Exhibit 10.18
JOINT VENTURE
AND
CO-MARKETING AGREEMENT
THIS JOINT VENTURE AND CO-MARKETING AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") by and
between Arch Coal Sales Company, a Delaware corporation ("Arch Coal"), and
ADA-Environmental Solutions, LLC, a Colorado limited liability corporation,
("ADA-ES"), shall be deemed effective as of January 1, 2002. ADA-ES and Arch
Coal are some times referred to herein as the "parties."
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, ADA-ES has developed, tested and demonstrated ADA 249, a propriety
product and process for improving the combustion performance in cyclone boilers
of Powder River Basin ("PRB") and other coals;
WHEREAS, Arch Coal is in the business of mining and selling coal from the
PRB and other areas;
WHEREAS, ADA-ES desires to grant Arch Coal a license to co-market ADA 249
to certain potential customers of ADA 249 currently identified and to be
identified by the parties ("Customers");
WHEREAS, ADA-ES and Arch Coal desire to co-market ADA 249 to the Customers
on the terms and conditions outlined herein; and
WHEREAS, ADA-ES and Arch Coal have previously entered into a Co-Marketing
Agreement dated as of June 28, 2001 (the "Co-Marketing Agreement") pursuant to
which the parties have commenced the activities outlined herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the terms and provisions
contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1- DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
SECTION 1.1 DEFINITIONS. As used herein, the following terms shall have the
meanings ascribed to them below:
"Affiliate" of a person or entity shall mean: (i) any other person or
entity directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controlling,
controlled by, or under common control with such person or entity, (ii) any
officer, director, partner, member, or direct or indirect beneficial owner of
any 10% or greater of the equity or voting interests of such person or entity,
or (iii) any other person or entity for which a person or entity described in
clause (ii) acts in such capacity.
"Annual Business Plan" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6
hereof.
"Approved Expense" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a)
hereof.
"Assigned Employees" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a)
hereof.
"Budget" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a) hereof.
"Co-Marketing Efforts" means the process of marketing ADA 249 and related
systems to new Customers by the parties' Assigned Employees.
"Customer Contracts" means those contracts by and between Arch Coal or the
Joint Venture and various Customers entered into pursuant to this Joint Venture
and Co-Marketing Agreement, including any extensions or renewals of such
Customer Contracts.
"Effective Date" means January 1, 2002.
"Event of Default" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a)
hereof.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as applied as of the
Effective Date, as referred to in paragraphs 10 and 11 of the American Institute
of Certified Public Accountants Statement on Auditing Standards No. 69.
"Insolvency" of either party means that such party is generally not paying
its debts as they become due, or admits in writing its inability to pay its
debts generally, or makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or
institutes any proceeding or voluntary case seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt
or insolvent or seeking liquidation, winding up, reorganization, arrangement,
adjustment, protection, relief or composition of it or its debts under any law
relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief or protection of
debtors, or seeks the entry of any order for relief or the appointment of a
receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for any
substantial part of its property; or such party takes any action to authorize
any of the actions described above in this definition, or any proceeding is
instituted against such party seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent
or seeking liquidation, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment,
protection, relief or composition of it or its debts under any law relating to
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief or protection of debtors, or
seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver,
trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for any substantial part
of its property, and, as to any such proceeding, if being contested by such
party in good faith, such proceedings remain undismissed or unstayed for a
period of sixty (60) days.
"Laws" shall mean, with such U.S. or State statutes, regulations, rules,
ordinances, or other laws that may be applicable to the Joint Venture or its
activities.
"Material Breach" shall mean a breach of this Agreement, which, as
determined by the Arbitrators pursuant to this Agreement: (i) is material; (ii)
has not been cured within ninety (90) days after written notice thereof has been
provided to the breaching party in accordance with Section 11.8 hereof; and
(iii) is not remediable either by the payment of damages by such party to the
other party or by a decree of specific performance issued against such party.
"Person" means an individual, partnership, limited liability company, joint
venture, association, corporation, trust, or any other legal entity.
SECTION 1.2. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION AND INTERPRETATION.
(a) Section References. When a reference is made in this Agreement to an
Article, Section, Paragraph, Exhibit or Schedule such reference shall be to an
Article, Section or Paragraph of, or an Exhibit or Schedule to, this Agreement
unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise indicated, the words "herein,"
"hereof," "hereunder" and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement
as a whole, and not to any particular Article, Section, Paragraph or clause in
this Agreement.
(b) Construction. Unless the context of this Agreement clearly requires
otherwise: (i) references to the plural include the singular and vice versa,
(ii) "including" is not limiting and (iii) "or" has the inclusive meaning
represented by the phrase "and/or."
(c) Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference
purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement.
(d) No Interpretation against Author. For purposes of contract
interpretation the parties to this Agreement agree they are joint authors and
draftspersons of this Agreement.
(e) Conflicts with related Documents. The parties contemplate that various
forms, including forms for submitting purchase orders, acceptance of orders,
shipping and transportation, will be used in carrying out this Agreement. In the
event of conflict between any such forms or other documents of like import and
this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall be controlling.
ARTICLE 2 - JOINT VENTURE AND CO-MARKETING AGREEMENT
SECTION 2.1. ESTABLISHMENT OF JOINT VENTURE
Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, ADA-ES and Arch Coal hereby
agree to form a Joint Venture (the "Joint Venture") to co-market ADA 249 to such
Customers as the parties may mutually agree from time to time including, without
limitation, all current Customers of ADA-ES including those set forth on
Schedule 1. It is understood and agreed that ADA-ES may market ADA 249 to other
customers with Arch Coal's prior written consent, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld.
SECTION 2.2. GRANT OF LICENSE
For the consideration set forth herein, ADA-ES hereby grants to the Joint
Venture and to Arch Coal and its Affiliates, for the term of this Agreement and
for the term of any Customer Contracts, if longer, a non-exclusive and
non-transferable license to use ADA 249 in connection with the Joint Venture's
activities.
