RISK MANAGEMENT AND FEEDSTOCK AGENCY AGREEMENT
THIS
AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”),
is
made and entered into this 31
day
of
May
,
2007,
by and among Southern Iowa BioEnergy, LLC (“Client”),
an
Iowa limited liability company with its principal office located at 000 X.
Xxxxxx Xx., Xxxxxx, XX 00000, and FCSTONE, LLC (“FCStone”),
an
Iowa limited liability company with its principal office located at 0000 Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxx Xxx Xxxxxx, Xxxx, 00000.
RECITALS
WHEREAS,
Client
is developing, or has developed, a biodiesel fuel production facility located
near Osceola, Iowa (the “Plant”)
that
will produce several products, including biodiesel, using bulk vegetable oil,
tallow, or other suitable feedstock, or crude feedstock, if Client develops
pretreatment capability allowing crude feedstocks to be utilized at the plant
(“Feedstock”)
as its
feedstock; and
WHEREAS,
FCStone
is in the business of acting as a purchasing agent and providing marketing,
risk
management, and related services pertaining to commodities.
NOW,
THEREFORE,
in
consideration of the premises and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as
follows:
1. Scope
of Services.
FCStone
shall provide the Feedstock risk management, purchasing agency, and related
services as described in Exhibit A and incorporated herein, under terms and
conditions as hereinafter further provided.
2. Risk
Management Services by FCStone. FCStone
shall, during the term hereof, provide consulting
services to Client in the implementation of a risk management program
for Client.
The
services to be provided by FCStone are set forth in the portions of Exhibit
A
attached hereto which refer to FCStone. In connection therewith, the parties
may
agree to enter into certain hedging or other futures agreements and transactions
from time to time.
In such
event
all
costs of such hedging, including margin calls and commissions, shall be the
responsibility of Client. All such futures or contracts shall be executed on
behalf of, and transacted in the name of, Client upon specific approval and
direction by a Client Representative. All such transactions shall be subject
to,
and governed by, the applicable account agreements
between
Client and FCStone or other applicable party. Transaction fees, commissions,
and
other charges shall be paid by Client as agreed from time to time and shall
be
in addition to the FCStone Service Fee set forth in Section 5.
3. Feedstock
Purchasing Agent Services by FCStone. FCStone
shall
act
as
Client’s exclusive purchasing agent for Feedstock, except as provided in Section
6(e) herein. FCStone’s authority as purchasing agent shall be limited to
solicitation of new supply relationships for Client and the solicitation of
supply proposals, including proposed individual supply contracts for immediate
or future delivery for acceptance by Client after a new supply relationship
has
been established. FCStone shall have no authority to bind client to any contract
with any provider of Feedstock except to the extent Client accepts a proposed
contract as provided in Section 6 herein.
4. Delivery
Agent Services by FCStone.
FCStone
shall act as Client's exclusive delivery agent for Feedstock, except as
otherwise provided by this Agreement. FCStone’s responsibility under this
Agreement shall be limited to arranging for, but not actually performing,
transportation of Feedstock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Client, upon proper
notice to FCStone, may arrange for delivery of Feedstock.
5. Fees.
Client
shall pay FCStone a service fee for its services (the “FCStone
Service Fee”),
to be
determined as follows:
(a) Beginning
on the date the plant is operational (the “Operational
Date”),
the
FCStone Service Fee shall be Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($450,000)
per
year, which is one and one-half of a cent
($0.015)
per
gallon of the anticipated annual Plant nameplate capacity of thirty million
(30,000,000) gallons per year, payable
in advance in equal monthly installments of Thirty-Seven Thousand Five Hundred
Dollars ($37,500) per month, due on the first day of each month after the
Operational Date.
(b) The
FCStone Service Fee shall be adjusted if the actual Plant nameplate capacity
is
more or less than that stated above, but shall not be less than Three Hundred
Thirty-Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars per annum ($337,500) in any event.
(c) In
addition to such fees, as noted in Section 2, Client shall also pay
any
transaction
commissions, fees, services charges or other charges arising from options,
futures or other risk management transactions executed through FCStone, its
affiliates, or others in accordance with their applicable schedules of
rates.
