debt of Tenant or any notice of contract by a party engaged by Tenant or Tenant's contractor to work in the Premises is filed against the Premises or the Property, then Tenant will, within ten (10) days after notice of such item being filed, cause the same to be discharged of record by payment, deposit, bond, order of court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise. If Tenant should fail to cause such lien or notice of lien to be discharged within the 10-day period provided, Landlord, in addition to any other rights or remedies, may, but will not be obligated to, discharge the same by either paying the amount claimed to be due or by procuring the discharge of such lien by deposit or by bonding proceedings. Any amount paid by Landlord and all costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred by Landlord in connection with obtaining such discharge, together with interest thereon at the maximum rate permitted by law or 18% percent per annum, whichever is lower (for Landlord's service and overhead costs), from the date of payment or incurring of the cost and expense, will be paid by Tenant to Landlord on demand.

 

THE INTEREST OF LANDLORD IN THE PREMISES SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO LIENS FOR IMPROVEMENTS MADE BY OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF TENANT.

 

ARTICLE XII ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING

 

 

1.

Tenant's Transfer.

 

A.     Tenant shall not voluntarily assign or encumber its interest in this Lease or in the Premises, or sublease all or any part of the Premises, or allow any other person or entity to occupy or use all or any part of the Premises, without first obtaining Landlord's written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Landlord may reasonably refuse an assignment if the proposed assignee is not financially qualified. Any assignment, encumbrance or sublease without Landlord's prior written consent shall be voidable and, at Landlord's election, shall constitute a default of this Lease.

 

B.     If Tenant is a business entity (e.g., without limitation, partnership, company or corporation, etc.), Tenant may assign its interests in this Lease to any of its affiliated entities or successors in interest, subject to Landlord’s reasonable consent as expressed in Subparagraph A. Any conveyance of any interest in Tenant shall constitute an assignment of this Lease, which Landlord may reasonably refuse the assignment if the proposed assignor is not financially qualified.

 

 

C.     Tenant agrees to pay Landlord’s reasonable attorneys’ fees up to $1,000- incurred by it in connection with Landlord’s attorneys’ review and preparation of any documentation regarding Tenant’s proposed sublease, assignment or transfer.

 

D.     Any assignment consented to by Landlord shall be evidenced by a validly executed assignment and assumption of lease agreement, upon such terms and provisions as shall be reasonably agreed by the parties thereto.

 

2.     Tenant's Liability. Notwithstanding any assignment or sublease, and notwithstanding the acceptance of Rent by Landlord from any such assignee or sublessee, Tenant shall continue to remain liable for the payment of Rent under this Lease and for the performance of all of the agreements, conditions, covenants and terms contained in this Lease.

 

 

3.

Intentionally Delated

 

4.     Landlord's Transfer. Landlord shall have the right to sell, assign, mortgage or otherwise encumber or dispose of Landlord's interest in the Building, the Property, the Premises and this Lease subject to the right of first refusal granted to tenant hereunder in Article X, so long as Landlord’s successor in interest acknowledges to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Lease. In the event of any such disposition, Landlord shall have no further liability or obligation to Tenant under this Lease. Landlord’s obligation to return Tenant’s Security Deposit shall also cease upon any sale, assignment, mortgage, or other disposition of its interest in the Building, the Property, the Premises, or this Lease so long as the Landlord has transferred said Security Deposit to such purchaser, assignee, or mortgagee and such successor in interest acknowledges receipt of the Security Deposit and that it is subject to the terms and conditions of this Lease.

 

ARTICLE XIII

RIGHT OF LANDLORD TO PERFORM TENANT'S COVENANTS

 

1.     Payment or Performance. Following tenant’s default and failure to cure within applicable cure period after receipt of written notice from Landlord, Landlord shall have the right, upon ten (10) days prior written notice to Tenant (or without notice in the case of emergency) to make any payment or perform any act required of Tenant under any provision in this Lease, and in exercising such right, to incur necessary and incidental costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees. Nothing herein shall imply any obligation on the part of Landlord to make any payment or perform any act required of Tenant, and the exercise of the right to do so shall not constitute a release of any obligation, waiver of any default or obligation of Landlord to make any similar payment or perform any similar act in the future.

 

2.     Reimbursement. All payments made, and all costs and expenses incurred in connection with Landlord's exercise of the right set forth in subparagraph 1 above, shall be reimbursed by Tenant within ten (10) days after receipt of a bill setting forth the amounts so expended, and such invoiced amount shall accrue interest after such ten (10) day period at the lesser of 18% per year or the maximum amount permitted by law. Any such payments, costs and expenses made or incurred by Landlord shall be treated as Additional Rent owed by Tenant.

 

ARTICLE XIV

NON-LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

 

1.     Non-Liability of Landlord. Neither Landlord, nor any joint venture partner, officer, director, agent, servant or employee of Landlord, nor any Superior Mortgagee (as defined hereinafter), shall be liable to Tenant for any loss, injury, or damage to Tenant or to any other person, or to its property, irrespective of the cause of such injury, damage or loss, unless caused by or resulting from the gross negligence of Landlord, in the operation or maintenance of the Premises or the Building. Tenant agrees that any Superior Mortgagee will not be liable to Tenant for injury, damage or loss caused by or resulting from the negligence of Landlord. Further, neither Landlord, nor any Superior Mortgagee, nor any joint venture partner, director, officer, agent, servant or employee of Landlord shall be liable; (a) for any damage caused by other tenants or persons in, upon or about the Building or caused by operations in construction of any private, public or quasi-public work; or (b) for incidental or consequential damages or lost profits arising out of any loss of use of the Premises or any equipment or facilities therein by Tenant or any person claiming through or under Tenant.

 

2.     Indemnification by Tenant. From the Effective Date through the duration of the Lease Term, Tenant shall indemnify and hold Landlord and all Superior Mortgagees (as defined hereinafter) and its or their

respective joint venture partners, directors, officers, agents, employees and invitees, harmless against and from any and all claims from or in connection with the following, unless caused by Landlord's gross negligence: (a) the conduct or management of the Property or any business therein, or any condition created in or about the Property; (b) any act, omission or negligence of Tenant or any of its subtenants or licensees or its or their partners, directors, officers, agents, employees or contractors; (c) any accident, injury or damage whatsoever (unless caused by Landlord's gross negligence) occurring in, at or upon the Premises; and (d) any breach or default by Tenant in the full and prompt payment and performance of Tenant's obligations under this Lease, together with all costs, expenses and liabilities incurred in or in connection with each such claim, action or proceeding brought against Landlord and/or its employees, including, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses. In case any action or proceeding is brought against Landlord or a Superior Mortgagee, Tenant, upon notice from Landlord or such Superior Mortgagee, shall resist and defend such action or proceeding at Tenant’s sole cost and expense.

 

3.     Independent Obligations; Force Majeure. The obligations of Tenant hereunder shall not be affected, impaired or excused, nor shall Landlord have any liability whatsoever to Tenant, unless caused by Landlord's gross negligence, because; (a) Landlord is unable to fulfill, or is delayed in fulfilling, any of its obligations under this Lease by reason of strike, other labor trouble, governmental preemption of priorities or other controls or shortages of fuel, supplies, labor or materials, acts of God or any other cause, whether similar or dissimilar, beyond Landlord's reasonable control; or (b) of any failure or defect in the supply, quantity or character of electricity or water furnished to the Premises by reason of any requirement, act or omission of the public utility or others serving the Building with electric energy, steam, oil, gas or water, or for any other reason whether similar or dissimilar, beyond Landlord's reasonable control. Tenant shall not hold Landlord liable for any latent defect in the Property or the Building, nor shall Landlord be liable unless caused by Landlord's gross negligence, for injury or damage to person or property caused by fire, theft, or resulting from the operation of elevators, heating or air conditioning or lighting apparatus, or from falling plaster, ceiling tiles or insulation, or from steam, gas, electricity, water, rain or dampness, which may leak or flow from any part of the Building or Property, or from the pipes, appliances or plumbing work of the same.

 

4.     Exculpation of Landlord. Landlord's obligations and liability to Tenant with respect to this Lease shall be limited solely to Landlord's interest in the Property and neither Landlord nor any of the partners of Landlord, nor any officer, director or shareholder of Landlord, shall have any personal liability whatsoever with respect to this Lease.

 

5.     Superior Mortgage and Superior Mortgagee. "Superior Mortgage" means any mortgage, long-term lease or other encumbrance to which this Lease is subject and subordinate. "Superior Mortgagee" means any holder of a Superior Mortgage.

 

ARTICLE XV DEFAULT

 

1.     Events of Default. A default shall be deemed to have occurred under this Lease if any one or more of the following events shall occur:

 

A.     Tenant shall fail to pay any installment of the Rent or any other expenses called for under this Lease as and when the same shall become due and payable; or

 

B.     Tenant shall default in the performance of or compliance with any of the other terms or provisions of this Lease and such default shall continue for a period of ten (10) days after Landlord shall have delivered written notice of such default to Tenant, or, if such default cannot reasonably be cured within such initial ten (10) day period, if Tenant shall fail to commence curing the default within such initial ten (10) day period or fail to diligently prosecute the cure to completion within a commercially reasonable period of time, but in no event longer than thirty (30) days after Tenant’s original receipt of written notice from Landlord; or

 

C.     Tenant shall assign, transfer, mortgage or encumber this Lease or sublet the Premises in a manner not permitted by Article XII; or

 

 

 

12

TENANT’S INITIALS

 

LANDLORD’S INITIALS

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.     Tenant shall file a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or should any Order for Relief be entered against Tenant, or shall Tenant file any petition or answer seeking any arrangement, reorganization, composition, readjustment or similar relief under any present or future bankruptcy or other applicable law, or shall seek or consent to or acquiesce in the appointment of any trustee, receiver or liquidator of Tenant of all or any substantial part of Tenant's properties; or

 

E.     If any creditor of Tenant shall file a petition in bankruptcy against Tenant or for reorganization of Tenant, under state or federal law, and if such petition is not discharged within ninety (90) days after the date on which it is filed; or

 

F.     Tenant shall vacate or abandon the Premises, then, and in such event, or during the continuation of such abandonment, Landlord may, at its option, by written notice to Tenant, designate a date not less than ten (10) days from the giving of such notice on which this Lease shall end, and on such date designated by Landlord, this Lease and all rights of Tenant hereunder shall terminate. Such termination by Landlord shall not affect the remedies of Landlord provided in this Lease.

 

2.     Surrender of Premises. Upon any termination of this Lease, Tenant shall surrender the Premises to Landlord, and Landlord, at any time after such termination, may, without further notice, re-enter and repossess the Premises without being liable to any prosecution or damages for such re-entrance or repossession by Landlord, and no person claiming through or under Tenant or by virtue of any statute or of any order of any court shall be entitled to possession of the Premises.