SECTION 2.3. COMPENSATION
(a) As compensation for its services hereunder, ADA-ES shall be entitled to
receive the payments for the ADA 249 supplied by it as set forth in Section
2.4(a). It is understood and agreed that, other than expense reimbursements
which may be provided for herein, ADA-ES shall not be entitled to receive any
other compensation in connection with the Joint Venture.
(b) As compensation for its services hereunder, Arch Coal shall be entitled
to retain the remaining net profits, if any, of the Joint Venture.
SECTION 2.4. ADA-ES'S OBLIGATIONS
(a) ADA-ES will sell the required quantities of ADA 249 to the Joint
Venture at a cost equivalent to $70 per ton of product, f.o.b. Customer's site
(except for quantities shipped in connection with the Kansas City Board of
Public Utilities which will be supplied by ADA-ES at a cost equivalent of $50
per ton of product), subject to reasonable increase for new Customer Contracts
during the term of this Agreement for cost increases experienced by ADA-ES and
established to Arch Coal's reasonable satisfaction. ADA-ES will arrange for all
transportation. Upon the request of Arch Coal, ADA-ES will demonstrate to Arch
Coal's reasonable satisfaction that ADA-ES has contracted for supplies of ADA
249 in sufficient quantity to fill all outstanding and contemplated Customer
Contracts.
(b) ADA-ES will designate equipment and provide the Joint Venture technical
services necessary and appropriate for ADA 249 to be utilized by the Customers,
including, without limitation, any maintenance requirements (it being agreed and
understood that ADA-ES will be primarily responsible for all technical aspects
of the Joint Venture's activities). In exchange for these services, ADA-ES will
receive its standard rates, which will be approved by Arch Coal in advance. Any
revisions to the standard rates shall be commensurate with cost increases
experienced by ADA-ES and established to Arch Coal's reasonable satisfaction.
(c) ADA-ES will bear its own costs and expenses related to the Co-Marketing
Efforts.
(d) ADA-ES will not incur any other costs or expenses on behalf of the
Joint Venture without the prior written consent of Arch Coal.
SECTION 2.5. ARCH COAL'S OBLIGATIONS
(a) Arch Coal will incur the capital expenditures necessary to construct
the systems required for ADA 249 to be used by the Customers.
(b) Arch Coal will be primarily responsible for the Co-Marketing Efforts of
the Joint Venture.
(c) Except as may otherwise be provided in this Agreement, Arch Coal will
fund all other costs and expenses related to the Joint Venture.
(d) Except as may otherwise be provided in this Agreement, Arch Coal shall
perform the sales management and other general administrative services of the
Joint Venture.
SECTION 2.6 JOINT OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES
(a) The parties shall jointly, at the commencement of this Agreement and
prior to each anniversary thereof, develop an Annual Business Plan. The Annual
Business Plan will contain the following for the next twelve-month period:
(i) a general marketing plan including, without limitation, the terms
on which ADA 249 will be marketed to Customers;
(ii) an estimate of the expenses to be absorbed by each party in
connection with the Joint Venture;
(iii) a list of the employees of each party who will devote time to
the Joint Venture, a good-faith estimate of the time to be
devoted and general performance standards; and
(iv) a Budget, which details the estimated revenues and expenses of
the Joint Venture.
(b) The parties shall jointly perform such other actions, consistent with
this Agreement, that may be necessary to implement the Annual Business Plan.
SECTION 2.7 LIMITATIONS ON ARCH COAL. Notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement to the contrary, Arch Coal shall not, without the written consent of
ADA-ES take (or initiate) any of the following actions:
(a) Possess or use any property of ADA-ES, except to the extent necessary
for Arch Coal to perform its duties and obligations hereunder; or
(b) Hold itself out as authorized to make on behalf of ADA-ES any oral or
written warranty or representation regarding ADA 249 other than what is stated
in written material furnished to Arch Coal by ADA-ES.
ARTICLE 3 - ACCOUNTING AND CASH FLOW FOR THE JOINT VENTURE
SECTION 3.1. ORDERING, INVOICING AND CASH FLOW CYCLE.
(a) Ordering and Invoicing. ADA-ES will, on behalf of the Joint Venture, be
responsible for all order taking, order processing and invoicing for Customer
Contracts for all Customers who purchase ADA-249 directly (i.e. not included in
the price of the coal purchased). Such Customers shall be directed, as per the
invoices, to remit directly the invoiced amounts for ADA 249 to the Joint
Venture Bank Account.
(b) Joint Venture Bank Accounts. The parties shall establish a bank account
(the "Joint Venture Bank Account") to serve as the bank account dedicated solely
to the Joint Venture for receipt of all Customer payments and for the making of
any and all payments incurred in connection with the Joint Venture either as
direct expenses of the Joint Venture or as reimbursements to either party for
services rendered or out of pocket costs related to the Joint Venture. ADA-ES
shall grant Arch Coal or its nominee the authority to manage the Joint Venture
Bank Account on ADA-ES's behalf, and more generally take any and all actions
requested for the payment of all the Joint Venture's expenses in compliance with
the terms of this Agreement.
(c) Customer Remittances. Customers shall be directed, as per the invoices,
to remit directly the invoiced amounts to the Joint Venture Bank Account.
(d) Payments to ADA-ES. Arch Coal will, on or before the tenth day of each
calendar month, remit to ADA-ES all amounts payable to it for the previous
month's activity as provided herein.
SECTION 3.2. EXPENSES AND ALLOCATION RULES
(a) Expenses. Each and every expense, either as a direct expense or an
allocated one, shall only be charged to the Joint Venture if such expense is
part of a category of expenses specifically authorized by the terms of the
Annual Business Plan and within the aggregate amount prescribed in the Annual
Business Plan for such category of expense ("Budget") ("Approved Expense"). Any
expense which shall exceed its prescribed Budget shall solely be the
responsibility of the party incurring it unless such expense has been approved
by the parties prior to its incurrence.
