Document:

EX-10.2

Exhibit 10.2

Client Engagement Letter

August 20, 2010

Mr. Don Crosbie

President & CEO

Claimsnet.com

14860 Montfort Drive, Suite 250

Dallas, TX 75254

Dear Don:

We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with you and your company. We are committed to
delivering to your doorstep a variety of options available globally to meet your business strategic
and financial needs.

Just for your information, we are a multi family office that represents the interests of 22 private
family offices and sovereign wealth funds worldwide spanning the U.S, Europe and the Middle East.
Please see details at www.blackhawkpartners.com

In contrast to most private equity groups, the firm is structured as a “merchant bank” and can
serve as both an advisor to and an investor in its clients. We thus take pride in and are
recognized for developing creative solutions, providing unparalleled service, funding and
syndication capabilities in getting the difficult deals done.   

Our investment approach basically consists of backing scalable global plays by being the “lead”
investor and supplying all the capital required through exit. The core of our investment philosophy
is a long-term partnership with talented operating executives who have a stellar track record of
success and an investment thesis for the type of business we like to acquire and which we are
willing to back.  

Upon execution, this letter shall serve as the engagement agreement (the “Agreement”)
between Blackhawk Partners Inc., (“Advisor”), and Claimsnet.com including subsidiaries, affiliates
and/or any newly formed entities (‘CLM’, “Client”), for representation as exclusive Advisor
for services in connection with Blackhawk’s efforts to perform specific professional services,
advisory, and obtain debt and/or equity financing (“Financing” or “Services”).

1. Scope of Engagement. The Client hereby engages Blackhawk to act as the Client’s
exclusive Advisor in connection with the proposed financing and/or services.

It is currently contemplated that the services to be provided shall be structured as debt or equity
financing, or any other transaction or business as negotiations progress, including but not limited
to the sale or similar transaction involving a portion or all or substantially all of the assets or
capital stock of the Client, a merger or consolidation involving the Client, a transaction
involving a partial sale that is denominated as an alliance or joint venture, or a roll up
transaction; however, the final terms shall be reached through market intelligence and negotiation
between Blackhawk and its capital sources/lead manager/investors and the Client. Blackhawk shall
identify prospective capital sources for the Client to meet with and assist in its selection of a
Financial Partner/Syndicate Lender/Investor(s) led by Blackhawk, and will advise the Client
throughout the process to help ensure a successful outcome and most optimal results in a timely
manner.

In order for Blackhawk to provide advice and assistance, it will require that all information that
is relevant to Blackhawk’s engagement be made available by Client on a timely basis, and Client
shall agree that Blackhawk will not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such
information. Furthermore, Blackhawk is authorized to make appropriate use of such information
(including transmitting information to potential investors and/or financing sources in its
syndicate). In addition, Client agrees to keep Blackhawk informed of any developments, events or
proposals which may be material and that no initiatives relevant to the engagement contemplated
hereby will be taken without Blackhawk’s prior knowledge.

Services. Blackhawk shall provide any or all of the following services (the “Services”) as
reasonably required to satisfy the objectives of the Client to evaluate and consummate a
Transaction:

	 	1.	 	Analyzing the business, properties, assets and operations of the
Client

	 	2.	 	Assisting the Client’s management in the preparation of a financial
model

	 	3.	 	Assisting in identifying and screening prospective Financial and/or
Strategic Partners/Investors (‘Investors’) led by Blackhawk.

	 	4.	 	Assist the Client in the preparation of a confidential information
memorandum or similar document, including any exhibits or amendments thereto, all
of which shall be reviewed for accuracy and completeness by the Client

	 	5.	 	Coordinating contacts with prospective Investors and assisting in
evaluating proposals from prospective Investors led by Blackhawk.

	 	6.	 	Assisting the Client in preparing and delivering presentations for
prospective Investors led by Blackhawk.

	 	7.	 	Assisting the Client in selecting the best potential Transaction
Partner and proposal

	 	8.	 	Assisting the Client in structuring, negotiating and completion of
the Transaction

Due Diligence. The materials shall be prepared, amended or supplemented by the Client in
consultation with Blackhawk and the Client. All other documents and materials to be used for
circulation to financing sources and/or investors in connection with the scope of services shall be
provided by the Client to Blackhawk in advance, and no such documents or materials shall be
provided to any third parties without the express consent from Blackhawk. The accuracy of all
materials to be provided to financing sources and/or investors shall be the sole responsibility of
the Client. All information to be provided to such sources must be in accordance with applicable
Federal and State securities laws, as further described below. The Client agrees that any of the
materials to be provided to such sources shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light
of the circumstances under which they were made, and all statements of opinion, intention or
expectation of the Client and/or its officers and directors contained therein will be honestly held
after careful consideration.