 

3.     Reletting. At any time or from time to time after any such termination of this Lease, Landlord may relet the Premises or any part thereof, in the name of Landlord or otherwise, for such term or terms and on such conditions as Landlord, in its sole discretion, may determine, and may collect and receive the rents therefore. Landlord shall not be responsible or liable for any failure to relet all or any portion of the Premises or for any failure to collect any rent due upon such reletting.

 

4.     Survival of Obligations. No termination, pursuant to this Article XVI, shall relieve Tenant of its liability and obligations under this Lease, and such liability and obligations shall survive any such termination.

 

5.     Holdover. Should Tenant hold over and remain in possession of the Premises at the expiration of any Term hereby created, Tenant shall, by virtue of this Section, become a tenant-at-sufferance. Said tenancy shall be subject to all the conditions and covenants of this Lease as though the same had been a tenancy-at- sufferance instead of a tenancy as provided in this Lease, and Tenant shall give to Landlord at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of any intention to remove from the Premises, and shall be entitled to ten (10) days prior notice of any intention of Landlord to remove Tenant from the Premises in the event Landlord desires possession of the Premises; provided, however, that said tenant-at-sufferance shall not be entitled to ten (10) days notice in the event the said Rent is not paid in advance without demand, the said ten (10) days written notice being hereby expressly waived

 

ARTICLE XVI REMEDIES

 

1.     Remedies. Upon the occurrence of any event of default, Landlord and Tenant shall be entitled to all remedies available to it under Florida law, including, but not limited to, the filing of suit for the recovery of all monetary damages sustained by Landlord or Tenant as a result thereof. In addition to its statutory and common law remedies in the event of a default by Tenant, Landlord shall also be entitled, at its option, to exercise any one or more of the following remedies all of which may only be exercise after at least 10 days written notice to Tenant and after expiration of all applicable cure periods:

 

A.     Termination. Landlord shall be entitled to declare this Lease terminated and the Lease Term ended and/or shall have the immediate right of re-entry and may remove all persons and property from the Premises in accordance with Florida law and such property may be removed and stored in a public warehouse or elsewhere at the cost of, and for the account of Tenant, without evidence of notice and

 

 

13

TENANT’S INITIALS

 

LANDLORD’S INITIALS

 

 

 

 

 

 

without being deemed guilty of trespass or becoming liable for any loss or damage which may be occasioned thereby so long as all actions taken by Landlord were in accordance with Florida law.

 

B.     Right to Re-Let. Landlord may elect to re-enter the Premises, either by taking possession pursuant to legal proceedings or otherwise, and may either terminate this Lease or it may from time to time, without terminating this Lease, make such alterations and repairs as may be necessary in order to re-let the Premises, and re-let the Premises or any part of the Premises for such term or terms (which may be for a term extending beyond the term of this Lease) and at such rental or rentals and upon such other terms and conditions as Landlord in its sole discretion may deem advisable. Upon each such re-letting all rentals and other sums received by Landlord from such re-letting shall be applied, first, to the payment of any indebtedness other than Rent due pursuant to this Lease from Tenant to Landlord; second, to the payment of any costs and expenses of such re-letting, including reasonable brokerage fees and attorneys’ fees and of costs of such alterations and repairs and costs of moving other tenants in the Building in order to re-let the Premises, such as repairs and alterations to other portions of the Building or reduced rental from other tenants; third, to the payment of Rent and other charges due and unpaid under this Lease; and the residue, if any, shall be held by Landlord and applied in payment of future Rent as the same may become due and payable hereunder. If such rentals and other sums received from such re-letting during any month be less than that to be paid during that month by Tenant hereunder, Tenant shall pay such deficiency to Landlord. Such deficiency shall be calculated and paid monthly. Tenant shall in no event be entitled to any rent collected or payable upon any re-letting, whether or not such rent shall exceed the Rent reserved in this Lease. No such re-entry or taking possession of the Premises by Landlord shall be construed as an election on its part to terminate this Lease unless a written notice of such intention be given to Tenant or unless the termination thereof be decreed by a court of competent jurisdiction. Notwithstanding any such re-letting without termination, Landlord may at any time hereafter elect to terminate this Lease for such previous breach. Should Landlord at any time terminate this Lease for any breach, in addition to any other remedies it may have, it may recover from Tenant all damages it may incur by reason of such breach, including the cost of recovering the Premises and reasonable attorney’s fees, which amount shall be immediately due and payable from Tenant to Landlord.

 

C.     Acceleration. Landlord may, without notice or demand, accelerate and declare all Rent, including Additional Rent, to become immediately due and payable and bring suit for the collection of the same and for damages, as hereinafter described, without entering into possession of the Premises or terminating this Lease. The amount of expenses (Additional Rent) and other sums to become due under this Lease shall be those amounts payable during the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding default, multiplied by the number of years, or a portion thereof, remaining in the Term at the date of default.

 

D.     Additional Charges. In addition to the amounts recoverable by Landlord from Tenant as described above, Landlord may, upon a default by Tenant hereunder, recover damages from Tenant for brokerage fees and attorneys’ fees and costs, plus such other amounts in addition to or in lieu of any other damages as may be permitted by the laws of the State of Florida, plus interest thereon at the maximum rate permitted by law.

 

E.     Waiver of Notice. Landlord may foreclose on the lien described in Article XI.2 of this Lease and enter the Premises and take possession of any and all goods, equipment, fixtures, furniture and other personal property of Tenant situated on the Premises without liability for trespass or conversion, and sell the same at public or private sale, with or without having such property at the sale, at which Landlord or its assigns may purchase and apply the proceeds thereof, less any and all expenses connected with the taking of possession and sale of the property, as a credit against any sums due by Tenant to Landlord so long as same was conducted in accordance with Florida law.

 

F.     Attorneys' Fees. With respect to any default or failure to perform on the part of Tenant, or any other dispute between Tenant and Landlord arising out of this Lease, Landlord shall be entitled to recover all costs incurred, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, which shall include, but not be limited to, such fees incurred prior to the institution of litigation or in litigation, including trial and appellate review, and in arbitration, bankruptcy or other administrative or judicial proceedings, and such costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees incurred by or on behalf of Landlord shall constitute Rent under this Lease and shall be paid upon written

demand for the same. In addition, from time to time, Tenant will pay, on demand, all expenses (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel for Landlord) relating to any request or demand made, or notice given by Tenant pursuant to the terms of this Lease, including, without limitation, under Articles VII, XIII, XX and XXIV. The prevailing party in any action or proceeding in court or mutually agreed upon arbitration proceeding to enforce the terms of this Lease is entitled to receive its reasonable attorneys' fees and other reasonable costs and expenses from the non-prevailing party.

 

G.     Landlord’s Rights. The rights and remedies granted within this Article are distinct, separate and cumulative remedies, and the exercise of any of them will not be deemed to exclude the Landlord’s right to exercise any or all of the other rights afforded Landlord. All charges payable by Tenant under the terms of this Lease will be deemed rent for the purpose of Landlord exercising its remedies.

 

H.     No Waiver. No waiver of any covenant or condition or of the breach of any covenant or condition of this Lease will be taken to constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach of such covenant or condition nor to justify or authorize the nonobservance on any other occasion of the same or of any other covenant or condition of this Lease. In addition, acceptance of Rent by Landlord at any time when Tenant is in default under any covenant or condition of this Lease shall not be construed as a waiver of such default or of Landlord’s right to terminate the Lease on account of such default, nor will any waiver or indulgence granted by Landlord to Tenant be taken as an estoppel against Landlord, it being expressly understood that if at any time Tenant should be in default under this Lease, an acceptance by Landlord of Rent during the continuance of such default or the failure on the part of Landlord to promptly avail itself of such other rights or remedies as Landlord may have will not be construed as a waiver of such default and under such circumstances regardless of such acceptance of Rent, Landlord may terminate the Lease at any time should such default continue.

 

I.     Tenant's Remedies. In the event of a Landlord default under this Lease, Tenant's remedies shall include consequential damages, punitive damages and Tenant shall have no right to terminate this Lease except as otherwise stated herein. Subject to the previous sentence, Tenant shall have all rights and remedies under applicable law.

 

J.     Landlord’s Remedies. In the event of a Tenant’s default under this Lease, Landlord’s remedies shall include consequential damages, punitive damages and Landlord shall have no right to terminate this Lease except as otherwise stated herein. Subject to the previous sentence, Landlord shall have all rights and remedies under applicable law.

 

ARTICLE XVII EMINENT DOMAIN

 

1.     Taking. If any part of the Property should be permanently or temporarily taken, condemned or transferred by agreement in lieu of condemnation for any public or quasi-public use or purpose by any competent authority, whether or not the Lease is terminated, the entire compensation award for such taking, both leasehold and reversion, will be the property of Landlord without any deduction from such award for any present or future estate of Tenant. In addition, Tenant will execute all documents required to evidence such result.

 

2.     Effect on Lease. If the entire Premises should be permanently taken, condemned or transferred as contemplated in subparagraph 1 above, the Lease will terminate as of the time possession of the Premises vests in the condemning authority. In addition, if a portion of the Premises should be permanently taken, condemned or transferred, Landlord or tenant may elect to terminate the Lease or, at its own expense, to repair and restore the portion not affected by the taking, in which latter event the Rent will be reduced in proportion to the area taken, effective at the time possession of the Premises vests in the condemning authority. If all or a portion of the Premises should be temporarily taken, condemned or transferred, Rent will be abated during the period of such temporary taking by the amount Landlord receives from the condemning authority to compensate it for the use of the Premises.

 

3.     Common Area Taking. If all or a portion of the Common Area should be permanently or temporarily taken, condemned or transferred, whether or not the Lease is terminated, the entire compensation for such taking, both leasehold and reversion, will be the property of Landlord without any deduction for any

present or future estate of Tenant and Tenant hereby assigns to Landlord all its right, title and interest to any such award. Tenant will execute all documents required to evidence such result. In the event any portion of the Common Area should be taken to such an extent that Landlord, in its sole discretion, should elect to discontinue operation of the Property, Landlord may terminate the Lease.

 

ARTICLE XVIII QUIET ENJOYMENT

 

Landlord agrees that Tenant, upon paying all Rent and all other charges this Lease provides for and observing and keeping the covenants, agreements, terms and conditions of this Lease and the rules and regulations of Landlord affecting the Premises on its part to be performed, shall lawfully and quietly hold, occupy and enjoy the Premises during the Lease Term, expressly subject to the terms, limitations and conditions contained in this Lease.

 

ARTICLE XIX SUBORDINATION AND ATTORNMENT

 

1.     Subordination. To ensure that any current or future Superior Mortgagee has priority over Tenant and the lien of this Lease, this Lease is subordinate to any Superior Mortgage or any other hypothecation for security now or hereafter placed upon the real property of which the Premises are a part and to any and all advances made on the security thereof and to all renewals, modifications, consolidations, replacements and extensions thereof. This subordination is self-operative, and no further instrument of subordination will be required for any purpose. If any mortgagee or ground lessor should elect to have the Lease prior to the lien of its mortgage or ground lease, and should give written notice thereof to Tenant, the Lease will be deemed prior to such mortgage or ground lease, whether the Lease is dated prior or subsequent to the date of said mortgage or ground lease. Tenant agrees to execute any reasonable documents required to evidence such subordination or to make the Lease prior to the lien of any mortgage or ground lease, as the case may be, provided, however, that should any Superior Mortgagee foreclose upon the property including the Premises, and Tenant attorn to it or subsequent purchaser, the lender or subsequent purchase shall honor the terms of the Lease.

