Exhibit 10.1
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
CONSERVER CORPORATION OF AMERICA
and
SAKHALIN GENERAL TRADING AND INVESTMENTS LIMITED
and
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXX
and
XXXX XXXXX XXXXXX
Dated as of 24 October 1997
XxXxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx & Xxxx
City Tower - Level 4
00 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx XX0X 0XX
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part Page
---- ----
Preamble............................................. 1
ARTICLE 1 - SALE AND PURCHASE OF SHARES.............. 2
1.1 SGTI Shares to be Acquired..................... 2
1.2 Conveyance of the SGTI Shares.................. 3
1.3 Resignations................................... 3
1.4 Default by SGTI................................ 3
ARTICLE 2 - CASH ADVANCES; PURCHASE PRICE............ 3
2.1 Cash Advances.................................. 3
2.2 Purchase Price................................. 4
2.3 Conveyance of the CCA Shares................... 4
ARTICLE 3 - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SGTI
AND THE DIRECTORS........................ 4
3.1 Organization, Power, Standing and Qualification 5
3.2 Corporate Power and Authority.................. 5
3.3 Validity of Contemplated Transactions.......... 5
3.4 Capitalization of SGTI......................... 6
3.5 Ownership of SGTI Shares....................... 6
3.6 SGTI's Subsidiary and Principal Business....... 7
3.7 The Subsidiary - SCC........................... 7
3.8 Financial Statements........................... 8
3.9 Title to Properties............................ 9
3.10 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities............. 9
3.11 Certain Tax Matters............................ 10
3.12 Litigation; Compliance with Laws............... 10
3.13 Contracts...................................... 11
3.14 Other Transactions............................. 12
3.15 Bank Accounts.................................. 13
3.16 Compensation Arrangements...................... 13
3.17 Copies of Memorandum and Articles.............. 13
3.18 Condition of Tangible Assets................... 14
3.19 Directors and Officers......................... 14
3.20 Accounts Receivable............................ 14
3.21 No Changes..................................... 14
3.22 Number of Purchasers of CCA Shares............. 15
3.23 Veracity of Statements......................... 16
ARTICLE 4 - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CCA.... 17
4.1 Organization and Good Standing................. 17
4.2 Corporate Power and Authority.................. 17
4.3 Conflict With Authority, Bylaws, etc........... 18
4.4 CCA Shares..................................... 18
ARTICLE 5 - ACTIVITIES PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE BY
SGTI..................................... 18
5.1 Operation of Business.......................... 18
5.2 Access to Information.......................... 20
Part Page
---- ----
ARTICLE 6 - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE CLOSING...... 21
6.1 Obligation of CCA to Close..................... 21
6.1.1 Shareholder Approval.................... 21
6.1.2 Action of SGTI Directors................ 21
6.1.3 Representations and Warranties;
Compliance with Agreement............... 22
6.1.4 Assignment of Sovereign Agreements...... 22
6.1.5 Opinion of Cyprus Counsel............... 22
6.1.6 Opinion of Russian Counsel.............. 22
6.1.7 Litigation Affecting Closing............ 23
6.1.8 Required Consents....................... 23
6.1.9 No Material Damage to Business.......... 23
6.1.10 Approval of Counsel; Corporate Matters.. 24
6.1.11 Other Documents......................... 24
6.2 Obligation of the Shareholders to Close........ 24
6.2.1 Representations and Warranties.......... 24
6.2.2 Litigation Affecting Closing............ 25
ARTICLE 7 - THE CLOSING.............................. 25
7.1 Time and Place................................. 25
7.2 Conduct of Closing............................. 25
ARTICLE 8 - CONDUCT OF THE PARTIES AFTER CLOSING..... 26
ARTICLE 9 - SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES,
GUARANTEES, AND COVENANTS................ 27
9.1 Date Certain For Survival...................... 27
ARTICLE 10 - INDEMNIFICATION......................... 27
10.1 By the Directors............................... 27
10.2 By CCA......................................... 28
10.3 Limitation of Indemnity........................ 28
10.4 Notice; Proceedings............................ 29
10.5 Money Damages.................................. 31
ARTICLE 11 - BROKERAGE; EXPENSES..................... 31
11.1 Brokerage...................................... 31
11.2 Expenses....................................... 32
ARTICLE 12 - TAXES................................... 32
ARTICLE 13 - ARBITRATION............................. 32
13.1 ICC Rules...................................... 32
13.2 Arbitrators.................................... 33
Part Page
---- ----
ARTICLE 14 - TERMINATION............................. 33
14.1 Events of Termination.......................... 33
14.2 Consequences of Termination.................... 34
ARTICLE 15 - GENERAL................................. 34
15.1 Entire Agreement; Amendments................... 34
15.2 Headings....................................... 35
15.3 Gender; Number................................. 35
15.4 Exhibits and Schedules......................... 35
15.5 Notices........................................ 35
15.6 Waiver......................................... 37
15.7 Assignment..................................... 37
15.8 Successors and Assigns......................... 37
15.9 Governing Law.................................. 37
15.10 No Benefit to Others........................... 38
15.11 Publicity...................................... 38
15.12 Counterparts................................... 38
SCHEDULES
---------
1.2 Registered Shareholders of SGTI
2.3 Allocation to the Subcribers of Shares in CCA
3.7.2 Shareholders of SCC
3.9 SGTI Properties
3.15 Bank Accounts
3.17 SGTI and SCC Company Documents
3.19 SCC Directors and Officers
3.23 Documents Provided to CCA
13.1 Arbitration Agreement
EXHIBITS
--------
1.2A Share Transfer Form
1.2B Share Transfer Form
2.3 Subscription Agreement
6.1.2 Minutes of the Board of Directors of SGTI
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") dated as of 24th October 1997
among (i) CONSERVER CORPORATION OF AMERICA, a corporation organized under the
laws of the State of Delaware having its principal place of business at Suite
405, 0000 Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000, X.X.X. ("CCA"), (ii)
SAKHALIN GENERAL TRADING AND INVESTMENTS LIMITED, a limited liability company
organized under the laws of Cyprus whose legal office is at Doma Building, 227
Archbishop Markarios III Avenue, Limassol, Cyprus ("SGTI"), (iii) XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX XXXXXX, a British subject having his principal residence at Key Xxxx,
Xxxxx Road, St. Xxxxx Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands GY1 1RG ("Xx. Xxxxxx") and
a Director of SGTI, and (iv) XXXX XXXXX XXXXXX, an Australian citizen having his
principal residence at Xxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx 0000 and a
Director of SGTI ("Xx. Xxxxxx"; Messrs. Cairns and Xxxxxx being together called
the "Directors").
PREAMBLE
WHEREAS, CCA, SGTI and Sovereign Gaming and Leisure Limited, a Cypriot limited
liability company ("Sovereign"), entered into an agreement dated 12th August
1997, which was amended in writing on 9th September 1997, by the terms of which
(i) SGTI agreed, subject to certain terms and conditions, to transfer the whole
of its share capital to CCA and (ii) SGTI and Sovereign agreed, subject to
certain terms and conditions, to transfer to CCA all of their rights and
interest in the hotel, casino, retail, commercial and residential project that
is to be established in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia, by Sakhalin City Centre,
Limited ("SCC", which is described in Section 3.6 below) in collaboration with
the Sakhalin Oblast and the City of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (the "Sakhalin Project");
WHEREAS, the said terms and conditions either have been satisfied or will be
satisfied simultaneously with the performance of this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, CCA, SGTI and the Directors have therefore agreed to complete the sale
and transfer by the shareholders of SGTI of all of the share capital of SGTI to
CCA and wish to set forth the terms and conditions of that agreement in writing;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual promises,
covenants, representations, warranties, and agreements herein contained, and
intending to be legally bound, CCA, SGTI and the Directors hereby agree as
follows:
ARTICLE 1
SALE AND PURCHASE OF SHARES
1.1 SGTI Shares to be Acquired Subject to the terms and conditions
contained herein, SGTI and the Directors agree that all of the shareholders of
SGTI shall, on the Closing Date (as defined in Section 7.1), sell, assign,
transfer and deliver to CCA, free and clear of all pledges, liens, security
interests, encumbrances or other restrictions, and CCA shall purchase from the
shareholders of SGTI, all of the outstanding share capital of SGTI (the "SGTI
Shares") for an aggregate purchase price as set forth in Article 2 hereof. It is
understood and agreed that CCA's obligation to purchase any of the SGTI Shares
is conditioned upon all of the SGTI Shares being tendered to it, and CCA shall
have no obligation to purchase any of the SGTI Shares or otherwise to comply
with its obligations hereunder if fewer than all of the SGTI Shares are tendered
to it on the Closing Date, provided, however, that CCA shall have the right to
acquire fewer than all of the SGTI Shares if it so elects.
1.2 Conveyance of the SGTI Shares SGTI and the Directors agree to arrange
for the registered shareholders of SGTI, as named on Schedule 1.2 attached
hereto (the "Shareholders"), to deliver to CCA on the Closing Date the stock
certificates evidencing the SGTI Shares, together with stock transfer forms in
substantially the form of Exhibits 1.2A and 1.2B attached hereto ("Share
Transfer Forms"), duly executed by each Shareholder in favour of CCA, in order
to effect a transfer of such Shareholder's SGTI Shares to CCA.
1.3 Resignations The Directors shall resign as directors of SGTI effective
as of the Closing Date, and SGTI will make their written resignations available
to CCA at the Closing. SGTI shall cause the nominees of CCA to be elected as
directors of SGTI by the resigning directors, effective as of the Closing Date,
in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of SGTI.
