UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE
14A
(Rule
14a-101)
INFORMATION
REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE
14A INFORMATION
Proxy
Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by
the Registrant [X]
Filed by a
Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the
appropriate box:
[X] Preliminary
Proxy Statement
|
[ ] Confidential,
For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
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[ ] Definitive
Proxy Statement
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[ ] Definitive
Additional Materials
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[ ] Soliciting
Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12
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GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
(Name of
Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of
Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of
Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[ ] No
fee required.
[X] Fee
computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11.
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(1)
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Title
of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
Class
A common stock and Class B common stock of GSC Acquisition Company
(“GSCAC”)(1)
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(2)
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Aggregate
number of securities to which transaction applies:
24,353,852 shares of GSCAC
common stock
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(3)
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Per
unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to
Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is
calculated and state how it was determined):
$9.42 per share of GSCAC
based on the average of the high and low prices reported on the AMEX on
July 24, 2008
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(4)
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Proposed
maximum aggregate value of transaction:
$229,413,285.84(2)
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(5)
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Total
fee paid:
$9,015.94(3)
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[ ]
Fee paid previously with preliminary
materials.
[ ] Check
box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2)
and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously.
Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or
schedule and the date of its filing.
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(1)
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Amount
previously paid:
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(2)
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Form,
Schedule or Registration Statement
No.:
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(1) After
completion of the merger, GSCAC’s common stock will be classified as Class A
common stock and Class B common stock.
(2)
Estimated solely for the purposes of calculating the filing fee based on the
number of shares of GSCAC common stock to be issued in the merger.
(3) The
amount is $229,413,285.84 multiplied by the SEC’s filing fee of $39.30 per
million.
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
500
Campus Drive, Suite 220
Florham
Park, New Jersey 07932
,
2008
Dear
Stockholder:
You are
cordially invited to attend a special meeting of the stockholders of GSC
Acquisition Company (“GSCAC”) relating to our proposed acquisition of Complete
Energy Holdings, LLC (“Complete Energy”). The special meeting will be held at
A.M., Eastern Standard Time,
on ,
2008,
at .
At the
special meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon the following
proposals:
1. to
approve our acquisition of Complete Energy (the “acquisition”) pursuant to the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 9, 2008 among GSCAC, GSCAC Holdings
I LLC (“Holdco Sub”), GSCAC Holdings II LLC, GSCAC Merger Sub LLC (“Merger Sub”)
and Complete Energy (the “merger agreement”) and the transactions contemplated
by the merger agreement, including the merger (the “merger”) of our subsidiary
Merger Sub with and into Complete Energy, with Complete Energy surviving and
thereby becoming an indirect subsidiary of GSCAC (the “acquisition
proposal”);
2. to
approve a second amended and restated charter for GSCAC (the “amended and
restated charter”), to be effective upon completion of the merger (the “charter
proposal”), to, among other things:
|
·
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change
our name to “Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation,”
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·
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permit
our continued existence after June 25,
2009,
|
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·
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increase
the number of our authorized shares of common
stock,
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·
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create
two classes of common stock (Class A common stock to have voting and
economic rights and Class B
common stock to have voting rights but no economic
rights),
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·
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convert
all of our outstanding common stock into Class A common stock,
and
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·
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permit
each share of our Class B common stock plus one Class B unit of Holdco Sub
to be exchanged into one
share of our Class A common stock;
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3. to
approve the issuance of shares of our common stock in the merger and related
transactions that would result in an increase in our outstanding common stock by
more than 20% (the “share issuance proposal”);
4. to
elect two members to serve on our board of directors, each to serve until the
2011 annual meeting of our stockholders or until his successor is duly elected
and qualified (the “election of directors proposal”);
5. to
adopt a proposed stock option plan, to be effective upon completion of the
merger (the “stock option plan proposal”); and
6. to
adopt a proposal to authorize the adjournment of the special meeting to a later
date or dates, including, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in favor
of the foregoing proposals if there are not sufficient votes in favor of any of
these proposals (the “adjournment proposal”).
The
approval of the acquisition proposal is conditioned upon the approval of the
charter proposal, the share issuance proposal and the stock option plan
proposal, but not the election of directors proposal or adjournment proposal.
The approval of the charter proposal, the share issuance proposal and the stock
option plan proposal, but not the election of directors proposal or the
adjournment proposal, is conditioned upon the approval of the acquisition
proposal. Neither the election of directors proposal nor the adjournment
proposal requires the approval of any other proposal to be
effective.
Our board
of directors has fixed the close of business on ,
2008 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice
of, and to vote at, the special meeting and at any adjournments or postponements
thereof. Record holders of GSCAC warrants do not have voting
rights.
Stockholders
holding a majority of our outstanding common stock (whether or not held by
public stockholders) at the close of business on the record date must be
present, in person or by proxy, to constitute a quorum and a quorum is required
to approve our proposals. In addition, approval of the acquisition proposal
requires that holders of a majority of the common stock voted by all holders of
common stock issued in our initial public offering (such holders, the “public
stockholders”) must vote, in person or by proxy, in favor of the acquisition
proposal, but the acquisition proposal cannot be approved if public stockholders
owning 20% or more of the common stock issued in our initial public offering
vote against the acquisition proposal and properly exercise their conversion
rights. In connection with the vote on the acquisition proposal, GSCAC’s
founding stockholder and directors have agreed to vote their shares in
accordance with the majority of common stock voted by the public
stockholders.
Assuming
the acquisition proposal is approved by the requisite vote of our stockholders,
the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
our common stock is required to approve our charter proposal, and the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock
that are present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the
special meeting is required to approve the share issuance proposal, the stock
option plan proposal and the adjournment proposal.
Directors
will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast by stockholders present in
person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting. This
means that the director nominee with the most affirmative votes for a particular
slot will be elected.
You have
the right to convert any shares that you own that were issued in our initial
public offering into cash if you vote against the acquisition proposal and the
acquisition proposal is approved and the merger is completed. If you properly
exercise your conversion rights, you will be entitled to receive a conversion
price per share equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in our trust
account (before payment of deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and
including interest earned on their pro rata portion of the trust account, net of
income taxes payable on such interest and net of interest income of up to $2.4
million on the trust account balance previously released to us to fund our
working capital requirements), calculated as of two business days prior to the
proposed completion of the merger, divided by the number of shares sold in our
initial public offering. As of June 30, 2008, the initial per-share
conversion price was approximately $9.89.
You may
request conversion of your shares at any time after the mailing of this proxy
statement by following the procedures described in this proxy statement, but the
request will not be granted unless you vote against the acquisition proposal and
the acquisition proposal is approved and the merger is completed. Voting against
the acquisition proposal alone will not result in the conversion of your shares
into a pro rata share of the trust account; to convert your shares, you must
also follow the specific procedures for conversion set forth in this proxy
statement. See “Summary of Proxy Statement –– Conversion Rights” on
page 18. Prior to exercising your conversion rights, you should verify the
market price of GSCAC’s common stock as you may receive higher proceeds from the
sale of your common stock in the public market than from exercising your
conversion rights if the market price per share is higher than the conversion
price.
GSCAC
shares of common stock, warrants and units are quoted on the American Stock
Exchange under the symbols “GGA,” “GGA.WS” and “GGA.U,” respectively. On July
28, 2008, the closing price of GSCAC common stock, warrants and units was $9.44,
$0.43 and $9.70, respectively.
AFTER
CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ALL OF THE PROPOSALS, OUR
BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED ALL OF THE PROPOSALS AND UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THE PROPOSALS.
YOUR
VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING,
PLEASE PROMPTLY VOTE YOUR SHARES AND SUBMIT YOUR PROXY BY COMPLETING, SIGNING,
DATING AND RETURNING YOUR PROXY FORM IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. IF YOU RETURN A
PROXY WITH YOUR SIGNATURE BUT WITHOUT AN INDICATION OF HOW YOU WISH TO VOTE ON
ANY PROPOSAL, YOUR PROXY WILL BE VOTED “FOR” EACH SUCH PROPOSAL. EVEN IF YOU
RETURN THE PROXY, YOU MAY ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING AND VOTE YOUR SHARES IN
PERSON.
The
accompanying proxy statement contains detailed information regarding the merger
and related transactions, including each of our proposals. The proxy statement
also provides detailed information about Complete Energy, because upon
completion of the merger, the operations, assets and liabilities of Complete
Energy will be owned by a subsidiary of GSCAC.
WE
ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ THIS ENTIRE PROXY STATEMENT CAREFULLY, INCLUDING THE
SECTION DISCUSSING “RISK FACTORS,” FOR A DISCUSSION OF VARIOUS FACTORS THAT YOU
SHOULD CONSIDER IN CONNECTION WITH OUR PROPOSED ACQUISITION. WE MAINTAIN A
WEBSITE AT WWW.GSCAC.COM. THE CONTENTS OF THAT WEBSITE ARE NOT PART OF THIS
PROXY STATEMENT.
Sincerely,
Matthew C.
Kaufman
President
NEITHER
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES REGULATORY
AGENCY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED IN THIS PROXY
STATEMENT OR ANY OF THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED IN THE MERGER, PASSED UPON THE
MERITS OR FAIRNESS OF THE MERGER OR RELATED TRANSACTIONS OR PASSED UPON THE
ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE DISCLOSURE IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY CONSTITUTES A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
This proxy
statement is dated ,
2008 and is first being mailed to GSCAC stockholders on or
about ,
2008.
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
500
Campus Drive, Suite 220
Florham
Park, New Jersey 07932
__________________________________________________________
NOTICE
OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO
BE HELD
ON ,
2008
___________________________________________________________
To the
Stockholders of GSC Acquisition Company:
You are
cordially invited to attend a special meeting of the stockholders of GSC
Acquisition Company (“GSCAC”) relating to our proposed acquisition of Complete
Energy Holdings, LLC (“Complete Energy”). The special meeting will be held
at A.M.,
Eastern Standard Time,
on ,
2008
at .
At the
special meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon the following
proposals:
1. to
approve our acquisition of Complete Energy (the “acquisition”) pursuant to the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 9, 2008 among GSCAC, GSCAC Holdings
I LLC (“Holdco Sub”), GSCAC Holdings II LLC, GSCAC Merger Sub LLC (“Merger Sub”)
and Complete Energy (the “merger agreement”) and the transactions contemplated
by the merger agreement, including the merger (the “merger”) of our subsidiary
Merger Sub with and into Complete Energy, with Complete Energy surviving and
thereby becoming an indirect subsidiary of GSCAC (the “acquisition
proposal”);
2. to
approve a second amended and restated certificate of incorporation for GSCAC
(the “amended and restated charter”), to be effective upon completion of the
merger (the “charter proposal”), to, among other things:
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·
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change
our name to “Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation,”
|
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·
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permit
our continued existence after June 25,
2009,
|
|
·
|
increase
the number of authorized shares of common
stock,
|
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·
|
create
two classes of common stock (Class A common stock to have voting and
economic rights and Class B common stock to have voting rights but no
economic rights),
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·
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convert
all of our outstanding common stock into Class A common stock,
and
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·
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permit
each share of our Class B common stock plus one Class B unit of Holdco Sub
to be exchanged into one share of our Class A common
stock;
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3. to
approve the issuance of shares of our common stock in the merger and related
transactions that would result in an increase in our outstanding common stock by
more than 20% (the “share issuance proposal”);
4. to
elect two members to serve on our board of directors, each to serve until the
2011 annual meeting of our stockholders or until his successor is duly elected
and qualified (the “election of directors proposal”);
5. to
adopt a proposed stock option plan, to be effective upon completion of the
merger (the “stock option plan proposal”); and
6. to
adopt a proposal to authorize the adjournment of the special meeting to a later
date or dates, including, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in favor
of the foregoing proposals if there are not sufficient votes in favor of any of
these proposals (the “adjournment proposal”).
Our board
of directors has unanimously approved the merger and related transactions and
unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” each of the proposals described above
and in the accompanying proxy statement.
The
approval of our acquisition proposal is conditioned upon the approval of the
charter proposal, the share issuance proposal and the stock option plan
proposal, but not the election of directors proposal or adjournment proposal.
The approval of the charter proposal, the share issuance proposal and the stock
option plan proposal, but not the election of directors proposal or the
adjournment proposal, is conditioned upon the approval of the acquisition
proposal. Neither the election of directors proposal nor the adjournment
proposal requires the approval of any other proposal to be
effective.
Our board
of directors has fixed the close of business on
,
2008 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice
of, and to vote at, the special meeting and at any adjournments or postponements
thereof. Record holders of GSCAC warrants do not have voting
rights.
Your vote
is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting, please
complete, sign, date and return your proxy card as soon as possible to ensure
that your shares are represented at the special meeting or, if you are a
stockholder of record of our common stock on the record date, you may cast your
vote in person at the special meeting. If your shares are held in an account at
a brokerage firm or bank, you must instruct your broker or bank on how to vote
your shares. If you do not vote or do not instruct your broker or bank how to
vote, it will have the same effect as voting against the acquisition proposal
and the charter proposal.
Any proxy
may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise by delivery of a later dated
proxy, by
notifying
in writing before the special meeting, or by
voting in person at the special meeting. By authorizing your proxy promptly, you
can help us avoid the expense of further proxy solicitations.
Your
attention is directed to the proxy statement accompanying this notice (including
the annexes thereto) for a more complete description of the proposed acquisition
and related transactions and each of our proposals. We encourage you to read
this proxy statement carefully. If you have any questions or need assistance
voting your shares, please call our proxy solicitor, MacKenzie Partners, Inc. at
(212) 929-5500 or 1-(800) 322-2885 or by email at
proxy@mackenziepartners.com.
By Order
of the Board of Directors,
Matthew C.
Kaufman
President
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F-1
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F-4
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LIST OF
ANNEXES
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Agreement
and Plan of Merger
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Second
Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation
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GSC
Acquisition Company 2008 Stock Option
Plan
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Opinion
of Duff & Phelps, LLC
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Glossary
of Terms Used in this Proxy
Statement
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Q: Why
am I receiving this proxy statement?
A: GSCAC
has agreed to acquire Complete Energy under the terms of the merger agreement
that is described in this proxy statement. A copy of the merger agreement is
attached to this proxy statement as Annex A, which GSCAC and Complete Energy
encourage you to read.
You are
receiving this proxy statement because we are soliciting your vote to approve
the acquisition and related matters at a special meeting of our stockholders.
This proxy statement contains important information about the proposed
acquisition and related matters. You should read it
carefully.
Your vote
is important. We encourage you to vote as soon as possible after carefully
reviewing this proxy statement.
Q: Why
is GSCAC proposing the acquisition?
A: GSCAC
is a blank check company organized to effect an acquisition, through a merger,
capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or
other similar business combination, of one or more businesses or
assets.
GSCAC
completed its initial public offering on June 29, 2007, generating net proceeds
of approximately $191.5 million. The net proceeds, in addition to $4 million
from the sale of warrants to GSC Secondary Interest Fund, LLC, which we refer to
as our “founding stockholder,” and $6.2 million of deferred underwriting
discounts and commissions, were placed into a trust account. As of June 30,
2008, the balance in the trust account was approximately $203 million. GSCAC
intends to use the funds held in the trust account to complete the merger with
Complete Energy and to make payment of the deferred underwriting commissions and
discounts.
GSCAC is
now proposing to acquire Complete Energy pursuant to the merger agreement. If
the acquisition proposal and related proposals are approved by our stockholders
and the other conditions to completion of the merger are satisfied, a subsidiary
of GSCAC will merge with and into Complete Energy, and Complete Energy will
survive the merger as an indirect subsidiary of GSCAC.
Complete
Energy is an independent power generating company established in January 2004 to
acquire, own and operate merchant and contracted generating facilities in key
U.S. markets. Complete Energy owns majority interests in, and operates, two
natural gas-fired combined cycle generation facilities. GSCAC believes that
Complete Energy’s management has successful experience in its business and has
in place the structure for strong business operations and the achievement of
growth both organically and through accretive acquisitions. As a
result, GSCAC believes that a combination with Complete Energy will provide
GSCAC stockholders with an opportunity to participate in a company with
significant growth potential.
In
connection with this proposed acquisition, we would also repay or otherwise
extinguish certain Complete Energy debt. In addition, GSCAC has
agreed to make offers to acquire the minority interests owned by third parties
in the Complete Energy subsidiaries that own its La Paloma facility and
Batesville facility.
If the
merger agreement and related transactions are not approved and GSCAC is unable
to complete another business combination by June 25, 2009, GSCAC will be
required to liquidate.
Q: What
will the owners of Complete Energy receive in the proposed
transactions?
A: The
proposed transactions value 100% of Complete Energy’s operations (including
minority interests held by third parties) at an enterprise value of $1.3
billion, comprised of $900 million for its La Paloma facility and $400 million
for its Batesville facility. Upon completion of the proposed merger, after
adjustments for Complete Energy’s debt and cash balances, the owners of Complete
Energy are expected to receive shares of GSCAC and units of a GSCAC subsidiary
valued at approximately $68.6 million, as well as securities that are
exchangeable into approximately 2.75 million of our shares if GSCAC’s share
price reaches $14.50 within five years and an additional approximately 2.75
million of our shares if GSCAC’s share price reaches $15.50 within five
years.
If the
merger is completed, we also expect to issue approximately $168.5 million GSCAC
shares to the holders of certain Complete Energy debt, comprised of investment
funds and trusts managed or advised by
TCW Asset
Management Company (“TAMCO”) or certain of its affiliates (such funds and
trusts, collectively, the “TAMCO funds”) and Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated (“Morgan Stanley”). These debt holders would also receive a $50
million mezzanine note issued by Complete Energy and securities that are
exercisable for approximately 798,000 of our shares if GSCAC’s share price
reaches $14.50 within five years and approximately 798,000 of our shares if
GSCAC’s share price reaches $15.50 within five years. Complete Energy will
retain approximately $627 million of net project-level debt (on a consolidated
basis including minority interests held by third parties) and we will use the
balance of our trust account to repay other Complete Energy debt, pay
transaction expenses and fund working capital.
The actual
number of GSCAC shares and units of a GSCAC subsidiary that would be issued to
the Complete Energy owners and debt holders in the proposed transactions will be
determined using a price per GSCAC share equal to the lesser of (1) $10.00 and
(2) the average closing price per share of our common stock for the 20 trading
days ending three business days before the completion of the
merger.
Q: Will
GSCAC stockholders receive anything in the proposed transactions?
A: If
the merger is completed and you vote your shares to approve the acquisition
proposal, you will continue to hold the GSCAC shares and warrants that you
currently own and do not sell. Immediately upon the effectiveness of the second
amended and restated charter, each share of your GSCAC common stock outstanding
immediately prior to the completion of the acquisition will be reclassified as
converted into one share of Class A common stock. If the merger is completed but
you vote your shares against the acquisition proposal and properly elect to
convert your shares into cash, your GSCAC shares will be cancelled and you will
receive cash as described below, but you will continue to hold any warrants that
you currently own and do not sell.
Q: Who
will own GSCAC after the proposed transactions?
A: If
the proposed merger and debt repayment are completed, the TAMCO funds (under
common investment management) are expected to become GSCAC’s largest block of
stockholders with approximately 25.5% ownership, GSCAC’s existing stockholders
are expected to collectively own approximately 57% of GSCAC, the current owners
of Complete Energy are expected to own approximately 12.5% of GSCAC, and Morgan
Stanley is expected to own approximately 5.1% of GSCAC, in each case on a fully
diluted basis and assuming that no GSCAC stockholders elect to convert their
shares into cash.
If our
offers to acquire the minority interests owned by third parties in the Complete
Energy subsidiaries that own its La Paloma facility and Batesville facility are
accepted in accordance with our terms, such minority interest holders would
collectively own 26.5% of our equity and the ownership of the TAMCO funds, the
existing GSCAC stockholders, the current owners of Complete Energy and Morgan
Stanley would be proportionately diluted.
Q: What
is being voted on at the special meeting?
A: You
are being asked to vote on six proposals:
·
|
a
proposal to approve the acquisition of Complete Energy pursuant to the
merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by
the merger agreement;
|
·
|
a
proposal to adopt a second amended and restated charter for GSCAC, to be
effective upon completion of the merger, to, among other things, change
our name to “Complete Energy Holdings Corporation,” permit our continued
existence after June 25, 2009, create two classes of common stock
(Class A common stock to have voting and economic rights (“Class A
shares”) and Class B common stock to have voting rights but no economic
rights (“Class B shares”)), to convert all of our outstanding common stock
into Class A shares and permit each Class B share plus one Class B unit of
our subsidiary Holdco Sub to be exchanged into one Class A
share;
|
·
|
a
proposal to approve the issuance of shares of our common stock in the
merger and related transactions that would result in an increase in our
outstanding common stock by more than
20%;
|
·
|
a
proposal to elect two members to serve on our board of directors, each to
serve until our 2011 annual meeting or until his successor is duly elected
and qualified;
|
·
|
a
proposal to adopt a proposed stock option plan, to be effective upon
completion of the merger; and
|
·
|
a
proposal to authorize the adjournment of the special meeting to a later
date or dates, including
|
if
necessary, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the foregoing proposals if
there are not sufficient votes in favor of any of these
proposals.
This proxy
statement provides you with detailed information about each of these proposals.
We encourage you to carefully read this entire proxy statement, including the
attached annexes. YOU SHOULD
ALSO CAREFULLY CONSIDER THOSE FACTORS DESCRIBED UNDER THE HEADING “RISK
FACTORS.”
Q: When
and where is the special meeting?
A: The
special meeting will take place at
A.M., Eastern
Standard Time on
,
2008 at
.
Q: What
is the record date for the special meeting? Who is entitled to
vote?
A: The
record date for the special meeting is
, 2008. Record
holders of GSCAC common stock at the close of business on the record date are
entitled to vote or have their votes cast at the special meeting. On the record
date, there were 25,200,000 outstanding shares of our common stock, which
includes 20,700,000 shares issued in our initial public offering (the “IPO
shares”), 4,455,000 shares owned by our founding stockholder, and a total of
45,000 shares owned by James K. Goodwin and Richard A. McKinnon, two of our
directors.
Each share
of GSCAC common stock is entitled to one vote per share at the special meeting.
GSCAC’s outstanding warrants do not have voting rights.
Q: How
do the founding stockholder and Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon intend to vote
their shares?
A: With
respect to the acquisition proposal, our founding stockholder and Messrs.
Goodwin and McKinnon have agreed to vote their shares of common stock in
accordance with the majority of the votes cast by the public stockholders. Our
founding stockholder and Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon have also informed GSCAC
that it and they intend to vote all of their shares “FOR” the other
proposals.
Q: What
vote is required to approve the acquisition proposal?
A: The
affirmative vote of stockholders owning a majority of the IPO shares voting in
person or by proxy at the special meeting and the affirmative vote of
stockholders owning a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock as
of the close of business on the record date is required to approve the
acquisition proposal. However, the acquisition proposal will not be approved if
the holders of 20% or more of the IPO shares vote against the acquisition
proposal and properly exercise their rights to convert such IPO shares into
cash. Because the approval of the acquisition proposal is a condition to the
approval of the other proposals (other than the election of directors proposal
and the adjournment proposal), if the acquisition proposal is not approved, the
other approvals will not take effect (other than the election of directors
proposal and the adjournment proposal).
Q: What
vote is required to approve the charter proposal?
A: The
affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our
common stock as of the close of business on the record date is required to
approve the charter proposal, and approval is conditioned upon approval of the
acquisition proposal.
Q: What
vote is required to approve the share issuance proposal?
A: The
affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders
present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting is
required to approve the share issuance proposal, and approval is conditioned
upon approval of the acquisition proposal.
Q: What
vote is required to elect directors?
A: The
two directors to be elected at the special meeting will be elected by the
plurality of the votes cast by the holders of our common stock outstanding as of
the close of business on the record date voting in person or by proxy. This
means that the two nominees with the most votes will be elected. Votes may be
cast for or withheld from each nominee, but a withheld vote or broker non-vote
will have no effect on the outcome of the election. Approval of the election of
the directors proposal is not conditioned upon the approval of the acquisition
proposal.
Q: What
vote is required to adopt the proposed stock option plan?
A: The
affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders
present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting is
required to adopt the proposed stock option plan of
GSCAC, and
approval is conditioned upon approval of the acquisition proposal.
Q: What
vote is required to adopt the adjournment proposal?
A: The
affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders
present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting is
required to adopt the adjournment proposal. The approval of the adjournment
proposal is not conditioned on the approval of the acquisition
proposal.
Q: Did
GSCAC’s board of directors obtain a fairness opinion in connection with the
approval of the merger agreement?
A: Yes. The
board of directors of GSCAC engaged Duff & Phelps, LLC (“Duff &
Phelps”), an independent financial advisor. On May 8, 2008, Duff
& Phelps provided to GSCAC’s board of directors an opinion dated May 8,
2008, subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth
therein, that as of that date (1) the consideration to be paid by GSCAC in the
acquisition is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of GSCAC’s
common stock and (2) Complete Energy has a fair market value equal to at least
80% of the balance of GSCAC’s trust account (excluding deferred underwriting
discounts and commissions).
Q: Do
I have appraisal or dissenters’ rights?
A: No
appraisal or dissenters’ rights are available under the Delaware General
Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) for holders of GSCAC common stock or warrants in
connection with the proposals described in this proxy statement.
Q:
Do I have conversion or redemption rights?
A: Yes.
Each holder of IPO shares has a right to convert his or her IPO shares into a
pro rata share of the cash on deposit in our trust account if such holder votes
against the acquisition proposal, properly exercises the conversion rights and
the merger is completed. Such IPO shares would then be converted into cash at
the per-share conversion price on the completion date of the merger. It is
anticipated that the funds to be distributed to each holder who properly elects
to convert any IPO shares will be distributed promptly after completion of the
merger.
The actual
per-share conversion price will be equal to the amount in our trust account
(before payment of deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and including
interest earned on the holder’s pro rata share of the trust account, net of
income taxes payable on such interest and net of interest income of up to $2.4
million on the trust account balance previously released to us to fund our
working capital requirements), as of two business days prior to the completion
of the merger, divided by the total number of IPO shares. As of June 30, 2008,
the per-share conversion price would have been approximately $9.89, without
taking into account any interest accrued after such date.
Voting
against the acquisition proposal alone will not result in the conversion of your
IPO shares into a pro rata share of the trust account. To convert
your IPO shares, you must also exercise your conversion rights and follow the
specific procedures for conversion summarized below and set forth under “The
Special Meeting—Conversion Rights.”
Holders of
IPO shares who convert their IPO shares into cash would still have the right to
exercise any warrants that they continue to hold.
Prior to
exercising your conversion rights, you should verify the market price of GSCAC
shares because you may receive higher proceeds from the sale of your IPO shares
in the public market than from exercising your conversion rights if the market
price per IPO share is higher than the conversion price.
Q:
How do I exercise my conversion rights?
A: To exercise
conversion rights, a holder of IPO shares, whether being a record holder or
holding the IPO shares in “street name,” must tender the IPO shares to our
transfer agent and deliver written instructions to our transfer
agent: (1) stating that the holder wishes to convert the IPO shares
into a pro rata share of the trust account and (2) confirming that the holder
has held the IPO shares since the record date and will continue to hold them
through the special meeting and the completion of the merger.
To tender
IPO shares to our transfer agent, the holder must deliver the IPO shares either
(1) at any time before the start of the special meeting (or any adjournment or
postponement thereof), electronically using the Depository Trust Company’s DWAC
(Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System or (2) at any time before the day of
the special meeting (or any adjournment or postponement thereof), physically by
delivering a share certificate. Any holder who holds IPO shares in street name
will have to coordinate with his or her broker to arrange for the
IPO shares
to be delivered electronically or physically. Any holder who desires to
physically tender to our transfer agent IPO shares that are held in street name
must instruct the account executive at his or her bank or broker to withdraw the
IPO shares from the holder’s account and request that a physical certificate be
issued in such holder’s name. Our transfer agent will be available to assist
with this process.
If a
holder does not deliver written instructions and tender his or her IPO shares
(either electronically or physically) to our transfer agent in accordance with
the above procedures, those IPO shares will not be converted into
cash.
Any
request for conversion, once made, may be withdrawn or revoked at any time
before the start (in case of electronic tendering) or at any time before the day
(in case of physical tendering) of our special meeting (or any adjournment or
postponement thereof), in which case the IPO shares will be returned
(electronically or physically) to the holder.
If any
holder tenders IPO shares (electronically or physically) and the merger is not
completed, the IPO shares will not be converted into cash and they will be
returned (electronically or physically) to such holder.
Q: What
happens after the merger to the funds from the IPO deposited in our trust
account?
A: Upon
completion of the merger, any funds remaining in the trust account after payment
of amounts, if any, to stockholders exercising their conversion rights, will be
used for the repayment of a portion of Complete Energy’s debt, payment of
transaction expenses and working capital.
Q: Who
will manage the acquired business?
A: Following
the acquisition, our company, to be renamed Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation, will be overseen by its board of directors, which if the election
of the board of directors proposal is approved will include Matthew C. Kaufman
and Peter R. Frank, two of our existing directors, as well as Hugh A. Tarpley
and Lori A. Cuervo, who are senior members of the management team of Complete
Energy, R. Blair Thomas, as the designee under the lender consent, and a number
of independent directors. Upon completion of the merger,
Mr. Tarpley will be appointed to serve as our Chief Executive Officer and
Ms. Cuervo will be appointed President and Chief Operating Officer. In addition,
substantially all of the senior members of the management team of Complete
Energy will assume similar positions with Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation.
Q: What
happens if the acquisition is not completed?
A: If
the acquisition proposal and related matters are not approved by our
stockholders, we will not acquire Complete Energy, our certificate of
incorporation will not be amended and we will continue to seek other potential
business combinations. If we do not consummate a business combination by June
25, 2009, our corporate existence will cease except for the purpose of winding
up our affairs and liquidating. In connection with our dissolution and
liquidation, all amounts in the trust account plus any other net assets of GSCAC
not used for or reserved to pay obligations and claims or such other corporate
expenses relating to or arising from GSCAC’s plan of dissolution, including
costs of dissolving and liquidating GSCAC, would be distributed on a pro rata
basis to the holders of IPO shares. GSCAC will pay no liquidating distributions
with respect to any shares of capital stock of GSCAC other than the IPO
shares.
Q: What
do I need to do now?
A: Indicate
on your proxy card how you want to vote on each of our proposals, sign it and
mail it in the enclosed return envelope, as soon as possible, so that your
shares may be represented at our special meeting. If you sign and send in your
proxy card and do not indicate how you want to vote on any of our proposals, we
will count your proxy card as a vote in favor of all such proposals. You may
also attend our special meeting and vote your shares in person.
Q: What
do I do if I want to change my vote?
A: Send
in a later-dated, signed proxy card to your bank or broker. If you’ve
previously voted via telephone or Internet you may change your vote by either of
these methods up to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time the day prior to our
special meeting. You may also attend our meeting in person and vote
at that time. You should contact your bank or broker to request
assistance in attending the meeting. You may also revoke your proxy
by sending a notice of revocation to
at the address under “Who Can Help Answer Your Questions” included elsewhere in
this proxy statement. You can find further details on how to revoke
your proxy under “The Special Meeting—Revoking Your Proxy.”
Q: If
my shares are held in “street name” by my broker, will my broker vote my shares
for me?
A: If
you do not provide your broker with instructions on how to vote your “street
name” shares, your broker will not be able to vote them on the acquisition
proposal or the other proposals described in this proxy statement, other than
the election of directors proposal. You should therefore instruct your broker
how to vote your shares, following the directions provided by your broker on the
enclosed proxy card. Please check the voting form used by your broker
to see if it offers telephone or Internet voting.
If you do
not give voting instructions to your broker, you will not be counted as voting,
unless you appear in person at the special meeting. Please contact
your bank or broker for assistance in attending the special meeting to vote your
shares.
Q: What
will happen if I abstain from voting or fail to vote?
A: An
abstention, since it is not an affirmative vote in favor of any proposal but
adds to the number of shares present in person or by proxy, will have the same
effect as (1) a vote against the acquisition proposal but will not have the
effect of converting your shares into a pro rata share of the trust account
unless you affirmatively vote against the acquisition proposal and you properly
exercise your conversion rights as described above and the merger is completed,
and (2) a vote against the charter proposal, the share issuance proposal, the
stock option plan proposal and the adjournment proposal. An abstention or
instruction to withhold authority to vote for one or more nominees for director
will result in those nominees receiving fewer votes but will not count as votes
against the nominees for the election of the directors proposal. A failure to
vote will make it more difficult for us to achieve the quorum necessary for us
to conduct business at the special meeting and, because approval of the
acquisition proposal and charter proposal requires the affirmative vote of a
majority of our outstanding shares (not the shares actually voted) will have the
same effect as a vote against the acquisition proposal and the charter
proposal.
Q: When
do you expect to complete the acquisition?
A: We
are working to complete the acquisition as soon as possible. We hope to complete
the acquisition shortly after the special meeting, if we obtain the required
stockholder approvals at the special meeting and if we receive the necessary
regulatory approvals prior to the special meeting. We cannot predict
the exact timing of the effective time of the merger or whether the merger will
be consummated because it is subject to conditions that are not within our
control, such as approvals from regulatory authorities. Both GSCAC and Complete
Energy possess the right to terminate the merger agreement in certain
situations.
Though
nothing is certain and the closing of the merger is subject to the conditions
and approvals described in this proxy statement, we expect to complete the
merger and the related transactions prior to the end of the third quarter of
2008.
If you
have any questions about the merger, you should contact:
GSC
Acquisition Company
500 Campus
Drive, Suite 220
Florham
Park, New Jersey 07932
Attention:
Michael H. Yip
Phone
Number: (973)-437-1000
If you
would like additional copies of this document,
or if you
have questions about the merger, you should contact:
105
Madison Avenue
New York,
NY 10016
proxy@mackenziepartners.com
Call
Collect: (212) 929-5500
or
Toll-Free
(800) 322-2885
This
summary highlights selected information contained in this proxy statement and
may not contain all of the information that is important to you. To understand
the proposals fully, you should carefully read this entire document, including
the Annexes, and the documents to which we refer you. See “Where You Can Find
More Information” on page 191. In this proxy statement, the terms “we,” “us,”
“our” and “GSCAC” refer to GSC Acquisition Company, the term “Complete Energy”
refers to Complete Energy Holdings, LLC and the term “merger agreement” refers
to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 9, 2008 among GSCAC, GSCAC
Holdings I LLC (“Holdco Sub”), GSCAC Holdings II LLC, (“Holdco Sub2”), GSCAC
Merger Sub LLC (“Merger Sub”) and Complete Energy. We have also
included a Glossary of Terms as Annex E to this proxy statement, which you
should review in connection with the information in this proxy
statement.
The
Special Meeting (See page 114)
This proxy
statement is being furnished to holders of GSCAC’s common stock for use at the
special meeting, and at any adjournments or postponements of that meeting. At
the special meeting, GSCAC’s stockholders will be asked to consider and vote
upon proposals (1) to approve the acquisition of Complete Energy pursuant to the
merger agreement and to approve the merger and other transactions contemplated
by the merger agreement; (2) to approve a second amended and restated charter
for GSCAC, to be effective upon completion of the merger; (3) to approve the
issuance of shares of our common stock in the merger and related transactions;
(4) to elect two members to serve on our board of directors, each to serve until
the 2011 annual meeting of our stockholders or until his successor is duly
elected and qualified; (5) to adopt a proposed stock option plan; and (6) to
adopt a proposal to authorize the adjournment of the special meeting to a later
date or dates, including, if necessary, to permit further solicitation and
voting of proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the special
meeting to adopt any of these proposals. The special meeting will be held on
,
2008, at
A.M.,
Eastern Standard Time, at
.
Our board
of directors has fixed the close of business on
, 2008 as the record date for
the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the
special meeting and at any adjournments or postponements thereof. Record holders
of GSCAC warrants do not have voting rights.
Recommendation
of Our Board of Directors (See page 114)
Our board
of directors has unanimously approved the merger and related transactions, and
unanimously recommends that our stockholders vote “FOR” each of our
proposals.
The
Parties (See pages 120-140)
GSC Acquisition Company. We
are a blank check company formed on October 26, 2006 for the purpose of
acquiring, through a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock
purchase, reorganization or other similar business combination, one or more
businesses or assets, which we refer to as our “initial business combination.”
Our efforts in identifying a prospective target business have not been limited
to a particular industry. Instead we have focused on industries and target
businesses in the U.S. and Europe that may provide significant opportunity for
growth.
On June
29, 2007, we completed our initial public offering (“IPO”), generating gross
proceeds of approximately $207 million (including proceeds from the exercise by
the underwriters of their over-allotment option). Upon completion of the IPO, a
total of approximately $201.7 million, including $191.5 million of net proceeds
from the IPO, $4 million from the sale of warrants to our founding stockholder
and $6.2 million of deferred underwriting discounts and commissions, was placed
in a trust account at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., with the American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company serving as trustee. Except for a portion of the
interest income permitted to be released to us, the proceeds held in trust will
not be released from the trust account until the earlier of the completion of
our initial business combination or our liquidation. Based on our amended and
restated charter (our “charter”), up to a total of $2.4 million of interest
income (net of taxes payable) may be released to us, subject to availability, to
fund our working capital requirements. For the period from inception to June 30,
2008, approximately $2.4 million was
released
to us in accordance with these terms. As of June 30, 2008, the balance in the
trust account was approximately $203 million.
All of our
activity to date relates to our formation, our IPO and efforts to identify
prospective target businesses. We are not presently engaged in, and we will not
engage in, any substantive commercial business until we consummate our initial
business combination. If the proposals set forth in this proxy statement are not
approved, the acquisition of Complete Energy will not be consummated and we will
continue to search for businesses or assets to acquire. If we do not complete an
initial business combination by June 29, 2009, our corporate existence will
cease except for purposes of winding up our affairs and
liquidating.
The GSCAC
units, common stock and warrants are traded on the American Stock Exchange (the
“AMEX”) under the symbols “GGA.U,” “GGA” and “GGA.WS,”
respectively.
Our
executive offices are located at c/o GSC Group, 500 Campus Drive, Suite 220,
Florham Park, New Jersey 07932. We file reports with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “SEC”), which are available free of charge at
www.sec.gov. For more information about GSCAC, please see the section
entitled “Information About GSCAC.”
GSCAC Holdings I LLC, GSCAC Holdings
II LLC and GSCAC Merger Sub LLC. Each of Holdco Sub, Holdco Sub2 and
Merger Sub are Delaware limited liability companies formed solely for the
purpose of acquiring Complete Energy. GSCAC is the sole member of Holdco Sub,
Holdco Sub is the sole member of Holdco Sub2 and Holdco Sub2 is the sole member
of Merger Sub.
Complete Energy Holdings,
LLC. Complete Energy is an independent power generating
company established in January 2004 to acquire, own and operate merchant and
contracted electric generating facilities in key U.S. markets. Complete Energy
owns majority interests in, and operates, two natural gas-fired combined cycle
power generation facilities. The 1,022 MW La Paloma generating facility (the “La
Paloma facility”), located 110 miles northwest of Los Angeles, serves
energy-constrained California. The 837 MW Batesville generating facility (the
“Batesville facility”), located in northern Mississippi, serves the Southeast
region of the U.S.
Complete
Energy’s executive offices are located at 1331 Lamar, Suite 650, Houston, Texas
77010. For more information about Complete Energy, please see the
section entitled “Information About Complete Energy.”
The
Acquisition (See page 55)
GSCAC is
proposing to acquire Complete Energy under the terms and conditions of the
merger agreement, which was executed on May 9, 2008. Under the merger agreement,
our subsidiary Merger Sub will merge with and into Complete Energy, with
Complete Energy surviving the merger as an indirect subsidiary of GSCAC. As a
result of the merger, depending on the level of acceptance of our offers to
acquire the minority interests held by third parties in the Complete Energy
subsidiaries that indirectly own the La Paloma facility and the Batesville
facility (as described below in “Offers to LP Minority Holders and Fulcrum”),
Complete Energy expects to indirectly own between 60% and 100% of the interests
in the La Paloma facility and between 96.3% and 100% of the Batesville
facility.
Organizational
Structure
The
following diagram sets forth GSCAC’s organizational structure immediately
following the acquisition and the subsequent merger of Merger Sub with and into
Complete Energy.
GSCAC
Post-Acquisition Organizational Structure
Corporate
Structure
After the
completion of the merger, we will conduct all of our operations through our
subsidiary Holdco Sub, which will indirectly hold our ownership interest in
Complete Energy. GSCAC will be the holding company for, and managing member of,
Holdco Sub. In connection with the completion of the merger, we will
amend and restate our charter to, among other things, convert our common stock
into Class A common stock and create an additional class of Class B common
stock. Immediately upon the effectiveness of the proposed charter,
each share of common stock outstanding immediately prior to the completion of
the acquisition will be reclassified and converted into one Class A share.
Please see “—The Second Amended and Restated Charter of
GSCAC.” Immediately following the completion of the merger, GSCAC’s
existing stockholders and holders of debt of a Complete Energy subsidiary, along
with a small number of owners of Complete Energy, will own all of the Class A
shares. Also in connection with the completion of the merger, the limited
liability company agreement of Holdco Sub will be amended and restated (the
“Holdco Sub LLC Agreement”) to, among other things, create four classes of units
of Holdco Sub (Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D units). Please
see “—Holdco Sub Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company
Agreement.” As managing member of Holdco Sub, GSCAC will own 100% of
the Class A units of Holdco Sub, and the owners of Complete Energy (and holders
of equity interests in Complete Energy subsidiaries if such holders accept our
offers to exchange their equity interests) will own all of the Class B, Class C
and Class D units upon completion of the acquisition and related
transactions.
Our second
amended and restated charter and the Holdco Sub LLC Agreement will provide to
the holders of our Class B shares and Class B units of Holdco Sub (“Class B
units”) the right from time to time to exchange one Class B share and one Class
B unit for one Class A share, subject to certain restrictions including notice
requirements.
Purchase
Price/Consideration to be Paid in Merger
The
acquisition and related transactions value 100% of Complete Energy’s operations
(including minority interests held by third parties) at an enterprise value of
$1.3 billion, comprised of $900 million for the La Paloma facility and $400
million for the Batesville facility. Upon completion of the proposed merger,
after adjustments for Complete Energy’s debt and cash balances, the owners of
Complete Energy will receive Class B shares and Class B units that together will
be exchangeable into Class A shares (or certain owners will receive Class A
shares directly) that collectively will be valued at approximately $68.6
million. The owners of Complete Energy will also receive additional units of
Holdco Sub (Class C and Class D units) that will entitle them to receive
additional Class B shares and Class B units, which together would be
exchangeable into approximately 2.75 million of our Class A shares if GSCAC’s
share price reaches $14.50 within five years and an additional approximately
2.75 million of our Class A shares if GSCAC’s share price reaches $15.50 within
five years. The number of Class B shares and Class B units to be
issued pursuant to the merger agreement will be calculated using a price per
GSCAC share equal to the lesser of $10.00 and the average closing price per
share for the 20 trading days ending three business days before the closing of
the acquisition.
Pursuant
to a consent and release agreement signed in connection with the execution of
the merger agreement, the principal owners of Complete Energy have agreed that
they will not transfer any of their GSCAC or Holdco Sub securities until after
180 days following completion of the acquisition, except to specified “permitted
transferees” (i.e., affiliates, family members and certain estate planning
entities formed for the benefit of the holder and his or her family members).
The other owners of Complete Energy will be required to sign agreements
containing similar lock-up provisions as a condition to their receipt of any
GSCAC or Holdco Sub securities in the merger. The consent and release agreement
also includes a mutual release of claims between the Complete Energy owners and
Complete Energy.
Lender
Consent (See page 111)
On May 9,
2008, in connection with the merger agreement, GSCAC, Complete Energy and
certain of their respective subsidiaries entered into a Consent, Exchange and
Preemptive Rights Agreement (the “lender consent”) with the TAMCO funds and
Morgan Stanley. A Complete Energy subsidiary owes approximately $270 million in
notes and cash settled options to the TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley, who have
agreed to exchange their notes and cash settled options upon the closing of the
merger for approximately $50 million in cash, a $50
million
mezzanine note, approximately $170 million of Class A shares, warrants to
purchase an aggregate 798,000 Class A shares if GSCAC’s stock price reaches
$14.50 within five years and warrants to purchase an additional 798,000 Class A
shares if GSCAC’s share price reaches $15.50 within five years, in each case
subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the lender consent. The number
of Class A shares to be issued pursuant to the lender consent will be calculated
using a price per GSCAC share equal to the lesser of $10.00 and the average
closing price per share for the 20 trading days ending three business days
before the closing of the acquisition.
Pursuant
to the lender consent, the TAMCO funds will be subject to a 180-day lock-up
period with respect to their GSCAC Class A shares. In addition, GSCAC has
granted preemptive rights to the TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley if GSCAC issues
any equity securities that trigger “anti-dilution” protection for holders of the
outstanding GSCAC warrants under the existing warrant
agreement. The TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley will also
have registration rights with respect to their Class A shares. The lender
consent also contains a release of claims by the Complete Energy parties for the
benefit of the TAMCO, the TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley.
Offers
to LP Minority Holders and Fulcrum (See page 112)
Shortly
after signing the merger agreement, GSCAC delivered to the owners (the “LP
Minority Holders”) of the minority interests in the Complete Energy subsidiary
that indirectly owns the La Paloma facility, La Paloma Acquisition Co, LLC (“La
Paloma Acquisition”), a written offer to exchange their aggregate 40% ownership
interests in La Paloma Acquisition upon completion of the acquisition for Class
B shares and Class B units that collectively would be valued at approximately
$194 million, and Class C units and Class D units that would entitle the LP
Minority Holders to receive additional Class B shares and Class B units, which
together would be exchangeable into approximately 1.4 million of our Class A
shares if GSCAC’s share price reaches $14.50 within five years and an additional
1.4 million of our Class A shares if GSCAC’s share price reaches $15.50 within
five years. Our offered consideration was calculated consistently
with the calculation of the merger consideration to be paid to the owners of
Complete Energy upon completion of the merger, without taking into consideration
the absence of voting or control rights and other relevant discounts due to the
minority nature of the LP Minority Holders’ investment. None of the
LP Minority Holders accepted this offer. Two of the LP Minority
Holders have asserted that we must make an offer to acquire the minority
interests in La Paloma Acquisition from the LP Minority Holders in accordance
with the “tag along” provisions of the limited liability company agreement of La
Paloma Acquisition (the “La Paloma Acquisition LLC Agreement”) prior to
completion of the acquisition.
Promptly
following completion of the acquisition, GSCAC intends to submit a “tag-along”
offer to acquire these minority interests from the LP Minority
Holders. Under the terms of the La Paloma Acquisition LLC Agreement,
this offer must be on the same terms and conditions as GSCAC is acquiring the
ownership interests in Complete Energy, except that the purchase price would be
the fair market value of the minority interests, taking into consideration the
presence or absence of voting or control rights and other relevant
discounts.
GSCAC has
also delivered to Fulcrum Power Services L.P. (“Fulcrum”) an offer to exchange
Fulcrum’s minority ownership interests in the Complete Energy subsidiary that
indirectly owns the Batesville facility, CEP Batesville Holding Company, LLC
(“Batesville Holding”), upon completion of the acquisition for Class B shares
and Class B units that collectively would be valued at approximately $6.3
million, and Class C units and Class D units that would entitle Fulcrum to
receive additional Class B shares and Class B units, which together would be
exchangeable into approximately 55,440 Class A shares if GSCAC’s share price
reaches $14.50 within five years and an additional 55,440 Class A shares if
GSCAC’s share price reaches $15.50 within five years. Our offered
consideration was calculated consistently with the calculation of the merger
consideration to be paid to the owners of Complete Energy upon completion of the
merger. We have asked Fulcrum to respond to our offer by July 30,
2008.
The
acceptance of our offers by the LP Minority Holders or Fulcrum is not a
condition to the closing of the merger; however, the acceptance (or
non-acceptance) of the offers will determine the percentage ownership of GSCAC
in the La Paloma facility and/or the Batesville facility and the relative
ownership of our current
stockholders
and Complete Energy stakeholders in GSCAC after the completion of the
acquisition and related transactions.
Conditions
to the Closing of the Merger (See page 105)
The
obligation of the GSCAC parties to complete the merger is subject to the
requirement that specified conditions must be satisfied or waived by GSCAC,
including the following:
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Complete
Energy’s representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality
or Complete Energy Material Adverse Effect (please see definition in
“Merger Agreement—Materiality and Material Adverse Effect”) must be true
as if made at and as of the closing date (immediately prior to the
closing) and those that are not qualified by materiality or Complete
Energy Material Adverse Effect must be true in all material respects as if
made at and as of the closing date (in each case, other than
representations and warranties that speak as to an earlier date, which
must be true, or true in all material respects as the case may be, as of
such earlier date).
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Complete
Energy must have performed and complied, in all material respects, with
its agreements, covenants and obligations required by the merger agreement
and related transaction documents to be performed or complied with on or
before closing.
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There
can be no proceeding threatened or filed (other than by any GSCAC parties
or any of their respective affiliates) seeking to restrain, enjoin or
otherwise prohibit the completion of the proposed
transactions.
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Regulatory
approvals must be obtained, and any applicable waiting periods under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act of 1976 (the “HSR Act”) must
have expired or been terminated.
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Our
stockholders must have approved the merger and related
transactions.
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No
Complete Energy Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred and be
continuing as of the closing date.
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No
default with respect to any payment obligation or financial covenant under
any material Complete Energy debt (other than debt that is being repaid or
satisfied in connection with the
merger).
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GSCAC
must have received an acknowledgement that the conditions required to
exchange certain Complete Energy debt for cash, equity securities and a
mezzanine note are satisfied.
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The
obligation of Complete Energy to complete the merger and related transactions is
subject to the requirement that specified conditions must be satisfied or waived
by Complete Energy, including the following:
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GSCAC’s
representations and warranties in the merger agreement that are qualified
by materiality or GSCAC Material Adverse Effect (please see definition in
“Merger Agreement—Materiality and Material Adverse Effect”) must be true
as if made at and as of the closing date (immediately prior to the
closing) and that are not qualified by materiality or GSCAC Material
Adverse Effect must be true in all material respects as if made at and as
of the closing date (in each case, other than representations and
warranties that speak as to an earlier date, which must be true, or true
in all material respects as the case may be, as of such earlier
date).
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Each
GSCAC party must have performed and complied, in all material respects,
with its agreements, covenants and obligations required by the merger
agreement and related transaction documents to be performed or complied
with on or before closing.
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There
can be no proceeding threatened or filed (other than by Complete Energy or
any of its affiliates) seeking to restrain, enjoin or otherwise prohibit
the completion of the proposed
transactions.
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Regulatory
approvals must be obtained, and any applicable waiting periods under the
HSR Act must have expired or been
terminated.
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Our
stockholders must have approved the merger and related
transactions.
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No
GSCAC Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred and be
continuing.
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GSCAC
must have directors’ and officers’ liability insurance with terms and
conditions at least as favorable to the insured as Complete Energy’s
directors’ and officers’ liability insurance
policies.
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Designated
persons must have resigned from all of their positions and offices with
GSCAC, Holdco Sub, Merger Sub and Holdco
Sub2.
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Designated
persons must have been elected to the positions of officers and directors
of GSCAC, Holdco Sub and Holdco
Sub2.
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GSCAC
must have at least $188 million in its trust account, before giving effect
to any payments to stockholders who elect to convert their shares into
cash but after giving effect to the payment of deferred underwriting
discounts and commissions, transaction expenses incurred prior to May 9,
2008 and the investment banking fee owed to UBS Securities LLC
(“UBS”).
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GSCAC
must have received an acknowledgement that the conditions required to
exchange certain Complete Energy debt for cash, equity securities and a
mezzanine note are satisfied.
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Termination
of Merger Agreement (See page 107)
The merger
agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the closing in the following
circumstances:
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by
Complete Energy or GSCAC if any nonappealable final governmental order,
decree or judgment enjoins or otherwise prohibits or makes illegal the
completion of the merger and related
transactions;
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by
Complete Energy if any GSCAC party has materially breached its obligations
under the merger agreement or any related transaction document and that
breach would or does result in the failure of a condition to close and
such breach is not cured within the time period specified in the merger
agreement;
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by
GSCAC if Complete Energy has materially breached its obligations under the
merger agreement or any related transaction document and that breach would
or does not result in the failure of a condition to close and such breach
is not cured within the time period specified in the merger
agreement;
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by
GSCAC or Complete Energy if the merger has not been completed on or before
January 31, 2009 and the failure to close is not caused by a breach of the
merger agreement by the terminating party, but if the delay is directly
and primarily the result of the failure to obtain on a timely basis the
audited balance sheet of Complete Energy’s subsidiary, La Paloma
Generating Company, LLC, dated as of December 31, 2005, the termination
date will be extended from January 31, 2009 to March 31,
2009;
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by
GSCAC or Complete Energy if the La Paloma facility and/or the Batesville
facility suffer damages or casualty events that cause net losses of more
than $25 million;
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by
GSCAC if it is not satisfied with a proposed refinancing of certain
Complete Energy debt or if Complete Energy engages in certain prohibited
conduct prior to the completion of the
merger;
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by
GSCAC if the change to Complete Energy’s disclosure schedules collectively
would cause the failure of the Complete Energy representations and
warranties closing condition if such changes were not
effective;
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by
mutual written consent of GSCAC and Complete
Energy;
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by
Complete Energy if our board of directors fails to reaffirm or modifies or
revokes its recommendation of the merger or approves, endorses or
recommends any transaction other than the merger or enters into any
letter of intent or similar agreement with respect to any transaction
other than the merger; or
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by
Complete Energy or GSCAC if our stockholders do not approve the merger and
related transactions.
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In
general, if a termination occurs, neither party will owe any obligation or
liability to the other party; provided, however, that if the termination results
from the willful and knowing failure of any of the parties to the merger
agreement to perform a covenant as required under the merger agreement (subject
to certain exceptions) or any willful and knowing breach of a representation or
warranty contained in the merger agreement, the breaching party shall bear the
cost of the other parties’ resulting losses.
Holdco
Sub Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (See page
110)
In
connection with the completion of the merger, the Holdco Sub LLC Agreement will,
in part, authorize a capital structure comprised of Class A, Class B, Class C
and Class D units. GSCAC will own 100% of the Class A
units. The Class B units, Class C units and Class D units will be
issued to the owners of Complete Energy as part of the merger consideration and
to the LP Minority Holders and Fulcrum if such parties accept our offers to
exchange their respective minority equity interests in the La Paloma facility
and the Batesville facility, respectively.
Management. Holdco Sub will
be managed by GSCAC, as managing member of Holdco Sub and sole holder of Class A
units, and an executive committee comprised of members designated by
GSCAC. GSCAC will not be permitted to conduct any business or hold
any assets other than its ownership of Class A units in Holdco Sub and
activities incidental to such ownership and the general operation and management
of GSCAC. Holdco Sub will be required to pay all costs, expenses and
liabilities of GSCAC and to guarantee any indebtedness incurred by
GSCAC.
Voting Rights. The Class A
units are the sole voting interests in Holdco Sub, subject to limited approval
rights granted to the holders of Class B units.
Contributions. If GSCAC
issues any securities or receives any proceeds in exchange of securities, it
must contribute the proceeds to Holdco Sub and Holdco Sub must issue equivalent
securities to GSCAC. No other holder of units of Holdco Sub is required to make
any contributions to Holdco Sub.
Distributions. Distributions
on Class A units and Class B units will be made ratably. If Holdco Sub, at the
determination of the managing member, makes any distributions to its members,
then GSCAC must use the distributions that it receives on its Class A Units (net
of taxes and reserves for operating costs) to pay dividends to the holders of
Class A shares.
Transferability of Units. The
Class A units held by GSCAC will not be transferable. Class B, Class C and Class
D units will not be transferable except to “permitted transferees” (i.e.,
affiliates, family members and certain estate planning entities formed for the
benefit of the holder and his or her family members). Class B units cannot be
transferred unless an equal number of Class B shares are transferred to the same
transferee.
Exchange of Class B units. At
any time and from time to time, a holder of Class B units and Class B shares
will have the right to exchange the Class B units and an equal number of Class B
shares for the same numbers of Class A shares. Class A shares received in
the exchange will be freely transferable following the initial 180-day lock-up
period, subject to applicable restrictions under the federal or state securities
laws, and will have the benefit of registration rights under a registration
rights agreement among GSCAC and the holders of GSCAC and Holdco Sub securities
received in connection with the merger and related transactions.
Summary
of the Duff & Phelps Fairness Opinion (See page 66 and Annex
D)
In
connection with its consideration of the acquisition, GSCAC’s board of directors
engaged Duff & Phelps, an independent financial advisor, to provide the
board of directors of GSCAC with an opinion as to (1) the fairness,
from a
financial point of view, of the consideration to be paid by GSCAC in the
acquisition, to the holders of GSCAC’s common stock and (2) whether Complete
Energy has a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balance in GSCAC’s
trust account (excluding deferred underwriting discounts and
commissions). The full text of Duff and Phelps’ opinion, dated March
8, 2008, is attached to this proxy statement as Annex D. We encourage
you to read this opinion carefully in its entirety for a description of the
procedures followed, assumptions made, qualifications and limitations on the
review undertaken and other matters considered by Duff & Phelps in preparing
its opinion. Duff and Phelps’ opinion was directed to the GSCAC board
and only addressed (1) the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the
holders of GSCAC’s common stock of the consideration to be paid by GSCAC in the
acquisition and (2) whether Complete Energy has a fair market value equal to at
least 80% of the balance in GSCAC’s trust account (excluding deferred
underwriting discounts and commissions). The opinion does not address
any other aspect or implication of the acquisition. However,
neither Duff & Phelps' opinion nor the summary of its related analysis is
intended to be, and does not constitute advice or a recommendation to any
stockholder as to how such stockholder should act or vote with respect to the
acquisition.
The
Second Amended and Restated Charter of GSCAC (See page 78 and Annex
B)
Assuming
the acquisition proposal is approved, GSCAC’s stockholders are also being asked
to approve the amendment and restatement of our charter, to be effective
immediately prior to completion of the merger. The second amended and restated
charter will, among other things:
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change
our name to “Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation,”
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permit
our continued existence after June 25,
2009,
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increase
the number of our authorized shares of common
stock,
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create
two classes of common stock (Class A shares to have voting and economic
rights and Class B shares to have voting rights but no economic
rights),
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convert
all of our outstanding common stock into Class A common stock
and
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permit
each Class B share plus one Class B unit of Holdco Sub to be exchanged
into one Class A share.
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The
Issuance of Class A Shares and Class B Shares of GSCAC (See page
81)
You are
being asked to approve the issuance by GSCAC of up to 60,227,852 Class A shares
and Class B shares in consideration for the merger and related transactions,
including the exchange of Complete Energy debt pursuant to the lender consent
and issuances to the LP Minority Holders and Fulcrum (if they accept our
offers). The Class B shares have the same voting rights as the Class
A shares, but have no economic rights. If our offers to the LP
Minority Holders and Fulcrum are not accepted, the shares allocated for the LP
Minority Holders and Fulcrum will not be issued and the LP Minority Holders and
Fulcrum will continue to own their minority interests in a subsidiary of
Complete Energy.
The
Election of Directors (See page 82)
You are
being asked to elect the following two persons to serve as
directors: James K. Goodwin and Matthew C. Kaufman. Please see the
section entitled “Proposal IV—Election
of Directors” and “Interests of Certain Persons in the Acquisition” for
information regarding these persons. If the election of directors proposal is
approved, and the acquisition proposal is not approved, our board will continue
to be comprised of Alfred C. Eckert, III, Peter R. Frank, James K. Goodwin,
Matthew C. Kaufman, Richard A. McKinnon, Richard W. Detweiler and Daniel R.
Sebastian. Our board of directors has determined that the following
directors satisfy the definition of independence as defined under the listing
standards of the AMEX: Messrs. Goodwin, McKinnon, Detweiler and
Sebastian.
Our board
of directors is divided into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and
Class III. The members of our board of directors that are proposed to be elected
in this proxy statement will be members of Class I and will
have
initial terms that terminate on the date of the 2011 annual meeting. Existing
Class II directors will serve until the 2009 annual meeting and Class III
directors will serve until the 2010 annual meeting. At each succeeding annual
meeting of stockholders, successors to the class of directors whose term expires
at that annual meeting will be elected for a three year term. Each director will
hold office for the term to which he or she is elected and until his or her
successor is duly elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier
resignation, removal, death or incapacity.
If the
election of directors proposal and our other proposals are approved, effective
upon completion of the acquisition, our board of directors will expand the size
of the board to 11 directors if we remain listed on the AMEX or, if we are
accepted for listing on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), The NASDAQ Stock
Market LLC (“NASDAQ”) or any other national securities exchange, to the number
of directors necessary to satisfy the applicable independence requirements of
such exchange and all of our existing board members, with the exception of Mr.
Kaufman and Peter R. Frank, will resign. In accordance with the terms
of the merger agreement and the lender consent, (1) R. Blair Thomas, as the
designee under the lender consent, will be appointed to serve as a Class I
director, (2) Hugh A. Tarpley and Lori A. Cuervo, as designees of Complete
Energy, will be appointed to our board of directors to the class or classes
agreed to by GSCAC and Complete Energy prior to the closing, (3) Mr. Kaufman
will continue as a Class I director and Mr. Frank will continue as a Class II
director and (4) the number of directors needed to satisfy the independence
requirements of the applicable exchange will be appointed to the board to fill
the remaining vacancies with such independent directors to be apportioned to the
three classes so that the three classes have approximately an equal number of
directors. The independent directors will be chosen by GSCAC and
Complete Energy prior to the closing.
The
Stock Option Plan (See page 87)
The GSC
Acquisition Company 2008 Stock Option Plan (the “stock option plan”) proposes to
reserve 6,210,000 Class A shares for issuance in accordance with awards under
the stock option plan. We are proposing the stock option plan, which would be
effective upon completion of the merger, as a means of securing and retaining
key employees and others of outstanding ability and to motivate such individuals
to exert their best efforts on behalf of GSCAC and its affiliates by providing
incentives through the grant of options to acquire shares of our common stock.
For more information regarding the stock option plan, see “Proposal IV—Adoption
of the Stock Option Plan.” Additionally, the stock option plan is
attached as Annex C to this proxy statement. We encourage you to read the stock
option plan in its entirety.
GSCAC’s
Founding Stockholder Ownership (See page 187)
As of July
28, 2008, two of our directors, Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon, and our founding
stockholder beneficially owned and were entitled to vote, in the aggregate,
4,500,000 shares of our common stock, representing approximately 17.9% of our
outstanding common stock. This ownership does not include the
4,000,000 shares of GSCAC common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants held
by our founding stockholder. With respect to the acquisition proposal only, each
of Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon and our founding stockholder have agreed to vote
all of his or its shares only in accordance with the majority of the votes cast
by the holders of the IPO shares. Each of Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon and our
founding stockholder have also agreed that if he or it acquires shares in or
following our IPO, he or it will vote all such acquired shares in favor of the
initial business combination. This voting arrangement does not apply to any
proposal other than the acquisition proposal. Our founding
stockholder and Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon have informed GSCAC that it and
they intend to vote all of its and their shares for all of the proposals
described in this proxy statement (in addition to the acquisition
proposal).
Consideration
Offered to GSCAC’s Stockholders
Existing
GSCAC stockholders will not receive any cash or property as a result of the
merger, but instead will continue to hold their shares of GSCAC common stock,
which upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement
will automatically convert into Class A shares. Upon completion of the merger
and the repayment of certain debt of the Complete Energy subsidiaries, our
stockholders collectively are expected to own approximately 57% of Complete
Energy Holdings Corporation, on a fully diluted basis and assuming that no
GSCAC
stockholders vote against the acquisition proposal and properly exercise their
conversion rights. As part of the proposed acquisition, GSCAC has
agreed to make offers to acquire the minority interests owned by third parties
in the Complete Energy subsidiaries that own its La Paloma facility and
Batesville facility. If our offers are accepted, the ownership of the
existing GSCAC stockholders, the TAMCO funds, the current owners of Complete
Energy and Morgan Stanley would be proportionately diluted.
Conversion
Rights (See page 117)
Each
holder of IPO shares has a right to convert the IPO shares into cash if such
holder votes against the acquisition proposal, the merger is completed and the
holder properly exercises its conversion rights as described below. Such IPO
shares would then be converted into cash at the per-share conversion price
described below on the completion date of the merger. It is anticipated that the
funds to be distributed to holders who vote against the merger and properly
exercise their conversion rights will be distributed promptly after completion
of the merger.
Voting
against the acquisition proposal alone will not result in the conversion of the
IPO shares into a pro rata share of the trust account. To convert IPO
shares, the holder must also properly exercise his or her conversion rights by
following the specific procedures for conversion set forth below and the merger
must be completed.
We will
not complete the merger and will not convert any IPO shares into cash if
stockholders owning 20% or more of the IPO shares both vote against the
acquisition proposal and properly exercise their conversion rights.
Holders of
IPO shares who convert their IPO shares into cash would still have the right to
exercise any warrants that they continue to hold.
The actual
per-share conversion price will be equal to the cash amount contained in our
trust account (before payment of deferred underwriting discounts and commissions
and including interest earned on such holder’s pro rata portion of the trust
account, net of income taxes payable on such interest and net of interest income
of up to $2.4 million previously released to us to fund our working capital
requirements), as of two business days prior to the completion of the merger,
divided by the total number of IPO shares. As of June 30, 2008, the per-share
conversion price would have been approximately $9.89.
Prior to
exercising conversion rights, holders of IPO shares should verify the market
price of the IPO shares as they may receive higher proceeds from the sale of the
IPO shares in the public market than from exercising conversion rights if the
market price per IPO share is higher than the conversion price.
To
exercise conversion rights, a holder of IPO shares, whether being a record
holder or holding the IPO shares in “street name,” must tender the IPO shares to
our transfer agent and deliver written instructions to our transfer
agent: (1) stating that such holder wishes to convert the IPO shares
into a pro rata share of the trust account and (2) confirming that such
holder has held the IPO shares since the record date and will continue to hold
them through the special meeting and the completion of the merger.
To tender
IPO shares to our transfer agent, the holder must deliver the IPO shares either
(1) at any time before the start of the special meeting (or any adjournment or
postponement thereof), electronically using the Depository Trust Company’s DWAC
(Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System or, (2) at any time before the day of
the special meeting (or any adjournment or postponement thereof), physically by
delivering a share certificate. Any holder who holds IPO shares in street name
will have to coordinate with his or her broker to arrange for the IPO shares to
be delivered electronically or physically. Any holder who desires to physically
tender to our transfer agent IPO shares that are held in street name must
instruct the account executive at his or her bank or broker to withdraw the IPO
shares from such holder’s account and request that a physical certificate be
issued in such holder’s name. Our transfer agent will be available to assist
with this process.
If any
holder does not deliver written instructions and tender his or her IPO shares
(either electronically or physically) to our transfer agent in accordance with
the above procedures, those IPO shares will not be converted into
cash.
Any
request for conversion, once made, may be withdrawn at any time before the start
(in case of electronic tendering) or at any time before the day (in case of
physical tendering) of our special meeting (or any adjournment or postponement
thereof), in which case the IPO shares will be returned (electronically or
physically) to such holder.
If any
holder tenders IPO shares (electronically or physically) and the merger is not
completed, the IPO shares will not be converted into cash and they will be
returned (electronically or physically) to such holder.
Interests
of Certain Persons In the Acquisition (See page 93)
In
considering the recommendation of GSCAC’s board of directors, you should be
aware that our executive officers and members of its board of directors have
interests in the acquisition that are different from, or in addition to, the
interests of GSCAC’s stockholders generally. The members of the board of
directors were aware of these differing interests and considered them, among
other matters, in evaluating and negotiating the merger agreement and in
recommending to our stockholders that they vote in favor of the acquisition and
other proposals. These interests include, among other things:
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Two
of our directors, Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon, and our founding
stockholder own 22,500, 22,500 and 4,455,000 shares of GSCAC’s common
stock respectively. These shares were purchased prior to our IPO for an
aggregate price of $25,000 and had an aggregate market value of
$42,480,000, based upon the last sale price of $9.44 on the AMEX on July
28, 2008. Our founding stockholder has recently agreed to transfer 5,000
shares of GSCAC’s common stock to each of two of our directors, Messrs.
Detweiler and Sebastian, subject to the completion of our initial business
combination. If our proposals are not approved and GSCAC is unable to
complete another business combination by June 25, 2009, GSCAC will be
required to liquidate. In such event, the 4,500,000 shares of common stock
held by Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon and our founding stockholder will be
worthless because they have agreed that they will not receive any
liquidation proceeds with respect to such shares. In addition, if we do
not complete an initial business combination, Messrs. Detweiler and
Sebastian will not receive any of the 5,000 shares that each is entitled
to receive upon completion of our initial business
combination. Accordingly, Messrs. Goodwin, McKinnon, Detweiler
and Sebastian and our founding stockholder have a financial interest in
the completion of the acquisition.
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In
addition to the shares of GSCAC common stock, our founding stockholder
purchased for $4,000,000 warrants to purchase up to 4,000,000 shares of
GSCAC common stock at $1.00 per share. If GSCAC is unable to
complete a business combination by June 25, 2009 and liquidates its
assets, there will be no distribution with respect to these warrants, and
the warrants will thereby expire
worthless.
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Three
of our directors, Messrs. Eckert, Frank and Kaufman, hold ownership
interests in GSC Group that give them indirect ownership interests in our
founding stockholder and GSCAC. Because of their indirect ownership
interests, each of Messrs. Eckert, Frank and Kaufman have financial
interests in the completion of the
acquisition.
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If
the acquisition is completed, certain of our current directors will
continue as directors of GSCAC. These non-executive directors
will be entitled to receive any cash fees, stock options, stock awards or
other compensation arrangements that GSCAC’s board of directors determines
to provide its non-executive
directors.
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The
current owners and officers of Complete Energy have interests in the acquisition
that are different from, or in addition to, your interests as a GSCAC
stockholder. In particular, Hugh Tarpley and Lori Cuervo, two of the Complete
Energy owners and senior members of the Complete Energy management team, are
expected to become our Chief Executive Officer (in the case of Mr. Tarpley) and
President and Chief Operating Officer (in the case of Ms. Cuervo) and members of
our board of directors upon completion of the merger. Mr. Tarpley and Ms. Cuervo
have entered into employment agreements with GSCAC that will become effective
upon completion of the merger.
Please see
“Management Following the Acquisition.” As a result of their
ownership interests in Complete Energy, Mr. Tarpley and Ms. Cuervo will receive
Class B shares, as well as Class B units, Class C units and Class D units of
Holdco Sub and will become parties to a registration rights agreement with GSCAC
and the Holdco Sub LLC Agreement upon completion of the merger. Mr. Tarpley and
Ms. Cuervo are also party to a consent and release agreement with GSCAC. It is
possible that conflicts of interest may arise with respect to their
responsibilities as executive officers of GSCAC and its subsidiaries and their
individual interests as parties to agreements with GSCAC and its subsidiaries.
The owners of Complete Energy will also continue after the merger to have rights
to indemnification under the limited liability company agreement of Complete
Energy.
No
Appraisal or Dissenters’ Rights
No
appraisal or dissenters’ rights are available under the DGCL to holders of GSCAC
common stock in connection with the proposals described in this proxy
statement.
Regulatory
Matters
Under the
provisions of the HSR Act, we could not complete the merger until we and
Complete Energy have made filings with the Antitrust Division of the U.S.
Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and the
applicable waiting period has expired or been terminated. We and
Complete Energy filed pre-merger notifications under the HSR Act on May 22,
2008. We were informed by the FTC on June 2, 2008 that early
termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act for the proposed merger had
been granted, effective immediately.
We also
may not complete the merger until we and Complete Energy have made filings with
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) under Section 203 of the
Federal Power Act (“FPA”) and FERC issues a final order approving the
acquisition. We and Complete Energy filed an application with FERC
under Section 203 for authorization to complete the proposed merger on July 25,
2008. FERC is expected to act on the application by the end of the
third quarter of 2008.
In
addition, Complete Energy filed a pre-closing notice with the California Public
Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) and California Independent System Operator
CAISO on May 22, 2008 pursuant to Generator Operation Standard 25 for Generating
Asset Owners, General Order 167, relating to the transfer of ownership of the
generating asset for the La Paloma facility. Complete Energy has been advised by
the California Energy Commission that no approval will be required in connection
with the acquisition. The consent of the Federal Communications Commission is
also required relating to the transfer of control of radio authorizations held
by La Paloma Generating Company, LLC (for the La Paloma facility) and LSP Energy
Limited Partnership (for the Batesville facility).
Risk
Factors (See page 36)
In
evaluating each of the proposals set forth in this proxy statement, you should
carefully read this proxy statement and consider the factors discussed in the
section entitled “Risk Factors.”
The
following selected historical financial data as of March 31, 2008 was derived
from the unaudited financial statements of GSCAC for the period from October 26,
2006 (date of inception) to March 31, 2008. The selected financial data below
should be read in conjunction with GSCAC’s financial statements and related
notes beginning on page F-3 and “GSCAC - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in this proxy
statement.
Statement
of Operations Data:
|
|
October
26, 2006 (date of inception) to March 31, 2008
|
|
Dividend
income
|
|
$ |
5,545,013 |
|
Expenses
|
|
|
(735,463 |
) |
Net
income before income taxes
|
|
|
4,809,550 |
|
Provision
for income taxes
|
|
|
(1,986,631 |
) |
Net
income
|
|
|
2,822,919 |
|
Net
income per share (diluted)
|
|
|
0.13 |
|
Weighted
average shares outstanding (diluted)
|
|
|
21,135,886 |
|
|
|
|
|
Working
capital (excludes cash held in trust account)
|
|
$ |
298,131 |
|
Total
assets
|
|
|
205,009,761 |
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
|
6,698,837 |
|
Common
stock, subject to possible conversion
|
|
|
40,955,151 |
|
Stockholders’
equity
|
|
|
157,355,773 |
|
The
following table shows selected historical financial data of Complete Energy for
the periods and as of the dates presented. The selected financial
data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 are derived
from the audited financial statements of Complete Energy beginning on page
F-25. The selected historical financial data as of December 31, 2004
and for the period from January 29, 2004 (inception) to December 31, 2004, are
derived from the unaudited financial statements of Complete
Energy. Complete Energy did not have operations prior to January 29,
2004. The selected historical financial data for the three months
ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 are derived from the unaudited financial
statements of Complete Energy beginning on page F-66. This
information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the
notes thereto and the section of this proxy statement entitled “Complete Energy
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.” These selected historical financial results may not be
indicative of Complete Energy’s future financial or operating
results.
|
|
Period
from January 29 to December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three
Months
Ended
March
31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statement
of Operations Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
REVENUES
|
|
$ |
2,068 |
|
|
$ |
98,257 |
|
|
$ |
212,477 |
|
|
$ |
260,457 |
|
|
$ |
59,151 |
|
|
$ |
62,060 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel and purchased energy
expense
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
56,606 |
|
|
|
118,744 |
|
|
|
137,517 |
|
|
|
35,006 |
|
|
|
31,188 |
|
Operating and
maintenance
|
|
|
1,878 |
|
|
|
24,468 |
|
|
|
54,073 |
|
|
|
80,029 |
|
|
|
12,327 |
|
|
|
30,932 |
|
Administrative and
general
|
|
|
162 |
|
|
|
1,935 |
|
|
|
3,023 |
|
|
|
2,755 |
|
|
|
656 |
|
|
|
887 |
|
Depreciation and
amortization
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
4,986 |
|
|
|
13,568 |
|
|
|
26,606 |
|
|
|
4,551 |
|
|
|
8,662 |
|
TOTAL OPERATING COSTS AND
EXPENSES
|
|
|
2,041 |
|
|
|
87,995 |
|
|
|
189,408 |
|
|
|
246,907 |
|
|
|
52,540 |
|
|
|
71,669 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME
(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
10,262 |
|
|
|
23,069 |
|
|
|
13,550 |
|
|
|
6,612 |
|
|
|
(9,609 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
304 |
|
|
|
1,728 |
|
|
|
3,314 |
|
|
|
472 |
|
|
|
586 |
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(21,061 |
) |
|
|
(52,927 |
) |
|
|
(81,562 |
) |
|
|
(13,658 |
) |
|
|
(24,517 |
) |
Other income
|
|
|
2,027 |
|
|
|
(58 |
) |
|
|
220 |
|
|
|
36,747 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
(310 |
) |
TOTAL OTHER
EXPENSE
|
|
|
2,027 |
|
|
|
(20,815 |
) |
|
|
(50,979 |
) |
|
|
(41,501 |
) |
|
|
(13,162 |
) |
|
|
(24,241 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOSS
BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
2,054 |
|
|
|
(10,553 |
) |
|
|
(27,910 |
) |
|
|
(27,951 |
) |
|
|
(6,551 |
) |
|
|
(33,850 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOSS
ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
255 |
|
|
|
(814 |
) |
|
|
(2,065 |
) |
|
|
(5,120 |
) |
|
|
(635 |
) |
|
|
(7,668 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
$ |
1,799 |
|
|
$ |
(9,739 |
) |
|
$ |
(25,845 |
) |
|
$ |
(22,831 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,916 |
) |
|
$ |
(26,182 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
Flow Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
$ |
875 |
|
|
$ |
(16,320 |
) |
|
$ |
9,377 |
|
|
$ |
(15 |
) |
|
$ |
679 |
|
|
$ |
(12,163 |
) |
Net
cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
(514,562 |
) |
|
|
3,962 |
|
|
|
(87,856 |
) |
|
|
(58,357 |
) |
|
|
22,529 |
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
(249 |
) |
|
|
536,957 |
|
|
|
(6,689 |
) |
|
|
89,557 |
|
|
|
61,854 |
|
|
|
(9,663 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property,
plant and equipment, net
|
|
$ |
15 |
|
|
$ |
586,056 |
|
|
$ |
568,976 |
|
|
$ |
819,145 |
|
|
$ |
842,682 |
|
|
$ |
811,902 |
|
Total
Assets
|
|
|
2,134 |
|
|
|
671,674 |
|
|
|
641,486 |
|
|
|
1,019,690 |
|
|
|
1,003,997 |
|
|
|
986,502 |
|
Current
liabilities, including current portion of long-term debt
|
|
|
350 |
|
|
|
47,175 |
|
|
|
60,390 |
|
|
|
212,859 |
|
|
|
79,508 |
|
|
|
224,451 |
|
Long-term
debt, net of current maturities
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
538,209 |
|
|
|
529,328 |
|
|
|
779,402 |
|
|
|
853,581 |
|
|
|
772,215 |
|
Total
Liabilities
|
|
|
330 |
|
|
|
598,736 |
|
|
|
600,171 |
|
|
|
1,031,329 |
|
|
|
470,222 |
|
|
|
1,039,836 |
|
Minority
Interest
|
|
|
255 |
|
|
|
80,556 |
|
|
|
75,921 |
|
|
|
68,430 |
|
|
|
92,670 |
|
|
|
57,625 |
|
Members’
Equity (Deficit)
|
|
|
1,549 |
|
|
|
(7,618 |
) |
|
|
(34,606 |
) |
|
|
(80,069 |
) |
|
|
(58,895 |
) |
|
|
(110,959 |
) |
The
following unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet combines the
historical balance sheets of Complete Energy and GSCAC as of March 31, 2008,
giving effect to the acquisition of Complete Energy as if the acquisition had
been consummated on March 31, 2008. The following unaudited pro forma
condensed combined statements of operations combines the historical statements
of operations of Complete Energy and the historical statements of operations of
GSCAC for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and the year ended December 31,
2007, giving effect to the merger as if it had occurred on January 1,
2007. We are providing the following information to aid you in your
analysis of the financial aspects of the merger. We derived this
information for the year ended December 31, 2007 from the audited financial
statements of Complete Energy and the audited financial statements of GSCAC for
that period and as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from the
unaudited financial statements of Complete Energy and the unaudited financial
statements of GSCAC for that period. This information should be read
together with the respective GSCAC and Complete Energy financial statements and
related notes included in this proxy statement.
The
historical financial information has been adjusted to give effect to events that
are directly attributable to the merger, factually supportable and expected to
have a continuing impact on the combined results. The unaudited pro
forma condensed combined financial statements were prepared using the purchase
method of accounting, with Complete Energy as the acquiring
company.
The
unaudited pro forma condensed combined information is for illustrative purposes
only. The pro forma combined financial information may not be
indicative of the historical results that would have been achieved had the
companies always been combined or the future results that the combined company
will experience, nor do they purport to project the future financial position or
operating results of the combined company.
The
following information should be read in conjunction with the pro forma condensed
combined financial information:
|
·
|
The
accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements;
|
|
·
|
Historical
financial statements of GSCAC for the year ended December 31, 2007,
included elsewhere in this proxy statement;
and
|
|
·
|
Separate
historical financial statements of Complete Energy for the year ended
December 31, 2007, included elsewhere in this proxy
statement.
|
The
unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared
assuming two different levels of conversion to cash by the GSCAC stockholders,
as follows:
|
·
|
Assuming
Maximum Share Conversion: This presentation assumes that 19.99%
of the GSCAC stockholders exercise their conversion rights;
and
|
|
·
|
Assuming
No Share Conversion: This presentation assumes that no GSCAC
stockholders exercise their conversion
rights.
|
The
following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements give no
effect to any acceptance of our offers to exchange minority interests in
Complete Energy subsidiaries for Class B shares and Class B units in Holdco Sub
by the LP Minority Holders or Fulcrum. Any such exchange would reduce
minority interest, increase the aggregate par value for the Class B shares and
increase the additional paid-in capital line items on the pro forma balance
sheet. Please see “Offers to LP Minority Holders and
Fulcrum.”
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
Assuming
Maximum Share Conversion
March
31, 2008
(Amounts
in Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
|
$ |
15,725 |
|
|
$ |
735 |
|
|
$ |
20,393 |
|
|
$ |
36,853 |
|
Restricted cash
|
|
|
66,615 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(19,671 |
) |
|
|
46,944 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents held
in trust
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
204,200 |
|
|
|
(204,200 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
21,877 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
21,879 |
|
Inventory
|
|
|
12,761 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
12,761 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other
current assets
|
|
|
8,538 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
8,588 |
|
Deferred tax
asset
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
23 |
|
TOTAL CURRENT
ASSETS
|
|
|
125,516 |
|
|
|
205,010 |
|
|
|
(203,478 |
) |
|
|
127,048 |
|
DEFERRED
FINANCING COSTS, NET
|
|
|
14,159 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(5,597 |
) |
|
|
8,562 |
|
PROPERTY,
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
|
|
|
811,902 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
811,902 |
|
CONTRACTS,
NET
|
|
|
31,163 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
31,163 |
|
OTHER
ASSETS
|
|
|
3,762 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(269 |
) |
|
|
3,493 |
|
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
|
$ |
986,502 |
|
|
$ |
205,010 |
|
|
$ |
(209,344 |
) |
|
$ |
982,168 |
|
CURRENT
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
payable
|
|
$ |
24,688 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
24,688 |
|
Accrued
liabilities
|
|
|
13,572 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
13,608 |
|
Accrued
interest
|
|
|
22,729 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(18,495 |
) |
|
|
4,234 |
|
Current portion of long-term
debt
|
|
|
135,385 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(119,685 |
) |
|
|
15,700 |
|
Working capital
loan
|
|
|
22,600 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
22,600 |
|
Price risk management
liability
|
|
|
5,477 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
5,477 |
|
Income tax
payable
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
366 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
366 |
|
Due to
affiliate
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
87 |
|
Deferred underwriting
fees
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
6,210 |
|
|
|
(6,210 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Warrant
liabilities
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL CURRENT
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
224,451 |
|
|
|
6,699 |
|
|
|
(144,390 |
) |
|
|
86,760 |
|
LONG-TERM
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt, net of current
portion
|
|
|
772,215 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(79,810 |
) |
|
|
692,405 |
|
Cash settled
option
|
|
|
6,231 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(6,231 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Price risk
management
|
|
|
7,415 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
7,415 |
|
Asset Retirement
obligation
|
|
|
1,153 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,153 |
|
Contract, net
|
|
|
9,129 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
9,129 |
|
Other liability
|
|
|
1,498 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,498 |
|
Deferred tax
liability
|
|
|
17,744 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
17,744 |
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
1,039,836 |
|
|
|
6,699 |
|
|
|
(230,431 |
) |
|
|
816,104 |
|
COMMON
STOCK SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE CONVERSION
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
40,339 |
|
|
|
(40,339 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
MINORITY
INTEREST
|
|
|
57,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
57,625 |
|
DIVIDEND
INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE
CONVERSION
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
616 |
|
|
|
(616 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A Shares
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
Class B Shares
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
Members’ Deficit
|
|
|
(20,426 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
20,426 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
155,124 |
|
|
|
183,866 |
|
|
|
338,990 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
|
|
|
(7,735 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(7,735 |
) |
Retained
earnings
|
|
|
(82,798 |
) |
|
|
2,207 |
|
|
|
(142,276 |
) |
|
|
(222,867 |
) |
Stockholders’ Equity
(Deficit)
|
|
|
(110,959 |
) |
|
|
157,356 |
|
|
|
62,042 |
|
|
|
108,439 |
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|
$ |
986,502 |
|
|
$ |
205,010 |
|
|
$ |
(209,344 |
) |
|
$ |
982,168 |
|
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
Assuming
No Share Conversion
March
31, 2008
(Amounts
in Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash
equivalents
|
|
$ |
15,725 |
|
|
$ |
735 |
|
|
$ |
21,596 |
|
|
$ |
38,056 |
|
Restricted cash
|
|
|
66,615 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(19,671 |
) |
|
|
46,944 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents held
in trust
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
204,200 |
|
|
|
(204,200 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
21,877 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
21,879 |
|
Inventory
|
|
|
12,761 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
12,761 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other
current assets
|
|
|
8,538 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
8,588 |
|
Deferred tax
asset
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
23 |
|
TOTAL CURRENT
ASSETS
|
|
|
125,516 |
|
|
|
205,010 |
|
|
|
(202,275 |
) |
|
|
128,251 |
|
DEFERRED
FINANCING COSTS, NET
|
|
|
14,159 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(5,597 |
) |
|
|
8,562 |
|
PROPERTY,
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
|
|
|
811,902 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
811,902 |
|
CONTRACTS,
NET
|
|
|
31,163 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
31,163 |
|
OTHER
ASSETS
|
|
|
3,762 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(269 |
) |
|
|
3,493 |
|
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
|
$ |
986,502 |
|
|
$ |
205,010 |
|
|
$ |
(208,141 |
) |
|
$ |
983,371 |
|
CURRENT
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
payable
|
|
$ |
24,688 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
24,688 |
|
Accrued
liabilities
|
|
|
13,572 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
13,608 |
|
Accrued
interest
|
|
|
22,729 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(18,495 |
) |
|
|
4,234 |
|
Current portion of long-term
debt
|
|
|
135,385 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(119,685 |
) |
|
|
15,700 |
|
Working capital
loan
|
|
|
22,600 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
22,600 |
|
Price risk management
liability
|
|
|
5,477 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
5,477 |
|
Income tax
payable
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
366 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
366 |
|
Due to
affiliate
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
87 |
|
Deferred underwriting
fees
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
6,210 |
|
|
|
(6,210 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Warrant
liabilities
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
TOTAL CURRENT
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
224,451 |
|
|
|
6,699 |
|
|
|
(144,390 |
) |
|
|
86,760 |
|
LONG-TERM
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt, net of current
portion
|
|
|
772,215 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(79,810 |
) |
|
|
692,405 |
|
Cash settled
option
|
|
|
6,231 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(6,231 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Price risk
management
|
|
|
7,415 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
7,415 |
|
Asset Retirement
obligation
|
|
|
1,153 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,153 |
|
Contract, net
|
|
|
9,129 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
9,129 |
|
Other liability
|
|
|
1,498 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,498 |
|
Deferred tax
liability
|
|
|
17,744 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
17,744 |
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
1,039,836 |
|
|
|
6,699 |
|
|
|
(230,431 |
) |
|
|
816,104 |
|
COMMON
STOCK SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE CONVERSION
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
40,339 |
|
|
|
(40,339 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
MINORITY
INTEREST
|
|
|
57,625 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
57,625 |
|
DIVIDEND
INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE
CONVERSION
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
616 |
|
|
|
(616 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A Shares
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
Class B Shares
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
Members’ Deficit
|
|
|
(20,426 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
20,426 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Additional paid-in
capital
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
155,124 |
|
|
|
166,071 |
|
|
|
321,195 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
|
|
|
(7,735 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(7,735 |
) |
Retained
earnings
|
|
|
(82,798 |
) |
|
|
2,207 |
|
|
|
(123,276 |
) |
|
|
(203,867 |
) |
Stockholders’ Equity
(Deficit)
|
|
|
(110,959 |
) |
|
|
157,356 |
|
|
|
63,245 |
|
|
|
109,642 |
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|
$ |
986,502 |
|
|
$ |
205,010 |
|
|
$ |
(208,141 |
) |
|
$ |
983,371 |
|
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Assuming
Maximum Share Conversion
For
the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
(Amounts
in Thousands, except share and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
REVENUES
|
|
$ |
62,060 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
62,060 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel and purchased energy
expense
|
|
|
31,188 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
31,188 |
|
Operating and
maintenance
|
|
|
30,932 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
30,932 |
|
Administrative and
general
|
|
|
887 |
|
|
|
203 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,090 |
|
Depreciation and
amortization
|
|
|
8,662 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
8,662 |
|
Total
Operating Costs and Expenses
|
|
|
71,669 |
|
|
|
203 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
71,872 |
|
LOSS
FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
(9,609 |
) |
|
|
(203 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(9,812 |
) |
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend income
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,357 |
|
|
|
(1,357 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Interest income
|
|
|
586 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
586 |
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(24,517 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
9,776 |
|
|
|
(14,741 |
) |
Transaction
expense
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Other
income
|
|
|
(310 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(310 |
) |
Total
Other Expense
|
|
|
(24,421 |
) |
|
|
1,357 |
|
|
|
8,419 |
|
|
|
(14,465 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME
(LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
(33,850 |
) |
|
|
1,154 |
|
|
|
8,419 |
|
|
|
(24,277 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROVISION
FOR INCOME TAXES
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
510 |
|
|
|
(510 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
LOSS
ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
7,668 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
7,668 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
$ |
(26,182 |
) |
|
$ |
644 |
|
|
$ |
8,575 |
|
|
$ |
(16,609 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Dividend
income attributable to common stock subject to possible
conversion
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(118 |
) |
|
|
118 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro
forma net income (loss) attributable to common stock not subject to
possible conversion
|
|
$ |
(26,182 |
) |
|
$ |
526 |
|
|
$ |
8,693 |
|
|
$ |
(16,609 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRO
FORMA NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE—BASIC AND DILUTED (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(0.33 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING—BASIC AND DILUTED (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,858 |
|
(1)
|
When
an entity has a net loss from continuing operations, SFAS No. 128,
“Earnings per Share”, prohibits the inclusion of potential common shares
in the computation of diluted per-share amounts. Accordingly, we have
utilized the basic shares outstanding amount to calculate both basic and
diluted loss per share for all periods
presented.
|
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Assuming
No Share Conversion
For
the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
(Amounts
in Thousands, except share and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
REVENUES
|
|
$ |
62,060 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
62,060 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel and purchased energy
expense
|
|
|
31,188 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
31,188 |
|
Operating and
maintenance
|
|
|
30,932 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
30,932 |
|
Administrative and
general
|
|
|
887 |
|
|
|
203 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,090 |
|
Depreciation and
amortization
|
|
|
8,662 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
8,662 |
|
Total
Operating Costs and Expenses
|
|
|
71,669 |
|
|
|
203 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
71,872 |
|
LOSS
FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
(9,609 |
) |
|
|
(203 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(9,812 |
) |
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend income
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,357 |
|
|
|
(1,357 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Interest income
|
|
|
586 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
586 |
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(24,517 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
9,776 |
|
|
|
(14,741 |
) |
Transaction
expense
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Other
income
|
|
|
(310 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(310 |
) |
Total Other
Expense
|
|
|
(24,241 |
) |
|
|
1,357 |
|
|
|
8,419 |
|
|
|
(14,465 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME
(LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
(33,850 |
) |
|
|
1,154 |
|
|
|
8,419 |
|
|
|
(24,277 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROVISION
FOR INCOME TAXES
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
510 |
|
|
|
(510 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
LOSS
ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
7,668 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
7,668 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
$ |
(26,182 |
) |
|
$ |
644 |
|
|
$ |
8,929 |
|
|
$ |
(16,609 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Dividend
income attributable to common stock subject to possible
conversion
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(118 |
) |
|
|
118 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro
forma net income (loss) attributable to common stock not subject to
possible conversion
|
|
$ |
(26,182 |
) |
|
$ |
526 |
|
|
$ |
9,047 |
|
|
$ |
(16,609 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRO
FORMA NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE—BASIC AND DILUTED (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(0.34 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING—BASIC AND DILUTED (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(49,185 |
) |
(1)
|
When
an entity has a net loss from continuing operations, SFAS No. 128,
“Earnings per Share”, prohibits the inclusion of potential common shares
in the computation of diluted per-share amounts. Accordingly, we have
utilized the basic shares outstanding amount to calculate both basic and
diluted loss per share for all periods
presented.
|
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Assuming
Maximum Share Conversion
For
the Year Ended December 31, 2007
(Amounts
in Thousands, except share and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LSP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
REVENUES
|
|
$ |
260,457 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
10,949 |
|
|
$ |
(822 |
) |
|
$ |
270,584 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel and purchased energy
expense
|
|
|
137,517 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
137,517 |
|
Operating and
maintenance
|
|
|
80,029 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,811 |
|
|
|
(621 |
) |
|
|
81,219 |
|
Administrative and
general
|
|
|
2,755 |
|
|
|
394 |
|
|
|
559 |
|
|
|
(201 |
) |
|
|
3,507 |
|
Depreciation and
amortization
|
|
|
26,606 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
5,049 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
31,655 |
|
Total Operating
Costs and Expenses
|
|
|
246,907 |
|
|
|
(394 |
) |
|
|
7,419 |
|
|
|
(822 |
) |
|
|
253,898 |
|
INCOME
(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
13,550 |
|
|
|
(394 |
) |
|
|
3,530 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
16,686 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend income
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
4,188 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(4,188 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Interest income
|
|
|
3,314 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
322 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3,636 |
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(81,562 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(4,356 |
) |
|
|
14,189 |
|
|
|
(71,729 |
) |
Loss on retirement of debt
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(142,630 |
) |
|
|
(142,630 |
) |
Other income
|
|
|
36,747 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
36,747 |
|
Total Other
Expense
|
|
|
(41,501 |
) |
|
|
4,188 |
|
|
|
(4,034 |
) |
|
|
(132,629 |
) |
|
|
(173,976 |
) |
INCOME
(LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
(27,951 |
) |
|
|
3,794 |
|
|
|
(504 |
) |
|
|
(132,629 |
) |
|
|
(157,290 |
) |
PROVISION
FOR INCOME TAXES
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,477 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(1,477 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
INCOME
(LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
5,120 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
5,120 |
|
NET
INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
$ |
(22,831 |
) |
|
$ |
2,317 |
|
|
$ |
(504 |
) |
|
$ |
(131,152 |
) |
|
$ |
(152,170 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Dividend
income attributable to common stock subject to possible
conversion
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(498 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
498 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro
forma net income (loss) attributable to common stock not subject to
possible conversion
|
|
$ |
(22,831 |
) |
|
$ |
1,819 |
|
|
$ |
(504 |
) |
|
$ |
(130,654 |
) |
|
$ |
(152,170 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRO
FORMA NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE—BASIC AND DILUTED (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(3.66 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING—BASIC AND DILUTED (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(41,435 |
) |
(1)
|
When
an entity has a net loss from continuing operations, SFAS No. 128,
“Earnings per Share”, prohibits the inclusion of potential common shares
in the computation of diluted per-share amounts. Accordingly, we have
utilized the basic shares outstanding amount to calculate both basic and
diluted loss per share for all periods
presented.
|
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Assuming
No Share Conversion
For
the Year Ended December 31, 2007
(Amounts
in Thousands, except share and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LSP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
REVENUES
|
|
$ |
260,457 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
10,949 |
|
|
$ |
(822 |
) |
|
$ |
270,584 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel and purchased energy
expense
|
|
|
137,517 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
137,517 |
|
Operating and
maintenance
|
|
|
80,029 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,811 |
|
|
|
(621 |
) |
|
|
81,219 |
|
Administrative and
general
|
|
|
2,755 |
|
|
|
394 |
|
|
|
559 |
|
|
|
(201 |
) |
|
|
3,507 |
|
Depreciation and
amortization
|
|
|
26,606 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
5,049 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
31,655 |
|
Total
Operating Costs and Expenses
|
|
|
246,907 |
|
|
|
(394 |
) |
|
|
7,419 |
|
|
|
(822 |
) |
|
|
253,898 |
|
INCOME
(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
13,550 |
|
|
|
(394 |
) |
|
|
3,530 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
16,686 |
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend income
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
4,188 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(4,188 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Interest income
|
|
|
3,314 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
322 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3,636 |
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(81,562 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(4,356 |
) |
|
|
14,189 |
|
|
|
(71,729 |
) |
Loss on retirement of debt
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(123,746 |
) |
|
|
(123,746 |
) |
Other income
|
|
|
36,747 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
36,747 |
|
Total Other
Expense
|
|
|
(41,501 |
) |
|
|
4,188 |
|
|
|
(4,034 |
) |
|
|
(113,745 |
) |
|
|
(155,092 |
) |
INCOME
(LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
(27,951 |
) |
|
|
3,794 |
|
|
|
(504 |
) |
|
|
(113,745 |
) |
|
|
(138,406 |
) |
PROVISION
FOR INCOME TAXES
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,477 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(1,477 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
INCOME
(LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
5,120 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
5,120 |
|
NET
INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
$ |
(22,831 |
) |
|
$ |
2,317 |
|
|
$ |
(504 |
) |
|
$ |
(112,268 |
) |
|
$ |
(133,286 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Dividend
income attributable to common stock subject to possible
conversion
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(498 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
498 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro
forma net income (loss) attributable to common stock not subject to
possible conversion
|
|
$ |
(22,831 |
) |
|
$ |
1,819 |
|
|
$ |
(504 |
) |
|
$ |
(111,770 |
) |
|
$ |
(133,286 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRO
FORMA NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE—BASIC AND DILUTED (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(3.34 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING—BASIC AND DILUTED (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(39,761 |
) |
______________
(1)
|
When
an entity has a net loss from continuing operations, SFAS No. 128,
“Earnings per Share”, prohibits the inclusion of potential common shares
in the computation of diluted per-share amounts. Accordingly, we have
utilized the basic shares outstanding amount to calculate both basic and
diluted loss per share for all periods
presented.
|
Notes
to the Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial
Statements
The
preceding unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements assume
that the number of GSCAC shares and units of a GSCAC subsidiary that would be
issued to the Complete Energy owners and the debt holders in the proposed
transactions was determined using a $10 price per GSCAC share. The
actual number of GSCAC shares and units of a GSCAC subsidiary that would be
issued in the proposed transactions will be determined using a price per GSCAC
share equal to the lesser of (1) $10.00 and (2) the average closing price per
share of our common stock for the 20 trading days ending three business days
before the completion of the merger. On July 28, 2008, the closing
price per share of our common stock as reported on the AMEX was
$9.44.
Adjustments
included in the column under the heading “Pro Forma Adjustments”
include: (in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
·
|
Complete Energy Credit
Agreement. The retirement of $123 million due under the
Complete Energy Credit Agreement for $123 million cash
payment. The retirement of the Complete Energy Credit Agreement
includes the write off of approximately $3 million of deferred financing
cost, approximately $3.3 million of debt discount resulting in a loss on
retirement of debt of approximately $6.3 million. The reduction
to interest expense for the retirement of the Complete Energy Credit
Agreement, for the three month period ended March 31, 2008 and for the
year December 31, 2007 was $6.9 million and $2.4 million,
respectively.
|
|
·
|
The
payment of approximately $0.8 million promissory note to a former member
of Complete Energy.
|
|
·
|
TAMCO/MS
Notes - The retirement of $129.8 million TAMCO/MS Notes as
follows:
|
Assuming No Share Conversion
(“ANSC”). Under the ANSR presentation, the TAMCO/MS Notes are
exchanged for $50 million in cash, $50 million mezzanine note and approximately
$170 million of Class A shares. The exchange of the TAMCO/MS
Notes includes the write off of $3.1 million of deferred financing costs, $5.8
million liability related to the cash settled option and reduction to accrued
interest of $18.5 million, resulting in a loss on retirement of debt of $117.5
million. The reduction to interest expense for the retirement of the
TAMCO/MS Notes net of the interest expense associated with the new mezzanine
note for the three month period ended March 31, 2008 and for the year December
31, 2007 was $2.5 million and $11.8 million, respectively.
Assuming Maximum Share
Conversion (“AMSC”). Under the AMSC presentation, the TAMCO/MS
Notes are exchanged for $10.8 million in cash, $50 million mezzanine note and
approximately $226.6 million of Class A shares. The exchange of
the TAMCO/MS Notes includes the write off of $3.1 million of deferred financing
costs, $5.8 million liability related to the cash settled option and the
reduction to accrued interest of $18.5 million resulting in a loss on retirement
of debt of $136.4 million. The reduction to interest expense for the
retirement of the TAMCO/MS Notes net of the interest expense associated with the
new mezzanine note for the three month period ended March 31, 2008 and for the
year December 31, 2007 was $2.5 million and $11.8 million,
respectively.
|
·
|
As a
result of the retirement of the Complete Energy Credit Agreement and the
TAMCO/MS Notes, cash residing in interest reserve accounts of $19.7
million included in restricted cash was reclassified to cash and cash
equivalents. Cash remaining in cash and cash equivalents held
in trust under ANSR and AMSC of $4.4 million and $2.7 million,
respectively, was reclassified to cash and cash
equivalents.
|
|
·
|
Complete
Energy. In exchange for their ownership interest in
Complete Energy, the owners of Complete Energy were issued 7,133 Class B
shares which was recorded at the book value of the Complete Energy units
exchanged.
|
|
·
|
Transaction
Costs. Included in additional paid in capital is the
payment of $19.8 million of estimated costs associated with the merger,
including advisory, legal and accounting fees. Deferred
underwriting costs of $6.2
|
million,
which GSCAC recognized as a liability in connection with its IPO, are reflected
as a payment from cash held on trust.
|
·
|
Taxes. GSCAC
is a corporation and is subject to federal and state income
taxes. Complete Energy, on a historical basis, was treated as a
partnership for tax purposes and was not subject to federal and state
income taxes. Those taxes were the responsibility of the
partners of the partnership. Had the companies merged as of the
pro forma dates, it would have generated net losses for all periods
presented. As such, a valuation allowance would have been
created in the amount of any income tax benefit related to such net
losses. Tax provisions for the three months ended March 31,
2008 and the year ended December 31, 2007 have been eliminated in the
unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations.
|
This proxy
statement may contain statements about future events and expectations known as
“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We have based
these statements on current expectations and projections about future
results.
