Document:

exhibit101_010512.htm

Exhibit 10.1

 

*PORTIONS OF THIS ETHANOL PURCHASE AGREEMENT HAVE BEEN OMITTED PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT WHICH HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

ETHANOL PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

THIS ETHANOL PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of January 1, 2012 by and between Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC, an Iowa limited liability company (“Producer”), and Bunge North America, Inc., a New York corporation (“Bunge”) (each of Producer and Bunge, a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”).

 

RECITALS

 

A.           Producer owns and operates an ethanol plant located near Council Bluffs, Iowa (the “Facility”).

 

B.           Bunge is regularly engaged in the business of marketing ethanol, grain and feed products throughout the world.

 

C.           As of the date of this Agreement, Bunge is a Member of Producer pursuant to the Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Producer dated July 17, 2009 (“Operating Agreement”).

 

D.           Producer desires to sell and Bunge desires to purchase all ethanol produced by the Facility (“Ethanol”).

 

E.           The Parties desire to agree in advance of such sale and purchase to the price formula, payment, delivery and other terms thereof in consideration of the mutually promised performance of the other.

 

AGREEMENT

 

Therefore, the Parties agree:

 

1.           Ethanol Purchase/Sale.

 

1.1           Exclusive Purchaser.   Subject to the terms of this Agreement (including, but not limited to, Section 1.2 hereof), Producer agrees to sell to Bunge all Ethanol produced during the Term (as defined in Section 6.1 hereof) by the Facility.   Bunge agrees that it will be obligated to purchase all Ethanol produced by the Facility during the Term under the conditions herein set forth.

 

1.2           Title.  Title, risk of loss and full shipping responsibility shall pass to Bunge upon Producer loading the Ethanol into trucks, rail cars or pipeline at the Delivery Location (as defined below) and delivery to Bunge of a bill of lading for each shipment.  Bunge and Producer shall agree upon documented inspection, loading and sealing procedures.

 

  

  

  

1.3           Location.  The place of delivery by Producer for all Ethanol sold to Bunge pursuant to this Agreement shall be the Facility or as otherwise agreed by the Parties (the “Delivery Location”).  Bunge will provide loading instructions to Producer designating the shipment date and amount of Ethanol to be shipped with enough advance notice such that Producer can direct the loading of all Ethanol delivered hereunder in a commercially reasonable manner.   Producer shall give Bunge and Bunge’s agents access to the Facility, in such a manner and at all times as shall be commercially reasonably necessary and convenient, in order for Bunge or Bunge’s agents and/or designees to take delivery as provided herein.   To the extent that Bunge has provided Producer with loading instructions, such instructions are subject to change at the discretion of Bunge upon reasonable notice to Producer.   If Producer has delivered Ethanol prior to such notice, Producer will not be responsible for any failure of such Ethanol to comply with the changed instructions and Bunge will incur the cost, if any associated with the change of instructions.

 

1.4           Ethanol Marketing Policy.   Producer and Bunge will jointly establish an Ethanol marketing policy with respect to Contracts (as defined in Section 2.1(b)) setting forth how far in advance such Contracts may provide for the sale of Ethanol, referred to as forward contracting limits (the “Ethanol Marketing Policy”).   Without limitation, subject to Section 2.2, the Ethanol Marketing Policy shall also include obligations of Producer to deliver to Bunge written estimates of Ethanol production at the Facility a reasonable period of time prior to such production.  The Ethanol Marketing Policy is subject to approval and modification from time-to-time jointly by Bunge and Producer’s risk management committee and/or Board of Managers and may be developed in connection with a comprehensive risk management policy for the marketing of all products produced by the Facility.  The Ethanol Marketing Policy will be updated by the Parties as necessary.  Bunge shall promptly make Producer aware if the Ethanol Marketing Policy is reasonably believed to be limiting Bunge’s ability to market Ethanol in accordance with this Agreement.

 

2.           Obligations of the Parties; Quantity and Weights.

 

2.1           Bunge’s Obligations.

 

(a)           Market Information.  Bunge will provide Producer with relevant and transparent market information, including bid/ask sheets for Ethanol produced at the Facility.

 

(b)           Ethanol Contracts.  Bunge will negotiate and execute contracts, arrangements and agreements on its own behalf for the resale by Bunge of Ethanol (“Contracts”), and provide Producer with copies of such Contracts upon request.  Bunge will also provide Producer with, or make available to Producer, consolidated daily position reports of delivery dates, volumes and pricing under all open Contracts.

 

(c)           Bunge Re-Sale Efforts.  Bunge agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to market the Ethanol to maximize the sale price and minimize related costs, subject to prevailing market conditions; provided that Bunge will have no obligation to enter into any long-term sale agreement with terms outside of the Policy (even if requested to do so by Producer) to the extent that Bunge determines, in its sole discretion, that there is a risk that a sufficient quantity of appropriate Ethanol may not be available to satisfy all of Bunge’s obligations under

 

  

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such sale agreement.  Producer acknowledges that Bunge will use its reasonable judgment in making such marketing decisions (due, among other things, to varying freight and other costs).

 

(d)           Shipping Charges.  Bunge will schedule and arrange, in conjunction with Producer’s general manager or designee, the loading, shipping and delivery of all Ethanol bought by Bunge pursuant to this Agreement.  All freight and delivery charges after delivery of the Ethanol by Producer to the Delivery Location will be the responsibility of Bunge or the purchasers of Ethanol from Bunge, and will be included in the calculation of Purchase Price to the extent set forth Section 5.1.  With respect to rail freight service to the Facility, Bunge shall be responsible for negotiating with the rail service provider the rates and service levels for shipments of Ethanol from the Facility.  Bunge shall disclose to Producer any discussions, negotiations, proposals and agreements involving such rail service and rail rates for the Facility and, upon termination of the Agreement, Bunge shall assign rights to such rail service and rates to Producer, as agreed by the rail carrier.  Producer shall buy or lease, and shall maintain and be responsible for, the rail cars which will be used for the loading, shipping and delivery of all Ethanol bought by Bunge pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(e)           Ethanol Marketing Policy; Directions Given by Producer.  Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, Bunge will abide by any terms of the Ethanol Marketing Policy applicable to Bunge and neither Bunge nor its Affiliates shall be in breach of this Agreement or liable to Producer under this Agreement to the extent Bunge acts in accordance with the Ethanol Marketing Policy or in accordance with directions given by Producer’s Board or general manager.