1.4 Default by SGTI SGTI and the Directors acknowledge that the SGTI Shares
are unique and otherwise not available and agree that, in addition to any other
remedies, CCA may invoke any equitable remedies to enforce performance
hereunder, including an action or suit for specific performance.
ARTICLE 2
CASH ADVANCES; PURCHASE PRICE
2.1 Cash Advances CCA agrees to make cash advances to SGTI as follows:
2.1.1 Five Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars ($500,000), which amount SGTI
acknowledges was paid to it on 15th August 1997;
2.1.2 Two Million Five Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars ($2,500,000), to
be paid in accordance with SGTI's instructions on or about 31st October 1997 or
as soon as practicable thereafter.
2.2 Purchase Price The total purchase price to be paid by CCA for the SGTI
Shares (the "Purchase Price") shall be a total of two million (2,000,000) shares
of CCA common stock, par value $.001 per share (such two million shares being
referred to herein as the "CCA Shares"), which shall be subject to a lock-up
period of one year from the Closing Date, in accordance with the provisions of
the Subscription Agreements referred to in Section 2.3.
2.3 Conveyance of the CCA Shares SGTI instructs CCA to issue the share
certificates representing the CCA Shares in the names of the persons and
entities named on Schedule 2.3 ("Subscribers"), each Subscriber to receive the
number of CCA Shares indicated opposite his, her or its name on Schedule 2.3,
and to deliver the CCA Shares to the Subscribers (or to their designated
representatives on their behalf) on the Closing Date. SGTI and the Directors
agree to arrange for each of the Subscribers to execute and deliver to CCA on
the Closing Date a Subscription Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit
2.3 attached hereto ("Subscription Agreement").
2
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
OF SGTI AND THE DIRECTORS
SGTI and each of the Directors, jointly, severally and (in the case of the
Directors) personally, represent and warrant and, where applicable, covenant as
follows:
3.1 Organization, Power, Standing and Qualification SGTI is a company
limited by shares duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under
the laws of the Republic of Cyprus and has full corporate power and authority to
carry on its business as it is now being conducted and to own and operate, as
applicable, the properties and assets now owned and operated by it. The only
jurisdictions in which SGTI carries on business or owns property or assets are
the Republic of Cyprus and the Russian Federation, and SGTI is duly qualified to
do business and is in good standing in each of these jurisdictions to the extent
required by applicable law and/or to the extent that the failure to qualify or
to be in good standing would have a material adverse effect upon its financial
condition, the conduct of its business or the ownership of its property and
assets.
3.2 Corporate Power and Authority SGTI has the corporate power and
authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement. The execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of SGTI, and this Agreement is a valid and binding
obligation of SGTI, enforceable against SGTI in accordance with its terms,
except as such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
moratorium or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.
3.3 Validity of Contemplated Transactions The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby do not and will not as at the Closing Date contravene any
provision of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of SGTI; or violate, be
in conflict with, or constitute a default under, cause the acceleration of any
payments pursuant to, or otherwise impair the good standing, validity, or
effectiveness of any agreement, contract, indenture, lease, or mortgage, or
subject any property or asset of SGTI to any indenture, mortgage, contract,
commitment or agreement, other than this Agreement, to which SGTI is a party or
by which SGTI or any of its assets is bound; or violate any provision of law,
rule, regulation, order, permit, or license to which SGTI is subject.
3.4 Capitalization of SGTI The authorized share capital of SGTI is Two
Hundred Seventy-Nine Thousand Six Hundred Fifty-Five Cypriot Pounds (C(pound)
279,655) consisting of Two Hundred Seventy-Nine Thousand Six Hundred Fifty-Five
(279,655) authorized ordinary shares, par value One Cypriot Pound (C(pound)1.00)
each, of which Two Hundred Twenty-Nine Thousand Six Hundred Fifty-Five (229,655)
ordinary shares are presently outstanding, validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable. SGTI has no other classes of shares besides its ordinary shares.
There are no outstanding options, warrants, conversion privileges, subscription,
calls, commitments or rights of any character relating to the SGTI Shares or any
authorized but unissued capital shares of SGTI.
3.5 Ownership of SGTI Shares The persons and entities named on Schedule 1.2
are all of the registered shareholders of SGTI and the number of shares
indicated opposite the name of each Shareholder on Schedule 1.2 is the exact
number of ordinary shares of SGTI held by such Shareholder. The Shareholders
collectively hold all legal ownership of and title to the SGTI Shares, in the
respective amounts set forth in Schedule 1.2, free and clear of any liens,
security interests, restrictions or encumbrances of any kind whatsoever. The
Subscribers are, or they represent, the beneficial owners of the share capital
of SGTI in proportion to the numbers of CCA Shares specified opposite their
names on Schedule 2.3.
3
3.6 SGTI's Subsidiary and Principal Business SGTI is the registered and
beneficial owner of Six Thousand Five Hundred (6500) ordinary shares, nominal
value One Thousand Russian Rubles (RUR 1,000) each, in the charter capital of
Closed Joint Stock Company "Sakhalin City Centre, Limited" ("SCC" or the
"Subsidiary"), a company established under the laws of the Russian Federation
having its registered office at 32 Kommunistichesky Prospect, Office 452, 693000
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, in the Sakhalin Oblast of the Russian Federation. SGTI's
shareholding constitutes sixty-five per cent (65%) of the total charter capital
of SCC. The principal and only business of SGTI is to act as a holding company
for the registered and beneficial ownership of such shares in SCC. SCC is the
only company wholly or partially owned by SGTI. As such, the "ordinary course of
business" of SGTI, as used in this Agreement, consists of, and only of, the
management and supervision of the financing and operations of SCC and fulfilling
the administrative requirements of a Cyprus limited liability company.
3.7 The Subsidiary - SCC
3.7.1 SCC is a closed joint stock company having limited liability
that is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
the Russian Federation, which has all requisite corporate power and authority to
conduct its business as it has been and is now being conducted, and to own,
lease and operate the properties and assets used in connection therewith, and
which is duly qualified to do business in and is in good standing in each
jurisdiction wherein the conduct of its business or the ownership or leasing of
its properties and assets requires such qualification.
3.7.2 The chartered capital of SCC is Ten Million Russian Rubles (RUR
10,000,000) divided into ten thousand (10,000) ordinary shares, nominal value
One Thousand Russian Rubles (RUR 1,000) each. The shareholders of SCC are listed
on Schedule 3.7.2. The shares in SCC owned by SGTI are owned of record and
beneficially by SGTI, free and clear of all pledges, liens, claims and
encumbrances of every kind, including, without limitation, any agreements,
subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, commitments or rights of any character
granting to any person, firm, corporation or other entity any interest in or
right to acquire from SGTI, at any time, or upon the happening of any event, any
of its shares of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Subsidiary.
3.7.3 All of the shares in SCC owned by SGTI have been duly authorized
and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
3.7.4 There are no existing agreements, subscriptions, options,
warrants, calls, commitments or rights of any character to purchase or otherwise
acquire from the Subsidiary at any time, or upon the happening of any event, any
shares of the capital stock of the Subsidiary, whether or not presently issued
or outstanding; no outstanding securities of the Subsidiary which are
convertible into shares of such Subsidiary; and no agreements, subscriptions,
options, warrants, calls, commitments or rights to purchase or otherwise acquire
from the Subsidiary any such securities so convertible.
3.8 Financial Statements SGTI has delivered to CCA the audited financial
statements for the entire existence of SGTI since its incorporation on 28th
September 1994 through 30th September 1997, consisting of a consolidated balance
sheet of SGTI as at 31st March 1995, 31st March 1996, 31st March 1997 and 30th
September 1997 (30th September 1997 being defined as the "Financial Statement
Date"), together with a consolidated income statement and statement of changes
in financial condition of SGTI for each of the periods then ended (such balance
sheets, income statements and statements of change in financial condition being
referred to herein collectively as the "Financial Statements"). Each of such
Financial Statements has been reported on and certified by X.X. Xxxxxxxxxx & Co,
independent Certified Public Accountants (Cyprus). The Financial Statements are
in accordance with the applicable books and records of SGTI and have been
prepared in accordance with the Company Law, Cap. 113, of Cyprus and in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied
during the relevant period, and present fairly the financial condition of SGTI
and the results of their operations for the respective periods ended on such
dates.
4
3.9 Title to Properties All of SGTI's and the Subsidiary's material
properties and assets, real, personal and mixed, including all of the properties
and assets reflected on the balance sheet which is part of the Financial
Statements and those acquired since the Financial Statement Date, are listed on
Schedule 3.9 hereto, and except as set forth in Schedule 3.9, SGTI has good,
valid and marketable title to all such properties and assets, free and clear of
all mortgages, liens, pledges, security interests and other encumbrances.
3.10 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities Neither SGTI nor the Subsidiary has
any liabilities or obligations except for (i) those reflected or reserved
against (which reserves the Directors represent are adequate) in the Financial
Statements and (ii) those which are specifically disclosed in this Agreement.
Neither SGTI nor the Directors know or have any reasonable grounds to know of
any basis for the assertion against SGTI or the Subsidiary as of the Financial
Statement Date of any liability of any nature or in any amount that is not fully
reflected or reserved against in SGTI's balance sheet as of such date or as
disclosed by this Agreement. For the purposes of this Agreement, the term
"liabilities or obligations" shall include any direct or indirect indebtedness,
claim, loss, damage, deficiency (including deferred income tax and other net tax
deficiencies), cost, expense, obligation, guarantee, or responsibility, whether
accrued, absolute, or contingent, known or unknown, fixed or unfixed, liquidated
or unliquidated, secured or unsecured.