The words
“anticipates,” “may,” “can,” “believes,” “expects,” “projects,” “intends,”
“likely,” “will,” “to be” and other expressions that are predictions of or
indicate future events, trends or prospects and which do not relate to
historical matters identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that
may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of GSCAC and/or
Complete Energy to differ materially from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All
statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be
deemed forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but
are not limited to, uncertainties regarding the timing of the proposed
transaction with Complete Energy, whether the transaction will be approved by
GSCAC’s stockholders, whether the closing conditions will be satisfied
(including receipt of regulatory approvals), as well as industry and economic
conditions, competitive, legal, governmental and technological factors. There is
no assurance that GSCAC’s or Complete Energy’s expectations will be realized. If
one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying
assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those
expected, estimated or projected.
Readers
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements,
which speak only as of the date hereof. Except for our ongoing obligations to
disclose material information under the Federal securities laws, we undertake no
obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements
after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise.
You
should consider carefully the risk factors described below, together with the
other information contained in this proxy statement, before you decide whether
to vote or instruct your vote to be cast to approve the acquisition proposal and
the other proposals. If any of the following events occur, our business,
financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely affected.
In that event, the trading price of our securities could decline and you could
lose all or part of your investment. This proxy statement also contains
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual
results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking
statements as a result of specific factors, including the risks described
below.
Risks
Related to Complete Energy’s Industry
The
operation of power generation plants involves significant risks that could
result in unplanned power outages or reduced output, which could adversely
affect Complete Energy’s results of operations, financial condition or cash
flows.
Complete
Energy is subject to significant risks associated with operating power
generation plants, any of which could adversely affect its results of
operations, financial condition or cash flows. These risks include:
|
·
|
operating
performance below expected levels of output or
efficiency;
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failure
of equipment, operator or maintenance errors or other events resulting in
equipment outages or reduced
output;
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availability
of fuel and fuel transportation;
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disruptions
in the transmission of power; and
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catastrophic
events such as fires, hurricanes, explosions, floods, droughts, tornadoes,
earthquakes, lightning strikes, terrorist attacks or other similar
occurrences to Complete Energy’s facilities or to facilities upon which it
depends.
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Unplanned
outages of generation units due to mechanical failures or other problems,
including extensions of scheduled outages, occur from time to time and are an
inherent risk of Complete Energy’s business. Complete Energy has in the past,
and may in the future, experience unplanned outages at one or both of its
existing power generation facilities. For example, Complete Energy’s facilities
experienced three significant outages during 2007, two of which were insurable
events. A high rate of unplanned outages or claims against insurance carriers in
the future could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition,
including costs of maintaining required insurance coverage. Unplanned outages
typically increase operation and maintenance expenses. In addition, an unplanned
outage may reduce contractual or merchant revenues or require additional costs
as a result of obtaining replacement power from third parties in the open market
to satisfy contractual obligations. As a result, if any of Complete Energy’s
units were to experience an unexpected failure or unplanned outage, especially
during the peak summer season, it may have a material adverse effect on Complete
Energy’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
The cost
of repairing damage to Complete Energy’s facilities due to storms, tornadoes,
lightning strikes, natural disasters and other catastrophic events may
materially adversely affect Complete Energy’s results of operations, financial
condition or cash flows. These events and future events of this kind could
damage Complete Energy’s facilities and disrupt fuel supply and transmission
capability. These events could also result in adverse changes in the insurance
markets or other operating costs and disruptions of power and fuel
markets.
Complete
Energy’s operations are subject to hazards customary to the power generation
industry. Complete Energy may not have adequate insurance to cover all of these
hazards.
Power
generation involves hazardous activities, including transporting fuel, operating
large pieces of rotating equipment and delivering electricity to transmission
systems. In addition to natural risks such as earthquakes, floods,
tornadoes,
lightning strikes, hurricanes, wind, and other hazards, such as fire, explosion,
structural collapse and machinery failure are inherent risks in Complete
Energy’s operations. These hazards can cause significant personal injury or loss
of life, severe damage to and destruction of property, plant and equipment,
contamination of or damage to the environment and suspension of operations. The
occurrence of any one of these events may result in Complete Energy being named
as a defendant in lawsuits asserting claims for substantial damages, including
for environmental cleanup costs, personal injury and property damage and fines
and/or penalties. Complete Energy maintains an amount of insurance protection
that it considers adequate, but it cannot assure you that its insurance will be
sufficient or effective under all circumstances and against all hazards or
liabilities to which it may be subject. A successful claim for which Complete
Energy is not fully insured could hurt its financial results and materially harm
its financial condition. Further, due to rising insurance costs and changes in
the insurance markets, Complete Energy cannot assure you that insurance coverage
will continue to be available at all or at rates or on terms similar to those
presently available to it. Any losses not covered by insurance could have a
material adverse effect on Complete Energy’s financial condition, results of
operations or cash flows.
Customer
concentration may expose Complete Energy to significant financial credit or
performance risk.
720 MW of
the La Paloma facility’s output is contracted with Morgan Stanley Capital Group
Inc. (“Morgan Stanley Capital Group”) through 2012, with an option by Morgan
Stanley Capital Group to extend the contract for 240 MW through 2017. Under the
contract, Morgan Stanley Capital Group also supplies the fuel necessary to start
and operate the contracted units. In addition, all of the Batesville facility’s
output is sold under long-term contracts with J. Aron & Company (“J. Aron”)
and the South Mississippi Electric Power Association (“SMEPA”). Under these
contracts, the counterparty also supplies the fuel necessary to start and
operate the units. The counterparties to these contracts may breach the terms of
their contracts and may not be able to pay any amounts owed upon default.
Complete Energy may not be able to enter into replacement contracts on terms as
favorable as the existing contracts, or at all. If Complete Energy is unable to
enter into replacement contracts, Complete Energy may be in default under its
senior project level financing and may not have sufficient liquidity to sell
power and purchase fuel on a merchant basis. The failure of any supplier or
customer to fulfill its contractual obligations to Complete Energy could have a
material adverse effect on Complete Energy’s financial condition, results of
operations or cash flows. Consequently, the financial performance of Complete
Energy’s facilities is dependent on the credit quality of, and continued
performance by its suppliers, customers and other counterparties.
Complete
Energy’s profitability may decline if its financial derivative instruments do
not work as planned.
Complete
Energy has entered into interest rate swap agreements for the La Paloma facility
under which Complete Energy makes a quarterly payment to third parties at a
fixed rate and in return receives quarterly payments at a variable rate.
Complete Energy may from time to time enter into hedging arrangements whereby it
purchases natural gas and sells power under physical contracts that settle on a
monthly basis at agreed upon fixed prices. The risk management procedures
Complete Energy has in place may not work as planned. As a result of these and
other factors, Complete Energy cannot predict with precision the impact that its
risk management decisions may have on its financial condition, results of
operations or cash flows. Although Complete Energy devotes a considerable amount
of time to these issues, their outcome is uncertain.
Revenue
may be reduced significantly upon expiration or termination of the Batesville
facility’s contracts.
The
Batesville facility’s contracts generate a substantial portion of Complete
Energy’s operating margin. The pricing of these contracts could exceed current
pricing structures for comparable facilities in the Southeastern Electric
Reliability Counsel (“SERC”) market. The J. Aron contract expires in 2013 and
the SMEPA contract expires in 2015 (subject to an additional five-year
extension). In addition, the Batesville facility’s contracts contain clauses
that allow for early termination by the counterparties if, among other things,
the Batesville facility’s experiences a long-term force majeure
event.
When the
terms of the Batesville facility’s contracts expire or if the contracts are
terminated, there can be no guarantee that Complete Energy will be able to enter
into subsequent contracts on acceptable terms, in which case Complete Energy
could be forced to sell in the spot market. It is possible that the price paid
to Complete Energy for the generation of electricity under subsequent contracts
or in the spot market may be significantly less than the price
that had
been paid to Complete Energy under the Batesville facility’s contracts. Such a
situation could have a material adverse effect on Complete Energy’s results of
operations, financial condition or cash flows.
The
Morgan Stanley Capital Group contract is a “liquidated damages” contract that
exposes the La Paloma facility to market risk in the event of outages. In
addition, Morgan Stanley Capital Group will have the right to demand delivery of
power at locations other than the La Paloma facility’s busbar.
The La
Paloma facility has the obligation to deliver power to Morgan Stanley Capital
Group whether or not its units are operational. If the La Paloma facility is
unable to generate the required amount of power under the Morgan Stanley Capital
Group contract, the La Paloma facility is obligated to make market purchases of
power to deliver to Morgan Stanley Capital Group. A prolonged outage of two or
more units at the La Paloma facility, particularly during periods of high market
pricing, could have a material adverse effect on Complete Energy’s financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows.
The Morgan
Stanley Capital Group contract currently stipulates delivery at the NP-15
pricing hub. After implementation by CAISO of its Market Redesign and Technology
Upgrade (“MRTU”), expected in the fourth quarter of 2008, Morgan Stanley Capital
Group will have the option of taking delivery of power either at the plant
busbar or at the successor hub to NP-15. The La Paloma facility currently has
transmission congestion risk between pricing at its busbar and NP-15 and will
continue to do so if Morgan Stanley Capital Group elects delivery to the
successor hub to NP-15 post-MRTU implementation. Historically, the congestion
charges have not been material. However, there is no assurance that the risk may
not be material in the future or that the La Paloma facility will be able to
procure transmission credits to mitigate the risk.
The
Batesville facility may require future parent company capital
contributions.
Complete
Energy made capital contributions of approximately $11 million to the Batesville
project during 2007, primarily to fund major overhauls of two of its three units
and major maintenance as a result of two significant forced
outages. See “Complete Energy Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital
Resources—Sources of Liquidity and Capital Resources—The Batesville
Facility.” An outage experienced in 2007 will continue to impact the
Batesville facility’s operating revenues through September 2008, as contract
revenues associated with the impacted units are calculated based on trailing
12-month availability. Complete Energy estimates
that maintaining full funding of maintenance and debt service reserve
accounts could require capital contributions of approximately $4 million in the
next 12 months. Further capital contributions may be required in the
future. Insufficiency of funds at the Complete Energy corporate level
to make further capital contributions, if needed, could result in a default of
the Batesville facility’s project debt after the depletion of the debt service
reserve, which would have a material adverse effect on Complete Energy’s
financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. A portion of
Complete Energy’s revenues and results of operations is from the sale of
electric power by its merchant capacity at the La Paloma facility, and Complete
Energy is not guaranteed any rate of return through cost-based rates, long-term
contracts or long-term hedging arrangements and may be adversely impacted by
market risks that are beyond its control.
A
portion of Complete Energy’s revenues and results of operations is from the sale
of electric power by its merchant capacity at the La Paloma facility, and
Complete Energy is not guaranteed any rate of return through cost-based rates,
long-term contracts or long-term hedging arrangements and may be adversely
impacted by market risks that are beyond its control.
Complete
Energy has not sought approval from FERC to sell electric energy and capacity
from its generation facilities at cost-based rates. Rather, Complete Energy
sells a portion of its electric generation capacity and energy pursuant to
long-term contracts and the remainder on a merchant basis to wholesale
purchasers at prices determined by the market. As a result, Complete Energy is
not guaranteed any rate of return on capital investments through cost-based
rates. Revenues and results of operations largely depend upon current and
forward market prices for power. Unlike most other commodities, large quantities
of electricity cannot be economically stored and it must therefore be produced
concurrently with its use. As a result, the wholesale power markets in which
Complete Energy participates are subject to significant price volatility from
supply and demand imbalances, especially in the day-ahead and spot markets.
Long-term and short-term power prices may also fluctuate substantially due to
other factors outside of Complete Energy’s control, including:
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oversupply
or undersupply of generation
capacity;
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changes
in power transmission or fuel transportation capacity constraints or
inefficiencies;
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electric
supply disruptions, including plant outages and transmission
disruptions;
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demand
changes due to changes in the macroeconomic
environment;
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availability
and market prices for natural gas;
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changes
in demand for power or patterns of power
usage;
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development
of new fuels and new technologies for the production of
power;
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availability
of competitively-priced alternative power
sources;
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changes
in the relationship between the prices of natural gas and
coal;
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natural
disasters, wars, embargoes, terrorist attacks and other catastrophic
events;
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regulations
and actions of regulatory bodies;
and
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federal
and state power market and environmental regulation and
legislation.
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Without
the benefit of long-term contracts or hedging arrangements, Complete Energy
cannot be sure that it will be able to sell any or all of the capacity available
or power generated by its facilities that are not covered by contracts at
commercially attractive rates or that the facilities will be able to generate
revenues or operate profitably. Even if long-term contracts or hedging
arrangements at attractive prices become available, Complete Energy may not have
sufficient credit standing to take advantage of such opportunities.
Complete
Energy’s business is subject to substantial governmental regulation and may be
adversely affected by liability under, or any future inability to comply with,
existing or future regulations or requirements.
Complete
Energy’s business is subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and
regulation. Compliance with the requirements of these various regulatory bodies
may cause it to incur significant additional costs. Failure to comply with such
requirements could result in the shutdown of the non-complying facility, the
imposition of liens, fines and/or civil or criminal liability and/or the
revocation of authority to make wholesale power sales. The Energy Policy Act of
2005 (the “EP Act”), is likely to have several long-term impacts on the energy
sector. Among the impacts are strong financial incentives for investment in
transmission and generation, federal pre-eminence over state authority in
certain respects, which may remove some obstacles to improved transmission, and
changes to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, which increase
the importance of analyzing economic viability of certain merchant generation
projects. The EP Act introduced new regulatory responsibilities for FERC and
repealed the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 and enacted the Public
Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 (“PUHCA 2005”). The EP Act conferred new
authority on FERC to impose civil penalties for violations under Part II of the
FPA. The new responsibilities given to FERC under the EP Act include
overseeing the reliability of the nation’s electricity transmission grid,
implementing new mechanisms, including civil penalty authority, to prevent
manipulation in energy markets, providing rate incentives to promote electric
transmission investment, supplementing state transmission siting efforts in
national interest electric transmission corridors and reviewing certain holding
company mergers and acquisitions involving electric utility facilities, as well
as certain public utility acquisitions of generating facilities. The EP Act gave
FERC the authority to issue rules to bar market manipulation in wholesale
electric power and natural gas markets, and in electric transmission and natural
gas transportation
services.
Congress granted FERC this authority out of recognition that wholesale power and
gas markets had dramatically changed since the 1930s when the FPA and the
Natural Gas Act were enacted. FERC has issued a final rule banning market
manipulation in any transaction under its jurisdiction. This rule makes it
unlawful for any entity involved directly or indirectly in a FERC jurisdictional
transaction to intentionally defraud, make untrue statements or omit material
facts. The rule applies to electric utilities, natural gas companies, market
participants and any person or entity that is a part of FERC jurisdictional
transactions, including Complete Energy’s generating companies.
The FPA
gives FERC exclusive rate-making jurisdiction over wholesale sales of
electricity and transmission of electricity in interstate commerce. Under the
FPA, FERC, with certain exceptions not applicable to Complete Energy, regulates
entities that engage in wholesale sales of electricity and transmission of
electricity in interstate commerce as “public utilities.” Public utilities under
the FPA are required to obtain FERC’s approval or acceptance, pursuant to
Section 205 of the FPA, of their rate schedules and tariffs under which they
sell electricity at wholesale. FERC has granted each of Complete Energy’s
generating companies the authority to sell electricity at market-based rates.
FERC’s orders that grant Complete Energy’s generating companies market-based
rate authority reserve the right to revoke or revise that authority if FERC
subsequently determines that these companies, either acting alone or in concert
with others, can exercise market power in transmission or generation, create
barriers to entry or engage in abusive affiliate transactions. If Complete
Energy’s generating companies were to lose their market-based rate authority,
the companies would be required to obtain FERC’s acceptance to sell power at
regulated cost-based rates in order to have authority under the FPA to make any
sales of electric power. The resulting rates might be lower than the rates these
companies currently charge. Complete Energy then would become subject to the
accounting, record-keeping and reporting requirements that are imposed on
utilities with cost-based rate schedules.
Complete
Energy is also affected by changes to market rules, tariffs, changes in market
structures, changes in administrative fee allocations and changes in market
bidding rules. The La Paloma facility is currently located within the CAISO and
regions where Complete Energy’s other assets are located may in the future form
or adopt features associated with Independent System Operators (“ISOs”) or
Regional Transmission Operators (“RTOs”), or Complete Energy may sell some of
its energy into ISOs or RTOs. The ISOs or RTOs that oversee wholesale power
markets impose, and in the future may continue to impose, price limitations,
offer caps and other mechanisms to address some of the volatility and the
potential exercise of market power in these markets. These types of price
limitations and other regulatory mechanisms may adversely affect the
profitability of Complete Energy’s generation facilities that sell energy and
capacity into the wholesale power markets. In addition, the regulatory and
legislative changes enacted at the federal level and in a number of states in an
effort to promote competition are novel and untested in many respects. These new
approaches to the sale of electric power have very short operating histories,
and it is not yet clear how they will operate in times of market stress or
pressure, given the extreme volatility and lack of meaningful long-term price
history in many of these markets and the imposition of price limitations by ISOs
or RTOs. Additionally, Entergy Services, on behalf of various
affiliated operating companies, has established the Independent Coordinator of
Transmission (“ICT”) to oversee its transmission system with a stated goal of
improving transparency in granting non-discriminatory transmission access to
Entergy Services’ system. However, the full consequences of the
introduction of the ICT by Entergy Services are not yet known and could have a
materially different impact from the impact of an ISO or RTO that might not be
beneficial and therefore could have a material adverse effect on Complete
Energy’s future operating results.
CAISO’s
expected implementation of MRTU will migrate market pricing to a Locational
Marginal Pricing (“LMP”) system similar to those in the PJM Interconnection and
other eastern markets. The pricing impact of the implementation of LMP on La
Paloma, if any, is uncertain. Additionally, the implementation of MRTU will
involve significant structural changes to the California market including
instituting a day-ahead market for energy administered by the CAISO. These
changes will impact the La Paloma facility’s bilateral purchases and sales of
power with its trading counterparties, possibly increasing demands for liquidity
and credit. A material increase in credit and liquidity requirements could
impact the La Paloma facility’s merchant operations.
The
FPA requires FERC’s approval for certain transfers of control of assets subject
to FERC’s jurisdiction and grants FERC jurisdiction over a public utility’s
issuance of securities or assumption of liabilities. If FERC were to limit
GSCAC’s or Complete Energy’s ability to transfer control of its assets or issue
securities or assume liabilities, it could have a material adverse effect
on GSCAC’s or Complete Energy’s results of operations, financial condition, or
cash flows.
Section
203 of the FPA requires FERC’s approval for the transfer of control of assets
subject to FERC’s jurisdiction. Among other considerations, FERC weighs whether
the proposed transaction would be consistent with the public interest. In
addition, Section 204 of the FPA gives FERC jurisdiction over a public utility’s
issuance of securities or assumption of liabilities. FERC typically
grants blanket approval for future securities issuances and the assumption of
liabilities to entities with market-based rate authority. However, in the event
that Complete Energy’s power generating subsidiaries were to lose their
market-based rate authority, GSCAC’s or Complete Energy’s future securities
issuances or assumption of liabilities could require prior approval from FERC.
Any such restrictions on GSCAC’s or Complete Energy’s ability to transfer assets
or raise capital could have a material adverse effect on its results of
operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Complete
Energy is subject to environmental laws and regulations imposing extensive and
increasingly stringent requirements that may expose Complete Energy to
significant costs and liabilities with respect to its operations and adversely
impact its results of operations, financial condition or cash
flows.
Complete
Energy’s business is subject to environmental laws and regulations of federal,
regional, state and local authorities governing, among other things, the
generation, discharge, emission, storage, handling, transportation, use,
treatment and disposal of hazardous substances, and the health and safety of its
employees. Complete Energy must comply with these laws and
regulations and is required by them to obtain certain governmental permits and
other approvals to operate its plants. Complete Energy has in the
past and will in the future incur significant costs to obtain and maintain the
permits and approvals and to comply with these laws, regulations, and
approvals. Should Complete Energy fail to comply with the terms of
its permits or other environmental requirements applicable to its operations, it
would be subject to administrative, civil and/or criminal liability and fines,
and regulatory agencies could take other actions to limit or curtail its
operations. Under these laws, regulations and approvals, Complete
Energy could also be held liable for any and all consequences arising out of
human exposure to hazardous substances or environmental damage caused by
Complete Energy or that relates to its operations or
properties. Existing environmental laws, regulations and approvals
could be revised or re-interpreted, new environmental laws, regulations or
approvals could be adopted or become applicable to Complete Energy or its
facilities, and future changes in such laws, regulations and
approvals could occur, including potential regulatory and enforcement
developments related to air emissions, wastewater discharges, and cooling water
systems, any of which could result in significant costs and could have a
material adverse effect on Complete Energy’s business, results of operations,
financial condition or cash flows.
Under
certain federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, a current
or previous owner or operator of any facility, including an electric generating
power plant, may be required to investigate and remediate releases or threatened
releases of hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum products at any currently
or previously owned or operated facility. In addition to this
liability, Complete Energy may also be held liable to a governmental entity or
to third parties for property damage, personal injury, damages to natural
resources and investigation and remediation costs incurred by such a party in
connection with the presence of any hazardous substances or any actual or
threatened releases of hazardous substances. These laws, including
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980
(“CERCLA”), as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of
1986, impose liability without regard to whether the owner knew of or caused the
presence of the hazardous substances, and the courts have interpreted liability
under these laws to be strict (without fault) and joint and
several. Complete Energy could be responsible under these laws for
liabilities associated with the environmental condition of electric generation
power plants that it currently owns or operates or previously owned or operated
or locations where it has arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances and
other wastes. Complete Energy is also subject to environmental laws
and regulations that require it to report and respond to spills and releases
that may occur as a result of its operations. While management is not
aware of any current significant obligations to investigate, clean-up or monitor
on-site or offsite environmental contamination under these environmental laws,
there can be no assurance that there will not be such obligations imposed on
Complete Energy in the future.
Regulation
of greenhouse gas emissions at the federal, regional, state and local levels
could adversely impact Complete Energy’s results of operations, financial
condition or cash flows.
There are
a variety of laws and regulations in place or being considered for adoption at
the federal, regional, state and local levels of government that do or are
reasonably likely to restrict the emission of carbon dioxide and other
“greenhouse gases” that may be contributing to changes in the earth’s
climate. Since power plants are a significant source of greenhouse
gas emissions, it is almost certain that any restrictions on emissions of
greenhouse gases will affect power plants. While it is unclear
precisely how these laws and regulations will affect power plants in
general or Complete Energy in particular, some laws will or may require emitters
to incur material costs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or to procure
emission allowances or credits, or may result in the incurrence of material
taxes, fees or other governmental impositions in connection with such
emissions. These existing and any future laws and regulations are
expected to significantly increase Complete Energy’s operating costs, as well as
those of its fossil-fueled competitors, could require the incurrence of
significant capital expenditures and could have a material adverse effect on its
results of operations and financial condition.
Competition
in wholesale power markets may have a material adverse effect on Complete
Energy’s results of operations, cash flows and the market value of its
assets.
The power
generation industry is characterized by intense competition, and Complete Energy
encounters competition from utilities, industrial companies, marketing and
trading companies, and other independent power producers. In addition, many
states are implementing or considering regulatory initiatives designed to
increase competition in the domestic power industry. Complete Energy has
numerous competitors in all aspects of its business, and additional competitors
may enter the industry.
Complete
Energy’s current competitors in the California market include independent power
companies such as Dynegy Inc., NRG Energy, Inc., Calpine Corporation and others,
and power generation capabilities of regulated utilities, including Pacific Gas
& Electric Company (“PG&E”), Southern California Edison (“SCE”) and San
Diego Gas & Electric (“SDG&E”), that have historically dominated the
California market. In addition, Complete Energy faces competition
from smaller utilities, co-ops and irrigation districts with respect to its
operations in the California market.
Upon the
expiration or early termination of the Batesville facility’s contracts, Complete
Energy’s competitors in the SERC region will include the power generation
capabilities of Entergy Services, the Southern Company and the Tennessee Valley
Authority (“TVA”), utilities
that have historically dominated their respective geographic regions within the
SERC region and that have significant influence over the markets in which they
compete. These utilities have purchased merchant generation
facilities and placed such facilities into their rate base. In
addition, there are excess power supply and higher reserve margins in SERC,
which has led to tight liquidity in the energy trading markets, putting downward
pressure on prices. There can be no assurance that Complete Energy will be able
to compete successfully against current and future competitors in SERC when its
existing contracts expire in 2013 and 2015 (excluding the five-year extension),
and any failure to do so would have a material adverse effect on its business,
financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Changes
in technology may impair the value of Complete Energy’s facilities.
Research
and development activities are ongoing to provide alternative and more efficient
technologies to produce power, including fuel cells, clean coal and coal
gasification, micro-turbines, photovoltaic (solar) cells and improvements in
traditional technologies and equipment, such as more efficient gas turbines,
cleaner and safer nuclear or coal power plants, and coal-fired integrated
gasification combined-cycle power plants, among others. Advances in these or
other technologies could reduce the costs of power production to a level below
that which Complete Energy has currently forecast, which could adversely affect
its revenues, results of operations or competitive position. Improvements in
transmission technology may reduce transmission constraints but may also improve
access of competitors to Complete Energy’s markets. Renewable resource
technologies receive assistance in commercial implementation through regulatory
requirements, subsidies and tax incentives that may adversely affect demand for
the output of Complete Energy’s facilities and their values. Moreover, current
and future state laws and regulations in Complete Energy’s areas of operation
could increase the required amount of power that must be procured from renewable
resources.
Risks
Related to Complete Energy’s Business
Complete
Energy’s results are subject to quarterly and seasonal
fluctuations.
Complete
Energy’s quarterly results have fluctuated in the past and may continue to do so
in the future as a result of a number of factors, including:
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seasonal
variations in energy demand and
usage;
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seasonal
variations in energy and gas prices and capacity
payments;
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costs
related to major maintenance
activities;
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variations
in levels of production, including from major maintenance outages and
forced outages;
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seasonal
fluctuations in weather, particularly unseasonable weather conditions and
hurricanes;
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production
levels of hydroelectricity in the West;
and
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availability
of emissions credits.
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In
particular, a disproportionate amount of total revenues derived from Complete
Energy’s merchant operations historically have been from market peaks in the
third fiscal quarter. If total revenues are below seasonal expectations during
the third fiscal quarter, by reason of facility operational performance issues,
cool summers or other factors, it could have a disproportionate effect on
Complete Energy’s annual operating results.
Complete
Energy’s level of indebtedness could adversely affect its ability to raise
additional capital to fund its operations, or return capital to stockholders. It
could also expose it to the risk of increased interest rates and limit its
ability to react to changes in the economy or its industry.
If the
acquisition is completed, Complete Energy will retain approximately $627 million
of net project-level debt, including approximately $252 million of senior
secured bonds related to the Batesville facility and approximately $425 million
of senior secured loans related to the La Paloma facility. Complete Energy will
also issue a $50 million mezzanine note to the TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley
pursuant to the lender consent. Please see “Other Transaction Agreements-Lender
Consent.” The level of debt retained or issued by Complete Energy in
connection with the acquisition could have important consequences on our
business, financial condition and operating results, including the
following:
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A
substantial portion of Complete Energy’s cash flow from operations will be
dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on its debt, therefore
reducing Complete Energy’s ability to use its cash flow to fund its
operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities or,
subject to applicable contractual limitations, pay dividends to holders of
its preferred or common stock;
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Complete
Energy’s debt may limit its ability to obtain additional financing for
working capital including collateral postings, capital expenditures, debt
service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other
purposes;
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The
debt may limit Complete Energy’s flexibility in planning for, or reacting
to, changes in its business and future business
opportunities;
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Complete
Energy will be subject to debt covenants that will restrict its ability to
pay dividends and may restrict management’s ability to make certain
business decisions;
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Complete
Energy may be more highly leveraged than some of its competitors, which
may place it at a competitive
disadvantage;
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The
debt may limit Complete Energy’s ability to enter into long-term power
sales or fuel purchases that require credit
support;
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Complete
Energy’s debt level may make it more vulnerable to a downturn in its
business, its industry or the economy in general;
and
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There
would be a material adverse effect on its business and financial condition
if Complete Energy is unable to service its debt or obtain additional
financing as needed, which could result in the loss of its interests in
one or both of its facilities.
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Upon
completion of the merger, the indenture for the senior secured bonds related to
the Batesville facility, the terms of the outstanding notes of one of Complete
Energy’s subsidiaries, senior secured loans
related to the La Paloma facility and the $50 million mezzanine note issued by
Complete Energy in connection with the lender consent will contain financial and
other restrictive covenants that will limit GSCAC’s ability to return capital to
stockholders or otherwise engage in activities that may be in its long-term best
interests. Complete Energy’s failure to comply with those covenants could result
in an event of default (by reason of cross-default or cross-acceleration
provisions), which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of
the debt owed under such financing agreement and potentially (by reason of
cross-default or cross-acceleration provisions) of all of Complete Energy’s
indebtedness.
Complete
Energy may incur additional costs or delays in the construction and operation of
new facilities, improvements to its existing facilities, or the implementation
of environmental control equipment at its existing facilities and may not be
able to recover its investment or complete the projects.
Complete
Energy plans to potentially expand capacity at its La Paloma facility, subject
to obtaining the applicable consents. Moreover, Complete Energy may construct
new facilities in the future. The construction, expansion, modification and
refurbishment of power generation facilities involve many additional risks,
including:
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difficulty
or delays in
obtaining necessary permits and
licenses;
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environmental
remediation of soil;
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interruptions
to dispatch at Complete Energy’s
facilities;
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construction
labor disputes or work stoppages;
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unusual
engineering, environmental and geological
problems;
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unanticipated
cost overruns; and
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Any of
these risks could cause Complete Energy’s financial returns on new investments
to be lower than expected or could cause Complete Energy to operate below
expected capacity or availability levels, which could result in lost revenues,
increased expenses, higher maintenance costs and penalties. Guarantees and
warranties are generally obtained for limited periods relating to the
construction of each project and its equipment in varying degrees, and
contractors and equipment suppliers are obligated to meet certain performance
levels. The warranties or performance guarantees, however, may not be adequate
to cover increased expenses. As a result, a project may cost more than projected
and may be unable to fund principal and interest payments under its construction
financing obligations, if any. A default under such a financing obligation could
result in Complete Energy losing its interest in the power generation
facility.
If
Complete Energy is unable to complete the development or construction of a
facility, or decides to delay or cancel such project, it may not be able to
recover its investment in that facility. Furthermore, if construction projects
are not completed according to specification, Complete Energy may incur
liabilities and suffer reduced plant efficiency, higher operating costs and
reduced net income.
The
potential development of nuclear and coal-fired generation facilities within the
SERC region and the resulting production of electricity with lower marginal
costs may adversely affect Complete Energy’s revenues, results of operations,
cash flow or the competitive position of its Batesville facility.
Historically,
nuclear and coal-fired generation facilities have generally been used as
baseload power sources in an electric energy grid and have had lower fuel costs
and as a result have had lower marginal costs of power production as compared to
the Batesville facility. As a result of significant construction lead times, a
significant portion of any additional baseload capacity will not be available in
the near term. Over the longer term, however, an increase in baseload
capacity could lower demand for SERC facilities similar to the Batesville
facility, which could adversely impact Complete Energy’s revenues, results of
operations and cash flows. In addition to any new coal-fired generation
facilities that may be built in the future, several utilities in the SERC region
have announced that they are considering the commissioning of new nuclear
generation facilities.
Complete
Energy relies on power transmission facilities that it does not own or control
and is subject to transmission constraints within its core regions. If these
facilities fail to provide it with adequate transmission capacity, Complete
Energy may be restricted in its ability to deliver electric power to its
customers and it may either incur additional costs or forego
revenues.
Complete
Energy depends on transmission facilities owned and operated by others to
deliver the power it generates from its plants to its customers. TVA and Entergy
Services control the transmission infrastructure of Batesville facility within
the SERC region, and PG&E and CAISO control the transmission infrastructure
around its La Paloma facility. If transmission is unavailable or disrupted, or
if the transmission capacity infrastructure is inadequate, Complete Energy’s
ability to sell and deliver power would be adversely impacted. If restrictive
transmission price regulation is imposed, the transmission companies may not
have sufficient incentive to invest in upgrading or expanding the transmission
infrastructure.
Complete
Energy’s costs, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows could
be adversely impacted by disruption of its fuel supplies.
Although
Complete Energy’s contractual counterparties generally bear the risk of
procuring and delivering fuel to Complete Energy’s power generation facilities,
Complete Energy’s revenues could still be adversely impacted due to other fuel
supply disruptions. At the Batesville facility, contract counterparties are
required to supply gas to the inlet point of the gas pipeline lateral that is
owned and operated by a subsidiary of Complete Energy. Any disruptions of gas
supply due to mechanical or other problems associated with the lateral pipeline
could result in a loss of contract revenues. At the La Paloma facility, Morgan Stanley Capital Group
is required to deliver natural gas to the Kern River Gas Transmission Company’s
(“Kern River”) Firm California Delivery Pool (the “Delivery Pool”). Kern River
is responsible for delivering gas from the Delivery Pool to the La Paloma
facility’s metering station. Any failure by Kern River to meet its delivery
obligations from the Delivery Pool due to mechanical failure or operator error
could result in the loss of contract revenue.
In
addition, the La Paloma facility procures gas on a spot basis for its merchant
operations. The La Paloma facility does not currently have firm or interruptible
gas transport contracts. There can be no certainty that the flexibility and
liquidity currently available to the La Paloma facility will continue into the
future without such contracts. Because of this, the La Paloma facility may need
to obtain firm or interruptible transportation contracts to maintain a reliable
fuel supply, and there can be no certainty as to the availability, cost or
financial impact of procuring such transportation contracts.
If the
existing Batesville facility contracts are not renewed, the Batesville facility
will be required to provide for its own fuel. Without the renewal of the
existing contracts, the Batesville facility will likely require firm or
interruptible gas transportation contracts beginning in 2013. Certain tariffs
apply to gas pipelines located in SERC for gas supplies taken over a fixed
period of time. As the Batesville facility is generally operated intermittently,
it
does not
need gas at a steady rate over a long period of time, but rather in compressed
periods. Unless the gas transporter has flexible operations or cooperates with
Complete Energy, a requirement to take a minimum amount of gas over an extended
period or face penalties related to the pressure in the pipeline and other
contract requirements could make it uneconomical to operate a plant. Moreover,
it is possible that similar restrictive tariffs may apply to gas pipelines
serving the La Paloma facility in the future. The failure to adopt flexible
pipeline operations that recognize the needs of modern energy grids and merchant
generation facilities could have an adverse effect on Complete Energy’s
revenues, results of operations or cash flows.
Prices for
fuel fluctuate, sometimes rising or falling significantly over a short period of
time. The price Complete Energy can obtain for the sale of electric energy may
not rise at the same rate, or may not rise at all, to match a rise in fuel or
fuel delivery costs. This may have a material adverse effect on Complete
Energy’s financial performance. Under its contracts, Complete Energy’s
counterparties are required to supply the natural gas to fuel the facilities.
Rising natural gas prices increase the risk that the counterparties may be
unable to perform their obligations under their supply contracts with Complete
Energy, and also affect the prices at which the La Paloma facility can obtain
gas for its merchant operations.
Changes in
market prices for natural gas may result from the following:
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seasonality
in demand for natural gas
commodities;
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disruption
of gas transportation, infrastructure or other constraints or
inefficiencies;
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changes
in FERC-approved gas transport tariff
rates;
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additional
natural gas consuming facilities;
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availability
of competitively priced alternative energy
sources;
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availability
and levels of storage;
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natural
gas production levels;
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the
creditworthiness or bankruptcy or other financial distress of market
participants;
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changes
in market liquidity;
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natural
disasters, wars, embargoes, acts of terrorism and other catastrophic
events; and
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federal,
state and foreign governmental regulation and
legislation.
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Future
acquisition activities may have adverse effects on the business.
A
component of Complete Energy’s strategy is to acquire additional companies or
assets in the power generation industry. The acquisition of power generation
companies and assets is subject to substantial risks, including the failure to
identify material problems during due diligence, the risk of over-paying for
assets and the inability to arrange financing for an acquisition as may be
required or desired. Moreover, Complete Energy may be unable to identify
attractive acquisition candidates on acceptable terms and may be outbid by
competitors. Further, the integration and consolidation of acquisitions requires
substantial human, financial and other resources and, ultimately, Complete
Energy’s acquisitions may not be successfully integrated. There can be no
assurances that any future acquisitions will perform as expected or that the
returns from such acquisitions will support the indebtedness incurred to acquire
them or the capital expenditures needed to develop them.
If
Complete Energy loses its key management and/or technical personnel, its
business may suffer.
After
completing the merger, GSCAC will rely upon the relatively small group of
Complete Energy managers, who have extensive experience in the power industry,
to operate its business. Complete Energy’s success is largely dependent on the
skills, experience and efforts of its employees. The loss of the
services of one or more members of its senior management or of numerous
employees with critical skills could have a negative effect on its business,
financial condition, results of operations and future growth if it could not
replace them. If Complete Energy is not able to attract talented, committed
individuals to fill these positions, it may adversely affect its ability to
fully implement its business objectives. An unexpected partial or total loss of
this key management team may harm our business following the acquisition. The
loss of management or an inability to attract or retain other key individuals
following GSCAC’s acquisition of Complete Energy could materially and adversely
affect the business. GSCAC will seek to compensate management, as well as our
other employees, through competitive salaries, bonuses and other incentive
plans, but there can be no assurance that these programs will allow GSCAC to
retain key management executives or hire new key employees.
Natural
disasters could damage Complete Energy’s projects.
Certain
areas where Complete Energy operates its gas-fired projects, particularly in
California, are subject to frequent low-level seismic disturbances. Future
significant seismic disturbances are possible. In addition, Complete Energy’s
operations in the SERC region may experience tornadoes and hurricanes. Complete
Energy’s existing power generation facilities are built to withstand relatively
significant levels of seismic and other disturbances, and it believes that it
maintains adequate insurance protection. However, earthquake, property damage or
business interruption insurance may be inadequate to cover all potential losses
sustained in the event of serious damages or disturbances to Complete Energy’s
facilities or its operations due to natural disasters, and insurance costs may
increase as a result of these events.
Acts
of terrorism and compliance with anti-terrorism requirements could have a
material adverse effect on Complete Energy’s business, financial condition and
operating results.
Energy-related
facilities may be at greater risk of future terrorist activities than other
domestic targets. Complete Energy’s generation facilities or facilities on which
they rely may become targets of terrorist activities. Any such events or
disruptions could result in a significant decrease in revenues or significant
reconstruction or remediation costs, which could have a material adverse effect
on Complete Energy’s business, financial condition and operating results.
Complete Energy’s insurance may not be sufficient to cover any such losses in
full or at all. In addition, Complete Energy is required to comply with various
anti-terrorism regulations and requirements, most of which require additional
expenditures by it, for security and otherwise. Any material increase in the
requirements of these regulations or in the security that may be necessary will
result in increased costs, which could adversely affect its operating
results.
Complete
Energy will incur increased costs as a result of having publicly-traded equity
securities, which will require company resources and may divert management
attention.
We will
continue to have publicly-traded equity securities following the acquisition
and, as a result, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses
that Complete Energy did not incur as a private company. In addition, the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules subsequently implemented by the SEC
and the listing requirements of the AMEX, the NYSE and the NASDAQ (to the extent
applicable) have required changes in corporate governance practices of public
companies. These rules, regulations and listing requirements have increased
legal and financial compliance costs and made activities more time-consuming and
costly. These rules, regulations and listing requirements also make
it more difficult and more expensive for public companies to obtain director and
officer liability insurance. We may, therefore, be required to accept reduced
policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the
same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to
attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as
executive officers.
Prior to
the completion of the merger, Complete Energy will not have been subject to the
reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, or the other rules and regulations
of the SEC or any stock exchange. Complete Energy is working with its legal,
independent accounting and financial advisors to identify those areas in which
changes
should be
made to its financial and management control systems to manage Complete Energy’s
growth and its obligations as a public company upon completion of the merger.
These areas include corporate governance, corporate control, internal audit,
disclosure controls and procedures, financial reporting and accounting systems.
Complete Energy expects to make changes in these areas. The expenses and costs
and burdens associated with compliance with these rule and regulations could be
material. Additionally, compliance with the various reporting and other
requirements applicable to public companies will also require time and attention
of management.
If
GSCAC and Complete Energy fail to maintain effective systems for disclosure and
internal controls over financial reporting, we may be unable to comply with the
requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act in a timely
manner.
Section
404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will require us to document and test the
effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting in accordance
with an established internal control framework and to report on our conclusion
as to the effectiveness of the internal controls. It will also require an
independent registered public accounting firm to test our internal controls over
financial reporting and report on the effectiveness of such controls for our
fiscal year ending December 31, 2008 and subsequent years. An independent
registered public accounting firm will also be required to test, evaluate and
report on the completeness of our assessment. It may cost us more than we expect
to comply with these controls and procedure-related requirements. If we discover
areas of internal controls that need improvement, we cannot be certain that any
remedial measures taken will ensure that we implement and maintain adequate
internal controls over financial processes and reporting in the future. Any
failure to implement requirements for new or improved controls, or difficulties
encountered in their implementation could harm our operating results or cause us
to fail to meet our reporting obligations.
Risks
Associated with the Proposed Acquisition
The
holders of GSCAC common stock issued in our initial public offering may vote
against the proposed merger and exercise their rights to convert their shares to
cash, thereby reducing the cash available to fund the acquisition and related
transactions and provide working capital for Complete Energy after the
acquisition.
The
holders of our IPO shares have certain rights to convert their IPO shares into
cash in connection with the completion of our initial business combination. The
actual per share conversion price will be equal to the aggregate amount then on
deposit in the trust account (before payment of deferred underwriting discounts
and commissions and including accrued interest, net of any income taxes payable
on such interest, which shall be paid from the trust account, and net of
interest income of up to $2.4 million on the trust account balance previously
released to us to fund our working capital requirements), calculated as of two
business days prior to the completion of the merger, divided by the total number
of IPO shares.
If the
holders of no more than 20% (minus one share) of the IPO shares vote against the
merger and properly exercise their conversion rights, the merger may be
completed (if our charter, share issuance and stock option plan proposals are
approved and the other conditions to closing the merger are satisfied or waived)
but any cash required to convert the IPO shares would reduce the cash balances
available to us to repay certain Complete Energy debt, pay transaction expenses
and conduct Complete Energy’s business after completion of the acquisition. To
the extent that we have insufficient cash to pay $50 million to the TAMCO funds
and Morgan Stanley upon the completion of the merger pursuant to the lender
consent, we would be required to issue additional Class A shares that have a
value equal to 150% of the shortfall, subject to certain adjustments as provided
in the lender consent. This would have a dilutive effect on the
existing holders of GSCAC common stock.
A
substantial number of new GSCAC shares and Holdco Sub securities will be issued
in connection with the merger and related transactions, which will result in
substantial dilution of our current stockholders and could have an adverse
effect on the market price of our shares.
We expect
to issue an aggregate of approximately 24 million Class A shares (or Holdco Sub
securities exchangeable into Class A shares) and rights to receive an additional
aggregate of 7.2 million Class A shares in connection with the merger and debt
repayment transactions. As a result of these transactions, the TAMCO funds
(under common investment management) are expected to become the largest block of
stockholders in Complete Energy Holdings Corporation, with approximately 25.5%
ownership; the ownership of GSCAC’s existing
stockholders
is expected to be reduced to approximately 57% of Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation; the current owners of Complete Energy are expected to own
approximately 12.5% of Complete Energy Holdings Corporation; and Morgan Stanley
is expected to own approximately 5.1% of Complete Energy Holdings Corporation,
in each case on a fully diluted basis and assuming that no holders of IPO shares
vote against the acquisition proposal and properly exercise their rights to
convert their shares into cash.
If our
offers to acquire the minority interests owned by third parties in the Complete
Energy subsidiaries that own its La Paloma facility and Batesville facility are
accepted in accordance with our terms, such minority interest holders would
collectively own 26.5% of our equity and the ownership of the existing GSCAC
stockholders, the TAMCO funds, the current owners of Complete Energy and Morgan
Stanley would be proportionately diluted.
In
addition, we have issued warrants to purchase 24,700,000 shares of our common
stock to our founding stockholder and in our initial public offering, all of
which warrants are currently outstanding. Upon completion of our initial
business combination, these warrants will become exercisable, although the
warrants may not be exercised unless we have an effective registration statement
covering the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and a
current prospectus relating to them is available.
Sales of
substantial numbers of these additional shares in the public market could
adversely affect the market price of such shares and warrants. All of
the Complete Energy owners and the TAMCO funds have agreed to a 180-day “lock
up” of the securities issued in the merger and related
transactions.
The
actual number of GSCAC shares and other securities to be issued in the merger
and related transactions is not determinable at this time.
The actual
number of GSCAC shares and other securities to be issued in the merger and
related transactions depends on Complete Energy’s actual debt and cash balances
as of the end of the day immediately preceding the date of completion of the
merger and on the average closing price per share of our common stock for the 20
trading days ending three business days before the completion of the merger.
Accordingly, the exact number of GSCAC shares and other securities to be issued
in the merger and related transactions cannot currently be determined. If
Complete Energy’s cash balances are materially higher, its debt balance is
materially lower or the average closing price per share of our common stock is
less than $10.00, the number of GSCAC shares and other securities to be issued
in the merger and related transactions could increase materially.
The
LP Minority Holders have disputed our interpretation of the “tag along”
provisions of the La Paloma Acquisition LLC Agreement. The resolution
of this dispute could result in a material delay in our ability to complete the
acquisition or otherwise have a material adverse effect on GSCAC and/or Complete
Energy.
Shortly
after signing the merger agreement, GSCAC delivered to the LP Minority Holders a
written offer to exchange their aggregate 40% ownership interests in La Paloma
Acquisition upon completion of the acquisition for consideration that was
calculated consistent with the calculation of the consideration to be paid to
the owners of Complete Energy under the merger agreement. None of the
LP Minority Holders accepted our offer. As such, in accordance with
the “tag along” provisions of the La Paloma Acquisition LLC Agreement, we intend
to submit an offer to acquire the minority interests in La Paloma Acquisition
from the LP Minority Holders promptly following completion of the acquisition.
The La Paloma Acquisition LLC Agreement requires us to offer to acquire such
minority interests upon the same terms and conditions as we are acquiring the
ownership interests in Complete Energy, except that the purchase price would be
the fair market value of the minority interests, taking into consideration the
presence or absence of voting or control rights and other relevant discounts. If
the fair market value of the minority interests exceeds our estimates, we would
be required to issue additional equity securities in excess of the amounts
already offered to the LP Minority Holders and assumed in the pro forma
financial statements and beneficial ownership table. Accordingly, we
may be required to issue a materially greater number of GSCAC shares, Holdco Sub
securities or other consideration to acquire the equity interests in La Paloma
Acquisition owned by the LP Minority Holders.
Two of the
LP Minority Holders have asserted that our “tag along” offer must be made prior
to completion of the acquisition. We believe this interpretation of
the La Paloma Acquisition LLC Agreement is incorrect and have informed these LP
Minority Holders of our disagreement. All disputes under the La
Paloma Acquisition LLC
Agreement
are required to be submitted to binding arbitration. We cannot
predict what actions the LP Minority Holders will take as a result of our
conflicting interpretations. While no legal proceedings have been
initiated to date, it is possible that the LP Minority Holders may bring a legal
action against Complete Energy and us seeking to enforce their interpretation of
the La Paloma Acquisition LLC Agreement or pursue other
remedies. Such legal proceedings could result in a material delay in
our ability to complete the acquisition or otherwise have a material adverse
effect on GSCAC and/or Complete Energy.
Registration
rights granted to the owners of Complete Energy and other stakeholders may have
an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
We have
agreed to enter into a registration rights agreement as a condition to the
closing of the merger to provide the owners of Complete Energy, the TAMCO funds,
Morgan Stanley, the LP Minority Holders and Fulcrum (to the extent the LP
Minority Holders and Fulcrum accept our offers to exchange their equity
interests in La Paloma Acquisition and Batesville Holding) certain rights to
register under the Securities Act the Class A shares that they will receive upon
completion of the merger and related transactions and/or upon exchange of Class
B shares and Class B units. Pursuant to this registration rights agreement,
GSCAC will be required to file a shelf registration statement within 90 days
after the completion of the merger to permit these stockholders to make
registered sales of their Class A shares and the shelf registration statement
must be declared effective by the SEC no later than 180 days after the
completion of the merger. The registration rights agreement also contains
certain demand registration rights that will be available after 180 days
following completion of the merger. Pursuant to these demand registration
rights, we will be required to file a registration statement under the
Securities Act and take certain actions to cause the registration statement to
be declared effective by the SEC upon demand of certain holders of registration
rights, subject to certain limitations, to permit such holders to sell their
registrable Class A shares. Additionally, whenever we propose to register any of
our securities under the Securities Act, holders of registration rights will
have the right to request the inclusion of their registrable Class A shares in
such registration.
The resale
of Class A shares in the public market upon exercise of these registration
rights could adversely affect the market price of our common stock or impact our
ability to raise additional equity capital.
Because
our founding stockholder and directors will not participate in liquidation
distributions if we do not complete a business combination by June 25, 2009, our
founding stockholder, directors and management team may have conflicts of
interest in approving the proposed acquisition of Complete Energy.
Our
founding stockholder and the two directors who directly own GSCAC shares have
waived their rights to receive any liquidation proceeds if we fail to complete a
business combination by June 25, 2009 and thereafter liquidate. Accordingly,
their shares of common stock and warrants to purchase common stock will be
worthless if we do not complete the acquisition of Complete Energy or another
business combination by June 25, 2009. Because Messrs. Eckert, Frank and Kaufman
have ownership interests in GSC Group and consequently an indirect ownership
interest in our founding stockholder and GSCAC, they also have a conflict of
interest in determining whether Complete Energy is an appropriate target
business for us and our stockholders. These ownership interests may influence
their motivation in identifying and selecting Complete Energy as an appropriate
target business for our initial business combination and in timely completing
the acquisition of Complete Energy. The exercise of discretion by our officers
and directors in identifying and selecting one or more suitable target
businesses may result in a conflict of interest when determining whether the
terms, conditions and timing of the acquisition of Complete Energy are
appropriate and in our stockholders’ best interest. For a more detailed
discussion of these interests, see “Interests of Certain Persons in the
Acquisition—GSCAC.”
If
Complete Energy has breached any of its representations, warranties or covenants
set forth in the merger agreement, we may not have a remedy for losses arising
therefrom.
None of
Complete Energy, its owners, its lenders or any other persons will indemnify us
for any losses we realize as a result of any breach by Complete Energy of any of
its representations, warranties or covenants set forth in the merger agreement.
Moreover, none of the representations, warranties or pre-closing covenants
contained in the merger agreement will survive the completion of the merger, so
our rights to pursue a remedy for breach of any such representation, warranty or
pre-closing covenant will terminate upon completion of the merger.
The
transaction costs associated with our proposed acquisition of Complete Energy
will be substantial, whether or not this acquisition is completed.
We have
already incurred significant costs, and expect to incur significant additional
costs, associated with our proposed acquisition of Complete Energy, whether or
not this acquisition is completed. These costs will reduce the amount of cash
otherwise available for the payment of Complete Energy debt and other corporate
purposes. We estimate that we will incur direct transaction costs of
approximately
$ million
associated with the acquisition of Complete Energy and related transactions,
which will be included as a part of the total purchase cost for accounting
purposes if the acquisition is completed. There is no assurance that the actual
costs may not exceed these estimates. There is also no assurance that the
significant costs associated with this proposed acquisition will prove to be
justified in light of the benefit ultimately realized, whether or not the
acquisition is completed.
The
AMEX may delist our securities, which could make it more difficult for our
stockholders to sell their securities and subject us to additional trading
restrictions.
Our
securities are currently listed on the AMEX. We intend to seek to have our
securities approved for listing on the NYSE or NASDAQ following completion of
the acquisition. We cannot assure you that our securities will continue to be
listed on the AMEX, as we might not meet certain continued listing standards
such as income from continuing operations, or that our securities will be
approved for listing on the NYSE or NASDAQ. Additionally, until such time as we
voluntarily delist from the AMEX in connection with our acquisition of Complete
Energy, the AMEX may require us to file a new initial listing application and
meet its initial listing requirements as opposed to its more lenient continued
listing requirements. We cannot assure you that we will be able to meet those
initial listing requirements at that time.
If we fail
to have our securities listed on the NYSE or NASDAQ and the AMEX delists our
securities from trading, we could face significant consequences
including:
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limited
availability for market quotations for our
securities;
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reduced
liquidity with respect to our
securities;
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a
determination that our common stock is a “penny stock” which will require
brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent rules and
possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary
trading market for our common stock;
and
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a
decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional
financing in the future.
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Delaware
law and our second amended and restated charter may impede or discourage a
takeover that our stockholders may consider favorable.
Our second
amended and restated charter includes certain provisions that may impede or
discourage a third party from acquiring us. These provisions
include:
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a
classified board of directors with staggered three-year
terms;
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the
authority of our board of directors to issue, without stockholder
approval, up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with such terms as the
board of directors may determine and to issue up to an additional
[ ],000,000 authorized but unissued shares of common
stock; and
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the
inability of stockholders generally to act by written consent or to call
special meetings.
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These
provisions could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change
in control, discourage others from making tender offers for our shares, lower
the market price of our stock or impede the ability of our stockholders to
change our management, even if such changes would be beneficial to our
stockholders.
Risks
Associated with Our Organizational Structure After the Acquisition of Complete
Energy
We
may not acquire 100% ownership of Complete Energy or its
facilities.
Complete
Energy currently owns, indirectly, only 60% of the La Paloma facility and
approximately 96.3% of the Batesville facility. The LP Minority Holders and
Fulcrum are not required to accept our offers to exchange their equity interests
in La Paloma Acquisition and Batesville Holding, respectively, for GSCAC shares
and other securities, and their acceptance of our offers is not a condition to
completion of our acquisition of Complete Energy. Accordingly, we may not be
successful in acquiring 100% of the direct and indirect ownership interests in
the La Paloma and Batesville facilities. Unless we own at least 80% of La Paloma
Acquisition, our ability to operate the La Paloma facility will be subject to
certain approval rights that will be retained by the LP Minority Holders
pursuant to the La Paloma Acquisition LLC Agreement. Such approval rights would
require that we obtain the approval of LP Minority Holders owning at least a
majority of the equity interests in La Paloma Acquisition owned by persons other
than Complete Energy and its affiliates before taking certain actions such as,
subject to certain specified exceptions, engaging in sales of assets or mergers
of La Paloma Acquisition, acquiring more than $10 million of assets (which could
include expansion of the La Paloma facility) incurring more than $25 million of
indebtedness, approving any budget for La Paloma Acquisition, amending or
terminating certain agreements of the La Paloma facility, and permitting La
Paloma Acquisition to engage in related party transactions or agreements, file
bankruptcy, dissolve or issue any equity interests.
Complete
Energy and the LP Minority Holders are also party to an Exchange Agreement dated
as of August 16, 2005, pursuant to which the LP Minority Holders have a right to
exchange their units in La Paloma Acquisition for class A common units of
Complete Energy if Hugh Tarpley, Milton Scott, Peter Dailey, Lori Cuervo and
Engage Investments, L.P. cease to beneficially own at least 25% of Complete
Energy and if the LP Minority Holders who hold a majority of the 40% interest in
La Paloma Acquisition elect to exchange their interests within 60 days of being
notified of the change of ownership in Complete Energy. Our acquisition of
Complete Energy would trigger this exchange right. Accordingly, the LP Minority
Holders will have a right to exchange their ownership interests in La Paloma
Acquisition for ownership interests in Complete Energy that have the same fair
market value (determined as described in “Offers to the LP Minority Holders and
Fulcrum”). The Exchange Agreement also gives the LP Minority Holders a right to
exchange their interests in La Paloma Acquisition for shares of Complete Energy
(based on their fair market value and trading price, respectively) if Complete
Energy engages in a public offering of its equity securities for cash pursuant
to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act.
Because we
cannot predict whether, and the extent to which, the LP Minority Holders will
accept our tag-along offer or exercise their exchange rights or whether Fulcrum
will accept our offer to exchange its ownership interests in Batesville Holding,
we cannot determine at this time the percentage ownership of Complete Energy, La
Paloma Acquisition or Batesville Holding that we will own following completion
of the acquisition.
After
we complete our proposed acquisition of Complete Energy, our only material
assets will be the Class A units of Holdco Sub, and we will accordingly be
dependent upon distributions from Holdco Sub to pay our expenses, taxes and
dividends (if and when declared by our board of directors, and subject to any
restrictions contained in our debt agreements or Delaware law).
After the
completion of the merger, GSCAC will be a holding company and will conduct all
of our operations through our subsidiary Holdco Sub, which will indirectly own
our ownership interests in Complete Energy. GSCAC will have no material assets
other than its direct ownership of membership interests in Holdco Sub, and no
independent means of generating revenue. To the extent GSCAC needs funds and
Holdco Sub is restricted from making distributions under applicable law or
regulation or restrictions set forth in the limited liability company agreement
of Holdco Sub or other agreement, or is otherwise unable to provide such funds,
we may have difficulty meeting our corporate obligations and it will materially
adversely affect our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of
operations.
Our
ability to pay dividends will also be restricted by Complete Energy’s current
and future agreements governing its debt as well as Delaware
law. Under the Delaware law, our board of directors may not authorize
payment of a dividend unless it is either paid out of our surplus, calculated in
accordance with Delaware law, or out
of our net
profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the
preceding fiscal year. To the extent that we do not have adequate surplus or net
profits, we will be prohibited from paying dividends.
Our
corporate structure may result in conflicts of interest between our stockholders
and the holders of membership interests in Holdco Sub.
Our
corporate structure is similar to that of an umbrella partnership real estate
investment trust, which means that we hold our assets and conduct substantially
all of our operations through an operating company (Holdco Sub). Persons holding
membership interests in Holdco Sub have the right to vote on certain amendments
to the limited liability company agreement of Holdco Sub, as well as limited
other matters. Persons holding these voting rights may exercise them in a manner
that conflicts with the interests of our stockholders. As we will be the
managing member of Holdco Sub, we have fiduciary duties to the members of Holdco
Sub that may conflict with the fiduciary duties of our officers and directors
owed to our stockholders. These conflicts may result in decisions that are not
in the best interests of our stockholders.
Risks
Associated with a Failure to Complete the Proposed Acquisition
If
our proposals are not approved or if stockholders holding 20% or more of the IPO
shares vote against the acquisition proposal and properly exercise their
conversion rights, GSCAC may ultimately be forced to liquidate, in which case
you may receive less than $10.00 per share for your GSCAC common stock and your
warrants may expire worthless.
If our
proposals are not approved or if stockholders holding 20% or more of the IPO
shares vote against the acquisition proposal and properly exercise their rights
to convert their IPO shares into cash, the acquisition of Complete Energy will
not be completed and we will not convert any IPO shares into cash. While we will
continue to search for a suitable target business, a failure to complete the
proposed acquisition of Complete Energy could negatively impact the market price
of GSCAC’s common stock and may make it more difficult for GSCAC to attract
another acquisition candidate and any future acquisition candidates may use our
time constraints to our detriment in negotiating acquisition terms.
If we do
not complete a business combination by June 25, 2009, our company will be
required to liquidate. In any liquidation, the net proceeds of our IPO held in
the trust account, plus any interest earned thereon, will be distributed on a
pro rata basis to the holders of our IPO shares. If we are required to
liquidate, the per-share liquidation value to be distributed to the holders of
our IPO shares will be less than $10.00 because of the expenses of the IPO, our
general and administrative expenses and the costs of seeking an initial business
combination, but it will include the interest accrued thereon until the date of
liquidation. The proceeds deposited in the trust account could,
however, become subject to claims of our creditors that are in preference to the
claims of our stockholders. Furthermore, our outstanding warrants are
not entitled to participate in a liquidation distribution and the warrants will
therefore expire worthless if we liquidate before completing an initial business
combination. As a result, purchasers of our warrants will not receive any money
for such warrants in the event of our liquidation.
If
we are required to liquidate, our stockholders may be held liable for third
parties’ claims against us to the extent of distributions received by them
following our liquidation.
If we have
not completed an initial business combination by June 25, 2009, our corporate
existence will cease except for the purposes of winding up our affairs and
dissolving our corporate existence. Under Delaware law, stockholders of a
dissolved corporation may be held liable for claims by third parties against the
corporation to the extent of distributions received by those stockholders in the
dissolution. However, if the corporation complies with certain procedures
intended to ensure that it makes reasonable provision for all claims against it,
the liability of stockholders with respect to any claim against the corporation
is limited to the lesser of such stockholder’s pro rata share of the claim or
the amount distributed to the stockholder. In addition, if the corporation
undertakes additional specified procedures, including a 60-day notice period
during which any third-party claims can be brought against the corporation, a
90-day period during which the corporation may reject any claims brought, and an
additional 150-day waiting period before any liquidation distributions are made
to stockholders, any liability of stockholders would be barred with respect to
any claim on which an action, suit or proceeding is not brought by the third
anniversary of the dissolution (or such longer period directed by the Delaware
Court of Chancery). While we intend to adopt a plan
of
dissolution making reasonable provision for claims against GSCAC in compliance
with Delaware law, we do not intend to comply with these additional procedures,
as we instead intend to distribute the balance in the trust account to our
public stockholders as promptly as practicable following termination of our
corporate existence. Accordingly, any liability our stockholders may have could
extend beyond the third anniversary of our dissolution. We cannot assure you
that any reserves for claims and liabilities that we believe to be reasonably
adequate when we adopt our plan of dissolution will suffice. If such reserves
are insufficient, stockholders who receive liquidation distributions may
subsequently be held liable for claims by creditors of the company to the extent
of such distributions.
The
discussion in this proxy statement of the acquisition and the principal terms of
the merger agreement is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to, the merger agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to
this proxy statement and is incorporated in this proxy statement by
reference.
We are
proposing to acquire Complete Energy pursuant to a merger agreement that
provides for the merger of Merger Sub with and into Complete Energy, with
Complete Energy surviving the merger as an indirect subsidiary of GSCAC.
Complete Energy currently owns 60% of La Paloma Acquisition, which indirectly
owns the La Paloma facility, and 96.3% of CEP Batesville Acquisition, LLC
(“Batesville Acquisition”), which directly owns the Batesville facility. In
connection with the acquisition, we are also proposing to acquire the minority
interests in La Paloma Acquisition and Batesville Holding, although the
acquisitions of these minority interests are not a condition to completion of
the acquisition. Depending on the level of acceptances we receive to our offers
to acquire these minority interests, Complete Energy expects to indirectly own
between 60% and 100% of the interests in the La Paloma facility and between
96.3% and 100% of the interests in the Batesville facility. See “Offers to LP
Minority Holders and Fulcrum.”
The terms
of the merger agreement and the other transaction documents are the result of
arms-length negotiations between our representatives and those of Complete
Energy. The following is a brief discussion of the background of these
negotiations and the proposed transactions.
We are a
blank check company formed on October 26, 2006 for the purpose of acquiring,
through a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase,
reorganization or other similar business combination, one or more businesses or
assets, which we refer to as our initial business combination. The registration
statement for our IPO was declared effective June 25, 2007. On June 28, 2007, we
consummated a private placement of 4,000,000 warrants to our founding
stockholder at $1.00 per warrant, generating gross proceeds of $4 million. On
June 29, 2007, our IPO of 20,700,000 units was consummated, including 2,700,000
units subject to the underwriters’ over-allotment option. Each unit
consisted of one share of our common stock and one warrant to purchase one share
of our common stock at an exercise price of $7.50 per share, subject to
adjustment. The units were sold at an offering price of $10.00 per
unit, generating gross proceeds of $207 million. A total of approximately $201.7
million, including $191.5 million of the IPO proceeds net of the underwriters’
discounts and commissions and offering costs, $4 million from the sale of
warrants to our founding stockholder and $6.2 million of deferred underwriting
discounts and commissions, has been placed in a trust account (the “trust
account”) at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., with the American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company serving as trustee. Except for a portion of the interest income
permitted to be released to us, the proceeds held in trust will not be released
from the trust account until the earlier of the completion of our initial
business combination or our liquidation. Based on our charter, up to a total of
$2.4 million of interest income (net of taxes payable) may be released to us to
fund our working capital requirements, subject to availability. For the period
from inception to June 30, 2008, approximately $2.4 million was released to us
in accordance with these terms. As of June 30, 2008, the balance in the trust
account was approximately $203 million.
After our
IPO, our officers and directors commenced an active search for prospective
businesses and assets to acquire in our initial business combination.
Representatives of GSCAC contacted numerous individuals and entities to solicit
ideas for acquisition opportunities, including investment bankers, venture
capital funds, private equity funds, hedge funds, general business brokers and
other members of the financial community. Our officers and directors and their
affiliates also brought to our attention target business candidates, and we held
weekly meetings with representatives of GSC Group for this purpose. During this
search process, GSCAC reviewed more than 100 acquisition opportunities, entered
into confidentiality agreements with approximately 50 possible target companies
(or their representatives) and conducted due diligence reviews of approximately
seven operating businesses. We completed our due diligence efforts and engaged
in negotiations regarding the definitive terms of a transaction agreement with
respect to only one operating company other than Complete Energy. We ultimately
determined to abandon each of our other potential acquisition opportunities
either due to a lack of interest by the sellers or because
we
concluded that the target business and the terms of a potential combination
would not be a suitable acquisition for GSCAC, particularly in comparison to
Complete Energy.
One of the
business contacts that GSCAC made after our IPO mentioned Complete Energy as a
possible acquisition candidate. Accordingly, in early September, 2007, William
Hallisey, a managing director of GSC Group, contacted Hugh Tarpley, one of the
Complete Energy’s owners and executives, to inquire as to whether Complete
Energy would be interested in a potential sale transaction with GSCAC. Mr.
Tarpley indicated a willingness to explore the possibility of such a transaction
and asked Mr. Hallisey to arrange for GSCAC to enter into a confidentiality
agreement with Complete Energy.
On
September 26, 2007, we entered into a confidentiality agreement with Complete
Energy and thereafter Messrs. Hallisey and Tarpley exchanged certain background
materials regarding the respective companies and businesses.
On October
16, 2007, Mr. Hallisey attended an initial meeting with Mr. Tarpley, Lori
Cuervo, Peter Dailey and other members of the Complete Energy management team at
the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to continue discussions regarding
a potential acquisition of Complete Energy by GSCAC.
Over the
next several weeks, various telephone and email communications took place
between Complete Energy and GSCAC where information was exchanged to assist
GSCAC in gaining a better understanding of Complete Energy’s
business.
On
November 6, 2007, Complete Energy issued a press release announcing that it had
engaged JPMorgan as its exclusive financial advisor in a broad review of
strategic alternatives in connection with its interest in the Batesville and La
Paloma facilities, including the evaluation of a sale or merger of Complete
Energy or the individual facilities.
In
response to this press release, Mr. Hallisey contacted Mr. Tarpley and JPMorgan
on November 7, 2007 to emphasize our interest in pursuing a possible transaction
with Complete Energy. After further discussions with representatives of JPMorgan
and Complete Energy, on November 19, 2007, we submitted to Complete Energy a
non-binding indication of interest to acquire 100% of Complete Energy, including
all of the equity in both the La Paloma and Batesville facilities, at an
enterprise value of $1.3 billion.
In late
November, 2007, we received and reviewed a confidential descriptive memorandum
prepared by JPMorgan, indicating that Complete Energy was considering a sale,
merger or other strategic transaction for its interests in the La Paloma and
Batesville facilities and describing those interests. Subsequently, on December
18, 2007, JPMorgan requested non-binding indications of interest for the La
Paloma facility, the Batesville facility or all of Complete Energy. In response
to this request, on January 12, 2008, we resubmitted to JPMorgan our non-binding
indication of interest to acquire 100% of Complete Energy, including all of the
equity in both the La Paloma and Batesville facilities, at an enterprise value
of $1.3 billion.
In
December and January of 2008, we continued our initial business due diligence
efforts on Complete Energy. During this time, we also had preliminary
discussions with representatives of UBS regarding a potential acquisition of
Complete Energy or one of its facilities and their capabilities to serve as our
financial advisor.
We
participated on a conference call with UBS on January 28, 2008 and then
subsequently met with UBS at our offices in New York, New York on February 6,
2008 to discuss a formal engagement of UBS regarding a potential acquisition of
Complete Energy or one of its facilities. We formally engaged UBS as a financial
advisor on February 9, 2008.
From and
after February 2008, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“Citi”) began providing
financial advisory services to us under an engagement letter that was executed
as of May 1, 2008. Citi agreed to provide its services as a financial
advisor without compensation. Citi will be paid deferred underwriting
discounts and commissions of $6.2 million upon completion of the acquisition in
connection with its role as sole bookrunning manager and as an underwriter in
our IPO.
On
February 9, 2008, we attended a management presentation held by the Complete
Energy management team at JPMorgan’s offices in New York, New York.
On or
about February 11, 2008, we engaged the law firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell to
act as our legal advisor in connection with the potential transaction involving
Complete Energy and an accounting firm was engaged to assist with accounting due
diligence.
On
February 19, 2008, representatives of GSCAC, UBS and Black & Veatch,
conducted a site visit of the Batesville facility in Batesville, Mississippi,
and on February 20, 2008, representatives of GSCAC, UBS and Black & Veatch
conducted a site visit of the La Paloma facility in McKittrick, California.
Black & Veatch, an engineering, consulting and construction firm with
experience in the power industry, was hired by us prior to the site visit to
advise us on the power industry generally and to perform operational and
environmental due diligence on both facilities. Black & Veatch worked with
UBS to develop a detailed financial projection model based on Black &
Veatch’s proprietary power market forecasting capabilities.
On
February 20, 2008, we received a letter from JPMorgan requesting submission of a
final and binding written offer for the La Paloma facility, the Batesville
facility or all of Complete Energy by noon on March 11, 2008. Additionally,
beginning on or about this date, we were provided access to an electronic data
room containing information regarding Complete Energy’s organizational structure
and the La Paloma and Batesville facilities, as well as a draft of a purchase
and sale agreement proposed by Complete Energy.
Following
receipt of JPMorgan’s request for submission of a final and binding written
offer, we determined to focus our efforts, and those of our advisors, solely on
the La Paloma facility based on our discussions with Complete Energy. Over the
next several weeks, our advisors Black & Veatch, UBS, Davis Polk &
Wardwell, Steptoe & Johnson and our accounting firm performed business and
accounting due diligence and legal investigations with respect to the La Paloma
facility to supplement our internal business due diligence efforts.
On March
6, 2008, we had a call with Complete Energy to discuss, among other things,
growth strategy and business priorities of Complete Energy, expansion
opportunities of the existing facilities, capabilities of the existing
management team, the proposed transaction structure and potential terms of a
definitive merger agreement.
On March
11, 2008, GSCAC submitted a letter to JPMorgan proposing to acquire 100% of the
equity in the La Paloma facility in a merger transaction at an implied
enterprise value of $900 million, with the purchase price to be paid in GSCAC
shares. Under our proposal, the actual number of GSCAC shares to be issued upon
the completion of the merger would be determined based on this enterprise value,
adjusted for Complete Energy’s debt and cash balances and the minority interests
owned by third parties in the Complete Energy subsidiary that owns the La Paloma
facility. Our letter to JPMorgan included a term sheet for the merger
transaction we proposed, highlighting what we believed were the key business
issues in the purchase and sale agreement proposed by Complete Energy, and a
list of key outstanding due diligence items.
Over the
next several days, UBS and JPMorgan held discussions regarding GSCAC’s bid. The
discussions related to the adequacy of the March 11, 2008 bid for the La Paloma
facility and the possible expansion of the bid to include the Batesville
facility.
On March
13, 2008, JPMorgan delivered to GSCAC and UBS a list of high level issues raised
by GSCAC’s proposal, and asked GSCAC to consider a proposal to acquire all of
Complete Energy, including both the La Paloma and the Batesville facilities. The
issues identified by JPMorgan included our proposed purchase price, the
structure of our proposed transaction and deal certainty. In this issues list,
JPMorgan proposed that GSCAC acquire Complete Energy’s equity interests in the
La Paloma facility in exchange for 58 million shares of our common stock,
plus warrants to purchase 5.8 million additional shares at an exercise price of
$10.00 per share. Alternatively, JPMorgan proposed that GSCAC acquire 100% of
the equity interests in Complete Energy, including both the La Paloma and the
Batesville facilities, in exchange for 65 million shares of our common stock,
plus warrants to purchase 6.5 million additional shares at an exercise price of
$10.00 per share.
On March
17, 2008, we submitted a revised proposal to JPMorgan in response to the March
13, 2008 list of high level of issues. Our response proposed an acquisition of
100% of the equity in the La Paloma facility in exchange for GSCAC shares based
on an implied enterprise value of $900 million to be issued at closing, plus an
additional seven million shares of our common stock to be issued if the closing
price for our common stock after the merger is at least $15.00 per share for 10
consecutive business days. We communicated to JPMorgan that we
remained
interested in the Batesville facility at an implied enterprise value of $400
million, but that we needed to conduct additional due diligence before we would
be able to submit a formal proposal.
On March
18, 2008, representatives of GSCAC met with Mr. Tarpley and Ms. Cuervo to
discuss the Batesville facility. We also worked with UBS and Black & Veatch
to expand our financial model to include the Batesville facility and to
determine a valuation for Batesville.
On March
19, 2008, GSCAC submitted a revised proposal to acquire 100% of Complete Energy,
including all of the equity in both the La Paloma and the Batesville facilities,
in exchange for GSCAC shares based on an implied enterprise value of
$1.3 billion to be issued at closing, plus an additional 10 million shares
of our common stock if the closing price for our common stock after the merger
is at least $15.00 per share for 10 consecutive business days. The revised
proposal was subject to, among other things, satisfactory completion of legal
and accounting due diligence with respect to the Batesville facility, as well as
environmental due diligence on both facilities.
On March
20, 2008, JPMorgan sent a further revised proposal to GSCAC, which indicated a
purchase price for Complete Energy based on an implied enterprise value of $900
million for 100% of the equity in the La Paloma facility and $400 million
for 100% of the equity in the Batesville facility, plus 6-year warrants to
purchase 10 million shares of our common stock for $0.01 per share, of which
one-third would be exercisable if the closing price for our common stock is at
least $12.00 per share for 10 consecutive trading days, one-third would be
exercisable if the closing price for our common stock is at least $14.00 per
share for 10 consecutive trading days and one-third would be exercisable if the
closing price for our common stock is at least $16.00 per share for 10
consecutive trading days.
On March
25, 2008, a meeting was held at JPMorgan’s offices in New York, New York among
representatives of GSCAC, UBS, Davis Polk & Wardwell, Complete Energy,
JPMorgan and Vinson & Elkins LLP (“Vinson & Elkins”), counsel to
Complete Energy, to discuss our respective proposals and exchange positions
regarding the principal non-financial terms for a potential
transaction.
On March
26, 2008, representatives of GSCAC, Davis Polk & Wardwell, Vinson &
Elkins and UBS participated in a conference call to discuss alternative
structures for the potential transaction.
On or
about March 27, 2008, representatives of GSCAC, Complete Energy and TAMCO, in
its capacity as agent for the TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley under the existing
Complete Energy note purchase agreement (hereinafter referred to in this
capacity as “TAMCO, as agent”), met at JPMorgan’s offices in New York, New York
to discuss the proposed transaction and various alternatives with respect to the
outstanding Complete Energy mezzanine debt held by the TAMCO funds and Morgan
Stanley related to the La Paloma facility. At this meeting, TAMCO proposed to
exchange the existing mezzanine debt, valued at approximately $270 million, for
$50 million of new mezzanine notes that would be issued to the TAMCO funds and
Morgan Stanley, a cash payment of $50 million and approximately $170 million
shares of GSCAC common stock.
On March
27, 2008, representatives of Davis Polk & Wardwell and Vinson & Elkins
held a conference call to continue discussions regarding the positions of GSCAC
and Complete Energy regarding various transaction terms. On the same day, we
participated in a conference call with our advisors and Complete Energy,
JPMorgan and UHY LLP, independent public accountants to Complete Energy, to
discuss whether it would be possible for Complete Energy’s auditors to prepare
an audit of the subsidiaries owning its La Paloma facility for the period from
January 1 to August 16, 2005 (the date that Complete Energy acquired its
interest in the La Paloma facility).
On March
28, 2008, our advisors Black & Veatch, UBS, Davis Polk & Wardwell and
Steptoe & Johnson initiated their business and legal investigations with
respect to the Batesville facility to supplement our internal business due
diligence efforts. During the week of March 31, 2008, our accounting firm
initiated its accounting due diligence with respect to the Batesville
facility.
On April
1, 2008, representatives of Vinson & Elkins and Davis Polk & Wardwell
participated on a conference call to discuss various potential transaction
structures and the tax aspects of such structures.
On April
2, 2008, a conference call was held among GSCAC, Complete Energy and their
respective legal counsel and financial and industry advisors to organize
environmental site visits of the La Paloma and Batesville facilities by Black
& Veatch.
On or
about April 3, 2008, conference calls took place between GSCAC and Complete
Energy and later among GSCAC, TAMCO, as agent, and Morgan Stanley to discuss the
transaction structure, the terms of the mezzanine debt to be issued in the
transaction to the TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley and board
representation.
On April
4, 2008, Vinson & Elkins delivered an initial draft of a merger agreement
and during the week of April 7, 2008, Vinson & Elkins delivered drafts of
certain of the exhibits to the merger agreement to us and to Davis Polk &
Wardwell. Over the course of the next several weeks, GSCAC, Complete Energy and
our respective legal counsel negotiated the terms of the merger agreement and
related transaction documents.
Also on
April 4, 2008, Black & Veatch conducted a site visit of the Batesville
facility in connection with a summary environmental evaluation of the facility.
On April 5, 2008, Black & Veatch conducted a site visit of the La Paloma
facility in connection with a summary environmental evaluation of the
facility.
On April
7, 2008, we engaged in discussions regarding our potential acquisition of
Complete Energy with JPMorgan and following these discussions, we proposed to
acquire 100% of Complete Energy, including all of the equity in the La Paloma
and Batesville facilities, in exchange for GSCAC shares based on an implied
enterprise value of $1.3 billion to be issued at closing, plus an additional
five million shares of our common stock if the closing price for our common
stock after the merger is at least $14.50 per share for 10 consecutive business
days and an additional five million shares of our common stock if the closing
price for our common stock after the merger is at least $15.50 per share for 10
consecutive business days. We also discussed certain key non-financial terms of
the potential transaction that remained to be resolved. The parties came to
agreement on these financial terms, subject to the resolution of the remaining
non-financial terms and the negotiation of definitive agreements. On the same
date we also had a conference call with Complete Energy, JPMorgan and UBS to
discuss a preliminary draft of an investor presentation relating to the proposed
acquisition.
On April
8, 2008, we received an initial draft prepared by O’Melveny & Myers, LLP
(“O’Melveny & Myers”), counsel to the TAMCO funds and to TAMCO, as agent, of
the covenants and events of default that would be included in the note purchase
agreement relating to the proposed $50 million of new mezzanine notes (the “note
purchase agreement”) that would be issued to the TAMCO funds and Morgan
Stanley.
On April
9, 2008, Davis Polk & Wardwell delivered a revised draft of the merger
agreement to Complete Energy, JPMorgan and Vinson & Elkins, and O’Melveny
& Myers delivered a draft of the lender consent pursuant to which the TAMCO
funds and Morgan Stanley would agree to exchange approximately $270 million of
Complete Energy debt related to the La Paloma facility for a cash payment of $50
million, $50 million of mezzanine notes and approximately $170 million of GSCAC
shares.
On April
9, 2008, we attended a meeting at the offices of Davis Polk & Wardwell in
New York, New York with Complete Energy and our respective counsel and financial
advisors, as applicable, to discuss issues relating to Complete Energy’s
proposed draft merger agreement, the tax structure for the proposed transactions
and the terms of the lender consent.
On April
10, 2008, Complete Energy delivered to us a list of issues arising from the
April 9th draft merger agreement to be addressed by the parties and later that
day we attended a meeting at the offices of Davis Polk & Wardwell in New
York, New York with Complete Energy and our respective counsel and financial
advisors, as applicable, to discuss these issues.
Also on
April 10, 2008, representatives of GSCAC, Complete Energy, JPMorgan, Vinson
& Elkins and Davis Polk & Wardwell met at the offices of Davis Polk
& Wardwell in New York, New York to discuss certain issues raised by the
initial draft delivered by O’Melveny & Myers of the covenants and events of
default to be included in the note purchase agreement.
On April
11, 2008, we participated in a conference call with representatives of Complete
Energy and our respective counsel to discuss the methodology to be used to
calculate the number of shares to be delivered to the owners of Complete Energy
and the owners of the minority interests held by third parties in the Complete
Energy subsidiaries that own the La Paloma facility and the Batesville
facility.
On April
14, 2008, our board of directors retained Duff & Phelps to provide an
opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the holders of
GSCAC’s common stock of the consideration to be paid in the acquisition and
whether Complete Energy had a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the
balance in our trust account (excluding deferred underwriting discounts and
commissions).
Also on
April 14, 2008, we received a revised draft prepared by O’Melveny & Myers of
the covenants and events of default that would be included in the note purchase
agreement.
During the
week of April 14, 2008, counsel for GSCAC, Complete Energy and the TAMCO funds,
TAMCO, as agent, and Morgan Stanley exchanged drafts of the merger agreement and
related transaction documents, and engaged in negotiations relating to such
drafts.
On April
15, 2008, we received a first complete draft of the note purchase agreement from
O’Melveny & Myers.
On April
16, 2008, representatives of GSCAC, Complete Energy, JPMorgan, Vinson &
Elkins and Davis Polk & Wardwell met at the offices of Davis Polk &
Wardwell in New York, New York to discuss the draft note purchase agreement
delivered by O’Melveny & Myers. Following the meeting, Vinson & Elkins
prepared a list of material issues that was reviewed by Davis Polk &
Wardwell and us. This issues list was sent to TAMCO, as agent, and O’Melveny
& Myers.
While our
management had been keeping our board members informed about the progress of our
discussions regarding a potential acquisition of Complete Energy, our board of
directors had a conference call on April 17, 2008 for an informal briefing
regarding the proposed transaction. Matthew Kaufman, our president,
and representatives of Davis Polk & Wardwell then reported to the board
regarding the status of our negotiations with Complete Energy. On the same day,
representatives of GSCAC and Complete Energy and our respective counsel and
advisors met at the offices of Vinson & Elkins in New York, New York to
discuss the drafts of the merger agreement, lender consent and various other
transaction documents.
Also on
April 17, 2008, representatives of GSCAC, Complete Energy and TAMCO, as agent,
and our respective counsel and advisors met at the offices of O’Melveny &
Myers in New York, New York to discuss the note purchase agreement; counsel to
Morgan Stanley participated in this meeting by conference call. Over the next
several weeks, drafts of the note purchase agreement were exchanged and
negotiations took place relating to such drafts.
On April
18 and 19, 2008, GSCAC, Complete Energy, JPMorgan and UBS met at UBS’s offices
in New York, New York to discuss a draft of the investor
presentation.
On April
20, 2008, UBS distributed a revised draft of the investor presentation for
review by GSCAC, Complete Energy and our advisors. Over the next two weeks,
various drafts of the investor presentation were distributed and representatives
of GSCAC and Complete Energy and their respective advisors met to review and
revise the investor presentation.
During the
weeks of April 21 and April 28, 2008, GSCAC, Complete Energy, TAMCO, as agent,
and Morgan Stanley and our respective counsel prepared, reviewed and revised
successive drafts of the merger agreement and other transaction documents and
engaged in numerous conference calls seeking to address concerns regarding these
drafts.
On April
23, 2008, GSCAC, Complete Energy and their respective counsel and financial
advisors, as applicable, met to review a revised draft of the investor
presentation.
On April
30, 2008, representatives of GSCAC, Complete Energy, the TAMCO funds and our
respective counsel met at the offices of Vinson & Elkins, New York, New
York, to discuss the draft investor presentation and open issues relating to the
merger agreement, the lender consent and the related transaction
documents.
During the
week of May 5, 2008, GSCAC, Complete Energy, TAMCO, as agent, Morgan Stanley and
our respective counsel continued to engage in negotiations regarding the terms
of the merger agreement and the related transaction documents.
On May 5,
2008, our board of directors met to discuss the status of the potential Complete
Energy transaction. Representatives of UBS discussed certain financial aspects
of the proposed Complete Energy transaction and representatives of Duff &
Phelps discussed their preliminary fairness analysis with the board. A
representative of Davis Polk & Wardwell reviewed the terms of the merger
agreement and related transaction documents with the board and advised the board
regarding their fiduciary duties in connection with the proposed
transaction.
On May 6,
2008, GSCAC, Complete Energy, TAMCO, as agent, and Morgan Stanley and our
respective legal advisors met at the offices of Vinson & Elkins in New York,
New York to continue discussions regarding the merger agreement, the lender
consent and the related transaction documents.
On May 8,
2008, our board of directors met to consider approval of the proposed Complete
Energy transactions. At this meeting, Duff & Phelps provided its
fairness presentation and orally delivered its opinion, confirmed by delivery of
a written opinion dated May 8, 2008, to our board of directors subject to the
qualifications, limitations and assumptions set forth therein that as of that
date, the consideration to be paid by GSCAC in the acquisition is fair, from a
financial point of view, to the holders of GSCAC’s common stock and the fair
market value of Complete Energy was equal to at least 80% of the balance in
GSCAC’s trust account (excluding deferred underwriting discounts and
commissions). See “Summary of the Duff & Phelps Fairness
Opinion.”
After
review and discussion, the members of the board who were present at the meeting
unanimously approved the merger agreement and related transactions documents,
determined that it was advisable and in the best interests of GSCAC and our
stockholders to consummate the merger and the other transactions contemplated by
the merger agreement and determined to recommend the approval of the acquisition
to our stockholders, subject to the negotiation of the final terms of the merger
agreement and the related transaction documents. The board also determined that
Complete Energy has a fair market value that will represent at least 80% of the
estimated balance of the trust account (excluding deferred underwriting
discounts and commissions) at the time of the proposed acquisition and that upon
consummation of the merger, we would own at least 51% of the voting equity
interests, and control the majority of the governing board, of Complete Energy –
two requirements for an initial business combination under our charter. The
board determined to ask all members to execute a unanimous written consent to
evidence the board’s determinations, and thereby to ensure that the approval of
the acquisition of Complete Energy and related transactions was a unanimous
decision of the board. During the evening of May 8, 2008, the members of our
board of directors executed a unanimous written consent approving the proposed
merger, the merger agreement and related transaction documents.
On May 9,
2008, GSCAC, Complete Energy, TAMCO, as agent, the TAMCO funds and Morgan
Stanley and our respective representatives negotiated the final terms of the
merger agreement and related transaction documents. During the evening of May 9,
2008, after the financial markets closed in New York, the parties executed the
merger agreement, the lender consent and certain related transaction
agreements.
On May 12,
2008, GSCAC and Complete Energy issued a joint press release announcing the
proposed acquisition of Complete Energy by GSCAC and related transactions and
filed the joint press release, the final investor presentation and an investor
call script with the SEC.
On May 14,
2008, GSCAC sent written offers to the LP Minority Holders to exchange their
aggregate 40% ownership interests in La Paloma Acquisition upon completion of
the acquisition for certain securities of GSCAC and Holdco Sub.
On May 28,
2008, GSCAC received a letter from two minority holders in La Paloma Acquisition
stating that under the La Paloma Acquisition LLC Agreement, they were entitled
to a tag-along offer to purchase their shares at
the fair
market value, as determined by an independent appraiser of nationally recognized
standing, and requesting that such an offer be made. Complete Energy
responded to the letter indicating that promptly following completion of the
acquisition, GSCAC intends to submit an offer to acquire the minority interests
in La Paloma Acquisition from third party owners of the minority interests in
accordance with the applicable “tag along” provisions of the La Paloma
Acquisition LLC Agreement concerning the fair market value of the minority
interests, taking into consideration all relevant discounts. On June 13, 2008,
the two minority holders responded to Complete Energy’s correspondence stating
that their “tag along” offer must be made prior to completion of the
acquisition.
On June
26, 2008, GSCAC made an offer to Fulcrum to exchange Fulcrum’s ownership
interests in the Complete Energy subsidiary that owns the Batesville
facility. The offer to Fulcrum expires at the close of business on
July 30, 2008.
In seeking
out candidates for our initial business combination, our board of directors and
management developed a variety of criteria and guidelines to assist us in
identifying a potential opportunity, including the following (not listed in any
particular order):
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financial
condition and historical results of
operations;
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profit
margin and cash flow conversion
opportunities;
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experience
and skill of management;
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reputation
and quality of management team and
brand;
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stage
of development of the business and its products or
services;
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existing
distribution arrangements and the potential for
expansion;
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degree
of current or potential market acceptance of the products or
services;
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proprietary
aspects of products and the extent of intellectual property or other
protection for products or
formulas;
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impact
of regulation on the business;
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costs
associated with effecting the business
combination;
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industry
leadership, sustainability of market share and attractiveness of market
sectors in which target business
participates;
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degree
to which GSC Group’s investment professionals have investment experience
in the target business’s industry;
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ability
for GSC Group to add value post business combination;
and
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macro
competitive dynamics in the industry within which each company
competes.
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These
criteria were not intended to be exhaustive, but our management believed that
these considerations should be of particular importance.
In
evaluating the potential acquisition of Complete Energy, our board of directors
considered a wide range of business, financial and other factors and believes
that the non-exhaustive list below, which are all of the material
factors
considered by our board of directors, strongly supports its determination to
approve the merger and related transactions. The GSCAC board of directors did
not consider it practicable to, nor did it attempt to, quantify or otherwise
assign relative weights to the specific factors that it considered in reaching
its decision. In addition, individual members of the GSCAC board of directors
may have given different weight to different factors.
Business
Factors
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High quality assets. We
believe that the La Paloma facility is one of the most efficient
fossil-fueled generation stations in California and is strategically
positioned to serve both the Northern and Southern California markets. The
Batesville facility in Mississippi is a highly efficient, fossil-fueled
facility that is strategically located in the center of the high growth
SERC market and can serve both TVA and Entergy
customers.
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Experienced management
team. Post merger, Complete Energy will continue to be led by Mr.
Tarpley and Ms. Cuervo, two of the founders of Complete Energy and
industry veterans with 45 combined years of experience managing and
growing large power generation
companies.
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High replacement cost for
comparable assets. The replacement cost for comparable assets has
risen substantially over the past several years and is expected to
continue to escalate in part due to the global demand for infrastructure
for power generation.
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Potential for growth (La
Paloma facility). The factors driving growth of the La Paloma
facility include (1) the lagging development in new generating capacity
relative to strong demand growth in California; reserve margins are near
required minimums due to strong load growth and limited new build
activity; (2) the necessity for power revenues to increase substantially
to stimulate the construction of new generating assets; (3) the long lead
time (three to five years) for development is likely to keep the region
constrained for the foreseeable future; and (4) the La Paloma facility’s
ability to capitalize on “brownfield” expansion
opportunities.
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Potential for growth
(Batesville facility). The key growth factors for the
Batesville facility include: (1) an improving supply/demand balance
supported by load growth as a result of above-average population and
economic growth in the southeastern U.S.; (2) capacity adjustments as coal
plants are retired and/or the economics of competing operating facilities
change; and (3) SERC is dominated by aging coal-fired generation nearing
design life limits and exposed to potential climate-change
legislation.
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Potential for growth (Complete
Energy). The key growth factors for Complete Energy (as a whole)
include: (1) the potential to grow through acquisitions; and (2) the
potential growth in value driven by future increases in replacement
costs.
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Expansion
opportunities. The existing site of the La Paloma facility is well
situated for a number of potential expansion projects, including the
addition of a fifth unit or the development of a solar farm. Also, there
is potential for an additional unit at the Batesville facility. These
“brownfield” expansion projects can be completed at a material discount to
“greenfield” construction costs due to efficiencies in utilizing existing
plant, transmissions, and water and balance of plant
infrastructure.
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Opportunities to benefit from
access to capital markets. Access to capital through the public
equity market should enable Complete Energy’s management team to execute
Complete Energy’s objectives for expansion of its existing facilities and
to capitalize on acquisition opportunities to expand the scope of scale of
its operations.
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Potential to realize value
from acquisitions. Currently, we believe there are over 17,000 MW
of generating capacity available for sale in the U.S. Complete Energy’s
management team is well positioned to execute on an acquisition strategy
based on their acquisition and operating experience as well as access to
public capital.
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Favorable due diligence
outcome. GSCAC and its advisors conducted a significant amount due
diligence on Complete Energy and both of the La Paloma and Batesville
facilities, and the results of the due diligence effort were
favorable.
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Financial
Factors
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Strong and relatively stable
cash flow. Three of the four La Paloma facility units are
contracted through a tolling agreement with Morgan Stanley Capital Group
and all of the Batesville facility’s output is sold under long-term power
purchase agreements with J. Aron & Company and the South Mississippi
Electric Power Association, in each case providing stable and predictable
cash flows for several years.
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Strong balance sheet.
The board of directors considered that the project-level debt in
connection with both the La Paloma facility and the Batesville facility
would remain in place after the completion of the acquisition and the fact
that such project-level debt was issued on attractive terms. GSCAC
believes that the pro forma net debt in the amount of approximately $672
million (or $361/kW) is conservative for the business. As a result, we
expect Complete Energy to have debt capacity available to take advantage
of growth, expansion and acquisition
opportunities.
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The attractive purchase price
relative to replacement costs in the power generation industry. Pro
forma enterprise value represents a discount of more than 40% to estimated
blended replacement cost.
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The financial presentation of
Duff & Phelps and the opinion dated May 8, 2008 delivered by Duff
& Phelps. Duff & Phelps delivered its opinion dated May 8,
2008 to our board of directors subject to the assumptions, limitations and
qualifications set forth therein that as of the date of the opinion, the
consideration to be paid by GSCAC in the acquisition is fair, from a
financial point of view, to the holders of GSCAC’s common stock and the
fair market value of Complete Energy was equal to 80% of the balance in
GSCAC’s trust account (excluding deferred underwriting discounts and
commissions). The full text of Duff and Phelps’ opinion dated May 8, 2008
is attached to this proxy statement as Annex D. See also “Summary of the
Duff & Phelps Fairness
Opinion.”
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Financial projection model.
Our board of directors considered a detailed financial projection
model that Black & Veatch prepared with UBS based on Black &
Veatch’s proprietary power market forecasting capabilities. The financial
projection model was one of several criteria used by the board of
directors in determining that the consideration to be paid for Complete
Energy was appropriate.
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Other
Factors
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Continuing ownership of
Complete Energy owners. The current owners of Complete Energy and
its subsidiaries will not receive any cash consideration in the merger or
related transactions; they will receive only GSCAC shares and Holdco Sub
securities.
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Alignment of Interests between
Complete Energy stakeholders and our stockholders. As a result of
the merger and related transactions, the TAMCO funds (under common
investment management) will become Complete Energy Holdings Corporation’s
largest block of stockholders with approximately 25.5% ownership; GSCAC’s
existing stockholders are expected to collectively own approximately 57%
of Complete Energy Holdings Corporation; the current owners of Complete
Energy are expected to own approximately 12.5% of Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation; and Morgan Stanley is expected to own approximately 5.1% of
Complete Energy Holdings Corporation, in each case on a fully-diluted
basis and assuming that no GSCAC stockholders elect to convert their
shares into cash. Accordingly, the interests of all of these Complete
Energy stakeholders will be aligned with those of our existing
stockholders.
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TAMCO equity ownership.
The TAMCO funds were willing to exchange a portion of the
outstanding La Paloma debt for equity in
GSCAC.
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Our board
of directors also considered certain negative factors associated with the
proposed merger and related transactions but determined that the positive
factors cited above strongly outweighed these negative factors. The negative
factors considered by the GSCAC board included:
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Limited availability of public
information regarding comparable companies. The information that
GSCAC has access to regarding comparable companies is
limited. Additionally, public companies owning larger
generation portfolios with assets utilizing alternative fuels and
technologies and operating in different regions are potentially comparable
on a plant basis, but do not actually compare at an enterprise
level.
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Expiration of lock-up 180 days
after completion of the merger. Sales of GSCAC shares by Complete
Energy owners and certain stakeholders after the expiration of the lock-up
period could have an adverse effect on the price of GSCAC’s common
stock.
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Complexity of “UP-C”
structure. The fact that certain of our stockholders will own Class
A shares and certain of our stockholders – the current owners of Complete
Energy and, if they accept our offers, the current owners of minority
interests in La Paloma Acquisition and Batesville Holding – will own Class
B shares and Class B, C and D units of Holdco Sub adds complexity to our
capital structure. However, the terms of the transaction documents,
including the Holdco Sub LLC Agreement and our second amended and restated
charter, have been prepared to afford the owners of Class B shares and
Class B units of Holdco Sub rights that are substantially equivalent to
ownership of Class A shares. Because the holders of Class B shares and
Class B, C and D units of Holdco Sub have limited rights to transfer these
securities, we expect that over time there will be fewer of these
securities outstanding as the holders exchange their Class B shares and
Class B units of Holdco Sub for Class A shares, including for purposes of
transferring their securities to unaffiliated third
parties.
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Lack of public reporting
capability. Complete Energy’s corporate staff, who will become
employees of GSCAC at closing, does not to our knowledge have experience
with the requirements of public reporting due to the fact the Complete
Energy is a private company, as were the businesses that Complete Energy
acquired (the La Paloma facility and the Batesville facility). After the
completion of the merger, we will need to build new reporting capabilities
for Complete Energy to meet the requirements of a publicly-traded
company.
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Limited remedies if Complete
Energy breaches the merger agreement. The merger agreement
significantly limits our ability to pursue claims against Complete Energy
for breaches of the merger agreement. Additionally, there is no escrow of
any portion of the merger consideration and, as a result, after completion
of the merger, our ability to recover on any potential claims is
limited.
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Regulatory approvals.
Our board of directors considered the regulatory approvals required to
complete the proposed transactions and the risk that governmental
authorities and third parties might seek to impose unfavorable terms or
conditions on the required approvals or that such approvals may not be
obtained at all. Our board of directors further considered the potential
length of the regulatory approval
process.
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Potential for major
operational issues. Due to the nature of the operations of the La
Paloma facility and the Batesville facility there is a potential for major
operational issues that could result in lost revenue and significant
repair costs. The Batesville facility experienced significant operational
issues in 2007; however, through the feedback received from our
operational due diligence performed by Black & Veatch and information
provided by Complete Energy, we believe that these issues have been
resolved and are the result of non-recurring
causes.
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By written
consent dated May 8, 2008, GSCAC’s board of directors unanimously:
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determined
that (1) Complete Energy has a fair market value that represents at least
80% of the estimated balance of the trust account (excluding deferred
underwriting discounts and commissions), (2) upon completion of the
acquisition, GSCAC will own at least 51% of the voting equity interests of
Complete Energy and control the majority of the governing board of
Complete Energy, (3) the acquisition constitutes an “Initial Business
Combination” under GSCAC’s charter and (4) that the merger and the merger
agreement, the amendments to GSCAC’s charter and the related transactions
are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of GSCAC and its
stockholders,
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approved
the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby (including
the proposed merger between Merger Sub and Complete Energy), the amended
and restated charter of GSCAC, the lender consent, the stock option plan
and other related transactions, and
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determined
to recommend that stockholders of GSCAC approve the acquisition proposal,
including the amendments to the charter and the issuance of GSCAC’s common
shares in the merger.
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In
approving the transaction and making these recommendations, GSCAC’s board of
directors consulted with GSCAC’s management as well as its outside legal counsel
and financial advisors, as applicable, and it carefully considered the following
factors:
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all
the reasons described above under “—Factors Considered by the GSCAC Board
in Approving the Acquisition,”
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information
concerning the business, assets, capital structure, financial performance
and condition and prospects of Complete Energy, focusing in particular on
the quality of Complete Energy’s
assets,
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the
possibility, as alternatives to the merger, of pursuing an acquisition of
or a business combination with a firm other than Complete Energy and the
GSCAC board’s conclusion that a transaction with Complete Energy is more
feasible, and is expected to yield greater benefits, than the likely
alternatives. The GSCAC board reached this conclusion for reasons
including Complete Energy’s interest in pursuing a transaction with GSCAC,
GSCAC’s view that the transaction could be acceptably completed from a
timing and regulatory standpoint, and GSCAC management’s assessment of the
alternatives and the expected benefits of the merger and compatibility of
the companies, as described under “Factors Considered by the GSCAC Board
in Approving the Acquisition”
above,
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the
composition and strength of the expected senior management of Complete
Energy,
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that,
while the merger is likely to be completed, there are risks associated
with obtaining necessary approvals, and, as a result of certain conditions
to the completion of the merger, it is possible that the merger may not be
completed even if approved by the GSCAC stockholders (see “The Merger
Agreement—Conditions to Closing”),
and
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the
terms and structure of the merger and the terms and conditions of the
merger agreement, including the consideration to be paid, the termination
rights of the parties and the ability of our board to change its
recommendation of the acquisition if it receives a more favorable proposal
(see “The Merger Agreement—Conditions to Closing,” “The Merger
Agreement—Termination” and “The Merger Agreement—Exclusivity: Change in
Recommendation by the GSCAC
Board”).
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In view of
the number and wide variety of factors considered in connection with its
evaluation of the merger and the complexity of these matters, GSCAC’s board of
directors did not find it practicable to, nor did it attempt to, quantify, rank
or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors that it considered.
In addition, the board of directors did not undertake to make any specific
determination as to whether any particular factor was favorable or unfavorable
to the board of directors’ ultimate determination or assign any particular
weight to any factor, but conducted an overall analysis of the factors described
above, including through discussions with and questioning of GSCAC’s management
and management’s analysis of the proposed merger based on information received
from GSCAC’s legal, financial and accounting advisors. In considering the
factors described above, individual members of GSCAC’s board of directors may
have given different weight to different factors. GSCAC’s board of directors
considered all these factors together and, on the whole, thought them to be
favorable to, and to support, its determination.
The GSCAC
board engaged Duff & Phelps as an independent financial advisor in
connection with the acquisition. Pursuant to its engagement letter
dated April 14, 2008, on May 8, 2008, Duff & Phelps rendered its oral
opinion (subsequently confirmed in writing as of May 8, 2008) to the GSCAC board
to the effect that, subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications
set forth therein, as of May 8, 2008, (1) the consideration to be paid by
GSCAC in
the acquisition is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of
GSCAC’s common stock and (2) Complete Energy has a fair market value equal to at
least 80% of the balance in GSCAC’s trust account (excluding deferred
underwriting discounts and commissions). The opinion was approved by
Duff & Phelps’ internal opinion committee.
Duff and Phelps’ opinion was directed
to the GSCAC board and only addressed (1) the fairness, from a financial point
of view, to the holders of GSCAC’s common stock of the consideration to be paid
by GSCAC in the acquisition and (2) whether Complete Energy has a fair market
value equal to at least 80% of the balance in GSCAC’s trust account (excluding
deferred underwriting discounts and commissions), and does not address any other
aspect or implication of the acquisition. The summary of Duff &
Phelps’ opinion in this proxy statement is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the full text of the written opinion, which is included as Annex D
to this proxy statement and sets forth the procedures followed, assumptions
made, qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken and other matters
considered by Duff & Phelps in preparing its opinion. We
encourage you to carefully read the full text of Duff & Phelps’ written
opinion. However, neither Duff & Phelps’ written opinion nor the
summary of its related analysis is intended to be, and do not constitute advice
or a recommendation to any stockholders as to how such stockholder should act or
vote with respect to the acquisition.