 

(f)           Other Activities of Bunge.  Producer understands that Bunge is in the business of marketing ethanol for itself and for other third parties outside the terms of this Agreement and that Bunge may sell and market Ethanol into the same markets where Bunge sells other parties’ ethanol.  If Bunge determines to accept, for its own account and at its risk, contracts with terms that are outside the parameters of the Ethanol Marketing Policy, Bunge will promptly offer Producer the opportunity to waive or amend the Ethanol Marketing Policy and authorize Bunge to enter into such contract as a Contract subject to this Agreement.  If Producer elects to accept the contract, the waiver or amendment must be made promptly.  If Producer elects not to accept the contract, then Producer understands that Bunge may fulfill the contract with spot market purchases from Producer and such spot market purchases shall fulfill Bunge’s obligations to maximize the sale price pursuant to Section 2.1(c).  Producer and Bunge may, from time to time, mutually agree that Bunge will purchase certain quantities of Ethanol for its own account for resale to third parties in contracts which are not Contracts subject to this Agreement and Bunge will pay to Producer the current fair market value of such Ethanol as determined by the Parties.

 

2.2           Producer’s Obligations.

 

(a)           Production Estimates.  On or before the first day of each month, Producer will provide Bunge with its updated best estimate of Producer’s anticipated monthly Ethanol production for the next twelve months, so that Bunge will have Ethanol production estimates from Producer twelve months into the future during the Term (each such monthly anticipated

 

  

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amount, a “Monthly Estimate”).  If Producer fails to timely provide a written estimate for a month as required by this Section 2.2, then the Monthly Estimate for such month will be deemed to be the average amount of monthly production of Ethanol over the two months immediately preceding the month in question.  Producer will notify Bunge of anticipated production downtime or disruption in Ethanol availability at least three months in advance of such outage.  In addition to the Monthly Estimates, Producer will provide a written estimate to Bunge of the quantity of Ethanol to be produced and delivered by Producer in each given week (each such weekly anticipated amount, a “Weekly Estimate”) during the Term at least five days prior to the beginning of such week.  Each Weekly Estimate will (a) include a statement of the amount of Ethanol in storage as of such date, and (b) be consistent with the applicable Monthly Estimate.

 

(b)           Failure to Produce and Changes to Estimates.  Bunge is entitled to rely on Monthly Estimates and Weekly Estimates in marketing Ethanol and in entering into Contracts.  Producer will immediately notify Bunge of any revisions to such estimates; provided, that, to the extent Bunge has relied upon such estimates, such estimates may not be revised and shall be deemed fixed in determining any amounts payable by Producer in this Section.  Bunge will utilize commercially reasonable efforts to adjust its Ethanol marketing and sales strategy according to any such revised estimates; provided that Producer will bear all costs incurred by Bunge to attempt to meet such revised quantities.  To the extent that Bunge is able to obtain Substitute Ethanol to meet such revised quantities and the price paid by Bunge to procure the Substitute Ethanol (including transportation, handling, or other charges related to the procurement and/or delivery of the Substitute Ethanol) was less than the price at which Bunge sold ethanol in such sale commitments, then Bunge shall retain the Cover Amount.  To the extent that Bunge is able to obtain Substitute Ethanol to meet such revised quantities and the price paid by Bunge to procure the Substitute Ethanol (including transportation, handling, or other charges related to the procurement and/or delivery of the Substitute Ethanol) was greater than the price at which Bunge sold ethanol in such sale commitments, then Producer will pay to Bunge an amount equal to (i) the Cover Amount for the Substitute Ethanol, plus (ii) Bunge’s Marketing Fee on the Substitute Ethanol.  The “Substitute Ethanol” means the volume of ethanol procured by Bunge to meet ethanol sale commitments due to Producer’s failure to supply the amount of Ethanol in the applicable Monthly Estimate or Weekly Estimate.  The “Cover Amount” is the difference between the price paid by Bunge to procure the Substitute Ethanol (including transportation, handling, or other charges related to the procurement and/or delivery of the Substitute Ethanol) and the price at which Bunge sold ethanol in such sale commitments.

 

(c)           Excess Ethanol Production.  If Producer produces Ethanol in excess of the Monthly Estimate for a given month or Weekly Estimate for a given week, then Producer acknowledges that any sale by Bunge of such excess volume of Ethanol on the spot market will fulfill Bunge’s obligation in Section 2.1(c) to maximize the sale price that it receives for such excess volume of Ethanol.

 

(d)           Handling and Shipping.  In connection with this Agreement, Producer will:

 

	
  

	
(i)

	
Determine the weight of all Ethanol delivered to Bunge as provided in Section 3;

 

  

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(ii)

	
Load the Ethanol for shipment in accordance with the loading instructions from Section 1.3 to trucks, rail cars or pipeline with Ethanol in a timely manner, which shall include supplying adequate labor and equipment necessary for such loading;

 

	
  

	
(iii)

	
Handle Ethanol in a good and workmanlike manner;

 

	
  

	
(iv)

	
Maintain the truck/rail/pipeline loading facilities in safe operating condition;

 

	
  

	
(v)

	
Supply all product description tags, certificates of analysis, bills of lading and/or material safety data sheets applicable to Ethanol shipments;

 

	
  

	
(vi)

	
Comply with all federal, state and local rules, regulations regarding the shipment of Ethanol from the Facility, including but not limited to all U.S. Department of Transportation requirements relating to shipment of hazardous materials; and

 

	
  

	
(vii)

	
Abide by the Ethanol Marketing Policy.

 

(e)           Storage.  Storage space for not less than 3 million gallons of Ethanol shall be reserved by Producer at the Facility, which shall be continuously available for storage of Ethanol to be purchased by Bunge from Producer.

 

(f)           Storage Purchase.  Bunge may from time to time notify Producer (a “Storage Notice”) that Bunge proposes to place a certain quantity of Ethanol in storage at a location away from the Facility for some period of time before purchase by Bunge for resale to end customers.  Unless Producer notifies Bunge within 24 hours after receiving a Storage Notice that Producer agrees to the storage proposal, then Producer shall be deemed to have rejected such proposal and Bunge will not place Ethanol in storage pursuant to the Storage Notice.  If Producer accepts such storage proposal, then Producer will bear the cost related to such storage.

 

2.3           Contract Commitments.

 

(a)           Subject to the provisions of Sections 2.1(c) and(f), all Contracts negotiated by Bunge shall be consistent with the Ethanol Marketing Policy unless the general manager of the Facility, or his designee, approves in advance any Contract terms inconsistent with the Ethanol Marketing Policy.

 

(b)           Producer will not be a party to, or have any liability or obligation to any purchaser or to Bunge under Contracts except as provided in this Section 2.  Producer acknowledges that in order to maximize the total revenue to be generated through the sale of the Ethanol, Bunge may take positions by selling Ethanol in anticipation of Producer providing the Ethanol, subject to the terms of the Ethanol Marketing Policy.  Notwithstanding the fact that Producer’s obligation is to provide Bunge with the Ethanol output of the Facility, the Parties acknowledge that Bunge may suffer losses as a result of positions taken by Bunge if Producer discontinues operations for any reason whatsoever including Force Majeure.  Producer shall

 

  

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indemnify, defend and hold Bunge and its Affiliates (as defined below) harmless from all liabilities, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees) that Bunge or its Affiliates may suffer, sustain or become subject to as a result of any sale or purchase of Ethanol taken by Bunge which is consistent with the Ethanol Marketing Policy in anticipation of Producer delivering the Ethanol hereunder, provided Bunge has taken commercially reasonable steps to avoid the loss.  Bunge will indemnify, defend and hold harmless Producer and its Affiliates, employees and agents from and against any and all liabilities, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees) arising out of, relating to or resulting from any failure of Ethanol to comply with the Production Standards or degrading the quality of Ethanol which results from causes or conditions arising after title passes to Bunge, except to the extent such liabilities, costs and expenses arise out of the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of Producer or a breach of this Agreement by Producer.