3.11 Certain Tax Matters SGTI and the Subsidiary have each duly filed all
tax returns and reports required to be filed by it and all taxes, including
income, gross receipt, value added and other taxes and any penalties with
respect thereto, due and payable, have been paid, withheld, or reserved for or,
to the extent that they relate to periods on or prior to the Financial Statement
Date, are reflected as a liability on the Financial Statements. SGTI and the
Subsidiary have caused to be delivered to CCA correct and complete copies of
such income tax returns for the periods covered by the Financial Statements.
Neither SGTI nor the Subsidiary has entered into any agreements for the
extension of time for the assessment of any tax or tax delinquency, has received
any outstanding or unresolved notices from any taxing body of any proposed
examination or of any proposed deficiency or assessment, and each of them has
properly withheld all amounts required by law to be withheld for income or other
taxes and relating to its employees and remitted such withheld amounts to the
appropriate taxing authority.
3.12 Litigation; Compliance with Laws There is (a) no suit, action, claim,
arbitration, administrative or legal or other proceeding, or governmental
investigation pending or, to SGTI's or the Directors' knowledge, threatened
against or related to SGTI or the Subsidiary, nor (b) any failure to comply
with, nor any default under, any law, ordinance, requirement, regulation, or
order applicable to SGTI or the Subsidiary, nor (c) any violation of or default
with respect to any order, writ, injunction, judgment, or decree of any court or
governmental department, official, commission, authority, board, bureau, agency,
or other instrumentality issued or pending against SGTI or the Subsidiary, any
of which might have a material, adverse effect on the financial condition,
business, results of operations, properties, or assets of SGTI or the Subsidiary
(as the case may be) or CCA's purchase or ownership of the SGTI Shares. SGTI and
the Subsidiary have obtained all permits, licenses, and other required
authorization for the complete operation of its business as presently operated.
All such permits, licenses, and authorizations are presently valid and in full
force and no renovation, cancellation, or withdrawal thereof has been effected
or, to SGTI's or the Directors' individual knowledge, threatened. The execution
of this Agreement and the performance of the transactions contemplated hereby
will not change in any respect, or result in the termination of, any such
permits, licenses, certificates, or authorizations. There have been no illegal
payments, kickbacks, bribes or political contributions made by, on behalf of, or
for the benefit of, SGTI or the Subsidiary.
3.13 Contracts Except for the contracts, agreements, commitments, leases,
and other indentures listed in Schedule 3.13, copies of which have been made
available to CCA, neither SGTI nor the Subsidiary is a party to:
3.13.1 any written or oral contract, agreement, lease or commitment of
any kind (including, without limitation, mortgages, contracts for the future
purchase and delivery of goods or rendition of services, or government
contracts), which provides for the payment from or to it of One Thousand U.S.
Dollars ($1,000) or more after the date hereof and such contracts, agreements
and commitments do not, in the aggregate, provide for a payment from or to it of
Three Thousand U.S. Dollars ($3,000) or more after the date hereof;
5
3.13.2 any written or oral (i) contract, agreement or commitment for
the employment of any officer or individual employee, (ii) profit sharing,
bonus, commission, stock option, pension, vacation pay, employee's insurance,
retirement plan or agreement, or other welfare plans or agreements, (iii)
agreement or indenture relating to the borrowing of money or to the mortgaging,
pledging or otherwise placing of a lien on its assets, (iv) lease or agreement
under which it is lessee of or holds or operates any material property, real or
personal, owned by any other party, or (v) lease or agreement under which it is
lessor of, or permits any third party to hold or operate, any material property,
real or personal, owned by it.
SGTI and the Subsidiary have each in all material respects performed all the
material obligations required to be performed by it to date, and is not in
material default under any such material contract, agreement, commitment, lease,
or indenture, nor has an event occurred which with the passage of time or giving
of notice or both will result in the occurrence of a material default by SGTI or
the Subsidiary (as the case may be) under any of the aforesaid documents.
3.14 Other Transactions Each of SGTI and the Subsidiary has not, since the
Financial Statement Date, (a) operated its business except in the ordinary
course, (b) incurred any debts, liabilities or obligations, (c) discharged or
satisfied any material liens or encumbrances, or paid any material liens or
encumbrances, or paid any material debts, liabilities or obligations, (d)
mortgaged, pledged or subjected to lien or other encumbrance any of its assets,
tangible or intangible, (e) sold or transferred any of its tangible assets or
cancelled any material debts or claims, or (f) suffered any material
extraordinary losses or waived any rights of substantial value.
3.15 Bank Accounts Schedule 3.15 hereto lists the names and addresses of
every bank and other financial institution in which SGTI or the Subsidiary
maintains an account (whether checking, savings or otherwise), lock box or safe
deposit box, and the account numbers and names of persons having signing
authority or other access thereto.
3.16 Compensation Arrangements Except as reflected in the Financial
Statements, the aggregate annual compensation paid or to be paid to all of the
directors, officers or employees of SGTI or the Subsidiary, the value of any
accrued sick leave or vacation and any bonus or similar arrangement with any of
them does not exceed US$50,000.
3.17. Copies of Memorandum and Articles The copies of SGTI's Memorandum and
Articles of Association and of SCC's Charter (certified by an appropriate
official in the respective jurisdictions of incorporation) and internal
constituent documents, such as by-laws (certified by the Secretaries of the
respective entities), which have been delivered to CCA, are correct and are in
effect as at the date of this Agreement and will be in effect on the Closing
Date. There are no other material books and records of SGTI or the Subsidiary.
All such books and records of SGTI and the Subsidiary, including those set forth
in Schedule 3.17, have been regularly and properly kept and are complete,
accurate and legally sufficient under applicable law.
6
3.18 Condition of Tangible Assets All material tangible portions of the
property, including the real property and structures thereon, of SGTI and the
Subsidiary are in good operating condition and the operation and use of such
property in SGTI's and the Subsidiary's respective businesses conform in all
material respects to all applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, permits,
licenses and certificates that are material to the business and operations of
SGTI or the Subsidiary, as the case may be.
3.19 Directors and Officers Xx. Xxxxxx and Xx. Xxxxxx are both directors of
SGTI, each has been duly elected as such, and they are the only directors of
SGTI. Schedule 3.19 is a true and complete list as of the date of this Agreement
showing the names of each of the Subsidiary's directors and officers, each of
whom has been duly elected or appointed in accordance with applicable law.
3.20 Accounts Receivable Neither SGTI nor the Subsidiary has any accounts
receivable.
3.21 No Changes Since the Financial Statement Date, other than in the
ordinary course of business, there has not been:
3.21.1 any change in the financial or other condition, assets,
liabilities or business of SGTI or the Subsidiary;
3.21.2 any damage, destruction or loss (whether or not covered by
insurance) or any condemnation by governmental authorities which has or may
materially adversely affect the business, prospects or any property of SGTI or
the Subsidiary;
3.21.3 any strike, lockout, labor trouble or any event or condition of
any similar character materially adversely affecting the business or prospects
of SGTI or the Subsidiary;
3.21.4 any declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or
other distribution in respect of any of SGTI's or the Subsidiary's shares of
stock, or any direct or indirect redemption, purchase or other acquisition of
any such shares; or
3.21.5 any increase in the compensation payable or to become payable
by SGTI or the Subsidiary to any of its or their officers, employees or agents,
or any known payment or arrangement made to or with any thereof.
3.22 Number of Purchasers of CCA Shares There are no more than thirty-five
(35) "purchasers" of the CCA Shares under this Agreement. For purposes of
calculating the number of purchasers (including the Subscribers and perhaps
certain other persons and entities), the following shall apply:
7
3.22.1 The following purchasers shall be excluded: (i) any relative,
spouse or relative of the spouse of a purchaser who has the same principal
residence as the purchaser; (ii) any trust or estate in which a purchaser or any
of the persons related to him or her as specified in clause (i) or (iii) of this
Section 3.22.1 collectively have more than fifty per cent (50%) of the
beneficial interest (excluding contingent interests); (iii) any corporation or
other organization of which a purchaser or any of the persons related to him or
her as specified in clause (i) or (ii) of this Section 3.22.1 collectively are
beneficial owners of more than fifty per cent (50%) of the CCA Shares; and (iv)
any "accredited investor" (as defined in the Subscription Agreement).
3.22.2 A corporation, partnership or other entity shall be counted as
one purchaser. If, however, that entity is organized for the specific purpose of
acquiring CCA Shares and it is not an "accredited investor" (as defined in the
Subscription Agreement), then each beneficial owner of CCA Shares shall count as
a separate purchaser, except as provided in Section 3.22.1.
3.23 Veracity of Statements No representation or warranty by SGTI or the
Directors contained in this Agreement and no statement contained in any
certificate, schedule, instrument or other document furnished to CCA pursuant
hereto or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, contains any
untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading
with respect to SGTI, the Subsidiary and their affairs. Schedule 3.23 is a list
of all such certificates, schedules, instruments and documents provided to CCA
to date, and this warranty is limited to the representations and statements made
in this Agreement, in the documents to be delivered to CCA in accordance with
Articles 6 and 7 hereof and in the certificates, schedules, instruments and
documents described on Schedule 3.23, provided that, if any additional
certificates, schedules, instruments or documents are provided to CCA after the
date of this Agreement, any party hereto may add such certificates, schedules,
instruments and documents to the coverage of this warranty by written notice to
the other parties. The Directors are not aware of any other information with
respect to SGTI, the Subsidiary and their affairs that a reasonable investor
would consider important in making a decision to acquire the SGTI Shares.
