year under the license agreement, subject to certain deferrals and credits as specified in the license agreement and the services agreement, until we have achieved certain milestones, upon which the payments increase. Commencing in 2007, the minimum payment for annual license fees was to increase annually by the lesser of four percent or the percentage increase of the New York Consumer Price Index using 2005 as the base year.
In July 2007, the parties entered into an agreement, pursuant to which the license period became a 32-year term from 2005, and the annual license fee for calendar year 2007 was deferred, and payable at the rate of no more than $300,000 per year commencing with calendar year 2008, provided that the Company has total positive net revenues from its operations of at least $2 million annually, the Institute shall be entitled to payment on the deferred license fee at a rate of no more than $300,000 per year. The Institute shall also be entitled to payments on certain service projects engaged in by the Company. For all internal projects of the Company (i.e., natural resource projects that the Company engages in pursuant to farmin or farmout agreements with third parties), the Institute shall be entitled to payments equal to 20% of the net revenues received by TIC from such farmin and/or farmout agreements. For non-internal projects, the Institute shall be entitled to payments equal to: (i) 20% of the net cash success fee compensation earned by the Company from such projects; and (ii) 20% of the net cash received by the Company from royalty-free interests in such service projects. Such project related payments shall be payable only after the Company generates over $1 million in net revenues from service projects. Commencing in 2008, the annual license fee was to increase annually by the lesser of four percent or the percentage increase of the Consumer Price Index using 2007 as the base year. Under the license agreement, we obtained an exclusive option to purchase from the Institute its mapping technology. This option terminates on the first to occur of (i) June 30, 2012 or (ii) the termination of the license agreement. The purchase price for the mapping technology is to be the lesser of (i) $20 million, or the (ii) then-current market value of the mapping technology as determined by independent appraisers. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties may negotiate in good faith a different purchase price. One-half of all internal project payments and one-half of all service success fee payments received by the Institute is to be credited against the purchase price.
In December 2007, the parties entered into an agreement of waiver, pursuant to which the annual license fees payable with respect to calendar years 2007 and 2008 have been waived.
Under the services agreement in effect in 2005, the Institute was to render services to us, and to refer all inquiries for commercial contract services to us. The Institute was to perform certain contract services for us at no more than 40% of the published rates of $500 per square kilometer, with minimum annual fees of $500,000, and with offsets against the license fee until certain minimum revenues are obtained. Until such time as the Company has annual revenues of at least $10 million or until such time as the market capitalization of the Company exceeds $100 million, 83.334% of the license fees will be credited against service fees, and in any calendar year in which the Company’s revenues are less than $6 million, the minimum annual services fee is to be offset against the annual license fee. Commencing in 2007, the minimum payment for annual services fees is to increase annually by the lesser of four percent or the percentage increase of the New York Consumer Price Index using 2005 as the base year.
In July 2007, the parties entered into an agreement, pursuant to which the annual services fee payable to the Institute for our internal projects for calendar year 2007 was deferred, and payable at the rate of no more than $300,000 per year commencing with calendar year 2008, provided that the Company has total positive net revenues from its operations of at least $2 million annually, and provided that in the event that the Institute also has payable deferred annual license fees owed to the Institute, the Institute shall be entitled to payment on the deferred license fees and the deferred services fees at the collective rate of no more than $300,000 per year, on a pro rata basis. The Institute is to perform certain contract services for us at the rate of (i) no more than 40% to 60% of its published rates depending on the nature of the requested services, or (ii) no more than 10% over cost, with minimum annual services fees totaling $500,000, subject to certain deferrals and credits. Commencing in 2008, the minimum annual service fee is to increase by the lesser of 4% or the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) using 2007 as the base year.
In December 2007, the parties entered into an agreement of waiver, pursuant to which the annual services fees payable with respect to calendar years 2007 and 2008 have been waived.
Transactions with Directors and Officers
In 2006 through March 2007, we subleased executive office facilities on a month-to-month basis pursuant to an oral agreement with Dan Brecher, a former officer and director of our company. The rent was $2,250 per month through March 2006, $4,500 per month through August, 2006, and was $8,000 per month through March 31, 2007. The rent represented the actual cost being charged to Mr. Brecher by the lessor for the facilities utilized by our company. The increases in rent were due to occupancy of additional space. As of April 1, 2007, we leased from the third party substantially reduced office space.
