RISK MANAGEMENT AND ETHANOL MARKETING CONTRACT
EXHIBIT
10.21
THIS
AGREEMENT is entered into by and among FCStone, LLC ("FCStone"), an Iowa limited
liability company with its main office at 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxx Xxxxxx,
Xxxx 00000, and Eco-Energy, Inc. ("Eco"), a Tennessee Corporation with its main
office located at 000 Xxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxx. Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx 00000,
and Husker AG, LLC, (HA), with its main office located at X.X. Xxx 00,
Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000.
RECITALS:
A. |
HA
is a Limited Liability Company, which is developing an ethanol plant
facility located at, (the "Plant") and which desires to establish an input
origination and marketing risk management plan and an output-marketing
contract. |
B. |
FCStone,
which is experienced in commodity transactions and related risk
management, is willing to provide such assistance on the terms hereby
stated. |
C. |
Eco
is a reseller in ethanol and is experienced in the marketing and
transportation of such product, and is willing to agree to purchase the
ethanol output of the Plant. |
NOW,
THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS BETWEEN THE PARTIES:
1. |
FCStone
and Eco Services. FCStone shall, during the term hereof,
provide services to HA in the implementation of a full service price risk
management program for HA (the "FCStone Program"). HA will have a full
time risk manager of FCStone from an FCStone office to help in day-to-day
grain marketing decisions. The FCStone services to be provided are set
forth in Exhibit A attached hereto. Eco shall, during the term hereof,
purchase the entire output of ethanol specified herein and to provide
certain transportation services to HA (the "Eco Program"). The Eco
services to be provided are set forth in Sections 2, 3 and 4 and the
exhibits attached hereto which are referred to therein. |
2. |
Eco
Ethanol Output Purchases. HA agrees to sell to Eco, and Eco
agrees to purchase from HA the entire output of ethanol of the Plant
during the term, in good faith and at fair market rates. The terms of such
transactions shall be fixed by agreement of HA and Eco established in good
faith from time to time consistent with the provision of Exhibit B
attached hereto. |
3. |
Eco
Denaturant Procurement. HA at HA's option can purchase their
entire denaturant demand from Eco during the term or purchase of the
denaturant on their own. The terms of such transactions shall be fixed by
agreement of HA and Eco established in good faith from time to
time. |
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4. |
Eco
Transportation Services. Eco agrees to provide the
transportation services set forth in Exhibit C. HA agrees to pay freight
and assume railcar leases as provided in Exhibit
C. |
5. |
Fees. |
(a) |
HA
shall pay a fee for services of Eco and FCStone and materials provided
hereunder of $ [***] per net gallon of ethanol produced
during the Term. Such fees shall be payable monthly on an estimated basis
on the first business day of each month during the term hereof, in advance
to FCStone. FCStone shall remit a share of such fee to Eco as Eco and
FCStone may agree. The initial estimated monthly payment shall be $
[***] per month. The actual fees payable based upon
actual production and the above quoted rate shall be computed every three
(3) months and additional payment to FCStone or credits to HA's account
shall be made, and the monthly fee adjusted, so as to accurately reflect
the actual fees payable. | |
(b) |
In
addition to such fees, HA shall also pay to FCStone any transaction
commissions, fees, services charges or xxxx-ups arising from options,
futures or other risk management or cash commodity transactions executed
or brokered through FCStone, its affiliates, or others in accordance with
their applicable schedules of rates, except that FCStone guarantees that
the rate for exchange-traded futures and options contracts shall be not
more than $10.00 per round turn, plus all applicable exchange fees, during
the initial term hereof. Any OTC (over-the-counter) transactions will be
$8.00 per round turn, plus any applicable fees, during the initial term
hereof. |
6. |
HA
Representative. HA shall designate one or more persons who
shall be authorized and directed to receive services hereunder and to make
all hedging and merchandising and purchasing and sales decisions for HA.