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CCA
CCA hereby represents and warrants to SGTI, the Directors and the
Shareholders as follows:
4.1 Organization and Good Standing CCA is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware,
United States of America, and it has full corporate power and authority to carry
on its business as it is now being conducted and to own and operate, as
applicable, the properties and assets now owned and operated by it. CCA is duly
qualified to do business and is in good standing in each and every jurisdiction
where the failure to qualify or to be in good standing would have a material
adverse effect upon its financial condition, the conduct of its business or the
ownership of its property and assets.
8
4.2 Corporate Power and Authority CCA has full corporate power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform all of CCA's covenants and
undertakings herein set forth, including without limitation the full corporate
power and authority to purchase and take title to the SGTI Shares upon the terms
and conditions set forth herein; the execution and delivery of this Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of CCA; and this
Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of CCA, enforceable in accordance
with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or similar laws affecting the rights of
creditors generally.
4.3 Conflict With Authority, Bylaws, etc . Neither the execution and
delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby in the manner herein provided will (i) contravene any provision of the
Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of CCA; (ii) violate, be in conflict
with, constitute a default under, cause the acceleration of any payments
pursuant to, or otherwise impair the good standing, validity, and effectiveness
of any lease, license, permit, authorization, or approval applicable to CCA; or
(iii) violate any provision of law, rule, regulation, order, or permit to which
CCA is subject.
4.4 CCA Shares All of the CCA Shares shall be, on the Closing Date, validly
issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
ARTICLE 5
ACTIVITIES PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE BY SGTI
5.1 Operation of Business SGTI hereby agrees that from and after the date
hereof to the Closing Date, except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement,
SGTI shall, and it shall cause the Subsidiary to, conduct its business solely in
the ordinary course and SGTI and the Subsidiary shall:
5.1.1 not amend SGTI's Memorandum and Articles of Association or the
Subsidiary's Charter or other constituent documents except as may be necessary
to carry out this Agreement or as required by law;
5.1.2 not change its corporate name or permit the use thereof by any
other company;
5.1.3 not pay or agree to pay to any employee, officer, or director of
SGTI or the Subsidiary, without the consent of CCA, compensation that is in
excess of the current compensation level of such employee, officer, or director;
5.1.4 not make any changes in the management of SGTI or the Subsidiary
without the consent of CCA;
5.1.5 not merge or consolidate itself or the Subsidiary with any other
company or allow it to acquire or agree to acquire or be acquired by any
corporation, association, partnership, joint venture, or other entity;
5.1.6 not sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any of its or the
Subsidiary's assets without the prior written consent of CCA;
9
5.1.7 not, nor allow the Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume, or
guarantee any indebtedness for money borrowed; create or suffer to exist any
mortgage, lien, or other encumbrance on any of its properties or assets, real or
personal, except those in existence on the date hereof; or increase the amount
of any indebtedness outstanding under any loan agreement, mortgage, or other
borrowing arrangement in existence on the date hereof; provided that SGTI may
make a loan advance to SCC in an amount not exceeding Two Million Five Hundred
Thousand U.S. Dollars ($2,500,000) during the period from the date of this
Agreement up to the Closing Date on terms acceptable to CCA;
5.1.8 pay when due, and in any event within thirty (30) days from the
date of invoice (unless other payment terms are expressly set forth thereon),
all accounts payable and trade obligations of SGTI and the Subsidiary;
5.1.9 maintain the facilities, assets, and properties of SGTI and the
Subsidiary in good operating repair, order, and condition, reasonable wear and
tear excepted, and notify CCA immediately upon any loss of, damage to, or
destruction of any of the assets of SGTI or the Subsidiary;
5.1.10 maintain in full force and effect all agreements, contracts,
leases, licenses, permits, authorizations, and approvals necessary for or
related to the operation of the business of SGTI and the Subsidiary in all
respects and in all places as such business is now conducted;
5.1.11 use their best efforts to preserve SGTI's and the Subsidiary's
business organization intact, to keep available the services of its present
employees and to preserve the good will of those having business relations with
it;
5.1.12 promptly advise CCA in writing of the commencement of, and of
any known threat to commence any, suit, claim, action, arbitration, legal or
administrative proceeding, governmental investigation, or tax audit against SGTI
or the Subsidiary; and
5.1.13 deliver to CCA as soon as available any monthly financial
statements ("Monthly Financial Statements") of SGTI and the Subsidiary
commencing with the month of October 1997 and for each calendar month thereafter
prior to the Closing Date.
5.2 Access to Information SGTI and the Directors will cooperate fully with
CCA and shall provide CCA and its accountants, legal advisers, and other
representatives, during normal business hours, full access to the books,
records, equipment, real estate, contracts, and other assets of SGTI and the
Subsidiary, and full opportunity to discuss SGTI's and the Subsidiary's
business, affairs, and assets with its officers, employees, and independent
accountants, and furnish to CCA and its representatives copies of such
documents, records, and information with respect to the affairs of SGTI and the
Subsidiary as CCA or its representatives may reasonably request. In addition to
the foregoing right of access and information, CCA may designate on-site
observers of the business and operations of SGTI and the Subsidiary, which
observers shall be permitted such access to SGTI's and the Subsidiary's business
and operations as CCA may reasonably request and shall be fully informed by SGTI
and the Subsidiary concerning all of their assets, operation, and business
affairs.
10
ARTICLE 6
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE CLOSING
6.1 Obligation of CCA to Close The obligation of CCA to consummate the
purchase of the SGTI Shares on the Closing Date shall be subject to the
satisfaction or the waiver by CCA of the following conditions on or prior to the
Closing Date:
6.1.1 Shareholder Approval The shareholders of CCA shall have approved
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
6.1.2 Action of SGTI Directors The Directors shall have approved a
resolution substantially in the form of Exhibit 6.1.2, approving the necessary
actions for the transfer of the SGTI Shares to CCA, and delivered a certified
copy of such resolution to CCA on the Closing Date.
6.1.3 Representations and Warranties; Compliance with Agreement The
representations and warranties of SGTI and the Directors set forth in this
Agreement shall be true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and as of
the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date, and they shall
have performed all covenants and agreements to be performed by them under this
Agreement on or prior to the Closing Date, and SGTI shall have delivered to CCA
certificates to such effect dated the Closing Date signed on behalf of SGTI by
its Directors and by the Directors in their individual capacity, which
certificates shall be in form and substance satisfactory to CCA's counsel. The
representations and warranties of the Shareholders in the Share Transfer Forms
and of the Subscribers in the Subscription Agreements shall be true and correct
as of the Closing Date.
6.1.4 Assignment of Sovereign Agreements Sovereign shall have executed
and delivered to CCA assignments to CCA of all of Sovereign's right, title and
interest in and to (a) the Project Management Agreement dated 18th December 1994
between SCC and Sovereign relating to the establishment of the Sakhalin Project
and (b) the Operational Management Agreement dated 18th December 1994 between
SCC and Sovereign relating to the operation and management of the Sakhalin
Project.
6.1.5 Opinion of Cyprus Counsel Messrs. Andreas Neocleous & Co,
special Cypriot counsel for CCA, shall have delivered to CCA their favorable
opinion, dated the Closing Date, as to matters related to SGTI and Cyprus law,
as required by CCA counsel.
6.1.6 Opinion of Russian Counsel Xx. Xxxx X. Xxxxx, special Russian
counsel for CCA, shall have delivered to CCA his favorable opinion, dated the
Closing Date, as to matters related to SGTI, SCC and Russian law, as required by
CCA counsel.
6.1.7 Litigation Affecting Closing On the Closing Date, no proceeding
shall be pending or threatened before any court or governmental agency in which
it is sought to restrain or prohibit or to obtain damages or other relief in
connection with this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, and no investigation that might result in any such suit,
action or proceeding shall be pending or threatened.
11
6.1.8 Required Consents The holders of any indebtedness of SGTI or the
Subsidiary, the lessors of any real or personal property or assets leased by
SGTI or the Subsidiary, the parties (other than SGTI or the Subsidiary) to any
other contract, commitment or agreement to which SGTI or the Subsidiary is a
party, any governmental agency or body or any other person, firm or company
which owns or has authority to grant any franchise, license, permit, easement,
right or other authorization necessary for the business or operations of SGTI or
the Subsidiary, and any governmental body or regulatory agency having
jurisdiction over CCA, SGTI or the Subsidiary, to the extent that their consent
or approval is required under the pertinent debt, lease, contract, commitment or
agreement or other document or instrument or under applicable laws, rules or
regulations for the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby in the
manner herein provided, shall have granted such consent or approval.
6.1.9 No Material Damage to Business The assets, properties and
business of SGTI and the Subsidiary shall not have been and shall not be
threatened to be materially adversely affected in any way as a result of fire,
explosion, earthquake, disaster, accident, labor dispute, any action by any
governmental authority, flood, drought, embargo, riot, civil disturbance,
uprising, activity of armed forces or act of God or public enemy.
6.1.10 Approval of Counsel; Corporate Matters All actions,
proceedings, resolutions, instruments and documents required to carry out this
Agreement or incidental hereto and all other related legal matters shall have
been approved on the Closing Date by Messrs. XxXxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx & Xxxx,
counsel for CCA, in the exercise of their reasonable judgment, and CCA or its
counsel shall have been furnished with certified copies, satisfactory in form
and substance to CCA's counsel in the exercise of their reasonable judgment, of
all such corporate records of SGTI and of the proceedings of SGTI authorizing
its execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement as CCA or its counsel
shall reasonably require.
