================================================================= U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File Number 0-17246 GULF EXPLORATION CONSULTANTS, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 76-0293525 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) One Independent Drive, Suite 2201, Jacksonville, Florida 32202 (Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (904) 745-6981 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES [ ] NO [ X ] Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. YES [ X ] NO [ ] The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non- affiliates of the Registrant at as of March 31, 1997, cannot be determined since there is no established public trading market for the registrant's common stock. At April 15, 1997, there were 1,991,092 shares of Common Stock outstanding. Documents incorporated by reference: None ================================================================= PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS. GENERAL Gulf Exploration Consultants Inc. ("the Company") is presently a "shell" corporation with no active business activities other than seeking the acquisition of an operating business or business opportunity. Management has been negotiating with International Form Corporation, a Florida corporation ("IFC") with respect to a possible merger transaction. IFC is engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of high technology concrete forming systems to serve the domestic and international residential housing and commercial high rise construction markets. Any transaction would be subject to the execution of a definitive agreement containing customary representations, covenants and closing conditions, approval of the Company's stockholders at a meeting to be called after filing with and clearance of requisite proxy materials by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on October 2, 1987. On September 15, 1988, the Company effected a roll-up transaction pursuant to which its wholly-owned subsidiaries Bengal Oil & Gas Corporation, a Colorado corporation, Gopher Exploration, Inc., a Texas corporation, GEC Texas, Inc. (formerly Gulf Exploration Consultants, Inc.), a Texas corporation, Dornoch Exploration, Inc., a Texas corporation and Vanderbilt Petroleum, Inc., a Delaware corporation, were rolled-up into the Company. In 1988 and 1989, the Company incurred losses in the amount of $4.3 million and $4.1 million, respectively. These substantial losses eroded the Company's capital base and made it more difficult to obtain additional capital through borrowing or equity offerings. In addition, the Company had already incurred a substantial amount of debt. In 1990, in order to repay such debt the Company was forced to dispose of certain of its major oil and gas interests. In July 1989, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") delisted the Company's Common Stock from the NASDAQ Small-Cap Market because of the lack of active market makers registered to trade in the Company's securities. An additional barrier to the Company's ability to obtain sufficient financing to fund its operations was the presence of a class of Preferred Stock of the Company which had a liquidation preference over the Company's Common Stock. Management determined that it would not be able to successfully obtain capital through the issuance of equity securities until it redeemed all of the Preferred Stock. Thus, over the period from 1990 through 1994, the Company redeemed all of the outstanding Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock redemption, however, resulted in the Company disposing of substantially all of its remaining oil and gas assets. Subsequent to such redemption the Company did not have any active business or operations. EMERGING MONEY In December 1994, after engaging in negotiations with several other parties in an attempt to acquire a viable business opportunity for the Company, the Company acquired 100% interest in Emerging Money plc, a Republic of Ireland corporation ("Emerging Money"), from Minmet plc, a Republic of Ireland corporation ("Minmet"), for 758,845 shares* of the Company's Common Stock. Efforts were made to raise capital for developmental purposes and to have the Company's shares of Common Stock included for trading on the NASDAQ Small-Cap Market; however, the Company was not able to raise sufficient capital for such purposes. As a result of the Company's inability to raise sufficient capital, Minmet continued to fund Emerging Money's operations. Minmet had formed Emerging Money in June 1994 to hold investments in companies which provide electronically distributed market information on the world's emerging capital markets. ________________ * All per share data in this Report gives effect to the 1-for- 50 reverse stock split in June 1996. -2- Emerging Money's principal operating subsidiary was Russiamoney Limited ("Russiamoney"), of which it held a 50% interest with the Investment & Analytical Centre of Moscow (the "IAC") owning the remaining 50% interest. The IAC was a Moscow based economic consultancy. In November 1995, the IAC terminated the arrangement as to Russiamoney because of non-payment by Emerging Money. The Company believes that the development of Emerging Money was curtailed for three reasons. First, Emerging Money was unable to meet its capital raising plan. It planned to raise $500,000 as bridge loans by January 1995, but was only able to raise $200,000 by March 1995. Second, sales of the existing Russiamoney services failed to grow at a significant level. Third, the retention of personnel placed further strains on Emerging Money's cash resources. By September 1995, year to date losses had reached more than $600,000 and Minmet, which had already provided Emerging Money with more than $350,000 in funding, was unable to continue providing financial support. MICRON TRANSACTION As a result of the inability of Minmet to continue funding Emerging Money and in order to discharge the March 1995 bridge loans of $100,000 each from Dennis Mensch ("Mensch") and