Exhibit 4.1
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of January __,
2006, by and among HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc. (formerly Process
Equipment, Inc.), a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and the subscribers
identified on the signature page hereto (each a "Subscriber" and collectively
"Subscribers").
WHEREAS, the Company and the Subscribers are executing and delivering
this Agreement in reliance upon an exemption from securities registration
afforded by the provisions of Section 4(2), Section 4(6) and/or Regulation D
("Regulation D") as promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"1933 Act").
WHEREAS, the parties desire that, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions contained herein, the Company shall issue and sell to the
Subscribers, as provided herein, and the Subscribers, in the aggregate, shall
purchase up to Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) (the "Purchase Price") of
principal amount of promissory notes of the Company ("Note" or "Notes"), a form
of which is annexed hereto as Exhibit A, convertible into shares of the
Company's common stock, $0.001 par value (the "Common Stock") at a per share
conversion price set forth in the Note ("Conversion Price"); and share purchase
warrants (the "Warrants"), in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit B, to purchase
shares of Common Stock (the "Warrant Shares"). The Notes, shares of Common Stock
issuable upon conversion of the Notes (the "Shares"), the Warrants and the
Warrant Shares are collectively referred to herein as the "Securities"; and
WHEREAS, the aggregate proceeds of the sale of the Notes and the Warrants
contemplated hereby shall be held in escrow pursuant to the terms of a Funds
Escrow Agreement to be executed by the parties substantially in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit C (the "Escrow Agreement").
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and other
agreements contained in this Agreement the Company and the Subscribers hereby
agree as follows:
1. Closing. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, on the Closing Date, each Subscriber shall
purchase and the Company shall sell to each Subscriber a Note in the principal
amount designated on the signature page hereto. The aggregate amount of the
Notes to be purchased by the Subscribers on the Closing Date shall, in the
aggregate, be equal to the Closing Purchase Price. The "Closing Date" shall be
the date that subscriber funds representing the net amount due the Company from
the Closing Purchase Price of the Offering [as defined in Section 8(b)] is
transmitted by wire transfer or otherwise to or for the benefit of the Company.
The consummation of the transactions contemplated herein for all Closings shall
take place at the offices of Grushko & Xxxxxxx, P.C., 000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx
0000, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000, upon the satisfaction of all conditions to
Closing set forth in this Agreement.
2. Warrants. On the Closing Date, the Company will issue and deliver
Warrants to the Subscribers. One Class A Warrant and one Class B Warrant will be
issued for each two Shares which would be issued on the Closing Date assuming
the complete conversion of the Note issued on the Closing Date at the Conversion
Price in effect on the Closing Date. The per Warrant Share exercise price to
acquire a Warrant Share upon exercise of a Class A Warrant shall be $0.35. The
per Warrant Share exercise price to acquire a Warrant Share upon exercise of a
Class B Warrant shall be $0.40. The Class A Warrants shall be exercisable until
three (3) years after the Closing Date of the Warrants. The Class B Warrants
shall be exercisable until five (5) years after the Closing Date of the
Warrants.
3. Security Interest. The Subscribers will be granted a security
interest in all the assets of the Company, including ownership of Subsidiaries,
as defined in Section 5(a) of this Agreement, and in the assets of the
Subsidiaries to be memorialized in a "Security Agreement", a form of which is
annexed hereto as Exhibit D. Each Subsidiary will execute and deliver to the
Subscribers a form of "Guaranty" annexed hereto as Exhibit E. The Company will
execute such other agreements, documents and financing statements reasonably
requested by Subscribers, which will be filed at the Company's expense with the
jurisdictions, states and counties designated by the Subscribers. The Company
will also execute all such documents reasonably necessary in the opinion of
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Subscriber to memorialize and further protect the security interest described
herein. The Subscribers will appoint a Collateral Agent to represent them
collectively in connection with the security interest to be granted to the
Subscribers. The appointment will be pursuant to a "Collateral Agent Agreement",
a form of which is annexed hereto as Exhibit F.
4. Subscriber's Representations and Warranties. Each Subscriber hereby
represents and warrants to and agrees with the Company only as to such
Subscriber that:
(a) Organization and Standing of the Subscribers. If the
Subscriber is an entity, such Subscriber is a corporation, partnership or other
entity duly incorporated or organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization.
(b) Authorization and Power. Each Subscriber has the requisite
power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and to purchase the
Notes and Warrants being sold to it hereunder. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement by such Subscriber and the consummation by it of
the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by
all necessary corporate or partnership action, and no further consent or
authorization of such Subscriber or its Board of Directors, stockholders,
partners, members, as the case may be, is required. This Agreement has been duly
authorized, executed and delivered by such Subscriber and constitutes, or shall
constitute when executed and delivered, a valid and binding obligation of the
Subscriber enforceable against the Subscriber in accordance with the terms
thereof.
(c) No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement and the consummation by such Subscriber of the transactions
contemplated hereby or relating hereto do not and will not (i) result in a
violation of such Subscriber's charter documents or bylaws or other
organizational documents or (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an
event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under,
or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or
cancellation of any agreement, indenture or instrument or obligation to which
such Subscriber is a party or by which its properties or assets are bound, or
result in a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or any order, judgment or
decree of any court or governmental agency applicable to such Subscriber or its
properties (except for such conflicts, defaults and violations as would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on such
Subscriber). Such Subscriber is not required to obtain any consent,
authorization or order of, or make any filing or registration with, any court or
governmental agency in order for it to execute, deliver or perform any of its
obligations under this Agreement or to purchase the Notes or acquire the
Warrants in accordance with the terms hereof, provided that for purposes of the
representation made in this sentence, such Subscriber is assuming and relying
upon the accuracy of the relevant representations and agreements of the Company
herein.
(d) Information on Company. The Subscriber has been furnished
with or has had access at the XXXXX Website of the Commission to the Company's
Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004 and all periodic reports filed
with the Commission thereafter not later than five days before the Closing Date
(hereinafter referred to as the "Reports"). In addition, the Subscriber has
received in writing from the Company such other information concerning its
operations, financial condition and other matters as the Subscriber has
requested in writing (such other information is collectively, the "Other Written
Information"), and considered all factors the Subscriber deems material in
deciding on the advisability of investing in the Securities.
(e) Information on Subscriber. The Subscriber is, and will be
at the time of the conversion of the Notes and exercise of the Warrants, an
"accredited investor", as such term is defined in Regulation D promulgated by
the Commission under the 1933 Act, is experienced in investments and business
matters, has made investments of a speculative nature and has purchased
securities of United States publicly-owned companies in private placements in
the past and, with its representatives, has such knowledge and experience in
financial, tax and other business matters as to enable the Subscriber to utilize
the information made available by the Company to evaluate the merits and risks
of and to make an informed investment decision with respect to the proposed
purchase, which represents a speculative investment. The Subscriber has the
authority and is duly and legally qualified to purchase and own the Securities.
The Subscriber is able to bear the risk of such investment for an indefinite
period and to afford a complete loss thereof. The information set forth on the
signature page hereto regarding the Subscriber is accurate.
(f) Purchase of Notes and Warrants. On the Closing Date, the
Subscriber will purchase the Notes and Warrants as principal for its own account
for investment only and not with a view toward, or for resale in connection
with, the public sale or any distribution thereof, but Subscriber does not agree
to hold the Notes and Warrants for any minimum amount of time.
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(g) Compliance with Securities Act. The Subscriber understands
and agrees that the Securities have not been registered under the 1933 Act or
any applicable state securities laws, by reason of their issuance in a
transaction that does not require registration under the 1933 Act (based in part
on the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Subscriber contained
herein), and that such Securities must be held indefinitely unless a subsequent
disposition is registered under the 1933 Act or any applicable state securities
laws or is exempt from such registration.
(h) Shares Legend. The Shares and the Warrant Shares shall
bear the following or similar legend:
"THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED. THESE
SHARES MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED OR
HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT UNDER SUCH SECURITIES ACT OR ANY APPLICABLE STATE
SECURITIES LAW OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY
SATISFACTORY TO HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC. THAT
SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED."
(i) Warrants Legend. The Warrants shall bear the following or
similar legend:
"THIS WARRANT AND THE COMMON SHARES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF
THIS WARRANT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
OF 1933, AS AMENDED. THIS WARRANT AND THE COMMON SHARES
ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF THIS WARRANT MAY NOT BE SOLD,
OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN
EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AS TO THIS WARRANT UNDER SAID
ACT OR ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAW OR AN OPINION OF
COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME
INDUSTRIES, INC. THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED."
(j) Note Legend. The Note shall bear the following legend:
"THIS NOTE AND THE COMMON SHARES ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION OF
THIS NOTE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933, AS AMENDED. THIS NOTE AND THE COMMON SHARES ISSUABLE
UPON CONVERSION OF THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR
SALE, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT AS TO THIS NOTE UNDER SAID ACT OR AN
OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO HQ SUSTAINABLE
MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC. THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT
REQUIRED."
(k) Communication of Offer. The offer to sell the Securities
was directly communicated to the Subscriber by the Company. At no time was the
Subscriber presented with or solicited by any leaflet, newspaper or magazine
article, radio or television advertisement, or any other form of general
advertising or solicited or invited to attend a promotional meeting otherwise
than in connection and concurrently with such communicated offer.
(l) Authority; Enforceability. This Agreement and other
agreements delivered together with this Agreement or in connection herewith have
been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Subscriber and are valid and
binding agreements enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to
bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and
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similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights
generally and to general principles of equity; and Subscriber has full corporate
power and authority necessary to enter into this Agreement and such other
agreements and to perform its obligations hereunder and under all other
agreements entered into by the Subscriber relating hereto.
(m) Restricted Securities. Subscriber understands that the
Securities have not been registered under the 1933 Act and such Subscriber will
not sell, offer to sell, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise transfer any
of the Securities unless pursuant to an effective registration statement under
the 1933 Act. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
Agreement, such Subscriber may transfer (without restriction and without the
need for an opinion of counsel) the Securities to its Affiliates (as defined
below) provided that each such Affiliate is an "accredited investor" under
Regulation D and such Affiliate agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions
of this Agreement. For the purposes of this Agreement, an "Affiliate" of any
person or entity means any other person or entity directly or indirectly
controlling, controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such
person or entity. Affiliate when employed in connection with the Company
includes each Subsidiary [as defined in Section 5(a)] of the Company. For
purposes of this definition, "control" means the power to direct the management
and policies of such person or firm, directly or indirectly, whether through the
ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
(n) No Governmental Review. Each Subscriber understands that
no United States federal or state agency or any other governmental or state
agency has passed on or made recommendations or endorsement of the Securities or
the suitability of the investment in the Securities nor have such authorities
passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering of the Securities.
(o) Correctness of Representations. Each Subscriber represents
as to such Subscriber that the foregoing representations and warranties are true
and correct as of the date hereof and, unless a Subscriber otherwise notifies
the Company prior to the Closing Date shall be true and correct as of the
Closing Date.
(p) Survival. The foregoing representations and warranties
shall survive the Closing Date until three years after the Closing Date.
5. Company Representations and Warranties. The Company represents and
warrants to and agrees with each Subscriber that except as set forth in the
Reports and as otherwise qualified in the Transaction Documents:
(a) Due Incorporation. The Company is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its incorporation and has the requisite corporate power to own
its properties and to carry on its business is disclosed in the Reports. The
Company is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to do business and is in good
standing in each jurisdiction where the nature of the business conducted or
property owned by it makes such qualification necessary, other than those
jurisdictions in which the failure to so qualify would not have a Material
Adverse Effect. For purpose of this Agreement, a "Material Adverse Effect" shall
mean a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of
operations, properties or business of the Company taken individually, or in the
aggregate, as a whole. For purposes of this Agreement, "Subsidiary" means, with
respect to any entity at any date, any corporation, limited or general
partnership, limited liability company, trust, estate, association, joint
venture or other business entity) of which more than 50% of (i) the outstanding
capital stock having (in the absence of contingencies) ordinary voting power to
elect a majority of the board of directors or other managing body of such
entity, (ii) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, the
interest in the capital or profits of such partnership or limited liability
company or (iii) in the case of a trust, estate, association, joint venture or
other entity, the beneficial interest in such trust, estate, association or
other entity business is, at the time of determination, owned or controlled
directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, by such entity. All
the Company's Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date are set forth on Schedule 5(a)
hereto.
(b) Outstanding Stock. All issued and outstanding shares of
capital stock of the Company have been duly authorized and validly issued and
are fully paid and nonassessable.
(c) Authority; Enforceability. This Agreement, the Note, the
Warrants, the Escrow Agreement, Security Agreement, Guaranty, and Collateral
Agent Agreement, and any other agreements delivered together with this Agreement
or in connection herewith (collectively "Transaction Documents") have been duly
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authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and are valid and binding
agreements enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy,
insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of
general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and
to general principles of equity. The Company has full corporate power and
authority necessary to enter into and deliver the Transaction Documents and to
perform its obligations thereunder.
(d) Additional Issuances. There are no outstanding agreements
or preemptive or similar rights affecting the Company's common stock or equity
and no outstanding rights, warrants or options to acquire, or instruments
convertible into or exchangeable for, or agreements or understandings with
respect to the sale or issuance of any shares of common stock or equity of the
Company or other equity interest in any of the Subsidiaries of the Company
except as described on Schedule 5(d). The Common stock of the Company on a fully
diluted basis outstanding as of the last trading day preceding the Closing Date
is set forth on Schedule 5(d).
(e) Consents. No consent, approval, authorization or order of
any court, governmental agency or body or arbitrator having jurisdiction over
the Company, or any of its Affiliates, any Principal Market (as defined in
Section 9(b) of this Agreement), nor the Company's shareholders is required for
the execution by the Company of the Transaction Documents and compliance and
performance by the Company of its obligations under the Transaction Documents,
including, without limitation, the issuance and sale of the Securities.
(f) No Violation or Conflict. Assuming the representations and
warranties of the Subscribers in Section 4 are true and correct, neither the
issuance and sale of the Securities nor the performance of the Company's
obligations under this Agreement and all other agreements entered into by the
Company relating thereto by the Company will:
(i) violate, conflict with, result in a
breach of, or constitute a default (or an event which with the giving of notice
or the lapse of time or both would be reasonably likely to constitute a default
in any material respect) under (A) the articles or certificate of incorporation,
charter or bylaws of the Company, (B) to the Company's knowledge, any decree,
judgment, order, law, treaty, rule, regulation or determination applicable to
the Company of any court, governmental agency or body, or arbitrator having
jurisdiction over the Company or over the properties or assets of the Company or
any of its Affiliates, (C) the terms of any bond, debenture, note or any other
evidence of indebtedness, or any agreement, stock option or other similar plan,
indenture, lease, mortgage, deed of trust or other instrument to which the
Company or any of its Affiliates is a party, by which the Company or any of its
Affiliates is bound, or to which any of the properties of the Company or any of
its Affiliates is subject, or (D) the terms of any "lock-up" or similar
provision of any underwriting or similar agreement to which the Company, or any
of its Affiliates is a party except the violation, conflict, breach, or default
of which would not have a Material Adverse Effect; or
(ii) result in the creation or imposition of
any lien, charge or encumbrance upon the Securities or any of the assets of the
Company or any of its Affiliates; or
(iii) result in the activation of any
anti-dilution rights or a reset or repricing of any debt or security instrument
of any other creditor or equity holder of the Company, nor result in the
acceleration of the due date of any obligation of the Company; or
(iv) result in the activation of any
piggy-back registration rights of any person or entity holding securities or
debt of the Company or having the right to receive securities of the Company.
(g) The Securities. The Securities upon issuance:
(i) are, or will be, free and clear of any
security interests, liens, claims or other encumbrances, subject to restrictions
upon transfer under the 1933 Act and any applicable state securities laws;
(ii) have been, or will be, duly and validly
authorized and on the date of issuance of the Shares and upon exercise of the
Warrants, the Shares and Warrant Shares will be duly and validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable and if registered pursuant to the 1933 Act and resold
pursuant to an effective registration statement, will be free trading and
unrestricted;
(iii) will not have been issued or sold in
violation of any preemptive or other similar rights of the holders of any
securities of the Company;
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(iv) will not subject the holders thereof to
personal liability by reason of being such holders provided Subscriber's
representations herein are true and accurate and Subscribers take no actions or
fail to take any actions required for their purchase of the Securities to be in
compliance with all applicable laws and regulations; and
(v) will have been issued in reliance upon
an exemption from the registration requirements of and will not result in a
violation of Section 5 under the 1933 Act.
(h) Litigation. There is no pending or, to the best knowledge
of the Company, threatened action, suit, proceeding or investigation before any
court, governmental agency or body, or arbitrator having jurisdiction over the
Company, or any of its Affiliates that would affect the execution by the Company
or the performance by the Company of its obligations under the Transaction
Documents. Except as disclosed in the Reports, there is no pending or, to the
best knowledge of the Company, basis for or threatened action, suit, proceeding
or investigation before any court, governmental agency or body, or arbitrator
having jurisdiction over the Company, or any of its Affiliates which litigation
if adversely determined would have a Material Adverse Effect.
(i) Reporting Company. The Company is a publicly-held company
subject to reporting obligations pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act") and has a class of common shares
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the 1934 Act. Pursuant to the provisions
of the 1934 Act, the Company has timely filed all reports and other materials
required to be filed thereunder with the Commission during the preceding twelve
months.
(j) No Market Manipulation. The Company and its Affiliates
have not taken, and will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed
to, or that might reasonably be expected to, cause or result in stabilization or
manipulation of the price of the Common Stock to facilitate the sale or resale
of the Securities or affect the price at which the Securities may be issued or
resold, provided, however, that this provision shall not prevent the Company
from engaging in investor relations/public relations activities consistent with
past practices.
(k) Information Concerning Company. The Reports contain all
material information relating to the Company and its operations and financial
condition as of their respective dates and all the information required to be
disclosed therein. Since the last day of the fiscal year of the most recent
audited financial statements included in the Reports ("Latest Financial Date"),
and except as modified in the Other Written Information or in the Schedules
hereto, there has been no Material Adverse Event relating to the Company's
business, financial condition or affairs not disclosed in the Reports. The
Reports do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances when made. The
Company has not provided to the Subscribers any material non-public information.
(l) Stop Transfer. The Company will not issue any stop
transfer order or other order impeding the sale, resale or delivery of any of
the Securities, except as may be required by any applicable federal or state
securities laws and unless contemporaneous notice of such instruction is given
to the Subscriber.
(m) Defaults. The Company is not in violation of its articles
of incorporation or bylaws. The Company is (i) not in default under or in
violation of any other material agreement or instrument to which it is a party
or by which it or any of its properties are bound or affected, which default or
violation would have a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) not in default with respect
to any order of any court, arbitrator or governmental body or subject to or
party to any order of any court or governmental authority arising out of any
action, suit or proceeding under any statute or other law respecting antitrust,
monopoly, restraint of trade, unfair competition or similar matters, or (iii) to
the Company's knowledge not in violation of any statute, rule or regulation of
any governmental authority which violation would have a Material Adverse Effect.
(n) Not an Integrated Offering. Neither the Company, nor any
of its Affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf, has directly or
indirectly made any offers or sales of any security or solicited any offers to
buy any security under circumstances that would cause the offer of the
Securities pursuant to this Agreement to be integrated with prior offerings by
the Company for purposes of the 1933 Act or any applicable stockholder approval
provisions, including, without limitation, under the rules and regulations of
the OTC Bulletin Board ("Bulletin Board") which would impair the exemptions
relied upon in this Offering or the Company's ability to timely comply with its
obligations hereunder. Nor will the Company or any of its Affiliates take any
action or steps that would cause the offer or issuance of the Securities to be
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integrated with other offerings which would impair the exemptions relied upon in
this Offering or the Company's ability to timely comply with its obligations
hereunder. The Company will not conduct any offering other than the transactions
contemplated hereby that will be integrated with the offer or issuance of the
Securities, which would impair the exemptions relied upon in this Offering or
the Company's ability to timely comply with its obligations hereunder.
(o) No General Solicitation. Neither the Company, nor any of
its Affiliates, nor to its knowledge, any person acting on its or their behalf,
has engaged in any form of general solicitation or general advertising (within
the meaning of Regulation D under the 0000 Xxx) in connection with the offer or
sale of the Securities.
(p) Listing. The Company's common stock is quoted on the
Bulletin Board. The Company has not received any oral or written notice that its
common stock is not eligible nor will become ineligible for quotation on the
Bulletin Board nor that its common stock does not meet all requirements for the
continuation of such quotation. The Company satisfies all the requirements for
the continued quotation of its common stock on the Bulletin Board.
(q) No Undisclosed Liabilities. The Company has no liabilities
or obligations which are material, individually or in the aggregate, which are
not disclosed in the Reports and Other Written Information, other than those
incurred in the ordinary course of the Company's businesses since the Latest
Financial Date and which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, except as disclosed on Schedule
5(q).
(r) No Undisclosed Events or Circumstances. Since the Latest
Financial Date, no event or circumstance has occurred or exists with respect to
the Company or its businesses, properties, operations or financial condition,
that, under applicable law, rule or regulation, requires public disclosure or
announcement prior to the date hereof by the Company but which has not been so
publicly announced or disclosed in the Reports.
(s) Capitalization. The authorized and outstanding capital
stock of the Company and Subsidiaries as of the date of this Agreement and the
Closing Date (not including the Securities) are set forth on Schedule 5(d).
Except as set forth on Schedule 5(d), there are no options, warrants, or rights
to subscribe to, securities, rights or obligations convertible into or
exchangeable for or giving any right to subscribe for any shares of capital
stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. All of the outstanding shares
of Common Stock of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued
and are fully paid and nonassessable.
(t) Dilution. The Company's executive officers and directors
understand the nature of the Securities being sold hereby and recognize that the
issuance of the Securities will have a potential dilutive effect on the equity
holdings of other holders of the Company's equity or rights to receive equity of
the Company. The board of directors of the Company has concluded, in its good
faith business judgment that the issuance of the Securities is in the best
interests of the Company. The Company specifically acknowledges that its
obligation to issue the Shares upon conversion of the Notes, and the Warrant
Shares upon exercise of the Warrants is binding upon the Company and enforceable
regardless of the dilution such issuance may have on the ownership interests of
other shareholders of the Company or parties entitled to receive equity of the
Company.
(u) No Disagreements with Accountants and Lawyers. There are
no disagreements of any kind presently existing, or reasonably anticipated by
the Company to arise, between the Company and the accountants and lawyers
formerly or presently employed by the Company, including but not limited to
disputes or conflicts over payment owed to such accountants and lawyers.
(v) DTC Status. The Company's transfer agent is a participant
in and the Common Stock is eligible for transfer pursuant to the Depository
Trust Company Automated Securities Transfer Program. The name, address,
telephone number, fax number, contact person and email address of the Company
transfer agent is set forth on Schedule 5(v) hereto.
(w) Investment Company. Neither the Company nor any Affiliate
is an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended.
(x) Subsidiary Representations. The Company makes each of the
representations contained in Sections 5(a), (b), (d), (e), (f), (h), (k), (m),
(q), (r), (s), (u) and (w) of this Agreement, as same relate to each Subsidiary
of the Company.
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(y) Company Predecessor. All representations made by or
relating to the Company of a historical or prospective nature and all
undertakings described in Sections 9(g) through 9(l) shall relate, apply and
refer to the Company, its predecessors, and the Subsidiaries.
(z) Correctness of Representations. The Company represents
that the foregoing representations and warranties are true and correct as of the
date hereof in all material respects, and, unless the Company otherwise notifies
the Subscribers prior to the Closing Date, shall be true and correct in all
material respects as of the Closing Date.
(AA) Survival. The foregoing representations and warranties
shall survive until three years after the Closing Date.
6. Regulation D Offering. The offer and issuance of the Securities to
the Subscribers is being made pursuant to the exemption from the registration
provisions of the 1933 Act afforded by Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) of the 1933
Act and/or Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder. On the Closing Date,
the Company will provide an opinion reasonably acceptable to Subscriber from the
Company's legal counsel opining on the availability of an exemption from
registration under the 1933 Act as it relates to the offer and issuance of the
Securities and other matters reasonably requested by Subscribers. A form of the
legal opinion is annexed hereto as Exhibit G. The Company will provide, at the
Company's expense, such other legal opinions in the future as are reasonably
necessary for the issuance and resale of the Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of the Notes and exercise of the Warrants pursuant to an effective
registration statement. Subscriber agrees that any legal opinions required
hereunder or under any other Transaction Documents may be supplied by the
Company's in house General Counsel.
7.1. Conversion of Note.
(a) Upon the conversion of a Note or part thereof, the Company
shall, at its own cost and expense, take all necessary action, including
obtaining and delivering, an opinion of counsel to assure that the Company's
transfer agent shall issue stock certificates in the name of Subscriber (or its
nominee) or such other persons as designated by Subscriber and in such
denominations to be specified at conversion representing the number of shares of
Common Stock issuable upon such conversion. The Company warrants that no
instructions other than these instructions have been or will be given to the
transfer agent of the Company's Common Stock and that, unless waived by the
Subscriber, the Shares will be free-trading, and freely transferable, and will
not contain a legend restricting the resale or transferability of the Shares
provided the Shares are being sold pursuant to an effective registration
statement covering the Shares or are otherwise exempt from registration.
(b) Subscriber will give notice of its decision to exercise
its right to convert the Note, interest, any sum due to the Subscriber under the
Transaction Documents including Liquidated Damages, or part thereof by
telecopying an executed and completed Notice of Conversion (a form of which is
annexed as Exhibit A to the Note) to the Company via confirmed telecopier
transmission or otherwise pursuant to Section 13(a) of this Agreement. The
Subscriber will not be required to surrender the Note until the Note has been
fully converted or satisfied. Each date on which a Notice of Conversion is
telecopied to the Company in accordance with the provisions hereof shall be
deemed a Conversion Date. The Company will itself or cause the Company's
transfer agent to transmit the Company's Common Stock certificates representing
the Shares issuable upon conversion of the Note to the Subscriber via express
courier for receipt by such Subscriber within three (3) business days after
receipt by the Company of the Notice of Conversion (such third day being the
"Delivery Date"). In the event the Shares are electronically transferable, then
delivery of the Shares must be made by electronic transfer provided request for
such electronic transfer has been made by the Subscriber and the Subscriber has
complied with all applicable securities laws in connection with the sale of the
Common Stock, including, without limitation, the prospectus delivery
requirements. A Note representing the balance of the Note not so converted will
be provided by the Company to the Subscriber if requested by Subscriber,
provided the Subscriber delivers the original Note to the Company. In the event
that a Subscriber elects not to surrender a Note for reissuance upon partial
payment or conversion, the Subscriber hereby indemnifies the Company against any
and all loss or damage attributable to a third-party claim in an amount in
excess of the actual amount then due under the Note. "Business day" and "trading
day" as employed in the Transaction Documents is a day that the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading for three or more hours.
8
(c) The Company understands that a delay in the delivery of
the Shares in the form required pursuant to Section 7.1 hereof, or the Mandatory
Redemption Amount described in Section 7.2 hereof, respectively after the
Delivery Date or the Mandatory Redemption Payment Date (as hereinafter defined)
could result in economic loss to the Subscriber. As compensation to the
Subscriber for such loss, the Company agrees to pay (as liquidated damages and
not as a penalty) to the Subscriber for late issuance of Shares in the form
required pursuant to Section 7.1 hereof upon Conversion of the Note in the
amount of $100 per business day after the Delivery Date for each $10,000 of Note
principal amount being converted of the corresponding Shares which are not
timely delivered. The Company shall pay any payments incurred under this Section
in immediately available funds upon demand. Furthermore, in addition to any
other remedies which may be available to the Subscriber, in the event that the
Company fails for any reason to effect delivery of the Shares by the Delivery
Date or make payment by the Mandatory Redemption Payment Date, the Subscriber
may revoke all or part of the relevant Notice of Conversion or rescind all or
part of the notice of Mandatory Redemption by delivery of a notice to such
effect to the Company whereupon the Company and the Subscriber shall each be
restored to their respective positions immediately prior to the delivery of such
notice, except that the liquidated damages described above shall be payable
through the date notice of revocation or rescission is given to the Company.
(d) Nothing contained herein or in any document referred to
herein or delivered in connection herewith shall be deemed to establish or
require the payment of a rate of interest or other charges in excess of the
maximum permitted by applicable law. In the event that the rate of interest or
dividends required to be paid or other charges hereunder exceed the maximum
permitted by such law, any payments in excess of such maximum shall be credited
against amounts owed by the Company to the Subscriber and thus refunded to the
Company.
7.2. Mandatory Redemption at Subscriber's Election. In the event (i)
the Company is prohibited from issuing Shares, (ii) the Company fails to timely
deliver Shares on a Delivery Date, (iii) upon the occurrence of any other Event
of Default (as defined in the Note or in this Agreement), (iv) of the
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, or (v) a Change of
Control (as defined below) any of which that continues for more than ten days,
then at the Subscriber's election, the Company must pay to the Subscriber ten
(10) business days after request by the Subscriber, a sum of money determined by
multiplying up to the outstanding principal amount of the Note designated by the
Subscriber by 120%, together with accrued but unpaid interest thereon
("Mandatory Redemption Payment"). The Mandatory Redemption Payment must be
received by the Subscriber on the same date as the Shares otherwise deliverable
or within ten (10) business days after request, whichever is sooner ("Mandatory
Redemption Payment Date"). Upon receipt of the Mandatory Redemption Payment, the
corresponding Note principal and interest will be deemed paid and no longer
outstanding. Liquidated damages calculated pursuant to Section 7.1(c) hereof,
that have been paid or accrued for the twenty day period prior to the actual
receipt of the Mandatory Redemption Payment by the Subscriber shall be credited
against the Mandatory Redemption Payment. For purposes of this Section 7.2,
"Change in Control" shall mean (i) the Company no longer having a class of
shares publicly traded or listed on a Principal Market, (ii) the Company
becoming a Subsidiary of another entity, (iii) a majority of the board of
directors of the Company as of the Closing Date no longer serving as directors
of the Company except due to natural causes, (iv) if the holders of the
Company's Common Stock as of the Closing Date beneficially own at any time after
the Closing Date less than forty percent of the Common stock owned by them on
the Closing Date, or (v) if the Chief Executive Officer of the Company as of the
Closing Date no longer serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
7.3. Maximum Conversion. The Subscriber shall not be entitled to
convert on a Conversion Date that amount of the Note in connection with that
number of shares of Common Stock which would be in excess of the sum of (i) the
number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by the Subscriber and its
Affiliates on a Conversion Date, and (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock
issuable upon the conversion of the Note with respect to which the determination
of this provision is being made on a Conversion Date, which would result in
beneficial ownership by the Subscriber and its Affiliates of more than 4.99% of
the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company on such Conversion Date.
Beneficial ownership shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Regulation 13d-3 thereunder.
Subject to the foregoing, the Subscriber shall not be limited to aggregate
conversions of only 4.99% and aggregate conversions by the Subscriber may exceed
4.99%. The Subscriber may waive the conversion limitation described in this
Section 7.3, in whole or in part, upon and effective after 61 days prior written
notice to the Company. The Subscriber may decide whether to convert a Note or
exercise Warrants to achieve an actual 4.99% ownership position.