(b) Direct vs. Allocated. Each party shall have the right to verify whether
any particular expense is an Approved Expense by sending a written inquiry to
that effect to the other party. The party incurring an expense shall endeavor to
promptly provide upon request of the other party the appropriate documentary
evidence supporting such expense. Upon failure by the said party to provide the
appropriate documentary evidence, the inquiring party shall have the right to
send a written notice of dispute to the other party and the parties shall
resolve such dispute in the manner set forth in Section 3.3 hereof. Upon
determination by such Independent Accountant (as defined below) that the expense
was not approved, such expense shall be deducted from the Joint Venture Expenses
and the party having incurred such expense shall either promptly reimburse it to
the Joint Venture Bank Account, or shall withdraw its request for reimbursement
if not reimbursed yet.
(c) Classification of Expenses. Expenses shall be classified into (i)
direct expenses of the Joint Venture payable to vendors, which shall be
submitted directly to Arch Coal for payment out of the Joint Venture Bank
Account or (ii) as Allocated Expenses which shall be submitted by either party
for reimbursement out of the Joint Venture Bank Account. Payment of any direct
expenses incurred by either party on behalf of the Joint Venture shall be made
as they become due in accordance with the applicable commercial terms agreed
upon with each vendor.
SECTION 3.3. RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES ARISING UNDER ARTICLE 3. Unless
otherwise agreed by the parties, each party shall have the right, within forty
(40) days of receipt of the quarterly or annual financial statements to send a
written notice of dispute to the other party. Upon receipt of such notices of
dispute, the parties shall undertake the following steps:
(a) First, for a period of fifteen (15) days, the parties shall negotiate
in good faith for the purposes of attempting to mutually agree upon the item in
dispute;
(b) Second, if parties are unable to mutually agree upon the item in
dispute, then within seven (7) business days following the expiration of such
fifteen (15) day period, the parties shall agree in writing upon the selection
of a nationally recognized independent accounting firm (the "Independent
Accountant") to resolve the dispute. If the parties cannot agree upon such
Independent Accountant within such time frame, then the Independent Accountant
shall thereupon be selected by the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"),
with preference being given by the AAA in making such selection to any one of
the "Big Five" accounting firms (except for any firm which performs accounting
services for either party) willing to perform the services required hereunder.
The Independent Accountant shall be instructed to act within thirty (30) days to
resolve the dispute, and its decisions with respect to the dispute shall be
final and binding upon the parties. The fees and expenses of the Independent
Accountant with respect to the settlement of the dispute shall be borne equally
by the parties.
ARTICLE 4 - JOINT VENTURE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE
SECTION 4.1. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
(a) Appointment. Arch Coal and ADA-ES shall each appoint as of the date of
each agreement and on each of its anniversaries three (3) and two (2),
respectively, management-level employees to a Management Committee ("Management
Committee") provided, however, any vacancy shall be filled in such a manner that
the parties shall maintain their respective proportionate representation on the
Management Committee and that upon failure by either party to appoint said
employees by such time, the employees previously appointed by such party shall
be deemed appointed for another Calendar year.
(b) Meetings, Quorum and Voting Requirements.
(1) Meetings. The Management Committee shall meet at least once a year for
purposes of approving the Annual Business Plan no later than June 1 of every
calendar year. Any member of the Management Committee shall have the right to
call a special meeting of the Management Committee provided a prior written
notice of at least fifteen (15) days shall be given to each member together with
an agenda for such meeting.
(2) Quorum and Voting Requirements. The quorum for any meeting of the
Management Committee shall require the participation of all five (5) members
except that any member shall be deemed present when participating via phone or
video conference and that any member may designate an alternate. Any decisions
by the Management Committee may be taken by the affirmative vote of a majority
of the members of the Management Committee. For every meeting of the Management
Committee, minutes shall be kept of all actions and circulated for approval to
all members.
(c) Authority. The Management Committee shall:
(i) approve all Annual Business Plans, and any significant deviations
therefrom not previously approved;
(ii) approve any and all strategic plans;
(iii) review reports submitted by members for the purposes of
monitoring the achievements of the Joint Venture;
(iv) monitor and redirect, if need be, the performance of the Joint
Venture;
(v) approve any decisions relating to Assigned Employees;
(vi) resolve any disagreements occurring between Assigned Employees;
and
(vii) decide any other matter mutually agreed upon by ADA-ES and Arch
Coal.
SECTION 4.2. ASSIGNED EMPLOYEES
(a) Role and Reporting. The daily activities of Joint Venture shall be
managed, on behalf of the parties, by employees assigned by each party
("Assigned Employees"). The number of said Assigned Employees may vary from time
to time upon mutual agreement. The parties may, from time to time substitute
individuals to serve as the Assigned Employees, by providing prior written
notice thereof to the other parties. The Assigned Employees shall serve under
the guidance and supervision of the members of the Management Committee.
Each party shall remain the employer of their Assigned Employees for all
purposes of any and all liability and health insurance, employee benefit plans,
and workers compensation coverage, and shall be responsible for all compensation
and other benefits.
(b) Duties. The Assigned Employees shall be responsible for:
(i) taking any and all necessary actions to implement the approved
Annual Business Plan and strategic plans, as may be amended from
time to time;
(ii) managing the day-to-day business of the Joint Venture;
(iii) developing and submitting all strategic and Annual Business
Plans;
(iv) communicating, in writing or via meetings, on a regular basis,
with the Management Committee; and
(v) promptly notifying the Management Committee of any potential
significant deviation to the Annual Business Plan.