Compliance with Securities Laws. Client and Blackhawk agree not to engage in any form of general
solicitation or general advertising in connection with the contemplated Transaction and/or
services. Blackhawk and Client agree to conduct the financing or services in accordance with all
applicable securities laws, under anti-fraud laws and regulations contained in applicable Federal
and State securities laws. The Client shall be responsible for compliance with the filing
requirements of the securities laws of States and other jurisdictions and, in that respect, shall
make all filings and take all other actions as are required in connection with compliance with such
laws.

2.

1

Compensation & Expenses. Client hereby appoints Blackhawk as its Exclusive Advisor during
the Term, to procure Financing for Client from capital sources in accordance with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement on a best efforts basis. During the Term, should the Client procure
Financing or commitment for Financing from a capital source not introduced by Blackhawk, Client
agrees to compensate Blackhawk 100% of the fees earned hereunder as fair compensation for its time
and services, payable immediately upon funding of the Transaction.

Blackhawk’s services will include identifying financing/investor resources from its syndicate and
introducing to Client term sheets from interested capital sources and investors led by Blackhawk
until successful closing. Blackhawk will review the term sheets, facilitate proposal,
presentation, structuring and negotiation of the Transaction(s), and help Client select the optimal
financing structure.

	 	1.	 	The Client shall pay Blackhawk a non-refundable fee of $50,000 (the “Retainer
Fee”) due and payable upon the execution of this agreement.

	 	2.	 	On the 1st day of every month beginning six months from the Effective
Date and continuing for a period of six months, the Client shall pay Blackhawk a monthly
non-refundable advisory fee of $12,000.

	 	3.	 	Client agrees to pay Blackhawk a fee equal to 6.00% of the total equity gross
amount funded to Client outside of Blackhawk proprietary funds and 3% of the total debt
gross amount raised (“Advisory Fee”).

Payment to Blackhawk of all fees is to be made via a bank wire within 5 days of closing of any
financing or invoice for services. Blackhawk’s fee is sole and separate from any lender fees
payable to a capital source incurred by Client or any other fees to third parties agreed to be paid
by the Client in advance in writing.

The Client shall pay its own expenses in connection with the financing and services, and shall
reimburse Blackhawk for all travel related costs and other customary expenses incurred in
connection with the financing, provided that the cumulative expenses shall not exceed $1,000 in the
aggregate without giving notice to the Client. Blackhawk’s out of pocket expenses shall be
reimbursed 5 days from receipt of an invoice submitted to Client. Should Client elect to terminate
this agreement prior to completion of the financing, Client shall reimburse Blackhawk for any
reasonable legal expenses incurred by Blackhawk in connection with the Transaction.

Client hereby grants Blackhawk an assignment of and first priority lien against the amount of any
fees due and payable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement from the proceeds of the Financing and
further authorizes Blackhawk to notify the capital source about the foregoing assignment and
instruct in writing the capital source to disburse those fees directly to Blackhawk from proceeds
from the initial funding of the Financing commitment. Client hereby authorizes Blackhawk to file,
at any time on or after the date such fees become due, appropriate uniform commercial code
financing statements in such jurisdictions and offices as Blackhawk deems necessary in connection
with the anticipated perfection of a security interest in all of the Client’s assets, including
inventory, accounts, equipment, chattel paper, documents, instruments, deposit accounts, investment
property (including equity interests of subsidiaries), general intangibles (including patents,
trademarks and copyrights), letter of credit rights and all other personal property of Client.
Such uniform commercial code financing statements may describe the collateral as “all assets of
Client, wherever located, whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or arising, together
with all proceeds thereof.”

3. Term and Termination. The term (“Term”) of this Agreement shall commence on the
date of the execution of this Agreement (“Effective Date”) and expire in two (2) years from
such date. Either party may terminate this Agreement for any reason by providing 30 days advance
written notice to the other party.