In
connection with its opinion, Duff & Phelps has made such reviews, analyses
and inquiries as it deemed necessary and appropriate under the
circumstances. Duff & Phelps also took into account its
assessment of general economic, market and financial conditions, as well as its
experience in securities and business valuation, in general and with respect to
similar transactions, in particular. Duff & Phelps’ due diligence
with respect to the acquisition included, but was not limited to, the items
summarized below:
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Discussed
the operations, financial conditions, future prospects and projected
operations and performance of GSCAC and Complete Energy, respectively, and
the acquisition with the management of Complete Energy and
GSCAC.
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Reviewed
certain publicly available financial statements and other business and
financial information of GSCAC and Complete Energy, respectively, and the
industries in which Complete Energy
operates.
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Reviewed
certain internal financial statements and other financial and operating
data concerning GSCAC and Complete Energy, respectively, which GSCAC and
Complete Energy have respectively identified as being the most current
financial statements available.
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Reviewed
certain financial forecasts as prepared by the management of GSCAC and
Complete Energy.
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Reviewed
a draft of the merger agreement and the exhibits thereto dated May 7,
2008.
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Reviewed
the historical trading price and trading volume of the publicly traded
securities of certain other companies which Duff & Phelps deemed
relevant.
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Compared
the financial performance of Complete Energy with that of certain other
publicly traded companies that Duff & Phelps deemed
relevant.
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Compared
certain financial terms of the acquisition to financial terms, to the
extent publicly available, of certain other business combination
transactions that Duff & Phelps deemed
relevant.
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Conducted
such other analyses and considered such other factors as Duff & Phelps
deemed appropriate.
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In
performing its analyses and rendering its opinion with respect to the
acquisition, Duff & Phelps has with the consent of GSCAC:
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relied
upon the accuracy, completeness, and fair presentation of all information,
data, advice, opinions and representations obtained from public sources or
provided to Duff & Phelps from private sources, including the
management of GSCAC and did not independently verify such
information;
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assumed
that any estimates, evaluations and projections (financial or otherwise)
furnished to Duff & Phelps were reasonably prepared and based upon the
best currently available information and good faith judgment of the person
or persons furnishing the same;
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assumed
that the final versions of all documents reviewed by Duff & Phelps in
draft form (including, without limitation, the merger agreement) conform
in all material respects to the drafts
reviewed;
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assumed
that all governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals
necessary for the consummation of the acquisition will be obtained without
any adverse effect on GSCAC, Complete Energy or the
acquisition;
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assumed
without verification the accuracy and adequacy of the legal advice given
by counsel to GSCAC and Complete Energy on all legal matters with respect
to the acquisition and assumed all procedures required by law to be taken
in connection with the acquisition have been, or will be, duly, validly
and timely taken and that the acquisition will be consummated in a manner
that complies in all respects with the applicable provisions of the
Securities Act, the Exchange Act and all other applicable statutes, rules
and regulations;
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assumed
that all of the conditions required to implement the acquisition will be
satisfied and that the acquisition will be completed in accordance with
the merger agreement, without any amendments thereto or any waivers of the
terms or conditions thereof, and assumed that all representations and
warranties of each party to the merger agreement are true and correct and
that each party will perform all covenants and agreements required to be
performed by such party; and
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has
not made any independent evaluation, appraisal or physical inspection of
GSCAC’s or Complete Energy’s solvency or any specific assets or
liabilities (contingent or
otherwise).
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Duff &
Phelps’ opinion should not be construed as a valuation opinion, credit rating,
solvency opinion, liquidation analysis, an analysis of either GSCAC’s or
Complete Energy’s credit worthiness or otherwise as tax advice or accounting
advice. Duff & Phelps has not been required to, and it did not,
(1) negotiate the terms of the acquisition or (2) advise the GSCAC board or any
other party with respect to alternatives to the acquisition.
In Duff
& Phelps’ analysis and in connection with the preparation of its opinion, it
has made numerous assumptions with respect to industry, performance, general
business, market and economic conditions and other matters, many of which are
beyond the control of any party involved in the acquisition. To the
extent that any of the foregoing assumptions or any of the facts on which its
opinion is based prove to be untrue in any material respect, its opinion cannot
and should not be relied upon. In connection with its opinion, Duff
& Phelps is not expressing any opinion with respect to the amount or nature
of any compensation to any of GSCAC’s officers, directors, or employees, or any
class of such persons, relative to the consideration to be received by the
public stockholders of GSCAC in the acquisition, or with respect to the fairness
of any such compensation. In addition, Duff & Phelps is not
expressing any opinion as to the market price or the value of GSCAC’s common
stock after the announcement of the acquisition.
Duff &
Phelps prepared its opinion effective as of May 8, 2008. Duff &
Phelps’ opinion is necessarily based upon market, economic, financial and other
conditions as they existed and could be evaluated as of May 8, 2008 and Duff
& Phelps disclaimed any undertaking or obligation to update its opinion or
advise any person of any change in any fact or matter affecting its opinion
which may come or be brought to its attention after May 8, 2008.
In
connection with rendering its opinion, Duff & Phelps made a presentation to
the GSCAC board on May 8, 2008 with respect to the material analyses
performed by Duff & Phelps in arriving at its opinion. The
following is a summary of that presentation. The summary includes
information presented in tabular format. In order to understand fully
the financial analyses used by Duff & Phelps, these tables must be read
together with the text of each summary. The tables alone do not
constitute a complete description of the financial analyses. The
following quantitative information, to the extent it is based on market data, is
based on market data as it existed at or prior to May 8, 2008, and is not
necessarily indicative of current or future market conditions.
The
summary of Duff & Phelps’ valuation analyses is not a complete description
of the analysis underlying its opinion. The preparation of this
opinion was a complex process involving various quantitative and qualitative
judgments and determinations with respect to the financial, comparative and
other analytic methods employed and the adaptation and application of the these
methods to the unique facts and circumstances presented. As a
consequence, neither this opinion nor its underlying analyses is readily
susceptible to partial analysis or summary description.
The
implied reference value ranges indicated by Duff & Phelps’ analyses are
illustrative and not necessarily indicative of actual values or predictive of
future results or values, which may be significantly more or less favorable than
those suggested by the analyses. In addition, any analysis relating
to the value of assets, businesses or securities do not purport to be appraisals
or to reflect the prices at which businesses or securities actually may be sold,
which may depend on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the control
of GSCAC and Duff & Phelps. Much of the information used in, and
accordingly the results of Duff & Phelps’ analyses are inherently subject to
substantial uncertainty.
Discounted
Cash Flow Analysis
A
discounted cash flow analysis is a traditional valuation methodology used to
derive a valuation of an asset by calculating the “present value” of estimated
future cash flows of an asset. “Present value” refers to the current
value of the future cash flows or amounts and is obtained by discounting those
future cash flows or amounts by a discount rate that takes into account
macro-economic assumptions and estimates of risk, the opportunity cost of
capital, expected returns and other appropriate factors.
Duff &
Phelps calculated the net present value of the unlevered, after-tax cash flows
of the La Paloma facility from 2008 through 2043 and the Batesville facility
from 2008 through 2040, in each case based upon 2008 budget estimates provided
by Complete Energy and forecasts provided by GSCAC for the period thereafter
based upon estimates provided by Complete Energy with assumptions furnished by
Complete Energy’s and GSCAC’s industry advisors. Given the fixed life
of the assets, no value was assigned to the assets beyond the projection
period. In performing this analysis, Duff & Phelps used discount
rates ranging from 9.00% to 10.00% for the La Paloma facility and 9.25% to
10.25% for the Batesville facility based, respectively, on estimated weighted
average costs of capital derived using the capital asset pricing model and asset
specific adjustments for the La Paloma facility and the Batesville
facility.
This
discounted cash flow analysis indicated a range of enterprise values for (1) the
La Paloma facility of $850 million to $960 million, (2) the Batesville
facility of $470 million to $540 million, and (3) both facilities of $1,320
million to $1,500 million, as compared with the enterprise value implied by the
consideration to be paid in the acquisition of between $1,300 million to $1,400
million. Duff & Phelps noted that the implied equity of Complete
Energy, based on the enterprise value derived from the discounted cash flow
analysis less net debt, had a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the
balance in GSCAC’s trust account (excluding deferred underwriting discounts and
commissions).
Selected
Public Company Analysis
A selected
public company analysis is based upon a comparison of the subject company to
publicly held companies with actively traded stock. Duff & Phelps
reviewed the current trading multiples of five publicly traded companies in the
independent power producing sector that it determined to be relevant to its
analysis. The five selected companies were:
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Algonquin
Power Income Fund,
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Mirant
Corporation, and
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None of
the companies utilized for comparative purposes in the selected public company
analysis are identical to Complete Energy. Accordingly, a complete
valuation analysis cannot be limited to a quantitative review of the selected
companies and involves complex considerations and judgments concerning
differences in financial and operating characteristics of such companies, as
well as other factors that could effect their value relative to that of Complete
Energy.
For each
of the selected public companies Duff & Phelps derived and analyzed the
following:
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the
ratio of its enterprise value to its respective earnings before interest
expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for the last
twelve months (“LTM”), its estimated 2008 EBITDA and 2009
EBITDA;
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the
ratio of its enterprise value to its respective EBITDA less capex for the
LTM, 2008 estimated and 2009 estimated;
and
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the
ratio of its enterprise value to its respective net installed generation
capacity.
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The LTM
for purposes of this analysis was as of December 31, 2007. Enterprise
value was calculated as the sum of the equity market value (diluted shares
outstanding multiplied by the current stock price) and net
indebtedness. The management of Complete Energy provided the
historical financial numbers and GSCAC provided the projected financial
information.
Duff
&Phelps compared the results of the above analysis to the discounted cash
flow range implied by the previous DCF analysis as a multiple of Complete
Energy’s historical and projected performance measures. The following
table sets forth the results of this analysis:
Performance
Measure
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Complete
Energy Performance(1)
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Selected
Public Companies Enterprise Value as Multiple of Performance
Measure
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Complete
Energy
Implied
DCF Value Multiple Range
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Low
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Median
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High
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Actual
2007 Adjusted EBITDA
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$80.9
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9.0x
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13.8x
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16.9x
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16.3x-18.5x
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Projected
2008 Adjusted EBITDA
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$97.6
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7.0x
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10.9x
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12.7x
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13.5x-15.4x
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Projected
2009 EBITDA
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$101.7
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6.8x
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8.9x
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11.6x
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13.0x-14.8x
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Actual
2007 Adjusted EBITDA less Capex
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$80.2
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11.6x
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21.6x
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26.0x
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16.5x-18.7x
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Projected
2008 Adjusted EBITDA less Capex
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$91.9
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13.4x
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19.7x
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20.0x
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14.4x-16.3x
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Projected
2009 EBITDA less Capex
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$96.8
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10.2x
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15.7x
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17.0x
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13.6x-15.5x
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Installed
Capacity (Mws) (Multiples for Installed Capacity are expressed as EV/kW,
in $)
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1859
MW
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$647
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$829
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$1,769
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$710-807
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(1) The
table sets forth all dollar values in USD in millions and the multiples for
installed capacity are expressed as enterprise value over kW (in
dollars).
This
selected public company analysis had limited applicability to Complete Energy
and accordingly, provided less relevant data due to the fact that, among other
factors, the selected public companies are considerably larger and operate plant
fleets comprised of multiple fuel types and dispatch characteristics in multiple
locations within the U.S. and, in some cases, internationally. As a
result, while Duff & Phelps considered this analysis as a reference point,
no valuation was derived and this analysis was given no weight in the formation
of its valuation conclusion.
Selected
M&A Transaction Analysis
Duff &
Phelps selected merger and acquisition transactions involving target assets that
it determined to be relevant to its analysis. Duff & Phelps
selected precedent transactions in either the SERC region or the Western
Electricity Coordinating Council (“WECC”) region in which either a single
combined-cycle, gas-fired generation asset or portfolios of combined-cycle and
gas-fired generation assets were sold and both enterprise value and installed
general capacity (in megawatts) were disclosed. Duff & Phelps
then calculated the implied enterprise value for each transaction and derived a
multiple for each transaction of enterprise value to the target’s installed
generation capacity (expressed in $ per kW). Duff & Phelps
compared the resulting multiples of the selected transactions in the WECC region
to the multiple of enterprise value to installed generation capacity for the La
Paloma facility implied by the consideration to be paid in the acquisition and
compared the resulting multiples of the selected transactions in the SERC region
to the multiple of enterprise value to installed generation capacity for the
Batesville facility implied by the consideration to be paid in the
acquisition.
Transactions
in the WECC Region
The nine
selected transactions in the WECC region were:
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4/22/08
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Sierra
Pacific Resources/Reliant
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8/14/07
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PPM
Energy, Inc./City of Klamath
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6/1/2007
(cancelled)
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Kgen
Power Corporation/Complete Energy
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5/10/2006
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LS
Power Equity Partners/PPM
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12/27/2005
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NRG
Energy, Inc./West Coast Power LLC
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6/21/2005
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Sierra
Pacific Resources/Pinnacle West
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5/19/2005
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Sempra
Energy/Reliant
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5/18/2005
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Complete
Energy/La Paloma Generating Company, LLC
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10/15/2004
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Avista
Corp./Mirant
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The
following table sets forth the high, median, mean and low values of EV/kW ($)
for the transactions in the WECC region:
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High
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$836
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Median
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$466
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Mean
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$462
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Low
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$134
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Transactions
in the SERC Region
The
thirteen selected transactions in the SERC region were:
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4/3/2008
(pending)
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Tennessee
Valley Authority/ Southaven Power, LLC
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2/15/2008
(pending)
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Tennessee
Valley Authority/Duke
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7/31/2007
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Entergy
Corporation/Cogentrix
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6/1/2007
(cancelled)
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Kgen
Power Corporation/Complete Energy
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3/9/2007
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ArcLight
Capital Partners/Progress
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1/31/2007
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Entergy
Gulf States, Inc./Dynegy, Inc.
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12/4/2006
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Kelson
Energy, LLC/Calpine
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5/21/2006
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Duke
Energy Corp./Dynegy, Inc.
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5/8/2006
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Southern
Power Company/Progress Energy
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6/13/2005
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Associated
Electric Cooperative, Inc./TECO
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3/17/2005
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Entergy
Corp./Central Mississippi Gen.
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1/13/2005
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Tenaska
Capital Management, LLC/TECO
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12/20/2004
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Dominion
Virginia Power/Panda Rosemary
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The
following table sets forth the high, median, mean and low values of EV/kW ($)
for the transactions in the SERC region:
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High
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$719
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Median
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$266
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Mean
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$326
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Low
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$115
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None of
the transactions utilized for comparative purposes in the selected M&A
transaction analysis are identical to the acquisition and accordingly, a
complete valuation analysis cannot be limited to a quantitative review of the
selected transactions and involves complex considerations and
judgments.
The
selected M&A transaction analysis has limited applicability to Complete
Energy and accordingly, provided less relevant data for Duff & Phelps’
evaluation of the acquisition due to, among other factors, the
following: (1) the limited number of recent transactions in each
market, (2) the limited number of transactions involving plants with similar
technology and dispatch methods and (3) the limited transactions involving
assets in directly comparable power markets. As a result, while Duff
& Phelps considered the selected M&A transaction analysis as an
additional reference point, no valuation was derived and this analysis was given
no weight in the formation of its valuation analysis.
Replacement
Cost Analysis
Duff &
Phelps also conducted a replacement cost analysis for each of the La Paloma
and Batesville facilities. In conducting its analysis,
Duff & Phelps reviewed new build cost estimated for the WECC (California)
and SERC regions which were prepared by Black & Veatch. Black
& Veatch estimates that the 2008 combined cycle gas turbine new build costs
at $1,400 per kW in the WECC region and $1,130 per kW in the SERC
region. Duff & Phelps noted that based on these estimates of
Black & Veatch, the La Paloma and Batesville transaction implied enterprise
values are 68% and 45%, respectively, of the regional new build costs, and
accordingly, there is a 32% discount for the La Paloma facility and a 55%
discount for the Batesville facility based on the value of the
acquisition. While Duff & Phelps considered this replacement cost
analysis as an additional reference point, no valuation was derived and this
analysis was given no weight in the formation of its valuation
analysis.
Duff &
Phelps’ opinion and financial analyses were only one of the many factors
considered by the GSCAC board in its evaluation of the acquisition and should
not be viewed as determinative of the views of the GSCAC board.
The
preceding discussion is a summary of the material financial analyses furnished
by Duff & Phelps to the GSCAC board, but it does not purport to be a
complete description of the analyses performed by Duff & Phelps or of its
presentation to the GSCAC board. In arriving at its opinion, Duff
& Phelps did not attribute any particular weight to any particular analysis
or factor considered by it, but rather made qualitative judgments as to the
significance and relevance of each analysis and factor. Several
analytical methodologies were employed by Duff & Phelps in its
analyses, each analytical technique has inherent strengths and weaknesses, and
the nature of the available information may further affect valuation
techniques. Accordingly, Duff & Phelps believes that its analyses
and factors must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its
analyses and of the factors considered by it without considering all analyses
and factors in their entirety, could create a misleading or incomplete view of
the evaluation process underlying its opinion. The conclusion reached
by Duff & Phelps, therefore, is based on the application of Duff &
Phelps’ own experience and judgment to all analyses and factors considered by
Duff & Phelps taken as a whole.
GSCAC
selected Duff & Phelps because Duff & Phelps is a leading independent
financial advisory firm, offering a broad range of valuation, investment banking
services and consulting services, including fairness and solvency opinions,
merger and acquisition advisory, mergers and acquisitions due diligence
services, financial reporting and tax valuation, fixed asset and real estate
consulting, ESOP and ERISA advisory services, legal business solutions, and
dispute consulting. Duff & Phelps is regularly engaged in the
valuation of businesses and
securities
and the preparation of fairness opinions in connection with mergers,
acquisitions and other strategic transactions.
Pursuant
to Duff & Phelps’ engagement letter, GSCAC agreed to pay Duff & Phelps a
customary fee of $350,000, which is due and payable as
follows: $25,000 upon the execution of the engagement letter,
$225,000 upon Duff & Phelps informing GSCAC that it was prepared to deliver
the opinion and $100,000 upon the earlier of the closing of the acquisition and
December 1, 2008. No portion of Duff & Phelps’ fees is contingent
upon the consummation of a acquisition or a conclusion reached in the
opinion. The engagement letter also provides that Duff & Phelps
will, subject to GSCAC’s consent, be paid additional fees at its standard hourly
rates for any time incurred should Duff & Phelps be called upon to support
its findings subsequent to the delivery of the opinion and/or assist in the
preparation of or review of relevant sections of SEC disclosures, proxy
materials or other documents associated with the acquisition. In
addition, GSCAC also agreed to reimburse Duff & Phelps for its reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses and to indemnify Duff & Phelps, its affiliates and
certain related parties arising out of Duff & Phelps’ services provided to
the GSCAC board.
Other than
pursuant to this engagement, during the two years preceding May 8, 2008, Duff
& Phelps has not had any material relationship with any party to the
acquisition for which compensation has been received or is intended to be
received, nor is any such material relationship or related compensation mutually
understood to be contemplated; provided that Duff &
Phelps has provided valuation services for TCW/Crescent Mezzanine generally, and
has specifically provided TCW/Crescent Mezzanine valuation services in
connection with its investment in a subsidiary of Complete Energy for which it
has received customary compensation.
GSCAC
intends to account for the merger under the purchase method of accounting in
accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting No. 141,
“Business Combination.” The merger will be accounted for as a reverse
merger. As such, Complete Energy is deemed to be the acquirer in the
merger for accounting purposes and, consequently, the assets and liabilities and
the historical operations that will be reflected in the financial statements
will be those of Complete Energy, recorded at its historical cost
basis.
The
following are the material U.S. federal income tax considerations with respect
to the acquisition for holders of our IPO shares or warrants who hold their IPO
shares or warrants as capital assets within the meaning of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).
This
discussion does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax considerations
that may be relevant to a holder in light of the holder’s particular
circumstances, and it does not describe all of the tax consequences that may be
relevant to holders subject to special rules, such as:
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certain
financial institutions;
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dealers
and certain traders in securities;
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persons
holding our IPO shares or warrants as part of a hedge, straddle,
conversion transaction or other integrated
transaction;
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U.S.
persons (within the meaning of the Code) whose functional currency for
U.S. federal income tax purposes is not the U.S.
dollar;
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partnerships
or other entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax
purposes;
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persons
liable for the alternative minimum
tax;
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tax
exempt organizations; and
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Non-U.S.
holders (as defined below) that own, have owned or are deemed to own or
have owned: (1) more than 5% of our shares, (2) more than 5% of our
warrants, or (3) warrants with a fair market value of more than 5% of the
fair market value of our shares.
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The
following does not discuss any aspect of U.S. federal estate or gift, state,
local or non-U.S. taxation. This discussion is based on current provisions of
the Code, Treasury regulations, judicial opinions, published positions of the
U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and all other applicable authorities,
all as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with
retroactive effect. This discussion is not intended as and does not constitute
tax advice.
If a
partnership holds our IPO shares or warrants, the tax treatment of a partner
will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the
partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding our IPO shares or
warrants, you should consult your tax advisor.
WE URGE
HOLDERS OF OUR IPO SHARES OR WARRANTS TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING
THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. INCOME, ESTATE AND OTHER TAX
CONSIDERATIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE ACQUISITION.
U.S.
Holders
This
section is addressed to U.S. holders of our IPO shares or warrants. For purposes
of this discussion, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner that is:
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a
citizen or resident of the U.S.;
|
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a
corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or
organized in, or under the laws of, the U.S. or any political subdivision
of the U.S.;
|
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an
estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income
taxation regardless of its source;
or
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a
trust if a court within the U.S. is able to exercise primary supervision
over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the
authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or that has a
valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations to be
treated as a U.S. person.
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Reclassification
of IPO Shares into Class A Shares
Each IPO
share held by a holder that does not properly exercise its conversion right will
be reclassified into a Class A share. The holder will not recognize
any gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the
reclassification of the IPO share into a Class A share.
Conversion
of IPO Shares into a Right to Receive Cash
If a
holder converts an IPO share into a right to receive cash pursuant to the
exercise of a conversion right as described above in “Summary of Proxy
Statement─Conversion Rights,” the holder will generally recognize capital gain
or loss equal to the difference between its tax basis in the IPO share and the
amount realized on the conversion. The deductibility of capital losses is
subject to limitations. Any capital gain or loss realized on a sale or other
disposition of our IPO share will be long-term capital gain or loss if the
holder’s “holding period” for the IPO share is more than one
year. However, due to the conversion right, a holder may be unable to
include the time period prior to the approval of the acquisition in the holder’s
“holding period.”
Cash
received upon conversion will be treated as a distribution if the conversion
does not effect a meaningful reduction of the holder’s percentage ownership in
us (including shares such holder is deemed to own under certain attribution
rules, which provide, among other things, that the holder is deemed to own any
shares that it holds a warrant to acquire). Any such distribution will be
treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of our
current or accumulated earnings and profits. However, for the
purposes of the dividends received
deduction
and of “qualified dividend” treatment, due to the conversion, a rights holder
may be unable to include the time period prior to the approval of the
acquisition in the holder’s “holding period.” Any distribution in
excess of our earnings and profits will reduce the holder’s basis in the IPO
share (but not below zero), and any remaining excess will be treated as gain
realized on the sale or other disposition of the IPO share. If,
taking into account the effect of conversion by other stockholders, the holder’s
percentage ownership in us is reduced as a result of the conversion by at least
20%, the holder will generally be regarded as having incurred a meaningful
reduction in interest. Furthermore, if a holder has a relatively minimal stock
interest and, such percentage interest is reduced by any amount as a result of
the conversion, the holder should generally be regarded as having incurred a
meaningful reduction in interest. For example, the IRS has ruled that any
reduction in the stockholder’s proportionate interest will constitute a
“meaningful reduction” in a transaction in which a holder held less than 1% of
the shares of a corporation and did not have management control over the
corporation.
Holders of
IPO shares should consult their own tax advisors as to whether conversion of IPO
shares will be treated as a sale or as a distribution under the Code and, if a
holder actually or constructively owns 5% or more of our IPO shares before
conversion, whether such holder is subject to special reporting requirements
with respect to such conversion.
Conversion
of Warrants
A holder
of a warrant will not recognize any gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax
purposes as a result of the conversion of such warrant into a warrant to acquire
Class A shares.
Non-U.S.
Holders
This
section is addressed to non-U.S. holders of our IPO shares or warrants. For
purposes of this discussion, a “non-U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner (other
than a partnership) that is not a U.S. holder. A “non-U.S. holder” does not
include an individual who is present in the U.S. for 183 days or more in the
taxable year of disposition and is not otherwise a resident of the United States
for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such an individual should consult his or
her own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the
acquisition.
Reclassification
of IPO Shares into Class A Shares
The
consequence of the reclassification of IPO shares into Class A shares will be as
described above under “U.S. Holders─Reclassification of IPO Shares into Class A
shares.”
Conversion
of IPO Shares into a Right to Receive Cash
If a
holder converts an IPO share into a right to receive cash pursuant to the
exercise of a conversion right as described above in “Summary of Proxy
Statement─Conversion Rights,” the conversion generally will be treated as a sale
of the IPO share (rather than as a distribution) and will not be subject to U.S.
federal income tax. However, cash received upon conversion will be treated as a
distribution if the conversion does not effect a meaningful reduction of the
holder’s percentage ownership in us (including shares such holder is deemed to
own under certain attribution rules, which provide, among other things, that the
holder is deemed to own any shares that it holds a warrant to acquire). See the
discussion above under “U.S. Holders─Conversion of IPO Shares into a Right to
Receive Cash.” Any such distribution will generally be subject to
U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30%, unless the holder is entitled to a
reduced rate of withholding under an applicable income tax treaty.
Holders of
IPO shares should consult their own tax advisors as to whether conversion of IPO
shares will be treated as a sale or as a distribution under the Code as well as
the potential applicability of escrow and certification requirements with regard
thereto.
Conversion
of Warrants
The
consequence of the conversion of a warrant into a warrant to acquire shares of
Class A shares will be as described above under “U.S. Holders─Conversion of
Warrants.”
U.S. Antitrust. Under the HSR
Act and the rules that have been promulgated thereunder by the FTC, the
acquisition may not be completed unless GSCAC and Complete Energy furnish
certain information to the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice
(the “Antitrust Division”) and the FTC and specified waiting period requirements
have been satisfied. Pursuant to the requirements of the HSR Act, GSCAC and
Complete Energy each filed Notification and Report Forms with respect to the
merger with the Antitrust Division and the FTC on May 22, 2008. We were informed
by the FTC on June 2, 2008 that early termination of the waiting period under
the HSR Act for the proposed acquisition had been granted, effective
immediately.
FERC. The acquisition
requires prior authorization from the FERC under Section 203 of the FPA and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The application seeking such
authorization under FPA Section 203, which GSCAC and Complete Energy filed with
FERC on July 25, 2008, addresses the effect (if any) of the acquisition on
competition, rates and regulation and addresses cross subsidization issues.
Relying on these factors, FERC will grant the application if it finds that the
acquisition is consistent with the public interest and will not result in cross
subsidization of a non-utility associate company or the pledge or encumbrance of
utility assets for the benefit of an associate company, unless FERC determines
that the cross-subsidization, pledge, or encumbrance will be consistent with the
public interest. If FERC finds the acquisition is not consistent with the public
interest, it will either deny the application or impose conditions on the
acquisition that ensure the acquisition is consistent with the public interest.
Private parties may intervene in the application proceeding and may support or
protest the application. GSCAC and Complete Energy will request that
FERC limit the period for comments on the application to 21
days. FERC may issue its order on the application at any point after
expiration of the comment period; however, there can be no assurance that the
FERC will issue an order before it is required to do so under Section 203.
Section 203 requires only that FERC act on the application within 180 days of
filing of the application and Section 203 also permits the Commission, upon a
finding of good cause, to issue an order tolling, for an additional 180 days,
the time to grant or deny the application.
State Filings. Complete
Energy filed a pre-closing notice with the CPUC and CAISO on May 22, 2008
pursuant to Generator Operation Standard 25 for Generating Asset Owners, General
Order 167, relating to the transfer of ownership of the generating asset for the
La Paloma facility. In addition, Complete Energy has been advised by the CEC
that no CEC approval will be required in connection with the acquisition. The
consent of the Federal Communications Commission is also required relating to
the transfer of control of radio authorizations held by La Paloma Generating
Company, LLC (for the La Paloma facility) and LSP Energy Limited Partnership
(for the Batesville facility).
General. It is possible that
governmental authorities may seek regulatory concessions as conditions for
granting approval of the acquisition. A regulatory body’s approval may contain
terms or impose conditions or restrictions relating or applying to, or requiring
changes in or limitations on, the operation or ownership of any asset or
business of GSCAC, Complete Energy or any of their subsidiaries, or GSCAC’s
ownership of Complete Energy, or requiring asset divestitures, which conditional
approval could reasonably be expected to result in a substantial detriment to
GSCAC, Complete Energy and their respective subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
after the closing. If this kind of approval occurs, either GSCAC or Complete
Energy can decline to complete the merger under the merger agreement. We can
give no assurance that the required regulatory approvals will be obtained on
terms that satisfy the conditions to closing of the merger or are within the
time frame contemplated by GSCAC and Complete Energy. See “The Merger
Agreement—Conditions to Closing.”
No
appraisal or dissenters’ rights are available under the DGCL for holders of
GSCAC common stock in connection with the proposals described in this proxy
statement.
Consequences
If the Acquisition Proposal Is Not Approved
If our
acquisition proposal and other proposals are not approved by the requisite vote
of our stockholders, or if stockholders holding 20% or more of the IPO shares
vote against the acquisition proposal and properly exercise their conversion
rights, we will not acquire Complete Energy, none of the IPO shares will be
converted into cash and we
will not
seek approval of the charter proposal, the share issuance proposal or the stock
option plan proposal. Although we will continue to seek other potential business
combinations, a failure to complete the proposed acquisition of Complete Energy
may make it more difficult for us to attract another acquisition candidate and
we may not be able to complete an alternate business combination by June 25,
2009, either due to insufficient time or insufficient operating funds. If we do
not consummate a business combination by June 25, 2009, our corporate existence
will cease except for the purposes of winding up our affairs and
liquidating.
We are
required by our charter to obtain the approval of holders of a majority of our
IPO shares voting in person or by proxy at the special meeting to enter into an
initial business combination. In addition, Delaware law requires the approval of
the holders of a majority of our outstanding shares to effect a disposition of
substantially all of our assets, which may be deemed to occur when we use the
funds contained in our trust account to repay Complete Energy debt, pay our
deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and pay transaction
expenses.
Prior to
voting, each stockholder should consider the fact that stockholder approval of
the acquisition proposal is necessary for us to complete the merger and related
transactions. Each stockholder should consider the fact that if we do not
complete the acquisition, GSCAC will continue as a blank check company until we
find another suitable operating company to acquire, or GSCAC will be liquidated
if an initial business combination is not consummated by June 25,
2009.
The
affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the IPO shares voting in person or
by proxy and the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding
shares of our common stock as of the close of business on the record date at the
special meeting is required to approve the acquisition proposal. However, in
accordance with our charter and the terms governing the trust account, we will
not be able to complete the acquisition if the holders of 20% or more of the
total number of IPO shares vote against the merger and properly exercise their
rights to convert such IPO shares into a pro rata portion of our trust account.
Broker non-votes, abstentions or a failure to vote on the acquisition proposal
will have the same effect as a vote against the acquisition proposal but will
not have the effect of converting your shares into a pro rata share of the trust
account unless you affirmatively vote against the acquisition proposal and
properly exercise your conversion rights as described in this proxy
statement.
AFTER
CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, GSCAC’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY DETERMINED
THAT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE ACQUISITION ARE ADVISABLE, FAIR TO, AND IN THE
BEST INTERESTS OF, GSCAC AND THE STOCKHOLDERS AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE OR INSTRUCT THEIR VOTE TO BE CAST “FOR” THE ACQUISITION
PROPOSAL.
Assuming
the acquisition proposal is approved, GSCAC stockholders are also being asked to
approve the amendment and restatement of our amended and restated charter. This
second amended and restated charter (the “proposed charter”) is required to
effect the acquisition and, in the judgment of our board of directors, the
proposed charter is necessary to adequately address the post-acquisition needs
of GSCAC.
The
following table sets forth a summary of the material differences between our
current charter and the proposed charter. This summary is qualified by reference
to the complete text of the proposed charter, a copy of which is attached to
this proxy statement as Annex B. All stockholders are encouraged to read the
proposed charter in its entirety for a more complete description of its
terms.
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Name
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Our
current charter provides that our name is “GSC Acquisition
Company.”
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The
proposed charter provides that our name is “Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation.”
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Duration
of Existence
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Our
current charter provides that GSCAC’s existence will terminate on June 25,
2009.
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The
proposed charter is silent as to GSCAC’s existence, but under the DGCL,
unless specified otherwise, a corporation has perpetual
existence.
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Provisions
Specific to a Blank Check Company
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Under
our current charter, Article Sixth sets forth various provisions related
to our operations as a blank check company prior to the consummation of a
business combination.
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The
proposed charter does not include these blank check company provisions
because, upon consummation of the acquisition, we will operate Complete
Energy and cease to be a blank check company.
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Classes
of Common Stock
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Under
our current charter, GSCAC has one class of common stock.
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The
proposed charter provides for two classes of common stock, Class A and
Class B. Immediately upon the effectiveness of the proposed charter,
each share of common stock outstanding immediately prior to the completion
of the acquisition will be reclassified and converted into one Class A
share.
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Relationship
to Holdco Sub
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Not
applicable.
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GSCAC,
in its capacity as managing member of Holdco Sub, is required to perform
specified obligations under the amended and restated limited liability
company agreement of Holdco Sub, to ensure that non compliance would
require approval of our stockholders. GSCAC is also prohibited from voting
the Class A units of Holdco Sub in favor of a sale of all or substantially
all of the assets of Holdco Sub or the merger, consolidation,
reorganization or other combination of Holdco Sub with or into another
entity unless approved by the holders of a majority of our Class A shares
and Class B shares voting together as a single class.
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Exchange
Rights
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Not
applicable.
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The
proposed charter provides that each holder of Class B shares will be
entitled (at any time and from time to time) to exchange one Class B share
and one Class B unit (together) for one Class A share.
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Voting
Rights
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Under
our current charter, GSCAC common stock is entitled to one vote per
share.
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The
proposed charter provides that each Class A share and each Class B share
is entitled to one vote per share, except that Class A and Class B shares
have no vote with respect to any amendments to the charter that relate
solely to the terms of a series of preferred stock if the holders of the
series are entitled to vote separately or with the holders of one or more
other series.
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Dividends
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Our
current charter is silent as to the payment of dividends.
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The
proposed charter provides that dividends of cash or property may be paid
on the Class A shares but no dividends (other than dividends paid in
capital stock or other securities of the GSCAC) will be paid on the Class
B shares. Stock dividends with respect to Class A shares may only be paid
with Class A shares. Stock dividends with respect to Class B shares may
only be paid with Class B shares.
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Conversion
Rights
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If a
majority of the shares issued in our IPO approve a business combination,
any GSCAC stockholder holding shares of common stock issued at the IPO who
votes against a business combination and property exercises its conversion
rights may demand that we convert the stockholder’s IPO shares to
cash.
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The
proposed charter does not provide for conversion
rights.
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Removal
of Directors
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Our
current charter is silent as to the removal of directors but under the
DGCL, directors of a corporation whose board is classified (such as GSCAC)
may be removed by the stockholders only for cause and only by the holders
of a majority of the shares entitled to vote at an election of
directors.
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Under
the proposed charter, a director may be removed by the stockholders only
for cause and only by the holders of a majority of the total voting power
of all of GSCAC’s outstanding capital stock.
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Amendment
to Charter
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Our
current charter does not provide requirements to amend the charter in
addition to those required by law. Under the DGCL, any amendment to our
charter must be approved by the board in a resolution recommending the
amendment and by the holders of a majority of the outstanding stock of any
class entitled under the DGCL to vote separately as a class on the
amendment.
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The
proposed charter provides that the provisions in the proposed charter that
provide for and protect the exchange rights granted to the holders of
Class B shares may be amended only with the approval of the holders of at
least 95% of the Class B shares voting separately as a class. The proposed
charter does not establish any other requirements to amend the proposed
charter in addition to those required by law.
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Action
by Consent of the Stockholders
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Under
the DGCL, unless a company’s charter provides otherwise, stockholders may
act by written consent in lieu of any annual or special meeting. Our
current charter is silent with respect to action by written
consent.
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The
proposed charter generally prohibits stockholders from taking any action
by written consent, so stockholders must take any actions at a duly called
annual or special meeting of the stockholders. However, holders of our
Class B shares or preferred stock, to the extent permitted by such
preferred stock, may take actions without a meeting if a written consent
is signed by the holders of outstanding shares of the relevant class
having not less than the minimum number of votes necessary to authorize
such action at a meeting.
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Waiver
of Corporate Opportunities
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Our
current charter does not provide for a waiver of corporate
opportunities.
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The
proposed charter renounces any interest or expectancy of GSCAC in, or in
being offered an opportunity to participate in, business opportunities
that are from time to time presented to our directors who are also
directors, officers, employees or consultants of any stockholder that owns
more than 5% of GSCAC’s outstanding shares or any affiliate of such
stockholder or their respective portfolio companies, excluding GSCAC and
its subsidiaries.
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Necessity
of Stockholder Approval
We are
required by Delaware law to obtain the approval of holders of a majority of our
outstanding shares to amend our charter. Because the merger and related
transactions cannot be completed unless we amend our charter, stockholder
approval of the proposed charter is necessary.
Prior to
voting, each stockholder should consider the fact that stockholder approval of
the proposed charter is necessary for us to complete the merger and related
transactions. Each stockholder should also consider the fact that if we do not
complete the acquisition, GSCAC will continue as a blank check company until we
find another suitable operating company to acquire, or GSCAC will be liquidated
if an initial business combination is not consummated by June 25,
2009.
Required
Vote
The
affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock
outstanding on the record date is required to approve our proposed charter.
Broker non-votes, abstentions or the failure to vote on the charter proposal
will have the same effect as a vote against the charter proposal. The approval
of our charter proposal is a condition to the approval of our acquisition
proposal.
Recommendation
AFTER
CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, GSCAC’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AND
DECLARED ADVISABLE OUR PROPOSED CHARTER AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE OR INSTRUCT THEIR VOTE TO BE CAST “FOR” THE CHARTER
PROPOSAL.
Share
Issuance Proposal
GSCAC’s
stockholders are being asked to approve the issuance of up to 60,227,852 Class A
shares and Class B shares in consideration for the merger and related
transactions, including the exchange of Complete Energy debt pursuant to the
lender consent and issuances to the LP Minority Holders and Fulcrum (if they
accept our offers). As of the date of this proxy statement, there are
25,200,000 shares of GSCAC’s common stock outstanding, so these issuances would
represent more than 20% of our outstanding shares. If our offers to
the LP Minority Holders and Fulcrum are not accepted, no shares will be issued
to the LP Minority Holders and Fulcrum and the LP Minority Holders and Fulcrum
will continue to own their minority interests in La Paloma Acquisition and
Batesville Holdings, respectively.
Necessity
of Stockholder Approval
The AMEX
Company Guide requires stockholder approval as a prerequisite to approval of
applications to list additional shares to be issued as sole or partial
consideration for an acquisition of the stock or assets of another company where
the present or potential issuance of common stock, or securities convertible
into common stock, could result in an increase in outstanding common shares of
20% or more. Because the merger and related transactions will require the
issuance by us of shares of common stock that would represent more than 20% of
our currently outstanding common stock, stockholder approval of the share
issuance proposal is required to maintain our listing on the AMEX.
Prior to
voting, each stockholder should consider the fact that the share issuance
proposal is a prerequisite to the issuance of shares of common stock that will
be used to complete the merger and related transactions. Each stockholder should
consider the fact that if we do not complete the acquisition, GSCAC will
continue as a blank check company until we find another suitable operating
company to acquire, or GSCAC will be liquidated if an initial business
combination is not consummated by June 29, 2009.
Required
Vote
The
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders present in
person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting is required to
approve the share issuance proposal. Abstentions will have the same effect as a
vote against the share issuance proposal. Broker non-votes or failing to vote on
the share issuance proposal will have no impact upon the approval of the share
issuance proposal. The approval of our share issuance proposal is a condition to
the approval of our acquisition proposal.
Recommendation
AFTER
CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, GSCAC’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AND
DECLARED ADVISABLE THE SHARE ISSUANCE PROPOSAL AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE OR INSTRUCT THEIR VOTE TO BE CAST “FOR” THE SHARE ISSUANCE
PROPOSAL.
The
Director Nominees
In
connection with the acquisition proposal, GSCAC’s stockholders are also being
asked to elect the following two persons to serve as directors of
GSCAC: James K. Goodwin and Matthew C. Kaufman.
Our board
of directors is divided into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and
Class III. The members of our board of directors that are proposed to be elected
in this proxy statement will be members of Class I and will have initial terms
that terminate on the date of the 2011 annual meeting. Existing Class II
directors will serve until the 2009 annual meeting and Class III directors will
serve until the 2010 annual meeting. At each succeeding annual meeting of
stockholders, successors to the class of directors whose term expires at that
annual meeting will be elected for a three year term. Each director
will hold office for the term to which he or she is elected and until his or her
successor is duly elected and qualified.
If the
election of directors proposal and our other proposals are approved, effective
upon completion of the acquisition, our board of directors will expand the size
of the board to 11 directors if we remain listed on the AMEX or, if we are
accepted for listing on the NYSE, NASDAQ or any other national securities
exchange, to the number of directors necessary to satisfy the applicable
independence requirements of such exchange and all of our existing board
members, with the exception of Mr. Kaufman and Peter R. Frank, will
resign. In accordance with the terms of the merger agreement and the
lender consent, (1) R. Blair Thomas, as the designee under the lender consent,
will be appointed to serve as a Class I director, (2) Hugh A. Tarpley and Lori
A. Cuervo, as designees of Complete Energy, will be appointed to our board of
directors to the class or classes agreed to by GSCAC and Complete Energy prior
to the closing, (3) Mr. Kaufman will continue as a Class I director and Mr.
Frank will continue as a Class II director, and (4) the number of directors
needed to satisfy the independence requirements of the applicable exchange will
be appointed to the board to fill the remaining vacancies with such independent
directors to be apportioned to the three classes so that the three classes have
approximately an equal number of directors. See “Management Following
the Acquisition” for information regarding Messrs. Thomas and Tarpley and Ms.
Cuervo. The independent directors will be chosen by GSCAC and
Complete Energy prior to the closing.
If the
election of directors proposal is approved, and the acquisition proposal is not
approved, our board will continue to be comprised of Messrs. Goodwin, Kaufman
and Frank, Alfred C. Eckert, III, Richard A. McKinnon, Richard W. Detweiler and
Daniel R. Sebastian.
Nominees
for Election as Class I Directors
Matthew C.
Kaufman, Age:
37. Mr. Kaufman has served as our President and a member of our board of
directors since November 2006. Mr. Kaufman joined GSC Group at its inception in
1999. Mr. Kaufman is responsible for sourcing, evaluating and
executing equity and control distressed debt investments and is a member of the
Control Distressed Debt investment committee. Prior to that, he was
with Greenwich Street Capital Partners from 1997 to 1999. Mr. Kaufman
was previously Director of Corporate Finance with NextWave Telecom,
Inc. From 1994 to 1996, Mr. Kaufman was with The Blackstone Group, in
the Merchant Banking and Mergers and Acquisitions Department, and from 1993 to
1994 was with Bear Stearns working primarily in the Mergers & Acquisitions
department. Mr. Kaufman is Chairman of the Board of Aeromet Holdings
Inc. and a director of Atlantic Express Transportation Group, Burke Industries,
Inc., Dukes Place Holdings Limited, Safety-Kleen Corp., Seaton Insurance Company
and Stonewall Insurance Company. He graduated from the University of
Michigan, with a B.B.A. degree and a M.A.C.C. degree.
James K.
Goodwin, Age:
61. Mr. Goodwin has served as a member of our board of directors since
November 2006. Mr. Goodwin is currently a private investor and consultant. He
was the Chief Executive Officer of eWayDirect from 2003 to 2006. From 1995 to
1998, he was the President of North American Consumer Products for Fort James
Corporation. From 1993 to 1995, Mr. Goodwin was Executive Vice President for
Consumer Products for the James River Corporation. Prior to joining James River,
Mr. Goodwin spent 23 years with Procter & Gamble holding numerous executive
positions before becoming Vice President Corporate Sales. Mr. Goodwin graduated
from Kansas University with a B.S. degree.
Incumbent
Class II and Class III Directors
Alfred C. Eckert
III, Age: 60.
Mr. Eckert founded GSC Group in 1999. Prior to that, he was Chairman
and CEO of Greenwich Street Capital Partners which he co-founded in
1994. Mr. Eckert was previously with Goldman, Sachs & Co. from
1973 to 1991, where he was elected as a Partner in 1984. Mr. Eckert
founded Goldman, Sachs & Co.’s Leveraged Buyout Department in 1983 and had
senior management responsibility for it until 1991. He was Chairman
of the Commitments and Credit Committees from 1990 to 1991 and co-head of the
Merchant Bank from 1989 to 1991. He was also the Chairman of Goldman,
Sachs & Co.’s Investment Committee from its inception in 1986 until
1991. Mr. Eckert is a member of The Metropolitan Opera
board. Mr. Eckert graduated from Northwestern University with a B.S.
degree in Engineering and graduated with Highest Distinction as a Baker Scholar
from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration with a M.B.A.
degree.
Peter R.
Frank, Age: 60. Mr.
Frank has served as our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of
directors since November 2006. Mr. Frank joined GSC Group in 2001 and since 2005
has served as a Senior Operating Executive. Mr. Frank was appointed
Chairman of Atlantic Express, Inc. in 2003 and served as their Chief
Restructuring Officer from 2002 to 2003. Prior to that, Mr. Frank was
the CEO of Ten Hoeve Bros., Inc. and was an investment banker at Goldman, Sachs
& Co. He is Chairman of the Board of Atlantic Express
Transportation Group, Scovill Fasteners, Inc., Worldtex, Inc., and a director of
Color Spot Nurseries, Inc. and North Star Media LLC. Mr. Frank
graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S.E.E. degree and from the
Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, with a M.B.A.
degree.
Richard A.
McKinnon, Age:
67. Mr. McKinnon is currently a private investor and consultant. He was
President and Chief Executive officer of Amadeus North America from 2000 to
2004. Prior to joining Amadeus, Mr. McKinnon held senior executive positions
with various companies in the leisure industry. Mr. McKinnon graduated from the
U.S. Military Academy with a B.S. degree and from Emory University School of Law
with a J.D. degree.
Richard W.
Detweiler, Age:
66. Mr. Detweiler has been a director of GSCAC since June
2008. Mr. Detweiler is a managing director and owner of Carlisle
Enterprises, LLC, a private equity investment firm. Mr. Detweiler
joined Carlisle Enterprises, LLC in 1996. Mr. Detweiler is a member
of the board of directors of Aeromet Holding, Inc., Hyco International, Inc. and
UVP, Inc.
Daniel R.
Sebastian, Age:
61. Mr. Sebastian has been a director of GSCAC since June
2008. Mr. Sebastian assumed his current position of President and
Chief Executive Officer of MW Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of springs and
specialty fasteners in July 1995. Mr. Sebastian is a member of the
board of directors of Scovill Inc. and the Spring Manufacturers
Institute. Mr. Sebastian graduated from Waterbury State Technical
Institute and Lehigh University with a degree in metallurgical engineering and
is also a graduate of the University of Michigan Manufacturing Executive
Program.
Required
Vote
The two
directors to be elected at the special meeting will be elected by a plurality of
the votes cast by the stockholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to
vote at the special meeting. Abstentions, broker non-votes or failing to vote
will have no effect on the election of directors proposal.
Recommendation
AFTER
CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, GSCAC’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AND
DECLARED ADVISABLE THE ELECTION OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE OR INSTRUCT THEIR VOTE TO BE CAST “FOR” THE
DIRECTOR NOMINEES AS SET FORTH IN THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
PROPOSAL.
Number
and Terms of Office of Directors
Our board
of directors is divided into three classes of directors, as nearly equal in
number as possible. The three classes are designated as Class I, Class II and
Class III. The members of our board of directors that are proposed to be elected
in this proxy statement will be members of Class I and will have initial terms
that terminate on the date of
the 2011
annual meeting. Existing Class II directors will serve until the 2009 annual
meeting and Class III directors will serve until the 2010 annual meeting. At
each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders, successors to the class of
directors whose term expires at that annual meeting will be elected for a
three-year term. Each director will hold office for the term to which he or she
is elected and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified. If the
number of directors is changed, any increase or decrease will be apportioned
among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as
nearly equal as possible, and any additional director of any class elected to
fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in such class will hold office for a
term that will coincide with the remaining term of that class, but in no case
will a decrease in the number of directors shorten the term of any incumbent
director.
Director
Independence
Our
securities are listed on the AMEX and we intend to seek to have our securities
approved for listing on the NYSE or NASDAQ following completion of the
acquisition. The AMEX, the NYSE and NASDAQ require that a majority of our board
must be composed of “independent directors.” In addition, Rule 10A-3
of the Exchange Act and the listing requirements of the AMEX, the NYSE and
NASDAQ require that the members of our audit committee satisfy independence
standards.
Our board
of directors has determined that Messrs. Goodwin, McKinnon, Detweiler and
Sebastian are “independent directors” as such term is defined in the rules of
the AMEX and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act.
In
addition, our board of directors has determined that Messrs. Goodwin, McKinnon
and Sebastian, the current members of our audit committee, are “independent”
within the meaning of Rule 10A-3 and the listing requirements of the
AMEX.
Code
of Ethics
We have
adopted a code of ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees.
Requests for copies of our code of ethics should be sent in writing to GSC
Acquisition Company, 500 Campus Drive, Suite 220, Florham Park, New Jersey
07932. We intend to disclose any amendments to or waivers of certain provisions
of our code of ethics in a Current Report on Form 8-K.
Corporate
Governance
Our board
of directors has held six board meetings since the IPO on each of August 8,
2007, November 8, 2007, February 27, 2008, May 5, 2008, May 8, 2008, and June
24, 2008. Since our IPO, no director, except for Mr. Eckert, has
attended fewer than 75% of the total number of meetings of the board of
directors.
Governance
and Nominating Committee
Our board
of directors has established a governance and nominating committee which
currently consists of Messrs. Goodwin, McKinnon and Detweiler, with Mr. Goodwin
serving as chair. The governance and nominating committee held committee
meetings on May 5, 2008 and June 24, 2008. Our governance and nominating
committee’s charter can be obtained at http://ir.gscac.com/. The
responsibilities of our governance and nominating committee include, among other
things:
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recommending
qualified candidates for election to our board of
directors;
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evaluating
and reviewing the performance of existing
directors;
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making
recommendations to our board of directors regarding governance matters,
including our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and charters of our
committees; and
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developing
and recommending to our board of directors governance and nominating
guidelines and principles applicable to
us.
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The
guidelines for selecting nominees, which are specified in the Governance and
Nominating Committee Charter, generally provide that persons to be nominated
should be actively engaged in business endeavors, have an understanding of
financial statements, corporate budgeting and capital structure, be familiar
with the requirements of a publicly traded company, be familiar with industries
relevant to our business endeavors, be willing to devote significant time to the
oversight duties of the board of directors of a public company, and be able to
promote a diversity of views based on the person’s education, experience and
professional employment. The governance and nominating committee evaluates each
individual in the context of the board as a whole, with the objective of
recommending a group of persons that can best implement our business plan,
perpetuate our business and represent stockholder interests. The governance and
nominating committee may require certain skills or attributes, such as financial
or accounting experience, to meet specific board needs that arise from time to
time. The governance and nominating committee does not distinguish among
nominees recommended by stockholders and other persons.
There have
been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may
recommend nominees to our board of directors.
Audit
Committee
Our board
of directors has established an audit committee which currently consists of
Messrs. Goodwin, McKinnon and Sebastian with Mr. Sebastian serving as
chair. Our audit committee charter can be obtained at
http://ir.gscac.com/. The audit committee has held committee meetings on each of
August 8, 2007, November 8, 2007, February 27, 2008 and May 5, 2008. Upon
completion of the acquisition, our board of directors will appoint three
independent directors to serve on the audit committee. As required by the rules
of the AMEX, each of the members of our audit committee will be able to read and
understand fundamental financial statements, and will otherwise satisfy the
criteria for audit committee members under the SEC rules and the applicable
listing requirements.
Following
the completion of the acquisition, the responsibilities of our audit committee
will include, among other things:
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meeting
with our management periodically to consider the adequacy of our internal
control over financial reporting and the objectivity of our financial
reporting;
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appointing
an independent registered public accounting firm, determining the
compensation of the independent registered public accounting firm and
pre-approving the engagement of the independent registered public
accounting firm for audit and non-audit
services;
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overseeing
the independent registered public accounting firm, including reviewing
independence and quality control procedures and experience and
qualifications of audit personnel that are providing us audit
services;
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meeting
with the independent registered public accounting firm and reviewing the
scope and significant findings of the audits performed by them, and
meeting with management and internal financial personnel regarding these
matters;
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reviewing
our financing plans, the adequacy and sufficiency of our financial and
accounting controls, practices and procedures, the activities and
recommendations of the auditors and our reporting policies and practices,
and reporting recommendations to our full board of directors for
approval;
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establishing
procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints
regarding internal accounting controls or auditing matters and the
confidential, anonymous submissions by employees of concerns regarding
questionable accounting or auditing matters;
and
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preparing
the report required by the rules of the SEC to be included in our annual
proxy statement.
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Compensation
Committee
In light
of the fact that no officers or directors will receive compensation prior to
GSCAC’s initial business combination, our board of directors has determined that
a compensation committee is unnecessary. Following the acquisition, our board of
directors will establish a compensation committee consisting entirely of
independent directors as required by the AMEX, NYSE or NASDAQ, as
applicable.
The
compensation committee will adopt and the board of directors will approve a
charter outlining the responsibilities and procedures of the
committee.
Executive
Compensation
None of
our executive officers or directors has received any compensation for service
rendered. Since our formation we have not granted any stock options
or stock appreciation rights or any awards under long-term incentive
plans.
GSCAC is
seeking stockholder approval for the GSC Acquisition Company 2008 Stock Option
Plan, to be effective upon completion of the merger (the “option plan”). Our
board of directors believes that it is in the best interest of GSCAC and its
stockholders for GSCAC to adopt the option plan. The purpose of the option plan
is to aid GSCAC after the acquisition in securing and retaining key employees
and others of outstanding ability and to motivate such individuals to exert
their best efforts on behalf of GSCAC and its affiliates by providing incentive
through the grant of options to acquire shares of our common stock. GSCAC
believes that it will benefit from the added interest that these individuals
will have in the welfare of GSCAC as a result of their proprietary interest in
GSCAC’s success.
Summary
of the GSC Acquisition Company 2008 Stock Option Plan
The
following paragraphs provide a summary of the principal features of the option
plan and its operation. The following summary is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the option plan as set forth in Annex C.
Types of Awards; Eligibility.
The option plan provides for the grant of non-qualified stock
options. Our employees and employees of our affiliates, as well as
our directors and consultants, are eligible to receive awards under the option
plan.
Upon the
completion of the merger, it is anticipated that approximately 100 employees,
directors, and consultants will be eligible to participate in the option plan.
The number of stock options that any specific individual may be eligible to
receive under this plan will be determinable after the completion of the
merger.
Administration. The option
plan will be administered by the compensation committee of our board of
directors (the “compensation committee”). The compensation committee will be
composed of at least three members of our board of directors at all times, and
will have the authority to determine who is eligible to participate in the
option plan, select individuals to whom awards will be granted, interpret the
option plan and prescribe and amend rules and regulations relating to the option
plan. In the absence of the appointment of a compensation committee, our board
of directors will administer the option plan.
Shares Subject to the Option
Plan. The aggregate maximum number of shares that may be issued pursuant
to awards granted under the option plan is 6,210,000 shares of our common stock,
par value $0.01 per share, subject to adjustment in the event of certain
corporate events. Shares issued under the option plan may be either treasury
shares or shares originally issued for this purpose. Shares subject to options
that are forfeited or cancelled, including shares tendered to GSCAC in
satisfaction of exercise price or withholding obligations (other than with
respect to “substitute awards,” which are defined below), will again be
available for grant under the option plan. As of July 28, 2008, the last sale
price for our common stock on the AMEX was $9.44.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing and subject to adjustment as summarized below, no individual
participant may receive awards in any calendar year that relate to more than
500,000 shares of our common stock. This limitation is intended to permit
options under the option plan to constitute “performance-based” compensation for
purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, as discussed further below.
Holders of
options granted by a company that is acquired by us or with which we combine are
eligible for grants of “substitute awards” granted in assumption of, or in
substitution for, such outstanding awards previously granted by such company in
connection with such acquisition or combination transaction. Any shares
underlying substitute awards shall not be counted against the shares available
for awards under the option plan.
Option Terms. Under the
option plan, the compensation committee may grant nonqualified options or
options that are not intended to qualify as incentive stock options under
the Code. The compensation committee determines the number of shares subject to
each option and the exercise price of options granted under the option plan,
provided that the exercise price must at least be equal to the fair market value
of GSCAC’s common stock on the date of grant. The terms of each option,
including the number of shares, exercise price, vesting period and expiration
date, will be set forth in a separate option agreement.
The term
of an option may not exceed 10 years, although the compensation committee will
have the authority to accelerate the date that any option may become
exercisable. Options will not be exercisable for fractions of shares, and an
option holder may elect to exercise an option either in cash, in shares or
partially in cash and in shares, so long as the shares to be used for such
exercise satisfy the value, holding period and other such requirements as may be
determined by the compensation committee.
After
termination of service with GSCAC, other than for an event constituting cause
(as defined below), a participant may exercise the vested portion of his or her
option for the period of time stated in his or her award agreement, but in no
event shall an exercise occur after the expiration date for such option. Unless
the applicable award agreement states otherwise, upon a participant’s
termination of employment for cause, the option, whether vested or unvested,
will terminate.
For
purposes of the option plan, “cause” shall mean the participant’s (1) commission
of a fraudulent or dishonest act that results in personal enrichment of the
participant or has material detrimental effects on us; (2) commission of a
felony; (3) intentional wrongful act or gross negligence that results in a
material detrimental effect on us; (4) abuse of a controlled substance or
chronic alcoholism; or (5) failure to follow a supervisor’s reasonable
instructions.
Transferability of Awards and
Shares. The option plan does not allow for the transfer of options
without compensation committee approval, and then only to “immediate family
members” (a participant’s spouse, children or grandchildren), or to a trust or
partnership where the participant or one of his or her immediate family members
was the principal beneficiary or participant, as applicable. The compensation
committee may also restrict the transferability of shares purchased pursuant to
the exercise of an option for such periods as the compensation committee may
deem necessary.
Adjustments. If the
compensation committee determines that any dividend, recapitalization, merger,
or spin off or other corporate event affects the shares or such other securities
of GSCAC such that an adjustment is determined by the compensation committee to
be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or
potential benefits intended to be made available under the option plan, the
compensation committee shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust
any or all of:
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the
number of shares (or number and kind of other securities or property) with
respect to which awards may thereafter be
granted;
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the
number of shares or such other securities (or number and kind of other
securities or property) subject to outstanding awards;
and
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the
grant or exercise price with respect to any award, or, if deemed
appropriate, make provision for a cash payment to the holder of an
award.
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Change in Control. In the
event of a “Corporate Change” (as defined below) the compensation committee, in
its sole discretion, may effect one or more of the following
alternatives:
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accelerate
the time at which options then outstanding may be
exercised;
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require
the surrender to GSCAC of outstanding options in exchange for, generally,
the spread value, if positive, of such option;
or
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make
such adjustments to options as the compensation committee deems
appropriate.
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A
“Corporate Change” shall have occurred if: (1) we are not the surviving entity
in any merger or consolidation; (2) we sell, lease or exchange all or
substantially all of our assets; (3) we dissolve or liquidate; (4) any person or
entity acquires ownership or control of more than 50% of our outstanding shares
of voting stock; or (5) in connection with a contested election of directors,
the individuals who were our directors before such election cease to constitute
a majority of our board of directors.
Amendment and Termination of the
Option Plan. The compensation committee has the authority to amend,
suspend, or terminate the option plan, except that stockholder approval will be
required for any amendment to the plan to the extent required by any applicable
law, regulation, or stock exchange rule. Any amendment, suspension, or
termination of the option will not, without the consent of the participant,
materially adversely affect any rights or obligations under any award previously
granted.
Term of the Option Plan. No
awards may be granted under the option plan after the tenth anniversary of the
closing date.
Withholding Provisions. The
compensation committee may permit a participant to elect to satisfy a
participant’s minimum statutory tax withholding with respect to an exercise of
an option either through a withholding of a portion of shares or a payment in
cash, at the compensation committee’s discretion.
Federal
Tax Aspects
The
following paragraphs are a summary of the general federal income tax
consequences to U.S. taxpayers and to GSCAC of awards granted under the option
plan. Tax consequences for any particular individual may be different. The
following assumes stock options have been granted at an exercise price per share
at least equal to 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date
of grant.
Stock Options. No taxable
income is reportable when a nonqualified stock option with an exercise price
equal to or greater than the fair market value of GSCAC’s stock is granted to a
participant. Upon exercise, the participant recognizes ordinary income in an
amount equal to the excess of the fair market value (on the exercise date) of
the shares purchased over the exercise price of the option. A participant will
generally have a tax basis in any shares of common stock received pursuant to
the cash exercise of a nonqualified stock option that equals the fair market
value of such shares on the date of exercise. Any gain or loss recognized upon
any later disposition of the shares is capital gain or loss.
Tax Effect for GSCAC. GSCAC
generally is entitled to a tax deduction in connection with an option under the
option plan in an amount equal to the ordinary income realized by a participant
and at the time the participant exercises a stock option. Special rules limit
the deductibility of compensation paid to our chief executive officer and to
each of our four most highly compensated executive officers. Under Section
162(m) of the Code, the annual compensation paid to any of these specified
executives is deductible only to the extent that it does not exceed $1,000,000.
However, we can preserve the deductibility of certain compensation in excess of
$1,000,000 if the conditions of Section 162(m) are met. These conditions include
stockholder approval of the option plan, setting limits on the number of awards
that any individual may receive that qualify as performance-based for purposes
of satisfying the conditions of Section 162(m), thereby permitting GSCAC to
continue to receive a federal income tax deduction in connection with such
options.
THE
FOREGOING IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE EFFECT OF FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION UPON
PARTICIPANTS AND GSCAC WITH RESPECT TO THE GRANT AND EXERCISE OF AWARDS UNDER
THE OPTION PLAN. IT DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE, AND DOES NOT DISCUSS THE
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF AN OPTION HOLDER’S DEATH OR THE PROVISIONS OF THE
INCOME TAX LAWS OF ANY MUNICIPALITY, STATE OR FOREIGN COUNTRY IN WHICH THE
OPTION HOLDER MAY RESIDE.
Necessity
of Stockholder Approval
Prior to
voting, each stockholder should consider the fact that stockholder approval of
the stock option plan proposal is necessary for us to complete the merger and
related transactions, as the acquisition proposal is conditioned upon the stock
option plan proposal. Each stockholder should consider the fact that if we do
not complete the acquisition, GSCAC will continue as a blank check company until
we find another suitable operating company to acquire or GSCAC will be
liquidated if an initial business combination is not consummated by June 29,
2009.
Required
Vote
The
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders present in
person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting will be required
to approve the stock option plan proposal. Abstentions will have the effect of a
vote against the stock option plan proposal but broker non-votes or a failure to
vote will have no effect upon the stock option plan proposal. The approval of
the stock option plan proposal is a condition to the approval of the acquisition
proposal.
Recommendation
AFTER
CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, GSCAC’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AND
DECLARED ADVISABLE THE ADOPTION OF THE PROPOSED STOCK OPTION PLAN AND
UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE OR INSTRUCT THEIR VOTE TO BE CAST
“FOR” THE STOCK OPTION PLAN PROPOSAL.
Adjournment
Proposal
If there
are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the
acquisition proposal, the amended and restated charter proposal, the share
issuance proposal, the election of directors proposal or the stock option plan
proposal, the board of directors may submit a proposal to adjourn the special
meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary, to permit further solicitation
of proxies. Approval of the adjournment proposal is not conditioned upon
approval of the acquisition proposal or any other proposal.
Required
Vote
The
adoption of the adjournment proposal will require the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the shares of GSCAC common stock represented in person
or by proxy and entitled to vote thereon at the special meeting. Abstentions
will have the same effect as a vote against the adjournment proposal, but broker
non-votes or a failure to vote will have no impact upon the approval of the
adjournment proposal.
Recommendation
AFTER
CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, GSCAC’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AND
DECLARED ADVISABLE THE ADOPTION OF THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL AND UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE OR INSTRUCT THEIR VOTE TO BE CAST “FOR” THE
ADOPTION OF THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL.
GSCAC
units, common shares and warrants are listed and traded on the AMEX under the
trading symbol “GGA.U,” “GGA” and “GGA.WS,” respectively. GSCAC’s units
commenced trading on June 25, 2007, while its common stock and warrants began
public trading on July 9, 2007. Prior to these dates, there was no established
public trading market for GSCAC’s securities. Each GSCAC unit consists of one
share of GSCAC common stock and one warrant. The following table sets forth, for
the periods indicated, the high and low closing sales prices per GSCAC common
share, per unit and per warrant as reported on the AMEX.
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2008
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Third
Quarter*
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$ |
10.01 |
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$ |
9.70 |
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$ |
9.48 |
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$ |
9.41 |
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$ |
0.79 |
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$ |
0.40 |
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Second
Quarter
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$ |
10.23 |
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$ |
9.55 |
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$ |
9.50 |
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$ |
9.15 |
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$ |
0.98 |
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$ |
0.36 |
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First
Quarter
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$ |
10.41 |
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$ |
9.65 |
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$ |
9.45 |
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$ |
9.16 |
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$ |
1.20 |
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$ |
0.45 |
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2007
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Fourth
Quarter
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$ |
10.56 |
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$ |
10.11 |
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$ |
9.45 |
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$ |
9.10 |
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$ |
1.40 |
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$ |
1.02 |
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Third
Quarter
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$ |
10.71 |
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$ |
9.95 |
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$ |
9.30 |
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$ |
9.01 |
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$ |
1.45 |
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$ |
0.95 |
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Second
Quarter**
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$ |
10.34 |
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$ |
10.00 |
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* Through
July 28, 2008.
**
Commenced public trading on June 25, 2007.
The
closing price for each share of common stock, unit and warrant of GSCAC on May
9, 2008, the last trading day before GSCAC announced the execution of the merger
agreement was $9.22, $9.55 and $0.43, respectively. As of July 28,
2008, the closing price for each share of common stock, unit and warrant was
$9.44, $9.70 and $0.43, respectively. In conjunction with the
acquisition, we will apply to change our listing to the NYSE or NASDAQ. If the
NYSE or NASDAQ denies our request for listing, we expect that GSCAC units,
common stock and warrants will continue to be quoted on the AMEX.
Holders
As of June
30, 2008, there was one holder of record of GSCAC units, four holders of record
of GSCAC common stock and three holders of record of GSCAC warrants. Such
numbers do not include beneficial owners holding units, shares or warrants
through nominee names.
Dividends
Since our
IPO and the listing of our shares on the AMEX, GSCAC has not paid dividends on
our common stock and does not intend to pay any dividends prior to the
completion of the proposed merger. After we complete the proposed merger, the
payment of dividends will depend on our revenues and earnings, if any, our
capital requirements and our general financial condition. The payment of
dividends after the proposed merger will be within the discretion of our board
of directors at that time. Our board of directors currently intends to retain
any earnings for use in our business operations and, accordingly, we do not
anticipate that our board will declare any dividends in the foreseeable
future.
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Two of our directors, Messrs. Goodwin and
McKinnon, and our founding stockholder own 22,500, 22,500 and 4,455,000
shares of GSCAC’s common stock respectively. These shares were purchased
prior to our IPO for an aggregate price of $25,000 and had an aggregate
market value of $42,480,000, based upon the last sale price of $9.44 on
the AMEX on July 28, 2008. Our founding stockholder has recently agreed to
transfer 5,000 shares of GSCAC’s common stock to each of two of our
directors, Messrs. Detweiler and Sebastian, subject to the completion of
our initial business combination. If our proposals are not
approved and GSCAC is unable to complete another business combination by
June 25, 2009, GSCAC will be required to liquidate. In such event, these
4,500,000 shares will be worthless because Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon
and our founding stockholder have agreed that they will not receive any
liquidation proceeds with respect to such shares. In addition, if we do
not complete an initial business combination, Messrs. Detweiler and
Sebastian will not receive any of the 5,000 shares that each is entitled
to receive upon completion of our initial business combination.
Accordingly, Messrs. Goodwin, McKinnon, Detweiler and Sebastian and our
founding stockholder have a financial interest in the completion of the
acquisition.
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The
following summary of the material provisions of the Agreement and Plan of Merger
dated as of May 9, 2008 among GSCAC, Holdco Sub, Holdco Sub2, Merger Sub and
Complete Energy (the “merger agreement”) does not purport to describe all of the
terms of the merger agreement. The following summary is qualified by reference
to the complete text of the merger agreement, a copy of which is attached as
Annex A to this proxy statement and incorporated herein by reference. We urge
you to read the full text of the merger agreement in its entirety for a more
complete description of the terms and conditions of the
acquisition.
Explanatory
Note Regarding Summary of Merger Agreement and Representations and Warranties in
the Merger Agreement
The
following summary of the merger agreement is intended to provide information
about the terms and conditions of our proposed acquisition of Complete Energy.
Neither this summary, nor the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, are
intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, disclosures or any factors or
circumstances regarding GSCAC or Complete Energy. The provisions of the merger
agreement (such as the representations and warranties) govern the contractual
rights and relationships, and allocate risks, between the parties in relation to
the acquisition. In particular, the representations and warranties made by the
parties to each other in the merger agreement have been negotiated between the
parties with the principal purpose of setting forth their respective rights with
respect to their obligation to close the merger should events or circumstances
change or otherwise be different from those stated in the representations and
warranties. The representations and warranties may be subject to important
qualifications and limitations agreed by the parties in connection with
negotiating its terms, including contractual standards of materiality that are
different from those generally applicable to stockholders under the federal
securities laws. Matters may change from the state of affairs contemplated by
the representations and warranties.
Structure
of the Acquisition
The merger
agreement provides that upon the closing of the acquisition, our subsidiary
Merger Sub will be merged with and into Complete Energy and Complete Energy will
continue as the surviving entity of the merger and an indirect subsidiary of
GSCAC. As a result of the merger, all of the ownership interests in Complete
Energy held prior to the merger will be converted into a right to receive Class
B shares and Class B, Class C and Class D units of Holdco Sub (or certain
Complete Energy owners will receive Class A shares and Class C and Class D units
of Holdco Sub), as described below, and our ownership interests in Merger Sub
will be converted into 100% of the ownership interests in Complete
Energy.
Timing
of the Closing of the Acquisition
The
closing of the acquisition will take place no later than the third business day
after the conditions to closing set forth in the merger agreement, which are
described below under “—Conditions to Closing,” are satisfied, unless GSCAC and
Complete Energy agree in writing to postpone the closing to another time. The
closing is expected to occur as soon as legally permitted and practicable after
our stockholders approve the proposals described in this proxy statement. The
merger will become effective when Merger Sub and Complete Energy file a
certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware.
Merger
Consideration
The
aggregate consideration to be paid in the acquisition and related transactions
is based upon a total enterprise value for Complete Energy of $1.3 billion,
comprised of $900 million for Complete Energy’s La Paloma facility and $400
million for its Batesville facility, in each case adjusted for its cash and debt
balances at closing and certain minority interests. See “Offers to LP
Minority Holders and Fulcrum.” Upon completion of the merger, the
current owners of Complete Energy generally will receive Class B shares (which
have voting rights but no economic rights) and an equal number of Class B units
in Holdco Sub (which have economic rights similar to the Class A shares but no
voting rights) that collectively with the Class A shares to be issued to certain
Complete Energy owners are expected to have a value of approximately $68.6
million. Each Class B share, together with one Class B unit, will be
exchangeable into one of our Class A shares. The holders of
Complete Energy E units will receive Class A shares directly in lieu of Class B
shares and Class B units.
The
current owners of Complete Energy who are accredited investors will also receive
Class C units and Class D units in Holdco Sub, which will entitle the holders to
receive additional Class B units and Class B shares if GSCAC’s stock price
reaches $14.50 per share for Class C units or $15.50 per share for Class D
units, each for 10 consecutive trading days within five years of the closing.
The number of Class B shares and Class B units (or Class A shares) to be issued
pursuant to the merger agreement will be calculated using a price per share of
GSCAC’s common stock equal to the lesser of $10.00 and the average closing price
per share for the 20 trading days ending three business days before the closing
of the acquisition. The holders of Complete Energy E units, who are
not accredited investors, will automatically receive Class A shares for the
Class C units and Class D units issued to them in the acquisition upon the first
business day after GSCAC’s stock price reaches $14.50 per share for the Class C
units or $15.50 per share for the Class D units, each for 10 consecutive trading
days within five years of the closing, if the shelf registration statement to be
filed by GSCAC is effective, or, if earlier, upon the first anniversary that the
Class C units and/or Class D units have reached their target stock price for 10
consecutive trading days. See “Other Transaction Agreements —
Registration Rights Agreement.”
No cash
consideration will be paid to the Complete Energy owners in the merger. GSCAC
has agreed in the merger agreement that it will cause the funds in our trust
account to be disbursed at the closing: (1) to pay the conversion
price to any stockholders of GSCAC who vote against the acquisition and properly
exercise their conversion rights; (2) to pay deferred underwriting fees and
commissions to the underwriters of our IPO and (3) to pay GSCAC’s reasonable
out-of-pocket documented third party fees and expenses that are incurred prior
to the closing in connection with the merger agreement and related transaction
documents, to the extent not paid prior to the closing. GSCAC will then
contribute the funds remaining in our trust account to Holdco Sub, and Holdco
Sub will use such funds to pay Complete Energy debt and other transaction
expenses and for working capital.
Principal
Representations and Warranties
The merger
agreement contains a number of representations and warranties made by Complete
Energy, on the one hand; and by GSCAC, Holdco Sub, Holdco Sub2 and Merger Sub
(the “GSCAC parties”), on the other hand, to each other.
The
representations and warranties made by Complete Energy with respect to itself
and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “project companies”) relate, among other
things, to:
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proper
corporate organization and similar corporate
matters;
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authorization,
performance and enforceability of the merger agreement and related
transaction documents;
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absence
of any conflicts or violations under organizational documents, material
contracts, material laws or regulations as a result of the execution,
delivery and performance of the merger agreement and related transaction
documents, assuming the project companies receive the proper consents and
approvals;
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their
capital structure and subsidiaries;
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sufficiency
of their assets to run the
business;
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compliance
with laws and orders;
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absence
of certain changes since December 31,
2007;
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regulatory
compliance of La Paloma Generating Company, LLC (the direct owner of the
La Paloma facility) and LSP Energy Limited Partnership (the direct owner
of the Batesville facility);
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material
insurance policies;
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employees,
labor matters and employee benefits;
and
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the
provision of information for inclusion in the proxy
statement.
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The
representations and warranties made by the GSCAC parties as to themselves
relate, among other things, to:
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proper
corporate organization and similar corporate
matters;
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authorization,
performance and enforceability of the merger agreement and the related
transaction documents;
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absence
of any conflicts or violations under organizational documents, material
contracts, material laws or regulations as a result of the execution,
delivery and performance of the merger agreement and related transaction
documents;
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compliance
with laws and orders;
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capital
structure and subsidiaries;
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employees,
labor matters and employees
benefits;
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transactions
with affiliates;
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assets,
properties and trust account;
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unanimous
approval and recommendation of its board of
directors;
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required
vote of our stockholders;
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no
conflicting contracts;
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opportunity
for independent investigation;
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GSCAC’s
status as a non-”foreign person” under the Exon-Florio statute, which may
require review of investments deemed to pose a threat to national
security;
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absence
of certain changes since December 31, 2007;
and
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receipt
of a fairness opinion from Duff &
Phelps.
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Materiality
and Material Adverse Effect
Many of
the representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement are
qualified by materiality or material adverse effect. For purposes of the merger
agreement, a “Complete Energy Material Adverse Effect” means any fact,
circumstance, change or effect that, individually or in the aggregate, has had
or is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on (x) the
ability of the project companies to complete the acquisition or (y) the
business, results of operations, assets, or condition (financial or otherwise)
of the project companies, taken as a whole. However, any effect to the extent it
results from any of the following will not be considered when determining
whether a Complete Energy Material Adverse Effect has occurred:
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any
change in economic conditions generally or in the industry in which a
project company operates, including any change in markets for commodities
or supplies, including electric power, natural gas or water, as
applicable, used in connection with any project company or in regional
wholesale or retail markets for electric power to the extent such change
does not disproportionately affect the project companies taken as a whole
relative to the other participants in the industries in which the project
companies operate;
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any
change in general regulatory, social or political conditions, including
any acts of war or terrorist activities to the extent that such change
does not disproportionately affect the project companies as a whole
relative to the other participants in the industries in which the project
companies operate;
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the
implementation of, or the failure to implement, a market for electric
generation capacity by any governmental authority (including the
California Public Utility Commission), irrespective of the form that such
electric generation capacity market may
take;
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any
change in the financial, banking or securities markets (including any
suspension of trading in, or limitation on prices for, securities on any
stock exchange or any changes in interest rates) or any change in the
general national or regional economic or financial conditions to the
extent that such change does not disproportionately affect the project
companies as a whole relative to the other participants in the industries
in which the project companies
operate;
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any
change in any laws (including environmental laws) to the extent such
change does not disproportionately affect the project companies taken as a
whole relative to the other participants in the industries in which the
project companies operate;
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any
effects of weather, geological or meteorological
events;
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strikes,
work stoppages or other labor
disturbances;
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any
matters relating to any decision by the LP Minority Holders to sell,
redeem or exchange or to not sell, redeem or exchange their interests in
La Paloma Acquisition in connection with the
acquisition;
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any
increases in the costs of commodities or supplies, including fuel, or
decreases in the price of
electricity;
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any
actions required to be taken by Complete Energy pursuant to the provisions
of the merger agreement; and
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the
announcement or pendency of the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement.
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A “GSCAC
Material Adverse Effect” means any fact, circumstance, change or effect that,
individually or in the aggregate, has had or is reasonably likely to have a
material adverse effect on the ability of the GSCAC parties to complete the
acquisition.
The
occurrence of a Complete Energy Material Adverse Effect or a GSCAC Material
Adverse Effect provides grounds for the other party to terminate the agreement.
In addition, the non-occurrence of a Complete Energy Material Adverse Effect is
a condition to closing for GSCAC, and, likewise, the non-occurrence of a GSCAC
Material Adverse Effect is a condition to closing for Complete
Energy.
Principal
Covenants
General
Complete
Energy and the GSCAC parties agreed to perform certain covenants in the merger
agreement. The principal covenants are as follows:
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use
commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, as promptly as practicable, all
approvals and consents that are required to be obtained in order to
complete the acquisition;
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make
the filings, and pay the related fees, required with respect to the
acquisition, including the filings required by FERC and the HSR Act, and
cooperate with the other parties in making their
filings;
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promptly
notify the other party when a party becomes aware that any required
consent or approval is obtained, taken, made, given or denied, as
applicable;
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use
commercially reasonable efforts to take actions, and cooperate with the
other parties in taking actions, to complete the acquisition in the most
expeditious manner practicable;
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not
to take, and cause its subsidiaries not to take, any action that could
reasonably be expected to adversely affect the approval of any
governmental authority of any of the
filings;
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provide
reasonable access to the other party during normal business hours, upon
reasonable notice, to the properties, books, records and
employees.
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None of
the parties will be required to enter into any settlement, undertaking, consent
decree, stipulation or agreement with any governmental authority in connection
with the acquisition, divest or hold separate any business or assets in
connection with the completion of the acquisition, or accept any condition that
would reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the party or any of
its affiliates or the Complete Energy business.
Interim covenants relating to
Complete Energy. Under the merger agreement, Complete Energy is required
to, and has agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause its
subsidiaries to, conduct its business in the ordinary course consistent with
past practice and manage its working capital (including the timing of collection
of accounts receivable and of the payment of accounts payable and the management
of inventory) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.
The most significant activities that Complete Energy has agreed not to do, and
to not permit any of its subsidiaries to do, except with the consent of GSCAC
(which consent cannot be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) and
subject to certain exceptions, are as follows:
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create
any lien (other than certain permitted liens) against any of their
assets;
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grant
any material waiver of any material term under, or give any material
consent with respect to, any material contract, other than in the ordinary
course of business;
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sell,
transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of any material assets of a project
company outside of the ordinary course of
business;
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incur,
create, assume or otherwise become liable for any indebtedness, other than
indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business, pursuant to the
existing material contracts or a permitted refinancing contemplated by the
merger agreement;
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change
any accounting method or practice in a manner that is inconsistent with
past practice in a way that would materially and adversely affect the
business of any project company, except as may be required to meet the
requirements of applicable law or
GAAP;
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fail
to maintain its limited liability company, limited partnership or
corporate existence, as applicable, or consolidate with any other person
or acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any other
person;
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authorize,
issue or sell any equity securities other than equity securities issued in
a permitted refinancing contemplated by the merger
agreement;
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liquidate,
dissolve, recapitalize, reorganize or otherwise wind up its business or
operations;
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purchase
any securities, except for short-term investments made in the ordinary
course of business;
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enter
into, terminate or materially amend any material contract, other than any
contracts (1) entered into, terminated or amended in the ordinary course
of business that will be performed prior to closing, (2) described in the
disclosure schedules to the merger agreement or (3) entered into,
terminated or amended in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practice, subject to certain
exceptions;
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make
or change any material tax election, change any annual tax accounting
period, adopt or change any method of tax accounting, materially amend any
tax returns or file claims for material tax refunds, enter any material
closing agreement, settle any material tax claim, audit or assessment, or
surrender any right to claim a material tax refund, offset or other
reduction in tax liability, other than in the ordinary course of
business;
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amend
any of their respective charter
documents;
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waive,
release or assign any material rights, claims or benefits of any project
companies other than in the ordinary course of
business;
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enter
into any contract that will, after the closing date, restrict in any
material respect any project company, any GSCAC party or any of their
respective affiliates, from engaging or competing in its line of business
or in any location;
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materially
increase the compensation, bonus or other benefits payable to any
director, officer or employee of the project companies other than in the
ordinary course of business and in amounts and on terms consistent with
past practices;
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enter
into, establish, adopt or amend in any material respects any benefit plan,
or any trust agreement (or similar arrangement) related thereto, or pay
any pension or retirement allowance not required by an existing benefit
plan or accelerate the vesting of, or the lapsing of restrictions on, any
rights pursuant to a benefit plan, in respect of any director, officer or
employee except (1) as may be required by applicable law, (2) as required
by previously disclosed contractual obligations existing as of the date of
the merger agreement, (3) annual renewals of such benefit plans or (4)
amendments in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice that do not materially increase benefits or result in increased
administrative costs;
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settle,
or offer or propose to settle, any pending or threatened material legal
claims or proceedings against any project company or any of their
respective officers and directors, other than in the ordinary course;
or
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agree
or commit to do any of these
matters.
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Notwithstanding
the foregoing restrictions, Complete Energy may permit the project companies to
take commercially reasonable actions with respect to (1) emergency situations
affecting the operations of the project companies (including forced outages) or
(2) regulatory requirements and/or other requirements of law. Complete Energy is
required upon receipt of notice of any such actions to promptly inform GSCAC of
any such actions taken outside the ordinary course of business.
If prior
to closing, Complete Energy wishes to take, or permit any other project company
to take, any action in connection with operating, maintaining, developing or
managing the Batesville facility or the La Paloma facility in accordance with
prudent industry practice (or any action or activity related or incidental to
the foregoing) and such action is otherwise prohibited by Complete Energy’s
interim covenants, Complete Energy may deliver written notice of such action to
GSCAC and GSCAC will then have a right to terminate the merger agreement by
delivering written notice of termination to Complete Energy within five business
days. If GSCAC does not terminate the merger agreement within five business
days, then GSCAC will be deemed to have consented to the requested
action.
Interim covenants relating to the
GSCAC Parties. The most significant activities that GSCAC has agreed not
to do, and not permit any of its subsidiaries to do, except with the consent of
Complete Energy (which consent cannot be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or
delayed) and subject to certain exceptions, are as follows:
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create
any lien (other than certain permitted liens) against any of its
assets;
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grant
any material waiver of any material term under, or give any material
consent with respect to, any material contract, or spend any cash held in
the trust account prior to the closing; provided, in each case, that the
foregoing restrictions shall not apply to or restrict the GSCAC parties’
ability to spend, commit to spend, or incur liabilities (1) to pay any
expenses, incurred by any GSCAC party in connection with the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement or related documents or other
expenses incurred by GSCAC in the ordinary course of business (taking into
account that GSCAC is a special-purpose acquisition company) (2) to comply
with applicable laws, (3) in accordance with contracts to which a GSCAC
party is a party as of the date of the merger agreement, (4) to comply
with any GSCAC party’s obligations under any transaction documents or (5)
to pay tax obligations using funds from the trust fund as contemplated by
the trust agreement;
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except
as may be required to meet the requirements of applicable law or GAAP,
change any accounting method or
practice;
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fail
to maintain its limited liability company or corporate existence, as
applicable, or merge, consolidate with any other person or acquire all or
any substantial portion of the assets of any other
person;
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authorize
for issuance, issue, sell, deliver or agree or commit to issue, sell or
deliver (whether through the issuance or granting of options, warrants,
other equity-based (whether payable in cash, securities or other property
or any combination of the foregoing) commitments, subscriptions, rights to
purchase or otherwise) any of its equity
securities;
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liquidate,
dissolve, recapitalize, reorganize or otherwise wind up its business or
operations, restructure, recapitalize or otherwise
reorganize;
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purchase
any securities of any person, except as permitted by GSCAC’s trust
agreement;
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make
any material election with respect to
taxes;
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amend
or modify its charter documents;
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acquire
or redeem, directly or indirectly, or amend any of its
securities;
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make
any distribution or declare, pay or set aside any dividend with respect
to, or split, combine or reclassify any of its equity interests or any
shares of capital stock, except in connection with the exercise of
conversion rights by GSCAC stockholders in connection with the approval of
the acquisition;
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settle
or compromise any pending or threatened material legal proceeding
involving or against any GSCAC party or any of their respective officers
or directors;
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incur,
create, assume or otherwise become liable for
indebtedness;
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amend
or otherwise modify any agreement relating to GSCAC’s trust account;
or
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agree
or commit to do any of these
matters.
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La
Paloma Tag Along Offer
GSCAC
agreed to deliver to each LP Minority Holder, within 20 business days after the
date of the merger agreement, a binding written offer to be held open for at
least 20 business days to exchange such LP Minority Holder’s units in La Paloma
Acquisition for an amount of GSCAC and Holdco securities calculated in
accordance with Exhibit F to the merger agreement. GSCAC delivered
the offer within the time period provided in the merger
agreement. None of the LP Minority Holders accepted GSCAC’s
offer. Please see “Offers to LP Minority Holders and
Fulcrum.”
Fulcrum
Exchange Offer
GSCAC
agreed to deliver to Fulcrum, prior to the closing of the acquisition, a binding
written offer to be held open for at least 20 business days to exchange all of
Fulcrum’s membership interests in CEP Batesville Holding, LLC for an amount of
GSCAC and Holdco securities calculated in accordance with the merger
agreement. GSCAC delivered the offer in accordance with the terms of
the merger agreement. Under the terms of the offer, GSCAC requested
that Fulcrum respond to the offer by July 30, 2008. Please see
“Offers to LP Minority Holders and Fulcrum.”
Refinancing
of the Complete Energy Credit Agreement
Notwithstanding
the other restrictions in the merger agreement, Complete Energy is permitted to
incur debt or issue equity securities of Complete Energy, in each case in
exchange for, or the proceeds of which will be used solely to refinance, all or
any portion of the principal, interest and other amounts payable by subsidiaries
of Complete Energy under a credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as
agent and other lenders (the “Complete Energy Credit Agreement”) and to pay fees
and expenses incurred in connection with such refinancing or issuance of equity
securities. Complete Energy has agreed to deliver to GSCAC prompt
written notice advising GSCAC of the material terms and conditions of any
potential permitted refinancing transaction that Complete Energy is seriously
considering. Complete Energy agrees that it will not enter into any definitive
agreement on or prior to September 15, 2008 with respect to any refinancing
transaction without the prior written consent of GSCAC, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. If Complete Energy or
any project company proposes to enter into any definitive agreement with respect
to any refinancing transaction at any time after September 15, 2008, then
Complete Energy must deliver to GSCAC copies of any final term sheet and the
proposed definitive agreements. Upon receipt of such notice, GSCAC
will have a right to terminate the merger agreement within five business days.
If GSCAC does not terminate the merger agreement, then GSCAC will be deemed to
have consented to the incurrence of such debt or issuance of such equity
securities in connection with the refinancing transaction.
Distributions
Complete
Energy is not permitted to, directly or indirectly, pay any cash or other
dividends or make any cash or other distributions to any of their respective
members at any time prior to the closing, except Complete Energy may make cash
distributions to its members in respect of their assumed income tax liability as
provided in the limited liability company agreement of Complete
Energy.
Casualty
and Condemnation
If any of
Complete Energy’s physical assets are damaged or destroyed at any time between
the signing of the merger agreement and closing by any casualty event or are
taken by any condemnation event, then Complete Energy
is required to prepare an estimate (1) in the case of a casualty
event, of the cost of restoring the damaged or destroyed assets plus any lost
profits with respect to such assets reasonably expected to accrue after the
closing of the acquisition as a result of such casualty event, or (2) in the
case of a condemnation event, of the condemnation value for such assets, in each
case net of and after giving effect to (without duplication) (a) any insurance,
condemnation or other third party proceeds reasonably expected to be available
for such event, (b) any amounts expended prior to closing to restore damage
caused by such casualty event and (c) adjustments relating to such casualty
event or condemnation event that result in the designated cash account balances
that would otherwise exist at closing (in each case, a “Casualty
Estimate”).
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If
the Casualty Estimate with respect to all such casualty or condemnation
events is greater than $3 million but does not exceed $25 million, the
enterprise value used to calculate the merger consideration will be
reduced by the amount of the Casualty
Estimate;
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If
the Casualty Estimate with respect to all such casualty or condemnation
events is greater than $25 million, GSCAC may, by written notice to
Complete Energy before the expected closing date, elect to reduce the
enterprise value used to calculate the merger consideration by an amount
equal to such Casualty Estimate minus $3 million or to terminate the
merger agreement. If GSCAC does not elect to terminate the merger
agreement and instead elects to reduce the enterprise value, then Complete
Energy may, by written notice to GSCAC, terminate the merger agreement;
and
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If
the Casualty Estimate with respect to all such casualty or condemnation
events is $3 million or less, (1) neither GSCAC nor Complete Energy
shall have the right or option to terminate the merger agreement as a
result of such casualty or condemnation event, (2) there shall be no
reduction in the amount of the enterprise value used to calculate the
merger consideration with respect to such casualty or condemnation event;
and (3) such casualty or condemnation event shall not delay, impair
or otherwise affect the closing; and (4) there shall be no liability for
GSCAC, Complete Energy or any of their respective affiliates under the
merger agreement due to such casualty or condemnation
event.
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Directors
of GSCAC and Subsidiaries After the Acquisition
GSCAC and
Complete Energy have each agreed to take all necessary action to ensure that two
individuals designated by Complete Energy, two individuals designated by GSCAC,
one individual designated pursuant to the lender consent and at least two and up
to six independent directors (depending on the independence requirements of the
exchange that GSCAC’s shares are listed on at closing) are elected to serve as
directors of GSCAC, Holdco Sub, Holdco Sub2 and Complete Energy, to be effective
immediately after the closing of the acquisition.
Amendment
and Restatement of GSCAC’s Charter and Bylaws
Prior to
closing, GSCAC has agreed to amend and restate our charter to, among other
things, change our name to “Complete Energy Holdings Corporation,” permit
GSCAC’s continued existence after June 25, 2009, increase the number of our
authorized shares of common stock, create two classes of common stock (Class A
shares to have voting and economic rights and Class B shares to have voting
rights but no economic rights), convert all of our outstanding common stock into
Class A shares and permit each Class B share plus one Class B unit of Holdco Sub
to be exchanged into one Class A share. See “Proposal II—Approval of the Amended
and Restated Charter.” We have also agreed to amend and restate our
bylaws to, among other things, clarify procedures for nominating directors and
provide notice of business to be conducted at meetings of stockholders, clarify
that stockholders may act only at an annual or special meeting and not by
written consent, require the establishment of an audit, compensation and a
nominating and corporate governance committee, and clarify the scope of the
indemnification granted to our directors, officers, employees and
agents.
Amendments
of Complete Energy’s Disclosure Schedules
Complete
Energy may, at its option, supplement, amend or update its disclosure schedules
as necessary to complete, supplement or correct any information in its
disclosure schedules or in any of its representations or warranties by
delivering to GSCAC a copy of such amendment, supplement or update. GSCAC would
then have a period of five business days to terminate the merger agreement if
the GSCAC closing condition with respect to
Complete Energy’s representations and warranties being true and correct at
closing would not be satisfied if such amendments, supplements and updates
together with all previously delivered supplements, amendments and updates were
not effective. If GSCAC does not terminate the merger agreement during this
period, Complete Energy’s disclosure schedules will be deemed to be
automatically modified by such supplement, amendment or update or update.
Termination
of Certain Services and Contracts
Complete
Energy is required to, and has agreed to cause the relevant project company to,
terminate effective upon the closing of the acquisition each employment contract
between CEP Operating Company, LLC and any Complete Energy founder (Lori A.
Cuervo, Peter Dailey and Hugh Tarpley), without any payment obligation as a
result of such termination that has not been satisfied in full by Complete
Energy at closing.
Certain
Accounts
Prior to
closing, Complete Energy is required to, and is required to cause the project
companies to, operate their respective bank accounts (including certain
designated accounts identified by GSCAC and Complete Energy) and to make all
deposits of cash and cash equivalents in such bank accounts and all payments
from such bank accounts, in each case, in accordance with the credit facilities
governing the project-level debt relating to the La Paloma facility and the
Batesville facility, its existing note purchase agreement with the TAMCO funds
and Morgan Stanley and in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice.
Trust
Account
GSCAC has
agreed to make appropriate arrangements to cause the funds in the trust account
to be disbursed at the closing to pay (1) any stockholders of GSCAC who vote
against the acquisition and properly exercise their conversion rights; (2) the
deferred underwriting fees and commissions to the underwriters of our IPO and
(3) to pay GSCAC’s reasonable out-of-pocket documented third party fees and
expenses that are incurred prior to the closing in connection with the merger
agreement and related transaction documents, to the extent not paid prior to the
closing. GSCAC will then contribute the remaining funds in the trust account to
Holdco Sub.
Exclusivity;
Change in Recommendation by the GSCAC Board
GSCAC and
Complete Energy have each agreed not to directly or indirectly solicit or
initiate discussions with, enter into negotiations or agreements with, or
furnish any information about themselves, or otherwise assist, facilitate or
encourage, any person or group concerning any proposal for a merger, sale or
purchase of substantial assets, sale or purchase of shares of capital stock or
other securities, recapitalization or other business combination transaction
involving any GSCAC party or any project companies on the one hand and any third
party on the other hand. Each of the parties has also agreed to immediately halt
any such discussions with any third parties regarding any transaction that would
be inconsistent with the exclusivity provisions or that would interfere with,
prevent or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement or related transaction documents. Each of the parties agrees to notify
the other immediately in writing if such party becomes aware of or receives any
inquiries or proposals, or any information is requested from, or any
negotiations are sought to be initiated with any such party.
Notwithstanding
these restrictions, Complete Energy may refinance the Complete Energy Credit
Agreement under certain circumstances as described above and may have
discussions with third party industry participants relating to potential
acquisitions by, or other business combination transactions involving, Complete
Energy or any other project company (whether structured as a merger,
consolidation, acquisition of stock and assets or otherwise) to take place after
the closing of the acquisition.
Also
notwithstanding these restrictions, prior to obtaining our stockholder approval
of the acquisition and related proposals, our board of directors may withdraw or
modify its recommendation to approve these transactions if we receive an
unsolicited acquisition proposal that our board determines in good faith, after
taking into account relevant legal, financial, regulatory, transaction timing
and certainty of completion and other aspects of such proposal would, if
completed in accordance with its terms, constitute an acquisition proposal that
will be more
favorable and provide greater value to our stockholders than the
acquisition (taking into account any proposal by Complete Energy to amend the
terms of the merger agreement), or if our board otherwise determines in good
faith (after consultation with outside counsel) that the failure to make a
change in recommendation would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under
applicable law. GSCAC must promptly (and in any event no later than three
business days) notify Complete Energy if there has been a change in our board’s
recommendation.
Special
Meeting of GSCAC Stockholders
GSCAC has
agreed to call and hold a special meeting of its stockholders as soon as
practicable in accordance with applicable law for the purpose of seeking the
approval of our stockholders of the acquisition and other proposals described in
this proxy statement. We must call, convene and hold our special meeting even if
our board has changed its recommendation regarding the acquisition, unless
Complete Energy terminates the merger agreement.
Fees
and Expenses
The
parties to the merger agreement agreed that each party will bear its own fees
and expenses but, to the extent any such fees and expenses are incurred by
Complete Energy before the signing of the merger agreement and are not paid
prior to the closing, the number of Class B shares and Class B units of Holdco
Sub issued in the merger as part of the merger consideration will be reduced.
The fees and expenses incurred by each party after the signing will not affect
the merger consideration.
Press
Release and Announcements
The
parties to the merger agreement agreed that no public release or announcement
concerning the merger agreement or the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement or the related transaction documents will be issued by any party or
any of their respective affiliates or any of their respective representatives
without the prior consent of GSCAC and Complete Energy.
Conditions
to the Closing of the Acquisition
The
obligation of the GSCAC parties to complete the merger and related transactions
is subject to the requirement that specified conditions must be satisfied or
waived by GSCAC, including the following:
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Complete
Energy’s representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality
or Complete Energy Material Adverse Effect must be true at and as of the
closing date (immediately prior to the closing) and those that are not
qualified by materiality or Complete Energy Material Adverse Effect shall
be true in all material respects at and as of the closing (in each case,
other than representations and warranties that speak as to an earlier date
which must be true, or true in all material respects as the case may be,
as of such earlier date).
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Complete
Energy must have performed and complied, in all material respects, with
its agreements, covenants and obligations required by the merger agreement
and related transaction documents to be performed or complied with on or
before closing.
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There
can be no legal proceeding threatened or filed by any person (other than
by any GSCAC parties or any of their respective affiliates) seeking to
restrain, enjoin or otherwise prohibit the completion of the proposed
transactions.
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Regulatory
approvals must be obtained, including approval by FERC, and any applicable
waiting periods under the HSR Act must have expired or been
terminated.
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Delivery
to GSCAC at or prior to the closing of a payoff letter with respect to the
outstanding Complete Energy Credit Agreement indicating that upon payment
of an amount not exceeding $123 million (which amount may exceed $123
million only to the extent any such excess is funded at the closing by
some means other than the cash contributed to Complete Energy), all
indebtedness and other obligations under or in respect of the Complete
Energy Credit Agreement shall be
discharged.
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None
of the agent, the note holders and the option holders shall have asserted
that the lender consent is not a valid and binding agreement of any person
party to such agreement and each such person shall have executed and
delivered the form attached to the merger agreement and any related
agreements to which it is a party.
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The
GSCAC stockholders must have approved the merger and the related
transactions.
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No
Complete Energy Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred and be
continuing.
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No
default with respect to any payment obligation or financial covenant under
any material Complete Energy debt (other than any debt that is being
repaid or satisfied in connection with the
merger).
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GSCAC
must have received an acknowledgement (as provided for in the lender
consent) that the conditions required to exchange certain Complete Energy
debt for cash, equity securities and a mezzanine note are
satisfied.
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The
obligation of Complete Energy to complete the merger and the related
transactions is subject to the requirement that specified conditions must be
satisfied or waived by Complete Energy, including the following:
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GSCAC’s
representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement that are
qualified by materiality or GSCAC Material Adverse Effect must be true at
and as of the closing date (immediately prior to the closing) and that are
not qualified by materiality or GSCAC Material Adverse Effect must be true
in all material respects (in each case, other than representations and
warranties that speak as to an earlier date which must be true, or true in
all material respects as the case may be, as of such earlier
date).
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Each
GSCAC party must have performed and complied, in all material respects,
with its agreements, covenants and obligations required by the merger
agreement and related transaction documents to be performed or complied
with on or before closing.
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There
can be no legal proceeding threatened or filed by any person (other than
by Complete Energy or any of its affiliates) seeking to restrain, enjoin
or otherwise prohibit the completion of the proposed
transactions.
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Regulatory
approvals must be obtained, including FERC approval, and any applicable
waiting periods under the HSR Act must have expired or been
terminated.
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The
GSCAC stockholders must have approved the merger and related
transactions.
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GSCAC
must have directors’ and officers’ liability insurance with terms and
conditions at least as favorable to the insured as Complete Energy’s
directors’ and officers’ liability insurance
policies.
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Designated
persons must have resigned from all of their positions and offices with
GSCAC, Holdco Sub, Holdco Sub2 and Merger
Sub.
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Designated
persons must have been elected to the positions of officers and directors
of GSCAC, Holdco Sub, Holdco Sub2.
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GSCAC
must have at least $188,000,000 in its trust account, before giving effect
to any payments to GSCAC stockholders who vote against the acquisition and
elect to convert their shares into
cash.
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No
GSCAC Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred and be continuing as of
the closing date.
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None
of the agent, the note holders and the option holders shall have asserted
that the lender consent is not a valid and binding agreement of any person
party to such agreement and each such person shall have executed and
delivered the form attached to the merger agreement and any related
agreements to which it is a party.
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GSCAC
must have received an acknowledgement (as provided for in the lender
consent) that the conditions required to exchange certain Complete Energy
debt for cash, equity securities and a mezzanine note are
satisfied.
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We cannot
assure you that all of the conditions above will be satisfied or waived or that
the merger will occur.