 

2.     Attornment.     Upon request of Landlord, Tenant will, in the event any proceedings are brought for the foreclosure of, or in the event of exercise of the power of sale under any mortgage made by Landlord covering the Premises, attorn to the purchaser (i.e. recognize as landlord) upon any such foreclosure or sale and recognize such purchaser as the Landlord under the Lease.

 

3.     Cooperation. If, in connection with obtaining financing for the real property of which the Premises are a part, a banking, insurance or other recognized institutional lender should request reasonable modifications in the Lease as a condition to such financing, Tenant will not unreasonably withhold, delay or defer its consent to such modification, provided that such modifications do not increase the financial or other obligations of Tenant under this Lease, or adversely affect the leasehold interest hereby created or Tenant's use and enjoyment of the Premises.

 

ARTICLE XX LANDLORD'S RIGHT OF ACCESS

 

1.     Access for Maintenance, Repair, Showings and Inspection. Landlord and its agents will have the right to enter upon the Premises at reasonable times upon at least 24 hours- notice for the purposes of inspecting the same, showing the same to prospective purchasers, lenders, or lessees, and making such alterations, repairs, improvements or additions to the Premises or to the Building as Landlord may deem reasonably necessary and desirable. In Landlord's sole discretion, Landlord may install, maintain and operate pipes, ducts and conduits in and through the Premises. Landlord may at any time place on or about the Premises any ordinary "For Sale" signs and the Landlord may at any time during the last 180 days of the Lease Term place on or about the Premises any ordinary "For Lease" signs and exhibit the Premises to prospective Tenants upon reasonable notice to Tenant, all without rebate of rent or liability to Tenant.

 

2.     Landlord's Alterations and Improvements. If, at any time, any windows of the Premises are temporarily darkened or obstructed by reason of any repairs, improvements, maintenance and/or cleaning in or about the Building, or if any part of the Building, other than the Premises, is temporarily or permanently closed or inoperable, the same shall be without liability to Landlord and without any reduction or diminution of Tenant's obligations under this Lease. Landlord reserves the right to make such changes, alterations, additions and improvements in or to the Property and the improvements, fixtures and equipment located on the Property, as Landlord shall deem reasonably necessary or desirable, so long as any work is done at such times and in such manner as to be least disruptive to Tenant, and no such alterations or changes shall be deemed a breach of Landlord's covenant of quiet enjoyment or a constructive eviction.

 

ARTICLE XXI SIGNS AND OBSTRUCTION

 

1.     Signs. Landlord shall provide signage on the centrally located directory within the Building and, at Tenant’s sole expense, at Tenant's entrance, and all such signage shall be subject to Landlord's reasonable approval and is subject to all appropriate governmental approvals and any applicable Laws. Tenant shall not display any other signage or advertising matter within the Premises or on the Property that is visible from the exterior of the Premises or the Building.

 

2.     Obstruction. Tenant shall not obstruct the corridors, elevators, stairs, common areas, sidewalks, parking lots or other public portions of the Building or the Property in any manner whatsoever.

 

ARTICLE XXII NOTICES

 

1.     Notices. Any notice or other information required or authorized by this Lease to be given by either Party to the other may be given by hand with receipt; sent by facsimile transmission; by certified prepaid mail, return receipt requested; or by nationally recognized overnight courier service, to the other Party at their applicable Notice Address (as defined hereinafter). Each party may change their respective Notice Address at any time by giving prior written notice delivered in accordance with this Article XXIII. Any notice or information given pursuant to this Article XIII shall be deemed to have been given when received by the Party to whom it has been directed. "Notice Address" means Landlord's Notice Address or Tenant's Notice Address, individually and as the context may require.

2.     Accounts Receivable Emails. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in subparagraph 1 of this Article XXIII, in the event a statement shall need to be sent from Landlord’s account receivable department to Tenant, Landlord may email such statement to Tenant’s Email Address. Should Tenant’s Email Address change it is Tenant’s sole responsibility to deliver the updated information to Landlord.

 

 

ARTICLE XXIII MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

1.

Intentionally Deleted

 

2.     Environmental Indemnity. Tenant agrees to indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from and against any and all loss, claim, liability, damages, injuries to person, property or natural resources, cost, expense, action or cause of action, arising in connection with the release or presence of any Hazardous Substances (as defined below) at the Premises, through the acts of Tenant, its officers, employees, contractors, agents or invitees, whether foreseeable or unforeseeable, regardless of the source of such release and when such release occurred or such presence is discovered. Landlord agrees to indemnify and hold Tenant harmless from and against any and all loss, claim, liability, damages, injuries to person, property or natural resources, cost, expense, action or cause of action, arising in connection with the release or presence of any Hazardous Substances (as defined below) at the Premises, through the acts of landlord, its officers, employees, contractors, agents or invitees, whether foreseeable or unforeseeable, regardless of the source of such release and when such release occurred or such presence is discovered. The foregoing indemnity includes, without limitation, all costs in law or in equity of removal, remediation of any kind, and disposal of such Hazardous Substances; all costs of

determining whether the Premises is in compliance and to cause the Premises to be in compliance with all applicable environmental laws, all costs associated with claims for damages to persons, property or natural resources, and Landlord or Tenant's reasonable attorneys' and consultants' fees and costs, whether or not litigation is instituted. For the purposes of definition, "Hazardous Substances" includes, without limitation, any toxic or hazardous wastes, pollutants (or substances, including, without limitation, asbestos, PCBs, petroleum products and by-products, substances defined or listed as "hazardous substances" or "toxic substances" or similarly identified in or pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 9061 et. seq., hazardous materials identified in or pursuant to the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act 49 U.S.C. Section 1802 et. seq., or the Florida Air and Water Pollution Control Act, Florida Statutes 403.011 et. seq.).

 

 

3.     Mold Exclusion. Tenant hereby acknowledges that Landlord has advised Tenant that it is possible for mold/mildew/fungi/microbe-related forms to grow and affect the Premises and the property within the Premises. Tenant agrees that Landlord shall not have any liability or responsibility whatsoever for any damage, loss, claim or court expense arising out of or resulting from mold/mildew/fungi/microbe-related forms in the Premises. Accordingly, Tenant hereby releases Landlord and its partners, agents, employees, successors and assigns, from and against any and all claims arising out of or relating to mold/mildew/fungi/microbe-related forms or any similar situation with respect to the Premises. In the event it is discovered that mold is present at the Premises then: Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, shall promptly cause the mold condition to be remediated at Tenant’s sole expense unless the mold resulted from Landlord’s failure to comply with its maintenance obligations under this Lease, in which case the remediation of the mold condition shall be undertaken by Landlord at its cost and expense.

 

4.     Asbestos. Tenant shall comply with all regulations enacted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), as set forth in Sections 1910.1001 and 1926.1101 of Tile 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (the “OSHA Regulations”). In the event that Tenant performs any alterations to the Premises, Tenant shall be solely responsible for any contaminant or encapsulation of asbestos-containing materials “ACM” and materials designated by OSHA as presumed asbestos-containing materials (“PACM”) located in the Premises, or resulting remediation made necessary as a result of Tenant’s work. In addition, the following materials, if located in properties constructed prior to 1981, must, in accordance with the OSHA Regulations, be treated as PACM; any thermal system insulation and surfacing material that is sprayed on, troweled on, or applied in some other manner, as well as any resilient flooring material installed in 1980 or earlier. Upon written request by Tenant, Landlord shall provide Tenant with copies of any information pertaining to ACM or PACM in Landlord’s files.

 

5.     Radon Gas. Pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 404.056[6], the following disclosure is required by law: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that, when it has accumulated in a building in sufficient quantities, may present health risks to persons who are exposed to it over time. Levels of Radon that exceed federal and state guidelines have been found in buildings in Florida. Additional information regarding Radon and Radon testing may be obtained from your county health department.

 

6.     Leasing Agent/Broker Commission. Both parties agree to indemnify the other against and from any claims for any brokerage commissions (except those payable to Leasing Agent) and all costs, expenses and liabilities in connection therewith, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, for any breach of the foregoing representation. Landlord shall pay all brokerage commissions due for Leasing Agent in accordance with a separate agreement between Landlord and Leasing Agent.

 

 

7.

Intentionally Deleted

 

8.     Estoppel Certificates. Tenant will at any time upon not less than 7 days' prior written notice from Landlord execute, acknowledge and deliver to Landlord a statement in writing: (1) certifying if true, that the Lease is unmodified and in full force and effect (or, if modified, stating the nature of such modification and certifying that the Lease, as so modified is in full force and effect) and the date to which the rent and other charges are paid in advance, if any; (2) acknowledging if true, that there are not, to Tenant's knowledge, any uncured defaults on the part of Landlord, or specifying such defaults if any are claimed; and (3) making such other factual statements with respect to the Lease as may be reasonably requested by Landlord. Any such statement may be

conclusively relied upon by Landlord, any prospective purchaser or existing or prospective encumbrance of the Premises and/or Property.

 

9.     Rights of Landlord. Except if expressly limited within this Lease, all rights afforded Landlord by this Lease are in addition to those afforded Landlord at law or in equity.

 

 

10.

Intentionally Deleted

 

 

11.

No Recordation / Confidentiality.

 

A.     This Lease shall not be recorded. Any attempted recordation by Tenant shall render this Lease null and void and entitle Landlord to the remedies provided for Tenant's default. At the request of Landlord, Tenant shall promptly execute, acknowledge and deliver to Landlord a Memorandum of Lease with respect to this Lease and a Memorandum of modification of Lease with respect to any modification of this Lease, prepared by Landlord and sufficient for recording. Such Memorandum shall not be deemed to change or otherwise affect any of the obligations or provisions of this Lease.

 

B.     Tenant shall keep, and shall cause its Representatives (as hereinafter defined) to keep, the form of this Lease as well as the terms and conditions contained in this Lease (collectively, “Confidential Terms”) strictly confidential and shall not disclose or cause to be disclosed the Confidential Terms to any party (except Tenant’s employees, agents, attorneys, accountants or other professionals (collectively, “Representatives”) required to be made aware of the Confidential Terms for a legitimate purpose related to Tenant’s business).

 

12.     Governing Law. This Lease shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, and in the event litigation arises between the parties in connection with any of the terms of this Lease, exclusive venue shall lie in the appropriate state or federal court in Palm Beach County, Florida. If any provision of this Lease or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, for any reason and to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Lease shall remain in full force and effect. The captions, headings and titles in this Lease are solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect its interpretation. This Lease shall be construed without regard to any presumption or other rule requiring construction against the party causing this Lease to be drafted. Each covenant, agreement, obligation or other provision of this Lease on Tenant's part to be performed shall be deemed and construed as a separate and independent covenant of Tenant, not dependent on any other provision of this Lease. All terms and words used in this Lease, regardless of the number or gender in which they are used, shall be deemed to include any other number and any other gender, as the context may require.