DRM&S, Inc., now known as Osprey Investments Inc. ("Osprey"), repayable on June 30, 1995 with interest at 9% per annum (the "Bridge Notes") and to settle the loans advanced by Minmet to Emerging Money and the Company, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized, subject to stockholder approval, the transactions contemplated on behalf of the Company under (i) the Subscription Agreement and Option, dated December 7, 1995 (the "Micron Subscription"), among the Company, Minmet, Micron Ltd., an Isle of Man corporation ("Micron") and Emerging Money and (ii) the Letter Agreement, dated December 22, 1995 (the "Letter Agreement"), among the Company, Minmet, DRM&S and Mensch. (The transactions contemplated on behalf of the Company under the Micron Subscription and the Letter Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the "Micron Transaction"). The Micron Subscription related to the acquisition by Micron of 3,954,545 newly issued shares of the common stock of Emerging Money. The acquisition resulted in Micron owning 72.5% of the then outstanding shares of Emerging Money and the Company's ownership interest in Emerging Money being reduced to 27.5% of Emerging Money shares then to be outstanding. In consideration for such Emerging Money shares, Micron paid Emerging Money 39,546 Irish Pounds (US$ 63,293 equivalent as of December 31, 1995) and paid on behalf of Emerging Money approximately US$ 80,000 which enabled Emerging Money to discharge certain agreed creditors. In addition Micron paid or advanced additional funds to creditors of Emerging Money to pay off certain liabilities and Micron had the right to control the management and finances of Emerging Money on a daily basis and to request Emerging Money to provide to Micron exclusive editing and administration services upon a fee basis. Furthermore, pursuant to the Micron Subscription, Micron controlled marketing for Emerging Money's services and collected and used in its sole discretion all revenues obtained from new subscribers. Revenues obtained from Russiamoney subscribers as of November 30, 1995 had been used by Emerging Money for working capital purposes. Micron was also given the right to use all names, trademarks and copyrights used in connection with the business of Emerging Money or its subsidiaries on an exclusive basis. As of the entry into the Micron Subscription, neither the Company nor Emerging Money had sufficient capital to maintain the continuing operations of Emerging Money. In December 1995, Micron made a separate arrangement with the IAC as to the former operations of Russiamoney. Prior to the Micron Subscription, Micron had no relationship with the Company or Minmet. CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING Following the closing of the Micron Subscription on June 17, 1996 after approval by the Company's stockholders, (i) each of Osprey and Mensch exchanged its Bridge Notes for Common Stock of the Company amounting to 22% of the shares then to be outstanding, (ii) the Company transferred its 27.5% interest in Emerging Money to Minmet in exchange for shares of the Company's Common Stock then owned by Minmet which reduced Minmet's holding of the Company's Common Stock from 56.37% to 15% of the shares then to be outstanding and the forgiveness of certain amounts due from the Company, (iii) the existing public stockholders of the Company then owned the balance of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (or 41%) and (iv) the Company had no further 3 interest in Emerging Money nor any obligation for any liabilities of Emerging Money. Following the Micron Transaction, the Company had no business activity; however its management began seeking business opportunities for the Company. The intention was to identify and enter into an arrangement for a business which would present growth prospects to stockholders. Any arrangement will be subject to approval by stockholders. After reviewing possible acquisition prospects, active negotiations are being held with IFC. The Micron Subscription contains a non-competition covenant which restricts the Company from competing directly or indirectly in any business activities of the type carried on by Emerging Money and any of its subsidiaries at the closing of the Micron Transaction for a period of two years following such closing. Management has no plans to seek a business opportunity in the field of dissemination of financial information on emerging markets. ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY The Company having ceased to operate its oil and gas business had no continuing interest in any properties at December 31, 1996 other than some minor [leasehold] interests. The Company operates from leased premises in Jacksonville, Florida, with some administrative functions carried on from Minmet's office in Dublin, Ireland. These premises are held on a week to week rent-free basis arrangement with the lessors. The lessor in Florida is Osprey and the lessor in Dublin is Minmet. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Company is not a party, and property of the Company is not subject, to a material legal proceeding. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders of the Company in the fourth quarter of 1996. PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS' COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The Common Stock of the Company is traded in the over-the- counter market and the trading is inactive. Currently, there is no established public trading market for the Common Stock. The Common Stock was deleted from the Nasdaq system in July 1989 because there were no longer any active market makers registered to trade the securities. As of December 31, 1996, there were approximately 1,424 stockholders of record of the Company's Common Stock. The Company paid no dividends on the Common Stock in the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994. Future dividend payments are dependent upon management's ability to acquire a profitable business into the Company and factors to be determined by its then Board of Directors and the absence of contractual or legal restrictions on the payment of dividends. No dividend payments are expected in 1997. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The selected financial information set forth below has been taken from the consolidated financial statements of the Company included herein and from previously published consolidated 4 financial statements of the Company not appearing herein. Such selected financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company. FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 1996 1995 ------------------------------ ---- ---- INCOME STATEMENT DATA: Revenues $ 3,183 $ 64,034 Net income (loss) 382,914 (712,694) Net income (loss) per common share 0.20 (0.01) BALANCE SHEET DATA: Total assets $5,789 $85,938 Long-term obligations 0 0 Number of shares outstanding 1,991,092 99,999,000 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 1994 1993 1992 DECEMBER 31 ---- ---- ---- ------------------ INCOME STATEMENT DATA: Revenues $ 8,045 $224,285 $11,859 Net income (loss) (106,562) 121,294 (15,442) Net income (loss) per common share 0.00 0.00 0.00 BALANCE SHEET DATA: Total assets $251,497 $111,491 $369,446 Long-term obligations 5,035 0 0 Number of shares outstanding 99,999,000 62,056,731 62,056,731 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995 The Company had a net profit in 1996 of $382,914 compared to net loss in 1995 of $712,694. The $382,914 profit is made up of a gain of $479,837 from the disposition of the Company s shareholding in Emerging Money, other income of $3,183 from the winding up of the oil and gas businesses and these revenues being offset by legal, accounting and stock transfer fees amounting to approximately $84,912. Technical, general and administrative costs decreased from $700,672 in 1995 to $108,530 in 1996 due to the disposal of Emerging Money activity from the Company. Interest income amounted to $101 in 1996 compared to $322 in 1995 as the cash balances of the Company were reduced. YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994 The Company had a net loss in 1995 of $712,694 compared to net loss in 1994 of $106,562. Of the loss of $712,694, $128,957 was incurred by the Company and $583,737 was incurred by Emerging Money. The Company incurred the loss due to professional fees that were incurred in maintaining the Company and the cost of a full-time executive in the United States during the six-month period to June 30, 1995. Emerging Money's losses were incurred in developing its financial information on-line business. Technical, general and administrative costs increased from $110,588 in 1994 to $700,672 in 1995 with the inclusion of the development stage costs of Emerging Money. Interest income amounted to $322 in 1995 compared to $948 in 1994 as the cash balances of the Company were reduced. LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND GOING CONCERN ASSUMPTIONS Based on the financial position of the Company at December 31, 1996 significant doubt exists about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern as the Company has, exclusive of 5 extraordinary items, suffered recurring losses over the past years. The Company was successful in eliminating all of its debt, at a substantial discount, in 1991, 1992 and 1993. The Company has also been successful in eliminating all of the liquidation preference associated with its preferred stock by repurchasing such stock. The elimination of this liquidation preference has allowed management the chance to seek out new business opportunities which culminated in 1994 with the acquisition of Emerging Money. In June 1996, the Company disposed of Emerging Money. Since June 1996, operations have been limited to seeking an acquisition and preparing necessary SEC reports to maintain its status as an SEC reporting company. No assurance can be given that a new acquisition, such as with IFC, will be quickly effected, or, if effected, that the terms will be favorable or substantially non-dilutive to the stockholders of the Company, or that an active trading market would be created for the Common Stock. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA Financial statements, financial statement schedules and supplementary data, listed under Item 14, are presented in a separate section of this Report beginning on Page F-1. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. In March 1995, the Company changed independent accountants from Arthur Andersen LLP to Berry, Dunn, McNeil and Parker. Arthur Andersen had represented the Company through its Houston, Texas office to service more efficiently the Company's previous oil and gas business and continued as accountant after such business activities were terminated and the Company was inactive and had relocated its administrative base to New York. There were no disagreements with Arthur Andersen on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure. PART III 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT The following table lists the names, ages, positions, and periods of service with the Company of its directors and executive officers. SERVED AS DIRECTOR NAME AGE SINCE POSITION ---- --- --------- -------- Daniel Murphy 54 1996 President Michael H. Nolan 35 1995 Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Director Jeremy Metcalfe 57 1995 Director 6 Daniel Murphy was appointed as a director and the President of the Company in July 1996. Mr Murphy has been a financial consultant and private investor since March 1996, and serves as President of Solutions Partners, Inc. From July 1993 to March 1996, he was an officer of Coleman & Company Securities, Inc., and prior thereto he was a Vice President of Brenner Securities, both of which are securities broker-dealers. Michael H. Nolan, a chartered accountant in Ireland, has been the Chief Financial Officer of the Company since May 1994, Secretary and a director since December 1995. Since April 1994, he has also served as Finance Director of Minmet, which is engaged in mining. From 1989 through 1994, Mr. Nolan was an associate director of Equity and