(d) FCStone
shall, if requested by Client, grant a partial abatement of up to 25% of the
FCStone Service Fee for any period of time that the production of the Plant
shall be suspended or substantially reduced due to: (i) force majeure events
other than lack of available market supply of Feedstock; or (ii) Plant casualty
or other extraordinary cause; or (iii) due to scheduled maintenance of the
Plant. The amount of any abatement shall be determined by FCStone in its sole
discretion after taking into account relevant factors pertaining to the fairness
of the FCStone Service Fee, including services continuing to be provided and
FCStone’s direct and indirect costs that continue to be incurred or that are
avoided.
6. Feedstock
Agency Terms. Feedstock purchasing
services by FCStone shall be provided
in accordance with Exhibit A and the following terms:
(a) Sources
of Supply.
FCStone
shall solicit sources of supply for Client as required to provide for Client’s
requirements of Feedstock
under prevailing market conditions,
and for
this purpose may deliver appropriate documents to Feedstock suppliers for
execution and submission to Client. Client may, in its sole discretion, accept
or reject any proposed supplier. If Client accepts a supplier it will notify
FCStone that such supplier is authorized to enter into supply contracts with
Client.
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(b) Transactions.
After
Client has notified FCStone that it has accepted a proposed supplier
(“Supplier”),
and
until such time as Client notifies FCStone that it desires to terminate such
Supplier’s relationship, FCStone may solicit transactions between Client and the
Supplier. All such transactions shall be solicited at such rates and terms
between Client and the Supplier as Client shall from time to time authorize.
If
a Supplier desires to contract for delivery of Feedstock
to
Client, FCStone shall immediately issue agency advice thereof to Client, and
if
Client decides to accept such contract Client shall send a confirmation to
FCStone and the Supplier. All transaction shall be documented under forms
consistent with the Trade Rules of the National Oilseed Processors Association
to the extent applicable, or such other industry standards as may be
applicable.
(c) FCStone
Purchasing Agent Responsibilities.
(1) FCStone
shall introduce each Supplier to Client on a basis which fully discloses that
FCStone is a purchasing agent and that Client is the principal in transactions
with the Supplier. FCStone shall obtain and verify new Supplier account
documentation and initially approve each Supplier before submitting new Supplier
documentation to Client.
(2) FCStone
shall propose contracts with Suppliers to Client in quantities and on such
terms, including but not limited to, cash forward contracts, as FCStone shall
determine are needed to satisfy Client’s requirements of Feedstock
on a cost effective basis, after taking into account prevailing market
conditions and circumstances of supply and demand.
(3) FCStone
shall be responsible for review of all proposed transactions and contracts
before submission to Client for acceptance.
(d) Client
Responsibilities.
(1) Client
will be solely responsible as principal for all contracts with each Supplier
for
delivery of Feedstock
and shall
fully perform such contracts according to their terms.
(2) Client
shall timely review all proposed contract with Suppliers and shall promptly
notify FCStone of acceptance or rejection thereof.
(3) Client
shall be responsible for examination of Feedstock
and related testing and delivery documents as provided by Supplier
to
Client.
(4) Client
shall timely accept or reject each delivery of Feedstock
under
the
terms of each contract.
(e) Failure
of Supply.
FCStone
shall use reasonable efforts to obtain an adequate and timely supply of
Feedstock
for Client’s requirements at prices consistent with prevailing market
conditions, but shall have no liability or responsibility for the inability
to
obtain supplies due to market conditions. The inability to obtain feedstock
shall not xxxxx or reduce the service fee to FCStone hereunder. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in the event FCStone is unable to meet Client's requirements
for
Feedstock, Client shall be entitled to obtain feedstock from third parties.
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(f) Exchange
of Data.
Client
and FCStone agree that each will supply the other party with all appropriate
data in its possession pertinent to the proper performance and supervision
of
any functions or responsibilities undertaken pursuant to this
Agreement.
7. Delivery
Agency Terms.
(a) FCStone
Responsibilities.