 

13.     No Partnership or Joint Venture. Nothing contained in this Lease will be deemed or construed to create a partnership or joint venture between Landlord and Tenant, or to create any other relationship between the parties other than that of Landlord and Tenant.

 

14.     Capacity to Execute Lease. If Tenant is other than a natural person, Tenant represents that it is legally constituted, in good standing and authorized to conduct business in the State of Florida. Tenant further represents that the person who is executing this Lease on its behalf has the full power and authority to perform such execution and deliver the Lease to Landlord, and that upon such execution and delivery, the Lease shall be valid and binding upon Tenant in accordance with its respective terms and conditions.

 

15.     Waiver of Trial by Jury. IT IS MUTUALLY AGREED BY AND BETWEEN LANDLORD AND TENANT THAT THE RESPECTIVE PARTIES TO THIS LEASE SHALL, AND THEY HEREBY DO, WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM BROUGHT BY EITHER OF THE PARTIES AGAINST THE OTHER ON ANY MATTER ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THIS LEASE, THE RELATIONSHIP OF LANDLORD AND TENANT OR TENANT'S USE OR OCCUPANCY OF THE PREMISES, OR BY ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT OR COURSE OF DEALING.

 

 

16.     Entire Agreement. This Lease constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and shall bind the parties, their successors and assigns. No representations, except as herein expressly set forth, have been made by either party to the other, and this Lease cannot be amended or modified except by a writing signed by Landlord and Tenant. To the extent there is an express conflict between the terms of the Lease and the terms of the agreed offer to lease, whether by typographical error or otherwise, Landlord shall notify Tenant of the governing terms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE PREMISES

 

EX_214127IMG001.JPG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Lease the day and year first above written.

 

WITNESSES:     LANDLORD

 

(2 witnesses required)

 

 

Lara One Investments LLC ,

 

[Image/Shape Group Omitted]

Witness #1 Signature     a(n) a Florida Limited Liability Company

 

 


 

Witness #1 Printed Name

 

 

 


9/26/2019

 

Witness #2 Signature     By: /s/ Eric Giray                

 

 

Name: Eric Giray     Date

 

[Image/Shape Group Omitted]

Witness #2 Printed Name     Title: Managing Member

 

 

TENANT:

NET ELEMENT, INC

?SHAPETYPE=0

Witness #1 Signature

 

 

 

[Image/Shape Group Omitted]

 

Witness #1 Printed Name

 

By: /s/ Oleg Firer

 

Sep. 26, 2019

 

Name: Oleg Firer     Date

 

 

Title: _CEO

 

[Image/Shape Group Omitted]

Witness #2 Signature

 

?SHAPETYPE=0

Witness #2 Printed Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21

TENANT’S INITIALS

 

LANDLORD’S INITIALS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A LANDLORD WORK

 

 

Demolish two walls in the large conference room in order to open up the room. In particular, within the conference room, demolish the wall that connects to the small conference room and the wall that connects to the generally hallway.

 

Based off of electrician's justification, electrical outlet installation to accommodate cubicles for the large conference room.

 

Move the front desk and the two cabinets in the large conference room into the front area and repurpose for use in the front entrance area.

 

Change the carpet and wood base.

 

Paint the walls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A-1

 

Work referenced in attached Contractors Estimate

 

 

 

 


COLORS GROUP INC

 

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2C449CE4-1E75-4EC7-9FA1-0DC862DE9CB5

 

Telephone: 561-371-2509

e-mail: johnkrits@comcast.net

 

 

 

5600 N Flagler Dr, # 707

 

 

CGC-1518093     West Palm Beach, Florida 33407

 

September 15, 2019

 

 

OWNER:     ERIK

 

PROJECT:     REMODELING

PROPOSAL

 

 

LOCATION:     3363 NW163 STR #606 NMB

 

       
             
             
             
             
       
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
       

 

 

   
             
             
             
             

 

 

   
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

?SHAPETYPE=0

BUILD

WORK DESCRIPTION

ING/STRUCTURAL:

RATE

COST

101

DEMO WASTE REMOVAL, BUILD NEW PARTITIONS

ALLOWANCE

120 @

$35.00

H

$4,200.00

102

MOVING FRONT DECK

$180.00

103

104

SUBT

MARB

OTAL

LE AND TILE INSTALLATION:

$4,380.00

201

FURNISH &INSTALL NEW CARPET (REMOVAL EXISTING& PREP)

ALLOWANCE

670 @

$20.90

SY

$14,003.00

202

CUSTOMER REQUEST

203

FURNISH & INSTALL WODEN BASE

ALLOWANCE

1320 @

$2.50

LF

$3,300.00

204

205

206

207

208

SUBT INTER 301

302

303

304

305

306

SUBT ELEC 401

402

403

404

405

406

SUBT PLUM 501

502

503

504

SUBT MECH 601 SUBT TOTA GC CO 801

802

803

804

TOTA

805

GRAN

OTAL

IOR FINISHES:

PREP& PAINT WALLSALLOWANCE

2 COLORS BY CUSTOMER REQUEST

 

 

 

 

 

OTAL TRICAL:

DEMO EXISTING OUTLETS & INSTALL NEW 4 LINESALLOWANCE DEMO FIRE ALARM ??

INSTALL NEW OFFICE L E D PANEL LIGHTS 8 PC WIRING 20 CUBES

 

 

OTAL BING

 

 

 

 

OTAL ANICAL:

 

OTAL L

STS:

Building Permits, Documentation & Processing Architectural, Engineering, Shop Drawings General Conditions

Supervision

L

OVERHEAD AND PROFIT

D TOTAL

 

 

9800 @$0.80SF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6% @$32,423.00

$32,423.00 0% @$32,423.00

0% @$32,423.00

 

19% @$36,468.38

$17,303.00

 

$7,840.00

 

 

 

 

 

$7,840.00

 

$2,900.00

 

 

 

 

 

$2,900.00

 

 

 

 

 

$-

 

 

$-

$32,423.00

 

$1,945.38

$2,100.00

$-

$-

$36,468.38

$6,928.99

$43,397.37

 

WE HEREBY SUBMIT AN ESTIMATE FOR THE FOLLOWING WORK:

 

 

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EX_214127IMG002.GIF

 

 

 

 

 

 

EX_214127IMG003.GIF

 

 

 

 

 

 

EX_214127IMG004.GIF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26

TENANT’S INITIALS

 

LANDLORD’S INITIALS

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT "B"

TENANT RULES & REGULATIONS

 

 

1.     This Building is a non-smoking Building. There is no smoking allowed within the Building or within 25 feet of any entrance or exit of the Building. When possible, Landlord provides smoking areas near the Building for the convenience of our tenants. Where a smoking area is provided, smoking is allowed only in designated smoking areas outside of the Building.

 

2.     Tenant will refer all contractors, contractors’ representatives and installation technicians rendering any service for Tenant, to Landlord for Landlords supervision and/or approval (which approval will not be unreasonably withheld) before performance of any such contractual services. This shall apply to all work performed in the Building including, but not limited to, installation of telephones, telegraph equipment, electrical devices and attachments, and installations of any and every nature affecting floors, walls, woodwork, trim, windows, ceilings, equipment or any other physical portion of the Building. None of this work will be done by Tenant without Landlords written approval first had and obtained.

 

 

3.

The work of the janitor or cleaning personnel shall not be hindered by Tenant after 5:30

p.m. in the building. The windows, doors, and fixtures may be cleaned at any time. Tenant shall be responsible for cleaning services within the Premise and for maintaining the premise in a clean and presentable state at all times. No Tenant shall employ any person or persons, other than the janitor, for purposes of cleaning, or taking charge of said Premises, it being understood and agreed that Landlord shall be in no way responsible to any Tenant for any damage done to the furniture or other effects of any Tenant by the janitor or any of his or her employees, or any other person, or for any loss or property of any kind whatever from Premises, however occurring. Tenant will see each day that the windows are closed and the doors are securely locked before leaving the Building.

 

4.     Movement in or out of the Building of furniture or office equipment or dispatch or receipt by Tenant of any merchandise or materials which requires the use of elevators or stairways, or movement through the Building entrance or lobby shall be restricted to the hours designated by Landlord from time to time. All such movements shall be as directed by Landlord and in a manner to be agreed upon between Tenant and Landlord by prearrangement before performance. Such prearrangement initiated by Tenant shall include determination by Landlord and subject to its decision and control of the time, method, and routing of movement, limitations imposed by safety or other concerns which may prohibit any article, equipment or any other item from being brought into the Building. Tenant expressly assumes all risk of damage to any and all articles so moved, as well as injury to any person or persons or the public engaged or not engaged in such movement, including equipment, property, and personnel of Landlord if damaged or injured as a result of any acts in connection with carrying out this service for Tenant from the time of entering property to completion of the work; and Landlord shall not be liable for the act or acts of any persons so engaged in or any damage or loss to any property of persons resulting directly or indirectly from any act in connection with such service performed by or for Tenant.

 

5.     No sign or signs will be allowed in any form on the exterior of the Building or any window or windows inside or outside of the Building. Written consent from Landlord is an absolute prerequisite for any such sign or signs any Tenant may be permitted to use. No sign or signs, except in uniform location and uniform style fixed by Landlord, will be permitted in public corridors or on corridor doors or entrance to Tenant’s space. Tenant may contract their own company to provide for uniform door signage or contact Landlord’s agent found in the “Tenants Handbook” under the “Door Signage” heading and contract them at Tenant’s sole cost and expense.

 

6.     Tenant shall not place, install or operate on the Premises or in any part of the Building, any engine, stove, or machinery, or conduct mechanical operations or cook on or in the Premises, or place or use in or about the Premises any explosives, gasoline, kerosene, oil, acids, caustics, or any other inflammable explosive or hazardous material without the written consent of Landlord first had and obtained, which may be granted or denied by Landlord, in its sole discretion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.     Landlord will not be responsible for any lost or stolen personal property, equipment, money or jewelry from Tenants area or public rooms regardless of whether such loss occurs when the area is locked against entry or not.

 

8.     No birds, animals, bicycles or vehicles shall be brought into or kept in or about the Building.

 

9.     No additional locks shall be placed upon any doors of the Premises. Prior to move in, Landlord will have locks changed and Tenant agrees to pay a Fifty Dollar ($50.00) refundable deposit for this service. Each Tenant must, upon the termination of this Lease, leave the windows and doors in the Premises in like condition as of the date of said Lease, and must then surrender all keys to the office. Landlord may permit entrance to Tenants offices by use of pass keys controlled by Landlord or employees, contractors or service personnel, supervised or employed by Landlord.