Notwithstanding the termination of this agreement for any reason, if within 18 months from the
effective date of termination of this Agreement, Client enters into a definitive agreement relating
to a Financing, whether debt or equity with any of the capital sources, or their respective
affiliates, sourced by Blackhawk, Client shall pay Blackhawk the Advisory Fee as described herein
as to such Financing.

4. Equity Co-Invest. Upon the closing of equity Financing or Transaction by Client,
Blackhawk shall have the right, at any time prior to funding of a Financing, to roll a portion of
its cash fee into Client’s equity at the same valuation as other investors in the Financing.
Blackhawk shall also have a right of first refusal to invest up to Fifty Percent (50%) of the
size of the Equity Offering alongside its syndicate at the same valuation as the other
investors. “Transaction” means any transaction or series or combination of transactions,
whereby, directly or indirectly, control of or a material interest in Client or any of its
businesses, or a material amount of any of their respective assets, is transferred for
consideration, including, without limitation, a sale or exchange of capital stock or assets, a
merger or consolidation, a tender or exchange offer, a leveraged buyout, the formation of a joint
venture, minority investment or partnership, etc., or any similar transaction.

5. Duties & Responsibilities. In connection with Blackhawk’s activities on Client’s
behalf, Client will furnish Blackhawk with all information that it may reasonably request and
provide Blackhawk or prospective Financing sources reasonable access to Client officers, directors,
accountants and counsel provided that appropriate confidentiality agreements have been executed.
It is understood that time is of the essence with regards to requested information. Client
shall also provide any other assistance reasonably requested by Blackhawk. Client hereby gives
Blackhawk permission to advertise the existence (but not the terms other than the total amount of
Financing) of the Transaction once closed. Blackhawk may make use of a standard transaction
tombstone in accordance with customary industry practice including the use of Client logo and name
therein. Blackhawk shall use commercially reasonable efforts to procure a capital commitment for
Client on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. However, nothing in this Agreement
shall be construed as a guarantee or warranty on the part of Blackhawk that it can or will obtain a
Financing or equity commitment for Client on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement
or on any other terms and conditions whatsoever. Client understands that there is no obligation
for any affiliate of Blackhawk to provide or offer any Financing to Client. Client acknowledges
that Blackhawk may receive marketing, servicing or servicing release fees from certain capital
sources. Blackhawk will provide the Client with financial advise including, as appropriate,
assisting the Client in the preparation of a financing package, placement memorandum and/or
registration statement, as applicable; reviewing the elements which contribute to value;
coordinating with selected parties involved in the process; and participating in negotiations on
the Client’s behalf with such parties. Such negotiations will take into account price,
compatibility, and timeliness.

Likewise, Client acknowledges that:

(i) Time is of the essence in connection with Blackhawk’s activities on Client’s behalf,
hence, Client will furnish Blackhawk with all information that it may reasonably request and
provide Blackhawk or prospective financing sources reasonable access to Client officers,
directors, accountants and counsel provided that appropriate confidentiality agreements have
been executed as applicable, and that

(ii) There is a high opportunity cost to Blackhawk to allocate time and expenses to Client’s
Transaction if Client is not providing the necessary documents and assistance as reasonably
requested by Blackhawk in order to perform its duties, and that

(iii) Blackhawk shall use commercially reasonable efforts to procure a capital commitment
for Client on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. However, nothing in
this Agreement shall be construed as a guarantee or assurance on the part of Blackhawk that
it can or will obtain a Financing or commitment for Financing for Client on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement or on any other terms and conditions whatsoever.

6. Nondisclosure of Confidential Information.

a. Definition of Confidential Information. During the term of the
Agreement, Client may disclose to Advisor certain information, materials and documents relating to
Client’s Business that Client deems to be confidential and proprietary. Such information may be
furnished by Client or its affiliates electronically, orally, visually, or learned by Advisor while
on Client’s premises and include, without limitation, information about developments, products and
services, markets, customers and prospective customers, suppliers, research and pricing, financial
and accounting data, compensation, technical data, computer programs, manufacturing methods,
strategies, development of new or improved products and services, and know-how (collectively, the
“Confidential Information”). Any notes, summaries, reports, analysis, or other material
derived by Advisor in whole or in part from the Confidential Information shall also be considered
Confidential Information by this Agreement. The existence of this Agreement and discussions
between Client and Advisor shall also be considered Confidential Information under this Agreement.

b. Keep Secret. Advisor acknowledges that the Services shall involve access
to and familiarity with Client’s and its affiliates’ Confidential Information and that such
Confidential Information is a valuable, special and unique asset belonging to Client and its
affiliates. The disclosure or use of the Confidential Information by any individual, entity or
organization (“Person”) other than Client would cause irreparable damage to the business of
Client and its affiliates.