(i) FCStone
shall use reasonable efforts to arrange for delivery of Feedstock as set forth
in an order confirmation through the selection of a duly authorized common
carrier. Such common carrier shall be Client’s agent and FCStone shall not be
liable for (i) any delay, loss or damage in shipment, or (ii) bodily injury
or
property damage claims asserted by third parties against the common carrier
and/or Client. The parties understand and agree that FCStone makes no express
or
implied warranties or guarantees concerning delivery time or the locating of
a
common carrier to provide the delivery services requested by
Client.
(b) Client
Responsibilities.
(i) Client
shall give FCStone 5 days written notices before each shipment of Feedstock
is
required. Client shall be responsible for timely and accurate delivery
instructions and description of Feedstock, including any special handling
instructions, for any shipment.
(ii) Client
shall enter into contracts with common carriers for delivery of Feedstock.
Common carriers shall invoice and collect freight charges from
Client.
(iii) Client
shall ensure that any common carrier with which it contracts for delivery of
Feedstock has cargo insurance in the minimum amount required by law on all
shipments.
(c) Miscellaneous.
(i) The
parties understand and agree that FCStone functions as an independent entity,
and not as a carrier, in selling, negotiating, providing and arranging for
transportation for compensation.
(ii) In
the
event of a Feedstock shortage resulting from market conditions, FCStone may
allocate delivery of available Feedstock among Client and its other customers
in
such manner as it deems best in its reasonable discretion.
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Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in the event FCStone is unable to meet Client’s delivery
requirements for Feedstock, Client shall be entitled to obtain delivery
arrangement services for Feedstock from third parties.
(iii) Client
agrees it shall not have any right to set off compensation due FCStone against
any amount in dispute with common carriers.
8. Provisions
Applicable to FCStone Risk Management Services.
(a) Client
represents and warrants that all risk management positions undertaken by Client
will be bona fide hedge positions entered solely for its own account for the
purpose of hedging against price risks associated with the Client's
operations and not for the purpose of pooling with, or pass-through to, any
other party. Client further represents and warrants that it has fully and
accurately disclosed to FCStone, and will during the term continue to so
disclose, the assets, liabilities and business requirements for which it seeks
to hedge.
(b) FCStone
shall give risk management and hedging advice to Client,
but all
decisions on risk management and hedging strategy will be made by Client.
All
hedging positions will be the responsibility of Client,
in
Client's
account with FCStone or other FCStone affiliates.
(c) FCStone
assumes no responsibility for the completion or performance of any contracts
between Client and any Supplier or other third party, and Client agrees that
it
shall not bring any action or make any claim against FCStone based on any act,
omission, or claim of any of any Supplier or other third party.
(d) To
the
extent FCStone provides services relating to accounting systems, sole
responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of Client's
books
and financial statements shall remain with Client.
FCStone
shall not be deemed to attest in any way to the accuracy of such books and
financial statements. FCStone assumes no responsibility for tax advice, tax
planning, tax returns, or tax reporting.
(e) Client understands,
approves, authorizes, and agrees that FCStone as an advisor may recommend that
Client
enter
into transactions where FCStone will act as an agent or futures commission
merchant or where Client
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, LLC,
with
respect to over-the-counter swaps and options. Client further understands that
FCStone’s affiliate, FCStone Trading, LLC, acts as a principal in
over-the-counter swaps and options and in that connection FCStone Trading,
LLC
may charge a markup above its cost of offsetting positions with its
counterparties. As an advisor, FCStone may recommend such positions to Client
where FCStone Trading, LLC acts as principal counterparty. FCStone may also
participate on Client's
behalf
in negotiations with one or more elevators which are shareholders of FCStone
Group, Inc. FCStone or its affiliates may have long or short positions as a
principal which are opposite to hedge positions recommended to Client. Client
understands and agrees that such transactions may occur notwithstanding any
actual or apparent conflict of interest that may arise from FCStone recommending
specific transactions with its affiliates and Client waives any claims arising
solely from such actual or apparent conflict of interest.
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9. Authorized
Representatives.
(a) Client
shall designate one or more representatives in writing by execution and delivery
of a designation in the form of Exhibit B-1 attached hereto who shall be
authorized and directed to make purchasing, delivery, and risk management
decisions for Client
(the “Client
Representatives”).
All
directions, transactions and authorizations given by such representative to
FCStone shall be binding upon Client.