Corporate Finance plc, a London based investment company. Jeremy Metcalfe has been a director of the Company since December 1995. He has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Minmet since September 1995 and is also on the Board of Directors of several Minmet subsidiaries. Mr. Metcalfe has also served as a director of City Venture Properties Limited, a real estate brokerage firm since 1989 and has been senior partner in JP Metcalfe Associates, a corporate finance firm in Kent, England specializing in the venture capital industry since 1980. The term of office of the directors is until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until his earlier resignation or his successor is duly elected and qualified. The Board of Directors held three meetings during the 1996 fiscal year. The Company does not have any standing audit, nominating or compensation committee of the Board of Directors or committees performing similar functions. No director receives any compensation from the Company for serving in such position. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION CASH COMPENSATION No executive officer of the Company received any compensation from the Company or any of its subsidiaries during 1996. STOCK OPTION PLAN The 1988 Stock Option Plan was terminated by the Board of Directors in January 1993. No options are outstanding under this Plan. ITEM 12. SECURITIES OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS The following table sets forth as of April 15, 1997 the beneficial ownership of each person (including any "group" as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) who is known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of voting securities of the Company: 7 AMOUNT AND NATURE OF TITLE OF BENEFICIAL PERCENT OF NAME AND ADDRESS CLASS OWNERSHIP CLASS ---------------- -------- --------- ---------- Dennis Mensch Common Stock 438,040 22.0% 300 East 75th Street Apt. 29N New York, New York 10021 Osprey Investments Limited Common Stock 438,040 22.0% One Independent Drive Suite 2201 Jacksonville, Florida 32202 Minmet plc Common Stock 298,664 15.0% 51/52 Fitzwilliam Square Dublin 2, Ireland Security Ownership of Management The following table sets forth as of March 31, 1997 the beneficial ownership of each class of equity securities of the Company of (I) each current director of the Company and (ii) all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group. Such information is based solely upon information provided by such persons to the Company. AMOUNT AND NATURE OF BENEFICIAL PERCENT OF NAME TITLE OF CLASS OWNERSHIP CLASS ---- -------------- --------- ---------- Daniel Murphy Common Stock -0- __ Jeremy P. Metcalfe Common Stock 298,664(1) 15.0% Michael H. Nolan Common Stock 298,664(1) 15.0% All directors and Common Stock 298,664(1) 15.0% executive officers as a group (3 persons) (1) Mr. Metcalfe and Mr. Nolan represent Minmet on the Board of the Company. Mr. Metcalfe is Executive Chairman of Minmet and Mr. Nolan is Finance Director of Minmet. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS. Michael H. Nolan, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and a director of the Company, is the Finance Director of Minmet, and Jeremy Metcalfe, a Director of the Company, is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Minmet. Prior to the Micron Transaction Minmet owned a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock. Pursuant to the Letter Agreement, Minmet assumed certain liabilities of the Company and exchanged shares of the Company's Common Stock held by it for the Company's interest in Emerging Money as part of the Micron Transaction. Messrs. Nolan and Metcalfe had an indirect interest in the Micron Transaction and the exchange of the Emerging Money Shares by reason of their executive positions in Minmet. See Item 1 of this Report. Pursuant to the Letter Agreement, and letter agreement of July 10, 1996, Mr. Mensch and Osprey, the principal stockholders of the Company had loaned $25,866 and $10,000, respectively, to the Company, bearing interest at 7% per annum. The maturity date of these loans were extended from July 1, 1997 to December 31, 1997. 8 The Company uses offices premises rent-free in Florida and in Dublin leased from Daniel Murphy, President of the Company, and Minmet, respectively. See Item 2 of this Report. PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K EXHIBIT NUMBER PAGE -------------------------------------------------------------- (a)(1) Index to Financial Information: F-1 Report of Independent Auditors for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 . . . . . . . F-2 Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-3 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 . F-4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 . F-5 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . F-6 All other supplemental schedules are omitted because they are not required. (a)(3) The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated by reference: 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. (Reference is made to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-20866). 3.2 Bylaws of the Company. (Reference is made to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-20866). 3.3 Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Serial Preferred Stock, $8.00 Cumulative Convertible Series A. (Reference is made to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-20866.) 3.4 Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Serial Preferred Stock, $8.00 Cumulative Convertible Series B. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.2 to Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on January 11, 1989). 3.5 Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Serial Preferred Stock, $4.00 Cumulative Convertible Series C. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.1 to Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on January 11, 1989). 