 

3.           Quantity and Weights.

 

3.1           Meters.  Producer will determine the quantity of Ethanol (expressed in both gross and net 60° Fahrenheit temperature compensated gallons) delivered to Bunge from the Facility using meters at the Facility.  Producer will maintain (at its expense) the accuracy of such meters and ensure that they are inspected and certified as required by applicable law.  Upon Bunge’s request, Producer will promptly provide Bunge with copies of all meter certifications.  Bunge may, at its sole expense, test the accuracy of such meters.  Producer will maintain all meter certificates for at least two years after their creation and provide copies of such meter certificates to Bunge upon request.  If the meters are found to be inaccurate, the Parties will negotiate in good faith a reasonable adjustment for Ethanol sales reasonably believed to have been affected.

 

3.2           Meter Certificates.  The net 60° Fahrenheit temperature compensated gallon volumes of Ethanol recorded on outbound meter certificates generated pursuant to Section 3.1 will determine the quantity of Ethanol for which Bunge is obligated to pay pursuant to Section 5.1, in the absence of manifest error (greater than 0.5% variation).  Producer will provide a copy of each such meter certificate to Bunge at the same time that a truck, rail car or pipeline is loaded and a certificate is produced for such loading.

 

4.           Quality; Sampling; Rejection; Disposition.

 

4.1           Quality.  Producer agrees and warrants that the Ethanol produced at the Facility and delivered to Bunge at the Delivery Location shall meet the minimum quality standards outlined in Exhibit A hereto and such other quality standards set forth in this Agreement (the “Production Standards”).  Producer will not be responsible for any failure of Ethanol to comply with the Production Standards or degrading the quality of Ethanol which results from causes or conditions arising after title passes to Bunge.  Producer will provide a certificate of analysis to Bunge for each shipment of Ethanol under this Agreement, and Bunge will have the right (but not the obligation) to test each such shipment to determine whether the Production Standards are being met.  In addition, from time to time as requested by Bunge, Producer will provide Bunge samples of Ethanol for Bunge to test.

 

4.2           Non-Conforming Ethanol.  If any Ethanol does not conform to the Production Standards when crossing the Delivery Location, or when unloaded at an end customer’s facility

 

  

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(other than due to actions or inactions by Bunge), Bunge may, in its sole discretion, reject such Ethanol and require Producer to promptly replace such non-conforming Ethanol with Ethanol that complies with the Production Standards.  In addition to other obligations under this Agreement or at law, Producer will promptly reimburse Bunge for all out-of-pocket costs reasonably incurred by Bunge in storing, transporting, returning and disposing of rejected ethanol in accordance with this Agreement.

 

4.3           Samples.  Producer will take and analyze representative (a) origin samples of Ethanol before loading it into any truck, rail car or pipeline and (b) samples of Ethanol after it is loaded into each truck, rail car or pipeline before it leaves the Facility (any sample under this Section 4.3, a “Sample”), and Bunge will have the right to witness the taking of the Samples.  Each Sample will be no less than 250 milliliters in amount.  Producer will label each Sample to indicate the (i) date of shipment, (ii) truck, rail car or pipeline from which the Sample was taken or into which the Ethanol was loaded, and (iii) order/shipment number.  Producer will retain such Samples for not less than 60 days in a manner that preserves the integrity of each Sample, and will send any Sample to Bunge immediately upon Bunge’s request.  Producer will prepare a certificate of analysis in accordance with industry standards for every truck, rail car or pipeline loaded at the Facility.

 

5.           Price/Payment.

 

5.1           Purchase Price.

 

(a)           Bunge will pay the Purchase Price to Producer for all Ethanol purchased hereunder within 13 days after the date that (i) meter certificates for all properly loaded Ethanol are delivered by Producer to Bunge in accordance with this Agreement or (ii) Bunge invoices end customers for ethanol that has been placed in storage pursuant to Section 2.2(f).  In either case, Bunge will retain the applicable Marketing Fee and Transportation Costs for such Ethanol.

 

(b)           The following definitions shall apply to any given gallon of Ethanol:

 

	
  

	
(i)

	
The “Purchase Price” shall be equal to the Sale Price minus the applicable Marketing Fee and Transportation Costs (if any).

 

	
  

	
(ii)

	
The “Sale Price” shall be equal to: (A) with respect to Ethanol that Bunge purchases to fulfill its commitments to third party purchasers under agreements consistent with this Agreement, the sale price received by Bunge from such purchasers; and (b) with respect to Ethanol purchased by Bunge on the spot market, the spot price for such Ethanol agreed upon by Bunge and Producer.

 

	
  

	
(iii)

	
The “Marketing Fee” shall be equal to * % of the Net Sales Price, but not to exceed $* per gallon of Ethanol.

 

*OMITTED PURSUANT TO A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT WHICH HAS BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

 

  

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(iv)

	The "Net Sales Price" will be equal to the Sales Price minus all Transportation Costs.

 

	
  

	
(v)

	
“Transportation Costs” shall be equal to: (A) with respect to Ethanol delivered via rail, all rail freight charges, rail and fuel surcharges, switching charges, and any other accessorial charges applicable to delivery of the Ethanol; and (B) with respect to Ethanol delivered via truck, pipeline or other conveyance, all freight charges, fuel surcharges, and any other accessorial charges applicable to delivery of the Ethanol.  There are no Transportation Costs for any Ethanol picked up at the Facility by purchasers.  For Ethanol placed in storage under Section 2.2(d), accessorial charges will include all charges related to such storage.  For purposes of this Section, assessorial charges include all charges related to the movement, offloading and storage of Ethanol.

 

(c)           Payment.  Bunge will pay the Purchase Price by wire transfer.  Interest will accrue on amounts past due at a rate per annum equal to the lesser of (a) the prime rate, as reported from time to time by the Wall Street Journal plus 2%, and (b) the highest rate permitted by law.  Bunge will provide Purchaser with a copy of an invoice supporting the Sale Price for such Sale upon request.

 

(d)           Annual Minimum Payments.  Subject to Section 9 hereof, if on each anniversary of the Effective Date, the total amount of the Marketing Fee retained by Bunge during the immediately preceding 12-month period (a “Total Fee Amount”) is less than $750,000 (“Annual Minimum Amount”), then within 15 days after such anniversary, Producer will pay to Bunge an amount equal to the Annual Minimum Amount minus the Total Fee Amount.