Advisor shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any third Person; provided that
Advisor shall be permitted to disclose Confidential Information for purposes of performing the
Services.

c. Proper Use. Advisor shall hold any and all Confidential Information in
trust and confidence and refrain from using any and all Confidential Information except for
purposes of the Services.

d. Standard of Care. Advisor shall use the same degree of care in
safeguarding the Confidential Information as it uses to safeguard its own most highly confidential
information, but in any event not less than reasonable care.

e. May Disclose. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
contrary, Advisor may disclose Confidential Information pursuant to the requirement or request of a
governmental agency or a subpoena, order or other such legal process or requirement of any law, or
in defense of any claims asserted against it, so long as it shall: (i) first notify Client of such
request, requirement or proposal for use in defense; (ii) furnish only such portion of the
Confidential Information as Advisor is advised in writing by counsel that it is legally required to
disclose; and (iii) cooperate with Client at its expense in its efforts to obtain an order or other
reliable assurance that confidential treatment shall be accorded to the portion of the Confidential
Information that is required to be disclosed.

f. Status of Client. Advisor agrees that the Confidential Information is
and shall at all times remain the property of Client and its Affiliates and/or property of any
third party that has lawfully disclosed to Client any Confidential Information. Nothing in this
Agreement shall be construed to grant any right or license under any patent, copyright or other
proprietary right, or grant Advisor the right to make any commitment on behalf of Client or its
Affiliates.

g. Return of Confidential Information. Within three (3) days after the
Services are completed or discussions regarding the Services terminate, or after written request of
Client, Advisor shall promptly: (a) return all Confidential Information and all copies thereof;
(b) destroy all of its files and memoranda prepared based on any Confidential Information; and
(c) provide Client with a written certification that all such information and materials have been
returned or destroyed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Advisor may retain archival copies of any
and all Confidential Information in accordance with policies and procedures designed to comply with
legal, regulatory and professional requirements, and solely to demonstrate compliance therewith.

7. Successors & Assigns. The benefits of this Agreement shall inure to the respective
successors and assigns of the parties hereto, their successors, assigns and representatives, and
the obligations and liabilities assumed in this Agreement by the parties shall be binding upon
their respective successors and assigns; provided, that the rights and obligations of either party
under this Agreement may not be assigned without the prior written consent of the other party and
any other purported assignment shall be null and void. After a Transaction, the acquiring Client
shall become liable for Client’s obligations with respect to fees under this Agreement.

8. Indemnification. In further consideration of the agreements contained in this
Agreement, in the event that Blackhawk or any of its affiliates, the respective directors,
officers, partners, agents or employees of Blackhawk or any of its affiliates, or any other person
controlling Blackhawk (“Indemnified Person”) becomes involved in any capacity in any action, claim,
suit, investigation or proceeding, actual or threatened, brought by or against any person,
including stockholders of Client, in connection with or as a result of the engagement or any matter
referred to in this Agreement, Client will reimburse such Indemnified Person for its reasonable
legal and other expenses (including without limitation the reasonable costs and expenses incurred
in connection with investigation or preparation or enforcing the engagement) incurred in connection
therewith as such expenses are incurred. Client will also indemnify and hold harmless any
Indemnified Person from and against, and Client agrees that no Indemnified Person shall have any
liability to Client or its owners, parents, affiliates, security holders or creditors for, any
losses, claims, damages or liabilities (including actions or proceedings in respect thereof)
(collectively, “Losses”) (without regard to the exclusive or contributory negligence of Blackhawk)
related to or arising out of the engagement or Blackhawk’s performance thereof, except to the
extent any Losses are finally determined by a court or arbitral tribunal to have resulted primarily
from the bad faith or gross negligence of Blackhawk or any Indemnified Person in performing the
engagement. If such indemnification is for any reason not available or insufficient to hold an
Indemnified Person harmless, Client agrees to contribute to the Losses involved in such proportion
as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received (or anticipated to be received) by
Client, on the one hand, and by Blackhawk, on the other hand, with respect to the engagement or, if
such allocation is determined by a court or arbitral tribunal to be unavailable, in such proportion
as is appropriate to reflect other equitable considerations such as the relative fault of Client on
the one hand and of Blackhawk on the other hand; provided, however, that, to the extent permitted
by applicable law, the Indemnified Persons shall not be responsible for amounts which in the
aggregate are in excess of the amount of all fees actually received by Blackhawk from Client in
connection with the engagement. Relative benefits to Client, on the one hand, and Blackhawk, on the
other hand, with respect to the engagement shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as (i) the
total value paid or proposed to be paid or received or proposed to be received by Client or its
security holders, as the case may be, pursuant to the Transaction(s), whether or not consummated,
contemplated by the engagement, bears to (ii) all fees actually received by or proposed to be
received by Blackhawk in connection with the engagement.