 

10.     None of the entries, passages, doors, elevator, elevator doors, hallways or stairways shall be blocked or obstructed, or any rubbish, litter, trash or material of any nature placed, emptied or thrown into these areas to be used at any time except for access or egress by Tenant, Tenants agents, employees, or invitees. Nothing shall be placed on the outside of the Building or the windows, windowsills or projections.

 

11.     Landlord shall have the right to determine and prescribe the weight and proper position of any unusually heavy equipment including safes, large files, etc., that are to be placed in the Building, and only those may be moved into said building, which in Landlord’s sole discretion, is/are unlikely to do damage to the floors, structure and/or elevators. Any damage occasioned in connection with moving or installing such aforementioned articles in said Building or the existence of same in said Building shall be paid for by Tenant.

 

12.     No portion of Tenants area or any other part of the Building shall at any time be used or occupied as sleeping or lodging quarters.

 

13.     Without prior written consent of Landlord no Tenant shall sell or permit the sale, at retail, of newspapers, magazines, periodicals or theater tickets, in or from its Premises; nor shall any Tenant carry on or permit or allow any employees or other persons to carry on the business of stenography, typewriting or any similar business in or from its Premises for the service or accommodation of the occupants of any other portion of said building, or any business other than that specifically provided for in Tenants lease.

 

14.     The sashes, sash-doors, windows, glass door and any light or skylights that reflect or admit light into the halls or other places of said Building, shall not be covered or obstructed, nor shall anything be placed upon or hung from the window sills, except for the purpose of reasonable decorations. The water and wash closets and urinals shall not be used for any other purpose than the purposes for which they were respectively constructed, and the expense of any breakage, stoppage or damage resulting from a violation of this rule shall be borne by Tenant whose clerks, agents, servants or licensees shall have caused it. No Tenant shall mark, paint, drill into or in any way deface the walls, ceilings, partitions, floors, wood, stone or iron work, or make or permit any improper noises in the Building.

 

15.     No window shades shall be placed on any of the windows excepting the shades approved by Landlord, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. No awnings will be allowed on any of the windows.

 

16.     Landlord shall have the right to prohibit any advertising by any Tenant which, in Landlord’s opinion, tends to impair the reputation of the Building or its desirability as a Building for offices or for financial, insurance and other institutions and businesses of like nature; and upon written notice from Landlord, Tenant shall refrain from or discontinue such advertising.

 

17.     Access may be had by Tenant to the halls, corridors, elevators and stairways, in the Building, and to the offices, leased by them at any time or times. Other than the hours herein set forth, access to the Building may be refused unless the person seeking admission is known to the watchman in charge, or

 

 

 

 

 

 

has a pass or is properly identified. Landlord shall in no case be liable in damages for the admission or exclusion of any person from said Building. In case of invasion, mob riot, public excitement or other commotion, Landlord reserves the right to prevent access to the Building during the continuance of the same by closing the doors or otherwise for the safety of Tenants and protection in said Building.

 

18.     The Building operating hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding major holidays. Should tenant request or require access to the Building services, including but not limited to utilities, electricity, heating and air conditioning, beyond these normal operating hours, Tenant reserves the right to purchase access fobs from the Building’s management company to have access to the building and premise after normal operating hours.

 

19.     Canvassing, soliciting and peddling in the Building are prohibited and each Tenant shall cooperate to prevent the same.

 

20.     No canvassing, soliciting, distribution of hand bills or other written material, or peddling shall be permitted in the Building or common area, and Tenants shall co-operate with Landlord in prevention and elimination of same.

 

21.     Tenant and Tenant's employees shall park their cars in those portions of the parking areas designated for that purpose by Landlord.

 

22.     Landlord reserves the right in its absolute discretion to determine whether the parking facilities are becoming crowded and, in such event, to allocate specific parking spaces among tenants in the Property and to take such other steps necessary to correct such condition.

 

23.     Landlord may designate and change from time to time the location and nature of the parking spaces available to the Tenant and its employees and invitees, provided that after such designation or change there shall be available to the Tenant and its employees and invitees approximately the same number of spaces as were available before the designation or change.

 

24.     Tenant may not overburden the parking in the Common Areas as determined by Landlord in its sole discretion.

 

25.     The parking areas shall be used for the parking of personal transportation vehicles (cars, pickups, motorcycles, etc.) only. The parking areas shall not be used for any other use including, without limitation, washing or repairing vehicles, overnight parking or other storage of vehicles, or loading and unloading (except in such zones as Landlord may from time to time designate for such purpose). Landlord shall have no obligation to maintain any attendant at or for the parking areas. Landlord shall have no obligation or liability to Tenant, its agents, employees, or invitees, for any loss or damage suffered to property or persons on account of the use or misuse of the parking areas by persons other than Landlord.

 

26.     Landlord reserves the right to use the parking areas for such other purposes as it may from time to time designate, provided any such other purpose does not unreasonably interfere with the use of the parking areas by Tenant for purposes of conducting Tenant's business on the Property.

 

27.     Landlord reserves the right to tow, or cause to be towed, any vehicle on account of any violation of these Rules and Regulations, and the costs thereof shall be borne by the owner or driver of the vehicle.

 

28.     The sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, entrances, passage, courts, vestibules, stairways, corridors and halls shall not be obstructed by Tenant.

 

29.     With respect to any portion of these Tenant Rules and Regulations that require Tenant to pay for damage, Landlord, at its option, may either require Tenant to perform the necessary work to repair such damage or Landlord may perform such work and invoice Tenant for the cost of such work performed by Landlord.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30.     Tenant agrees that Landlord may amend, modify, delete, or add new and additional reasonable rules and regulations for the use and care of the Premises and the Property. Tenant agrees to comply with all such reasonable rules and regulations upon notice to Tenant from Landlord, or upon the posting of such rules and regulations within the Property as Landlord may designate, provided that such rules and regulations are commercially reasonable, are not discriminatory as among tenants of the Property, and do not prevent the use of the Premises by Tenant for its permitted use.

 

LANDLORD DESIRES TO MAINTAIN HIGH STANDARDS OF ENVIRONMENT, COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE FOR ITS TENANTS.

 

Exhibit 10.4

 

 

 

 

AGREEMENT

 

THIS AGREEMENT, made this 11th day of September, 2020, between GOLDEN STAR INVESTMENTS CORP., a Florida corporation (hereinafter referred to as "Landlord") and NET ELEMENT, INC., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as "Tenant"), which terms "Landlord" and "Tenant" shall include, wherever the context admits or requires, singular or plural, and the heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the respective parties, recites and provides as follows:

 

RECITALS:

 

WHEREAS, the parties entered into a Lease agreement executed on August 9, 2017 for the leasing of Units 705, 706 and 707 within Office 163 Condominium (“Office 163”) located at 3363 NW 163 Street, North Miami Beach, Florida 33160 (the “7th Floor Lease ”);

 

WHEREAS, the parties entered into a separate agreement for the lease of Unit 901 within Office 163 (“901 Lease”, together with the 7th Floor Lease referred to as the “Leases”);

 

WHEREAS, the Tenant represents that, due to the current pandemic caused by Covid-19, its business has been severely affected, significantly reducing its income and cash flow;

 

WHEREAS, the Tenant is currently behind on the rental payments under the Leases;

 

WHEREAS, the Tenant has requested Landlord to modify the current Leases and the parties have agreed that Tenant shall (i) surrender Units 705, 706 and 901, (ii) pay $65,600 to cover overdue rent and landlord’s out of pocket expenses, (iii) enter into a new 4 year lease for Unit 707 for a monthly rent of $2,954.00 under same terms as the 7th Floor Lease, and (iv) cover the expenses related to the work on the units to separate Unit 707 from the remaining units;

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual representations, warranties, conditions and promises hereinafter acknowledged, Landlord and Tenant hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I.     THE RECITALS ABOVE ARE CORRECT AND MADE INTEGRAL PART OF THIS ADDENDUM AND THE LEASE.

 

 

ARTICLE II.     TERMINATION OF PRIOR LEASES

 

 

A.

The Landlord and the Tenant agree to terminate the prior 7th Floor Lease and the 901 Lease with immediate effect.

 

B.

In consideration for Landlord’s acceptance of the termination for the Leases, the Tenant shall pay the Landlord sixty five thousand six hundred Dollars ($65,600.00) as follows:

 

a.

$22,700.00 upon the execution of this agreement;

 

 

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b.

$20,100.00 on or before December 31, 2020; and

c. $22,800.00 on or before March 31, 2021.

 

C.

As additional consideration for the Landlord’s acceptance of the termination of the Leases, the parties hereby enter into a 4 year lease agreement for Unit 707 under the terms provided in Article III of this agreement.

 

D.

As an additional consideration for the Landlord’s acceptance of the termination of the Leases, the Tenant shall cover the expenses related to the work to separate Unit 707 to be occupied by Tenant from Unit 706.

 

E.

As an additional consideration for the Landlord’s acceptance of the termination of the Leases, the Tenant shall surrender Units 705, 706 and 901 on or before September 15, 2020, and the Units shall be in the same condition as when Tenant took possession of the space, reasonable wear and tear excepted , broom cleaned.

 

F.

Upon compliance with all the terms outlined herein, and faithful compliance with the terms of the Lease as provided in Article III of this Agreement, the parties shall forever release, remise, and forever discharge each other, and their respective, representatives, agents, predecessors, successors and assigns, for, from, and against any and all claims, liens, demands, causes of action, controversies, offsets, obligations, losses, damages and liabilities of every kind and character whatsoever which arise and/or relate in any way to the 7th Floor Lease and the 901 Lease.

 

ARTICLE III.     LEASE FOR UNIT 707 (“LEASE”)

 

GENERAL TERMS, SPECIFICATIONS AND DEFINITIONS:

 

LANDLORD:

 

Name:     GOLDEN STAR INVESTMENTS CORP.

 

Notice Address:     7617 SW 102 Pl., Miami, FL 33126

 

E-mail:     marcogonzalez18@live.com & d.vargas0904@gmail.com Telephone No.:     305-582-7621

TENANT:

 

Name:     NET ELEMENT INC

 

Notice Address:     3363 NE 163 Street, Units 707

 

Miami Beach, Florida 33160

 

E-mail:     ofirer@unifiedpayments.com Telephone No.:     786-923-0523

PREMISES:     3363 NE 163 Street, Unit 707

 

North Miami Beach, Florida 33160

 

The Premises is deemed to consist of three office condominium units of approximately 844 Sq. Ft. of rental square feet all together. It is understood that the Premises as described is

 

 

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currently occupied by the Tenant and although the rent is based on the square footage of the Premises, the Parties have no right to any increase or decrease of the rent should the actual size of the Premises differs from the Premises’ footage estimated herein in this Lease.

 

PARKING: Together with the Premises and included in the Rent referenced below, Landlord shall also rent Tenant two (2) assigned parking spaces in the complex for Tenant’s exclusive use and non-exclusive rights to unassigned guest parking spaces. The Tenant assigned parking spaces are located as follows:

 

PARKING LEVEL 3A: Spaces 18, 19.