 

5.2           Adjustments.  Beginning on the third anniversary of the Effective Date of this Agreement and on each anniversary thereafter, the Annual Minimum Amount will be increased (or decreased) by an amount equal to the product of: (i) the Annual Minimum Amount for the immediately preceding 12-month period, multiplied by (ii) the percentage increase (or decrease) for such 12-month period in the Employment Cost Index; Not Seasonally Adjusted; Total Compensation; Private Industry; twelve-month percent change; Midwest Workers, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.

 

5.3           Tax.  For purposes of personal property taxation and/or assessment or other taxation, if any, any tax assessed on Ethanol produced under this Agreement will be the responsibility of Producer, and at no time will Bunge be responsible for the payment of any such tax.

 

6.           Term and Termination.

 

6.1           Term.  The initial term of this Agreement will begin on the Effective Date, and, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms hereof, will expire on August 31, 2014.  Unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Agreement, this Agreement will automatically renew for successive three-year terms thereafter unless either Party gives written notice to the other Party of its election not to renew, no later than 180 days prior to the expiration of the initial

 

  

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term or the then current renewal term, as applicable.  The “Term” will be the total of the initial term of this Agreement and any renewal terms.  The “Effective Date” will be January 1, 2012.

 

6.2           Termination Rights.

 

(a)           Either Party may terminate this Agreement immediately upon notice to the other Party if such other Party has (i) materially breached any representation, warranty, or obligation under this Agreement, and (ii) failed to remedy such breach within 30 days after the terminating Party has given notice of such breach, or if such breach cannot reasonably be cured within such 30-day period, such other Party has failed to commence and diligently pursue remedy of the breach and failed to remedy such breach not later than 120 days after the terminating Party has given notice of such breach.

 

(b)           Producer may terminate this Agreement immediately upon notice to Bunge if Bunge fails to pay any amount due under this Agreement within 15 days after Producer gives Bunge notice of such nonpayment.

 

(c)           Bunge may terminate this Agreement immediately upon notice to Producer upon the occurrence of a Dissolution Event (as defined in Article X the Operating Agreement).

 

(d)           Either Party may terminate this Agreement immediately upon notice to the other Party if (i) such other Party files a petition for adjudication as a bankrupt, for reorganization or for an arrangement under any bankruptcy or insolvency law; (ii) an involuntary petition under such law is filed against such other Party and is not dismissed, vacated or stayed within 60 days thereafter; or (iii) such other Party makes an assignment of all or substantially all of its assets for the benefit of its creditors.

 

(e)           Bunge may terminate this Agreement immediately upon notice to Producer if there is a Change in Control of Producer.  A “Change of Control” occurs upon any of: (i) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Producer; (ii) a merger or consolidation involving Producer, excluding a merger or consolidation after which 50% or more of the outstanding equity interests of Producer continue to be held by the same holders that held 50% of more of the outstanding equity interests of Producer immediately before such merger or consolidation, or (iii) any issuance and/or acquisition of equity interests of Producer that results in a person or entity holding 50% or more of the outstanding equity interests of Producer, excluding any persons or entities that held 50% or more of the outstanding equity interests of Producer immediately before such acquisition and, with respect to Producer, excluding Bunge.

 

(f)           Either Party may terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 11.3 hereof.

 

(g)           Producer may terminate this Agreement immediately upon notice to Bunge if there is a Change in Control of Producer upon payment to Bunge of an amount equal to $750,000.

 

  

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6.3           Survival.  The provisions of this Agreement which expressly or by their nature survive expiration or termination of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, Sections 2.1(d), 2.3(b), 4, 5.1, 5.3, 6.2, 6.3, 9, 10, 14, 15 and 16, will remain in effect after the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 

7.           Covenants of Producer.  Producer covenants to Bunge that it will use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the Facility will be fully operational no later than July 15, 2009.

 

8.           Representations and Warranties.  The parties make the following warranties, representations or guarantees as described below:

 

(a)           Bunge represents and warrants to Producer that Bunge, either through its own management or through lawful contracts entered into with third parties, currently has and shall maintain or cause to be maintained such licenses, permits and/or authorities as may be required to lawfully engage in the purchase and sale of Ethanol.

 

(b)           Bunge represents and warrants to Producer that: all necessary corporate action has been taken to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement; the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Bunge does not, and will not, violate or constitute a breach of or default under any Governmental Requirement (as defined in Section 16.5) or any indenture, contract or other instrument to which its assets are bound or to which the representing party’s business is subject.

 

(c)           Producer represents and warrants to Bunge that: all necessary corporate action has been taken to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement; the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Producer does not, and will not, violate or constitute a breach of or default under any Governmental Requirement or any indenture, contract or other instrument to which Producer or its assets are bound or to which Producer’s business is subject.

 

(d)           Producer warrants that at the time of loading at the Delivery Location the Ethanol will be of merchantable quality, and will be fit for its intended purpose.  All Ethanol must meet all applicable ASTM Standards.

 

(e)           Producer warrants that the Ethanol delivered to Bunge shall be free and clear of liens and encumbrances.

 

9.           Limitation of Liability.

 

9.1           General Disclaimer.  EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT, PRODUCER MAKES NO STATUTORY, WRITTEN, ORAL, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS OR GUARANTEES OF ANY KIND CONCERNING THE ETHANOL SOLD UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, OR ITS QUALITY SOURCE, OR CHARACTERISTICS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT, BUNGE MAKES NO STATUTORY, WRITTEN, ORAL, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS OR GUARANTEES OF ANY KIND CONCERNING THE SERVICES

 

  

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PROVIDED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR THE FAILURE TO PROVIDE SERVICES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

 

9.2           IN NO EVENT WILL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

 

10.           Remedies.

 

10.1           Suspend Performance.  Producer may suspend its performance under this Agreement until Bunge has paid all amounts due under this Agreement if Bunge fails to pay any amount within 15 days after the date when such amount is due and uncured under this Agreement.

 

10.2           Specific Enforcement.  The Parties shall have the right and remedy to seek to have the provisions of this Agreement specifically enforced by any court having equity jurisdiction without the necessity of posting any bond, it being acknowledged and agreed by the parties that the scope of the provisions of this Agreement are reasonable under the circumstances.

 

10.3           Rights Not Exclusive.  No right, power or remedy conferred by this Agreement will be exclusive of any other right, power or remedy now or hereafter available to a Party at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.

