Document:

Lease Agreement Number PI100511   

LEASE AGREEMENT

This Lease Agreement, dated October 5, 2011 by and between FARNAM STREET FINANCIAL, INC. (the "Lessor") with an office located at 240 Pondview Plaza, 5850 Opus Parkway, Minnetonka, MN 55343 and PIONEER TRAIL ENERGY, LLC (the "Lessee") with an office located at 1600 Broadway, Suite 2200, Denver, CO 80202.

 

Lessor hereby leases or grants to the Lessee the right to use and Lessee hereby rents and accepts the right to use the equipment (identified by serial number where serialized), services, and software on the Lease Schedule(s) attached hereto or incorporated herein by reference from time to time (collectively, the equipment, software and services are the "Equipment"), subject to the terms and conditions hereof, as supplemented with respect to each item of Equipment by the terms and conditions set forth in the appropriate Lease Schedule.  The term "Lease Agreement" shall include this Lease Agreement and the various Lease Schedule(s) identifying each item of Equipment or the appropriate Lease Schedule(s) identifying one or more particular items of Equipment.

1.  TERM:  This Lease Agreement is effective from the date it is executed by both parties.  The term of this Lease Agreement, as to all Equipment designated on any particular Lease Schedule, shall commence on the Installation Date for all Equipment on such Lease Schedule and shall continue for an initial period ending that number of months from the Commencement Date as set forth in such Lease Schedule (the “Initial Term”) and shall continue from year to year thereafter until terminated.  The term of this Lease Agreement as to all Equipment designated on any particular Lease Schedule may be terminated without cause at the end of the Initial Term or any year thereafter by either party mailing written notice of its termination to the other party not less than one-hundred twenty (120) days prior to such termination date.

2.  COMMENCEMENT DATE:  The Installation Date for each item of Equipment shall be the day said item of Equipment is installed at the Location of Installation, ready for use, and accepted in writing by the Lessee.  The Commencement Date for any Lease Schedule is the first of the month following installation of all the Equipment on the Lease Schedule, unless the latest Installation Date for any Equipment on the Lease Schedule falls on the first day of the month, in which case that is the Commencement Date.  The Lessee agrees to complete, execute and deliver a Certificate(s) of Acceptance to Lessor upon installation of the Equipment.

3.  LEASE CHARGE:  The lease charges for the Equipment leased pursuant to this Lease Agreement shall be the aggregate “Monthly Lease Charge(s)” as set forth on each and every Lease Schedule executed pursuant hereto (the aggregate “Monthly Lease Charge(s)” are the “Lease Charges”).  Lessee agrees to pay to Lessor the Lease Charges in accordance with the Lease Schedule(s), and the payments shall be made at Lessor's address indicated thereon.  The Lease Charges shall be paid by Lessee monthly in advance with the first full month's payment due on the Commencement Date.  If the Installation Date does not fall on the first day of a month, the Lease Charge for the period from the Installation Date to the Commencement Date shall be an amount equal to the “Monthly Lease Charge” divided by thirty (30) and multiplied by the number of days from and including the Installation Date to the Commencement Date and such amount shall be due and payable upon receipt of an invoice from Lessor.  Charges for taxes made in accordance with Section 4 and charges made under any other provision of this Lease Agreement and payable by Lessee shall be paid to Lessor at Lessor's address specified on the Lease Schedule(s) on the date specified in invoices delivered to Lessee. If payment, as specified above, is not received by Lessor on the due date, Lessee agrees to and shall, to the extent permitted by law, pay on demand, as a late charge, an amount equal to one and one-half percent (11⁄2%), or the maximum percentage allowed by law if less, of the amount past due (“Late Charges”).  Late Charges shall be charged and added to any past due amount on the date such payment is due and every thirty (30) days thereafter until all past due amounts are paid in full to Lessor.

4.  TAXES:  In addition to the Lease Charges set forth in Section 3, the Lessee shall reimburse Lessor for all license or registration fees, assessments, sales and use taxes, rental taxes, gross receipts taxes, personal property taxes and other taxes now or hereafter imposed by any government, agency, province or otherwise upon the Equipment, the Lease Charges or upon the ownership, leasing, renting, purchase, possession or use of the Equipment, whether the same be assessed to Lessor or Lessee (the “Taxes”).  Lessor shall file all property tax returns and pay all Taxes when due.  Lessee, upon notice to Lessor, may, in Lessee's own name, contest or protest any Taxes, and Lessor shall honor any such notice except when in Lessor's sole opinion such contest is futile or will cause a levy or lien to arise on the Equipment or cloud Lessor's title thereto.  Lessee shall, in addition, be responsible to Lessor for the payment and discharge of any penalties or interest as a result of Lessee’s actions or inactions.  Nothing herein shall be construed to require Lessee to be responsible for any federal or state taxes or payments in lieu thereof, imposed upon or measured by the net income of Lessor, or state franchise taxes of Lessor, or except as provided hereinabove, any penalties or interest resulting from Lessor's failure to timely remit such tax payments.

5.  DELIVERY AND FREIGHT COSTS:  Lessee shall accept delivery of the Equipment and allow the Equipment to be installed within seven (7) days after delivery.

      All transportation charges upon the Equipment for delivery to Lessee's designated Location of Installation are to be paid by Lessee.  All rigging, drayage charges, structural alterations, rental of heavy equipment and/or other expense necessary to place the Equipment at the Location of Installation are to be promptly paid by Lessee.

6.  INSTALLATION:  Lessee agrees to pay for the actual installation of the Equipment at Lessee's site.  Lessee shall make available and agrees to pay for all costs associated with providing a suitable place of installation and necessary electrical power, outlets and air conditioning required for operating the Equipment as defined in the Equipment manufacturer's installation manual or instructions.  All supplies consumed or required by the Equipment shall be furnished and paid for by Lessee.

7.  RETURN TO LESSOR:  On the day following the last day of the lease term associated with a Lease Schedule (the “Return Date”), Lessee shall cause and pay for all the Equipment (by serial number where serialized) on that Lease Schedule to be deinstalled, packed using the manufacturer’s original packing materials and shipped to a location designated in writing by Lessor (the “Return Location”).  If all the Equipment on the applicable Lease Schedule is not at the Return Location within ten (10) days of the Return Date, or Lessee fails to deinstall and ship all the Equipment on the Return Date, then any written notice of termination delivered by Lessee shall become void, and the Lease Schedule shall continue in accordance with this Lease Agreement. Irrespective of any other provision hereof, Lessee will bear the risk of damage from fire, the elements or otherwise until delivery of the Equipment to the Return Location.  At such time as the Equipment is delivered to the Lessor at the Return Location, the Equipment will be at the risk of Lessor.