ARTICLE 5 - ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF ADA-ES
SECTION 5.1. ADDITIONAL ADA-ES'S OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS. ADA-ES shall be
solely responsible for the following functions:
(a) Research and Development. Except as defined in the Annual Business
Plan, ADA-ES shall, in its sole discretion, continue to research and develop
improvements to ADA-249; and
(b) Regulatory Compliance. ADA-ES shall be responsible for ensuring that
ADA 249 complies with all United State Environmental Protection Laws and other
applicable federal Laws and the Laws of each state in which ADA 249 is utilized,
including, without limitation, obtaining and maintaining all governmental
registrations, registration applications, temporary registrations, experimental
use permits, applications and emergency use exemptions.
ARTICLE 6 - ADDITIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES
SECTION 6.1. COOPERATION. Arch Coal and ADA-ES shall cooperate with each
other so as to facilitate the objectives set forth in this Agreement and shall
act in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner in performing their
respective duties hereunder.
SECTION 6.2. INSURANCE. Except as provided in the next sentence, Arch Coal
shall, during the term of this Agreement, maintain insurance, standard in the
industry, against the risk of loss or damages as a result of the Joint Venture's
activities. ADA-ES shall, during the term of this Agreement, maintain insurance,
standard in the industry, against the risk of loss or damages as a result of the
transportation, use or storage of ADA 249. Arch Coal, its subsidiaries and
affiliates and their respective agents, directors, officers and employees, shall
be included as additional insured on all of ADA-ES's insurance policies. This
endorsement shall be indicated on the Certificate(s) of Insurance provided to
Arch Coal.
SECTION 6.3. LIENS. Except as may otherwise be agreed to by the parties,
which agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld in the case of arrangements
with existing or future institutional lenders, each party agrees not to allow
any liens or encumbrances of any nature to attach to the assets of the Joint
Venture.
SECTION 6.4. PROMOTING SAFE USE-PRACTICES. ADA-ES shall use commercially
reasonable methods to inform and familiarize its employees, Arch Coal,
Customers, contractors (including transporters) and others who may handle or use
ADA 249 of any potential hazards pertaining thereto.
SECTION 6.5. CONFIDENTIALITY. Except as necessary for its performance under
this Agreement, except as may be required by the federal securities laws or
other applicable laws, neither party shall at any time or in any manner, either
directly or indirectly, and neither party shall permit its employees to use,
divulge, disclose or communicate to any person or entity any "confidential
information" of the other party. For purposes of this Section 6.5, "confidential
information" includes any information of any kind, nature, or description that
is proprietary, treated as confidential by, owned by, used by, or concerning any
matters affecting or relating to the business of a party or the subject matter
of this Agreement, including but not limited to, the names, business patterns
and practices of any of its customers, its marketing methods and related data,
the names of any of its vendors and suppliers, the prices it obtains or has
obtained or at which it sells or has sold products or services, lists, other
written records, and information relating to its manner of operation.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, "confidential information" shall not include any
information which (i) is or becomes public knowledge through no fault or
wrongful act of the party disclosing such information or its employees, (ii) was
known by such party prior to any agency or distributor relationship with the
other party or any predecessor, or (iii) is received from a third party who is
not known to be obligated to keep such information confidential. All
"confidential information" in any form (electronic or otherwise) shall be and
remain the sole property of the party possessing such information and shall be
returned to such party upon the termination of this Agreement upon such party's
reasonable request. In addition to the foregoing, the provisions of the attached
Confidential Disclosure Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 6.6. INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY. ADA-ES represents and warrants that
ADA-ES is the owner of the patents pending, proprietary know-how, trademarks,
trade names and designs used in the sale of ADA 249 (hereinafter referred to as
"Industrial Property"). ADA-ES represents and warrants that the use of the
Industrial Property in the conduct of the Joint Venture will not infringe or
otherwise conflict with any patents, trademarks, registrations, or other
intellectual property or proprietary rights of others. To the knowledge of
ADA-ES, none of the Industrial Property is currently being infringed upon.
SECTION 6.7. ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY. ADA-ES shall be responsible for all
environmental liability incurred by ADA-ES, Arch Coal or the Joint Venture as a
result of the use of ADA 249. Arch Coal shall be responsible for all
environmental liability incurred by ADA-ES, Arch Coal or the Joint Venture as a
result of the use of coal from Arch Coal.
SECTION 6.8. RECORDS RETENTION. Arch Coal and ADA-ES shall each maintain
true and complete records in connection with this Agreement and shall retain all
such records for at least forty-eight (48) months following the termination or
expiration of this Agreement. This obligation shall survive the termination or
expiration of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 7 - REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, AND COVENANTS
SECTION 7.1. ARCH COAL'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Arch Coal hereby
represents and warrants that all of the following are true:
(a) Arch Coal is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of Delaware and has all requisite corporate power
and authority to carry on and conduct its business as it is now being conducted,
to own or lease its assets and properties and is duly qualified and in good
standing in every jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or ownership
of its assets requires it to be so qualified.
(b)(i) Arch Coal has the full authority and legal right to carry out the
terms of this Agreement; (ii) the terms of this Agreement will not violate the
terms of any other material agreement, contract or other instrument to which it
is a party, and no consent or authorization of any other person, firm, or
corporation is a condition precedent to Arch Coal's execution of this Agreement;
(iii) it has taken all action necessary to authorize the execution and delivery
of this Agreement; and (iv) this Agreement is a legal, valid, and binding
obligation of Arch Coal, enforceable in accordance with its terms.
(c) Arch Coal is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable
Laws relating to its business.
(d) There is no material suit, investigation, action or other proceeding
pending or threatened before any court, arbitration tribunal, or judicial,
governmental or administrative agency, against Arch Coal which would have a
material adverse effect on the ability of Arch Coal to perform its obligations
hereunder or which seeks to prevent the consummation of the transactions
contemplated herein.