 

11.           Force Majeure.

 

11.1           Definition of Force Majeure Event.  Each Party is excused from performing its obligations under this Agreement to the extent that such performance is prevented by an act or event (a “Force Majeure Event”) whether or not foreseen, that: (i) is beyond the reasonable control of, and is not due to the fault or negligence of, such Party, and (ii) could not have been avoided by such Party’s exercise of due diligence, including, but not limited to, a labor controversy, strike, lockout, boycott, transportation stoppage, action of a court or public authority, fire, flood, earthquake, storm, war, civil strife, terrorist action, epidemic, or act of God; provided that a Force Majeure Event will not include economic hardship, changes in market conditions, or insufficiency of funds.  Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, a Force Majeure Event does not excuse any obligation to make any payment required by this Agreement (including without limitation Section 5.1(d) and will not affect Bunge’s right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 6.2(c)(i).

 

11.2           Conditions Regarding Force Majeure Event.  A Party claiming a Force Majeure Event must: (i) use commercially reasonable efforts to cure, mitigate, or remedy the effects of its nonperformance; provided that neither Party will have any obligation hereunder to settle a strike or labor dispute; (ii) bear the burden of demonstrating its existence; and (iii) notify the other Party of the occurrence of the Force Majeure Event as quickly as reasonably possible, but no later than five business days after learning of the occurrence of the Force Majeure Event.  Any Party that fails to notify the other Party of the occurrence of a Force Majeure Event as required

 

  

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by this Section 11 will forfeit its right to excuse performance of its obligations due to such Force Majeure Event.  When a Party claiming a Force Majeure Event is able to resume performance of its obligations under this Agreement, it will immediately give the other Party notice to that effect and resume performance.

 

11.3           Third Parties; Termination.  During any period that a Party claiming a Force Majeure Event is excused from performance under this Agreement, the other Party may accept performance from other parties as it may reasonably determine under the circumstances. If a Party has not performed under this Agreement due to a Force Majeure Event for twelve consecutive months or more, the other Party may terminate this Agreement immediately upon notice to the non-performing Party.

 

12.           Insurance.

 

12.1           Other Required Coverage.

 

(a)           Each Party will maintain automobile liability insurance covering owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles against claims for bodily injury, death and property damage, with a combined single limit of not less than $1,000,000, or equivalent coverage using split limits.  Such insurance will name the other Party, its parents, subsidiaries and Affiliates as additional insureds thereunder, and will be primary to any other insurance available to such other Party, its parents, subsidiaries and Affiliates as insureds or otherwise.

 

(b)           Each Party will maintain commercial general liability insurance (including, without limitation, coverage for Contractual Liability and Products/Completed Operations) against claims for bodily injury, death and property damage, with limits of not less than $1,000,000 for each occurrence and $1,000,000 in the General and Products/Completed Operations Aggregate.  Such insurance will name the other Party, its parents, subsidiaries and Affiliates as additional insureds there under, and will be primary and non-contributory to any other insurance available to such other Party, its parents, subsidiaries and Affiliates as insureds or otherwise.

 

(c)           An excess or umbrella liability policy with a limit of not less than $2,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate.  Such excess or umbrella liability policy shall follow form with the primary liability policies, and contain a drop-down provision in case of impairment of underlying limits.

 

(d)           Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 12.1(b) and (c), each Party’s total coverage under both its commercial general liability insurance in Section 12.1(b) and excess or umbrella liability policy in Section 12.1(c) must have combined limits together totaling $4,000,000 for each occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate.

 

(e)           Worker’s Compensation insurance providing statutory benefits for injury or disease in the state(s) of operation of the Parties, and Employer’s Liability with limits of at least $500,000 for individual injury or disease, with an aggregate of $500,000 for disease.

 

(f)           Each Party waives all rights against the other Party and its employees and agents for all losses and damages caused by, arising out of or resulting from any of the perils or

 

  

12

  

causes of loss of the Party covered by the policies contemplated by Section 12.1 and any other property insurance covering the Party applicable to the Facility.

 

12.2           Insurance Policy Requirements.  All insurance policies required by this Agreement will (a) provide coverage on an “occurrence” basis; (b) provide that no cancellation or non-renewal will be effected without giving the other Party at least thirty (30) days prior written notice, except ten (10) days’ notice for non-payment of premium; and (c) be valid and enforceable policies issued by insurers of recognized responsibility, properly licensed in the State where the Facility is located, with an A.M. Best’s Rating of A- or better and Class VII or better.  General Liability and Excess/Umbrella Liability policies will not contain a cross-liability exclusion, or an exclusion for punitive or exemplary damages where insurable under law.  Prior to the Effective Date and, thereafter, within five business days of renewal, certificates and endorsements of such insurance will be delivered to the other Party, as appropriate, as evidence of the specified insurance coverage.  From time to time, upon a Party’s request, the other Party will provide the requesting Party, within five business days, a certified duplicate original of any policy required to be maintained hereunder.  Each Party will provide the other Party at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of any material change or amendment to a Party’s insurance policy.

 

13.           Relationship of Parties.  This Agreement creates no relationship other than those of producer/seller and purchaser between the Parties hereto.  Except as expressly provided herein, there is no partnership, joint venture or other joint or mutual enterprise or undertaking created hereby and neither Party, or any of such Party’s representatives, agents or employees, will be deemed to be the representative or employee of the other Party.  Except as expressly provided herein or as otherwise specifically agreed in writing, neither Party will have authority to act on behalf of or bind the other Party.

 

14.           Confidentiality.

 

14.1           Definition of Confidential Information.  The term “Confidential Information” means all material or information relating to a Party’s business operations and affairs (including trade secrets) that such Party treats as confidential.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all information regarding quantities of Ethanol produced and any pricing matter under this Agreement will be deemed to be Confidential Information of the appropriate Party; provided, however, that quantities of Ethanol produced and sold, the price at which the Ethanol is sold, and aggregate fees paid to Bunge, on a quarterly and annual basis, shall not be deemed “Confidential Information.”

 

14.2           Use of Confidential Information.  During the Term and for three years thereafter, neither Party will (a) use any Confidential Information of the other Party for any purpose other than in accordance with this Agreement or for its and its Affiliates internal business purposes, or (b) disclose Confidential Information to any Person, except to its personnel who are subject to nondisclosure obligations comparable in scope to this Section 14 and who have a need to know such Confidential Information in order to perform under this Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties acknowledge that Bunge and/or its Affiliates may perform services for other third parties similar to the services provided to Producer hereunder and that the use by Bunge and/or its Affiliates of any Confidential Information regarding the services provided

 

  

13

  

under this Agreement in the course of the provision of such services to other third parties and for Bunge’s and its Affiliates’ internal business purposes shall not be considered a violation of this Section 14; provided, that such use of Producer’s Confidential Information may not be to the competitive disadvantage of Producer.