Termination
The merger
agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the closing of the acquisition
in the following circumstances:
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by
Complete Energy or GSCAC if any nonappealable final governmental order or
law, decree or judgment enjoins or otherwise prohibits or makes illegal
the completion of the merger and related
transactions;
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by
Complete Energy if any GSCAC party has materially breached its obligations
or under the merger agreement or related transaction documents and the
breach would or does result in the failure of any of Complete Energy’s
conditions to closing and such breach has not been cured within 30 days
following written notice (or 60 days if GSCAC is endeavoring in good
faith, and proceeding diligently to cure the
breach);
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by
GSCAC if Complete Energy or any project company has materially breached
its obligations under the merger agreement or related transaction
documents and the breach would or does result in the failure of any of
GSCAC’s conditions to closing and such breach has not been cured within 30
days following written notice (or 60 days if Complete Energy is
endeavoring in good faith, and proceeding diligently to cure the
breach);
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by
GSCAC or Complete Energy if the merger has not been completed by January
31, 2009 and the failure is not caused by a breach of the merger agreement
by the terminating party, but if the delay is directly and primarily the
result of the failure to obtain on a timely basis the audited balance
sheet of Complete Energy’s subsidiary, La Paloma Generating Company, LLC,
dated as of December 31, 2005, the termination date will be extended from
January 31, 2009 to March 31, 2009;
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by
GSCAC or Complete Energy if either exercises its termination right as a
result of a Casualty Estimate from casualty and condemnation events of $25
million;
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GSCAC if it does not consent to a proposed refinancing of the Complete
Energy Credit Agreement after September 15, 2008 or if Complete Energy
engages in certain prohibited conduct prior to the completion of the
merger;
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GSCAC if the changes to Complete Energy’s disclosure schedules
collectively would cause the failure of the Complete Energy
representations and warranties closing condition if such changes were not
effective;
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by
mutual written consent of GSCAC and Complete
Energy;
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by
Complete Energy if GSCAC’s board of directors changes its recommendation
of the proposed transactions or takes specified actions inconsistent with
its recommendation; or
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by
Complete Energy or GSCAC if our stockholders do not approve the merger and
related transactions, provided that GSCAC may not terminate the merger
agreement if it has breached or failed to comply with its obligations with
respect to the preparation, filing and mailing of the proxy statement and
the calling of the special meeting to approve the
acquisition.
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Effect
of Termination and Remedies
If the
merger agreement is validly terminated, there will be no liability or obligation
on the part of Complete Energy, any of its affiliates or any GSCAC party,
except certain limited provisions of the merger agreement (such as
confidentiality) would survive such termination. In addition, each party will be
responsible for its willful and knowing breach of any provision in the merger
agreement if either of the following shall have resulted in termination:
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the
willful and knowing failure of a party to perform a covenant in the merger
agreement (other than a failure by Complete Energy to perform (or cause a
project company to perform) any of their interim covenants to the extent
such failure was necessary or advisable in connection with the operation,
maintenance and management of the La Paloma facility and the Batesville
facility in accordance with prudent industry practice);
or
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any
willful and knowing breach by a party of any representation and warranty
contained in the merger agreement.
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Each party
to the merger agreement has agreed that the other parties will be entitled to
seek an injunction to prevent breaches of the merger agreement and to seek
specific performance of the provisions of the merger agreement.
Limitation
on Liabilities
The
parties to the merger agreement have expressly agreed that the representations,
warranties, pre-closing covenants and pre-closing agreements will terminate and
be of no further force or effect upon the closing of the acquisition. In
addition, the parties have agreed that there will be no liability for any breach
of the merger agreement except Complete Energy or GSCAC, as applicable, shall be
liable for all losses resulting from the willful and knowing failure of Complete
Energy or GSCAC, respectively, to perform its covenants in the merger agreement
or any willful and knowing breach by Complete Energy or GSCAC, respectively, of
any of its representations or warranties in the merger agreement. The parties to
the merger agreement further agreed that no party shall be liable for special,
punitive, exemplary, incidental, consequential or indirect damages or loss,
whether based on contract or tort.
Waiver
of Claims Against the Trust Account
Complete
Energy waived any claims against GSCAC’s trust account, and agreed not to seek
recourse against the trust account or any funds distributed from the trust
account, except for funds distributed to GSCAC, from time to time, to permit
GSCAC to pay its operating expenses and funds distributed to GSCAC after it
completes an initial business combination (excluding amounts paid to
stockholders that vote against the acquisition proposal and properly exercise
their conversion rights and deferred underwriting discounts and commissions paid
to the underwriters of GSCAC’s IPO).
Governing
Law
The merger
agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New York, without giving
effect to any conflict or choice of law provision that would result in the
imposition of another state’s law.
Jurisdiction;
Arbitration
Prior to
the closing, any suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of,
or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with the merger agreement
or the transactions contemplated under the merger agreement will be brought in
the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York or any New York
State court sitting in New York City.
After the
closing, any claim, counterclaim, demand, cause of action, dispute, or any other
controversy arising out of or relating to the merger agreement or in any way
relating to the subject matter of the merger agreement will be resolved by
binding arbitration. The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the
Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”).
The AAA shall administer the arbitration. The arbitrators shall resolve any
dispute in accordance with the governing law of the merger agreement. The
hearing will be conducted in New York, New York. Any award shall be final and
binding.
Tax
Matters
The
parties to the merger agreement agree on the intended U.S. federal income tax
treatment of the merger transaction and agree to file all tax returns
consistently with the intended tax treatment. The parties further agree on the
methods for making certain allocations of income, gain, deduction or loss
required for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to Holdco Sub (and
any lower tier partnership).
In
connection with the completion of the merger, the limited liability company
agreement of Holdco Sub will be amended and restated (the “Holdco Sub LLC
Agreement”), in part to authorize a capital structure comprised of Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class D units. GSCAC will own 100% of the Class A units.
The Class B, Class C and Class D units will be issued as part of the merger
consideration to the owners of Complete Energy and to the LP Minority Holders
and Fulcrum to the extent that they accept our offers to exchange their equity
interests in La Paloma Acquisition and Batesville Holding.
Management. Holdco Sub will
be managed by GSCAC, as managing member of Holdco Sub and sole holder of the
Class A units, and an executive committee comprised of members designated by
GSCAC. All of GSCAC’s business activities will be conducted by Holdco Sub or its
subsidiaries. GSCAC will not be permitted to conduct any business or hold any
assets other than its ownership of Class A units in Holdco Sub and activities
incidental to such ownership and the general operation and management of GSCAC.
Holdco Sub will be required to pay all costs, expenses and liabilities of GSCAC
and to guarantee any indebtedness incurred by GSCAC.
Voting Rights. The Class A
units are the sole voting interests in Holdco Sub, subject to limited approval
rights granted to the holders of the Class B units, Class C units and Class D
units.
Contributions. If GSCAC
issues any equity securities, it must contribute the proceeds to Holdco Sub and
Holdco Sub must issue equivalent securities to GSCAC. No other holder of units
of Holdco Sub is required to make capital contributions to Holdco
Sub.
Distributions. Distributions
on Class A units and Class B units will be made ratably. No distributions will
be made on Class C or Class D units. If Holdco Sub, at the determination of the
managing member, makes any distributions to its members, then GSCAC must use the
distributions that it receives on its Class A units (net of taxes and reserves
for operating costs) to pay dividends to the holders of Class A
shares.
Transferability of Units. The
Class A units held by GSCAC will not be transferable. Class B, Class C and Class
D units will not be transferable except to “permitted transferees” (i.e.,
affiliates, family members and certain estate planning entities formed for the
benefit of the holder and his or her family members). Class B units cannot be
transferred unless an equal number of Class B shares are transferred to the same
transferee.
Exchange of Class B Units. At
any time and from time to time, a holder of Class B units and Class B shares
will have the right to exchange one Class B unit and one Class B share for one
Class A share. Class A shares received in the exchange will be freely
transferable, subject to applicable restrictions under the federal or state
securities laws, and will have the benefit of registration rights under a
registration rights agreement among GSCAC and the holders of GSCAC and Holdco
Sub securities received in connection with the merger and related
transactions.
A Complete
Energy Unitholder Consent and Release Agreement was entered into on May 9, 2008
among GSCAC, Peter J. Dailey, Lori A. Cuervo, Hugh A. Tarpley and Complete
Energy pursuant to which Peter J. Dailey, Lori A. Cuervo and Hugh A. Tarpley
consented to the acquisition and the related transactions, and agreed not to
transfer or encumber their ownership interests in Complete Energy prior to the
closing. In addition, Peter J. Dailey, Lori A. Cuervo and Hugh A. Tarpley
agreed to a mutual release of claims between themselves and Complete Energy and
to a 180-day “lock-up” on the GSCAC and Holdco Sub securities they will receive
as a consequence of the acquisition or upon exchange of their Class B units and
Class B shares for Class A shares.
At the
closing of the acquisition, GSCAC will enter into a registration rights
agreement with the persons receiving Class A shares or Class B shares and Holdco
Sub securities in the merger and related transactions, pursuant to which each
such holder of Class A shares will be granted registration rights to require
registration of their Class A shares, including any Class A shares received in
exchange for Class B units and Class B shares.
GSCAC will
be required to file a shelf registration statement within 90 days after the
closing to permit all of these holders to sell their Class A shares, and the
shelf registration statement must be declared effective by the SEC no later than
180 days after the closing.
GSCAC will
be required to conduct underwritten public offerings to permit all of these
holders to sell their Class A shares upon demand by the TAMCO funds (two
demands), Morgan Stanley (one demand) and the Complete Energy owners/LP Minority
Holders (one demand), but GSCAC will not be required to effect more than one
demand registration in the 12-month period following an effective registration
statement.
All of
these holders will also be permitted to include their Class A shares in
registered offerings conducted by GSCAC after the closing.
On May 9,
2008, in connection with the merger agreement, GSCAC, Complete Energy and
certain of their respective subsidiaries entered into a Consent, Exchange and
Preemptive Rights Agreement (the “lender consent”) with the TAMCO funds and
Morgan Stanley. As of that date, a Complete Energy subsidiary owed approximately
$270 million in notes and cash settled options to the TAMCO funds and Morgan
Stanley. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the lender
consent, the TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley have agreed to exchange these
obligations upon the closing of the acquisition for approximately $50 million in
cash, a $50 million mezzanine note, approximately $170 million of Class A
shares, warrants to purchase an aggregate of 798,000 Class A shares if GSCAC’s
stock price reaches $14.50 for 10 consecutive trading days within five years and
warrants to purchase an additional 798,000 Class A shares if GSCAC’s stock price
reaches $15.50 for 10 consecutive trading days within five years. The number of
Class A shares to be issued pursuant to the lender consent will be calculated
using a price per share of GSCAC’s common stock equal to the lesser of $10.00
and the average closing price per share for the 20 trading days ending three
business days before the closing of the acquisition. Pursuant to the lender
consent, all of the expenses of the TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley in connection
with the lender consent and related transactions are to be paid as of the
closing by GSCAC and the Complete Energy parties. To the extent that we have
insufficient cash to pay $50 million to the TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley,
GSCAC would be required to issue additional Class A shares to the TAMCO funds
and Morgan Stanley that have a value equal to 150% of the shortfall, subject to
certain adjustments as provided in the lender consent.
Pursuant
to the lender consent, the TAMCO funds will be subject to a 180-day lock-up
period with respect to their Class A shares. In addition, GSCAC has granted
preemptive rights to the TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley if GSCAC issues any
equity securities that trigger “anti-dilution” protection for holders of GSCAC’s
outstanding warrants. The lender consent also contains a release of claims by
the Complete Energy parties for the benefit of the TAMCO funds and Morgan
Stanley pursuant to which the Complete Energy parties will have released all
claims against the TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley effective upon the closing.
The lender consent requires that an individual designated by the TAMCO funds
must become a member of our board of directors, with a term of office to expire
no earlier than the 2011 annual meeting of the GSCAC stockholders, upon the
closing of the acquisition. R. Blair Thomas is the designee under the lender
consent, and our board of directors intends to appoint him to serve on our board
as a Class I director if our proposals are approved and the acquisition is
completed. Please see “Proposal IV—Election of
Directors.”
On May 9,
2008, in connection with the merger agreement, GSCAC and CEP Operating Company
LLC entered into three year employment agreements with Hugh A. Tarpley and Lori
A. Cuervo (together, the “employment agreements”). The employment agreements
provide that, upon the closing of the acquisition, Hugh A. Tarpley would become
GSCAC’s Chief Executive Officer and Lori A. Cuervo would become our President
and Chief Operating Officer. Those employment agreements also include
non-competition and non-solicitation provisions. Please refer to the section
“Complete Energy Executive Compensation” (beginning on page 175) for a complete
description of Mr. Tarpley’s and Ms. Cuervo’s employment agreements and the
terms of employment.
Peter J.
Dailey entered into, as of May 9, 2008, a non-solicitation, non-disclosure and
confidentiality agreement with GSCAC, to be effective at closing of the
acquisition.
LP
Minority Holders
Complete
Energy currently owns, indirectly, 60% of the La Paloma facility. The remaining
40% interest in the La Paloma facility, represented by equity ownership in La
Paloma Acquisition, is owned by the LP Minority Holders, which are third party
investors unrelated to Complete Energy or GSCAC. Shortly after signing the
merger agreement, GSCAC delivered to the LP Minority Holders a written offer to
exchange their aggregate 40% ownership interests in La Paloma Acquisition upon
completion of the acquisition for Class B shares and Class B units that would
collectively be valued at approximately $194 million, and Class C units and
Class D units that would entitle the LP Minority Holders to receive additional
Class B shares and Class B units, which together would be exchangeable into
approximately 1.4 million of our Class A shares if GSCAC’s share price reaches
$14.50 within five years and an additional 1.4 million of our Class A shares if
GSCAC’s share price reaches $15.50 within five years. Our offered
consideration was calculated consistently with the calculation of the merger
consideration to be paid to the owners of Complete Energy upon completion of the
merger, without taking into consideration the absence of voting or control
rights and other relevant discounts due to the minority nature of the LP
Minority Holders’ investment. None of the LP Minority Holders accepted this
offer.
Promptly
following completion of the acquisition, GSCAC intends to submit an offer to
acquire the 40% ownership interests in La Paloma Acquisition from the LP
Minority Holders in accordance with the “tag along” provisions of the limited
liability company agreement for La Paloma Acquisition (the “La Paloma
Acquisition LLC Agreement”). In response to our offer after signing the merger
agreement, two of the LP Minority Holders asserted that our “tag along” offer
must be made prior to completion of the acquisition. We believe that
this interpretation of the La Paloma Acquisition LLC Agreement is
incorrect. All disputes under the La Paloma Acquisition LLC Agreement
are required to be submitted to binding arbitration. We cannot
predict what actions the LP Minority Holders may take as a result of our
conflicting interpretations. While no legal proceedings have been
initiated to date, it is possible that the LP Minority Holders may seek to
commence legal action to try and enforce their interpretation of the La Paloma
Acquisition LLC Agreement or pursue other remedies. Such legal
proceedings could result in a material delay in our ability to complete the
acquisition or otherwise have a material adverse effect on GSCAC and/or Complete
Energy.
The “tag
along” provisions in the La Paloma Acquisition LLC Agreement require that, under
the circumstances of the proposed acquisition of Complete Energy by GSCAC, an
offer must be made to acquire the minority ownership interests in La Paloma
Acquisition from the LP Minority Holders upon the same terms and conditions as
GSCAC is acquiring the ownership interests in Complete Energy. The per unit
price upon which an acquisition is to be made pursuant to a tag along offer
would be the fair market value per unit, determined by an independent appraiser
of nationally recognized standing selected by Complete Energy or, if the holders
of a majority of the equity interests in La Paloma Acquisition owned by the LP
Minority Holders object to this determination, the fair market value will be the
average of the two nearest fair market determinations made by the appraiser
selected by Complete Energy, an appraiser selected by the tagging LP Minority
Holders and a neutral appraiser selected by those two appraisers, all pursuant
to the procedures and parameters described in the La Paloma Acquisition LLC
Agreement. Under the terms of the La Paloma Acquisition LLC Agreement, in
determining the fair market value, the appraisers may take into consideration
the presence or absence of voting or control rights and other relevant
discounts. This fair market value determination may be higher or
lower than the value of the equity interests in La Paloma Acquisition implied by
our purchase price for Complete Energy. Accordingly, we may be required to issue
a greater or lesser number of GSCAC shares, Holdco Sub securities or other
consideration to acquire the equity interests in La Paloma Acquisition owned by
the LP Minority Holders. Please see “Risk Factors—The LP Minority
Holders have disputed our interpretation of the “tag along” provisions of the La
Paloma Acquisition LLC Agreement. The resolution of this dispute
could result in a material delay in our ability to complete the acquisition or
otherwise have a material adverse effect on GSCAC and/or Complete
Energy.”
Complete
Energy is also party to an Exchange Agreement dated as of August 16, 2005,
pursuant to which Complete Energy has agreed with the LP Minority Holders to
exchange their ownership interests in La Paloma Acquisition for class A common
units of Complete Energy if Hugh Tarpley, Milton Scott, Peter Dailey, Lori
Cuervo and Engage Investments, L.P. cease to beneficially own at least 25% of
Complete Energy and if the LP Minority
Holders who hold a majority of the 40% interest in La Paloma Acquisition
elect to exchange their interests within 60 days of being notified of the change
of ownership in Complete Energy. Our acquisition of Complete Energy would
trigger this exchange right. Accordingly, the LP Minority Holders will have a
right to exchange their ownership interests in La Paloma Acquisition for
ownership interests in Complete Energy that have the same fair market value
(determined as described above).
Unless we
acquire at least 80% of La Paloma Acquisition, our ability to operate the La
Paloma facility will be subject to certain approval rights that will be retained
by the LP Minority Holders pursuant to the La Paloma Acquisition LLC Agreement.
Such approval rights would require that we obtain the approval of LP Minority
Holders owning at least a majority of the equity interests in La Paloma
Acquisition owned by persons other than Complete Energy and its affiliates
before taking certain actions with respect to La Paloma Acquisition such as,
subject to certain specified exceptions, engaging in sales of assets or by
mergers involving La Paloma Acquisition, acquiring more than $10 million of
assets, incurring more than $25 million of indebtedness, approving any budget
for La Paloma Acquisition, amending or terminating certain agreements of the La
Paloma facility, and permitting La Paloma Acquisition to engage in related party
transactions or agreements, file bankruptcy, dissolve or issue any equity
interests.
Fulcrum
Complete
Energy currently owns, indirectly, approximately 96.3% of the Batesville
facility. GSCAC has delivered to Fulcrum an offer to exchange Fulcrum’s
approximately 3.7% indirect ownership interests in Batesville Acquisition upon
completion of the acquisition for Class B shares and Class B units that
collectively would be valued at approximately $6.3 million, and Class C units
and Class D units that would entitle Fulcrum to receive additional Class B
shares and Class B units, which together would be exchangeable into
approximately 55,440 Class A shares if GSCAC’s share price reaches $14.50 within
five years and an additional 55,440 Class A shares if GSCAC’s share price
reaches $15.50 within five years. Our offered consideration was
calculated consistently with the calculation of the merger consideration to be
paid to the owners of Complete Energy upon completion of the
merger. We have asked Fulcrum to respond to our offer by July 30,
2008.
The
acceptance of our offers by the LP Minority Holders or Fulcrum is not a
condition to the closing of the merger; however, the acceptance (or
non-acceptance) of the offers will determine the percentage of the La Paloma
facility and/or the Batesville facility that will be owned by GSCAC and the
relative ownership of our current stockholders and Complete Energy stakeholders
in GSCAC after the completion of the acquisition and related
transactions.
This proxy
statement is being furnished to our stockholders as part of our solicitation of
proxies for use at the special meeting in connection with our proposed
acquisition of Complete Energy. This document provides you with the information
you need to know to be able to vote or instruct your vote to be cast at the
special meeting.
GSCAC will
hold the special meeting
at ,
Eastern Standard Time,
on ,
2008,
at
to vote on the proposals described below and elsewhere in this proxy
statement.
At the
special meeting, we are asking holders of GSCAC’s common stock to:
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approve
the acquisition of Complete Energy pursuant to the merger agreement and
the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the
merger of Merger Sub with and into Complete Energy, with Complete Energy
surviving and thereby becoming an indirect subsidiary of
GSCAC;
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approve
a second amended and restated certificate of incorporation for GSCAC, to
be effective upon completion of the merger, to, among other
things:
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change
our name to “Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation,”
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permit
our continued existence after June 25,
2009,
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increase
the number of authorized shares of common
stock,
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create
two classes of common stock (Class A shares to have voting and economic
rights and Class B shares to have voting rights but no economic
rights),
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convert
all of our outstanding common stock into Class A shares
and
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permit
each Class B share plus one Class B unit of Holdco Sub to be
exchanged into one Class A share;
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approve
the issuance of Class A shares and Class B shares in the
acquisition;
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elect
two members to serve on our board of directors, each to serve until the
2011 annual meeting of our stockholders or until his successor is duly
elected and qualified;
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adopt
a proposed stock option plan to be effective upon completion of the
merger; and
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adopt
a proposal to authorize the adjournment of the special meeting to a later
date or dates, including, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in
favor of the foregoing proposals if there are not sufficient votes in
favor of any of our proposals.
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The GSCAC
board of directors has unanimously determined that it is advisable and in the
best interests of GSCAC and its stockholders to approve the acquisition of
Complete Energy pursuant to the merger agreement and the other transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement, and that the fair market value of Complete
Energy is equal to at least 80% of the balance in GSCAC’s trust account
(excluding deferred underwriting discounts and commissions). In
addition, our board of directors has unanimously approved and declared advisable
and in the best interests of GSCAC and its stockholders to approve or adopt our
charter proposal, share issuance proposal, election of directors proposal, stock
option plan proposal and adjournment proposal. Accordingly, the GSCAC
board of directors unanimously recommends that GSCAC’s common
stockholders:
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vote
“FOR” the acquisition proposal;
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vote
“FOR” the amended and restated charter
proposal;
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vote
“FOR” the share issuance proposal;
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vote
“FOR” the election of directors
proposed;
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vote
“FOR” proposed stock option plan proposal;
and
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vote
“FOR” the adjournment proposal.
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The record
date for the special meeting is
, 2008.
Record holders of GSCAC’s common stock at the close of business on the record
date are entitled to vote or have their votes cast at the special meeting. On
the record date, there were 25,200,000 outstanding shares of GSCAC’s common
stock, which includes 4,500,000 shares held by the Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon
and our founding stockholder.
Each share
of GSCAC’s common stock is entitled to one vote per share at the special
meeting. GSCAC’s outstanding warrants do not have voting rights.
Stockholders
holding a majority of our outstanding common stock (whether or not held by
public stockholders) at the close of business on the record date must be
present, in person or by proxy, to constitute a quorum and a quorum is required
to approve our proposals.
Each share
of GSCAC’s common stock that you own in your name as of the close of business on
the record date entitles you to one vote. Your proxy card shows the number of
shares of GSCAC’s common stock that you own. There are two ways to vote your
shares of GSCAC’s common stock at the special meeting:
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You can vote by signing and
returning the enclosed proxy card. If you vote by proxy card, your
“proxy,” whose name is listed on the proxy card, will vote your shares as
you instruct on the proxy card. If you sign and return the proxy card but
do not give instructions on how to vote your shares, your shares will be
voted as recommended by GSCAC’s board of directors “FOR” the approval of
the acquisition proposal, the charter proposal, the share issuance
proposal, the election of the directors proposal, the stock option plan
proposal and the adjournment proposal. If you hold your shares
through a bank or broker you may also be able to vote via telephone or
Internet. Please follow the instructions on the proxy card sent
by your bank or broker for
directions.
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You can attend the special
meeting and vote in person. We will give you a ballot when you
arrive. However, if your shares are held in the name of your broker, bank
or other nominee, you must get a proxy from the broker, bank or other
nominee. That is the only way we can be sure that the broker, bank or
nominee has not already voted your shares. Please contact your
bank, broker or other nominee for assistance in attending the special
meeting.
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IF YOU DO
NOT VOTE YOUR GSCAC SHARES IN ANY OF THE WAYS DESCRIBED ABOVE, IT WILL HAVE THE
SAME EFFECT AS A VOTE AGAINST THE ACQUISITION PROPOSAL BUT YOU WILL NOT HAVE THE
RIGHT TO EXERCISE YOUR CONVERSION RIGHTS TO RECEIVE A PRO RATA PORTION OF THE
CASH VALUE OF YOUR SHARES IN THE TRUST ACCOUNT OF GSCAC.
If you
have any questions about how to vote or direct a vote in respect of GSCAC’s
common stock, you may call MacKenzie Partners, Inc., our proxy solicitor, toll
free at 1-(800)-322-2885 or collect at 212-929-5500.
The
special meeting has been called only to consider the approval of the acquisition
proposal, the charter proposal, the share issuance proposal, the election of
directors proposal, the stock option plan proposal, and the adjournment proposal
and any other matters that may be properly brought before the special meeting or
at any adjournments or postponements thereof. Under GSCAC’s bylaws, other than
procedural matters incident to the conduct of the meeting, no other matters may
be considered at the special meeting if they are not included in the notice of
the meeting.
If you
give a proxy, you may revoke it at any time before it is exercised by doing any
one of the following:
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You
may send another proxy card with a later
date;
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If
you have voted via telephone or Internet you may recast your vote using
either method by following the instruction on the proxy card sent by your
bank or broker;
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You
may notify GSCAC in writing before the special meeting that you have
revoked your proxy; or
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You
may attend the special meeting, revoke your proxy and vote in
person.
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Acquisition proposal.
The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the IPO shares
voting in person or by proxy at the special meeting is required to approve
the acquisition proposal and the affirmative vote of stockholders owning a
majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock as of the close of
business on the record date is required to approve the acquisition
proposal. However, the acquisition proposal will not be approved if the
holders of 20% or more of the IPO shares vote against the acquisition
proposal and properly exercise their rights to convert such IPO shares
into cash.
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Charter proposal. The
affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of GSCAC’s common
stock outstanding as of the close of business on the record date is
required to approve the charter proposal, and approval is conditioned upon
approval of the acquisition
proposal.
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Share Issuance proposal.
The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of votes cast by
holders of GSCAC’s common stock present in person or by proxy at the
special meeting is required to approve the share issuance proposal, and
approval is conditioned upon approval of the acquisition
proposal.
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Election of Directors
proposal. The two Class I directors to be elected at the special
meeting will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of
common stock outstanding as of the close of business on the record date
voting in person or by proxy and entitled to vote thereon at the special
meeting.
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Stock Option Plan. The
affirmative vote of holders of a majority of votes cast stockholders
present in person or by proxy at the special meeting is required to adopt
the proposed stock option plan of GSCAC, and approval is conditioned upon
approval of the acquisition
proposal.
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Adjournment proposal.
The affirmative vote of the majority of votes cast by holders of
GSCAC’s common stock present in person or by proxy at the special meeting
is required to approve the adjournment
proposal.
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Because
the approval of the acquisition proposal is a condition to the approval of the
other proposals (other than the election of directors proposal and the
adjournment proposal), if the acquisition proposal is not approved, the other
approvals will not take effect (other than the election of directors proposal
and the adjournment proposal).
An
abstention is not an affirmative vote in favor of any proposal but adds to the
number of shares present in person or by proxy and counted for purposes of
determining the presence of a quorum. If you abstain from voting, it
will have the same effect as a vote against the acquisition
proposal (but will not have the effect of converting your shares into a pro rata
portion of the trust account because for this purpose you are required to vote
against the acquisition proposal and follow the specific procedures for
conversion set out in “Summary of Proxy Statement—Conversion Rights”), the
charter proposal, the share issuance proposal, the stock option plan proposal
and the adjournment proposal. Abstentions will have no effect on the election of
directors proposal.
A failure
to vote by not returning a signed proxy card, voting by telephone or Internet or
not voting in person at the special meeting will have no impact upon the share
issuance proposal, the stock option plan proposal, the election of directors
proposal or the adjournment proposal. Because the acquisition proposal and the
charter proposal require the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding
shares entitled to vote on these proposals, a failure to vote will have the
effect of a vote against the acquisition proposal and the charter proposal. A
failure to vote will not have the effect of electing to convert your shares into
a pro rata portion of the trust account.
If you
hold shares of our common stock in “street name” through a broker or other
nominee, your broker or nominee will not vote your shares unless you provide
instructions on how to vote. You should instruct your broker or nominee how to
vote your shares by following the directions your broker or nominee will provide
to you. If you do not provide instructions to your broker or nominee, your
broker will not vote your shares. If you do not give your broker voting
instructions and the broker does not vote your shares, this is referred to as a
“broker non-vote.” Broker non-votes are counted for purposes of
determining the presence of a quorum but are not treated as shares entitled to
vote on the matter as to which authority to vote is withheld by the broker.
Because the acquisition proposal and the charter proposal require an affirmative
vote of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on these
proposals, a broker non-vote will have the same effect as a vote against these
proposals. A broker non-vote has the effect of voting against the acquisition
proposal, but will not have the effect of electing to convert your shares into a
pro rata portion of the trust account. Broker non-votes will have no effect on
the share issuance proposal, the election of directors proposal, the stock
option plan proposal and the adjournment proposal because these proposals
require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote and
actually voted.
Each
holder of IPO shares has a right to convert the IPO shares into a pro rata
portion of our trust account, payable in cash, if such holder votes against the
acquisition proposal, such holder follows the specific procedures for conversion
set out in this section and the acquisition is completed. Such IPO
shares would then be converted into cash at the per share conversion price on
the completion date of the acquisition. It is anticipated that the
funds to be distributed to holders who properly elect to convert their IPO
shares will be distributed promptly after completion of the
acquisition.
Voting
against the acquisition proposal alone will not result in the conversion of IPO
shares into a pro rata portion of the trust account; to convert their IPO
shares, a holder of IPO shares must properly exercise the conversion rights as
described below by following the specific procedures for conversion set forth
below.
In
connection with a vote on our acquisition proposal, the holders of IPO shares
may elect to vote a portion of their shares for and a portion of their IPO
shares against the acquisition proposal. If the acquisition proposal
is approved and completed, the holders of IPO shares who vote against the
acquisition proposal and properly elect to convert a portion of the IPO shares
will receive the conversion price with respect to those shares and may retain
any other shares they own.
We will
not complete the acquisition and will not convert any IPO shares into cash if
stockholders owning 20% or more of the IPO shares both vote against the
acquisition proposal and properly exercise their conversion rights.
Holders of
IPO shares who convert their IPO shares into cash would still have the right to
exercise any warrants that they continue to hold.
The actual
per-share conversion price will be equal to the amount then on deposit in our
trust account (before payment of deferred underwriting discounts and commissions
and including interest earned on the holder’s pro rata portion of the trust
account, net of income taxes payable on such interest and net of interest income
of up to $2.4 million on the trust account balance previously released to us to
fund our working capital requirements), calculated
as of two business days prior to the completion of the merger divided by
the total number of IPO shares. As of June 30, 2008, the per-share
conversion price would have been approximately $9.89, without taking into
account any interest accrued after such date.
By
exercising these conversion rights, a holder of IPO shares will be exchanging
the IPO shares for cash and will no longer own the IPO shares.
Prior to
exercising conversion rights, holders of IPO shares should verify the market
price our shares because such holder may receive higher proceeds from the sale
of the IPO shares in the public market than from exercising conversion rights if
the market price per IPO share is higher than the conversion price.
To
exercise conversion rights, a holder of IPO shares, whether being a record
holder or holding the IPO shares in “street name,” must tender the IPO shares to
our transfer agent and deliver written instructions to our transfer
agent: (1) stating that such holder wishes to convert the IPO shares
into a pro rata share of the trust account and (2) confirming that such
holder has held the IPO shares since the record date and will continue to hold
them through the special meeting and the completion of the merger.
To tender
IPO shares to our transfer agent, the holder must deliver the IPO shares either
(1) at any time before the start of the special meeting (or any adjournment or
postponement thereof), electronically using the Depository Trust Company’s DWAC
(Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System or, (2) at any time before the day of
the special meeting (or any adjournment or postponement thereof), physically by
delivering a share certificate. Any holder who holds IPO shares in street name
will have to coordinate with his or her broker to arrange for the IPO shares to
be delivered electronically or physically. Any holder who desires to physically
tender to our transfer agent IPO shares that are held in street name must
instruct the account executive at his or her bank or broker to withdraw the IPO
shares from such holder’s account and request that a physical certificate be
issued in such holder’s name. Our transfer agent will be available to assist
with this process.
If any
holder does not deliver written instructions and tender his or her IPO shares
(either electronically or physically) to our transfer agent in accordance with
the above procedures, those IPO shares will not be converted into
cash.
Any
request for conversion, once made, may be withdrawn or revoked at any time
before the start (in case of electronic tendering) or at any time before the day
(in case of physical tendering) of our special meeting (or any adjournment or
postponement thereof), in which case the IPO shares will be returned
(electronically or physically) to such holder. Holders of IPO shares who have
exercised conversion rights may not thereafter withdraw or revoke their decision
to convert their IPO shares into a pro rata portion of the trust
account.
If any
holder tenders IPO shares (electronically or physically) and the merger is not
completed, the IPO shares will not be converted into cash and they will be
returned (electronically or physically) to such holder.
GSCAC is
soliciting proxies on behalf of GSCAC’s board of directors. This solicitation is
being made by mail, but also may be made by telephone, email or in person. GSCAC
and its directors, officers and employees may also solicit proxies in person, by
telephone or by other electronic means. These persons will not be paid for doing
this. GSCAC has hired MacKenzie Partners, Inc. to assist in the proxy
solicitation process. GSCAC will pay all fees and expenses related to the
retention of this proxy solicitation firm and anticipates that such fees and
expenses will be approximately $25,000.
GSCAC will
ask banks, brokers and other institutions, nominees and fiduciaries to forward
its proxy materials to their principals and to obtain their authority to execute
proxies and voting instructions. GSCAC will reimburse them for their reasonable
expenses.
At the
close of business on the record date, executive officers and directors of GSCAC
and their affiliates owned and were entitled to vote 4,500,000 shares of GSCAC
common stock, or approximately 17.9% of the
aggregate voting power of GSCAC’s common stock entitled to vote at
the special meeting. In connection with the vote on the acquisition proposal,
Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon and our founding stockholder have agreed to vote
their shares in accordance with the majority of common stock voted by the public
stockholders. Our founding stockholder and Messrs. Goodwin and
McKinnon have informed GSCAC that it and they intend to vote all of its and
their shares “FOR” the other proposals.
We are not
currently aware of any other business to be acted upon at either meeting. If,
however, any other matters are properly brought before either meeting, or any
adjourned meeting, the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy, and acting
under that proxy, will have discretion to vote or act on those matters in
accordance with their best judgment, including to adjourn the
meeting.
Adjournments
may be made for the purpose of, among other things, soliciting additional
proxies. Any adjournment may be made from time to time by approval of the
holders of shares representing a majority of the votes present in person or by
proxy at the meeting, whether a quorum exists, without further notice other than
by an announcement at the meeting.
Under SEC
rules, a single set of annual reports and proxy statements may be sent to any
household at which two or more GSCAC’s stockholders reside if they appear to be
members of the same family. Each GSCAC stockholder will continue to receive a
separate proxy card. The procedure, referred to as householding, reduces the
volume of duplicate information GSCAC’s stockholders receive and reduces mailing
and printing expenses for GSCAC. Brokers with accountholders who are GSCAC
stockholders may be householding GSCAC’s proxy materials. As indicated in the
notice previously provided by these brokers to GSCAC’s stockholders, a single
proxy statement will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address
unless contrary instructions have been received from an affected GSCAC
stockholder. Once you have received notice from your 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
proxy statement, please notify your broker. GSCAC 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
broker.
The
following section provides summarized information about GSCAC as it is at the
time of this proxy statement. For a description of GSCAC’s securities as they
would be after the completion of the merger with Complete Energy, see
“Description of GSCAC’s Securities.”
Business
General
We are a
blank check company formed on October 26, 2006 for the purpose of acquiring,
through a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase,
reorganization or other similar business combination, one or more businesses or
assets, which we refer to as our initial business combination. The registration
statement for our IPO was declared effective June 25, 2007.
We
completed the IPO on June 29, 2007 of 20,700,000 units (“units”) and recorded
proceeds of approximately $191.5 million, net of the underwriters’ discount and
commission of $14.5 million and offering costs of $1 million. Each unit consists
of one share of common stock, $0.001 par value per share (“common stock”), and
one warrant (“warrant”) to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise
price of $7.50 per share, subject to adjustment. The units were sold at an
offering price of $10.00 per unit.
GSCAC is
not presently engaged in, and will not engage in, any substantive commercial
business until the completion of its initial business combination. GSCAC intends
to utilize the funds held in its trust account, GSCAC and Holdco Sub securities
and debt in effecting the acquisition of Complete Energy.
Offering
Proceeds Held in Trust
A total of
approximately $201.7 million, including $191.5 million of the net proceeds from
the IPO, $4 million from the sale of warrants to our founding stockholder and
$6.2 million of deferred underwriting discounts and commissions, has been placed
in a trust account at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., with the American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company serving as trustee. The proceeds held in trust will
not be released from the trust account until the earlier of the completion of an
initial business combination or the liquidation of GSCAC. Based on our charter,
up to a total of $2.4 million of interest income (net of taxes payable) may be
released to GSCAC to fund GSCAC’s working capital requirements, subject to
availability. If the merger with Complete Energy is completed, the trust account
will be released to GSCAC, less amounts to be paid to stockholders of GSCAC who
do not approve the merger with Complete Energy and properly elect to convert
their shares of common stock into their pro rata share of the trust account. As
of June 30, 2008, the balance in the trust account was approximately $203
million.
Fair
Market Value of Target Business
The
initial target business that GSCAC acquires must have a fair market value equal
to at least 80% of the balance of the trust account (excluding deferred
underwriting discounts and commissions incurred during our IPO) at the time of
such acquisition.
The fair
market value of Complete Energy’s business was determined by GSCAC’s board of
directors based upon standards generally accepted by the financial community,
such as actual and potential sales, earnings, cash flow and book
value. While it was not required to do so, GSCAC obtained an opinion
dated May 8, 2008 from Duff & Phelps, an unaffiliated and independent
investment banking firm, regarding whether Complete Energy has a fair market
value equal to at least 80% of the balance in GSCAC’s trust account (excluding
deferred underwriting discounts and commissions). The full text of
Duff & Phelps’ opinion dated May 8, 2008 is attached to this proxy statement
as Annex D. See also “Summary of the Duff & Phelps Fairness
Opinion.”
Stockholder
Approval of Initial Business Combination
The
affirmative vote of a majority of the IPO shares voting in person or by proxy is
required to approve our initial business combination. In connection with this
vote, our founding stockholder and Messrs. Goodwin and
McKinnon have agreed to vote their shares in accordance with the majority
of the shares of common stock voted by the public stockholders. Our
founding stockholder and Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon have also informed GSCAC
that it and they intend to vote all of its and their shares “FOR” the other
proposals.
Conversion
Rights
In
connection with the proposed acquisition, each holder of IPO shares has the
right to have their IPO shares converted into a pro rata portion of our trust
account, payable in cash, if such holder votes against the acquisition proposal,
such holder properly exercises the conversion rights and the acquisition is
completed. The actual per-share conversion price will be equal to the
aggregate amount then on deposit in our trust account (before payment of
deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and including interest earned on
the holder’s pro rata portion of the trust account, net of income taxes payable
on such interest, which shall be paid from the trust account, and net of
interest income of up to $2.4 million previously released to us to fund our
working capital requirements), calculated as of two business days prior to the
completion of the merger, divided by the total number of IPO
shares. As of June 30, 2008, the per-share conversion price would
have been approximately $9.89, without taking into account any interest accrued
after such date. See “The Special Meeting—Conversion
Rights.”
GSCAC
cannot proceed with the acquisition of Complete Energy if stockholders owning
20% or more of the IPO shares vote against the acquisition and properly exercise
their conversion rights.
Liquidation
if No Business Combination
Our
charter provides that we will continue in existence only until June 25, 2009. If
our charter proposal is approved and we complete the proposed acquisition of
Complete Energy, we will amend this provision in order to permit for our
continued existence. If we do not complete an initial business combination by
June 29, 2009, our corporate existence will cease except for the purpose of
winding up our affairs and liquidating pursuant to Section 278 of the DGCL.
Because of this provision in our charter, no resolution by our board of
directors and no vote by our stockholders to approve our dissolution would be
required for us to dissolve and liquidate.
Property
We do not
own any real estate or other physical properties materially important to our
operation. Our executive offices are currently located at 500 Campus Drive,
Suite 220, Florham Park, New Jersey 07932. The cost for this space is included
in the $7,500 per-month fee that GSCP (NJ) Holdings, L.P., an affiliate of our
founding stockholder, charges us for general and administrative
services. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions.”
Employees
Peter F.
Frank and Matthew C. Kaufman are the sole officers of GSCAC, and GSCAC has no
direct employees.
Legal
Proceedings
There are
no legal proceedings pending against GSCAC.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
We have
not entered into any off-balance sheet financing arrangements and have not
established any special purpose entities. We have not guaranteed any debt or
commitments of other entities or entered into any options on non-financial
assets.
AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
GSCAC is a
blank check company formed on October 26, 2006 for the purpose of acquiring,
through a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase,
reorganization or other similar business combination, one or more businesses or
assets, which we refer to as our initial business combination. We completed our
IPO on June 29, 2007.
We have
neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues from operations to
date. Our entire activity since inception has been to prepare for and consummate
our IPO and thereafter to identify and investigate potential targets for a
business combination. We will not generate any operating revenues until
completion of a business combination. We will generate non-operating income in
the form of interest and dividend income on cash and cash
equivalents.
Net income
for the period from October 26, 2006 (date of inception) to March 31, 2008 was
approximately $2.8 million, which consisted of $5.5 million of dividend
income primarily from the trust account offset by $0.7 million of formation,
general and operating costs and $2.4 million of provision for income taxes. Net
income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was approximately $0.6 million,
which consisted of $1.4 million of dividend income primarily from the trust
account offset by $0.2 million of formation, general and operating costs and
$0.5 million of provision for income taxes.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Following
our IPO, a total of approximately $201.7 million, including $191.5 million of
the net proceeds from the IPO, $4 million from the sale of warrants to our
founding stockholder and $6.2 million of deferred underwriting discounts and
commissions, was placed in a trust account, except for $50,000 that was made
available to us for working capital needs. If the acquisition is
completed, we expect that most of the proceeds held in the trust account will be
used to repay Complete Energy’s debt and to pay transaction
expenses.
We believe
that the $50,000 in funds available to us outside of the trust account, together
with interest income of up to $2.4 million on the balance of the trust account
which may be released to us for working capital requirements, will be sufficient
to allow us to operate through June 25, 2009, assuming that our initial business
combination is not completed during that time. Over this time period, we
anticipate making the following expenditures:
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approximately
$0.2 million of expenses in fees relating to our office space and certain
general and administrative
services;
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approximately
$2.3 million for general corporate purposes that will be used for
miscellaneous expenses (potentially including deposits or down payments
for a proposed initial business combination), legal, accounting and other
expenses, including due diligence expenses and reimbursement of
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the investigation,
structuring, negotiation and consummation of our initial business
combination, director and officer liability insurance premiums and
reserves, legal and accounting fees relating to SEC reporting obligations,
brokers’ retainer fees, consulting fees and finder’s
fees.
|
We do not
believe we will need additional financing in order to meet the expenditures
required for operating our business prior to our initial business combination.
However, we will rely on interest earned of up to $2.4 million on the balance of
the trust account to fund such expenditures and, to the extent that the interest
earned is below our expectation, we may have insufficient funds available to
operate our business prior to our initial business combination.
Recently
Issued Accounting Pronouncements
On July
13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB
Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”).
FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized,
measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires
the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of
preparing our tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are
“more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax
positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be
recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. We adopted FIN 48 as
of January 1, 2007 and there was no impact on the financial statements upon
adoption.
On
September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an
authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair
value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The
application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15,
2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of FAS 157 by
us on January 1, 2008 had no material impact to our financial statements given
the development stage nature of our business. We have no investment assets or
liabilities that would be classified in Level III. Our investment in a money
market fund which invests exclusively in 100% U.S. Treasury Securities is
considered a Level I asset.
In
December 2007, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
141(R), “Business Combinations” (“FAS 141(R)”), replacing Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations” (“FAS No.
141”). FAS 141(R) retains the fundamental requirements in FAS 141
that the acquisition method of accounting (which FAS No. 141 called the purchase
method) be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be
identified for each business combination. FAS 141(R) also establishes
principles and requirements for how the acquirer: (1) recognizes and measures in
its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities
assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; (2) recognizes and
measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a
bargain purchase and (3) determines what information to disclose to enable users
of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the
business combination. FAS 141(R) clarifies that acquirers will be
required to expense costs related to any acquisitions. FAS 141(R)
will apply prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date
is on or after fiscal years beginning December 15, 2008. Early
adoption is prohibited. GSCAC has not yet evaluated the impact, if
any, that FAS 141(R) will have on its financial
statements. Determination of the ultimate effect of this
pronouncement will depend on GSCAC’s structure at the date of
adoption.
In
December 2007, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No.
160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — An
Amendment of ARB No. 51” (“FAS 160”). FAS 160 establishes new
accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a
subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Specifically,
this statement requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (minority
interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from
the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the
noncontrolling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face
of the income statement. FAS 160 clarifies that changes in a parent’s
ownership interest in subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are
equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial
interest. In addition, this statement requires that a parent
recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is
deconsolidated. Such gain or loss will be measured using the fair
value of the noncontrolling equity investment on the deconsolidation
date. FAS 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements
regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling
interest. FAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after
December 15, 2008, with retrospective presentation and disclosure for all
periods presented. Early adoption is prohibited. GSCAC
currently has no entities or arrangements that will be affected by the adoption
of FAS 160. However, determination of the ultimate effect of this
pronouncement will depend on GSCAC’s structure at the date of
adoption.
Overview
Complete
Energy is an independent power producer (“IPP”), which acquires, owns and
operates electric power generation plants and sells electricity and
electricity-related products and services in the U.S. Complete Energy was formed
as a limited liability company in 2004. Complete Energy’s business strategy is
to own and operate facilities that employ clean and reliable power generation
technologies in targeted regions in the U.S. Complete Energy’s assets
in its target regions have the potential for growth in earnings and asset value
as increasing demand for electricity in these regions reduces the excess supply
of generation capacity and as competitive market structures for power generation
develop. For additional information regarding Complete Energy’s business
strategy, see “—Complete Energy’s Strategy.”
Complete
Energy operates the La Paloma facility and the Batesville facility, two natural
gas-fired, combined-cycle facilities with an aggregate capacity of 1,859
megawatts (“MW”), located in California and Mississippi, respectively. The La
Paloma facility is a 1,022 MW four-unit plant located in McKittrick, California
that commenced commercial operations in March 2003. The Batesville facility is
an 837 MW, three-unit plant located in Batesville, Mississippi that commenced
commercial operations in August 2000. Complete Energy acquired a 60% indirect
equity interest in the La Paloma facility in August 2005. Complete Energy
acquired an indirect 3.1% equity interest in the Batesville facility in August
2004 and increased its ownership position to its current level of 96.3% in March
2007.
720 MW of
the La Paloma facility’s output is sold under a contract with Morgan Stanley
Capital Group through 2012, with an option by Morgan Stanley Capital Group to
extend the contract for 240 MW for up to five one-year terms through 2017. The
La Paloma facility’s remaining capacity is sold in the spot market. All of the
Batesville facility’s output is sold under long-term contracts with J. Aron and
SMEPA. The J. Aron contract covers two of the Batesville facility’s units and
expires in 2013, and the SMEPA contract for the remaining unit expires in 2015,
with an option by SMEPA to extend the contract through 2020. The contract
counterparties at the La Paloma facility and the Batesville facility are
responsible for supplying natural gas to fuel the facilities.
Complete
Energy’s Corporate Structure
Set forth
below is a simplified organization chart reflecting Complete Energy’s corporate
structure prior to the combination with GSCAC pursuant to the merger
agreement.
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___________
*Denotes unaffiliated
third parties.
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|
Complete
Energy operates its business as a single segment. Please see Complete Energy’s
audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included
elsewhere in this proxy statement for more information.
The
Market for Electricity
Overview
The power industry represents one of the
largest industries in the U.S. and impacts nearly every aspect of
the U.S. economy, with an estimated end-user
market comprising approximately $342 billion of electricity sales in
2007, based on monthly
information published by the Energy Information
Administration. Historically, vertically integrated
electric utilities with monopolistic control over franchised territories
dominated the power generation industry in the U.S. However, beginning in the mid-1990s, industry trends and regulatory
initiatives designed to encourage competition in wholesale electricity markets
have transformed some markets into more competitive arenas where load-serving
entities and end-users may purchase electricity from a variety of suppliers,
including IPPs, power marketers, regulated public utilities
and major financial
institutions among
others. For over a decade, the power industry
has been deregulated at the wholesale level allowing generators to sell directly
to the load-serving entities, such as public utilities,
municipalities and electric cooperatives.
Complete Energy believes that five
key market factors affect its business prospects and financial performance. These are:
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·
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regional
market structure;
|
|
·
|
the
regional supply and demand environment for
electricity;
|
|
·
|
the
regional generation technology and fuel
mix;
|
|
·
|
natural
gas prices; and
|
|
·
|
environmental
regulations.
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While Complete Energy’s operations are subject to risk, some of the
uncertainty is reduced by the existence of long-term contracts for a substantial portion of
the capacity at the
facilities.
Regional
Market Structure
WECC
The La
Paloma facility is located in the California/Mexico sub-region of the Western
Electricity Coordinating Council (“WECC”), and within the jurisdiction of CAISO.
CAISO is responsible for ensuring
the safe and reliable operation of the transmission grid within California and providing open, nondiscriminatory
transmission services.
Pursuant to a
FERC-approved tariff, CAISO has certain
abilities to impose penalties on market participants for violations of its
rules. CAISO maintains various markets for
wholesale sales of electricity and electricity-related products, differentiated
by time and type of electrical service. The La Paloma facility occasionally
sells electricity in these markets. These markets are subject to various
controls, such as price caps and mitigation of bids when reference prices are
exceeded. The controls and the markets themselves
are subject to regulatory change at any time.
CAISO is in the process of developing
the details for implementing a Market Redesign and Technology Upgrade (“MRTU”),
which has been approved by FERC. The MRTU is a comprehensive redesign
of all CAISO operations currently slated to go into effect sometime in late
2008. Under MRTU, CAISO will run a new integrated, day-ahead market
for energy and ancillary services as well as a real-time market and an
hour-ahead scheduling protocol. The energy market will change from a zonal to a
nodal market. Currently, CAISO functions as a zonal market with three major
zones, Northern Zone (NP-15), Central Zone (ZP-26), and Southern Zone
(SP-15), established for congestion management, load aggregation, and market
pricing. NP-15 and SP-15 are the most liquidly traded pricing points and are
both associated with major population centers in the state, while generation
located in ZP-26 has access to both Northern and Southern markets. The primary
features of a nodal market include a centralized, day-ahead market for energy, a
nodal transmission congestion management model that results in
locational marginal pricing at each generation location, financial
congestion hedging instruments and a centralized day-ahead commitment process.
Given the comprehensiveness of the market redesign, with features that may prove
to be both positive and negative for energy sellers, we cannot predict at this
time what impact MRTU will have on Complete Energy’s business.
SERC
The
Batesville facility is located in the southeastern region of the U.S., within
the SERC region with interconnections to both the Entergy and the TVA
transmission networks. SERC is the regional reliability organization responsible
for coordinating the operation and planning of the bulk power system across 16
primarily southeastern states, covering approximately 560,000 square miles. SERC
is divided geographically into five sub-regions that are identified as Central
(TVA), Delta (Entergy), Gateway, Southeastern (formerly Southern) and VACAR. The
sub-regions are different in terms of power generation make-up, electricity
demand growth, local transmission constraints and excess reserve
margins.
Unlike
other regions, the SERC region lacks a centralized market and does not have an
ISO. Instead, power transactions in the region’s markets occur
through a variety of mechanisms ranging from short-term spot market sales to
longer term contracts. These transactions are typically under bilateral
contracts with the major utilities in the five sub-regions, who perform the
scheduling, reserve and reliability functions in their franchise regions that
ISOs typically administer elsewhere. Although the reliability functions
performed are essentially the same, the primary differences between these
markets lie in the physical delivery and price discovery mechanisms. Power sales
and purchases are typically consummated between individual counterparties and
are physically delivered either within or across the control areas of the
transmission owners. Thus, energy and capacity prices in the SERC region are
generally determined and agreed to in bilateral negotiations between
representatives of the transacting counterparties, using market information
gleaned by the individual marketing agents arranging the transactions as
compared to more transparent price discovery in markets with ISOs.
Regional
Supply and Demand Environment for Electricity
The current U.S. electricity market consists of distinct regional
markets, not all of which are effectively interconnected. As a result, reserve margins (the
measure of how much the total generating capacity installed in a region exceeds
the peak demand for power in that region) vary from region to region. For example, a reserve margin of 15%
indicates that supply exceeds expected peak electricity demand by
15%. Assuming that
all other factors
remain constant, lower reserve margins
typically lead to higher
electricity prices because
the less efficient capacity in the region is needed to satisfy electricity
demand.
Regional supply and demand affect the
pricing for electricity that results from wholesale market competition.
For much of the 1990s,
utilities
generally invested
sparingly in new generating capacity. As a result, by the late 1990s, many
regional markets were in need of new capacity to meet growing electricity
demand. Prices rose due to capacity shortages,
and the emerging merchant power industry responded by constructing significant
amounts of new capacity.
Between 2001 and 2003, more than 150,000 MW of new generating capacity
were built in the U.S. In most regions, these new capacity
additions far outpaced the growth of demand, resulting in markets with excess capacity, known as
“overbuilt markets.” In the CAISO region, for example, approximately
6,300 MW of new generating
capacity net of retirements
were added between 2001 and 2003, while demand only increased
by approximately 1,400 MW. The surge of generation investment has
subsided since 2003.
During the period from 2005 to 2007, for example, approximately
2,500 MW of new supply were added in the CAISO region, net of retirements,
while demand increased by 26,000 MW. Because new supply has not appreciably
increased in recent years, it is expected that reserve margins for many regional
markets will continue to decrease into the foreseeable future as the demand for
electricity continues to steadily increase.
CAISO is
one of the many regions with declining reserve margins. Downward pressure on
reserve margins is the result of insufficient new generation additions (due to
high replacement costs and challenging siting issues), retirement of plants and
steady demand growth. In California especially, the challenges associated with
siting a new facility, including the time and cost required to permit a new
facility, create barriers to entry that have contributed to insufficient
generation additions in recent years. Furthermore, California recently enacted
legislation that prohibits utilities from entering into long-term (i.e., five or
more years) baseload electricity procurement contracts with
facilities whose greenhouse gas emissions exceed those of
combined-cycle, natural gas-fired facilities, established by rule to be 1,100
pounds of carbon dioxide per MW hour, effectively precluding future contracts
with coal generation facilities.
In
California, the summers of 2006 and 2007 illustrated the very tight
supply/demand balance that currently exists in the CAISO region. Peak load
demand reached a record 50,270 MW on July 24, 2006, which exceeded the prior
peak load demand record by 13.4%. In 2007 peak load demand reached 48,490 MW on
August 31, 2007. During 2006, insufficient supply during the record levels of
demand in CAISO contributed to three Stage-1 emergencies, which occur when
operating reserves drop below 7% and participants of the CAISO Voluntary Load
Reduction Program are notified to implement voluntary conservation measures, and
one Stage-2 emergency, which occurs when operating reserves drop below 5% and
the CAISO’s Interruptible Load Programs are triggered. In 2007, despite a lower
summer peak demand, CAISO experienced one Stage-1 emergency. California
currently requires load-serving entities to acquire capacity of at least 115% of
their forecast peak load for the coming year. Discussions continue among the
CPUC, CAISO and the various constituents in California regarding the regulatory
and market mechanisms it intends to implement to assure that enough new capacity
is developed to meet longer term resource adequacy requirements.
Complete
Energy believes that the tight reserve margins in CAISO, as well as the long
lead times and increasing capital costs required to develop new generation,
favorably positions efficient generation facilities such as La Paloma. During
periods of high demand, less efficient gas fired generation facilities
frequently are dispatched to maintain grid reliability, resulting in market
prices significantly above La Paloma’s cost of generation. From a transmission
perspective, La Paloma is favorably located to serve generation demand in both
the southern and northern California population centers. La Paloma’s existing
infrastructure and transmission capacity also present an opportunity for a
future expansion to help meet CAISO’s resource adequacy challenges.
Moreover, in various regional markets,
electricity market administrators have acknowledged that the
markets for generating capacity do not provide sufficient revenues to enable
existing merchant generators to recover all of their costs or to encourage new
generating capacity to be constructed. Capacity auctions are being implemented
in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regional markets to address this
issue. In addition, California has several initiatives, both under review at the CPUC and CAISO levels, to enhance existing capacity
markets. The success
of these market design
efforts and those
of other markets could
provide additional capacity
revenues for IPPs. However,
any new capacity market could take years to develop. Other markets, including SERC, have
not yet initiated significant discussions regarding capacity markets and are
expected to continue to operate energy-only markets for the near
future.
In the
southeastern U.S., SERC anticipates a consistent demand growth over the next 10
years, according to the NERC
2007 Long-Term Reliability Assessment Report. The summer total internal
demand is projected to grow 19%, from 202,000 MW to 240,000 MW, between 2007 and
2016. The peak demand growth in the Entergy and TVA sub-regions is expected to
be on par with the region as a whole. Furthermore, significant generation
capacity in SERC is provided by older and less efficient units that generally
use coal as a fuel source as compared to other regions in the U.S. As these
units cease to be profitable to dispatch and are ultimately removed from
service, Complete Energy believes that reserve margins in the region should
tighten thereby providing more opportunities for merchant units. Complete Energy
believes that the Batesville facility should be well-positioned to compete on a
merchant basis by the time the contract on two of its three units expires in
2013.
TVA’s
central location in the U.S. Eastern Interconnect and its extensive transmission
interconnections with neighboring regions results in generating resources with
interconnections to TVA having the ability to sell energy into markets outside
of SERC. TVA’s firm export potential is at 13,600 MW or 43% of peak
demand in 2006, a large market share as compared to many other regions. TVA’s
non-firm export potential is even larger at 19,700 MW. Thus, market
participants in the TVA region can effectively sell power into neighboring
states and market areas. However, generators in the TVA region must
have firm transmission agreements to the external regions to take advantage of
external capacity markets. Complete Energy believes that the
Batesville facility should benefit from tightening reserve margins in
neighboring regions, as generation within TVA is exported to capture increasing
prices in neighboring regions.
Regional
Generation Technology and Fuel Mix
In a competitive market, the price of
electricity typically is related to the operating costs of the marginal, or
price-setting, generator.
Assuming economic behavior
by market participants, generating units generally are dispatched in order of
their variable costs.
In other words, units with
lower costs are dispatched first and higher-cost units are dispatched as demand
(or load) grows. Accordingly, the variable costs of the
last (or marginal) unit needed to satisfy demand typically drives the regional
power price. Power demand
is generally greatest during weekday daylight hours, or on-peak hours, and
greater during periods of warm weather due to use of air
conditioning.
There are three general classifications
of generation capacity: baseload, intermediate and peaking. Baseload units, typically fueled by cheaper fuels such as hydro,
coal or nuclear fuels, are
the least expensive from a variable cost perspective and generally dispatched to serve load demand
during most
hours. Intermediate units are fueled by natural gas because of their advantageous cycle
times and generally have higher marginal costs and are generally dispatched to serve load during on-peak hours. Peaking units typically fueled by natural gas and oil,
are the most expensive
units to
dispatch from a variable
cost perspective and generally serve electricity demand only during on-peak
hours after less expensive baseload and intermediate units are at full
capacity. In California, gas-fired units set electricity prices during most hours, including weekend and
night-time hours, known as off-peak hours, for the
majority of the year.
California
is highly dependent on natural gas generation, with gas-fired plants currently
accounting for approximately 60% of the installed capacity in the region as of
the date of this proxy statement. Natural gas plants are the marginal
producers and set the price of power approximately 90% of the time during
on-peak hours in California. Hydroelectric generation is also critically
important to California, as it currently represents approximately 20% of the
installed capacity in California as of the date of this proxy statement. In
periods of short supply of hydroelectric capacity, the gas-fired generators
become even more valuable resources to ensure the reliability of the state’s
electrical supply system.
Due to its efficiency relative to other
units in the California market, the La Paloma facility operates
as a baseload unit during most periods of the year. In the SERC region,
gas-fired units set electricity prices during most on-peak hours. However, due
to a greater supply of coal and other low cost generation, gas does not set the
pricing for power during most off-peak periods. As such, the Batesville
facility’s operating profile is generally that of an intermediate
unit.
Natural
Gas Prices
Natural gas prices have been particularly
volatile in recent years.
Spot prices for natural gas
have recently risen to over
$10 per million British thermal units (“MMBtu”) (as of the date of this proxy
statement). Higher natural gas prices tend to
increase Complete
Energy’s margin from merchant operations at the La
Paloma facility due to the fact that in California, less efficient natural gas units set
the power price during most on-peak hours. Therefore, the La Paloma facility’s
efficiency advantage translates into higher margins during periods of higher gas
prices. At the Batesville facility, higher gas
prices generally have a negative impact on Complete Energy’s margin, because at
certain levels of operation the heat rate (the amount of gas needed to produce
one unit of power and typically given in Btu/kWh) stipulated under its existing
power purchase contracts is lower than the capabilities of the facility,
resulting in a reduction in payments under the contracts.
Environmental
Regulations
Environmental regulations require
generators to incur costs, including costs to comply with limits on emissions of
certain pollutants, among other things. Higher operating and compliance costs
for coal and oil fuel-fired generators implicitly favor generating technologies
that produce fewer emissions of regulated pollutants, such as gas-fired
capacity. Further, to the extent that price-setting units experience higher
variable costs due to environmental regulations, market prices tend to increase.
See “Regulatory Matters—Environmental Regulation” for a more detailed discussion
of the regulations that have or may have a significant impact on Complete
Energy’s business.
Complete
Energy’s Strategy
Following
the completion of the acquisition, Complete Energy intends to optimize and
potentially expand operations at the La Paloma and Batesville facilities, to
acquire assets that meet its investment criteria and to selectively pursue
development projects for new generation facilities. Complete Energy intends to
focus its acquisition activities on regions where continued demand growth
reduces the excess supply of generation capacity and areas in which competitive
market structures for power generation continue to develop. Complete Energy’s
strategy includes the following elements:
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Capitalize on industry
consolidation dynamics. Complete Energy believes that there are a
number of generation portfolios owned by hedge funds and private equity
investors ranging in size from 500-5,000 MW that could be attractive
acquisition opportunities. Complete Energy believes that consolidation of
these “stranded assets” under its management will provide economies of
scale that will enhance the earning prospects of the assets. Complete
Energy’s management team has extensive experience in power plant
valuation, due diligence and transaction negotiations and believes it is
well positioned to execute on a strategy to
expand its
generation portfolio. Management intends to target opportunities with the
following characteristics:
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Proven
technology, primarily modern and relatively efficient gas-fired combined
cycle and combustion turbine
facilities;
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·
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Location
in regions with strong underlying market fundamentals, including
tightening reserve margins and favorable regulatory environments, which
provide significant potential for asset value, revenue, cash flow and
earnings growth and that can benefit from enhanced operating efficiencies;
and
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·
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Location
in liquid markets for power to leverage hedging, trading and marketing
capabilities.
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Execute a disciplined and
opportunistic marketing strategy. Complete
Energy currently maintains long-term contracts for substantially all of
its output. Complete Energy continually monitors both short-term and
long-term market pricing to take advantage of market conditions. Complete
Energy will seek to modify, extend or enter into additional long-term
power contracts in a manner that optimizes its potential
return.
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Focus on continued sound
environmental management. Complete Energy seeks to operate its
assets in a safe, reliable and environmentally-compliant
manner. Both facilities are designed to minimize environmental
impact through the use of emission control technologies. The
facilities are staffed by dedicated, full-time environmental and health
and safety personnel, many of whom have worked at the facilities since
original construction.
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Maintain high quality, low
cost operations. Complete Energy independently operates and
maintains its assets, minimizing reliance on third-party operators or
contractors. Complete Energy’s management team has extensive
experience integrating commercial and plant-level
operations. Complete Energy also has the technical expertise
and industry knowledge to capitalize on new technologies to maximize plant
efficiency and output. Complete Energy maintains close
relationships with its original equipment manufacturers through long-term
parts and services programs, which allows it to minimize technology risk,
obtain timely availability of critical parts and identify and implement
mutually beneficial commercial structures. These factors also
enable Complete Energy to better control its costs while still maintaining
high quality in its operations.
|
Complete
Energy’s Facilities
Set forth
below is a summary of Complete Energy’s power generation portfolio as of the
date of this proxy:
Overview of the
plants
|
Facility
|
Net
Generating Capacity (MW)
|
%
Ownership
|
MW
(based
on ownership percentage)
|
Market
|
Approx.
baseload heat rate (Btu/kWh)
|
Fuel
|
Off-take
status
|
La
Paloma
|
1,022
|
60.0%
|
613
|
CAISO
|
6,950
|
Nat
gas
|
720MW
of output contracted
|
Batesville
|
837
|
96.3%
|
806
|
SERC
|
7,100
|
Nat
gas
|
Fully
Contracted
|
Total
|
1,859
|
|
1,419
|
|
|
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The
La Paloma Facility
The La
Paloma facility has demonstrated a generating capacity of approximately 1,022
MW. The facility is located in McKittrick, California, approximately 110 miles
northwest of Los Angeles and 40 miles west of Bakersfield, and is geographically
positioned to serve both northern and southern California and strategically
interconnected at ZP-26 with access to NP-15 and SP-15 and with direct access to
the Kern Mojave Pipeline.
The La
Paloma facility utilizes four Alstom GT-24, gas-fired combustion turbines,
making it among the most energy efficient fossil-fueled generation facilities in
the CAISO region. Additionally, Complete Energy believes that the La Paloma
facility’s cycling and turn down capabilities allow it to respond to changing
load requirements and capture incremental revenues from associated ancillary
services.
As
renewable generation becomes a larger part of the California generation base,
Complete Energy believes that the La Paloma facility’s operating flexibility is
likely to create value because renewable resources, such as wind and solar
power, are intermittent in nature, creating further demand for flexible
generation to balance supply and load. The facility’s 446 acres of property and
300 MW of available transmission capacity combined with current water and gas
rights and transmission allow for the potential addition of a combined or
simple-cycle generation facility or a solar farm.
Complete
Energy purchased its indirect 60% equity interest in the La Paloma facility in
August 2005 and has made several improvements to the facility since its
investment. The most important of these improvements were plant cycling
improvements which brought the La Paloma facility’s overall plant forced outage
rate during 2007 and the first half of 2008 to below reported combined cycle
forced outage rates, as compiled by the North American Electric Reliability
Council (“NERC”) during the years 2002 through 2006.
The tables
below provide a current summary overview of the La Paloma facility. The tables
provide operating results for the facility as a whole and do not reflect any
adjustments for the fact that Complete Energy owns 60.0% of the interests in the
facility.
La Paloma facility
overview
|
Category
|
Data
|
Category
|
Data
|
Location
|
McKittrick,
California
|
Equipment
|
Four
independent Alstom GT-24 combustion turbines with long-term parts
agreement
|
Market
area
|
California
(WECC)
|
Electric
interconnection
|
230
kV via PG&E’s Midway Substation
|
Demonstrated
capacity
|
1,022
MW
|
Gas
interconnection
|
Kern
Mojave Pipeline
|
Baseload
heat rate
|
6,950
Btu/kWh
|
Water
Supply
|
California
aqueduct
|
Type
|
CCGT
|
Site
area
|
446
acres
|
Primary
fuel
|
Natural
gas
|
Employees
|
42
|
COD
|
March
2003
|
|
|
Construction
contractor
|
Alstom
Power
|
|
|
La Paloma performance
overview
|
|
Period
from August 17, 2005 through
December
31, 2005
|
2006
|
2007
|
Three
Months ended
March
31, 2008
|
Availability
|
85.4%
|
85.3%
|
88.0%
|
72.4%
|
Capacity
Factor
|
67.9%
|
63.9%
|
69.9%
|
60.6%
|
Gross
generation (MWh)
|
2,305,601
|
5,780,092
|
6,356,349
|
1,398,243
|
Fuel
consumption
(MMBtu)
|
15,617,087
|
40,044,553
|
44,222,779
|
9,726,828
|
Gross
heat rate (Btu/kWh)
|
6,774
|
6,928
|
6,957
|
6,956
|
The
Batesville Facility
The
Batesville facility has demonstrated a generating capacity of approximately 837
MW and is located on a 58-acre parcel in the city of Batesville, Mississippi,
which is about 60 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee. The facility consists of
three Siemens-Westinghouse 501F gas-fired combustion turbines.
The
Batesville facility has direct access to three natural gas interstate pipelines
(ANR Pipeline Company, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company and Trunkline Gas
Company), and has dual interconnections to the Entergy and TVA transmission
systems within SERC. This optionality allows the Batesville facility’s output to
be dispatched into two of the most liquid hubs in the Southeast. Furthermore,
the Batesville facility’s site allows for potential expansion opportunities as
the facility was originally designed to accommodate four units.
Since
Complete Energy assumed control of the operations at the Batesville facility in
August 2004, it made several improvements to the facility. The most important of
these improvements include improved operation and maintenance programs and heat
rate and cooling tower performance.
The tables
below provide a summary overview of the Batesville facility. The tables provide
operating results for the facility as a whole and do not reflect any adjustments
for the fact that Complete Energy owns 96.3% of the interests in the
facility.
Batesville facility
overview
|
Category
|
Data
|
Category
|
Data
|
Location
|
Batesville,
MS
|
Equipment
|
Three
combined-cycle trains with Siemens-Westinghouse 501F combustion
turbines
|
Market
area
|
SERC
|
Electric
interconnection
|
Entergy
and TVA
|
Demonstrated
capacity
|
837
MW
|
Gas
interconnection
|
ANR
Pipeline, Tennessee Gas Pipeline and Trunkline Gas
Companies
|
Baseload
heat rate
|
7,100
Btu/kWh
|
Water
Supply
|
Lake
Enid (Army Corps of Engineers)
|
Type
|
CCGT
|
Site
area
|
58
acres
|
Primary
fuel
|
Natural
gas
|
Employees
|
30
|
COD
|
August
2000
|
|
|
Construction
contractor
|
Zachry/Black
& Veatch
|
|
|
Batesville performance
overview
|
|
Period
from August 24, 2004
through
December 31, 2004
|
2005
|
2006
|
2007
|
Three
Months ended
March
31, 2008
|
Availability
|
82.2%
|
98.5%
|
96.4%
|
74.0%
|
84.1%
|
Capacity
Factor
|
19.0%
|
26.6%
|
28.1%
|
26.9%
|
31.4%
|
Gross
generation (MWh)
|
463,022
|
1,826,694
|
1,962,958
|
1,852,823
|
567,108
|
Fuel
consumption
(MMBtu)
|
3,453,194
|
13,546,689
|
14,639,961
|
13,886,660
|
4,133,097
|
Gross
heat rate (1)
(Btu/kWh)
|
7,458
|
7,416
|
7,458
|
7,495
|
7,288
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Includes
effects of power augmentation and cycling, which has an overall negative effect
on heat rate.
Operations
General
Operation and Maintenance
The La
Paloma facility and the Batesville facility have separate asset management and
operating staffs. Complete Energy’s facilities are operated pursuant to
operation and maintenance agreements with CEP Operating Company LLC (“CEP
OpCo”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Complete Energy. CEP OpCo provides
operations, accounting, human resources, engineering, environmental, health and
safety compliance and other services for the facilities. CEP OpCo utilizes its
own personnel, supplemented by outside contractors on an as-needed basis to
perform such services. CEP OpCo has subcontracted with Fulcrum, a third party
service provider, to perform the power marketing functions at the La Paloma
facility, including marketing of the merchant power and managing the power
contracts and fuel services. Fulcrum also balances fuel on the Batesville
facility’s gas lateral.
The La
Paloma facility entered into a Hot Gas Path Service Agreement (“HGPA”), with
Alstom Power Inc. (“Alstom”), for the long-term maintenance of the combustion
turbines. Alstom is responsible for supplying replacement components and
technical field support for all planned inspections and repairs. The HGPA
expires at the earlier of 144 months or 80,000 equivalent operating hours,
(“EOH”), from the start of the facility’s operations.
Currently, the facility is approximately halfway through the HGPA
term. Alstom is compensated on a monthly basis and receives an additional fee
based on EOH. Alstom is subject to liquidated damages as a remedy for the late
delivery of replacement components. Complete Energy expects that the HGPA will
be sufficient to provide support for the major combustion turbine maintenance
work that may be required during the term of the agreement.
The HGPA
requires Alstom to conduct inspections at intervals of 6,000 EOH. EOHs for each
unit are accumulated as a result of the combination of operating hours, starts,
and unplanned events, such as when a unit trips offline. In general,
6,000 EOH accrue in a 10-month to one-year time frame for each unit. The
inspections on the units are classified as A-inspections, B-inspections, and
C-inspections. The A-inspections consist of a simple borescope of the unit that
requires the unit to be out of service for nine days. The B-inspections consist
of a borescope and inspection of control instruments, requiring the unit to
be out of service for two weeks. The C-inspections, also referred to as major
overhauls, consist of a full disassembly and inspection of the unit, including
any necessary repairs or replacements of combustion parts, and inspection of the
compressor. The C-inspections require 45 days to complete.
The
inspections occur in a repeating cycle:
|
·
|
A-inspection
at 6,000 EOH;
|
|
·
|
B-inspection
at 12,000 EOH;
|
|
·
|
A-inspection
at 18,000 EOH; and
|
|
·
|
C-inspection
at 24,000 EOH.
|
Since the units were placed into service
at roughly the same time, major overhauls of the units tend to occur during a
relatively compressed time frame every three to four years. For example, the La
Paloma facility completed the C-inspection on one unit in 2007 and on the three
remaining units in 2008, and no major overhauls are expected during 2009 and
2010.
The
Batesville facility and Siemens Power Generation, Inc. have entered into a
Program Parts, Miscellaneous Hardware, Program Management and Scheduled Outage
Services Contract (“LTM Contract”) to cover the Batesville facility’s combustion
turbines. The LTM Contract requires Siemens to conduct inspections at intervals
of 400 equivalent starts. Equivalent starts result from customer
ordered starts and unplanned events, such as when a unit trips
offline. Historically, the units are expected to accrue approximately
200 equivalent starts per year.
The
inspections on the units are classified as combustion inspections, hot gas path
inspections and major inspections. A combustion inspection consists
of disassembly and replacement of the combustion system along with various
borescope inspections of the rest of the machine, requiring the inspected unit
to be out of service for seven days. A hot gas path inspection
consists of a combustion inspection plus the replacement with new or refurbished
parts for the first three stages of the combustion turbine and requires the
inspected unit to be out of service for 14 days. A major inspection includes a
combustion inspection, a hot gas path inspection and complete inspection of the
compressor. A major inspection requires 28 days to
complete.
The
inspections follow a repeating cycle:
|
·
|
Combustion
inspection at 400 ES;
|
|
·
|
Hot
gas path inspection at 800 ES;
|
|
·
|
Combustion
inspection at 1200 ES; and
|
|
·
|
Major
inspection at 1600 ES.
|
Since the
units were placed into service at roughly the same time and are equally
dispatched, requirements for major overhauls of the units tend to occur during a
relatively compressed time frame approximately every eight years. The Batesville
facility completed the first major inspection on two units in 2007 and one unit
in 2008. No
major overhauls are expected during 2009 and 2010. The LTM
Contract term extends until the earlier of 18 years or completion of the first
combustion inspection after the second major inspection (3600 ES).
Electrical
Interconnection Agreements
The La
Paloma facility maintains a Generator Interconnection Agreement with PG&E
for a primary term of 20 years, ending in 2021. The agreement provides the La
Paloma facility with connectivity to the grid at the PG&E Midway substation,
which is located east of Buttonwillow, California. The La Paloma facility also
is a party to a Joint Interconnection Facilities Agreement with Sunrise Power
Company, LLC for the shared operating and maintenance costs necessary to
interconnect the two projects with the Midway substation. The La Paloma facility
owns 76.25% of the double circuit transmission line and owns 70.5% of the high
voltage switchyard. The operating and maintenance costs associated with the
transmission line and high voltage switchyard are allocated according to each
party’s ownership share.
The
Batesville facility maintains an Interconnection and Operating Agreement with
Entergy Mississippi, Inc. for a term of 35 years, ending in 2035. The agreement
is subject to automatic five-year renewals unless terminated by three years’
notice. The Batesville facility also entered into an Interconnection Agreement
with TVA for a term of 35 years, ending in 2035. The agreement does not contain
any automatic extension provision. Under the long-term contracts with J. Aron
and SMEPA, those entities are responsible for arranging transmission services
from the interconnection point into the Entergy and TVA systems.
Gas
Interconnection and Fuel Supply Arrangements
Fuel for
the La Paloma facility is supplied directly by a 16-inch diameter lateral
pipeline connected from the interstate line jointly owned by Kern River Gas
Transmission Company and the Mojave Pipeline Company. Gas compression equipment
was incorporated into the design of the La Paloma facility to maintain the
required minimum delivery pressure at the units.
The
Batesville facility has direct access to three natural gas interstate pipelines
as previously discussed through an approximately 13.5-mile lateral pipeline.
Under the Batesville facility’s contracts, the counterparties are required to
supply natural gas at a pressure high enough to operate the units without any
on-site compression.
Power
Purchase Contracts
The La
Paloma facility has a long-term contract with Morgan Stanley Capital Group for
the purchase of 720 MW. The contract has a term of seven years, ending in 2012.
Morgan Stanley Capital Group has an option to extend the contract for 240 MW for
up to five one-year terms through 2017. The terms of the contract do not provide
Morgan Stanley Capital Group with rights to any ancillary services that are
energy-related products, with the exception of spinning and non-spinning
reserves. The remaining ancillary services of regulation up and regulation down
and any associated revenues are retained by the facility. The contract requires
Morgan Stanley Capital Group to arrange, procure, nominate, balance, transport
and deliver to the Kern-Mojave pool a set quantity of natural gas for requested
generation of electrical output and for each unit startup. Morgan Stanley
Capital Group is required to supply natural gas based on a 7,200 BTU/KWh full
load heat rate, which provides the La Paloma facility with excess gas due to its
beneficially lower actual heat rate. In addition, Morgan Stanley Capital Group
is required to supply 1,100 MMBtu of gas per start. The contract requires the
facility to deliver the requested electricity to NP-15. The remaining energy and
ancillary services are sold to bilateral counterparties or into
CAISO-administered markets.
All of the
Batesville facility’s output is sold under long-term contracts with J. Aron and
SMEPA. The contracts are structured as tolling arrangements whereby J. Aron and
SMEPA procure and deliver fuel for their respective units. The J. Aron contract
covers the entire capacity of two units through May 2013 and is extendable
through September 2013. The SMEPA contract covers the entire capacity of the
third unit through December 31, 2015 and provides SMEPA with an option to extend
the contract for five years on the same terms. In addition to the facility’s
long-term contracts with J. Aron and SMEPA, the Batesville facility benefits
from an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that provides low cost
access to water through Enid Lake in Mississippi and an agreement with Panola
and Yalobusha Counties for property tax abatement through 2010.
Seasonality
Demand for
electricity is highly seasonal, and, in most regions, demand and electricity
prices are highest in the summer months as a result of increased use of air
conditioning. In California, in addition to higher summer demand, generation
capacity is also seasonal due to higher availability of hydroelectric generation
during the second quarter of each year. As a result, power prices in California
tend to be lower during the first and second quarters relative to the third and
fourth quarters. Because the facilities provide a majority of their generation
under long-term purchase contracts, their exposure to price, supply and demand
volatility is reduced relative to purely merchant facilities. Batesville is 100%
contracted and has limited earnings exposure to seasonality factors. La Paloma’s
un-contracted generation capacity is sold into the spot market and is therefore
subject to the seasonality factors that affect the California market. Due to
generally lower prices during the first two quarters in California, Complete
Energy seeks to perform a majority of its scheduled maintenance-related
activities during these periods, and accordingly incurs higher maintenance costs
and lower availability during the first two quarters of each year. As a result,
Complete Energy generally earns a higher percentage of its operating income in
the months of July through December.
Principal
Customers
For the 12
months ended December 31, 2007, Complete Energy had five principal customers,
each of which contributed at least 9.5% of its revenues. SCE was party to a
power purchase contract for two units at the La Paloma facility that expired on
December 31, 2007. At the same time the SCE power purchase contract expired, the
amount of output under the Morgan Stanley Capital Group power purchase contract
increased from 240 MW to 720 MW. Therefore, although SCE’s contract payments
accounted for just over 18% of Complete Energy’s 2007 revenues and the Morgan
Stanley contract payments accounted for approximately 12%, the percentage of
total revenues attributable to Morgan Stanley should increase significantly in
the short term.
The J.
Aron contracts for the output of two full units at the Batesville facility until
May 2013 accounted for approximately 12% of the total revenues of Complete
Energy for 2007. In addition, the SMEPA contract covers the entire capacity of
the third unit at the Batesville facility through December 31,
2015.
Complete
Energy’s other two principal customers are counterparties who account for the
remaining available generation capacity at the La Paloma facility. Electricity
and gas sales with those two customers, Coral Energy Management, LLC and Sempra
Energy Trading Corp. accounted for approximately 33% and 9.5% of Complete
Energy’s revenues for 2007, respectively.
Competition
The power generation industry is capital
intensive and highly competitive due to numerous industry participants.
We believe Complete Energy’s ability to compete effectively will be
substantially driven by the
extent to which it (1) achieves and maintains a lower cost of production and
transmission, primarily by
managing fuel costs; (2) effectively manages and accurately assesses its risk portfolio; and (3) provides reliable service to its customers. Complete Energy competes aga
inst other IPPs, trading companies,
financial institutions, retail load aggregators, municipalities, retail electric
providers, cooperatives and regulated utilities to supply electricity and
electricity-related products to its customers in major markets nationwide
and throughout North
America. In addition, in some markets,
Complete Energy competes against some of its own customers. During recent years, financial
institutions have aggressively entered the market along with hedge funds and
other private equity funds.
Complete Energy
believes the addition of these financial
institutions and other investors to the market has generally been beneficial by
increasing the number of customers for its physical power products, offering risk
management products to manage commodity price risk, improving the general
financial strength of market participants and ultimately increasing liquidity in
the markets. The
dominant competitors in Complete Energy’s areas of operations are Entergy, TVA
and Southern Company.
Because a
majority of the facilities’ electric output is sold pursuant to long-term
contracts, Complete Energy does not expect to face substantial competition with
respect to the sale of each facility’s capacity until expiration of the Morgan
Stanley Capital Group contract (December 2012) with respect to the La Paloma
facility, and the expiration of the J .Aron contract (May 2013) and SMEPA
contract (December 2015) with respect to the Batesville facility. There is also
an option for Morgan Stanley Capital Group to extend its agreement for 240 MW
for up to five
one-year terms (through 2017). Similarly, the J. Aron contract may
be extended for four months through September 2013 and the SMEPA contract may be
extended for five years on the same terms (through 2020).
Until the
termination of its long-term contracts, Complete Energy sells only the portion
of the output of the La Paloma facility that is not covered by the Morgan
Stanley Capital Group contract on a merchant basis. With respect to the output
sold on a merchant basis, Complete Energy must maintain sufficient credit
capacity to manage the merchant sales. As the long-term contracts expire,
Complete Energy’s merchant sales will likely increase unless it can enter into
additional long-term contracts. As its merchant sales increase, Complete Energy
will require additional credit capacity in order to be able to manage those
merchant sales.
The
factors that affect Complete Energy’s ability to enter into long-term power
purchase contracts and compete successfully in the merchant markets once the
long-term contracts expire include plant availability, pipeline constraints or
limitations on access to gas or other energy sources and transmission
availability or curtailments to deliver the power. Complete Energy believes it
can compete favorably on these factors because its facilities are well
positioned with respect to access to natural gas pipelines and electrical
transmission, and due to the modern technology and relative efficiency of the
facilities. With direct access to three natural gas pipelines and dual
interconnections to the Entergy and TVA transmission systems within the SERC
region, Complete Energy believes that the Batesville facility is well positioned
to compete in the merchant market after the expiration of its existing
contracts. This optionality allows the facility’s output to be dispatched into
two of the most liquid hubs in the Southeast. The La Paloma facility has a
competitive advantage in the California market with its newly constructed units
using Alstom GT-24 technology that provide the plant with a short response time
and comparatively low heat rate as well as its transmission access to both the
Northern and Southern California markets. Additionally, competitive conditions
may be substantially affected by various forms of energy legislation and/or
regulation considered from time to time by the federal government and state
legislatures. For additional information, see “— Regulatory
Matters.”
For
additional discussion about how competition affects Complete Energy’s business,
see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Complete Energy’s Industry—Competition in
Wholesale Markets May Have a Material Adverse Effect on Complete Energy’s
Results of Operations, Cash Flows and the Market Value of its
Assets.”
Employees
As of June
30, 2008, CEP OpCo, Complete Energy’s wholly owned subsidiary, has 84 employees.
Of these employees, 42 are full-time employees at the La Paloma facility, 30 are
full-time employees at the Batesville facility and 12 are full-time corporate
employees. All of Complete Energy’s employees are non-unionized. Complete Energy
believes its relationships with its employees are good.
Regulatory
Matters
Overview
Complete
Energy is subject to U.S. federal, state and local energy and environmental laws
and regulations applicable to the development, ownership and operation of its
facilities. Federal energy laws and regulations govern, among other things,
types of fuel used, the type of energy produced, power plant ownership, the
rates, terms and conditions of wholesale electricity sales and corporate
transactions involving entities that engage in wholesale sales and interstate
transmission of electricity. State energy laws govern, among other things,
utility rates, terms of retail sales, determinations of need for new facilities,
land use and local permitting. Power projects also are subject to laws and
regulations governing environmental emissions and other substances produced by a
plant, along with the geographical location, zoning, land use and operation of a
plant. Applicable federal environmental laws typically have state and local
enforcement and implementation provisions. These environmental laws and
regulations generally require that a wide variety of permits and other approvals
be obtained before construction or operation of a power plant commences and that
the facility operate in compliance with these laws, regulations and
permits.
Federal
Regulation and FERC
FERC is an
independent regulatory commission within the U.S. Department of Energy that,
among other things, regulates the transmission and wholesale sale of electricity
in interstate commerce under the authority of the FPA. Each of Complete Energy’s
subsidiary generating companies makes wholesale sales of electricity and is a
“public utility” under the FPA, subject to regulation by FERC. In addition, FERC
determines whether a company that owns or operates a generation facility
qualifies for Exempt Wholesale Generator (“EWG”) status under PUHCA 2005. Each
of the facilities is owned through subsidiaries that have been determined to be
EWGs. This permits Complete Energy to be exempt from most regulation as a
holding company under PUHCA 2005. The scope of holding company regulation was
changed by passage of the EP Act.
Federal Power Act. The FPA
gives FERC exclusive rate-making jurisdiction over wholesale sales of
electricity and transmission of electricity in interstate commerce. Under the
FPA, FERC, with certain exceptions not applicable to Complete Energy, regulates
entities that engage in wholesale sales of electricity and transmission of
electricity in interstate commerce as “public utilities.” Public utilities under
the FPA are required to obtain FERC’s approval or acceptance, pursuant to
Section 205 of the FPA, of their rate schedules and tariffs under which
they sell electricity at wholesale. FERC has granted each of Complete Energy’s
generating companies the authority to sell electricity at market-based rates.
FERC’s orders that grant Complete Energy’s generating companies market-based
rate authority reserve the right to revoke or revise that authority if FERC
subsequently determines that these companies, either acting alone or in concert
with others, can exercise market power in transmission or generation, create
barriers to entry or engage in abusive affiliate transactions. Under FERC’s
regulations, Complete Energy is required to file a market power update
periodically to show that the companies continue to meet FERC’s standards with
respect to generation market power and other criteria used to evaluate whether
entities qualify for market-based rates. Since Complete Energy last submitted a
market power analysis to FERC necessary to retain authorization to make
market-based rate sales, FERC has adopted new regulations for determining
whether a seller can exercise market power. Pursuant to FERC’s new regulations,
Complete Energy will be required to file its next updated market power analysis
for the Batesville facility in December 2008 and for the La Paloma facility
in June 2010 and, under certain circumstances, could also be required to do so
at an earlier date. Complete Energy is also required to report to FERC any
material change in status that would reflect a departure from the
characteristics that FERC relied upon when it granted Complete Energy’s
generating companies market-based rate authority, and the generating companies
are required to make quarterly electronic filings with FERC providing
information on sales of electric power.
If
Complete Energy’s generating companies were to lose their market-based rate
authority, the companies would be required to obtain FERC’s acceptance to sell
power at regulated cost-based rates in order to have authority under the FPA to
make any sales of electric power. The resulting rates might be lower than the
rates these companies currently charge. Complete Energy then would become
subject to the accounting, record-keeping and reporting requirements that are
imposed on utilities with cost-based rate schedules.
In
addition, Section 204 of the FPA gives FERC jurisdiction over a public
utility’s issuance of securities or assumption of liabilities. However, FERC
typically grants blanket approval for future securities issuances or assumptions
of liabilities to entities with market-based rate authority. FERC granted
blanket approval to Complete Energy’s generating companies. In the event that
one of Complete Energy’s public utility generating companies were to lose its
market-based rate authority, the company’s future securities issuances or
assumptions of liabilities could require prior approval of the
FERC.
The FPA
also gives FERC jurisdiction to review certain corporate transactions and
numerous other activities of public utilities, including mergers or
consolidations involving public utilities, certain transfers of public utility
and electric generation facilities, certain purchases by a public utility of the
securities of another public utility, and certain public utility holding company
purchases of securities and direct or indirect mergers and consolidations. FERC
will grant approval under FPA Section 203 if it finds that the proposed
transaction will be consistent with the public interest and does not raise
concerns with respect to cross-subsidization involving a traditional public
utility that has captive customers which receive services at cost-based rates.
Complete Energy, its generating subsidiaries, GSCAC and three of GSCAC’s
subsidiaries filed an application with FERC under Section 203 for authorization
to complete the proposed merger on July 25, 2008. The merger cannot
be consummated absent FERC’s approval of the application. FERC is
expected to act on the application prior to the end of the third quarter of
2008. For more
information on the FERC application, see “Proposal I—Approval of the
Acquisition—Regulatory Matters— FERC.”
In
compliance with Section 215 of the FPA, FERC has approved NERC, as the
national Electric Reliability Organization (“ERO”). As the ERO, NERC is
responsible for the development and enforcement of mandatory electric
reliability standards for the wholesale electric power system. Complete Energy’s
subsidiary generating companies are responsible for complying with the standards
in the regions in which they operate. The ERO can assess civil penalties for
non-compliance with the standards.
Public Utility Holding Company Act
2005. PUHCA 2005 permits FERC access to the books and records of holding
companies and their affiliates if relevant to a utility’s costs or
jurisdictional rates. FERC has also implemented PUHCA 2005 rules governing
accounting, record retention and reporting, as required by the EP Act. Because
Complete Energy is a holding company under PUHCA 2005 solely as the result of
owning one or more EWGs, Complete Energy and its subsidiary generating companies
are exempt from FERC access to books and records under PUHCA 2005. However, FERC
has asserted independent authority under the FPA granting it access to the books
and records of public utilities, or any person that controls or is controlled by
a public utility if relevant to FERC-jurisdictional activities. Moreover, state
regulatory authorities have a parallel authority under PUHCA 2005 concerning
access to books and records of holding companies if necessary for determining
jurisdictional rates. Complete Energy’s subsidiary companies’ EWG status does
not exempt them or Complete Energy from state regulatory authority.
Environmental
Regulation
Complete
Energy’s ownership and operation of the La Paloma and Batesville facilities are
subject to comprehensive environmental protection laws and regulations at the
federal, regional, state and local levels governing, among other things, the
generation, discharge, emission, storage, handling, transportation, use,
treatment and disposal of hazardous substances and the health and safety of its
employees. These laws and regulations generally require that governmental
permits or other approvals be obtained before construction and during operation
of power plants. Failure by Complete Energy to comply with these laws and
regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil or criminal
penalties, the imposition of remedial or corrective action obligations, and the
issuance of injunctive relief that limits or prohibits some or all of its
operations. Environmental laws and regulations have become increasingly
stringent in recent years, especially around the regulation of air emissions
from power generators. These laws and regulations generally require regular
capital expenditures for power plant upgrades, modifications and the
installation of certain pollution control equipment. In general, future
environmental laws and regulations are expected to require the addition of
emission controls or other environmental quality equipment or the imposition of
certain restrictions on the operations of Complete Energy’s facilities. While
future liability under or compliance with environmental requirements could have
an adverse effect on Complete Energy’s operations or competitive position,
Complete Energy does not envision incurring material capital expenditures
related to environmental compliance in the near term.
Climate Change and Carbon
Dioxide. At the national level and at various regional, state and local
levels, policies are under development to regulate greenhouse gas emissions,
thereby effectively putting a cost on such emissions in order to create
financial incentives to reduce them. In addition, in April 2007, the U.S.
Supreme Court held in Massachusetts v. EPA that
carbon dioxide (“CO2”), the most common
greenhouse gas, could be regulated as a pollutant and that the Environmental
Protection Agency (“EPA”) may be required to regulate CO2 emissions
from mobile sources even if Congress does not adopt new legislation specifically
addressing emission of greenhouse gases. In response to that
decision, the EPA issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking in July 2008
that evaluated the possible regulation of CO2 under the
federal Clean Air Act. Since power plants are a significant source of
greenhouse gas emissions, it is almost certain that greenhouse gas regulatory
actions will encompass power plants as well as other greenhouse gas emitting
stationary sources. In 2007, in the course of producing approximately 8 million
MWh of electricity, Complete Energy’s two facilities emitted approximately 3.4
million tons of CO2.
Federal,
regional, state or local laws and regulations on greenhouse gas emissions could
have a material impact on Complete Energy’s financial performance and may impose
additional or more stringent permit requirements. The actual impact on Complete
Energy’s financial performance will depend on a number of factors, including the
overall
level of greenhouse gas
reductions required under any such laws and regulations, the price and
availability of offsets, and the extent to which Complete Energy would be
entitled to receive greenhouse emissions allowances without having to purchase
them in an auction or on the open market. At the federal level, in June 2008,
Congress considered a climate change bill approved in December 2007 by the U.S.
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Known as the
Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act or S.2191, this bill would establish the
development and implementation of a cap and trade program for greenhouse gases
and require a 70% reduction in the emissions of greenhouse gases below 2005
levels (from sources within the U.S.) between 2012 and 2050. Under S.2191, major
sources of greenhouse gas emissions, such as power plants, would be required to
acquire and surrender emission allowances. The number of allowances available
for purchase would be reduced each year until the overall greenhouse gas
emission reduction goal is achieved, with the expected consequence that, each
year, the allowances will increase in price. The adoption of any such federal
legislation or other regulation by federal agencies, whether under existing
legislation or otherwise, imposing caps or other limitations or costs on
greenhouse gas emissions could significantly increase Complete Energy’s
operating costs or have a material adverse effect on Complete Energy’s results
of operations and financial performance.
At the
regional and state levels, on September 27, 2006, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
of California signed the “California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006,” also
known as Assembly Bill 32 (“AB32”). AB32 requires the California Air
Resources Board to develop a greenhouse gas reduction program to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions (from sources in California) to 1990 levels by 2020, a
reduction of approximately 25%. The reductions are to be phased in beginning in
2012 pursuant to regulations to be adopted by 2011. Furthermore, Governor
Schwarzenegger signed Executive Order S-3-05 on June 1, 2005, requiring
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. The
California Air Resources Board is working towards this 2050 goal in the program
it is developing to meet the AB32 2020 reduction goal. More recently, in
February 2007, a collaboration of several western states, including California,
launched the Western Climate Initiative (“WCI”) to develop a regional,
market-based program to address climate change. Members of the WCI announced in
August 2007 an overall regional goal of 15% aggregate reduction of greenhouse
gases below 2005 levels by 2020. The members are currently designing a
market-based mechanism to help achieve this reduction goal. Because Complete
Energy’s electric power generation facilities emit CO2,
the implementation of the WCI, AB32 or any other regional, state or local
regulation of greenhouse gas emissions in the locations in which the facilities
are located may significantly increase Complete Energy’s operating costs or have
an adverse effect on its results of operations and financial
performance.
Air Emissions. The federal
Clean Air Act provides for the regulation of air quality and air emissions,
primarily through state plans that implement federal requirements. In 1990,
Congress amended the federal Clean Air Act to specifically provide for acid
deposition control through the regulation of sulfur dioxide (“SO2”) emissions from
electric generation units.
Pursuant
to the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments, the EPA established a cap and trade
program for SO2 emissions
from electric generating units throughout the U.S. Under this program, a
permanent nationwide ceiling (or cap) of SO2 allowances
was set for power generators, with most of those allowances being allocated to
electric generating units placed into service before 1990. Each allowance
permits a generating unit to emit one ton of SO2 during or
after a specified year, and allowances may be bought, sold or banked. Neither of
Complete Energy’s facilities received an allocation and thus they must purchase
SO2
allowances on the open market. However, because the facilities are gas-fired
only, they emit relatively small amounts of SO2 annually.
Complete Energy’s facilities emitted approximately 20 tons of SO2 in 2007,
and, consequently, Complete Energy does not believe that the cost incurred to
comply with this program on an annual basis is significant.
Also as a
result of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, the EPA established an operating
permit program for “major sources” of air emissions, including Complete Energy’s
facilities, pursuant to which these sources must apply for and obtain Title V
operating permits for their operations. Complete Energy has applied for and
obtained permits for its facilities, where required under Title V, and has
timely submitted its renewal application for the LSP Energy LP Title V Permit at
the Batesville facility.
On May 12,
2005, the EPA published the Clean Air Interstate Rule (“CAIR”). In CAIR, EPA
specified reductions in emissions of SO2, a precursor to
the formation of PM2.5, and NOX,
a precursor to the formation of both PM2.5 and ozone, from
sources in 28 States (including Mississippi) and the District of Columbia. CAIR required
the
reductions to be implemented in two phases, the first starting
either in 2009 (NO
X) or 2010 (SO2), and the second starting
in 2015.
On July
11, 2008, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated CAIR in its entirety in its
decision in North Carolina v.
EPA (Case No. 05-1244). Once the court issues its mandate, and
so long as the ruling is not reversed on appeal, the federal CAIR rules will no
longer be effective. While the Mississippi Department of
Environmental Quality’s rules incorporate the federal CAIR rules as official
regulations of the State of Mississippi, it is expected that it, like all other
state environmental agencies in similar situations, will soon amend its rules to
eliminate the reference to CAIR in the wake of the court’s
decision.
In the
unlikely event that North
Carolina v. EPA were reversed, CAIR could affect Complete Energy’s
operations at the Batesville facility by requiring that it generate or obtain
allowances for NOX
emissions through the emission trading market, or modify the plant to further
reduce emissions. Complete Energy does not anticipate incurring
significant expenditures to comply with these CAIR requirements in the near
term, but additional significant expenditures could be incurred in 2014 and
beyond if CAIR were reinstated on appeal, or sooner if a new air emission
regulation more stringent than CAIR were implemented.
Water Discharges. The Federal
Water Pollution Control Act, also referred to as the Clean Water Act, and
analogous state laws impose restrictions and strict controls regarding the
discharge of pollutants into state waters and waters of the U.S. The discharge
of pollutants into regulated waters is prohibited, except in accordance with the
terms of a permit by the EPA or applicable state. The EPA and certain state
environmental agencies also have adopted regulations relating to the discharge
of stormwater in state waters and waters of the U.S. Complete Energy believes it
holds all required wastewater and stormwater discharge permits for its operation
of the facilities.
Site Remediation and Human Exposure
Liability. Under certain federal, state and local environmental laws and
regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of any facility, including
an electric generating power plant, may be required to investigate and remediate
releases or threatened releases of hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum
products at any currently or previously owned or operated
facility. In addition to this liability, Complete Energy may also be
held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage,
personal injury, damages to natural resources and investigation and remediation
costs incurred by such a party in connection with the presence of any hazardous
substances or any actual or threatened releases of hazardous
substances. These laws, including CERCLA, as amended by the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, impose liability without regard to
whether the owner or operator knew of or caused the presence of the hazardous
substances, and the courts have interpreted liability under these laws to be
strict (without fault) and joint and several. Complete Energy could be
responsible under these laws for liabilities associated with the environmental
condition of electric generation power plants that it currently owns or operates
or previously owned or operated or locations where it has arranged for the
disposal of hazardous substances and other wastes. Complete Energy is
also subject to environmental laws and regulations that require it to report and
respond to spills and releases that may occur as a result of its operations.
Complete Energy is not currently subject to any significant liabilities or
obligations to investigate, clean-up or monitor on-site or offsite environmental
contamination under these environmental laws.
Properties
Complete
Energy leases its corporate headquarters in Houston, Texas and additional office
space in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In addition, Complete Energy
indirectly owns and leases interests in various real property and facilities
relating to its power generation business in McKittrick, California and Batesville, Mississippi. For additional information regarding
the real properties and facilities owned by Complete Energy, see “—Complete
Energy’s Facilities.”
Legal
Proceedings
Complete
Energy may be involved from time to time as a party to various regulatory,
environmental and other proceedings with governmental authorities and
administrative agencies, as well as third party lawsuits. Complete Energy does
not believe that any matters or proceedings presently pending will have a
material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of
operations or liquidity.
The
following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations for Complete Energy includes periods prior to the consummation of the
merger with GSCAC. Accordingly, the following discussion and analysis
of historical periods does not reflect the significant impact that the merger
with GSCAC will have on Complete Energy, including significantly increased
leverage and liquidity requirements.
The
following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations should be read in conjunction with the historical audited and
unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes for Complete
Energy appearing elsewhere in this proxy statement. The following
discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements and involves
numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described
in “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking
Statements.” Actual results may differ materially from those
contained in any forward-looking statements. Unless the context
otherwise requires or indicates otherwise, references to “Complete Energy” refer
to Complete Energy and its subsidiaries.
Overview
Complete
Energy is an independent power generating company that acquires, owns, and
operates electric power generation plants and sells electricity and
electricity-related products and services in the U.S. Complete
Energy’s business strategy is to own and operate facilities in targeted regions
in the U.S. that employ clean and reliable power generation
technologies. Complete Energy’s assets in its target regions have the
potential for growth in earnings and asset value as increasing demand for
electricity in these regions reduces the excess supply of generation capacity
and as competitive market structures for power generation develop.
Complete
Energy’s Facilities
La Paloma
Facility. In August 2005, Complete Energy acquired a 60%
indirect equity interest in the La Paloma facility. The remaining 40%
indirect equity interest in the La Paloma facility is owned by independent third
parties. The La Paloma facility is a 1,022 MW gas-fired, four-unit
combined-cycle plant located in McKittrick, California. The La Paloma
facility began commercial operations in March 2003. 720 MW of the La
Paloma facility’s output is sold under a contract with Morgan Stanley Capital
Group through 2012, with an option by Morgan Stanley Capital Group to extend the
contract for 240 MW through 2017. The La Paloma facility’s remaining
capacity is sold into the spot market. For the period from August 16,
2005 through December 31, 2007, two of the La Paloma facility’s units were
contracted with SCE, and 240 MW were contracted with Morgan Stanley Capital
Group. The contract counterparties are responsible for supplying
natural gas to fuel the facility. The La Paloma facility currently
procures gas supply for its merchant operations through spot market
purchases.