Client will not, without Blackhawk’s prior written consent, settle, compromise, consent to the
entry of any judgment in or otherwise seek to terminate any action, claim, suit, investigation or
proceeding in respect of which indemnification may be sought hereunder (whether or not any
Indemnified Person is a party thereto) unless such settlement, compromise, consent or termination
includes a release of each Indemnified Person from any liabilities arising out of such action,
claim, suit, investigation or proceeding. Client will not permit any such settlement, compromise,
consent or termination to include a statement as to, or an admission of, fault, culpability or a
failure to act by or on behalf of an Indemnified Person, without such Indemnified Person’s prior
written consent. No Indemnified Person seeking indemnification, reimbursement or contribution
under this agreement will, without Client’s prior written consent, settle, compromise, consent to
the entry of any judgment in or otherwise seek to terminate any action, claim, suit, investigation
or proceeding referred to herein.

Client’s obligations hereunder shall be in addition to any rights that any Indemnified Person
may have at common law or otherwise. Client acknowledges that in connection with the Agreement
Blackhawk is acting as an independent contractor and not in any other capacity with duties owing
solely to Client. This Agreement and any other agreements relating to the engagement shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, applicable to
contracts made and to be performed therein. BLACKHAWK HEREBY AGREES, AND CLIENT HEREBY AGREES ON
ITS OWN BEHALF AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ON BEHALF OF ITS SECURITY HOLDERS,
TO WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIM, COUNTER-CLAIM OR ACTION ARISING OUT
OF THE ENGAGEMENT OR BLACKHAWK’S PERFORMANCE THEREOF.

9. Arbitration. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or
the rights, duties and obligations of the parties arising out of or relating to this Agreement
shall be submitted to binding arbitration upon the written request of either party. Such
arbitration shall take place in New York City, NY, unless the parties mutually agree to another
location. Except as herein otherwise provided and unless the parties otherwise agree to conduct
and enforce this arbitration agreement under other arbitration rules or laws, such arbitration
proceedings shall be conducted in compliance with and shall be enforceable under the provisions of
the Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final
and conclusive upon all parties. The cost of such arbitration (which shall include reasonable
attorneys’ fees and expenses) shall be borne by the losing party or parties or in such proportion
as the arbitrator shall decide.

10. Relationship. Nothing contained in this Agreement or in the relationship of Client and
Blackhawk shall be deemed to constitute a partnership, limited liability company, or joint venture
between Client and Blackhawk. Blackhawk is acting only as an independent contractor pursuant to
the terms of this Agreement. Without limitation, Blackhawk’s authority is limited to performing
the services in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and Blackhawk does not have any
authority to execute any contracts, to make any representations, or to incur any other obligation
or liability, for or on behalf of Client. Client acknowledges that its management team is
experienced in obtaining financings and/or entering into equity arrangements and that Client has
had the opportunity to consult with counsel.

11. Miscellaneous. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the
parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements, arrangements
and understandings, written or oral, between the parties. No representation, promise or inducement
has been made by any party that is not embodied in this Agreement or in the other documents and
agreements delivered in accordance herewith, and no party shall be bound by or be liable for any
alleged representation, promise or inducement not so set forth. This Agreement may not be altered,
amended, modified, or otherwise changed in any respect or any particular whatsoever, except by an
instrument in writing duly executed by each of the parties to this Agreement or by electronic mail
communication as agreed to by both parties. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts. If
any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, void, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions
shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect. The headings contained herein are for
reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement.