 

TERM:     Commencing the 1st day of September, 2020.

 

for a term of four (4) years.

 

and ending the 31st day of August , 2024

 

SECURITY DEPOSIT: The security deposit under this Lease is $2,954.00. The security deposit shall be advanced upon execution of this Lease.

 

CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION: Shall refer to The Office 163 Condominium, Inc.

 

DECLARATION: Shall refer to Declaration of Condominium, Bylaws, Regulations and any other documents from the Condominium Association affecting the use of the Premises.

 

 

1.

DEMISED PREMISES:

 

In consideration of the payments of rents and other charges provided for herein and the performance of the covenants hereinafter set forth, Landlord hereby leases to Tenant, and Tenant hereby rents from Landlord, for the term and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Lease, the Premises. Tenant hereby acknowledges that Tenant has been in possession of the Premises prior to the execution of this Lease agreement and represents the Premises are in perfecto condition, subject to normal wear and tear.

 

 

2.

TERM OF LEASE:

 

This Lease shall be for a term of four (4) years, commencing on the Fifteen (15) day of September 2020 and ending on the Fourteen (14) day of September 2024, hereinafter referred to as the "Lease Term".

 

 

3.

RENT:

 

The rent Tenant must pay Landlord under this Lease agreement for the first 12 month period is thirty five thousand four hundred forty eight and 00/100 Dollars ($35,448.00) plus taxes divided by equal monthly installements. Every 12 months anniversary the rent shall be calculated with a three percentage (3%) increase from the previous 12 month period rent. The Tenant shall pay each 12 month period rent in 12 monthly equal installments on the 15thday of each month, commencing on September 15, 2020, and every 15 day of each subsequent month. Accordingly, the monthly payments, plus tax, under this Lease agreement are:

 

4.

 

Period

12 Month Period

Monthly Installment

_9_/_15_/2020 to 9 /_14_/2021

$35,448.00*

$2,954.00

_9_/_15_/2021 to _9_/_141_/2022

$36,511.44

$3,042.62

_9_/_15_/2022 to _9_/_14_/2023

$37,606.78

$3,133.90

_9_/_15_/2023 to _9_/_15_/2024

$38,734.99

$3,227.92

 

All payments are due on the first (1st) day of each month to Landlord via wire transfer to:

 

Biscayne Bank

2601 South Bayshore Drive, Ste. 201 Coconut Grove, FL 33133

ABA # 066015767

Beneficiary: Golden Star Investments Corp Account #: 8101446

 

or to such other person(s) or corporation(s), and at such other place as shall be designated by the Landlord, in writing, by notice to Tenant at least ten (10) days prior to the next ensuing rental payment date.

 

In addition to the rent, Tenant shall, and hereby agrees to pay to Landlord each month, a sum equal to any sales tax and tax on rentals, , now in existence or hereafter imposed, based upon the privilege of renting the premises leased hereunder or upon the amount of rent collected therefor. Nothing herein shall, however, be taken to require Tenant to pay any part of the Federal and State taxes imposed upon income received by the Landlord.

 

No abatement, diminution, reduction of rents, or other charges payable by Tenant under this Lease shall be claimed or allowed to Tenant for any inconvenience, interruption, cessation or loss of services, or business or otherwise caused directly or indirectly by any present or future laws, rules, requirements, orders, directives, ordinances or regulations of any governmental authority having jurisdiction of the premises or by priorities, rationing or curtailment of labor or materials or by war or by any matter or thing resulting therefrom except as otherwise specifically provided in this Lease.

 

 

4.

DEPOSIT AND ADVANCED RENT:

 

Security Deposit: A cash security deposit in the initial amount of $2,954.00. (the "Security Deposit") is payable by Tenant to Landlord upon execution of this Lease and shall be held by Landlord as security against any default by Tenant in the performance of the covenants, conditions and agreements of this Lease. The Security Deposit may, at Landlord's option, be applied by Landlord against any default in any of the terms, provisions, or conditions of this Lease which is not cured within any applicable grace period. Landlord shall not be obligated to keep the Security Deposit in a separate fund but may not commingle the Security Deposit with its own funds. In the event Landlord applies the Security Deposit in whole or in part against a default by Tenant, Tenant

 

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shall, upon demand by Landlord, deposit sufficient funds to maintain the Security Deposit in the initial amount. The failure of Tenant to maintain the Security Deposit in the initial amount as stated shall constitute a failure to pay Rent and shall carry with it the consequences set forth under the default provisions herein. Within thirty (30) days after the expiration of the term hereof, the Security Deposit, if not applied toward the payment of Rent in arrears or toward the payment of damages suffered by Landlord by reason of Tenant's breach of this Lease, is to be returned to Tenant. Landlord may, in its sole discretion, put the Security Deposit in an interest bearing account. In such an event, all interest earned thereon shall be retained by Landlord. In no event shall the Security Deposit be deemed to be liquidated damages for any default by Tenant hereunder.

 

 

5.

UTILITIES AND OTHER SERVICES:

 

Tenant shall be solely responsible for, and shall promptly pay, all charges for utilities and other services, including but not necessarily limited to, electricity, air conditioning, heat, water, sewer, gas and waste collection. Should said charges for utilities or services at any time remain due or unpaid for a period of five (5) days after Tenant has been notified in writing that the same shall have become due, the Tenant will be in default of this Lease and the Landlord may avail itself of any or all legal remedies.

 

Should any services or utilities that are provided by the Condominium be interrupted due to causes beyond Landlord’s reasonable control, Landlord shall not be responsible for any such interruption.

 

 

6.

USE OF THE DEMISED PREMISES

 

Tenant shall use the demised Premises for the purpose of conducting legal business. Tenant covenants and agrees that Tenant will not use the Demised Premises for any other purpose than as herein set forth, and will not use the same for any unlawful purpose or for any use which will contravene or be in violation of existing laws or regulations of any governmental body.

 

 

7.

NON-PAYMENT:

 

Tenant agrees: (1) that Tenant will promptly pay said rent at the times and place stated above; (2) that Tenant will pay all charges for work performed on order of Tenant, and any other charges that accrue under this Lease; and (3) that, if any part of the rent or the above mentioned charges shall remain due and unpaid for three (7) business days after written notice to Tenant that the same are due and payable, the Landlord shall have the option to evict Tenant as provided by law and accelerate the rent due for the remaining lease period by declaring the balance of the entire rent for the entire rental term of this Lease to be immediately due and payable, and Landlord may then proceed to collect all of the unpaid rent as provided herein against Tenant and any other remedies that are appropriate as allowed by law. However, any amount Tenant shall be liable for under this paragraph shall be reduced by any payments Landlord receives from any other tenant that occupies the Premises for the period from the date Tenant vacates the premises until the natural expiration of this Lease. Landlord may also charge eighteen percent (18%) over any amount Tenant owes to landlord after five (5) days written notice to Tenant that the same are due and payable, including any accelerated amount as provided herein.

 

 

8.

NON-COMPLIANCE;

 

 

In the event that Tenant fails to comply with any of Tenant's obligations under this Lease other than payment of rent or other charges, and the Tenant does not to correct said non-compliance within seven (7) days, or begins to correct, should it is not reasonable to correct before those 7 days, following written notice to the Tenant from the Landlord specifying the non-compliance and demanding correction, the Landlord may terminate this Lease and avail itself of any and all legal remedies, including those remedies referred to in Section 7 hereinabove.

 

 

9.

TRADE FIXTURES, ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS:

 

The Tenant shall not make, or cause to be made, any alterations additions or improvements, or to install or cause to be installed any air-conditioning units, doors, partitions, trade fixtures, exterior signs, floor coverings, interior or exterior lighting, plumbing fixtures, shades or awnings, or make any changes to the Demised Premises without first obtaining the Landlord's written approval and consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Tenant shall present to the Landlord plans and specifications for such work at the time the approval is sought.

 

Any alterations, additions, improvements or installations made by Tenant must be approved in advance by the Landlord and must be performed by licensed individuals or companies and in accordance with the South Florida Building Code. All work shall be subject to supervision and approval by Landlord.

 

The Tenant shall not make any structural alterations in, or additions to, the Demised Premises. If structural alterations become necessary because of the application of laws or ordinances, or of the directions, rules or regulations of any regulatory body to the business carried on by the Tenant, or because of any act or default on the part of the Tenant, or because the Tenant has overloaded any electrical or other facility, the Tenant shall make such structural alterations at its own cost and expense, after first obtaining the Landlord's and Condominium's approval of plans and specifications, and furnishing such indemnification against liens, costs, damages and expenses as the Landlord may reasonably require.

 

All additions, alterations and improvements made in or to the Demised Premises shall become the property of the Landlord, and shall be surrendered with the premises at the termination of this Lease. The Tenant shall have the right to remove its movable trade fixtures, provided that the Tenant repairs any damage caused by such removal.

 

 

10.

INSURANCE:

 

Tenant shall during the Term, at Tenant's cost and expense, keep in full force and effect a policy of public liability insurance, including workmen's compensation coverage, and property damage insurance, with respect to all matters which arise in connection with Tenant's operation of the Premises. The limits of public liability coverage shall not be less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence, $1,000,000.00 general aggregate. The insurance policy or policies shall name Landlord, Landlord's managing agent and Tenant as insureds, and shall contain a clause that the insurer will not cancel or change insurance coverage without first giving Landlord thirty (30) days' prior written notice of same. The insurance shall be underwritten by a company or companies approved by Landlord, and a copy of the policy or policies and of the certificate(s) of such insurance and all endorsements thereto or replacements thereof, shall be delivered to Landlord

 

 

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immediately upon their issue. All policies of insurance mentioned in the above paragraph shall contain the following endorsements: (i) that such insurance may not be cancelled or amended with respect to Landlord except upon fifteen (15) days' prior written notice from the insurance company to Landlord, sent by certified or registered mail; (ii) that Tenant shall be solely responsible for the payment of all premiums under such policy and that Landlord shall have no obligation for the payment thereof; (iii) that in the event of payment of any loss covered by such policy, Landlord shall be paid first by the insurance company for its loss; and (iv) an express waiver of any right of subrogation by the insurance company against Landlord, the Tenant hereby expressly waiving any such right of subrogation for any reason or occurrence whatsoever. Tenant agrees to deliver to Landlord Certificates or Memoranda of Insurance of all policies of insurance to be procured by Tenant within ten (10) days of the inception of such policies and; at least ten (10) days prior to the expirations of any such policy, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord Certificates or Memoranda of Insurance evidencing the renewal thereof. The minimum limits of any insurance coverage to be maintained by Tenant hereunder shall not limit Tenant's liability under the indemnity contained in this paragraph or elsewhere hereunder.

 

 

11.