6.1.11 Other Documents CCA shall have been provided with such other
documents as it shall have reasonably requested from SGTI.
6.2 Obligation of the Shareholders to Close The obligation of the
Shareholders (or the Directors on their behalf) to consummate the sale of the
SGTI Shares on the Closing Date shall be subject to the satisfaction of the
following conditions on or prior to the Closing Date:
6.2.1 Representations and Warranties The representations and
warranties of CCA set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct as of
the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as
of the Closing Date, and CCA shall have delivered to SGTI a certificate to such
effect, dated the Closing Date and signed by its Chairman and President or one
of its directors or vice presidents, which certificate shall be in form and
substance satisfactory to SGTI's counsel.
6.2.2 Litigation Affecting Closing On the Closing Date, no proceeding
shall be pending or threatened before any court or governmental agency in which
it is sought to restrain or prohibit or to obtain damages or other relief in
connection with this Agreement or the consummation of the transaction
contemplated hereby, and no investigation that might eventuate in any such suit,
action or proceeding shall be pending or threatened.
12
ARTICLE 7
THE CLOSING
7.1 Time and Place The closing of the transactions contemplated hereby
shall be held at 10.00 A.M. on the fifth business day following the approval of
the shareholders of CCA in satisfaction of Section 6.1.1, or at such other time
and on such other date as the parties hereto may mutually agree to in writing
(the "Closing Date"). The closing shall be held at the offices of XxXxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx & Xxxx at City Tower, 00 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx XX0X 0XX, Xxxxxxx.
7.2 Conduct of Closing
7.2.1 Subject to the fulfillment of all of the conditions set forth in
Sections 6.1 and 7.2.2 and the delivery of all certificates and opinions
required thereby, except such conditions as may be waived by the parties, on the
Closing Date CCA shall deliver share certificates to each of the Subscribers (or
the authorized representative of a Subscriber) representing that number of
shares of the common stock of CCA to which each Subscriber is entitled, in
accordance with Schedule 2.3.
7.2.2 Subject to the fulfillment of all of the conditions set forth in
Sections 6.2 and 7.2.1 and the delivery of all certificates and opinions
required thereby, except such conditions, certificates, and opinions as may be
waived by the parties, (a) the Shareholders shall deliver to CCA the stock
certificates described in Section 1.3 and their respective Share Transfer Forms,
and all other good and sufficient instruments of transfer and conveyance as may
be necessary in CCA's counsel's opinion to vest in CCA good, absolute, and
marketable title to the SGTI Shares, and (b) the Subscribers shall deliver to
CCA their respective Subscription Agreements.
ARTICLE 8
CONDUCT OF THE PARTIES AFTER CLOSING
CCA, SGTI and the Directors will cooperate upon and after the Closing Date
in effecting the orderly transfer of the operations of SGTI to CCA. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, at the request of any party and at the
requesting party's expense, but without additional consideration, each party
shall, and the Directors agree to ensure that the Shareholders and the
Subscribers shall, (a) execute and deliver from time to time such further
instruments of assignment, conveyance and transfer, (b) cooperate in the conduct
of litigation and the processing and collection of insurance claims, and (c)
take such other actions as may reasonably be required to convey and deliver more
effectively to CCA the SGTI Shares or to confirm and perfect any Shareholder's
present title to the SGTI Shares, and otherwise to accomplish the orderly
transfer to CCA of the SGTI Shares and the business assets and operations of
SGTI as contemplated by this Agreement.
ARTICLE 9
SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS,
WARRANTIES, GUARANTEES, AND COVENANTS
9.1 Date Certain For Survival Except for any representations or warranties
made by a party to this Agreement which were not true when made and which were
made by such party fraudulently or with intent to defraud or mislead, which
representations and warranties shall survive without limitation as to time, all
representations and warranties made by SGTI, the Directors and CCA in this
Agreement, by the Shareholders in the Share Transfer Forms, or by the
Subscribers in the Subscription Agreements, or pursuant hereto or thereto, shall
survive the closing hereunder for a period ending one year following the Closing
Date, notwithstanding any investigation made by or on behalf of CCA, SGTI, the
Directors, the Shareholders or the Subscribers prior to or after the Closing
Date.
13
ARTICLE 10
INDEMNIFICATION
10.1 By the Directors From and after the Closing Date, the Directors shall
indemnify and hold harmless CCA (a) from and against any and all damages,
losses, obligations, deficiencies, liabilities, claims, encumbrances, penalties,
costs, and expenses, including reasonable legal fees and expenses, which CCA may
suffer or incur, resulting from, related to, or arising out of any
misrepresentation, breach of warranty, or nonfulfillment of any of the
respective covenants of SGTI or the Directors in this Agreement, or of the
Shareholders in the Stock Transfer Forms or the Subscribers in the Subscription
Agreements, or any misrepresentation in or omission from any Schedule to this
Agreement, certificate, financial statement, or any other document furnished or
to be furnished to CCA hereunder, and (b) from any and all actions, suits,
investigations, proceedings, demands, assessments, audits, judgments, and claims
(including employment-related claims) arising out of any of the foregoing or out
of facts that have occurred on or prior to the Closing Date even though such
proceeding or claim may not be filed or come to light until after the Closing
Date; provided, however, that before CCA may assert a claim for indemnity under
this Section, CCA must give or cause to be given written notice of such claim to
the Directors as provided in Section 10.4.
10.2 By CCA From and after the Closing Date, CCA agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless SGTI, the Directors and the Subscribers (a) from and against any
and all damages, losses, obligations, deficiencies, liabilities, claims,
encumbrances, penalties, costs, and expenses, including reasonable legal fees,
which the Subscribers may suffer or incur, resulting from, related to, or
arising out of any misrepresentation, breach of warranty, or nonfulfillment of
any of the covenants or agreements of CCA in this Agreement or any
misrepresentation in or omission from any certificate or document furnished or
to be furnished to the Shareholders hereunder and (b) from any and all suits,
actions, investigations, proceedings, demands, assessments, audits, judgments,
and claims arising out of any of the foregoing; provided, however, that before a
Subscriber may assert a claim for indemnity under this Section, said Subscriber
must give or cause to be given written notice of such claim to CCA as provided
in Section 10.4.
10.3 Limitation of Indemnity Notwithstanding any provisions herein to the
contrary:
10.3.1 except for any representations or warranties made by a party to
this Agreement which were not true when made and which were made by such party
fraudulently or with intent to defend or mislead, which representations and
warranties shall survive without limitation as to time, neither party shall be
liable to the other party for any claim based on a misrepresentation, breach of
warranty or nonfulfillment of any covenant or agreement herein for which it has
not received written notice prior to one year from the Closing Date;
10.3.2 the liability of any party computed otherwise in accordance
with this Section 10 shall be limited to the after-tax consequence to the
indemnified party (or the affiliated group of which such indemnified party is a
member) of any such damage, loss, liability, deficiency cost or expense suffered
or incurred by such indemnified party; and
10.3.3 The liability of any party for misrepresentation, breach of
warranty, or non-fulfillment any covenant or agreement in this Agreement or for
indemnity under this Section 10 shall not exceed, in the case of CCA, the value
of the SGTI Shares, and in the case of the Directors, the lesser of (a)
$13,000,000 (being the equivalent of $6.50 per share for all of the CCA Shares)
or (b) the mid-market value of the CCA Shares on the date when liability under
this Article is finally determined or admitted.
10.4 Notice; Proceedings
10.4.1 Promptly after acquiring knowledge of any damage, loss,
deficiency, liability, claim, encumbrance, penalty, cost, expense, action, suit,
investigation, proceeding, demand, assessment, audit, judgment, or claim against
which the Directors or Subscribers are giving an indemnity to CCA or against
which CCA is giving an indemnity to the Subscribers, the Directors, Subscribers
or CCA, as the case may be, shall give to the other party written notice
thereof.
14
10.4.2 Each indemnifying party shall, at its own expense, promptly
defend, contest or otherwise protect against any damage, loss, deficiency,
liability, claim, encumbrance, penalty, cost, expense, action, suit,
investigation, proceeding, demand, assessment, audit, judgment, or claim against
which it has indemnified an indemnified party, and each indemnified party shall
receive from the other party all necessary and reasonable cooperation in said
defense including, but not limited to, the services of employees of the other
party who are familiar with the events out of which any such damage, loss,
deficiency, liability, claim, encumbrance, penalty, cost, expense, action, suit,
investigation, proceeding, demand, assessment, audit, judgment, or claim may
have arisen.
10.4.3 The indemnifying party shall have the right to control the
defense of any such proceeding unless it is relieved of its liability hereunder
with respect to such defense by the indemnified party. The indemnifying party
shall have the right, at its option, and, unless so relieved, to compromise or
defend, at its own expense by its own legal counsel, any such matter involving
the asserted liability of the indemnified party. In the event that the
indemnifying party shall undertake to compromise or defend any such asserted
liability, it shall promptly notify the indemnified party of its intention to do
so.
10.4.4 In the event that an indemnifying party, after written notice
from an indemnified party, fails to take timely action to defend the same, the
indemnified party shall have the right to defend the same by legal counsel of
its own choosing, but at the cost and expense of the indemnifying party.