7.4. Injunction Posting of Bond. In the event a Subscriber shall elect
to convert a Note or part thereof or exercise the Warrant in whole or in part,
the Company may not refuse conversion or exercise based on any claim that such
Subscriber or any one associated or affiliated with such Subscriber has been
9
engaged in any violation of law, or for any other reason, unless, an injunction
from a court, on notice, restraining and or enjoining conversion of all or part
of such Note or exercise of all or part of such Warrant shall have been sought
and obtained by the Company and the Company has posted a surety bond for the
benefit of such Subscriber in the amount of 120% of the outstanding principal
and interest of the Note, or aggregate purchase price of the Warrant Shares
which are sought to be subject to the injunction, which bond shall remain in
effect until the completion of arbitration/litigation of the dispute and the
proceeds of which shall be payable to such Subscriber to the extent Subscriber
obtains judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company receives an
order restraining it from converting from a court or administration agency of
competent jurisdiction, it shall comply without a bond requirement.
7.5. Buy-In. In addition to any other rights available to the
Subscriber, if the Company fails to deliver to the Subscriber such shares
issuable upon conversion of a Note by the Delivery Date and if after seven (7)
business days after the Delivery Date the Subscriber purchases (in an open
market transaction or otherwise) shares of Common Stock to deliver in
satisfaction of a sale by such Subscriber of the Common Stock which the
Subscriber was entitled to receive upon such conversion (a "Buy-In"), then the
Company shall pay in cash to the Subscriber (in addition to any remedies
available to or elected by the Subscriber) the amount by which (A) the
Subscriber's total purchase price (including brokerage commissions, if any) for
the shares of Common Stock so purchased exceeds (B) the aggregate principal
and/or interest amount of the Note for which such conversion was not timely
honored, together with interest thereon at a rate of 15% per annum, accruing
until such amount and any accrued interest thereon is paid in full (which amount
shall be paid as liquidated damages and not as a penalty). For example, if the
Subscriber purchases shares of Common Stock having a total purchase price of
$11,000 to cover a Buy-In with respect to an attempted conversion of $10,000 of
note principal and/or interest, the Company shall be required to pay the
Subscriber $1,000, plus interest. The Subscriber shall provide the Company
written notice indicating the amounts payable to the Subscriber in respect of
the Buy-In.
7.6 Adjustments. The Conversion Price, Warrant exercise price and
amount of Shares issuable upon conversion of the Notes and exercise of the
Warrants shall be adjusted as described in this Agreement, the Notes and
Warrants.
7.7. Redemption. The Note and Warrants shall not be redeemable or
mandatorily convertible except as described in the Note and Warrants.
8. Finder/Legal Fees.
(a) Finder's Commission. The Company on the one hand, and each
Subscriber (for himself only) on the other hand, agrees to indemnify the other
against and hold the other harmless from any and all liabilities to any persons
claiming brokerage commissions or similar fees other than the one or more
entities identified on Schedule 8 hereto, (each a "Finder") on account of
services purported to have been rendered on behalf of the indemnifying party in
connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and
arising out of such party's actions. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, each Subscriber is providing indemnification only for such
Subscriber's own actions and not for any action of any other Subscriber. Each
Subscriber's liability hereunder is several and not joint. The Company agrees
that it will pay the Finder an aggregate cash fee equal to 10% of the Purchase
Price on the Closing Date directly out of the funds held pursuant to the Escrow
Agreement ("Finder's Fees"). The Finders will also be paid by the Company in the
aggregate, ten percent (10%) of the cash proceeds received by the Company from
Warrant exercise ("Warrant Exercise Compensation"). The Warrant Exercise
Compensation must be paid by the Company to the Finder within five (5) days
after each receipt by the Company of Warrant Exercise cash proceeds. The Company
represents that there are no other parties entitled to receive fees,
commissions, or similar payments in connection with the offering described in
this Agreement except the Broker.
(b) Finder's Warrants. On the Closing Date, the Company will
issue to the Finders, Warrants similar to and carrying the same rights as the
Class B Warrants issuable to the Subscribers ("Finder's Warrants") except that
the exercise price shall be $0.35 per Warrant Share. The Finder will receive, in
the aggregate, ten (10) Finder's Warrants for each one hundred (100) Warrants
issuable on the Closing Date to the Subscribers. All the representations,
covenants, warranties, undertakings, remedies, liquidated damages,
indemnification, and other rights including but not limited to reservation and
registration rights made or granted to or for the benefit of the Subscribers are
hereby also made by the Company and granted to the holders of the Finder's
Warrants. Warrant Exercise Compensation will not be payable in connection with
the Finder's Warrants.
10
(c) Legal Fees. The Company shall pay to Grushko & Xxxxxxx,
P.C., a cash fee of $25,000 ("Legal Fees") (of which $5,000 has been paid) as
reimbursement for services rendered to the Subscribers in connection with this
Agreement and the purchase and sale of the Notes and Warrants (the "Offering").
The Legal Fees and reimbursement for estimated UCC searches and filing fees
(less any amounts paid prior to a Closing Date) will be payable on the Closing
Date out of funds held pursuant to the Escrow Agreement.
9. Covenants of the Company. The Company covenants and agrees with the
Subscribers as follows:
(a) Stop Orders. The Company will advise the Subscribers,
within two hours after the Company receives notice of issuance by the
Commission, any state securities commission or any other regulatory authority of
any stop order or of any order preventing or suspending any offering of any
securities of the Company, or of the suspension of the qualification of the
Common Stock of the Company for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or the
initiation of any proceeding for any such purpose.
(b) Listing. The Company shall promptly secure the listing of
the shares of Common Stock and the Warrant Shares upon each national securities
exchange, or electronic or automated quotation system upon which they are or
become eligible for listing and shall maintain such listing so long as any Notes
or Warrants are outstanding. The Company will maintain the listing of its Common
Stock on the American Stock Exchange, Nasdaq SmallCap Market, Nasdaq National
Market System, Bulletin Board, or New York Stock Exchange (whichever of the
foregoing is at the time the principal trading exchange or market for the Common
Stock (the "Principal Market")), and will comply in all respects with the
Company's reporting, filing and other obligations under the bylaws or rules of
the Principal Market, as applicable. The Company will provide the Subscribers
copies of all notices it receives notifying the Company of the threatened and
actual delisting of the Common Stock from any Principal Market. As of the date
of this Agreement, the Bulletin Board is the Principal Market.
(c) Market Regulations. The Company shall notify the
Commission, the Principal Market and applicable state authorities, in accordance
with their requirements, of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and
shall take all other necessary action and proceedings as may be required and
permitted by applicable law, rule and regulation, for the legal and valid
issuance of the Securities to the Subscribers and promptly provide copies
thereof to Subscriber.
(d) Filing Requirements. From the date of this Agreement and
until the sooner of (i) two (2) years after the Closing Date, or (ii) until all
the Shares and Warrant Shares have been resold or transferred by all the
Subscribers pursuant to the Registration Statement or pursuant to Rule 144,
without regard to volume limitations, the Company will (A) cause its Common
Stock to continue to be registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the 1934 Act,
(B) comply in all respects with its reporting and filing obligations under the
1934 Act, (C) voluntarily comply with all reporting requirements that are
applicable to an issuer with a class of shares registered pursuant to Section
12(g) of the 1934 Act, if Company is not subject to such reporting requirements,
and (D) comply with all requirements related to any registration statement filed
pursuant to this Agreement. The Company will use its best efforts not to take
any action or file any document (whether or not permitted by the 1933 Act or the
1934 Act or the rules thereunder) to terminate or suspend such registration or
to terminate or suspend its reporting and filing obligations under said acts
until two (2) years after the Closing Date. Until the earlier of the resale of
the Common Stock and the Warrant Shares by each Subscriber or two (2) years
after the Warrants have been exercised, the Company will use its best efforts to
continue the listing or quotation of the Common Stock on a Principal Market and
will comply in all respects with the Company's reporting, filing and other
obligations under the bylaws or rules of the Principal Market. The Company
agrees to timely file a Form D with respect to the Securities if required under
Regulation D and to provide a copy thereof to each Subscriber promptly after
such filing.
(e) Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Offering will be
employed by the Company for the purposes set forth on Schedule 9(e) hereto.
Except as set forth on Schedule 9(e), the Purchase Price may not and will not be
used for accrued and unpaid officer and director salaries, payment of financing
related debt, redemption of outstanding notes or equity instruments of the
Company, litigation related expenses or settlements, brokerage fees, nor
non-trade obligations outstanding on a Closing Date. For so long as any Notes
are outstanding, the Company will not prepay any financing related debt
obligations nor redeem any equity instruments of the Company.
11
(f) Reservation. Prior to the Closing Date, the Company
undertakes to reserve, pro rata, on behalf of the Subscribers from its
authorized but unissued common stock, a number of common shares equal to 175% of
the amount of Common Stock necessary to allow each Subscriber to be able to
convert all Notes issuable pursuant to this Agreement and interest thereon and
reserve 100% of the amount of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of the
Warrants. Failure to have sufficient shares reserved pursuant to this Section
9(f) for five (5) consecutive business days or fifteen (15) days in the
aggregate shall be a material default of the Company's obligations under this
Agreement and an Event of Default under the Note.
(g) Taxes. From the date of this Agreement and until the
sooner of (i) two (2) years after the Closing Date, or (ii) until all the Shares
and Warrant Shares have been resold or transferred by all the Subscribers
pursuant to the Registration Statement or pursuant to Rule 144, without regard
to volume limitations, the Company will promptly pay and discharge, or cause to
be paid and discharged, when due and payable, all lawful taxes, assessments and
governmental charges or levies imposed upon the income, profits, property or
business of the Company; provided, however, that any such tax, assessment,
charge or levy need not be paid if the validity thereof shall currently be
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and if the Company shall have
set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto, and provided,
further, that the Company will pay all such taxes, assessments, charges or
levies forthwith upon the commencement of proceedings to foreclose any lien
which may have attached as security therefore.
(h) Insurance. From the date of this Agreement and until the
sooner of (i) two (2) years after the Closing Date, or (ii) until all the Shares
and Warrant Shares have been resold or transferred by all the Subscribers
pursuant to the Registration Statement or pursuant to Rule 144, without regard
to volume limitations, the Company will keep its assets which are of an
insurable character insured by financially sound and reputable insurers against
loss or damage by fire, explosion and other risks customarily insured against by
companies in the Company's line of business, in amounts sufficient to prevent
the Company from becoming a co-insurer and not in any event less than one
hundred percent (100%) of the insurable value of the property insured less
reasonable deductible amounts; and the Company will maintain, with financially
sound and reputable insurers, insurance against other hazards and risks and
liability to persons and property to the extent and in the manner customary for
companies in similar businesses similarly situated and to the extent available
on commercially reasonable terms.
(i) Books and Records. From the date of this Agreement and
until the sooner of (i) two (2) years after the Closing Date, or (ii) until all
the Shares and Warrant Shares have been resold or transferred by all the
Subscribers pursuant to the Registration Statement or pursuant to Rule 144,
without regard to volume limitations, the Company will keep true records and
books of account in which full, true and correct entries will be made of all
dealings or transactions in relation to its business and affairs in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis.
(j) Governmental Authorities. From the date of this Agreement
and until the sooner of (i) two (2) years after the Closing Date, or (ii) until
all the Shares and Warrant Shares have been resold or transferred by all the
Subscribers pursuant to the Registration Statement or pursuant to Rule 144,
without regard to volume limitations, the Company shall duly observe and conform
in all material respects to all valid requirements of governmental authorities
relating to the conduct of its business or to its properties or assets.
(k) Intellectual Property. From the date of this Agreement and
until the sooner of (i) two (2) years after the Closing Date, or (ii) until all
the Shares and Warrant Shares have been resold or transferred by all the
Subscribers pursuant to the Registration Statement or pursuant to Rule 144,
without regard to volume limitations, the Company shall maintain in full force
and effect its corporate existence, rights and franchises and all licenses and
other rights to use intellectual property owned or possessed by it and
reasonably deemed to be necessary to the conduct of its business, unless it is
sold for value.
(l) Properties. From the date of this Agreement and until the
sooner of (i) two (2) years after the Closing Date, or (ii) until all the Shares
and Warrant Shares have been resold or transferred by all the Subscribers
pursuant to the Registration Statement (as defined in Section 11.1(iv) hereof)
or pursuant to Rule 144, without regard to volume limitations, the Company will
keep its properties in good repair, working order and condition, reasonable wear
and tear excepted, and from time to time make all necessary and proper repairs,
renewals, replacements, additions and improvements thereto; and the Company will
at all times comply with each provision of all leases to which it is a party or
under which it occupies property if the breach of such provision could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
12
(m) Confidentiality/Public Announcement. From the date of this
Agreement and until the sooner of (i) two (2) years after the Closing Date, or
(ii) until all the Shares and Warrant Shares have been resold or transferred by
all the Subscribers pursuant to the Registration Statement or pursuant to Rule
144, without regard to volume limitations, the Company agrees that except in
connection with a Form 8-K or the Registration Statement or as otherwise
required in any other Commission filing, it will not disclose publicly or
privately the identity of the Subscribers unless expressly agreed to in writing
by a Subscriber, only to the extent required by law and then only upon five days
prior notice to Subscriber. In any event and subject to the foregoing, the
Company shall file a Form 8-K or make a public announcement describing the
Offering not later than the first business day after each Closing Date. In the
Form 8-K or public announcement, the Company will specifically disclose the
amount of common stock outstanding immediately after the Closing. A form of the
proposed Form 8-K or public announcement to be employed in connection with the
Closing is annexed hereto as Exhibit H.
(n) Further Registration Statements. Except for a registration
statement filed on behalf of the Subscribers pursuant to Section 11 of this
Agreement, and as set forth on Schedule 11.1 hereto, the Company will not file
any registration statements or amend any already filed registration statement,
including but not limited to Forms S-8, with the Commission or with state
regulatory authorities without the consent of the Subscriber until the
expiration of the "Exclusion Period", which shall be defined as the sooner of
(i) the Registration Statement shall have been current and available for use in
connection with the resale of the Registrable Securities (as defined in Section
11.1(i) for a period of 180 days, or (ii) until all the Shares and Warrant
Shares have been resold or transferred by the Subscribers pursuant to the
Registration Statement or Rule 144, without regard to volume limitations. The
Exclusion Period will be tolled during the pendency of an Event of Default as
defined in the Note.
(o) Blackout. The Company undertakes and covenants that until
the end of the Exclusion Period, the Company will not enter into any
acquisition, merger, exchange or sale or other transaction that could have the
effect of delaying the effectiveness of any pending registration statement or
causing an already effective registration statement to no longer be effective or
current.
(p) Non-Public Information. The Company covenants and agrees
that neither it nor any other person acting on its behalf will provide any
Subscriber or its agents or counsel with any information that the Company
believes constitutes material non-public information, unless prior thereto such
Subscriber shall have agreed in writing to receive such information. The Company
understands and confirms that each Subscriber shall be relying on the foregoing
representations in effecting transactions in securities of the Company.
(q) Limited Standstill. The Company will deliver to the
Subscribers on or before the Closing Date and enforce the provisions of
irrevocable standstill agreements ("Limited Standstill Agreements") in the form
annexed hereto as Exhibit I, with the parties identified on Schedule 9(q)
hereto.
(r) Offering Restrictions. Until the expiration of the
Exclusion Period and during the pendency of an Event of Default, except for the
Excepted Issuances, the Company will not enter into an agreement to nor issue
any equity, convertible debt or other securities convertible into common stock
or equity of the Company nor modify any of the foregoing which may be
outstanding at anytime, without the prior written consent of the Subscriber,
which consent may be withheld for any reason. For so long as any principal
amount of the Notes is outstanding, the Company will not enter into any equity
line of credit or similar agreement, nor issue nor agree to issue any floating
or variable priced equity linked instruments nor any of the foregoing or equity
with price reset rights.
(s) Negative Covenants. So long as any portion of this Note is
outstanding, the Company will not and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to
directly or indirectly:
(i) enter into, create, incur, assume or
suffer to exist any indebtedness or liens of any kind, on or with respect to any
of its property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired or any interest
therein or any income or profits therefrom that is senior to or pari passu with,
in any respect, the Company's obligations under the Notes except for debt under
the GSO facility of up to seventy million dollars or if such facility is
unavailable, then a traditional (non-equity) debt only accounts receivable and
inventory financing facility from a conventional institutional United States
based financing source;
13
(ii) amend its certificate of incorporation,
bylaws or its charter documents so as to adversely affect any rights of the
Subscriber;
(iii) repay, repurchase or offer to repay,
repurchase or otherwise acquire or make any dividend or distribution in respect
of any of its Common Stock, Preferred Stock, or other equity securities other
than to the extent permitted or required under the Transaction Documents;
(iv) engage in any transactions with any
officer, director, employee or any Affiliate of the Company, including any
contract, agreement or other arrangement providing for the furnishing of
services to or by, providing for rental of real or personal property to or from,
or otherwise requiring payments to or from any officer, director or such
employee or, to the knowledge of the Company, any entity in which any officer,
director, or any such employee has a substantial interest or is an officer,
director, trustee or partner, in each case in excess of $10,000 other than (i)
for payment of salary or consulting fees for services rendered, (ii)
reimbursement for expenses incurred on behalf of the Company and (iii) for other
employee benefits, including stock option agreements under any stock option plan
of the Company.
(t) The Company is not required to obtain any consent, waiver,
authorization or order of, give any notice to, or make any filing or
registration with, any court or other governmental authority or other person or
entity to transfer currency or funds out of China or repay any of its
obligations under the Transaction Documents. The Company is unaware of any
impediment to its compliance with its obligations under the Transaction
Documents which impediment derives from the Company's operations in the People's
Republic of China.
10. Covenants of the Company and Subscriber Regarding Indemnification.
(a) The Company agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, reimburse
and defend the Subscribers, the Subscribers' officers, directors, agents,
Affiliates, control persons, and principal shareholders, against any claim,
cost, expense, liability, obligation, loss or damage (including reasonable legal
fees) of any nature, incurred by or imposed upon the Subscriber or any such
person which results, arises out of or is based upon (i) any material
misrepresentation by Company or material breach of any warranty by Company in
this Agreement or in any Exhibits or Schedules attached hereto, or other
agreement delivered pursuant hereto; or (ii) after any applicable notice and/or
cure periods, any material breach or default in performance by the Company of
any covenant or undertaking to be performed by the Company hereunder, or any
other agreement entered into by the Company and Subscriber relating hereto.
(b) Each Subscriber agrees to indemnify, hold harmless,
reimburse and defend the Company and each of the Company's officers, directors,
agents, Affiliates, control persons against any claim, cost, expense, liability,
obligation, loss or damage (including reasonable legal fees) of any nature,
incurred by or imposed upon the Company or any such person which results, arises
out of or is based upon (i) any material misrepresentation by such Subscriber in
this Agreement or in any Exhibits or Schedules attached hereto, or other
agreement delivered pursuant hereto; or (ii) after any applicable notice and/or
cure periods, any material breach or default in performance by such Subscriber
of any covenant or undertaking to be performed by such Subscriber hereunder, or
any other agreement entered into by the Company and Subscribers, relating
hereto.
(c) In no event shall the liability of any Subscriber or
permitted successor hereunder or under any Transaction Document or other
agreement delivered in connection herewith be greater in amount than the dollar
amount of the net proceeds actually received by such Subscriber upon the sale of
Registrable Securities (as defined herein).
(d) The procedures set forth in Section 11.6 shall apply to
the indemnification set forth in Sections 10(a) and 10(b) above.
11.1. Registration Rights. The Company hereby grants the following
registration rights to holders of the Securities.
(i) On one occasion, for a period commencing one hundred and
twenty-one (121) days after the Closing Date, but not later than two (2) years
after the Closing Date, upon a written request therefor from any record holder
or holders of more than 50% of the Shares issued and issuable upon conversion of
14
the outstanding Notes and outstanding Warrant Shares, the Company shall prepare
and file with the Commission a registration statement under the 1933 Act
registering the Registrable Securities, as defined in Section 11.1(iv) hereof,
which are the subject of such request for unrestricted public resale by the
holder thereof. For purposes of Sections 11.1(i) and 11.1(ii), Registrable
Securities shall not include Securities which are (A) registered for resale in
an effective registration statement, (B) included for registration in a pending
registration statement, or (C) which have been issued without further transfer
restrictions after a sale or transfer pursuant to Rule 144 under the 1933 Act.
Upon the receipt of such request, the Company shall promptly give written notice
to all other record holders of the Registrable Securities that such registration
statement is to be filed and shall include in such registration statement
Registrable Securities for which it has received written requests within ten
(10) days after the Company gives such written notice. Such other requesting
record holders shall be deemed to have exercised their demand registration right
under this Section 11.1(i).
(ii) If the Company at any time proposes to register any of
its securities under the 1933 Act for sale to the public, whether for its own
account or for the account of other security holders or both, except with
respect to registration statements on Forms X-0, X-0 or another form not
available for registering the Registrable Securities for sale to the public,
provided the Registrable Securities are not otherwise registered for resale by
the Subscribers or Holder pursuant to an effective registration statement, each
such time it will give at least fifteen (15) days' prior written notice to the
record holder of the Registrable Securities of its intention so to do. Upon the
written request of the holder, received by the Company within ten (10) days
after the giving of any such notice by the Company, to register any of the
Registrable Securities not previously registered, the Company will cause such
Registrable Securities as to which registration shall have been so requested to
be included with the securities to be covered by the registration statement
proposed to be filed by the Company, all to the extent required to permit the
sale or other disposition of the Registrable Securities so registered by the
holder of such Registrable Securities (the "Seller" or "Sellers"). In the event
that any registration pursuant to this Section 11.1(ii) shall be, in whole or in
part, an underwritten public offering of common stock of the Company, the number
of shares of Registrable Securities to be included in such an underwriting may
be reduced by the managing underwriter if and to the extent that the Company and
the underwriter shall reasonably be of the opinion that such inclusion would
adversely affect the marketing of the securities to be sold by the Company
therein; provided, however, that the Company shall notify the Seller in writing
of any such reduction. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, or Section 11.4
hereof, the Company may withdraw or delay or suffer a delay of any registration
statement referred to in this Section 11.1(ii) without thereby incurring any
liability to the Seller.
(iii) If, at the time any written request for registration is
received by the Company pursuant to Section 11.1(i), the Company has determined
to proceed with the actual preparation and filing of a registration statement
under the 1933 Act in connection with the proposed offer and sale for cash of
any of its securities for the Company's own account and the Company actually
does file such other registration statement, such written request shall be
deemed to have been given pursuant to Section 11.1(ii) rather than Section
11.1(i), and the rights of the holders of Registrable Securities covered by such
written request shall be governed by Section 11.1(ii).
(iv) The Company shall file with the Commission a Form SB-2
registration statement (the "Registration Statement") (or such other form that
it is eligible to use) in order to register the Registrable Securities for
resale and distribution under the 1933 Act within thirty (30) calendar days
after the Closing Date (the "Filing Date"), and cause to be declared effective
not later than one hundred and twenty (120) calendar days after the Closing Date
(the "Effective Date"). The Company will register not less than a number of
shares of common stock in the aforedescribed registration statement that is
equal to 175% of the Shares issuable upon conversion of all of the Notes
issuable to the Subscribers, and 100% of the Warrant Shares issuable pursuant to
this Agreement upon exercise of the Warrants and Finder's Warrants (collectively
the "Registrable Securities"). The Registrable Securities shall be reserved and
set aside exclusively for the benefit of each Subscriber and Warrant holder, pro
rata, and not issued, employed or reserved for anyone other than each such
Subscriber and Warrant holder. The Registration Statement will immediately be
amended or additional registration statements will be immediately filed by the
Company as necessary to register additional shares of Common Stock to allow the
public resale of all Common Stock included in and issuable by virtue of the
Registrable Securities. Except with the written consent of the Subscriber, or as
described on Schedule 11.1 hereto, no securities of the Company other than the
Registrable Securities will be included in the Registration Statement. It shall
be deemed a Non-Registration Event if at any time after the date the
Registration Statement is declared effective by the Commission ("Actual
Effective Date") the Company has registered for unrestricted resale on behalf of
the Subscribers fewer than 125% of the amount of Common Shares issuable upon
full conversion of all sums due under the Notes and 100% of the Warrant Shares
issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.
15
11.2. Registration Procedures. If and whenever the Company is required
by the provisions of Section 11.1(i), 11.1(ii), or (iv) to effect the
registration of any Registrable Securities under the 1933 Act, the Company will,
as expeditiously as possible:
(a) subject to the timelines provided in this Agreement,
prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement required by
Section 11, with respect to such securities and use its best efforts to cause
such registration statement to become and remain effective for the period of the
distribution contemplated thereby (determined as herein provided), promptly
provide to the holders of the Registrable Securities copies of all filings and
Commission letters of comment and notify Subscribers (by telecopier and by
e-mail addresses provided by Subscribers) and Grushko & Xxxxxxx, P.C. (by
telecopier and by email to Xxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx) on or before 6:00 PM EST on the
same business day that the Company receives notice that (i) the Commission has
no comments or no further comments on the Registration Statement, and (ii) the
registration statement has been declared effective (failure to timely provide
notice as required by this Section 11.2(a) shall be a material breach of the
Company's obligation and an Event of Default as defined in the Notes and a
Non-Registration Event as defined in Section 11.4 of this Agreement);
(b) prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and
supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection
therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration statement effective
until such registration statement has been effective for a period of two (2)
years, and comply with the provisions of the 1933 Act with respect to the
disposition of all of the Registrable Securities covered by such registration
statement in accordance with the Sellers' intended method of disposition set
forth in such registration statement for such period;
(c) furnish to the Sellers, at the Company's expense, such
number of copies of the registration statement and the prospectus included
therein (including each preliminary prospectus) as such persons reasonably may
request in order to facilitate the public sale or their disposition of the
securities covered by such registration statement or make them electronically
available;
(d) use its commercially reasonable best efforts to register
or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement
under the securities or "blue sky" laws of New York and such jurisdictions as
the Sellers shall request in writing, provided, however, that the Company shall
not for any such purpose be required to qualify generally to transact business
as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction where it is not so qualified or to
consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction;
(e) if applicable, list the Registrable Securities covered by
such registration statement with any securities exchange on which the Common
Stock of the Company is then listed;
(f) notify the Subscribers within two hours of the Company's
becoming aware that a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered
under the 1933 Act, of the happening of any event of which the Company has
knowledge as a result of which the prospectus contained in such registration
statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or
omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then
existing or which becomes subject to a Commission, state or other governmental
order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement covering any of
the Shares; and
(g) provided same would not be in violation of the provision
of Regulation FD under the 1934 Act, make available for inspection by the
Sellers, and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by the Seller or
underwriter, all publicly available, non-confidential financial and other
records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company, and cause
the Company's officers, directors and employees to supply all publicly
available, non-confidential information reasonably requested by the seller,
attorney, accountant or agent in connection with such registration statement.
11.3. Provision of Documents. In connection with each registration
described in this Section 11, each Seller will furnish to the Company in writing
such information and representation letters with respect to itself and the
proposed distribution by it as reasonably shall be necessary in order to assure
compliance with federal and applicable state securities laws.
11.4. Non-Registration Events. The Company and the Subscribers agree
that the Sellers will suffer damages if the Registration Statement is not filed
by the Filing Date and not declared effective by the Commission by the Effective
Date, and any registration statement required under Section 11.1(i) or 11.1(ii)
16
is not filed within 60 days after written request and declared effective by the
Commission within 120 days after such request, and maintained in the manner and
within the time periods contemplated by Section 11 hereof, and it would not be
feasible to ascertain the extent of such damages with precision. Accordingly, if
(A) the Registration Statement is not filed on or before the Filing Date, (B) is
not declared effective on or before the Effective Date, (C) due to the action or
inaction of the Company the Registration Statement is not declared effective
within three (3) business days after receipt by the Company or its attorneys of
a written or oral communication from the Commission that the Registration
Statement will not be reviewed or that the Commission has no further comments,
(D) if the registration statement described in Sections 11.1(i) or 11.1(ii) is
not filed within 60 days after such written request, or is not declared
effective within 120 days after such written request, or (E) any registration
statement described in Sections 11.1(i), 11.1(ii) or 11.1(iv) is filed and
declared effective but shall thereafter cease to be effective without being
succeeded within fifteen (15) business days by an effective replacement or
amended registration statement or for a period of time which shall exceed 30
days in the aggregate per year (defined as a period of 365 days commencing on
the Actual Effective Date (each such event referred to in clauses A through E of
this Section 11.4 is referred to herein as a "Non-Registration Event"), then the
Company shall deliver to the holder of Registrable Securities, as Liquidated
Damages, an amount equal to two percent (2%) for each thirty (30) days or part
thereof of the Purchase Price of the Notes remaining unconverted and purchase
price of Shares issued upon conversion of the Notes owned of record by such
holder which are subject to such Non-Registration Event. The Company must pay
the Liquidated Damages in cash or at the Company's election with registered
shares of Common stock valued at the Conversion Price in effect on the first
trading day of each thirty day or shorter period for which liquidated damages
are payable. The Liquidated Damages must be paid within ten (10) days after the
end of each thirty (30) day period or shorter part thereof for which Liquidated
Damages are payable. In the event a Registration Statement is filed by the
Filing Date but is withdrawn prior to being declared effective by the
Commission, then such Registration Statement will be deemed to have not been
filed. All oral or written comments received from the Commission relating to the
Registration Statement must be satisfactorily responded to within ten (10)
business days after receipt of comments from the Commission. Failure to timely
respond to Commission comments is a Non-Registration Event for which Liquidated
Damages shall accrue and be payable by the Company to the holders of Registrable
Securities at the same rate set forth above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Company shall not be liable to the Subscriber under this Section 11.4 for any
events or delays occurring as a consequence of the acts or omissions of the
Subscribers contrary to the obligations undertaken by Subscribers in this
Agreement. Liquidated Damages will not accrue nor be payable pursuant to this
Section 11.4 nor will a Non-Registration Event be deemed to have occurred for
times during which Registrable Securities are transferable by the holder of
Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the 1933 Act. The Company
acknowledges that it is a Non-Registration Event if the Company does not have
sufficient shares as required by this Agreement included in a Registration
Statement prior to or after effectiveness of the Registration Statement.
11.5. Expenses. All expenses incurred by the Company in complying with
Section 11, including, without limitation, all registration and filing fees,
printing expenses (if required), fees and disbursements of counsel and
independent public accountants for the Company, fees and expenses (including
reasonable counsel fees) incurred in connection with complying with state
securities or "blue sky" laws, fees of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc., transfer taxes, and fees of transfer agents and registrars, are
called "Registration Expenses." All underwriting discounts and selling
commissions applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities are called "Selling
Expenses." The Company will pay all Registration Expenses in connection with the
registration statement under Section 11. Selling Expenses in connection with
each registration statement under Section 11 shall be borne by the Seller and
may be apportioned among the Sellers in proportion to the number of shares sold
by the Seller relative to the number of shares sold under such registration
statement or as all Sellers thereunder may agree.
11.6. Indemnification and Contribution.
(a) In the event of a registration of any Registrable
Securities under the 1933 Act pursuant to Section 11, the Company will, to the
extent permitted by law, indemnify and hold harmless the Seller, each officer of
the Seller, each director of the Seller, each underwriter of such Registrable
Securities thereunder and each other person, if any, who controls such Seller or
underwriter within the meaning of the 1933 Act, against any losses, claims,
damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which the Seller, or such
underwriter or controlling person may become subject under the 1933 Act or
otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in
respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement of any material fact contained in any registration statement
under which such Registrable Securities was registered under the 1933 Act
pursuant to Section 11, any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained
17
therein, or any amendment or supplement thereof, or arise out of or are based
upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading
in light of the circumstances when made, and will subject to the provisions of
Section 11.6(c) reimburse the Seller, each such underwriter and each such
controlling person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them
in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage,
liability or action; provided, however, that the Company shall not be liable to
the Seller to the extent that any such damages arise out of or are based upon an
untrue statement or omission made in any preliminary prospectus if (i) the
Seller failed to send or deliver a copy of the final prospectus delivered by the
Company to the Seller with or prior to the delivery of written confirmation of
the sale by the Seller to the person asserting the claim from which such damages
arise, (ii) the final prospectus would have corrected such untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement or such omission or alleged omission, or (iii) to the
extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based
upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged
omission so made in conformity with information furnished by any such Seller, or
any such controlling person in writing specifically for use in such registration
statement or prospectus.