Batesville Facility. Complete
Energy acquired a 3.28% indirect equity interest in the Batesville facility in
August 2004 and acquired an additional 93.02% interest in March
2007. The remaining 3.7% indirect equity interest in the Batesville
facility is owned by Fulcrum. The Batesville facility is a gas-fired, three-unit
combined-cycle facility with a generating capacity of approximately 837 MW
located in the city of Batesville, Mississippi. The Batesville
facility began commercial operations in August 2000. All of the
Batesville facility’s output is sold under long-term contracts with J. Aron and
SMEPA. The J. Aron contract covers two of the units and expires in
2013, and the SMEPA contract for the remaining unit expires in 2015, with an
option by SMEPA to extend the contract through 2020. The contract
counterparties are responsible for supplying natural gas to fuel the
facility.
How
Complete Energy Generates Its Revenue
Complete
Energy generates its revenues predominantly from the sale of electricity and
electricity-related products and from the sale of natural gas. A
significant portion of Complete Energy’s revenues are derived from electric
output sold pursuant to long-term contracts. In addition, a
significant portion of Complete Energy’s revenues are derived from merchant
sales of electricity generated at its La Paloma facility sold on the spot market
and from sales of natural gas pursuant to energy management and optimization
activities at its La Paloma facility. Please see “Information About Complete
Energy—Operations—Power Purchase Contracts.” For a breakout of
Complete Energy’s operating revenue by activity, please see Complete
Energy’s audited consolidated financial statements and interim unaudited
financial statements included elsewhere in this proxy statement.
How
Complete Energy Evaluates Its Operations
We believe
that investors benefit from understanding the same measures that Complete
Energy’s management uses in evaluating its performance. Complete
Energy’s management uses a variety of financial and operational measurements to
analyze the performance of its business lines. These measurements
include the following: (1) energy margin; (2) operation and
maintenance expenses, (3) availability, and (4) heat
rate. Availability measures the amount of time a facility available
to be dispatched and is not out of service due to either a planned or forced
outage. Heat rate is a measurement of how efficiently the facilities
convert natural gas into power. Complete Energy’s management also
evaluates historical power and gas prices, which directly impacts energy margin
from its merchant capacity and also impacts operating costs with respect to its
contracted capacity at the Batesville facility. Historical power and
gas prices are also important in evaluating performance of Complete Energy’s
energy management activities.
Energy
Margin
Complete
Energy uses the non-generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) financial
measure “energy margin” to assess its financial performance on a consolidated
basis and by each facility. Energy margin is defined as total
operating revenues less other revenues less fuel expenses and power
purchases. Complete Energy believes that energy margin is a
useful tool for assessing the performance of its facilities, and it is a key
operational measure reviewed by its chief decision makers. Energy
margin is a metric that is indicative of the profitability of our contracts and
its merchant generation activities. Energy margin is not a measure of
financial performance calculated in accordance with GAAP and should be viewed as
a supplement to and not a substitute for Complete Energy’s results of operations
presented in accordance with GAAP. Energy margin does not purport to
represent income (loss) from operations, the most comparable GAAP measure, as an
indicator of operating performance and is not necessarily comparable to
similarly-titled measures reported by other companies who may calculate energy
margin differently than Complete Energy does. See “—Results of
Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007—Consolidated
Energy Margin and Energy Margin by Facility” and “—Results of Operations for the
Years Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006—Consolidated Energy Margin and Energy
Margin by Facility” for a reconciliation of energy margin to Complete Energy’s
GAAP results.
Operation
and Maintenance Expenses
Operation
and maintenance expense is Complete Energy’s second most significant expense
category after fuel and purchased energy expense. Included in
operation and maintenance expense are costs related to the La Paloma facility’s
Hot Gas Path Agreement and the Batesville facility’s LTM
Contract. Costs related to both agreements are impacted by unexpected
or sudden outages, and thus it is a key objective of Complete Energy’s
management to minimize such events and related costs. Operation and
maintenance expense is also a valuable metric because it includes costs related
to major overhauls. Another key objective of Complete Energy’s
management is to carefully define the scope of major overhauls and coordinate
all vendor activities such that required major overhauls are completed in a cost
efficient and timely manner.
Availability
Availability
measures the percentage of total hours during the period that Complete Energy’s
plants were available to run after taking into account the downtime associated
with scheduled and unscheduled outages. Availability directly impacts
the profitability of Complete Energy’s contracted and merchant
capacity. Complete Energy’s objective is to maximize availability and
also to schedule outages at times that have the least impact on its contract and
merchant revenues.
Heat
Rate
Heat rate
measures the efficiency of Complete Energy’s operations to convert natural gas
into power and directly impacts the profitability of its contracted and merchant
capacity. Complete Energy continually evaluates opportunities through
maintenance activities, capital improvements and changes in operating protocol
to improve its facilities heat rate.
Factors
Affecting Complete Energy’s Results
Complete
Energy’s energy margin and cash flows from operations are primarily derived from
the sale of electricity and electricity-related products generated from the
Batesville and La Paloma facilities and from the sale of natural
gas. The amount of margin Complete Energy is able to generate from
its contracts is affected by operational performance and reliability of its
facilities. The profitability of Complete Energy’s merchant capacity
at the La Paloma facility is impacted by operational performance and by the
spread between natural gas prices and power prices, and it also contributes
materially to its financial results and to its energy margin. Natural
gas prices, weather, generation outages and reserve margins have the most
significant impact on the merchant component of Complete Energy’s energy margin
due to the impact each has on power prices and natural gas costs resulting from
changes in supply and demand.
The
Impact of Natural Gas Prices
Natural
gas prices and power prices are generally correlated in California because
plants using natural gas-fired technology tend to be the marginal, or
price-setting, generation units. During a significant portion of on
peak periods, less efficient older gas-fired technologies and peaking units set
the marginal price in the California market. The La Paloma facility
is more fuel efficient than these old units as well as new gas turbine peaking
units. As a result, holding other factors constant, higher natural
gas prices tend to magnify the financial impact of the La Paloma facility’s
efficiency advantage during on peak periods, thereby increasing Complete
Energy’s energy margin.
At the La
Paloma facility, the amount of fuel provided under the Morgan Stanley Capital
Group contract is generally greater than the amount of fuel required by the
facility to produce the power that the facility is obligated to deliver to
Morgan Stanley Capital Group. This results in excess fuel being
delivered to La Paloma that can be either used to generate power for the La
Paloma facility’s merchant operations, or be sold into the open
market. As the price of natural gas rises, the value of the excess
natural gas increases. Thus, high natural gas prices generally
increase energy margin related to the La Paloma facility’s
contracts.
In
contrast, at the Batesville facility, the actual efficiency of the conversion of
natural gas into power, or heat rate, is sometimes lower than the heat rate that
is provided for under the contracts. Adjustments made to reconcile
these figures are referred to as heat rate tracking losses. Other
factors held constant, heat rate tracking losses rise proportionately to the
price of gas. Thus, high gas prices generally decrease energy margin
related to the Batesville facility’s contracts.
The
Impact of Weather and Seasonality
Weather
can have a significant short-term impact on supply and demand. In
addition, a disproportionate amount of Complete Energy’s total revenue is
realized during its third and fourth fiscal quarters related to its merchant
capacity at the La Paloma facility, and Complete Energy expects this trend to
continue. In California, in addition to higher summer demand, supply
of generation is also seasonal due to higher availability of hydroelectric
generation during the second quarter of each year. Accordingly, power
prices in California tend to be lower during the first and second quarters
relative to the third and fourth quarters. As a result, Complete
Energy seeks to perform a majority of its scheduled maintenance-related
activities at the La Paloma facility during these periods, and accordingly
experiences lower availability and energy margin during the first two quarters
of each year.
The
Impact of Outages and Reserve Margins
Generation
outages and reserve margins also impact supply and demand and the price for
electricity, particularly in California where reserve margins are relatively low
and transmission constraints limit the import of generation from outside of the
state. Unplanned outages during periods of positive energy margin
could result in a loss of energy margin from the La Paloma facility’s merchant
operations and can also create obligations to purchase power to fulfill delivery
requirements under the Morgan Stanley Capital Group contract, particularly if
more than one unit is off line simultaneously.
The La
Paloma facility’s Hot Gas Path Agreement requires C-inspections, or major
overhauls, approximately every 24,000 equivalent operating hours
(“EOH”). Major overhauls cost approximately $6 to 7 million per unit,
and require the unit to be out of service for approximately 45
days. Since the units were placed into service at roughly the same
time, major overhauls of the units tend to occur during a relatively compressed
time frame every three to four years. The La Paloma facility
completed the C-inspection on one unit during the second quarter of 2007 and on
the three remaining units during the first and second quarters of
2008. Due to the costs of major overhauls at the La Paloma facility
and associated reduction in availability, Complete Energy’s results of
operations will vary materially during periods that have one or more scheduled
majors overhauls relative to periods during which major overhauls are not
performed. No major overhauls are anticipated at the La Paloma
facility during 2009.
The
Batesville facility’s LTM Contract with Siemens Power Generation covers the
Batesville facility’s combustion turbines. The LTM Contract requires
Siemens to provide all parts, repairs, labor, outage services and program
management for the scheduled outages of the combustion turbines. The
LTM Contract also requires Siemens to conduct inspections at intervals of 400
equivalent starts. The majority of the LTM Contract fees are
collected through a fixed amount per equivalent start, subject to inflation
adjustments. The remaining fees are collected through a fixed annual
fee and inspection milestone fees, which vary depending on outage scheduling and
equivalent start fees. Major overhauls at the Batesville facility
require the unit to be out of service for approximately 28
days. Results of operations at the Batesville facility can vary
significantly from period to period based upon payments associated with
scheduled inspections under the LTM Contract. The power purchase
contracts at the Batesville facility generally allow scheduled outages to occur,
including major overhauls, without materially impacting revenue received under
the contracts. No major overhauls are expected during
2009.
Selected
Operating and Business Metrics
Complete
Energy generally measures the operating performance of its facilities based on
availability factors, heat rate and plant operating expense. The
higher its availability factor, the better positioned Complete Energy is to
capture energy margin related to both its contracts and its merchant
capacity. The less natural gas Complete Energy is required to consume
for each MWh of electricity generated, the lower its heat rate and the higher
its energy margin.
The
selected operating and business metrics presented below are presented for the
periods in which 100% of each facility’s operations are included in the
consolidated financial statements of Complete Energy. The La Paloma
facility is included in Complete Energy’s consolidated financial statements
commencing on August 17, 2005, the date on which Complete Energy acquired a 60%
indirect equity interest in the facility. For the period August 24,
2004 to March 14, 2007, Complete Energy only owned an indirect 3.28% equity
interest in the Batesville facility, which was recorded on Complete Energy’s
consolidated financial statements under the cost method of
accounting. As a result, the Batesville facility is included in
Complete Energy’s consolidated financial statements commencing on March 15,
2007, the date on which Complete Energy acquired an additional 93.2% interest in
the facility.
|
|
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended March 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
La
Paloma
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MWhs
Generated
|
|
$ |
2,305,601 |
|
|
$ |
5,780,092 |
|
|
$ |
6,356,349 |
|
|
$ |
1,487,553 |
|
|
$ |
1,398,243 |
|
Capacity
Factor
|
|
|
67.9 |
% |
|
|
63.9 |
% |
|
|
69.9 |
% |
|
|
65.6 |
% |
|
|
60.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Avg
on-peak market power price (1)
|
|
|
95.67 |
|
|
|
62.21 |
|
|
|
67.05 |
|
|
|
60.34 |
|
|
|
80.47 |
|
Avg
off-peak market power price (1)
|
|
|
74.17 |
|
|
|
40.77 |
|
|
|
46.64 |
|
|
|
46.41 |
|
|
|
63.68 |
|
Avg
natural gas price – SoCal Border
|
|
|
9.73 |
|
|
|
6.10 |
|
|
|
6.42 |
|
|
|
6.59 |
|
|
|
8.16 |
|
Market
on-peak spark spread (2)
|
|
|
27.56 |
|
|
|
19.51 |
|
|
|
22.11 |
|
|
|
14.21 |
|
|
|
23.35 |
|
Market
off-peak spark spread (2)
|
|
|
6.05 |
|
|
|
(1.93 |
) |
|
|
1.70 |
|
|
|
0.28 |
|
|
|
6.56 |
|
Availability
(3)
|
|
|
85.4 |
% |
|
|
85.3 |
% |
|
|
88.0 |
% |
|
|
86.5 |
% |
|
|
72.4 |
% |
Heat
Rate (4)
|
|
|
6.774 |
|
|
|
6,928 |
|
|
|
6,957 |
|
|
|
6,938 |
|
|
|
6,956 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three
Month Ended March 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Batesville
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MWhs
Generated
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,576,307 |
|
|
|
84,375 |
|
|
|
567,108 |
|
Capacity
Factor
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
28.7 |
% |
|
|
28.8 |
% |
|
|
31.4 |
% |
Avg
on-peak market power price (5)
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
60.37 |
|
|
|
57.08 |
|
|
|
68.12 |
|
Avg
off-peak market power price (5)
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
31.17 |
|
|
|
29.09 |
|
|
|
48.32 |
|
Avg
natural gas price –Henry Hub
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
6.85 |
|
|
|
6.82 |
|
|
|
8.56 |
|
Market
on-peak spark spread (2)
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
12.42 |
|
|
|
9.34 |
|
|
|
8.20 |
|
Market
off-peak spark spread (2)
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(16.78 |
) |
|
|
(18.65 |
) |
|
|
(11.60 |
) |
Availability
(3)
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
67.4 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
84.1 |
% |
Heat
Rate (4)
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
7,452 |
|
|
|
7,630 |
|
|
|
7,288 |
|
(1)
|
Reflects
the average of NP-15 and SP-15 historical pricing for the periods
indicated.
|
|
(2)
|
Spark
spread is calculated as the difference between market power price and the
cost of generation assuming a 7,200 heat
rate.
|
|
(3)
|
Availability
represents the percentage of total hours during the period that Complete
Energy’s plants were available to run after taking into account the
downtime associated with scheduled and unscheduled
outages.
|
|
(4)
|
Heat
rate for the Batesville and La Paloma facilities is calculated by dividing
(a) fuel consumed in Btu by (b) kWh
generated.
|
(5)
|
Reflects
the average Entergy historical pricing for the periods
indicated.
|
(6
|
Reflects
the La Paloma facility market and operating data for the period from
August 17, 2005 (the date of Complete Energy’s acquisition of a 60%
indirect equity interest in the facility) to December 31,
2005.
|
|
(7)
|
No
data is presented for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 on
account of the fact that Complete Energy did not acquire its 93.2%
indirect equity interest in the Batesville facility until March 15,
2007.
|
|
(8)
|
Reflects
the Batesville facility market and operating data for March 15, 2007 (the
date of Complete Energy’s acquisition of a 93.2% indirect equity interest
in the facility) to December 31,
2007.
|
|
(9)
|
Reflects
the Batesville facility market and operating data for the period March 15,
2007 to March 31, 2007.
|
Results
of Operations
Set forth
below are results of operations for:
|
·
|
the
three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to the same period in
2007;
|
|
·
|
the
year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to the year ended December 31,
2006; and
|
|
·
|
the
year ended December 31, 2006, as compared to the year ended December 31,
2005.
|
In the
comparative tables throughout the discussion, increases in revenue/income or
decreases in expense (favorable variances) are shown without brackets while
decreases in revenue/income or increases in expense (unfavorable variances) are
shown with brackets in the “$ Change” column. The comparability of
the periods presented below is impacted by the acquisition of the additional
93.2% equity interest in the Batesville facility on March 14, 2007 and the
acquisition of the 60% indirect equity interest in the La Paloma facility on
August 16, 2005.
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2008 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31,
2007
The
following table sets forth Complete Energy’s results of operations for the three
months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively and the change in the
quarter-to-quarter comparison on both a dollar and percentage
basis.
|
|
Three
Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
REVENUES
|
|
$ |
59,151 |
|
|
$ |
62,060 |
|
|
$ |
2,909 |
|
|
|
5 |
% |
OPERATING
COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel
and purchased energy expense
|
|
|
35,006 |
|
|
|
31,188 |
|
|
|
3,818 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
Operating
and maintenance
|
|
|
12,327 |
|
|
|
30,932 |
|
|
|
(18,605 |
) |
|
|
# |
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrative
and general
|
|
|
656 |
|
|
|
887 |
|
|
|
(231 |
) |
|
|
(35 |
) |
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
4,551 |
|
|
|
8,662 |
|
|
|
(4,111 |
) |
|
|
(90 |
) |
TOTAL
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
52,540 |
|
|
|
71,669 |
|
|
|
(19,129 |
) |
|
|
(36 |
) |
INCOME
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
6,611 |
|
|
|
(9,609 |
) |
|
|
(16,221 |
) |
|
|
# |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE) NET
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
income
|
|
|
472 |
|
|
|
586 |
|
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(13,658 |
) |
|
|
(24,517 |
) |
|
|
(10,859 |
) |
|
|
(80 |
) |
Other
income (expense) net
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
(310 |
) |
|
|
(334 |
) |
|
|
# |
|
TOTAL
OTHER INCOME EXPENSE NET
|
|
|
(13,162 |
) |
|
|
(24,241 |
) |
|
|
(11,079 |
) |
|
|
(84 |
) |
LOSS
BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
(6,551 |
) |
|
|
(33,850 |
) |
|
|
(27,299 |
) |
|
|
# |
|
LOSS
ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
(635 |
) |
|
|
(7,668 |
) |
|
|
(7,033 |
) |
|
|
# |
|
NET
LOSS
|
|
$ |
(5,916 |
) |
|
$ |
(26,182 |
) |
|
$ |
(20,266 |
) |
|
|
# |
|
#
|
Variance
of 100% or greater
|
Operating
revenues
The
increase in operating revenues of $2.9 million for the three months ended March
31, 2008 (the “2008 Quarter”) as compared to the three months ended March 31,
2007 (the “2007 Quarter”) was primarily attributable to a $9.7 million increase
related to the impact of the Batesville facility for the entire 2008 Quarter in
contrast with the Batesville facility only being reflected for a portion of the
2007 Quarter, and a $2.7 million increase in revenues from the La Paloma
facility’s tolling agreement. These increases in operating revenues
were partially offset by an $8.7 million reduction in energy sales at the La
Paloma facility due primarily to lower availability as a result of scheduled
major maintenance outages during the 2008 Quarter. Additionally, operating
revenues were lower by $0.8 million as a result of the elimination of
inter-company revenues associated with the consolidation of the Batesville
facility subsequent to its acquisition on March 14, 2007.
Fuel
and purchased energy expense
Fuel and
purchased energy expense decreased by $3.8 million, or 11%, due to lower
availability at the La Paloma facility as a result of scheduled major
maintenance outages during the quarter ended March 31, 2008. The
Batesville facility’s contract counterparties supply all fuel to the facility
and the Batesville facility is not required to supply replacement power in the
event of outages, thus the Batesville facility does not incur fuel and purchased
energy expense.
Operating
and maintenance expense
Operating
and maintenance expense increased to $18.6 million, including $13.6 million at
the La Paloma facility, in the 2008 Quarter compared to the 2007 Quarter due
primarily to scheduled major maintenance outages. C-inspections with
a total cost of approximately $14.1 million were performed at the La Paloma
facility during the first quarter of 2008 whereas there were no C-inspections
performed during the 2007 Quarter. In addition, the acquisition of a 93.2%
indirect equity interest in the Batesville facility on March 14, 2007 resulted
in an increase in operating and maintenance expense of $5.7 million for the 2008
Quarter as compared with the 2007 Quarter. Additionally, operating and
maintenance expense was lower by $0.7 million as a result of the elimination of
inter-company expenses associated with the consolidation of the Batesville
facility subsequent to its acquisition.
Administrative
and general expense
The
acquisition of a 93.2% indirect equity interest in the Batesville facility
resulted in an increase in administrative and general expense during the 2008
Quarter of approximately $0.6 million as compared to the 2007
Quarter. This increase was partially offset by lower
professional fees associated with business development activities during the
2008 Quarter compared with the 2007 Quarter.
Depreciation
and amortization
The
Batesville acquisition resulted in $3 million of the increase in depreciation
and amortization for the 2008 Quarter as compared to the 2007
Quarter. The remaining amount of the increase resulted from the La
Paloma facility’s tolling contract liability being fully amortized at the end of
fiscal year 2007.
Interest
income
The
increase in interest income related to the Batesville acquisition was offset by
the decrease in interest income at the La Paloma facility. The
remaining increase in interest income is primarily attributed to an increase in
cash in debt service reserve accounts associated with the CEH/La Paloma Holding
Company, LLC Note Purchase Agreement with the TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley and
the $123 million Complete Energy Credit Agreement.
Interest
expense
The
acquisition of the Batesville facility resulted in $4 million of the increase in
interest expense in the 2008 Quarter as compared to the 2007
Quarter. The remaining increase in interest expense is associated
with interest expense recognized on the Complete Energy Credit
Agreement.
Other
income (expense)
Other
income (expense) is primarily related to fees associated with the La Paloma
facility’s letters of credit. Included in other income (expense) for
the 2007 Quarter is a gain of $0.4 million associated with the sale of
environmental reduction credits at the La Paloma facility.
Consolidated
energy margin
The
following table reconciles Complete Energy’s consolidated energy margin to its
consolidated GAAP results (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
from Operations
|
|
$ |
6,611 |
|
|
$ |
(9,609 |
) |
|
$ |
(16,220 |
) |
|
|
# |
|
Plus:
Operating and maintenance
|
|
|
12,327 |
|
|
|
30,932 |
|
|
|
18,605 |
|
|
|
# |
|
Plus:
Administrative and general
|
|
|
656 |
|
|
|
887 |
|
|
|
231 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
Plus:
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
4,551 |
|
|
|
8,662 |
|
|
|
4,111 |
|
|
|
90 |
|
(Less):
Other revenue
|
|
|
(849 |
) |
|
|
(29 |
) |
|
|
820 |
|
|
|
(97 |
) |
Consolidated
energy margin
|
|
|
23,296 |
|
|
|
30,843 |
|
|
|
7,547 |
|
|
|
32 |
% |
#
|
Variance
of 100% or greater
|
Energy
margin by facility
The
following table illustrates Complete Energy’s energy margin by facility (in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
La
Paloma facility
|
|
$ |
20,876 |
|
|
$ |
18,677 |
|
|
$ |
(2,199 |
) |
|
|
(11 |
)% |
Batesville
facility
|
|
|
2,420 |
|
|
|
12,166 |
|
|
|
9,746 |
|
|
|
# |
|
Consolidated
energy margin
|
|
|
23,296 |
|
|
|
30,843 |
|
|
|
7,547 |
|
|
|
32 |
% |
#
|
Variance
of 100% or greater
|
The La
Paloma facility’s energy margin for the 2008 Quarter decreased $2.2 million, or
11%, as compared to the 2007 Quarter due to 14.2% lower availability as a result
of planned major maintenance outages. The decrease in energy margin
was partially offset by higher contract revenues due to the replacement of SCE
contracts toll on two of the units by more favorably priced Morgan Stanley
Capital Group contracts on 480 MW of capacity, and higher spark
spreads. Energy margin for the Batesville facility for the 2008
Quarter increased $9.7 million, or 403%, as compared to the 2007 Quarter
primarily due to the inclusion of a full quarter of results during the 2008
Quarter, whereas the 2007 Quarter only included results for the period from
March 14, 2007 through March 31, 2007.
Year
Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2006
The
following table sets forth Complete Energy’s results of operations for the years
ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and the change in the
year-to-year comparison on both a dollar and percentage basis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
REVENUES
|
|
$ |
212,477 |
|
|
$ |
260,457 |
|
|
$ |
47,980 |
|
|
|
23 |
% |
OPERATING
COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel
and purchased energy expense
|
|
|
118,744 |
|
|
|
137,517 |
|
|
|
(18,773 |
) |
|
|
(16 |
) |
Operating
and maintenance
|
|
|
54,073 |
|
|
|
80,029 |
|
|
|
(25,956 |
) |
|
|
(48 |
) |
Administrative
and general
|
|
|
3,023 |
|
|
|
2,755 |
|
|
|
268 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
13,568 |
|
|
|
26,606 |
|
|
|
(13,038 |
) |
|
|
(96 |
) |
TOTAL
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
189,408 |
|
|
|
246,907 |
|
|
|
(57,499 |
) |
|
|
(30 |
) |
INCOME
FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
23,069 |
|
|
|
13,550 |
|
|
|
(9,519 |
) |
|
|
(41 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
income
|
|
|
1,728 |
|
|
|
3,314 |
|
|
|
1,586 |
|
|
|
92 |
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(52,927 |
) |
|
|
(81,562 |
) |
|
|
(28,635 |
) |
|
|
(54 |
) |
Other
income (expense)
|
|
|
220 |
|
|
|
36,747 |
|
|
|
36,527 |
|
|
|
# |
|
TOTAL
OTHER EXPENSE
|
|
|
(50,979 |
) |
|
|
(41,501 |
) |
|
|
9,478 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
LOSS
BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
(27,910 |
) |
|
|
(27,951 |
) |
|
|
(41 |
) |
|
|
0 |
|
LOSS
ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
(2,065 |
) |
|
|
(5,120 |
) |
|
|
(3,055 |
) |
|
|
# |
|
NET
LOSS
|
|
$ |
(25,845 |
) |
|
$ |
(22,831 |
) |
|
$ |
3,014 |
|
|
|
12 |
% |
#
|
Variance
of 100% or greater
|
Operating
revenues
Operating
revenues increased $48 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 (“Year
2007”) as compared to the year ended December 31, 2006 (“Year 2006”). Of this
increase, $37.5 million was due to the acquisition of the Batesville
facility on March 14, 2007 and $13.8 million was due to higher energy sales from
the La Paloma facility primarily attributable to higher power prices and a
higher capacity factor. These increases in operating revenue were
partially offset by a $3.3 million reduction in capacity sales related to the
SCE contract at the La Paloma facility.
Fuel
and purchased energy expense
The $18.8
million, or 16%, increase in fuel and purchased energy expense for Year 2007 as
compared to Year 2006 was due to a $14.7 million increase in fuel expense,
reflecting 5% higher natural gas prices and a 10.4% increase in fuel
consumption, and a $4.1 million increase in purchased power costs.
Operating
and maintenance expense
Operating
and maintenance expense increased $26 million for Year 2007 as compared to Year
2006. The acquisition of the Batesville facility in March 2007 resulted in an
increase in operating and maintenance expense of $25.7 million for Year 2007 as
compared to Year 2006. Included in the operating and maintenance
expense at the Batesville facility in 2007 is major maintenance expense of
approximately $14.9 million. The
majority of this major maintenance expense was associated
with a forced outage and scheduled major maintenance outages on two
units. Operating and maintenance expense at the La Paloma facility
increased for Year 2007 compared to Year 2006 as a result of an increase of
approximately $3.3 million of maintenance costs associated with schedule
major maintenance outages and an increase of approximately $0.7 million in
insurance cost. These increases were partially offset by a $2.2
million decrease in cost related to the La Paloma facility’s long term service
contract as a result of significantly lower starts and unit trips during 2007.
Additionally, operating and maintenance expense was lower by $1.3 million as a
result of the elimination of inter-company expenses associated with the
consolidation of the Batesville facility subsequent to its acquisition.
Administrative
and general expense
Administrative
and general expense decreased approximately $0.3 million in Year 2007 in
comparison with Year 2006. The acquisition of the Batesville facility
resulted in an increase of approximately $1.3 million offset by a reduction in
labor and professional fees at the corporate level of approximately $1.6
million.
Interest
income
The
increase in interest income in Year 2007 as compared to Year 2006 was
primarily attributable to the acquisition of the Batesville
facility.
Interest
expense
Interest
expense increased $28.6 million in Year 2007 as compared to Year
2006. Of this increase, $16.7 million is related to debt assumed as a
part of the acquisition of the Batesville facility. The remaining
increase in interest expense is associated with interest expense recognized on
the Complete Energy Credit Agreement entered into on November 30, 2007 and the
interest expense and subsequent redemption of notes issued to finance the
acquisition of the additional interest in the Batesville facility on March 14,
2007.
Other
income (expense)
Other
income (expense) for Year 2007 included a $35 million breakup fee related to the
termination of a Purchase and Sale Agreement with KGen Power Corporation as well
as a gain of $1.4 million associated with the sale of environmental reduction
credits at the La Paloma facility.
Consolidated
energy margin
The
following table reconciles Complete Energy’s consolidated energy margin to its
consolidated GAAP results (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
from Operations
|
|
$ |
23,069 |
|
|
$ |
13,550 |
|
|
$ |
(9,519 |
) |
|
|
(41 |
)% |
Plus:
Operating and maintenance
|
|
|
54,073 |
|
|
|
80,029 |
|
|
|
25,956 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
Plus:
Administrative and general
|
|
|
3,023 |
|
|
|
2,755 |
|
|
|
(268 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
Plus:
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
13,568 |
|
|
|
26,606 |
|
|
|
13,028 |
|
|
|
96 |
|
(Less):
Other revenue
|
|
|
(4,364 |
) |
|
|
(941 |
) |
|
|
3,423 |
|
|
|
(78 |
) |
Consolidated
energy margin
|
|
$ |
89,369 |
|
|
$ |
121,999 |
|
|
$ |
32,630 |
|
|
|
37 |
% |
Energy
margin by facility
The
following table illustrates Complete Energy’s energy margin by facility (in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
La
Paloma facility
|
|
$ |
89,369 |
|
|
$ |
84,483 |
|
|
$ |
(4,886 |
) |
|
|
(5 |
)% |
Batesville
facility
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
37,516 |
|
|
|
37,516 |
|
|
|
# |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
energy margin
|
|
$ |
89,369 |
|
|
$ |
121,999 |
|
|
$ |
32,630 |
|
|
|
37 |
% |
#
|
Variance
of 100% or greater
|
The
increase in consolidated energy margin in Year 2007 as compared to Year 2006
resulted primarily from a $37.5 million increase in energy margin related to the
acquisition of the Batesville facility on March 14, 2007. The La
Paloma facility’s energy margin deceased $4.9 million in Year 2007 as compared
to Year 2006 primarily due to $3.3 million lower contract revenues under the SCE
contract due to planned and forced outages, $3 million lower ancillary services,
$1.4 million higher fuel expense related to a higher average heat rate, all
partially offset by $2.6 million in lower CAISO fees.
Year
Ended December 31, 2006 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2005
The
following table sets forth Complete Energy’s results of operations for the years
ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and the change in the
year-to-year comparison on both a dollar and percentage basis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
REVENUES
|
|
$ |
98,257 |
|
|
$ |
212,477 |
|
|
$ |
114,220 |
|
|
|
# |
|
OPERATING
COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel
and purchased energy expense
|
|
|
56,606 |
|
|
|
118,744 |
|
|
|
(62,138 |
) |
|
|
# |
|
Operating
and maintenance
|
|
|
24,468 |
|
|
|
54,073 |
|
|
|
(29,605 |
) |
|
|
# |
|
Administrative
and general
|
|
|
1,935 |
|
|
|
3,023 |
|
|
|
(1,088 |
) |
|
|
(56 |
) |
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
4,986 |
|
|
|
13,568 |
|
|
|
(8,582 |
) |
|
|
# |
|
TOTAL
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
87,995 |
|
|
|
189,408 |
|
|
|
(101,413 |
) |
|
|
# |
|
INCOME
FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
10,262 |
|
|
|
23,069 |
|
|
|
12,807 |
|
|
|
# |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
income
|
|
|
304 |
|
|
|
1,728 |
|
|
|
1,424 |
|
|
|
# |
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(21,061 |
) |
|
|
(52,927 |
) |
|
|
(31,866 |
) |
|
|
# |
|
Other
income (expense)
|
|
|
(58 |
) |
|
|
220 |
|
|
|
278 |
|
|
|
# |
|
TOTAL
OTHER EXPENSE
|
|
|
(20,815 |
) |
|
|
(50,979 |
) |
|
|
(30,164 |
) |
|
|
# |
|
LOSS
BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
(10,553 |
) |
|
|
(27,910 |
) |
|
|
(17,357 |
) |
|
|
# |
|
LOSS
ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
(814 |
) |
|
|
(2,065 |
) |
|
|
(1,251 |
) |
|
|
# |
|
NET
LOSS
|
|
$ |
(9,739 |
) |
|
$ |
(25,845 |
) |
|
$ |
(16,106 |
) |
|
|
# |
|
#
|
Variance
of 100% or greater
|
Operating
revenues
The
increase in operating revenues for Year 2006 as compared to the year ended
December 31, 2005 (“Year 2005”) is mainly attributed to the inclusion of a full
year of operating revenues for the La Paloma facility in Year 2006, which
totaled $208.1 million whereas Year 2005 included only $93.2 million of revenues
from the La Paloma facility for the period from August 17, 2005 to December 31,
2005 (37% of a full year’s operations). This increase was partially
offset by power prices that were approximately 40% lower during Year 2006 than
during Complete Energy’s period of ownership in Year 2005.
Fuel
and purchased energy expense
The
increase in fuel and purchased energy expense in Year 2006 was due to the
acquisition of the La Paloma facility on August 16, 2005, offset by gas prices
that were 37% lower during Year 2006 than during Complete Energy’s period of
ownership in Year 2005.
Operating
and maintenance expense
The
acquisition of the La Paloma facility resulted in an increase in operating and
maintenance expense of $29 million, reflecting a full year of ownership in
2006.
Depreciation
and amortization expense
The
increase in depreciation and amortization in Year 2006 was primarily related to
the inclusion of the La Paloma facility for a full year during fiscal year 2006
versus only a partial period during fiscal year 2005.
Interest
income and interest expense
The
increase in these line items was mainly due to the La Paloma
acquisition.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Overview
Complete
Energy’s liquidity and capital requirements are primarily a function of its debt
maturities and debt service requirements, collateral requirements, contractual
obligations, capital expenditures and working capital needs. Examples
of working capital needs include prepayments or cash collateral associated with
purchases of commodities, facility maintenance costs and other general and
administrative costs such as payroll. Complete Energy’s liquidity and
capital resources are primarily derived from cash flows from operations, cash on
hand and borrowings under financing agreements.
Complete
Energy’s operations are primarily conducted through its subsidiaries, La Paloma
Generating Company, LLC (“LPGC”) and LSP Energy Limited Partnership
(“LSPLP”). Both subsidiaries have project finance debt facilities
that restrict the movement of funds between the operating subsidiaries, and from
the operating subsidiaries to Complete Energy. As a result,
Complete Energy separately analyzes, manages and monitors liquidity and capital
resource needs at the La Paloma facility, the Batesville facility and at the
Complete Energy corporate level.
Sources
of Liquidity and Capital Resources
Complete
Energy Corporate Level
On
November 30, 2007, Complete Energy entered into the Complete Energy Credit
Agreement. Complete Energy used a portion of the proceeds of the
Complete Energy Credit Agreement to fund the interest reserve account that
provides for interest payments due under the Credit Agreement through November
30, 2008. Please see Note 4 to Complete Energy’s audited consolidated
financial statements included elsewhere in this proxy statement. The
principal balance outstanding under the Complete Energy Credit Agreement is due
on November 29, 2008. At Complete Energy’s option, the Complete
Energy Credit Agreement loan balance bears interest at either (1) the greater of
Prime and Federal Funds Effective Rate plus ½ of 1%, plus 8%, per year or (2)
LIBOR plus 10%, per year. The effective rate at March 31, 2008 was
14.72%. Interest is due on the last day of each March, June,
September and December in the case of a prime rate loan. For LIBOR
loans, interest is due at the end of the loan period if less than three months
or on the last day of any three month period in a loan greater than three
months. The Complete Energy Credit Agreement is secured by its equity
interest in the parent companies of LPGC and LSPLP.
The
Complete Energy Credit Agreement allows for full prepayment without penalty
after June 29, 2008. The Complete Energy Credit Agreement generally
precludes Complete Energy from incurring any additional indebtedness unless 100%
of the net cash proceeds of such indebtedness are used to pay down amounts owed
under the Complete Energy Credit Agreement. The Complete Energy
Credit Agreement also requires that 100% of the net cash proceeds of the
disposition of assets and issuance of equity be used to pay off amounts owed
under the Complete Energy Credit Agreement. The contemplated merger
with GSCAC, if successfully completed before the Complete Energy Agreement
maturity date, provides for the full repayment of the borrowings under the
Complete Energy Credit Agreement. Complete Energy is also evaluating
other alternatives to replacing the Complete Energy Credit Agreement, although
there is no certainty that such efforts will be successful. Failure
of the merger to close
on a timely basis or the failure of Complete Energy to replace the Complete
Energy Credit Agreement on reasonably attractive terms could have a material
adverse impact on Complete Energy’s financial condition.
In
addition, Complete Energy receives management fees and reimbursement of direct
expenses from the Batesville facility and the La Paloma facility that are used
to fund ongoing corporate activities.
As of
March 31, 2008, Complete Energy’s corporate level unrestricted cash on hand was
$8 million. Complete Energy expects to incur legal and other expenses
related to the merger with GSCAC between March 31, 2008 and the closing of the
merger, and thus expects a reduction in the amount of its available cash prior
to the completion of the merger. However, Complete Energy expects its
corporate liquidity to be adequate to fund anticipated expenses prior to the
completion of the merger and to fund any potential liquidity requirements at the
Batesville facility. After the closing of the merger, Complete Energy
expects to have approximately $13 million of available cash. This
amount is subject to change based on a number of factors, including, among other
things, transaction expenses incurred by Complete Energy and GSCAC, the closing
date of the merger and the number of holders of IPO shares who vote against the
acquisition proposal and elect to convert their IPO shares into
cash. However, Complete Energy believes it will have adequate
liquidity to fund its corporate obligations, including any capital requirements,
for the 12 months following the completion of the merger.
The
La Paloma Facility
Complete
Energy conducts its operations of the La Paloma facility through its indirect
60% owned subsidiary, LPGC. In August 2005, LPGC entered into the Senior Secured
Loan Facilities (the “La Paloma Loan Facilities”) with Morgan Stanley Senior
Funding, Inc. and WestLB, New York Branch as co-syndication
agents. The La Paloma Loan Facilities include:
|
·
|
a
First-Lien Working Capital Agreement (“Working Capital
Agreement”);
|
|
·
|
the
First-Lien Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “First Lien
Facility”);
|
|
·
|
the
First-Lien Special Letter of Credit Facility (the “L/C Facility”);
and
|
|
·
|
the
Second-Lien Term Loan Agreement (the “Second Lien
Facility”).
|
The
Working Capital Agreement is a revolving loan agreement with available credit of
$65 million. Of the amount remaining available, LPGC may issue
letters of credit up to $35 million as required to fulfill various commercial
counterparty and vendor requirements. At the option of LPGC working
capital loan balances bear interest at either of the higher of (1) the Federal
Funds Effective Rate, plus 1.75% per year or (2) the Prime rate plus 1.25% per
year, or at LIBOR plus 2.25% per year. The effective rate at March
31, 2008 was 5.37%. LPGC pays a commitment fee equal to
0.50% per year on the unused balance. In addition, LPGC pays letter
of credit fees in an amount equal to 2.25% per year on letters of credit
outstanding. At March 31, 2008, the amount outstanding under the
Working Capital Agreement was $22.6 million. Letters of credit
outstanding under the Working Capital Agreement at March 31, 2008 totaled $17.6
million. The Working Capital Agreement matures on August 16,
2010.
The First
Lien Facility had an initial availability of $305 million. Of this amount, LPGC
is able to issue up to $40 million in letters of credit to secure various
obligations of LPGC. As of March 31, 2008, LPGC has issued the full $40 million
available to secure an obligation to Morgan Stanley and CAISO. The
First Lien Facility balance bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.75% per year, and is
reset quarterly. The effective rate at March 31, 2008 was 6.58%. LPGC pays
letter of credit fees in an amount equal to 1.85% per year for letters of credit
outstanding under the First Lien Facility. A portion of the First Lien Facility
principal balance is to be repaid through scheduled quarterly payments of
$662,500 as well as through quarterly mandatory pre-payments based on a
percentage of cash flow. The remaining unpaid principal balance is due on August
16, 2012.
The L/C
Facility had an initial availability, or stated amount, of $250 million. The
capacity under this agreement has been made available to secure obligations
related to the Morgan Stanley Capital Group contracts, and declines over time as
the Morgan Stanley Capital Group contracts approach their termination
dates. The stated amount under the L/C Facility at March 31, 2008 was
$230.4 million. Any drawings under the L/C Facility bear interest at a rate
equal to the higher of the Federal Funds Effective Rate, plus 4.50% per year, or
the Prime Rate plus
4.00% per year. Drawings under the L/C Facility will
only occur if there is an Event of Default under the Morgan Stanley Capital
Group power purchase contract. There were no drawings under the L/C
Facility during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the quarter ended
March 31, 2008. As of the date of this proxy statement, there are also no
drawings under the L/C Facility.
The Second
Lien Facility has an outstanding balance of $155 million. The Second
Lien Facility balance bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.50% per year, and is reset
quarterly. The effective rate at March 31, 2008 was
8.33%. The Second Lien Facility principal balance is due on August
16, 2013.
The La
Paloma Loan Facilities require LPGC to comply with certain financial and other
covenants. The terms of the La Paloma Loan Facilities generally
preclude LPGC from granting additional liens and limit the incurrence of
additional indebtedness to $5 million with respect to the purchase of discrete
items of equipment, $5 million with respect to surety bonds or similar
instruments, and $12 million with respect to other indebtedness. LPGC
was in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2007 and 2006 and March
31, 2008.
With the
completion of the major maintenance activities at the La Paloma facility in June
2008, Complete Energy believes LPGC will have cash available to reduce
borrowings under the Working Capital Agreement, or make optional prepayments of
debt or equity distributions to Complete Energy in the near
future. However, Complete Energy does not anticipate cash
distributions from LPGC to be a material source of corporate funds for the next
12 months. As of March 31, 2008, LPGC had $24.8 million of available
capacity under the Working Capital Agreement and $7.5 million of unrestricted
cash in its operating account. Complete Energy believes LPGC will
have adequate liquidity resources to fund its operations and anticipated capital
expenditures at least until its Working Capital Agreement expires on August 16,
2010. Complete Energy expects improving liquidity at LPGC over the
next 12 month due to lack of scheduled major overhauls, which will allow
reductions in amounts outstanding under the Working Capital
Agreement.
The
Batesville Facility
Complete
Energy conducts its operations of the Batesville facility through its indirect
96.3% owned subsidiary, LSPLP. On May 21, 1999, LSPLP and LSP Batesville Funding
Corporation (“Funding”) issued two series of Senior Secured Bonds (the “Bonds”):
$150 million of 7.164% Series Secured Bonds due 2014 and $176 million of 8.160%
Senior Secured Bonds due 2025. Interest is payable semi-annually on each January
15 and July 15, to the holders of record on the immediately proceeding January 1
and July 1. Scheduled maturities are also paid semi
annually. Please see “—Contractual Obligations.” As of March 31,
2008, $259.3 million of Bonds were outstanding.
LSPLP has
entered into the Seconded Amended and Restated Common Agreement among LSPLP,
Funding and Bank of New York (the “Amended and Restated Common Agreement”). The
primary provisions of this agreement govern disbursement of LSPLP funds to pay
construction costs, operations and maintenance costs, debt service and other
amounts due from LSPLP and the conditions that must be satisfied prior to
distributions from LSPLP. See Note 4 to the audited consolidated
financial statements of Complete Energy included elsewhere in this proxy
statement. This agreement requires that LSPLP set aside reserves
for:
|
·
|
payments
of scheduled principal and interest on the
Bonds;
|
|
·
|
the
cost of performing periodic major maintenance on the Batesville facility,
including turbine overhauls; and
|
|
·
|
the
credit support, if any, that LSPLP is required to provide to SMEPA under
the SMEPA contract.
|
As of
March 31, 2008, LSPLP has funded reserve accounts for scheduled principal and
interest on the Bonds and periodic major maintenance on the Batesville facility
in the amount of $27.6 million. Such reserve accounts are reflected
as “investments held by trustee – restricted” on the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets.
The
Amended and Restated Common Agreement also places restrictions on distributions
from LSPLP to its owners based on several criteria including a requirement that
LSPLP’s six-month historical and projected debt service coverage ratios
(“DSCRs”) must equal or exceed 1.2 times. At March 31, 2008, LSPLP’s six month
historical DSCR was 0.91 and its six month projected DSCR was 1.02
times. As a result, Complete Energy does not expect LSPLP to make distributions
during the next 12 months.
The trust
indenture for the Bonds contains covenants including among others, limitations
and restrictions relating to additional debt other than the
Bonds. Permitted indebtedness under the trust indenture include
capital lease obligations of up to $5 million and working capital loans of up to
$10 million, provided the working capital loans are used solely to pay operation
and maintenance costs and provided the working capital agreement has provisions
that require that no amount be outstanding under such agreement for at least 10
days per year. Additional liens are generally not permitted except in
connection with permitted indebtedness. The Batesville facility did not have a
working capital facility as of March 31, 2008.
The
Batesville facility performed major overhauls on two of its three units during
2007. In anticipation of funding needs for these overhaul activities,
Complete Energy made an $8 million capital contribution to the Batesville
facility concurrent with its purchase of a majority interest in the facility on
March 14, 2007. Also during 2007, the Batesville facility experienced
two significant forced outages that negatively impacted its operating
revenues. On November 30, 2007, Complete Energy contributed an
additional $3 million to the Batesville facility for operational improvements to
the turbines. As of March 31, 2008, the Batesville facility had $0.2 million of
available cash in its operating account and $27.6 million of restricted
cash. One of the outages experienced in 2007 will continue to impact
the Batesville facility’s operating revenues through September 2008, as contract
revenues associated with the impacted unit are calculated based on trailing
12-month availability. Primarily due to this anticipated reduction in
revenue, the Batesville facility’s internally generated funds are not expected
to be sufficient to fully fund operating costs and debt service requirements
over the next 12 months. Complete Energy expects that it has
sufficient capital resources at the Complete Energy corporate level to fund any
cash shortfalls at the Batesville facility prior to the completion of the merger
with GSCAC. After the completion of the merger, Complete Energy
expects to have sufficient corporate resources at the Complete Energy corporate
level to fund any cash shortfalls at the Batesville facility for at least 12
months.
Liquidity
and Capital Requirements
Debt
Instruments and Guarantees
As
described in “Sources of Liquidity and Capital Resources—Complete Energy
Corporate Level” the $123 million principal amount Complete Energy
Credit Agreement is due November 29, 2008. The contemplated merger
with GSCAC, if successfully completed before the Complete Energy Credit
Agreement maturity date, provides for the full repayment of the Complete Energy
Credit Agreement. Complete Energy is also evaluating other
alternatives for replacing the Complete Energy Credit Agreement, although there
is no certainty that such efforts will be successful. Failure of the
merger to close on a timely basis or the failure of Complete Energy to replace
the Complete Energy Credit Facility on reasonably attractive terms could have a
material adverse impact on Complete Energy’s financial condition.
On August
16, 2005, CEH/La Paloma Holding Company, LLC (“LP Holdco”), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Complete Energy, entered into the Note Purchase Agreement with the
TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley under which approximately $129.8 million of notes
(the “TAMCO/MS Notes”) were issued to the TAMCO funds and Morgan
Stanley. The entire principal balance of the TAMCO/MS Notes is due on
December 31, 2020; however, under specific circumstances described in the Note
Purchase Agreement, portions of the principal balance and additional interest
payments are required before LP Holdco will be permitted to make equity
distributions to Complete Energy. The stated annual interest rate is
8%; however, since the Note Purchase Agreement is treated as a contingent
payment debt instrument for tax purposes, an imputed interest rate of 12.93% is
used for accruing interest. Beginning October 31, 2006, interest is
payable quarterly on the last calendar day of each subsequent January, April,
July and October. The Note Purchase Agreement is secured by Complete
Energy’s 60% equity interest in La Paloma Acquisition, which owns 100% of
LPGC.
Each
noteholder was also granted a Cash Settled Option (“Option”). Once the principal
amount of the TAMCO/MS Notes is paid and upon exercise of the Option, the Option
provides that each note holder can receive in cash or a note their ratable share
of up to 38% in the fair market value of Complete Energy’s interest in the La
Paloma facility. Please see Note 4 to Complete Energy’s audited
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this proxy
statement.
Due to
lower than anticipated cash distributions from LPGC to La Paloma Acquisition,
and ultimately to LP Holdco, LP Holdco was unable to make the full required
interest payment on the TAMCO/MS Notes on October 31, 2006 and subsequent
quarterly interest payments. Complete Energy obtained a waiver from
the noteholders dated October 31, 2006. The waiver allowed LP Holdco
to defer approximately $4.8 million of interest that was due on October 31,
2006, until March 31, 2007. In exchange for the waiver, LP Holdco (1)
pays 8% interest per annum on the deferred interest until the deferred interest
is paid; and (2) paid a one time penalty interest payment equal to 2% of the
aggregate outstanding principal amount under the TAMCO/MS Notes by March 31,
2007. The penalty interest of approximately $2.7 million was recorded
as interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2006. Complete
Energy obtained waivers for the January and April 2007 quarterly interest
payments.
On June
18, 2007, certain of Complete Energy’s subsidiaries signed a Purchase and Sale
Agreement with KGen Power Corporation to sell its interest in
LPGC. In connection therewith, a Consent and Agreement (the “June
Consent”) was signed with the noteholders. In accordance with the
June Consent, the noteholders agreed not to exercise or cause to be exercised
any remedies under the Note Purchase Agreement until the earliest of (1) the
date of closing of the sale of LPGC, (2) the date on which the Purchase and Sale
Agreement with KGen terminated and (3) October 16, 2007 (referred to in the June
Consent as the “Standstill Period”). Please see Note 1 to Complete
Energy’s audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
proxy statement. The June Consent deferred all interest payments due
or coming due until the expiration of the Standstill Period. In
October 2007, Complete Energy signed a termination agreement related to the
Purchase and Sale Agreement with KGen. Under the terms of the
termination agreement, Complete Energy received a $35 million breakup fee.
Complete Energy contributed approximately $28.5 million to LP Holdco. A portion
of this amount was used to pay all interest and penalties due on the TAMCO/MS
Notes. Additionally, Complete Energy funded approximately $10.4
million into the debt service reserve account for interest payments through the
October 2008 quarterly payment.
LP
Holdco’s ability to continue making the required quarterly interest payments on
the TAMCO/MS Notes subsequent to the October 2008 payment is dependent upon LP
Holdco’s and Complete Energy’s ability to obtain the funds necessary to pay the
quarterly interest payment in January 2009 and beyond. The
contemplated merger with GSCAC, if successfully concluded before the January
2009 payment on the TAMCO/MS Notes is due, provides for the full satisfaction of
the TAMCO/MS Notes. If Complete Energy is unable to make the January
2009 quarterly interest payment, there would be an event of default under the
TAMCO/MS Notes which could have a material adverse impact on Complete Energy’s
financial condition.
Capital
Expenditures and Major Maintenance
Complete
Energy does not anticipate significant future capital expenditure requirements
related to its facilities. The La Paloma facility recorded $19.4 million in
capital expenditures in 2005 associated with warranty improvements, which LPGC
completed prior to the La Paloma facility acquisition. Complete
Energy’s consolidated capital expenditures for each of 2006 and 2007 were $0.8
million. Total capital expenditures for the quarter ended March 31,
2008 were $0.2 million. Complete Energy anticipates approximately
$5.6 million in 2008 and $2.7 million in 2009 in capital expenditures at the La
Paloma facility related to various projects to improve efficiency and
reliability. Complete Energy expects to have adequate operating cash
flows and funds available under the La Paloma facility’s working capital
facility to fund such expenditures. Complete Energy does not
anticipate significant future capital expenditures at the Batesville
facility. Complete Energy is also evaluating possibilities for
expanding capacity at the La Paloma facility, including the potential of adding
one or more generation units, although no commitments have been made regarding
such expansions. If Complete Energy proceeds with a major expansion,
it would evaluate various financing alternatives, including project financing or
direct capital contributions to the project.
Expenditures
related to major maintenance overhauls can vary materially from period to period
due to the scheduling of major maintenance activities, and can place significant
demands on liquidity and capital recourses. Generally, major
maintenance overhauls occur on a particular unit every three to four years for
the La Paloma facility and seven to eight years for the Batesville
facility. Major maintenance cycles are largely dependent on each
unit’s capacity factors, number of starts and unplanned
outages. Since the units at each facility were placed into
service at roughly the same time, requirements for major overhauls
of the units at a particular facility tend to occur during a relatively
compressed time frame. The La Paloma facility overhauled one of its units in
2007 and the three other units during the first half of 2008. The
Batesville facility overhauled two of its units in 2007 and the third in May,
2008. Complete Energy does not expect major overhauls at the facilities until
2010. In December 2007, the Batesville facility entered into the LTM
Contract with Siemens Power Generation Inc., which Complete Energy believes will
reduce future period-to-period variances in major maintenance expenditures at
the Batesville facility.
Historical
Cash Flows
The
following table summarizes Complete Energy’s cash flow activities for the
periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning
cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
611 |
|
|
$ |
6,686 |
|
|
$ |
13,336 |
|
|
$ |
13,336 |
|
|
$ |
15,022 |
|
Net
cash provided by (used in):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
|
(9,739 |
) |
|
|
(25,845 |
) |
|
|
(22,831 |
) |
|
|
(5,916 |
) |
|
|
(26,182 |
) |
Non-cash
adjustments to net loss
|
|
|
8,234 |
|
|
|
15,051 |
|
|
|
26,394 |
|
|
|
3,987 |
|
|
|
4,205 |
|
Changes
in working capital
|
|
|
(14,815 |
) |
|
|
20,171 |
|
|
|
(3,578 |
) |
|
|
2,608 |
|
|
|
9,814 |
|
Operating
activities
|
|
|
(16,320 |
) |
|
|
9,377 |
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
679 |
|
|
|
(12,163 |
) |
Investing
activities
|
|
|
(514,562 |
) |
|
|
3,962 |
|
|
|
(87,856 |
) |
|
|
(58,357 |
) |
|
|
22,529 |
|
Financing
activities
|
|
|
536,957 |
|
|
|
(6,689 |
) |
|
|
89,557 |
|
|
|
61,854 |
|
|
|
(9,663 |
) |
Net
increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
6,075 |
|
|
|
6,650 |
|
|
|
1,686 |
|
|
|
4,176 |
|
|
|
703 |
|
Ending
cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
6,686 |
|
|
$ |
13,336 |
|
|
$ |
15,022 |
|
|
$ |
17,512 |
|
|
$ |
15,725 |
|
March
31, 2008 Compared to March 31, 2007
Cash flows
from operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2008 decreased
$12.8 million as compared to the related period for 2007. This
decrease was primarily due to higher net loss associated with major maintenance
outages, and was partially offset by favorable changes in working
capital.
Changes in
working capital had a $7.2 million positive impact partially related to a
decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets, increases in accounts
payable and other current liabilities, and were partially offset by an increase
in accounts receivable at the La Paloma facility. Receipt of
insurance proceeds covering forced outages at the facilities during 2007
resulted in a $5.3 million reduction in prepaid expenses and other current
assets. As a result of scheduled outage at the La Paloma facility in
the first quarter of 2008, accounts payable and other current assets increased
due to higher power purchases, and accounts receivable increased as a result of
higher gas sales. Cash paid for interest increased to $25.1 million
for the three months ended March 31, 2008 as compared to $7.7 million in 2007,
primarily due to interest payments on new corporate credit facilities utilized
to acquire Complete Energy’s majority interest in the Batesville facility and
semi-annual interest paid by the Batesville facility on its project level debt
on January 15, 2008, whereas the corresponding payment in 2007 was paid prior to
Complete Energy’s acquisition.
Cash flows
from investing activities increased $80.9 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2008 compared to 2007. During the three months ended March
31, 2008, there were no cash outflows for the purchase of assets, as compared to
outflows of $51.2 million in 2007 related to the Batesville facility
acquisition. An increase in restricted cash of $22.7 million in 2008
had a positive impact of $35.1 million on cash flows from investing
activities. These changes were the result of interest payments under
the Complete Energy Credit Agreement, the TAMCO/MS Notes and the project debt at
the Batesville facility and due to increased spending on major maintenance
expenditures at the La Paloma facility in the first half of 2008. The
three months ended March 31, 2007 included net inflows of $1.8 million of
proceeds from the sale of environmental reduction credits at the La Paloma
facility.
Cash flows
from financing activities decreased $71.5 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2008 compared to 2007. The three months ended March 31,
2008 included a $6.3 million increase in debt payments associated with debt
assumed as a result of the acquisition of the Batesville facility. Additionally,
$2.7 million of
payments under the La Paloma facility’s Working Capital Agreement
were made in the three months ended March 31, 2008, as opposed to none in the
corresponding period of 2007. For the three months ended March 31,
2007, Complete Energy had $65.7 million of borrowings and $17.5 million of cash
inflows from the issuance of preferred units at a wholly owned subsidiary of
Complete Energy to finance the acquisition of the Batesville
facility. Additionally, these inflows were offset by $18.2 million of
distributions to members and $2.4 million of financing costs associated with
this new facility.
Fiscal
Year 2007 Compared to Fiscal Year 2006
Cash flows
from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2007 decreased $9.4
million as compared to 2006. This decrease was primarily due to
unfavorable changes in working capital, which was partially offset by increases
in non-cash adjustments to net income. Non-cash adjustments to net
income increased $11.3 million in 2007 compared to 2006 primarily due to the
acquisition of the Batesville facility in March 2007.
Changes in
working capital had a negative impact of $23.7 million, primarily due to
increases in accounts receivable, inventories, other current assets and accrued
interest for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to
2006. The increase in accounts receivable is related to higher sales
in December 2007 at the La Paloma facility and the acquisition of the Batesville
facility in March 2007. The increase in inventories is related to
purchases of parts at the end of 2007 for use in the scheduled major maintenance
outages during the first quarter of 2008 at the La Paloma facility, and to
increase the La Paloma facility’s inventory of critical spare
parts. The increase in other current assets is related to insurance
receivables for insured outages at the facilities. Cash paid for
interest increased by $23.9 million in 2007 to $62 million for the year ended
December 31, 2007, primarily due to additional credit facilities entered into at
corporate associated with the acquisition of the additional interest in the
Batesville facility and interest paid by the Batesville facility since its
acquisition on March 14, 2007.
Cash flows
from investing activities decreased $91.8 million for the year ended December
31, 2007 compared to 2006. The decrease in cash flows from investing
activities was largely the result of outflows of cash of $51.2 million for the
purchase of the Batesville facility and net increases in restricted cash of
$44.1 million as a result of funding of one year of interest on the Complete
Energy Credit Agreement, $44.1 million funding of interest for the TAMCO/MS
Notes, increase in the debt payment account at the Batesville facility to fund
the January 2008 debt payment and increase in the major maintenance reserve
account at the La Paloma facility for scheduled major maintenance outages in the
first half of 2008. These outflows were partially offset by $3.5
million of proceeds from the sale of environmental reduction credits at the La
Paloma facility during 2007.
Cash flows
from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2007 resulted in net
inflows of $96.2 million up from net to outflows of $6.7 million in
2006. The primary sources of cash during the year ended December 31,
2007 were $123 million of borrowings under the Complete Energy Credit Agreement,
a reduction in debt payments at the La Paloma facility of $6.2 million in 2007
compared with 2006 and net increase of $2.3 million in borrowings under the La
Paloma facility’s Working Capital Agreement. These inflows were
offset by $18.2 million of distributions to members, $6.3 million increase in
debt payments at the Batesville facility and $11.7 million of financing costs
associated with the new financing facilities in 2007.
Fiscal
Year 2006 Compared to Fiscal Year 2005
Cash flows
from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased $25.7
million as compared to 2005. This increase was primarily due to
favorable changes in working capital and increases in non-cash adjustments to
net income, offset by higher net losses. Non-cash adjustments to net
income increased $6.9 million in 2006 compared to 2005 primarily due to the
acquisition of the La Paloma facility in August 2005.
Changes in
working capital had a positive impact of $20.2 million on cash flows from
operations in 2006 compared to a negative impact of $14.8 million in
2005. The improvement in working capital of $35 million was primarily
related to a payment of $23.1 million in 2005 associated with warranty
improvements on the La Paloma facility and a decrease in accounts
receivable. The decrease in accounts receivable was related to lower
availability in December 2006 at the La Paloma facility. Cash paid
for interest increased by $28.2 million in 2006 to $38.1 million for the year
ended December 31, 2006 as compared to $9.9 million in 2005, primarily due to a
full year of interest paid by the La Paloma facility versus a partial year in
2005.
Cash
outflows from investing activities decreased $518.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 2006 compared to 2005. The decrease in cash outflows
from investing activities was largely the result of outflows of cash for the
purchase of the La Paloma facility, net decreases in restricted cash of $28.5
million as a result of funding of the restricted cash accounts during 2005 and
capital expenditures associated with the warranty improvements at the La Paloma
facility in 2005.
Cash flows
from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2006 resulted in net
outflows of $6.7 million compared to inflows of $537 million in
2005. During the year ended December 31, 2005, net inflows associated
with the financing of the acquisition of the La Paloma facility was $530.4
million. Excluding the net inflows associated with the financing of
the La Paloma facility acquisition, cash flows from financing decreased $13.2
million. The primary uses of cash during the year was $1.8 million
distributions to minority interest holders of La Paloma Acquisition, $1.4
million of additional payments on debt under the La Paloma facility’s Working
Capital Agreement and $11 million lower net borrowings under the Working Capital
Agreement.
Contractual
Obligations
Complete
Energy enters into various agreements that result in contractual payment
obligations in connection with its business activities. These
obligations primarily relate to its financing arrangements and maintenance
agreements. The following table includes Complete Energy’s
obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts as of March
31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
Contractual
Obligations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
Long-term
debt obligations2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal
|
|
$ |
787,916 |
|
|
$ |
8,513 |
|
|
$ |
32,375 |
|
|
$ |
266,567 |
|
|
$ |
480,461 |
|
Interest
|
|
|
456,127 |
|
|
|
33,038 |
|
|
|
100,064 |
|
|
|
100,670 |
|
|
|
222,354 |
|
Total
|
|
|
1,244,042 |
|
|
|
41,551 |
|
|
|
132,439 |
|
|
|
367,237 |
|
|
|
702,815 |
|
Interest
rate swap agreements
|
|
|
13,634 |
|
|
|
3,941 |
|
|
|
8,107 |
|
|
|
1,586 |
|
|
|
― |
|
Capital lease
obligations
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
― |
|
Operating
lease obligations
|
|
|
844 |
|
|
|
228 |
|
|
|
616 |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
Purchase
obligations3
|
|
|
176,714 |
|
|
|
18,168 |
|
|
|
39,398 |
|
|
|
40,221 |
|
|
|
78,927 |
|
Other
liability4
|
|
|
96,538 |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
96,538 |
|
Total
contractual obligations
|
|
$ |
1,531,805 |
|
|
$ |
63,893 |
|
|
$ |
180,578 |
|
|
$ |
409,054 |
|
|
$ |
878,280 |
|
|
(1)
|
Represents
payments on contractual obligations through December 31,
2008.
|
|
(2)
|
Interest
on variable rate debt is included based on the March 31, 2008 forward
curve for interest rate.
|
|
(3)
|
Agreements
to purchase goods or services that specify all significant
terms. Amounts related to certain purchase obligations are
based on future purchase expectations which may differ from actual
purchases.
|
|
(4)
|
Other
liability consists of the estimated future payment of the cash settled
option on the TAMCO/MS Notes. See Note 5 to Complete Energy’s
audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
proxy. The TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley have consented to
exchange of the cash settled options and their related Notes upon the
closing of the merger. Please see “Other Transaction
Agreements—Lender Consent.”
|
Environmental
Regulations
There are
a variety of laws and regulations in place or being considered for adoption at
the federal, regional, state and local levels of government that do or are
reasonably likely to restrict the emission of carbon dioxide and other
“greenhouse gases” that may be contributing to changes in the earth’s climate.
Since power plants are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, it is
almost certain that any restrictions on emissions of greenhouse gases will
affect power plants. While it is unclear precisely how these laws and
regulations will affect power plants in general or Complete Energy in
particular, some laws will or may require emitters to incur material costs to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions or to procure emission allowances or credits, or
may result in the incurrence of material taxes, fees or other governmental
impositions in connection with such emissions. These existing and any future
laws and regulations are expected to significantly increase Complete Energy’s
operating costs, as well as those of its
fossil-fueled competitors, could require the incurrence of
significant capital expenditures and could have a material adverse effect on its
results of operations and financial condition.
Factors
Affecting Liquidity, Capital Resources and Capital Requirements
For a
description of factors that could affect Complete Energy’s sources of liquidity,
capital resources and capital requirements, see “Risk Factors” and the
discussion of restrictive covenants contained in Note 4 to Complete
Energy’s audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
proxy statement.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
As of
March 31, 2008, Complete Energy had no off-balance sheet
arrangements. For information regarding principles of consolidation,
please see Note 2 to Complete Energy’s audited consolidated financial statements
included elsewhere in this proxy statement.
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Complete
Energy is exposed to two primary market risks in its normal business
activities: commodity price risk and interest rate
risk. In order to manage these risks Complete Energy uses various
fixed-price forward purchase and sales contracts and interest rate swaps trades
in the over-the-counter financial markets to manage and hedge exposure to
variable rate debt obligations and to reduce exposure to the volatility of cash
market prices.
Commodity
Price Risk
Commodity
price risks result from exposures to changes in spot prices, forward prices,
volatility in commodities and correlations between various commodities such as
natural gas and electricity. A number of factors influence the level
and volatility of prices for energy commodities and related derivative
products. These factors include:
|
·
|
seasonal,
daily and hourly changes in demand;
|
|
·
|
extreme
peak demands due to weather
conditions;
|
|
·
|
available
supply resources;
|
|
·
|
transportation
availability and reliability within and between regions;
and
|
|
·
|
changes
in the nature and extent of federal and state
regulations.
|
The
majority of Complete Energy’s generation capacity is under long-term contracts;
however, its merchant generation capacity at La Paloma is subject to commodity
price risks that can have a material impact on Complete Energy’s
earnings. To manage its exposure to commodity market volatility,
Complete Energy from time to time enters into contracts for the forward sales of
power and purchases of gas.
Complete
Energy had no forward commodity sales contracts or other commodity related
derivatives in place as of December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008.
Interest
Rate Risks
Complete
Energy is exposed to interest rate risk related to its variable and fixed
interest rate debt. As of March 31, 2008, we had $772 million of long
term debt outstanding (excluding unamortized discount), of which $376 million
was fixed-rate debt with a weighted average interest rate of
7.92%. Complete Energy also had $13 million of current maturities of
fixed rate debt as of March 31, 2008. The fair market value of
Complete Energy’s fixed rate long term debt was $371 million at March 31,
2008.
Of
Complete Energy’s fixed rate debt, $130 million, or 35% related to the TAMCO/MS
Notes. These securities are debt for which there are no observable
inputs as to fair market value. Based on Complete Energy’s internal
discounted cash flow analysis, the fair value of the TAMCO/MS Notes approximates
its face amount. In addition,
each note holder of the TAMCO/MS Notes was granted a Cash Settled
Option that provides that it can receive in notes or cash its ratable amount of
up to 38% of the value of LPHC. Please see Note 4 to Complete
Energy’s audited consolidated financial statements provided elsewhere in the
proxy. Based on Complete Energy’s internal discounted cash flow
analysis, the fair market value of the Cash Settled Option at March 31, 2008 was
$6.2 million. The TAMCO/MS Notes mature in 2020 and contain
provisions providing for a substantial penalty in the event of early prepayment.
On May 9, 2008, in connection with the merger agreement, GSCAC, Complete Energy
and certain of their respective subsidiaries entered into the lender consent
with the holders of the TAMCO/MS Notes, the TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley.
Please see “Other Transaction Agreements—Lender Consent.”
The
remainder of Complete Energy’s long-term debt, $396 million at March 31, 2008,
was variable-rate debt with a weighted average interest rate of
7.59%. Complete Energy also had $3 million of current maturities of
variable rate debt and $146 million of short-term variable rate borrowings at
March 31, 2008. The fair value of Complete Energy’s long-term
variable rate debt at March 31, 2008 was $333 million.
Of
Complete Energy’s short-term borrowings, $123 million relates to the Complete
Energy Credit Agreement. These securities are debt for which there
are no observable inputs as to fair market value. Complete Energy
believes the amount recorded at fair value of Complete Energy Credit Agreement
will not diverge materially from the amount Complete Energy expects to pay at
maturity. Under the terms of the merger agreement, the Complete
Energy Credit Agreement will be paid in full with available cash upon closing of
the acquisition.
Variable
rate debt exposes Complete Energy to the risk of earnings or cash flow loss due
to increases in market interest rates. Complete Energy estimates that
a hypothetical 100 basis point change in the floating interest rates applicable
to the March 31, 2008 balance of long term variable-rate debt would result in a
change in annual interest expense of approximately $4 million.
As of
March 31, 2008, Complete Energy, through LPGC, had various interest rate swap
agreements extending through out until June 2012. The annual notional
amount of the interest rate swaps for the years 2008 through 2011 are $129
million, $118 million, $84 million and $65 million, respectively. The
notional amounts for the swaps covering the period January 1, 2012 to June 30,
2012 is $62 million. If the swaps had been discontinued on March 31,
2008, LPGC would have owed the counterparties approximately $13
million. A hypothetical 100 basis point change in the floating
interest rates applicable to the March 31, 2008 interest rate swap position
balance would result in a change in annual interest income of approximately $2.5
million.
Based on
the investment grade rating of the counterparties, Complete Energy believes its
exposure to credit risk due to nonperformance by counterparties to its hedge
contracts to be insignificant. Changes in fair value of interest rate
swaps used as cash flow hedges are reported in accumulated other comprehensive
loss, or AOCL, in Complete Energy’s consolidated statements of members’ deficit
to the extent the hedge is effective, until the forecasted transaction occurs,
at which time they are recorded as adjustments to interest
expense. At March 31, 2008, AOCL included $7.7 million, net of
minority interest, related to interest rate swaps.
Complete
Energy is also exposed to interest rate risk related to its short-term
investments. As of March 31, 2008, substantially all of its cash was
invested in highly liquid, short-term investment-grade securities with original
maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase. A
hypothetical 100 basis point change in the floating interest rates applicable to
the March 31, 2008 balance would result in a change in annual interest income of
approximately $0.8 million.
The
following table sets forth, (1) as of July 28, 2008, the actual beneficial
ownership of our common stock and (2) the projected beneficial ownership of our
common stock immediately following completion of the acquisition by (a) each
person owning (or expected to own) greater than 5% of our outstanding common
stock; (b) each current director and executive officer of GSCAC; (c) each
current director and executive officer as a group prior to the acquisition; (d)
each person that is expected to be a director or named executive officer
following the completion of the acquisition; and (e) each person that is
expected to be a director or executive officer following completion of the
acquisition as a group. For purposes of calculating this information,
we have made two alternative sets of assumptions:
|
·
|
Assuming
No Exercise of Conversion Rights: This presentation assumes
that none of the GSCAC stockholders exercise their conversion rights;
and
|
|
·
|
Assuming
Maximum Exercise of Conversion Rights: This presentation
assumes that the holders of 19.99% of the IPO shares exercise their
conversion rights.
|
The
following table does not take into account the tag-along offer that will be made
to the LP Minority after the completion of the acquisition, because the fair
market valuation of the offer to be made to the LP Minority Holders has not been
determined at this time and because there is no certainty that any LP Minority
Holders will accept the offer. The following table also does not take
into account the exchange offer that we have made to Fulcrum, because Fulcrum
has not responded to our offer as of the date of this proxy statement, and there
can be no certainty that Fulcrum will accept our offer. If our offers
to acquire the minority interests are accepted on our terms, the minority
interest holders would collectively own approximately 26.5% of our equity and
the ownership percentages listed in the “After the Acquisition” column below
will be proportionately diluted.
The
unaudited pro forma financial statements contain important information regarding
the assumptions used in calculating this information. See “Selected Unaudited
Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Data.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assuming
Maximum Conversion
|
|
Name
and Address of Beneficial Owner and Management
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
Mr.
Eckert (1)(17)
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
– |
|
|
–
|
|
Mr.
Frank (1)
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
– |
|
|
–
|
|
Mr.
Kaufman (1)
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
–
|
|
|
|
– |
|
|
–
|
|
Mr.
Goodwin (17)
|
|
|
22,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
22,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
22,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Mr.
McKinnon (17)
|
|
|
22,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
22,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
22,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Mr.
Sebastian (17)
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Mr.
Detweiler (17)
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
GSC
Secondary Interest Fund, LLC (2)
|
|
|
4,455,000 |
(3) |
|
|
17.7 |
% |
|
|
8,455,000 |
(14) |
|
|
15.3 |
% |
|
|
8,455,000 |
(14) |
|
|
15.0 |
% |
Fir
Tree Inc. (4)
|
|
|
2,500,000 |
(5) |
|
|
9.9 |
% |
|
|
2,500,000 |
(5) |
|
|
4.5 |
% |
|
|
2,500,000 |
(5) |
|
|
4.4 |
% |
Azimuth
Opportunity, Ltd. (6)
|
|
|
2,267,400 |
(7) |
|
|
9.0 |
% |
|
|
2,267,400 |
(7) |
|
|
4.1 |
% |
|
|
2,267,400 |
(7) |
|
|
4.0 |
% |
HBK
Investments L.P. (8)
|
|
|
2,192,800 |
(9) |
|
|
8.7 |
% |
|
|
2,192,800 |
(9) |
|
|
4.0 |
% |
|
|
2,192,800 |
(9) |
|
|
3.9 |
% |
QVT
Financial LP (10)
|
|
|
1,284,025 |
|
|
|
5.1 |
% |
|
|
1,284,025 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
% |
|
|
1,284,025 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
% |
Basso
GP, LLC (11)
|
|
|
1,487,000 |
|
|
|
5.9 |
% |
|
|
1,487,000 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
% |
|
|
1,487,000 |
|
|
|
2.6 |
% |
All
executive officers and directors as a group (7
individuals)
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
% |
|
|
55,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
55,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The TCW Group,
Inc. (12)
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
14,020,266 |
|
|
|
25.5 |
% |
|
|
18,650,701 |
|
|
|
33.0 |
% |
Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
2,831,359 |
|
|
|
5.1 |
% |
|
|
3,766,465 |
|
|
|
6.7 |
% |
R.
Blair Thomas (15)
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
14,020,266 |
|
|
|
25.5 |
% |
|
|
18,650,701 |
|
|
|
33.0 |
% |
Hugh
Tarpley (13)
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
1,870,081 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
% |
|
|
1,870,081 |
|
|
|
3.3 |
% |
Lori
Cuervo (13)
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
1,238,473 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
% |
|
|
1,238,473 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
% |
Peter
Dailey (16)
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
1,870,081 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
% |
|
|
1,870,081 |
|
|
|
3.3 |
% |
Peter
Tellegen (13)
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
377,315 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
377,315 |
|
|
|
* |
|
All
directors and executive officers as a group (6 persons after the
acquisition) (18)
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
17,128,820 |
|
|
|
31.1 |
% |
|
|
22,136,570 |
|
|
|
39.2 |
% |
|
______________________________________
|
|
(1)
|
Unless
otherwise indicated, the business address of each of the individuals is
500 Campus Drive, Suite 220, Florham Park, New Jersey
07932.
|
|
(2)
|
GSC
Secondary Interest Fund, LLC, is a single member Delaware limited
liability company (“GSC Secondary”). The single member of GSC Group, Inc.
a Delaware corporation (“GSC Group”). Through the ownership of 100% of the
Class A Common Stock of GSC Group, GSC Active Partners Holdings, L.P., a
Delaware limited partnership (“GSC Active Holdings”) holds a majority of
the dividend interest and the voting interest in GSC Group. GSC Active
Partners, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“GSC Active”) is the general
partner of GSC Active Holdings. Each of GSC Secondary, GSC Group and GSC
Active Holdings has shared voting power and dispositive powers and may be
deemed to be the beneficial owner of 4,455,000 shares of common stock of
GSCAC by virtue of its relationship with the record owner of said shares
of common stock. The business address of each of GSC Secondary, GSC Group,
GSC Active Holdings is 500 Campus Drive, Suite 220, Florham Park, NJ
07932.
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(3)
|
This
figure excludes 4,000,000 shares of GSCAC common stock issuable upon the
exercise of warrants that are currently not exercisable. These warrants
will become exercisable on the date on which GSCAC completes its initial
business combination.
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(4)
|
Fir
Tree, Inc. (“Fir Tree”) is the investment manager for each of Sapling, LLC
(“Sapling”) and Fir Tree Recovery Master Fund, L.P. (“Fir Tree Recovery”)
and has been granted investment discretion over portfolio investments,
including the Common Stock (as defined below), held by each of them.
Sapling and Fir Tree Recovery are the beneficial owners of 2,051,950
shares of Common Stock and 448,050 shares of Common Stock, respectively.
Fir Tree may be deemed to
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|
beneficially
own the shares of Common Stock held by Sapling and Fir Tree Recovery as a
result of being the investment manager of Sapling and Fir Tree Recovery.
Sapling and Fir Tree Recovery are the beneficial owners of 8.1% and 1.8%,
respectively, of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. The business
address of Fir Tree Inc., Sapling and Fir Tree Recovery is 505 Fifth
Avenue 23rd Floor New York, New York
10017.
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(5)
|
Represents
(a) 2,051,950 shares of common stock held by Sapling, LLC and (b) 448,050
shares of common stock held by Fir Tree Recovery. Fir Tree, Inc. is the
investment manager of both entities. The foregoing information was derived
from a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on July 19,
2007.
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(6)
|
The
business address of Azimuth Opportunity, Ltd. is c/o Ogier Qwomar Complex,
4th Floor P.O. Box 3170 Road Town, Tortola British Virgin
Islands.
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|
(7)
|
Represents
shares of common stock held by Azimuth Opportunity, Ltd. The foregoing
information was derived from a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on
December 11, 2007.
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|
(8)
|
The
business address of HBK Investments L.P. is 300 Crescent Court, Suite 700,
Dallas, Texas 75201.
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(9)
|
Represents
shares of common stock held by HBK Investments L.P. The foregoing
information was derived from a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on May 2,
2008.
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(10)
|
QVT
Financial LP (“QVT Financial”) is the investment manager for QVT Fund LP
(the “Fund”), which beneficially owns 1,045,185 shares of Common Stock,
and for Quintessence Fund L.P. (“Quintessence”), which beneficially owns
115,137 shares of Common Stock. QVT Financial is also the investment
manager for a separate discretionary account managed for Deutsche Bank AG
(the “Separate Account”), which holds 123,703 shares of Common Stock. QVT
Financial has the power to direct the vote and disposition of the Common
Stock held by the Fund, Quintessence and the Separate Account.
Accordingly, QVT Financial may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of an
aggregate amount of 1,284,025 shares of Common Stock, consisting of the
shares owned by the Fund and Quintessence and the shares held in the
Separate Account. QVT Financial GP LLC, as General Partner of QVT
Financial, may be deemed to beneficially own the same number of shares of
Common Stock reported by QVT Financial. QVT Financial LP and QVT Financial
GP LLC have shared voting power and shared dispositive power. The business
address of QVT Financial and QVT Financial GP LLC is 1177 Avenue of the
Americas, 9th
Floor, New York, New York 10036. The foregoing information was derived
from a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 2,
2008.
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(11)
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Basso
GP, LLC (“Basso GP”) is the general partner of Basso Capital Management,
L.P. (“BCM”), which is the investment manager of Basso Fund Ltd. (“Basso
Fund”) and Basso Multi-Strategy Holding Fund Ltd. (“Multi-Strategy Holding
Fund”). The controlling persons of Basso GP are Howard Fischer, Phillip
Platek, John Lepore and Dwight Nelson. Basso Fund and Multi-Strategy
Holding Fund are the beneficial owners of 161,174 and 1,325,826 shares of
common stock, respectively. Basso GP may be deemed to beneficially own the
shares of common stock of Basso Fund and Multi-Strategy Holding Fund as a
result of being the general partner of BCM, the investment manager of the
funds. The business address of each of Basso GP and BCM is 1266 East Main
Street, 4th Floor, Stamford, Connecticut 06902. The business address of
each of Basso Fund and Multi-Strategy Holding Fund is c/o M&C
Corporate Services Limited, PO Box 309GT, Ugland House, South Church
Street, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies. The
foregoing information was derived from a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC
on June 6, 2008.
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(12)
|
Includes
interests that will be held by Trust Company of the West, not in its
individual capacity but solely as trustee of the trust established
pursuant to an Individual Trust Agreement dated as of January 31, 1987, as
amended, between itself and the Boilermaker Blacksmith National Pension
Trust (“Boilermaker Blacksmith”); TCW Energy Fund X-NL, L.P. (“Fund
X-NL”); TCW Energy Fund XB-NL, L.P. (“Fund XB-NL”); TCW Energy Fund XC-NL,
L.P. (“Fund XC-NL”); TCW Energy Fund XD-NL, L.P. (“Fund XD-NL”); Trust
Company of the West as Sub-Custodian under the Amended and Restated
Investment Management and Custody Agreement dated as of December 3, 2003
among Ensign Peak Advisors, Inc., TCW Asset Management Company and Trust
Company of the West (“Ensign Peak”); ING Life Insurance and Annuity
Company (“ING”); Trust Company of the West as Sub-Custodian under the
Amended and Restated Investment Management and Custody Agreement dated as
of December 11, 2003 among Harry L. Bradley, Jr. Partition Trust, Harry L.
Bradley, Jr. Trust, Jane Bradley Uihlien Pettit Partition Trust, Jane
Bradley Uihlien Trust, TCW Asset Management Company and Trust Company of
the West (“Bradley Trust”); and TEP Equity Holdings, LLC. (“TEP Equity”).
The foregoing TAMCO funds have delegated all disposition and voting
discretion to TAMCO or Trust Company of the West, as the case may be, and
thus disclaim any beneficial ownership of the securities referenced
herein. TAMCO is the managing member of TCW (Energy X) LLC,
which in turn is the general partner of each of Fund X-NL, Fund XB-NL,
Fund XC-NL, Fund XD-NL, and is the investment advisor to Ensign Peak, ING
and the Bradley Trust. TAMCO is also the managing member of TEP
Energy Partners LLC, which in turn is the managing member of TEP
Equity. Trust Company of the West is the trustee in respect of
a trust established between itself and Boilermaker
Blacksmith. TAMCO and Trust Company of the West are
wholly-owned by The TCW Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation, which disclaims
beneficial ownership of the securities referenced herein, except to the
extent it controls TAMCO and Trust Company of the West. The
TAMCO funds are making this single disclosure with respect to beneficial
ownership of the securities referenced herein because they may be deemed
to constitute a "group" within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, although neither the fact of this
disclosure nor anything contained herein shall be deemed to be an
admission by the TAMCO funds that such a "group" exists. The
business address of each TAMCO fund other than Boilermaker Blacksmith is
c/o R. Blair Thomas, TCW Asset Management Company, 865 South Figueroa
Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, CA 90017. The business address
of Boilermaker Blacksmith is c/o R. Blair Thomas, Trust Company of the
West, 865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, CA
90017. The foregoing information was provided by the TAMCO
funds.
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(13)
|
Represents
Class B shares held by each listed individual, that together with Class B
units are exchangeable at any time into Class A shares pursuant to the
Holdco LLC Agreement.
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(14)
|
This
figure includes 4,000,000 shares of GSCAC common stock issuable upon the
exercise of warrants that will become exercisable on the date on which
GSCAC completes its initial business
combination.
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(15)
|
R.
Blair Thomas is an officer and director of TAMCO and certain of its
affiliates, which will have voting and investment control over Class A
common stock of GSCAC being acquired by the TAMCO funds. Mr. Thomas
disclaims beneficial ownership of such Class A common stock owned by such
TAMCO funds. The foregoing information was provided by the TAMCO
funds.
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(16)
|
Mr.
Dailey will not be an executive officer of GSCAC after the
merger.
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(17)
|
It
is not anticipated that Messrs. Eckert, Goodwin, McKinnon, Sebastian and
Detweiler will be directors of GSCAC after the merger.
|
|
(18) |
Includes
shares as to which the relevant director has disclaimed beneficial
ownership. |
The
following summary of the material terms of the GSCAC securities is not intended
to be a complete summary of the rights and preferences of the GSCAC securities.
We urge you to read our charter, our bylaws, our proposed second amended and
restated charter and our proposed amended and restated bylaws in their entirety,
and refer to the applicable provisions of Delaware law, for a complete
description of the rights and preferences of the GSCAC securities. Copies of our
current charter and bylaws will be sent to holders of GSCAC common stock upon
request. See “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 191. The proposed
amendments to our charter are described in “Proposal II—Approval of the Amended
and Restated Charter” beginning on page 78 and the full text of the
proposed second and amended charter is attached as Annex B to this proxy
statement.
Before
the Acquisition
Authorized
Common Stock
Our
charter authorizes the issuance of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value
$0.001, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value of $0.0001. As of the
record date, 25,200,000 shares common stock were outstanding and no shares of
preferred stock were outstanding. The outstanding shares of GSCAC’s common stock
are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
Units
Each unit
consists of one share of common stock and one warrant. Each warrant entitles the
holder to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $7.50 per
share of common stock, subject to adjustment. The units commenced trading on
June 25, 2007.
Common
Stock
Voting Rights. Holders of
GSCAC’s common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on
all matters to be voted on by stockholders. Holders of common stock have
exclusive voting rights for the election of our directors and all other matters
requiring stockholder action, except with respect to amendments to our charter
that alter or change the powers, preferences, rights or other terms of any
outstanding preferred stock if the holders of such affected series of preferred
stock are entitled to vote on such an amendment.
Our
founding stockholder and directors have agreed to vote all of its or his shares
on our proposed initial business combination in accordance with the majority of
votes cast by the holders of IPO shares. Our founding stockholder and
directors have also agreed that if it or he acquires shares in or following our
IPO, it, he or she will vote all such acquired shares in favor of our initial
business combination. If our stockholders vote on any other matters at an annual
or special meeting, our founding stockholder and our officers and directors may
vote all of their shares, whenever acquired, as they see fit.
Dividend Rights. Holders of
GSCAC’s common stock are entitled to receive such dividends, if any, as may be
declared from time to time by our board of directors in its discretion out of
funds legally available therefor. The payment of dividends, if ever, on the
common stock is subject to the prior payment of dividends on any outstanding
preferred stock, of which there is currently none.
We have
not paid any dividends on our common stock to date and do not intend to pay
dividends prior to the completion of our proposed acquisition of Complete
Energy.
Preemptive Rights. Holders of
GSCAC’s common stock have no preemptive rights to purchase, subscribe for or
otherwise acquire any unissued or treasury shares or other
securities.
Rights Upon Liquidation. If
we are forced to liquidate prior to our initial business combination, holders of
our IPO shares are entitled to share ratably in the trust account, inclusive of
any interest not previously released to us to fund working capital requirements,
and net of any income taxes payable on interest on the balance in the trust
account, which income taxes, if any, shall be paid from the trust account, and
any assets remaining available for
distribution to them after payment of liabilities. Liquidation
expenses will be paid only from funds held outside of the trust account. If we
do not complete an initial business combination and the trustee must distribute
the balance of the trust account, the underwriters for our IPO have agreed that:
(1) they will forfeit any rights or claims to their deferred underwriting
discounts and commissions, including any accrued interest thereon, then in the
trust account, and (2) the deferred underwriters’ discounts and commission will
be distributed on a pro rata basis to the holders of IPO shares, together with
any accrued interest thereon and net of income taxes payable on such
interest.
Classification of Directors.
Our board of directors is divided into three classes, each of which generally
serves for a term of three years, with only one class of directors being elected
in each year. There is no cumulative voting with respect to the election of
directors, with the result that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voted
for the election of directors can elect all of the directors.
Other
Rights. Holders of GSCAC’s common stock have no conversion or
other subscription rights and there are no sinking fund or redemption provisions
applicable to the common stock, except that holders of IPO shares have the right
to have their shares of common stock converted to cash equal to their pro rata
share of our trust account if they properly exercise their conversion rights,
vote against our initial business combination and our initial business
combination is approved and completed. Any stockholders who convert their common
stock into their pro rata share of the trust account will retain the right to
exercise any warrants they own.
Founding
Stockholder’s Shares
On
November 7, 2006 (after giving effect to a recapitalization effected on May 29,
2007), our founding stockholder purchased 4,500,000 shares of our common stock
for $25,000 in connection with the formation of our company. On December 12,
2006, a total of 67,500 of the 4,500,000 founding stockholder’s shares (after
giving effect to the recapitalization and stock dividend) were subsequently sold
by our founding stockholder to certain of our directors, including Messrs.
Goodwin and McKinnon, in private transactions. On June 24, 2008, our
founding stockholder agreed to transfer to each of Messrs. Detweiler and
Sebastian 5,000 shares of our common stock, subject to consummation by us of an
initial business combination and subject to certain transfer
restrictions.
The shares
issued to our founding stockholder are identical to the shares included in the
units sold in our IPO, except that our founding stockholder and Messrs. Goodwin
and McKinnon have agreed (1) in connection with the stockholder vote required to
approve our initial business combination, to vote their shares in accordance
with the majority of the shares of common stock voted by the public stockholders
and (2) to waive their right to participate in any liquidation distribution if
we fail to complete a business combination.
Our
founding stockholder and Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon have agreed that it and
they will not sell or transfer their shares for three years after the date of
closing of our IPO, other than to permitted transferees who agree to be subject
to these transfer restrictions and the voting and waiver restrictions described
above. In addition, the founding stockholder and Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon
have agreed to registration rights pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement
dated as of June 25, 2007.
Preferred
Stock
Our
charter provides that shares of preferred stock may be issued from time to time
in one or more series. Our board of directors is authorized to fix the voting
rights, if any, designations, powers, preferences, the relative, participating,
optional or other special rights and any qualifications, limitations and
restrictions thereof, applicable to the shares of each series. Our board of
directors may, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting
and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights
of the holders of the common stock and could have anti-takeover effects. The
ability of our board of directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder
approval could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of
control of us or the removal of existing management. Our current charter
prohibits us, prior to our initial business combination, from issuing preferred
stock that participates in any manner in the proceeds of our trust account, or
that votes as a class with the common stock on our initial business combination.
We have no preferred stock outstanding at the date hereof. Although we do not
currently intend to issue any shares of preferred stock, we cannot assure you
that we will not do so in the future. No shares of preferred stock were being
issued or registered in the initial public offering.
Warrants
Public
Stockholders’ Warrants
GSCAC
currently has outstanding warrants to purchase up to 24,700,000 shares of GSCAC
common stock, of which 4,000,000 are owned by our founding stockholder and
20,700,000 million were sold in our IPO. The warrants started trading separately
as of the opening of trading on July 9, 2007. Each warrant entitles the
registered holder to purchase one share of our common stock at a price of $7.50
per share, subject to adjustment, as discussed below, at any time commencing on
the later of the completion of our initial business combination; or thirteen
months after the closing of our initial public offering, provided in each case
that we have an effective registration statement under the Securities Act
covering the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and a
current prospectus relating to them is available.
The
warrants will expire on June 25, 2011 at 5:00 p.m., New York time, or earlier
upon redemption. Once the warrants become exercisable, we may call the warrants
for redemption, in whole and not in part, at a redemption price of $0.01 per
warrant if, and only if, the reported last sale price of our common stock equals
or exceeds $14.25 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading-day
period ending on the third business day prior to the date on which the notice of
redemption is given, and only if on the date we give notice of redemption and
during the entire period thereafter until the time we redeem the warrants we
have an effective registration statement covering the shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of the warrants and a current prospectus relating to them
is available.
If the
foregoing conditions are satisfied and we issue a notice of redemption, each
warrant holder can exercise his or her warrant prior to the scheduled redemption
date. However, there is no guarantee that the price of the common stock will
exceed the $14.25 trigger price or the $7.50 exercise price after the redemption
notice is issued.
The
exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable on exercise of the
warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a
stock dividend, or our recapitalization, reorganization, merger or
consolidation. However, the exercise price and number of shares of common stock
issuable on exercise of the warrants will not be adjusted for issuances of
common stock at a price below the warrant exercise price.
The
warrants may be exercised upon surrender of the warrant certificate on or prior
to the expiration date at the offices of the warrant agent, with the exercise
form on the reverse side of the warrant certificate completed and executed as
indicated, accompanied by full payment of the exercise price, by certified check
payable to us, for the number of warrants being exercised. Holders of warrants
will not be entitled to a net cash settlement upon exercise of the warrants.
Warrant holders do not have the rights or privileges of holders of common stock,
including voting rights, until they exercise their warrants and receive shares
of common stock. After the issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of
the warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each share held of
record on all matters to be voted on by stockholders.
No
warrants will be exercisable unless at the time of exercise we have an effective
registration statement under the Securities Act covering the shares of common
stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and a current prospectus relating
to them is available. Under the warrant agreement, we have agreed to use our
best efforts to have an effective registration statement covering shares of
common stock issuable on exercise of the warrants and to maintain a current
prospectus relating to the common stock from the date the warrants become
exercisable to the date the warrants expire or are redeemed.
There will
be no distribution from the trust account with respect to any of our warrants,
which will expire worthless if we are liquidated.
Founding
Stockholder’s Warrants
The
founding stockholder’s warrants are identical to those issued in the initial
public offering, except that the founding stockholder’s warrants are
non-redeemable so long as they are held by our founding stockholder or its
permitted transferees and the shares of common stock issued upon exercise of
such founding stockholder’s warrants by our founding stockholder or its
permitted transferees will not be registered under the Securities Act. As set
forth
below, however, our founding stockholder and its permitted
transferees will have the right to demand registration of the resale of such
shares pursuant to a registration rights agreement.
So long as
the founding stockholder’s warrants are held by our founding stockholder and its
permitted transferees, our warrant agreement provides that the founding
stockholder’s warrants may not be exercised unless we have an effective
registration statement relating to the common stock issuable upon exercise of
the warrants purchased in the initial public offering and a related current
prospectus is available.
Our
founding stockholder has agreed that it will not sell or transfer the founding
stockholder’s warrants until after we complete our initial business combination,
other than to permitted transferees who agree to be subject to these transfer
restrictions. In addition, commencing on the date on which they become
exercisable, the founding stockholder’s warrants and the shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of the warrants will be entitled to registration rights
under the Registration Rights Agreement dated June 25, 2007.
After
the Acquisition
The
following description summarizes the material terms of our capital stock as it
would be if the amended and restated charter, as filed as Annex B to this proxy
statement, is adopted at closing. Because it is only a summary, it may not
contain all the information that is important to you. For a complete
description, you should refer to this annex and to the applicable provisions of
the DGCL.
Class
A Shares and Class B Shares
If the
acquisition is completed, our charter will be amended and restated to create two
classes of common stock. At closing, subject to the adjustments provided in the
merger agreement, GSCAC will be authorized to issue a total of [___],000,000
shares, consisting of (1) 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value of
$0.001 per share (“preferred stock”), (2) [___],000,000 Class A shares, par
value of $0.001 per share and (3) [___],000,000 Class B shares, par value of
$0.001 per share. Each outstanding share of GSCAC immediately prior
to the merger will convert into one fully-paid and non-assessable Class A
share.
GSCAC’s Common Stock
Outstanding. GSCAC’s Class A and Class B shares issued pursuant to the
merger will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.
Voting Rights. The holders of
Class A shares and Class B shares shall possess exclusively all voting power,
and each Class A share and Class B share shall have one vote. Except
as otherwise provided by law, the holders of Class A shares and Class B shares
shall vote together as a single class, and their votes shall be counted and
totaled together.
Holders of
common stock will have exclusive voting rights for the election of our directors
and all other matters requiring stockholder action, except with respect to any
amendment to our certificate of incorporation (including any Preferred Stock
Designation as this term is defined in our amended and restated charter) that
relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of preferred stock
if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or
together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon
pursuant to our charter (including any Preferred Stock Designation) or pursuant
to the DGCL.
Dividend Rights. Dividends of
cash or property may be declared and paid on the Class A shares out of the
assets of GSCAC that are by law available therefor, at the times and in the
amounts as the board of directors of GSCAC in its discretion will determine.
Dividends of cash or property (other than dividends paid in capital stock or
other equity securities of GSCAC) will not be declared or paid on the Class B
shares.
The
payment of dividends in the future will depend on our revenues and earnings, if
any, capital requirements and general financial condition after our initial
business combination is completed. The payment of any dividends subsequent to a
business combination will be within the discretion of our then-board of
directors. It is the intention of our present board of directors to retain any
earnings for use in our business operations and, accordingly, we do not
anticipate the board declaring any dividends in the foreseeable
future.
Rights Upon Liquidation. In
the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up
and after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of
GSCAC and of the preferential and other amounts, if any, to which the holders of
any preferred stock will be entitled, the holders of all outstanding Class A
shares will be entitled to receive the remaining assets of GSCAC available for
distribution ratably in proportion to the number of Class A shares held by each
stockholder. Holders of Class B common stock shall not be entitled to
participate therein, receive any assets of GSCAC available for distribution to
its stockholders or any payment from the proceeds realized in any voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the assets of GSCAC, and
in the event of a dissolution, all Class B shares then outstanding will be
cancelled by GSCAC for no consideration.
Preemptive Rights. Subject to
the rights described in “—TAMCO Funds and Morgan Stanley Preemptive Rights”
below, holders of Class A shares and Class B shares have no preemptive rights to
purchase, subscribe for or otherwise acquire any unissued or treasury shares or
other securities.
Classification of Directors.
Our board of directors will be divided into three classes, each of which will
generally serve for a term of three years, with only one class of directors
being elected in each year. There will be no cumulative voting with respect to
the election of directors, with the result that the holders of more than 50% of
the shares voted for the election of directors can elect all of the
directors.
Other Rights. Each holder of
Class B shares will be entitled at any time and from time to time to exchange
one Class B share and one Class B unit of Holdco Sub (together as one unit) for
one fully paid and non-assessable Class A share. Holders of Class A shares and
Class B shares shall have no subscription rights and there are no sinking fund
or redemption provisions applicable to the common stock. Holders of Class A
common stock shall have no conversion rights.
TAMCO
Funds and Morgan Stanley Preemptive Rights
Pursuant
to the lender consent, the TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley will be granted, as of
the closing, preemptive rights if GSCAC issues any equity securities to
affiliates for less than their fair market value.
Warrants
and Contingent Units
At
closing, GSCAC will issue 1,596,000 warrants, subject to the adjustments
provided for in the lender consent, to the TAMCO funds and Morgan Stanley (the
“contingent warrants”). The exercise price for each contingent warrant will be
$0.001. 798,000 contingent warrants will be exercisable on the first date on or
before the fifth anniversary of the closing date when the closing stock price
per share of Class A common stock first equals or exceeds $14.50 for 10
consecutive trading days and 798,000 contingent warrants will be exercisable on
the first date on or before the fifth anniversary of the closing date when the
closing stock price per share of Class A common stock first equals or exceeds
$15.50 for 10 consecutive trading days. The contingent warrants are not
transferable except to affiliates.
At the
closing, Holdco Sub will issue Class C units and Class D units to the owners of
Complete Energy. Each Class C unit of Holdco Sub will automatically convert into
one Class B unit of Holdco Sub and one Class B share of GSCAC’s common share on
the first date on or before the fifth anniversary of the closing date when the
closing stock price per Class A share first equals or exceeds $14.50 for 10
consecutive trading days. Each Class D unit of Holdco Sub will automatically
convert into one Class B unit of Holdco Sub and one Class B share on the first
date on or before the fifth anniversary of the closing date when the closing
stock price per Class A share first equals or exceeds $15.50 for 10 consecutive
trading days. Each Class B unit plus one Class B share will be exchangeable into
one newly issued Class A share.
Registration
Rights
Founding
Stockholder’s Registration Rights
We entered
into a Registration Rights Agreement as of June 25, 2007 with our founding
stockholder and Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon granting them the right to demand
that we register the resale of the founding stockholder’s shares, the founding
stockholder’s warrants and the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of
the founding stockholder’s warrants. The registration rights are
exercisable with respect to the shares at any time after the date on which the
shares are no longer subject to the relevant lock-up agreement (which expires in
June 2010), and with respect to the warrants and the underlying shares of common
stock, after the warrants become exercisable by their terms. In addition, our
founding stockholder and Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon have certain “piggy-back”
registration rights on registration statements filed subsequent to the date on
which the founding stockholder’s shares are no longer subject to the lock-up
agreement. With respect to the founding stockholder’s warrants and the
underlying shares of common stock, our founding stockholder has certain
“piggy-back” registration rights on registration statements filed after the
warrants become exercisable by their terms. Permitted transferees will, under
certain circumstances, be entitled to the registration rights described herein.
We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such
registration statements. On May 9, 2008, in connection with the
merger agreement, GSCAC, the founding stockholder and Messrs. Goodwin and
McKinnon agreed to amend the Registration Rights Agreement, effective as of the
closing of the merger, to permit the holders of Class A shares under the new
registration rights agreement (see below) to participate in demand registrations
by the founding stockholder and Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon.
New
Registration Rights
At the
closing, a Registration Rights Agreement will be entered into among GSCAC and
the persons receiving GSCAC shares in the merger and related transactions,
pursuant to which each such person will be granted rights to require
registration of their Class A shares (including Class A shares issued in
exchange for Class B units and Class B shares).
GSCAC will
be required to file a shelf registration statement within 90 days after the
closing of the acquisition to permit all of these holders to sell their Class A
shares and the shelf registration statement must be declared effective by the
SEC no later than 180 days after the closing.
GSCAC will
be required to conduct underwritten public offerings to permit all of these
holders to sell their Class A shares upon demand by the TAMCO funds (two
demands), Morgan Stanley (one demand) and the Complete Energy owners/LP Minority
Holders (one demand), but no more than one demand registration is permitted in
any 12-month period.
All of
these holders will be permitted to sell their Class A shares in registered
offerings conducted by GSCAC after the closing.
Our
Transfer Agent and Warrant Agent
The
transfer agent for the shares of GSCAC’s common stock, warrants and units is
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
Listing
Currently,
our units, common stock and our warrants are listed on the AMEX under the
symbols “GGA.U,” “GGA” and “GGA.WS,” respectively. Following the completion of
the acquisition, we intend to seek approval to list our securities on the NYSE
or NASDAQ.
As of the
completion of the acquisition, the board of directors, executive officers and
significant employees of GSCAC, which will be renamed Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation, will be as set forth below:
Name
|
Age
|
Position
|
Hugh
A. Tarpley
|
51
|
Chief
Executive Officer and Director
|
Lori
A. Cuervo
|
44
|
President
and Chief Operating Officer and Director
|
Peter
Tellegen
|
51
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
Tom
Romesberg
|
52
|
Vice
President for Operations
|
Joseph
Richardson
|
46
|
Vice
President for Development
|
Carla
Banks
|
37
|
Director
of Commercial Strategy
|
Rhonda
Hollier
|
39
|
Vice
President for Human Resources
|
Nolena
Meche
|
43
|
Controller
|
Nick
Park
|
42
|
Plant
Manager – La Paloma
|
Ken
Thorp
|
65
|
Plant
Manager – Batesville
|
Peter
R. Frank
|
60
|
Director
|
Mathew
C. Kaufman
|
37
|
Director
|
R.
Blair Thomas
|
46
|
Director
|
Management
Executive
Officers
Hugh A.
Tarpley, Chief
Executive Officer and Director. Mr. Tarpley is currently a Managing
Director of Complete Energy. Mr. Tarpley has served in various capacities in the
energy industry (domestic and international) for over 25 years. He has developed
and successfully executed growth strategies for two major energy companies. The
key significant component of these strategies was the acquisition of gas and
power assets. Mr. Tarpley has extensive experience in project development,
integration process, debt financings, energy supply and sale contracts,
treasury, budgeting, and accounting.