10.5 Money Damages If the damages, losses, obligations, deficiencies,
liabilities, claims, encumbrances, penalties, costs, and expenses indemnified
against pursuant to the provisions of Sections 10.1 and 10.2 hereof can be
compensated by the payment of money to the other party, the indemnifying party
shall, within twenty-one (21) days after receipt of a written notice of a claim
pursuant to Section 10.4, deliver to the other Party either: (i) the amount of
such claim by check or by wire transfer to the bank account of that party's
choosing, or (ii) a written notice stating that it objects to the validity of
such claim and setting forth in reasonable detail the grounds on which it is
contesting the validity of the claim.
ARTICLE 11
BROKERAGE; EXPENSES
11.1 Brokerage None of the parties, nor, where applicable, any of their
respective shareholders, officers, directors, or employees, has employed or will
employ any broker, agent, finder, or consultant (a "Financial Agent") or has
incurred or will incur any liability for any brokerage fees, commissions,
finders' fees, or other fees, in connection with the negotiation or consummation
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except as herein set forth.
11.1.1 Neither SGTI, nor either Director nor any Shareholder has
engaged any Financial Agent.
11.1.2 CCA may engage a Financial Agent in connection with the cash
advances, as set forth in Section 2.1, for whose fees CCA will be solely
responsible, and CCA hereby indemnifies and holds SGTI and the Directors
harmless against and in respect of any claim for brokerage fees, commissions, or
other finders' fees or commissions of such Financial Agent and any additional
such claims incurred by CCA relative to this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby.
11.2 Expenses Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the
parties agree to bear their respective expenses individually, each in respect of
all expenses of any character incurred by it in connection with this Agreement
or the transactions contemplated hereby.
15
ARTICLE 12
TAXES
12.1 The Shareholders shall pay any applicable sales, documentary, use,
filing, transfer, and other taxes payable as a result of the transfer of the
SGTI Shares. CCA shall pay any applicable sales, documentary, use, filing,
transfer, and other taxes payable as a result of the transfer of the CCA Shares.
Subject to the foregoing undertaking, all other taxes on or measured by the net
income or revenues of CCA, SGTI, the Shareholders, or the Subscribers (including
without limitation, income, gross receipts, value added and net worth taxes)
imposed or levied by or payable to any taxing authority shall be paid or payable
by the party upon whom such taxes are imposed or levied.
ARTICLE 13
ARBITRATION
13.1 ICC Rules All disputes arising in connection with this Agreement shall
be finally settled under the Rules on Conciliation and Arbitration of the
International Chamber of Commerce. The place of arbitration shall be London,
England. The arbitration shall be conducted in the English language. Certain
additional provisions relating to any arbitration are set forth in Schedule 13.1
hereto.
13.2 Arbitrators The Arbitral Tribunal shall consist of three arbitrators.
One arbitrator shall be nominated by CCA. One arbitrator shall be nominated
jointly by the Directors. The two party-nominated arbitrators shall appoint the
third arbitrator, who shall act as chairman of the Arbitral Tribunal. If a party
fails to appoint an arbitrator, the appointment shall be made in accordance with
the ICC Rules referred to in Section 13.1.
ARTICLE 14
TERMINATION
14.1 Events of Termination Anything herein or elsewhere to the contrary
notwithstanding, this Agreement may be terminated by written notice of
termination at any time before the Closing Date only as follows:
14.1.1 by mutual consent of SGTI, the Directors and CCA;
14.1.2 provided that CCA is not in material default hereunder, by the
Board of Directors of CCA, upon fourteen (14) days' written notice to the SGTI
given at any time after the Closing Date (or such later date as shall have been
specified in a writing authorized on behalf of the Shareholders and CCA) if all
of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 6.2 hereof have not been met
within such fourteen-day period; or
14.1.3 provided that SGTI, the Directors and the Shareholders are not
in material default hereunder, by SGTI, upon fourteen (14) days' written notice
to CCA given at any time after the Closing Date (or such later date as shall
have been specified in a writing authorized on behalf of SGTI and CCA) if all of
the conditions precedent set forth in Section 6.1 hereof have not been met
within such fourteen-day period.
14.2 Consequences of Termination In the event of the termination and
abandonment hereof pursuant to the provisions of this Section 14:
14.2.1 CCA shall have the right to convert any cash sums advanced to
SGTI in accordance with Section 2.1 of this Agreement into shares in SGTI at the
conversion rate of one (1) ordinary share of SGTI for each Thirty U.S. Dollars
(US$30) so advanced, and SGTI agrees to take all necessary steps to accomplish
such conversion and the issuance of shares in SGTI to CCA therefor; and
14.2.2 except as provided in Section 14.2.1, this Agreement shall
become void and have no effect, without any liability on the part of any of the
parties or their directors or officers or stockholders in respect of this
Agreement.
16
ARTICLE 15
GENERAL
15.1 Entire Agreement; Amendments This Agreement constitutes the entire
understanding among the parties with respect to the subject matter contained
herein and supersedes any prior understandings and agreements among them
respecting such subject matter, other than the Agreement dated 12th August 1997
and the amendment thereto dated 9th September 1997, which shall remain in full
force and effect, in particular clauses 1(a), 2, 3 and 4(a) thereof, except for
clause 1(b) which is replaced by provisions of this Agreement. This Agreement
may be amended, supplemented, and terminated only by a written instrument duly
executed by all of the parties.
15.2 Headings The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and shall not affect its interpretation.
15.3 Gender; Number Words of gender may be read as masculine, feminine, or
neuter, as required by context. Words of number may be read as singular or
plural, as required by context.
15.4 Exhibits and Schedules Each Exhibit and Schedule referred to herein is
incorporated into this Agreement by such reference.
15.5 Notices All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be given to the person either personally or by sending a copy
thereof by first class or express mail, postage prepaid, or by courier services,
charges prepaid, or by fax, to such party's address (or to such party's fax). If
the notice is sent by mail or courier services, it shall be deemed to have been
given to the person entitled thereto three days after deposit in a recognized
postal service or courier service for delivery to that person or in the case of
fax, when received.
17
If to CCA, to:
Conserver Corporation of America
0000 Xxxx Xxxxxx - Suite 405
Coconut Grove, Florida 33133
U.S.A.
Attention: Xx. Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Fax No.: 0-000-000-0000
With a copy to:
XxXxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx & Xxxx
Xxxx Xxxxx - Xxxxx 0
00 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx XX0X 0XX
Xxxxxxx
Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxx, Esq.
Fax No.: 00-000-000-0000
If to SGTI, to:
Sakhalin General Trading & Investments Ltd.
c/o Weighbridge Trust Limited
P. O. Box 182
Belmont Court
Kings Road
St. Xxxxx Port, Guernsey,
Channel Islands GY1 4HL
Attention: X. X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
Fax No.: 00-0000-000000
If to Xx. Xxxxxx, to him c/o SGTI at the address
set forth above.
If to Xx. Xxxxxx, to:
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
Vasse Highway
P. O. Xxx 000
Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx 0000
Fax No.: 00-000-000 504
18
If to a Shareholder, to the address set forth in Schedule 1.2, with a
copy to SGTI at the address set forth above.
If to a Subscriber, to the address set forth in Schedule 2.3, with a
copy to SGTI at the address set forth above.
Notice of any change in any such address shall also be given in the manner set
forth above. Whenever the giving of notice is required, the giving of such
notice may be waived by the party entitled to receive such notice.
15.6 Waiver The failure of any party to insist upon strict performance of
any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement will not constitute a waiver of
any of its rights hereunder.
15.7 Assignment No party may assign any of its rights or delegate any of
its obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other parties
hereto, provided, however, that CCA shall have the right to assign its rights
hereunder to any entity which it controls, is controlled by, or is under common
control with.
15.8 Successors and Assigns This Agreement binds, inures to the benefit of,
and is enforceable by the successors and permitted assigns of the parties, and
does not confer any rights on any other persons or entities.
15.9 Governing Law This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in
accordance with the law of the State of New York.
15.10 No Benefit to Others The representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements contained in this Agreement are for the sole benefit of the parties
hereto and the Shareholders and their successors and assigns, and they shall not
be construed as conferring and are not intended to confer any rights on any
other persons.
15.11 Publicity Prior to the Closing Date, all notices to third parties and
all other publicity relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
shall be planned, coordinated and agreed to by CCA. Prior to the Closing Date,
none of the parties hereto shall act unilaterally in this regard without the
prior approval of CCA; provided, however, that such approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld.
15.12 Counterparts This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and any party hereto may execute any such counterpart, each of
which when executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original and all of
which counterparts taken together shall constitute but one and the same
instrument. The execution of this Agreement by any party hereto will not become
effective until counterparts hereof have been executed by all the parties
hereto. It shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement or any
counterpart hereof to produce or account for any of the other counterparts.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Agreement
personally or by their duly authorized representatives on the date first above
written.