 

  

  

  

 

8.MAINTENANCE:  Lessee, at its sole expense, shall maintain the Equipment in good working order and condition.  Lessee shall enter into, pay for and maintain in force during the entire term of any Lease Schedule, a maintenance agreement with the original manufacturer of the Equipment providing for continuous uninterrupted maintenance of the Equipment (the “Maintenance Agreement”).  Lessee will cause the manufacturer to keep the Equipment in good working order in accordance with the provisions of the Maintenance Agreement and make all necessary adjustments and repairs to the Equipment.  The manufacturer is hereby authorized to accept the directions of Lessee with respect thereto.  Lessee agrees to allow the manufacturer full and free access to the Equipment.  All maintenance and service charges, whether under the Maintenance Agreement or otherwise, and all expenses, if any, of the manufacturer's customer engineers incurred in connection with maintenance and repair services, shall be promptly paid by Lessee. Lessee warrants that all of the Equipment shall be in good working order operating according to manufacturer’s specification and eligible for the manufacturer's standard maintenance agreement upon delivery to and inspection and testing by the Lessor.  If the Equipment is not operating according to manufacturer’s specification, in good working order and/or certified by the manufacturer as eligible for the manufacturer's standard maintenance agreement, Lessee agrees to reimburse Lessor for all costs, losses, expenses and fees associated with such equipment and the repair or replacement thereof.

9.  LOCATION, OWNERSHIP AND USE:  The Equipment shall, at all times, be the sole and exclusive property of Lessor.  Lessee shall have no right or property interest therein, except for the right to use the Equipment in the normal operation of its business at the Location of Installation, or as otherwise provided herein.  The Equipment is and shall remain personal property even if installed in or attached to real property.  Lessor shall be permitted to display notice of its ownership on the Equipment by means of a suitable stencil, label or plaque affixed thereto.

      Lessee shall keep the Equipment at all times free and clear from all claims, levies, encumbrances and process.  Lessee shall give Lessor immediate notice of any such attachment or other judicial process affecting any of the Equipment.  Without Lessor’s written permission, Lessee shall not attempt to or actually: (i) pledge, lend, create a security interest in, sublet, exchange, trade, assign, swap, use for an allowance or credit or otherwise; (ii) allow another to use; (iii) part with possession; (iv) dispose of; or (v) remove from the Location of Installation, any item of Equipment.  If any item of Equipment is exchanged, assigned, traded, swapped, used for an allowance or credit or otherwise to acquire new or different equipment (the “New Equipment”) without Lessor’s prior written consent, then all of the New Equipment shall become Equipment owned by Lessor subject to this Lease Agreement and the applicable Lease Schedule.

      Any feature(s) installed on the Equipment at the time of delivery that are not specified on the Lease Schedule(s) are and shall remain the sole property of the Lessor.

      Lessee shall cause the Equipment to be operated in accordance with the applicable vendor's or manufacturer's manual of instructions by competent and qualified personnel.

10.  FINANCING STATEMENT:  Lessor is hereby authorized by Lessee to cause this Lease Agreement or other instruments, including Uniform Commercial Code Financing Statements, to be filed or recorded for the purposes of showing Lessor's interest in the Equipment.  Lessee agrees to execute any such instruments as Lessor may request from time to time.

11.  ALTERATIONS AND ATTACHMENTS:  Upon prior written notice to Lessor, Lessee may, at its own expense, make minor alterations in or add attachments to the Equipment, provided such alterations and attachments shall not interfere with the normal operation of the Equipment and do not otherwise involve the pledge, assignment, exchange, trade or substitution of the Equipment or any component or part thereof.  All such alterations and attachments to the Equipment shall become part of the Equipment leased to Lessee and owned by Lessor.  If, in Lessor’s sole determination, the alteration or attachment reduces the value of the Equipment or interferes with the normal and satisfactory operation or maintenance of any of the Equipment, or creates a safety hazard, Lessee shall, upon notice from Lessor to that effect, promptly remove the alteration or attachment at Lessee's expense and restore the Equipment to the condition the Equipment was in just prior to the alteration or attachment.

12.  LOSS AND DAMAGE:  Lessee shall assume and bear the risk of loss, theft and damage (including any governmental requisition, condemnation or confiscation) to the Equipment and all component parts thereof from any and every cause whatsoever, whether or not covered by insurance.  No loss or damage to the Equipment or any component part thereof shall impair any obligation of Lessee under this Lease Agreement, which shall continue in full force and effect except as hereinafter expressly provided.  Lessee shall repair or cause to be repaired all damage to the Equipment.  In the event that all or part of the Equipment shall, as a result of any cause whatsoever, become lost, stolen, destroyed or otherwise rendered irreparably unusable or damaged (collectively, the “Loss”) then Lessee shall, within ten (10) days after the Loss, fully inform Lessor in writing of such a Loss and shall pay to Lessor the following amounts: (i) the Monthly Lease Charges (and other amounts) due and owing under this Lease Agreement, plus (ii) one-hundred (100%) percent of the original cost of the Equipment subject to the Loss if the loss occurs in the first nine months of the Initial Term, and, thereafter, the original cost of the Equipment amortized by the subsequent Monthly Lease Charges received by Lessor during the Initial Term using an amortization rate of eight hundred and ninety (890) basis points over the interest rate of the three (3) year United States Treasury Note as reported by the Federal Reserve on the Commencement Date (collectively, the sum of (i) plus (ii) shall be the “Casualty Loss Value”). Notwithstanding the proceeding, if Lessee has provided notice to terminate the applicable Lease Schedule prior to informing Lessor in writing of a Loss and such Loss is not covered by insurance proceeds pursuant to Section 13 hereof, then Lessee shall pay two (2) times the Casualty Loss Value on the Equipment subject to such Loss. Upon receipt by Lessor of the Casualty Loss Value: (i) the applicable Equipment shall be removed from the Lease Schedule; and (ii) Lessee’s obligation to pay Lease Charges associated with the applicable Equipment shall cease. Lessor may request, and Lessee shall complete, an affidavit(s) that swears out the facts supporting the Loss of any item of Equipment.