Before
helping to found Complete Energy in 2004, Mr. Tarpley was Executive Vice
President of Dynegy, Inc., responsible for mergers and acquisitions, corporate
strategy and strategic investments, both domestically and abroad. In that role,
he participated in approximately 30 transactions, including the acquisition of
Illinova Corporation. Prior to joining Dynegy in 1997, Mr. Tarpley was president
of British Gas Americas, a division of British Gas PLC. In that position, he
managed British Gas investments in the United States and South America. Mr.
Tarpley’s major responsibilities included oversight of Dynegy and MetroGas (LDC
in Argentina), creation of an engineering company in Argentina, working on
development projects such as Chilean Pipeline, Bolivia-Brazil Pipeline, and the
LNG project in Trinidad and Tobago. Mr. Tarpley graduated from the
University of Notre Dame with a degree in business/accounting.
Lori A.
Cuervo, President and Chief Operating
Officer and Director. Ms. Cuervo is currently a Managing Director at
Complete Energy with responsibility for facility operations, human resources,
information technology, insurance, and administrative functions. She
has a diverse technical and financial background in the energy industry with
more than 20 years of experience managing power generating assets and analyzing
credit and risk management issues. On the regulatory front, Ms.
Cuervo has prepared expert testimony for FERC and has provided expert witness
testimony in generation valuation cases. In previous positions, she
also managed financial and technical analyses to support asset and portfolio
valuations, acquisitions and divestitures, engineering due diligence, and
independent engineering valuations.
Ms. Cuervo
has worked with a variety of power generation technologies including gas, wood,
coal, waste-to-energy, hydroelectric, and wind. Over the years, Ms. Cuervo has
developed an extensive network of contacts throughout the energy industry and in
both the merchant and contracted generation arenas. Prior to helping found
Complete Energy in 2004, she was a partner at Twin Pine Capital Resources. She
has also worked with Brown,
Williams, Moorhead & Quinn; Allegheny Energy; NRG Energy; DAI
Management Consultants; EG&G; and Hagler, Bailly. She received a B.S. degree
in Chemical Engineering from the University of West Virginia.
Peter A.
Tellegen, Chief
Financial Officer. Mr. Tellegen joined Complete Energy as Senior Vice
President – Commercial Strategy in August 2005 and has been the Chief Financial
Officer since July 2006. Mr. Tellegen has over 20 years of experience
in mergers & acquisitions, energy market analysis, project valuation, and
financial planning. From 1998 through 2005, Mr. Tellegen was employed
by Dynegy, Inc. where he served most recently as Vice President, Strategic
Market Analysis for the Power Generation Division. In this role, he
managed a staff of over 30 professionals performing a variety of commercial
functions, including retail and wholesale transaction pricing, asset valuation,
assessment of regional power markets, development of long term strategy, and
communicating Dynegy’s market outlook and risk management strategy to the board
of directors.
Prior to
joining Dynegy, Mr. Tellegen held corporate development positions with Enron
(1995-1998) and British Gas (1994 through 1995). He played key roles
in a number of significant energy projects and transactions, including
divestiture of Enron’s midstream assets and MLP interests, development and
financing of The Trinidad LNG project, and the merger of Trident NGL with
Dynegy. Prior to Joining British Gas, Mr. Tellegen was Vice President,
Investment Banking with Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, a regional investment banking
firm. During his six-year tenure, he completed over 40 significant
financial advisory projects, including the first ever venture financing for a
professional employer organization (Administaff, Inc). Previously, Mr. Tellegen
held positions with Deloitte Haskins & Sells (Deloitte and Touche) and
Citibank.
Mr.
Tellegen graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. degree in
English (cum laude),
and from Rice University’s Jones School of Administration with a M.B.A.
degree.
Significant Employees
Tom
Romesberg, Vice
President for Operations. As Complete Energy’s Vice President of
Operations since February 2006, Mr. Romesberg brings over 27 years of experience
in the power industry, having worked in nuclear, wind, conventional oil and
gas-fired and in advance combined cycle gas turbine plants since
1995. Mr. Romesberg has worked in a variety of positions within the
power industry including plant engineering and environmental management. Most
recently, Mr. Romesberg was the General Manager of the La Paloma facility, where
he provided support in both the development and construction phase before
managing the hiring and full transition into commercial operations in
2003.
Prior to
his employment in independent power generation, Mr. Romesberg spent over 14
years in public utility power generation with Pacific Gas and Electric Company
at several locations, including Diablo Canyon, Morro Bay and the Humboldt Bay
Power Plants. Mr. Romesberg holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from San
Jose State University.
Joseph M.
Richardson, Vice
President for Development. Mr. Richardson has been the Vice President for
Development of Complete Energy since October 2004, and has over 20 years of
experience in various areas of the power industry, having worked in mergers
& acquisitions, project valuation, development, divestitures, financing,
engineering and construction. Mr. Richardson has worked on coal,
natural gas, oil, RDF, renewable and nuclear projects including conventional
steam plants, combined cycle plants and peaking plants.
From 1999
through 2004, Mr. Richardson was employed by NRG Energy, Inc. where he served
most recently as Director, North America Projects and held various other
positions such as project engineer, owner’s representative, project developer,
transition manager, director technical services and director business
development. While at NRG, he led the entrance into new regional
markets and was a key player of the significant growth of the North American
portfolio. Mr. Richardson was the lead developer or lead technical
manager on the acquisition of over 11,000 MW of generating capacity (net
ownership), development and construction of two significant cogeneration
projects, development of several greenfield and repowering projects and the
acquisition process of over 35,000 MW of generating capacity.
Prior to
joining NRG, Mr. Richardson held construction and engineering positions with
Northern States Power Company. He held lead roles in the development,
engineering, construction and commissioning of power plants,
energy related projects and retrofits. Mr. Richardson graduated from the
University of Minnesota, Institute of Technology with a B.S. degree in
Mechanical Engineering.
Carla D. Banks,
Ph.D., Director of
Commercial Strategy. Ms. Banks joined Complete Energy as Director,
Commercial Strategy in October 2005. Her significant experience in the energy
industry has focused on commercial development, forecasting, asset valuation,
and strategic analysis. Prior to joining Complete Energy, Ms. Banks functioned
as Director, Strategic Market Analysis for Dynegy, Inc. In that capacity, she
developed forecast and valuation models and detailed market trend analyses for
Dynegy’s board of directors and executive management team, thereby driving
business decisions including long term strategy and potential merger and
acquisition opportunities. In addition, she managed personnel on projects
supporting asset management, investor relations, risk management and energy
trading. Her prior roles at Dynegy included Senior Analyst and Manager,
Strategic Market Analysis.
Ms. Banks
graduated as salutatorian from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee
with a B.S. degree in physics and concentration in mathematics, and she earned a
M.A. degree and a Ph.D. degree in physics from Rice University.
Rhonda
Hollier, Vice President
for Human Resources. Ms. Hollier joined Complete Energy in September
2004. Ms. Hollier is responsible for all aspects of human resources
for Complete Energy, including employee relations, recruiting, and compliance as
well as benefits, 401(k), and payroll administration and
oversight. She also manages public relations, media relations, and
internal communications for the company. Before joining Complete
Energy, Ms. Hollier worked as a Professional Services Consultant to numerous
Fortune 500 companies from 1997 to 2004, directing and managing human resources
functions including recruiting, compliance, risk management, benefits
administration, and payroll administration. Prior to her work as a
consultant, Ms. Hollier worked in the public relations field for seven years,
including serving as Public Communications Director for the technical analysis
and graphics division of Reuters America. Previous roles also
included Marketing Director and Assistant Director of Public Relations for the
American Red Cross. Ms. Hollier graduated from Louisiana State
University with a B.A. degree in Journalism.
Nolena Meche,
Controller. Before
becoming Controller in December 2007, Ms. Meche worked in various roles as an
accounting consultant for Complete Energy beginning in December
2004. Before that, Ms. Meche worked as a Financial Reporting Manager
for three years at Browning-Ferris Industries, Inc., a then publicly-held waste
services company. Her responsibilities included preparation of
consolidated financial statements and income statement analysis for external
reporting purposes, review of accounting for acquisitions and divestiture of
operations, and assistance in the preparation of annual and quarterly SEC
reporting and external audit coordination. Ms. Meche also worked at
Arthur Andersen LLP for six years in various positions. Ms. Meche graduated from
the University of Houston with a B.B.A. degree, and is a Certified Public
Accountant.
Nick
Park, Plant Manager –
La Paloma. Before becoming Complete Energy’s Plant Manager of the La
Paloma facility in 2006, Mr. Park served as the Operations Manager for two years
and a shift supervisor for three years at the facility. Before his
position at the La Paloma facility, Mr. Park worked in operations and
maintenance at a 30 MW combined cycle facility in Bakersfield,
CA. Mr. Park also worked for two years as an operator at the 50 MW
coal-fired Mt. Poso cogeneration facility. Mr. Park is experienced in all
aspects of plant management including regulatory compliance, operations and
maintenance policies and procedures, maintenance management systems and
operating training program development.
Ken
Thorp, Plant Manager –
Batesville. Before becoming Complete Energy’s Plant Manager of the
Batesville facility in January 2008, Mr. Thorp worked part time as an industry
consultant. Prior to that, he served in various maintenance
management positions, including from 1980 to 1987 as the Manager of Maintenance
Support for the Bechtel Power Corporation’s Maintenance Support Group located at
the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Plant. From 1987 to 1995 he served
as the Maintenance Manager of ARCO’s Watson Cogeneration Facility and also
served as the Manager of Maintenance Planning for an additional ARCO
refinery. From 1995 to 2002 he served as the Maintenance Manager of
the Hermiston Generating Plant for Pacific Gas & Electric’s National Energy
Group. From 2002 to 2006 he served as a Calpine Turbine Maintenance
Engineer and also as the Maintenance Manager for Calpine’s Goldendale Energy
Plant.
Directors
For
biographical information concerning Mr. Tarpley and Ms. Cuervo, see
“—Management—Executive Officers” above.
Peter R.
Frank, Director. Mr.
Frank has served as our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of
directors since November 2006. Mr. Frank joined GSC Group in 2001 and since 2005
has served as a Senior Operating Executive. Mr. Frank was appointed
Chairman of Atlantic Express, Inc. in 2003 and served as their Chief
Restructuring Officer from 2002 to 2003. Prior to that, Mr. Frank was
the CEO of Ten Hoeve Bros., Inc. and was an investment banker at Goldman, Sachs
& Co. He is Chairman of the Board of Atlantic Express
Transportation Group, Scovill Fasteners, Inc., Worldtex, Inc., and a director of
Color Spot Nurseries, Inc. and North Star Media LLC. Mr. Frank
graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S.E.E. degree and from the
Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, with a M.B.A.
degree.
Matthew C.
Kaufman,
Director. Mr. Kaufman has served as our President and a member of our
board of directors since November 2006. Mr. Kaufman joined GSC Group at its
inception in 1999. Mr. Kaufman is responsible for sourcing,
evaluating and executing equity and control distressed debt investments and is a
member of the Control Distressed Debt investment committee. Prior to
that, he was with Greenwich Street Capital Partners from 1997 to
1999. Mr. Kaufman was previously Director of Corporate Finance with
NextWave Telecom, Inc. From 1994 to 1996, Mr. Kaufman was with The
Blackstone Group, in the Merchant Banking and Mergers and Acquisitions
Department, and from 1993 to 1994 was with Bear Stearns working primarily in the
Mergers & Acquisitions department. Mr. Kaufman is Chairman of the
Board of Aeromet Holdings Inc. and a director of Atlantic Express Transportation
Group, Burke Industries, Inc., Dukes Place Holdings Limited, Safety-Kleen Corp.,
Seaton Insurance Company and Stonewall Insurance Company. He
graduated from the University of Michigan, with a B.B.A. degree and a M.A.C.C.
degree.
R. Blair
Thomas,
Director. Mr. Thomas is a Group Managing Director of Trust
Company of the West and the Chief Executive Officer of Trust Company of the
West’s Energy & Infrastructure Group (“EIG”). EIG is one of the
leading providers of institutional capital to the energy sector globally with
more than $7 billion currently under management and active portfolio investments
in 26 countries on 6 continents. Mr. Thomas is also Chairman and CEO
of TCW Energy Partners, LLC, a listed energy invested company. Prior
to joining TAMCO in 1998, Mr. Thomas was a senior investment officer at the
Inter-American Development Bank involved in private sector project finance
transactions and an attorney at the law firm of Brown & Wood in New
York. Mr. Thomas also served as an advisor on energy and budget
policy in the first Bush White House. Mr. Thomas has a B.A. degree
from the University of Virginia, a J.D. degree from New York Law School and a
LL.M. degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Mr. Thomas is a
member of the Board of Directors of TAMCO and both public and private energy
companies in the U.S., UK, Norway and the Dominican Republic including CDX Gas,
LLC, Coogee Resources, Electricidad del Este, SA, Interoil Exploration &
Production ASA, Jefferson Scholars Foundation, Pinpoint Drilling &
Directional Services, LLC and TCW Energy Partners.
No GSCAC
executive officer has received any cash compensation for services rendered to
us. However, we pay and, until the completion of the acquisition will continue
to pay, GSCP (NJ) Holdings, L.P., a subsidiary of GSC Group, a fee of $7,500 per
month for providing us with administrative, technology and secretarial services,
as well as the use of limited office space. This arrangement is solely for our
benefit and is not intended to provide Messrs. Eckert, Frank and Kaufman
compensation in lieu of a salary. Other than the $7,500 per month administrative
fee, no compensation of any kind, including finder’s, consulting or other fees,
is or will be paid to any of our executives or directors or any of their
respective affiliates, prior to, or for any services they render in order to
effectuate, the completion of a business combination. However, such individuals
will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with
activities on our behalf, such as identifying potential target businesses and
performing due diligence on suitable business combinations.
The
following constitutes the Compensation Discussion and Analysis of Complete
Energy’s executive compensation program prior to the transactions contemplated
by the acquisition and does not necessarily represent compensation
decisions that will be made by Complete Energy Holdings Corporation following
completion of the merger, except where otherwise noted.
Executive
Summary
All of the
individuals identified in the following table, who are collectively referred to
in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis as “Named Executive Officers,” are
employees of Complete Energy’s wholly-owned subsidiary, CEP Op
Co. Historically, however, the Managing Directors of Complete Energy
have made all compensation decisions for these
employees. Accordingly, this Compensation Discussion and Analysis (1)
provides an overview of Complete Energy’s compensation policies and practices
and (2) details the elements of compensation paid to the Named Executive
Officers in the last completed fiscal year.
Following
the consummation of the merger, the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors of Complete Energy Holdings Corporation will make all
compensated-related decisions for its executive officers.
|
|
|
|
Principal
Function at
Complete
Energy
|
|
Position
at Complete Energy
Holdings
Corporation Upon
Completion
of the Merger
|
Lori
Cuervo
|
|
Managing
Director
|
|
Founding
member; oversees plant operations and information technology, human
resources, insurance and administrative functions
|
|
President
and Chief Operating Officer
|
Peter
Dailey
|
|
Managing
Director
|
|
Founding
member; oversees legal and regulatory functions, business development and
financing
|
|
—
(1)
|
Hugh
Tarpley
|
|
Managing
Director
|
|
Founding
member; oversees mergers and acquisitions, accounting and treasury
functions
|
|
Chief
Executive Officer
|
Peter
Tellegen
|
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
|
Oversees
treasury, accounting, budget, tax and audit activities
|
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
(1)
|
Upon
completion of the merger, Mr. Dailey will resign as an employee of
Complete Energy and will not hold a position at Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation.
|
Objectives
of Executive Compensation Program
As a
private company that has experienced a high level of growth over the past four
years, Complete Energy has sought to establish a competitive compensation
program with appropriate compensation packages for the wide variety of duties
performed by its Named Executive Officers. Recognizing that
attracting, retaining and motivating its executive officers to successfully
perform these demanding roles is critical to executing its business strategy,
Complete Energy’s compensation philosophy has been to provide an appropriate mix
of salary, cash incentives and equity incentives to its executive officers, with
an emphasis on providing incentives that promote both short-term and long-term
company success.
As
described in more detail under “Information About Complete Energy — Complete
Energy’s Strategy,” part of Complete Energy’s business strategy is to optimize
and potentially expand operations at its existing facilities, as well as to
acquire assets that meet its investment criteria while selectively pursuing
development projects for new generation facilities. Attracting and
retaining the best talent in the market has served as a cornerstone of Complete
Energy’s success and is one of the most important means to executing Complete
Energy’s business strategy. Accordingly, Complete Energy’s
compensation program has been designed to:
|
·
|
provide
competitive cash compensation based on job role and complexity, along with
individual experience and skills;
|
|
·
|
reward
individual and company performance through cash
bonuses;
|
|
·
|
offer
equity ownership in a high-growth company;
and
|
|
·
|
offer
a competitive compensation package that is consistent with best practices
within the energy industry.
|
To achieve
these objectives, Complete Energy has historically evaluated the compensation
paid to its executive officers based upon the following factors:
|
·
|
the
appropriate mix of salary, cash incentives and equity
incentives;
|
|
·
|
company
and individual performance; and
|
|
·
|
market
analysis of the compensation packages of its executive officers compared
to the compensation packages of executive officers at other energy
industry companies that are similar to Complete Energy in their
operations, among other factors.
|
Complete
Energy does not assign relative weights or rankings to these
factors. Instead, the Managing Directors have made subjective
compensation determinations based upon a consideration of all of these
factors. While specific benchmarks are not used to establish
compensation levels, the Managing Directors have taken into account Complete
Energy’s overall progress over time.
Setting
Executive Compensation
Complete
Energy’s Managing Directors have historically made compensation decisions for
all of the company’s employees, including themselves. In determining
compensation levels, the Managing Directors have relied primarily on their
extensive experience in the energy industry, business judgment and personal
experience as founders of Complete Energy. In addition, they
consulted with the Vice President of Human Resources and Communications for
market data on pay practices and other relevant information to assist them in
making informed decisions in the best interest of Complete Energy and in
compliance with its compensation philosophy. No other officers have
been involved in compensation decisions.
With the
exception of hiring a compensation consultant (Mercer Human Resource Consulting)
in 2004, the Managing Directors generally have not relied on independent
consultants to analyze or prepare formal compensation surveys for Complete
Energy. Instead, the Managing Directors have made informal
comparisons of Complete Energy’s executive compensation program to the
compensation paid to executives of other publicly and privately held companies
similar to Complete Energy. Surveys from Think Energy Group and Baker
Petrolite Taft have been used, as has compensation data from
SalaryWizard.
The
intricacies of Complete Energy’s operations and the skills needed of its
executive officers are believed to be greater than those of many companies with
comparable total revenues due Complete Energy’s significant growth over a short
period of time. Therefore, in making fiscal 2007 compensation
decisions, the Managing Directors examined compensation data from not only
companies of similar size and revenue, but also companies that are significantly
larger or more developed. The Managing Directors have also taken into
consideration internal parity among the different positions as appropriate when
making compensation decisions.
Components
of Executive Compensation Program
The
Managing Directors have evaluated both performance and compensation to ensure
that Complete Energy maintains the ability to attract and retain superior
employees in key positions. In furtherance of this goal, Complete
Energy’s executive compensation program for fiscal 2007 consisted primarily of
the following components: base salary, cash bonuses, long-term equity-based
incentive awards and other benefits, such as health and welfare, retirement and
perquisites. Although Complete Energy has historically issued
long-term equity-based incentive awards, none were issued in 2007. In
addition, severance benefits were offered to the Named Executive Officers,
which are described in more detail below under “—Severance and
Change in Control Payments” and “Executive Compensation—Potential Payments Upon
a Termination or Change in Control.”
Base
Salary
Complete
Energy provides base salaries to its executive officers to compensate them for
services rendered during the year. In general, executive officers
with the highest level of responsibility have the lowest percentage of their
compensation provided as base salary and the highest percentage of their
compensation in the form of equity awards and bonuses. Complete Energy is
cash-constrained because of its size and debt requirements at the project
level. Therefore, equity has typically been granted in place of
larger base salaries. The proportion of fixed compensation to equity awards and
bonuses has been largely determined by the level of responsibility and impact of
each position.
Salary
adjustments have historically been based on many individual factors,
including:
|
·
|
the
responsibilities of the officer;
|
|
·
|
the
period over which the officer has performed these
responsibilities;
|
|
·
|
the
scope, level of expertise and experience required for the officer’s
position;
|
|
·
|
the
strategic impact of the officer’s position;
and
|
|
·
|
the
potential future contribution and demonstrated individual performance of
the officer.
|
In
addition to the individual factors listed above, the Managing Directors have
also generally considered market data, business performance and cash flow
targets.
In
connection with the Managing Directors’ review of salary levels during fiscal
2007, they determined that increases were warranted in order to bring the salary
levels closer competitive levels with comparably-titled officers other publicly
and privately held companies similar to Complete Energy. Based on
this, and in light of Complete Energy’s objective to provide competitive
compensation subject to individual performance and experience, the Managing
Directors approved increases to the 2007 base salaries of the Named Executive
Officers. In April 2007, the base salary for each Managing Director
was increased from $200,000 to $300,000, and the base salary for the Chief
Financial Officer was increased from $175,000 to $200,000.
Ms. Cuervo
and Mr. Tarpley have agreed to enter into employment agreements with Complete
Energy Holdings Corporation that will contain provisions establishing a base
salary effective upon completion of the merger. The terms of these
agreements are summarized below under “Executive Compensation—Potential Payments
Upon a Termination or Change in Control.”
Cash
Bonuses
As one way
of accomplishing Complete Energy’s executive compensation program objectives,
the Managing Directors award discretionary cash bonuses to reward executive
officers for their contribution to Complete Energy’s financial and operational
success. The Managing Directors believe that the payment of
discretionary cash bonuses encourages the attainment of Complete Energy’s
near-term strategic, operational and financial goals as well as individual
performance measures. The factors considered when determining the
amount of discretionary cash bonus awards, if any, were similar to those
considered when setting and adjusting base salaries, and no particular weight
was assigned to these factors.
In March
2007, Peter Tellegen was awarded a discretionary cash bonus of $85,000 based on
his performance in conjunction with Complete Energy’s purchase of a majority
equity interest in the Batesville facility. This bonus payment is
reflected in the “Bonus” column of the Summary Compensation Table. At
that time, Complete Energy redeemed Class D Preference Units (as defined in
Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Complete
Energy as amended (“Complete Energy LLC Agreement”)) held by the Managing
Directors in an amount equal to combined total of $4,111,210. The
Class D Preference Units were issued to the Managing
Directors in connection with the initial capitalization of
Complete Energy in 2004 and were subject to an automatic redemption feature set
forth in Complete Energy’s LLC Agreement. In light of the redemption of the
Class D Preference Units, Complete Energy did not award discretionary cash
bonuses to the Managing Directors in March 2007.
Each
Managing Director was awarded a discretionary cash bonus of $90,000 in December
2007, and the Chief Financial Officer was awarded a discretionary cash bonus of
$60,000. In each case, the bonus was awarded based on the performance
of work accomplished throughout the year, including the refinancing of Complete
Energy debt. These December 2007 bonus payments are reflected in the “Bonus”
column of the Summary Compensation Table.
In May
2008, a discretionary cash bonus of $600,000 was paid to each of the Managing
Directors, and a discretionary cash bonus of $100,000 was paid to the Chief
Financial Officer. In each case, the bonus was awarded based on the
significant increases in workload associated with the evaluation of strategic
business alternatives and the processes leading to the merger with
GSCAC.
Long-Term
Equity-Based Incentive Awards
Complete
Energy strongly believes that the contributions by its employees directly impact
the future success of the company. As a result, Complete Energy
established a Long-Term Incentive Awards Plan that was designed to (1) act as a
long-term retention tool and (2) align employee and company interests by
aligning compensation with growth in company value.
To achieve
these objectives, Complete Energy has generally relied on the issuance of
restricted units. When awards are granted, the holder is entitled to
participate in the appreciation of Complete Energy’s assets occurring after the
date of issuance of the restricted units. The value of the restricted
units is solely dependent upon the future performance of Complete
Energy. The restricted units are subject to three-year cliff vesting,
forfeiture and other terms and conditions set forth in the Restricted Unit
Agreements and Complete Energy’s limited liability company
agreement. The loss of these benefits is limited to termination for
cause or voluntary resignation. These restricted units vest
automatically upon a change of control related to a sale of Complete Energy and
are subject to vesting in the event of death or full
disability. Accordingly, the completion of the merger with GSCAC will
result in the immediate vesting of all outstanding restricted
units.
In
determining the levels of restricted unit grants, the Managing Directors
generally make a subjective determination based on the same factors considered
when setting and adjusting base salaries and discretionary cash bonuses and no
particular weight was assigned to these factors. After a
consideration of these factors, Complete Energy did not grant any long-term
equity-based incentive awards to the Named Executive Officers during fiscal
2007.
A proposed
stock option plan is being submitted to GSCAC’s stockholders for
approval. Please read “Proposal V—Adoption of the Stock Option
Plan” for additional information. If the proposed plan is approved, it is
expected that Ms. Cuervo and Messrs. Tarpley and Tellegen will be eligible to
receive awards under the plan the acquisition is completed.
Other
Benefits
Health
and Welfare Benefits
The Named
Executive Officers are eligible to participate in all of Complete Energy’s
employee health and welfare benefit plans on the same basis as other employees
(subject to applicable law) to meet their health and welfare
needs. These plans include medical, dental, vision, group life,
long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment
insurance, as well as medical and dependent care flexible spending
accounts. These benefits are provided so as to assure that Complete
Energy is able to competitively attract and retain officers and other
employees. This is a fixed component of compensation, and the
benefits are provided on a non-discriminatory basis to all
employees.
Retirement
Benefits
Complete
Energy offers a 401(k) profit sharing plan for the benefit of its employees,
including the Named Executive Officers. Under the plan, eligible employees may
elect to defer a portion of their earnings up to the annual maximum allowed by
IRS regulations. Complete Energy offers a company match of 100% of the first 3%
of deferred contributions and 50% of the next 2% of deferred contributions. To
be eligible to participate in the plan, employees must have completed at least
90 days of employment.
Perquisites
Complete
Energy believes that the total mix of compensation and benefits provided to its
executive officers is comprehensive and competitive. Therefore, the
perquisites provided executive officers are limited to only the provision of $1
million in additional life insurance coverage for the Managing
Directors. This perquisite is limited to the Managing Directors
because they have a significant amount of equity ownership interest in the
company with limited ability to liquidate. In the event of any of
their deaths, designated beneficiaries would retain equity ownership interests
in lieu of liquidation. The life insurance policies are intended to
serve as compensation until such time that equity ownership could be
liquidated.
Severance
and Change of Control Payments
Complete
Energy maintains employment agreements with each of its Managing
Directors. These agreements are described more fully in “Executive
Compensation—Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of
Plan-Based Awards Table—Employment Agreements with Managing Directors” and
“Executive Compensation—Potential Payments Upon a Termination or Change in
Control.” These agreements provide for severance compensation to be
paid if employment is terminated under certain conditions, such as termination
by Complete Energy without cause or by the Managing Director for good reason,
each as defined in the agreements.
The
employment agreements between Complete Energy and the Managing Directors are
designed to meet the following objectives:
|
·
|
specify
and define the employment relationship between Complete Energy and the
Managing Directors;
|
|
·
|
maintain
consistent management ownership of Complete Energy;
and
|
|
·
|
satisfy
the criteria of investors in and lenders to Complete
Energy.
|
Complete
Energy believes that the triggering events under the employment agreements
represent the general market triggering events found in employment agreements of
companies against whom Complete Energy competed for executive-level talent at
the time they were negotiated.
Pursuant
to the merger agreement, each of the Named Executive Officers will transfer all
of their respective right, title and interest in Complete Energy in exchange for
a portion of the acquisition consideration that will be provided to all Complete
Energy owners. Mr. Dailey intends to resign from Complete Energy upon
the completion of the merger. Ms. Cuervo and Mr. Tarpley will enter
into new employment agreements with Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation. Accordingly, there will be no severance payments or
other obligations under employment agreements with Complete Energy for Ms.
Cuervo or Messrs. Dailey or Tarpley upon the completion of the
merger.
Summary
Compensation
The
following table summarizes, with respect to Complete Energy’s Named Executive
Officers, information relating to the compensation earned for services rendered
in all capacities to Complete Energy in the two most recently completed fiscal
years.
Summary
Compensation Table for the Year Ended December 31,
2007
|
|
Name
and Principal Position
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All
Other Compensation(1)(2) ($)
|
|
|
|
|
Lori
Cuervo,
Managing
Director
|
|
2007
|
|
$ |
275,000 |
|
|
$ |
90,000 |
|
|
$ |
11,880 |
|
|
$ |
376,880 |
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
8,880 |
|
|
|
238,880 |
|
Peter
Dailey,
Managing
Director
|
|
2007
|
|
|
275,000 |
|
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
10,685 |
|
|
|
375,685 |
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
1,352 |
|
|
|
231,352 |
|
Hugh
Tarpley,
Managing
Director
|
|
2007
|
|
|
275,000 |
|
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
14,710 |
|
|
|
379,710 |
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
9,377 |
|
|
|
239,377 |
|
Peter
Tellegen,
Chief
Financial Officer
|
|
2007
|
|
|
193,744 |
|
|
|
145,000 |
|
|
|
7,750 |
|
|
|
346,494 |
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
175,000 |
|
|
|
26,250 |
|
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
208,250 |
|
(1)
|
The
following table describes the components of this
column:
|
|
|
Company
Paid Insurance Premiums ($)
|
|
|
Company
Contributions to 401(k) Plan ($)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lori
Cuervo
|
|
$ |
880 |
|
|
$ |
880 |
|
|
$ |
11,000 |
|
|
$ |
8,000 |
|
|
$ |
11,880 |
|
|
$ |
8,880 |
|
Peter
Dailey
|
|
|
1,352 |
|
|
|
1,352 |
|
|
|
9,333 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
10,685 |
|
|
|
1,352 |
|
Hugh
Tarpley
|
|
|
3,710 |
|
|
|
3,710 |
|
|
|
11,000 |
|
|
|
5,667 |
|
|
|
14,710 |
|
|
|
9,337 |
|
Peter
Tellegen
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
7,750 |
|
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
7,750 |
|
|
|
7,000 |
|
(2)
|
The
amounts shown in this column do not reflect the redemption of Class D
Preference Units held by the Managing Directors in March 2007 in the
following amounts: Ms. Cuervo - $933,630; Mr. Dailey –
$1,588,790; and Mr. Tarpley – $1,588,790. The redemption of the
units was treated by Complete Energy as a reduction in the capital account
for each Managing Director and not as compensation earned for services
rendered during fiscal 2007.
|
Complete
Energy does not recognize any expense in its financial statements for stock
awards. Further, Complete Energy has not granted options to its
employees.
Grants
of Plan-Based Awards
Complete
Energy did not grant any stock or option awards or other long-term equity-based
awards during fiscal 2007 to the Named Executive Officers.
Narrative
Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards
Table
The
following is a discussion of material factors necessary to an understanding of
the information disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table and the Grants of
Plan-Based Awards Table.
Salary
and Cash Incentive Awards in Proportion to Total Compensation
The
following table sets forth the percentage of each Named Executive Officer’s
total compensation that Complete Energy paid in the form of base salary and
annual cash incentive awards.
Name
|
|
Percentage
of Total Compensation
|
|
Lori
Cuervo
|
|
|
96.8 |
% |
Peter
Dailey
|
|
|
97.2 |
% |
Hugh
Tarpley
|
|
|
96.1 |
% |
Peter
Tellegen
|
|
|
97.8 |
% |
Employment
Agreements with Managing Directors
Effective
May 24, 2006, Complete Energy entered into employment agreements with each of
its Managing Directors. These employment agreements have a term of
approximately three years, ending on October 21, 2009. The agreements
provide for an annual salary of $200,000, subject to increase by Complete Energy
with the approval of the Class A Members (as provided in Complete Energy’s LLC
Agreement). In addition, the agreements contain restrictive
provisions with respect to confidential information, non-competition and
non-solicitation. For a discussion of severance and other amounts
payable upon termination under the agreements, please see “Executive
Compensation—Potential Payments Upon a Termination or Change in
Control.”
Offer
Letter with Peter Tellegen
The offer
letter issued to Mr. Tellegen on July 19, 2005 details the position, title,
salary, equity participation, short-term incentive award plan target and
benefits package extended to Mr. Tellegen. The offer letter states
that his employment will be “at will” and Complete Energy has no continuing
obligations under the offer letter. Complete Energy maintains no
other employment or severance agreements with Mr. Tellegen.
Outstanding
Equity Awards Value at Fiscal Year-End Table
The
following table provides information concerning restricted stock that has not
vested for the Named Executive Officers. Complete Energy has not
granted options to its employees.
Outstanding
Equity Awards as of December 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
Number
of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)
|
|
|
Market
Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested
($)
|
|
Lori
Cuervo
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Peter
Dailey
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Hugh
Tarpley
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Peter
Tellegen
|
|
|
164 |
(1) |
|
$ |
786,872 |
(2) |
(1)
|
The
vesting schedule of the Restricted Units issued to Mr. Tellegen is the
earlier of (a) the third anniversary of the grant date; (b) a sale of all
or substantially all of the assets of Complete Energy; (c) a sale or
transfer of a majority of the voting power of Complete Energy other than
to a member on the grant date or their affiliates; (d) winding up,
dissolution or liquidation of Complete Energy; or (e) an initial public
offering of equity of Complete
Energy.
|
(2)
|
Value
calculated by multiplying 164 units by $4,798, which is the estimated
value of each unit. The units are not publicly traded and,
therefore, have no market value. Consequently, Complete Energy
has estimated the value of the units as of December 31, 2007 by (a)
adding the values of the La Paloma facility and Batesville facility (based
on the terms of the merger agreement); (b) adding the project debt at each
facility, the total TAMCO/MS Notes, the Complete Energy Credit Agreement,
Fulcrum’s interest and the LP Minority Holder interest as of
December 31, 2007; and (c) dividing (a) less (b) by the total number
of units outstanding as of December 31,
2007.
|
Option
Exercises and Stock Vested
There were
no option exercises or stock vested during fiscal 2007 by the Named Executive
Officers.
Potential
Payments Upon a Termination or Change in Control
Employment
Agreements with Complete Energy
Complete
Energy entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with each of
Ms. Cuervo, Mr. Dailey and Mr. Tarpley on May 24, 2006, the term of which ends
on October 21, 2009. These employment agreements solely govern the
employment relationship between Complete Energy and each of the three
executives, and are discussed here for purposes of providing information as to
the potential payments that the executives would have been entitled to receive
under a theoretical termination or change in control scenario on December 31,
2007 under the agreements that were in fact in place at that
time. Upon the completion of the merger, Mr. Dailey will resign from
Complete Energy, and Ms. Cuervo and Mr. Tarpley will enter into new employment
agreements with Complete Energy Holdings Corporation. Complete Energy
Holdings Corporation will not be responsible for paying the severance payments
that could be triggered under the employment agreements between Complete Energy
and Ms. Cuervo and Messrs. Dailey and Tarpley; however, Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation is accountable to Ms. Cuervo and Mr. Tarpley exclusively for the
potential payments generated from the new employment agreements as described in
further detail below under “—Employment Agreements with Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation.”
Complete
Energy’s employment agreements provide for severance payments and continued
welfare benefits if Complete Energy terminates the executive without “Cause” or
if the executive terminates his or her employment for “Good
Reason.” This severance payment consists of a lump sum payment for 12
months of base salary, along with the remainder of base salary Complete Energy
would have paid the executive had the termination not occurred before the end of
the employment term. For purposes of the employment agreements,
“Cause” is defined as: (1) gross negligence or willful misconduct; (2)
conviction of a felony; (3) refusal to perform the duties and responsibilities
required by the employment agreement; (4) the willful and material breach of a
corporate policy; (5) the executive’s material breach of the employment
agreement; or (6) the occurrence of a “For Cause Event”. A “For Cause
Event” is defined in the agreement as: (1) the executive’s written admission of
his or her commitment of a detrimental act (as defined in Complete Energy’s LLC
Agreement); (2) a court’s determination that the executive committed a
detrimental act; (3) the determination that the executive’s involvement with
Complete Energy has a material adverse effect on Complete Energy; or (4) the
executive’s delivery of a termination notice to Complete
Energy. “Good Reason” is defined as Complete Energy’s material breach
of the employment agreement without Complete Energy curing such breach within 30
days of receiving written notice from the executive that Complete Energy had
breached the agreement.
Upon the
executive’s death or “Disability,” the employment agreement is automatically
terminated and the executive is entitled to receive any earned but unpaid
salary, reimbursement of allowable expenses yet unpaid, and any other payments
or benefits to which the executive would be entitled to under the terms of any
applicable compensation arrangement or benefit plan or program of Complete
Energy (such payments and benefits also to be provided upon a termination for
any reason). “Disability” is defined as: (1) the permanent inability
of the executive to perform the major duties of his or her position on a
full-time basis, as determined by a qualified physician; or (2) the executive’s
failure to perform the major duties of his or her position on a full-time basis
for 180 consecutive days.
The
executive is also bound to adhere to confidentiality, non-competition and
non-solicitation provisions. The executive may not directly or
indirectly compete with Complete Energy for a period of two years following his
or her termination of employment, although if Complete Energy terminates the
executive without “Cause” or if the executive terminates his or her employment
for “Good Reason,” these non-compete provisions do not apply.
The table
below shows the amounts that Ms. Cuervo, Mr. Dailey and Mr. Tarpley would have
received under the Complete Energy employment agreements upon a termination of
employment or a Change in Control as of December 31, 2007, prior to and outside
of the completion of the merger.
Potential
Payments Upon a Termination or Change in Control
Table
|
|
|
Termination
Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason ($)
|
|
Lori
Cuervo
|
|
|
|
|
Salary
|
|
|
|
— |
|
Severance
|
|
|
$ |
841,645 |
(1) |
Continued
Medical
|
|
|
|
33,613 |
(2) |
Total
|
|
|
|
875,258 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter
Dailey
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary
|
|
|
|
— |
|
Severance
|
|
|
|
841,645 |
(1) |
Continued
Medical
|
|
|
|
33,613 |
(2) |
Total
|
|
|
|
875,258 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hugh
Tarpley
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary
|
|
|
|
— |
|
Severance
|
|
|
|
841,645 |
(1) |
Continued
Medical
|
|
|
|
23,567 |
(3) |
Total
|
|
|
|
865,212 |
|
(1)
|
The
employment agreements provide that the executive will receive severance of
one year of base salary, plus any salary that he or she would have
received for the remainder of the term. Each executive’s base
salary is $300,000, or $821.92 per day. The remainder of the
employment term under the employment agreements is October 21, 2009, which
is 659 days after the hypothetical termination date of December 31,
2007. The amount shown here is the result of (a) $821.92
multiplied by 659 plus (b)
$300,000.
|
(2)
|
The
cost of continued medical is calculated using the current cost of medical,
dental and vision insurance premiums of $1,527.88 per month for the
election of coverage for the employee, spouse and dependents, and is the
result of that current cost multiplied by 22 months for coverage through
the end of the month of termination of the employment
agreement.
|
(3)
|
The
cost of continued medical is calculated using the current cost of medical,
dental and vision insurance premiums of $1,071.22 per month for the
election of coverage for the employee and spouse, and is the result of
that current cost multiplied by 22 months for coverage through the end of
the month of termination of the employment
agreement.
|
Employment
Agreements with Complete Energy Holdings Corporation
As
discussed above, Complete Energy Holdings Corporation will enter into employment
agreements with Ms. Cuervo and Mr. Tarpley upon the completion of the merger, at
which time they will become executive officers of Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation. The employment agreements will provide for severance
payments upon specific events, as well as release of payment obligations to the
executives should the executive officers breach their non-compete clauses
contained in the employment agreements. Below is a discussion of the
definitions and the common provisions relevant to a termination event or a
change in control that will be provided for in the employment
agreements. The employment agreements for Mr. Tarpley and Ms. Cuervo
will only become effective upon the completion of the merger, although for
purposes of providing relevant information relating to the potential payments
that these executive officers would receive under the new agreements, it is
assumed that the employment agreements were in effect on December 31,
2007.
|
·
|
Cause. An
executive may be terminated for “Cause” if the executive has: (1) engaged
in gross negligence or willful misconduct; (2) committed a felony; (3)
refused to perform his or her duties and responsibilities; (4) materially
breached any corporate policy; (5) willfully engaged in conduct that he or
she knows is materially injurious to Complete Energy Holdings Corporation;
(6) engaged in the illegal use of controlled substances; or (7) materially
breached a material provision of the employment
agreement.
|
|
·
|
Disability.
An executive will be considered to have incurred a “Disability” if he or
she becomes physically or mentally incapacitated and cannot perform his or
her duties under the employment agreement for a period of 90 consecutive
days, or for 120 days in any 12 month
period.
|
|
·
|
Good Reason
Event. The following events constitute a “Good Reason
Event”: (1) material breach of the executive’s employment
agreement by Complete Energy Holdings Corporation; (2) a material
reduction in the executive’s duties or responsibilities, including
Complete Energy Holdings Corporation’s failure to use reasonable efforts
to secure the executive’s election to Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation’s board of directors; (3) Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation’s assignment of duties and responsibilities to the executive
that are inherently inconsistent with his or her position; or (4) a
material change in the geographic location at which Complete Energy
Holdings Corporation requires the executive to perform
services.
|
|
·
|
Pro-Rata
Bonus Amount. Cash amount due to executive for a year in
which a termination of employment occurs, calculated by multiplying the
executive’s target bonus by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
number of days the executive was employed during the year, the denominator
of which is 365.
|
|
·
|
Specified
Employee. The executives’ employment agreements provide
for an alternative payment schedule for any severance payments in the
event that the executive qualifies as a specified employee as defined in
Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and the regulations issued thereunder,
together referred to in the remainder of this discussion as “Section
409A.” Unless a payment qualifies for a short-term deferral, or
is less than the specified amounts under Section 409A, no payment will be
made under the employment agreements until six months have passed since
that executive’s termination of employment. If payments are
delayed because of Section 409A, the payment will accrue interest on a
non-compounded basis, at the prime or base rate of interest as announced
by JPMorgan Chase Bank on the date of termination and will be paid in a
lump sum along with the principal
amount.
|
|
·
|
Gross-Up
Payments. If a payment received pursuant to the
employment agreements is subject to an excise tax under Internal Revenue
Code Section 4999 (“Section 4999”), Complete Energy Holdings Corporation
will pay the executive an additional payment so that he or she retains the
full amount of the intended payment after the excise taxes have been paid
on the amount. This excise tax will not be applicable unless
the executive is terminated in connection with a change in
control. A “change in control” of Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation would mean a change in the ownership or effective control of
Complete Energy Holdings Corporation, or a change in the ownership of a
substantial portion of the assets of Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation. Any Gross-Up Payments will be made at the
same time that the applicable payment giving rise to the Gross-Up Payment
is made.
|
|
·
|
Restrictive
Period. The executives are subject to a non-competition
clause that extends for one year following the termination of the
executive’s employment. The non-compete clause generally
restricts the executive from becoming an employee, owner or director of an
independent power producing company in the U.S., or inducing any of
Complete Energy Holdings Corporation’s employees to terminate employment
with it. Any payment obligations Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation might have under the executive’s employment agreement will
cease, and any vested or unvested stock options will be forfeited, if the
executive breaches this clause.
|
The table
below shows the estimated amounts that Ms. Cuervo and Mr. Tarpley would be
entitled to receive under the employment agreements with Complete Energy
Holdings Corporation as of December 31, 2007 had the agreements been in effect
on that date. Amounts shown in the table below cannot be determined
with certainty except upon an actual termination of employment or a Change in
Control. The amounts were calculated using the following
assumptions:
|
·
|
all
termination events or change in control events occurred on December 31,
2007;
|
|
·
|
the
executive officer had been paid for all earned salary at the date of
termination;
|
|
·
|
the
executive officer had taken all eligible vacation days and had been fully
reimbursed for all reasonable business expenses as of the termination
date; and
|
|
·
|
Complete
Energy’s employment agreements with Ms. Cuervo and Mr. Tarpley have been
terminated and replaced with the new employment agreements; thus, all
amounts presented below are solely attributable to the new employment
agreements with Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation.
|
Potential Payments Upon a
Termination or Change in Control Table
|
|
Termination
due to Death or Disability ($)
|
|
|
Termination
by Us without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason
($)
|
|
|
Termination
in Connection with a Change in Control ($)
|
|
Lori
A. Cuervo
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary
and Bonus(1)
|
|
|
490,000 |
|
|
|
490,000 |
|
|
|
490,000 |
|
Severance
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
(2) |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
Gross-Up
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
669,258 |
(3) |
Total
|
|
|
1,490,000 |
|
|
|
1,490,000 |
|
|
|
2,159,258 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hugh
A. Tarpley
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary
and Bonus(1)
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
Severance
|
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
1,500,000 |
(2) |
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
Gross-Up
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
919,119 |
(3) |
Total
|
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
2,919,119 |
|
(1)
|
Although,
Ms. Cuervo and Mr. Tarpley will be eligible for bonuses, no targets have
yet been established for the bonuses they are eligible to receive, and no
historical data is available on which to base an estimate. Therefore, no
bonus information is included in the “Salary and Bonus”
calculation.
|
(2)
|
If
Mr. Tarpley or Ms. Cuervo terminates employment for Good Reason, he or she
must terminate within 60 days of the Good Reason event, and only after he
or she has given Complete Energy Holdings Corporation prior written notice
of the Good Reason event and Complete Energy Holdings Corporation has
failed to correct the problem within 30 days of the written
notice. Complete Energy Holdings Corporation will pay these
amounts in 12 equal monthly installments, subject to Mr. Tarpley and Ms.
Cuervo signing a full release, and/or the alternative payment schedule
being triggered by Section 409A.
|
(3)
|
An
executive’s “base amount” is the executive’s five-year average W-2
earnings. Any benefit amount paid in excess of the executive’s “base
amount” is considered an “excess parachute payment,” and if the “parachute
payment” is equal to or greater than three times the average base amount,
it is subject to an excise tax. The calculation above is based
upon an excise tax rate under Section 4999 of 20%, a 35% federal income
tax rate, any applicable state income tax, a 1.45% Medicare tax rate, and
a Pennsylvania state tax of 3.07%. It is also assumed that (a)
no amounts would be discounted as attributable to reasonable compensation,
(b) all cash severance payments were contingent upon a change in control
of Complete Energy Holdings Corporation, and (c) Complete Energy Holdings
Corporation could rebut the presumption required under applicable
regulations that any equity awards granted were contingent upon a change
in control. We anticipate that the Gross Up Payment for
each of the executives will decrease significantly in value on a going
forward basis. As noted above, the “base amount” uses salary
from the previous five years, and in the case of Ms. Cuervo and Mr.
Tarpley, the salary they were receiving from a start up company was
insignificant in the beginning years of Complete Energy. The
Complete Energy salaries increased as the company grew, and the salaries
used for the “base amount” will become more consistent as we move further
away from the start up salaries.
|
Restricted
Unit Agreements
Complete
Energy entered into two separate Restricted Unit Agreements with Peter Tellegen
governing the grant of restricted Class E Non-Voting Units (Series 1) (“the
Units”). The first Restricted Unit Agreement in effect granted 146 Units
effective August 12, 2005. A second grant of 18 Units occurred on July 31,
2006. The Restricted Unit Agreements provide for a three year vesting
schedule, with accelerated vesting upon any of the following events: (1) the
sale of all or substantially all of Complete Energy’s assets; (2) the sale or
transfer of a majority of the voting power of Complete Energy to any person
other than a Complete Energy member; (3) Complete Energy’s winding up,
dissolution or liquidation; or (4) an initial public offering (each a “Change in
Control” event for purposes of this section).
In the
event that Mr. Tellegen ceases to be an active, full-time employee with Complete
Energy or any of its affiliates before the three year vesting period because of
a Qualifying Termination, Mr. Tellegen only forfeits a portion of the Units
equal to the product obtained by multiplying (1) his total number of Units by
(2) the quotient obtained by dividing the number of months remaining between the
qualified termination date and the three year vesting date by 36. A
“Qualifying Termination” means Mr. Tellegen’s (1) death; (2) termination in
connection with
the receipt of long-term disability benefits under Complete Energy’s
long-term disability plan; (3) retirement upon the attainment of age 60; (4)
termination by Complete Energy without cause; or (5) experiencing any other
circumstance that Complete Energy determines should constitute a Qualifying
Termination. “Cause” under the Restricted Unit Agreements has
substantially the same meaning as that term is defined in the employment
agreements for Mr. Tarpley and Ms. Cuervo.
Upon the
completion of the merger, the vesting schedule of Mr. Tellegen’s Restricted Unit
Agreements will be accelerated, based on the provision that “Vesting Date” means
the earlier of the following to occur: (1) the third anniversary of the grant
date, (2) a sale (other than any transfers pursuant to a foreclosure or similar
event) of all or substantially all of the assets of Complete Energy, (3) a sale
or transfer of a majority of the voting power of Complete Energy to any person
other than to a member on the grant date or their affiliates, (4) the winding
up, dissolution or liquidation of Complete Energy, or (5) an initial public
offering of equity of Complete Energy. Each of the events described
in subsections (2), (3), (4) and (5) are considered a Change in Control event in
the table below.
The table
below shows the amounts that Mr. Tellegen would receive under the Restricted
Unit Agreements upon a termination of employment or a Change in Control as of
December 31, 2007. Amounts shown in the table below were calculated
using the following assumptions:
|
·
|
all
termination events or change in control events occurred on December 31,
2007;
|
|
·
|
the
provisions for a change of control have been triggered on December 31,
2007 in Mr. Tellegen’s Restricted Unit Agreements, which have accelerated
the vesting schedule;
|
|
·
|
the
value of the Units as of December 31, 2007 was estimated to be $4,798 per
share; and
|
|
·
|
Complete
Energy will be solely responsible for any potential payments associated
with the vesting, whether pursuant to a regular vesting schedule or upon
an acceleration of vesting, of the Units; the information provided herein
simply illustrates the potential payments that Mr. Tellegen would have
received on December 31, 2007 under the Restricted Unit Agreements that
were in fact in place at that time.
|
Potential Payments Upon a
Termination or Change in Control Table
|
|
Qualifying
Termination
($)
|
|
|
|
|
Peter
Tellegen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
Total
|
|
$ |
582,861 |
(1) |
|
$ |
786,872 |
(2) |
(1)
|
This
amount is a combination of the accelerated vesting of Mr. Tellegen’s two
separate Unit grants as described in more detail
below:
|
|
(a)
|
The
first grant of 146 Units should vest on August 12, 2008, and thus the
value of the accelerated vesting as of December 31, 2007 is calculated by
multiplying 146 Units by the remainder of months in the vesting period,
divided by 36 (8.39/36) to yield 34.03 Units being forfeited, and 111.97
Units receiving accelerated vesting. A value of $4,798
multiplied by 111.97 Units is
$537,232.
|
|
(b)
|
The
second grant of 18 Units should vest on July 31, 2009, and thus the value
of the accelerated vesting as of December 31, 2007 is calculated by
multiplying 18 Units by the remainder of months in the vesting period,
divided by 36 (17/36) to yield 8.49 Units being forfeited, and 9.51 Units
receiving accelerated vesting. A value of $4,798 multiplied by
9.51 Units is $45,629.
|
|
(c)
|
$537,232
plus $45,629 equals $582,861.
|
|
(2)
|
Mr.
Tellegen holds 164 Units, each of which would be accelerated on December
31, 2007 upon a Change in Control. $4,798 multiplied by 164 Units is
$786,872.
|
GSCAC
Three of
our directors and executive officers, Messrs. Eckert, Kaufman and Frank, have an
ownership interest in GSC Group, which is the sole member of our founding
stockholder. As a consequence, Messrs. Eckert, Kaufman and Frank have an
indirect material interest in our founding stockholder. On November 7, 2006, in
connection with our formation, the founding stockholder purchased 4,500,000
shares of GSCAC’s common stock (after giving effect to a subsequent
recapitalization and stock dividend) for a purchase price of $25,000 and entered
into an agreement with us, as amended on May 29, 2007, to purchase 4,000,000
warrants at a price of $1.00 per warrant, prior to the completion of the IPO. A
total of 45,000 of the 4,500,000 founding stockholder’s shares were subsequently
sold by the founding stockholder to Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon in private
transactions. Pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreements for the private
transactions, our founding stockholder may repurchase the shares owned by
Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon in the event of their resignation or removal for
cause from GSCAC’s board of directors. More recently, on June 24,
2008, our founding stockholder agreed to transfer to each of two of our
directors, Messrs. Detweiler and Sebastian, 5,000 shares of our common stock,
subject to consummation by us of an initial business combination and subject to
certain transfer restrictions. The founding stockholder’s shares are
identical to the shares included in the units sold in our IPO, except that the
founding stockholder and Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon agreed (1) in connection
with the stockholder vote required to approve our initial business combination,
to vote the founding stockholder’s shares in accordance with the majority of the
shares of common stock voted by the holders of IPO shares; and (2) to waive
their right to participate in any liquidation distribution with respect to the
founding stockholder’s shares if we fail to complete our initial business
combination. The founding stockholder’s warrants are identical to the warrants
sold in the IPO, except that they will be non-redeemable so long as they are
held by the founding stockholder or its permitted transferees and the shares of
common stock issued upon exercise of such founding stockholder’s warrants by the
founding stockholder or its permitted transferees will not be registered under
the Securities Act. However, the founding stockholder and its permitted
transferees will have the right to demand registration of the resale of such
shares.
The
founding stockholder and Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon have agreed not to sell or
transfer their shares until June 29, 2010 and not to sell or transfer their
warrants until after we complete our initial business combination, except in
each case to permitted transferees who agree to be subject to the same transfer
and voting restrictions. We refer to these agreements with the founding
stockholder and Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon and their permitted transferees as
“lock-up agreements.” The permitted transferees under the lock-up
agreements are our officers, directors and employees, and other persons or
entities associated with GSC Group. During the lock-up period, the founding
stockholder and Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon and any permitted transferees to
whom they transfer shares of common stock will retain all other rights of
holders of our common stock, including, without limitation, the right to vote
their shares of common stock (except that the founding stockholder and Messrs.
Goodwin and McKinnon have agreed to vote their shares in accordance with the
majority of the shares of common stock voted by our public stockholders in
connection with the vote on any initial business combination) and the right to
receive cash dividends, if declared. If dividends are declared and payable in
shares of common stock, such dividends will also be subject to the lock-up
agreements.
Each of
Messrs. Goodwin and McKinnon, and our founding stockholder have also agreed that
if he or it acquires shares in or following our IPO, he or it will vote all such
acquired shares in favor of the initial business combination. This voting
arrangement does not apply to any proposal other than the acquisition
proposal.
We entered
into a registration rights agreement with our founding stockholder and Messrs.
Goodwin and McKinnon, granting them the right to demand that we register the
resale of their shares, warrants and the shares of common stock underlying their
warrants, with respect to the shares, at any time after the date on which they
are no longer subject to transfer restrictions, and with respect to the warrants
and the underlying shares of common stock, after the relevant warrants become
exercisable by their terms. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection
with the filing of any such registration statements.
GSCP (NJ)
Holdings, L.P., a partnership that is controlled by GSC Group and is an
affiliate of the founding stockholder, made advances on our behalf that were
used to pay a portion of the expenses of our IPO and our
organization. These advances were non-interest bearing and unsecured and
were repaid at the time of the completion of the IPO.
We have
agreed to pay GSCP (NJ) Holdings, L.P. a monthly fee of $7,500 for office space
and administrative services, including secretarial support. We believe that
these fees are at least as favorable as we could have obtained from an
unaffiliated third party.
We will
reimburse our officers, directors and affiliates, including GSC Group and its
employees, for any reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred by them
in connection with certain activities on our behalf, such as identifying and
investigating possible target businesses and business combinations. Subject to
availability of proceeds not placed in the trust account and interest income of
up to $2.4 million on the balance in the trust account, there is no limit on the
amount of out-of-pocket expenses that could be incurred. Under our charter, our
audit committee reviews and approves all payments made to our officers,
directors and affiliates, including GSC Group, other than the payment of an
aggregate of $7,500 per month to GSCP (NJ) Holdings, L.P. for office space,
secretarial and administrative services, and any payments made to members of our
audit committee are reviewed and approved by our board of directors, with the
interested director or directors abstaining from such review and approval. To
the extent the out-of-pocket expenses exceed the available proceeds not
deposited in the trust account and interest income of up to $2.4 million on the
balance in the trust account, the out-of-pocket expenses will not be reimbursed
by us unless we complete an initial business combination.
Although
GSC Group and Mr. Eckert, the chairman of our board of directors, have entered
into non-compete agreements with us providing that until the earlier of our
initial business combination or our liquidation, neither the GSC Group nor Mr.
Eckert will become affiliated with any other blank check company, the other
members of our management team may in the future become affiliated with
entities, including other blank check companies, engaged in business activities
similar to those we intend to conduct. Members of our existing management team
may become aware of business opportunities that may be appropriate for
presentation to us, as well as the other entities with which they are or may be
affiliated. While we have entered into a business opportunity right of first
review agreement with the GSC Group which provides that from the date of the
prospectus relating to our IPO until the earlier of the completion of our
initial business combination or our liquidation in the event we do not complete
an initial business combination, we will have a right of first review with
respect to business combination opportunities of GSC Group with an enterprise
value of $150 million or more that GSC Group first becomes aware of after the
date of the prospectus relating to our IPO (other than any investment
opportunities in respect of companies in bankruptcy, or financially or
operationally distressed companies; companies targeted for acquisition by any
company in which an investment vehicle managed by GSC Group has an equity
investment; and any entity in which any of our officers, directors or GSC Group
or its affiliates has a financial interest), due to those existing and future
affiliations, members of our management team may have fiduciary obligations to
present potential business opportunities to those entities prior to presenting
them to us, which could cause conflicts of interest. Accordingly, members of our
management team and our directors may have conflicts of interest in determining
to which entity a particular business opportunity should be
presented.
Other than
reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses payable to our officers and directors and
GSC Group and an aggregate of $7,500 per month paid to GSCP (NJ) Holdings, L.P.
for office space, secretarial and administrative services as described above, no
compensation or fees of any kind, including finder’s and consulting fees, will
be paid to any of our officers or directors or their affiliates.
Complete
Energy
Policies
and Procedures
Since its
inception, Complete Energy has entered into transactions and contractual
arrangements with its Managing Directors, other officers and
unitholders. As a privately-held limited liability company, Complete
Energy has not historically had formal policies and procedures regarding the
review and approval of related person transactions. Instead, all
transactions outside the ordinary course of business between Complete Energy and
any of its Managing Directors, other officers and unitholders have been approved
by the Managing Directors. It is anticipated that after completion of
the merger, Complete Energy Holdings Corporation will adopt a written policy
that requires its audit committee to review on an annual basis all transactions
with related persons, or transactions in
which a related person has a direct or indirect interest, and to
determine whether to ratify or approve the transaction after consideration of
the related person’s interest in the transaction and other material facts.
Transactions
In March
2007, Complete Energy redeemed the outstanding Class D Preference Units (as
defined in Complete Energy’s LLC Agreement) held by its Managing Directors in
the following amounts: Ms. Cuervo – $933,630; Mr. Dailey –
$1,588,790; and Mr. Tarpley – $1,588,790. The Class D Preference
Units were issued to the Managing Directors in connection with the initial
capitalization of Complete Energy in 2004 and were subject to an automatic
redemption feature set forth in Complete Energy’s LLC Agreement.
The
transfer agent for our securities and warrant agent for our warrants is American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
GSCAC’s
board of directors is aware of no other matter that may be brought before the
GSCAC special meeting. Under the DGCL, only business that is specified in the
notice of special meeting to stockholders may be transacted at the special
meeting.
GSCAC
stockholders do not have appraisal rights in connection with the acquisition or
the issuance of GSCAC shares pursuant to the acquisition under the
DGCL.
Representatives
of GSCAC’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP,
will be present at the special meeting of the stockholders. The representatives
will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and they are
expected to be available to response to appropriate questions.
Representatives
of Complete Energy’s independent registered public accounting firm, UHY LLP,
will be present at the special meeting of the stockholders. The representatives
will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and are expected
to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
GSCAC
files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC under the Exchange Act. You may read and
copy this information at the SEC’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain copies of this
information by mail from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F Street,
N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The SEC also
maintains an Internet website that has reports, proxy statements and other
information about issuers, like GSCAC, that make electronic filings with the
SEC. The address of that site is http://www.sec.gov.
Information
and statements contained in this proxy statement are qualified in all respects
by reference to the copy of the relevant contract or other annex filed as an
exhibit to this proxy statement.
GSCAC has
supplied all information contained in this proxy statement relating to GSCAC,
and Complete Energy has supplied all information relating to Complete
Energy. Information provided by one does not constitute any
representation, estimate or projection of the other.
If you
have any questions about any of the proposals set forth herein or need
additional copies of proxy materials, you may contact GSCAC in writing or by
telephone:
GSC
Acquisition Company
500 Campus
Drive, Suite 220
Florham
Park, New Jersey 07932
Attention:
Michael H. Yip
Tel:
(973)-437-1000
You can
also get more information by visiting GSCAC’s website at
www.gscac.com. Website materials are not part of this proxy
statement.
Or you may
contact our proxy solicitor:
105
Madison Avenue
New York,
NY 10016
proxy@mackenziepartners.com
Call
Collect: (212) 929-5500
or
Toll-Free
(800) 322-2885
You
should rely only on the information contained in this proxy statement to vote on
the proposals discussed in this proxy statement. We have not authorized anyone
to provide you with information that is different from what is contained in this
document. This proxy statement is dated __________, 2008. You should not assume
that the information in it is accurate as of any date other than that date, and
neither its mailing to stockholders nor the issuance of GSCAC common shares in
the merger shall create any implication to the contrary.
GSC Acquisition
Company
|
|
|
F-3
|
|
F-4
|
|
F-5
|
|
F-6
|
|
F-7
|
|
F-8
|
|
F-15
|
|
F-16
|
|
F-17
|
|
F-18
|
|
F-19
|
Complete
Energy Holdings, LLC
|
|
|
|
|
F-25
|
|
F-26
|
|
F-27
|
|
F-29
|
|
F-30
|
|
F-42
|
|
F-43
|
|
F-44
|
|
F-45
|
|
F-46
|
|
F-48
|
|
F-66
|
|
F-67
|
|
F-68
|
|
F-69
|
|
F-70
|
CEP
Batesville Acquisition, LLC
|
|
|
F-77
|
|
F-78
|
La
Paloma Generating Company, LLC
|
|
|
F-90
|
|
F-91
|
|
F-92
|
|
F-93
|
|
F-94
|
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of GSC
Acquisition Company (a development stage company) (the “Company”) as of December
31, 2006 and 2007, the related statements of operations and cash
flows for the period from October 26, 2006 (date of inception) to December 31,
2006, the year ended December 31, 2007 and for the period from October 26, 2006
(date of inception) to December 31, 2007 and the statement of Stockholders’
equity for the period from October 26, 2006 (date of inception) to December 31,
2006 and for the year ended December 31, 2007. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of GSC
Acquisition Company at December 31, 2006 and 2007, the results of its operations
and its cash flows for the period from October 26, 2006 to December 31, 2006,
the year ended December 31, 2007 and for the period from October 26, 2006 to
December 31, 2007 and the statement of Stockholders’ equity for the period from
October 26, 2006 to December 31, 2006 and for the year ended December 31, 2007,
in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles.
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
852,852 |
|
|
$ |
24,918 |
|
Cash
and cash equivalents held in trust
|
|
|
203,276,868 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Prepaid
expense
|
|
|
99,568 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Account
receivable
|
|
|
3,448 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Deferred
tax asset
|
|
|
23,376 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Deferred
offering costs
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
190,122 |
|
Total
assets
|
|
$ |
204,256,112 |
|
|
$ |
215,040 |
|
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued
expenses
|
|
$ |
26,650 |
|
|
$ |
105,000 |
|
Income
tax payable
|
|
|
283,296 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Due
to affiliate
|
|
|
69,539 |
|
|
|
75,496 |
|
Accrued
offering costs
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
147,963 |
|
Deferred
underwriting discount
|
|
|
6,210,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
|
6,589,485 |
|
|
|
328,459 |
|
Common
stock, subject to possible conversion, 4,139,999 shares at $9.74 per
share
|
|
|
40,338,990 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Dividend
income attributable to common stock subject to possible conversion (net of
income taxes of $335,761 at December 31, 2007)
|
|
|
498,013 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Stockholders’
equity (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or
outstanding
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Common
stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 25,200,000 and
6,562,500 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2007 and December
31, 2006, respectively
|
|
|
25,200 |
|
|
|
6,563 |
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
155,123,815 |
|
|
|
18,437 |
|
Retained
earnings
|
|
|
1,680,609 |
|
|
|
(138,419 |
) |
Total
stockholders’ equity
|
|
|
156,829,624 |
|
|
|
(113,419 |
) |
Total
liabilities and stockholders’ equity
|
|
$ |
204,256,112 |
|
|
$ |
215,040 |
|
(1)
|
Share
amounts have been retroactively restated from the date of inception to
reflect the effect of a stock dividend of one share for each five
outstanding shares of common stock (see note
6).
|
(a
development stage company)
For
the Year Ended December 31, 2007
And
for the Period from October 26, 2006 (date of inception) to December 31,
2006
And
for the Period from October 26, 2006 (date of inception) to December 31,
2007
|
|
For
the year ended December 31, 2007
|
|
|
For
the period from October 26, 2006 (date of inception) to December
31, 2006
|
|
|
For
the period from October 26, 2006 (date of inception) to December
31, 2007
|
|
Formation
and general expenses
|
|
$ |
349,252 |
|
|
$ |
138,419 |
|
|
$ |
487,671 |
|
Administrative
fee
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
Total
Expenses
|
|
|
(394,252 |
) |
|
|
(138,419 |
) |
|
|
(532,671 |
) |
Operating
loss
|
|
|
(394,252 |
) |
|
|
(138,419 |
) |
|
|
(532,671 |
) |
Dividend
income
|
|
|
4,188,213 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
4,188,213 |
|
Income
(loss) before provision for income taxes
|
|
|
3,793,961 |
|
|
|
(138,419 |
) |
|
|
3,655,542 |
|
Provision
for income taxes
|
|
|
1,476,920 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,476,920 |
|
Net
income (loss)
|
|
$ |
2,317,041 |
|
|
$ |
(138,419 |
) |
|
$ |
2,178,622 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
Dividend income attributable to common stock subject to possible
conversion (net of income taxes of $335,761 at December 31,
2007)
|
|
|
(498,013 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(498,013 |
) |
Pro
forma net income (loss) attributable to common stock not subject to
possible conversion
|
|
$ |
1,819,028 |
|
|
$ |
(138,419 |
) |
|
$ |
1,680,609 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income per share (1):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
Diluted
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
Weighted
average shares outstanding (1):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
15,776,446 |
|
|
|
6,562,500 |
|
|
|
14,583,273 |
|
Diluted
|
|
|
20,340,577 |
|
|
|
6,562,500 |
|
|
|
19,147,404 |
|
(1)
|
Share
amounts have been retroactively restated from the date of inception to
reflect the effect of a stock dividend of one share for each five
outstanding shares of common stock (see note
6).
|
(a
development stage company)
For
the Year Ended December 31, 2007
And
for the Period from October 26, 2006 (date of inception) to December 31,
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional Paid-in
Capital
|
|
|
Earnings Accumulated During
the Development Stage
|
|
|
|
|
Common
shares issued
|
|
|
6,562,500 |
|
|
$ |
6,563 |
|
|
$ |
18,437 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
25,000 |
|
Net
loss
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(138,419 |
) |
|
|
(138,419 |
) |
Balances,
at December 31, 2006
|
|
|
6,562,500 |
|
|
|
6,563 |
|
|
|
18,437 |
|
|
|
(138,419 |
) |
|
|
(113,419 |
) |
Common
stock repurchased from founding stockholder and directors for
$4.00
|
|
|
(2,062,500 |
) |
|
|
(2,063 |
) |
|
|
2,059 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
Sale
of 20,700,000 units, net of underwriting discounts and offering
costs
|
|
|
20,700,000 |
|
|
|
20,700 |
|
|
|
191,442,309 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
191,463,009 |
|
Net
proceeds subject to possible conversion of 4,139,999
shares
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(40,338,990 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(40,338,990 |
) |
Proceeds
from sale of warrants to founding stockholder
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
4,000,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
4,000,000 |
|
Accretion
of trust account relating to common stock subject to conversion, net of
tax
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(498,013 |
) |
|
|
(498,013 |
) |
Net
income
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
2,317,041 |
|
|
|
2,317,041 |
|
Balances,
at December 31, 2007
|
|
|
25,200,000 |
|
|
$ |
25,200 |
|
|
$ |
155,123,815 |
|
|
$ |
1,680,609 |
|
|
$ |
156,829,624 |
|
(1)
|
Share
amounts have been retroactively restated from the date of inception to
reflect the effect of a stock dividend of one share for each five
outstanding shares of common stock (see note
6).
|
(a
development stage company)
For
the Year Ended December 31, 2007
And
for the Period from October 26, 2006 (date of inception) to December 31,
2006
And
for the Period from October 26, 2006 (date of inception) to December 31,
2007
Cash
flows from operating activities
|
|
For
the year ended December 31, 2007
|
|
|
For
the period from October 26, 2006 (date of inception) to December
31, 2006
|
|
|
For
the period from October 26, 2006 (date of inception) to December
31, 2007
|
|
Net
income (loss)
|
|
$ |
2,317,041 |
|
|
$ |
(138,419 |
) |
|
$ |
2,178,622 |
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net income to net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used
in) operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
offering costs
|
|
|
190,122 |
|
|
|
(190,122 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Deferred
tax asset
|
|
|
(23,376 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(23,376 |
) |
Prepaid
expense
|
|
|
(99,568 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(99,568 |
) |
Account
receivable
|
|
|
(3,448 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(3,448 |
) |
Income
tax payable
|
|
|
283,296 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
283,296 |
|
Administrative
fee payable
|
|
|
22,500 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
22,500 |
|
Accrued
expenses
|
|
|
(78,350 |
) |
|
|
105,000 |
|
|
|
26,650 |
|
Accrued
offering costs
|
|
|
(147,963 |
) |
|
|
147,963 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Due
to affiliate
|
|
|
(28,457 |
) |
|
|
75,496 |
|
|
|
47,039 |
|
Net
cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) operating
activities
|
|
|
2,431,797 |
|
|
|
(82 |
) |
|
|
2,431,715 |
|
Cash
flows from investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
deposited in trust account
|
|
|
(201,695,000 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(201,695,000 |
) |
Cash
withdrawn from trust account
|
|
|
2,587,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
2,587,000 |
|
Dividends
reinvested in trust account
|
|
|
(4,168,868 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(4,168,868 |
) |
Net
cash and cash equivalents used in investing activities
|
|
|
(203,276,868 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(203,276,868 |
) |
Cash
flows from financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
proceeds from initial public offering
|
|
|
207,000,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
207,000,000 |
|
Proceeds
from sale of common stock to founding stockholder
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
Proceeds
from sale of warrants
|
|
|
4,000,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
4,000,000 |
|
Repurchase
of common stock
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
Payment
of underwriter’s discount and offering expenses
|
|
|
(9,326,991 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(9,326,991 |
) |
Net
cash and cash equivalents provided by financing activities
|
|
|
201,673,005 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
201,698,005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
increase in cash
|
|
|
827,934 |
|
|
|
24,918 |
|
|
|
852,852 |
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, beginning of period
|
|
|
24,918 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, end of period
|
|
$ |
852,852 |
|
|
$ |
24,918 |
|
|
$ |
852,852 |
|
Supplement
disclosure
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
stock, subject to possible conversion, 4,139,999 shares at $9.74 per
share
|
|
$ |
40,338,990 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
40,338,990 |
|
Dividend
income attributable to common stock subject to possible conversion (net of
income taxes of $335,761 at December 31, 2007)
|
|
$ |
498,013 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
498,013 |
|
See
accompanying notes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a
development stage company)
Note
1 — Organization and Nature of Business Operations
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY (a development stage company) (the “Company”) was
incorporated in Delaware on October 26, 2006. The Company was formed to acquire
through merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase,
reorganization or other similar business combination, one or more currently
unidentified businesses or assets. The Company has neither engaged in any
operations nor generated any revenue from operations to date. All activity
through December 31, 2007 relates to the formation of the Company, its initial
public offering and efforts to identify prospective target businesses described
below and in Note 3. The Company will not generate any operating revenues until
after completion of its initial business combination. The Company generates
non-operating income in the form of dividend income on cash and cash
equivalents. The Company is considered to be in the development stage
as defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 7, “Accounting and Reporting By
Development Stage Enterprises,” and is subject to the risks associated
with activities of development stage companies. The Company has selected
December 31st as its fiscal year end.
The
registration statement for the Company’s initial public offering (“IPO”) was
declared effective June 25, 2007. The Company consummated the IPO on June 29,
2007 and recorded proceeds of approximately $191.5 million net of the
underwriters’ discount and commission of $14.5 million and offering costs of
$1.0 million.
A total of
$201.7 million, including $191.5 million of the net proceeds from the IPO, $4.0
million from the sale of warrants to the founding stockholder (see Note 4) and
$6.2 million of deferred underwriting discounts and commissions, has been placed
in a trust account at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., with the American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company serving as trustee. Except for a portion
of the interest income permitted to be released to the Company, the proceeds
held in trust will not be released from the trust account until the earlier of
the completion of the Company’s initial business combination or the liquidation
of the Company. Under the terms of the investment management trust
agreement, up to a total of $2.4 million of interest income (net of taxes
payable) may be released to the Company, subject to availability. For
the period from inception to December 31, 2007, approximately $1.4 million was
released to the Company in accordance with these terms. As of
December 31, 2007, the balance in the trust account was $203.3
million.
The
Company’s management has broad discretion with respect to the specific
application of the net proceeds of the IPO, although substantially all of the
net proceeds of the IPO are intended to be generally applied toward consummating
a business combination with an existing operating company. As used herein, a
“Target Business” shall mean one or more businesses or assets that, at the time
of the Company’s initial business combination, has a fair market value of at
least 80% of the balance in the trust account (excluding deferred underwriting
discounts of $6.2 million) described below and a “Business Combination” shall
mean the acquisition by the Company of such Target Business.
The
Company’s efforts in identifying prospective target businesses will not be
limited to a particular industry. Instead, the Company intends to focus on
various industries and target businesses in the United States and Europe that
may provide significant opportunities for growth.
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
(a
development stage company)
Notes
to Financial Statements — (Continued)
Note
1 — Organization and Nature of Business Operations (continued)
The
Company will seek stockholder approval before it will effect any Business
Combination, even if the Business Combination would not ordinarily require
stockholder approval under applicable state law. In connection with
the stockholder vote required to approve any Business Combination, the Company’s
first stockholder (the “founding stockholder”) and its two directors have agreed
to vote the shares of common stock they owned immediately before this IPO in
accordance with the majority of the shares of common stock voted by the Public
Stockholders. “Public Stockholders” is defined as the holders of common stock
sold as part of the Units in the IPO or in the aftermarket. The Company will
proceed with a Business Combination only if a majority of the shares of common
stock voted by the Public Stockholders are voted in favor of the Business
Combination and Public Stockholders holding not more than 20% of the shares
(minus one share) sold in the IPO vote against the business combination and
exercise their conversion rights. If a majority of the shares of common stock
voted by the Public Stockholders are not voted in favor of a proposed initial
Business Combination so long as such combination is approved by public
stockholders prior to June 25, 2009, the Company may combine with a different
Target Business meeting the fair market value criterion described
above.
If a
Business Combination is approved and completed, any Public Stockholder voting
against the Business Combination will be entitled to convert their stock into a
pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account,
before payment of deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and including
any interest earned on their pro rata portion of the trust account, net of
income taxes payable by the Company thereon, and net of any interest income of
up to $2.4 million on the balance of the trust account previously released to
the Company to fund its working capital requirements. Public Stockholders who
convert their stock into their share of the trust account will continue to have
the right to exercise any Warrants they may hold. As of December 31,
2007, 4,139,999 shares of common stock may be subject to conversion for cash
payments of approximately $9.74 per share totaling $40.3 million.
During the
period from July 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007, the Company earned enough
interest to begin accreting interest income to the common stock subject to
possible conversion. Accordingly, the Company accreted approximately
$0.5 million of interest, net of $0.3 million of income taxes as of December 31,
2007.
The
Company will dissolve and promptly distribute only to its Public Stockholders
the amount in the trust account, less any income taxes payable on interest
income and any interest income of up to $2.4 million on the balance of the trust
account previously released to the Company to fund its working capital
requirements, plus any remaining net assets if the Company does not effect a
Business Combination by June 25, 2009. In the event of liquidation,
it is likely that the per share value of the residual assets remaining available
for distribution (including trust account assets) will be less than the IPO
price per Unit in the IPO (assuming no value is attributed to the Warrants
contained in the Units).
Note
2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis
of Presentation
The
accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principals. The significant accounting
policies followed in the preparation of the accompanying financial statements
are as follows:
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
(a
development stage company)
Notes
to Financial Statements — (Continued)
Note
2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Cash
and cash equivalents:
The
Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of
three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Cash
and cash equivalents held in trust:
A total of
$201.7 million has been placed in a trust account at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
with the American Stock Transfer & Trust Company serving as
trustee. The trust proceeds are invested in the JPMorgan 100% U.S.
Treasury Securities Money Market Fund. The money market fund invests
in direct short-term obligations of the U.S. Treasury. As of December
31, 2007, the balance in the trust account was $203.3 million.
Income
taxes:
The
Company is taxed as a corporation for U.S. federal and state and local income
tax purposes. It accounts for income taxes in accordance with the
provisions of FASB Statement No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes”.
Net
income per share:
Basic net
income per share is computed by dividing net income applicable to common
stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the
period. Diluted net income per share is computed similar to basic net
income per share, but includes the dilutive effect of shares issued pursuant to
the Company’s outstanding warrants which are exercisable on the later of (i) the
completion of a business combination or (ii) 13 months after the consummation of
the Company’s IPO.
Use
of estimates:
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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.
Offering
costs:
Deferred
offering costs as of December 31, 2006 consisted principally of legal fees
incurred through the balance sheet date that are related to the IPO and were
charged to additional paid-in capital at the time of the closing of the
IPO.
Organization
costs:
Organization
costs consist principally of professional fees incurred in connection with the
organization of the Company and have been expensed as incurred.
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
(a
development stage company)
Notes
to Financial Statements — (Continued)
Note
3 — Initial Public Offering
On June
29, 2007, the Company sold to the public 20,700,000 units (“Units”) at a price
of $10.00. Each unit consists of one share of our common stock,
$0.001 par value, and one redeemable common stock purchase warrant
(“Warrant”).
Each
Warrant entitles the holder to purchase from the Company one share of common
stock at an exercise price of $7.50 commencing the later of the completion of a
Business Combination with a Target Business or 13 months from June 29, 2007
(“Closing Date”) of the IPO and expiring four years from the date of the
prospectus, unless earlier redeemed. Holders of the Warrants must pay the
exercise price in full upon exercise of the Warrants. The Warrants will be
redeemable at a price of $0.01 per Warrant upon 30 days notice after the
Warrants become exercisable, only in the event that the last sale price of the
common stock is at least $14.25 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30
trading day period ending on the third business day prior to the date on which
notice of redemption is given. The terms of the Warrants include, among other
things, that (i) in no event will a Warrant holder be entitled to receive a net
cash settlement of the Warrant, and (ii) the Warrants may expire unexercised and
worthless if a prospectus relating to the common stock to be issued upon the
exercise of the warrants is not current and an applicable registration statement
is not effective prior to the expiration date of the Warrant, and as a result
purchasers of our Units will have paid the full Unit purchase price solely for
the share of common stock included in each Unit.
The
Company agreed to pay the underwriters in the IPO an underwriter discount of
7.0% of the gross proceeds of the IPO. However, the Underwriters have
agreed that a portion of the underwriter discount equal to 3.0% of the gross
proceeds will not be payable unless and until the Company completes a Business
Combination and have waived their right to receive such payment upon the
Company’s liquidation if it is unable to complete a Business
Combination. As of December 31, 2007, such amount is $6.2 million
which is included as deferred underwriting discount on the balance
sheet.
Note
4 — Related Party Transactions
On
November 7, 2006, the founding stockholder purchased 5,468,750 shares of the
Company’s common stock (“Initial Founder’s Shares”) for an aggregate purchase of
$25,000. Subsequent to the purchase of the Initial Founder’s Shares, our
founding stockholder sold an aggregate of 82,032 of the Initial Founder’s Shares
to three of our directors. The Initial Founder’s Shares are identical to those
included in the Units except that our founding stockholder and each transferee
has agreed 1) that in connection with the stockholder vote required to approve
the Company’s initial Business Combination, to vote the Initial Founder’s Shares
in accordance with a majority of the shares of common stock voted by the Public
Stockholders and 2) to waive its right to participate in any liquidation
distribution with respect to the Initial Founder’s Shares if a Business
Combination is not consummated by June 25, 2009.
On
November 7, 2006, the founding stockholder entered into a binding agreement to
purchase an aggregate of 4,000,000 Warrants at a price of $1.00 per Warrant from
the Company. The purchase was consummated on June 28, 2007. The
Warrants are identical to the Warrants contained in the Units except that they
are not redeemable for cash while held by the founding stockholder or its
permitted transferees and the shares of common stock issued upon exercise of
such Warrants by the founding stockholder or its permitted transferees will not
be registered under the Securities Act but will be subject to certain resale
registration rights. The founding stockholder has further agreed that it will
not sell or transfer these Warrants until completion of a Business Combination,
except in certain limited circumstances.
The
Company has agreed to pay to GSCP (NJ) Holdings, L.P., an affiliate of the
founding stockholder, a total of $7,500 per month for office space and general
and administrative services. Services commenced on
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
(a
development stage company)
Notes
to Financial Statements — (Continued)
Note
4 — Related Party Transactions (continued)
June 25,
2007, the effective date of the IPO, and will terminate upon the earlier of (i)
the consummation of a Business Combination, or (ii) the liquidation of the
Company.
A
recapitalization was effected on May 29, 2007, in which the Company purchased
from the founding stockholder 1,692,968 of outstanding shares of common stock
for retirement and a total of 25,782 of outstanding shares of common stock from
three directors, in each case for the nominal consideration of
$1.00.
Due to
affiliate consists of $47,039 due to GSCP (NJ) Holdings, L.P. for payment of
expenses incurred in connection with the Company’s efforts to identify
prospective target businesses for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Note
5 — Preferred Stock
The
Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with such
designations, voting and other rights and preferences as may be determined from
time to time by the Board of Directors.
Note
6 — Common Stock
As
described in Note 4, a recapitalization was effected on May 29, 2007, in which
the Company purchased for retirement from the founding stockholder 1,692,968 of
outstanding shares of common stock and a total of 25,782 of outstanding shares
of common stock from three directors, in each case for nominal consideration of
$1.00.
On June
25, 2007 the Board of Directors declared a stock dividend to stockholders of
record on June 24, 2007. The stock dividend was paid on June 29,
2007. One share of Common stock was issued for each five outstanding
shares of Common Stock. All references in the accompanying financial
statements as of December 31, 2006 and for the period from October 26, 2006
(date of inception) to December 31, 2007 to the number of shares of common stock
have been retroactively restated to reflect this transaction.
These
transactions were effected to ensure that the shares included in the Units sold
in the IPO represented approximately 80% of the Company’s outstanding share
capital.
Note
7 — Provision for Income Taxes
The
Company is subject to U.S. Federal, state and local income and capital taxes.
The components of the Company’s income tax provision by taxing jurisdiction for
the year ended December 31, 2007 are as follows:
Current
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$ |
1,146,541 |
|
State
& Local
|
|
|
353,755 |
|
Current
provision (benefit) for income taxes
|
|
$ |
1,500,296 |
|
Deferred
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$ |
(23,376 |
) |
State
& Local
|
|
|
— |
|
Deferred
provision (benefit) for income taxes
|
|
$ |
(23,376 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Total
provision (benefit) for income taxes
|
|
$ |
1,476,920 |
|
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
(a
development stage company)
Notes
to Financial Statements — (Continued)
Note
7 — Provision for Income Taxes (continued)
The
Company’s effective tax rate of 38.92% differs from the federal statutory rate
of 34.0% mainly due to certain differences including state and local taxes based
on capital and amortization of organizational costs.
The
following is a reconciliation of the difference between the actual provision for
income taxes and the provision computed by applying the federal statutory
rate:
U.S.
Federal Statutory Rate
|
|
|
34.00 |
% |
Increase
(decrease) resulting from:
|
|
|
|
|
State
and Local Income Taxes, net of Federal Benefits
|
|
|
6.56 |
% |
Meals
and Entertainment
|
|
|
0.01 |
% |
Others
|
|
|
(1.65 |
%) |
Effective
Tax Rate
|
|
|
38.92 |
% |
FASB
Statement No. 10 (“FAS 109”), “Accounting for Income Taxes” prescribes an asset
and liability approach to accounting for income taxes that requires the
recognition of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities for the expected
future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in different periods
for income tax purposes than for financial statement reporting
purposes. Deferred taxes reflect the temporary differences between
the tax basis and financial statement carrying value of assets and liabilities.
Provisions for deferred taxes are made in recognition of these temporary
differences in accordance with the provisions of FAS 109.
The
Company has a net deferred tax asset of $23,376 million at December 31, 2007
related to book/tax differences with respect to amortization of organizational
costs. Management believes that it is more likely than not that the
results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize
a future benefit with respect to the deferred tax asset.
The
Company has a state deferred tax asset of $11,492 related to book/tax
differences with respect to amortization of organizational costs. As
the Company is currently subject to and expects to continue to be subject to
taxes based on capital as opposed to income, it does not expect to be able to
utilize this asset. Accordingly a full valuation allowance of $11,492
has been recorded against the state deferred tax asset.
Note
8 — Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July
13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB
Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax
positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the
financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or
expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company’s tax returns to
determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being
sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the
more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in
the current year. The Company adopted FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007.
On
September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an
authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair
value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value
measurements.
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
(a
development stage company)
Notes
to Financial Statements — (Continued)
Note
8 — Recent Accounting Pronouncements (continued)
The
application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15,
2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. As of December 31, 2007,
management does not believe the adoption of FAS 157 will impact the amounts
reported in the financial statements, however, additional disclosures will be
required about the inputs used to develop the measurements of fair
value.
(a
development stage company)
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
735,108 |
|
|
$ |
852,852 |
|
Cash
and cash equivalents held in trust
|
|
|
204,199,842 |
|
|
|
203,276,868 |
|
Prepaid
expense
|
|
|
49,784 |
|
|
|
99,568 |
|
Account
receivable
|
|
|
2,076 |
|
|
|
3,448 |
|
Deferred
tax asset
|
|
|
22,951 |
|
|
|
23,376 |
|
Total
assets
|
|
$ |
205,009,761 |
|
|
$ |
204,256,112 |
|
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued
expenses
|
|
$ |
35,466 |
|
|
$ |
26,650 |
|
Income
tax payable
|
|
|
366,358 |
|
|
|
283,296 |
|
Due
to affiliate
|
|
|
87,013 |
|
|
|
69,539 |
|
Deferred
underwriting discount
|
|
|
6,210,000 |
|
|
|
6,210,000 |
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
|
6,698,837 |
|
|
|
6,589,485 |
|
Common
stock, subject to possible conversion, 4,139,999 shares at $9.74 at March
31, 2008 and December 31, 2007
|
|
|
40,338,990 |
|
|
|
40,338,990 |
|
Dividend
income attributable to common stock subject to possible conversion (net of
income taxes of $487,452 and $335,761 respectively)
|
|
|
616,161 |
|
|
|
498,013 |
|
Stockholders’
equity (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or
outstanding
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Common
stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 25,200,000 and
6,562,500 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2008 and December 31,
2007, respectively
|
|
|
25,200 |
|
|
|
25,200 |
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
155,123,815 |
|
|
|
155,123,815 |
|
Retained
earnings
|
|
|
2,206,758 |
|
|
|
1,680,609 |
|
Total
stockholders’ equity
|
|
|
157,355,773 |
|
|
|
156,829,624 |
|
Total
liabilities and stockholders’ equity
|
|
$ |
205,009,761 |
|
|
$ |
204,256,112 |
|
(1)
|
Share
amounts have been retroactively restated from the date of inception to
reflect the effect of a stock dividend of one share for each five
outstanding shares of common stock (see note
6).
|
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
(a
development stage company)
For
the period from January 1, 2008 to March 31, 2008
And
for the period from October 26, 2006 (date of inception) to March 31,
2008
|
|
For
the period from January 1, 2008 to March 31,
2008
|
|
|
For
the period from October 26, 2006 (date of inception) to March 31,
2008
|
|
Formation
and general expenses
|
|
$ |
180,292 |
|
|
$ |
667,963 |
|
Administrative
fee
|
|
|
22,500 |
|
|
|
67,500 |
|
Operating
loss
|
|
|
(202,792 |
) |
|
|
(735,463 |
) |
Dividend
income
|
|
|
1,356,800 |
|
|
|
5,545,013 |
|
Income
before provision for taxes
|
|
|
1,154,008 |
|
|
|
4,809,550 |
|
Provision
for income taxes
|
|
|
509,711 |
|
|
|
1,986,631 |
|
Net
income
|
|
$ |
644,297 |
|
|
$ |
2,822,919 |
|
Less:
Dividend income attributable to common stock subject to possible
conversion (net of income taxes of $151,691 and $487,452
respectively)
|
|
|
(118,148 |
) |
|
|
(616,161 |
) |
Pro
forma net income attributable to common stock not subject to possible
conversion
|
|
$ |
526,149 |
|
|
$ |
2,206,758 |
|
Net
income per share (1):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
Diluted
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
0.13 |
|
Weighted
average shares outstanding (1):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
25,200,000 |
|
|
|
16,536,252 |
|
Diluted
|
|
|
29,838,841 |
|
|
|
21,135,886 |
|
(1)
|
Share
amounts have been retroactively restated from the date of inception to
reflect the effect of a stock dividend of one share for each five
outstanding shares of common stock (see note
6).
|
(a
development stage company)
For
the period ended March 31, 2008
And
for the year ended December 31, 2007
And
for the period from October 26, 2006 (date of inception) to December 31,
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional Paid-in
Capital
|
|
|
Earnings Accumulated During
the Development Stage
|
|
|
|
|
Common
shares issued
|
|
|
6,562,500 |
|
|
$ |
6,563 |
|
|
$ |
18,437 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
25,000 |
|
Net
loss
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(138,419 |
) |
|
|
(138,419 |
) |
Balances,
at December 31, 2006
|
|
|
6,562,500 |
|
|
|
6,563 |
|
|
|
18,437 |
|
|
|
(138,419 |
) |
|
|
(113,419 |
) |
Common
stock repurchased from Founding Stockholder and directors for
$4.00
|
|
|
(2,062,500 |
) |
|
|
(2,063 |
) |
|
|
2,059 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
Sale
of 20,700,000 units, net of underwriting discounts and offering
costs
|
|
|
20,700,000 |
|
|
|
20,700 |
|
|
|
191,442,309 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
191,463,009 |
|
Net
proceeds subject to possible conversion of 4,139,999
shares
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(40,338,990 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(40,338,990 |
) |
Proceeds
from sale of warrants to Founding Stockholder
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
4,000,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
4,000,000 |
|
Accretion
of trust account relating to common stock subject to conversion, net of
tax
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(498,013 |
) |
|
|
(498,013 |
) |
Net
income
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
2,317,041 |
|
|
|
2,317,041 |
|
Balances,
at December 31, 2007
|
|
|
25,200,000 |
|
|
|
25,200 |
|
|
|
155,123,815 |
|
|
|
1,680,609 |
|
|
|
156,829,624 |
|
Accretion
of trust account relating to common stock subject to
conversion
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(118,148 |
) |
|
|
(118,148 |
) |
Net
income
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
644,297 |
|
|
|
644,297 |
|
Balances,
at March 31, 2008
|
|
|
25,200,000 |
|
|
$ |
25,200 |
|
|
$ |
155,123,815 |
|
|
$ |
2,206,758 |
|
|
$ |
157,355,773 |
|
(1)
|
Share
amounts have been retroactively restated from the date of inception to
reflect the effect of a stock dividend of one share for each five
outstanding shares of common stock (see note
6).
|
(a
development stage company)
UNAUDITED
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For
the period from January 1, 2008 to March 31, 2008
And
for the period from October 26, 2006 (date of inception) to March 31,
2008
|
|
For
the period from January 1, 2008 to March 31,
2008
|
|
|
For
the period from October 26, 2006 (date of inception) to March 31,
2008
|
|
Cash
flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$ |
644,297 |
|
|
$ |
2,822,919 |
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
tax asset
|
|
|
425 |
|
|
|
(22,951 |
) |
Prepaid
expense
|
|
|
49,784 |
|
|
|
(49,784 |
) |
Account
receivable
|
|
|
1,372 |
|
|
|
(2,076 |
) |
Income
tax payable
|
|
|
83,062 |
|
|
|
366,358 |
|
Administrative
fee payable
|
|
|
(7,500 |
) |
|
|
15,000 |
|
Accrued
expenses
|
|
|
8,816 |
|
|
|
35,466 |
|
Due
to affiliate
|
|
|
24,974 |
|
|
|
72,013 |
|
Net
cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
805,230 |
|
|
|
3,236,945 |
|
Cash
flows from investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
deposited in trust account
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(201,695,000 |
) |
Cash
withdrawn from trust account
|
|
|
426,224 |
|
|
|
3,013,224 |
|
Dividends
reinvested in trust account
|
|
|
(1,349,198 |
) |
|
|
(5,518,066 |
) |
Net
cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(922,974 |
) |
|
|
(204,199,842 |
) |
Cash
flows from financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
proceeds from initial public offering
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
207,000,000 |
|
Proceeds
from sale of common stock to founding stockholder
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
Proceeds
from sale of warrants
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
4,000,000 |
|
Repurchase
of common stock
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
Payment
of underwriter’s discount and offering expenses
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(9,326,991 |
) |
Net
cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
201,698,005 |
|
Net
(decrease) increase in cash
|
|
|
(117,744 |
) |
|
|
735,108 |
|
Cash,
beginning of period
|
|
|
852,852 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Cash,
end of period
|
|
$ |
735,108 |
|
|
$ |
735,108 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
disclosure
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
stock, subject to possible conversion, 4,139,999 shares at $9.74 per
share
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
40,338,990 |
|
Dividend
income attributable to common stock subject to possible conversion (net of
income taxes of $151,691 and $487,452 respectively)
|
|
$ |
118,148 |
|
|
$ |
616,161 |
|
See
accompanying notes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
(a
development stage company)
Note
1 — Organization and Nature of Business Operations
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY (a development stage company) (the “Company”) was
incorporated in Delaware on October 26, 2006. The Company was formed to acquire
through merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase,
reorganization or other similar business combination, one or more currently
unidentified businesses or assets. The Company has neither engaged in any
operations nor generated any revenue from operations to date. All activity
through March 31, 2008 relates to the formation of the Company, its initial
public offering and efforts to identify prospective target businesses described
below and in Note 3. The Company will not generate any operating revenues until
after completion of its initial business combination. The Company generates
non-operating income in the form of dividend income on cash and cash
equivalents. The Company is considered to be in the development
stage as defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 7,
“Accounting and Reporting By
Development Stage Enterprises,” and is subject to the risks associated
with activities of development stage companies. The Company has selected
December 31st as its fiscal year end.
The
registration statement for the Company’s initial public offering (“IPO”) was
declared effective June 25, 2007. The Company consummated the IPO on June 29,
2007 and recorded proceeds of approximately $191.5 million, net of the
underwriters’ discount and commission of $14.5 million and offering costs of
$1.0 million.
A total of
approximately $201.7 million, including $191.5 million of the net proceeds from
the IPO, $4.0 million from the sale of warrants to the Founding Stockholder (see
Note 4) and $6.2 million of deferred underwriting discounts and commissions, has
been placed in a trust account at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., with the American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company serving as trustee. Except for a
portion of the dividend income permitted to be released to the Company, the
proceeds held in trust will not be released from the trust account until the
earlier of the completion of the Company’s initial business combination or the
liquidation of the Company. Under the terms of the investment
management trust agreement, up to a total of $2.4 million of interest income
(net of taxes payable) may be released to the Company, subject to
availability. For the period from inception to March 31, 2008,
approximately $1.4 million was released to the Company in accordance with those
terms. As of March 31, 2008, the balance in the trust account was
approximately $204.2 million.
The
Company’s management has broad discretion with respect to the specific
application of the net proceeds of the IPO, although substantially all of the
net proceeds of the IPO are intended to be generally applied toward consummating
a business combination with an existing operating company. As used herein, a
“Target Business” shall mean one or more businesses or assets that, at the time
of the Company’s initial business combination, has a fair market value of at
least 80% of the balance in the trust account (excluding deferred underwriting
discounts of $6.2 million) described below and a “Business Combination” shall
mean the acquisition by the Company of such Target Business.
The
Company’s efforts in identifying prospective target businesses will not be
limited to a particular industry. Instead, the Company intends to focus on
various industries and target businesses in the United States and Europe that
may provide significant opportunities for growth.
The
Company will seek stockholder approval before it will effect any Business
Combination, even if the Business Combination would not ordinarily require
stockholder approval under applicable state law. In connection with the
stockholder vote required to approve any Business Combination, the Company’s
first stockholder (the “Founding Stockholder”) and two of its directors have
agreed to vote the shares of common stock they owned immediately before this IPO
in accordance with the majority of the shares of common stock voted by the
Public Stockholders. “Public Stockholders” is defined as the holders of common
stock sold as part of the Units in the IPO or in the aftermarket. The Company
will proceed with a Business Combination only if a majority of the shares of
common stock voted by the Public Stockholders are voted in favor of the Business
Combination and Public Stockholders holding not more than 20% of the shares
(minus one share) sold in the IPO vote against the business combination and
exercise their conversion rights. If a majority of the shares of common stock
voted by the Public
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
(a
development stage company)
Notes
to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — (Continued)
Stockholders
are not voted in favor of a proposed initial Business Combination so long as
such combination is approved by public stockholders prior to June 25, 2009, the
Company may combine with a different Target Business meeting the fair market
value criterion described above.
If a
Business Combination is approved and completed, any Public Stockholder voting
against a Business Combination will be entitled to convert their stock into a
pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account,
before payment of deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and including
any interest earned on their pro rata portion of the trust account, net of
income taxes payable by the Company thereon, and net of any interest income of
up to $2.4 million on the balance of the trust account previously released to
the Company to fund its working capital requirements. Public Stockholders who
convert their stock into their share of the trust account will continue to have
the right to exercise any Warrants they may hold. As of March 31,
2008, 4,139,999 shares of common stock may be subject to conversion for cash
payments of approximately $9.74 per share totaling approximately $40.3
million.
During the
period from July 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008, the Company earned enough dividends
to begin accreting dividend income to the common stock subject to possible
conversion. Accordingly, the Company accreted approximately $0.6
million of dividend income, net of $0.5 million of income taxes as of March 31,
2008.
The
Company will dissolve and promptly distribute only to its Public Stockholders
the amount in the trust account, less any income taxes payable on interest
income and any interest income of up to $2.4 million on the balance of the trust
account previously released to the Company to fund its working capital
requirements, plus any remaining net assets if the Company does not effect a
Business Combination by June 25, 2009. In the event of liquidation,
it is likely that the per share value of the residual assets remaining available
for distribution (including trust account assets) will be less than the IPO
price per Unit in the IPO (assuming no value is attributed to the Warrants
contained in the Units).
Note
2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis
of Presentation
The
accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principals. Accordingly, they
do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally
accepted accounting principals for complete financial statements. The
accompanying unaudited interim financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2006
and the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007. In
our opinion, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals)
considered necessary for fair presentation have been included. The
results of operations for the period from January 1, 2008 to March 31, 2008 are
not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year
ending December 31, 2008.
Cash
and cash equivalents:
The
Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of
three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Cash
and cash equivalents held in trust:
A total of
approximately $201.7 million has been placed in a trust account at JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., with the American Stock Transfer & Trust Company serving
as trustee. The trust proceeds are invested in the “100% U.S.
Treasury Securities Money Market Fund.” The money market fund invests
exclusively in direct short-term obligations of the US Treasury. As
of March 31, 2008, the balance in the trust account was $204.2 million, which
includes $5.5 million of dividends earned since the inception of the
trust.
Income
taxes:
The
Company is taxed as a corporation for U.S. federal and state and local income
tax purposes. It accounts for income taxes in accordance with the
provisions of FASB Statement No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes”.
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
(a
development stage company)
Notes
to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — (Continued)
Note
2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Net
income per share:
Basic net
income per share is computed by dividing net income applicable to common
stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the
period. Diluted net income per share is computed similar to basic net
income per share, but includes the dilutive effect of shares issued pursuant to
the Company’s outstanding warrants which are exercisable on the later of (i) the
completion of a business combination or (ii) 13 months after the consummation of
the Company’s IPO.
Use
of estimates:
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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.
Organization
costs:
Organization
costs consist principally of professional fees incurred in connection with the
organization of the Company and have been expensed as incurred.
Note
3 — Initial Public Offering
On June
29, 2007, the Company sold to the public 20,700,000 units (“Units”) at a price
of $10.00. Each unit consists of one share of our common stock,
$0.001 par value, and one redeemable common stock purchase warrant
(“Warrant”).
Each
Warrant entitles the holder to purchase from the Company one share of common
stock at an exercise price of $7.50 commencing the later of the completion of a
Business Combination with a Target Business or 13 months from June 29, 2007
(“Closing Date”) of the IPO and expiring four years from the date of the
prospectus, unless earlier redeemed. Holders of the Warrants must pay the
exercise price in full upon exercise of the Warrants. The Warrants will be
redeemable at a price of $0.01 per Warrant upon 30 days notice after the
Warrants become exercisable, only in the event that the last sale price of the
common stock is at least $14.25 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30
trading day period ending on the third business day prior to the date on which
notice of redemption is given. The terms of the Warrants include, among other
things, that (i) in no event will a Warrant holder be entitled to receive a net
cash settlement of the Warrant, and (ii) the Warrants may expire unexercised and
worthless if a prospectus relating to the common stock to be issued upon the
exercise of the warrants is not current and an applicable registration statement
is not effective prior to the expiration date of the Warrant, and as a result
purchasers of our Units will have paid the full Unit purchase price solely for
the share of common stock included in each Unit.
The
Company agreed to pay the underwriters in the IPO an underwriter discount of
7.0% of the gross proceeds of the IPO. However, the underwriters have
agreed that a portion of the underwriter discount equal to 3.0% of the gross
proceeds will not be payable unless and until the Company completes a Business
Combination and have waived their right to receive such payment upon the
Company’s liquidation if it is unable to complete a Business
Combination. As of March 31, 2008, such amount is $6.2 million which
is included as deferred underwriting discount on the balance sheet.
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
(a
development stage company)
Notes
to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — (Continued)
Note
4 — Related Party Transactions (continued)
On
November 7, 2006, the Founding Stockholder purchased 5,468,750 shares of the
Company’s common stock (“Initial Founder’s Shares”) for an aggregate purchase of
$25,000. Subsequent to the purchase of the Initial Founder’s Shares, our
Founding Stockholder sold an aggregate of 82,032 of the Initial Founder’s Shares
to three of our directors.