SECTION 7.2. ADA-ES'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. ADA-ES hereby
represents and warrants that all of the following are true:
(a) ADA-ES is a limited liability corporation duly incorporated, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of Colorado and has all requisite
corporate power and authority to carry on and conduct its business as it is now
being conducted, to own or lease its assets and properties and is duly qualified
and in good standing in every jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business
or ownership of its assets requires it to be so qualified.
(b)(i) ADA-ES has the full authority and legal right to carryout the terms
of this Agreement; (ii) the terms of this Agreement will not violate the terms
of any other material agreement, contract or other instrument to which it is a
party, and no consent or authorization of any other person, firm, or corporation
is a condition precedent to this Agreement; (iii) it has taken all action
necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement; and (iv)
this Agreement is a legal, valid, and binding obligation of ADA-ES, enforceable
in accordance with its terms.
(c) ADA-ES is in compliance, in all material respects, with all applicable
Laws relating to its business.
(d) There is no material suit, investigation, action or other proceeding
pending or threatened before any court, arbitration tribunal, or judicial,
governmental or administrative agency, against ADA-ES which would have a
material adverse effect on the ability of ADA-ES to perform its obligations
hereunder or which seeks to prevent the consummation of the transactions
contemplated herein.
ARTICLE 8 - INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 8.1. INDEMNIFICATION AND CLAIMS PROCEDURE.
(a) Indemnification. Each party hereto agrees to indemnify, defend and hold
harmless the other party and its employees, officers, directors and assigns from
and against any and all loss (including reasonable attorneys' fees), damage,
injury or liability and asserted by or on behalf of a third party for injury to
or death of a person, for loss of or damage to property, including employees and
property of the indemnified party ("Loss"), to the extent resulting directly or
indirectly from the indemnifying party's (i) breach of a duty, representation,
or obligation of this Agreement, or (ii) negligence or willful misconduct in the
performance of its obligations under this Agreement, except to the extent that
such indemnification is void or otherwise unenforceable under applicable law in
effect on or validly retroactive to the date of this Agreement.
(b) Claims Procedure. Promptly after receipt by either party hereto (the
"Indemnitee") of any notice of any demand, claim or circumstances which, with
the lapse of time, would or might give rise to a claim or the commencement (or
threatened commencement) of any action, proceeding or investigation (an
"Asserted Liability") that may result in a Loss, the Indemnitee shall give
notice thereof (the "Claims Notice") to the party obligated to provide
indemnification pursuant to Section 8.1(a). The Claims Notice shall describe the
Asserted Liability in reasonable detail, and shall indicate the amount
(estimated, if necessary to the extent feasible) of the Loss that has been or
may be suffered by the Indemnitee. Thereafter, the following procedures shall
apply:
(1) The indemnifying party may elect to compromise or defend, at its own
expense by its own counsel, any Asserted Liability;
(2) If the indemnifying party elects to compromise or defend such Asserted
Liability, it shall within thirty (30) days (or sooner if the nature of the
Asserted Liability so requires) notify the Indemnitee of its intent to do
so, and the Indemnitee shall cooperate, at the expense of the indemnifying
party, in the compromise of, or defense against, such Asserted Liability,
and shall make available to the indemnifying party any books, records or
other documents within its control that are necessary or appropriate for
such defense;
(3) If the indemnifying party has elected to defend the Asserted Liability,
any offer to compromise or settle transmitted to the indemnifying party
shall thereafter be transmitted in writing to the Indemnitee. If, after a
reasonable period of time to consider such offer -- which time shall be
deemed to be ten (10) days from the date of transmittal of such offer using
the notice procedures set forth in Section 11.8, unless the circumstances
otherwise require -- the Indemnitee refuses to give consent to the
settlement or compromise of the Asserted Liability, then the liability of
the indemnifying party with respect to such Asserted Liability shall be
thereafter limited to the amount of the offer of settlement or compromise.
This cap on liability shall not be applicable if the Indemnifying Party
does not elect to defend Indemnitee against the Asserted Liability;
(4) Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the indemnifying party nor the
Indemnitee may settle or compromise any claim over the objection of the
other, provided however, that consent to settlement or compromise shall not
be unreasonably withheld;
(5) If the indemnifying party elects not to compromise or defend the
Asserted Liability, fails to notify the Indemnitee of its election as
herein provided, or contests its obligation to indemnify under this
Agreement, the Indemnitee may pay, compromise or defend such Asserted
Liability, with a reservation of all rights to seek indemnification
hereunder against the indemnifying party; and
(6) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnitee and the indemnifying
party may participate, in all instances, and at their own expense, in the
defense of any Asserted Liability.
ARTICLE 9 - TERM, TERMINATION, AND FORCE MAJEURE
SECTION 9.1. TERM. This Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date
and shall continue unless and until terminated as provided herein.
SECTION 9.2. TERMINATION
(a) Termination Rights. Each party shall have the right to terminate this
Agreement by giving the other party a termination notice specified for each
termination event upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default. An
Event of Default for either party shall mean any of the following occurrences:
(1) a Material Breach of this Agreement committed by such party and
established in accordance with the provisions of Section 9.2(b) of this
Agreement;
(2) a material fraud committed by such party and established in accordance
with the provisions of Section 9.2(b) of this Agreement;
(3) material willful misconduct committed by such party and established in
accordance with the provisions of Section 9.2(b) of this Agreement; or
(4) the Insolvency of such party; or
(5) except to the extent permitted herein, (i) the assignment of all, or
substantially all, of such party's rights, or (ii) the delegation of all, or
substantially all, of such party's obligations hereunder, in either instance
without the prior written consent of the other party.
Such termination shall take effect on the later of the first business day
following the thirtieth (30th) day after the sending of a termination notice to
the breaching party in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.8, or, in
the case of (4) or (5) above, the date designated in said termination notice.