Once again, thank you for your business and we look forward to a prosperous working relationship
with you and your company for years to come.

[SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE]

2

	 	 	 
	BLACKHAWK PARTNERS, INC.	 	 
	By: /s/ Ziad Abdelnour

	 	Date: September 9, 2010
	Ziad Abdelnour, as President & CEO

445 Park Avenue, 9th Floor

New York, NY 10022

Office: (212) 452-0743

Cell: (917) 678-3767

ziad@blackhawkpartners.com

	 	

	The terms of this Agreement are hereby acknowledged and agreed to by:

	CLAIMSNET.COM

	 	

	By: /s/ Don Crosbie

	 	Date: September 9, 2010

3jva_ex101.htm

EXHIBIT 10.1

 

 

Guarantee Agreement

 

CORDAID – CHC

 

Project number 102382

 

THE UNDERSIGNED:

 

	
  

	
·

	
CORDAID, a foundation registered under the Laws of the Netherlands and having its registered seat in The Hague, The Netherlands (hereinafter called “CORDAID”), represented by Dr. Ir. D.J. de Morree, Team Leader Latin America, Sector Entrepreneurship (hereinafter called “CORDAID”) and

 

	
  

	
·

	
Coffee Holding Company (CHC) having its registered seat at 3475 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, USA, legally represented by Mr. Andrew Gordon, President (hereinafter called the Beneficiary”),

 

CONSIDERING:

 

	
  

	
·

	
That CORDAID is a private, non-profit organisation that supports development projects of private organisations in developing countries.

 

	
  

	
·

	
That with respect to CORDAID’s support of these projects, CORDAID cooperates with the Dutch Government, within the framework of the Dutch Co-Financing Program, and/or other funding agencies.

 

	
  

	
·

	
That CORDAID makes investment capital available, on appropriate terms, to projects promoting the self-reliance of the poor.

 

	
  

	
·

	
That the Beneficiary being an importer and trader in an organic and FairTrade coffee, is willing to consider pre-financing small coffee producers groups, particularly groups of female producers

 

	
  

	
·

	
That the Beneficiary, CORDAID and the selected groups of small coffee producers will conclude Tripartite contracts.

 

	
  

	
·

	
That the Beneficiary has submitted a request for continuation of Cordaid’s guarantee to OPTCO, the latter being merged with CHC while carrying out its plan for the period of 2009-2011 for the marketing and sales of coffee from small coffee producers from countries from different continents, as explicitly described in the OPTCO business plan presented to CORDAID.

 

HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

 

	
1.

	
General conditions and exemptions

 

	
  

	
·

	
This Guarantee Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions as laid down in CORDAID’s General Conditions to Guarantee Agreements* (hereinafter called “the General Conditions”).

 

	
  

	
·

	
The Beneficiary declares upon signing of this Guarantee Agreement that the General Conditions have been handed over to him, he has read the General Conditions, that he agrees on the General Conditions.

 

  

  

  

 

	
  

	
·

	
Article 6, SECURITIES, of the General Conditions is specifically excluded and will not apply to this agreement.  This article is replaced by the articles in this guarantee agreement that relate to securities

 

	
  

	
·

	
Appendix V, guidelines for external auditor reports, is excluded and will not apply to this agreement.  This is replaced by article 8 in this agreement.

 

	
2.

	
Guarantee amount

 

	
  

	
·

	
Subject to and upon terms as laid down in the General Conditions, CORDAID agrees to make available to Sterling National Bank in New York (SNB) a limited credit guarantee of USD 1,800.000, - (say ONE MILLION AND EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND US dollars) to be used as collateral for a loan facility from SNB to the Beneficiary in the amount of USD 1,800.000, - (say ONE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND US dollars).

 

	
  

	
·

	
If and when extended (subject to article 5) the credit guarantee is lowered to USD 1,500,0000,- (say ONE MILLION AND FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND US Dollars) to be uses as collateral for a loan facility from (BANK NAME) to the Beneficiary in the amount of USD 1,500,000; (say ONE MILLION AND FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND US Dollars)

 

	
3.