FCStone
shall be entitled to rely on the authorization of such persons until it receives
written notification from Client
that
such authorization has been revoked.
(b) FCStone
shall designate one or more representatives in writing by execution and delivery
of a designation in the forms of Exhibit B-2 attached hereto who shall be
authorized and directed to make decisions under this Agreement for
FCStone
(the
“FCStone
Representatives”).
All
directions, transactions, and authorizations given by such representative(s)
to
Client shall be binding upon FCStone.
Client
shall be
entitled to rely on the authorization of such persons until it receives written
notification from FCStone that such authorization has been revoked.
10. Allocation
of Other Responsibilities.
(a) The
parties agree to cooperate in good faith to establish and administer a program
whereby Client’s need for Feedstock as an input to the Plant are efficiently
satisfied and the risks thereof, together with commodity price risks for Plant
outputs, are appropriately managed.
(b) Client
shall be responsible to keep FCStone informed at all times of its anticipated
requirements as soon as such requirements are known and shall, at a minimum,
provide all available information respecting its Feedstock inventories on hand
at the Plant and actual and anticipated Plant Feedstock usage rates.
Client
shall notify FCStone immediately of any disruptions or anticipated disruptions
in the operation of the Plant. Upon receipt of any such notice FCStone shall
undertake reasonable efforts to mitigate freight, demurrage, and other expenses
caused by Plant disruptions, but Client shall continue to be responsible in
full
for all costs that are not so avoided.
(c) Client
shall be solely responsible for any
risk
management transactions with respect to its costs of Feedstock, including,
but
not limited to, any cash forward contract program or hedging with respect to
the
costs of its Feedstock requirements.
11. Public
Disclosure.
Any
public announcements concerning the transaction(s) contemplated by this
Agreement shall be approved in advance by all parties, except for disclosures
required by law, including any disclosures necessary to comply with certain
statutory and regulatory requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission
and state securities regulators. In the case of disclosures required by law,
the
disclosing party shall provide a copy of the disclosure to the other party
prior
to its public release. The parties each consent to any disclosure for
registration of securities, or as otherwise required by law. Financial details
contained in this Agreement shall be deleted prior to any required public filing
to the extent allowed by the law or regulations governing such
filing.
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12. Licenses,
Bonds, and Insurance.
Unless
otherwise agreed by the parties in writing, Client
and FCStone agree to 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 which are required for the conduct of its business in accordance
with applicable state or federal laws and regulations.
13. Limitation
of Liability.
EACH
PARTY UNDERSTANDS THAT NO 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.
14. Legal
Disclaimer.
Each
party understands that the other party makes no warranty respecting legal or
regulatory requirements and risks. Each party 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 its own
business.
15. Indemnity
and Attorney Fees.
(a) Client
agrees to indemnify FCStone
and its brokers, directors, officers, agents, and employees and hold them
harmless from and against any claims,
demands, liability, or expense, including attorney’s fees and other litigation
expenses, arising out of illegal acts, intentionally wrongful acts, or negligent
acts or omissions by Client or its agents, officers, directors, and
employees.
(b) FCStone
agrees to indemnify Client and its brokers, directors, officers, agents, and
employees and hold them harmless from and against any claims, demands,
liability, or expense, including attorney’s fees and other litigation expenses,
arising out of illegal acts, intentionally wrongful acts, or negligent acts
or
omissions by FCStone or its agents, officers, directors, and
employees.
(c) The
parties agree that the prevailing parties in any litigation or arbitration
between the parties and related to this agreement shall be entitled to collect
its costs, expenses, and reasonable attorney’s fees from the other
party.
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16. Nature
of Relationship.
FCStone
is an independent contractor providing services to Client.
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.
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.
17. Notices. Any
notices permitted or required hereunder shall be in writing, signed by a duly
authorized officer of the party giving such notice, and shall either be hand
delivered, sent by recognized overnight delivery service, or mailed to the
designated representatives of the other parties. 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. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be deemed given
upon the earlier of (i) delivery thereof if by hand, or (ii) upon receipt if
sent by mail (registered or certified, postage prepaid, return receipt
requested), or (iii) on the next business day after deposit if sent by a
recognized overnight delivery service to the address shown above, or any other
address subsequently specified by notice from one party to the
others.