 

14.3           Disclosure of Confidential Information.  Notwithstanding Section 14.2, either Party may use for any purpose or disclose any material or information that it can demonstrate (i) is or becomes publicly known through no act or fault of such Party; (ii) is developed independently by such Party without reference to the other Party’s Confidential Information; (iii) is known by such Party when disclosed by the other Party, and such Party does not then have a duty to maintain its confidentiality; or (iv) is rightfully obtained by such Party from a third party not obligated to preserve its confidentiality who did not receive the material or information directly or indirectly from the other Party.  A Party also may disclose the other Party’s Confidential Information to the extent required by a court, law, legal or administrative process or by other governmental authority, provided that the disclosing Party (a) gives the other Party advance written notice of the disclosure, (b) uses reasonable efforts to resist disclosing the Confidential Information, (c) cooperates with the other Party on request to obtain a protective order or otherwise limit the disclosure, and (d) as soon as reasonably possible, provides a letter from its counsel confirming that such Confidential Information is, in fact, required to be disclosed.

 

14.4           Injunctive Relief.  Each Party acknowledges and agrees that its breach or threatened breach of any provision of this Section 14 would cause the other Party irreparable injury for which it would not have an adequate remedy at law.  In the event of a breach or threatened breach, the non-breaching Party will be entitled to injunctive relief in addition to all other remedies it may have at law or in equity.

 

15.           Governing Law; Disputes.

 

15.1           Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Iowa, excluding any applicable conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might refer the construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the laws of another state.

 

15.2           Notice of Dispute.  If any dispute shall arise under or in connection with this Agreement, the Parties hereto agree to follow the procedures set forth in this Section 15.2 in an effort to resolve the dispute prior to the commencement of any formal proceedings; provided, however, that either Party may institute judicial proceedings seeking equitable relief or remedies without following the procedures set forth herein.  The Parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the breach, termination, or validity hereof, or the transactions contemplated herein promptly by negotiation between representatives who have authority to settle the controversy.  Any Party may give the other Party written notice that a dispute exists (a “Notice of Dispute”) setting forth a statement of such Party’s position.  Within twenty (20) business days of the delivery of the Notice of Dispute, representatives of the Parties shall meet at a mutually acceptable time and place, and thereafter as long as they both reasonably deem necessary, to exchange relevant information and attempt to resolve the dispute.  If the matter has not been resolved within thirty (30) days of the disputing

 

  

14

  

party’s delivering its Notice of Dispute, the dispute shall be referred to the Boards of Directors or Managers of Producer and Bunge who shall within twenty (20) additional days meet to attempt in good faith to resolve the dispute.

 

15.3           Mediation.  If the matter still has not been resolved within sixty (60) days of the delivery of the Notice of Dispute, then any Party may seek to resolve the dispute through mediation administered by the Commercial Mediation Rules of the American Arbitration Association.  If the Parties fail to resolve the dispute within twenty-one (21) days after starting mediation, then either Party may initiate appropriate proceedings to obtain a judicial resolution of the dispute.

 

15.4           Negotiations; Jurisdictional Matters.  If a representative of any Party intends to be accompanied at a meeting by an attorney, the other negotiator shall be given at least three (3) business days’ notice of such intention and may also be accompanied by an attorney.  All negotiations pursuant to this clause are confidential and shall be treated as compromise and settlement negotiations for purposes of the Federal Rules of Evidence and similar state rules of evidence.  Any proceeding initiated by either Party hereto shall be commenced and prosecuted in the United States District Courts for the Eastern District of Missouri or the Western District of Iowa or the state courts in St. Louis County, Missouri or Des Moines, Iowa and any courts to which an appeal may be taken, and each Party hereby consents to and submits to the personal jurisdiction of each of such courts.

 

15.5           Waiver of Jury Trial.  EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

16.           Indemnification.

 

16.1           Indemnification by Producer.   Producer agrees to indemnify and hold Bunge harmless from any Loss suffered or incurred by Bunge arising out of, or in any way relating to:

 

(a)           Producer’s use or possession or operations on or at, or any action or failure to act at, the Facility;

 

(b)           any personal injury or property damage related to the use, possession, condition of, disposal of, physical contact with or exposure to any products manufactured at the Facility;

 

(c)           injuries or alleged injuries suffered by Producer’s employees whether at the Facility or elsewhere and whether or not under the direction of Bunge and/or the Producer;

 

(d)           any violation or alleged violation of any Governmental Requirement by Producer,

 

unless and to the extent such Loss was directly caused by Bunge’s gross negligence or willful misconduct and in each case only to the extent Bunge is not otherwise compensated for such Loss by applicable insurance (to the extent actually paid).

 

  

15

  

16.2           Indemnification by Bunge.  Bunge agrees to indemnify and hold Producer harmless from any Loss suffered or incurred by Producer arising out of, or in any way relating to:

 

(a)           injuries or alleged injuries suffered by Bunge’s employees, or leased or subcontracted by Bunge, whether at the Facility or elsewhere;

 

(b)           any violation or alleged violation of any Governmental Requirement by Bunge;

 

unless and to the extent such Loss was directly caused by Producer’s gross negligence or willful misconduct and in each case only to the extent Producer is not otherwise compensated for such Loss by applicable insurance (to the extent actually paid).

 

16.3           Mutual Indemnification.  Each Party shall indemnify, defend and hold the other Party harmless from all liabilities, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees) that such Party may suffer, sustain or become subject to as a result any misrepresentation or breach of warranty, covenant or agreement of the indemnifying Party contained herein or the indemnifying Party’s gross negligence or willful misconduct in performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

16.4           Employees, Affiliates, Etc.  A party’s indemnification of the other party pursuant to this Section 16 will also run in favor of such indemnified party’s officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives, and indemnification claims may be made hereunder by any of such parties or by the indemnified party on such third parties’ behalf.

 

16.5           Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement:

 

(a)           “Governmental Requirement” means all laws, statutes, codes, ordinances and governmental rules, regulations and requirements of any governmental authority that are applicable to the Parties, the property of the Parties or activities described in or contemplated by this Agreement.

 

(b)           “Loss” means any claim, loss, cost, expense, liability, fine, penalty, interest, payment or damage, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees and any cost and expense of litigation, negotiation, settlement or appeal.

 

(c)           “Affiliate” means a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the party specified, with “control” or “controlled” meaning the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or voting interests, by contract or otherwise.

 

(d)           “Person” means any individual, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, business trust, cooperative, association or other entity of whatever nature.

 

17.           Notices.  All notices required or permitted under this Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed given and made: (i) if by personal delivery, on the date of such delivery, (ii) if by

 

  

16

  

facsimile, on the date sent (as evidenced by confirmation of transmission by the transmitting equipment), (iii) if by nationally recognized overnight courier, on the next business day following deposit, and (iv) if by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, on the third business day following such mailing; in each case addressed to the address or facsimile number shown below for such Party, or such other address or facsimile number as such Party may give to the other Party by notice:

 

If to Bunge:

Bunge North America, Inc.

11720 Borman Drive

St. Louis, Missouri 63146

Attn: Senior Vice President - Bunge Grain

Facsimile: 314-292-2110

with copy to:

Bunge North America, Inc.