In 2007, two officers, Dan Brecher and Dmitry Vilbaum, and a director, Ivan Railyan, loaned the Company an aggregate of $407,409, and a related party has loaned $39,968 to the Company. The loans are unsecured and non-interest bearing and have no specific repayment terms. In December 2007, Mr. Brecher agreed to defer the repayment of monies advanced by him to the Company, totaling approximately $295,322 through September 30, 2007, and Mr. Railyan agreed to defer the repayment of monies advanced by him to the Company, totaling approximately $105,000 through December 12, 2007, until the earlier of June 1, 2008 or such time that monies become available, out of future monies either raised by the Company and its affiliated entities or monies received as revenue.
At various times since 2005 to the present, certain of our present or former officers or directors, Dan Brecher and Kenneth Oh, and other employees of our company, have worked for our attorneys, Law Offices of Dan Brecher, and may continue to do so. Mr. Brecher and Mr. Oh are practicing attorneys who have devoted a majority of their time to Law Offices of Dan Brecher. The law firm, the proprietor of which is an attorney is a former director and officer, and a present stockholder, of our company, provides certain legal services to us. We paid the law firm or accrued legal fees for years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 of $367,881 and $730,000, respectively. In December 2007, the law firm agreed to waive legal fees in the amount of $477,953. The Company paid or accrued legal fees for the six months ended June 30, 2008 of $232,106.
Dmitry Vilbaum, our Chief Operating Officer, worked for Law Offices of Dan Brecher on a part-time basis from June 2005 through March 2006. For the use of Mr. Vilbaum services, we reimbursed, at cost, Law Offices of Dan Brecher for compensation expenses and costs of benefits it incurred in connection with its employment of Mr. Vilbaum, provided Mr. Vilbaum was devoting substantially all of his time to our business. Mr. Vilbaum received a salary from Law Offices of Dan Brecher at the rate of $25,000 per year from June 2005 through March 2006, and medical and dental benefits.
��
On May 19, 2008, we entered into a consulting agreement with Elena Palgova to serve as a legal consultant, for a term through April 2009. Pursuant to the agreement, she received $10,000 for the initial month of services, is entitled to a monthly fee of $5,000 thereafter, and stock options to purchase 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, exercisable, subject to vesting at various times between August 1, 2008 and May 1, 2009, for two years at $0.11 per share.
On December 12, 2006, each of Roman Rozenberg and Dan Brecher exercised stock options granted on September 25, 2006 to purchase 250,000 shares of common stock, exercisable for a period of up to five years from the date of grant at $0.21 per share. We accepted from Mr. Rozenberg the cancellation of $52,500 in unreimbursed and unpaid salary as the exercise price. We accepted from Mr. Brecher a credit of $52,500 in legal fees of his law firm as the exercise price.
Transactions involving Esterna Ltd. and Affiliates
On December 29, 2005, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Esterna Limited, a Cyprus limited company, for the sale of 500,000 shares of common stock.
On December 27, 2007, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2007, with Esterna Ltd. for the sale of securities, consisting of 5,000,000 shares of the Company’s unregistered Series A preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), and warrants exercisable over a two-year period to purchase 20,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, for the aggregate purchase price of $1 million. The warrants have an exercise price of $.25 per share through December 26, 2008, and thereafter until their
19
expiration on December 26, 2009 the exercise price shall be $.30 per share. The first closing for the purchase of 2,500,000 preferred shares and 10,000,000 warrants for $500,000 occurred on December 27, 2007. The second closing for the purchase of an additional 2,500,000 preferred shares and 10,000,000 warrants for an additional payment of $500,000 occurred on April 23, 2008.
In connection with the transaction, the Company has designated 25 million shares as Series A Preferred Stock. In connection with the transaction and the terms of the designation of Series A Preferred Stock, the Company has amended its bylaws to set forth the voting, consent, and notice rights of holders of Series A Preferred Stock described herein.
Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into one share of common stock. Upon conversion, exchange or other transaction with the Company of more than 50% of the originally issued Series A Preferred Stock, such that less than 50% of the originally issued Series A Preferred Stock becomes outstanding at any time, the remaining outstanding Series A Preferred Stock shall automatically convert into shares of common stock.
The holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to notice of all stockholder meetings in accordance with the Company’s bylaws, and except as otherwise required by applicable law, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to vote on all matters submitted to or required to be submitted to the stockholders for a vote, together with the holders of the common stock voting together as a single class with each share of common stock entitled to one vote per share, and each share of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to three votes for each share of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock as of the record date of such vote, the holders of the preferred stock being entitled to vote on an as-converted basis on all matters in which the holders of common stock are entitled to vote, including the election of directors. For so long as at least 50% of the Series A Preferred Stock originally issued pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement remain outstanding, the holders of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock shall have the exclusive right to elect a majority of the Company’s board of directors. Such directors may only be removed and may be removed from time to time by the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock.
In addition to such voting rights, for so long as at least 50% of the aggregate number of originally-issued shares of Series A Preferred Stock remain outstanding, consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3 % of then outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock voting together as a class shall be required for: (i) any action that creates any new class or series of equity securities or any other security convertible into equity securities ranking on par with the Series A Preferred Stock with respect to redemption, voting, dividends, or upon liquidation, (ii) the amendment, alteration or repeal of any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company so as adversely to affect the relative rights, preferences, qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the Series A Preferred Stock, (iii) the declaration or payment of any dividend or distribution on any securities of the Company other than the Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of this Certificate of Designation for the Series A Preferred Stock, or the authorization of the repurchase of any securities of the Company, (iv) the approval of any event constituting a liquidation preference, (v) the carrying on by the Company of any business other than the business of the Company similar to the business conducted by the Company or any affiliate to date, (vi) the creation (through reclassification, issuance or otherwise) any shares of preferred stock (regardless of rights, privileges, powers or preferences; (vii) the issuance of any additional shares of preferred stock other than the shares of Series A Preferred Stock sold pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement; (viii) the merger or consolidation into or with any other entity (other than a merger or consolidation where the Company is the survivor or continuing corporation of such merger or consolidation and the Company’s stockholders as constituted immediately prior to such merger or consolidation will, immediately after such merger or consolidation hold a majority of the voting power of the Company), sell all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or effect a liquidation of the assets of the Company; (ix) the entering into, directly or indirectly, or permitting of any Subsidiary to enter into, directly or indirectly, any debt or lease transaction where the aggregate value of any such transaction exceeds $1 million; (x) changing the size of, or election procedure of, the Company’s Board of Directors; (xi) increasing the number of shares reserved under any plan adopted by the Company for issuance of equity to employees, non-employee directors and consultants; (xii) entering into or permitting any sale, transfer, assignment, conveyance, lease or other disposition or any series of related dispositions of any assets, business or operations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, where the value of the assets, business or operations so disposed during the immediately preceding 12 months exceeds the lesser of (A) $1 million or (B) 10% of the Company's total consolidated assets; provided, however, that such restriction shall not apply to inventory sales and other sales in the ordinary course of business; (xiii) entering into or permitting any
20
subsidiary to enter into, any transaction, including, without limitation, any purchase, sale, lease or exchange of property, the rendering of any service or the payment of any management, advisory or similar fees, with any affiliates, directors, officers, employees or stockholders of the Company or any subsidiary where the aggregate value of any such transaction exceeds $25,000; (xiv) entering into or permitting any sale, transfer, encumbrance, other disposition or any series of related dispositions of any key technology or intangible, license or otherwise transfer the rights to technology or intangibles necessary or material to its operations; (xv) hiring, terminating or replacing the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Financial Officer or President or any person performing functions equivalent to those of such offices; or (xvi) engaging in any transaction that is material or could reasonably be expected to be a material matter to the assets or operations of the Company.
The holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to notices of the following corporate actions: (i) any taking by the Company of a record of the holders of any class of securities for the purpose of determining the holders thereof who are entitled to receive any dividend or other distribution, or any right to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of stock of any class or any other securities or property, or to receive any other right; (ii) any capital reorganization of the Company, any reclassification or recapitalization of the capital stock of the Company, any consolidation or merger involving the Company and any other person or any transfer of all or substantially all the assets of the Company to any other person; (iii) any voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding-up of the Company; and (iv) any plan or proposal by the Company to register shares of the Common Stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In connection with the transaction, the purchaser has nominated two individuals, Mikhail Gamzin and Evgeny Roytman, to the Company’s board of directors.