 

  

Page Number 2 of 5

  

 

13.  INSURANCE:  Until the Equipment is returned to Lessor or as otherwise herein provided, whether or not this Lease Agreement has terminated as to the Equipment, Lessee, at its expense, shall maintain: (i) property and casualty insurance insuring the Equipment for its Casualty Loss Value naming Lessor or its assigns as sole loss payee; and (ii) comprehensive public liability and third-party property insurance naming Lessor and its assigns as additional loss payees.  The insurance shall cover the interest of both the Lessor and Lessee in the Equipment, or as the case may be, shall protect both the Lessor and Lessee in respect to all risks arising out of the condition, delivery, installation, maintenance, use or operation of the Equipment.  All such insurance shall provide for thirty (30) days prior written notice to Lessor of cancellation, restriction, or reduction of coverage.  Lessee hereby irrevocably appoints Lessor as Lessee's attorney-in-fact to make claim for, receive payment of and execute and endorse all documents, checks or drafts for loss or damage or return premium under any insurance policy issued on the Equipment.  Prior to installation of the Equipment, all policies or certificates of insurance shall be delivered to Lessor by Lessee.  Lessee agrees to keep the Equipment insured with an insurance company which is at least “A” rated by A.M. Best. The proceeds of any loss or damage insurance shall be payable to Lessor, but Lessor shall remit all such insurance proceeds to Lessee at such time as Lessee either (i) provides Lessor satisfactory proof that the damage has been repaired and the Equipment has been restored to good working order and condition or (ii) pays to Lessor the Casualty Loss Value.  It is understood and agreed that any payments made by Lessee or its insurance carrier for loss or damage of any kind whatsoever to the Equipment are not made as accelerated rental payments or adjustments of rental, but are made solely as indemnity to Lessor for loss or damage of its Equipment.

14.  ENFORCEMENT OF WARRANTIES:  Upon receipt of a written request from Lessee, Lessor shall, so long as this Lease Agreement is in force, take all reasonable action requested by Lessee to enforce the Equipment manufacturer's warranties, expressed or implied, issued on or applicable to the Equipment, which are enforceable by Lessor in its own name.  Lessor shall obtain for Lessee all service furnished by manufacturer in connection therewith; provided, however, that Lessor shall not be required to commence any suit or action or resort to litigation to enforce any such warranty unless Lessee shall first pay to Lessor in advance all expenses in connection therewith, including attorney's’ fees.

      If any such warranty shall be enforceable by Lessee in its own name, Lessee shall, upon receipt of written request from Lessor, so long as this Lease Agreement is in force, take all reasonable action requested by Lessor to enforce any such warranty, which is enforceable by Lessee in its own name; provided, however, that Lessee shall not be obligated to commence any suit or action or resort to litigation to enforce any such warranty unless Lessor shall pay all expenses in connection therewith.

15.  WARRANTIES, DISCLAIMERS AND INDEMNITY: THE LESSOR DOES NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  LESSEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT IS NOT RELYING ON LESSOR'S SKILL OR JUDGEMENT TO SELECT OR FURNISH GOODS SUITABLE FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND THAT THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS LEASE AGREEMENT. LESSEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT LESSOR HAS NOT MADE ANY STATEMENT, REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY RELATIVE TO THE ACCOUNTING OR TAX ENTRIES, TREATMENT, BENEFIT, USE OR CLASSIFICATION OF THE LEASE AGREEMENT OR ASSOCIATED LEASE SCHEDULES.  LESSEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND/OR ITS INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR (i) ANY AND ALL OF LESSEE'S ACCOUNTING AND TAX ENTRIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE LEASE AGREEMENT AND/OR THE LEASE SCHEDULES AND (ii) THE ACCOUNTING AND TAX TREATMENT, BENEFITS, USES AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE LEASE AGREEMENT OR ANY LEASE SCHEDULE. LESSOR SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES, INCLUDING SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF THE EQUIPMENT OR ITS USE BY LESSEE, AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH LESSOR'S FAILURE TO PERFORM ITS OBLIGATION HEREUNDER.  THIS LEASE AGREEMENT IS A “FINANCE LEASE” AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED AND USED IN ARTICLE 2A OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE. NO RIGHTS OR REMEDIES REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 2A OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE WILL BE CONFERRED ON LESSEE.

      Lessee agrees that Lessor shall not be liable to Lessee for, and Lessee shall indemnify, defend and hold Lessor harmless with respect to, any claim from a third party for any liability, claim, loss, damage or expense of any kind or nature, whether based upon a theory of strict liability or otherwise, caused, directly or indirectly, by: (i) the inadequacy of any item of Equipment, including software, for any purpose; (ii) any deficiency or any latent or other defects in any Equipment, including software, whether or not detectable by Lessee; (iii) the selection, manufacture, rejection, ownership, lease, possession, maintenance, operation, use or performance of any item of Equipment, including software; (iv) any interruption or loss of service, use or performance of any item of Equipment, including software; (v) patent, trademark or copyright infringement; or (vi) any loss of business or other special, incidental or consequential damages whether or not resulting from any of the foregoing.  Lessee’s duty to defend and indemnify Lessor shall survive the expiration, termination, cancellation or assignment of this Lease Agreement or a Lease Schedule and shall be binding upon Lessee’s successors and permitted assigns.

16.  EVENT OF DEFAULT:  The occurrence of any of the following events shall constitute an Event of Default under this Lease Agreement and/or any Lease Schedule:

	 	
(1)

	
the nonpayment by Lessee of any Lease Charges when due, or the nonpayment by Lessee of any other sum required hereunder to be paid by Lessee which non-payment continues for a period of ten (10) days from the date when due;

	 	
(2)

	
the failure of Lessee to perform any other term, covenant or condition of this Lease Agreement, any Lease Schedule or any other document, agreement or instrument executed pursuant hereto or in connection herewith, which is not cured within ten (10) days;

	 	
(3)

	
Lessee attempts to or does remove, transfer, sell, swap, assign, sublease, trade, exchange, encumber, receive an allowance or credit for, or part with possession of, any item of Equipment;

	 	
(4)

	
Lessee or any guarantor of this Lease Agreement ceases doing business as a going concern, is insolvent, makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, fails to pay its debts as they become due, offers a settlement to creditors or calls a meeting of creditors for any such purpose, files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, is subject to an involuntary petition in bankruptcy, is adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent, files or has filed against it a petition seeking any reorganization, arrangement or composition, under any present or future statute, law or regulation;

	 	
(5)

	
without Lessor's consent, (i) Lessee or any guarantor of this Lease Agreement sells, conveys, leases, exchanges or transfers all or substantially all of its assets, (ii) Lessee or any guarantor of this Lease Agreement merges, consolidates, liquidates, dissolves or combines its assets with any other entity, or (iii) if Lessee or any guarantor of this Lease Agreement is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity, more than 35% of the outstanding equity interests of Lessee or such guarantor are owned directly or indirectly at any time during the Term of this Lease Agreement by a person or group of persons other than the person(s) who held all of the outstanding equity interests on the date of this Lease Agreement;

	 	
(6)

	
any representations or warranties made at any time by Lessee or any guarantor in this Lease Agreement or in any agreement, statement, certificate, financial or credit information provided in connection herewith are false or misleading when made;

	 	
(7)

	
Lessee or any guarantor of this Lease Agreement defaults under or otherwise has accelerated any material obligation, credit agreement, loan agreement, conditional sales contract, lease, indenture or debenture; or Lessee or any guarantor of this Lease Agreement defaults under any other agreement now existing or hereafter made with Lessor, including an Equipment Purchase Agreement; or

	 	
(8)

	
the breach or repudiation by any party thereto of any guaranty, subordination agreement or other agreement running in favor of Lessor obtained in connection with this Lease Agreement.