(b) Arbitration. In the event either party claims that a Material Breach, a
material fraud, or material willful misconduct has been committed by the other
party (the "Breaching Party"), the following procedures shall apply:
(1) After the asserted occurrence of a Material Breach, a material fraud,
or material willful misconduct, the party who contends that such breach, fraud
or misconduct has occurred (the "Claimant") shall send to the Breaching Party a
notice, in accordance with the notice provisions of Section 11.8 of this
Agreement, in which the Claimant shall: (i) identify the Material Breach,
material fraud, or material willful misconduct which it contends has occurred;
(ii) appoint an arbitrator; and (iii) demand that the Breaching Party appoint an
arbitrator.
(2) Within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the notice, the Breaching
Party shall send a response to the Claimant, in accordance with the notice
provisions of Section 11.8 of this Agreement, in which the Breaching Party
shall: (i) indicate whether it contests the asserted occurrence of the Material
Breach, material fraud, or material willful misconduct, as the case may be; and
(ii) if it does contest such asserted occurrence, appoint a second arbitrator.
The failure on the part of the Breaching Party to timely respond to the notice,
and/or to timely appoint its arbitrator, shall be deemed to constitute
acceptance of the arbitrator designated by the Claimant as the sole arbitrator.
(3) If the Breaching Party appoints an arbitrator, then within fifteen (15)
days after the receipt of the Breaching Party's response by the Claimant, the
two arbitrators shall jointly appoint a third arbitrator. If the arbitrators
selected by the parties are unable or fail to agree upon the third arbitrator,
the third arbitrator shall be selected by the American Arbitration Association.
Upon their selection by either means, the three arbitrators (the "Arbitrators")
shall expeditiously proceed to determine whether a Material Breach, material
default or material willful misconduct has occurred, in accordance with the
procedures hereafter set forth.
(4) Except as specifically modified herein, the arbitration proceeding
contemplated by this section (the "Arbitration") shall be conducted in
accordance with Title 9 of the US Code (United States Arbitration Act) and the
Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and
judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court
having jurisdiction thereof. The cost of the Arbitration shall be borne equally
by the parties, with the understanding that the Arbitrators may reimburse the
prevailing party, if any, as determined by the Arbitrators for that party's cost
of the Arbitration in connection with the award made by the Arbitrators as
described below.
(5) The award shall be made within three (3) months after the appointment
of the third Arbitrator, and each of the Arbitrators shall agree to comply with
this schedule before accepting appointment. However, this time limit may be
extended by agreement of the parties or by the Arbitrators, if necessary.
(6) Consistent with the expedited nature of arbitration, each party will,
upon the written request of the other party, promptly provide the other with
copies of documents relevant to the issues raised by the notice or the response,
including those documents on which the producing party may rely in support of or
in opposition to any claim or defense. Any dispute regarding discovery, or the
relevance or scope thereof, shall be determined by the Arbitrators, which
determination shall be conclusive. All discovery shall be completed within 60
days following the appointment of the third Arbitrator.
(7) At the request of a party, the Arbitrators shall have the discretion to
order examination by deposition of witnesses to the extent the Arbitrators deem
such additional discovery relevant and appropriate. Depositions shall be held
within 30 days of the making of a request, and shall be limited to a maximum of
number of hours' duration as may be mutually agreed to by the parties, or in the
absence of such agreement as may be determined by the Arbitrators. All
objections are reserved for the arbitration hearing, except for objections based
on privilege and proprietary or confidential information.
(8) Either party may apply to the Arbitrators seeking injunctive relief
until the arbitration award is rendered or the controversy is otherwise
resolved. Either party also may, without waiving any remedy under this
Agreement, seek from any court having jurisdiction any interim or provisional
relief that is necessary to protect the rights or property of that party,
pending the establishment of the arbitral tribunal (or pending the arbitral
tribunal's determination of the merits of the controversy).
(9) The scope of the Arbitration shall include the following:
(a) a determination as to whether the act(s) or omission(s) set forth
by the Claimant have occurred;
(b) a determination as to whether those act(s) or omissions(s)
determined to have occurred constitute a breach of this
Agreement, fraudulent conduct in connection with this Agreement,
or willful misconduct in connection with this Agreement, as the
case may be;
(c) a determination as to whether those act(s) or omissions(s)
determined to have occurred constitute a Material Breach, a
Material Fraud, or Material Willful Misconduct, as the case may
be;
(d) a determination as to the amount of monetary damages, if any,
suffered by the Claimant, as a result of those act(s) or
omissions(s) determined to have occurred which constitute a
breach of this Agreement, fraudulent conduct in connection with
this Agreement, or willful misconduct in connection with this
Agreement, as the case may be, regardless of whether such act(s)
or omission(s) rise to the level of Material Breach, Material
Fraud, or Material Willful Misconduct, as the case may be;
(e) a determination, to the extent applicable, of the specific
performance which could and should be decreed to correct any
breach, fraud or material misconduct which the Arbitrators
determine can be cured by the issuance of such decree;
(f) a determination as to which party, if any, is the prevailing
party in the Arbitration, and the amount of such party's costs
and fees. "Costs and fees" means all reasonable pre-award
expenses of the arbitration, including the arbitrators' fees,
administrative fees, travel expenses, out-of-pocket expenses such
as copying and telephone, court costs, witness fees, and
attorneys' fees; and
(g) a determination as to such matters as the Arbitrators deem
necessary and appropriate to carry out their duties in connection
with the Arbitration.
(10) The Arbitrators' award shall be in writing, shall be signed by a
majority of the Arbitrators, and shall include a statement regarding the reasons
for the disposition of any claim.