10.1 Agreement between the Company and Minmet plc relating to the purchase by the Company of Emerging Money plc dated December 16, 1994 (Reference is made to Exhibit 1 to Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company for an event of December 16, 1994). 9 10.2 Agreement between the Company and Robert R. Hillery relating to the sale to Hillery of all the outstanding shares of Dornoch Inc. and GEC Texas Inc. in exchange for the cancellation of 6,446,375 shares of Common Stock held beneficially by Hillery in the Company. (Reference is made to Exhibit 10.3 to Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995). 10.3 Subscription Agreement and Option, dated December 1995 among the Company, Minmet plc, Micron Ltd and Emerging Money Plc; (Reference is made to Exhibit 99.1 to Report on Form 8-K for an event of December 22, 1995). 10.4 Letter Agreement dated December 22, 1995, among the Company, Minmet plc, (Osprey Investments, Inc. (formerly DRM&S Inc.) and Dennis Mensch (Reference is made to Exhibit 99.2 to Report on Form 8-K for an event of December 22, 1995). 10.5* Letter Agreement, dated July 10, 1996, between the Company and Osprey Investments, Inc. 10.6* Letter Agreement, dated July 10, 1996, between the Company and Dennis Mensch. 21 Subsidiaries. At December 31, 1996, the Company did not have any active subsidiaries. 27* Financial Data Schedule. * Filed herewith REPORTS ON FORM 8-K None. 10 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. GULF EXPLORATION CONSULTANTS, INC. By: /s/ Daniel Murphy --------------------------- Daniel Murphy President Date: July 10, 1997 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Title Date --------- ----- ---- /s/ Daniel Murphy ------------------------- Director July 10, 1997 Daniel Murphy /s/ Jeremy P. Metcalfe ------------------------- Director July 10, 1997 Jeremy P. Metcalfe /s/ Michael H. Nolan ------------------------- Director and Michael H. Nolan Chief Financial July 10, 1997 Officer 11 GULF EXPLORATION CONSULTANTS, INC. INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ------------------------------------------- Page ---- Report of Independent Auditors for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-2 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-3 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . F-4 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-5 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . F-6 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . F-7 F-1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT BERRY, DUNN, MCNEIL & PARKER Gulf Exploration Consultants, Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Gulf Exploration Consultants, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 1996. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Gulf Exploration Consultants, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses and has sold substantially all of its revenue producing assets in the oil and gas industry and does not have an operating business. This raises substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. /s/ Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker Manchester, New Hampshire July 1, 1997 F-2 GULF EXPLORATION CONSULTANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995 1996 1995 ----------- ---------- ASSETS ------ CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash $ 5,789 $ 4,973 equivalents Certificate of Deposit - 5,452 Accounts receivable - 27,111 ----------- ---------- Total Current Assets 5,789 37,536 ----------- ---------- EQUIPMENT, at cost - 80,242 Less - Accumulated - 31,840 depreciation ----------- ---------- Net Equipment - 48,402 ----------- ---------- $ 5,789 $ 85,938 =========== ========== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT ------------------------------------- CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable $ 10,530 $ 114,304 Accrued expenses 75,514 34,655 Deferred income - 36,347 Due to affiliate - 365,666 Current portion of - 5,930 capital lease obligations Notes payable - 35,866 200,000 related party Advances from - 46,900 potential stockholder -------------- ---------- Total Current 121,910 803,802 Liabilities -------------- ---------- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 5) STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT Common Stock, $0.01 19,911 999,990 par value, 10,000,000 and 100,000,000 shares authorized, 1,991,092 and 99,999,000 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995 respectively Additional paid-in 7,629,868 6,449,789 capital Accumulated deficit (7,765,900) (8,148,814) Accumulated - (18,829) translation loss ----------- ----------- Total Stockholders' (116,121) (717,864) Deficit ----------- ----------- $ 5,789 $ 85,938 =========== =========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements F-3 GULF EXPLORATION CONSULTANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995, AND 1994 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- REVENUES Subscription income $ - $ 60,504 $ 1,992 Royalty income 3,183 - - Gas and oil sales - - 6,053 Other income - 3,530 - ---------- --------- ---------- 3,183 64,034 8,045 ---------- --------- ---------- OPERATING EXPENSES Oil and gas production - - 4,967 costs Technical, general, 108,530 700,672 110,588 and administrative Depreciation and - 76,378 - amortization ---------- --------- ---------- 108,530 777,050 115,555 ---------- --------- ---------- LOSS FROM (105,347) (713,016) (107,510) OPERATIONS ---------- --------- ---------- OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) Interest income 101 322 948 Interest expense (1,047) - - Gain on disposition of 479,837 - - subsidiary Refund of state filing 9,370 - - fees ---------- --------- ---------- OTHER INCOME, 488,261 322 948 NET ---------- --------- ---------- INCOME (LOSS) 382,914 (712,694) (106,562) BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION Income tax provision - - - ---------- ---------- ---------- NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 382,914 $ (712,694) $ (106,562) ========== ========== ========== NET INCOME (LOSS) PER $ 0.20 $ (0.01) $ 0.00 COMMON SHARE ========== ========== ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements F-4 GULF EXPLORATION CONSULTANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995, AND 1994 Common Stock ------------- Shares Amount ------ ------ BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1993 62,056,731 $ 620,567 Stock issuance for 37,942,269 379,423 acquisition Net loss - - ----------- ---------- BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1994 99,999,000 999,990 Accumulated translation - - loss Net loss - - ----------- ---------- BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995 99,999,000 999,990 Reverse stock split, (97,999,020) (979,990) 1:50 June 17, 1996 Common stock retirement (128,927) (1,290) February 21, 1996 Common stock issuance 876,080 8,761 June 17, 1996 Common Stock retirement (756,041) (7,560) June 17, 1996 Accumulated translation - - gain Net Income - - ----------- --------- BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996 1,991,092 $ 19,911 =========== ========= Additional Paid-in Accumulated Capital Deficit ---------- ----------- BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1993 $ 6,783,482 $(7,329,558) Stock issuance for acquisition (333,693) - Net loss - (106,562) ----------- ----------- BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1994 6,449,789 (7,436,120) Accumulated translation loss - - Net loss - (712,694) ----------- ----------- BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995 6,449,789 (8,148,814) Reverse stock split, 1:50 979,990 - June 17, 1996 Common stock retirement 1,290 - February 21, 1996 Common stock issuance 191,239 - June 17, 1996 Common Stock retirement 7,560 - June 17, 1996 Accumulated translation gain - - Net Income - 382,914 ----------- ----------- BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996 $ 7,629,868 $(7,765,900) =========== =========== Accumulated Total Translation Stockholders' Gain Equity (Loss) (Deficit) ----------- ------------ BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1993 $ - $ 74,491 Stock issuance for acquisition - 45,730 Net loss - (106,562) -------- ---------- BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1994 - 13,659 Accumulated translation loss (18,829) (18,829) Net loss - (712,694) -------- ---------- BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995 (18,829) (717,864) Reverse stock split, 1:50 June - - 17, 1996 Common stock retirement February - - 21, 1996 Common stock issuance June 17, - 200,000 1996 Common Stock retirement June 17, - - 1996 Accumulated translation gain 18,829 18,829 Net Income - 382,914 -------- ---------- BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996 $ - $ (116,121) ======== ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements F-5 GULF EXPLORATION CONSULTANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995, AND 1994 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss) $ 382,914 $(712,694) $(106,562) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities Depreciation and amortization - 76,378 - Adjustment on disposal of (436,412) - - subsidiary Decrease in deferred expenses - 72,961 - Accumulated translation loss - (18,829) - (Increase) decrease in Accounts receivable and other - (8,429) - Receivables from related - 4,935 - parties Prepaid expenses - 13,636 - Increase (decrease) in Accounts payable (28,403) 28,589 (1,085) Accrued expenses 41,399 (22,915) 27,570 Payables to related parties - 298,704 (10,000) Deferred income - 28,155 - Other - 240,087 - --------- --------- --------- NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY (40,502) 578 (90,077) OPERATING ACTIVITIES --------- --------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Cash from purchased subsidiary - - 5,172 Purchase of equipment - (9,424) - Proceeds from sale of property, - - 12,000 plant, and equipment --------- --------- --------- NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY - (9,424) 17,172 INVESTING ACTIVITIES --------- --------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Payments on capital lease - (7,315) - obligations Loan from affiliate 35,866 - - --------- --------- --------- NET CASH FLOWS PROVIDED 35,866 (7,315) - (USED) BY FINANCING --------- --------- --------- ACTIVITIES NET DECREASE IN CASH AND (4,636) (16,161) (72,905) CASH EQUIVALENTS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING 10,425 26,586 99,491 OF YEAR --------- --------- --------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF $ 5,789 $ 10,425 $ 26,586 YEAR ========= ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements F-6 GULF EXPLORATION CONSULTANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995 NATURE OF BUSINESS ------------------ Gulf Exploration Consultants, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Gulf), was formed on October 2, 1987. Gulf completed a series of transactions on September 15, 1988, whereby it acquired all of the outstanding stock of Bengal Oil and Gas Corporation, a Colorado corporation (Bengal), Dornoch Exploration, Inc., a Texas corporation (Dornoch), GEC-Texas, Inc. (formerly Gulf Exploration Consultants, Inc.), a Texas corporation (GEC), Gopher Exploration, Inc., a Texas corporation (Gopher) and Vanderbilt Petroleum, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Vanderbilt). As a result of these transactions, Gulf and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the Company) became a publicly owned company engaged primarily in the businesses of oil and gas exploration, development and production. On December 16, 1994, the Company acquired all the outstanding stock of Emerging Money, PLC (Emerging Money), an Irish corporation which was a development stage enterprise. With this acquisition, the Company ceased its involvement in the oil and gas business and was involved in the provision of a subscription-based English language information service specializing in providing background analysis of the world's emerging capital market. In 1994, Emerging Money's activities were focused on the Russian market and conducted its activities through a joint venture (Russiamoney Limited), 50% owned, and whose financial activities