All directions, transactions and authorizations given by such
representative to FCStone or to Eco shall be binding upon HA. FCStone and
Eco shall each be entitled to rely on the authorization of such persons
until it receives written notification from HA that such authorization has
been revoked. |
7. |
Transactions
with FCStone and FCStone Affiliates. HA understands,
approves, authorizes, and agrees that FCStone as an advisor may recommend
that HA enter into transactions where FCStone will act as a broker or
futures commission merchant or where HA may enter into transactions with
one or more companies which are under common ownership or control with
FCStone, including, but not limited to, FCStone Trading, L.L.C. with
respect to physical energy products and over the counter swaps and options
and FGDI, L.L.C. with respect to cash grain. FCStone may also participate
on HA's behalf in negotiations with one or more elevators, which are
members of FCStone's parent company. All futures, swap or cash commodity
transactions involving HA, FCStone and its affiliates shall be subject to,
and shall be governed by, the applicable customer agreements, master
agreements, confirmations, and other documentation
thereof. |
8. |
FCStone
Limitations. |
(a) |
To
the extent and if any brokerage services are provided by FCStone it will
be to find suppliers or purchasers for HA. FCStone will not purchase or
sell grain, nor will it be directly involved in the purchase of the grain
involving HA. FCStone may give merchandising, purchasing and hedging
advice to HA, but all decisions on purchasing, merchandising and hedging
strategy will be made by HA. All hedging positions will be the
responsibility of HA, in HA's account with FCStone or other relevant
party. All positions shall be for the purpose of hedging against price
risks associated with the HA's operations. |
_______________
[***] --
Material has been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment and
such material has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
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(b) |
FCStone
assumes no responsibility for the completion or performance of any
contracts between HA and HA's customers and suppliers, and HA agrees that
it shall not bring any action or make any claim against FCStone based on
any act, omission or claim of any of HA's customers or
suppliers. | |
(c) |
To
the extent FCStone provides services relating to accounting systems, sole
responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of HA's books and
financial statements shall remain with HA. FCStone shall not be deemed to
attest in any way to the accuracy of such books and financial
statements. | |
(d) |
FCStone
assumes no responsibility for tax advise, tax planning, or tax returns or
tax reporting. |
9. |
Eco
Limitations. |
(a) |
Eco
assumes no responsibility for the completion or performance of any
contracts between HA and HA's customers and suppliers, and HA agrees that
it shall not bring any action or make any claim against Eco based on any
act, omission or claim of any of HA's customers or
suppliers. | |
(b) |
HA
is responsible to cover all non-deliveries of any product that is
contracted between ECO and HA in a timely manner in order to stay within
the time parameters of the contract. ECO will assist in procuring product
from other suppliers to cover the non-deliveries. | |
(c) |
If
any party terminates this agreement for any reason, all parties will be
responsible to complete any existing
contracts. |
10. |
Separability
and Non-liability. The services, contracts and relationship
between HA and FCStone and between HA and Eco are independent and
separable. FCStone shall have no liability or responsibility to HA for the
performance of Eco hereunder. Eco shall have no responsibility or
liability for the performance of FCStone hereunder. Termination of this
Agreement as between Eco and HA shall not impair the continuing
relationship between FCStone and HA, and termination as between FCStone
and Eco shall not impair the continuing relationship between Eco and HA.
Termination of this Agreement as between FCStone and HA shall not impair
the continuing relationship between ECO and HA. |
11. |
Confidentiality
Agreement. The parties have previously executed a
Confidentiality and Nondisclosure Agreement. Such agreement shall remain
in full force and effect and shall apply and govern all disclosure and use
of confidential information hereunder. |
3
12. |
Public
Disclosure. Any public announcements concerning the
transaction contemplated by this Agreement shall be approved in advance by
FCStone, ECO and HA, except for disclosures required by law, in which case
the disclosing party shall provide a copy of the disclosure to the other
party prior to its public release. As HA is subject to SEC filing
requirements, and SEC required filings will not be subject to advance
disclosure, except as allowed by the SEC. |
13. |
Terms
and Termination. |
(a) |
The
initial term of this Agreement shall commence on the date hereof and shall
continue for an initial term of one year from the date that the HA ethanol
plant begins production. This contract will automatically renew for an
additional term of one (1) year unless HA gives notice of non-renewal in
writing to FCStone and to Eco at least four (4) months prior to the end of
the initial term. At the renewal date FCStone, Eco and HA will discuss the
fee rate and may at the agreement of all parties change the fee
structure. | |
(b) |
This
Agreement may be terminated by HA as to either FCStone or Eco in the event
of material breach of any of the material terms hereof by such other
party, by written notice specifying the breach, which notice shall be
effective fifteen (15) days after it is given unless the receiving party