 

  

Page Number 3 of 5

  

 

17.  REMEDIES:  Should any Event of Default occur and be continuing, Lessor may, in order to protect its interests and reasonably expected profits, with or without notice or demand upon Lessee, pursue and enforce, alternatively, successively and/or concurrently, any one or more of the following remedies:

	 	
(1)

	
recover from Lessee all accrued and unpaid Lease Charges and other amounts due and owing on the date of the default;

	 	
(2)

	
recover from Lessee from time to time all Lease Charges and other amounts as and when becoming due hereunder;

	 	
(3)

	
accelerate, cause to become immediately due and recover the present value of all Lease Charges and other amounts due and/or likely to become due hereunder from the date of the default to the end of the lease term using a discount rate of six (6%) percent;

	 	
(4)

	
cause to become immediately due and payable and recover from Lessee the Casualty Loss Value  of the Equipment;

	 	
(5)

	
terminate any or all of the Lessee’s rights, but not its obligations, associated with the lease of Equipment under this Lease Agreement;

	 	
(6)

	
retake (by Lessor, independent contractor, or by requiring Lessee to assemble and surrender the Equipment in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 hereinabove) possession of the Equipment without terminating the Lease Schedule or the Lease Agreement free from claims by Lessee which claims are hereby expressly waived by Lessee;

	 	
(7)

	
require Lessee to deliver the Equipment to a location designated by Lessor;

	 	
(8)

	
proceed by court action to enforce performance by Lessee of its obligations associated with any Lease Schedule and/or this Lease Agreement; and/or

	 	
(9)

	
pursue any other remedy Lessor may otherwise have, at law, equity or under any statute, and recover damages and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by Lessor by reason of the Event of Default.

Upon repossession of the Equipment, Lessor shall have the right to lease, sell or otherwise dispose of such Equipment in a commercially reasonable manner, with or without notice, at a public or private sale. Lessor's pursuit and enforcement of any one or more remedies shall not be deemed an election or waiver by Lessor of any other remedy.  Lessor shall not be obligated to sell or re-lease the Equipment.  Any sale or re-lease may be held at such place or places as are selected by Lessor, with or without having the Equipment present.  Any such sale or re-lease, may be at wholesale or retail, in bulk or in parcels.  Time and exactitude of each of the terms and conditions of this Lease Agreement are hereby declared to be of the essence.  Lessor may accept past due payments in any amount without modifying the terms of this Lease Agreement and without waiving any rights of Lessor hereunder.

18.  COSTS AND ATTORNEYS’ FEES:  In the event of any default, claim, proceeding, including a bankruptcy proceeding, arbitration, mediation, counter-claim, action (whether legal or equitable), appeal or otherwise, whether initiated by Lessor or Lessee (or a debtor-in-possession or bankruptcy trustee), which arises out of, under, or is related in any way to this Lease Agreement, any Lease Schedule, or any other document, agreement or instrument executed pursuant hereto or in connection herewith, or any governmental examination or investigation of Lessee, which requires Lessor's participation (individually and collectively, the “Claim”), Lessee, in addition to all other sums which Lessee may be called upon to pay under the provisions of this Lease Agreement, shall pay to Lessor, on demand, all costs, expenses and fees paid or payable in connection with the Claim, including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees and out-of-pocket costs, including travel and related expenses incurred by Lessor or its attorneys.

19.  LESSOR'S PERFORMANCE OPTION:  Should Lessee fail to make any payment or to do any act as provided by this Lease Agreement, then Lessor shall have the right (but not the obligation), without notice to Lessee of its intention to do so and without releasing Lessee from any obligation hereunder to make or to do the same, to make advances to preserve the Equipment or Lessor's title thereto, and to pay, purchase, contest or compromise any insurance premium, encumbrance, charge, tax, lien or other sum which in the judgment of Lessor appears to affect the Equipment, and in exercising any such rights, Lessor may incur any liability and expend whatever amounts in its absolute discretion it may deem necessary therefor.  All sums so incurred or expended by Lessor shall be due and payable by Lessee within ten (10) days of notice thereof.

20.  QUIET POSSESSION AND INSPECTION:  Lessor hereby covenants with Lessee that Lessee shall quietly possess the Equipment subject to and in accordance with the provisions hereof so long as Lessee is not in default hereunder; provided, however, that Lessor or its designated agent may, at any and all reasonable times during business hours, enter Lessee's premises for the purposes of inspecting the Equipment and the manner in which it is being used.

21.  ASSIGNMENTS:  This Lease Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.  Lessee, however, shall not assign this Lease Agreement or sublet any of the Equipment without first obtaining the prior written consent of Lessor and its assigns, if any.  Lessee acknowledges that the terms and conditions of this Lease Agreement have been fixed in anticipation of the possible assignment of Lessor's rights under this Lease Agreement and in and to the Equipment as collateral security to a third party ("Assignee" herein) which will rely upon and be entitled to the benefit of the provisions of this Lease Agreement.  Lessee agrees to provide Lessor or its potential assigns with Lessee's most recent audited and its most current financial statements.  Lessee agrees with Lessor and such Assignee to recognize in writing any such assignment within fifteen (15) days after receipt of written notice thereof and to pay thereafter all sums due to Lessor hereunder directly to such Assignee if directed by Lessor, notwithstanding any defense, set-off or counterclaim whatsoever (whether arising from a breach of this Lease Agreement or not) that Lessee may from time to time have against Lessor.  Upon such assignment, the Lessor shall remain obligated to perform any obligations it may have under this Lease Agreement and the Assignee shall (unless otherwise expressly agreed to in writing by the Assignee) have no obligation to perform such obligations.  Any such assignment shall be subject to Lessee's rights to use and possess the Equipment so long as Lessee is not in default hereunder.

22.  SURVIVAL OF OBLIGATIONS:  All covenants, agreements, representations, and warranties contained in this Lease Agreement, any Lease Schedule, or in any document attached thereto, shall be for the benefit of Lessor and Lessee and their successors, any assignee or secured party.  Further, all covenants, agreements, representations, and warranties contained in this Lease Agreement, any Lease Schedule, or in any document attached thereto, shall survive the execution and delivery of this Lease Agreement and the expiration or other termination of this Lease Agreement.

23.  CORPORATE AUTHORITY:  The parties hereto covenant and warrant that the persons executing this Lease Agreement and each Lease Schedule on their behalf have been duly authorized to do so, and this Lease Agreement and any Lease Schedule constitute a valid and binding obligation of the parties hereto.  The Lessee will, if requested by Lessor, provide to Lessor, Certificates of Authority naming the officers of the Lessee who have the authority to execute this Lease Agreement and any Lease Schedules attached thereto.