11720 Borman Drive

St. Louis, Missouri 63146

Attn: General Counsel

Facsimile: (314) 292-2521

If to Producer:

Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC

10868 189th Street

Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503

Attn: General Manager

Facsimile: (712) 366-0394

with copy to:

David E. Gardels, Esq.

Husch Blackwell LLP

1620 Dodge Street, Suite 2100

Omaha, NE 68102

Facsimile: (402) 964-5050

18.           Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement does not, and is not intended to, confer any rights or remedies upon any person other than the Parties.

 

19.           Amendments; Waiver.  The Parties may amend this Agreement only by a written agreement of the Parties.  No provision of this Agreement may be waived, except as expressly

 

  

17

  

provided herein or pursuant to a writing signed by the Party against whom the waiver is sought to be enforced.  No failure or delay in exercising any right or remedy or requiring the satisfaction of any condition under this Agreement, and no “course of dealing” between the Parties, operates as a waiver or estoppel of any right, remedy or condition.  A waiver made in writing on one occasion is effective only in that instance and only for the purpose that it is given and is not to be construed as a waiver on any future occasion or against any other person.

 

20.           Assignment.  No Party may assign this Agreement, or assign or delegate any of its rights, interests, or obligations under this Agreement, voluntarily or involuntarily, whether by merger, consolidation, dissolution, operation of law, or any other manner, without the prior written consent of the other Party, and any purported assignment or delegation without such consent will be void.  Despite the prior sentence, Bunge may assign this Agreement, or assign or delegate any of its rights, interests, or obligations under this Agreement, to any of its Affiliates without Producer’s prior written consent.  Subject to the preceding sentences in this Section 20, this Agreement binds and benefits the Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

 

21.           Severability.  If a court or arbitrator with proper jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement is illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Agreement remain in full force.  The Parties will negotiate in good faith to replace such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision with a legal, valid, and enforceable provision that carries out the Parties’ intentions to the greatest lawful extent under this Agreement.

 

22.           Interpretation.  Each Party has been represented by counsel during the negotiation of this Agreement and agrees that any ambiguity in this Agreement will not be construed against one of the Parties.

 

23.           Further Assurances.  Each Party will execute and cause to be delivered to the other Party such instruments and other documents, and will take such other actions, as the other Party may reasonably request for the purpose of carrying out or evidencing any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

24.           Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed by the Parties by facsimile and in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed will be deemed to be an original and all of which together will constitute one and the same agreement.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

 

  

18

  

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed the day and year first above written.

 

 

	 	 	 	SOUTHWEST IOWA RENEWABLE	 
	BUNGE NORTH AMERICA, INC.  	 	ENERGY, LLC	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:	/s/ Eric Hakmiller	 	By:	/s/ Brian T. Cahill	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Name:	Eric Hakmiller	 	Name:	Brian T. Cahill	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Title:	Vice-President	 	Title:	CEO and General Manager	 
	 	Bunge Biofuels	 	 	 	 

 

 

  

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EXHIBIT A

Production Standards

The Parties agree that the Production Standards shall be all of the standards and requirements set forth in the current (as of the time of delivery of Ethanol under this agreement) ASTM standard specifications for denatured fuel ethanol for blending with gasolines for use as automotive spark ignition engine fuel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20exhibit102_010512.htm

Exhibit 10.2

 

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement,”) is entered into and effective the 1st day of January, 2012, by and between Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC (“SIRE” or the “Company”), and Brian T. Cahill (the “Executive”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive desire to enter into a formal employment relationship to clearly define the duties, responsibilities, and compensation of the Employee;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the parties hereto, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.           Employment and Compensation.  Company agrees to employ Executive at an annualized Base Salary as set from time to time by SIRE’s Board of Directors (“Board”), currently at One Hundred Ninety Six Thousand Dollars ($196,000.00), payable in substantially equal installments on the regular payroll cycles of the Company.  Executive shall also be entitled to participate in the Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC Cash Bonus Plan (the “Cash Bonus Plan”) and the Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”), as approved by the Board and as amended from time to time.  The target under the Cash Bonus Plan is for 20% of Base Salary, with a maximum of 40% of Base Salary.  The maximum potential award under the Equity Incentive Plan is 25% of Base Salary.   In each case the actual annual award will be determined based on Executive’s individual contribution during each performance year as well as on the results achieved against select metrics of our annual business plan.  Copies of the current Cash Bonus Plan and Equity Incentive Plan have been provided to Executive.

 

2.           Executive’s Duties.  For the Term of this Agreement, Company agrees to employ Executive as General Manager, President, and CEO.   Executive shall perform for or on behalf of Company such duties as are customary of the General Manager, President, and CEO, and such other duties as Employee shall assigned from time to time, and Executive’s total time commitment will normally be reasonably consistent with that normally expected of similarly situated executive level employees. Executive shall perform such duties in accordance with Company’s policies and practices, and subject only to such limitations, instructions, directions, and control as the Company may specify from time to time at its discretion.  Executive shall serve the Company faithfully, diligently and to the best of his ability. Employee shall devote all working time, ability, and attention to the business of Company and during the Term of this Agreement and shall not, directly or indirectly, render any services to or for the benefit of any other business, corporation, organization, or entity, whether for compensation or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and written consent of Company.

 

3.           Term.  The term (the “Term”) of this Agreement shall commence on January 1, 2012 and end on December 31, 2012.  This Agreement shall automatically be extended for one year terms on January 1 of each succeeding year, unless the Company or the Executive gives

 

  

  

  

notice that it/he does not wish to extend the Term of this Agreement.  Executive’s employment with SIRE is “at-will.”  Both Executive and the Company have the right to terminate the Term of this Agreement at any time and for any or no reason.

 

The Term refers to the period during which the Executive is performing Services for the Company and the Company is paying compensation to the Executive. Obligations that are intended to survive the Term, including, but not limited to, the obligations under Section 6, shall survive the end of the Term.

 

4.           Benefits.  As a full-time employee of the Company through the Term of this Agreement, Executive will receive such benefits and on such terms as are accorded other full-time employees of similar status, including at this time health insurance, dental benefits, long-term disability insurance, life insurance, 401(k), fifteen (15) vacation days per calendar year, and nine (9) paid holidays each calendar year.  Executive’s benefits, including percentage of employee premium contribution, are subject to change in accordance with changes made for full-time employees of similar status.  In addition, Executive shall be provided with a company vehicle, the make and model of which must be approved by the Board.  All mileage, both business and personal, must be recorded and reported at year-end for appropriate tax calculations.   In connection with Executive’s relocation to Council Bluffs from Atchison, Kansas, Executive will receive reimbursement for reasonable and customary relocation costs up to a maximum of $25,000 from the date of initial employment to conclusion of the sale of the Atchison property.  Expenses eligible for reimbursement will include the following:

 

	
  

	
-

	
Pack & move household goods by moving company

	
  

	
-

	
Selling costs of existing home (realtor fees, etc.)