MORTGAGING, ASSIGNING, SUB-LETTING BY TENANT:

 

Tenant agrees not to mortgage, to pledge or to encumber, the said premises, in whole or in part, without first obtaining written consent of the Landlord, which consent may be unreasonably withheld. Tenant agrees not to assign or to sub-lease the said premises, in whole or in part, without first obtaining written consent of the Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. In the event that Landlord shall give consent to a Mortgage, Pledge, or Encumbrance of Tenant's leasehold interest, Tenant will, nevertheless, remain liable for the performance of all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease, including but not limited to, the payment of rent; further, each Sub-Lease Agreement shall state on its face that it is subject and subordinate to the terms of this Lease.

 

 

12.

ABANDONMENT:

 

If during the term of this Lease Tenant shall abandon; vacate or remove from the premises the major portion of the goods, wares, equipment or furnishings usually kept on said premises, or shall cease doing business in said premises, or shall suffer the rent to be in arrears. Landlord may, at its option, upon 10 days written notice to Tenant, cancel this Lease, in the manner stated in paragraph sixteen (16) hereof, or Landlord may enter said premises as the agent of Tenant, without being liable in any way therefor, and re-let the premises with or without any furniture that may be therein, as the agent of Tenant, at such reasonable price and such reasonable terms and for such duration of time as the Landlord may determine, and receive the rent therefor, applying the same to the payment of the rent due by these presents, and if the full rental herein provided shall not be realized by Landlord over and above the expenses to the Landlord of such re-letting, Tenant shall pay any deficiency.

 

 

13.

BANKRUPTCY:

 

It is agreed between the parties hereto that if Tenant shall be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent or take the benefit of any Federal reorganization or composition proceeding, or make a general

 

 

assignment or take the benefit of any insolvency law, or if Tenant's leasehold interest under this Lease shall be sold under any execution or process of law, or if a Trustee in Bankruptcy or a Receiver be appointed or elected or had for Tenant (whether under State or Federal laws), or if said premises shall be abandoned or deserted, or if Tenant shall fail to perform any of the covenants or conditions of this Lease on Tenant's part to be performed, or if this Lease or the term thereof be transferred or passed or devolve upon any persons, firms, officer or Corporation other than Tenant by the death of the Tenant,, operation of law or otherwise, then and in such events, this Lease and the term of this Lease, at the Landlord's option, shall expire and end five (5) days after Landlord has given Tenant written notice (in the manner hereinabove provided) of such act, condition or default, and Tenant hereby agrees immediately then to quit and surrender said premises to Landlord; but this shall not impair or affect the Landlord's right to maintain Summary Proceedings for the recovery of the possession of the demised Premises in all cases provided for by law. If the term of this Lease shall be so terminated, Landlord may immediately, or at any time thereafter, re- enter or re-possess the premises and remove all persons and property therefrom without being liable for trespass or damages.

 

 

14.

ATTORNEY'S FEES:

 

If the Tenant defaults in the performance of any of the covenants of this Lease and by reason thereof the Landlord employs the services of an attorney to enforce performance of the covenants by the Tenant, to evict the Tenant, to collect monies due by the Tenant, or to perform any service based upon said default, then, in any of the said events, the Tenant does hereby agree to pay a reasonable attorney's fee and all reasonable expenses and costs incurred by the Landlord pertaining thereto and in enforcement of any remedy available to the Landlord.

 

 

15.

SURRENDER OF PREMISES:

 

Tenant agrees to surrender to Landlord, at the end of the term of this Lease and/or upon any cancellation of this Lease, said demised Premises in as good condition as said premises were at the beginning of the term of this Lease, ordinary wear and tear, and damage by lire and windstorm or other acts of God, excepted. Tenant agrees that, if Tenant does not surrender to Landlord at the end of the term of this Lease, or upon any cancellation of the term of this Lease, said demised Premises, then Tenant will pay to Landlord all damages that Landlord may suffer on account of Tenant's failure to so surrender to Landlord possession of said demised Premises, and will indemnify and save Landlord harmless from and against all claims made by any succeeding tenant of said premises against Landlord on account of delay of Landlord in delivering, possession of said premises to said succeeding tenant so far as such delay is occasioned by failure of Tenant to so surrender said premises. In addition, the rental payment for any period Tenant fails to surrender to Landlord said demised Premises, shall be the same plus an additional half (1 + ½) of the rental payment Tenant was obligated to pay under this Lease in the month preceding the date the Lease terminated.

 

 

16.

MAINTENANCE:

 

Tenant shall be solely responsible for the maintenance of the interior of the Demised Premises,. Tenant agrees to keep the interior of said premises in good and substantial repair and clean condition at Tenant's own expense. If the premises become infested with vermin, Tenant, at its sole

 

8

 

 

cost and expense, shall cause said premises to be exterminated from time to time..

 

If the Tenant refuses or neglects to repair properly as required hereunder, and to the reasonable satisfaction of the Landlord, as soon as reasonably possible after written demand, Landlord may make such repairs without liability to the Tenant for any loss or damage which may accrue to the Tenant's equipment, fixtures, or other property, or to the Tenant's business by reason thereof, and upon completion thereof, the Tenant shall pay the Landlord's cost for making such repairs, upon presentation of invoice therefor, as additional rent.

 

 

17.

INDEMNIFY LANDLORD:

 

In consideration of the said premises being leased to Tenant for the above rental, Tenant agrees that Tenant, at all times, will indemnify and keep harmless Landlord from all losses, damages, liabilities, and expenses, which may arise or be claimed against Landlord and be in favor of any persons, firms, or corporations for which any injuries or damages to the person or property of any persons, firms or corporations, consequent upon, or arising from, the use or occupancy of said premises by Tenant, or consequent upon, or arising from, any acts, omissions, neglect or fault of Tenant, his agents, servants, employees, licensees, visitors, customers, patrons, or invitees, or consequent upon, or arising from Tenant's failure to comply with any laws, statutes, ordinances or regulations as herein provided; and agrees that Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for any damages, losses or injuries to the persons or property of Tenant which may be caused by the acts, omissions, neglect or faults of any persons, firms or corporations, except when such injury, loss or damage results from negligence of Landlord, its agents or employees, and that Tenant will indemnify and keep harmless Landlord from all damages, liabilities, losses, injuries or expenses which may arise or be claimed against Landlord and be in favor of any persons, firms or corporations for any injuries or damages to the person or property of any persons, firms or corporations, where said injuries or damages arose about or upon said premises as a result of the negligence of Tenant, his agents, employees, servants, licensees, visitors, customers, patrons and invitees. All personal property placed or moved into the Demised Premises shall be at the risk of Tenant or other owner thereof, and Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for any damage to said personal property.

 

In case Landlord shall be made a party to any litigation commenced against Tenant, then unless an aspect of the litigation involves Landlord negligence, Tenant shall protect and hold Landlord harmless and shall pay all costs, expenses and reasonable attorney's fees incurred or paid by Landlord in connection with such litigation.

 

 

18.

FIRE OR CASUALTY:

 

In the event the demised Premises shall be destroyed or so damaged or injured by fire or other casualty, not intentionally or negligently caused by the Tenant, its employees, invitees, vendors, visitors or any other person, animal or thing in the premises with expressed or implied invitation of the Tenant, during the term of this Lease, whereby the same shall be rendered untenantable, then Landlord shall have the right to render such demised Premises tenantable by repairs within ninety

(90) days therefrom, if said premises are not rendered tenantable within said time, it shall be optional with either party hereto to cancel this Lease. The cancellation herein mentioned shall be

 

 

p . 1 1

 

 

 

 

evidenced in writing. During any time that the demised Premises are untenantable due to causes set forth in this paragraph, the rent or a just and fair proportion thereof shall be abated.

 

 

19.

EMINENT DOMAIN:

 

If there shall be taken during the term of this Lease any part of the Demised Premises, other than a part not interfering with maintenance, operation or use of the Demised Premises. Landlord may elect to terminate this Lease or to continue same in effect. If Landlord elects to continue the Lease, the rental shall be reduced in proportion to the area of the Demised Premises so taken and the Landlord shall repair any damage to the Demised Premises resulting from such taking. If any part of the Demised Premises is taken by condemnation or eminent domain, the Tenant may elect to terminate this Lease or to continue same in effect and, if Tenant elects to continue this Lease, the rental shall be reduced in proportion to the area of the Demised Premises so taken, and Landlord shall repair any damage to the Demised Premises resulting from such taking. If all of the Demised Premises are taken by condemnation or eminent domain, this Lease shall terminate on the date of the taking. All sums awarded or agreed upon between Landlord and the condemning authority for the taking of the interest of Landlord and/or Tenant, whether as damages or as compensation, and whether for partial or total condemnation, will be the property of Landlord. If this Lease should be terminated under any provisions of this paragraph, rental shall be payable up to the date that possession is taken by the taking authority and Landlord will refund to Tenant any prepaid unaccrued rent less any sum or amount then owing, by Tenant to Landlord.

 

 

20.

LIENS:

 

Tenant further agrees that Tenant will pay all liens of Tenant’s contractors, subcontractors, mechanics, laborers, materialmen, and other items of like character, and will indemnify Landlord against all expenses, costs and charges, including bond premiums for releases of liens and attorney's fees reasonably incurred in and about the defense of any suit in discharging the said premises or any part thereof, from any liens, judgments or encumbrances caused or suffered by Tenant. In the event any such lien shall be made or filed, Tenant shall bond against, or discharge the same, within ten (10) days after the same has been made or filed. It is understood and agreed between the parties hereto that the expenses, costs and charges above referred to shall be considered as additional rent due and shall be included in any lien for rent.

 

The Tenant herein shall not have any authority to create any liens for labor or material on the Landlord's interest in the Demised Premises and all persons contracting with the Tenant for the destruction or removal of any facilities or other improvements or for the erection, installation, alteration or repair of any facilities or other improvements on or about the Demised Premises, and all materialmen, contractors, mechanics, and laborers, are hereby charged with notice that they must look only to the Tenant and to the Tenant's interests in the Demised Premises to secure the payment of any bill for work done or material furnished at the request or instruction of Tenant.

 

 

21.

SUBORDINATION, ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE AND ATTORNMENT:

 

The Tenant agrees that this Lease shall be subordinate to any mortgages or the lien resulting from other method of financing or re-financing, now or hereafter enforced against the land and buildings of which the Demised Premises are a part, or upon any buildings hereafter placed upon the land of

 

 

10

 

 

which the Demised Premises are a part, and to all advances made or hereafter to be made upon the security thereof. No further instrument of subordination shall be required by any mortgagee. However, the Tenant, upon request of any party in interest, shall execute promptly such reasonable instrument or certificates that do not negatively impact Tenant’s rights under this Lease to carry out the intent hereof as shall be required by the Landlord. If, ten (10) days after the date of a written request by the Landlord to execute such instruments, the Tenant shall not have executed the same, the Landlord may, at its option, cancel this Lease without incurring any liability on account thereof, and the term hereby granted is expressly limited accordingly.