	
Availability of the guarantee

 

	
  

	
·

	
The guarantee will be made available by means of a guarantee letter from Rabobank Leiden, Netherlands to SNB, for which purpose CORDAID will place and pledge a deposit.

 

	
4.

	
Guarantee fee

 

	
  

	
·

	
The Beneficiary shall pay a guarantee fee of 1,5 % (say one and a half percent) per annum, calculated from the date this Guarantee Agreement is signed until the end of the Guarantee Period, payable in advance, annually.

 

	
  

	
·

	
The guarantee fee is to be paid in US dollars to CORDAID through the Beneficiary according to the attached payment instructions (Appendix II).

 

	
5.

	
Guarantee Period

 

	
  

	
·

	
The guarantee will be provided until (a) SNB has notified CORDAID in writing that all Beneficiary’s obligations under the agreement for the loan facility have expired, (b) the Beneficiary has notified CORDAID in writing that it has terminated its contract for the loan facility, (c) SNB has returned the original guarantee to the Rabobank, or (d) on the 31st of March 2011, whichever comes first.

 

	
  

	
·

	
The guarantee period can be extended until 31st of March 2012, by a written and signed amendment of this article, provided that Beneficiary has fulfilled all the conditions, including but not limited to article 12, and reporting requirements.  All articles will remain present unchanged when the guarantee period is to be extended.

 

	
6.

	
Purpose of the guaranteed loan facility

 

	
  

	
·

	
The sole purpose of the loan facility to be provided by SNB is pre-financing of coffee, harvested by different groups of small coffee producers selected by the Beneficiary and approved by CORDAID, to be sold to the Beneficiary.

 

-2-

  

  

  

 

	
  

	
·

	
The related coffee traded by the Beneficiary, bought from the different groups of small coffee producers is all Fair Trade certified.  Thirty nine percent (39%), on an annual base, of the loan facility will be used to pre-finance Cafe Feminine.

 

	
  

	
·

	
The amount to be pre-financed for each trade contract shall not exceed 70% of the value of the traded coffee.

 

	
7.

	
Obligations of the selected producers groups

 

Coffee producers groups are selected by CHC and presented to Cordaid by forwarding the pre-finance requests and CHC’s appraisals to Cordaid.  After approval of Cordaid tri-partite contracts are set up by CHC.  The following obligations of the producers groups will be included in the tri-partite contracts:

 

	
  

	
·

	
The selected groups will transfer the first payment of guarantee fee upon signing of the tri-partite contract to the Beneficiary for further transfer to CORDAID.

 

	
  

	
·

	
If the selected groups of coffee fail to deliver coffee as per contracts concluded or to be concluded, on the basis of which pre-financing took place, the Beneficiary is authorized to notify SNB that it will not be able to fulfill its commitments to them out of the loan facility, thus authorizing SNB to lodge a claim under the guarantee provided by Rabobank Leiden.

 

	
  

	
·

	
If the selected producers groups of coffee fail to transfer the guarantee fee or any other payment due under this guarantee agreement or any contract for the purpose of coffee by the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary is authorized to deduct the relevant amount from the proceeds of any contract between them and the selected producers groups.

 

	
8.

	
When guarantee is called

 

In the event that CORDAID is required to make any payments to Rabobank Leiden in relation to the Guarantee, parties will engage into discussions with the explicit purpose to find a solution to cover this damage.

 

	
9.

	
Reporting and auditing

 

	
  

	
·

	
The Beneficiary will present to CORDAID regular narrative and financial reports on the performance of the selected producers groups, according to guidelines as specified in Appendix IV.  Beneficiary will take over the reporting obligations on the selected producers groups from the contracts between Cordaid and OPTCO: 200/10029D, 200/10029E and 200/10063.  This is to ensure continuity.

 

	
  

	
·

	
The Beneficiary will keep separate administration of and will present to CORDAID an annual overview of the use of the guaranteed loan facility

 

	
  

	
·

	
The Beneficiary will report before 1 March 2011 on the progress made on incorporation of OPTCO into CHC

 

	
  

	
·

	
The Beneficiary will submit before 1 March 2011 concrete plans to continue funding Producers Organisations beyond 2011 and 2012, acceptable to Cordaid.  Alternative financing mechanisms for the selected producers groups can be (a combination of) own CHC funds and other social fenders in the season 2011 (to replace the USD 300.000) and beyond (to replace the total amount of USD 1,800,000).