(b) In the event of a registration of any of the Registrable
Securities under the 1933 Act pursuant to Section 11, each Seller severally but
not jointly will, to the extent permitted by law, indemnify and hold harmless
the Company, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the
meaning of the 1933 Act, each officer of the Company who signs the registration
statement, each director of the Company, each underwriter and each person who
controls any underwriter within the meaning of the 1933 Act, against all losses,
claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which the Company or such
officer, director, underwriter or controlling person may become subject under
the 1933 Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or
liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in
the registration statement under which such Registrable Securities were
registered under the 1933 Act pursuant to Section 11, any preliminary prospectus
or final prospectus contained therein, or any amendment or supplement thereof,
or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state
therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading, and will reimburse the Company and each such
officer, director, underwriter and controlling person for any legal or other
expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or
defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action, provided, however,
that the Seller will be liable hereunder in any such case if and only to the
extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based
upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged
omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information pertaining to
such Seller, as such, furnished in writing to the Company by such Seller
specifically for use in such registration statement or prospectus, and provided,
further, however, that the liability of the Seller hereunder shall be limited to
the net proceeds actually received by the Seller from the sale of Registrable
Securities covered by such registration statement.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party hereunder
of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party shall, if a
claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party hereunder,
notify the indemnifying party in writing thereof, but the omission so to notify
the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have
to such indemnified party other than under this Section 11.6(c) and shall only
relieve it from any liability which it may have to such indemnified party under
this Section 11.6(c), except and only if and to the extent the indemnifying
party is prejudiced by such omission. In case any such action shall be brought
against any indemnified party and it shall notify the indemnifying party of the
commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate in
and, to the extent it shall wish, to assume and undertake the defense thereof
with counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party, and, after notice from the
indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume and
undertake the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to
such indemnified party under this Section 11.6(c) for any legal expenses
subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense
thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation and of liaison with counsel
so selected, provided, however, that, if the defendants in any such action
include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the
indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be reasonable
defenses available to it which are different from or additional to those
available to the indemnifying party or if the interests of the indemnified party
reasonably may be deemed to conflict with the interests of the indemnifying
party, the indemnified parties, as a group, shall have the right to select one
separate counsel and to assume such legal defenses and otherwise to participate
in the defense of such action, with the reasonable expenses and fees of such
separate counsel and other expenses related to such participation to be
reimbursed by the indemnifying party as incurred.
18
(d) In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in
the event of joint liability under the 1933 Act in any case in which either (i)
a Seller, or any controlling person of a Seller, makes a claim for
indemnification pursuant to this Section 11.6 but it is judicially determined
(by the entry of a final judgment or decree by a court of competent jurisdiction
and the expiration of time to appeal or the denial of the last right of appeal)
that such indemnification may not be enforced in such case notwithstanding the
fact that this Section 11.6 provides for indemnification in such case, or (ii)
contribution under the 1933 Act may be required on the part of the Seller or
controlling person of the Seller in circumstances for which indemnification is
not provided under this Section 11.6; then, and in each such case, the Company
and the Seller will contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages or
liabilities to which they may be subject (after contribution from others) in
such proportion so that the Seller is responsible only for the portion
represented by the percentage that the public offering price of its securities
offered by the registration statement bears to the public offering price of all
securities offered by such registration statement, provided, however, that, in
any such case, (y) the Seller will not be required to contribute any amount in
excess of the public offering price of all such securities sold by it pursuant
to such registration statement; and (z) no person or entity guilty of fraudulent
misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 0000 Xxx) will be
entitled to contribution from any person or entity who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation.
11.7. Delivery of Unlegended Shares.
(a) Within three (3) business days (such third business day
being the "Unlegended Shares Delivery Date") after the business day on which the
Company has received (i) a notice that Shares or Warrant Shares or any other
Common Stock held by a Subscriber have been sold pursuant to the Registration
Statement or Rule 144 under the 1933 Act, (ii) a representation that the
prospectus delivery requirements, or the requirements of Rule 144, as applicable
and if required, have been satisfied, and (iii) the original share certificates
representing the shares of Common Stock that have been sold, and (iv) in the
case of sales under Rule 144, customary representation letters of the Subscriber
and/or Subscriber's broker regarding compliance with the requirements of Rule
144, the Company at its expense, (y) shall deliver, and shall cause legal
counsel selected by the Company to deliver to its transfer agent (with copies to
Subscriber) an appropriate instruction and opinion of such counsel, directing
the delivery of shares of Common Stock without any legends including the legend
set forth in Section 4(h) above, reissuable pursuant to any effective and
current Registration Statement described in Section 11 of this Agreement or
pursuant to Rule 144 under the 1933 Act (the "Unlegended Shares"); and (z) cause
the transmission of the certificates representing the Unlegended Shares together
with a legended certificate representing the balance of the submitted Shares
certificate, if any, to the Subscriber at the address specified in the notice of
sale, via express courier, by electronic transfer or otherwise on or before the
Unlegended Shares Delivery Date.
(b) In lieu of delivering physical certificates representing
the Unlegended Shares, if the Company's transfer agent is participating in the
Depository Trust Company ("DTC") Fast Automated Securities Transfer program,
upon request of a Subscriber, so long as the certificates therefor do not bear a
legend and the Subscriber is not obligated to return such certificate for the
placement of a legend thereon, the Company shall cause its transfer agent to
electronically transmit the Unlegended Shares by crediting the account of
Subscriber's prime Broker with DTC through its Deposit Withdrawal Agent
Commission system. Such delivery must be made on or before the Unlegended Shares
Delivery Date.
(c) The Company understands that a delay in the delivery of
the Unlegended Shares pursuant to Section 11 hereof later than two business days
after the Unlegended Shares Delivery Date could result in economic loss to a
Subscriber. As compensation to a Subscriber for such loss, the Company agrees to
pay late payment fees (as liquidated damages and not as a penalty) to the
Subscriber for late delivery of Unlegended Shares in the amount of $100 per
business day after the Delivery Date for each $10,000 of purchase price of the
Unlegended Shares subject to the delivery default. If during any 360 day period,
the Company fails to deliver Unlegended Shares as required by this Section 11.7
for an aggregate of thirty (30) days, then each Subscriber or assignee holding
Securities subject to such default may, at its option, require the Company to
redeem all or any portion of the Shares and Warrant Shares subject to such
default at a price per share equal to 120% of the Purchase Price of such Common
Stock and Warrant Shares ("Unlegended Redemption Amount"). The amount of the
aforedescribed liquidated damages that have accrued or been paid for the twenty
day period prior to the receipt by the Subscriber of the Unlegended Redemption
Amount shall be credited against the Unlegended Redemption Amount. The Company
shall pay any payments incurred under this Section in immediately available
funds upon demand.
(d) In addition to any other rights available to a Subscriber,
if the Company fails to deliver to a Subscriber Unlegended Shares as required
pursuant to this Agreement, within seven (7) business days after the Unlegended
19
Shares Delivery Date and the Subscriber purchases (in an open market transaction
or otherwise) shares of common stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by
such Subscriber of the shares of Common Stock which the Subscriber was entitled
to receive from the Company (a "Buy-In"), then the Company shall pay in cash to
the Subscriber (in addition to any remedies available to or elected by the
Subscriber) the amount by which (A) the Subscriber's total purchase price
(including brokerage commissions, if any) for the shares of common stock so
purchased exceeds (B) the aggregate purchase price of the shares of Common Stock
delivered to the Company for reissuance as Unlegended Shares together with
interest thereon at a rate of 15% per annum, accruing until such amount and any
accrued interest thereon is paid in full (which amount shall be paid as
liquidated damages and not as a penalty). For example, if a Subscriber purchases
shares of Common Stock having a total purchase price of $11,000 to cover a
Buy-In with respect to $10,000 of purchase price of shares of Common Stock
delivered to the Company for reissuance as Unlegended Shares, the Company shall
be required to pay the Subscriber $1,000, plus interest. The Subscriber shall
provide the Company written notice indicating the amounts payable to the
Subscriber in respect of the Buy-In.
(e) In the event a Subscriber shall request delivery of
Unlegended Shares as described in Section 11.7 and the Company is required to
deliver such Unlegended Shares pursuant to Section 11.7, the Company may not
refuse to deliver Unlegended Shares based on any claim that such Subscriber or
any one associated or affiliated with such Subscriber has been engaged in any
violation of law, or for any other reason, unless, an injunction or temporary
restraining order from a court, on notice, restraining and or enjoining delivery
of such Unlegended Shares or exercise of all or part of said Warrant shall have
been sought and obtained and the Company has posted a surety bond for the
benefit of such Subscriber in the amount of 120% of the amount of the aggregate
purchase price of the Common Stock and Warrant Shares which are subject to the
injunction or temporary restraining order, which bond shall remain in effect
until the completion of arbitration/litigation of the dispute and the proceeds
of which shall be payable to such Subscriber to the extent Subscriber obtains
judgment in Subscriber's favor.
12. (a) Right of First Refusal. Until the Registration Statement has
been effective for 365 days, the Subscribers shall be given not less than
fourteen (14) business days prior written notice of any proposed sale by the
Company of its common stock or other securities or debt obligations, except in
connection with (i) full or partial consideration in connection with a strategic
merger, acquisition, consolidation or purchase of substantially all of the
securities or assets of corporation or other entity which holders of such
securities or debt are not at any time granted registration rights, (ii) the
Company's issuance of securities in connection with strategic license agreements
and other partnering arrangements so long as such issuances are not for the
purpose of raising capital which holders of such securities or debt are not at
any time granted registration rights, (iii) the Company's issuance of Common
Stock or the issuances or grants of options to purchase Common Stock pursuant to
stock option plans and employee stock purchase plans described on Schedule 5(d)
hereto, (iv) as a result of the exercise of Warrants or conversion of Notes
which are granted or issued pursuant to this Agreement, (v) the payment of any
interest on the Notes and liquidated damages or other damages pursuant to the
Transaction Documents, and (vi) as has been described in the Reports or Other
Written Information filed with the Commission not later than three Business Days
before the Closing Date (collectively the foregoing are "Excepted Issuances").
The Subscribers who exercise their rights pursuant to this Section 12(a) shall
have the right during the fourteen (14) business days following receipt of the
notice to purchase such offered common stock, debt or other securities in
accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the notice of sale in the
same proportion to each other as their purchase of Notes in the Offering. In the
event such terms and conditions are modified during the notice period, the
Subscribers shall be given prompt notice of such modification and shall have the
right during the fourteen (14) business days following the notice of
modification to exercise such right.
(b) Favored Nations Provision. Other than in connection with
the Excepted Issuances, if at any time Notes or Warrants are outstanding the
Company shall offer, issue or agree to issue any common stock or securities
convertible into or exercisable for shares of common stock (or modify any of the
foregoing which may be outstanding) to any person or entity at a price per share
or conversion or exercise price per share which shall be less than the
Conversion Price in respect of the Shares, or if less than the Warrant exercise
price in respect of the Warrant Shares, without the consent of each Subscriber
holding Notes, Shares, Warrants, or Warrant Shares, then the Company shall
issue, for each such occasion, additional shares of Common Stock to each
Subscriber so that the average per share purchase price of the shares of Common
Stock issued to the Subscriber (of only the Common Stock or Warrant Shares still
owned by the Subscriber) is equal to such other lower price per share and the
Conversion Price and Warrant exercise price shall automatically be adjusted as
provided in the Notes and the Warrants. The average Purchase Price of the Shares
and average exercise price in relation to the Warrant Shares shall be calculated
20
separately for the Shares and Warrant Shares. The foregoing calculation and
issuance shall be made separately for Shares received upon conversion and
separately for Warrant Shares. The delivery to the Subscriber of the additional
shares of Common Stock shall be not later than the closing date of the
transaction giving rise to the requirement to issue additional shares of Common
Stock. The Subscriber is granted the registration rights described in Section 11
hereof in relation to such additional shares of Common Stock except that the
Filing Date and Effective Date vis-a-vis such additional common shares shall be,
respectively, the thirtieth (30th) and sixtieth (60th) date after the closing
date giving rise to the requirement to issue the additional shares of Common
Stock. For purposes of the issuance and adjustment described in this paragraph,
the issuance of any security of the Company carrying the right to convert such
security into shares of Common Stock or of any warrant, right or option to
purchase Common Stock shall result in the issuance of the additional shares of
Common Stock upon the sooner of the agreement to or actual issuance of such
convertible security, warrant, right or option and again at any time upon any
subsequent issuances of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of such conversion
or purchase rights if such issuance is at a price lower than the Conversion
Price or Warrant exercise price in effect upon such issuance. The rights of the
Subscriber set forth in this Section 12 are in addition to any other rights the
Subscriber has pursuant to this Agreement, the Note, any Transaction Document,
and any other agreement referred to or entered into in connection herewith.
(c) Paid In Kind. The Subscriber may demand that some or all
of the sums payable to the Subscriber pursuant to Sections 7.1(c), 7.2, 7.5,
11.4, 11.7(c), 11.7(d) and 11.7(e) that are not paid within ten business days of
the required payment date be paid in shares of Common Stock valued at the
Conversion Price in effect at the time Subscriber makes such demand or, at the
Subscriber's election, at such other valuation described in the Transaction
Documents. In addition to any other rights granted to the Subscriber herein, the
Subscriber is also granted the registration rights set forth in Section 11.1(ii)
hereof in relation to the aforedescribed shares of Common Stock.
(d) Maximum Exercise of Rights. In the event the exercise of
the rights described in Sections 12(a), 12(b) and 12(c) would result in the
issuance of an amount of common stock of the Company that would exceed the
maximum amount that may be issued to a Subscriber calculated in the manner
described in Section 7.3 of this Agreement, then the issuance of such additional
shares of common stock of the Company to such Subscriber will be deferred in
whole or in part until such time as such Subscriber is able to beneficially own
such common stock without exceeding the maximum amount set forth calculated in
the manner described in Section 7.3 of this Agreement. The determination of when
such common stock may be issued shall be made by each Subscriber as to only such
Subscriber.
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Notices. All notices, demands, requests, consents,
approvals, and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in
writing and, unless otherwise specified herein, shall be (i) personally served,
(ii) deposited in the mail, registered or certified, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, (iii) delivered by reputable air courier service with charges
prepaid, or (iv) transmitted by hand delivery, telegram, or facsimile, addressed
as set forth below or to such other address as such party shall have specified
most recently by written notice. Any notice or other communication required or
permitted to be given hereunder shall be deemed effective (a) upon hand delivery
or delivery by facsimile, with accurate confirmation generated by the
transmitting facsimile machine, at the address or number designated below (if
delivered on a business day during normal business hours where such notice is to
be received), or the first business day following such delivery (if delivered
other than on a business day during normal business hours where such notice is
to be received) or (b) on the second business day following the date of mailing
by express courier service, fully prepaid, addressed to such address, or upon
actual receipt of such mailing, whichever shall first occur. The addresses for
such communications shall be: (i) if to the Company, to: HQ Sustainable Maritime
Industries, Inc., 0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000, Attn:
Xxxxxxx Sporns, CEO, telecopier: (000) 000-0000, with a copy by telecopier only
to: Xxxxxx Xxxx, Esq., 0000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000,
telecopier: (000) 000-0000, and (ii) if to the Subscriber, to: the one or more
addresses and telecopier numbers indicated on the signature pages hereto, with
an additional copy by telecopier only to: Grushko & Xxxxxxx, P.C., 000 Xxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000, telecopier number: (000) 000-0000,
and (iii) if to the Finder, to: the address and telecopier number set forth on
Schedule 8 hereto.
(b) Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement and other
documents delivered in connection herewith represent the entire agreement
between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and may be
amended only by a writing executed by both parties. Neither the Company nor the
21
Subscribers have relied on any representations not contained or referred to in
this Agreement and the documents delivered herewith. No right or obligation of
the Company shall be assigned without prior notice to and the written consent of
the Subscribers.
(c) Counterparts/Execution. This Agreement may be executed in
any number of counterparts and by the different signatories hereto on separate
counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original, but
all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument. This
Agreement may be executed by facsimile signature and delivered by facsimile
transmission.
(d) Law Governing this Agreement. This Agreement shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York
without regard to conflicts of laws principles that would result in the
application of the substantive laws of another jurisdiction. Any action brought
by either party against the other concerning the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement shall be brought only in the civil or state courts of New York or
in the federal courts located in New York County. The parties and the
individuals executing this Agreement and other agreements referred to herein or
delivered in connection herewith on behalf of the Company agree to submit to the
jurisdiction of such courts and waive trial by jury. The prevailing party shall
be entitled to recover from the other party its reasonable attorney's fees and
costs. In the event that any provision of this Agreement or any other agreement
delivered in connection herewith is invalid or unenforceable under any
applicable statute or rule of law, then such provision shall be deemed
inoperative to the extent that it may conflict therewith and shall be deemed
modified to conform with such statute or rule of law. Any such provision which
may prove invalid or unenforceable under any law shall not affect the validity
or enforceability of any other provision of any agreement.
(e) Specific Enforcement, Consent to Jurisdiction. To the
extent permitted by law, the Company and Subscriber acknowledge and agree that
irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this
Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were
otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled
to one or more preliminary and final injunctions to prevent or cure breaches of
the provisions of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and
provisions hereof, this being in addition to any other remedy to which any of
them may be entitled by law or equity. Subject to Section 13(d) hereof, each of
the Company, Subscriber and any signator hereto in his personal capacity hereby
waives, and agrees not to assert in any such suit, action or proceeding, any
claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction in New York of such
court, that the suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum
or that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper. Nothing in this
Section shall affect or limit any right to serve process in any other manner
permitted by law.
(f) Damages. In the event the Subscriber is entitled to
receive any liquidated damages pursuant to the Transactions, the Subscriber may
elect to receive the greater of actual damages or such liquidated damages.
(g) Independent Nature of Subscribers. The Company
acknowledges that the obligations of each Subscriber under the Transaction
Documents are several and not joint with the obligations of any other
Subscriber, and no Subscriber shall be responsible in any way for the
performance of the obligations of any other Subscriber under the Transaction
Documents. The Company acknowledges that each Subscriber has represented that
the decision of each Subscriber to purchase Securities has been made by such
Subscriber independently of any other Subscriber and independently of any
information, materials, statements or opinions as to the business, affairs,
operations, assets, properties, liabilities, results of operations, condition
(financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Company which may have been made or
given by any other Subscriber or by any agent or employee of any other
Subscriber, and no Subscriber or any of its agents or employees shall have any
liability to any Subscriber (or any other person) relating to or arising from
any such information, materials, statements or opinions. The Company
acknowledges that nothing contained in any Transaction Document, and no action
taken by any Subscriber pursuant hereto or thereto (including, but not limited
to, the (i) inclusion of a Subscriber in the Registration Statement and (ii)
review by, and consent to, such Registration Statement by a Subscriber) shall be
deemed to constitute the Subscribers as a partnership, an association, a joint
venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the
Subscribers are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such
obligations or the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. The
Company acknowledges that each Subscriber shall be entitled to independently
protect and enforce its rights, including without limitation, the rights arising
out of the Transaction Documents, and it shall not be necessary for any other
Subscriber to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such
purpose. The Company acknowledges that it has elected to provide all Subscribers
22
with the same terms and Transaction Documents for the convenience of the Company
and not because Company was required or requested to do so by the Subscribers.
The Company acknowledges that such procedure with respect to the Transaction
Documents in no way creates a presumption that the Subscribers are in any way
acting in concert or as a group with respect to the Transaction Documents or the
transactions contemplated thereby.
(h) As used in the Agreement, "consent of the Subscribers" or
similar language means the consent of holders of not less than 75% of the total
of the Shares issued and issuable upon conversion of outstanding Notes owned by
Subscribers on the date consent is requested.
(i) No consideration shall be offered or paid to any person to
amend or consent to a waiver or modification of any provision of the Transaction
Documents unless the same consideration is also offered and paid to all the
parties to the Transaction Documents.
[THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
23
SIGNATURE PAGE TO SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
Please acknowledge your acceptance of the foregoing Subscription
Agreement by signing and returning a copy to the undersigned whereupon it shall
become a binding agreement between us.
HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC.
a Delaware corporation
By:_____________________________________
Name: Xxxxxxx Sporns
Title: CEO
Dated: January __, 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBSCRIBER NOTE CLASS A CLASS B
PRINCIPAL WARRANTS WARRANTS
------------------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------
____________________________
(Signature)
By:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24
LIST OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES
Exhibit A Form of Note
Exhibit B Form of Warrant
Exhibit C Escrow Agreement
Exhibit D Form of Security Agreement
Exhibit E Form of Guaranty Agreement
Exhibit F Form of Collateral Agent Agreement
Exhibit G Form of Legal Opinion
Exhibit H Form of Form 8-K or Public Announcement
Exhibit I Limit Standstill Agreement
Schedule 5(a) Subsidiaries
Schedule 5(d) Additional Issuances / Capitalization
Schedule 5(q) Undisclosed Liabilities
Schedule 5(v) Transfer Agent
Schedule 8 Finder
Schedule 9(e) Use of Proceeds
Schedule 9(q) Limited Standstill Agreement Providers
Schedule 11.1 Other Registrable Securities
EXHIBIT A
THIS NOTE AND THE COMMON SHARES ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION OF THIS NOTE HAVE NOT
BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED. THIS NOTE AND THE
COMMON SHARES ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION OF THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR
SALE, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT AS TO THIS NOTE UNDER SAID ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY
SATISFACTORY TO HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC. THAT SUCH REGISTRATION
IS NOT REQUIRED.
Principal $_______________ Issue Date: January __, 2006
SECURED CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC., a
Delaware corporation (hereinafter called "Borrower"), hereby promises to pay to
_____________, _____________________________, (the "Holder") or its registered
assigns or successors in interest or order, without demand, the sum of
[_______________] Dollars ($___________) ("Principal Amount"), with simple and
unpaid interest thereon, on January ____, 2008 (the "Maturity Date"), if not
sooner paid.
This Note has been entered into pursuant to the terms of a subscription
agreement between the Borrower, the Holder and certain other holders (the "Other
Holders") of secured convertible promissory notes (the "Other Notes"), dated of
even date herewith (the "Subscription Agreement"), and shall be governed by the
terms of such Subscription Agreement. Unless otherwise separately defined
herein, all capitalized terms used in this Note shall have the same meaning as
is set forth in the Subscription Agreement. The following terms shall apply to
this Note:
ARTICLE I
INTEREST; AMORTIZATION; SECURITY AGREEMENT
1.1. Interest Rate. Subject to Section 6.7 hereof, interest payable on
this Note shall accrue at a rate per annum (the "Interest Rate") of eight
percent (8%). Interest on the Principal Amount shall accrue from the date of
this Note and shall be payable, in arrears, together with Principal Amount
payments as described below and on the Maturity Date, whether by acceleration or
otherwise.
1.2. Minimum Monthly Principal Payments. Amortizing payments of the
outstanding Principal Amount and interest of this Note shall commence on the
third month anniversary date of this Note and on the same day of each month
thereafter (each a "Repayment Date") until the Principal Amount and interest
have been repaid in full, whether by the payment of cash or by the conversion of
such Principal amount and interest into Common Stock pursuant to the terms
hereof. Subject to Section 2.1 and Article 3 below, on each Repayment Date the
Borrower shall make payments to the Holder in the amount of 4.545 percent of the
initial Principal Amount, all interest accrued on the Note as of the Repayment
Date and any other amounts which are then owing under this Note that have not
been paid (collectively, the "Monthly Amount"). Amounts of conversions of
Principal Amount and interest made by the Holder or Borrower pursuant to Section
2.1 or Article III, and amounts converted pursuant to Section 2.3 of this Note
shall be applied first against outstanding fees and damages, then against
accrued interest on the Principal Amount and then to Monthly Amounts commencing
with the Monthly Amount first payable and then Monthly Amounts thereafter in
chronological order. Any Principal Amount, interest and any other sum arising
under the Subscription Agreement that remains outstanding on the Maturity Date
shall be due and payable on the Maturity Date.
1.3. Default Interest Rate. Following the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default, which, if susceptible to cure is not cured
within ten (10) days, otherwise then from the first date of such occurrence, the
annual interest rate on this Note shall (subject to Section 6.7) automatically
be increased to fifteen percent (15%).
ARTICLE II
CONVERSION REPAYMENT
2.1. Payment of Monthly Amount in Cash or Common Stock. Subject to
Section 3.2 hereof, the Borrower, at the Borrower's election, shall pay the
Monthly Amount (i) in cash in an amount equal to 110% of the Principal Amount
component of the Monthly Amount and 100% of all other components of the Monthly
Amount, within three (3) business days after the applicable Repayment Date, or
(ii) in registered Common Stock at an applied conversion rate equal to the
lesser of (A) the Fixed Conversion Price (as defined in section 3.1 hereof), or
(B) seventy-five percent (75%) of the volume weighted average price of the
common stock as reported by Bloomberg L.P. using the AQR function for the
Principal Market ("VWAP") for the five trading days preceding the date a Notice
of Conversion, if any, [as described in Section 3(a)] is given to the Borrower
by Holder after Borrower notifies Holder of its election to pay the Monthly
Amount with shares of Common Stock pursuant to the following sentence. The
Borrower must send notice to the Holder by confirmed telecopier not later than
6:00 P.M., New York City time on the twenty-second trading day preceding a
Repayment Date notifying Holder of Borrower's election to pay the Monthly
Redemption Amount in cash or Common Stock. The Notice must state the amount of
cash to be paid and include supporting calculations. If the Borrower elects to
pay the Monthly Amount with Common Stock and if the Holder does not give Notice
of Conversion then the Repayment Date shall be deemed the Conversion Date and
the Conversion Price shall be 75% of the VWAP for the five trading days
preceding the Repayment Date. Amounts paid with shares of Common Stock must be
delivered to the Holder as described in Section 3.3(b). Elections by the
Borrower must be made to all Other Holders in proportion to the relative Note
principal held by the Holder and the Other Holders. If such notice is not timely
sent or if the Monthly Redemption Amount is not timely delivered, then Holder
shall have the right, instead of the Company, to elect at any time from when
such notice was required to be given until the applicable Repayment Date whether
to be paid in cash or Common Stock. Such Holder's election shall not be
construed to be a waiver of any default by Borrower relating to non-timely
compliance by Borrower with any of its obligations under this Note.
2.2. No Effective Registration. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary herein, no amount payable hereunder may be paid in shares of Common
Stock by the Borrower without the Holder's consent unless (a) either (i) an
effective current Registration Statement covering the shares of Common Stock to
be issued in satisfaction of such obligations exists, or (ii) an exemption from
registration of the Common Stock is available pursuant to Rule 144(k) of the
1933 Act, and (b) no Event of Default hereunder (or an event that with the
passage of time or the giving of notice could become an Event of Default),
exists and is continuing, unless such event or Event of Default is cured within
any applicable cure period or is otherwise waived in writing by the Holder in
whole or in part at the Holder's option.
2.3. Optional Redemption of Principal Amount. Provided an Event of
Default or an event which with the passage of time or the giving of notice could
become an Event of Default has not occurred, whether or not such Event of
Default has been cured, the Borrower will have the option of prepaying the
outstanding Principal amount of this Note ("Optional Redemption"), in whole or
in part, by paying to the Holder a sum of money equal to one hundred and twenty
percent (120%) of the Principal amount to be redeemed, together with accrued but
unpaid interest thereon and any and all other sums due, accrued or payable to
the Holder arising under this Note or any Transaction Document through the
Redemption Payment Date as defined below (the "Redemption Amount"). Borrower's
election to exercise its right to prepay must be by notice in writing ("Notice
of Redemption"). The Notice of Redemption shall specify the date for such
Optional Redemption (the "Redemption Payment Date"), which date shall be thirty
(30) business days after the date of the Notice of Redemption (the "Redemption
Period"). A Notice of Redemption shall not be effective with respect to any
portion of the Principal Amount for which the Holder has a pending election to
convert, or for conversions initiated or made by the Holder during the
Redemption Period. On the Redemption Payment Date, the Redemption Amount, less
any portion of the Redemption Amount against which the Holder has exercised its
conversion rights, shall be paid in good funds to the Holder. In the event the
Borrower fails to pay the Redemption Amount on the Redemption Payment Date as
set forth herein, then (i) such Notice of Redemption will be null and void, (ii)
Borrower will have no right to deliver another Notice of Redemption, and (iii)
Borrower's failure may be deemed by Holder to be a non-curable Event of Default.
A Redemption Notice may be given only at a time a Registration Statement is
effective. A Notice of Redemption may not be given nor may the Borrower
effectuate a Redemption without the consent of the Holder, if at any time during
the Redemption Period an Event of Default or an Event which with the passage of
time or giving of notice could become an Event of Default (whether or not such
Event of Default has been cured), has occurred or the Registration Statement
registering the Registrable Securities is not effective each day during the
Redemption Period.
ARTICLE III
CONVERSION RIGHTS
3.1. Holder's Conversion Rights. Subject to Section 3.2, the Holder
shall have the right, but not the obligation at all times, to convert all or any
portion of the then aggregate outstanding Principal Amount of this Note, into
shares of Common Stock, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this
Article III at the rate of $0.30 per share of Common Stock ("Fixed Conversion
Price") as same may be adjusted pursuant to this Note and the Subscription
Agreement. The Holder may exercise such right by delivery to the Borrower of a
written Notice of Conversion pursuant to Section 3.3. After the occurrence of an
Event of Default, the Fixed Conversion Price shall be the lesser of the Fixed
Conversion Price or 75% of the VWAP for the five trading days prior to a
Conversion Date.
3.2. Conversion Limitation. The Holder shall not be entitled to convert
on a Conversion Date that amount of the Note in connection with that number of
shares of Common Stock which would be in excess of the sum of (i) the number of
shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Holder and its affiliates on a
Conversion Date, (ii) any Common Stock issuable in connection with the
unconverted portion of the Note, and (iii) the number of shares of Common Stock
issuable upon the conversion of the Note with respect to which the determination
of this provision is being made on a Conversion Date, which would result in
beneficial ownership by the Holder and its affiliates of more than 4.99% of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Borrower on such Conversion Date. For
the purposes of the provision to the immediately preceding sentence, beneficial
ownership shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Regulation 13d-3 thereunder. Subject to
the foregoing, the Holder shall not be limited to aggregate conversions of only
4.99% and aggregate conversion by the Holder may exceed 4.99%. The Holder shall
have the authority and obligation to determine whether the restriction contained
in this Section 3.2 will limit any conversion hereunder and to the extent that
the Holder determines that the limitation contained in this Section applies, the
determination of which portion of the Notes are convertible shall be the
responsibility and obligation of the Holder. The Holder may waive the conversion
limitation described in this Section 3.2, in whole or in part, upon and
effective after 61 days prior written notice to the Borrower. The Holder may
allocate decide whether to convert a Note or exercise Warrants to achieve an
actual 4.99% ownership position.