The
Initial Founder’s Shares are identical to those included in the Units except
that our Founding Stockholder and each transferee has agreed 1) that in
connection with the stockholder vote required to approve the Company’s initial
Business Combination, to vote the Initial Founder’s Shares in accordance with a
majority of the shares of common stock voted by the Public Stockholders and 2)
to waive its right to participate in any liquidation distribution with respect
to the Initial Founder’s Shares if a Business Combination is not consummated by
June 25, 2009.
On
November 7, 2006, the Founding Stockholder entered into a binding agreement to
purchase an aggregate of 4,000,000 Warrants at a price of $1.00 per Warrant from
the Company. The purchase was consummated on June 28, 2007. The
Warrants are identical to the Warrants contained in the Units except that they
are not redeemable for cash while held by the Founding Stockholder or its
permitted transferees and the shares of common stock issued upon exercise of
such Warrants by the Founding Stockholder or its permitted transferees will not
be registered under the Securities Act but will be subject to certain resale
registration rights. The Founding Stockholder has further agreed that it will
not sell or transfer these Warrants until completion of a Business Combination,
except in certain limited circumstances.
The
Company has agreed to pay to GSCP (NJ) Holdings, L.P., an affiliate of the
Founding Stockholder, a total of $7,500 per month for office space and general
and administrative services. Services commenced on June 25, 2007, the effective
date of the IPO, and will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the consummation of
a Business Combination, or (ii) the liquidation of the Company.
A
recapitalization was effected on May 29, 2007, in which the Company purchased
from the Founding Stockholder 1,692,968 of outstanding shares of common stock
for retirement and a total of 25,782 of outstanding shares of common stock from
three directors, in each case for the nominal consideration of
$1.00.
Note
5 — Preferred Stock
The
Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with such
designations, voting and other rights and preferences as may be determined from
time to time by the Board of Directors.
Note
6 — Common Stock
As
described in Note 4, a recapitalization was effected on May 29, 2007, in which
the Company purchased for retirement from the Founding Stockholder 1,692,968 of
outstanding shares of common stock and a total of 25,782 of outstanding shares
of common stock from three directors, in each case for nominal consideration of
$1.00.
On June
25, 2007 the Board of Directors declared a stock dividend to stockholders of
record on June 24, 2007. The stock dividend was paid on June 29,
2007. One share of Common stock was issued for each five outstanding
shares of Common Stock. All references in the accompanying financial
statements as of December 31, 2006 and for the period from October 26, 2006
(date of inception) to March 31, 2008 to the number of shares of common stock
have been retroactively restated to reflect this transaction.
These
transactions were effected to ensure that the shares included in the Units sold
in the IPO represented approximately 80% of the Company’s outstanding share
capital.
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
(a
development stage company)
Notes
to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements — (Continued)
Note
7 — Provision for Income Taxes
The
Company is subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes. The components
of the Company’s income tax provision by taxing jurisdiction for the period
ended March 31, 2008 are as follows:
Current
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$ |
31,897 |
|
State
& Local
|
|
|
177,389 |
|
Current
provision (benefit) for income taxes
|
|
$ |
509,286 |
|
Deferred
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$ |
425 |
|
State
& Local
|
|
|
— |
|
Deferred
provision (benefit) for income taxes
|
|
$ |
425 |
|
Total
provision (benefit) for income taxes
|
|
$ |
509,711 |
|
The
Company’s effective tax rate of 44.17% differs from the federal statutory rate
of 34.0% mainly due to certain differences including state and local income
taxes and amortization or organizational costs.
Note
8 — Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On July
13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB
Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”).
FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized,
measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires
the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of
preparing the Company’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are
“more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax
positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be
recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. The Company adopted
FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007 and there was no impact on the financial statements
upon adoption.
On
September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an
authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair
value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The
application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15,
2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of FAS 157 by
the Company on January 1, 2008 had no material impact to its financial
statements given the development stage nature of the Company. The Company has no
investment assets or liabilities that would be classified in Level III. The
Company’s investment in a money market fund which invests exclusively in 100%
U.S. Treasury Securities is considered a Level I asset.
Note
9 — Subsequent Event
On April
10, 2008, the Company withdrew $295,000 from the trust account for payment of
estimated federal taxes incurred for the period from January 1, 2008 to March
31, 2008.
To the
Members
Complete
Energy Holdings, LLC
We have
audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Complete Energy
Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, members’ equity (deficit)
and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2005. 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 auditing standards generally accepted in
the United States of America. 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 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 Complete Energy Holdings,
LLC and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005,
in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America.
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that
the Company will continue as a going concern. However, certain conditions raise
substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. As
discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company, CEH/La Paloma Holding Company, LLC (“LP HoldCo”) is
in an event of default with one of its lenders and accordingly approximately
$130,000,000 of debt owing to this lender has been classified as current in the
Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2006. Further, the LP
HoldCo has incurred a net loss since its inception, has negative working capital
of approximately $137,429,000 and a member’s deficit of $35,227,000 as of
December 31, 2006. Management’s plans to remedy this situation are also
discussed in Notes 1 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, but there
can be no assurances that such plans will be successful. The consolidated
financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the
outcome of these uncertainties to continue as a going concern.
/s/ UHY
LLP
Houston,
Texas
August 6,
2007
As
of December 31, 2006 and 2005
(In
Thousands)
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
13,336 |
|
|
$ |
6,686 |
|
Restricted
cash
|
|
|
18,929 |
|
|
|
23,709 |
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
11,446 |
|
|
|
25,036 |
|
Inventory
|
|
|
5,868 |
|
|
|
5,292 |
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
1,487 |
|
|
|
663 |
|
Price
risk management asset
|
|
|
1,462 |
|
|
|
895 |
|
TOTAL
CURRENT ASSETS
|
|
|
52,528 |
|
|
|
62,281 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRICE
RISK MANAGEMENT ASSET
|
|
|
1,480 |
|
|
|
1,892 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DEFERRED
FINANCING COSTS - net of accumulated amortization of $2,770 and $814,
respectively
|
|
|
13,650 |
|
|
|
15,606 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROPERTY,
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net of accumulated depreciation of $24,569 and
$6,671, respectively
|
|
|
568,976 |
|
|
|
586,056 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
ASSETS
|
|
|
4,852 |
|
|
|
5,839 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
|
$ |
641,486 |
|
|
$ |
671,674 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
AND MEMBERS’ DEFICIT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
payable
|
|
$ |
4,708 |
|
|
$ |
12,795 |
|
Accrued
interest
|
|
|
17,669 |
|
|
|
6,331 |
|
Accrued
liabilities
|
|
|
14,301 |
|
|
|
10,399 |
|
Current
portion of long-term debt
|
|
|
132,461 |
|
|
|
2,650 |
|
Working
capital loan
|
|
|
19,000 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
Price
risk management liability
|
|
|
2,062 |
|
|
|
– |
|
TOTAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES
|
|
|
190,201 |
|
|
|
47,175 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LONG-TERM
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term
debt, net of current portion
|
|
|
399,517 |
|
|
|
538,209 |
|
Cash
settled option
|
|
|
4,740 |
|
|
|
3,248 |
|
Asset
retirement obligation
|
|
|
1,011 |
|
|
|
911 |
|
Other
liabilities
|
|
|
4,702 |
|
|
|
9,193 |
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
600,171 |
|
|
|
598,736 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MINORITY
INTEREST
|
|
|
75,921 |
|
|
|
80,556 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MEMBERS’
DEFICIT
|
|
|
(34,606 |
) |
|
|
(7,618 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ DEFICIT
|
|
$ |
641,486 |
|
|
$ |
671,674 |
|
For
the Years Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005
(In
Thousands)
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
OPERATING
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tolling
revenue
|
|
$ |
81,210 |
|
|
$ |
28,646 |
|
Merchant
revenue
|
|
|
90,598 |
|
|
|
50,178 |
|
Other
revenue
|
|
|
40,669 |
|
|
|
19,433 |
|
TOTAL
OPERATING REVENUES
|
|
|
212,477 |
|
|
|
98,257 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel
expense
|
|
|
92,392 |
|
|
|
55,838 |
|
Power
purchases
|
|
|
26,352 |
|
|
|
768 |
|
Operating
and maintenance
|
|
|
54,073 |
|
|
|
24,468 |
|
Administrative
and general
|
|
|
3,023 |
|
|
|
1,935 |
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
13,568 |
|
|
|
4,986 |
|
TOTAL
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
189,408 |
|
|
|
87,995 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME
FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
23,069 |
|
|
|
10,262 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
income
|
|
|
1,728 |
|
|
|
304 |
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(52,927 |
) |
|
|
(21,061 |
) |
Other
income (expense)
|
|
|
220 |
|
|
|
(58 |
) |
TOTAL
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
|
(50,979 |
) |
|
|
(20,815 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
LOSS BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
(27,910 |
) |
|
|
(10,553 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOSS
ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
(2,065 |
) |
|
|
(814 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
LOSS
|
|
$ |
(25,845 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,739 |
) |
For
the Years Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Account
Units:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class
A Common Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of December 31, 2004
|
|
|
933.63 |
|
|
|
1,588.79 |
|
|
|
1,588.79 |
|
|
|
1,588.79 |
|
|
|
1,100 |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
6,800 |
|
Contribution
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
300 |
|
Units
Issued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
118.47 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
118.47 |
|
Redemption
of Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,588.79 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,588.79 |
) |
Forfeiture
of Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(81.37 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(81.37 |
) |
|
|
(55.47 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(218.21 |
) |
As
of December 31, 2005 and 2006
|
|
|
933.63 |
|
|
|
1,507.42 |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
1,507.42 |
|
|
|
1,463 |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
5,411.47 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class
B Non-Voting Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of December 31, 2004
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
Units
Issued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
347.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
347.90 |
|
As
of December 31, 2005 and 2006
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
347.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
347.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class
C Preference Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of December 31, 2004
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
Contribution
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
Success
Fee Dist.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(395,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(395,000 |
) |
As
of December 31, 2005 and 2006
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
605,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
605,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class
D Preference Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of December 31, 2005 and 2006
|
|
|
933,630 |
|
|
|
1,588,790 |
|
|
|
1,588,790 |
|
|
|
1,588,790 |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
5,700,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class
E Non-Voting Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of December 31, 2004
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
Units
Issued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
511.90 |
|
|
|
511.90 |
|
Forfeiture
of Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(64.00 |
) |
|
|
(64.00 |
) |
As
of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
447.90 |
|
|
|
447.90 |
|
Units
Issued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90.00 |
|
|
|
90.00 |
|
Forfeiture
of Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(109.24 |
) |
|
|
(109.24 |
) |
As
of December 31, 2006
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
428.66 |
|
|
|
428.66 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Members’ Equity/(Deficit)
|
|
|
|
As
of December 31, 2004
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
Capital Account
Balances:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
158 |
|
|
$ |
297 |
|
|
$ |
297 |
|
|
$ |
297 |
|
|
$ |
500 |
|
|
$ |
– |
|
|
$ |
– |
|
|
$ |
1,549 |
|
Contribution
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
500 |
|
Tax
Distribution
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20 |
) |
Success
Fee Distribution
|
|
|
(237 |
) |
|
|
(237 |
) |
|
|
(238 |
) |
|
|
(238 |
) |
|
|
(629 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,579 |
) |
Units
Issued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
380 |
|
|
|
1,117 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,497 |
|
Redemption
of Units
|
|
|
(262 |
) |
|
|
(423 |
) |
|
|
244 |
|
|
|
(423 |
) |
|
|
(410 |
) |
|
|
(98 |
) |
|
|
(126 |
) |
|
|
(1,498 |
) |
Changes
in Price Risk Mgmt
|
|
|
276 |
|
|
|
418 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
418 |
|
|
|
363 |
|
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
1,672 |
|
Net
Loss
|
|
|
(1,184 |
) |
|
|
(1,954 |
) |
|
|
(297 |
) |
|
|
(1,954 |
) |
|
|
(2,359 |
) |
|
|
(1,499 |
) |
|
|
(492 |
) |
|
|
(9,739 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
(1,252 |
) |
|
|
(1,904 |
) |
|
|
– |
|
|
|
(1,906 |
) |
|
|
(1,655 |
) |
|
|
(394 |
) |
|
|
(507 |
) |
|
|
(7,618 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes
in Price Risk Mgmt
|
|
|
(173 |
) |
|
|
(279 |
) |
|
|
– |
|
|
|
(279 |
) |
|
|
(270 |
) |
|
|
(64 |
) |
|
|
(78 |
) |
|
|
(1,143 |
) |
Net
Loss
|
|
|
(3,899 |
) |
|
|
(6,296 |
) |
|
|
– |
|
|
|
(6,296 |
) |
|
|
(6,110 |
) |
|
|
(1,453 |
) |
|
|
(1,791 |
) |
|
|
(25,845 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of December 31, 2006
|
|
$ |
(5,324 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,479 |
) |
|
$ |
– |
|
|
$ |
(8,481 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,035 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,911 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,376 |
) |
|
$ |
(34,606 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For
the Years Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005
(In
Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$ |
(25,845 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,739 |
) |
Adjustments
to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation,
amortization, and accretion expenses
|
|
|
13,668 |
|
|
|
4,986 |
|
Amortization
of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
1,956 |
|
|
|
814 |
|
Loss
attributable to minority interest
|
|
|
(2,065 |
) |
|
|
(814 |
) |
Cash
settled option
|
|
|
1,492 |
|
|
|
3,248 |
|
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
13,590 |
|
|
|
(12,665 |
) |
Inventory
|
|
|
(576 |
) |
|
|
788 |
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
(824 |
) |
|
|
1,285 |
|
Other
assets
|
|
|
779 |
|
|
|
(1,080 |
) |
Accounts
payable and other liabilities
|
|
|
7,202 |
|
|
|
(3,143 |
) |
NET
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
9,377 |
|
|
|
(16,320 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change
in restricted cash
|
|
|
4,780 |
|
|
|
(23,709 |
) |
Capital
expenditures
|
|
|
(818 |
) |
|
|
(19,839 |
) |
Net
amount of La Paloma acquisition (net of unrestricted cash acquired of
$12,428)
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
(471,014 |
) |
NET
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
3,962 |
|
|
|
(514,562 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings
from working capital loans, net
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
Proceeds
from long-term debt
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
548,244 |
|
Repayment
of long-term debt
|
|
|
(8,881 |
) |
|
|
(7,385 |
) |
Deferred
finance costs
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
(17,802 |
) |
Distributions
to minority interest holder
|
|
|
(1,808 |
) |
|
|
– |
|
Distribution
to members
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
(3,097 |
) |
Contribution
by member
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
1,997 |
|
NET
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
(6,689 |
) |
|
|
536,957 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
|
|
6,650 |
|
|
|
6,075 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year
|
|
|
6,686 |
|
|
|
611 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year
|
|
$ |
13,336 |
|
|
$ |
6,686 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL
CASH FLOW INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
paid during the period for interest
|
|
$ |
38,139 |
|
|
$ |
9,852 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NON-CASH
INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset
retirement obligation
|
|
$ |
– |
|
|
$ |
874 |
|
1. ORGANIZATION
Complete
Energy Holdings, LLC (the “Company”) is a Delaware limited liability company
formed in January 2004. The Company owns 100% of CEP Operating Company LLC (“CEP
OpCo”), Complete Energy Parts Company, LLC (“Parts Co”), CEH/La Paloma Holding
Company, LLC (“LP HoldCo”) and 80% of CEP Batesville Holding Company, LLC
(“Batesville Holding”). CEP OpCo owns 100% of CEP La Paloma Operating Company,
LLC (“LP OpCo”). Batesville Holding has a 4.1% interest in CEP
Batesville Acquisition, LLC (“Batesville Acquisition”) (See Note 3). LP Holdco
has a 60% interest in La Paloma Acquisition Co, LLC (“LP AcquisitionCo”). The
Company’s initial managing members were Lori Cuervo, Peter Dailey, Milton Scott
and Hugh Tarpley. Engage Investments, L.P. (“Engage”) acquired its interest in
the Company in October 2004. As of December 23, 2005, Milton Scott was no longer
a managing member of the Company.
Through
its wholly owned subsidiary, LP HoldCo and LP HoldCo’s majority owned
subsidiary, LP AcquisitionCo and LP AcquisitionCo’s wholly owned subsidiary, CEH
La Paloma Merger Company, LLC (“MergerCo”), the Company acquired the majority
membership interest in La Paloma Generating Company, LLC (“GenCo”), a Delaware
limited liability company established on April 21, 1998. GenCo owns a gas-fired
electric generating facility with a design capacity of approximately 1,022
megawatts located in McKittrick, California (the “Facility”). The Facility
commenced full commercial operations in March 2003. Upon the effective date of
the acquisition, MergerCo was merged into GenCo. LP HoldCo is the managing
member of the LP AcquisitionCo.
Effective
August 17, 2005, the LP AcquisitionCo acquired GenCo for cash of approximately
$84.0 million, subject to certain purchase price adjustments and issued
approximately $399.0 million of debt. The acquisition has been accounted for
using the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. The
transaction was pushed down to GenCo at the time of the acquisition and as such,
purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired based on their
estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.
The
following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The purchase price allocation
herein was based on an appraisal of the fair value of both the assets acquired
and liabilities assumed by an independent third party appraiser. The allocation
of the purchase price is as follows (in millions):
Purchase
Price:
|
|
|
|
Cash
paid to sellers
|
|
$ |
82 |
|
Equity
credit to sellers
|
|
|
80 |
|
Acquisition
costs
|
|
|
2 |
|
Debt
issued
|
|
|
399 |
|
|
|
$ |
563 |
|
Net
assets acquired:
|
|
|
|
|
Current
assets
|
|
$ |
33 |
|
Property,
plant and equipment
|
|
|
571 |
|
Other
assets
|
|
|
2 |
|
Power
purchase agreement
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
Current
liabilities
|
|
|
(33 |
) |
|
|
$ |
563 |
|
On
December 6, 2006, Complete Energy Batesville, LLC (“CE Batesville”) entered into
a purchase and sale agreement with Stonehill Institutional Partners, L.P.,
Castlerigg Partners, L.P., Stonehill Offshore Partners Limited and Castlerigg
International Holdings Limited to acquire their interest in CEP Batesville
Acquisition, LLC (“Batesville Acquisition”). CE Batesville is a subsidiary of
the Company. The agreement, which transfers economic interests from the sellers
to the purchaser, was effective March 14, 2007. Upon closing of the transaction,
the Company owns 100% of Batesville Acquisition through a majority owned
subsidiary.
Effective
March 14, 2007, the Company redeemed all the units held by Engage for $12.5
million.
On June
18, 2007, LP AcquisitionCo, CE Batesville and Batesville Holding signed a
definitive agreement to sell their interest in the La Paloma Facility and
Batesville Acquisition. The purchase price is approximately $1.336 billion, plus
working capital adjustments. The transaction is expected to close during the
third quarter of 2007 and will result in the sale of substantially all of the
assets and the retirement or assumption of all of the debt (see Note 4) of the
Company.
2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles
of Consolidation
The
consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company, CEP OpCo, Parts Co, Batesville Holding, LP HoldCo, LP AcquisitionCo and
GenCo. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been
eliminated in consolidation.
Nature
of Operations
The
principal business of the Company is to acquire, own and operate power
generation assets through its offices in Houston, TX, Pittsburgh, PA, and
Minneapolis, MN. The Company is actively pursuing an acquisition strategy that
includes merchant and contracted power plants currently being divested by
utilities, independent power producers, and financial institutions.
Reclassifications
Certain
prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year’s
presentation. Those reclassifications had no impact on reported net loss or
members’ equity (deficit).
Use
of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated
financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the
date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from
those estimates. In recording transactions and balances resulting from business
operations, the Company uses estimates based on the best information available.
Estimates are used for such items as plant depreciable lives and uncollectible
accounts among others. In addition, estimates are used to test long-lived assets
for impairment and to determine fair value of impaired assets. As better
information becomes available (or actual amounts are determinable), the recorded
estimates are revised. Consequently, current operating results can be
affected by revisions to prior accounting estimates.
Risks
and Uncertainties
As with
any power generation facility, operation of the Facility will involve risk,
including performance of the Facility below expected levels of output and
efficiency, shut-downs due to the breakdown or failure of equipment or
processes, violations of permit requirements, operator error, or catastrophic
events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods or other similar
occurrences affecting a power generation facility or its power purchasers. The
occurrence of any of these events could significantly reduce or eliminate
revenues generated by the Facility or significantly increase the expenses of the
Facility, adversely impacting the Company’s ability to make payments of
principal and interest on its debt when due.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
The
Company considers cash and cash equivalents to include cash and short-term
investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Restricted
Cash
Restricted
cash includes cash and cash equivalent amounts, which are restricted under the
terms of the credit agreements for payment to third parties. Restricted cash
accounts are established, held and maintained by a depository agent. At December
31, 2006 and 2005 the restricted cash balance amounted to approximately $18.9
million and $23.7 million, respectively.
Allowance
for Doubtful Accounts
The
Company establishes provisions for losses on accounts receivable if it is
determined that the Company will not collect all or part of the outstanding
balance. The Company regularly reviews collectibility and establishes or adjusts
the allowance as necessary using the specific identification method. At December
31, 2006 and 2005, there was no allowance for doubtful accounts.
Inventory
Inventory
is valued at the lower of cost (on an average basis) or market and consists
principally of spare parts for the Facility. The Facility records provisions for
obsolete inventory parts. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, there was no obsolete
inventory.
Property,
Plant and Equipment
Property,
plant and equipment are reflected either at
acquired fair value on acquisition (see Note 1) or at cost.
Impairment adjustments are recorded whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate carrying values may not be recoverable. Significant
additions or improvements extending asset lives and/or the profitability are
capitalized, while repairs and maintenance that do not improve the life and/or
the profitability of the respective asset are charged to expense as incurred.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method, net of salvage value,
over the estimated useful lives of 3 to 30 years. The assets and related
accumulated depreciation amounts are adjusted for asset retirements and
disposals with the resulting gain or loss included in operations.
Deferred
Financing Costs
Deferred
financing costs consist of those costs incurred to secure the project financing
under the Loan Facilities and the Note Purchase Agreement as described in Note
4. These costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the
financing, which approximates the effective interest method.
Other
Assets
Other
assets include a utility deposit of approximately $0.7 million, environmental
reduction credits of approximately $2.1 million and unamortized deferred
contract costs of approximately $1.2 million (see Note 6). Amortization expense
of deferred contract costs was approximately $0.2 million for the year ended
December 31, 2006 and $0.1 million for the period from August 17, 2005 to
December 31, 2005. Accumulated amortization of the deferred contract costs was
approximately $0.3 million and $0.1 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2005.
The deferred contract cost is being amortized over the contract period of 7
years. The environmental reduction credits are expected to have an indefinite
life and are therefore not subject to amortization. Additionally, other assets
include the Company’s 3.3% indirect interest in Batesville Acquisition.
Effective August 25, 2004, Batesville Acquisition acquired 100% membership
interest in LSP Batesville Holding, LLC (“Batesville Holding”). Batesville
Holding owns 100% of LSP Energy Limited Partnership which owns the Batesville
Facility. The Company’s membership interest in Batesville Acquisition increases
to 18.48% if certain internal rate of return hurdles are met. The Company is
currently accounting for its investment in Batesville Acquisition under the cost
method of accounting.
Other
Liabilities
Other
liabilities primarily consist of the power purchase agreement with Southern
California Edison (see Note 6) which was recorded on the consolidated balance
sheets, subsequent to the completion of the purchase price allocation (see Note
1). The liability is decreased ratably as the Company recognizes revenue over
the remaining life of the power purchase agreement, approximately 2 years.
Amortization of the liability was approximately $4.6
million
for the year ended December 31, 2006 and $1.7 million for the period from August
17, 2005 to December 31, 2005 which was included as an offset item to
depreciation and amortization expense in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements.
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments
The
carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts
receivable, accounts payable, working capital loan and accrued liabilities
approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The
fair value of long-term debt is calculated based on current interest
rates.
Accounting
for Price Risk Management Activities
The
Company records all of its derivative instruments on its consolidated balance
sheets at fair value under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133,
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended.
For those instruments entered into to hedge risk and that qualify as hedges, the
Company applies the provisions of SFAS No. 133 and its related amendments and
interpretations, and the accounting treatment depends on each instrument’s
intended use and how it is designated.
During the
normal course of business, the Company may enter into contracts that qualify as
derivatives under the provisions of SFAS No. 133, as amended. As a result, the
Company evaluates its contracts to determine whether derivative accounting is
appropriate. Contracts that meet the criteria of a derivative and qualify as
‘normal purchases’ or ‘normal sales’, as those terms are defined in SFAS No.
133, as amended, may be excluded from fair value accounting treatment.
Contracts that qualify as derivatives and do not meet the exceptions for ‘normal
purchases’ or ‘normal sales’ are reflected at fair value on the Company’s
consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair values reflected either in the
Company’s consolidated statements of operations or members’ equity
(deficit).
The
Company’s hedging instruments at December 31, 2006 and 2005 are as
follows:
As of
December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company has entered into interest rate swap
agreements whereby the Company makes a quarterly payment to third parties at a
fixed rate and in return receives quarterly payments at a variable rate. The
notional amount of the swaps decrease ratably throughout the swap terms as the
related debt is repaid. The Company has designated these swaps as cash flow
hedges under SFAS No. 133. The fair value of the swaps at December 31, 2006 and
2005 was an asset of approximately $2.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
These amounts are reflected on the consolidated balance sheets as a price risk
management asset from hedging activities and as changes in price risk management
included in the accompanying consolidated statements of members’ equity
(deficit). Of this amount, we estimate that approximately $1.5 million will be
reclassified to earnings in the next twelve months. The primary risk associated
with interest rate swaps is the ability of third parties to meet their
obligations under the terms of the Contract. The Company does not anticipate
nonperformance by the third parties.
In 2006,
the Company entered into spark spread hedges, whereby the Company purchases
natural gas and sells power. The physical contracts to purchase natural gas and
sell power settle on a monthly basis at agreed upon fixed prices. The volumes
vary by month based upon contractual terms and the relationship between the
natural gas and power are based on various heat rates. The Company has
designated these contracts as cash flow hedges under SFAS 133. Their fair value
at December 31, 2006 was a liability of approximately $2.1 million. This amount
is reflected on the consolidated balance sheets as price risk management
liability from hedge activities and as changes in price risk management included
in the accompanying consolidated statements of members’ equity (deficit). Of
this amount, we estimate that approximately $2.1 million will be reclassified to
earnings in the next twelve months.
The
Company recorded no ineffectiveness in earnings related to the Company’s cash
flow hedges during the year ended December 31, 2006 or the period from August
17, 2005 to December 31, 2005.
Revenue
Recognition
For the
tolling agreements, revenues are recorded based on capacity and ancillary
services provided and electrical output delivered at the lesser of amounts
billable under the respective tolling agreement or the average estimated
contract rates over the initial term of the respective tolling agreement.
Merchant revenues are recognized
based on
capacity and ancillary services provided and electrical output delivered at the
spot market price. Other revenue consists of sales, of excess natural gas, not
needed by the plant to produce power, to third parties and is recognized when
the natural gas is delivered to the third party.
Power
Purchases
When the Company has to purchase power
from third parties in order to fulfill its contractual obligations to deliver
power to other third parties, this cost is recognized when title to the power
passes to the Company from the third party. This occurs when a unit is not
available to produce power that the Company has entered into an agreement to
sell to other third parties.
Asset
Retirement Obligations
The
Company follows SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement
Obligations. This
statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations
associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated
asset retirement costs. SFAS No.143 requires an entity to recognize the fair
value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which
it is incurred. Upon initial recognition of a liability for an asset retirement
obligation, an entity shall capitalize an asset retirement obligation by
increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset by the same
amount as the liability. The Company has also adopted the provisions of FASB
Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 47,
Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, which requires
the Company to record a liability for those retirement and removal costs in
which the timing and/or amount of the settlement of the costs are uncertain. At
December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company has included in the consolidated
financial statements an asset of approximately $0.9 million for both periods in
property, plant and equipment, and has recorded a liability of approximately
$1.0 million and $0.9 million, respectively in asset retirement
obligation.
Environmental
Costs
The
Company may be exposed to environmental costs in the ordinary course of
business. Expenditures for ongoing compliance with environmental regulations
that relate to current operations are expensed or capitalized as appropriate.
Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations, and
which do not contribute to current or future revenue generation, are expensed.
Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments indicate that
remediation efforts are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.
Estimates of the liabilities are based upon currently available facts, existing
technology and presently enacted laws and regulations, taking into consideration
the likely effects of inflation and other societal and economic factors, and
includes estimates of associated legal costs. These amounts also consider prior
experience in remediating contaminated sites, other companies’ clean-up
experience and data released by the Environmental Protection Agency or other
organizations. These estimated liabilities are subject to revisions in future
periods based on actual costs or new circumstances, and are included on the
consolidated balance sheet at their undiscounted amounts. As of December 31,
2006 and 2005, no known environmental liabilities exist.
Income
Taxes
The
Company is a limited liability company for both federal and state tax purposes.
Therefore, it does not pay income taxes, and no provision for federal or state
income taxes has been reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements.
3.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property,
plant and equipment as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 consists of the following
(in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land
|
|
$ |
1,688 |
|
|
$ |
1,688 |
|
General
plant and equipment
|
|
|
589,369 |
|
|
|
588,725 |
|
Furniture,
fixtures and vehicles
|
|
|
1,047 |
|
|
|
873 |
|
Capitalized
spare parts
|
|
|
1,441 |
|
|
|
1,441 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
593,545 |
|
|
|
592,727 |
|
Less:
accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(24,569 |
) |
|
|
(6,671 |
) |
Property
and equipment, net
|
|
$ |
568,976 |
|
|
$ |
586,056 |
|
Certain
components within the facility will require replacement or overhaul at various
times during the estimated life of the plant. The cost of replacements and
overhaul of these components is expensed in the period incurred. Routine
maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
4.
LONG-TERM DEBT
On August
16, 2005, LP HoldCo entered into the Note Purchase Agreement (“Note Agreement”)
with TCW Asset Management Company (“TCW”). Pursuant to the Note Agreement, LP
HoldCo issued approximately $129.8 million of notes to the note holders. The
proceeds were used to fund the LP HoldCo’s $120 million equity investment in LP
AcquisitionCo and other obligations required in the Note Agreement. The entire
principal balance is due on December 31, 2020; however, under specific
circumstances described in the Note Agreement, portions of the principal balance
and additional interest payments are required to be repaid prior to making
equity distributions to the Company. The stated annual interest rate is 8.0%;
however, since the Note Agreement is treated as a contingent payment debt
instrument for tax purposes, an imputed interest rate of 12.93% is used for
accruing interest. Beginning October 31, 2006, interest is payable quarterly on
the last calendar day of each subsequent January, April, July and
October.
Each note
holder was also granted a Cash Settled Option (“Option”). Once the principal
amount of the Note Agreement is paid and upon exercise of the Option, the Option
provides that each note holder can receive in cash or note their ratable amount
of up to 35% in the fair market value of LP HoldCo. On October 31, 2006, LP
HoldCo. was unable to pay the full amount of the quarterly interest due. LP
HoldCo received a waiver from the TCW which among other things, increased the
Option from 35% to 38%. The estimated fair market value of this option at
December 31, 2006 and 2005 was approximately $4.7 million and $3.2 million,
respectively and is recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statements
of operations and cash settled option in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets.
The Note
Agreement is secured by LP HoldCo’s equity interest in AcquisitionCo. Due
primarily to lower projected power prices in California than originally budgeted
for 2006, GenCo had less free cash flow to distribute to AcquisitionCo and
ultimately, to LP HoldCo. Therefore, LP HoldCo was unable to make the full
required interest payment on October 31, 2006. LP HoldCo obtained a waiver from
the Noteholders dated October 31, 2006. The waiver allowed LP HoldCo to defer
approximately $4.8 million of interest which was due on October 31, 2006,
(“deferred interest”) until March 31, 2007. In exchange for the waiver, LP
HoldCo will (i) pay 8% interest per annum on the deferred interest until the
deferred interest is paid; and (ii) pay a one time penalty interest payment
equal to 2% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount under the Notes by
March 31, 2007. Additionally, the Waiver increased the Option from 35% to 38% of
the Noteholders ratable amount. The penalty interest of approximately $2.7
million has been recorded as interest expense at December 31, 2006.
Subsequent
to December 31, 2006 LP HoldCo was unable to make the January and April
quarterly interest payments. LP HoldCo received waivers dated January 31, 2007
(“January waiver”) and April 30, 2007 (“April waiver”). The January waiver
permitted the deferral of the January interest payment and the interest and
penalty due for the October missed payment until April 30, 2007. The April
waiver permitted the deferral of the April and January interest payment and the
interest and penalty due for the October missed payment until May 31, 2007. On
June 18, 2007, LP HoldCo signed a Consent and Agreement (“June Consent”) with
the Noteholders. In accordance with the June Consent, the Noteholders will not
exercise or cause to be exercised any remedies under the Note Purchase Agreement
for until the earliest of (i) the date of closing of the sale of GenCo (see Note
1), (ii) the date on which the Purchase and Sale Agreement is terminated or
(iii) October 16, 2007 (“Standstill Period”). The June Consent defers all
interest payments due or coming due until the expiration of the Standstill
Period. Upon the closing of the sale of GenCo, LP HoldCo is required to pay the
full principal amount of the Notes, any interest and penalties due on the Notes,
and the value of the cash settled option.
LP
HoldCo’s event of default on the Note agreement described above raises
substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern
should the sale of GenCo not be completed. Accordingly, the Company has
classified the TCW Notes of approximately $130 million from non-current to
current in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2006. The
consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the
possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or
the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result should the
Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
On August
16, 2005, the GenCo entered into the Senior Secured Loan Facilities (“Loan
Facilities”). The Loan Facilities consist of the First-Lien Working Capital
Agreement (“Working Capital”), the First-Lien Term Loan Credit Agreement
(“First-Lien” or “Term B”), the First-Lien Special Letter of Credit Facility
(“LlC”), and the Second-Lien Term Loan Agreement (“Second-Lien” or “Term
COO”).
The
Working Capital agreement is a revolving loan agreement with available credit of
$65.0 million. Of the amount available, GenCo may issue up to $35.0 million of
letters of credit as required under various GenCo agreements. At the option of
GenCo, Working Capital loan balances bear interest at either of the higher of
(i) the Federal Funds Effective Rate, plus 1.75%, per annum or (ii) the Prime
rate plus 1.25%, per annum, or at LIBOR plus 2.25%, per annum. The all-in rate
at December 31, 2006 and 2005 was 7.57% and 6.63%, respectively. GenCo pays a
commitment fee equal to 0.50%, per annum, on the unused balance. Finally, GenCo
pays letter of credit fees in an amount equal to 2.25%, per annum, on letters of
credit outstanding. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the amounts outstanding on
the Working Capital agreement were $19.0 million and $15.0 million,
respectively. Letters of credit outstanding under the Working Capital agreement
at December 31, 2006 and 2005 totaled $15.9 million and $27.0 million,
respectively.
The
First-Lien agreement had an initial availability of $305.0 million. Of this
amount, GenCo is able to issue up to $40.0 million in letters of credit to
secure various obligations of GenCo. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, GenCo had
issued $20.0 million and $10.0 million, respectively in letters of credit and
reserved another $20.0 million for Morgan Stanley. Proceeds from the remaining
$265.0 million were used by GenCo to pay various obligations under the Purchase
and Sale Agreement. The First-Lien loan balance bears interest at LIBOR plus
1.75%, per annum, and is reset quarterly. The all-in rate at December 31, 2006
and 2005 was 7.12% and 6.28%, respectively. GenCo pays letter of credit fees in
an amount equal to 1.85%, per annum, for letters of credit outstanding under the
First-Lien agreement. A portion of the First-Lien principal balance is to be
repaid through scheduled quarterly payments of $662,500 as well as through
quarterly mandatory pre-payments based on a percentage of cash flow. The
remaining unpaid principal balance is due on August 16, 2012.
The L/C
agreement had an initial availability of $250.0 million. The capacity under this
agreement has been made available to secure obligations related to the Morgan
Stanley Tolling Agreements. Any drawings under the LlC agreement will bear
interest at a rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus
4.50%, per annum, or the Prime Rate plus 4.00%, per annum. There were no
drawings under the LlC agreement during the year ended December 31, 2006 or the
period from August 17, 2005 to December 31, 2005.
The Loan
under the Second-Lien agreement has an outstanding balance of $155.0 million.
GenCo used the proceeds of this loan to satisfy certain obligations under the
Purchase and Sale Agreement as well as fund the First-Lien and Second-Lien debt
service reserve accounts. The Second-Lien balance bears interest at LIBOR plus
3.50%, per annum, and is reset quarterly. The all-in rate at December 31, 2006
and 2005 was 8.87% and 8.03%, respectively. The Second-Lien principal balance is
due on August 16, 2013.
The
provisions of the Loan Facilities require GenCo to maintain certain financial
and other covenants. GenCo was in compliance with these covenants as of December
31, 2006 and 2005.
At
December 31, 2006 and 2005, the fair value of GenCo’s debt approximated carrying
value.
The
payments required under the Note Agreement and the Loan Facilities during the
years ending December 31, and in total thereafter are set forth below (in
thousands):
2007
|
|
$ |
132,461 |
|
2008
|
|
|
2,650 |
|
2007
|
|
$ |
132,461 |
|
2008
|
|
|
2,650 |
|
2009
|
|
|
2,650 |
|
2010
|
|
|
2,650 |
|
2011
|
|
|
2,650 |
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
388,917 |
|
Total
long-term debt, including current maturity
|
|
$ |
531,978 |
|
5.
RETIREMENT PLANS AND OTHER PLANS
CEP OpCo
offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan (“401(k) Plan”) to their employees. CEP
OpCo provided $212,757 and $113,329 in matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan
in 2006 and 2005, respectively. CEP OpCo also offers a profit sharing plan to
their employees at the Facilities. CEP OpCo expensed $187,980 for the year ended
December 31, 2006.
6.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Joint Interconnection Facilities
Agreement-On January 28, 2000, GenCo entered into a joint interconnection
facilities agreement with Sunrise Cogeneration and Power Company (“Sunrise”).
The two Companies share costs on joint development, permitting, designing,
engineering, procurement, construction, installation, use, ownership, operation
and maintenance of the facilities necessary to interconnect the Project to the
Midway Substation, including, but not limited to, the joint transmission line
and the joint switchyard.
Amended and Restated Raw Water
Supply Agreement-On January 31, 2000 and as amended on September 26,
2000, GenCo entered into a raw water supply agreement with West Kern Water
District to acquire, install, and provide water service to the facility. The
term of the agreement is thirty-five years.
Hot Gas Path Service
Agreement-On November 8, 1999 GenCo entered into a long-term service
agreement with Alstom Power. Under the terms of this contract, Alstom Power will
provide various services and replacement parts related to the operation and
maintenance of the four gas turbines. For the fixed portion of the payment, the
base monthly fee is initially set at $16 thousand per gas turbine. The operating
term of the agreement commenced in January, 2003 with an initial base fee of
$375 per equivalent operating hour (EOH). Both fees escalate in accordance with
the change in the Consumer Price Index. At December 31, 2006, the fixed portion
of the payment equaled $0.9 million and the base fee equaled $14.4 million. At
December 31, 2005, the fixed portion of the payment equaled $0.3 million and the
base fee equaled $4.6 million. These amounts were included in Operating and
Maintenance expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Power Purchase and Sale Agreement
with Southern California Edison (“USCE”)-On December 19, 2002, GenCo
entered into a Power Purchase and Sale Agreement with SCE. Under the terms of
this agreement, GenCo sells the capacity of units 1 and 2 to SCE, as well as the
associated energy and ancillary services. The capacity price is fixed on a
monthly basis and the energy price is fixed at $2.75/MWh escalating at 2% per
year. SCE is responsible for bearing the cost of providing the natural gas when
the units are operated under this agreement. The term of the agreement runs from
April 1, 2003 through December 31, 2007. The Company recognized revenue of
approximately $51.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2006 and $20.5
million during the period from August 17, 2005 to December 31,
2005.
Power Purchase and Sale Agreement
with Morgan Stanley Capital Group, Inc. (“MS”) On July 8, 2005, GenCo
entered into a Power Purchase and Sale Agreement with MS. Under the terms of
this agreement, GenCo, from September 1, 2005 until December 31, 2007, sells the
capacity from 1 of the 4 units to MS. From January 1, 2008 through December 31,
2012, or extended as provided in the agreement, GenCo sells the capacity from 3
of the 4 units to MS. The capacity price is fixed on a monthly basis and the
variable O&M price is fixed at $2.75 IMWh escalating at 2% per year. MS
is responsible for bearing the cost of providing the natural gas when the units
are operated under this agreement. The Company recognized revenue of
approximately $30.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and $9.9
million during the period from August 17, 2005 to December 31,
2005.
Operations, Maintenance and Asset
Management Agreement (“OM&M”) with CEP La Paloma Operating Company
LLC-GenCo has no employees and on August 16, 2005, GenCo entered into the
OM&M agreement with
LP OpCo to
provide for the operations, maintenance and management of the facility. Under
the terms of this agreement, LP OpCo entered into the Support agreement with CEP
OpCo, whereby CEP OpCo will provide the services required under this agreement.
CEP OpCo is to provide the required services for an initial term of 7 years.
GenCo reimburses CEP OpCo for all labor related costs, certain overhead charges,
and pays CEP OpCo an annual fee of $400,000, escalating at CPI beginning January
1, 2007. The agreement also allows CEP OpCo to enter into certain other
agreements to operate and manage the facility. CEP OpCo entered into the Market
Interface Services agreement with Fulcrum Power Services, LP (“Fulcrum Power”)
to provide certain services to GenCo.
Scheduling Coordinator Services
Agreement (“SC’”) with Fulcrum Power Marketing, LLC (“Fulcrum
Marketing”)-On August 16, 2005, the Company entered into the SC agreement
with Fulcrum and it provides that Fulcrum provide certain services required by
the California Independent System Operator Corporation (“CAlSO”) for an initial
term of 7 years.
The
Company may be involved from time to time as a party in various regulatory,
environmental and other proceedings with governmental authorities and
administrative agencies.
The
Company is also currently in dispute with the previous owners of La Paloma
regarding the finalization of the working capital calculation pursuant to the
Purchase and Sale Agreement. Subsequent to year end, the Company settled the
working capital dispute resulting in a payment of $883,000 being paid to the
previous owners.
The
Company does not believe that any matters or proceedings presently pending will
have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results
of operations or liquidity.
Promissory Note with Milton L.
Scott-On December 23, 2005, the Company signed a Promissory Note with
Milton L. Scott, in the amount of $736,460. The promissory note bears interest
at 4% per annum and is payable only to the extent equity distributions are made
to the holders of Class A Units. The promissory note contains a forfeiture event
upon the occurrence of a Class D Forfeiture Event, as defined in the Company’s
LLC Agreement. No amount has been recorded in the consolidated financial
statements for this promissory note as the amount is contingent upon the Company
having excess funds to distribute under the terms of the Company’s LLC Agreement
(see Note 7).
7.
MEMBERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
The
Company has the following classes of units authorized under the Amended and
Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “Agreement”): Class A Common
Units (Class A Units): Class A Units have one vote for each unit held. Class A
Units are subject to automatic conversion into Class B Non-Voting Units on a
one-to-one basis upon occurrence of a conversion event. Each Class A Units
member has a preemptive right to purchase its pro rata share of all equity
securities the Company may from
time to time propose to sell and issue after the date of the
Agreement.
Class
B Non-Voting Units (Class B Units):
Class B
Units, to be issued, have rights identical to the rights represented by Class A
Units except holders of Class B Units have no voting rights unless there are no
outstanding Class A Units. Class B Units held by an initial member shall be
forfeited automatically upon the occurrence of a Class D Units forfeiture event.
Class B Units are transferrable and the Company has an irrevocable and
assignable right to redeem all of the Class B Units held by any
person.
Class
C Preference
Units (Class C Unit):
Class C
Units are non-voting units and are subject to automatic redemption. Class C
Units shall be redeemed automatically upon the distribution of available funds,
as defined, to the Class C members on a one dollar-for-one Class C Unit
basis.
Class
D Preference Units (Class D Units):
Class D
Units are non-voting units and holders of Class D Units have no voting rights.
Class D Units are subject to automatic redemption and automatic
forfeiture.
Class
E Non-Voting Units (Class E Units):
Class E
Units are non-voting units issued in connection with the Restricted Units
Agreements entered into between the Company and employees of the Company. In
August 2005, the Company issued 447.90 Class E Units to certain employees of the
Company.
Transfer
of Membership Interests or Units:
Excluding
Class B Units, members may not transfer all or any portion of their membership
interests or units in the Company without the prior written consent of all of
the class members.
Contributions: The Agreement
provides that no member has any obligation to make any additional capital
contribution or loan to the Company except for the mandatory capital
contribution requirement for Engage. At any time prior to June 30, 2006, Engage
shall have the right to make capital contributions to the Company. On January 3,
2005, Engage made the mandatory capital contribution of $500,000 and received
300 Class A Units and 500,000 Class C Units.
On
December 23, 2005, the Company redeemed all Class A Units held by Milton Scott
for cash of $1.5 million and issuance of a Promissory Note of $0.7 million (see
Note 6). On the same day, Engage purchased 118.47 additional Class A Units and
James and Penelope Dailey purchased 347.90 Class B Units. In conjunction with
the issuance and redemption of these units, 218.21 Class A Units and 63.5 Class
E Units were forfeited.
Return of
Capital: A
member is not entitled to the return of any part of their capital contributions
to be paid with interest in respect of either their capital account, or their
capital contributions. An unrepaid capital contribution is not a liability of
the Company or of any member.
Distributions:
Distributions made by the Company with available funds are first used to
repay the holder of Class C Units, pro rata in accordance with the balances of
their unreturned capital accounts until such time as all Class C Units are
redeemed; second, to the holders of Class D Units; third, to the holders of
Class A Units, Class B Units and Class E Units, pro rata in accordance with
their sharing ratios.
In
December 2005, the Company made a success fee distribution of $1.6 million in
connection with the La Paloma Acquisition. The success fee distribution resulted
in the redemption of 395,000 Class C Units.
Allocation of Profits: The
Agreement of the Company provides that profits are allocated between the
Company’s members as follows:
First: Profits shall be
allocated to the holders of Class A Units, Class B Units and Class E units in
accordance with their sharing ratios until the amount of cumulative profits
allocated during the current period and all prior periods equals the cumulative
losses allocated during all prior periods.
Second: Profits shall be
allocated to the holders of Class C Units until each holder’s adjusted capital
account balance is equal to such holder’s Class C capital account.
Third: Profits shall be
allocated to the holders of Class D Units pro rata based on the number of Class
D Units held until each holder of Class D Units has been allocated an amount
equal to the excess, if any, of the holder’s Class D Units over the holder’s
adjusted capital account balance.
Fourth: Profits shall be
allocated to each holder of Class A Units, Class B Units or Class E Units in
proportion to their sharing ratios.
Allocation of Losses: The
Agreement provides that losses are allocated between the Company’s members as
follows:
First: Losses shall be
allocated to holders of Class A Units, Class B Units and Class E Units pro rata
in accordance with their sharing ratios until the adjusted capital accounts of
the of the Class A Units and Class B Units are reduced to zero.
Second: Losses shall be
allocated to holders of Class D Units pro rata based on the number of Class D
Units held until their positive adjusted capital account balances are
eliminated.
Third: Losses shall be
allocated to the holders of Class C Units pro rata based on the number of Class
C Units held until their positive adjusted capital account balances are
eliminated.
Fourth: The remaining losses
are allocated to the holders of Class A Units.
Class B
Units and Class E Units in accordance with their sharing ratios.
8.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
CEP La Paloma Operating Company LLC
and CEP Operating Company LLC-The Batesville Facility has no employees
and has entered into a management services agreement and an operation and
maintenance agreement with CEP OpCo. Under the terms of the agreements the
Batesville Facility is required to pay CEP OpCo a fixed monthly fee during
operation of the Batesville Facility. The Batesville Facility is also required
to reimburse CEP OpCo for all labor costs including payroll, taxes, and benefits
and other costs deemed reimbursable by the Batesville Facility.
For the
year ending December 31, 2006, the Batesville Facility incurred labor and
related costs of $2.4 million, fixed monthly fees of $1.2 million and other
costs of $0.6 million. As of December 31, 2006, the Company had outstanding
amounts receivable from the Batesville Facility of approximately $170,000. For
the year ending December 31, 2005, the Batesville Facility incurred labor and
related costs of $2.8 million, fixed monthly fees of $1.0 million and other
costs of $0.8 million. As of December 31, 2005, the Company had outstanding
amounts receivable from the Batesville Facility of approximately $120,000. Under
the provisions of the OM&M agreement, GenCo paid CEP OpCo $4.5 million for
labor and labor related costs, $0.4 million in fixed monthly fees and
$2.4 million of other costs for the year ending December 31, 2006. For the
year ending December 31, 2005, GenCo paid CEP OpCo $1.5 million for labor and
labor related costs, $0.2 million in fixed monthly fees and $1.0 million of
other costs.
Fulcrum Power Services,
L.P.-In connection with the agreements between CEP OpCo and the
Batesville Facility, CEP OpCo has entered into a Commercial Support Services
Agreement (“Services Agreement”) with Fulcrum Power Services L.P.(“Fulcrum”).
Fulcrum is the minority interest holder in Batesville Holding. For the year
ending December 31, 2006, CEP OpCo was charged $181,515 for services and
expenses under the Services Agreement. As of December 31, 2006, CEP OpCo had
outstanding accounts payable to Fulcrum of $27,665 related to the Services
Agreement. For the year ending December 31, 2005, CEP OpCo was charged $310,648
for services and expenses under the Services Agreement. As of December 31, 2005,
CEP OpCo had outstanding accounts payable to Fulcrum of $12,309 related to the
Services Agreement.
Additionally,
CEP OpCo was charged $780,000 for services under the Fulcrum Scheduling
Coordinator Services Agreement (“SC”). For both December 31, 2006 and 2005, CEP
OpCo had outstanding accounts payable to Fulcrum related to this agreement of
$65,000. Upon the signing of the SC agreement, Fulcrum was paid $1.2
million.
Joint Facilities Operating
Agreement-In connection with the transaction, the agreement between GenCo
and Sunrise Power Company (“Sunrise”) on March 9, 2001 assigned LP OpCo to act
as operator of the interconnection facilities jointly owned by GenCo and
Sunrise. The effective date of the agreement is April 1, 2001. The base fee due
from Sunrise to GenCo for the first year was $100,000 to be adjusted annually
based on the percentage increase in the CPI index for the prior
year.
9.
DEPENDENCE ON THIRD PARTIES
Financial
instruments which potentially subject the Company to credit risk consists of
cash and cash equivalent, restricted cash and accounts receivable. Major
financial institutions hold the cash accounts. Accounts receivable are primarily
concentrated with the SCE and MS tolling agreements. GenCo. is highly dependent
on LP OpCo, OpCo and
Fulcrum for the operation and maintenance of the Facility and during the terms
of the SCE and MS Tolls, GenCo will be highly dependent on two counterparties
for the purchase of electric generating capacity and dispatchable energy at the
Facility. Any material breach by anyone of these parties of their respective
obligations to GenCo could affect the ability of LP HoldCo and GenCo to meet its
obligations under the Note Agreement and Loan Facilities.
To the
Members
Complete
Energy Holdings, LLC
We have
audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Complete Energy
Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, members’ deficit and cash
flows for the years then ended. 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 auditing standards generally accepted in
the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
consolidated financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control
over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. 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 consolidated financial position of Complete Energy
Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then
ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that
the Company will continue as a going concern. As shown in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements, the Company has incurred net
losses for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. As of December
31, 2007, the Company has negative working capital of approximately $64.4
million, its total liabilities exceeds its total assets by approximately $11.6
million, and it has a deficit of approximately $80.1 million. Further
as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the ability of
one of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries to make interest payments to a
lender in January 2009 and beyond is dependent on the Company obtaining the
necessary funds. Failure to make the interest payments would cause
the subsidiary to be in an event of default to this lender. These
conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a
going concern. Management’s plans to remedy the situation are
described in Notes 1 and 4 to the consolidated financial
statements. However, there can be no assurances that such plans will
be successful. The consolidated financial statements do not include
any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties to
continue as a going concern.
/s/ UHY
LLP
Houston,
Texas
April 30,
2008
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
as
of December 31, 2007 and 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
15,022 |
|
|
$ |
13,336 |
|
Restricted
cash
|
|
|
89,297 |
|
|
|
18,929 |
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
18,451 |
|
|
|
11,446 |
|
Inventory
|
|
|
12,438 |
|
|
|
5,868 |
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
4,048 |
|
|
|
1,487 |
|
Insurance
receivable
|
|
|
9,153 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Price
risk management asset
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,462 |
|
TOTAL
CURRENT ASSETS
|
|
|
148,409 |
|
|
|
52,528 |
|
PRICE
RISK MANAGEMENT ASSET
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,480 |
|
DEFERRED
FINANCING COSTS — net of accumulated amortization of $5,026 and $2,770,
respectively
|
|
|
15,797 |
|
|
|
13,650 |
|
PROPERTY,
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net of accumulated depreciation of $51,577 and
$24,569, respectively
|
|
|
819,145 |
|
|
|
568,976 |
|
CONTRACTS,
net of accumulated amortization of $4,330
|
|
|
32,670 |
|
|
|
— |
|
OTHER
ASSETS
|
|
|
3,669 |
|
|
|
4,852 |
|
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
|
$ |
1,019,690 |
|
|
$ |
641,486 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
AND MEMBERS’ DEFICIT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
payable
|
|
$ |
9,191 |
|
|
$ |
4,708 |
|
Accrued
liabilities
|
|
|
16,665 |
|
|
|
14,301 |
|
Accrued
interest
|
|
|
26,460 |
|
|
|
17,669 |
|
Short-term
borrowings, net of discount of
$4,503
and $0, respectively
|
|
|
118,497 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Current
portion of long-term debt
|
|
|
15,475 |
|
|
|
2,650 |
|
Working
capital loan
|
|
|
25,300 |
|
|
|
19,000 |
|
Price
risk management liability
|
|
|
1,271 |
|
|
|
2,062 |
|
TOTAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES
|
|
|
212,859 |
|
|
|
60,390 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LONG-TERM
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term
debt, net of current portion
|
|
|
779,402 |
|
|
|
529,328 |
|
Cash
settled option
|
|
|
5,877 |
|
|
|
4,740 |
|
Price
risk management
|
|
|
3,775 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Asset
retirement obligation
|
|
|
1,122 |
|
|
|
1,011 |
|
CONTRACT,
net of accumulated amortization
of
$577 and $6,258, respectively
|
|
|
9,423 |
|
|
|
4,442 |
|
Other
liability
|
|
|
1,127 |
|
|
|
260 |
|
Deferred
tax liability
|
|
|
17,744 |
|
|
|
— |
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
1,031,329 |
|
|
|
600,171 |
|
COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 6)
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
MINORITY
INTEREST
|
|
|
68,430 |
|
|
|
75,921 |
|
MEMBERS’
DEFICIT
|
|
|
(80,069 |
) |
|
|
(34,606 |
) |
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ DEFICIT
|
|
$ |
1,019,690 |
|
|
$ |
641,486 |
|
Consolidated
Statements of Operations
For
the Years Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
|
|
For
the Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
OPERATING
REVENUES, net
|
|
$ |
260,457 |
|
|
$ |
212,477 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel
Expense
|
|
|
107,106 |
|
|
|
92,392 |
|
Power
purchases
|
|
|
30,411 |
|
|
|
26,352 |
|
Operating
and maintenance
|
|
|
80,029 |
|
|
|
54,073 |
|
Administrative
and general
|
|
|
2,755 |
|
|
|
3,023 |
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
26,606 |
|
|
|
13,568 |
|
TOTAL
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
246,907 |
|
|
|
189,408 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME
FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
13,550 |
|
|
|
23,069 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
income
|
|
|
3,314 |
|
|
|
1,728 |
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(81,562 |
) |
|
|
(52,927 |
) |
Other
income
|
|
|
36,747 |
|
|
|
220 |
|
TOTAL
OTHER EXPENSE
|
|
|
(41,501 |
) |
|
|
(50,979 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOSS
BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
(27,951 |
) |
|
|
(27,910 |
) |
LOSS
ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
(5,120 |
) |
|
|
(2,065 |
) |
NET
LOSS
|
|
$ |
(22,831 |
) |
|
$ |
(25,845 |
) |
Consolidated
Statements of Members’ Deficit
For
the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Account
Units:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class
A Common Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2006
|
|
|
933.63 |
|
|
|
1,507.42 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,507.42 |
|
|
|
1,463.00 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
5,411,47 |
|
Redemption
of Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,463.00 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,463.00 |
) |
As
of December 31, 2007
|
|
|
933.63 |
|
|
|
1,507.42 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,507.42 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
3,948.47 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class
B Non-Voting Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2006 and
2007
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
347.90 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
347.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class
C Preference Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2006
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
605,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
605,000 |
|
Redemption
of Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(605,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(605,000 |
) |
As
of December 31, 2007
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class
D Preference Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2006
|
|
|
933,630 |
|
|
|
1,588,790 |
|
|
|
1,588,790 |
|
|
|
1,588,790 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
5,700,000 |
|
Redemption
of Units
|
|
|
(933,630 |
) |
|
|
(1,588,790 |
) |
|
|
(1,588,790 |
) |
|
|
(1,588,790 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,700,000 |
) |
As
of December 31, 2007
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class
E Non-Voting Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of January 1, 2006
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
447.90 |
|
|
|
447.90 |
|
Units
Issued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90.00 |
|
|
|
90.00 |
|
Forfeiture
of Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(109.24 |
) |
|
|
(109.24 |
) |
As
of December 31, 2006 and
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
428.66 |
|
|
|
428.66 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital
Account Balances:
(In
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of January 1, 2006
|
|
$ |
(1,252 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,904 |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
(1,906 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,655 |
) |
|
$ |
(394 |
) |
|
$ |
(507 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,618 |
) |
Changes
in Price Risk Mgmt
|
|
|
(173 |
) |
|
|
(279 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(279 |
) |
|
|
(270 |
) |
|
|
(64 |
) |
|
|
(78 |
) |
|
|
(1,143 |
) |
Net
Loss
|
|
|
(3,899 |
) |
|
|
(6,296 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(6,296 |
) |
|
|
(6,110 |
) |
|
|
(1,453 |
) |
|
|
(1,791 |
) |
|
|
(25,845 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of December 31, 2006
|
|
|
(5,324 |
) |
|
|
(8,479 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(8,481 |
) |
|
|
(8,035 |
) |
|
|
(1,911 |
) |
|
|
(2,376 |
) |
|
|
(34,606 |
) |
Redemption
of Units
|
|
|
(5,634 |
) |
|
|
(9,097 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(9,097 |
) |
|
|
(9,440 |
) |
|
|
(2,100 |
) |
|
|
(2,587 |
) |
|
|
(19,075 |
) |
Changes
in Price Risk Mgmt
|
|
|
(684 |
) |
|
|
(1,105 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(1,105 |
) |
|
|
(93 |
) |
|
|
(255 |
) |
|
|
(315 |
) |
|
|
(3,557 |
) |
Net
Loss
|
|
|
(4,253 |
) |
|
|
(6,866 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(6,864 |
) |
|
|
(1,312 |
) |
|
|
(1,585 |
) |
|
|
(1,9541 |
) |
|
|
(22,831 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of December 31, 2007
|
|
$ |
(15,895 |
) |
|
$ |
(25,547 |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
(25,547 |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
(5,851 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,229 |
) |
|
$ |
(80,069 |
) |
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
For
the Years Ending December 31, 2007 and 2006
|
|
For
the Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$ |
(22,831 |
) |
|
$ |
(25,845 |
) |
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation,
amortization and accretion expense
|
|
|
26,717 |
|
|
|
13,668 |
|
Amortization
and write-off of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
4,650 |
|
|
|
1,956 |
|
Amortization
of debt discount
|
|
|
417 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Loss
attributable to minority interest
|
|
|
(5,120 |
) |
|
|
(2,065 |
) |
Cash
settled option
|
|
|
1,137 |
|
|
|
1,492 |
|
Gain
on sale of asset
|
|
|
(1,407 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities (net of effects of the acquisition of
Batesville)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
(3,617 |
) |
|
|
13,590 |
|
Inventory
|
|
|
(4,021 |
) |
|
|
(576 |
) |
Insurance
Receivable
|
|
|
(9,153 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
(1,313 |
) |
|
|
(824 |
) |
Other
assets
|
|
|
1,360 |
|
|
|
779 |
|
Accounts
payable and other liabilities
|
|
|
13,166 |
|
|
|
7,202 |
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
9,377 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change
in restricted cash (net of restricted cash
acquired
of $31,010)
|
|
|
(39,358 |
) |
|
|
4,780 |
|
Capital
expenditures
|
|
|
(759 |
) |
|
|
(818 |
) |
Proceeds
from disposition of assets
|
|
|
3,507 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Net
amount of Batesville acquisition (net of unrestricted cash acquired of
$171)
|
|
|
(51,246 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
|
|
(87,856 |
) |
|
|
3,962 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowing
from working capital loans, net
|
|
|
6,300 |
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
Proceeds
from issuance of notes
|
|
|
188,663 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Repayment
of long-term debt
|
|
|
(74,613 |
) |
|
|
(8,881 |
) |
Contribution
by minority interest
|
|
|
17,500 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Distributions
to minority interest
|
|
|
(18,376 |
) |
|
|
(1,808 |
) |
Deferred
financing costs and debt discount
|
|
|
(11,717 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Distributions
to members
|
|
|
(18,200 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
89,557 |
|
|
|
(6,689 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
|
|
1,686 |
|
|
|
6,650 |
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – beginning of year
|
|
|
13,336 |
|
|
|
6,686 |
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – end of year
|
|
$ |
15,022 |
|
|
$ |
13,336 |
|
SUPPLEMENTAL
DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
paid for interest
|
|
$ |
62,035 |
|
|
$ |
38,139 |
|
|
|
For
the Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
Reduction
in acquired fair value of plant, property and equipment on settlement of
purchase price
|
|
$ |
1,732 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Notes
to the Consolidated Financial Statements
1. ORGANIZATION
Complete
Energy Holdings, LLC (the “Company”) is a Delaware limited liability company
formed in January 2004. The Company owns 100% of CEP Operating
Company LLC (“CEP OpCo”), CEH/La Paloma Holding Company, LLC (“LP HoldCo”) and
100% of CE Batesville III, LLC (“CE Bateville III”). CEP OpCo owns
100% of CEP La Paloma Operating Company, LLC (“LP OpCo”). The Company
owns a majority interest in two gas-fired electric generating facilities with a
total design capacity of approximately 1,859 megawatts. The Company’s
initial managing members were Lori Cuervo, Peter Dailey, Milton Scott and Hugh
Tarpley. As of December 23, 2005, Milton Scott was no longer a
managing member of the Company. Engage Investments, L.P. (“Engage”)
acquired its interest in the Company in October 2004 and on March 14, 2007 all
interests held by Engage were redeemed.
LP Holdco
has a 60% interest in La Paloma Acquisition Co, LLC (“LP AcquisitionCo”). LP
AcquisitionCo, owns 100% of La Paloma Generating Company, LLC (“LP GenCo”), a
Delaware limited liability company established on April 21,
1998. LP GenCo owns a gas-fired electric generating facility
with a design capacity of approximately 1,022 megawatts located in McKittrick,
California (the “LP Facility”). The LP Facility commenced full
commercial operations in March 2003. LP HoldCo is the managing member of the LP
AcquisitionCo.
On March
14, 2007, Complete Energy Batesville, LLC (“CE Batesville”) acquired the
interest in CEP Batesville Acquisition Co, LLC (“CEPBA”) owned by Stonehill
Institutional Partners, L.P., Castlerigg, L.P., Stonehill Offshore Partners
Limited and Castlerigg International Holdings Limited for net cash of
approximately $50.5 million inclusive of certain acquisition-related costs and
assumed outstanding debt of approximately $271.9 million. CE
Batesville is a subsidiary of CE Batesville III. Along with the
purchase, the Company assigned its majority interest in CEP Batesville Holding,
LLC, the managing member of CEPBA to CE Batesville. Upon the close of
the transaction, CE Batesville owns 96.3% of CEPBA. The remaining
3.7% of CEPBA is owned by Fulcrum Power Services, LP. CEPBA is a
Delaware limited liability company formed in May 2004 to acquire 100% membership
interest in LSP Batesville Holding, LLC (“Holding”), a Delaware limited
liability company established on July 29, 1998. Holding owns 100% of
LSP Energy Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”). The Partnership
owns a gas-fired electric generating facility with a design capacity of
approximately 837 megawatts located in Batesville, Mississippi (the “Batesville
Facility”). The Batesville Facility commenced operations in August
2000.
The
acquisition was financed with the issuance of $65.7 million of notes under a
Note Purchase Agreement (“Batesville Note Agreement”) with TCW Asset Management
Company (“TCW”) and issuance of $17.5 million of Preferred Units of CE
Batesville II, LLC (the “Preferred Units”). The entire principal
balance on the notes was due on March 14, 2017 and the stated annual interest
rate was 7%. On November 30, 2007, the Company entered into a Credit
Agreement (See note 4). The proceeds from the Credit Agreement were
used to repay the notes outstanding under the Batesville Note Agreement for
$74.3 million which included $3.3 million of interest due and a prepayment
penalty of $5.3 million. Additionally, the Company redeemed the
Preferred Units for $18.4 million. The additional amount paid on the
redemption of the preferred units of approximately $0.9 million was allocated to
the members of the Company.
The
acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting for
business combinations. The transaction was pushed down to the
Partnership at the time of the acquisition and as such, purchase price has been
allocated to the assets acquired based on their estimated fair values at the
date of acquisition.
The
following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The purchase price
allocation herein was based on an appraisal of the fair value of both the assets
acquired and liabilities assumed by an independent third party
appraiser. The allocation of the purchase price was (in
millions):
Purchase
price:
|
|
|
|
Cash
paid to Seller
|
|
$ |
49.6 |
|
Equity
credit interest previously owned
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
Acquisition
costs
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
Deferred
tax liability assumed
|
|
|
17.7 |
|
|
|
$ |
69.0 |
|
Net
assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
|
|
|
|
|
Current
assets
|
|
$ |
38.3 |
|
Property,
plant and equipment
|
|
|
278.2 |
|
Other
assets
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
Power
purchase agreements
|
|
|
27.0 |
|
Current
liabilities
|
|
|
(5.1 |
) |
Debt
assumed
|
|
|
(271.9 |
) |
|
|
$ |
69.0 |
|
In June
2007, the Company signed a Purchase and Sale Agreement (“PSA”) with KGen Power
Corporation (“KGen”) to sell the Company’s interest in LP GenCo and the
Batesville Facility. In October 2007, the Company signed a
termination agreement related to the PSA. Under the terms of the
termination agreement, the Company received a $35 million breakup
fee.
On October
15, 2007, the Company announced that it engaged JP Morgan Securities Inc as its
exclusive financial advisor in a broad review of strategic alternatives in
connection with its interest in the LP Facility and Batesville
Facility. The Company will evaluate, among other options, a sale or
merger of the Company as well as a sale or merger of individual
facilities.
2. SUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles
of Consolidation
The
consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts
of the Company, CEP OpCo, LP HoldCo and its subsidiaries and the accounts of CE
Batesville III and its subsididaries since March 14, 2007. All
significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in
consolidation. Minority interests in the net assets and earnings or
losses of the consolidated subsidiaries consist of 40% equity interest of LP
AcquisitionCo and 3.7% equity interest of CEPBA that are not owned by the
Company. Those are reflected in the caption “Minority Interest” in the Company’s
consolidated balance sheets and statements of Operations. Minority interest
adjusts the Company’s consolidated results of operations to reflect only the
Company’s share of the earnings or losses of the consolidated
subsidiaries.
Nature
of Operations
The
principal business of the Company is to acquire, own and operate power
generation assets through its offices in Houston, TX, Pittsburgh, PA, and
Minneapolis, MN. The Company is actively pursuing an acquisition
strategy that includes merchant and contracted power plants currently being
divested by utilities, independent power producers, and financial
institutions.
Reclassifications
Certain
prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year’s
presentation. We separately presented “Contracts” and “Other
Liailities” which were previously combined in “Other Liabilities” on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additionally, general plant has been
split between buildings, plant and equipment and
transmission
assets on the property, plant and equipment table in note 3 to the consolidated
financial statements. Those reclassifications had no impact on reported net
loss or members’deficit.
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
In
recording transactions and balances resulting from business operations, the
Company uses estimates based on the best information available. Estimates are
used for such items as plant depreciable lives and uncollectible accounts among
others. In additions, estimates are used to test long-lived assets for
impairment and to determine fair value of impaired assets. As better information
becomes available (or actual amounts are determinable), the recorded estimates
are revised. Consequently, current operating results can be affected by
revisions to prior accounting estimates.
Risks
and Uncertainties
As with
any power generation facility, operations of the LP Facility and the Batesville
Facility (the “Facilities”) will involve risk, including performance of the
Facilities below expected levels of output and efficiency, shut-downs due to the
breakdown or failure of equipment or processes, violations of permit
requirements, operator error, or catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes,
explosions, floods or other similar occurrences affecting a power generation
facility or its power purchasers. The occurrence of any of these events could
significantly reduce or eliminate revenues generated by the Facilities or
significantly increase the expenses of the Facilities, adversely impacting the
Company’s ability to make payments of principal and interest on its debt when
due.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
The
Company considers cash and cash equivalents to include cash and short-term
investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Restricted
Cash
Restricted
cash includes cash and cash equivalent amounts, which are restricted under the
terms of the credit agreements for payment to third parties. Restricted cash
accounts are established, held and maintained by a depository agent. At December
31, 2007 and 2006, the restricted cash balance amounted to approximately $89.3
million and $18.9 million, respectively.
Allowance
for Doubtful Accounts
The
Company establishes provisions for losses on accounts receivable if it is
determined that the Company will not collect all or part of the outstanding
balance. The Company regularly reviews collectibility and establishes
or adjusts the allowance as necessary using the specific identification method.
At December 31, 2007 and 2006, there was no allowance for doubtful
accounts.
Inventory
Inventory
is valued at the lower of cost (on an average basis) or market and consists of
maintenance spare parts for the Facilities. The Facilities record provisions for
obsolete inventory parts. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, there was no obsolete
inventory. Capital Spares which are not expected to be used within
one year are included in property, plant and equipment on the consolidated
balance sheets. Capital spares are depreciated over the remaining
life of the related equipment at the date of purchase.
Property,
Plant and Equipment
Property,
plant and equipment are reflected either at acquired fair value on acquisition
(see Note 1) or at cost. Impairment adjustments are recorded whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate carrying values may not be
recoverable. Significant additions or improvements extending asset lives and/or
the profitability are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance that do not
improve the life and/or the profitability of the respective asset are charged to
expense as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method,
net of salvage value, over the estimated useful lives of 3 to 30
years.
The assets
and related accumulated depreciation amounts are adjusted for asset retirements
and disposals with the resulting gain or loss included in
operations.
Deferred
Financing Costs
Deferred
financing costs consist of those costs incurred to secure the project financing
under the Loan Facilities and the Note Purchase Agreements as described in Note
4. These costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the
financing, which approximates the effective interest
method. Amortization expense for each of the years ending December
31, 2007 and 2006 was approximately $2.3 million and $2.0 million,
respectively.
Other
Assets
Other
assets include prepaid property taxes of approximately $1.1 million, a
receivable related to one of the Partnership’s power purchase agreement (see
Note 6), utility deposits of approximately $0.3 million and unamortized deferred
contract costs of approximately $1.0 million (see Note
6). Amortization expense of deferred contract costs was approximately
$0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and
2006. Accumulated amortization of the deferred contract costs was
approximately $0.5 million and $0.3 million as of December 31, 2007 and
2006. The deferred contract cost is being amortized over the contract
period of 7 years. At December 31, 2006, other assets included
environmental reduction credits (ERCs) of approximately $2.1
million. The ERCs were sold during 2007 for approximately $3.5
million resulting in a gain of approximately $1.4 million which is included in
other income (expense) on the consolidated statements of
operations. Additionally, other assets at December 31, 2006 included
the Company’s 3.3% indirect interest in CEPBA. Prior to the March 14,
2007 acquisition by CE Batesville, the Company accounted for its investment in
CEPBA under the cost method of accounting.
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments
The
carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts
receivable, accounts payable, working capital loan, short-term borrowings and
accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of
these instruments. The fair value of long-term debt is calculated
based on current interest rates.
Accounting
for Price Risk Management Activities
The
Company records all of its derivative instruments on the consolidated balance
sheets at fair value under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended. For those instruments
entered into to hedge risk and that qualify as hedges, the Company applies the
provisions of SFAS No. 133 and its related amendments and interpretations, and
the accounting treatment depends on each instrument’s intended use and how it is
designated.
During the
normal course of business, the Company may enter into contracts that qualify as
derivatives under the provisions of SFAS No. 133, as amended. As a result, the
Company evaluates its contracts to determine whether derivative accounting is
appropriate. Contracts that meet the criteria of a derivative and qualify as
“normal purchases” or “normal sales”, as those terms are defined in SFAS No.
133, as amended, may be excluded from fair value accounting treatment. Contracts
that qualify as derivatives and do not meet the exceptions for “normal
purchases” or “normal sales” are reflected at fair value on the Company’s
consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair values reflected in the
Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
The
Company’s hedging instruments at December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as
follows:
The
Company uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to fluctuations in
interest rates on variable rate debt. These swaps are designated as
cash flow hedges under FAS No. 133 with the effective portion of gains and
losses recorded in “accumulated other comprehensive income” in the consolidated
statements members’ deficit and consolidated balance sheets. The
Company reclassifies gains and losses on the hedges from “accumulated other
comprehensive income” into interest expense in our consolidated statements of
operations during the periods in which the interest payments being hedged
occur.
As of
December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company has entered into interest rate swap
agreements whereby the Company makes a quarterly payment to third parties at a
fixed rate and in return receives quarterly payments at a variable
rate. The notional amounts of the swaps decrease ratably throughout
the swap terms as the related debt is repaid and will terminate on June 30,
2012. The notional quantities at December 31, 2007 and 2006 were
$128.5 million and $137.5 million respectively. The fair value of the
swaps at December 31, 2007 and 2006 was a liability of approximately $5.0
million and an asset of approximately $2.9 million,
respectively. These amounts are reflected on the consolidated balance
sheets as a price risk management from hedging activities and as changes in
price risk management included in the accompanying consolidated statements of
members’ deficit. Of this amount, we estimate that approximately $1.3
million will be reclassified to earnings in the next twelve
months. The primary risk associated with interest rate swaps is the
ability of third parties to meet their obligations under the terms of the
Contract. The Company does not anticipate nonperformance by the third
parties. There was no hedge ineffectiveness on these
hedges.
The
Company may enter into fixed-price derivative contracts to hedge the variability
in future cash flows from forecasted sales of produced power and the purchases
of fuel. The objective for entering into such hedges is to fix the
margin on a portion of the Company’s spot power sales from the merchant unit to
various third parties.
In 2006,
the Company entered into spark spread hedges, whereby the Company purchased
natural gas and sold power. The physical contracts to purchase
natural gas and sell power settle on a monthly basis at agreed upon fixed
prices. The volumes vary by month based upon contractual terms and
the relationship between natural gas and power are based on various heat
rates. The Company has designated these contracts as cash flow hedges
under SFAS 133. These spark spread hedges expired on December 31,
2007 and therefore, are not included on the consolidated balance sheet at
December 31, 2007. Their fair value at December 31, 2006 was a liability of
approximately $2.1 million. This amount is reflected on the
consolidated balance sheets as price risk management liability from hedge
activities and as changes in price risk management included in the accompanying
consolidated statements of members’ deficit.
The
following is a summary of amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) at December 31, 2007 and 2006, related to its cash flow
hedges:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
comprehensive income related to cash flow hedges beginning of
year
|
|
$ |
881 |
|
|
$ |
2,787 |
|
Market
value changes
|
|
|
(14,569 |
) |
|
|
1,672 |
|
Reclassification
to earnings
|
|
|
8,282 |
|
|
|
(3,578 |
) |
Other
comprehensive income (loss) related to cash flow hedges end of year before
allocation to minority interest
|
|
$ |
(5,046 |
) |
|
$ |
881 |
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss) related to cash flow
hedges
|
|
$ |
(3,027 |
) |
|
$ |
528 |
|
The
Company recorded no ineffectiveness in earnings related to the Company’s cash
flow hedges during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
Revenue
Recognition
For the LP
Facility tolling agreements, revenues are recorded based on capacity and
ancillary services provided and electrical output delivered at the lesser of
amounts billable under the respective tolling agreement or the average
estimated
contract rates over the initial term of the respective tolling
agreement. Merchant revenues are recognized based on capacity and
ancillary services provided and electrical output delivered at the spot market
price.
In
connection with the acquisition of the Batesville facility (see Note 1) the
Company evaluated the Power Purchase and Sale Agreements (“PPAs”) acquired based
on the criteria set forth in the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”)
01-08. The Company determined the PPAs to be operating
leases under the criteria specified in EITF 01-08, Determining Whether an Arrangement
Contains a Lease. Capacity revenues from the Batesville PPAs
are recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the
PPAs. Revenues from electric energy are recognized in the period
electric energy is provided. Transmission service credit revenues are
recognized when actual cash is received. There was no change or
impact on the consolidated financial statements as a result of adopting EITF
01-08 since the Batesville facility was not a consolidated subsidiary of CEH
prior to it acquisition in March 2007.
Operating
revenues is comprised of the following for the years ending December
31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capacity
sales
|
|
$ |
115,465 |
|
|
$ |
81,210 |
|
Energy
sales
|
|
|
129,843 |
|
|
|
90,598 |
|
Gas
sales
|
|
|
12,742 |
|
|
|
31,845 |
|
Ancillary
revenues
|
|
|
1,466 |
|
|
|
4,460 |
|
Other
revenue
|
|
|
941 |
|
|
|
4,364 |
|
Operating
revenues, net
|
|
$ |
260,457 |
|
|
$ |
212,477 |
|
Power
Purchases
When the
Company has to purchase power from third parties in order to fulfill its
contractual obligations to deliver power to other third parties, this cost is
recognized when title to the power passes to the Company from the third party.
This occurs when a unit is not available to produce power that the Company has
entered into an agreement to sell to other third parties.
Asset
Retirement Obligations
The
Company accounts for asset retirement obligations in accordance with SFAS No.
143, Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations and the provisions of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset
Retirement Obligations, which requires that the Company record a
liability for those retirement and removal costs in which the timing and/or
amount of the settlement of the costs are uncertain. The Company has
estimated the future potential for environmental testing, related remediation
and site decommissioning costs for the restoration of the site based on a
present value calculation of projected future cash flows in 2035. At
December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company has included in the consolidated balance
sheets an asset of approximately $0.8 million for both periods in property,
plant and equipment and has recorded a liability of approximately $1.1 million
and $1.0 million, respectively, as asset retirement obligation related to the LP
Facility. The Company recognized accretion of approximately $0.1
million in both 2007 and 2006. The Partnership has determined that it
does not have any legal contractual obligations under SFAS No. 143 or FIN No. 47
as of December 31, 2007 or 2006.
Environmental
Costs
The
Company may be exposed to environmental costs in the ordinary course of
business. Expenditures for ongoing compliance with environmental
regulations that relate to current operations are expensed or capitalized as
appropriate. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused
by past operations, and which do not contribute to current or future revenue
generation, are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when environmental
assessments indicate that remediation efforts are probable and the costs can be
reasonably estimated. Estimates of the liabilities are based upon
currently available facts, existing technology and presently enacted laws and
regulations, taking into consideration the likely effects of inflation and other
societal and economic factors, and includes estimates of associated legal
costs. These amounts also consider prior experience in remediating
contaminated sites, other companies’ clean-up experience and data released by
the Environmental Protection Agency or other organizations.
These
estimated liabilities are subject to revisions in future periods based on actual
costs or new circumstances, and are included on the consolidated balance sheets
at their undiscounted amounts. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, no
known environmental liabilities exist.
Income
Taxes
The
Company is a limitied liability company for both federal and state tax
purposes. Therefore, it does not pay income taxes, and no provision
for federal or state income taxes has been reflected in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements.
New
Pronouncements
In June
2006, the FASB issued FIN No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes — An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. FIN 48 is an
interpretation of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes,
and it seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects
of measurement and recognition in accounting for income taxes. In addition, FIN
48 requires expanded disclosure with respect to the uncertainty in income
taxes. Subsequent to the issuance of FIN No. 48, the FASB issued FASB
Staff Position (“FSP”) FIN 48-2, Effective Date of FASB
Interpretation No. 48 for Certain Nonpublic Enterprises. The
FSP is effective February 1, 2008 and defers the effective date of FIN No. 48 to
the annual financial statements for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
2007. The Company does not believe that the adoption of FIN No. 48
will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position,
results of operations or cash flows.
In
September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value
Measurements. SFAS No. 157 clarifies the principle that fair
value should be based on the assumptions that market participants would use when
pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that
prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. Under
this standard, fair value measurements would be separately disclosed by level
within the fair value hierarchy. SFAS No. 157 is effective for
financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15,
2007. In November 2007, the FASB granted a one year deferral for
non-financial assets and liabilities. The Company is currently
evaluating the impact of this statement on its consolidated financial
statements.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial
Assets and Financial Liabilities — including an amendment of FASB
Statement No. 115. SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many
financial instruments, and certain other items, at fair value. SFAS No. 159 also
establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate
comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for
similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 applies to reporting
periods beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating
the impact of this statement on its consolidated financial
statements.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in
Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS No.
160”). SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards
for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent,
the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the
noncontrolling interest, changes in a parent’s ownership interest and the
valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is
deconsolidated. The Statement also establishes reporting requirements
that provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish
between the interest of the parent and the interest of the noncontrolling
owners. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2008. We believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will
not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of
operation or cash flows.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS
No. 141(R)”). SFAS No. 141(R) requires the acquiring entity in a
business combination to recognize the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in
the transaction; establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement
objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; and requires the
acquirer to disclose to investors and other users information they need to
evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business
combination. SFAS No. 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning
on or after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating
the impact of this statement on its consolidated financial
statements.
3. PROPERTY,
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND CONTRACTS
Property,
plant and equipment as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 consists of the following
(in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
Land
|
|
|
$ |
3,398 |
|
|
$ |
1,688 |
|
Buildings
|
25-30
years
|
|
|
3,961 |
|
|
|
1,168 |
|
Plant
and equipment
|
15-30
years
|
|
|
808,963 |
|
|
|
555,711 |
|
Transmission
assets
|
25-30
years
|
|
|
51,246 |
|
|
|
32,220 |
|
Furniture,
fixtures and vehicles
|
3-10 years
|
|
|
1,274 |
|
|
|
1,047 |
|
Capitalized
spare parts
|
30 years
|
|
|
1,441 |
|
|
|
1,441 |
|
|
|
|
|
870,283 |
|
|
|
593,275 |
|
Less: accumulated
depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
|
(51,577 |
) |
|
|
(24,569 |
) |
|
|
|
|
818,706 |
|
|
|
568,706 |
|
Construction
in progress
|
|
|
|
439 |
|
|
|
270 |
|
Property,
plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
$ |
819,145 |
|
|
$ |
568,976 |
|
Certain
components within the facility will require replacement or overhaul at various
times during the estimated life of the plant. The cost of
replacements and overhaul of these components is expensed in the period
incurred. Routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as
incurred.
In April
2007, the Company settled its dispute regarding the finalization of the working
capital calculation pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement with the
previous owners of LP GenCo. LP GenCo had initially recorded a
liability related to this settlement as a part of the purchase. The
final payment of this liability resulted in a reduction to the acquired fair
value of plant, property and equipment of approximately $1.7
million.
Contracts
consist of the fair value of the PPAs with Southern California Edison (“SCE”),
J. Aron and South Mississippi Electric Power Association (SMEPA) (see Note
6). The contracts are being amortized over the remaining lives of the
contracts at acquisition date.
Contracts
as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SMEPA
PPA Contract
|
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
J.
Aron PPA Contract
|
5.75
years
|
|
|
37,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
37,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Less: accumulated
amortization
|
|
|
|
(4,330 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Contracts,
net
|
|
|
$ |
32,670 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SMEPA
PPA Contract
|
13 years
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
SCE
PPA Contract
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
10,700 |
|
Less:
accumulated amortization
|
|
|
|
(577 |
) |
|
|
(6,258 |
) |
Contracts,
net
|
|
|
$ |
9,423 |
|
|
$ |
4,442 |
|
For the
years ending December 31, 2007 and 2006, net amortization expense recognized on
the PPAs was $3.8 million and $4.6 million respectively.
4. SHORT-TERM
BORROWINGS
Credit
Agreement—On November 30, 2007, the Company entered into a $123.0 million
Credit Agreement (“Credit Agreement”) underwritten by JP Morgan
Chase. The Credit Agreement proceeds, net of the original issue
discount of approximately $4.5 million, were used to payoff the Batesville
Notes, the Preferred Units at CE Batesville II, LLC and to fund the interest
reserve account that provides for interest payments due under the Credit
Agreement through November 30, 2008. The principal balance
outstanding under the Credit Agreement is due on November 29,
2008. At the option of the Company, Credit Agreement loan balance
bears interest at either (i) the greater of Prime and Federal Funds Effective
Rate plus ½ of 1%, plus 8%, per annum or (ii) at LIBOR plus 10%, per annum. The
all-in rate at December 31, 2007 was 15.25%. Interest is due on the
last day of each March, June, September and December in the case of a prime rate
loan. For LIBOR loans, interest is due at the end of the loan period
if less than three months or on the last day of any three month period in a loan
greater than three months.
The Credit
Agreement is secured by the Company’s equity interest in the parent companies of
LP GenCo and the Partnership. Amounts outstanding as of December 31,
2007 and 2006 in respect to these borrowings was $123 million and $0 million,
respectively.
5. LONG-TERM
DEBT
Note
Agreement—On August 16, 2005, the LP HoldCo entered into the Note
Purchase Agreement (“Note Agreement”) with TCW Asset Management Company
(“TCW”). Pursuant to the Note Agreement, LP HoldCo issued
approximately $129.8 million of notes to the note holders. The proceeds were
used to fund LP HoldCo’s $120.0 million equity investment in AcquisitionCo and
other obligations required in the Note Agreement. The entire
principal balance is due on December 31, 2020; however, under specific
circumstances described in the Note Agreement, portions of the principal balance
and additional interest payments are required to be repaid prior to making
equity distributions to the Company. The Note Agreement contain provisions for a
penalty in the event of early prepayment. The stated annual interest
rate is 8%; however, since the Note Agreement is treated as a contingent payment
debt instrument for tax purposes, an imputed interest rate of 12.93% is used for
accruing interest. Beginning October 31, 2006, interest is payable
quarterly on the last calendar day of each subsequent January, April, July and
October.
Each note
holder was also granted a Cash Settled Option (“Option”). Once the
principal amount of the Note Agreement is paid and upon exercise of the Option,
the Option provides that each note holder can receive in cash or note their
ratable amount of up to 35% in the fair market value of LP HoldCo. On
October 31, 2006, LP HoldCo was unable to pay the full amount of the quarterly
interest due. LP HoldCo received a waiver from the TCW which among
other things increased the amount of the Option from 35% to
38%. The estimated fair market value of this option at
December 31, 2007 and 2006 was approximately $5.9 million and $4.7 million,
respectively and is recorded as cash settled option in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets. The changes in the estimated fair value
of the option was approximately $1.1 million and $1.5 million for the years
ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 respectively, and are recorded as interest
expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Note
Agreement is secured by LP HoldCo’s equity interest in
AcquisitionCo. Due to lower than projected power prices in California
than originally budgeted for 2006, GenCo had less free cash flow to distribute
to AcquisitionCo and ultimately, to LP HoldCo. Therefore, LP HoldCo
was unable to make the full required interest payment on October 31, 2006 and
subsequent quarterly interest payments. LP HoldCo obtained a waiver
from the Noteholders dated October 31, 2006. The waiver allowed LP
HoldCo to defer approximately $4.8 million of interest which was due on October
31, 2006, (“deferred interest”) until March 31, 2007. In exchange for
the waiver, LP HoldCo would (i) pay 8% interest per annum on the deferred
interest until the deferred interest is paid; and (ii) pay a one time penalty
interest payment equal to 2% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount under
the Notes by March 31, 2007. The penalty interest of approximately
$2.7 million has been recorded as interest expense for the year ended December
31, 2006. LP HoldCo obtained waivers for the January and April 2007
quarterly interest payments.
On June
18, 2007, LP HoldCo signed a Consent and Agreement (“June Consent”) with the
Noteholders. In accordance with the June Consent, the Noteholders
will not exercise or cause to be exercised any remedies under the Note Purchase
Agreement for until the earliest of (i) the date of closing of the sale of GenCo
(see Note 1), (ii) the
date on
which the PSA is terminated or (iii) October 16, 2007 (“Standstill
Period”). The June Consent deferred all interest payments due or
coming due until the expiration of the Standstill Period. Upon
termination of the PSA (see Note 1), the Company contributed approximately $28.5
million to LP HoldCo. This amount was used to pay all interest and
penalties due on the Notes and fund approximately $10.4 million into a debt
service reserve account to make future interest payments under through the
October 2008 quarterly interest payment.
LP
HoldCo’s ability to continue making the required quarterly interest payments on
the TCW notes of $129.8 million subsequent to the October 2008 payment is
dependent upon the Company’s ability to obtain the funds necessary to pay the
quarterly interest payment in January 2009 and beyond. The Company is
considering strategic options related to GenCo and another facility owned by the
Company. Funds generated from a potential sale or merger of either
facility would be used to fund future quarterly interest payments or to retire
the notes. If LP HoldCo is unable to make the January 2009 quarterly
interest payment, there would be an Event of Default (“EOD”) under the Note
Agreement. Currently, the Company does not believe that there is an
EOD.
Senior Secured
Loan Facilities—On August 16, 2005, LP GenCo entered into the Senior
Secured Loan Facilities (“LP Loan Facilities”). The LP Loan Facilities consist
of the First-Lien Working Capital Agreement (“Working Capital”), the First-Lien
Term Loan Credit Agreement (“First-Lien” or “Term B”), the First-Lien Special
Letter of Credit Facility (“L/C”), and the Second-Lien Term Loan Agreement
(“Second-Lien” or “Term C”).
The
Working Capital agreement is a revolving loan agreement with available credit of
$65.0 million. Of the amount available, LP GenCo may issue up to $35.0 million
of letters of credit as required under various LP GenCo agreements. At the
option of LP GenCo, Working Capital loan balances bear interest at either of the
higher of (i) the Federal Funds Effective Rate, plus 1.75%, per annum or (ii)
the Prime rate plus 1.25%, per annum, or at LIBOR plus 2.25%, per annum. The
all-in rate at December 31, 2007 and 2006 was 7.07% and 7.57%,
respectively. LP GenCo pays a commitment fee equal to 0.50%, per
annum, on the unused balance. Finally, LP GenCo pays letter of credit
fees in an amount equal to 2.25%, per annum, on letters of credit outstanding.
At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the amounts outstanding on the Working Capital
agreement were $25.3 million and $19.0 million, respectively. Letters of credit
outstanding under the Working Capital agreement at December 31, 2007 and 2006
totaled $3.7 million and $15.9 million, respectively. The working
capital facility matures on August 16, 2010.
The
First-Lien agreement had an initial availability of $305.0 million. Of this
amount, LP GenCo is able to issue up to $40.0 million in letters of credit to
secure various obligations of LP GenCo. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, LP GenCo
had issued $20.0 million in letters of credit and reserved another $20.0 million
for Morgan Stanley. Proceeds from the remaining $265.0 million were used by LP
GenCo to pay various obligations under the Purchase and Sale
Agreement. The First-Lien loan balance bears interest at LIBOR plus
1.75%, per annum, and is reset quarterly. The all-in rate at December 31, 2007
and 2006 was 6.95% and 7.12%, respectively. LP GenCo pays letter of credit fees
in an amount equal to 1.85%, per annum, for letters of credit outstanding under
the First-Lien agreement. A portion of the First-Lien principal
balance is to be repaid through scheduled quarterly payments of $662,500 as well
as through quarterly mandatory pre-payments based on a percentage of cash
flow. The remaining unpaid principal balance is due on August 16,
2012.
The L/C
agreement had an initial availability of $250.0 million. The capacity under this
agreement has been made available to secure obligations related to the Morgan
Stanley Tolling Agreements. Any drawings under the L/C agreement will
bear interest at a rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds Effective Rate
plus 4.50%, per annum, or the Prime Rate plus 4.00%, per annum. There
were no drawings under the L/C agreement during the years ended December 31,
2007 and 2006.
The Loan
under the Second-Lien agreement has an outstanding balance of $155.0
million. LP GenCo used the proceeds of this loan to satisfy certain
obligations under the Purchase and Sale Agreement as well as fund the First-Lien
and Second-Lien debt service reserve accounts. The Second-Lien
balance bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.50%, per annum, and is reset quarterly.
The all-in rate at December 31, 2007 and 2006 was 8.70% and 8.87%,
respectively. The Second-Lien principal balance is due on August 16,
2013.
The
provisions of the LP Loan Facilities require LP GenCo to maintain certain
financial and other covenants. LP GenCo was in compliance with these
covenants as of December 31, 2007 and 2006.
Senior Secured
Bonds—On May 21, 1999, the Partnership and LSP Batesville Funding
corporation (“Funding”) issued two series of Senior Secured Bonds (the “Bonds”)
in the following total principal amounts: $150,000,000 7.164% Series A Secured
Bonds due 2014 and $176,000,000 8.160% Series B Senior Secured Bonds due 2025.
Interest is payable semi-annually on each January 15 and July 15, commencing
January 15, 2000, to the holders of record on the immediately proceeding January
1 and July 1. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, approximately $265.6
million and $278.1 million, respectively, of bonds were outstanding. The
Partnership’s secured bonds currently carry a rating of B+ at Standard &
Poors and B1 at Moody’s. The interest rate on the Bonds may be increased under
the circumstances described below.
A portion
of the proceeds from the issuance of the Bonds was used to repay the
$136,000,000 of outstanding loans under a Bank Credit Facility. The
remaining proceeds from the issuance of the Bonds were used to pay a portion of
the costs of completing the Batesville Facility.
A common
agreement (the “Common Agreement”) set forth, among other things: (a) terms and
conditions upon which loans and disbursements were to be made under the Bank
Credit Facility; (b) the mechanism for which loan proceeds, operating revenues,
equity contributions and other amounts received by the Partnership were
disbursed to pay construction costs, operations and maintenance costs, debt
service and other amounts due from the Partnership; (c) the conditions which had
to be satisfied prior to making distributions from the Partnership; and (d) the
covenants and reporting requirements the Partnership was required to be in
compliance with during the term of the Common Agreement.
The Common
Agreement required the Partnership to set aside cash reserves for the cost of
performing periodic major maintenance on the Facility, including turbine
overhauls, and the credit support, if any, that the Partnership is required to
provide to SMEPA under the SMEPA PPA.
Effective
May 21, 1999, the Common Agreement was amended and restated in connection with
the issuance of the Bonds, (the “Amended and Restated Common
Agreement”). The Amended and Restated Common Agreement sets forth,
among other things: (a) the mechanism by which Bond proceeds, operating
revenues, equity contributions and other amounts received by the Partnership are
disbursed to pay construction costs, operations and maintenance costs, debt
service and other amounts due from the Partnership and (b) the conditions which
must be satisfied prior to making distributions from the
Partnership.
The
Amended and Restated Common Agreement provided that the following conditions
must be satisfied before making distributions from the Partnership to its
partners: (1) the Partnership must have made all required disbursements to pay
operating and maintenance expenses, management fees and expenses and debt
service; (2) the Partnership must have set aside sufficient reserves to pay
principal and interest payments on the Exchange Bonds and its other senior
secured debt; (3) there cannot exist any default or event of default under the
Trust Indenture for the Exchange Bonds; (4) the Partnership’s historical and
projected debt service coverage ratios must equal or exceed the required levels;
(5) the Partnership must have sufficient funds in its accounts to meet its
ongoing working capital needs; (6) the Facility must be complete; and (7) the
distributions must be made after the last business day of September
2000.
The
Amended and Restated Common Agreement requires that the Partnership set aside
reserves for: (1) payments of scheduled principal and interest on the
Exchange Bonds and other senior secured debt of the Partnership and the Funding
Corporation; (2) the cost of performing periodic major maintenance on the
Facility, including turbine overhauls; and (3) the credit support, if any, that
the partnership is required to provide to SMEPA under the SMEPA
PPA. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Partnership has funded
reserve accounts for scheduled principal and interest on the Exchange Bonds and
periodic major maintenance on the Facility in the amounts of $34.9 million and
$35.8 million, respectively. Such reserve accounts are reflected as restricted
cash on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
The
Partnership and Funding filed a registration statement with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for a registered offer to exchange the Bonds for
two series of debt securities (the “Exchange Bonds”) which are in all material
respects substantially identical to the Bonds. The registration
statement became effective on March 7, 2000. Upon such registration
becoming effective, the Partnership and Funding offered the
Exchange
Bonds in
return for surrender of the Bonds. Interest on each Exchange Bond
accrued from January 15, 2000, the last date interest on the surrendered Bonds
was paid.
Principal
payments are payable on each January 15 and July 15, commencing on July 15,
2001.
The
Exchange Bonds are secured by substantially all of the personal property and
contract rights of the Partnership and Funding. In addition, Holding
and LSP Energy, Inc (“Energy”) have pledged all of their interests in the
Partnership, and Holding has pledged all of the common stock of Energy and all
of the common stock of Funding.
The
Exchange Bonds are senior secured obligations of the Partnership and Funding,
rank equivalent in right of payment to all other senior secured obligations of
the Partnership and Funding and rank senior in right of payment to all existing
and future subordinated debt of the Partnership and Funding.
The
Exchange Bonds are redeemable at the option of the Partnership and Funding, at
any time in whole or from time to time in part, on not less than 30 or more than
60 days’ prior notice to the holders of that series of Exchange Bonds, on any
date prior to its maturity at a redemption price equal to 101% of the
outstanding principal amount of the Exchange Bonds being redeemed, plus accrued
and unpaid interest on the Exchange Bonds being redeemed and a make-whole
premium. In no event will the redemption price ever be less than 100%
of the principal amount of the Exchange Bonds being redeemed plus accrued and
unpaid interest thereon.
The
Exchange Bonds are redeemable at the option of the bondholders if funds remain
on deposit in the distribution account for at least 12 consecutive months, and
the Partnership and Funding cause the bondholders to vote on whether the
Partnership and Funding should use those funds to redeem the Exchange Bonds, and
holders of at least 662/3% of the outstanding Bonds vote to require the
Partnership and Funding to use those funds to redeem the Exchange
Bonds. If the Partnership is required to redeem Bonds with those
funds, then the redemption price will be 100% of the principal amount of the
Exchange Bonds being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Exchange
Bonds being redeemed. In addition, if LS Power, LLC, Cogentrix
Energy, Inc. and/or any qualified transferee collectively cease to own, directly
or indirectly, at least 51% of the capital stock of Energy (unless any or all of
them maintain management control of the Partnership), or LS Power, LLC,
Cogentrix Energy, Inc. and/or any qualified transferee collectively cease to
own, directly or indirectly, at least 10% of the ownership in the Partnership,
then the Partnership and Funding must offer to purchase all of the Exchange
Bonds at a purchase price equal to 101% of the outstanding principal amount of
the Exchange Bonds plus accrued and unpaid interest unless the Partnership and
Funding receive a confirmation of the then current ratings of the Bonds or at
least 662/3% of the holders of the outstanding Bonds approve the change in
ownership.
The Trust
Indenture for the Exchange Bonds (the “Trust Indenture”) entered into among the
Partnership, Funding and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (the “Trustee”)
contains covenants including among others, limitations and restrictions relating
to additional debt other than the Exchange Bonds, Partnership distributions, new
and existing agreements, disposition of assets, and other
activities. The Trust Indenture also describes events of default
which include, among others, events involving bankruptcy of the Partnership or
Funding, failure to make any payment of interest or principal on the Exchange
Bonds and failure to perform or observe in any material respect any covenant or
agreement contained in the Trust Indenture. As of December 31, 2007,
the Partnership was restricted from making distributions to its partners as a
result of insufficient Debt Coverage Service Ratio. The Partnership met the Debt
Coverage Service Ratio during 2006 and was therefore able to make distributions
during the year.
The
payments required under the Credit Agreement, Note Agreement and the Loan
Facilities for LP GenCo and Partnership for each of the next five years ending
December 31, and in total thereafter are set forth below (in
thousands):
2008
|
|
$ |
15,475 |
|
2009
|
|
|
15,925 |
|
2010
|
|
|
16,450 |
|
2011
|
|
|
17,350 |
|
2012
|
|
|
249,217 |
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
480,460 |
|
Total
long-term debt, including current maturity
|
|
$ |
794,877 |
|
Fair Value of
Debt —The fair value of a financial instrument represents the amount at
which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing
parties, other than in a forced sale or liquidation. In estimating
the fair value of long-term debt, fair value is based on quoted market prices
where available or by discounting remaining cash flows at current market
rates. The fair value of debt approximates carrying
value.
5. RETIREMENT
PLANS AND OTHER PLANS
CEP OpCo
offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan (“401(k) Plan”) to their employees. CEP
OpCo provided approximately $0.2 million in matching contributions to the 401(k)
Plan in 2007 and 2006, respectively. CEP OpCo also offers a profit sharing plan
to their employees at the Facilities. CEP OpCo expensed approximately $0.2
million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006,
respectively.
6. COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES
Joint
Interconnection Facilities Agreement—On January 28, 2000, LP GenCo
entered into a joint interconnection facilities agreement with Sunrise
Cogeneration and Power Company (“Sunrise”). LP GenCo and Sunrise share costs on
joint development, permitting, designing, engineering, procurement,
construction, installation, use, ownership, operation and maintenance of the
facilities necessary to interconnect the Project to the Midway Substation,
including, but not limited to, the joint transmission line and the joint
switchyard.
Amended and
Restated Raw Water Supply Agreement—On January 31, 2000 and as amended on
September 26, 2000, LP GenCo entered into a raw water supply agreement with West
Kern Water District to acquire, install, and provide water service to the
facility. The term of the agreement is thirty-five years.
Hot Gas Path
Service Agreement—On November 8, 1999 LP GenCo entered into a long-term
service agreement with Alstom Power. Under the terms of this contract, Alstom
Power will provide various services and replacement parts related to the
operation and maintenance of the four gas turbines. For the fixed portion of the
payment, the base monthly fee is initially set at $16,000 per gas turbine. The
operating term of the agreement commenced in January, 2003 with an initial base
fee of $375 per equivalent operating hour (EOH). Both fees escalate in
accordance with the change in the Consumer Price Index. At December 31, 2007,
the fixed portion of the payment equaled approximately $1.0 million and the base
fee equaled $11.8 million. At December 31, 2006, the fixed portion of
the payment equaled approximately $0.9 million and the base fee equaled $14.4
million. These amounts were included in Operating and Maintenance
expenses.