cures the breach within such time. This Agreement may be terminated by
either FCStone or Eco as to HA in the event of material breach of any of
the material terms hereof by HA, by written notice specifying the breach,
which notice shall be effective fifteen (15) days after it is given unless
the receiving party cures the breach within such time. This Agreement may
be terminated immediately without notice at the election of any party in
the event of bankruptcy, or any other receivership or insolvency
proceeding is filed by or against another party. | |
(c) |
This
Agreement may also be terminated between any two parties by the mutual
consent of any two of the parties on such terms as the parties may
agree. | |
(d) |
In
addition to any other method of terminating this Agreement, either FCStone
or Eco may unilaterally terminate this Agreement at any time if such
termination shall be required by any regulatory authority, and such
termination shall be effective on the 30th day following the giving of
notice of intent to terminate. |
14. |
Licenses,
Bonds, and Insurance. Each party represents that it now has and will
maintain in full force and effect during the term of this Agreement at its
sole cost, all necessary state and federal licenses, bonds and insurance
in accordance with applicable state or federal laws and
regulations. |
15. |
Limitation
of Liability. EACH PARTY UNDERSTANDS THAT NO OTHER PARTY MAKES ANY
GUARANTEE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO ANY OTHER OF PROFIT, OR OF ANY
PARTICULAR ECONOMIC RESULTS FROM TRANSACTIONS HEREUNDER. IN NO EVENT SHALL
ANY PARTY BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, COLLATERAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES FOR ANY ACT OR OMISSION COMING WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THIS AGREEMENT,
OR FOR BREACH OF ANY OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT, EVEN IF IT HAS
BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, SUCH EXCLUDED DAMAGES
INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF GOOD WILL, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS
OF USE AND INTERRUPTION OF
BUSINESS. |
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16. |
Disclaimer.
HA understands and agrees that FCStone and Eco make no warranty respecting
legal or regulatory requirements and risks. HA shall obtain such legal and
regulatory advice from third parties as it may deem necessary respecting
the applicability of legal and regulatory requirements applicable to HA's
business. |
17. |
Indemnity.
HA agrees to indemnify FCStone, Eco and their brokers, officers, agents
and employees and hold them harmless from and against any claims, demands,
liability or expense, including attorney fees and other litigation
expenses, arising out of claims by HA's customers or
suppliers. |
18. |
Nature
of Relationship. FCStone and Eco are independent contractors
providing services to HA. No employment relationship, partnership or joint
venture is intended, nor shall any such relationship be deemed created
hereby. Each party shall be solely and exclusively responsible for its own
expenses and costs of performance. |
19. |
Notices.
Any notices permitted or required hereunder shall be in writing, signed by
an officer duly authorized of the party giving such notice, and shall
either be hand delivered or mailed. If mailed, notice shall be sent by
certified, first-class, return receipt requested, mail to the address
shown above, or any other address subsequently specified by notice from
one party to the other. |
20. |
General.
|
(a) |
This
Agreement is the entire understanding of the parties concerning the
subject matter hereof, and it may be modified only in writing signed by
the parties. All commodities futures, options, and swap transactions shall
be subject to the customer or master agreements between HA and FCStone,
its affiliates, or others. The parties may enter into other agreements in
writing, including, but not limited to service agreements, customer
agreements and master agreements with respect to commodity futures options
and swaps. | |
(b) |
If
any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the
remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby. | |
(c) |
No
party shall be liable for any failure to perform any or all of the
provisions of this Agreement if and to the extent that performance has
been delayed or prevented by reason of any cause beyond the reasonable
control of such party. The expression "cause beyond the reasonable
control" shall be deemed to include, but not limited to: acts,
regulations, laws, or restraints imposed by any governmental body; wars,
hostilities, sabotage, riots, or commotions; acts of God; or fires, frost,
storms, or lightning. | |
(d) |
This
Agreement is not intended to, and does not, create or give rise to any
fiduciary duty on the part of any party to any
other. |
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(e) |
No
action, regardless of its nature or form, arising from or in relation to
this Agreement may be brought by either party more than two (2) years
after the cause of action has arisen, or, in the case of an action for
nonpayment, more than two (2) years from the date the last payment was
due. Venue for any action arising from or in relation to this Agreement
shall be in Xxxxxx County, Nebraska. | |
(f) |
This
Agreement is governed by and shall be construed under the laws of the
State of Iowa. | |
(g) |
This
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
and the successors and assigns of the entire business and goodwill of
FCStone, Eco or HA, but shall not be otherwise assignable without the
express consent of the other parties. |
DATED AND
EXECUTED AS OF THIS 27 DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2002.