3.3. Mechanics of Holder's Conversion.
(a) In the event that the Holder elects to convert any amounts
outstanding under this Note into Common Stock, the Holder shall give notice of
such election by delivering an executed and completed notice of conversion (a
"Notice of Conversion") to the Borrower, which Notice of Conversion shall
provide a breakdown in reasonable detail of the Principal Amount, accrued
interest and amounts being converted. The original Note is not required to be
surrendered to the Borrower until all sums due under the Note have been paid. On
each Conversion Date (as hereinafter defined) and in accordance with its Notice
of Conversion, the Holder shall make the appropriate reduction to the Principal
Amount, accrued interest and fees as entered in its records. Each date on which
a Notice of Conversion is delivered or telecopied to the Borrower in accordance
with the provisions hereof shall be deemed a "Conversion Date." A form of Notice
of Conversion to be employed by the Holder is annexed hereto as Exhibit A.
(b) Pursuant to the terms of a Notice of Conversion, the
Borrower will issue instructions to the transfer agent accompanied by an opinion
of counsel, if so required by the Borrower's transfer agent and shall cause the
transfer agent to transmit the certificates representing the Conversion Shares
to the Holder by crediting the account of the Holder's designated broker with
the Depository Trust Corporation ("DTC") through its Deposit Withdrawal Agent
Commission ("DWAC") system within three (3) business days after receipt by the
Borrower of the Notice of Conversion (the "Delivery Date"). In the case of the
exercise of the conversion rights set forth herein the conversion privilege
shall be deemed to have been exercised and the Conversion Shares issuable upon
such conversion shall be deemed to have been issued upon the date of receipt by
the Borrower of the Notice of Conversion. The Holder shall be treated for all
purposes as the record holder of such shares of Common Stock, unless the Holder
provides the Borrower written instructions to the contrary. Notwithstanding the
foregoing to the contrary, the Borrower or its transfer agent shall only be
obligated to issue and deliver the shares to the DTC on the Holder's behalf via
DWAC (or certificates free of restrictive legends) if the registration statement
providing for the resale of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the
conversion of this Note is effective and the Holder has complied with all
applicable securities laws in connection with the sale of the Common Stock,
including, without limitation, the prospectus delivery requirements. In the
event that Conversion Shares cannot be delivered to the Holder via DWAC, the
Borrower shall deliver physical certificates representing the Conversion Shares
by the Delivery Date.
3.4. Conversion Mechanics.
(a) The number of shares of Common Stock to be issued upon
each conversion of this Note pursuant to this Article III shall be determined by
dividing that portion of the Principal Amount and interest and fees to be
converted, if any, by the then applicable Fixed Conversion Price.
(b) The Fixed Conversion Price and number and kind of shares
or other securities to be issued upon conversion shall be subject to adjustment
from time to time upon the happening of certain events while this conversion
right remains outstanding, as follows:
A. Merger, Sale of Assets, etc. If the
Borrower at any time shall consolidate with or merge into or sell or convey all
or substantially all its assets to any other corporation, this Note, as to the
unpaid principal portion thereof and accrued interest thereon, shall thereafter
be deemed to evidence the right to purchase such number and kind of shares or
other securities and property as would have been issuable or distributable on
account of such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance, upon or with respect
to the securities subject to the conversion or purchase right immediately prior
to such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance. The foregoing provision shall
similarly apply to successive transactions of a similar nature by any such
successor or purchaser. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
anti-dilution provisions of this Section shall apply to such securities of such
successor or purchaser after any such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance.
B. Reclassification, etc. If the Borrower at
any time shall, by reclassification or otherwise, change the Common Stock into
the same or a different number of securities of any class or classes, this Note,
as to the unpaid principal portion thereof and accrued interest thereon, shall
thereafter be deemed to evidence the right to purchase an adjusted number of
such securities and kind of securities as would have been issuable as the result
of such change with respect to the Common Stock immediately prior to such
reclassification or other change.
C. Stock Splits, Combinations and Dividends.
If the shares of Common Stock are subdivided or combined into a greater or
smaller number of shares of Common Stock, or if a dividend is paid on the Common
Stock in shares of Common Stock, the Conversion Price shall be proportionately
reduced in case of subdivision of shares or stock dividend or proportionately
increased in the case of combination of shares, in each such case by the ratio
which the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after
such event bears to the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
immediately prior to such event.
D. Share Issuance. So long as this Note is
outstanding, if the Borrower shall issue any Common Stock except for the
Excepted Issuances (as defined in the Subscription Agreement), prior to the
complete conversion or payment of this Note, for a consideration less than the
Fixed Conversion Price that would be in effect at the time of such issue, then,
and thereafter successively upon each such issuance, the Fixed Conversion Price
shall be reduced to such other lower issue price. For purposes of this
adjustment, the issuance of any security or debt instrument of the Borrower
carrying the right to convert such security or debt instrument into Common Stock
or of any warrant, right or option to purchase Common Stock shall result in an
adjustment to the Fixed Conversion Price upon the issuance of the
above-described security, debt instrument, warrant, right, or option and again
upon the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of such conversion or
purchase rights if such issuance is at a price lower than the then applicable
Conversion Price. The reduction of the Fixed Conversion Price described in this
paragraph is in addition to the other rights of the Holder described in the
Subscription Agreement.
(c) Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted pursuant to
Section 3.4(b) above, the Borrower shall promptly mail to the Holder a notice
setting forth the Conversion Price after such adjustment and setting forth a
statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.
3.5. Reservation. During the period the conversion right exists,
Borrower will reserve from its authorized and unissued Common Stock not less
than one hundred seventy-five percent (175%) of the number of shares to provide
for the issuance of Common Stock upon the full conversion of this Note. Borrower
represents that upon issuance, such shares will be duly and validly issued,
fully paid and non-assessable. Borrower agrees that its issuance of this Note
shall constitute full authority to its officers, agents, and transfer agents who
are charged with the duty of executing and issuing stock certificates to execute
and issue the necessary certificates for shares of Common Stock upon the
conversion of this Note.
3.6 Issuance of Replacement Note. Upon any partial conversion of this
Note, a replacement Note containing the same date and provisions of this Note
shall, at the written request of the Holder, be issued by the Borrower to the
Holder for the outstanding Principal Amount of this Note and accrued interest
which shall not have been converted or paid, provided Holder has surrendered an
original Note to the Company. In the event that the Holder elects not to
surrender a Note for reissuance upon partial payment or conversion, the Holder
hereby indemnifies the Borrower against any and all loss or damage attributable
to a third-party claim in an amount in excess of the actual amount then due
under the Note.
ARTICLE IV
SECURITY INTEREST
4. Security Interest/Waiver of Automatic Stay. This Note is secured by
a security interest granted to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the
Holder pursuant to a Security Agreement, as delivered by Borrower to Holder. The
Borrower acknowledges and agrees that should a proceeding under any bankruptcy
or insolvency law be commenced by or against the Borrower, or if any of the
Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement) should become the subject of
any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, then the Holder should be entitled to,
among other relief to which the Holder may be entitled under the Transaction
Documents and any other agreement to which the Borrower and Holder are parties
(collectively, "Loan Documents") and/or applicable law, an order from the court
granting immediate relief from the automatic stay pursuant to 11 U.S.C. Section
362 to permit the Holder to exercise all of its rights and remedies pursuant to
the Loan Documents and/or applicable law. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE
BORROWER EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE BENEFIT OF THE AUTOMATIC STAY IMPOSED BY 11 U.S.C.
SECTION 362. FURTHERMORE, THE BORROWER EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT
NEITHER 11 U.S.C. SECTION 362 NOR ANY OTHER SECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE OR
OTHER STATUTE OR RULE (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, 11 U.S.C. SECTION 105)
SHALL STAY, INTERDICT, CONDITION, REDUCE OR INHIBIT IN ANY WAY THE ABILITY OF
THE HOLDER TO ENFORCE ANY OF ITS RIGHTS AND REMEDIES UNDER THE LOAN DOCUMENTS
AND/OR APPLICABLE LAW. The Borrower hereby consents to any motion for relief
from stay that may be filed by the Holder in any bankruptcy or insolvency
proceeding initiated by or against the Borrower and, further, agrees not to file
any opposition to any motion for relief from stay filed by the Holder. The
Borrower represents, acknowledges and agrees that this provision is a specific
and material aspect of the Loan Documents, and that the Holder would not agree
to the terms of the Loan Documents if this waiver were not a part of this Note.
The Borrower further represents, acknowledges and agrees that this waiver is
knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily made, that neither the Holder nor any
person acting on behalf of the Holder has made any representations to induce
this waiver, that the Borrower has been represented (or has had the opportunity
to he represented) in the signing of this Note and the Loan Documents and in the
making of this waiver by independent legal counsel selected by the Borrower and
that the Borrower has discussed this waiver with counsel.
ARTICLE V
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The occurrence of any of the following events of default ("Event of
Default") shall, at the option of the Holder hereof, make all sums of principal
and interest then remaining unpaid hereon and all other amounts payable
hereunder immediately due and payable, upon demand, without presentment, or
grace period, all of which hereby are expressly waived, except as set forth
below:
5.1 Failure to Pay Principal or Interest. The Borrower fails to pay any
installment of Principal Amount, interest or other sum due under this Note or
any Transaction Document when due and such failure continues for a period of
five (5) business days after the due date.
5.2 Breach of Covenant. The Borrower breaches any material covenant or
other term or condition of the Subscription Agreement, this Note or other
Transaction Document in any material respect and such breach, if subject to
cure, continues for a period of ten (10) business days after written notice to
the Borrower from the Holder.
5.3 Breach of Representations and Warranties. Any material
representation or warranty of the Borrower made herein, in the Subscription
Agreement, Transaction Document or in any agreement, statement or certificate
given in writing pursuant hereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall be
false or misleading in any material respect as of the date made and the Closing
Date.
5.4 Receiver or Trustee. The Borrower or any Subsidiary of Borrower
shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or apply for or consent
to the appointment of a receiver or trustee for them or for a substantial part
of their property or business; or such a receiver or trustee shall otherwise be
appointed.
5.5 Judgments. Any money judgment, writ or similar final process shall
be entered or filed against Borrower or any subsidiary of Borrower or any of
their property or other assets for more than $100,000, and shall remain
unvacated, unbonded or unstayed for a period of forty-five (45) days.
5.6 Non-Payment. The Borrower shall have received a notice of default,
which remains uncured for a period of more than thirty (30) business days, on
the payment of any one or more debts or obligations aggregating in excess of Two
Hundred Thousand Dollars (US $200,000.00) beyond any applicable grace period;
5.7 Bankruptcy. Bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or liquidation
proceedings or other proceedings or relief under any bankruptcy law or any law,
or the issuance of any notice in relation to such event, for the relief of
debtors shall be instituted by or against the Borrower or any Subsidiary of
Borrower and if instituted against them are not dismissed within sixty (60) days
of initiation.
5.8 Delisting. Failure of the Common Stock to be quoted or listed on
the OTC Bulletin Board ("Bulletin Board") or other Principal Market; failure to
comply with the requirements for continued listing on the Bulletin Board for a
period of seven consecutive trading days; or notification from the Bulletin
Board or any Principal Market that the Borrower is not in compliance with the
conditions for such continued listing on the Bulletin Board or other Principal
Market.
5.9 Stop Trade. An SEC or judicial stop trade order or Principal Market
trading suspension with respect to Borrower's Common Stock that lasts for five
or more consecutive trading days.
5.10 Failure to Deliver Common Stock or Replacement Note. Borrower's
failure to timely deliver Common Stock to the Holder pursuant to and in the form
required by this Note or the Subscription Agreement, and, if requested by
Borrower, a replacement Note, and such failure continues for a period of three
(3) business days after the due date.
5.11 Non-Registration Event. The occurrence of a Non-Registration Event
as described in the Subscription Agreement.
5.12 Reverse Splits. The Borrower effectuates a reverse split of its
Common Stock without twenty days prior written notice to the Holder.
5.13 Cross Default. A default by the Borrower of a material term,
covenant, warranty or undertaking of any Transaction Document or other agreement
to which the Borrower and Holder are parties, or the occurrence of a material
event of default under any such other agreement which is not cured after any
required notice and/or cure period.
ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver. No failure or delay on the part
of Holder hereof in the exercise of any power, right or privilege hereunder
shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of
any such power, right or privilege preclude other or further exercise thereof or
of any other right, power or privilege. All rights and remedies existing
hereunder are cumulative to, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies
otherwise available.
6.2 Notices. All notices, demands, requests, consents, approvals, and
other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and,
unless otherwise specified herein, shall be (i) personally served, (ii)
deposited in the mail, registered or certified, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, (iii) delivered by reputable air courier service with charges
prepaid, or (iv) transmitted by hand delivery, telegram, or facsimile, addressed
as set forth below or to such other address as such party shall have specified
most recently by written notice. Any notice or other communication required or
permitted to be given hereunder shall be deemed effective (a) upon hand delivery
or delivery by facsimile, with accurate confirmation generated by the
transmitting facsimile machine, at the address or number designated below (if
delivered on a business day during normal business hours where such notice is to
be received), or the first business day following such delivery (if delivered
other than on a business day during normal business hours where such notice is
to be received) or (b) on the second business day following the date of mailing
by express courier service, fully prepaid, addressed to such address, or upon
actual receipt of such mailing, whichever shall first occur. The addresses for
such communications shall be: (i) if to the Borrower to: HQ Sustainable Maritime
Industries, Inc., 0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000, Attn:
Xxxxxxx Sporns, CEO, telecopier: (000) 000-0000, with a copy by telecopier only
to: Xxxxxx Xxxx, Esq., 0000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000,
telecopier: (000) 000-0000, and (ii) if to the Holder, to the name, address and
telecopy number set forth on the front page of this Note, with a copy by
telecopier only to Grushko & Xxxxxxx, P.C., 000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000, Xxx
Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000, telecopier number: (000) 000-0000.
6.3 Amendment Provision. The term "Note" and all reference thereto, as
used throughout this instrument, shall mean this instrument as originally
executed, or if later amended or supplemented, then as so amended or
supplemented.
6.4 Assignability. This Note shall be binding upon the Borrower and its
successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the Holder and its
successors and assigns.
6.5 Cost of Collection. If default is made in the payment of this Note,
Borrower shall pay the Holder hereof reasonable costs of collection, including
reasonable attorneys' fees.
6.6 Governing Law. This Note shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts
of laws principles that would result in the application of the substantive laws
of another jurisdiction. Any action brought by either party against the other
concerning the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be brought only
in the state courts of New York or in the federal courts located in the state of
New York. Both parties and the individual signing this Note on behalf of the
Borrower agree to submit to the jurisdiction of such courts. The prevailing
party shall be entitled to recover from the other party its reasonable
attorney's fees and costs. In the event that any provision of this Note is
invalid or unenforceable under any applicable statute or rule of law, then such
provision shall be deemed inoperative to the extent that it may conflict
therewith and shall be deemed modified to conform with such statute or rule of
law. Any such provision which may prove invalid or unenforceable under any law
shall not affect the validity or unenforceability of any other provision of this
Note. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed or operate to preclude the Holder
from bringing suit or taking other legal action against the Borrower in any
other jurisdiction to collect on the Borrower's obligations to Holder, to
realize on any collateral or any other security for such obligations, or to
enforce a judgment or other court in favor of the Holder.
6.7 Maximum Payments. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to
establish or require the payment of a rate of interest or other charges in
excess of the maximum permitted by applicable law. In the event that the rate of
interest required to be paid or other charges hereunder exceed the maximum
permitted by such law, any payments in excess of such maximum shall be credited
against amounts owed by the Borrower to the Holder and thus refunded to the
Borrower.
6.8. Construction. Each party acknowledges that its legal counsel
participated in the preparation of this Note and, therefore, stipulates that the
rule of construction that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting
party shall not be applied in the interpretation of this Note to favor any party
against the other.
6.9 Redemption. This Note may not be redeemed or called without the
consent of the Holder except as described in this Note.
6.10 Shareholder Status. The Holder shall not have rights as a
shareholder of the Borrower with respect to unconverted portions of this Note.
However, the Holder will have the rights of a shareholder of the Borrower with
respect to the Shares of Common Stock to be received after delivery by the
Holder of a Conversion Notice to the Borrower.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower has caused this Note to be signed in its
name by an authorized officer as of the ____ day of January, 2006.
HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:________________________________
Name:
Title:
WITNESS:
____________________________
NOTICE OF CONVERSION
(To be executed by the Registered Holder in order to convert the Note)
The undersigned hereby elects to convert $_________ of the principal
and $_________ of the interest due on the Note issued by HQ Sustainable Maritime
Industries, Inc. on January ____, 2006 into Shares of Common Stock of HQ
Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc. (the "Borrower") according to the
conditions set forth in such Note, as of the date written below.
Date of Conversion:_____________________________________________________________
Conversion Price:_______________________________________________________________
Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned on the Conversion Date: Less
than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock of HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries,
Inc.
Shares To Be Delivered:_________________________________________________________
Signature:______________________________________________________________________
Print Name:_____________________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
EXHIBIT B
THIS WARRANT AND THE COMMON SHARES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF THIS WARRANT HAVE
NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED. THIS WARRANT
AND THE COMMON SHARES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF THIS WARRANT MAY NOT BE SOLD,
OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER SAID ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY
SATISFACTORY TO HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC. THAT SUCH REGISTRATION
IS NOT REQUIRED.
Right to Purchase ________ shares of Common
Stock of HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries,
Inc. (subject to adjustment as provided
herein)
CLASS A COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT
No. 2006-A-001 Issue Date: January __, 2006
HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC., a corporation organized under
the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Company"), hereby certifies that, for
value _______________________ or its assigns (the "Holder"), is entitled,
subject to the terms set forth below, to purchase from the Company at any time
after the Issue Date until 5:00 p.m., E.S.T on the third (3rd) anniversary of
the Issue Date (the "Expiration Date"), ________ fully paid and nonassessable
shares of Common Stock at a per share purchase price of $0.35. The
aforedescribed purchase price per share, as adjusted from time to time as herein
provided, is referred to herein as the "Purchase Price." The number and
character of such shares of Common Stock and the Purchase Price are subject to
adjustment as provided herein. The Company may reduce the Purchase Price without
the consent of the Holder. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined
herein shall have the meanings set forth in that certain Subscription Agreement
(the "Subscription Agreement"), dated January ___, 2006, entered into by the
Company and Holders of the Warrants.
As used herein the following terms, unless the context otherwise
requires, have the following respective meanings:
(a) The term "Company" shall include HQ Sustainable Maritime
Industries, Inc. and any corporation which shall succeed or assume the
obligations of HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc. hereunder.
(b) The term "Common Stock" includes (a) the Company's Common Stock,
$0.001 par value per share, as authorized on the date of the Subscription
Agreement, and (b) any other securities into which or for which any of the
securities described in (a) may be converted or exchanged pursuant to a plan of
recapitalization, reorganization, merger, sale of assets or otherwise.
(c) The term "Other Securities" refers to any stock (other than Common
Stock) and other securities of the Company or any other person (corporate or
otherwise) which the holder of the Warrant at any time shall be entitled to
receive, or shall have received, on the exercise of the Warrant, in lieu of or
in addition to Common Stock, or which at any time shall be issuable or shall
have been issued in exchange for or in replacement of Common Stock or Other
Securities pursuant to Section 5 or otherwise.
(d) The term "Warrant Shares" shall mean the Common Stock issuable upon
exercise of this Warrant.
1. Exercise of Warrant.
1.1. Number of Shares Issuable upon Exercise. From and after
the Issue Date through and including the Expiration Date, the Holder hereof
shall be entitled to receive, upon exercise of this Warrant in whole in
accordance with the terms of subsection 1.2 or upon exercise of this Warrant in
part in accordance with subsection 1.3, shares of Common Stock of the Company,
subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 4.
1.2. Full Exercise. This Warrant may be exercised in full by
the Holder hereof by delivery of an original or facsimile copy of the form of
subscription attached as Exhibit A hereto (the "Subscription Form") duly
executed by such Holder and surrender of the original Warrant within four (4)
days of exercise, to the Company at its principal office or at the office of its
Warrant Agent (as provided hereinafter), accompanied by payment, in cash, wire
transfer or by certified or official bank check payable to the order of the
Company, in the amount obtained by multiplying the number of shares of Common
Stock for which this Warrant is then exercisable by the Purchase Price then in
effect.
1.3. Partial Exercise. This Warrant may be exercised in part
(but not for a fractional share) by surrender of this Warrant in the manner and
at the place provided in subsection 1.2 except that the amount payable by the
Holder on such partial exercise shall be the amount obtained by multiplying (a)
the number of whole shares of Common Stock designated by the Holder in the
Subscription Form by (b) the Purchase Price then in effect. On any such partial
exercise, the Company, at its expense, will forthwith issue and deliver to or
upon the order of the Holder hereof a new Warrant of like tenor, in the name of
the Holder hereof or as such Holder (upon payment by such Holder of any
applicable transfer taxes) may request, the whole number of shares of Common
Stock for which such Warrant may still be exercised.
1.4. Fair Market Value. Fair Market Value of a share of Common
Stock as of a particular date (the "Determination Date") shall mean:
(a) If the Company's Common Stock is traded
on an exchange or is quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. Automated Quotation ("NASDAQ"), National Market System, the NASDAQ SmallCap
Market or the American Stock Exchange, LLC, then the closing or last sale price,
respectively, reported for the last business day immediately preceding the
Determination Date;
(b) If the Company's Common Stock is not
traded on an exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System, the NASDAQ
SmallCap Market or the American Stock Exchange, Inc., but is traded in the
over-the-counter market, then the average of the closing bid and ask prices
reported for the last business day immediately preceding the Determination Date;
(c) Except as provided in clause (d) below,
if the Company's Common Stock is not publicly traded, then as the Holder and the
Company agree, or in the absence of such an agreement, by arbitration in
accordance with the rules then standing of the American Arbitration Association,
before a single arbitrator to be chosen from a panel of persons qualified by
education and training to pass on the matter to be decided; or
(d) If the Determination Date is the date of
a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or any event deemed to be a
liquidation, dissolution or winding up pursuant to the Company's charter, then
all amounts to be payable per share to holders of the Common Stock pursuant to
the charter in the event of such liquidation, dissolution or winding up, plus
all other amounts to be payable per share in respect of the Common Stock in
liquidation under the charter, assuming for the purposes of this clause (d) that
all of the shares of Common Stock then issuable upon exercise of all of the
Warrants are outstanding at the Determination Date.
1.5. Company Acknowledgment. The Company will, at the time of
the exercise of the Warrant, upon the request of the Holder hereof acknowledge
in writing its continuing obligation to afford to such Holder any rights to
which such Holder shall continue to be entitled after such exercise in
accordance with the provisions of this Warrant. If the Holder shall fail to make
any such request, such failure shall not affect the continuing obligation of the
Company to afford to such Holder any such rights.
1.6. Trustee for Warrant Holders. In the event that a
qualified bank or trust company shall have been appointed as trustee for the
Holder of the Warrants pursuant to Subsection 3.2, such bank or trust company
shall have all the powers and duties of a warrant agent (as hereinafter
described) and shall accept, in its own name for the account of the Company or
such successor person as may be entitled thereto, all amounts otherwise payable
to the Company or such successor, as the case may be, on exercise of this
Warrant pursuant to this Section 1.
1.7 Delivery of Stock Certificates, etc. on Exercise. The
Company agrees that the shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of this
Warrant shall be deemed to be issued to the Holder hereof as the record owner of
such shares as of the close of business on the date on which this Warrant shall
have been surrendered and payment made for such shares as aforesaid. As soon as
practicable after the exercise of this Warrant in full or in part, and in any
event within three (3) business days thereafter, the Company at its expense
(including the payment by it of any applicable issue taxes) will cause to be
issued in the name of and delivered to the Holder hereof, or as such Holder
(upon payment by such Holder of any applicable transfer taxes) may direct in
compliance with applicable securities laws, a certificate or certificates for
the number of duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of
Common Stock (or Other Securities) to which such Holder shall be entitled on
such exercise, plus, in lieu of any fractional share to which such Holder would
otherwise be entitled, cash equal to such fraction multiplied by the then Fair
Market Value of one full share of Common Stock, together with any other stock or
other securities and property (including cash, where applicable) to which such
Holder is entitled upon such exercise pursuant to Section 1 or otherwise.
2. Cashless Exercise.
(a) Except as described below, if a Registration Statement (as
defined in the Subscription Agreement) ("Registration Statement") is effective
and the Holder may sell its shares of Common Stock upon exercise hereof pursuant
to the Registration Statement, this Warrant may be exercisable in whole or in
part for cash only as set forth in Section 1 above. If no such Registration
Statement is available during the time that such Registration Statement is
required to be effective pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Agreement,
then commencing one year after the Issue Date, payment upon exercise may be made
at the option of the Holder either in (i) cash, wire transfer or by certified or
official bank check payable to the order of the Company equal to the applicable
aggregate Purchase Price, (ii) by cashless exercise in accordance with Section
(b) below or (iii) by a combination of any of the foregoing methods, for the
number of Common Stock specified in such form (as such exercise number shall be
adjusted to reflect any adjustment in the total number of shares of Common Stock
issuable to the holder per the terms of this Warrant) and the holder shall
thereupon be entitled to receive the number of duly authorized, validly issued,
fully-paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock (or Other Securities)
determined as provided herein.
(b) If the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock is
greater than the Purchase Price (at the date of calculation as set forth below),
in lieu of exercising this Warrant for cash, the holder may elect to receive
shares equal to the value (as determined below) of this Warrant (or the portion
thereof being cancelled) by surrender of this Warrant at the principal office of
the Company together with the properly endorsed Subscription Form in which event
the Company shall issue to the holder a number of shares of Common Stock
computed using the following formula:
X=Y (A-B)
A
Where X= the number of shares of Common Stock to be
issued to the holder
Y= the number of shares of Common Stock
purchasable under the Warrant or, if only a
portion of the Warrant is being exercised,
the portion of the Warrant being exercised
(at the date of such calculation)
A= the Fair Market Value of one share of the
Company's Common Stock (at the date of such
calculation)
B= Purchase Price (as adjusted to the date of
such calculation)
(c) The Holder may employ the cashless exercise feature
described in Section (b) above commencing one year after the Issue Date and only
during the pendency of a Non-Registration Event as described in Section 11 of
the Subscription Agreement. For purposes of Rule 144 promulgated under the 1933
Act, it is intended, understood and acknowledged that the Warrant Shares issued
in a cashless exercise transaction shall be deemed to have been acquired by the
Holder, and the holding period for the Warrant Shares shall be deemed to have
commenced, on the date this Warrant was originally issued pursuant to the
Subscription Agreement.
3. Adjustment for Reorganization, Consolidation, Merger, etc.
3.1. Reorganization, Consolidation, Merger, etc. In case at
any time or from time to time, the Company shall (a) effect a reorganization,
(b) consolidate with or merge into any other person or (c) transfer all or
substantially all of its properties or assets to any other person under any plan
or arrangement contemplating the dissolution of the Company, then, in each such
case, as a condition to the consummation of such a transaction, proper and
adequate provision shall be made by the Company whereby the Holder of this
Warrant, on the exercise hereof as provided in Section 1, at any time after the
consummation of such reorganization, consolidation or merger or the effective
date of such dissolution, as the case may be, shall receive, in lieu of the
Common Stock (or Other Securities) issuable on such exercise prior to such
consummation or such effective date, the stock and other securities and property
(including cash) to which such Holder would have been entitled upon such
consummation or in connection with such dissolution, as the case may be, if such
Holder had so exercised this Warrant, immediately prior thereto, all subject to
further adjustment thereafter as provided in Section 4.
3.2. Dissolution. In the event of any dissolution of the
Company following the transfer of all or substantially all of its properties or
assets, the Company, prior to such dissolution, shall at its expense deliver or
cause to be delivered the stock and other securities and property (including
cash, where applicable) receivable in accordance with Section 3.1 by the Holder
of the Warrants upon their exercise after the effective date of such dissolution
pursuant to this Section 3 to a bank or trust company (a "Trustee") having its
principal office in New York, NY, as trustee for the Holder of the Warrants.
3.3. Continuation of Terms. Upon any reorganization,
consolidation, merger or transfer (and any dissolution following any transfer)
referred to in this Section 3, this Warrant shall continue in full force and
effect and the terms hereof shall be applicable to the Other Securities and
property receivable on the exercise of this Warrant after the consummation of
such reorganization, consolidation or merger or the effective date of
dissolution following any such transfer, as the case may be, and shall be
binding upon the issuer of any Other Securities, including, in the case of any
such transfer, the person acquiring all or substantially all of the properties
or assets of the Company, whether or not such person shall have expressly
assumed the terms of this Warrant as provided in Section 4. In the event this
Warrant does not continue in full force and effect after the consummation of the
transaction described in this Section 3, then only in such event will the
Company's securities and property (including cash, where applicable) receivable
by the Holder of the Warrants be delivered to the Trustee as contemplated by
Section 3.2.
3.4 Share Issuance. Until the Expiration Date, if the Company
shall issue any Common Stock except for the Excepted Issuances (as defined in
the Subscription Agreement), prior to the complete exercise of this Warrant for
a consideration less than the Purchase Price that would be in effect at the time
of such issue, then, and thereafter successively upon each such issue, the
Purchase Price shall be reduced to such other lower issue price. For purposes of
this adjustment, the issuance of any security or debt instrument of the Company
carrying the right to convert such security or debt instrument into Common Stock
or of any warrant, right or option to purchase Common Stock shall result in an
adjustment to the Purchase Price upon the issuance of the above-described
security, debt instrument, warrant, right, or option if such issuance is at a
price lower than the Purchase Price in effect upon such issuance. The reduction
of the Purchase Price described in this Section 3.4 is in addition to the other
rights of the Holder described in the Subscription Agreement.
4. Extraordinary Events Regarding Common Stock. In the event that the
Company shall (a) issue additional shares of the Common Stock as a dividend or
other distribution on outstanding Common Stock, (b) subdivide its outstanding
shares of Common Stock, or (c) combine its outstanding shares of the Common
Stock into a smaller number of shares of the Common Stock, then, in each such
event, the Purchase Price shall, simultaneously with the happening of such
event, be adjusted by multiplying the then Purchase Price by a fraction, the
numerator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
immediately prior to such event and the denominator of which shall be the number
of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event, and the
product so obtained shall thereafter be the Purchase Price then in effect. The
Purchase Price, as so adjusted, shall be readjusted in the same manner upon the
happening of any successive event or events described herein in this Section 4.
The number of shares of Common Stock that the Holder of this Warrant shall
thereafter, on the exercise hereof as provided in Section 1, be entitled to
receive shall be adjusted to a number determined by multiplying the number of
shares of Common Stock that would otherwise (but for the provisions of this
Section 4) be issuable on such exercise by a fraction of which (a) the numerator
is the Purchase Price that would otherwise (but for the provisions of this
Section 4) be in effect, and (b) the denominator is the Purchase Price in effect
on the date of such exercise.
5. Certificate as to Adjustments. In each case of any adjustment or
readjustment in the shares of Common Stock (or Other Securities) issuable on the
exercise of the Warrants, the Company at its expense will promptly cause its
Chief Financial Officer or other appropriate designee to compute such adjustment
or readjustment in accordance with the terms of the Warrant and prepare a
certificate setting forth such adjustment or readjustment and showing in detail
the facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based, including a
statement of (a) the consideration received or receivable by the Company for any
additional shares of Common Stock (or Other Securities) issued or sold or deemed
to have been issued or sold, (b) the number of shares of Common Stock (or Other
Securities) outstanding or deemed to be outstanding, and (c) the Purchase Price
and the number of shares of Common Stock to be received upon exercise of this
Warrant, in effect immediately prior to such adjustment or readjustment and as
adjusted or readjusted as provided in this Warrant. The Company will forthwith
mail a copy of each such certificate to the Holder of the Warrant and any
Warrant Agent of the Company (appointed pursuant to Section 11 hereof).