(11) The Arbitrators' award shall, as applicable, include the following:
(a) to the extent that the Arbitrators determine that the Claimant
has suffered monetary damages as a result of those act(s) or
omissions(s) determined to have occurred which constitute a
breach of this Agreement, fraudulent conduct in connection with
this Agreement, or willful misconduct in connection with this
Agreement, as the case may be, a monetary award in the amount of
those damages;
(b) to the extent that the Arbitrators determine that the harm
resulting from those act(s) or omissions(s) determined to have
occurred can be cured, in whole or in part by a decree of
specific performance, such a decree of specific performance
implementing such determination as can be submitted to and made
the order of a Court of competent jurisdiction;
(c) to the extent that the Arbitrators determine that those act(s) or
omissions(s) determined to have occurred constitute a Material
Breach, a Material Fraud, or Material Willful Misconduct, as the
case may be, an award authorizing the Claimant to immediately
terminate this Agreement, together with damages or specific
performance, if determined by the Arbitrators to be appropriate;
(d) to the extent that the Arbitrators determine that there is a
prevailing party, and that said prevailing party should receive
an award of its Costs and Fees, such award to the prevailing
party; and
(e) such other matters as the Arbitrators deem necessary and
appropriate to implement their determinations made in the
Arbitration.
(12) The written determination of the Arbitrators shall be made and
delivered promptly to the parties to the Arbitration and shall be final and
conclusive upon the parties to the Arbitration.
(13) Except as may be required by law, neither a party nor an Arbitrator
may disclose the existence, content, or results of any Arbitration hereunder
without the prior written consent of both parties.
SECTION 9.3. OTHER EVENTS OF TERMINATION
The parties may mutually terminate this Agreement at any time. Either party
may terminate this Agreement with sixty (60) days prior written notice to the
other party in the event the parties do not approve an Annual Business Plan
within sixty (60) days of the due date of such Plan.
SECTION 9.4. EFFECT OF TERMINATION.
(a) Prior Obligations and Customers. Termination shall not affect
obligations of the Joint Venture, ADA-ES or Arch Coal under Customer Contracts
(which may be extended or renewed pursuant to the terms thereof) or which have
arisen prior to the effective date of termination.
(b) Return of Books, Records, and other Property. To the extent not
otherwise provided herein, upon termination of this Agreement, Arch Coal shall
immediately deliver to ADA-ES all records, books, and other property of ADA-ES.
(c) Equipment Ownership. Upon termination of this Agreement, ownership of
all equipment shall be transferred to Arch Coal.
(d) Remaining Funds. After all financial obligations of the Joint Venture
have been met, the funds remaining after termination of this Agreement, if any,
shall be the property of Arch Coal.
SECTION 9.5. FORCE MAJEURE.
If either party is prevented or delayed in the performance of any of its
obligations by force majeure and if such party gives written notice thereof to
the other party within twenty (20) days of the first day of such event
specifying the matters constituting force majeure, together with such evidence
as it reasonably can give, then the party so prevented or delayed will be
excused from the performance or punctual performance, as the case may be, as
from the date of such notice for so long as such cause of prevention or delay
continues. For the purpose of this Agreement, the term "force majeure" will be
deemed to include an act of God, war, hostilities, riot, fire, explosion,
accident, flood or sabotage; lack of adequate fuel, power, raw materials,
containers or transportation for reasons beyond such party's reasonable control;
labor trouble, strike, lockout or injunction (provided that neither party shall
be required to settle a labor dispute against its own best judgment); compliance
with governmental laws, regulations, or orders; breakage or failure of machinery
or apparatus; or any other cause whether or not of the class or kind enumerated
above, including, but not limited to, a severe economic decline or recession,
which prevents or materially delays the performance of this Agreement in any
material respect arising from or attributable to acts, events, non-happenings,
omissions, or accidents beyond the reasonable control of the party affected.
ARTICLE 10 - (This Article intentionally left blank)
ARTICLE 11 - MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 11.1. RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES. Notwithstanding anything herein
to the contrary, the parties' status with respect to each other shall be, at all
times during the term of this Agreement, that of independent contractors
retaining complete control over and complete responsibility for their respective
operations and employees. Except as expressly provided herein, this Agreement
shall not confer, nor shall be construed to confer, on either party any right,
power or authority (express or implied) to act or make representations for, or
on behalf of, or to assume or create any obligation on behalf of, or in the name
of the other party. Nothing in this Agreement shall confer, or shall be
construed to make either party a partner, member or affiliate of the other party
(A) for purposes of the tax laws of the United States or any other country, or
(B) for any other purposes under any other Laws; or (iii) create a franchise
relationship between the parties. The parties expressly agree that at no time
during the term of this Agreement, shall either party through its officers,
directors, agents, employees, independent contractors or other representatives
or through their respective representatives on the Management Committee take any
action inconsistent with the foregoing expression of the nature of their
relationship, except as required pursuant to applicable governmental authority
under applicable Law or with the express written consent of the other party.
Accordingly, the parties expressly agree to cooperate and communicate with the
Management Committee from time to time and in all events, annually, to ensure
that both parties' actions are in compliance with this Section 11.1
SECTION 11.2. INTERPRETATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH GAAP. The parties
acknowledge that several terms and concepts (such as various financial and
accounting terms and concepts) used or referred to herein are intended to have
specific meanings and are intended to be applied in specific ways, but they are
not so expressly and fully defined and explained in this Agreement. In order to
supplement definitions and other provisions contained in this Agreement and to
provide a means for interpreting undefined terms and applying certain concepts,
the parties agree that, except as expressly provided herein, when costs are to
be determined or other financial calculations are to be made, GAAP as well as
the party's past accounting practices shall be used to interpret and determine
such terms and to apply such concepts. For example, when actual costs and
expenses are referred to herein, they are not intended to contain any margin or
profit for the party incurring such costs or expenses.
SECTION 11.3. ADA-ES OBLIGATIONS. All permits, licenses, and registrations
needed for the sale of ADA 249 shall be obtained by ADA-ES.