24.  LANDLORDS’ AND MORTGAGEES’ WAIVER:  If requested, Lessee shall furnish waivers, in form and substance satisfactory to Lessor, from all landlords and mortgagees of any premises upon which any Equipment is located.

 

  

Page Number 4 of 5

  

 

25.  MISCELLANEOUS:  This Lease Agreement, the Lease Schedule(s), attached riders and any documents or instruments issued or executed pursuant hereto will have been made, executed and delivered in, and will be governed by the internal laws (as opposed to conflicts of law provisions) and decisions of, the State of Minnesota.  Lessee and Lessor consent to jurisdiction of any local, state or federal court located within Minnesota.  Venue will be in Minnesota and Lessee hereby waives local venue and any objection relating to Minnesota being an improper venue to conduct any proceeding relating to this Lease Agreement.  At Lessor’s sole election and determination, Lessor may select an alternative forum, including arbitration or mediation, to adjudicate any dispute arising out of this Lease Agreement.  THE PARTIES HERETO, AFTER CONSULTING (OR HAVING HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT) WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR CHOICE, KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS LEASE, INCLUDING ANY LITIGATION REGARDING THE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS LEASE OR ANY RELATED AGREEMENT.

This Lease Agreement was jointly drafted by the parties, and the parties hereby agree that neither should be favored in the construction, interpretation or application of any provision or any ambiguity.  There are no unwritten or oral agreements between the parties.  This Lease Agreement and associated Lease Schedule(s) constitute the entire understanding and agreement between Lessor and Lessee with respect to the lease of the Equipment superseding all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations, discussions, proposals, representations, promises, commitments and offers between the parties, whether oral or written.  No provision of this Lease Agreement or any Lease Schedule shall be deemed waived, amended, discharged or modified orally or by custom, usage or course of conduct unless such waiver, amendment or modification is in writing and signed by an officer of each of the parties hereto.  If any one or more of the provisions of this Lease Agreement or any Lease Schedule is for any reason held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Lease Agreement and any such Lease Schedule will be unimpaired, and the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions shall be replaced by a mutually acceptable valid, legal and enforceable provision that is closest to the original intention of the parties.  Lessee agrees that neither the manufacturer, nor the supplier, nor any of their salespersons, employees or agents are agents of Lessor.

Any notice provided for herein shall be in writing and sent by certified or registered mail to the parties at the addresses stated on page 1 of this Lease Agreement. This Lease Agreement shall not become effective until delivered to Lessor at its offices at Minnetonka, Minnesota and executed by Lessor.  If this Lease Agreement shall be executed by Lessor prior to being executed by Lessee, it shall become void at Lessor's option five (5) days after the date of Lessor's execution hereof, unless Lessor shall have received by such date a copy hereof executed by a duly authorized representative of Lessee.

      This Lease Agreement is made subject to the terms and conditions included herein and Lessee's acceptance is effective only to the extent that such terms and conditions are consistent with the terms and conditions herein.  Any acceptance which contains terms and conditions which are in addition to or inconsistent with the terms and conditions herein will be a counter-offer and will not be binding unless agreed to in writing by Lessor.

      The terms used in this Lease Agreement, unless otherwise defined, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Lease Schedule(s).

26.  REPOSSESSION:  LESSEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 17 HEREOF, LESSOR HAS BEEN GIVEN THE RIGHT TO REPOSSESS THE EQUIPMENT SHOULD LESSEE BECOME IN DEFAULT OF ITS OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER.  LESSEE HEREBY WAIVES THE RIGHT, IF ANY, TO REQUIRE LESSOR TO GIVE LESSEE NOTICE AND A JUDICIAL HEARING PRIOR TO EXERCISING SUCH RIGHT OF REPOSSESSION.

27.  NET LEASE:  This Lease Agreement is a net lease and Lessee's obligations to pay all Lease Charges and other amounts payable hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional and, except as expressly provided herein, shall not be subject to any: (i) delay, abatement, reduction, defense, counterclaim, set-off, or recoupment; (ii) discontinuance or termination of any license; (iii) Equipment failure, defect or deficiency; (iv) damage to or destruction of the Equipment; or (v) dissatisfaction with the Equipment or otherwise, including any present or future claim against Lessor or the manufacturer, supplier, reseller or vendor of the Equipment.  To the extent that the Equipment includes intangible (or intellectual) property, Lessee understands and agrees that: (i) Lessor is not a party to and does not have any responsibility under any software license and/or other agreement with respect to any software; and (ii) Lessee will be responsible to pay all of the Lease Charges and perform all its other obligations under this Lease Agreement despite any defect, deficiency, failure, termination, dissatisfaction, damage or destruction of any software or software license.  Except as expressly provided herein, this Lease Agreement shall not terminate for any reason, including any defect in the Equipment or Lessor's title thereto or any destruction or loss of use of any item of Equipment.

28.  HEADINGS:  Section headings herein are used for convenience only and shall not otherwise affect the provisions of this Lease Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Lease Agreement to be signed by their respective duly authorized representative.

 

 

	Every Term is Agreed to and Accepted:       	 	 	Every Term is Agreed to and Accepted:	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	FARNAM STREET FINANCIAL, INC. 	 	 	PIONEER TRAIL ENERGY, LLC	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By: 	
 

	 	 	By: 	
 

	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	
Print

Name:

	 	 	 	 
Print

Name:

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Title:  	 	 	 	Title:  	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Date: 	 	 	 	Date:	 	 

  

Page Number 5 of 5

  

 

LEASE SCHEDULE NO. 001

This Lease Schedule is issued pursuant to the Lease Agreement Number PI100511 dated October 5, 2011.  The terms of the Lease Agreement and serial numbers contained on Certificate(s) of Acceptance are a part hereof and are incorporated by reference herein.

	
LESSOR

	
LESSEE

	
Farnam Street Financial, Inc.

	
Pioneer Trail Energy, LLC

	
240 Pondview Plaza

	
1600 Broadway

	
5850 Opus Parkway

	
Suite 2200

	
Minnetonka, MN  55343

	
Denver, CO 80202

	  	  
	
SUPPLIER OF EQUIPMENT

	
LOCATION OF EQUIPMENT

	
To be determined

	
To be determined

Term of Lease from Commencement Date:  24 Months

Monthly Lease Charge:  $163,439.00

Anticipated Delivery and Installation:  October 2011 – January 2012

Projected Commencement Date:  February 1, 2012

Security Deposit: Upon Lessee's execution of this Lease Schedule, Lessee shall deliver a security deposit in the amount of $326,878.00.  At the end of the applicable lease term, provided that there has been no event of default, this security deposit will be returned to Lessee.