18. Authority.
Each
party represents
that it has all requisite authority to enter into this Agreement under
applicable federal or state laws, rules and regulations, and under its
applicable organization documents, and that this Agreement has been duly
authorized by all required company action.
19. Term
and Termination.
(a) The
initial term of this Agreement and the obligations of the parties hereunder
shall commence on the Effective Date (as hereinafter defined), and shall
continue for a term of three
(3)
years
thereafter.
Thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for
an
unlimited number of successive one year terms on each anniversary date of the
Effective Date, unless any party shall give written notice of non-renewal to
the
other parties not less than ninety (90) days prior to such anniversary date.
For
the purposes of this Agreement, “Effective
Date”
means
the
date
when Client gives notice to FCStone that it requires its first delivery of
Feedstock in connection with the commencement of operations at the Plant.
Such
notice shall be given not less than ninety (90) days, nor more than one hundred
and eighty (180) days before the first date of expected delivery of Feedstock
hereunder. This Agreement shall automatically terminate if a notice is not
given
hereunder to establish an Effective Date within twenty-four (24) months of
the
date of this Agreement as set forth above.
(b) The
parties may extend or shorten the term of this Agreement at any time by
modification agreement executed by both parties in writing.
(c) If
Client
shall at any time fail to make payment when due of any sum owing to FCStone
under this Agreement, then FCStone may suspend performance under this Agreement
without terminating this Agreement, until payment in full of all sums due is
made. If
FCStone elects,
it may also give notice of termination as provided in Section 19(d) for such
cause.
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(d) This
Agreement may be terminated by Client in the event of material breach of any
of
the material terms hereof by FCStone, by written notice specifying the breach,
which notice shall be effective ninety (90)
days
after it is given unless the receiving party cures the breach within such time.
Any failure or inability of FCStone to meet Client’s requirements for Feedstock
(whether due to a force majeure event or otherwise) that continues for a period
of ninety (90) consecutive days or more shall constitute a material breach
of
this Agreement. Any failure or inability of FCStone to provide delivery
arrangement services for Feedstock that continue for a period of ninety (90)
consecutive days or more shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement.
This Agreement may be terminated by FCStone in the event of material breach
of
any of the material terms hereof by Client, by written notice specifying the
breach, which notice shall be effective ninety (90) days after it is given
unless the receiving party cures the breach within such time.
(e) In
the
event any party (the “non-performing
party”)
shall
(i) file a petition or otherwise commence or authorize the commencement of
a
proceeding or case under any bankruptcy, reorganization, or similar law for
the
protection of creditors or have any such petition filed or proceeding commenced
against it, (ii) otherwise become bankrupt or insolvent, (iii) be unable to
pay
its debts as they fall due, then any other party (the “performing
party”)
shall
have the right immediately and thereafter as long as the event of default
continues to terminate this Agreement by notice in writing to the non-performing
party. The performing party’s rights under this provision shall be in addition
to, and not in limitation or exclusion of, any other rights which the performing
party may have (whether by agreement, operation of law or otherwise), including
any right and remedies under the Uniform Commercial Code. The non-performing
party shall indemnify and hold the performing party and its affiliates harmless
from all losses, damages, costs, and expenses including reasonable attorney’s
fees, incurred in connection with an event of default, termination, or exercise
of any remedies hereunder.
(f) In
addition to any other method of terminating this Agreement, any
party
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 thirtieth (30th)
day
following the giving of notice of intent to terminate.
20. Amendment.
This
Agreement may be amended, modified, or supplemented only by prior mutual
agreement, confirmed in writing and signed by the parties.
21. Force
Majeure.
No party
shall be liable for any failure or delay in performance of its obligations
hereunder, other than a payment obligation, when such failure or delay is caused
by or results from an event beyond its reasonable control, such as Acts of
God
or the public enemy, acts or demands of any government or governmental agency
having jurisdiction, strikes, lockouts, labor disturbances, equipment
malfunction or breakdown, fires, floods, and accidents or other unforeseeable
causes; provided, however, that during such period of time as a force majeure
event is causing FCStone to fail or delay in the performance of its obligations
hereunder, Client shall have the right to contract with other third parties
to
provide such services.