HUSKER AG, LLC | |||
BY: /s/ O. Xxxxx Xxxxxx | |||
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XX XXXXX, L.L.C. | |||
BY: /s/ [Illegible] | |||
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ECO-ENERGY | |||
BY: /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, President | |||
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6
EXHIBIT
A
FCStone
Services
FCStone
will provide the following services based on sound risk management principles,
using FCStone's Basis Trading experience together with the futures and options
markets to reduce HA's exposure to commodity price changes.
I. |
General
Scope.
FCStone will provide advice, assistance and risk management with respect
to HA's grain origination, energy and transportation, procurement and
output sales. |
II. |
Consulting
Services and Program:
FCStone services to HA shall fall into two (2)
categories. |
1) |
FCStone
shall provide HA with price risk management evaluation, review and advice
in relation to use of Corn and/or any other grain products as they relate
to the day-to-day operations of the plant. |
2) |
FCStone
shall provide HA with price risk management evaluation, review and advice
in relation to use of Natural Gas and/or any other energy products as they
relate to the day-to-day operation of the
plant. |
Such
services to be summarized monthly/annually in a detailed report prepared by
FCStone for the HA staff/board, and accordingly to their satisfaction in terms
of content and accountability.
III. |
Internal
Risk Management Procedures: |
A. |
Risk
management guidelines and controls.
Risk management recommendations regarding position limits, strategies,
credit exposure and volumes will be presented for management and board
approval |
B. |
Assist
in Establishing Corporate Risk Policy - Assess Risk Profile - Define Hedge
Objective. |
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EXHIBIT
B
ECO
Services - Ethanol
Eco shall
purchase the entire ethanol output of HA's Plant on the following
terms:
1. |
HA
can terminate contract if Eco does not pay within net 5 business days of
Invoice, Xxxx of Lading (BOL), Return Xxxx of Lading (RBOL) and
certificate of Analysis (COA). |
2. |
Eco
will pay net 3 business days upon receipt of Invoice, BOL, RBOL, and
COA. |
3. |
HA
is responsible for any and all local, state and federal tax
liabilities. |
4. |
Eco
will provide scheduling and marketing for ethanol
produced. |
5. |
Eco
will be responsible for receivables risk on
ethanol. |
6. |
Eco
reserves the right to refuse business to anyone due to credit or market
risk |
7. |
HA
shall meet or exceed all specifications for E-grade denatured fuel ethanol
as well as any changes in fuel ethanol industry standards that might occur
after the execution of this agreement. |
8. |
HA
will keep Eco informed on production forecasts, as well as daily plant
inventory balances. |
9. |
On
rail car shipments title of ethanol will transfer as the product passes
over the destination delivery flange unless otherwise specified. In these
cases Eco is purchasing the ethanol on a CIF delivered basis. On truck
shipments title of the ethanol will pass at the loading flange between the
plant and the truck unless otherwise specified. In these cases Eco is
purchasing the ethanol on a FOB HA plant
basis. |
10. |
HA
will provide a minimum of 10 days storage on the HA
site. |
11. |
HA
must have meters that measure both gross and net 60 degrees Fahrenheit
temperature corrected gallons. |
12. |
Eco
shall deduct all unavoidable costs such as government tariffs or
assessment fees, sales taxes, import/export handling fees, assessments,
inspection fees, or any other that has been approved by the appropriate
member of the board of directors. |
13. |
Eco
will procure all Natural Gasoline (denaturant) for HA if HA so wishes
otherwise HA could purchase the denaturant for the plant
themselves. |
EXHIBIT
C
Eco
Services - Transportation
1. Eco will
lease all railcars for HA. All leases will be in the name of Eco.
2. |
Eco
will estimate the number of railcars needed for HA. If HA chooses to end
the contract, they will be responsible to take over all railcar
leases. |
3. |
Eco
will negotiate rail rates on behalf of HA. |
4. |
All
rail contracts will be in the name of HA. |
5. |
HA
will invoice Eco for rail freight along with a copy of the actual railroad
invoice. (This amount will be paid on a net 3 business days upon receipt
of invoice.) |
6. |
Eco
will purchase all truck gallons on an FOB plant
basis. |
7. |
Eco
will supply all trucks. |