6. Reservation of Stock, etc. Issuable on Exercise of Warrant;
Financial Statements. The Company will at all times reserve and keep available,
solely for issuance and delivery on the exercise of the Warrants, all shares of
Common Stock (or Other Securities) from time to time issuable on the exercise of
the Warrant. This Warrant entitles the Holder hereof to receive copies of all
financial and other information distributed or required to be distributed to the
holders of the Company's Common Stock.
7. Assignment; Exchange of Warrant. Subject to compliance with
applicable securities laws, this Warrant, and the rights evidenced hereby, may
be transferred by any registered holder hereof (a "Transferor"). On the
surrender for exchange of this Warrant, with the Transferor's endorsement in the
form of Exhibit B attached hereto (the "Transferor Endorsement Form") and
together with an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company that
the transfer of this Warrant will be in compliance with applicable securities
laws, the Company at its expense, twice, only, but with payment by the
Transferor of any applicable transfer taxes, will issue and deliver to or on the
order of the Transferor thereof a new Warrant or Warrants of like tenor, in the
name of the Transferor and/or the transferee(s) specified in such Transferor
Endorsement Form (each a "Transferee"), calling in the aggregate on the face or
faces thereof for the number of shares of Common Stock called for on the face or
faces of the Warrant so surrendered by the Transferor. No such transfers shall
result in a public distribution of the Warrant.
8. Replacement of Warrant. On receipt of evidence reasonably
satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of
this Warrant and, in the case of any such loss, theft or destruction of this
Warrant, on delivery of an indemnity agreement or security reasonably
satisfactory in form and amount to the Company or, in the case of any such
mutilation, on surrender and cancellation of this Warrant, the Company at its
expense, twice only, will execute and deliver, in lieu thereof, a new Warrant of
like tenor.
9. Registration Rights. The Holder of this Warrant has been granted
certain registration rights by the Company. These registration rights are set
forth in the Subscription Agreement. The terms of the Subscription Agreement are
incorporated herein by this reference.
10. Maximum Exercise. The Holder shall not be entitled to exercise this
Warrant on an exercise date, in connection with that number of shares of Common
Stock which would be in excess of the sum of (i) the number of shares of Common
Stock beneficially owned by the Holder and its affiliates on an exercise date,
and (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of this
Warrant with respect to which the determination of this limitation is being made
on an exercise date, which would result in beneficial ownership by the Holder
and its affiliates of more than 4.99% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock
on such date. For the purposes of the immediately preceding sentence, beneficial
ownership shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Regulation 13d-3 thereunder. Subject to
the foregoing, the Holder shall not be limited to aggregate exercises which
would result in the issuance of more than 4.99%. The restriction described in
this paragraph may be waived, in whole or in part, upon sixty-one (61) days
prior notice from the Holder to the Company. The Holder may decide whether to
convert a Series A Preferred Stock or exercise this Warrant to achieve an actual
4.99% ownership position.
11. Warrant Agent. The Company may, by written notice to the Holder of
the Warrant, appoint an agent (a "Warrant Agent") for the purpose of issuing
Common Stock (or Other Securities) on the exercise of this Warrant pursuant to
Section 1, exchanging this Warrant pursuant to Section 7, and replacing this
Warrant pursuant to Section 8, or any of the foregoing, and thereafter any such
issuance, exchange or replacement, as the case may be, shall be made at such
office by such Warrant Agent.
12. Transfer on the Company's Books. Until this Warrant is transferred
on the books of the Company, the Company may treat the registered holder hereof
as the absolute owner hereof for all purposes, notwithstanding any notice to the
contrary.
13. Warrant Exercise Compensation. The Company has agreed to pay to the
Finder identified on Schedule 8 to the Subscription Agreement ("Finder") Warrant
Exercise Compensation as described in the Subscription Agreement equal to ten
percent (10%) of the cash proceeds payable to the Company upon exercise of the
Warrant. The Warrant Exercise Compensation will be paid by the Company to the
Finder not later than the fifth (5th) business day after the Company receives
cash proceeds from the exercise of this Warrant. The Holder of the Warrant has
no obligation or responsibility to pay Warrant Exercise Compensation
14. Notices. All notices, demands, requests, consents, approvals, and
other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and,
unless otherwise specified herein, shall be (i) personally served, (ii)
deposited in the mail, registered or certified, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, (iii) delivered by reputable air courier service with charges
prepaid, or (iv) transmitted by hand delivery, telegram, or facsimile, addressed
as set forth below or to such other address as such party shall have specified
most recently by written notice. Any notice or other communication required or
permitted to be given hereunder shall be deemed effective (a) upon hand delivery
or delivery by facsimile, with accurate confirmation generated by the
transmitting facsimile machine, at the address or number designated below (if
delivered on a business day during normal business hours where such notice is to
be received), or the first business day following such delivery (if delivered
other than on a business day during normal business hours where such notice is
to be received) or (b) on the second business day following the date of mailing
by express courier service, fully prepaid, addressed to such address, or upon
actual receipt of such mailing, whichever shall first occur or (c) three
business days after deposited in the mail if delivered pursuant to subsection
(ii) above. The addresses for such communications shall be: (i) if to the
Company to: HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc., 0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx
000, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000, Attn: Xxxxxxx Sporns, CEO, telecopier: (450)
465-7348, with a copy by telecopier only to: Xxxxxx Xxxx, Esq., 0000 Xxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000, telecopier: (000) 000-0000, (ii) if to the
Holder, to the addresses and telecopier number set forth in the first paragraph
of this Warrant, with an additional copy by telecopier only to: Grushko &
Xxxxxxx, P.C., 000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000,
telecopier number: (000) 000-0000, and (iii) if to the Finder, to: the address
and telecopier number set forth on Schedule 8 to the Subscription Agreement.
15. Miscellaneous. This Warrant and any term hereof may be changed,
waived, discharged or terminated only by an instrument in writing signed by the
party against which enforcement of such change, waiver, discharge or termination
is sought. This Warrant shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and
governed by the laws of New York. Any dispute relating to this Warrant shall be
adjudicated in New York County in the State of New York. The headings in this
Warrant are for purposes of reference only, and shall not limit or otherwise
affect any of the terms hereof. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
provision hereof shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any
other provision.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has executed this Warrant as of the
date first written above.
HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:
Name:
Title:
Witness:
Exhibit A
FORM OF SUBSCRIPTION
(to be signed only on exercise of Warrant)
TO: HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC.
The undersigned, pursuant to the provisions set forth in the attached Warrant
(No.____), hereby irrevocably elects to purchase (check applicable box):
___ ________ shares of the Common Stock covered by such Warrant; or ___ the
maximum number of shares of Common Stock covered by such Warrant pursuant to the
cashless exercise procedure set forth in Section 2.
The undersigned herewith makes payment of the full purchase price for such
shares at the price per share provided for in such Warrant, which is
$___________. Such payment takes the form of (check applicable box or boxes):
___ $__________ in lawful money of the United States; and/or ___ the
cancellation of the Warrant to the extent necessary, in accordance with the
formula set forth in Section 2, to exercise this Warrant with respect to the
maximum number of shares of Common Stock purchasable pursuant to the cashless
exercise procedure set forth in Section 2.
The undersigned requests that the certificates for such shares be issued in the
name of, and delivered to __________________________________ whose address is
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned on the date of exercise:
Less than five percent (5%) of the outstanding Common Stock of HQ Sustainable
Maritime Industries, Inc.
The undersigned represents and warrants that the representations and warranties
in Section 4 of the Subscription Agreement (as defined in this Warrant) are true
and accurate with respect to the undersigned on the date hereof.
The undersigned represents and warrants that all offers and sales by the
undersigned of the securities issuable upon exercise of the within Warrant shall
be made pursuant to registration of the Common Stock under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or pursuant to an exemption from
registration under the Securities Act.
Dated:___________________ (Signature must conform to name of holder as
specified on the face of the Warrant)
(Address)
Exhibit B
FORM OF TRANSFEROR ENDORSEMENT
(To be signed only on transfer of Warrant)
For value received, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns, and
transfers unto the person(s) named below under the heading "Transferees" the
right represented by the within Warrant to purchase the percentage and number of
shares of Common Stock of HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC. to which the
within Warrant relates specified under the headings "Percentage Transferred" and
"Number Transferred," respectively, opposite the name(s) of such person(s) and
appoints each such person Attorney to transfer its respective right on the books
of HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC. with full power of substitution in
the premises.
--------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------
Transferees Percentage Transferred Number Transferred
--------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------
--------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------
--------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------
--------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------
Dated: ______________, ___________ (Signature must conform to name of holder as
specified on the face of the warrant)
Signed in the presence of:
(Name)
(address)
ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
[TRANSFEREE]
(address)
(Name)
THIS WARRANT AND THE COMMON SHARES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF THIS WARRANT HAVE
NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED. THIS WARRANT
AND THE COMMON SHARES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF THIS WARRANT MAY NOT BE SOLD,
OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER SAID ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY
SATISFACTORY TO HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC. THAT SUCH REGISTRATION
IS NOT REQUIRED.
Right to Purchase ________ shares of Common
Stock of HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries,
Inc. (subject to adjustment as provided
herein)
CLASS B COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT
No. 2006-B-001 Issue Date: January __, 2006
HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC., a corporation organized under
the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Company"), hereby certifies that, for
value received, _________________, ______________________________________ or its
assigns (the "Holder"), is entitled, subject to the terms set forth below, to
purchase from the Company at any time after the Issue Date until 5:00 p.m.,
E.S.T on the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Issue Date (the "Expiration Date"),
________ fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock at a per share
purchase price of $0.40. The aforedescribed purchase price per share, as
adjusted from time to time as herein provided, is referred to herein as the
"Purchase Price." The number and character of such shares of Common Stock and
the Purchase Price are subject to adjustment as provided herein. The Company may
reduce the Purchase Price without the consent of the Holder. Capitalized terms
used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in that
certain Subscription Agreement (the "Subscription Agreement"), dated January
___, 2006, entered into by the Company and Holders of the Warrants.
As used herein the following terms, unless the context otherwise
requires, have the following respective meanings:
(a) The term "Company" shall include HQ Sustainable Maritime
Industries, Inc. and any corporation which shall succeed or assume the
obligations of HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc. hereunder.
(b) The term "Common Stock" includes (a) the Company's Common Stock,
$0.001 par value per share, as authorized on the date of the Subscription
Agreement, and (b) any other securities into which or for which any of the
securities described in (a) may be converted or exchanged pursuant to a plan of
recapitalization, reorganization, merger, sale of assets or otherwise.
(c) The term "Other Securities" refers to any stock (other than Common
Stock) and other securities of the Company or any other person (corporate or
otherwise) which the holder of the Warrant at any time shall be entitled to
receive, or shall have received, on the exercise of the Warrant, in lieu of or
in addition to Common Stock, or which at any time shall be issuable or shall
have been issued in exchange for or in replacement of Common Stock or Other
Securities pursuant to Section 5 or otherwise.
(d) The term "Warrant Shares" shall mean the Common Stock issuable upon
exercise of this Warrant.
1. Exercise of Warrant.
1.1. Number of Shares Issuable upon Exercise. From and after
the Issue Date through and including the Expiration Date, the Holder hereof
shall be entitled to receive, upon exercise of this Warrant in whole in
accordance with the terms of subsection 1.2 or upon exercise of this Warrant in
part in accordance with subsection 1.3, shares of Common Stock of the Company,
subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 4.
1.2. Full Exercise. This Warrant may be exercised in full by
the Holder hereof by delivery of an original or facsimile copy of the form of
subscription attached as Exhibit A hereto (the "Subscription Form") duly
executed by such Holder and surrender of the original Warrant within four (4)
days of exercise, to the Company at its principal office or at the office of its
Warrant Agent (as provided hereinafter), accompanied by payment, in cash, wire
transfer or by certified or official bank check payable to the order of the
Company, in the amount obtained by multiplying the number of shares of Common
Stock for which this Warrant is then exercisable by the Purchase Price then in
effect.
1.3. Partial Exercise. This Warrant may be exercised in part
(but not for a fractional share) by surrender of this Warrant in the manner and
at the place provided in subsection 1.2 except that the amount payable by the
Holder on such partial exercise shall be the amount obtained by multiplying (a)
the number of whole shares of Common Stock designated by the Holder in the
Subscription Form by (b) the Purchase Price then in effect. On any such partial
exercise, the Company, at its expense, will forthwith issue and deliver to or
upon the order of the Holder hereof a new Warrant of like tenor, in the name of
the Holder hereof or as such Holder (upon payment by such Holder of any
applicable transfer taxes) may request, the whole number of shares of Common
Stock for which such Warrant may still be exercised.
1.4. Fair Market Value. Fair Market Value of a share of Common
Stock as of a particular date (the "Determination Date") shall mean:
(a) If the Company's Common Stock is traded
on an exchange or is quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. Automated Quotation ("NASDAQ"), National Market System, the NASDAQ SmallCap
Market or the American Stock Exchange, LLC, then the closing or last sale price,
respectively, reported for the last business day immediately preceding the
Determination Date;
(b) If the Company's Common Stock is not
traded on an exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System, the NASDAQ
SmallCap Market or the American Stock Exchange, Inc., but is traded in the
over-the-counter market, then the average of the closing bid and ask prices
reported for the last business day immediately preceding the Determination Date;
(c) Except as provided in clause (d) below,
if the Company's Common Stock is not publicly traded, then as the Holder and the
Company agree, or in the absence of such an agreement, by arbitration in
accordance with the rules then standing of the American Arbitration Association,
before a single arbitrator to be chosen from a panel of persons qualified by
education and training to pass on the matter to be decided; or
(d) If the Determination Date is the date of
a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or any event deemed to be a
liquidation, dissolution or winding up pursuant to the Company's charter, then
all amounts to be payable per share to holders of the Common Stock pursuant to
the charter in the event of such liquidation, dissolution or winding up, plus
all other amounts to be payable per share in respect of the Common Stock in
liquidation under the charter, assuming for the purposes of this clause (d) that
all of the shares of Common Stock then issuable upon exercise of all of the
Warrants are outstanding at the Determination Date.
1.5. Company Acknowledgment. The Company will, at the time of
the exercise of the Warrant, upon the request of the Holder hereof acknowledge
in writing its continuing obligation to afford to such Holder any rights to
which such Holder shall continue to be entitled after such exercise in
accordance with the provisions of this Warrant. If the Holder shall fail to make
any such request, such failure shall not affect the continuing obligation of the
Company to afford to such Holder any such rights.
1.6. Trustee for Warrant Holders. In the event that a
qualified bank or trust company shall have been appointed as trustee for the
Holder of the Warrants pursuant to Subsection 3.2, such bank or trust company
shall have all the powers and duties of a warrant agent (as hereinafter
described) and shall accept, in its own name for the account of the Company or
such successor person as may be entitled thereto, all amounts otherwise payable
to the Company or such successor, as the case may be, on exercise of this
Warrant pursuant to this Section 1.
1.7 Delivery of Stock Certificates, etc. on Exercise. The
Company agrees that the shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of this
Warrant shall be deemed to be issued to the Holder hereof as the record owner of
such shares as of the close of business on the date on which this Warrant shall
have been surrendered and payment made for such shares as aforesaid. As soon as
practicable after the exercise of this Warrant in full or in part, and in any
event within three (3) business days thereafter, the Company at its expense
(including the payment by it of any applicable issue taxes) will cause to be
issued in the name of and delivered to the Holder hereof, or as such Holder
(upon payment by such Holder of any applicable transfer taxes) may direct in
compliance with applicable securities laws, a certificate or certificates for
the number of duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of
Common Stock (or Other Securities) to which such Holder shall be entitled on
such exercise, plus, in lieu of any fractional share to which such Holder would
otherwise be entitled, cash equal to such fraction multiplied by the then Fair
Market Value of one full share of Common Stock, together with any other stock or
other securities and property (including cash, where applicable) to which such
Holder is entitled upon such exercise pursuant to Section 1 or otherwise.
2. Cashless Exercise.
(a) Except as described below, if a Registration Statement (as
defined in the Subscription Agreement) ("Registration Statement") is effective
and the Holder may sell its shares of Common Stock upon exercise hereof pursuant
to the Registration Statement, this Warrant may be exercisable in whole or in
part for cash only as set forth in Section 1 above. If no such Registration
Statement is available during the time that such Registration Statement is
required to be effective pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Agreement,
then commencing one year after the Issue Date, payment upon exercise may be made
at the option of the Holder either in (i) cash, wire transfer or by certified or
official bank check payable to the order of the Company equal to the applicable
aggregate Purchase Price, (ii) by cashless exercise in accordance with Section
(b) below or (iii) by a combination of any of the foregoing methods, for the
number of Common Stock specified in such form (as such exercise number shall be
adjusted to reflect any adjustment in the total number of shares of Common Stock
issuable to the holder per the terms of this Warrant) and the holder shall
thereupon be entitled to receive the number of duly authorized, validly issued,
fully-paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock (or Other Securities)
determined as provided herein.
(b) If the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock is
greater than the Purchase Price (at the date of calculation as set forth below),
in lieu of exercising this Warrant for cash, the holder may elect to receive
shares equal to the value (as determined below) of this Warrant (or the portion
thereof being cancelled) by surrender of this Warrant at the principal office of
the Company together with the properly endorsed Subscription Form in which event
the Company shall issue to the holder a number of shares of Common Stock
computed using the following formula:
X=Y (A-B)
A
Where X= the number of shares of Common Stock to be
issued to the holder
Y= the number of shares of Common Stock
purchasable under the Warrant or, if only a
portion of the Warrant is being exercised,
the portion of the Warrant being exercised
(at the date of such calculation)
A= the Fair Market Value of one share of the
Company's Common Stock (at the date of such
calculation)
B= Purchase Price (as adjusted to the date of
such calculation)
(d) The Holder may employ the cashless exercise feature
described in Section (b) above commencing one year after the Issue Date and only
during the pendency of a Non-Registration Event as described in Section 11 of
the Subscription Agreement. For purposes of Rule 144 promulgated under the 1933
Act, it is intended, understood and acknowledged that the Warrant Shares issued
in a cashless exercise transaction shall be deemed to have been acquired by the
Holder, and the holding period for the Warrant Shares shall be deemed to have
commenced, on the date this Warrant was originally issued pursuant to the
Subscription Agreement.
3. Adjustment for Reorganization, Consolidation, Merger, etc.
3.1. Reorganization, Consolidation, Merger, etc. In case at
any time or from time to time, the Company shall (a) effect a reorganization,
(b) consolidate with or merge into any other person or (c) transfer all or
substantially all of its properties or assets to any other person under any plan
or arrangement contemplating the dissolution of the Company, then, in each such
case, as a condition to the consummation of such a transaction, proper and
adequate provision shall be made by the Company whereby the Holder of this
Warrant, on the exercise hereof as provided in Section 1, at any time after the
consummation of such reorganization, consolidation or merger or the effective
date of such dissolution, as the case may be, shall receive, in lieu of the
Common Stock (or Other Securities) issuable on such exercise prior to such
consummation or such effective date, the stock and other securities and property
(including cash) to which such Holder would have been entitled upon such
consummation or in connection with such dissolution, as the case may be, if such
Holder had so exercised this Warrant, immediately prior thereto, all subject to
further adjustment thereafter as provided in Section 4.
3.2. Dissolution. In the event of any dissolution of the
Company following the transfer of all or substantially all of its properties or
assets, the Company, prior to such dissolution, shall at its expense deliver or
cause to be delivered the stock and other securities and property (including
cash, where applicable) receivable in accordance with Section 3.1 by the Holder
of the Warrants upon their exercise after the effective date of such dissolution
pursuant to this Section 3 to a bank or trust company (a "Trustee") having its
principal office in New York, NY, as trustee for the Holder of the Warrants.
3.3. Continuation of Terms. Upon any reorganization,
consolidation, merger or transfer (and any dissolution following any transfer)
referred to in this Section 3, this Warrant shall continue in full force and
effect and the terms hereof shall be applicable to the Other Securities and
property receivable on the exercise of this Warrant after the consummation of
such reorganization, consolidation or merger or the effective date of
dissolution following any such transfer, as the case may be, and shall be
binding upon the issuer of any Other Securities, including, in the case of any
such transfer, the person acquiring all or substantially all of the properties
or assets of the Company, whether or not such person shall have expressly
assumed the terms of this Warrant as provided in Section 4. In the event this
Warrant does not continue in full force and effect after the consummation of the
transaction described in this Section 3, then only in such event will the
Company's securities and property (including cash, where applicable) receivable
by the Holder of the Warrants be delivered to the Trustee as contemplated by
Section 3.2.
3.4 Share Issuance. Until the Expiration Date, if the Company
shall issue any Common Stock except for the Excepted Issuances (as defined in
the Subscription Agreement), prior to the complete exercise of this Warrant for
a consideration less than the Purchase Price that would be in effect at the time
of such issue, then, and thereafter successively upon each such issue, the
Purchase Price shall be reduced to such other lower issue price. For purposes of
this adjustment, the issuance of any security or debt instrument of the Company
carrying the right to convert such security or debt instrument into Common Stock
or of any warrant, right or option to purchase Common Stock shall result in an
adjustment to the Purchase Price upon the issuance of the above-described
security, debt instrument, warrant, right, or option if such issuance is at a
price lower than the Purchase Price in effect upon such issuance. The reduction
of the Purchase Price described in this Section 3.4 is in addition to the other
rights of the Holder described in the Subscription Agreement.
4. Extraordinary Events Regarding Common Stock. In the event that the
Company shall (a) issue additional shares of the Common Stock as a dividend or
other distribution on outstanding Common Stock, (b) subdivide its outstanding
shares of Common Stock, or (c) combine its outstanding shares of the Common
Stock into a smaller number of shares of the Common Stock, then, in each such
event, the Purchase Price shall, simultaneously with the happening of such
event, be adjusted by multiplying the then Purchase Price by a fraction, the
numerator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
immediately prior to such event and the denominator of which shall be the number
of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event, and the
product so obtained shall thereafter be the Purchase Price then in effect. The
Purchase Price, as so adjusted, shall be readjusted in the same manner upon the
happening of any successive event or events described herein in this Section 4.
The number of shares of Common Stock that the Holder of this Warrant shall
thereafter, on the exercise hereof as provided in Section 1, be entitled to
receive shall be adjusted to a number determined by multiplying the number of
shares of Common Stock that would otherwise (but for the provisions of this
Section 4) be issuable on such exercise by a fraction of which (a) the numerator
is the Purchase Price that would otherwise (but for the provisions of this
Section 4) be in effect, and (b) the denominator is the Purchase Price in effect
on the date of such exercise.
5. Certificate as to Adjustments. In each case of any adjustment or
readjustment in the shares of Common Stock (or Other Securities) issuable on the
exercise of the Warrants, the Company at its expense will promptly cause its
Chief Financial Officer or other appropriate designee to compute such adjustment
or readjustment in accordance with the terms of the Warrant and prepare a
certificate setting forth such adjustment or readjustment and showing in detail
the facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based, including a
statement of (a) the consideration received or receivable by the Company for any
additional shares of Common Stock (or Other Securities) issued or sold or deemed
to have been issued or sold, (b) the number of shares of Common Stock (or Other
Securities) outstanding or deemed to be outstanding, and (c) the Purchase Price
and the number of shares of Common Stock to be received upon exercise of this
Warrant, in effect immediately prior to such adjustment or readjustment and as
adjusted or readjusted as provided in this Warrant. The Company will forthwith
mail a copy of each such certificate to the Holder of the Warrant and any
Warrant Agent of the Company (appointed pursuant to Section 11 hereof).
6. Reservation of Stock, etc. Issuable on Exercise of Warrant;
Financial Statements. The Company will at all times reserve and keep available,
solely for issuance and delivery on the exercise of the Warrants, all shares of
Common Stock (or Other Securities) from time to time issuable on the exercise of
the Warrant. This Warrant entitles the Holder hereof to receive copies of all
financial and other information distributed or required to be distributed to the
holders of the Company's Common Stock.
7. Assignment; Exchange of Warrant. Subject to compliance with
applicable securities laws, this Warrant, and the rights evidenced hereby, may
be transferred by any registered holder hereof (a "Transferor"). On the
surrender for exchange of this Warrant, with the Transferor's endorsement in the
form of Exhibit B attached hereto (the "Transferor Endorsement Form") and
together with an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company that
the transfer of this Warrant will be in compliance with applicable securities
laws, the Company at its expense, twice, only, but with payment by the
Transferor of any applicable transfer taxes, will issue and deliver to or on the
order of the Transferor thereof a new Warrant or Warrants of like tenor, in the
name of the Transferor and/or the transferee(s) specified in such Transferor
Endorsement Form (each a "Transferee"), calling in the aggregate on the face or
faces thereof for the number of shares of Common Stock called for on the face or
faces of the Warrant so surrendered by the Transferor. No such transfers shall
result in a public distribution of the Warrant.
8. Replacement of Warrant. On receipt of evidence reasonably
satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of
this Warrant and, in the case of any such loss, theft or destruction of this
Warrant, on delivery of an indemnity agreement or security reasonably
satisfactory in form and amount to the Company or, in the case of any such
mutilation, on surrender and cancellation of this Warrant, the Company at its
expense, twice only, will execute and deliver, in lieu thereof, a new Warrant of
like tenor.
9. Registration Rights. The Holder of this Warrant has been granted
certain registration rights by the Company. These registration rights are set
forth in the Subscription Agreement. The terms of the Subscription Agreement are
incorporated herein by this reference.
10. Maximum Exercise. The Holder shall not be entitled to exercise this
Warrant on an exercise date, in connection with that number of shares of Common
Stock which would be in excess of the sum of (i) the number of shares of Common
Stock beneficially owned by the Holder and its affiliates on an exercise date,
and (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of this
Warrant with respect to which the determination of this limitation is being made
on an exercise date, which would result in beneficial ownership by the Holder
and its affiliates of more than 4.99% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock
on such date. For the purposes of the immediately preceding sentence, beneficial
ownership shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Regulation 13d-3 thereunder. Subject to
the foregoing, the Holder shall not be limited to aggregate exercises which
would result in the issuance of more than 4.99%. The restriction described in
this paragraph may be waived, in whole or in part, upon sixty-one (61) days
prior notice from the Holder to the Company. The Holder may decide whether to
convert a Series A Preferred Stock or exercise this Warrant to achieve an actual
4.99% ownership position.
11. Warrant Agent. The Company may, by written notice to the Holder of
the Warrant, appoint an agent (a "Warrant Agent") for the purpose of issuing
Common Stock (or Other Securities) on the exercise of this Warrant pursuant to
Section 1, exchanging this Warrant pursuant to Section 7, and replacing this
Warrant pursuant to Section 8, or any of the foregoing, and thereafter any such
issuance, exchange or replacement, as the case may be, shall be made at such
office by such Warrant Agent.
12. Transfer on the Company's Books. Until this Warrant is transferred
on the books of the Company, the Company may treat the registered holder hereof
as the absolute owner hereof for all purposes, notwithstanding any notice to the
contrary.
13. Warrant Exercise Compensation. The Company has agreed to pay to the
Finder identified on Schedule 8 to the Subscription Agreement ("Finder") Warrant
Exercise Compensation as described in the Subscription Agreement equal to ten
percent (10%) of the cash proceeds payable to the Company upon exercise of the
Warrant. The Warrant Exercise Compensation will be paid by the Company to the
Finder not later than the fifth (5th) business day after the Company receives
cash proceeds from the exercise of this Warrant. The Holder of the Warrant has
no obligation or responsibility to pay Warrant Exercise Compensation
14. Notices. All notices, demands, requests, consents, approvals, and
other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and,
unless otherwise specified herein, shall be (i) personally served, (ii)
deposited in the mail, registered or certified, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, (iii) delivered by reputable air courier service with charges
prepaid, or (iv) transmitted by hand delivery, telegram, or facsimile, addressed
as set forth below or to such other address as such party shall have specified
most recently by written notice. Any notice or other communication required or
permitted to be given hereunder shall be deemed effective (a) upon hand delivery
or delivery by facsimile, with accurate confirmation generated by the
transmitting facsimile machine, at the address or number designated below (if
delivered on a business day during normal business hours where such notice is to
be received), or the first business day following such delivery (if delivered
other than on a business day during normal business hours where such notice is
to be received) or (b) on the second business day following the date of mailing
by express courier service, fully prepaid, addressed to such address, or upon
actual receipt of such mailing, whichever shall first occur or (c) three
business days after deposited in the mail if delivered pursuant to subsection
(ii) above. The addresses for such communications shall be: (i) if to the
Company to: HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc., 0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx
000, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000, Attn: Xxxxxxx Sporns, CEO, telecopier: (450)
465-7348, with a copy by telecopier only to: Xxxxxx Xxxx, Esq., 0000 Xxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000, telecopier: (000) 000-0000, (ii) if to the
Holder, to the addresses and telecopier number set forth in the first paragraph
of this Warrant, with an additional copy by telecopier only to: Grushko &
Xxxxxxx, P.C., 000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000,
telecopier number: (000) 000-0000, and (iii) if to the Finder, to: the address
and telecopier number set forth on Schedule 8 to the Subscription Agreement.
15. Miscellaneous. This Warrant and any term hereof may be changed,
waived, discharged or terminated only by an instrument in writing signed by the
party against which enforcement of such change, waiver, discharge or termination
is sought. This Warrant shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and
governed by the laws of New York. Any dispute relating to this Warrant shall be
adjudicated in New York County in the State of New York. The headings in this
Warrant are for purposes of reference only, and shall not limit or otherwise
affect any of the terms hereof. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
provision hereof shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any
other provision.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has executed this Warrant as of the
date first written above.
HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:
Name:
Title:
Witness:
Exhibit A
FORM OF SUBSCRIPTION
(to be signed only on exercise of Warrant)
TO: HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC.
The undersigned, pursuant to the provisions set forth in the attached Warrant
(No.____), hereby irrevocably elects to purchase (check applicable box):
___ ________ shares of the Common Stock covered by such Warrant; or
___ the maximum number of shares of Common Stock covered by such Warrant
pursuant to the cashless exercise procedure set forth in Section 2.
The undersigned herewith makes payment of the full purchase price for such
shares at the price per share provided for in such Warrant, which is
$___________. Such payment takes the form of (check applicable box or boxes):
___ $__________ in lawful money of the United States; and/or ___ the
cancellation of the Warrant to the extent necessary, in accordance with the
formula set forth in Section 2, to exercise this Warrant with respect to the
maximum number of shares of Common Stock purchasable pursuant to the cashless
exercise procedure set forth in Section 2.
The undersigned requests that the certificates for such shares be issued in the
name of, and delivered to _____________________________________ whose address is
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned on the date of exercise:
Less than five percent (5%) of the outstanding Common Stock of HQ Sustainable
Maritime Industries, Inc.
The undersigned represents and warrants that the representations and warranties
in Section 4 of the Subscription Agreement (as defined in this Warrant) are true
and accurate with respect to the undersigned on the date hereof.