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22. Waiver.
Any
failure of FCStone or Client to comply with any obligation, covenant, agreement,
or condition contained herein may be waived in writing by FCStone or Client,
as
the case may be, but such waiver or failure to insist upon strict compliance
with such obligation, covenant, agreement, or condition shall not operate as
a
waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any other failure.
23. Confidentiality.
(a) As
used
in this Agreement, “Confidential
Information”
means
any information, technical data, or know-how (including, but not limited to,
information relating to research, products, software, services, development,
inventions, processes, engineering, marketing, techniques, customers, pricing,
internal procedures, business and marketing plans or strategies, finances,
employees and business opportunities) disclosed by one party to the other in
any
form whatsoever (including, but not limited to, in writing, in machine readable
or other tangible form, orally or visually): (i) that has been marked as
confidential; (ii) the confidential nature of which has been made known by
the
disclosing party to the recipient, in writing or orally, and if orally, with
specific written notification to the recipient of such oral disclosure within
three days thereafter; or (iii) that due to its character, nature, or method
of
transmittal, a reasonable person under like circumstances would treat as
confidential. The parties each agree to keep in confidence and prevent
disclosure to any person outside its respective organization, or any person
within its organization not having a reasonable need to know, all Confidential
Information.
(b) Information
shall not be deemed to be Confidential Information to the extent that it is:
(i)
in the public domain at the time of disclosure or is subsequently made available
by the disclosing party to the general public without restriction; (ii) known
to
the receiving party at the time of disclosure without restrictions on its
use
or
independently developed by the receiving party
and
there
is adequate documentation to demonstrate either condition; or (iii) used or
disclosed with the prior written approval of the disclosing party.
(c) The
receiving party may disclose the other party’s Confidential Information pursuant
to a statutory or regulatory requirement or a court order; provided, however,
that (i) the receiving party will notify the other party of the obligation
to
make such disclosure in advance of the disclosure in order that the other party
will have reasonable opportunity to object to such disclosure; and (ii) the
receiving party requests confidential treatment of such disclosed Confidential
Information.
(d) The
receiving party’s obligations under this Agreement with respect to Confidential
Information that it has received shall continue for a period of five years
after
the expiration or termination of this Agreement.
(e) Nothing
in this Agreement is intended to restrict or prevent Client from disclosing
the
terms hereof to credit analysts, rating agencies, bond insurers, and prospective
lenders and investors in connection with the financing or refinancing of the
Plant.
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24. Validity.
Whenever
possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner
as to be effective and valid under applicable law. In case any one or more
of
the provisions contained herein shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid,
illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such provision shall be ineffective
to
the extent, but only to the extent, of such invalidity, illegality, or
unenforceability without invalidating the remainder of such invalid, illegal,
or
unenforceable provision or provisions or any other provisions hereof, unless
such a construction would be unreasonable.
25. Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
the
State of Iowa without
regard to the conflicts-of-laws rules thereof.
26. Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall
be
deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the
same
agreement, and shall become binding when one or more counterparts have been
signed by each of the parties and delivered to FCStone and Client.
27. Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement and any written customer account agreement between the parties embody
the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the
subject matter contained herein. There are no other agreements, representations,
warranties, or covenants other than those expressly set forth, or referred
to,
herein. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings among
the parties with respect to such subject matter.
28. Assignment.
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 or Client.
No party may assign this Agreement without the express consent of the other
parties except that (i) no such consent shall be required in connection with
a
sale, merger, or any acquisition of the entire business of any party; (ii)
Client expressly consents that FCStone may assign to any other majority owned
subsidiary of FCStone Group, Inc.; and (iii) FCStone expressly consents that
Client’s rights and other interests hereunder may be pledged or assigned as
security in connection with the financing or refinancing of the
Plant.
29. NOPA
Trade Rules to Apply.