	
  

	
-

	
Closing costs on new mortgage

5.           Repayment; Clawback.  Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Company is required to restate any of its financial statements, other than restatements due solely to factors external to the Company such as a change in accounting principles or a change in securities laws or regulations with retroactive effect, then the Company may recover or require reimbursement of severance payments, bonuses, equity compensation awards (including profits from the sale of Company stock acquired pursuant to such awards) and/or other payments or benefits made to the Executive under this Agreement which are based on specific financial performance targets. In exercising its discretion to recover or require reimbursement of any amounts as a result of any restatement, the Company will give reasonable and due consideration to, among other relevant factors, the level of the Executive's responsibility or influence, as well as the level of others’ responsibility or influence, over the judgments or actions that gave rise to the restatement.

 

6.           Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure.  Executive expressly acknowledges and understands that as part of his job duties, he will be exposed to certain confidential information, client and potential client relationships, and supplier, licensee, or other business relationships of Company (some of which may be developed by him in the course of his employment) ("Confidential Information").  Executive acknowledges such Confidential Information is the sole and exclusive property of Company, constituting valuable, special and unique property of Company in which it has and will have a protectable interest. In certain cases, the Company is

 

  

- 2 -

  

party to licenses or other agreements which require the Company and its employees to maintain the confidentiality of information and all such information is included within the definition of Confidential Information for purposes of this Agreement.  The parties therefore agree that it is necessary to enter into this covenant to protect Company's interests.  Independent of any obligation under any other contract or agreement between Executive and Company, Executive agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Confidential Information as described in this Section 6 during the term of this Agreement and for a period of two (2) years following the voluntary or involuntary separation of Executive’s employment for any reason whatsoever, or for any longer period required by a third-party contract of which Executive is aware.

 

Executive hereby further agrees to hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company all Confidential Information consisting of proprietary and confidential information, knowledge, ideas and data of the Company, including, without limitation, customer lists and the Company’s products, processes and programs relating in any way to the present or future business or activities of the Company, for the useful life of such Confidential Information and as long as such Confidential Information remains confidential.  

 

If any court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that the foregoing covenants are invalid in any respect, the parties hereto agree that any court so holding may limit such covenant in time, in area or in any other manner which the court determines such that the covenant shall be enforceable against Executive.

 

7.           Remedies.  In the event of the breach or threatened breach by Executive of the provisions of Section 6 of this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to an injunction restraining Executive from such breach or threatened breach. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prohibit the Company from pursuing any other remedies available to it for such breach or threatened breach, including recovery of damages from Executive.  Moreover, if the Company prevails against Executive in whole or in part in any action to enforce this Agreement, whether for injunctive relief or damages or both, then in addition to whatever injunctive relief or damages may be awarded, the Company shall be entitled to its expenses and costs incurred in the successful pursuit of such action or portion thereof, including the Company’s reasonable attorneys’ fees.

 

8.           Covenants Separable.  It is mutually understood and agreed by and between the parties that the covenants contained in Section 6 and any subsections thereof are fair and reasonable, and are reasonably required for the protection of the Company.  The parties further agree that the covenants are separable, severable and divisible in all respects, and the unenforceability of any specific covenant or undertaking shall not affect the validity of any other such covenants or undertakings.  In the event any provision hereof is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason or in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall in no event affect, prejudice or disturb the remainder of this Agreement, which shall be in full force and effect, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

9.           Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Section 409A.  Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement shall be interpreted and administered in accordance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and regulations and other guidance issued thereunder to the extent applicable.  For purposes of

 

  

- 3 -

  

determining whether any payment made pursuant to this Agreement results in a "deferral of compensation" within the meaning of Treasury Regulation §1.409A-1(b), the Company shall maximize the exemptions described in such section, as applicable.  If Executive is a specified employee (as defined in Treasury Regulation §1.409A-1(i)) upon separation from service (as defined in Treasury Regulation §1.409A-1(h)), then payment of any Section 409A deferred compensation amount shall be delayed for a period of six months and paid in a lump sum on the first payroll payment date following expiration of such six month period.  For purposes of conforming this Agreement to Section 409A of the Code, the parties agree that any reference to termination of employment, severance from service or similar terms shall mean a “separation from service” as defined in Treasury Regulation §1.409A-1(h).  Further, any reimbursements, gross-ups or in-kind benefits to be provided pursuant to this Agreement that are taxable to the Executive shall be subject to the following restrictions: (a) each reimbursement or gross-up must be paid no later than the last day of the calendar year following the Executive’s tax year during which the expense was incurred or tax was remitted, as the case may be; (b) the amount of expenses or taxes eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits or gross-ups provided, during a tax year of the Executive may not affect the expenses or taxes eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits or gross-ups to be provided, in any other tax year of the Executive; (c) the period during which any reimbursement or gross-up may be paid or in-kind benefit may be provided shall end one year after the Executive's separation from service; and (d) the right to reimbursement, gross-up or in-kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.  Notwithstanding the foregoing or any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company does not warrant or promise compliance with Section 409A of the Code and neither Executive nor any other person shall have any claim against the Company for any good faith effort taken by the Company to comply with Section 409A.

 

10.           Notice.  Any notice, request, consent or communication under this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and personally delivered, sent by certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or nationally recognized express delivery service with delivery confirmed or telexed or telecopied with receipt confirmed, addressed as follows:

 

if to Executive:                      Brian T. Cahill

102 Quail Pass

Atchison, KS  66002

if to the Company:               Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC

Attn: Chairman of the Board

10868 189th Street

Council Bluffs, IA 51503

 

or at such subsequent address as either party may designate to the other in writing, and shall be deemed to have been given as of the date when properly sent in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

11.           Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, including without limitation the offer letter dated August 27, 2009 setting out the initial terms of your employment.

 

  

- 4 -

  

12.           Amendment.  This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both the Company and the Executive.

 

13.           Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Iowa (without regard to conflicts of laws provisions).

 

14.           Binding Effect; Assignment.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of both parties and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives, including any entity with which, or into which, the Company may be merged or which may succeed to its assets or business; provided, however, that the obligations of the Executive are personal and shall not be assigned by the Executive.

 

15.           Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or otherwise unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall in no way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

16.           Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, including counterpart signature pages or counterpart facsimile signature pages, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

17.           Recitals. The recitals are incorporated herein and made a part hereof.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year set forth above.

 

 

	EXECUTIVE:  	 	/s/ Brian T. Cahill	 
	 	 	Brian T. Cahill	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	COMPANY:   	 	SOUTHWEST IOWA RENEWABLE ENERGY, LLC	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	/s/ Karol King	 
	 	 	Karol King, Chairman of the Board	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Date:           January 1, 2012	 

 

 

                                         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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