The undersigned represents and warrants that all offers and sales by the
undersigned of the securities issuable upon exercise of the within Warrant shall
be made pursuant to registration of the Common Stock under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or pursuant to an exemption from
registration under the Securities Act.
Dated:___________________ (Signature must conform to name of holder as
specified on the face of the Warrant)
(Address)
Exhibit B
FORM OF TRANSFEROR ENDORSEMENT
(To be signed only on transfer of Warrant)
For value received, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns, and
transfers unto the person(s) named below under the heading "Transferees" the
right represented by the within Warrant to purchase the percentage and number of
shares of Common Stock of HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC. to which the
within Warrant relates specified under the headings "Percentage Transferred" and
"Number Transferred," respectively, opposite the name(s) of such person(s) and
appoints each such person Attorney to transfer its respective right on the books
of HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC. with full power of substitution in
the premises.
--------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------
Transferees Percentage Transferred Number Transferred
--------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------
--------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------
--------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------
--------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------
Dated: ______________, ___________ (Signature must conform to name of holder as
specified on the face of the warrant)
Signed in the presence of:
(Name)
(address)
ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
[TRANSFEREE]
(address)
(Name)
EXHIBIT C
FUNDS ESCROW AGREEMENT
This Agreement is dated as of the ____ day of January, 2006 among HQ
Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
the Subscribers identified on Schedule A hereto (each a "Subscriber" and
collectively "Subscribers"), and Grushko & Xxxxxxx, P.C. (the "Escrow Agent"):
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Company and Subscribers have entered into a Subscription
Agreement calling for the sale by the Company to the Subscriber of secured
promissory notes ("Notes") and Warrants for an aggregate purchase price of up to
$10,000,000 in the amounts set forth on Schedule A hereto; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto require the Company to deliver the Notes
and Warrants against payment therefor, with such Notes, Warrants and the
Escrowed Payment to be delivered to the Escrow Agent to be held in escrow and
released by the Escrow Agent in accordance with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Escrow Agent is willing to serve as escrow agent pursuant
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
INTERPRETATION
1.1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined
herein that are defined in the Subscription Agreement shall have the meanings
given to such terms in the Subscription Agreement. Whenever used in this
Agreement, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
(a) "Agreement" means this Agreement and all amendments made
hereto and thereto by written agreement between the parties;
(b) "Closing Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
1 of the Subscription Agreement;
(c) "Collateral Agent Agreement" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3 of the Subscription Agreement;
(d) "Escrowed Payment" means an aggregate payment of up to
$10,000,000 of Purchase Price;
(e) "Finder" shall mean the entity identified on Schedule 8 to
the Subscription Agreement;
(f) "Finder's Fee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
8(a) of the Subscription Agreement;
(g) "Finder's Warrants" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 8(b) of the Subscription Agreement;
(h) "Guaranty" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3
of the Subscription Agreement;
(i) "Legal Fees" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
8(c) of the Subscription Agreement;
(j) "Legal Opinion" means the original signed legal opinion
referred to in Section 6 of the Subscription Agreement;
(k) "Notes" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1 of
the Subscription Agreement;
(l) "Purchase Price" shall mean up to $10,000,000;
(m) "Security Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3 of the Subscription Agreement;
(n) "Subscription Agreement" means the Subscription Agreement
(and the exhibits thereto) entered into or to be entered into by the Company and
Subscribers in reference to the sale and purchase of the Notes and Warrants;
(o) "Warrants" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2
of the Subscription Agreement;
(p) Collectively, the executed Subscription Agreement, Notes,
Legal Opinion, Warrants, Finder's Warrants, Finder's Fee, Collateral Agent
Agreement, Guaranty and Security Agreement are referred to as "Company
Documents"; and
(q) Collectively, the Escrowed Payment and the executed
Subscription Agreement are referred to as "Subscriber Documents".
1.2. Entire Agreement. This Agreement along with the Company Documents
and the Subscriber Documents constitute the entire agreement between the parties
hereto pertaining to the Company Documents and Subscriber Documents and
supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions,
whether oral or written, of the parties. There are no warranties,
representations and other agreements made by the parties in connection with the
subject matter hereof except as specifically set forth in this Agreement, the
Company Documents and the Subscriber Documents.
1.3. Extended Meanings. In this Agreement words importing the singular
number include the plural and vice versa; words importing the masculine gender
include the feminine and neuter genders. The word "person" includes an
individual, body corporate, partnership, trustee or trust or unincorporated
association, executor, administrator or legal representative.
1.4. Waivers and Amendments. This Agreement may be amended, modified,
superseded, cancelled, renewed or extended, and the terms and conditions hereof
may be waived, only by a written instrument signed by all parties, or, in the
case of a waiver, by the party waiving compliance. Except as expressly stated
herein, no delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or
privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any waiver on
the part of any party of any right, power or privilege hereunder preclude any
other or future exercise of any other right, power or privilege hereunder.
1.5. Headings. The division of this Agreement into articles, sections,
subsections and paragraphs and the insertion of headings are for convenience of
reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this
Agreement.
1.6. Law Governing this Agreement. This Agreement shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without
regard to conflicts of laws principles that would result in the application of
the substantive laws of another jurisdiction. Any action brought by either party
against the other concerning the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
shall be brought only in the state courts of New York or in the federal courts
located in the state of New York. Both parties and the individuals executing
this Agreement and other agreements on behalf of the Company agree to submit to
the jurisdiction of such courts and waive trial by jury. The prevailing party
(which shall be the party which receives an award most closely resembling the
remedy or action sought) shall be entitled to recover from the other party its
reasonable attorney's fees and costs. In the event that any provision of this
Agreement or any other agreement delivered in connection herewith is invalid or
unenforceable under any applicable statute or rule of law, then such provision
shall be deemed inoperative to the extent that it may conflict therewith and
shall be deemed modified to conform with such statute or rule of law. Any such
provision which may prove invalid or unenforceable under any law shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of any agreement.
1.7. Specific Enforcement, Consent to Jurisdiction. The Company and
Subscriber acknowledge and agree that irreparable damage would occur in the
event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in
accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is
accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injuction or
injunctions to prevent or cure breaches of the provisions of this Agreement and
to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof or thereof, this being
in addition to any other remedy to which any of them may be entitled by law or
equity. Subject to Section 1.6 hereof, each of the Company and Subscriber hereby
waives, and agrees not to assert in any such suit, action or proceeding, any
claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of such court, that
the suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the
venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper. Nothing in this Section
shall affect or limit any right to serve process in any other manner permitted
by law.
ARTICLE II
DELIVERIES TO THE ESCROW AGENT
2.1. Company Deliveries. On or before the Closing Date, the Company
shall deliver the Company Documents to the Escrow Agent.
2.2. Subscriber Deliveries. On or before the Closing Date, each
Subscriber shall deliver to the Escrow Agent such Subscriber's portion of the
Purchase Price and the executed Subscription Agreement. The Escrowed Payment
will be delivered pursuant to the following wire transfer instructions:
Citibank, N.A.
0000 0xx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000, XXX
ABA Number: 0210-00089
For Credit to: Grushko & Xxxxxxx, XXXX Trust Account
Account Number: 00000000
2.3. Intention to Create Escrow Over Company Documents and Subscriber
Documents. The Subscriber and Company intend that the Company Documents and
Subscriber Documents shall be held in escrow by the Escrow Agent pursuant to
this Agreement for their benefit as set forth herein.
2.4. Escrow Agent to Deliver Company Documents and Subscriber
Documents. The Escrow Agent shall hold and release the Company Documents and
Subscriber Documents only in accordance with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
ARTICLE III
RELEASE OF COMPANY DOCUMENTS AND SUBSCRIBER DOCUMENTS
3.1. Release of Escrow. Subject to the provisions of Section 4.2, the
Escrow Agent shall release the Company Documents and Subscriber Documents as
follows:
(a) On the Closing Date, the Escrow Agent will simultaneously
release the Company Documents to the Subscriber and release the Subscriber
Documents to the Company except that: (i) the Finder's Fee and Finder's Warrants
will be released to the Finder; (ii) the Legal Fees will be released to the
Subscriber's attorneys; and (iii) the Security Agreement, Guaranty and
Collateral Agent Agreement will also be released to the Collateral Agent.
(b) All funds to be delivered to the Company shall be
delivered pursuant to the wire instructions to be provided in writing by the
Company to the Escrow Agent.
(c) Notwithstanding the above, upon receipt by the Escrow
Agent of joint written instructions ("Joint Instructions") signed by the Company
and the Subscriber, it shall deliver the Company Documents and Subscriber
Documents in accordance with the terms of the Joint Instructions.
(d) Notwithstanding the above, upon receipt by the Escrow
Agent of a final and non-appealable judgment, order, decree or award of a court
of competent jurisdiction (a "Court Order"), the Escrow Agent shall deliver the
Company Documents and Subscriber Documents in accordance with the Court Order.
Any Court Order shall be accompanied by an opinion of counsel for the party
presenting the Court Order to the Escrow Agent (which opinion shall be
satisfactory to the Escrow Agent) to the effect that the court issuing the Court
Order has competent jurisdiction and that the Court Order is final and
non-appealable.
3.2. Acknowledgement of Company and Subscriber; Disputes. The Company
and the Subscriber acknowledge that the only terms and conditions upon which the
Company Documents and Subscriber Documents are to be released are set forth in
Sections 3 and 4 of this Agreement. The Company and the Subscriber reaffirm
their agreement to abide by the terms and conditions of this Agreement with
respect to the release of the Company Documents and Subscriber Documents. Any
dispute with respect to the release of the Company Documents and Subscriber
Documents shall be resolved pursuant to Section 4.2 or by agreement between the
Company and Subscriber.
ARTICLE IV
CONCERNING THE ESCROW AGENT
4.1. Duties and Responsibilities of the Escrow Agent. The Escrow
Agent's duties and responsibilities shall be subject to the following terms and
conditions:
(a) The Subscriber and Company acknowledge and agree that the
Escrow Agent (i) shall not be responsible for or bound by, and shall not be
required to inquire into whether either the Subscriber or Company is entitled to
receipt of the Company Documents and Subscriber Documents pursuant to, any other
agreement or otherwise; (ii) shall be obligated only for the performance of such
duties as are specifically assumed by the Escrow Agent pursuant to this
Agreement; (iii) may rely on and shall be protected in acting or refraining from
acting upon any written notice, instruction, instrument, statement, request or
document furnished to it hereunder and believed by the Escrow Agent in good
faith to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person or
party, without being required to determine the authenticity or correctness of
any fact stated therein or the propriety or validity or the service thereof;
(iv) may assume that any person believed by the Escrow Agent in good faith to be
authorized to give notice or make any statement or execute any document in
connection with the provisions hereof is so authorized; (v) shall not be under
any duty to give the property held by Escrow Agent hereunder any greater degree
of care than Escrow Agent gives its own similar property; and (vi) may consult
counsel satisfactory to Escrow Agent, the opinion of such counsel to be full and
complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered
or omitted by Escrow Agent hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the
opinion of such counsel.
(b) The Subscriber and Company acknowledge that the Escrow
Agent is acting solely as a stakeholder at their request and that the Escrow
Agent shall not be liable for any action taken by Escrow Agent in good faith and
believed by Escrow Agent to be authorized or within the rights or powers
conferred upon Escrow Agent by this Agreement. The Subscriber and Company,
jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Escrow Agent and
any of Escrow Agent's partners, employees, agents and representatives for any
action taken or omitted to be taken by Escrow Agent or any of them hereunder,
including the fees of outside counsel and other costs and expenses of defending
itself against any claim or liability under this Agreement, except in the case
of gross negligence or willful misconduct on Escrow Agent's part committed in
its capacity as Escrow Agent under this Agreement. The Escrow Agent shall owe a
duty only to the Subscriber and Company under this Agreement and to no other
person.
(c) The Subscriber and Company jointly and severally agree to
reimburse the Escrow Agent for outside counsel fees, to the extent authorized
hereunder and incurred in connection with the performance of its duties and
responsibilities hereunder.
(d) The Escrow Agent may at any time resign as Escrow Agent
hereunder by giving five (5) days prior written notice of resignation to the
Subscriber and the Company. Prior to the effective date of the resignation as
specified in such notice, the Subscriber and Company will issue to the Escrow
Agent a Joint Instruction authorizing delivery of the Company Documents and
Subscriber Documents to a substitute Escrow Agent selected by the Subscriber and
Company. If no successor Escrow Agent is named by the Subscriber and Company,
the Escrow Agent may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of
New York for appointment of a successor Escrow Agent, and to deposit the Company
Documents and Subscriber Documents with the clerk of any such court.
(e) The Escrow Agent does not have and will not have any
interest in the Company Documents and Subscriber Documents, but is serving only
as escrow agent, having only possession thereof. The Escrow Agent shall not be
liable for any loss resulting from the making or retention of any investment in
accordance with this Escrow Agreement.
(f) This Agreement sets forth exclusively the duties of the
Escrow Agent with respect to any and all matters pertinent thereto and no
implied duties or obligations shall be read into this Agreement.
(g) The Escrow Agent shall be permitted to act as counsel for
the Subscriber in any dispute as to the disposition of the Company Documents and
Subscriber Documents, in any other dispute between the Subscriber and Company,
whether or not the Escrow Agent is then holding the Company Documents and
Subscriber Documents and continues to act as the Escrow Agent hereunder.
(h) The provisions of this Section 4.1 shall survive the
resignation of the Escrow Agent or the termination of this Agreement.
4.2. Dispute Resolution: Judgments. Resolution of disputes arising
under this Agreement shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:
(a) If any dispute shall arise with respect to the delivery,
ownership, right of possession or disposition of the Company Documents and
Subscriber Documents, or if the Escrow Agent shall in good faith be uncertain as
to its duties or rights hereunder, the Escrow Agent shall be authorized, without
liability to anyone, to (i) refrain from taking any action other than to
continue to hold the Company Documents and Subscriber Documents pending receipt
of a Joint Instruction from the Subscriber and Company, or (ii) deposit the
Company Documents and Subscriber Documents with any court of competent
jurisdiction in the State of New York, in which event the Escrow Agent shall
give written notice thereof to the Subscriber and the Company and shall
thereupon be relieved and discharged from all further obligations pursuant to
this Agreement. The Escrow Agent may, but shall be under no duty to, institute
or defend any legal proceedings which relate to the Company Documents and
Subscriber Documents. The Escrow Agent shall have the right to retain counsel if
it becomes involved in any disagreement, dispute or litigation on account of
this Agreement or otherwise determines that it is necessary to consult counsel.
(b) The Escrow Agent is hereby expressly authorized to comply
with and obey any Court Order. In case the Escrow Agent obeys or complies with a
Court Order, the Escrow Agent shall not be liable to the Subscriber and Company
or to any other person, firm, corporation or entity by reason of such
compliance.
ARTICLE V
GENERAL MATTERS
5.1. Termination. This escrow shall terminate upon the release of all
of the Company Documents and Subscriber Documents or at any time upon the
agreement in writing of the Subscriber and Company.
5.2. Notices. All notices, demands, requests, consents, approvals, and
other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and,
unless otherwise specified herein, shall be (i) personally served, (ii)
deposited in the mail, registered or certified, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, (iii) delivered by reputable air courier service with charges
prepaid, or (iv) transmitted by hand delivery, telegram, or facsimile, addressed
as set forth below or to such other address as such party shall have specified
most recently by written notice. Any notice or other communication required or
permitted to be given hereunder shall be deemed effective (a) upon hand delivery
or delivery by facsimile, with accurate confirmation generated by the
transmitting facsimile machine, at the address or number designated below (if
delivered on a business day during normal business hours where such notice is to
be received), or the first business day following such delivery (if delivered
other than on a business day during normal business hours where such notice is
to be received) or (b) on the second business day following the date of mailing
by express courier service, fully prepaid, addressed to such address, or upon
actual receipt of such mailing, whichever shall first occur. The addresses for
such communications shall be:
(a) If to the Company, to:
HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxxx Sporns, CEO
Fax: (000) 000-0000
With a copy by telecopier only to:
Xxxxxx Xxxx, Esq.
0000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
(b) If to the Subscribers, to: the addresses and fax numbers listed on
Schedule A hereto
(c) If to the Escrow Agent, to:
Grushko & Xxxxxxx, P.C.
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Fax: 000-000-0000
or to such other address as any of them shall give to the others by notice made
pursuant to this Section 5.2.
5.3. Interest. The Escrowed Payment shall not be held in an interest
bearing account nor will interest be payable in connection therewith. In the
event the Escrowed Payment is deposited in an interest bearing account, each
Subscriber shall be entitled to receive its pro rata portion of any accrued
interest thereon, but only if the Escrow Agent receives from such Subscriber the
Subscriber's United States taxpayer identification number and other requested
information and forms.
5.4. Assignment; Binding Agreement. Neither this Agreement nor any
right or obligation hereunder shall be assignable by any party without the prior
written consent of the other parties hereto. This Agreement shall enure to the
benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective legal
representatives, successors and assigns.
5.5. Invalidity. In the event that any one or more of the provisions
contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is held
invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the validity,
legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of
the remaining provisions contained herein shall not be in any way impaired
thereby, it being intended that all of the rights and privileges of the parties
hereto shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
5.6. Counterparts/Execution. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts and by different signatories hereto on separate
counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original, but
all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument. This
Agreement may be executed by facsimile transmission and delivered by facsimile
transmission.
5.7. Agreement. Each of the undersigned states that he has read the
foregoing Funds Escrow Agreement and understands and agrees to it.
HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME
INDUSTRIES, INC.
the "Company"
By:___________________________
___________________________ ___________________________
DOUBLE U MASTER FUND, L.P. "Subscriber"
"Subscriber"
___________________________ ___________________________
"Subscriber" "Subscriber"
___________________________ ___________________________
"Subscriber" "Subscriber"
ESCROW AGENT:
___________________________
GRUSHKO & XXXXXXX, P.C.
SCHEDULE A TO FUNDS ESCROW AGREEMENT
------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------
SUBSCRIBER PURCHASE PRICE
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TOTAL
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EXHIBIT D
SECURITY AGREEMENT
1. Identification.
This Security Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated as of January ____,
2006, is entered into by and between HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("Parent"), Jade Profit Investment Limited, a British
Virgin Islands limited liability corporation, Hainan Quebec Ocean Fishing Co.,
Ltd., a People's Republic of China limited liability corporation, Sealink Wealth
Limited, a British Virgin Island corporation, Hainan Jiahua Marine Bio-Products
Co., Ltd., a limited liability company existing in China (each a "Guarantor" and
together with Parent, each a "Debtor" and collectively the "Debtors"), and
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, as collateral agent acting in the manner and to the extent
described in the Collateral Agent Agreement defined below (the "Collateral
Agent"), for the benefit of the parties identified on Schedule A hereto
(collectively, the "Lenders").
2. Recitals.
2.1 The Lenders have made, are making and will be making loans to
Parent (the "Loans"). It is beneficial to each Debtor that the Loans were made
and are being made.
2.2 The Loans are and will be evidenced by certain convertible
promissory notes (each a "Convertible Note") issued by Parent on or about the
date of and after the date of this Agreement pursuant to subscription agreements
(each a "Subscription Agreement") to which Parent and Lenders are parties. The
Notes are further identified on Schedule A hereto and were and will be executed
by Parent as "Borrower" or "Debtor" for the benefit of each Lender as the
"Holder" or "Lender" thereof. Schedule A hereto may be amended to include such
other Lenders who become parties hereto and sign this Agreement, the Collateral
Agent Agreement and any other agreement reasonably requested by the Collateral
Agent, who will have purchased Notes pursuant to the Subscription Agreement.
2.3 In consideration of the Loans made and to be made by Lenders to
Parent and for other good and valuable consideration, and as security for the
performance by Parent of its obligations under the Notes and as security for the
repayment of the Loans and all other sums due from Debtors to Lenders arising
under the Transaction Documents (as defined in the Subscription Agreement), and
any other agreement between or among them (collectively, the "Obligations"),
each Debtor, for good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is
acknowledged, has agreed to grant to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of
the Lenders, a security interest in the Collateral (as such term is hereinafter
defined), on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. Obligations include
all future advances by Lenders to Debtor made pursuant to the Subscription
Agreement.
2.4 The Lenders have appointed Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx as Collateral Agent
pursuant to that certain Collateral Agent Agreement dated at or about January
____, 2006 ("Collateral Agent Agreement"), among the Lenders and Collateral
Agent.
2.5 The following defined terms which are defined in the Uniform
Commercial Code in effect in the State of New York on the date hereof are used
herein as so defined: Accounts, Chattel Paper, Documents, Equipment, General
Intangibles, Instruments, Inventory and Proceeds.
3. Grant of General Security Interest in Collateral.
3.1 As security for the Obligations of Debtors, each Debtor hereby
grants the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a security interest
in the Collateral.
3.2 "Collateral" shall mean all of the following property of Debtors:
(A) All now owned and hereafter acquired right, title and interest of Debtors
in, to and in respect of all Accounts, Goods, real or personal property, all
present and future books and records relating to the foregoing and all products
and Proceeds of the foregoing, and as set forth below:
(i) All now owned and hereafter acquired right, title and
interest of Debtors in, to and in respect of all: Accounts, interests in goods
represented by Accounts, returned, reclaimed or repossessed goods with respect
thereto and rights as an unpaid vendor; contract rights; Chattel Paper;
investment property; General Intangibles (including but not limited to, tax and
duty claims and refunds, registered and unregistered patents, trademarks,
service marks, certificates, copyrights trade names, applications for the
foregoing, trade secrets, goodwill, processes, drawings, blueprints, customer
lists, licenses, whether as licensor or licensee, chooses in action and other
claims, and existing and future leasehold interests in equipment, real estate
and fixtures); Documents; Instruments; letters of credit, bankers' acceptances
or guaranties; cash moneys, deposits; securities, bank accounts, deposit
accounts, credits and other property now or hereafter owned or held in any
capacity by Debtors, as well as agreements or property securing or relating to
any of the items referred to above;
(ii) Goods: All now owned and hereafter acquired right, title
and interest of Debtors in, to and in respect of goods, including, but not
limited to:
(a) All Inventory, wherever located, whether now
owned or hereafter acquired, of whatever kind, nature or description, including
all raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods, and materials to be used or
consumed in Debtors' business; finished goods, timber cut or to be cut, oil,
gas, hydrocarbons, and minerals extracted or to be extracted, and all names or
marks affixed to or to be affixed thereto for purposes of selling same by the
seller, manufacturer, lessor or licensor thereof and all Inventory which may be
returned to any Debtor by its customers or repossessed by any Debtor and all of
Debtors' right, title and interest in and to the foregoing (including all of a
Debtor's rights as a seller of goods);
(b) All Equipment and fixtures, wherever located,
whether now owned or hereafter acquired, including, without limitation, all
machinery, furniture and fixtures, and any and all additions, substitutions,
replacements (including spare parts), and accessions thereof and thereto
(including, but not limited to Debtors' rights to acquire any of the foregoing,
whether by exercise of a purchase option or otherwise);
(iii) Property: All now owned and hereafter acquired right,
title and interests of Debtors in, to and in respect of any other personal
property in or upon which a Debtor has or may hereafter have a security
interest, lien or right of setoff;
(iv) Books and Records: All present and future books and
records relating to any of the above including, without limitation, all computer
programs, printed output and computer readable data in the possession or control
of the Debtors, any computer service bureau or other third party; and
(v) Products and Proceeds: All products and Proceeds of the
foregoing in whatever form and wherever located, including, without limitation,
all insurance proceeds and all claims against third parties for loss or
destruction of or damage to any of the foregoing.
(B) All now owned and hereafter acquired right, title and interest of
Debtors in, to and in respect of the following:
(i) the shares of stock, partnership interests, member
interests or other equity interests at any time and from time to time acquired
by Debtors of any and all entities now or hereafter existing, (such entities,
being hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Pledged Issuers" and
individually as a "Pledged Issuer"), the certificates representing such shares,
partnership interests, member interests or other interests all options and other
rights, contractual or otherwise, in respect thereof and all dividends,
distributions, cash, instruments, investment property and other property from
time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in
exchange for any or all of such shares, partnership interests, member interests
or other interests;
(ii) all additional shares of stock, partnership interests,
member interests or other equity interests from time to time acquired by
Debtors, of any Pledged Issuer, the certificates representing such additional
shares, all options and other rights, contractual or otherwise, in respect
thereof and all dividends, distributions, cash, instruments, investment property
and other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise
distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of such additional
shares, interests or equity; and
(iii) all security entitlements of Debtors in, and all
Proceeds of any and all of the foregoing in each case, whether now owned or
hereafter acquired by a Debtor and howsoever its interest therein may arise or
appear (whether by ownership, security interest, lien, claim or otherwise).
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or any Transaction
Document, Collateral shall not include any personal property which is, or at the
time of a Debtor's acquisition thereof shall be subject to a purchase money
mortgage or other purchase money lien or security interest (including capital
leases).
3.3 The Collateral Agent is hereby specifically authorized, after the
Maturity Date (defined in the Notes) accelerated or otherwise, or after an Event
of Default (as defined herein) and the expiration of any applicable cure period,
to transfer any Collateral into the name of the Collateral Agent and to take any
and all action deemed advisable to the Collateral Agent to remove any transfer
restrictions affecting the Collateral.
4. Perfection of Security Interest.
4.1 Each Debtor shall prepare, execute and deliver to the Collateral
Agent UCC-1 Financing Statements. The Collateral Agent is instructed to prepare
and file at each Debtor's cost and expense, financing statements in such
jurisdictions deemed advisable to the Collateral Agent, including but not
limited to the State of Delaware. The Financing Statements are deemed to have
been filed for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and Lenders identified on
Schedule A hereto.
4.2 The Parent shall deliver to Collateral Agent promptly stock
certificates representing all of the shares of outstanding capital stock of the
Guarantor (the "Securities"). All such certificates shall be held by or on
behalf of Collateral Agent pursuant hereto and shall be delivered in suitable
form for transfer by delivery, or shall be accompanied by duly executed
instruments of transfer or assignment or undated stock powers executed in blank,
all in form and substance satisfactory to Collateral Agent.
4.3 All other certificates and instruments constituting Collateral from
time to time required to be pledged to Collateral Agent pursuant to the terms
hereof (the "Additional Collateral") shall be delivered to Collateral Agent
promptly upon receipt thereof by or on behalf of Debtors. All such certificates
and instruments shall be held by or on behalf of Collateral Agent pursuant
hereto and shall be delivered in suitable form for transfer by delivery, or
shall be accompanied by duly executed instruments of transfer or assignment or
undated stock powers executed in blank, all in form and substance satisfactory
to Collateral Agent. If any Collateral consists of uncertificated securities,
unless the immediately following sentence is applicable thereto, Debtors shall
cause Collateral Agent (or its custodian, nominee or other designee) to become
the registered holder thereof, or cause each issuer of such securities to agree
that it will comply with instructions originated by Collateral Agent with
respect to such securities without further consent by Debtors. If any Collateral
consists of security entitlements, Debtors shall transfer such security
entitlements to Collateral Agent (or its custodian, nominee or other designee)
or cause the applicable securities intermediary to agree that it will comply
with entitlement orders by Collateral Agent without further consent by Debtors.
4.4 Within five (5) days after the receipt by a Debtor of any
Additional Collateral, a Pledge Amendment, duly executed by such Debtor, in
substantially the form of Annex I hereto (a "Pledge Amendment"), shall be
delivered to Collateral Agent in respect of the Additional Collateral to be
pledged pursuant to this Agreement. Each Debtor hereby authorizes Collateral
Agent to attach each Pledge Amendment to this Agreement and agrees that all
certificates or instruments listed on any Pledge Amendment delivered to
Collateral Agent shall for all purposes hereunder constitute Collateral.
4.5 If Debtor shall receive, by virtue of Debtor being or having been
an owner of any Collateral, any (i) stock certificate (including, without
limitation, any certificate representing a stock dividend or distribution in
connection with any increase or reduction of capital, reclassification, merger,
consolidation, sale of assets, combination of shares, stock split, spin-off or
split-off), promissory note or other instrument, (ii) option or right, whether
as an addition to, substitution for, or in exchange for, any Collateral, or
otherwise, (iii) dividends payable in cash (except such dividends permitted to
be retained by Debtor pursuant to Section 5.2 hereof) or in securities or other
property or (iv) dividends or other distributions in connection with a partial
or total liquidation or dissolution or in connection with a reduction of
capital, capital surplus or paid-in surplus, Debtor shall receive such stock
certificate, promissory note, instrument, option, right, payment or distribution
in trust for the benefit of Collateral Agent, shall segregate it from Debtor's
other property and shall deliver it forthwith to Collateral Agent, in the exact
form received, with any necessary endorsement and/or appropriate stock powers
duly executed in blank, to be held by Collateral Agent as Collateral and as
further collateral security for the Obligations.
5. Distribution.
5.1 So long as no Event of Default exists, Debtors shall be entitled to
exercise all voting power pertaining to any of the Collateral, provided such
exercise is not contrary to the interests of the Lenders and does not impair the
Collateral.
5.2. At any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred, all rights
of Debtors, upon notice given by Collateral Agent, to exercise the voting power
and receive payments, which it would otherwise be entitled to pursuant to
Section 5.1, shall cease and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in
Collateral Agent, which shall thereupon have the sole right to exercise such
voting power and receive such payments.
5.3 All dividends, distributions, interest and other payments which are
received by Debtors contrary to the provisions of Section 5.2 shall be received
in trust for the benefit of Collateral Agent as security and Collateral for
payment of the Obligations shall be segregated from other funds of Debtors, and
shall be forthwith paid over to Collateral Agent as Collateral in the exact form
received with any necessary endorsement and/or appropriate stock powers duly
executed in blank, to be held by Collateral Agent as Collateral and as further
collateral security for the Obligations.
6. Further Action By Debtors; Covenants and Warranties.
6.1 Collateral Agent at all times shall have a perfected security
interest in the Collateral, the Securities, Additional Collateral (the
"Perfected Collateral"). Each Debtor has and will continue to have full title to
the Collateral free from any liens, leases, encumbrances, judgments or other
claims. Collateral Agent's security interest in the Collateral constitutes and
will continue to constitute a first, prior and indefeasible security interest in
favor of Collateral Agent. Each Debtor will do all acts and things, and will
execute and file all instruments (including, but not limited to, security
agreements, financing statements, continuation statements, etc.) reasonably
requested by Collateral Agent to establish, maintain and continue the perfected
security interest of Collateral Agent in the Perfected Collateral, and will
promptly on demand, pay all costs and expenses of filing and recording,
including the costs of any searches reasonably deemed necessary by Collateral
Agent from time to time to establish and determine the validity and the
continuing priority of the security interest of Collateral Agent, and also pay
all other claims and charges that, in the opinion of Collateral Agent, exercised
in good faith, are reasonably likely to materially prejudice, imperil or
otherwise affect the Collateral or Collateral Agent's or Lenders' security
interests therein.
6.2 Other than in the ordinary course of business, for fair value and
in cash, and except for Collateral which is substituted by assets of identical
or greater value (with the consent of the Collateral Agent) or which has become
obsolete or is of inconsequential in value, each Debtor will not sell, transfer,
assign or pledge those items of Collateral (or allow any such items to be sold,
transferred, assigned or pledged), without the prior written consent of
Collateral Agent other than a transfer of the Collateral to a wholly-owned
subsidiary or to another Debtor on prior notice to Collateral Agent, and
provided the Collateral remains subject to the security interest herein
described. Although Proceeds of Collateral are covered by this Agreement, this
shall not be construed to mean that Collateral Agent consents to any sale of the
Collateral, except as provided herein. Sales of Collateral in the ordinary
course of business shall be free of the security interest of Lenders and
Collateral Agent and Lenders and Collateral Agent shall promptly execute such
documents (including without limitation releases and termination statements) as
may be required by Debtors to evidence or effectuate the same.