SECTION 11.4. EXPENSES. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this
Agreement, Arch Coal and ADA-ES will each pay all costs and expenses incurred by
each of them, or on their behalf respectively, in connection with this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby, including fees and expenses of their
own financial consultants, accountants and counsel.
SECTION 11.5. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, together with all
respective exhibits and schedules hereto, constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all representations, warranties, understandings, terms or conditions
on such subjects that are not set forth herein or therein. Agreements on other
subjects, such as security and other credit agreements or arrangements, shall
remain in effect according to their terms. The parties recognize that, from time
to time, purchase orders, bills of lading, delivery instructions, invoices and
similar documentation will be transmitted by each party to the other to
facilitate the implementation of this Agreement. Any terms and conditions
contained in any of those documents which are inconsistent with the terms of
this Agreement shall be null, void and not enforceable. This Agreement is for
the benefit of the parties hereto and is not intended to confer upon any other
person any rights or remedies hereunder. The provisions of this Agreement shall
apply to each division or subsidiary of Arch Coal and ADA-ES and either Arch
Coal or ADA-ES may seek enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement on
behalf of or with respect to a particular subsidiary or division without
changing the rights and obligations of the parties under this Agreement as to
other aspects of Arch Coal's or ADA-ES's business.
SECTION 11.6. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER. No conditions, usage of trade,
course of dealing or performance, understanding or agreement purporting to
modify, vary, explain or supplement the terms or conditions of the Agreement and
no amendment to or modification of this Agreement, and no waiver of any
provision hereof, shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by each
party hereto. No waiver by either ADA-ES or Arch Coal with respect to any
default or breach or of any right or remedy, and no course of dealing shall be
deemed to constitute a continuing waiver of any other breach or default or of
any other right or remedy, unless such waiver be expressed in writing signed by
the party to be bound.
SECTION 11.7. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement is personal to the parties and
neither party shall assign any right or delegate any duty that it has or may
have under this Agreement, either voluntarily, involuntarily by operation of law
or otherwise by sale, assignment, transfer, delegation or other arrangement
having similar effect, without the other party's prior written consent except as
specifically provided herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may
assign their rights and obligations under this Agreement to their Affiliates.
SECTION 11.8. NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder shall
be in writing and shall be deemed given on the same business day if delivered
personally or sent by telefax with confirmation of receipt, on the next business
day if sent by overnight courier, or on the earlier of actual receipt as shown
on the registered receipt or five business days after mailing if mailed by
registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) to the parties at the
addresses set forth below (or at such other address for a party as shall be
specified by like notice):
If to Arch Coal, to: Arch Coal Sales Company CityPlace Xxx
Xxxxx 000
Xx. Xxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Vice President
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
with a copy to: General Counsel
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
If to ADA-ES, to: ADA-ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS, LLC
0000 XxxxxXxxx Xxx, X-0
Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000 XXX
Attn: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, President
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
If any notice required or permitted hereunder is to be given a fixed amount of
time before a specified event, such notice may be given any time before such
fixed amount of time (e.g., a notice to be given 30 days prior to an event may
be given at any time longer than 30 days prior to such event).
SECTION 11.9. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement is
determined to be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, under a
judgment, Law or statute now or hereafter in effect, the remainder of this
Agreement shall not thereby be impaired or affected.
SECTION 11.10. GOVERNING LAW.
(a) The validity, interpretation and performance of this Agreement and any
dispute connected with this Agreement will be governed by and determined in
accordance with the statutory, regulatory and decisional law of the State of
Delaware ( of such state's choice of laws or conflicts of laws rules) and, to
the extent applicable, the federal statutory, regulatory and decisional law of
the United States.
(b) Any suit, action or proceeding against any party hereto with respect to
the subject matter of this Agreement, or any judgment entered by any court in
respect thereof, must be brought or entered in the United States District Court
for the District of Delaware, and each such party hereby irrevocably submits to
the jurisdiction of such court for the purpose of any such suit, action,
proceeding or judgment. If such court does not have jurisdiction over the
subject matter of such proceeding or, if such jurisdiction is not available,
then such action or proceeding against any party hereto shall be brought or
entered in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, County of New Castle,
and each party hereby irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such court for
the purpose of any such suit, action, proceeding or judgment. Each party hereto
hereby irrevocably waives any objection which either of them may now or
hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising
out of or relating to this Agreement brought as provided in this subsection, and
hereby further irrevocably waives any claim that any such suit, action or
proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
To the extent each party hereto has or hereafter may acquire any immunity from
jurisdiction of any court or from legal process with respect to itself or its
property, each party hereto hereby irrevocably waives such immunity with respect
to its obligations under this subsection. Except as otherwise provided herein,
the parties hereto agree that jurisdiction of all disputes, suits, actions or
proceedings between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter of
this Agreement lies in the United States District Court for Delaware, or the
Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, County of New Castle, as hereinabove
provided.
SECTION 11.11. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS. No public announcement may be made by
any person with regard to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
without the prior consent of Arch Coal and ADA-ES, provided that either party
may make such disclosure if advised by counsel that it is required to do so by
applicable law or regulation of any governmental agency or stock exchange upon
which securities of such party are registered. Arch Coal and ADA-ES will discuss
any public announcements or disclosures concerning the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement with the other parties prior to making such announcements or
disclosures.
SECTION 11.12. EFFECT ON CO-MARKETING AGREEMENT. The Co-Marketing Agreement
will be terminated with no further action of the parties as of the Effective
Date.
SECTION 11.13. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken
together shall be constitute one and the same agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed
by their duly authorized representatives as of the day and year first above
mentioned.
ADA-ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS, LLC
By: ____________________________
Name: Xxxx X. XxXxxxxxx
Title: Chief Financial Officer
ARCH COAL SALES COMPANY, INC.
By: ____________________________
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Title: Vice President