EQUIPMENT

	
MANUFACTURER

	
QTY

	
MACHINE/MODEL

	
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION (including features)

	
To be determined

	
2

	  	
Westfailia Centrifuges

	
To be determined

	  	  	
Syrup Heating System; Controls & Tankage for Centrifuges; Corn Oil Tank Farm and Loadout; Electrical & Automation; and CIP System

The cost of all the Equipment on this Lease Schedule shall total $3,950,000.00. The Monthly Lease Charge listed above is calculated based on the agreement that this cost will be comprised of $3,950,000.00 of hardware at a lease rate factor of 0.041377 per $1.00 and $0.00 of soft costs (software, installation, service, maintenance, deposits, etc.) at a lease rate factor of 0.045974 per $1.00. Should the total cost of the Equipment be more than that indicated above, Lessor and Lessee agree that the Monthly Lease Charge above will be increased to reflect this additional cost at the Installation Date of the additional Equipment. This Lease Schedule No. 001 will Commence at the earlier of (i) the first of the month following the date the Lessee has satisfied its commitment to install all of the Equipment, totaling $3,950,000.00; or (ii) at such time Lessor elects, at its sole discretion, to close and Commence. A revised Lease Schedule No. 001R to replace this Lease Schedule No. 001 shall be executed by both parties to reflect the actual Equipment cost accepted and the commensurate Monthly Lease Charge, including any adjustments required under the Monthly Lease Charge Adjustment Rider. The Monthly Lease Charge will be prorated and charged as interim rent between the Installation Date of each item of equipment, as Lessee indicates on the Certificate(s) of Acceptance, and the Commencement Date. Interim rent due prior to the Commencement Date shall not reduce or offset Lessee’s post-Commencement Monthly Lease Charge obligations hereunder.

 

 

	Every Term is Agreed to and Accepted:       	 	 	Every Term is Agreed to and Accepted:	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	
FARNAM STREET FINANCIAL, INC. 

“LESSOR”

	 	 	
PIONEER TRAIL ENERGY, LLC

“LESSEE”

	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By: 	
 

	 	 	By: 	
 

	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	
Print

Name:

	 	 	 	 
Print

Name:

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Title:  	 	 	 	Title:  	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Date: 	 	 	 	Date:	 	 

 

  

  

  

 

	
Rider Number:

	
003

	  	  
	
Lease Agreement Number:

	
PI100511

	  	  
	
Lease Schedule Number:

	
001

	  	  
	
Lessee Name:

	
PIONEER TRAIL ENERGY, LLC

	  	  
	
Lease Dated:

	
OCTOBER 5, 2011

PURCHASE OPTION

Lessee shall have the option to purchase the Equipment in its physical possession and on Lease Schedule No. 001 on the last day of the initial term, in whole and not in part, on a commercial, in-place basis and operating according to the manufactures specifications, for the then determined mutually-agreed purchase price at fair market value (plus applicable taxes) provided that (i) an Event of Default has not occurred, (ii) Lessor has received all of the Lease Charges due under the Lease Schedule prior to Lessee exercising this option to purchase (including all late fees whether billed or unbilled), (iii) Lessor has received payment for all unpaid late fees and estimated property taxes, if any, and (iv) Lessor has received written notice of Lessee's election to exercise said purchase option not less than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the last date of the initial term of this Lease Schedule. If the parties cannot agree on a purchase price, fair market value will be determined by the average of two appraisals, one of which shall be conducted by an accredited appraiser selected by Lessor and the other by an accredited appraiser selected by Lessee. If a sale is not consummated, the notice provided to exercise this option shall be accepted as a notice to terminate and return all of the Equipment, and Lessee will return all of the Equipment on this Lease Schedule in accordance with the Lease Agreement. If Lessee does not return all of the Equipment, Lease Schedule No. 001 will continue in accordance with the Lease Agreement.

Lessee will receive title to the Equipment free and clear of all known liens only after Lessee has performed all of its obligations associated with the Lease Agreement and Lessor has been paid all sums due or becoming due under both this purchase option and the Lease Agreement, including, whether billed or not, all lease charges, taxes, and late fees. Lessor shall terminate all financing statements or other evidence of liens filed by Lessor.  Lessor shall retain all monies received in association with the Lease Schedule including all rent, taxes, security deposits and other monthly lease charges and Lessee hereby waives any right to offset these monies against the costs associated with the exercise of this purchase option. Any sales or use tax due and not paid on these monies shall be added to the purchase price above.

  

  

  

 

This Unconditional Continuing Guaranty (the “Guaranty”), is made and entered into as of October 5, 2011, by Biofuel Energy Corp. (the “Guarantor”) with a principal office at 1600 Broadway, Suite 2200, Denver, CO 80202 in favor of Farnam Street Financial, Inc., with an office at 5850 Opus Parkway, Suite 240, Minnetonka, MN 55343 (the “Lessor”).  In consideration of, and in order to induce Lessor to enter into Lease Agreement Number PI100511 (the “Lease”) and all Lease Schedules with Pioneer Trail Energy, LLC with an office at 1600 Broadway, Suite 2200, Denver, CO 80202 (the “Lessee”), the Guarantor and its successor agrees as follows:

1.  Definitions.  As used in this Guaranty:  “Obligation(s)” means all rents, monies, debts, liabilities, agreements and other obligations of the Lessee to the Lessor, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, secured or unsecured, now existing or hereafter arising or acquired under the Lease, the Lease Schedules entered into pursuant and subject to the Lease and any other agreement or writing evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with the Lease or any above referenced Obligation.

2.  Guaranty Of Payment And Performance.  The Guarantor hereby guarantees to the Lessor the full and punctual payment when due (whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) at the place specified therefor or, if no place of payment is specified, at the office designated by the Lessor, and the performance, of each Obligation of the Lessee to the Lessor.  This Guaranty is an absolute, unconditional and continuing guaranty of the full and punctual payment and performance of the Obligations and not of their collectablity only, and is in no way conditioned upon any requirement that the Lessor first attempt to collect any of the Obligations from the Lessee or resort to any security or other means of obtaining their payment.  Should the Lessee default in the payment or performance of any of the Obligations, the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall become immediately due and payable to the Lessor, without demand or notice of any nature, all of which are expressly waived by the Guarantor. Payments by the Guarantor hereunder may be required by the Lessor on any number of occasions.