 

-3-

  

  

  

 

	
  

	
·

	
The Beneficiary will present annually to CORDAID it’s audited financial statements (balance, profit and loss, including the reviewers opinion), which are in compliance with regulations of the country where the Beneficiary resides.

 

	
10.

	
Conditions Precedent

 

This agreement comes into force only after:

 

	
  

	
·

	
A copy of this agreement is sent to SNB, by Beneficiary, and to the Rabobank Leiden, by Cordaid.

 

	
  

	
·

	
CORDAID is provided with copies of the following documents and/or contracts:

 

	
  

	
o

	
a copy of the duly signed contract for the loan facility between SNB and the Beneficiary

 

	
  

	
o

	
a copy of the guarantee issued by the Rabobank Leiden, duly signed for acceptance by SNB or a copy of the SWIFT message concerning the guarantee.

 

	
11.

	
Security

 

The Beneficiary offers a corporate guarantee to Cordaid being a first loss guarantee of 25% of the outstanding amount of the guarantee with a maximum of ISD 350,000 in the first year.  If and when extended (subject to article 5) for another year, the first loss guarantee will be lowered to a maximum of USD 250.000 This corporate guarantee is separately documented and forms integral part of this agreement.

 

	
12.

	
Special conditions

 

	
  

	
·

	
CHC will smoothly take over the activities of OPTCO by involving staff and management into CHC, at least for 2 years, with the view to consolidate OPTCO’s activities into the core of CHC.

 

	
  

	
·

	
CHC will timely prepare the involved producer groups for exit of the tri-partite pre-finance arrangement, and present this strategy to Cordaid.  This exit will not worsen the trading opportunities of the producers groups.  An exit strategy can take form in linking producers groups to other pre-financing sources or through another source of funding channeled through the Beneficiary to the producers groups.

 

The following special conditions relating to the pre-financed trade from the selected producers groups apply to this agreement:

 

	
  

	
·

	
Pre-finance requests from producers groups and appraisal by Beneficiary are presented to Cordaid for approval by Beneficiary.  Beneficiary will draft and present to Cordaid Tri-partite loan agreements for approval and signature.

 

	
  

	
·

	
The beneficiary will lodge with an insurance company of first class reputation proper transport insurance for the shipping and storage of the coffee to be pre-financed under this Guarantee Agreement, in case of any claim the proceeds will be assigned to Cordaid.

 

	
  

	
·

	
As security for this agreement CORDAID has a floating charge, second in rank, on the rights resulting from the buying contracts (from the coffee suppliers) and selling contracts (CHC’s clients) related to the purchases of coffee as meant under Article 6 of this Guarantee Agreement.

 

-4-

  

  

  

 

	
  

	
·

	
The Beneficiary agrees that at no time and under no circumstances the rights resulting from the buying and selling contracts will be offered as a guarantee or as a promissory note to any other party but Cordaid.

 

	
  

	
·

	
In principle Cordaid's pre-finance can not exceed 70% of all pre-financi/working capital provided by all lenders to each individual producers organisation.

 

	
13.

	
Applicable Law

 

	
  

	
·

	
This agreement and the General Conditions applicable to it will be governed by the Laws of the Netherlands without prejudice to CORDAID's right to pursue its remedies in any other jurisdiction it thinks fit.

 

	
SIGNED IN DUPLICATE

	  
	  	  
	
By CORDAID-

	
By Beneficiary

	  	  
	/s/ Dr. Ir. D.J. de Morree	/s/ Andrew Gordon
	on 18-5-2010	on 20-5-2010
	 	 
	
Dr. Ir. D.J. de Morree,

Team Leader Latin America

Sector Entrepreneurship

	
Mr Andrew Gordon,

President

	  	  
	
Signed for acknowledgement, by non-binding party:

	  
	(former) owner of OPTCO
	 
	On 6/10/2010
	 
	
G. Smith                        /s/ G. Smith

President

	 
	
Annexes:

General Conditions

Appendix II:   Bank accounts CORDAID and Beneficiary

Appendix IV:  Instructions for financial and narrative reporting 

-5-

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