Except
as otherwise expressly provided herein, this Agreement and all contracts and
confirmations for
delivery of soybean oil feedstock shall be subject to the Trade Rules of the
National Oilseed Processors Association. With respect to feedstock other than
soybean oil feedstock, this Agreement and all contracts and confirmation for
delivery of such feedstock shall be subject to industry standards applicable
to
such feedstock.
30. Arbitration.
Except
for disputes arising out of futures or other customer accounts with FCStone,
which shall be exclusively governed by the relevant dispute resolution
provisions of the customer account agreements, the parties agree that the sole
remedy for resolution of any and all other disagreements or disputes arising
under this Agreement including, but not limited to, any statutory or tort claims
arising from the relationship of the parties, shall be through arbitration
proceedings as provided under the NOPA Trade Rules, or to the extent that the
dispute concerns feedstock other than soy bean oil feedstock, through
arbitration under the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration
Association. Any decision and award determined through such arbitration shall
be
final and binding upon the parties. Judgment upon the arbitration award may
be
entered and enforced in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The parties
agree
that any arbitration conducted hereunder shall be governed by the Federal
Arbitration Act, 9 United States Code §§ 1-16, as now existing or hereinafter
amended.
11
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF,
the
parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written
above.
FCSTONE, LLC |
SOUTHERN
IOWA BIOENERGY
|
|||
By: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxx | By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx | |||
|
|
|||
Title: VP, Renewable Fuels Group | Title: President |
12
EXHIBIT
A
I.
FEEDSTOCK PURCHASING AGENCY SERVICES
FCStone
shall provide purchasing agency services to Client. Such services shall include,
but not be limited to:
· Cash
oil
feedstock market intelligence.
· Weekly
market recaps.
· Price
trends and market research.
· Seeking
competitive quotes from multiple suppliers.
· Purchasing
advice and consultation.
· Negotiations
with feedstock suppliers on Client’s behalf.
· Logistics
advice and consultation.
II.
FEEDSTOCK PRICE-RISK MANAGEMENT
FCStone
shall provide risk management services to Client. Such services shall include,
but not be limited to:
·
|
Market
Reports.
|
·
|
Basis
and futures price analyses and
information.
|
·
|
Management
and futures position reports, including real time
reports.
|
·
|
Feedstock
price-risk management tools, including HTA, Max Price, Max-Min and
Automated Pricing Tools.
|
·
|
Cash
market surveillance and analysis to ensure that Client is paying
the
lowest possible rates.
|
III.
FEEDSTOCK MANAGEMENT CONSULTING
FCStone
shall provide management reports, input on availability and price, competitive
market information and analysis, and other Feedstock market information,
analysis, and evaluation as is necessary and as is requested by Client to
contribute to the optimum efficiency and profitability of the Plant. Such
services shall include, but are not limited to,
Feedstock quality management,
accounting and systems policy consulting, inbound
premium and discount consultation, Feedstock
supply management,
summary
annual agency reporting, and Feedstock
market management education.
In
particular, FCStone will provide the following services, as requested and as
applicable, based on sound risk management principles, using FCStone's basis
trading experience together with the futures and options markets, as well as
the
over the counter market where applicable, to reduce Client's exposure to
commodity price changes.
A.
|
General
Scope. FCStone will generally provide advice, assistance, and risk
management with respect to Client's physical commodity procurement,
as
well as risk management with respect to Client’s marketing needs. Services
by FCStone will be provided as requested by Client and as applicable
to
Client’s operation.
|
13
B. |
Consulting
Services and Program:
|
1.
|
Risk
management review. A review of Client’s operations, procurement
procedures, and input requirements has been or will be prepared to
the
extent requested by the Client. This will be used to provide a baseline
on
which to build the marketing, merchandising, and procurement program.
This
review will also be used to understand strengths, weaknesses, market
share, operational costs, and overhead. The review also considers
local
seasonal cycles, transportation options, and customer preferences.
|
2.
|
Risk
management plan development. With the operational and historical
review in
place, a risk management plan will be assembled to optimize the profit
opportunities and minimize the financial risks associated with the
present
business operation, including the procurement and merchandising functions.