CONSERVER CORPORATION OF AMERICA
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
--------------------------
Title: Chairman
-----------------------
SAKHALIN GENERAL TRADING AND INVESTMENTS LIMITED
By: /s/
--------------------------
Title: Chairman
-----------------------
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXX
/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
--------------------------
XXXX XXXXX XXXXXX
/s/ Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
--------------------------
19
SCHEDULE 1.2
Registered Shareholders
of
SAKHALIN GENERAL TRADING & INVESTMENTS LIMITED
NAME AND CONTACT NO. OF
DETAILS DETAILS SHARES %
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALDERSGATE NOMINEE LTD 15,000 7%
----------------------
P O Box 3175 Mr Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Road Town, Tortola E.B.C. Trust Corporation
British Virgin Islands "Le Montaigne", No. 0
Xxxxxxxxx xxx Xxxxxxx
XX 00000 Xxxxxx
Tel: (000) 00 00 00 00
Fax: (000) 00 00 00 00
BEECHWIRTH PTY LTD 6,325 3%
------------------
000 Xx Xxxxxx'x Xxxxxxx P O Box 204
Perth Subiaco
Western Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx 0000
Tel: 00-00 000 0000
Fax: 00-00 000 0000
XXXXXX PARK PTY LTD 10,000 4%
-------------------
34th Floor 00 Xxxxxxxx Xx
Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxx
000 Xx Xxxxxx'x Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx 0000
Perth Tel: 00-00 000 0000
Western Australia Fax: 00-00 000 0000
XXXXXXXX PROPERTIES LTD 45,500 20%
-----------------------
P O Box 3175 Mr Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Road Town E.B.C. Trust Corporation
Tortola "Le Montaigne", No. 6
British Virgin Islands Boulevard des Moulins
MC 98000 Monaco
Tel: (000) 00 00 00 00
Fax: (000) 00 00 00 00
TOXFORD CORPORATION 5,000 2%
-------------------
Hong Kong Bank Building Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx Esq.
Sixth Floor Rathbone Trust Company SA
Xxxxxx Xxxxx Avenue Place de Saint-Gervais 1
Panama City Xxxx Xxxxxxx 0000
Xxxxxx 0000 Xxxxxx 0
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Tel: 00-00 000 0000
Fax: 00-00 000 0000
WEIGHBRIDGE TRUST LTD 147,829 64%
---------------------
P O Box 182 X.X. Xxxxxx
Channel House Director
Forest Lane Tel: 00-0000-000 581
St Xxxxx Port Fax: 00-0000-000 000
Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx XX0 0XX
XXXXXXXXXXX TRUST ADMINISTRATION LTD 1 -
------------------------------------
(As Weighbridge Trust Ltd.)
TOTAL SHARES IN ISSUE 229,655 100%
======= ===
SCHEDULE 2.3
Allocation to the Subscribers of Shares in
CONSERVER CORPORATION OF AMERICA
NAME AND DETAILS CONTACT DETAILS NO. OF SHARES
---------------- --------------- -------------
ALDERSGATE NOMINEES LTD. 69,231
P O Box 3175 Mr Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Road Town, Tortola E.B.C. Trust Corporation
British Virgin Islands "Le Montaigne", No. 0
Xxxxxxxxx xxx Xxxxxxx
XX 00000 Xxxxxx
Tel: (000) 00 00 00 00
Fax: (000) 00 00 00 00
BEECHWIRTH PTY LTD. 29,192
-------------------
000 Xx Xxxxxx'x Xxxxxxx P O Box 204
Perth Subiaco
Western Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx 0000
Tel: 00-00 000 0000
Fax: 00-00 000 0000
CLOISTER FINANCE LTD. 307,692
P O Box 3175 Mr Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Road Town, Tortola E.B.C. Trust Corporation
British Virgin Islands "Le Montaigne", No. 0
Xxxxxxxxx xxx Xxxxxxx
XX 00000 Xxxxxx
Tel: (000) 00 00 00 00
Fax: (000) 00 00 00 00
CLUBS LTD. 50,000
----------
3rd Floor, R. Redmayne
0-0 Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Director
Xxxxxxx Tel/Fax: 00-0000-000 355
Isle of Man
CRAYFORD ASSOCIATES LTD. 153,846
2nd Floor, Xx Xxxxx
00 Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx 0 Isle of Man
Ireland Tel: 00-0000-000 929
Fax: 00-0000-000 343
DIAMONDS HOLDINGS LTD. 50,000
----------------------
3rd Floor, R. Redmayne
0-0 Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Director
Xxxxxxx Tel/Fax: 00-0000-000 355
Isle of Man
E.B.C. TRUST CORPORATION 478,516
"Le Montaigne", No. 6 Mr. Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Boulevard des Moulins Tel: (000) 00 00 00 00
MC 98000 Monaco Fax: (000) 00 00 00 00
XXXXXX PARK PTY LTD 46,154
34th Floor 00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxx
000 Xx Xxxxxx'x Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx 0000
Perth Tel: 00-00 000 0000
Western Australia Fax: 00-00 000 0000
HEARTS LTD. 50,000
-----------
0xx Xxxxx, R. Redmayne
0-0 Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Director
Xxxxxxx Tel/Fax: 00-0000-000 355
Isle of Man
XXXXXXXX PROPERTIES LTD 210,000
P O Box 3175 Mr Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Road Town E.B.C. Trust Corporation
Tortola "Le Montaigne", No. 6
British Virgin Islands Boulevard des Moulins
MC 98000 Monaco
Tel: (000) 00 00 00 00
Fax: (000) 00 00 00 00
SPADES LTD. 50,000
-----------
3rd Floor, R. Redmayne
0-0 Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Director
Xxxxxxx Tel/Fax: 00-0000-000 355
Isle of Man
TOXFORD CORPORATION 23,077
-------------------
Hong Kong Bank Building Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx Esq.
Sixth Floor Rathbone Trust Company SA
Xxxxxx Xxxxx Avenue Place de Saint-Gervais 1
Panama City Xxxx Xxxxxxx 0000
Xxxxxx 0000 Xxxxxx 0
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Tel: 00-00 000 0000
Fax: 00-00 000 0000
WEIGHBRIDGE TRUST LTD. 482,292
----------------------
P O Box 182 X.X. Xxxxxx
Channel House Director
Forest Lane Tel: 00-0000-000 581
St Xxxxx Port Fax: 00-0000-000 000
Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx XX0 0XX
TOTAL 2,000,000
=========
SCHEDULE 3.7.2
SHAREHOLDERS
of
SAKHALIN CITY CENTRE, LIMITED
Administration of the City of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin
Oblast, Russian Federation
2,000 shares - 20%
Administration of the Sakhalin Oblast, Russian Federation
1,500 shares - 15%
Sakhalin General Trading and Investments Limited
6,500 shares - 65%
SCHEDULE 3.9
SGTI PROPERTIES
1. 6,500 shares, nominal value RUR 1,000 per share, in the
charter capital of Sakhalin City Centre, Limited ("SCC").
2. Receivables from SCC for loans made in the aggregate
principal amount of US$511,000 as of the Financial
Statement Date.
SCHEDULE 3.15
BANK ACCOUNTS
SGTI
1. Hambros Bank (Guernsey) Limited
Guernsey, Channel Islands
Account no. 3274760027
SCC
2. INKOMBANK
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Branch
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia
Account No. 7467715
Currency Account: 460070613/001
Correspondent Account: 700161000
MFO: 046401700
Transferring funds:
Beneficiary: Sakhalin City Centre Ltd
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia
Account: 460070613/20089006/001
Bank: Inkombank, Moscow, Branch Sakhalinsky
SWIFT BIC: XXXXXXXX XXX ACCOUNT / 000-0000-000
The Bank of New York
New York
CHIPS UID 315784
3. MOSCOW NARODNY BANK LTD
London, UK
US Dollar Account: 00000000
Of: Sakhsotsbank
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia
Beneficiary: Sakhalin City Centre Ltd
Account no. 00000000
in Sakhsotsbank
SCHEDULE 3.17
SGTI AND SCC DOCUMENTS
Sakhalin General Trading and Investments Limited ("SGTI")
---------------------------------------------------------
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Sakhalin City Centre, Limited ("SCC")
-------------------------------------
Charter dated 25 January 1996
Joint Venture Agreement for the Construction of a Tourist and entertainment
Centre on Sakhalin dated 7 October 1994 between the Administration of
the City of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk ("City") and SCC
Agreementon mutual obligations for creating and managing a tourism and
entertainment complex on Sakhalin dated 15 December 1994 between the
City and SCC
Project Management Agreement dated 18 December 1994 between
SCC and Sovereign Gaming and Leisure Limited
("Sovereign")
Operation Management Agreement dated 18 December 1994 between
SCC and Sovereign
Agreement dated 13 February 1996 between Municipal enterprise
"Gorstroizakaztchik" and SCC
Agreementfor Lease relating to a site in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russian Federation,
dated 3 June 1996 between the City and SCC
Lease No. 326 of a site in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russian
Federation dated 3 June 1996 between the City and SCC
SGTI and SCC
Agreementabout closer definition and conclusion of the additional agreements
for realization of the project, construction and operation of the
tourist entertainment centre in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk dated 20 July 1995
between the Administration of the Sakhalin Oblast ("Oblast"), the City,
SCC, Sovereign and SGTI
Various loan agreements relating to advances made by SGTI to
SCC
SCHEDULE 3.19
SCC DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Directors:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx (UK)
Dallas Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx (UK)
Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx (Australia)
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx (Monaco)
Xxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxxxx (UK)
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx (Australia)
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Mozolevsky (Russia)
Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx Farkhutdinov (Russia)
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Yagubov (Russia)
Xxxxx Alexeyevna Yarovikova (Russia)
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx (Russia)
Officers:
General Director Xx. Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Executive Directors Xx. Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Mr. V. P. Mozolevsky
Chief Accountant Ms. Okhsana Romantsova
SCHEDULE 3.23
DOCUMENTS PROVIDED TO CCA
ALL DOCUMENTS LISTED IN SCHEDULE 3.17
SCC DOCUMENTS
- Agreement Between CCA, SGTI and Sovereign dated
12 August 1997
- Amendment to Agreement of 12 August 1997 dated
1 September 1997
- Foundation Agreement of SCC dated 9 March 1994
- Certification of Registration of SCC dated 2 March 1994
- Minutes of SCC:
- Founders Meeting #2 dated 20 September 1994
- Founders Meeting #3 dated 20 September 1994
- Shareholders Meeting #2 dated 25 January 1996
- Board of Directors Meeting #1 dated 26 January 1996
- Shareholders Meeting #3 dated 26 January 1996
- Shareholders' Appointment of Representatives to the SCC
Shareholders Meeting of 25 January 1996
- City of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Resolution of the Mayor dated
16 August 1995, no. 1130
- Appendix to Agreement on Land Rent Settlement for SCC as
Tenant dated 17 August 1995, no. 159
- SCC Memorandum dated 5 June 1996, with Government
Resolutions on Licensing Activity dated 24 December 1994,
no. 1418
- SGTI Submission to the Sakhalin Oblast for Exemption from
Gaming Tax, no date
- City of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Letter to SCC Concerning
Guarantee of Grant of Long-Term Gaming License dated
19 March 1997, no. 05-188
- City of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Letter to SCC Concerning
Guarantee of Grant of Long-Term Gaming License dated
12 March 1996, no. 208
- SCC letter to Governor of Sakhalin Oblast dated
31 May 1996
- Letter of Mayor of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to SCC Approving SCC
Tourist Terminal at Airport and Supporting Short-Term
Visa Proposal, (June) 1996
- SCC fax dated 25 September 1997, with Resolutions of the
City of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
- Audit Report of Vostok-Audit Concerning SCC dated
25 March 1996
- SCC Memorandum Concerning Financial Report dated
1 June 1996
- Financial Statement of SCC as of 1 July 1995
- Auditors Report of "Audit-INFO" as of 1 January 1995
- Stock Sale and Purchase Agreements dated
23 February 1996:
- Between SGTI and Sassey Pty. Ltd.