are consolidated with Emerging Money. This acquisition is accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Due to the immateriality of the activity between December 16, 1994 and December 31, 1994, Emerging Money's operations for this period are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements, however, the acquisition has been reflected as of December 31, 1994 (See Note 6). Proforma disclosures are not deemed necessary due to the subsidiary being a development stage enterprise. On November 30, 1995, due to continuing losses in Emerging Money, the directors of the Company negotiated an agreement to dispose of its interest in the subscription-based English language information business. Consequently, the Company has no operating business subsequent to November 30, 1995. Note 2 summarizes the terms and conditions of the Company's disposition of its subscription-based English language information business. 1. GOING CONCERN ASSUMPTION ------------------------ The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. However, substantial doubt exists about its ability to continue as a going concern as the Company has suffered recurring losses, has sold substantially all of its revenue producing assets in the oil and gas industry in order to retire certain debt on which it had defaulted and has disposed of its only operating business, as discussed above. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Management's current plans are to acquire an operating corporate entity. However, no assurance can be given that these strategies will be effected, or, if effected, that the terms will be favorable or non- dilutive to the stockholders of the Company. Management of the Company is also liquidating certain other wholly- owned subsidiaries of Gulf. Management of the Company believes that the liquidation of the subsidiaries will not have an effect on Gulf or the affiliate companies. However, no assurance can be given that Gulf or the affiliate companies will not assume a contingent liability for the amount of the subsidiary debt not fully extinguished in liquidation. 2. AGREEMENTS TO DISPOSE OF EMERGING MONEY --------------------------------------- The Company entered into agreements which transferred 100% of the Company's interest in Emerging Money to creditors of the Company, effective December 1, 1995. In exchange for the transfer, the Company's creditors have agreed to discharge their debt. Stockholder approval for this transaction was received on June 17, 1996. 3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES ------------------------------------------ CONSOLIDATION ------------- All subsidiaries of Gulf are 100% owned and accordingly are consolidated with Gulf and all intercompany activity has been eliminated. The result of Emerging Money's joint venture investment is F-7 GULF EXPLORATION CONSULTANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995 consolidated with Emerging Money's activity, through November 30, 1995, due to the control it exercises over the joint venture. Since the joint venture had a loss and negative net worth as of December 31, 1995, no value is attributed to the minority interest. USE OF ESTIMATES ---------------- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. EQUIPMENT --------- Equipment purchased is depreciated by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Equipment acquired under capital leases is amortized by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. INCOME TAXES ------------ Deferred income taxes are provided for the expected tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ------------------------- For purposes of reporting the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all cash accounts, which are not subject to withdrawal restrictions or penalties, and all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. INCOME RECOGNITION ------------------ Income is recognized when earned. Prepaid subscription fees are included in liabilities as deferred income. Credit is extended at regular terms without collateral after the Company performs appropriate credit investigations. TRANSLATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCIES --------------------------------- Assets and liabilities recorded in functional currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars at the year-end rate of exchange. Revenue and expenses are translated at the weighted average exchange rates for the year. The resulting translation adjustments are charged or credited directly to a separate component of stockholders' equity. Gains or losses from foreign currency transactions, such as those resulting from the settlement of receivables or payables denominated in foreign currency, are included in the earnings of the current period. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE ---------------------------------- Net income (loss) per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for 1996 was 1,953,956 and 99,999,000, for 1995 and 1994. 4. INCOME TAXES ------------ The Company has a deferred tax asset which is attributable primarily to net operating loss carryforwards. Since, at this time, it is more probable than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance for the entire amount has been recorded. The net operating loss carryforwards available to the Company as of December 31, 1996 are limited to their use due to change in ownership of the Company and the Company having future profits. F-8 GULF EXPLORATION CONSULTANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995 No tax provision is being provided because the net income per books arose from income of a foreign subsidiary which is not subject to United States taxation. Without that gain of $479,837, the Company would have had a loss of $96,923. 5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES ----------------------------- The Company is currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the filing of its federal income tax return for year ended December 31, 1991. The IRS has not assessed any notice of deficiency, however, no assurances can be made that such assessment will not be made. Management believes the possibility of additional tax liability to be unlikely. 