Esterna Ltd. is a wholly-owned entity of River Universal Trading Limited, a British Virgin Islands company. As of December 31, 2007, of River Universal Trading Limited was owned by Technoprom Investment Corporation, formerly known as Upside Global Partners Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, which was owned by Mikhail Gamzin and Evgeny Roytman, each on a 50% basis. In April 2008, River Universal Trading Limited consummated a transaction with Ivan Railyan, an affiliate of the Company, whereby Mr. Railyan acquired a 50% interest in River Universal Trading Limited in consideration of his transfer of 28,775,483 shares of the Company’s common stock to River Universal Trading Limited. In connection with the transaction, Mr. Railyan joined Messrs. Gamzin and Roytman on the Boards of Directors of River Universal Trading Limited and Esterna Ltd.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Stockholder Proposals
To be considered for inclusion in our next year’s annual meeting and related proxy materials, stockholder proposals must be submitted in writing by January 31, 2009. All proposals should be submitted in writing to: Corporate Secretary, Terra Energy & Resource Technologies, Inc., 99 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10016. The submission of a stockholder proposal does not guarantee that it will be included in our next year’s proxy statement. There are additional requirements regarding proposals of stockholders, and a stockholder contemplating submission of a proposal is referred to Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We did not receive any stockholder proposals in connection with this year’s meeting and proxy statement.
Expenses of Proxy Solicitation
We pay the cost of preparing, assembling, printing, mailing and distributing these proxy materials and soliciting votes in connection with the annual meeting. In addition to the mailing of these proxy materials, the solicitation of proxies or votes may be made in person, by telephone or by electronic communication by our directors, officers and employees, who will not receive any additional compensation for such solicitation activities. We have not retained a proxy soliciting firm to assist in the solicitation of proxies, but we may do so, and we may reimburse brokerage firms and other persons representing beneficial owners of shares for their expenses in forwarding solicitation materials to such beneficial owners.
21
Annual Report
Our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007 accompanies this proxy statement. We will mail without charge, upon written request, a copy of our annual report on Form 10-KSB, including the financial statements, schedules, and list of exhibits. Requests should be sent to: Terra Energy & Resource Technologies, Inc., 99 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10016, Attn.: Investor Relations.
Householding of Proxy Materials
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries, such as banks and brokers, to satisfy the delivery requirements for proxy statements and annual reports with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as ‘‘householding,’’ potentially means extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies.
A number of banks and brokers with account holders who are stockholders of the Company household the Company’s proxy materials. A single proxy statement will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your bank or broker that it will be householding communications to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate proxy statement and annual report, please notify your bank or broker, direct your written request to Investor Relations, Terra Energy & Resource Technologies, Inc., 99 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10016, or contact Investor Relations, Terra Energy & Resource Technologies, Inc. at (212) 286-9197. Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the proxy statement at their address and would like to request householding of their communications should contact their bank or broker.
Other Action at Meeting
Our Board knows of no other matters, except the proposals in this Proxy Statement, for stockholder action at the Annual Meeting. If any other items or matters properly come before the meeting, or any adjournments or postponements, the proxies received will be voted on those items or matters in accordance with the discretion of the proxy holders.
| By order of the Board of Directors |
| |
| /s/ Dr. Alexandre Agaian |
| Dr. Alexandre Agaian, President |
New York, New York | |
October 1, 2008 | |
22
TERRA ENERGY & RESOURCE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
PROXY
To Vote Your Proxy by Mail
Mark, sign and date your proxy card below, detach it and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned appoints Alexandre Agaian and Kenneth Oh, and each of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and authorizes each of them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse hereof, all of the shares of common stock of Terra Energy & Resource Technologies, Inc. held of record by the undersigned at the close of business on September 24, 2008 at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Terra Energy & Resource Technologies, Inc. to be held on October 28, 2008 or at any adjournment thereof.
UNLESS A CONTRARY DIRECTION IS INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOR OF ALL PROPOSALS, AS MORE SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT. IF SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS ARE INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE THEREWITH.
| PROXY | Please mark your votes like this | x |
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, OR IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE PROPOSALS.
| | FOR | WITHHOLD AUTHORITY | |
1. | Election of Directors | o | o | |
| To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, strike a line through that nominee’s name in the list below) 01-Dmitry Vilbaum 02-Dr. Alexandre Agaian 03-Mikhail Gamzin 04-Evgeny Roytman 05-Dmitri Moiseyev | | | |
| | FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN |
2. | Ratify Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | o | o | o |
Signature_______________________ | Signature_______________________ | Date__________ |
NOTE: Please sign exactly as your name appears hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.