3.  Guarantor’s Agreement to Pay.  The Guarantor further agrees, as the principal obligor and not as a guarantor only, to pay to the Lessor, on demand, in funds immediately available to the Lessor: (a) the amount of each Obligation which has not been paid when due at the place of payment specified therefor, or if no place of payment is specified, at the office designated by the Lessor; and (b) all costs and expenses (including court costs and legal expenses) incurred or expended by the Lessor in connection with the Obligations, this Guaranty and the enforcement thereof, together with interest on amounts recoverable under this Guaranty from the time such amounts become due until payment, at the rate equal to one and one-half percent (11⁄2%) per month; provided that if such interest exceeds the maximum amount permitted to be paid under applicable law, then such interest shall be reduced to such maximum permitted amount. This Guaranty shall remain in full force and effect until all the Obligations are paid in full.  This Guaranty shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, if at any time any payment made or value received with respect to an Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by the Lessor upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Lessee, or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made or value received. Guarantor expressly waives the right to revoke or termination this Guaranty.  The liability of the Guarantor hereunder shall be unlimited and be continuing until all of the Obligations are paid in full.

 

  

Page 1

  

 

4.  Waivers by Guarantor.  The Guarantor agrees that the Obligations will be paid and performed strictly in accordance with their respective terms regardless of any law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction affecting any of the rights of the Lessor with respect thereto. The Guarantor waives presentment, demand, protest, notice of acceptance, notice of Obligations incurred and all other notices of any kind, all defenses which may be available by virtue of any valuation, stay, moratorium law or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, any right to require the marshaling of assets of the Lessee, and all defenses available to a surety, guarantor or accommodation co-obligor.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Guarantor agrees to the provisions of the Lease and agrees that the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall not be released or discharged, in whole or in part, or otherwise affected by (i) the failure of the Lessor to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Lessee; (ii) any extensions or renewals of any Obligation; (iii) any rescissions, waivers, amendments or modifications of any of the terms or provisions of the Lease; (iv) the substitution or release of any entity primarily or secondarily liable for any Obligation; (v) the adequacy of any rights the Lessor may have against any collateral or other means of obtaining repayment of the Obligations; (vi) the impairment of any collateral securing the Obligations, including without limitation the failure to perfect or preserve any rights the Lessor might have in such collateral or the substitution, exchange, surrender, release, loss or destruction of any such collateral; or (vii) any other act or omission which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of the Guarantor or otherwise operate as a release or discharge of the Guarantor, all of which may be done without notice to the Guarantor. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Guaranty nor consent to any departure by the Guarantor therefrom shall be effective unless put in writing and signed by the Lessor.  No failure on the part of the Lessor to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right.

5.  Unenforceability of Obligations Against Lessee.  If for any reason the Lessee has no legal existence or is under no legal obligation to discharge any of the Obligations, this Guaranty shall nevertheless be binding on the Guarantor to the same extent as if the Guarantor at all times had been the principal obligor on all such Obligations.  In the event that acceleration of the time for payment of the Obligations is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Lessee, or for any other reason, all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of the Lease shall be immediately due and payable by the Guarantor.

6.  Further Assurances/Financial Condition of Lessee.  The Guarantor agrees that it will, from time to time at the request of Lessor, provide to the Lessor its most recent balance sheets and related statements of income and changes in financial condition and such other information relating to the business and affairs of the Guarantor as the Lessor may reasonably request.  The Guarantor assumes the responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the financial condition of Lessee and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of liability hereunder.  Lessor shall have no duty to advise Guarantor of information known to it regarding the Lessee or its financial condition.  The Guarantor also agrees to do all such things and execute all such documents, including financing statements, as the Lessor may consider necessary or desirable to give full effect to this Guaranty and to perfect and preserve the rights and powers of the Lessor hereunder.

7.  Attorneys’ Fees and other Costs.  Guarantor, in addition to all other sums which Guarantor may be called upon to pay to the Lessor pursuant to this Guaranty, shall pay to or Lessor, on demand, all costs, expenses and fees paid or payable related to or arising under this Guaranty or the Lease, including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees and out-of-pocket costs, including travel and related expenses incurred by Lessor or its attorneys.  The term “attorneys’ fees” means the full cost of legal services relating to any action, suit, counterclaim, post-judgment motions, bankruptcy litigation, appeal, arbitration or mediation related to or arising under this Guaranty or the Lease.

8.  Subordination/Subrogation.  Until the payment and performance in full of all Obligations, the Guarantor shall not exercise any rights against the Lessee arising as a result of payment by the Guarantor hereunder, by way of subrogation, contribution, indemnity, reimbursement or otherwise.  The Guarantor agrees that after the occurrence of any default in the payment or performance of the Obligations, the Guarantor will not demand, sue for or otherwise attempt to collect any such indebtedness of the Lessee to the Guarantor unit the Obligations shall have been paid in full.

 

  

Page 2

  

 

9.  Successors and Assigns.  This Guaranty shall be binding upon the Guarantor, its successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Lessor and its successors, transferees and assigns.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the Lessor may assign or otherwise transfer any Lease or any note held by it evidencing the Obligations, and such other person or entity shall thereupon become vested, to the extent set forth in the agreement evidencing such assignment, transfer or participation, with all the rights in respect thereof granted to the Lessor herein.

10.  Governing Law. This Guaranty shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the substantive laws and decisions of the State of Minnesota.  The Guarantor agrees that any suit for the enforcement of this Guaranty may be brought in the courts of Minnesota or any Federal Court sitting in Minnesota and consents to the jurisdiction of such court and to service of process in any such suit being made upon the Guarantor by mail at the address specified herein.  The Guarantor agrees that the State of Minnesota is where the Lease and this Guaranty were documented and signed by the Lessor, and where all of the monies associated with the Lease and this Guaranty are sent.  The Guarantor hereby waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such suit or any such court or that such suit was brought in an inconvenient court.

11.  Miscellaneous.  This Guaranty constitutes the entire agreement of the Guarantor with respect to the matters set forth herein.  The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law or any other agreement, and this Guaranty shall be in addition to any other guaranty of the Obligations.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any one or more sections of this Guaranty shall not affect the validity or enforceability of its remaining provisions.  Captions are for the ease of reference only and shall not affect the meaning of the relevant provisions.  The meanings of all defined terms used in this Guaranty shall be equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined.  If more than one Guarantor has signed this Guaranty, each Guarantor shall be jointly and severally liable to Lessor hereunder.

The Guarantor has executed and delivered this Guaranty, or caused this Guaranty to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer, as of the date appearing on page one (1).

AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY:

Biofuel Energy Corp.