6. BUSINESS COMBINATION -------------------- On December 16, 1994, Gulf Exploration Consultants, Inc. issued 37,942,269 shares of $.01 par value common stock for 100% of the outstanding stock of Emerging Money, PLC, an Irish corporation. Gulf acquired Emerging Money from MINMET, PLC, an Irish corporation, which, after its sale of Emerging Money, owns 52.7% of Gulf's common stock. Consequently, this business combination is being accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Emerging Money's activity between December 16, 1994 and December 31, 1994 is not material to the financial statements and is not shown in the statements of operations or cash flows. Emerging Money, through its 50% ownership investment in Russiamoney Limited, is a development stage enterprise which was incorporated on February 24, 1994. For financial statement reporting purposes, Russiamoney Limited is consolidated with Emerging Money. No value has been attributed to the minority interest due to the venture's negative net worth as of December 31, 1994. The results of operations for Emerging Money for 1994 are as follows: Subscription income $6,183 Net loss $183,470 Net loss per share $0.00 7. DUE TO AFFILIATE ---------------- The amounts due to affiliate is due MINMET, PLC which owns 15% and 52.7% of the Company as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. No interest is due on these amounts. 8. OTHER LIABILITIES ----------------- A party to the agreement, as discussed in Note 2, has advanced $46,900 to allow the Company to pay some of its liabilities. F-9 GULF EXPLORATION CONSULTANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995 9. NOTES PAYABLE - RELATED PARTIES ------------------------------- The following notes payable were outstanding as of December 31: 1996 1995 ---- ---- Note payable - stockholder, unsecured, payable with interest at 7%. The note was due July 1, 1997 and is being extended $ 25,866 $ - Note payable - stockholder, unsecured, payable with interest at 7%. The note was due July 1, 1997 and is being extended 10,000 - Notes payable, unsecured and non-interest-bearing, converted to common stock 200,000 June 17, 1996 --------- --------- $ 35,866 $ 200,000 ========= ========= 10. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES --------------------------------- The Company maintains two offices, one in Dublin, Ireland and one in Jacksonville, Florida. These two offices are owned by shareholders, whereby rental arrangements exist in that no rent expense is incurred by the Company. One shareholder acts on behalf of the Company in the form of providing accounting services. Fees expensed for the year ended December 31, 1996 were $5,000. These expenses are incurred on an as-needed basis, thus there are no fixed fees to accrue. 11. CASH FLOW INFORMATION --------------------- Cash paid for interest and income taxes was as follows: 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- Interest $1,047 $ - $ - Income taxes - - - Supplemental information on non-cash activities is as follows: The following non-cash transactions occurred during the year ended December 31, 1996: Notes payable to $200,000 common stock Retirement of stock $ 8,850 Reverse stock split, $977,990 1:50 12. DISCLOSURE ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS ---------------------------------------------------- The Company's financial instruments consist of cash, short-term trade receivables and payables, and long-term debt. The carrying value of all instruments approximate their fair value. F-10 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Description ------- ----------- 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. (Reference is made to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-20866). 3.2 Bylaws of the Company. (Reference is made to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-20866). 3.3 Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Serial Preferred Stock, $8.00 Cumulative Convertible Series A. (Reference is made to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-20866.) 3.4 Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Serial Preferred Stock, $8.00 Cumulative Convertible Series B. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.2 to Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on January 11, 1989). 3.5 Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Serial Preferred Stock, $4.00 Cumulative Convertible Series C. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.1 to Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on January 11, 1989). 10.1 Agreement between the Company and Minmet plc relating to the purchase by the Company of Emerging Money plc dated December 16, 1994 (Reference is made to Exhibit 1 to Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company for an event of December 16, 1994). 10.2 Agreement between the Company and Robert R. Hillery relating to the sale to Hillery of all the outstanding shares of Dornoch Inc. and GEC Texas Inc. in exchange for the cancellation of 6,446,375 shares of Common Stock held beneficially by Hillery in the Company. (Reference is made to Exhibit 10.3 to Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995). 10.3 Subscription Agreement and Option, dated December 1995 among the Company, Minmet plc, Micron Ltd and Emerging Money Plc; (Reference is made to Exhibit 99.1 to Report on Form 8-K for an event of December 22, 1995). 10.4 Letter Agreement dated December 22, 1995, among the Company, Minmet plc, (Osprey Investments, Inc. (formerly DRM&S Inc.) and Dennis Mensch (Reference is made to Exhibit 99.2 to Report on Form 8-K for an event of December 22, 1995). 10.5* Letter Agreement, dated July 10, 1996, between the Company and Osprey Investments, Inc. 10.6* Letter Agreement, dated July 10, 1996, between the Company and Dennis Mensch. 21 Subsidiaries. At December 31, 1996, the Company did not have any active subsidiaries. 27* Financial Data Schedule. * Filed herewith