6.3 Each Debtor will, at all reasonable times during regular business
hours and upon reasonable notice, allow Collateral Agent or its representatives
free and complete access to the Collateral and all of such Debtor's records
which in any way relate to the Collateral, for such inspection and examination
as Collateral Agent reasonably deems necessary.
6.4 Each Debtor, at its sole cost and expense, will protect and defend
this Security Agreement, all of the rights of Collateral Agent and Lenders
hereunder, and the Collateral against the claims and demands of all other
persons.
6.5 Debtors will promptly notify Collateral Agent of any levy,
distraint or other seizure by legal process or otherwise of any part of the
Collateral, and of any threatened or filed claims or proceedings that are
reasonably likely to affect or impair any of the rights of Collateral Agent
under this Security Agreement in any material respect.
6.6 Each Debtor, at its own expense, will obtain and maintain in force
insurance policies covering losses or damage to those items of Collateral which
constitute physical personal property, which insurance shall be of the types
customarily insured against by companies in the same or similar business,
similarly situated, in such amounts (with such deductible amounts) as is
customary for such companies under the same or similar circumstances, similarly
situated. Debtors shall make the Collateral Agent a loss payee thereon to the
extent of its interest in the Collateral. Collateral Agent is hereby irrevocably
(until the Obligations are paid in full) appointed each Debtor's
attorney-in-fact to endorse any check or draft that may be payable to such
Debtor so that Collateral Agent may collect the proceeds payable for any loss
under such insurance. The proceeds of such insurance, less any costs and
expenses incurred or paid by Collateral Agent in the collection thereof, shall
be applied either toward the cost of the repair or replacement of the items
damaged or destroyed, or on account of any sums secured hereby, whether or not
then due or payable.
6.7 Collateral Agent may, at its option, and without any obligation to
do so, pay, perform and discharge any and all amounts, costs, expenses and
liabilities herein agreed to be paid or performed by Debtor. Upon Debtor's
failure to do so, all amounts expended by Collateral Agent in so doing shall
become part of the Obligations secured hereby, and shall be immediately due and
payable by Debtor to Collateral Agent upon demand and shall bear interest at the
lesser of 15% per annum or the highest legal amount from the dates of such
expenditures until paid.
6.8 Upon the request of Collateral Agent, Debtors will furnish to
Collateral Agent within five (5) business days thereafter, or to any proposed
assignee of this Security Agreement, a written statement in form reasonably
satisfactory to Collateral Agent, duly acknowledged, certifying the amount of
the principal and interest and any other sum then owing under the Obligations,
whether to its knowledge any claims, offsets or defenses exist against the
Obligations or against this Security Agreement, or any of the terms and
provisions of any other agreement of Debtors securing the Obligations. In
connection with any assignment by Collateral Agent of this Security Agreement,
each Debtor hereby agrees to cause the insurance policies required hereby to be
carried by such Debtor, if any, to be endorsed in form satisfactory to
Collateral Agent or to such assignee, with loss payable clauses in favor of such
assignee, and to cause such endorsements to be delivered to Collateral Agent
within ten (10) calendar days after request therefor by Collateral Agent.
6.9 Each Debtor will, at its own expense, make, execute, endorse,
acknowledge, file and/or deliver to the Collateral Agent from time to time such
vouchers, invoices, schedules, confirmatory assignments, conveyances, financing
statements, transfer endorsements, powers of attorney, certificates, reports and
other reasonable assurances or instruments and take further steps relating to
the Collateral and other property or rights covered by the security interest
hereby granted, as the Collateral Agent may reasonably require to perfect its
security interest hereunder.
6.10 Debtors represent and warrant that they are the true and lawful
exclusive owners of the Collateral, free and clear of any liens and
encumbrances.
6.11 Each Debtor hereby agrees not to divest itself of any right under
the Collateral except as permitted herein absent prior written approval of the
Collateral Agent, except to a subsidiary organized and located in the United
States on prior notice to Collateral Agent provided the Collateral remains
subject to the security interest herein described.
6.12 Each Debtor shall cause each Subsidiary of such Debtor in
existence on the date hereof and each Subsidiary not in existence on the date
hereof to execute and deliver to Collateral Agent promptly and in any event
within 10 days after the formation, acquisition or change in status thereof (A)
a guaranty guaranteeing the Obligations and (B) if requested by Collateral
Agent, a security and pledge agreement substantially in the form of this
Agreement together with (x) certificates evidencing all of the capital stock of
each Subsidiary of and any entity owned by such Subsidiary, (y) undated stock
powers executed in blank with signatures guaranteed, and (z) such opinion of
counsel and such approving certificate of such Subsidiary as Collateral Agent
may reasonably request in respect of complying with any legend on any such
certificate or any other matter relating to such shares and (C) such other
agreements, instruments, approvals, legal opinions or other documents reasonably
requested by Collateral Agent in order to create, perfect, establish the first
priority of or otherwise protect any lien purported to be covered by any such
pledge and security agreement or otherwise to effect the intent that all
property and assets of such Subsidiary shall become Collateral for the
Obligations. For purposes of this Agreement, "Subsidiary" means, with respect to
any entity at any date, any corporation, limited or general partnership, limited
liability company, trust, estate, association, joint venture or other business
entity) of which more than 50% of (A) the outstanding capital stock having (in
the absence of contingencies) ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the
board of directors or other managing body of such entity, (B) in the case of a
partnership or limited liability company, the interest in the capital or profits
of such partnership or limited liability company or (C) in the case of a trust,
estate, association, joint venture or other entity, the beneficial interest in
such trust, estate, association or other entity business is, at the time of
determination, owned or controlled directly or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries, by such entity. Annex I annexed hereto contains a list of all
Subsidiaries of the Debtors as of the date of this Agreement.
7. Power of Attorney.
At any time an Event of Default exists or has occurred, each Debtor
hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Collateral Agent as the true and
lawful attorney of such Debtor, with full power of substitution, in the place
and stead of such Debtor and in the name of such Debtor or otherwise, at any
time or times, in the discretion of the Collateral Agent, to take any action and
to execute any instrument or document which the Collateral Agent may deem
necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement. This power
of attorney is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable until the Obligations
are satisfied.
8. Performance By The Collateral Agent.
If a Debtor fails to perform any material covenant, agreement, duty or
obligation of such Debtor under this Agreement, the Collateral Agent may, after
any applicable cure period, at any time or times in its discretion, take action
to effect performance of such obligation. All reasonable expenses of the
Collateral Agent incurred in connection with the foregoing authorization shall
be payable by Debtors as provided in Paragraph 12.1 hereof. No discretionary
right, remedy or power granted to the Collateral Agent under any part of this
Agreement shall be deemed to impose any obligation whatsoever on the Collateral
Agent with respect thereto, such rights, remedies and powers being solely for
the protection of the Collateral Agent.
9. Event of Default.
An event of default ("Event of Default") shall be deemed to have
occurred hereunder upon the occurrence of any event of default as defined and
described in this Agreement, in the Notes, the Subscription Agreement, and any
other agreement to which Debtor and a Lender are parties. Upon and after any
Event of Default, after the applicable cure period, if any, any or all of the
Obligations shall become immediately due and payable at the option of the
Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, and the Collateral Agent may
dispose of Collateral as provided below. A default by Debtor of any of its
material obligations pursuant to this Agreement and any of the Transaction
Documents (as defined in the Subscription Agreement) shall be an Event of
Default hereunder and an "Event of Default" as defined in the Notes, and
Subscription Agreement.
10. Disposition of Collateral.
Upon and after any Event of Default which is then continuing,
10.1 The Collateral Agent may exercise its rights with respect to each
and every component of the Collateral, without regard to the existence of any
other security or source of payment for the Obligations. In addition to other
rights and remedies provided for herein or otherwise available to it, the
Collateral Agent shall have all of the rights and remedies of a lender on
default under the Uniform Commercial Code then in effect in the State of New
York.
10.2 If any notice to Debtors of the sale or other disposition of
Collateral is required by then applicable law, five business (5) days prior
written notice (which Debtors agree is reasonable notice within the meaning of
Section 9.612(a) of the Uniform Commercial Code) shall be given to Debtors of
the time and place of any sale of Collateral which Debtors hereby agree may be
by private sale. The rights granted in this Section are in addition to any and
all rights available to Collateral Agent under the Uniform Commercial Code.
10.3 The Collateral Agent is authorized, at any such sale, if the
Collateral Agent deems it advisable to do so, in order to comply with any
applicable securities laws, to restrict the prospective bidders or purchasers to
persons who will represent and agree, among other things, that they are
purchasing the Collateral for their own account for investment, and not with a
view to the distribution or resale thereof, or otherwise to restrict such sale
in such other manner as the Collateral Agent deems advisable to ensure such
compliance. Sales made subject to such restrictions shall be deemed to have been
made in a commercially reasonable manner.
10.4 All proceeds received by the Collateral Agent for the benefit of
the Lenders in respect of any sale, collection or other enforcement or
disposition of Collateral, shall be applied (after deduction of any amounts
payable to the Collateral Agent pursuant to Paragraph 12.1 hereof) against the
Obligations pro rata among the Lenders in proportion to their interests in the
Obligations. Upon payment in full of all Obligations, Debtors shall be entitled
to the return of all Collateral, including cash, which has not been used or
applied toward the payment of Obligations or used or applied to any and all
costs or expenses of the Collateral Agent incurred in connection with the
liquidation of the Collateral (unless another person is legally entitled
thereto). Any assignment of Collateral by the Collateral Agent to Debtors shall
be without representation or warranty of any nature whatsoever and wholly
without recourse. To the extent allowed by law, each Lender may purchase the
Collateral and pay for such purchase by offsetting up to such Lender's pro rata
portion of the purchase price with sums owed to such Lender by Debtors arising
under the Obligations or any other source.
11. Waiver of Automatic Stay. Debtor acknowledges and agrees that should a
proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency law be commenced by or against
Debtor, or if any of the Collateral should become the subject of any bankruptcy
or insolvency proceeding, then the Collateral Agent should be entitled to, among
other relief to which the Collateral Agent or Lenders may be entitled under the
Note, Subscription Agreement and any other agreement to which the Debtor,
Lenders or Collateral Agent are parties, (collectively "Loan Documents") and/or
applicable law, an order from the court granting immediate relief from the
automatic stay pursuant to 11 U.S.C. Section 362 to permit the Collateral Agent
to exercise all of its rights and remedies pursuant to the Loan Documents and/or
applicable law. Debtor EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE BENEFIT OF THE AUTOMATIC STAY
IMPOSED BY 11 U.S.C. SECTION 362. FURTHERMORE, Debtor EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGES AND
AGREES THAT NEITHER 11 U.S.C. SECTION 362 NOR ANY OTHER SECTION OF THE
BANKRUPTCY CODE OR OTHER STATUTE OR RULE (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, 11
U.S.C. SECTION 105) SHALL STAY, INTERDICT, CONDITION, REDUCE OR INHIBIT IN ANY
WAY THE ABILITY OF THE COLLATERAL AGENT TO ENFORCE ANY OF ITS RIGHTS AND
REMEDIES UNDER THE LOAN DOCUMENTS AND/OR APPLICABLE LAW. Debtor hereby consents
to any motion for relief from stay which may be filed by the Collateral Agent in
any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding initiated by or against Debtor, and
further agrees not to file any opposition to any motion for relief from stay
filed by the Collateral Agent. Debtor represents, acknowledges and agrees that
this provision is a specific and material aspect of this Agreement, and that the
Collateral Agent would not agree to the terms of this Agreement if this waiver
were not a part of this Agreement. Debtor further represents, acknowledges and
agrees that this waiver is knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily made, that
neither the Collateral Agent nor any person acting on behalf of the Collateral
Agent has made any representations to induce this waiver, that Debtor has been
represented (or has had the opportunity to be represented) in the signing of
this Agreement and in the making of this waiver by independent legal counsel
selected by Debtor and that Debtor has had the opportunity to discuss this
waiver with counsel. Debtor further agrees that any bankruptcy or insolvency
proceeding initiated by Debtor will only be brought in the Federal Court within
the Southern District of New York.
12. Miscellaneous.
12.1 Expenses. Debtors shall pay to the Collateral Agent, on demand,
the amount of any and all reasonable expenses, including, without limitation,
attorneys' fees, legal expenses and brokers' fees, which the Collateral Agent
may incur in connection with (a) sale, collection or other enforcement or
disposition of Collateral; (b) exercise or enforcement of any the rights,
remedies or powers of the Collateral Agent hereunder or with respect to any or
all of the Obligations upon breach or threatened breach; or (c) failure by
Debtors to perform and observe any agreements of Debtors contained herein which
are performed by the Collateral Agent.
12.2 Waivers, Amendment and Remedies. No course of dealing by the
Collateral Agent and no failure by the Collateral Agent to exercise, or delay by
the Collateral Agent in exercising, any right, remedy or power hereunder shall
operate as a waiver thereof, and no single or partial exercise thereof shall
preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other
right, remedy or power of the Collateral Agent. No amendment, modification or
waiver of any provision of this Agreement and no consent to any departure by
Debtors therefrom, shall, in any event, be effective unless contained in a
writing signed by the Collateral Agent, and then such waiver or consent shall be
effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which
given. The rights, remedies and powers of the Collateral Agent, not only
hereunder, but also under any instruments and agreements evidencing or securing
the Obligations and under applicable law are cumulative, and may be exercised by
the Collateral Agent from time to time in such order as the Collateral Agent may
elect.
12.3 Notices. All notices or other communications given or made
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered or deemed
delivered the first business day after being faxed (provided that a copy is
delivered by first class mail) to the party to receive the same at its address
set forth below or to such other address as either party shall hereafter give to
the other by notice duly made under this Section:
To Debtors: HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxxx Sporns, CEO
Fax: (000) 000-0000
With a copy by telecopier only to:
Xxxxxx Xxxx, Esq.
0000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
To Lenders: To the addresses and telecopier numbers
set forth on Schedule A
To the Collateral Agent: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esq.
Grushko & Xxxxxxx, P.C.
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
With a copy by telecopier only to:
Grushko & Xxxxxxx, P.C.
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
Any party may change its address by written notice in accordance with this
paragraph.
12.4 Term; Binding Effect. This Agreement shall (a) remain in full
force and effect until payment and satisfaction in full of all of the
Obligations; (b) be binding upon each Debtor, and its successors and permitted
assigns; and (c) inure to the benefit of the Collateral Agent, for the benefit
of the Lenders and their respective successors and assigns.
12.5 Captions. The captions of Paragraphs, Articles and Sections in
this Agreement have been included for convenience of reference only, and shall
not define or limit the provisions hereof and have no legal or other
significance whatsoever.
12.6 Governing Law; Venue; Severability. This Agreement shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York
without regard to conflicts of laws principles that would result in the
application of the substantive laws of another jurisdiction, except to the
extent that the perfection of the security interest granted hereby in respect of
any item of Collateral may be governed by the law of another jurisdiction. Any
legal action or proceeding against a Debtor with respect to this Agreement may
be brought in the courts in the State of New York or of the United States for
the Southern District of New York, and, by execution and delivery of this
Agreement, each Debtor hereby irrevocably accepts for itself and in respect of
its property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of the aforesaid
courts. Each Debtor hereby irrevocably waives any objection which they may now
or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any of the aforesaid actions or
proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Agreement brought in the
aforesaid courts and hereby further irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead
or claim in any such court that any such action or proceeding brought in any
such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. If any provision of this
Agreement, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held
invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provisions which can be
given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the
provisions hereof shall be severable and the remaining, valid provisions shall
remain of full force and effect.
12.7 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of
the parties and supersedes all other agreements and understandings, oral or
written, with respect to the matters contained herein.
12.8 Counterparts/Execution. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts and by the different signatories hereto on separate
counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original, but
all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument. This
Agreement may be executed by facsimile signature and delivered by facsimile
transmission.
13. Intercreditor Terms. As between the Lenders, any distribution under
paragraph 10.4 shall be made proportionately based upon the remaining principal
amount (plus accrued and unpaid interest) to each as to the total amount then
owed to the Lenders as a whole. The rights of each Lender hereunder are pari
passu to the rights of the other Lenders hereunder. Any recovery hereunder shall
be shared ratably among the Lenders according to the then remaining principal
amount owed to each (plus accrued and unpaid interest) as to the total amount
then owed to the Lenders as a whole.
14. Termination; Release. When the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid
and performed in full or all outstanding Convertible Notes have been converted
to common stock pursuant to the terms of the Convertible Notes and the
Subscription Agreements, this Agreement shall terminated, and the Collateral
Agent, at the request and sole expense of the Debtors, will execute and deliver
to the Debtors the proper instruments (including UCC termination statements)
acknowledging the termination of the Security Agreement, and duly assign,
transfer and deliver to the Debtors, without recourse, representation or
warranty of any kind whatsoever, such of the Collateral, including, without
limitation, Securities and any Additional Collateral, as may be in the
possession of the Collateral Agent.
15. Collateral Agent.
15.1 Collateral Agent Powers. The powers conferred on the Collateral
Agent hereunder are solely to protect its interest (on behalf of the Lenders) in
the Collateral and shall not impose any duty on it to exercise any such powers.
15.2 Reasonable Care. The Collateral Agent is required to exercise
reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any Collateral in its
possession; provided, however, that the Collateral Agent shall be deemed to have
exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any of the
Collateral if it takes such action for that purposes as any owner thereof
reasonably requests in writing at times other than upon the occurrence and
during the continuance of any Event of Default, but failure of the Collateral
Agent, to comply with any such request at any time shall not in itself be deemed
a failure to exercise reasonable care.
[THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed and delivered this
Security Agreement, as of the date first written above.
"DEBTOR" "THE COLLATERAL AGENT"
HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC. XXXXXXX X. XXXXXXX
a Delaware corporation
By: _____________________________________ ____________________________________
Its: ____________________________________
"SUBSIDIARY" "SUBSIDIARY"
JADE PROFIT INVESTMENT LIMITED HAINAN QUEBEC OCEAN FISHING CO. LTD.
a British Virgin Islands limited A People's Republic of China limited
liability corporation liability corporation
By: _____________________________________ By:_________________________________
Its: ____________________________________ Its: _______________________________
"SUBSIDIARY" "SUBSIDIARY"
SEALINK WEALTH LIMITED HAINAN JIAHUA MARINE BIO-PRODUCTS
a British Virgin Islands corporation CO., LTD.
A People's Republic of China limited
liability corporation
By: _____________________________________ By:_________________________________
Its: ____________________________________ Its: _______________________________
APPROVED BY "LENDERS":
_________________________________________ ____________________________________
_________________________________________ ____________________________________
This Security Agreement may be signed by facsimile signature and
delivered by confirmed facsimile transmission.
SCHEDULE A TO SECURITY AGREEMENT
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LENDER PURCHASE PRICE
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ANNEX I
TO
SECURITY AGREEMENT
PLEDGE AMENDMENT
This Pledge Amendment, dated _________ __ 200_, is delivered pursuant
to Section 4.3 of the Security Agreement referred to below. The undersigned
hereby agrees that this Pledge Amendment may be attached to the Security
Agreement, dated January ____, 2006, as it may heretofore have been or hereafter
may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time
and that the shares listed on this Pledge Amendment shall be hereby pledged and
assigned to Collateral Agent and become part of the Collateral referred to in
such Security Agreement and shall secure all of the Obligations referred to in
such Security Agreement.
----------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ---------------
Number Certificate
Name of Issuer of Shares Class Number(s)
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HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:_____________________________________
EXHIBIT E
FORM OF GUARANTY
1. Identification.
This Guaranty (the "Guaranty"), dated as of January ____, 2006, is
entered into by Jade Profit Investment Limited, a British Virgin Islands limited
liability corporation, Hainan Quebec Ocean Fishing Co., Ltd., a People's
Republic of China limited liability corporation, Sealink Wealth Limited, a
British Virgin Island corporation, Hainan Jiahua Marine Bio-Products Co., Ltd.,
a limited liability company existing in China (each a "Guarantor"), for the
benefit of the parties identified on Schedule A hereto (each a "Lender" and
collectively, the "Lenders").
2. Recitals.
2.1 Guarantor is a direct or indirect subsidiary of HQ Sustainable
Maritime Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Parent"). The Lenders have
made, are making and will be making loans to Parent (the "Loans"). Guarantor
will obtain substantial benefit from the proceeds of the Loans.
2.2 The Loans are and will be evidenced by certain convertible
promissory notes (each a "Convertible Note" and collectively, the "Convertible
Notes") issued by Parent on, about or after the date of this Guaranty pursuant
to subscription agreements dated at or about the date hereof ("Subscription
Agreements"). The Convertible Notes are further identified on Schedule A hereto
and were and will be executed by Parent as "Borrower" or "Debtor" for the
benefit of each Lender as the "Holder" or "Lender" thereof.
2.3 In consideration of the Loans made and to be made by Lenders to
Parent and for other good and valuable consideration, and as security for the
performance by Parent of its obligations under the Convertible Notes and as
security for the repayment of the Loans and all other sums due from Debtor to
Lenders arising under the Convertible Notes, Subscription Agreements and any
other agreement between or among them relating to the foregoing (collectively,
the "Obligations"), Guarantor, for good and valuable consideration, receipt of
which is acknowledged, has agreed to enter into this Guaranty. Obligations
include all future advances by Lenders to Parent made by Lenders pursuant to the
Subscription Agreement.
2.4 The Lenders have appointed Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx as Collateral Agent
pursuant to that certain Collateral Agent Agreement dated at or about January
____, 2006 ("Collateral Agent Agreement"), among the Lenders and Collateral
Agent.
3. Guaranty.
3.1 Guaranty. Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably
guarantees, jointly and severally with any other Guarantor, the punctual
payment, performance and observance when due, whether at stated maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise, of all of the Obligations now or hereafter existing,
whether for principal, interest (including, without limitation, all interest
that accrues after the commencement of any insolvency, bankruptcy or
reorganization of Parent, whether or not constituting an allowed claim in such
proceeding), fees, commissions, expense reimbursements, liquidated damages,
indemnifications or otherwise (such obligations, to the extent not paid by
Parent being the "Guaranteed Obligations"), and agrees to pay any and all costs,
fees and expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) incurred by
Collateral Agent and the Lenders in enforcing any rights under the guaranty set
forth herein. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Guarantor's
liability shall extend to all amounts that constitute part of the Guaranteed
Obligations and would be owed by Parent to Collateral Agent and the Lenders, but
for the fact that they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence
of an insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization involving Parent.
3.2 Guaranty Absolute. Guarantor guarantees that the Guaranteed
Obligations will be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of the
Convertible Notes, regardless of any law, regulation or order now or hereafter
in effect in any jurisdiction affecting any of such terms or the rights of
Collateral Agent or the Lenders with respect thereto. The obligations of
Guarantor under this Guaranty are independent of the Guaranteed Obligations, and
a separate action or actions may be brought and prosecuted against Guarantor to
enforce such obligations, irrespective of whether any action is brought against
Parent or any other Guarantor or whether Parent or any other Guarantor is joined
in any such action or actions. The liability of Guarantor under this Guaranty
constitutes a primary obligation, and not a contract of surety, and to the
extent permitted by law, shall be irrevocable, absolute and unconditional
irrespective of, and Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any defenses it may now
or hereafter have in any way relating to, any or all of the following: any lack
of validity or enforceability of the Convertible Notes or any agreement or
instrument relating thereto; any change in the time, manner or place of payment
of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any
other amendment or waiver of or any consent to departure from the Convertible
Notes, including, without limitation, any increase in the Guaranteed Obligations
resulting from the extension of additional credit to Parent or otherwise; any
taking, exchange, release, subordination or non-perfection of any Collateral, or
any taking, release or amendment or waiver of or consent to departure from any
other guaranty, for all or any of the Guaranteed Obligations; any change,
restructuring or termination of the corporate, limited liability company or
partnership structure or existence of Parent; or any other circumstance
(including, without limitation, any statute of limitations) or any existence of
or reliance on any representation by Collateral Agent or the Lenders that might
otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, Parent or any
other guarantor or surety. This Guaranty shall continue to be effective or be
reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any payment of any of the
Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by Collateral
Agent, the Lenders or any other entity upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or
reorganization of the Parent or otherwise (and whether as a result of any
demand, settlement, litigation or otherwise), all as though such payment had not
been made.
3.3 Waiver. Guarantor hereby waives promptness, diligence, notice of
acceptance and any other notice with respect to any of the Guaranteed
Obligations and this Guaranty and any requirement that Collateral Agent or the
Lenders or exhaust any right or take any action against any Borrower or any
other person or entity or any Collateral. Guarantor acknowledges that it will
receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements
contemplated herein and that the waiver set forth in this Section 3.3 is
knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits. Guarantor hereby waives any
right to revoke this Guaranty, and acknowledges that this Guaranty is continuing
in nature and applies to all Guaranteed Obligations, whether existing now or in
the future.
3.4 Continuing Guaranty; Assignments. This Guaranty is a continuing
guaranty and shall (a) remain in full force and effect until the later of the
indefeasible cash payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations and all other
amounts payable under this Guaranty, the Subscription Agreements and Convertible
Notes, (b) be binding upon Guarantor, its successors and assigns and (c) inure
to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Lenders and their successors,
pledgees, transferees and assigns. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing clause (c), any Lender may pledge, assign or otherwise transfer all or
any portion of its rights and obligations under this Guaranty (including,
without limitation, all or any portion of its Convertible Notes owing to it) to
any other Person, and such other Person shall thereupon become vested with all
the benefits in respect thereof granted such Collateral Agent or Lender herein
or otherwise.
3.5 Subrogation. No Guarantor will exercise any rights that it may now
or hereafter acquire against the Collateral Agent or any Lender or other
Guarantor (if any) that arise from the existence, payment, performance or
enforcement of such Guarantor's obligations under this Guaranty, including,
without limitation, any right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration,
contribution or indemnification, whether or not such claim, remedy or right
arises in equity or under contract, statute or common law, including, without
limitation, the right to take or receive from the Collateral Agent or any Lender
or other Guarantor (if any), directly or indirectly, in cash or other property
or by set-off or in any other manner, payment or security solely on account of
such claim, remedy or right, unless and until all of the Guaranteed Obligations
and all other amounts payable under this Guaranty shall have been indefeasibly
paid in full in cash.
3.6 Maximum Obligations. Notwithstanding any provision herein contained
to the contrary, Guarantor's liability with respect to the Obligations shall be
limited to an amount not to exceed, as of any date of determination, the amount
that could be claimed by Lenders from Guarantor without rendering such claim
voidable or avoidable under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or under any
applicable state Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance
Act or similar statute or common law.
4. Miscellaneous.
4.1 Expenses. Guarantor shall pay to the Lenders, on demand, the amount
of any and all reasonable expenses, including, without limitation, attorneys'
fees, legal expenses and brokers' fees, which the Lenders may incur in
connection with exercise or enforcement of any the rights, remedies or powers of
the Lenders hereunder or with respect to any or all of the Obligations.
4.2 Waivers, Amendment and Remedies. No course of dealing by the
Lenders and no failure by the Lenders to exercise, or delay by the Lender in
exercising, any right, remedy or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof, and no single or partial exercise thereof shall preclude any other or
further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy or power of
the Lenders. No amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this
Guaranty and no consent to any departure by Guarantor therefrom, shall, in any
event, be effective unless contained in a writing signed by the Majority in
Interest (as such term is defined in the Collateral Agent Agreement) or the
Lender or Lenders against whom such amendment, modification or waiver is sought,
and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance
and for the specific purpose for which given. The rights, remedies and powers of
the Lenders, not only hereunder, but also under any instruments and agreements
evidencing or securing the Obligations and under applicable law are cumulative,
and may be exercised by the Lenders from time to time in such order as the
Lenders may elect.
4.3 Notices. All notices or other communications given or made
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered or deemed
delivered the first business day after being faxed (provided that a copy is
delivered by first class mail) to the party to receive the same at its address
set forth below or to such other address as either party shall hereafter give to
the other by notice duly made under this Section:
To Parent and
Guarantor, to: HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxxx Sporns, CEO
Fax: (000) 000-0000
With a copy by telecopier only to:
Xxxxxx Xxxx, Esq.
0000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
To Lenders: To the addresses and telecopier numbers
set forth on Schedule A
To the Collateral Agent: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esq.
Grushko & Xxxxxxx, P.C.
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
With a copy to: Grushko & Xxxxxxx, P.C.
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
Any party may change its address by written notice in accordance with this
paragraph.
4.4 Term; Binding Effect. This Guaranty shall (a) remain in full force
and effect until payment and satisfaction in full of all of the Obligations; (b)
be binding upon Guarantor and its successors and permitted assigns; and (c)
inure to the benefit of the Lenders and their respective successors and assigns.
All the rights and benefits granted by Guarantor to the Collateral Agent and
Lenders hereunder and other agreements and documents delivered in connection
therewith are deemed granted to both the Collateral Agent and Lenders. Upon the
payment in full of the Obligations, (i) this Guaranty shall terminate and (ii)
the Lenders will, upon Guarantor's request and at Guarantor's expense, execute
and deliver to Guarantor such documents as Guarantor shall reasonably request to
evidence such termination, all without any representation, warranty or recourse
whatsoever.
4.5 Captions. The captions of Paragraphs, Articles and Sections in this
Guaranty have been included for convenience of reference only, and shall not
define or limit the provisions hereof and have no legal or other significance
whatsoever.
4.6 Governing Law; Venue; Severability. This Guaranty shall be governed
by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without
regard to principles of conflicts or choice of law. Any legal action or
proceeding against Guarantor with respect to this Guaranty may be brought in the
courts of the State of New York or of the United States for the Southern
District of New York, and, by execution and delivery of this Guaranty, Guarantor
hereby irrevocably accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally
and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. Guarantor hereby
irrevocably waives any objection which they may now or hereafter have to the
laying of venue of any of the aforesaid actions or proceedings arising out of or
in connection with this Guaranty brought in the aforesaid courts and hereby
further irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court
that any such action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in
an inconvenient forum. If any provision of this Guaranty, or the application
thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, such invalidity shall
not affect any other provisions which can be given effect without the invalid
provision or application, and to this end the provisions hereof shall be
severable and the remaining, valid provisions shall remain of full force and
effect.
4.7 Satisfaction of Obligations. For all purposes of this Guaranty, the
payment in full of the Obligations shall be conclusively deemed to have occurred
when either the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in cash or all
outstanding Convertible Notes have been converted to common stock pursuant to
the terms of the Convertible Notes and the Subscription Agreements.
4.8 Counterparts/Execution. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts and by the different signatories hereto on separate
counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original, but
all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument. This
Agreement may be executed by facsimile signature and delivered by facsimile
transmission.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed and delivered this
Guaranty, as of the date first written above.
"GUARANTOR" "GUARANTOR"
JADE PROFIT INVESTMENT LIMITED HAINAN QUEBEC OCEAN FISHING CO. LTD.
a British Virgin Islands limited A People's Republic of China limited
liability corporation liability corporation
By: _____________________________________ By:_________________________________
Its: ____________________________________ Its: _______________________________
"GUARANTOR" "GUARANTOR"
SEALINK WEALTH LIMITED HAINAN JIAHUA MARINE BIO-PRODUCTS
a British Virgin Islands corporation CO., LTD.