By___________________________________

Print

Name________________________________

 

Title_________________________________

  

Page 3Unassociated Document

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

	 	 
Laboratory Located at:

Science + Technology Park at Johns Hopkins

855 N. Wolfe Street

Suite 619

Baltimore, MD 21205

Phone: 410.369.0365

Fax: 410.369.0390

www.championsoncology.com

 	Corporate Office: 
One University Plaza

Suite 307

Hackensack, NJ 07601

Phone: 201.808.8400

 

November 1, 2011

Gary Gemignani

400 East 66th Street

New York, NY 10065

Dear Gary,

On behalf of Champions Oncology, Inc., we are pleased to offer you the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  You will be reporting to Joel Ackerman, Chief Executive Officer of Champions Oncology, Inc.  This letter outlines the terms of your proposed employment as a full-time employee as follows:

	
·     

	
Commencement of Employment:  Your employment start date will be November 1, 2011.  Your employment with the Company at all times will be at-will, meaning either you or the Company can terminate the employment relationship, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time.  Upon termination by the company without cause, you will be entitled to severance payments for a period of six months at your salary at the time of termination.  Cause is defined in appendix A.

	
·     

	
Compensation:  Your gross salary will be $240,000 annually, subject to annual increases at the discretion of the CEO and Board of Directors.  Your salary is based on a minimum 40-hour standard workweek whether working in the Hackensack, NJ office, or traveling for the company.  You will be paid twice per month for a total of 24 payments per year.

	
·     

	
Champions Oncology Stock Option Grant:  Upon commencement of employment, and subject to approval by the Company’s Board of Directors, you will be granted an option to purchase 650,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under the terms of the Company’s 2010 Equity Incentive Plan and the terms set forth in the option grant agreement, which will be provided to you after you commence employment.  The share price for the stock options will be based on the closing price of our stock on your first day of employment.  Your stock will vest monthly over a four year period with 1/48th vesting at the end of each month.  The first vesting event will be November 31, 2011.  In addition, all 650,000 options will vest immediately if you are terminated as a result of a Change of Control (as defined in Appendix A).

 

  

  

  

 

	
·     

	
Benefit Programs: You shall be permitted to participate in all employee benefit programs implemented by the Company for the benefit of any of its full-time employees, including, without limitation, disability insurance, group and other life insurance, sickness, and accident and health insurance programs, as listed below, provided that you qualify or are otherwise eligible to participate under the terms of such programs.  Except as may be limited by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any benefit plans, policies, and practices at any time without notice to or recourse by employee, so long as such action is taken generally with respect to other similarly situated persons.

 

	
§  

	
Bonus Plan: Each year the Compensation Committee evaluates the Company’s performance objectives and market competitive compensation data to determine and approve the goals and targets of the Company’s Incentive Plan.  In fiscal year 2012, you are eligible to participate in the Company’s Incentive Plan at up to 25% of your annual base salary, paid in cash, stock or stock options at the Company’s discretion; determined by your achievement of specific personal and Company objectives, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion.  Bonus payment will be prorated based upon your start date in relation to the Company fiscal year-end.  Complete details of the Plan will be provided to you following your hire.

	
§  

	
Health Insurance:  You will be eligible to join Champions Oncology Group Medical & Dental Plan on the first day of the month following your date of hire.  Participation in that plan shall be governed by the terms and condition set forth in the plan documents. The company currently pays 80% of the individual healthcare premium with the employee contributing 20% of the premium (with pre-tax dollars), subject to change at any time by the Company’s Board of Directors.  Family health coverage is available for all eligible employees but the company does not subsidize the additional premium.

	
§  

	
Life and Disability Insurance:  You will be eligible to enroll in the Champions Oncology Life, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance Plans per the terms of each policy.  Participation in these plans shall be governed by the terms and conditions set forth in the plan documents.

	
§  

	
Holidays:  You will be eligible to take advantage of paid Holidays offered by the Company.  The Company offers 11 paid Holidays to full-time employees.

	
·  

	
Other Reimbursement:  Employees who drive their own cars on business trips are reimbursed the prevailing company/IRS mileage reimbursement rate plus parking and tolls.  Other business expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the company’s reimbursement policies.

In order to comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and applicable state law, you will be required to verify your legal right to work in the United States through the presentation of documents establishing your identity and authorizing your right to work in the United States within three business days of beginning your new position.

Finally, as a condition of your employment with the Company, you must also execute the Company’s Business Protection Agreement, a copy of which will be provided to you.  Like all Company employees, you may in the future be required, in the Company’s reasonable discretion, to execute agreements relating to other Company policies or substantive matters.  In addition, this offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check that is currently underway.

This letter supersedes any previous correspondence or offer and contains the Company’s entire offer.  This letter should not be construed as a guarantee that employment or any benefit program or other term or condition of employment will be continued for any period of time.  Any salary figures are not intended to create an employment contract for any specific period of time and thus your employment is at-will; either you or the company can terminate it at anytime with or without cause.

 

  

  

  

Should you agree and accept the Company’s offer, by doing so, you represent and warrant that you are free to accept this offer of employment and that you doing so does not breach any contract or agreement which you have with any other entity and is not in violation of any legal duty you have to any other entity.

We look forward to you joining the Champions Oncology team.  We believe you will enjoy the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in our dynamic business and that you have the skills and talent necessary to be a strong contributor to our mutual growth.

To formally accept this offer, please sign, date and return this letter via PDF in an email to sforeman@championsoncology.com and mail the original to my attention confirming your acceptance of this offer.  Congratulations on your new position, and I look forward to your contribution to Champions Oncology. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

/s/ Joel Ackerman

Joel Ackerman

Chief Executive Officer

Champions Oncology, Inc.

Accepted:

 

	By: 	/s/ Gary G. Gemignani     	November 1, 2011 
	 	Gary Gemignani 	Date 

 

 

  

  

  

                                                                                                                  

Appendix A

 “Cause” shall mean any of the following: (i) willful misconduct in the performance of your material duties; (ii) participation in any fraud against the Company; (iii) conviction of, or a plea of “guilty” or “no contest” to, a felony or any crime involving dishonesty; or (iv) intentional damage to any property of the Company of material value.

“Change of Control” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following:

 (a) any “person,” as such term is currently used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) (a “person”), other than Dr. David Sidransky, becomes a “beneficial owner” (as such term is currently used in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act (a “Beneficial Owner”) of 30% or more of the Voting Stock (as defined below) of the Company;

 

(b) the Board of Directors of the Company adopts any plan of liquidation providing for the distribution of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets;

 

(c) all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company are disposed of in any one or more transactions pursuant to a sale, merger, consolidation or other transaction (unless the shareholders of the Company immediately prior to such sale, merger, consolidation or other transaction beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in substantially the same proportion as they owned the Voting Stock of the Company, more than fifty percent (50%) of the Voting Stock or other ownership interests of the entity or entities, if any, that succeed to the business of the Company);

(d) the Company combines with another company and is the surviving corporation but, immediately after the combination, the shareholders of the Company immediately prior to the combination hold, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or less of the Voting Stock of the combined company; or

(e) Continuing Directors cease to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company.

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00195-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00195-of-00352.parquet"}]]