 

Within ten (10) days after request therefor by the Landlord, or in the event that upon any sale, assignment or hypothecation of the Demised Premises and/or the land thereunder by the Landlord, an Estoppel Certificate shall be required from the Tenant, the Tenant agrees to deliver, in recordable form, an Estoppel Certificate to any proposed mortgagee or purchaser or to the owner certifying, if such be the case, that this Lease is in full force and effect, and that there are no defenses or offsets thereon or stating those claimed by the Tenant.

 

The tenant shall, in the event any proceedings are brought for the foreclosure of, or in the event of exercise of the power of sale under any mortgage made by the owner covering the demised Premises, attorn to the purchaser upon any such foreclosure or sale, and recognize such purchaser as the Landlord under this Lease so long as the new landlord continues to abide by its obligations under the Lease.

 

 

22.

TENANT'S PROPERTY:

 

The Tenant shall be responsible for, and shall pay before delinquency, all municipal, county or state taxes assessed during the term of this Lease against any leasehold interest or personal property of any kind, owned by or placed in, upon or about the Demised Premises.

 

The Landlord shall not be liable for any damage to property of the Tenant or of others located on the Demised Premises, nor for the loss of, or damage to, any property of the Tenant or of others by theft or otherwise. The Landlord shall not be liable for any injury or damage to persons or property resulting from fire, explosion, falling plaster, steam, gas, electricity, water, rain or leaks from any part of the Demised Premises, or from the pipes, appliances or plumbing works, or from the roof, street or sub-surface, or from any other place, or by dampness or by any other cause of whatever nature unless such loss, damage or injury is occasioned by the negligent acts or omissions of Landlord. The Landlord shall not be liable for any such damage caused by other tenants or persons in the Demised Premises, occupants of adjacent property, or the public, or caused by operations in construction of any private, public or quasi-public work. The Landlord shall not be liable for latent defect in the Demised Premises. All property of the Tenant kept or stored on the Demised Premises shall be so kept or stored at the risk of the Tenant only, and the Tenant shall hold the Landlord harmless from any claims arising out of damage to the same, including subrogation claims by the Tenant's insurance carriers, unless such damage shall be caused by the willful act or gross neglect of the Landlord.

 

The Tenant shall give immediate notice to the Landlord in case of fire or accident in the Demised Premises or in the building of which the premises are apart, or of defects therein or in any fixtures

 

 

or equipment.

 

 

23.

WASTE, GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS:

 

The Tenant shall not commit, or suffer to be committed, any waste upon the Demised Premises, or any nuisance. The Tenant shall, at its sole cost and expense, comply with all of the requirements of all county, municipal, state, federal and other applicable governmental authorities, now in force or which may hereafter be in force, pertaining to the said premises, and shall faithfully observe in the use of the premises, all municipal and county ordinances and state and federal statutes now in force, or which may hereafter be in force.

 

 

24.

EXCULPATION:

 

Tenant agrees that it shall look solely to the estate and property of the Landlord in the land and building of which the Demised Premises are a part for the collection of any judgment (or any other judicial process) requiring the payment of money by Landlord in the event of any default or breach by the Landlord with respect to any of the terns, covenants and conditions of this Lease to be observed and performed by the Landlord and no other property or estates of Landlord shall be subject to levy, execution or other enforcement procedures for the satisfaction of the Tenant's remedies.

 

 

25.

ASSIGNMENT OF CHATTELS:

 

Tenant hereby pledges and assigns to Landlord as security for the payment of any and all rent or other sums or amounts provided for herein, all of the furniture, fixtures, goods and chattels of Tenant which shall be, or may be, brought or put on or into the said premises but excluding computer equipment and Point of Sale Terminals and equipment located on the Premises, and Tenant agrees that said lien may be enforced by distress, foreclosure:. or otherwise, at the election of the Landlord. Tenant hereby expressly waives and renounces for himself and family, any and all homestead exemption rights he may now have or hereafter acquire under or by virtue of the Constitution and the laws of the State of Florida, or of any other state, or of the United States, as the payment of said rental or any other obligation or damage that may accrue under the terms of this Lease.

 

 

26.

WAIVER:

 

Failure of Landlord to declare any default immediately upon occurrence thereof, or delay in taking any action in connection therewith, shall not waive such default, but Landlord shall have the right to declare any such default at any time and take such action as might be lawful or authorized hereunder in law and/ or in equity. No waiver by Landlord, of a default by Tenant shall be implied, and no express waiver by Landlord shall affect any default other than the default specified in such waiver and that only for the time and extension therein stated.

 

No waiver of any term, provision, condition or covenant of this Lease by Landlord shall be deemed to imply or constitute a further waiver by Landlord of any other term, provision, condition or covenant of this Lease. The rights and remedies created by this Lease are cumulative and the use of one remedy shall not be taken to exclude or waive the right to the use of another.

 

 

27.

RIGHT OF ENTRY:

 

12

 

 

Landlord, or any of its agents, shall have the right to enter the demised Premises during all reasonable hours and upon reasonable notice to Tenant, except in case of emergency, to examine the same or to make such repairs, additions or alterations as may be deemed necessary for the safety, comfort, of preservation thereof, or of said building, or to exhibit said Demised Premises at any time within ninety (90) days before the expiration of this Lease. At all times, Landlord shall do so in a manner least disruptive to Tenant. Said right of entry shall likewise exist for the purpose of removing placards, signs, fixtures, alterations, or additions which do not conform to this Lease. In order to accomplish the purposes set out in this paragraph, the Tenant agrees to provide the Landlord with a copy of any key needed to gain access to the premises.

 

 

28.

NOTICES:

 

Any notice given Landlord as provided for in this Lease shall be sent to Landlord by registered mail, addressed to Landlord at 7617 SW 102 Pl Miami, FL 33173. Any notice to be given Tenant under the terms of this Lease shall be in writing to the office of the Tenant in the said premises. Either party, from time to time, by such notice, may specify another address to which subsequent notice shall be sent.

 

 

29.

RULES AND REGULATIONS:

 

Tenant agrees to comply with all reasonable rules and regulations Landlord may adopt from time to time for operation of said premises and protection and welfare of the premises, its tenants, visitors and occupants.

 

 

30.

INSURANCE INCREASES:

 

If the Landlord's insurance premiums exceed the standard premium rates because the nature of Tenant's operation results in extra-hazardous exposure, then Tenant shall, upon receipt of an appropriate invoice from Landlord, reimburse Landlord for such increase in premiums. It is understood and agreed between the parties hereto that any such increase in premiums shall be considered as additional rent due and shall be included in any lien for rent.

 

 

31.

CONDITION OF PREMISES

 

Tenant hereby acknowledges that Tenant has fully inspected the Demised Premises and agrees to take possession of said premises in its "as is condition". Taking possession of the said Demised Premises by Tenant shall be conclusive evidence against Tenant that the premises were in a condition acceptable and satisfactory to Tenant.

 

 

32.

QUIET POSSESSION:

 

Upon payment by Tenant of the rents herein provided and upon the observance and performance of all terms, provisions, covenants and conditions on Tenant's part to be observed and performed, Tenant shall, subject to all of the terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of this Lease, peaceably and quietly hold and enjoy the Demised Premises for the term hereby demised.

 

 

33.

SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS:

 

All terms, provisions, covenants and conditions to be observed and performed by Tenant shall be applicable to, and binding upon, Tenant's respective heirs, administrators, executors, successors and

 

 

assigns, subject however, to the restrictions as to assignment or subletting by Tenant as provided herein. All expressed covenants of this Lease shall be deemed to be covenants running with the land.

 

 

34.

SEVERABILITY:

 

If any term, provision, covenant or condition of this Lease, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Lease, or the application of such term, provision, covenant or condition to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and

 

each term, provision, covenant and condition shall be valid and be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. This Lease shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida.

 

 

35.

TIME:

 

It is understood and agreed between the parties hereto that time is the essence of all the terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of this Lease.

 

 

36.

DEFINITIONS AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS:

 

The terms "Landlord" and "Tenant" as herein contained shall include singular and/or plural, masculine, feminine and/or neuter, heirs, successors, executors, personal representatives and/ or assigns, wherever the context so requires or admits. The terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of this Lease are expressed in the total language of this Lease and the paragraph headings are solely for the convenience of the reader and are not intended to be all inclusive.

 

 

37.

TENDER AND DELIVERY OF LEASE INSTRUMENT:

 

Submission of this instrument for examination does not constitute an offer, right of first refusal, reservation of or opinion for the demised Premises. This instrument becomes effective as a Lease upon execution and delivery by both Landlord and Tenant.

 

 

38.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:

 

Tenant shall not permit or cause the demised Premises to be used for the handling, storage, transportation or disposal of hazardous or toxic materials. Tenant shall be responsible for any clean-up as a result of the use, handling, storage, transportation or disposal of hazardous or toxic materials.

 

 

39.

WRITTEN AGREEMENT:

 

This Lease contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto and all previous negotiations leading thereto, and it may be modified only by an agreement in writing, signed and sealed by Landlord and Tenant. No surrender of the demised. Premises, or of the remainder of the terms of this Lease, shall be valid unless accepted by Landlord, in writing. Tenant acknowledges and agrees that Tenant has not relied upon any statement, representation, prior written or prior or contemporaneous oral promises, agreements or warranties, except such as are expressed herein.

 

 

DATED     at     Miami,     Miami-Dade     County,     Florida,     this     11th      

September      ,2020.

 

day

 

 

 

 

 

Tenant:

Witnessed by:

NET ELEMENT, INC.,

 

aDelaware corporation

Witness 1: ___________________

 

Name:Jeffrey Ginsberg

 

   By: /s/ Oleg Firer

Name: Oleg Firer

 

 

Witness 2: __________________

Title:  CEO

Name: Andrey Krotov

Landlord:

GOLDEN STAR INVESTMENTS CORP.

a Florida corporation

 

 

 

By: __/s/Jaime Vargas

Name: Jaime Vargas

Title: CEO

Witnessed by:

 

 

 

 

 

Witness 1: ______________

Name: Alejandro Vargas

 

 

Witness 2: _

Name: _

 

 

 


 

 

Exhibit 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO 

RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

I, Oleg Firer, certify that:

 

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Net Element, Inc.;

  

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

     

 

(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

 

(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

November 16, 2020

By:

/s/ Oleg Firer 

Date

Oleg Firer  

 

Chief Executive Officer  

 

(Principal Executive Officer)  

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO

RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

I, Jeffrey Ginsberg, certify that:

 

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Net Element, Inc.;

   

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

   

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

 

(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

 

(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

November 16, 2020

By:

/s/ Jeffrey Ginsberg  

Date

Jeffrey Ginsberg  

 

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and

Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. §1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO  

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Net Element, Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020 (the “Report”), each of the undersigned hereby certifies pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the undersigned’s knowledge:

 

(i)    the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(ii)   the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

November 16, 2020

 

By:

/s/ Oleg Firer

Date

Oleg Firer

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

November 16, 2020

By:

/s/ Jeffrey Ginsberg

Date

Jeffrey Ginsberg

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

(Principal Financial Officer and

 

Principal Accounting Officer)

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Net Element, Inc. and will be retained by Net Element, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.