- Between SGTI and Sovereign
- Between SGTI and Trout Nominees Pty. Ltd.
- Between SGTI and Limited Liability Company "Trade House
Potential Sakhalina"
- Curriculum Vitae of V. P. Mozolevsky delivered to CCA
4 September 1997
- SCC Memorandum dated 11 November 1996, with letter of
Governor of Sakhalin Oblast dated 10 November 1996,
no. 2804
- Registration Documents of SCC by Sakhalin Oblast dated
21 March 1994, nos. 199 and 85-SP
- Decree of the Mayor of the City of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
dated 25 March 1996, no. 401
- SCC fax dated 24 April 1996, with texts of documents from
the City of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and the Sakhalin Oblast
- Letter from the Sakhalin Oblast to SCC dated 4 June 1996,
no. 01-449
- Letter from the Governor of the Sakhalin Oblast to SCC
dated 30 August 1996, no. 1-2204
- Letter from the Mayor of the City of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to
SCC dated 10 November 1996, no. 1-2804
- Stock Sale and Purchase Agreement Between Limited
Liability Company "Sakhin, Ltd." and SGTI dated
24 November 1996
- Stock Sale and Purchase Agreement Between V. P.
Mozolevsky and SGTI dated 10 October 1996
- SCC Memorandum dated 3 October 1997, with Resolutions of
the City of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Duma dated
25 September 1997, nos. 98/7 and 99/7
- Extract from the SCC Register of Shareholders Confirming
SGTI as Owner of 6500 Common Shares dated
4 September 1997
SGTI DOCUMENTS
--------------
- Bank Confirmations of Hambros Bank (Guernsey) Limited
- Certificate from the Companies Registrar of Cyprus dated
8 August 1996
- Certificate from the Companies Registrar of Cyprus dated
13 August 1996
- SGTI Letter Concerning Shareholdings dated 3 June 1997,
and Enclosures
- Central Bank of Cyprus Letter dated 27 June 1997
- Various Documents of Sassey Pty. Ltd.
- Various Documents of Sovereign
- Various Documents of Trout Nominees Pty. Ltd.
- Various Documents of Weighbridge Trust Limited
- SGTI Financial Statements as at 31 March 1997
- SGTI Financial Statements as at 31 May 1996
- Prospectus Concerning SCC Project, 1997
SCHEDULE 13.1
ARBITRATION AGREEMENT
Dated as of 24th October 1997
This Arbitration Agreement relates to the agreements, contracts and other
documents related to the acquisition by Conserver Corporation of America ("CCA")
of all of the share capital of Sakhalin General Trading & Investments Limited
("SGTI"), and in
particular to the following agreements:
o Agreement dated 12th August 1997 among CCA, SGTI and Sovereign Gaming and
Leisure Limited ("Sovereign") and the amendment thereto dated 9th September
1997.
o Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of 24th October 1997 ("Stock Purchase
Agreement") among CCA, SGTI, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx ("Xx. Xxxxxx") and Xxxx
Xxxxx Xxxxxx ("Xx. Xxxxxx").
o Share Transfer Forms to be executed and delivered to CCA by the
Shareholders of SGTI, in accordance with the Stock Purchase Agreement.
o Subscription Agreements to be executed and delivered to CCA by the
Subscribers to CCA Shares, in accordance with the Stock Purchase Agreement.
o Assignments to be executed and delived by Sovereign to CCA in accordance
with the Stock Purchase Agreement of (a) the Project Management Agreement
dated 18th December 1994 between Sakhalin City Centre, Limited ("SCC") and
Sovereign relating to the establishment of the Sakhalin Project and (b) the
Operational Management Agreement dated 18th December 1994 between SCC and
Sovereign relating to the operation and management of the Sakhalin Project.
All of the agreements and documents named above are herein collectively called
the "Agreements".
THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
1. Any and all disputes, controversies or claims arising out of, involving or
relating to:
(a) one or more of the Agreements and any amendments, modifications or
supplements thereto, or the existence, validity, performance, breach or
termination thereof.
(b) the existence, validity, performance, breach or termination of any
other contract or document between two or more of the parties related to
the Agreements, and/or
(c) any other legal, regulatory, contractual or other matters related to
the Agreements,
shall be referred to, settled and finally resolved exclusively by
arbitration in accordance with the Rules of Conciliation and Arbitration of
the International Chamber
of Commerce (the "ICC Rules").
2. In application of the ICC Rules:
(a) the place of arbitration shall be London, England.
(b) There shall be three (3) arbitrators who must be fluent in the English
language.
(i) One arbitrator will be appointed by CCA.
(ii) One arbitrator will be appointed by Messrs. Cairns and Xxxxxx
(both of whom are on the date of this Arbitration Agreement directors
of SGTI), acting on behalf of SGTI, the Shareholders of SGTI who
executed Share Transfer Forms, the Subscribers to CCA Shares, and
themselves personally.
(iii) The third arbitrator will be appointed by the first two
arbitrators. If the two party-appointed arbitrators fail to appoint
the third presiding arbitrator, he will be appointed in accordance
with the ICC Rules.
(c) The language to be used in the arbitral proceedings shall be English.
All documents in another language shall be translated into English.
(d) The parties to any arbitration under this Agreement shall each bear
their own expenses in connection with such arbitration.
3. All disputes, controversies and claims described in clause 1 above arising
among all or some of the parties hereto will be included and settled in a
single comprehensive arbitration. In this regard:
(a) Any party hereto shall have the right to pursue any type of claim
described in clause 1 above against any other party hereto regardless of
whether or not they are parties to the same contract.
(b) Any party hereto shall have the right to intervene in any arbitration
proceeding between two or more other parties hereto under this Arbitration
Agreement, regardless of whether or not they are parties to the same
contract, without having to obtain the consent of the other parties hereto
and regardless of whether the claims of the intervening party against any
or all of the parties to the pending arbitration proceeding arise out of
the claims or matters in issue in the said pending arbitration proceeding.
(c) Any party hereto who is a defendant in an arbitration under this
Arbitration Agreement shall have the right to involve one or more of the
other parties hereto in arbitration, and such other party(ies) shall be
obliged to participate in the arbitration.
(d) Any party commencing an arbitration against any other party hereunder
shall notify all of the other parties hereto of the commencement of such
arbitration.
(e) Any party joining, intervening or brought into an arbitration
proceeding under this Arbitration Agreement after the arbitration shall
have commenced shall be required to accept the arbitrators who shall have
been already appointed, and such joining, intervening or brought-in party
shall be bound by all procedural and substantive decisions and awards
already made by the arbitrators in such proceeding, provided they were
notified of the existence of such arbitration proceeding (and thus were
given an adequate opportunity to become parties to the arbitration) and of
all such procedural and substantive decisions and awards.
(f) Any party hereto shall have the right to obtain the recognition of and
compliance with any partial or final award of the arbitral tribunal by all
the other parties hereto, whether or not they were parties to the
arbitration proceeding under this Arbitration Agreement, provided they were
notified of the existence of such arbitration proceeding (and thus were
given an adequate opportunity to become parties to the arbitration) and of
all procedural and substantive decisions and awards made by the arbitrators
in such proceeding.
4. All notices and communications in connection with this Arbitration Agreement
and any arbitration or other proceeding commenced hereunder shall be in writing
and shall be delivered or sent to each of the parties at its address set forth
in the agreement or contract to which this Arbitration Agreement is a part (or
to such other address as it may indicate to the other parties). All such notices
and communications shall be delivered by hand or sent by registered air mail,
messenger, courier, facsimile or other reliable means of telecommunication (a
confirmation copy of facsimiles or other telecommunications should be sent by
mail). All notices shall be effective on receipt of the original transmission
(and not receipt of the confirmation copy).
5. This Arbitration Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the law of the State of New York. This Arbitration Agreement shall be a
contract separate and apart from the Agreements to which a reference is made in
this Arbitration Agreement.