The risk management plan will include historical basis analysis for
both
inputs and finished products as requested. Specific recommendations
regarding purchasing of inputs will be addressed as well as strategies
to
lock in margins on production. Projections on profitability will
be made
based on anticipated volumes and historical analysis. Utilization
of both
exchange traded risk management products and over the counter tools
will
be addressed.
|
3.
|
Plan
overview, monthly activity, position, and financial analysis. Upon
completion of the risk management plan it will be submitted for approval
by management of both parties. Once approved, the plan will be initiated
and each activity and position tracked for its impact and success.
Reports
will present in detail the results of all hedged transactions and
the
results of those strategies. This analysis will be completed on a
monthly
basis, accumulated on a year to date basis, and assembled into a
year-end
summary.
|
4.
|
Accountability.
Hedge records will be provided to track each trade, measuring each
activity for its impact and overall success of the program. Position
statements are available at any time on an ongoing basis.
|
5.
|
Risk
management programs for energy products and other inputs. Strategies
to
lock in energy costs are available and will be evaluated in both
exchange-traded products and over the counter instruments. Similar
analysis for other budgeted items will be made where applicable and
available.
|
6.
|
Customer
program. A number of alternative services may be available for Client’s
customers. Outlook meetings regarding current markets will be available
annually. In addition, assistance in providing commodity futures
brokerage
services for Client’s customers’ trading positions may be available for
consideration.
|
14
C.
|
Internal
Risk Management Procedures. While the preparation of the following
procedures and policies are strictly the responsibility of the Client’s
management and Board, FCStone shall assist the Client in their preparation
as requested:
|
1.
|
Risk
management guidelines and controls. Risk management guidelines regarding
position limits, strategies, credit exposure and volumes, as well
as the
development of internal controls for monitoring compliance with these
guidelines, will be prepared by management and presented for Board
approval.
|
2.
|
Establish
Corporate Risk Policy - Assess Risk Profile - Define Hedge
Objective.
|
3.
|
Obtain approval of Risk Policy from Board. |
4.
|
Designate
Individual(s) Responsible for Hedging by completing Exhibit B-1 and
Exhibit B-2.
|
15
EXHIBIT
B-1
LETTER
OF
AUTHORIZATION
To: |
FCStone,
LLC (“FCStone”)
0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx - Suite 000
Xxxx
Xxx Xxxxxx, XX 00000
|
Each
of
the following individuals is authorized to give oral or written instructions
to
FCStone, or its affiliates on behalf of the Client with respect to any
transactions or matters within the scope of the RISK
MANAGEMENT AND FEEDSTOCK AGENCY AGREEMENT between Client and
FCStone
and each
is also fully authorized to do and take all actions necessary or desirable
in
connection with any such transactions or matters. The authorized individuals
are
(must name at least one person):
Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx
Xxxx
Xxxxxxx
Xxxx
Xxxxxx
We
further verify that we shall notify FCStone in writing whenever the above-named
individual(s) are no longer authorized to give oral or written instructions
to
FCStone on behalf of the Client, and we shall notify FCStone of any
newly-authorized staff members whenever applicable.
Dated
this 30th day
of
May,
2007.
Southern
Iowa BioEnergy
(Print
Client Name)
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx | |||
(Authorized Signatory) |
||||
Title: President |
16
EXHIBIT
B-2
LETTER
OF
AUTHORIZATION
To
Client: ________________________
Each
of
the following individuals is authorized to give oral or written instructions
to
Client or its affiliates on behalf of FCStone, LLC with respect to any
transactions or matters within the scope of the RISK
MANAGEMENT AND FEEDSTOCK AGENCY AGREEMENT between Client and FCStone,
LLC
and each
is also fully authorized to do and take all actions necessary or desirable
in
connection with any such transactions or matters. The authorized individuals
are
(must name at least one person):
Xxxxxx
Xxxx
Xxxx
Xxxxxxx
Xxxx
Xxxxxxx
We
further verify that we shall notify Client in writing whenever the above named
individual(s) are no longer authorized to give oral or written instructions
to
Client on behalf of FCStone, LLC and we shall notify Client of any
newly-authorized staff members whenever applicable.
Dated
this 25th day
of 2007,
20___.
FCStone,
LLC
By: | /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxx | |||
(Authorized Signatory) |
||||
Title:
VP, Renewable Fuels Group
|
17