A People's Republic of China limited
liability corporation
By: _____________________________________ By:_________________________________
Its: ____________________________________ Its: _______________________________
APPROVED BY "LENDERS":
________________________________________ ____________________________________
________________________________________ ____________________________________
This Guaranty Agreement may be signed by facsimile signature and
delivered by confirmed facsimile transmission.
SCHEDULE A TO GUARANTY
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LENDER PURCHASE PRICE
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EXHIBIT F
COLLATERAL AGENT AGREEMENT
COLLATERAL AGENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") dated as of January ____,
2006, among Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx (the "Collateral Agent"), and the parties
identified on Schedule A hereto (each, individually, a "Lender" and
collectively, the "Lenders"), who hold or will acquire convertible promissory
notes issued or to be issued by HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc.
("Parent"), a Delaware corporation, at or about the date of this Agreement as
described in the Security Agreement referred to in Section 1(a) below
(collectively herein the "Notes").
WHEREAS, the Lenders have made, are making and will be making loans to
Parent to be secured by certain collateral; and
WHEREAS, it is desirable to provide for the orderly administration of
such collateral by requiring each Lender to appoint the Collateral Agent, and
the Collateral Agent has agreed to accept such appointment and to receive, hold
and deliver such collateral, all upon the terms and subject to the conditions
hereinafter set forth; and
WHEREAS, it is desirable to allocate the enforcement of certain rights
of the Lenders under the Notes for the orderly administration thereof.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises set forth herein and
for other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Collateral.
(a) Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement
by the Collateral Agent and the Lenders, (i) the Collateral Agent has or will
have entered into a Security Agreement among the Collateral Agent, Parent and
Jade Profit Investment Limited, a British Virgin Islands limited liability
corporation, Hainan Quebec Ocean Fishing Co., Ltd., a People's Republic of China
limited liability corporation, Sealink Wealth Limited, a British Virgin Island
corporation, Hainan Jiahua Marine Bio-Products Co., Ltd., a limited liability
company existing in China (each a "Guarantor" and together with Parent,
"Debtors") ("Security Agreement"), regarding the grant of a security interest in
assets owned by Debtors (such assets are referred to herein and in the Security
Agreement as the "Collateral") to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the
Lenders, (ii) Parent is issuing the Notes to the Lenders pursuant to a
"Subscription Agreement" dated at or about the date of this Agreement.
Collectively, the Security Agreement and may issue additional Notes pursuant to
the Subscription Agreement, the Notes and Subscription Agreement and other
agreements referred to therein are referred to herein as "Borrower Documents".
(b) The Collateral Agent hereby acknowledges that any Collateral held
by the Collateral Agent is held for the benefit of the Lenders in accordance
with this Agreement and the Borrower Documents. No reference to the Borrower
Documents or any other instrument or document shall be deemed to incorporate any
term or provision thereof into this Agreement unless expressly so provided.
(c) The Collateral Agent is to distribute in accordance with the
Borrower Documents any proceeds received from the Collateral which are
distributable to the Lenders in proportion to their respective interests in the
Obligations as defined in the Security Agreement.
2. Appointment of the Collateral Agent.
The Lenders hereby appoint the Collateral Agent (and the Collateral
Agent hereby accepts such appointment) to take any action including, without
limitation, the registration of any Collateral in the name of the Collateral
Agent or its nominees prior to or during the continuance of an Event of Default
(as defined in the Borrower Documents), the exercise of voting rights upon the
occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the application of
any cash collateral received by the Collateral Agent to the payment of the
Obligations, the making of any demand under the Borrower Documents, the exercise
of any remedies given to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Borrower Documents
and the exercise of any authority pursuant to the appointment of the Collateral
Agent as an attorney-in-fact pursuant to the Security Agreement that the
Collateral Agent deems necessary or proper for the administration of the
Collateral pursuant to the Security Agreements. Upon disposition of the
Collateral in accordance with the Borrower Documents, the Collateral Agent shall
promptly distribute any cash or Collateral in accordance with Section 10.4 of
the Security Agreement. Lenders must notify Collateral Agent in writing of the
issuance of Notes to Lenders by Debtor. The Collateral Agent will not be
required to act hereunder in connection with Notes the issuance of which was not
disclosed in writing to the Collateral Agent nor will the Collateral Agent be
required to act on behalf of any assignee of Notes without the written consent
of Collateral Agent.
3. Action by the Majority in Interest.
(a) Certain Actions. Each of the Lenders covenants and agrees that only
a Majority in Interest shall have the right, but not the obligation, to
undertake the following actions (it being expressly understood that less than a
Majority in Interest hereby expressly waive the following rights that they may
otherwise have under the Borrower Documents):
(i) Acceleration. If an Event of Default occurs, after the
applicable cure period, if any, a Majority in Interest may, on behalf of all the
Lenders, instruct the Collateral Agent to provide to Debtors notice to cure such
default and/or declare the unpaid principal amount of the Notes to be due and
payable, together with any and all accrued interest thereon and all costs
payable pursuant to such Notes;
(ii) Enforcement. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default
after the applicable cure period, if any, a Majority in Interest may instruct
the Collateral Agent to proceed to protect, exercise and enforce, on behalf of
all the Lenders, their rights and remedies under the Borrower Documents against
Debtors, and such other rights and remedies as are provided by law or equity;
and
(iii) Waiver of Past Defaults. A Majority in Interest may
instruct the Collateral Agent to waive any Event of Default by written notice to
Debtors, and the other Lenders.
(b) Permitted Subordination. A Majority in Interest may instruct the
Collateral Agent to agree to subordinate any Collateral to any claim and may
enter into any agreement with Debtors to evidence such subordination; provided,
however, that subsequent to any such subordination, each Note shall remain pari
passu with the other Notes held by the Lenders.
(c) Further Actions. A Majority in Interest may instruct the Collateral
Agent to take any action that it may take under this Agreement by instructing
the Collateral Agent in writing to take such action on behalf of all the
Lenders.
(d) Majority in Interest. For so long as any obligations remain
outstanding on the Notes, Majority in Interest for the purposes of this
Agreement and the Security Agreement shall mean Lenders who hold not less than
seventy-five percent (75%) of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes
except in relation to Sections 3(a)(i) and 3(a)(ii) when a Majority in Interest
shall mean 33% of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes.
4. Power of Attorney.
(a) To effectuate the terms and provisions hereof, the Lenders hereby
appoint the Collateral Agent as their attorney-in-fact (and the Collateral Agent
hereby accepts such appointment) for the purpose of carrying out the provisions
of this Agreement including, without limitation, taking any action on behalf of,
or at the instruction of, the Majority in Interest at the written direction of
the Majority in Interest and executing any consent authorized pursuant to this
Agreement and taking any action and executing any instrument that the Collateral
Agent may deem necessary or advisable (and lawful) to accomplish the purposes
hereof.
(b) All acts done under the foregoing authorization are hereby ratified
and approved and neither the Collateral Agent nor any designee nor agent thereof
shall be liable for any acts of commission or omission, for any error of
judgment, for any mistake of fact or law except for acts of gross negligence or
willful misconduct.
(c) This power of attorney, being coupled with an interest, is
irrevocable while this Agreement remains in effect.
5. Expenses of the Collateral Agent. The Lenders shall pay any and all
reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Collateral Agent, including,
without limitation, reasonable costs and expenses relating to all waivers,
releases, discharges, satisfactions, modifications and amendments of this
Agreement, the administration and holding of the Collateral, insurance expenses,
and the enforcement, protection and adjudication of the parties' rights
hereunder by the Collateral Agent, including, without limitation, the reasonable
disbursements, expenses and fees of the attorneys the Collateral Agent may
retain, if any, each of the foregoing in proportion to their holdings of the
Notes.
6. Reliance on Documents and Experts. The Collateral Agent shall be
entitled to rely upon any notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, statement,
paper, document, writing or communication (which may be by telegram, cable,
telex, telecopier, or telephone) reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to
have been signed, sent or made by the proper person or persons, and upon
opinions and advice of its own legal counsel, independent public accountants and
other experts selected by the Collateral Agent.
7. Duties of the Collateral Agent; Standard of Care.
(a) The Collateral Agent's only duties are those expressly set
forth in this Agreement, and the Collateral Agent hereby is authorized to
perform those duties in accordance with commercially reasonable practices. The
Collateral Agent may exercise or otherwise enforce any of its rights, powers,
privileges, remedies and interests under this Agreement and applicable law or
perform any of its duties under this Agreement by or through its officers,
employees, attorneys, or agents.
(b) The Collateral Agent shall act in good faith and with that degree
of care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under
similar circumstances.
(c) Any funds held by the Collateral Agent hereunder need not be
segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Collateral
Agent shall be under no liability for interest on any funds received by it
hereunder.
8. Resignation. The Collateral Agent may resign and be discharged of its
duties hereunder at any time by giving written notice of such resignation to the
other parties hereto, stating the date such resignation is to take effect.
Within five (5) days of the giving of such notice, a successor collateral agent
shall be appointed by the Majority in Interest; provided, however, that if the
Lenders are unable so to agree upon a successor within such time period, and
notify the Collateral Agent during such period of the identity of the successor
collateral agent, the successor collateral agent may be a person designated by
the Collateral Agent, and any and all fees of such successor collateral agent
shall be the joint and several obligation of the Lenders. The Collateral Agent
shall continue to serve until the effective date of the resignation or until its
successor accepts the appointment and receives the Collateral held by the
Collateral Agent but shall not be obligated to take any action hereunder. The
Collateral Agent may deposit any Collateral with the Supreme Court of the State
of New York for New York County or any such other court in New York State that
accepts such Collateral.
9. Exculpation. The Collateral Agent and its officers, employees,
attorneys and agents, shall not incur any liability whatsoever for the holding
or delivery of documents or the taking of any other action in accordance with
the terms and provisions of this Agreement, for any mistake or error in
judgment, for compliance with any applicable law or any attachment, order or
other directive of any court or other authority (irrespective of any conflicting
term or provision of this Agreement), or for any act or omission of any other
person engaged by the Collateral Agent in connection with this Agreement, unless
occasioned by the exculpated person's own gross negligence or willful
misconduct; and each party hereto hereby waives any and all claims and actions
whatsoever against the Collateral Agent and its officers, employees, attorneys
and agents, arising out of or related directly or indirectly to any or all of
the foregoing acts, omissions and circumstances.
10. Indemnification. The Lenders hereby agree to indemnify, reimburse and
hold harmless the Collateral Agent and its directors, officers, employees,
attorneys and agents, jointly and severally, from and against any and all
claims, liabilities, losses and expenses that may be imposed upon, incurred by,
or asserted against any of them, arising out of or related directly or
indirectly to this Agreement or the Collateral, except such as are occasioned by
the indemnified person's own gross negligence or willful misconduct.
11. Miscellaneous.
(a) Rights and Remedies Not Waived. No act, omission or delay by the
Collateral Agent shall constitute a waiver of the Collateral Agent's rights and
remedies hereunder or otherwise. No single or partial waiver by the Collateral
Agent of any default hereunder or right or remedy that it may have shall operate
as a waiver of any other default, right or remedy or of the same default, right
or remedy on a future occasion.
(b) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard to
conflicts of laws that would result in the application of the substantive laws
of another jurisdiction.
(c) Waiver of Jury Trial and Setoff; Consent to Jurisdiction; Etc.
(i) In any litigation in any court with respect to, in
connection with, or arising out of this Agreement or any instrument or document
delivered pursuant to this Agreement, or the validity, protection,
interpretation, collection or enforcement hereof or thereof, or any other claim
or dispute howsoever arising, between the Collateral Agent and the Lenders or
any Lender, then each Lender, to the fullest extent it may legally do so, (A)
waives the right to interpose any setoff, recoupment, counterclaim or
cross-claim in connection with any such litigation, irrespective of the nature
of such setoff, recoupment, counterclaim or cross-claim, unless such setoff,
recoupment, counterclaim or cross-claim could not, by reason of any applicable
federal or state procedural laws, be interposed, pleaded or alleged in any other
action; and (B) WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH LITIGATION AND
ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO CLAIM OR RECOVER IN ANY SUCH LITIGATION ANY SPECIAL,
EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES OTHER THAN, OR IN
ADDITION TO, ACTUAL DAMAGES. EACH LENDER AGREES THAT THIS SECTION 11(c) IS A
SPECIFIC AND MATERIAL ASPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE
COLLATERAL AGENT WOULD NOT ENTER THIS AGREEMENT IF THIS SECTION 11(c) WERE NOT
PART OF THIS AGREEMENT.
(ii) Each Lender irrevocably consents to the exclusive
jurisdiction of any State or Federal Court located within the County of New
York, State of New York, in connection with any action or proceeding arising out
of or relating to this Agreement or any document or instrument delivered
pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise. In any such litigation, each Lender
waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, personal service of any
summons, complaint or other process and agree that the service thereof may be
made by certified or registered mail directed to such Lender at its address for
notice determined in accordance with Section 11(e) hereof. Each Lender hereby
waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, the defenses of forum
non conveniens and improper venue.
(d) Admissibility of this Agreement. Each of the Lenders agrees that
any copy of this Agreement signed by it and transmitted by telecopier for
delivery to the Collateral Agent shall be admissible in evidence as the original
itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the original
is in existence.
(e) Address for Notices. Any notice or other communication under the
provisions of this Agreement shall be given in writing and delivered in person,
by reputable overnight courier or delivery service, by facsimile machine
(receipt confirmed) with a copy sent by first class mail on the date of
transmissions, or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
directed to such party's addresses set forth below (or to any new address of
which any party hereto shall have informed the others by the giving of notice in
the manner provided herein):
In the case of the Collateral Agent, to her at:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esq.
Grushko & Xxxxxxx, P.C.
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
With a copy to:
Grushko & Xxxxxxx, P.C.
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
In the case of the Lenders, to:
To the address and telecopier number set forth on Schedule A
hereto.
In the case of Debtors, to:
HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxxx Sporns, CEO
Fax: (000) 000-0000
With a copy by telecopier only to:
Xxxxxx Xxxx, Esq.
0000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
(f) Amendments and Modification; Additional Lender. No provision hereof
shall be modified, altered, waived or limited except by written instrument
expressly referring to this Agreement and to such provision, and executed by the
parties hereto. Any transferee of a Note who acquires a Note after the date
hereof will become a party hereto by signing the signature page and sending an
executed copy of this Agreement to the Collateral Agent and receiving a signed
acknowledgement from the Collateral Agent.
(g) Fee. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Lenders
collectively shall pay the Collateral Agent the sum of $10,000 on account, to
apply against an hourly fee of $350 to be paid to the Collateral Agent by the
Lenders for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement. All payments due to
the Collateral Agent under this Agreement including reimbursements must be paid
when billed. The Collateral Agent may refuse to act on behalf of or make a
distribution to any Lender who is not current in payments to the Collateral
Agent. Payments required pursuant to this Agreement shall be pari passu to the
Lenders' interests in the Notes. The Collateral Agent is hereby authorized to
deduct any sums due the Collateral Agent from Collateral in the Collateral
Agent's possession.
(h) Counterparts/Execution. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts and by the different signatories hereto on separate
counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original, but
all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument. This
Agreement may be executed by facsimile signature and delivered by facsimile
transmission.
(i) Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Agreement reference is
made to any party, such reference shall be deemed to include the successors,
assigns, heirs and legal representatives of such party. No party hereto may
transfer any rights under this Agreement, unless the transferee agrees to be
bound by, and comply with all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement, as
if an original signatory hereto on the date hereof.
(j) Captions: Certain Definitions. The captions of the various sections
and paragraphs of this Agreement have been inserted only for the purposes of
convenience; such captions are not a part of this Agreement and shall not be
deemed in any manner to modify, explain, enlarge or restrict any of the
provisions of this Agreement. As used in this Agreement the term "person" shall
mean and include an individual, a partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, a
limited liability company, a trust, an unincorporated organization and a
government or any department or agency thereof.
(k) Severability. In the event that any term or provision of this
Agreement shall be finally determined to be superseded, invalid, illegal or
otherwise unenforceable pursuant to applicable law by an authority having
jurisdiction and venue, that determination shall not impair or otherwise affect
the validity, legality or enforceability (i) by or before that authority of the
remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement, which shall be enforced as if
the unenforceable term or provision were deleted, or (ii) by or before any other
authority of any of the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
(l) Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of
the parties and supersedes all other agreements and understandings, oral or
written, with respect to the matters contained herein.
(m) Schedules. The Collateral Agent is authorized to annex hereto any
schedules referred to herein.
[THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Collateral Agent
Agreement to be signed, by their respective duly authorized officers or
directly, as of the date first written above.
"LENDERS"
___________________________________ _____________________________________
___________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________
XXXXXXX X. XXXXXXX - Collateral Agent
Acknowledged:
HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:__________________________________
Name:
Title:
This Collateral Agent Agreement may be signed by facsimile signature and
delivered by confirmed facsimile transmission.
SCHEDULE A TO COLLATERAL AGENT AGREEMENT
------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------
LENDER PURCHASE PRICE
------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------
------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------
------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------
------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------
------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------
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EXHIBIT G
December ___, 2005
TO: The Subscribers identified on Schedule A hereto:
We have acted as counsel to HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company") and its wholly-owned subsidiaries
identified on Schedule B hereto (each a "Subsidiary" and collectively
"Subsidiaries") in connection with the offer and sale by the Company of up to
$10,000,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes (the "Notes") and issuance of
Class A Warrants (collectively "Warrants") to the Subscribers identified on
Schedule A hereto, pursuant to the exemption from registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act) as set forth in Regulation D
("Regulation D") promulgated thereunder. Capitalized terms used herein and not
otherwise defined shall have the meaning assigned to them in the Subscription
Agreement (the "Agreement") by and between the Company and Subscribers entered
into at or about the date hereof. The Agreement, and the agreements described
below are sometimes hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Documents".
In connection with the opinions expressed herein, I have made such
examination of law as I considered appropriate or advisable for purposes hereof.
As to matters of fact material to the opinions expressed herein, I have relied,
with your permission, upon the representations and warranties as to factual
matters contained in and made by the Company and Subscribers pursuant to the
Documents and upon certificates and statements of certain government officials
and of officers of the Company as described below. I have also examined
originals or copies of certain corporate documents or records of the Company as
described below:
(a) Form of Agreement
(b) Form of Note
(c) Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrants (the "Warrants")
(d) Funds Escrow Agreement
(e) Form of Security Agreement
(f) Form of Guaranty Agreement
(g) Form of Collateral Agent Agreement
(h) Certificate of Incorporation of the Company as amended
(i) Bylaws of the Company
(j) Minutes of the action of the Company's Board of Directors,
including unanimous Board of Directors approval of the
Documents, a copy of which is annexed hereto.
In rendering this opinion, I have, with your permission, assumed: (a) the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals; (b) the conformity
to the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies; (c) the genuiness
of all signatures; (d) the legal capacity of natural persons; (e) the truth,
accuracy and completeness of the information, factual matters, representations
and warranties contained in all of such documents; (f) the due authorization,
execution and delivery of all such documents by Subscribers, and the legal,
valid and binding effect thereof on Subscribers; and (g) that the Company and
the Purchasers will act in accordance with their respective representations and
warranties as set forth in the Documents.
I am a member of the bar of the State of __________. I express no
opinion as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than corporate laws of the
State of Delaware, New York, and the federal laws of the United States of
America. I express no opinion with respect to the effect or application of any
other laws. Special rulings of authorities administering any of such laws or
opinions of other counsel have not been sought or obtained by us in connection
with rendering the opinions expressed herein.
1. The Company and each Subsidiary are duly incorporated, validly
existing and in good standing in the states and jurisdictions of their
incorporation; have qualified to do business in each state where required unless
the failure to do so would not have a material impact on their operations; and
have the requisite corporate power and authority to conduct their business, and
to own, lease and operate their properties as presently conducted and as
described in the Reports.
2. The Company and each Subsidiary have the requisite corporate power
and authority to execute, deliver and perform their obligations under the
Documents. The Documents, and the issuance of the Notes, and Warrants and the
reservation and issuance of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes
and exercise of the Warrants have been (a) duly approved by the Board of
Directors of the Company, and (b) all such Securities, when issued pursuant to
the Agreement and upon delivery, shall be validly issued and outstanding, fully
paid and non assessable.
3. The execution, delivery and performance of the Documents by the
Company and each Subsidiary and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated thereby, will not, with or without the giving of notice or the
passage of time or both:
(a) violate a material provision of the Certificate of
Incorporation or bylaws of the Company or each Subsidiary; or
(b) To counsel's knowledge, violate any judgment, decree,
order or award of any court binding upon the Company or each Subsidiary.
4. The Documents constitute the valid and legally binding obligations
of the Company and each Subsidiary and are enforceable against the Company and
each Subsidiary in accordance with their respective terms.
5. The Notes, Warrants and the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of
the Notes, and exercise of the Warrants, have not been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") or under the laws of any state or
other jurisdiction, and are or will be issued pursuant to a valid exemption from
registration.
6. The holders of the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the
Notes and exercise of the Warrants will not be subject to the provisions of the
anti-takeover statutes of the State of Delaware.
7. The Subscribers have been granted valid security interests in the
Collateral (as defined in each Security Agreement) pursuant to the Documents,
enforceable against the Company and each Subsidiary in accordance with their
respective terms and provisions, and to the extent such Collateral may be
perfected under the NYUCC by the filing of financing statements, then upon the
due and timely filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements respecting
the Company and Subsidiary, with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware, those security interests will be perfected in such Collateral to the
extent described in those statements.
8. The Company, each Subsidiary and their Boards of Directors have
taken all necessary action, if any, in order to render inapplicable any control
share acquisition, business combination, poison pill (including any distribution
under a rights agreement) or other similar anti-takeover provision under the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation (or similar charter documents) or the
laws of their state of incorporation that is or could become applicable to the
Subscribers as a result of the Subscribers, the Company and each Subsidiary
fulfilling their obligations or exercising their rights under the Documents,
including without limitation as a result of the Company's issuance of the Notes,
Warrants and Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes and exercise of
the Warrants and the Subscribers' ownership of the Notes, Warrants and Common
Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes and exercise of the Warrants.
9. The Company has either obtained the approval of the transactions
described in the Documents from its shareholders or no such approval is
required.
Our opinions expressed above are specifically subject to the following
limitations, exceptions, qualifications and assumptions:
A. The effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and
other similar laws relating to or affecting the relief of debtors or the rights
and remedies of creditors generally, including without limitation the effect of
statutory or other law regarding fraudulent conveyances and preferential
transfers.
B. Limitations imposed by state law, federal law or general equitable
principles upon the specific enforceability of any of the remedies, covenants or
other provisions of any applicable agreement and upon the availability of
injunctive relief or other equitable remedies, regardless of whether enforcement
of any such agreement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.
C. This opinion letter is governed by, and shall be interpreted in
accordance with, the Legal Opinion Accord (the "Accord") of the ABA Section of
Business Law (1991). As a consequence, it is subject to a number of
qualifications, exceptions, definitions, limitations on coverage and other
limitations, all as more particularly described in the Accord, including the
General Qualifications and the Equitable Principles Limitation, and this opinion
letter should be read in conjunction therewith.
This opinion is rendered as of the date first written above, is solely
for your benefit in connection with the Agreement and may not be relief upon or
used by, circulated, quoted, or referred to nor may any copies hereof by
delivered to any other person without our prior written consent. I disclaim any
obligation to update this opinion letter or to advise you of facts,
circumstances, events or developments which hereafter may be brought to our
attention and which may alter, affect or modify the opinions expressed herein.
Very truly yours,
SCHEDULE A TO LEGAL OPINION
-------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
SUBSCRIBERS PURCHASE PRICE
-------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
-------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
-------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
-------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
TOTAL
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EXHIBIT H
HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries Closes on Private Placement of $5.225 Million
Thursday January 26, 8:18 am ET
HQSM Positions Itself for Strong Growth in 2006
SEATTLE, WA--(MARKET WIRE)--Jan 26, 2006 -- HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries,
Inc. (HQ) (OTC BB:HQSM.OB - News), a leader in zero-toxin integrated aquaculture
and aquatic product processing, announced today that it has closed on a private
placement offering of $5.225 million, provided by a small group of experienced
accredited investors.
Terms and conditions of the financing are included in a Form 8K, which the
Company will file forthwith.
The net proceeds will allow the company to directly market and brand its
zero-toxin products to U.S. consumers and targeted retail outlets. This is a
landmark event in the growth of HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries as it centers
in the United States the marketing and sales of its products as well as its
corporate offices. The company intends to expand the range of products it
markets as it executes the "roadmap" outlined in December 2005 by the Company's
Chairman. The Company expects this will have a strong positive impact on both
sales and profitability.
Xxxxxxx Sporns, CEO of HQSM, said, "We are extremely pleased to receive this
financing from such an important group of accredited investors who understand
the huge growth potential of the aquaculture markets and HQ's capability of
becoming the world market leader in zero-toxin production in this field. Our
strong branding, marketing and distribution initiatives in the United States are
in place to capitalize on the U.S. market growth and increased consumer
awareness of quality toxin free food products."
About HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries Inc.
HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries Inc. is an integrated aquaculture and aquatic
product processing company, with operations based in the environmentally
pristine island province of Hainan, in the South China Sea. HQ practices
cooperative sustainable aquaculture, using nutraceutically enriched feeds and
conducting fish processing and sales. The company is dedicated to sustainable
zero-toxin methods giving its customers the purest products possible. The
Company holds HACCP certification from the U.S. FDA and the EU Code assignment
of quality, permitting its products to be sold in these international markets.
It has recently acquired a nutraceuticals and health products company, which is
HACCP certified, and produces and sells products subject to stringent laboratory
tests certified by the China Ministry of Health. This plant produces
nutraceuticals, which enrich feed used by HQ's cooperative aquaculture
operations. In addition to headquarters in Seattle and operational offices based
in Haikou, Hainan, HQ has offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai. The
current number of shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2005 for HQSM
are 129,138,555 shares of common stock. (xxxx://xxx.xxxxxx.xxx).
Certain statements in this press release that are not historical facts are
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be identified by the use of
words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "future," "may," "will,"
"would," "should," "plan," "projected," "intend," and similar expressions. Such
forward-looking statements, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of
HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc. (the Company) to be materially
different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
The Company's future operating results are dependent upon many factors,
including but not limited to the Company's ability to: (i) obtain sufficient
capital or a strategic business arrangement to fund its expansion plans; (ii)
build the management and human resources and infrastructure necessary to support
the growth of its business; (iii) competitive factors and developments beyond
the Company's control; and (iv) other risk factors discussed in the Company's
periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are
available for review at xxx.xxx.xxx under "Search for Company Filings."
Consulting For Strategic Growth I, Ltd. ("CFSG") provides HQ Sustainable
Maritime Industries, Inc. (HQ) with consulting, business advisory, investor
relations, public relations and corporate development services, for which CFSG
receives a fixed monthly fee for the duration of the agreement. Independent of
CFSG's receipt of cash compensation from HQ, CFSG may choose to purchase the
common stock of the company and thereafter sell those shares at any time it
deems appropriate to do so.
Contact:
CONTACTS:
Xxxxxxx Sporns
Chief Executive Officer
HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries
Tel: 000-000-0000
Fax: 000-000-0000
Email: Email Contact
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
Chief Executive Officer
Consulting for Strategic Growth 1
Tel: 000-000-0000
Fax: 000-000-0000
Email: Email Contact
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Media Relations
Consulting for Strategic Growth 1
Tel: 000-000-0000
Fax: 000-000-0000
Email: Email Contact
_______________________
EXHIBIT I
LIMITED STANDSTILL AGREEMENT
This AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made as of the ___ day of January,
2006, by the signatories hereto (each a "Holder"), in connection with his
ownership of shares of HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company").
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency
and receipt of which consideration are hereby acknowledged, Holder agrees as
follows:
1. Background.
a. Holder is the actual and/or beneficial owner of the amount of shares
of the Common Stock, $0.001 par value, of the Company ("Common Stock") and
rights to purchase Common Stock designated on the signature page hereto, some or
all of which are owned by virtue of Holder's ownership of a note convertible
into Common Stock.
x. Xxxxxx acknowledges that the Company has entered into or will enter
into an agreement with each subscriber ("Subscription Agreement") to the
Company's secured convertible promissory notes and warrants (the "Subscribers"),
for the sale to the Subscribers of an aggregate of up to $10,000,000 of
principal amount of secured convertible promissory notes and warrants (the
"Offering"). Holder understands that, as a condition to proceeding with the
Offering, the Subscribers have required, and the Company has agreed to obtain an
agreement from the Holder to refrain from selling any securities of the Company
from the date of the Subscription Agreement until the sooner of (i) the end of
the Exclusion Period as defined in the Subscription Agreement, or (ii) until
less than one-third of the initial issued principal amount of the Notes issued
pursuant to the Subscription Agreement is outstanding (the "Restriction
Period").
2. Share Restriction.
a. Holder hereby agrees that during the Restriction Period, the Holder
will not sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock or any options,
warrants or other rights to purchase shares of Common Stock or any other
security of the Company which Holder owns or has a right to acquire as of the
date hereof or acquires hereafter during the Restriction Period, other than in
connection with an offer made to all shareholders of the Company in connection
with any merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving the Company.
Holder further agrees that the Company is authorized to and the Company agrees
to place "stop orders" on its books to prevent any transfer of shares of Common
Stock or other securities of the Company held by Holder in violation of this
Agreement.
b. Any subsequent issuance to and/or acquisition of shares or the right
to acquire shares by Holder will be subject to the provisions of this Agreement.
c. Notwithstanding the foregoing restrictions on transfer, the Holder
may, at any time and from time to time during the Restriction Period, transfer
the Common Stock (i) as bona fide gifts or transfers by will or intestacy, (ii)
to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the undersigned or the
immediate family of the Holder, provided that any such transfer shall not
involve a disposition for value, (iii) to a partnership which is the general
partner of a partnership of which the Holder is a general partner, provided,
that, in the case of any gift or transfer described in clauses (i), (ii) or
(iii), each donee or transferee agrees in writing to be bound by the terms and
conditions contained herein in the same manner as such terms and conditions
apply to the undersigned. For purposes hereof, "immediate family" means any
relationship by blood, marriage or adoption, not more remote than first cousin.
3. Miscellaneous.
a. At any time, and from time to time, after the signing of this
Agreement Holder will execute such additional instruments and take such action
as may be reasonably requested by the Subscribers to carry out the intent and
purposes of this Agreement.
b. This Agreement shall be governed, construed and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to conflicts of
laws principles that would result in the application of the substantive laws of
another jurisdiction, except to the extent that the securities laws of the state
in which Holder resides and federal securities laws may apply. Any proceeding
brought to enforce this Agreement may be brought exclusively in courts sitting
in New York County, New York.
c. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the Holder with
respect to the subject matter hereof.
d. This Agreement shall be binding upon Holder, its legal
representatives, successors and assigns.
e. This Agreement may be signed and delivered by facsimile and such
facsimile signed and delivered shall be enforceable.
f. The Company agrees not to take any action or allow any act to be
taken which would be inconsistent with this Agreement nor to amend or terminate
this Agreement without the consent of the Subscribers.
g. The Subscribers are third party beneficiaries of this Agreement,
with right of enforcement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and intending to be legally bound hereby, Holder
has executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
HOLDER:
________________________________________
(Signature of Holder)
________________________________________
(Print Name of Holder)
________________________________________
Number of Shares of Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
________________________________________
Note Principal Owned on the date of
This Agreement
COMPANY:
HQ SUSTAINABLE MARITIME INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:_____________________________________