Power Purchase
and Sale Agreement with Southern California Edison (“SCE”)—On December
19, 2002, LP GenCo entered into a Power Purchase and Sale Agreement with SCE.
Under the terms of this agreement, LP GenCo sells the capacity of units 1 and 2
to SCE, as well as the associated energy and ancillary services. The capacity
price is fixed on a monthly basis and the energy price is fixed at $2.75/MWh
escalating at 2% per year. SCE is responsible for bearing the cost of providing
the natural gas when the units are operated under this agreement. The term of
the agreement runs from April 1, 2003 through December 31, 2007. The
Company recognized revenue of approximately $47.7 million and $51.1 million for
the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Power Purchase
and Sale Agreement with Morgan Stanley Capital Group, Inc. (“MS”)—On July
8, 2005, LP GenCo entered into a Power Purchase and Sale Agreement with MS.
Under the terms of this agreement, LP GenCo, from September 1, 2005 until
December 31, 2007, sells the capacity from one of the four units to
MS. From January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2012, or extended as
provided in the agreement, LP GenCo sells the capacity from three of the four
units to MS. The capacity price is fixed on a monthly basis and the variable
O&M price is fixed at $2.75/MWh escalating at 2% per year. MS is responsible
for bearing the cost of providing the natural gas when the units are operated
under this agreement. The Company recognized revenue of approximately $30.2
million and $30.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006,
respectively.
Power Purchase
and Sale Agreement with J. Aron—On May 18, 1998, the Partnership entered
into a long-term PPA with Dominion. Effective May 15, 2005, the
Dominion PPA was assigned to J. Aron. No change in the
terms of
the Dominion PPA occurred as a result of the assignment. Under the terms of the
J. Aron PPA, the Partnership is obligated to sell, and J. Aron is obligated to
purchase, approximately 558 megawatts of electrical capacity and dispatchable
energy generated from two of the three units at the Batesville Facility at
prices set forth in the PPA. The initial term of the PPA is 13 years,
beginning on June 1, 2000. Under the original terms of the contract
J. Aron had the option of extending the term of the PPA for an additional 12
years by providing the Partnership written notice at least two years prior to
the expiration of the initial term. Additionally, the contract
contained an option to purchase the two units under the PPA at the end of the
extension period in 2023.
In March
2007, the Partnership and J. Aron signed an amendment to the PPA that reduced
the 12- year extension option to four months and eliminated the purchase option
for the two units. In exchange for the amendment, the Partnership
agreed to pay to J.Aron monthly amounts over the remainder of the amended
contract term which total approximately $19.2 million. Payments on the PPA
amendment are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as
reductions to capacity revenues on a stright-line basis over the remaining term
of the contract. The Partnership has not recorded a liability related
to the amendment since the amount payable to J. Aron for this amendment is
contingent upon both parties’ continued performance under the terms of the PPA
and therefore is payable only to the extent that the contract has not
been terminated. At December 31, 2007, deferred revenue of
approximately $0.9 million related to the amendment was included in other
liability in the consolidated balance sheets.
Power Purchase
and Sale Agreement with SMEPA—On May 21, 1998, the Partnership entered a
second long-term PPA with Aquila. Effective February 28, 2005, the Aquila PPA
was assigned to SMEPA. No change in the terms of Aquila PPA occurred
as a result of the assignment. Under the terms of the PPA, the
Partnership is obligated to sell, and SMEPA is obligated to purchase,
approximately 281 megawatts of electrical capacity and dispatchable energy
generated from one of the three units at the Batesville Facility at prices set
forth in the PPA. The initial term of the PPA is 15 years and seven
months, beginning on June 1, 2000. SMEPA has the option of extending
the term of the PPA for an additional five years by providing the Partnership
written notice by the later of July 2013 or 29 months prior to the expiration of
the initial term.
Partnership
Revenues associated with PPAs— The net revenue recorded under the J. Aron
and SMEPA contracts for the period March 15, 2007 through December 31, 2007 (the
period subsquent to the acquisition of the Batesville facility) was
approximately $26.5 million and approximately $10.0 million,
repectively. Two of the Batesville facility’s units are subject to
the terms of the J. Aron contract. The third unit is subject to the
SMEPA contract. The cost and carrying amount of the Batesville
facility’s assets committed to these leases is $278.3 million and $269.2
million, respectively as of December 31, 2007. These amounts are
reflected in the amounts for property, plant and equipment in Note 3 to the
consolidated financial statements.
Future
minimum capacity payments expected to be received under the Batesville
Facility’s PPAs for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2007, and
thereafter are as follows (in thousands):
2008
|
|
$ |
51,667 |
|
2009
|
|
|
51,767 |
|
2010
|
|
|
50,267 |
|
2011
|
|
|
50,267 |
|
2012
|
|
|
47,767 |
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
152,900 |
|
Total
|
|
$ |
404,635 |
|
Parts Program,
Miscellaneous Hardware, Program Management Services and Scheduled Outage
Services Contract—Effective December 3, 2007, the Partnership entered
into a long-term service agreement with Siemens Power Generation, Inc
(“Siemens”). Under the terms of this agreement, Siemens will provide various
services and replacement parts related to the operation and maintenance of the
three combustion turbines. The agreement has a fixed annual fee per combustion
turbine of $100,000, a variable fee based on equivalent starts, and a scheduled
outage fee determined by the contract. All fees escalate in
accordance with the change in the Consumer Price Index. The agreement
provides for a cancellation charge for early termination and is determined based
upon the last
completed
scheduled outage. Additionally, the Partnership pledged and
granted a continuing security interest in the Program Parts and Miscellaneous
Hardware not to exceed $5,000,000.
Operations,
Maintenance and Asset Management Agreement (“OM&M”) with CEP La Paloma
Operating Company LLC—LP GenCo has no employees and on August 16, 2005,
LP GenCo entered into the OM&M agreement with LP OpCo to provide for the
operations, maintenance and management of the facility. Under the terms of this
agreement, LP OpCo entered into the Support agreement with CEP OpCo, whereby CEP
OpCo will provide the services required under this agreement. CEP OpCo is to
provide the required services for an initial term of 7 years. LP GenCo
reimburses CEP OpCo for all labor related costs, certain overhead charges, and
pays CEP OpCo an annual fee of $400,000, escalating at CPI beginning January 1,
2007. The agreement also allows CEP OpCo to enter into certain other agreements
to operate and manage the facility. CEP OpCo entered into the Market Interface
Services agreement with Fulcrum Power Services, LP (“Fulcrum Power”) to provide
certain services to LP GenCo.
Scheduling
Coordinator Services Agreement (“SC”) with Fulcrum Power Marketing, LLC
(“Fulcrum Marketing”)—On August 16, 2005, the Company entered into the SC
agreement with Fulcrum and it provides that Fulcrum provide certain services
required by the California Independent System Operator Corporation (“CAISO”) for
an initial term of 7 years.
Promissory Note
with Milton L. Scott—On December 23, 2005, the Company signed a
Promissory Note with Milton L. Scott, in the amount of $736,460. The
promissory note bears interest at 4% per annum and is payable only to the extent
equity distributions are made to the holders of Class A Units. The promissory
note contains a forfeiture event upon the occurrence of a Class D Forfeiture
Event, as defined in the Company’s LLC Agreement. No amount has been
recorded in the consolidated financial statements for this promissory note as
the amount is contingent upon the Company having excess funds to distribute
under the terms of the Company’s LLC Agreement (see Note 7).
The
Company may be involved from time to time as a party in various regulatory,
environmental and other proceedings with governmental authorities and
administrative agencies. The Company does not believe that any matters or
proceedings presently pending will have a material adverse effect on its
consolidated financial position, results of operations or
liquidity.
7. MEMBERS’
EQUITY (DEFICIT)
The
Company has the following classes of units authorized under the Amended and
Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “Agreement”):
Class
A Common Units (Class A Units):
Class A
Units have one vote for each unit held. Class A Units are subject to
automatic conversion into Class B Non-Voting Units on a one-to-one basis upon
occurence of a conversion event. Each Class A Units member has a
preemptive right to purchase its pro rata share of all equity
securities the Company may from time to time propose to sell and issue after the
date of the Agreement.
Class
B Non-Voting Units (Class B Units):
Class B
Units, to be issued, have rights identical to the rights represented by Class A
Units except holders of Class B Units have no voting rights unless there are no
outstanding Class A Units. Class B Units held by an initial member
shall be forfeited automatically upon the occurence of a Class D Units
forfeiture event. Class B Units are transferrable and the Company has
an irrevocable and assignable right to redeem all of the Class B Units held by
any person.
Class
C Preference Units (Class C Units):
Class C
Units are non-voting units and are subject to automatic
redemption. Class C Units shall be redeemed automatically upon the
distribution of available funds, as defined, to the Class C members on a one
dollar-for-one Class C Unit basis. In March 2007, all Class C units
were redeemed.
Class
D Preference Units (Class D Units):
Class D
Units are non-voting units and holders of Class D Units have no voting
rights. Class D Units are subject to automatic redemption and
automatic forfeiture. In March 2007, all Class D Units were redeemed
by the Company.
Class
E Non-Voting Units (Class E Units):
Class E
Units are non-voting units issued in connection with the Restricted Units
Agreements entered into between the Company and employees of the
Company. In August 2005, the Company issued 447.90 Class E Units to
certain employees of the Company.
Transfer of Membership Interests or
Units: Excluding Class B Units, members may not transfer all
or any portion of their membership interests or units in the Company without the
prior written consent of all of the class members.
Contributions: The
Agreement provides that no member has any obligation to make any additional
capital contribution or loan to the Company except for the mandatory capital
contribution requirement for Engage. At any time prior to June 30,
2006, Engage shall have the right to make capital contributions to the
Company. On January 3, 2005, Engage made the mandatory capital
contribution of $500,000 and received 300 Class A Units and 500,000 Class C
Units.
On
December 23, 2005, the Company redeemed all Class A Units held by Milton Scott
for cash of $1.5 million and issuance of a Promissory Note of $0.7 million (see
Note 6). On the same day, Engage purchased 118.47 additional Class A
Units and James and Penelope Dailey purchased 347.90 Class B
Units. In conjunction with the issuance and redeemption of these
units, 218.21 Class A Units and 63.5 Class E Units were forfeited.
In March
2007, the Company redeemed all Class A Units and Class C Units held by Engage
for $12.5 million and redeemed the Class D Units for $5.7 million.
Return of
Capital: A member is not entitled to the return of any part of
their capital contributions to be paid with interest in respect of either their
capital account, or their capital contributions. An unrepaid capital
contribution is not a liability of the Company or of any member.
Distributions: Distributions
made by the Company with available funds are first used to repay the holder of
Class C Units, pro rata
in accordance with the balances of their unreturned capital accounts until such
time as all Class C Units are redeemed; second, to the holders of Class D Units;
third, to the holders of Class A Units, Class B Units and Class E Units, pro rata in accordance with
their sharing ratios.
Allocation of
Profits: The Agreement of the Company provides that profits
are allocated between the Company’s members as follows:
First: Profits
shall be allocated to the holders of Class A Units, Class B Units and Class E
units in accordance with their sharing ratios until the amount of cumulative
profits allocated during the current period and all prior periods equals the
cumulative losses allocated during all prior periods.
Second: Profits
shall be allocated to the holders of Class C Units until each holder’s adjusted
capital account balance is equal to such holder’s Class C capital
account.
Third: Profits
shall be allocated to the holders of Class D Units pro rata based on the number
of Class D Units held until each holder of Class D Units has been allocated an
amount equal to the excess, if any, of the holder’s Class D Units over the
holder’s adjusted capital account balance.
Fourth: Profits
shall be allocated to each holder of Class A Units, Class B Units or Class E
Units in proportion to their sharing ratios.
Allocation of
Losses: The Agreement provides that losses are allocated
between the Company’s members as follows:
First: Losses
shall be allocated to holders of Class A Units, Class B Units and Class E Units
pro rata in accordance with their sharing ratios until the adjusted capital
accounts of the Class A Units and Class B Units are reduced to
zero.
Second: Losses
shall be allocated to holders of Class D Units pro rata based on the number
of Class D Units held until their positive adjusted capital account balances are
eliminated.
Third: Losses
shall be allocated to the holders of Class C Units pro rata based on the number
of Class C Units held until their positive adjusted capital account
balances are eliminated.
Fourth: The
remaining losses are allocated to the holders of Class A Units, Class B Units
and Class E Units in accordance with their sharing ratios.
8. RELATED
PARTY TRANSACTIONS
CEP La Paloma
Operating Company LLC and CEP Operating Company LLC—The Partnership and
LP GenCo have no employees and have entered into operation and maintenance
agreements with CEP OpCo. Under the terms of the agreements the
Partnership is required to pay the Operator a fixed monthly fee of approximately
$50,000 during operation of the Batesville Facility. The Partnership
is also required to reimburse the Operator for all labor costs including payroll
and taxes, and other costs deemed reimbursable by the
Partnership. The operations and maintenance fee will be adjusted
annually based on published indices.
For the
the period March 15, 2007 to December 31, 2007, the Partnership incurred labor
and related costs of approximately $1.8 million, fixed monthly fees of
approximately $0.8 million and other costs of approximately $1.0
million. As of December 31, 2007, the Partnership had outstanding
amounts payable to CEP OpCo of approximately $187,000. For the year
ended December 31, 2006, the Partnership incurred labor and related costs of
approximately $2.4 million, fixed monthly fees of approximately $1.2 million and
other costs of approximately $0.6 million. As of December 31, 2006,
the Partnership had outstanding amounts payable to CEP OpCo of approximately
$170,000. Amounts outstanding are included in accounts payable on the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Under the
provisions of the OM&M agreement, LP GenCo paid OpCo $4.6 million for labor
and labor related costs, $0.4 million in fixed monthly fees and $2.6 million of
other costs for the year ended December 31, 2007. For the year ended
December 31, 2006, LP GenCo paid OpCo $4.5 million for labor and labor related
costs, $0.4 million in fixed monthly fees and $2.5 million of other
costs.
Fulcrum Power
Services, L.P.—In connection with the agreements between CEP OpCo and the
Batesville Facility, CEP OpCo has entered into a Commercial Support Services
Agreement (“Services Agreement”) with Fulcrum Power Services L.P.
(“Fulcrum”). Fulcrum is the minority interest holder in
CEPBA. For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, CEP OpCo was
charged approximately $0.2 million for services and expenses under the Services
Agreement. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, CEP OpCo had outstanding
accounts payable to Fulcrum of $23,339 and $27,665, respectively related to the
Services Agreement.
Additionally,
CEP OpCo was charged $780,000 for services under the Fulcrum Scheduling
Coordinator Services Agreement (“SC”). For both December 31, 2007 and
2006, CEP OpCo had outstanding accounts payable to Fulcrum related to this
agreement of $65,000. Upon the signing of the SC
agreement, Fulcrum was paid $1.2 million.
Joint Facilities
Operating Agreement—In connection with the transaction, the agreement
between LP GenCo and Sunrise on March 9, 2001 assigned LP OpCo to act as
operator of the interconnection facilities jointly owned by LP GenCo and
Sunrise. The effective date of the agreement is April 1, 2001. The base fee due
from Sunrise to LP GenCo for the first year was $100,000 to be adjusted annually
based on the percentage increase in the CPI index for the prior
year.
9. DEPENDENCE
ON THIRD PARTIES
LP GenCo
and the Partnership are highly dependent on LP OpCo, OpCo and Fulcrum for the
operation and maintenance of the Facilities and during the terms of the J Aron,
SMEPA and MS Tolls, the Facilities will be highly dependent on these
counterparties for the purchase of electric generating capacity and dispatchable
energy at the Facilities. Any material breach by anyone of these parties of
their respective obligations to the Facilities could affect the ability of the
Company, LP HoldCo, GenCo and the Partnership to meet its obligations under
their loan facilities.
10. CONCENTRATION
OF CREDIT RISK
Financial
instruments which potentially subject the Company to credit risk consists of
cash and cash equivalent, restricted cash and accounts
receivable. Our short-term cash investments are placed with high
credit quality financial institutions. Accounts receivable are
primarily concentrated with entities in the energy industry in the
U.S. Accordingly, we have exposure to trends within the energy
industry, including declines in the creditworthiness of our
counterparties. We do not currently have any significant exposure to
counterparties that are not paying on a current basis.
11. BUSINESS
INTERRUPTION
In May of
2007, the Partnership experienced a forced outage on the unit operated under the
SMEPA PPA. Due to the outage, the Partnership filed a business
interrruption loss claim. The unit was out of service for a total of
77 days of which 17 days were covered under business
interruption. The Company had a receivable of $1.0 million which is
included in insurance receivable as of December 31, 2007.
12. SUBSEQUENT
EVENTS
Subsequent
to year end, the Company received payments from insurance carriers of
approximately $6.0 million on insurance receivables of $9.1 million included in
insurance receivable as of December 31, 2007. Both facilities
incurred an forced outage during the year ending December 31, 2007 which was an
insured event. As of April 30, 2008, $3.1 million of insurance
receivable remains at the Partnership. This amount is expected to be
received by the end of the third quarter of 2008.
Unaudited
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As
of March 31, 2008 and 2007
(In
Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
15,725 |
|
|
$ |
17,512 |
|
Restricted
cash
|
|
|
66,615 |
|
|
|
58,782 |
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
21,877 |
|
|
|
13,415 |
|
Inventory
|
|
|
12,761 |
|
|
|
9,058 |
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
4,722 |
|
|
|
3,121 |
|
Insurance
receivable
|
|
|
3,816 |
|
|
|
― |
|
Price
risk management asset
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
1,465 |
|
TOTAL
CURRENT ASSETS
|
|
|
125,516 |
|
|
|
103,353 |
|
PRICE
RISK MANAGEMENT ASSET
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
1,428 |
|
DEFERRED
FINANCING COSTS – net of accumulated amortization of $6,664 and
$3,192, respectively
|
|
|
14,159 |
|
|
|
15,597 |
|
PROPERTY,
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net of accumulated depreciation of $58,973 and
$29,235, respectively
|
|
|
811,902 |
|
|
|
842,682 |
|
CONTRACTS,
net of accumulated amortization of $5,837 and $945,
respectively
|
|
|
31,163 |
|
|
|
36,055 |
|
OTHER
ASSETS
|
|
|
3,762 |
|
|
|
4,882 |
|
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
|
$ |
986,502 |
|
|
$ |
1,003,997 |
|
LIABILITIES
AND MEMBERS’ DEFICIT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
payable
|
|
$ |
24,688 |
|
|
$ |
5,649 |
|
Accrued
liabilities
|
|
|
13,572 |
|
|
|
10,716 |
|
Accrued
interest
|
|
|
22,729 |
|
|
|
26,591 |
|
Short-term
borrowings, net of discount of
$3,315 and $0, respectively
|
|
|
119,685 |
|
|
|
― |
|
Current
portion of long-term debt
|
|
|
15,700 |
|
|
|
15,250 |
|
Working
capital loan
|
|
|
22,600 |
|
|
|
19,000 |
|
Price
risk management liability
|
|
|
5,477 |
|
|
|
2,302 |
|
TOTAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES
|
|
|
224,451 |
|
|
|
79,508 |
|
LONG-TERM
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term
debt, net of current portion
|
|
|
772,215 |
|
|
|
853,581 |
|
Cash
settled option
|
|
|
6,231 |
|
|
|
4,740 |
|
Price
risk management
|
|
|
7,415 |
|
|
|
― |
|
Asset
retirement obligation
|
|
|
1,153 |
|
|
|
1,038 |
|
CONTRACT,
net of accumulated amortization of $871 and $7,368,
respectively
|
|
|
9,129 |
|
|
|
13,332 |
|
Other
liability
|
|
|
1,498 |
|
|
|
279 |
|
Deferred
tax liability
|
|
|
17,744 |
|
|
|
17,744 |
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
1,039,836 |
|
|
|
970,222 |
|
MINORITY
INTEREST
|
|
|
57,625 |
|
|
|
92,670 |
|
MEMBERS’
DEFICIT
|
|
|
(110,959 |
) |
|
|
(58,895 |
) |
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ DEFICIT
|
|
$ |
986,502 |
|
|
$ |
1,003,997 |
|
Unaudited
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For
the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007
(In
Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
REVENUES,
net
|
|
$ |
62,060 |
|
|
$ |
59,151 |
|
OPERATING
COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel
expense
|
|
|
13,623 |
|
|
|
23,805 |
|
Power
purchases
|
|
|
17,565 |
|
|
|
11,201 |
|
Operating
and maintenance
|
|
|
30,932 |
|
|
|
12,327 |
|
Administrative
and general
|
|
|
887 |
|
|
|
656 |
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
8,662 |
|
|
|
4,551 |
|
TOTAL
OPERATING COSTS AND
EXPENSES
|
|
|
71,669 |
|
|
|
52,540 |
|
INCOME
FROM
OPERATIONS
|
|
|
(9,609 |
) |
|
|
6,611 |
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
income
|
|
|
586 |
|
|
|
472 |
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(24,517 |
) |
|
|
(13,658 |
) |
Other
income
|
|
|
(310 |
) |
|
|
24 |
|
TOTAL OTHER
EXPENSE
|
|
|
(24,241 |
) |
|
|
(13,162 |
) |
LOSS
BEFORE MINORITY
INTEREST
|
|
|
(33,850 |
) |
|
|
(6,551 |
) |
LOSS
ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
(7,668 |
) |
|
|
(635 |
) |
NET
LOSS
|
|
$ |
(26,182 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,916 |
) |
Unaudited
Consolidated Statements of Members’ Deficit
For
the Quarter Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class
A Common Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of January 1, 2007
|
|
|
933.63 |
|
|
|
1,507.42 |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
1,507.42 |
|
|
|
1,463.00 |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
5,411.47 |
|
Redemption
of Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,463.00 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,463.00 |
) |
As
of March 31, 2007 and 2008
|
|
|
933.63 |
|
|
|
1,507.42 |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
1,507.42 |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
3,948.47 |
|
Class
B Non-Voting Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of January 1, 2007 and March 31, 2007 and 2008
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
347.90 |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
347.90 |
|
Class
C Preference Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of January 1, 2007
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
605,000 |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
605,000 |
|
Redemption
of Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(605,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(605,000 |
) |
As
of March 31, 2007 and 2008
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
Class
D Preference Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of January 1, 2007
|
|
|
933,630 |
|
|
|
1,588,790 |
|
|
|
1,588,790 |
|
|
|
1,588,790 |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
5,700,000 |
|
Redemption
of Units
|
|
|
(933,630 |
) |
|
|
(1,588,790 |
) |
|
|
(1,588,790 |
) |
|
|
(1,588,790 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,700,000 |
) |
As
of March 31, 2007 and 2008
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
Class
E Non-Voting Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of January 1, 2007
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
447.90 |
|
|
|
447.90 |
|
Units
Issued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90.00 |
|
|
|
90.00 |
|
Forfeiture
of Units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(109.24 |
) |
|
|
(109.24 |
) |
As
of March 31, 2007 and 2008
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
428.66 |
|
|
|
428.66 |
|
Capital
Account Balances:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of January 1, 2007
|
|
$ |
(5,324 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,479 |
) |
|
$ |
― |
|
|
$ |
(8,481 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,035 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,911 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,376 |
) |
|
$ |
(34,606 |
) |
Redemption
of Units
|
|
|
(5,461 |
) |
|
|
(8,819 |
) |
|
|
― |
|
|
|
(8,818 |
) |
|
|
9,440 |
|
|
|
(2,035 |
) |
|
|
(2,507 |
) |
|
|
(18,200 |
) |
Changes
in Price Risk Mgmt
|
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
|
― |
|
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
|
(94 |
) |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
(173 |
) |
Net
Loss
|
|
|
(910 |
) |
|
|
(1,469 |
) |
|
|
― |
|
|
|
(1,469 |
) |
|
|
(1,311 |
) |
|
|
(339 |
) |
|
|
(418 |
) |
|
|
(5,916 |
) |
As
of March 31, 2007
|
|
|
(11,711 |
) |
|
|
(18,792 |
) |
|
|
― |
|
|
|
(18,793 |
) |
|
|
― |
|
|
|
(4,291 |
) |
|
|
(5,308 |
) |
|
|
(58,895 |
) |
As of January 1,
2008
|
|
|
(15,895 |
) |
|
|
(25,547 |
) |
|
|
― |
|
|
|
(25,547 |
) |
|
|
― |
|
|
|
(5,851 |
) |
|
|
(7,229 |
) |
|
|
(80,069 |
) |
Changes
in Price Risk Mgmt
|
|
|
(930 |
) |
|
|
(1,502 |
) |
|
|
― |
|
|
|
(1,502 |
) |
|
|
― |
|
|
|
(347 |
) |
|
|
(427 |
) |
|
|
(4,708 |
) |
Net
Loss
|
|
|
(5,174 |
) |
|
|
(8,353 |
) |
|
|
― |
|
|
|
(8,353 |
) |
|
|
― |
|
|
|
(1,928 |
) |
|
|
(2,374 |
) |
|
|
(26,182 |
) |
As
of March 31, 2008
|
|
$ |
(21,999 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,402 |
) |
|
$ |
― |
|
|
$ |
(35,402 |
) |
|
$ |
― |
|
|
$ |
(8,126 |
) |
|
$ |
(10,030 |
) |
|
$ |
(110,959 |
) |
Unaudited
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For
the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007
(In
Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$ |
(26,182 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,916 |
) |
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used
in) operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation,
amortization and accretion expense
|
|
|
8,692 |
|
|
|
4,579 |
|
Amortization
and write-off of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
1,638 |
|
|
|
500 |
|
Amortization
of debt discount
|
|
|
1,189 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Loss
attributable to minority interest
|
|
|
(7,668 |
) |
|
|
(635 |
) |
Cash
settled option
|
|
|
354 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Gain
on sale of asset
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
(458 |
) |
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities (net of effects of the acquisition
of Batesville)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
(3,427 |
) |
|
|
1,418 |
|
Inventory
|
|
|
(322 |
) |
|
|
(640 |
) |
Insurance
Receivable
|
|
|
5,337 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
(674 |
) |
|
|
(386 |
) |
Other
assets
|
|
|
(145 |
) |
|
|
987 |
|
Accounts
payable and other liabilities
|
|
|
9,045 |
|
|
|
1,230 |
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
|
(12,163 |
) |
|
|
679 |
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change
in restricted cash (net of restricted cash acquired of
$31,010)
|
|
|
22,682 |
|
|
|
(8,844 |
) |
Capital
expenditures
|
|
|
(153 |
) |
|
|
(141 |
) |
Proceeds
from disposition of assets
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
1,874 |
|
Net
amount of Batesville acquisition (net of unrestricted cash acquired
of $171)
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
(51,246 |
) |
Net
cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
|
|
22,529 |
|
|
|
(58,357 |
) |
CASH
FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Payments)
borrowing from working capital loans, net
|
|
|
(2,700 |
) |
|
|
― |
|
Proceeds
from issuance of notes
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
65,663 |
|
Repayment
of long-term debt
|
|
|
(6,963 |
) |
|
|
(662 |
) |
Contribution
by minority interest
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
17,500 |
|
Deferred
financing costs and debt discount
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
(2,447 |
) |
Distributions
to members
|
|
|
― |
|
|
|
(18,200 |
) |
Net
cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
(9,663 |
) |
|
|
61,854 |
|
NET
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
|
|
703 |
|
|
|
4,176 |
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – beginning of year
|
|
|
15,022 |
|
|
|
13,336 |
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – end of year
|
|
$ |
15,725 |
|
|
$ |
17,512 |
|
SUPPLEMENTAL
DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
paid for interest
|
|
$ |
25,067 |
|
|
$ |
7,687 |
|
Notes
to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
1. ORGANIZATION
AND NATURE OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Complete
Energy Holdings, LLC (the “Company”) is a Delaware limited liability company
formed in January 2004. The Company owns 100% of CEP Operating
Company LLC (“CEP OpCo”), CEH/La Paloma Holding Company, LLC (“LP HoldCo”) and
100% of CE Batesville III, LLC (“CE Bateville III”). CEP OpCo owns
100% of CEP La Paloma Operating Company, LLC (“LP OpCo”). The
Company’s managing members are Lori Cuervo, Peter Dailey and Hugh
Tarpley. Engage Investments, L.P. (“Engage”) acquired its interest in
the Company in October 2004 and on March 14, 2007 all interests held by Engage
were redeemed.
The
principal business of the Company is to acquire, own and operate power
generation assets through its offices in Houston, TX, Pittsburgh, PA, and
Minneapolis, MN. The Company is actively pursuing an acquisition
strategy that includes merchant and contracted power plants currently being
divested by utilities, independent power producers, and financial
institutions. The Company owns a majority interest in two gas-fired
electric generating facilities (“the Facilities”) with a total design capacity
of approximately 1,859 megawatts.
La Paloma
Generating Company, LLC (“LP GenCo”) ― LP Holdco has a 60%
interest in La Paloma Acquisition Co, LLC (“LP AcquisitionCo”). LP
AcquisitionCo, owns 100% of LP GenCo, a Delaware limited liability
company established on April 21, 1998. LP GenCo owns a
gas-fired electric generating facility with a design capacity of approximately
1,022 megawatts located in McKittrick, California (the “LP
Facility”). The LP Facility commenced full commercial operations in
March 2003. LP HoldCo is the managing member of the LP
AcquisitionCo.
LSP Energy
Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”) ― On March 14, 2007,
Complete Energy Batesville, LLC (“CE Batesville”) acquired 95.9% interest in CEP
Batesville Acquisition Co, LLC (“CEPBA”) for net cash of approximately $50.5
million inclusive of certain acquisition-related costs and assumed
outstanding debt of approximately $271.9 million. CE
Batesville is a subsidiary of CE Batesville III. Along with the
purchase, the Company assigned its majority interest in CEP Batesville Holding,
LLC, the managing member of CEPBA to CE Batesville. Upon the close of
the transaction, CE Batesville owns 96.3% of CEPBA. The remaining
3.7% of CEPBA is owned by Fulcrum Power Services, LP. CEPBA
indirectly owns 100% of the Partnership. The Partnership owns a
gas-fired electric generating facility with a design capacity of approximately
837 megawatts located in Batesville, Mississippi (the “Batesville
Facility”). The Batesville Facility commenced operations in August
2000. For a complete discussion regarding the terms of the
acquisition of CEPBA refer to our consolidated financial statements for the
years ending December 31, 2007 and 2006.
On October
15, 2007, the Company announced that it engaged JP Morgan Securities Inc as its
exclusive financial advisor in a broad review of strategic alternatives in
connection with its interest in the LP Facility and Batesville
Facility. The Company will evaluate, among other options, a sale or
merger of the Company as well as a sale or merger of individual
facilities.
2. SUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles
of Consolidation
The
interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company,
CEP OpCo, LP HoldCo and its subsidiaries and the accounts of CE Batesville III
and its subsidiaries since March 14, 2007. All significant
intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in
consolidation. Minority interest in the net assets and earnings or
losses of the consolidated subsidiaries consist of 40% equity interest of LP
AcquisitionCo and 3.7% equity interest of CEPBA that are not owned by the
company. Those are reflected in the “Minority Interest” in the
Company’s consolidated balance sheets and statements of
operations. Minority interest adjusts the Company’s consolidated
results of operations to reflect only the Company’s share of the earnings and
losses.
Basis
of Presentation
The
accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the Company
have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information
and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for
annual financial statements. The accompanying unaudited interim
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual
consolidated financial statements and the related notes for the years ended
December 31, 2007 and 2006. The results of operations for the three
months ended March 31, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that
may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2008.
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
In
recording transactions and balances resulting from business operations, the
Company uses estimates based on the best information available. Estimates are
used for such items as plant depreciable lives and uncollectible accounts among
others. In additions, estimates are used to test long-lived assets for
impairment and to determine fair value of impaired assets. As better information
becomes available (or actual amounts are determinable), the recorded estimates
are revised. Consequently, current operating results can be affected by
revisions to prior accounting estimates.
Risks
and Uncertainties
As with
any power generation facility, operations of the LP Facility and the Batesville
Facility (the “Facilities”) will involve risk, including performance of the
Facilities below expected levels of output and efficiency, shut-downs due to the
breakdown or failure of equipment or processes, violations of permit
requirements, operator error, or catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes,
explosions, floods or other similar occurrences affecting a power generation
facility or its power purchasers. The occurrence of any of these events could
significantly reduce or eliminate revenues generated by the Facilities or
significantly increase the expenses of the Facilities, adversely impacting the
Company’s ability to make payments of principal and interest on its debt when
due.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
The
Company considers cash and cash equivalents to include cash and short-term
investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Restricted
Cash
Restricted
cash includes cash and cash equivalent amounts, which are restricted under the
terms of the credit agreements for payment to third parties. Restricted cash
accounts are established, held and maintained by a depository agent. At March
31, 2008 and 2007, the restricted cash balance amounted to approximately $66.6
million and $58.8 million, respectively.
Allowance
for Doubtful Accounts
The
Company establishes provisions for losses on accounts receivable if it is
determined that the Company will not collect all or part of the outstanding
balance. The Company regularly reviews collectibility and establishes
or adjusts the allowance as necessary using the specific identification method.
At March 31, 2008 and 2007, there was no allowance for doubtful
accounts.
Inventory
Inventory
is valued at the lower of cost (on an average basis) or market and consists
principally of one major class of inventory which is maintenance spare parts for
the Facilities. The Facilities record provisions for obsolete inventory parts.
At March, 31, 2008 and 2007, there was no obsolete inventory.
Property,
Plant and Equipment
Property,
plant and equipment are reflected either at acquired fair value on acquisition
(see Note 1) or at cost. Impairment adjustments are recorded whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate carrying values may not be
recoverable. Significant additions or improvements extending asset lives and/or
the profitability are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance that do not
improve the life and/or the profitability of the respective asset are charged to
expense as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method,
net of salvage value, over the estimated useful lives of 3 to 30
years.
The assets
and related accumulated depreciation amounts are adjusted for asset retirements
and disposals with the resulting gain or loss included in
operations.
Deferred
Financing Costs
Deferred
financing costs consist of those costs incurred to secure the project financing
under the Loan Facilities and the Note Purchase Agreements (see Notes 3 and 4).
These costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the
financing, which approximates the effective interest
method. Amortization expense for each of the three months ending
March 31, 2008 and 2007 was approximately $1.7 million and $0.5 million,
respectively.
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments
The
carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts
receivable, accounts payable, working capital loan, accrued liabilities and
short-term borrowings approximate fair value because of the short maturity of
these instruments. The fair value of long-term debt is calculated
based on current interest rates.
Accounting
for Price Risk Management Activities
The
Company uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to fluctuations in
interest rates on variable rate debt. These swaps are designated as
cash flow hedges under FAS No. 133 with the effective portion of gains and
losses recorded in “accumulated other comprehensive income” in the consolidated
statements of members’ deficit and the consolidated balance sheets, in
anticipation of planned financing transactions. The Company
reclassifies gains and losses on the hedges from “accumulated other
comprehensive income” into interest expense in the consolidated statements of
operations during the periods in which the interest payments being hedged
occur.
The
Company recorded no ineffectiveness in earnings related to the Company’s cash
flow hedges during the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.
Revenue
Recognition
For the LP
Facility tolling agreements, revenues are recorded based on capacity and
ancillary services provided and electrical output delivered at the lesser of
amounts billable under the respective tolling agreement or the average estimated
contract rates over the initial term of the respective tolling
agreement. Merchant revenues are recognized based on capacity and
ancillary services provided and electrical output delivered at the spot market
price.
In
connection with the acquisition of the Batesville facility (see Note 1) the
Company evaluated the Power Purchase and Sale Agreements (“PPAs”) acquired based
on the criteria set forth in the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”)
01-08. The Company determined the PPAs to be operating leases under
the criteria specified in EITF 01-08, Determining Whether an Arrangement
Contains a Lease. Capacity revenues from the Batesville PPAs
are recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the
PPAs. Revenues from electric energy are recognized in the period
electric energy is provided. There was no change or impact on the
consolidated financial statements as a
result of
adopting EITF 01-08 since the Batesville facility was not a consolidated
subsidiary of CEH prior to it acquisition in March 2007.
Other
revenue consists of sales of excess natural gas not needed by the plant to
produce power, to third parties and is recognized when the natural gas is
delivered to the third party. Transmission service credit revenues
are recognized when actual cash is received.
Operating
revenues, net is comprised of the following for the three months ending March
31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capacity
Sales
|
|
$ |
34,628 |
|
|
$ |
22,229 |
|
Energy
Sales
|
|
|
6,826 |
|
|
|
28,068 |
|
Gas
Sales
|
|
|
18,332 |
|
|
|
8,376 |
|
Other
Revenue
|
|
|
2,274 |
|
|
|
478 |
|
Total
operating revenues, net
|
|
$ |
62,060 |
|
|
$ |
59,151 |
|
Power
Purchases
When the
Company has to purchase power from third parties in order to fulfill its
contractual obligations to deliver power to other third parties, this cost is
recognized when title to the power passes to the Company from the third party.
This occurs when a unit is not available to produce power that the Company has
entered into an agreement to sell to other third parties.
Asset
Retirement Obligations
The
Company accounts for asset retirement obligations in accordance with SFAS No.
143, Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations and the provisions of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset
Retirement Obligations, which requires that the Company record a
liability for those retirement and removal costs in which the timing and/or
amount of the settlement of the costs are uncertain. The Company has
estimated the future potential for environmental testing, related remediation
and site decommissioning costs for the restoration of the site based on a
present value calculation of projected future cash flows in 2035. At
March 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company has included in the consolidated balance
sheets an asset of approximately $0.8 million for both periods in property,
plant and equipment and has recorded a liability of approximately $1.2 million
and $1.0 million, respectively, as asset retirement obligation related to the LP
Facility. The Company recognized accretion of approximately $0.03
million in the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. The
Partnership has determined that it does not have any legal contractual
obligations under SFAS No. 143 or FIN No. 47 as of December 31, 2007 or
2006.
Environmental
Costs
The
Company may be exposed to environmental costs in the ordinary course of
business. Expenditures for ongoing compliance with environmental
regulations that relate to current operations are expensed or capitalized as
appropriate. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused
by past operations, and which do not contribute to current or future revenue
generation, are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when environmental
assessments indicate that remediation efforts are probable and the costs can be
reasonably estimated. Estimates of the liabilities are based upon
currently available facts, existing technology and presently enacted laws and
regulations, taking into consideration the likely effects of inflation and other
societal and economic factors, and includes estimates of associated legal
costs. These amounts also consider prior experience in remediating
contaminated sites, other companies’ clean-up experience and data released by
the Environmental Protection Agency or other organizations. These
estimated liabilities are subject to revisions in future periods based on actual
costs or new circumstances, and are included on the consolidated balance sheets
at their undiscounted amounts. As of March 31, 2008 and 2007, no
known environmental liabilities exist.
Income
Taxes
The
Company is a limited liability company for both federal and state tax
purposes. Therefore, it does not pay income taxes, and no provision
for federal or state income taxes has been reflected in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements.
New
Pronouncements
In March
2008, the FASB issued SFAS 161 “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS No. 161 is meant to
improve transparency about the location and amounts of derivative instruments in
an entity’s financial statements; how derivative instruments and related hedged
items are accounted for under SFAS no. 133, “Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended; and how derivative instruments
and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial
performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 requires disclosure of the
fair values of derivative instruments and their gains and losses in a tabular
format. It also provides more information about an entity’s liquidity
by requiring disclosure of derivative features that are credit risk-related and
it requires cross-referencing within footnotes to enable financial statement
users to locate important information about derivative
instruments. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning on
or after November 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the
impact of this statement on its consolidated financial statements.
3. LONG-TERM
DEBT
There were
no significant changes to the debt instruments or the outstanding debt
obligations during the quarter ended March 31, 2008 beyond normal quarterly
principal and interest rates.
4. RETIREMENT
PLANS AND OTHER PLANS
CEP OpCo
offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan (“401(k) Plan”) to their employees. CEP
OpCo contributed approximately $0.1 million in matching contributions to the
401(k) Plan in for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
CEP OpCo also offers a profit sharing plan (“PSP”) to their employees at the
Facilities. For the PSP, CEP OpCo contributed approximately $0.1 million for the
three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
5. COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES
There were
no significant changes to the Company’s Commitments and Contingencies during the
quarter ended March 31, 2008.
6. MEMBERS’
EQUITY (DEFICIT)
No
significant changes in ownership have occurred during the period January 1, 2008
to March 31, 2008.
7. RELATED
PARTY TRANSACTIONS
CEP Operating
Company LLC — The Partnership has no employees and has entered into
operation and maintenance agreements with CEP OpCo. Under the terms
of the agreements the Partnership is required to pay the Operator a fixed
monthly fee of approximately $50,000 during operation of the Batesville
Facility. The Partnership is also required to reimburse the Operator
for all labor costs including payroll and taxes, and other costs deemed
reimbursable by the Partnership. The operations and maintenance fee
will be adjusted annually based on published indices.
For the
period from January 1, 2007 to March 14, 2007, the Partnership incurred labor
and related costs of approximately $0.5 million, fixed monthly fees of
approximately $0.2 million and other costs of approximately $0.1 million. On
March 14, 2007, the Company acquired the majority interest in the Partnership
and all amounts paid under the agreements since the date of acquisition were
eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
Fulcrum Power
Services, L.P. — In connection with the agreements between CEP OpCo and
the Batesville Facility, CEP OpCo has entered into a Commercial Support Services
Agreement (“Services Agreement”) with Fulcrum Power Services
L.P.(“Fulcrum”). Fulcrum is the minority interest holder in
CEPBA. For the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, CEP OpCo was
charged approximately $0.2 million for services and expenses under the Services
Agreement. As of March 31, 2008 and 2007, CEP OpCo had outstanding
accounts payable to Fulcrum of $12,675 and $41,228, respectively related to the
Services Agreement.
Additionally,
CEP OpCo was charged $0.2 million for services under the Fulcrum Scheduling
Coordinator Services Agreement (“SC”). For both March 31, 2008 and
2007, CEP OpCo had outstanding accounts payable to Fulcrum related to this
agreement of $65,000.
Joint Facilities
Operating Agreement — In connection with the transaction, the agreement
between LP GenCo and Sunrise on March 9, 2001 assigned LP OpCo to act as
operator of the interconnection facilities jointly owned by LP GenCo and
Sunrise. The effective date of the agreement is April 1, 2001. The base fee due
from Sunrise to LP GenCo for the first year was $100,000 to be adjusted annually
based on the percentage increase in the CPI index for the prior
year.
8. FAIR
VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Effective
January 1, 2008, the company adopted SFAS 157 “Fair Value measurements” for
financial assets and financial liabilities and elected to defer the requirements
of SFAS 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities per FASB
Staff Position No. FAS 157-2 “Effective Date of FASB Statement No.
157.”
SFAS 157
provides a single definition of fair value as the price that would be received
to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date and requires enhanced
disclosures about assets and liabilities carried at fair value. As
permitted under SFAS 157, the Company utilizes various inputs to determine the
value of various financial instruments. SFAS 157 also requires
enhanced disclosures and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the
inputs used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy ranks the
quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values giving
the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical
assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to
unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements).
Financial
asset and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in
one of the following three categories:
Level 1 –
Unadjusted quoted prices available in active markets that are accessible at the
measurement date for identical unrestricted assets or
liabilities. This level primarily consists of financial instruments
such as exchange-traded securities and listed derivatives.
Level 2 –
Pricing inputs include quoted prices for identical or similar assets and
liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or
liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that
are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived
principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or
other means.
Level 3 –
Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable
from objective sources. These inputs reflect management’s best
estimate of fair value using its own assumptions about the assumptions a market
participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The
following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the
Company’s assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a
recurring basis as of March 31, 2008. As required by SFAS 157, assets
and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of
input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The
company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value
measurement requires judgment, and may affect their placement within the fair
value hierarchy levels.
|
|
Fair
Value as of March 31 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
interest
Rate Swaps
|
|
$ |
― |
|
|
$ |
12,892 |
|
|
$ |
― |
|
|
$ |
12,892 |
|
Long
Term-Debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
704,436 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
704,436 |
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
$ |
― |
|
|
$ |
717,328 |
|
|
$ |
― |
|
|
$ |
717,328 |
|
9. DEPENDENCE
ON THIRD PARTIES
LP GenCo
and the Partnership are highly dependent on LP OpCo, OpCo and Fulcrum for the
operation and maintenance of the Facilities and during the terms of the J Aron,
SMEPA and MS Tolls, the Facilities will be highly dependent on these
counterparties for the purchase of electric generating capacity and dispatchable
energy at the Facilities. Any material breach by anyone of these parties of
their respective obligations to the Facilities could affect the ability of the
Company, LP HoldCo, GenCo and the Partnership to meet its obligations under
their loan facilities.
10. CONCENTRATION
OF CREDIT RISK
Financial
instruments which potentially subject the Company to credit risk consists of
cash and cash equivalent, restricted cash and accounts
receivable. Our short-term cash investments are placed with high
credit quality financial institutions. Accounts receivable are
primarily concentrated with entities in the energy industry in the
U.S. Accordingly, we have exposure to trends within the energy
industry, including declines in the creditworthiness of our
counterparties. We do not currently have any significant exposure to
counterparties that are not paying on a current basis.
11. SUBSEQUENT
EVENTS
On May 9,
2008, the Company signed a merger agreement with GSC Acquisition Company
(“GSCAC”) a subsidiary of GSC. GSC is a blank check company formed on
October 26, 2006 for the purpose of acquiring, through a merger, capital stock
exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or other similar
combination, one or more businesses or assets. The merger must be
approved by GSC stockholders and if the other conditions to completion of the
merger are satisfied, a subsidiary of GSCAC will merge with and into the
Company, and the Company will be the surviving entity and become an indirect
subsidiary of GSC.
To the
Members of
CEP
Batesville Acquisition, LLC
We have
audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CEP Batesville
Acquisition, LLC and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2006 and
2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, members’ (deficit)
capital and cash flows for the years then ended. 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 auditing standards generally accepted in
the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audits 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 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 consolidated financial position of CEP Batesville
Acquisition, LLC and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then
ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.
/s/ UHY
LLP
Houston,
Texas
April 16,
2007
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
December
31, 2006 and 2005
(In
Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
644 |
|
|
$ |
525 |
|
Investments
held by trustee – restricted
|
|
|
39,658 |
|
|
|
42,879 |
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
4,509 |
|
|
|
4,589 |
|
Spare
parts inventory
|
|
|
2,383 |
|
|
|
2,322 |
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
829 |
|
|
|
563 |
|
TOTAL
CURRENT ASSETS
|
|
|
48,023 |
|
|
|
50,878 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROPERTY,
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of
$9,429 and $5,396, respectively
|
|
|
86,211 |
|
|
|
90,103 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONTRACTS,
net of accumulated amortization of $48,683 and $28,008,
respectively
|
|
|
146,317 |
|
|
|
166,992 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
ASSETS
|
|
|
2,491 |
|
|
|
2,526 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
|
$ |
283,042 |
|
|
$ |
310,499 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
AND MEMBERS' (DEFICIT) CAPITAL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
portion of long-term debt
|
|
$ |
12,525 |
|
|
$ |
11,925 |
|
Accounts
payable
|
|
|
234 |
|
|
|
632 |
|
Accrued
interest
|
|
|
9,934 |
|
|
|
10,326 |
|
Other
accrued liabilities
|
|
|
2,929 |
|
|
|
2,478 |
|
TOTAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES
|
|
|
25,622 |
|
|
|
25,361 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LONG-TERM
DEBT, net of current maturities
|
|
|
265,550 |
|
|
|
278,075 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
291,172 |
|
|
|
303,436 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MEMBERS’
(DEFICIT) CAPITAL
|
|
|
(8,130 |
) |
|
|
7,063 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ (DEFICIT) CAPITAL
|
|
$ |
283,042 |
|
|
$ |
310,499 |
|
Consolidated
Statements of Operations
For
the Years Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005
(In
Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
REVENUES
|
|
$ |
54,787 |
|
|
$ |
50,434 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
costs
|
|
|
15,811 |
|
|
|
12,081 |
|
Depreciation
and amortization expense
|
|
|
4,033 |
|
|
|
4,019 |
|
Amortization
expense
|
|
|
20,675 |
|
|
|
20,675 |
|
General
and administrative expenses
|
|
|
2,940 |
|
|
|
3,361 |
|
TOTAL
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
43,459 |
|
|
|
40,136 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME
FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
11,328 |
|
|
|
10,298 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
income
|
|
|
1,784 |
|
|
|
1,108 |
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(21,933 |
) |
|
|
(22,763 |
) |
TOTAL
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
|
(20,149 |
) |
|
|
(21,655 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
LOSS
|
|
$ |
(8,821 |
) |
|
$ |
(11,357 |
) |
Consolidated
Statements of Members’ (Deficit) Capital
For
the Years Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005
(In
Thousands)
|
|
Batesville Investor
I Corp
|
|
|
Batesville Investor
II Corp
|
|
|
Stonehill Institutional Partners,
LP
|
|
|
|
|
|
CEP
Batesville Holding, LLC
|
|
|
Total
Members’ (Deficit) Capital
|
|
Members’
Capital at January 1, 2005
|
|
$ |
7,105 |
|
|
$ |
7,105 |
|
|
$ |
3,344 |
|
|
$ |
3,344 |
|
|
$ |
923 |
|
|
$ |
21,821 |
|
Distributions
|
|
|
(1,109 |
) |
|
|
(1,109 |
) |
|
|
(522 |
) |
|
|
(522 |
) |
|
|
(139 |
) |
|
|
(3,401 |
) |
Net
loss
|
|
|
(3,703 |
) |
|
|
(3,703 |
) |
|
|
(1,742 |
) |
|
|
(1,742 |
) |
|
|
(467 |
) |
|
|
(11,357 |
) |
Members’
Capital at December 31, 2005
|
|
|
2,293 |
|
|
|
2,293 |
|
|
|
1,080 |
|
|
|
1,080 |
|
|
|
317 |
|
|
|
7,063 |
|
Distributions
|
|
|
(2,078 |
) |
|
|
(2,078 |
) |
|
|
(978 |
) |
|
|
(978 |
) |
|
|
(260 |
) |
|
|
(6,372 |
) |
Net
loss
|
|
|
(2,877 |
) |
|
|
(2,877 |
) |
|
|
(1,353 |
) |
|
|
(1,353 |
) |
|
|
(361 |
) |
|
|
(8,821 |
) |
Members’
Deficit at December 31, 2006
|
|
$ |
(2,662 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,662 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,251 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,251 |
) |
|
$ |
(304 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,130 |
) |
Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows
For
the Years Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005
(In
Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$ |
(8,821 |
) |
|
$ |
(11,357 |
) |
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
4,033 |
|
|
|
4,019 |
|
Contract
amortization
|
|
|
20,675 |
|
|
|
20,675 |
|
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
(630 |
) |
Spare
parts inventory
|
|
|
(61 |
) |
|
|
413 |
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
(267 |
) |
|
|
1,800 |
|
Other
assets
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
Accounts
payable
|
|
|
(398 |
) |
|
|
(613 |
) |
Accrued
interest
|
|
|
(392 |
) |
|
|
(317 |
) |
Other
accrued liabilities
|
|
|
451 |
|
|
|
(872 |
) |
Net
cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
15,336 |
|
|
|
13,154 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
change in investments held by trustee
|
|
|
3,221 |
|
|
|
(3,210 |
) |
Capital
expenditures
|
|
|
(141 |
) |
|
|
(628 |
) |
Proceeds
from disposition of asset held for sale
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
3,600 |
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
|
|
3,080 |
|
|
|
(238 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution
to members
|
|
|
(6,372 |
) |
|
|
(3,401 |
) |
Payment
of long term debt
|
|
|
(11,925 |
) |
|
|
(9,600 |
) |
Net
cash used in financing activities
|
|
|
(18,297 |
) |
|
|
(13,001 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
|
|
119 |
|
|
|
(85 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year
|
|
|
525 |
|
|
|
610 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year
|
|
$ |
644 |
|
|
$ |
525 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL
CASH FLOW INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
paid for interest
|
|
$ |
22,325 |
|
|
$ |
23,077 |
|
Notes
to the Financial Statements
1. Organization
CEP
Batesville Acquisition, LLC (the “Company”) is a Delaware limited liability
company formed in May 2004 to acquire 100% membership interest in LSP Batesville
Holding, LLC (“Holding”), a Delaware limited liability company established on
July 29, 1998. Holding owns 100% of LSP Energy Limited Partnership
(the “Partnership). The Partnership owns a gas-fired electric
generating facility with a design capacity of approximately 837 megawatts
located in Batesville, Mississippi (the “Facility”). The Facility
commenced operations in August 2000. CEP Batesville Holding Company,
LLC (“Batesville Holding”) owns 4.1% of the Company and is the managing member
of the Company. The other members owning interest in the Company are
Batesville Investor I Corp. (32.61%), Batesville Investor II Corp. (32.61%),
Stonehill Institutional Partners, LP (15.34%) and Castlerigg Partners, L.P.
(15.34%).
Effective
August 25, 2004, Holding was acquired by the Company for cash of approximately
$27.6 million, subject to certain purchase price adjustments and transaction
costs, and assumed approximately $299.6 million of outstanding
debt. As of the transaction date, the Facility’s two power purchase
agreements (“PPA” or “PPAs”) were all transferred in full effect with the
acquisition. The sale did not result in a change of control under the
Trust Indenture (“Trust Indenture”) dated as of May 21, 1999, among LSP
Batesville Funding Corporation (“Funding”), the Partnership and The Bank of New
York, as more fully described in Note 4. The acquisition has been
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting for business
combinations. The transaction was pushed down to the Partnership at
the time of the acquisition and as such, purchase price has been allocated to
the assets acquired based on their estimated fair values at the date of
acquisition.
On
December 6, 2006, Complete Energy Batesville, LLC (“CE Batesville”) entered into
a purchase and sale agreement with Stonehill Institutional Partners, L.P.,
Castlerigg Partners, L.P., Stonehill Offshore Partners Limited and Castlerigg
International Holdings Limited to acquire their interest in the
Company. CE Batesville is a subsidiary of Complete Energy Holdings,
LLC which owns a majority interest in Batesville Holding. The
agreement, which transfers economic interests from the sellers to the purchaser,
was effective March 14, 2007. Upon the close of the transaction, CE
Batesville became the parent of the Company.
2. Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles
of Consolidation
The
consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts
of the Company, Holding, LSP Energy, Inc., LSP Batesville Funding Corp. and the
Partnership. All significant intercompany transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
Nature
of Operations
The
principal business of the Company is the ownership and operation of power
generation facilities and the sale of energy, capacity and related
products.
Reclassifications
Certain
prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s
presentation. Those reclassifications had no impact on reported net
loss or members’ (deficit) capital.
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
reported
amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial
statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
In
recording transactions and balances resulting from business operations, the
Company uses estimates based on the best information
available. Estimates are used for such items as plant depreciable
lives and uncollectible accounts among others. In addition, estimates
are used to test long-lived assets for impairment and to determine fair value of
impaired assets. As better information becomes available (or actual
amounts are determinable), the recorded estimates are
revised. Consequently, current operating results would be affected by
revisions to prior accounting estimates.
Risks
and Uncertainties
As with
any power generation facility, operation of the Facility will involve risk,
including performance of the Facility below expected levels of output and
efficiency, shut-downs due to the breakdown or failure of equipment or
processes, violations of permit requirements, operator error, or catastrophic
events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods or other similar
occurrences affecting a power generation facility or its power
purchasers. The occurrence of any of these events could significantly
reduce or eliminate revenues generated by the Facility or significantly increase
the expenses of the Facility, adversely impacting the Company’s ability to make
payments of principal and interest on its debt when due.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
The
Company considers cash and cash equivalents to include cash and short-term
investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Investments
Held by Trustee – Restricted
At
December 31, 2006 and 2005, investments held by trustee-restricted, consisted of
commercial paper with original maturities primarily of 90 days or
less. The Company acquired and classified these debt securities as
held-to-maturity because of its intent and ability to hold them to
maturity. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, the fair value of each of
these investment securities approximated its amortized cost.
These
restricted investments have been deposited in specific accounts to meet debt
service reserve and major maintenance reserve requirements as required under the
terms of the Trust Indenture, and these investments are classified as current in
the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
The
trustee holds all of these investments and the use of the proceeds from
maturities is restricted under the terms of the Trust Indenture (see Note
4).
Allowance
for Doubtful Accounts
The
Company establishes provisions for losses on accounts receivable if it is
determined that the Company will not collect all or part of the outstanding
balance. The Company regularly reviews collectibility and establishes
or adjusts the allowance as necessary using the specific identification
method. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, there was no allowance for
doubtfull accounts.
Spare
Parts Inventory
Inventory
is valued at the lower of weighted average cost or market and consists
principally of spare parts for the Facility. As required, the Company
records provisions for obsolete inventory parts.
Prepaid
Expenses and Other Current Assets
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets include prepaid property taxes and
insurance.
Property,
Plant and Equipment
Property,
plant and equipment are stated at cost however, impairment adjustments are
recorded whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate carrying values
may not be recoverable. Significant additions or improvements
extending asset lives are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance that do not
improve or extend the life of the respective asset are charged to expense as
incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method
over the estimated useful lives of 5 to 25 years. See note 3 for
further discussion.
The assets
and related accumulated depreciation amounts are adjusted for asset retirements
and disposals with the resulting gain or loss included in
operations.
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments
The
carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts
payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short
maturity of these instruments. Based on current interest rates, the
carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair value.
Accounting
for Price Risk Management Activities
The
Company records all of its derivative instruments on the consolidated balance
sheets at their fair value under the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities, as amended. For those instruments entered into to hedge risk
and that qualify as hedges, the Company applies the provisions of SFAS No. 133
and its related amendments and interpretations, and the accounting treatment
depends on each instrument’s intended use and how it is designated.
During the
normal course of business, the Company may enter into contracts that qualify as
derivatives under the provisions of SFAS No. 133, as amended. As a result, the
Company evaluates its contracts to determine whether derivative accounting is
appropriate. Contracts that meet the criteria of a derivative and qualify as
“normal purchases” or “normal sales”, as those terms are defined in SFAS No.
133, as amended, may be excluded from fair value accounting treatment. Contracts
that qualify as derivatives and do not meet the exceptions for “normal
purchases” or “normal sales” are reflected at fair value on the Company’s
consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair values reflected in the
Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
The
Company did not enter into any hedging or derivative contracts during 2006 or
2005.
Comprehensive
Loss
Net loss
is equal to comprehensive loss as there were no additional items impacting
comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2005.
Revenue
Recognition
Revenues
are recorded based on capacity provided and electrical output delivered at the
lesser of amounts billable under the power purchase contracts or the average
estimated contract rates over the initial term of the power purchase contracts
pursuant to their terms and conditions. Transmission service credit
revenues are recognized when actual cash is received.
Concentrations
of Credit Risk
Financial
instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations or credit
risk, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments
held by trustee-restricted and accounts receivable. Cash
accounts are generally held in federally insured banks. Accounts
receivable are concentrated within entities engaged in the energy
industry. These industry concentrations may impact the Company’s
overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that the
customers may be similarly affected by changes in economics, industry or other
conditions. Receivables are generally not
collateralized.
Income
Taxes
The
Company is not an income tax paying entity as income taxes are assessed at the
member level. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements of
the Company do not include any income tax effects.
Asset
Retirement Obligations
In June
2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 143,
Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations. This statement addresses financial
accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of
tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement
costs. SFAS 143 requires an entity to recognize the fair value of a
liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is
incurred. Upon initial recognition of a liability for an asset
retirement obligation, an entity shall capitalize an asset retirement cost by
increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset by the same
amount as the liability. The Partnership has also adopted the
provisions of FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset
Retirement Obligations, which requires that the Company record a
liability for those retirement and removal costs in which the timing and/or
amount of the settlement of the costs are uncertain. The Company has determined
that it has no obligations under SFAS No. 143 or FIN No. 47 as of December 31,
2006 and 2005.
Environmental
Costs
The
Company may be exposed to environmental costs in the ordinary course of
business. Expenditures for ongoing compliance with environmental
regulations that relate to current operations are
expensed. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by
past operations, and which do not contribute to current or future revenue
generation, are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when environmental
assessments indicate that remediation efforts are probable and the costs can be
reasonably estimated. Estimates of the liabilities would be based
upon currently available facts, existing technology and presently enacted laws
and regulations, taking into consideration the likely effects of inflation and
other societal and economic factors, and estimates of associated legal
costs. These amounts would consider prior experience in remediating
contaminated sites, other companies’ clean-up experience and data released by
the Environmental Protection Agency or other organizations. Any
estimated liability would be subject to revision in future periods based on
actual costs or new circumstances. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005
no known environmental liabilities existed.
3. Property,
Plant and Equipment and Contracts
Property,
plant and equipment as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 consisted of the
following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land
|
|
$ |
1,710 |
|
|
$ |
1,710 |
|
Buildings
|
|
|
1,858 |
|
|
|
1,858 |
|
Plant
equipment
|
|
|
76,458 |
|
|
|
76,441 |
|
Transmission
assets
|
|
|
15,384 |
|
|
|
15,384 |
|
Computer/equipment
|
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
87 |
|
Asset
under capital lease
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Furniture
and fixtures
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
Automobiles
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
95,621 |
|
|
|
95,499 |
|
Construction
in progress
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Less:
accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(9,429 |
) |
|
|
(5,396 |
) |
Property,
plant and equipment, net
|
|
$ |
86,211 |
|
|
$ |
90,103 |
|
Certain
components within the facility will require replacement or overhaul at various
times during the estimated life of the plant. The cost of
replacements and overhaul of these components is expensed in the period
incurred. Routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as
incurred.
Contracts
consist of the fair value of the PPAs with J. Aron & Company (J. Aron) and
South Mississippi Electric Power Association (“SMEPA”) (see Note
5). The contracts are being amortized over the remaining lives of the
contracts at acquisition date.
Contracts
as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 consist of the following (in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SMEPA
PPA Contract
|
|
$ |
60,000 |
|
|
$ |
60,000 |
|
J.
Aron PPA Contract
|
|
|
135,000 |
|
|
|
135,000 |
|
|
|
|
195,000 |
|
|
|
195,000 |
|
Less: accumulated
amortization
|
|
|
(48,683 |
) |
|
|
(28,008 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contracts,
net
|
|
$ |
146,317 |
|
|
$ |
166,992 |
|
4. Financing
On May 21,
1999, the Partnership and Funding issued two series of Senior Secured Bonds (the
“Bonds”) in the following total principal amounts: $150,000,000 7.164% Series A
Senior Secured Bonds due 2014 and $176,000,000 8.160% Series B Senior Secured
Bonds due 2025. Interest is payable semi-annually on each January 15 and July
15, commencing January 15, 2000, to the holders of record on the immediately
proceeding January 1 and July 1. At December 31, 2006 and 2005,
$278.1 and $290.0 million, respectively of bonds outstanding. The Partnership’s
secured bonds currently carry a rating of B+ at Standard & Poors and B1 at
Moody’s. The interest rate on the Bonds may be increased under the circumstances
described below.
A portion
of the proceeds from the issuance of the Bonds was used to repay the
$136,000,000 of outstanding loans under a Bank Credit Facility. The
remaining proceeds from the issuance of the Bonds were used to pay a portion of
the costs of completing the Facility.
A common
agreement (the “Common Agreement”) set forth, among other things: (i) terms and
conditions upon which loans and disbursements were to be made under the Bank
Credit Facility; (ii) the mechanism for which loan proceeds, operating revenues,
equity contributions and other amounts received by the Partnership were
disbursed to pay construction costs, operations and maintenance costs, debt
service and other amounts due from the Partnership; (iii) the conditions which
had to be satisfied prior to making distributions from the Partnership; and (iv)
the covenants and reporting requirements the Partnership was required to be in
compliance with during the term of the Common Agreement.
The Common
Agreement required the Partnership to set aside cash reserves for the cost of
performing periodic major maintenance on the Facility, including turbine
overhauls, and the credit support, if any, that the Partnership is required to
provide to SMEPA under the SMEPA PPA.
Effective
May 21, 1999, the Common Agreement was amended and restated in connection with
the issuance of the Bonds, (the “Amended and Restated Common
Agreement”). The Amended and Restated Common Agreement sets forth,
among other things: (i) the mechanism by which Bond proceeds, operating
revenues, equity contributions and other amounts received by the Partnership are
disbursed to pay construction costs, operations and maintenance costs, debt
service and other amounts due from the Partnership, and (ii) the conditions
which must be satisfied prior to making distributions from the
Partnership.
The
Amended and Restated Common Agreement provided that the following conditions
must be satisfied before making distributions from the Partnership to its
partners: (i) the Partnership must have made all required disbursements to pay
operating and maintenance expenses, management fees and expenses and debt
service; (ii) the Partnership must have set aside sufficient reserves to pay
principal and interest payments on the Exchange Bonds and its other senior
secured debt; (iii) there cannot exist any default or event of default under the
Trust Indenture for the Exchange Bonds; (iv) the Partnership’s historical and
projected debt service coverage ratios must equal or exceed the required levels;
(v) the Partnership must have sufficient funds in its accounts to meet its
ongoing working
capital
needs; (vi) the Facility must be complete; and (vii) the distributions must be
made on or after the last business day of September 2000.
The
Amended and Restated Common Agreement requires that the Partnership set aside
reserves for: (i) payments of scheduled principal and interest on the Exchange
Bonds and other senior secured debt of the Partnership and the Funding
Corporation; (ii) the cost of performing periodic major maintenance on the
Facility, including turbine overhauls; and (iii) the credit support, if any,
that the Partnership is required to provide to SMEPA under the SMEPA
PPA. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Partnership has funded
reserve accounts for scheduled principal and interest on the Exchange Bonds and
periodic major maintenance on the Facility in the amount of $39.1 and $35.7
million, respectively. Such reserve accounts are reflected as investments held
by trustee - restricted on the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets.
The
Partnership and Funding filed a registration statement with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for a registered offer to exchange the Bonds for
two series of debt securities (the “Exchange Bonds”) which are in all material
respects substantially identical to the Bonds. The registration
statement became effective on March 7, 2000. Upon such registration
becoming effective, the Partnership and Funding offered the Exchange Bonds in
return for surrender of the Bonds. Interest on each Exchange Bond accrued from
January 15, 2000, the last date interest on the surrendered Bonds was
paid.
Principal
payments are payable on each January 15 and July 15, commencing on July 15,
2001. Scheduled maturities of the Exchange Bonds are as follows (in
thousands):
2007
|
|
$ |
12,525 |
|
2008
|
|
|
12,825 |
|
2009
|
|
|
13,275 |
|
2010
|
|
|
13,800 |
|
2011
|
|
|
14,700 |
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
210,950 |
|
Total
long-term debt, including current maturities
|
|
$ |
278,075 |
|
The
Exchange Bonds are secured by substantially all of the personal property and
contract rights of the Partnership and Funding. In addition, Holding
and Energy have pledged all of their interests in the Partnership, and Holding
has pledged all of the common stock of Energy and all of the common stock of
Funding.
The
Exchange Bonds are senior secured obligations of the Partnership and Funding,
rank equivalent in right of payment to all other senior secured obligations of
the Partnership and Funding and rank senior in right of payment to all existing
and future subordinated debt of the Partnership and Funding.
The
Exchange Bonds are redeemable at the option of the Partnership and Funding, at
any time in whole or from time to time in part, on not less than 30 or more than
60 days’ prior notice to the holders of that series of Exchange Bonds, on any
date prior to its maturity at a redemption price equal to 101% of the
outstanding principal amount of the Exchange Bonds being redeemed, plus accrued
and unpaid interest on the Exchange Bonds being redeemed and a make-whole
premium. In no event will the redemption price ever be less than 100%
of the principal amount of the Exchange Bonds being redeemed plus accrued and
unpaid interest thereon.
The
Exchange Bonds are redeemable at the option of the bondholders if funds remain
on deposit in the distribution account for at least 12 consecutive months, and
the Partnership and Funding cause the bondholders to vote on whether the
Partnership and Funding should use those funds to redeem the Exchange Bonds, and
holders of at least 662/3% of the outstanding Bonds vote
to require the Partnership and Funding to use those funds to redeem the Exchange
Bonds. If the Partnership is required to redeem Bonds with those
funds, then the redemption price will be 100% of the principal amount of the
Exchange Bonds being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Exchange
Bonds being redeemed. In addition, if Acquisition or any future
qualified transferee ceases to own, directly or indirectly, at least 51% of the
capital stock of Energy (unless any or all of them maintain management control
of the Partnership), or Acquistion or any future qualified transferee cease to
own, directly or indirectly, at least 10% of the ownership in the Partnership,
then the Partnership and Funding must offer to purchase all of the
Exchange
Bonds at a purchase price equal to 101% of the outstanding principal amount of
the Exchange Bonds plus accrued and unpaid interest unless the Partnership and
Funding receive a confirmation of the then current ratings of the Bonds or at
least 662/3% of the holders of the
outstanding Bonds approve the change in ownership.
The Trust
Indenture for the Exchange Bonds (the “Trust Indenture”) entered into among the
Partnership, Funding and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (the “Trustee”)
contains covenants including among others, limitations and restrictions relating
to additional debt other than the Exchange Bonds, Partnership distributions, new
and existing agreements, disposition of asset, and other
activities. The Trust Indenture also describes events of default
which include, among others, events involving bankruptcy of the Partnership or
Funding, failure to make any payment of interest or principal on the Exchange
Bonds and failure to perform or observe in any material respect any covenant or
agreement contained in the Trust Indenture. At December 31, 2005, the
Partnership was restricted from making distributions as a result of Insufficient
Debt Coverage Service Ratio. The Partnership met the Debt Coverage Service Ratio
during 2006 was therefore able to make distributions during the
year.
5. Commitments
and Contingencies
On May 18,
1998, the Partnership entered into a long-term PPA with Dominion (“Dominion
PPA”). Effective May 15, 2005, the Dominion PPA was assigned to J.
Aron & Company (“J. Aron PPA”), the commodities sales and trading subsidiary
of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (“Goldman Sachs”). Goldman Sachs will provide a
guaranty of all obligations and liabilities of J. Aron & Company under the
PPA. No change in the terms of the Dominion PPA occurred as a result
of the assignment. Under the terms of the J. Aron PPA, the
Partnership is obligated to sell, and J. Aron is obligated to purchase,
approximately 558 megawatts of electrical capacity and dispatchable energy
generated from two of the three Combined Cycle Units (“Unit” or “Units”) at the
Facility at prices set forth in the J. Aron PPA. The initial term of
the J. Aron PPA is 13 years, beginning on June 1, 2000. J. Aron has
the option of extending the term of the J. Aron PPA for an additional 12 years
by providing the Partnership written notice at least two years prior to the
expiration of the initial term. The extended term may be terminated
at any time by J. Aron with 18 months prior notice to the
Partnership. Additionally, the contract contains an option to
purchase the two units under the PPA at the end of the extension period in
2023.
The terms
of the J. Aron PPA, as amended, require J. Aron to make payments to the
Partnership including a reservation payment, an energy payment, an additional
energy payment, a start-up payment, a system upgrade payment and a guaranteed
heat rate payment.
The J.
Aron PPA is a tolling arrangement, whereby J. Aron is obligated to supply
natural gas to each J. Aron Unit. J. Aron is obligated to arrange,
procure, nominate, balance, transport and deliver to the Facility’s lateral
pipeline the amount of fuel necessary for each J. Aron Unit to generate its net
electrical output.
The J.
Aron PPA requires the Partnership and J. Aron to work together to develop an
annual schedule for the maintenance based upon J. Aron’s projected dispatch
schedule. The Partnership has agreed not to schedule maintenance
during the months of June, July, August, September, January and February without
J. Aron’s consent.
In March
2007, the Partnership and J. Aron signed an amendment to the PPA. The
amendment reduced the 12-year-extension option to four months and terminated the
purchase option for the two units. In exchange for the amendment, the
Partnership agreed to pay J.Aron an aggregate amount of approximately $19.2
million, payable in monthly specified amounts, over the remaining life of the
contract either by (i) netting the monthly payment amount againts amounts due
from J.Aron for power purchase, (ii) payment in cash, or (iii) any combination
of the methods described in (i) and (ii).
On May 21,
1998, the Partnership entered into a second long-term PPA with Aquila (“Aquila
PPA”). Effective February 28, 2005, the Aquila PPA was assigned to
SMEPA (“SMEPA PPA”). No change in the terms of Aquila PPA occurred as
a result of the assignment. Under the terms of the SMEPA PPA, the
Partnership is obligated to sell, and SMEPA is obligated to purchase,
approximately 281 megawatts of electrical capacity and dispatchable energy
generated from one of the three Units at the Facility at prices set forth in the
SMEPA PPA. The initial term of the SMEPA PPA is fifteen years and
seven months, beginning on June 1, 2000. SMEPA has the option of
extending the term of the SMEPA PPA for an additional five years by providing
the Partnership written notice by the later of July 2013 or 29 months prior to
the expiration of the initial term.
The terms
of the SMEPA PPA require SMEPA to make payments to the Partnership including a
reservation payment, an energy payment, a start-up payment, a system upgrade
payment and a guaranteed heat rate payment.
The SMEPA
PPA is a tolling arrangement, whereby SMEPA is obligated to supply natural gas
to the SMEPA Unit. SMEPA is obligated to arrange, procure, nominate,
balance, transport and deliver to the Facility’s lateral pipeline the amount of
fuel necessary for the SMEPA Unit to generate its net electrical
output.
The SMEPA
PPA requires the Partnership and SMEPA to work together to develop an annual
schedule for the maintenance of the SMEPA Unit based upon SMEPA’s projected
dispatch schedule. The Partnership has agreed not to schedule
maintenance during the period from June 15 through September 15 of any calendar
year without SMEPA’s consent.
6. Members’
(Deficit) Capital
The
Limited Liability Company agreement of the Company provides that the allocations
of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit should be made in accordance with
positive capital accounts and based on the profit or loss sharing
ratios.
7. Related
Party Transactions
The
Partnership has no employees and has entered into a management services
agreement and an operation and maintenance agreement with CEP Operating Company
LLC (“CEP Op Co” or “Operator”), an affiliate of the managing member of the
Company. Under the terms of the agreements the Partnership is
required to pay the Operator a fixed monthly fee of approximately $46,000 during
operation of the Facility. The Partnership is also required to
reimburse the Operator for all labor costs including payroll, taxes, and
benefits and other costs deemed reimbursable by the Partnership. The
operations and maintenance fee will be adjusted annually based on published
indices.
For the
year ended December 31, 2006, the Company incurred labor and related costs of
approximately $2.4 million, fixed monthly fees of approximately $1.2 million and
other costs of approximately $0.6 million. As of December 31, 2006, the Company
had outstanding amounts payable to CEP Op Co of approximately
$170,000. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company incurred
labor and related costs of approximately $2.8 million, fixed monthly fees of
approximately $1.0 million and other costs of approximately $0.8 million. As of
December 31, 2005, the Company had outstanding amounts payable to CEP Op Co of
approximately $120,000. Amounts outstanding are included in accounts
payable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
8. Dependence
on Third Parties
The
Company is highly dependent on the Operator for the operation and maintenance of
the Facility and during the terms of the J. Aron PPA and SMEPA PPA, the Company
will be highly dependent on two utilities for the purchase of electric
generating capacity and dispatchable energy from their respective units at the
Facility. Any material breach by any one of these parties of their
respective obligations to the Company could affect the ability of the Company to
make payments on the Exchange Bonds. In addition, bankruptcy or
insolvency of other parties or default by such parties relative to their
contractual or regulatory obligations could adversely affect the ability of the
Company to make payments on the Exchange Bonds. If an agreement were
to be terminated due to a breach of such agreement, the Company’s ability to
enter into a substitute agreement having substantially equivalent terms and
conditions, or with an equally creditworthy third party, is uncertain and there
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to make payments on the
Exchange Bonds.
For the
year ended December 31, 2006, the J. Aron PPA and SMEPA PPA accounted for 70%
and 30%, respectively, of the Company’s total revenues. For the year
ended December 31, 2005, the J. Aron PPA and SMEPA PPA accounted for 67% and
33%, respectively, of the Company’s total revenues.
To the
Member of
La Paloma
Generating Company, LLC
We have
audited the accompanying statement of operations, member’s deficit, and cash
flows of La Paloma Generating Company, LLC (the “Company”) for the period from
January 1, 2005 to August 16, 2005. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We
conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in
the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the statements of
operations, member’s deficit, and cash flows are free of material misstatement.
An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts
and disclosures in the statements of operations, member’s deficit, and cash
flows. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the statements of operations, member’s deficit, and cash flows.
We believe that our audit of the statements of operations, member’s deficit, and
cash flows provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our
opinion, the statements of operations, member’s deficit, and cash flows referred
to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the results of the
operations, member’s deficit, and cash flows of La Paloma Generating Company,
LLC for the period from January 1, 2005 to August 16, 2005, in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America.
/s/ UHY
LLP
Houston,
Texas
July 22,
2008
Statement
of Operations
For
the Period from January 1, 2005 to August 16, 2005
(In Thousands)
|
|
For
the Period from
January
1, 2005 to
August
16, 2005
|
|
OPERATING
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
Tolling
revenue
|
|
$ |
29,541 |
|
Merchant
revenue
|
|
|
45,938 |
|
Other
revenue
|
|
|
1,941 |
|
TOTAL
OPERATING REVENUES
|
|
|
77,420 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING
COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel
Expense
|
|
|
38,104 |
|
Operating
and maintenance
|
|
|
36,546 |
|
Administrative
and general
|
|
|
500 |
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
5,447 |
|
TOTAL
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
80,597 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOSS
FROM OPERATIONS
|
|
|
(3,177 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSE)
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
income
|
|
|
191 |
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(54,147 |
) |
Other
expense, net
|
|
|
(3,365 |
) |
TOTAL
OTHER EXPENSE
|
|
|
(57,321 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
NET
LOSS
|
|
$ |
(60,498 |
) |
Statement
of Member’s Deficit
For
the Period from January 1, 2005 to August 16, 2005
(In Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
(Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
Balance,
January 1, 2005
|
|
$ |
(427,397 |
) |
|
$ |
(24,243 |
) |
|
$ |
(451,640 |
) |
Member
contributions
|
|
|
51,445 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
51,445 |
|
Changes
in price risk management
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
352 |
|
|
|
352 |
|
Net
loss
|
|
|
(60,498 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(60,498 |
) |
Balance,
August 16, 2005
|
|
|
(436,450 |
) |
|
|
(23,891 |
) |
|
|
(460,341 |
) |
Statement
of Cash Flows
For
the Period from January 1, 2005 to August 16, 2005
(In Thousands)
CASH
FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$ |
(60,498 |
) |
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation,
amortization and accretion expense
|
|
|
5,467 |
|
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
(8,331 |
) |
Inventory
|
|
|
(118 |
) |
Prepaid
expenses
|
|
|
(705 |
) |
Other
assets
|
|
|
11,481 |
|
Accounts
payable and other current liabilities
|
|
|
7,734 |
|
Accrued
interest
|
|
|
50,087 |
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
|
5,117
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
Change
in restricted cash
|
|
|
3,527 |
|
Capital
expenditures
|
|
|
(646 |
) |
Proceeds
from construction of assets
|
|
|
1,209 |
|
Net
cash provided by investing activities
|
|
|
4,090 |
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
Payments
on Letter of Credit Draws
|
|
|
(1,551 |
) |
Borrowing
from working capital loans, net
|
|
|
2,532 |
|
Repayment
of long-term debt
|
|
|
(61,633 |
) |
Contributions
by member
|
|
|
51,445 |
|
Net
cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
(9,207 |
) |
NET
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
|
|
- |
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—beginning of period
|
|
|
-
|
|
CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—end of period
|
|
$ |
-
|
|
Notes
to the Financial Statements
1. ORGANIZATION
La Paloma
Generating Company, LLC (“La Paloma” or the “Company”), is a limited liability
company, formed on April 21, 1998, under the laws of the state of Delaware. The
Company was formed to identify and perform all necessary tasks related to the
development, construction, and operation of the La Paloma Project (the
“Project”). The Company owns a gas-fired electric generating facility with a
design capacity of approximately 1,022 megawatts located in McKittrick,
California (the “Facility”). The Facility commenced full commercial
operations in March 2003. Through October 27, 2004, the members that formed the
Company were La Paloma Power Corporation and National Energy Holdings, Inc.,
Delaware Corporations, wholly owned subsidiaries of National Energy & Gas
Transmission, Inc. (“NEGT”). As a result of a sustained
downturn, the major credit rating agency’s downgraded/NEGT and
certain of its consolidated affiliates’ credit ratings to below investment
grade, and NEGT and certain affiliates, including the Company, defaulted on
various debt agreements and guaranteed equity commitments. On July 8,
2003, NEGT voluntarily filed petitions for protection under Chapter 11 of the
federal bankruptcy code. On October 27, 2004, the Company and NEGT
entered into various restructuring arrangements with the lenders providing for,
among other things, the transfer of the Project to the
lenders. Subsequent to the date of transfer, the Company was owned
100% by La Paloma Holding Company, LLC (“La Paloma HoldCo”).
2. SUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature
of Operations
The
principal business of the Company is the ownership and operation of the power
generation facility and the sale of energy, capacity and related
products.
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenue and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those
estimates.
In
recording transactions and balances resulting from business operations, the
Company uses estimates based on the best information
available. Estimates are used for such items as plant and related
asset depreciable lives and uncollectible accounts among others. In
addition, estimates are used to test long-lived assets for impairment and to
determine fair value of impaired assets. As better information becomes available
(or actual amounts are determinable), the recorded estimates are revised.
Consequently, current operating results could include the effect of revisions to
prior period accounting estimates.
Risks
and Uncertainties
As with
any power generation facility, operation of the Facility will involve risk,
including performance of the Facility below expected levels of output and
efficiency, shut-downs due to the breakdown or failure of equipment or
processes, violations of permit requirements, operator error, or catastrophic
events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods or other similar
occurrences affecting a power generation facility or its power purchasers. The
occurrence of any of these events could significantly reduce or eliminate
revenues generated by the Facility or significantly increase the expenses of the
Facility, adversely impacting the Company’s ability to make payments of
principal and interest on its debt when due.
Property,
Plant and Equipment
Property,
plant and equipment are recorded at cost, which consists of costs of purchased
equipment, construction-related labor and materials, and leasehold
improvements. These capitalized costs are depreciated on a
straight-line basis over estimated useful live of 45 years, less any residual or
salvage value. Impairment adjustments are recorded
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate carrying values may not be
recoverable. Significant
additions or improvements extending asset lives are capitalized, while repairs
and maintenance that do not improve the life of the respective asset are charged
to expense as incurred.
Accounting
for Price Risk Management Activities
The
Company records all of its derivative instruments on the balance sheet at their
fair value under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(“SFAS”) No. 133, Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended. For those
instruments entered into to hedge risk and that qualify as hedges, the Company
applies the provisions of SFAS No. 133 and its related amendments and
interpretations. The accounting treatment depends on each
instrument’s intended use and how it is designated.
During the
normal course of business, the Company may enter into contracts that qualify as
derivatives under the provisions of SFAS No. 133, as amended. As a
result, the Company evaluates its contracts to determine whether derivative
accounting is appropriate. Contracts that meet the criteria of a derivative and
qualify as “normal purchases” or “normal sales”, as those terms are defined in
SFAS No. 133, as amended, may be excluded from fair value accounting treatment.
Contracts that qualify as derivatives and do not meet the exceptions for “normal
purchases” or “normal sales” are reflected at fair value on the Company’s
balance sheets with changes in fair values reflected in the Company’s statement
of member’s capital.
The
Company used swaps to hedge the impact of market fluctuations on interest rates
when there was a high degree of correlation between price movements in the
derivative and the item designated as being hedged. In its capacity
as construction agent, the Company entered into six interest rate
swap agreements on March 7, 2001, all of which were entered into to
hedge the debt payments that were going to be made during the operating period,
from April 10, 2002 until March 31, 2012. The notional amount of
these swaps begins at $521 million and decreases based on the debt repayment
structure.
The
Company had a balance in accumulated OCI representing net settlements on swaps
during construction, to be amortized as the assets are depreciated through March
2048. For the period from January 1, 2005 to August 16, 2005, total
of $352 thousand was reclassified to earnings.
Revenue
Recognition
For the
tolling agreements, revenues are recorded based on capacity and ancillary
services provided and electrical output delivered at the lesser of amounts
billable under the respective tolling agreement or the average estimated
contract rates over the initial term of the respective tolling
agreement. Merchant revenues are recognized based on capacity and
ancillary services provided and electrical output delivered at the spot market
price. Other revenue consists of sales of excess gas, not needed by the plant to
produce power, to third parties and is recognized when the gas is delivered to
the third party.
Power
Purchases
When the
Company has to purchase power from third parties in order to fulfill its
contractual obligations to deliver power to other third parties, this cost is
recognized when title to the power passes to the Company from the third party.
This occurs when a unit is not available to produce power and the Company has
entered into an agreement to sell to other third parties.
Income
Taxes
The
Company is a limited liability company for both federal and state tax purposes.
Therefore, it does not pay income taxes, and no provision for income taxes has
been reflected in the accompanying financial statements.
Asset
Retirement Obligation
The
Company accounts for asset retirement obligations in accordance with SFAS No.
143, Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations and the provisions of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset
Retirement Obligations, which requires that the Company record a
liability for those retirement and removal costs in which the timing and/or
amount of the settlement of the costs are
uncertain. The
Company recognized accretion of approximately $20 thousand for the period
January 1, 2005 to August 16, 2005.
3. PROPERTY,
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Certain
components within the Facility will require replacement or overhaul at various
times during the estimated life of the plant. The cost of
replacements and overhaul of these components is expensed in the period
incurred. Routine maintenance and repairs are charged to operating
and maintenance expenses as incurred.
4. INTEREST
EXPENSE
In
November 2002, the Company defaulted on its obligation to pay interest and swap
payments. In addition, as a result of NEGT’s downgrade to below
investment grade by the major credit rating agencies, NEGT as guarantor of
certain debt obligations of La Paloma, became required to make equity
contributions to the Company of $375 million. Neither NEGT nor the
Company had sufficient funds to make these payments.
As of
December 4, 2002, NEGT and La Paloma entered into various arrangements with the
lenders. All existing commitments were declared terminated and the
loans along with the associated accrued interest were due and payable
forthwith. The arrangements also provided for the additional funds to
complete construction and for working capital facilities to enable the Company
to timely pay for its fuel requirements and to provide its own collateral to
support natural gas pipeline capacity reservations and independent transmission
system operator requirements, as well as for general working capital
purposes. The transfer of the project to the lenders occurred on
October 27, 2004.
La Paloma
had project financing debt of approximately $823 million outstanding as of
August 16, 2005. As the company was in default on the debt
agreements, all project debt was classified as current.
During the
period from January 1, 2005 to August 16, 2005, the Company recognized interest
expense of approximately $50 million related to its project financing
debt. As the Company was unable to make regular interest payments,
the interest recognized on the project financing debt was
capitalized. The Company also made principal payments of
approximately $64.7 million during the period January 1, 2005 through August 16,
2005.
Interest
expense is recorded at Prime plus credit spread, which ranged from 10% to 11%
for the period from January 1, 2005 to August 16, 2005.
5. MEMBER’S
CAPITAL
As the
Company is a single member limited liability company, all income, gains, losses,
deductions, and/or credits are allocated to La Paloma Holding Company,
LLC.
6. COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES
Joint
Interconnection Facilities Agreement—On January 28, 2000, the Company
entered into a joint interconnection facilities agreement with Sunrise
Cogeneration and Power Company. The two companies share costs on
joint development, permitting, designing, engineering, procurement,
construction, installation, use, ownership, operation and maintenance of the
facilities necessary to interconnect the Facility to the Midway Substation,
including, but not limited to, the joint transmission line and the joint
switchyard.
Amended and
Restated Raw Water Supply Agreement—On January 31, 2000 and as amended on
September 26, 2000, the Company entered into a raw water supply agreement with
West Kern Water District to acquire, install, and provide water service to the
facility. The term of the agreement is thirty-five years.
Hot Gas Path
Service Agreement—On November 8, 1999 the Company entered into a
long-term service agreement with Alstom Power. Under the terms of this contract,
Alstom Power will provide various services and replacement parts related to the
operation and maintenance of the four gas turbines. For the fixed
portion of the payment, the base monthly fee is initially set at $16,000 per gas
turbine. The operating term of the agreement commenced in January,
2003 with an initial base fee of $375 per equivalent operating hour (EOH). Both
fees
escalate
in accordance with the change in the Consumer Price Index. At August
16, 2005, the fixed portion of the payment equaled $0.6 million and the base fee
equaled $10.6 million. This amount was included in Operating and Maintenance
expenses in the accompanying statement of operations.
Power Purchase
and Sale Agreement with Southern California Edison (“SCE”)—On December
19, 2002 the Company entered into a Power Purchase and Sale Agreement with SCE.
Under the terms of this agreement the Company sells the capacity of units 1 and
2 to SCE, as well as the associated energy and ancillary services. The capacity
price is fixed on a monthly basis and the energy price is fixed at $2.75/MWh
escalating at 2% per year. SCE is responsible for bearing the cost of providing
the natural gas when the units are operated under this agreement. The term of
the agreement ran from April 1, 2003 through December 31, 2007. The Company
recognized revenue of approximately $29.5 million for the period January 1, 2005
to August 16, 2005.
Operations and
Maintenance Agreement (“OMA”) and an Asset Management Agreement (“AMA”) with DTE
Energy Services, Inc. (“DTE”)—On April 1, 2004 the Company entered into a
an Operations and Maintenance Agreement and an Asset Management Agreement with
DTE Energy Services, Inc. The agreements provide for operation and
maintenance services, and administrative and management services, respectively,
for the Project. The duration of the OMA and AMA is 3 years and DTE
is paid a monthly fee of $39,000 and $72,500 for its services under the OMA and
AMA, respectively. In addition, DTE is reimbursed for certain
reimbursable costs and extraordinary services.
AGREEMENT
AND PLAN OF MERGER
among
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
GSCAC
HOLDINGS I LLC
GSCAC
HOLDINGS II LLC
GSCAC
MERGER SUB LLC
and
COMPLETE
ENERGY HOLDINGS, LLC
Dated
as of May 9, 2008
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
AND CONSTRUCTION
Section
1.01
|
Definitions
|
A-1
|
Section
1.02
|
Rules
of Construction
|
A-16
|
ARTICLE
II
THE
MERGER; CLOSING
Section
2.01
|
The
Merger
|
A-16
|
Section
2.02
|
Closing
|
A-16
|
Section
2.03
|
Effective
Time
|
A-17
|
Section
2.04
|
Effect
of the Merger
|
A-17
|
Section
2.05
|
Amendments
to Charter Documents
|
A-17
|
Section
2.06
|
Directors
and Officers
|
A-17
|
Section
2.07
|
Certain
Closing Actions
|
A-18
|
Section
2.08
|
Calculation
of CEH Group Merger Consideration, TCW Payoff Consideration,
etc
|
A-19
|
ARTICLE
III
EFFECT
OF MERGER; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
Section
3.01
|
Effect
of Merger on Capital Stock of CEH
|
A-19
|
Section
3.02
|
Surrender
of Certificates
|
A-21
|
Section
3.03
|
No
Further Ownership Rights in CEH Units
|
A-23
|
Section
3.04
|
Lost,
Stolen or Destroyed Certificates
|
A-23
|
ARTICLE
IV
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES REGARDING
CEH
AND THE PROJECT COMPANIES
Section
4.01
|
Organization
|
A-24
|
Section
4.02
|
Authority
|
A-24
|
Section
4.03
|
No
Conflicts; Consents and Approvals
|
A-24
|
Section
4.04
|
Capitalization
|
A-25
|
Section
4.05
|
Business
|
A-25
|
Section
4.06
|
Bank
Accounts
|
A-26
|
Section
4.07
|
Subsidiaries
|
A-26
|
Section
4.08
|
Legal
Proceedings
|
A-26
|
Section
4.09
|
Compliance
with Laws and Orders
|
A-26
|
Section
4.10
|
Financial
Statements
|
A-26
|
Section
4.11
|
Absence
of Certain Changes
|
A-27
|
Section
4.12
|
Taxes
|
A-27
|
Section
4.13
|
Regulatory
Status
|
A-29
|
Section
4.14
|
Contracts
|
A-29
|
Section
4.15
|
Property
|
A-31
|
Section
4.16
|
Permits
|
A-32
|
Section
4.17
|
Environmental
Matters
|
A-32
|
Section
4.18
|
Insurance
|
A-33
|
Section
4.19
|
Intellectual
Property
|
A-33
|
Section
4.20
|
Brokers
|
A-34
|
Section
4.21
|
Employees
and Labor Matters
|
A-35
|
Section
4.22
|
Employee
Benefits
|
A-35
|
Section
4.23
|
Information
Provided for Inclusion in Proxy Statement
|
A-37
|
ARTICLE
V
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF THE GSCAC PARTIES
Section
5.01
|
Organization
|
A-38
|
Section
5.02
|
Authority
|
A-38
|
Section
5.03
|
No
Conflicts
|
A-38
|
Section
5.04
|
Legal
Proceedings
|
A-39
|
Section
5.05
|
Compliance
with Laws and Orders
|
A-39
|
Section
5.06
|
Brokers
|
A-39
|
Section
5.07
|
Subsidiaries
|
A-39
|
Section
5.08
|
Capitalization;
Shareholders
|
A-39
|
Section
5.09
|
SEC
Filings
|
A-41
|
Section
5.10
|
Financial
Information
|
A-42
|
Section
5.11
|
Employee
Matters
|
A-42
|
Section
5.12
|
Intellectual
Property
|
A-43
|
Section
5.13
|
GSCAC
Material Contracts
|
A-43
|
Section
5.14
|
Insurance
|
A-44
|
Section
5.15
|
Environmental
Matters
|
A-44
|
Section
5.16
|
Permits
|
A-45
|
Section
5.17
|
Transactions
with Affiliates
|
A-45
|
Section
5.18
|
Assets
and Properties; Trust Account
|
A-45
|
Section
5.19
|
Board
Approval
|
A-46
|
Section
5.20
|
Required
Vote of GSCAC Stockholders
|
A-46
|
Section
5.21
|
Taxes
|
A-46
|
Section
5.22
|
No
Conflicting Contracts
|
A-47
|
Section
5.23
|
Opportunity
for Independent Investigation
|
A-47
|
Section
5.24
|
Exon
Florio
|
A-47
|
Section
5.25
|
Absence
of Certain Changes
|
A-47
|
Section
5.26
|
Fairness
Opinion
|
A-48
|
ARTICLE
VI
COVENANTS
Section
6.01
|
Regulatory
and Other Approvals
|
A-48
|
Section
6.02
|
Access
|
A-50
|
Section
6.03
|
Certain
Restrictions
|
A-50
|
Section
6.04
|
La
Paloma Tag Along Offer
|
A-54
|
Section
6.05
|
Recapitalization;
Distributions
|
A-54
|
Section
6.06
|
Insurance
|
A-56
|
Section
6.07
|
Casualty
and Condemnation
|
A-56
|
Section
6.08
|
Tax
Matters
|
A-57
|
Section
6.09
|
Proxy
Statement; Special Meeting
|
A-58
|
Section
6.10
|
Directors
and Officers of GSCAC and Subsidiaries after Merger
|
A-60
|
Section
6.11
|
Public
Disclosure
|
A-60
|
Section
6.12
|
D&O
Insurance
|
A-61
|
Section
6.13
|
Exclusivity
|
A-61
|
Section
6.14
|
Control
of Operations
|
A-62
|
Section
6.15
|
Amendments
of Charter Documents
|
A-62
|
Section
6.16
|
Additional
Agreements
|
A-62
|
Section
6.17
|
Consent
of CEH Unitholders
|
A-62
|
Section
6.18
|
Notice
of Certain Events
|
A-63
|
Section
6.19
|
Fulcrum
Exchange Offer
|
A-63
|
Section
6.20
|
Amendments
of CEH Disclosure Schedule
|
A-63
|
Section
6.21
|
Termination
of Certain Services and Contracts
|
A-64
|
Section
6.22
|
Certain
Accounts
|
A-64
|
Section
6.23
|
Confidentiality
|
A-64
|
Section
6.24
|
Trust
Account
|
A-64
|
ARTICLE
VII
GSCAC’S
CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
Section
7.01
|
Representations
and Warranties
|
A-65
|
Section
7.02
|
Performance
|
A-65
|
Section
7.03
|
Officer’s
Certificate
|
A-65
|
Section
7.04
|
Orders
and Laws
|
A-65
|
Section
7.05
|
Consents
and Approvals.
|
A-65
|
Section
7.06
|
JPM
Debt
|
A-66
|
Section
7.07
|
TCW
Debt
|
A-66
|
Section
7.08
|
Requisite
Stockholder Approval
|
A-66
|
Section
7.09
|
No
CEH Material Adverse Effect
|
A-66
|
Section
7.10
|
Project
Company Indebtedness
|
A-66
|
Section
7.11
|
Additional
Agreements
|
A-66
|
Section
7.12
|
Delivery
of TCW Certificate
|
A-66
|
ARTICLE
VIII
CEH’S
CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
Section
8.01
|
Representations
and Warranties
|
A-67
|
Section
8.02
|
Performance
|
A-67
|
Section
8.03
|
Officer’s
Certificate
|
A-67
|
Section
8.04
|
Orders
and Laws
|
A-67
|
Section
8.05
|
Consents
and Approvals
|
A-67
|
Section
8.06
|
Requisite
Stockholder Approval
|
A-67
|
Section
8.07
|
Additional
Agreements
|
A-67
|
Section
8.08
|
Directors’
and Officers’ Liability Insurance
|
A-68
|
Section
8.09
|
Officers
and Directors
|
A-68
|
Section
8.10
|
Trust
Account
|
A-68
|
Section
8.11
|
No
GSCAC Material Adverse Effect
|
A-68
|
Section
8.12
|
TCW
Debt
|
A-68
|
Section
8.13
|
Delivery
of TCW Certificate
|
A-68
|
ARTICLE
IX
TERMINATION
Section
9.01
|
Termination
|
A-69
|
Section
9.02
|
Effect
of Termination
|
A-70
|
ARTICLE
X
LIMITATIONS
ON LIABILITY, WAIVERS AND ARBITRATION
Section
10.01
|
Representations,
Warranties, Pre-Closing Covenants and Pre-Closing Agreements Not to
Survive
|
A-70
|
Section
10.02
|
Limitations
of Liability
|
A-70
|
Section
10.03
|
Waiver
of Other Representations
|
A-71
|
Section
10.04
|
Waiver
of Remedies
|
A-72
|
Section
10.05
|
Jurisdiction;
Arbitration
|
A-73
|
ARTICLE
XI
MISCELLANEOUS
Section
11.01
|
Notices
|
A-74
|
Section
11.02
|
Entire
Agreement
|
A-76
|
Section
11.03
|
Expenses
|
A-76
|
Section
11.04
|
Disclosure
|
A-76
|
Section
11.05
|
Waiver
|
A-76
|
Section
11.06
|
Amendment
|
A-76
|
Section
11.07
|
No
Third Party Beneficiary
|
A-76
|
Section
11.08
|
Assignment;
Binding Effect
|
A-77
|
Section
11.09
|
Headings
|
A-77
|
Section
11.10
|
Invalid
Provisions
|
A-77
|
Section
11.11
|
Waiver
of Claims Against the Trust Account
|
A-77
|
Section
11.12
|
Counterparts;
Facsimile
|
A-78
|
Section
11.13
|
Governing
Law; Venue; and Jurisdiction
|
A-78
|
Section
11.14
|
Attorneys’
Fees
|
A-78
|
Section
11.15
|
Specific
Performance
|
A-78
|
EXHIBITS
|
Exhibit
A
|
Form
of Fourth Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
CEH
|
|
Exhibit
B
|
Form
of Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of GSCAC
Holdings I LLC
|
|
Exhibit
C
|
Limited
Liability Company Agreement of GSCAC Holdings II LLC
|
|
Exhibit
D
|
Form
of Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
GSCAC
|
|
Exhibit
E
|
Form
of Amended and Restated Bylaws of GSCAC
|
|
Exhibit
F
|
Merger
Consideration Calculation
|
|
Exhibit
G
|
Form
of Registration Rights Agreement
|
|
Exhibit
H
|
Consent,
Exchange and Preemptive Rights Agreement
|
|
Exhibit
I
|
Form
of TCW/MS Contingent Warrant Agreement
|
|
Exhibit
J
|
Employment
Agreements
|
|
Exhibit
K
|
GSCAC
Plan
|
|
Exhibit
L
|
Form
of TCW 2008 Note Purchase Agreement
|
|
Exhibit
M
|
CEH
Unitholder Consent and Release Agreement
|
|
Exhibit
N
|
Form
of LP Minority Exchange Agreement
|
|
Exhibit
O
|
Amendment
to Founders’ Registration Rights Agreement
|
|
Exhibit
P
|
Form
of Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company
Agreement of CEH
|
|
Exhibit
Q
|
Non-Solicitation
and Confidentiality Agreement
|
|
Exhibit
R
|
Form
of Lock Up Agreement
|
SCHEDULES
CEH
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
|
1.1-DA
|
Designated
Accounts
|
|
1.1-K-CEH
|
Knowledge
of CEH
|
|
1.1-PL
|
CEH
Permitted Liens
|
|
4.03(b)
|
Company
Consents
|
|
4.03(c)
|
CEH
Approvals
|
|
4.04(a)
|
Ownership
Structure
|
|
4.04(b)
|
Options,
etc. for Equity Securities
|
|
4.05
|
Sufficiency
of Purchased Assets
|
|
4.06
|
Bank
Accounts
|
|
4.08
|
Legal
Proceedings
|
|
4.10
|
Exceptions
to Financial Statements
|
|
4.11
|
Certain
Changes
|
|
4.12
|
Taxes
|
|
4.12(k)
|
Tax
Jurisdictions
|
|
4.14
|
CEH
Material Contracts
|
|
4.15
|
Real
Property
|
|
4.17(b)
|
Environmental
Matters
|
|
4.18
|
Insurance
Claims
|
|
4.19(a)(i)
|
Owned
Intellectual Property Rights
|
|
4.19(a)(ii)
|
Intellectual
Property Rights/Contracts
|
|
4.21
|
Labor
Matters
|
|
4.22(a)
|
Benefit
Plans
|
|
4.22(c)
|
Exceptions
to Benefit Plans
|
|
6.03
|
Exceptions
to Conduct of Business
|
|
6.06
|
Insurance
|
|
6.10
|
Directors
and Officers
|
|
8.09(a)
|
Resignation
of Officers
|
GSCAC
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
|
1.1-K-GSCAC
|
Knowledge
of GSCAC
|
|
5.03
|
GSCAC
Approvals
|
|
5.06
|
Brokers
|
|
5.08(a)
|
Capitalization
|
|
5.08(b)
|
Purchase
Options, etc
|
|
5.08(f)
|
Registration
Rights
|
|
5.08(g)
|
Equity
Securities
|
|
5.10
|
Exceptions
to Financial Statements
|
|
5.11
|
Employee
Matters
|
|
5.12
|
Intellectual
Property
|
|
5.13
|
GSCAC
Material Contracts
|
|
5.14
|
Insurance
|
|
5.17
|
Transactions
with Affiliates
|
|
5.18(a)
|
Assets
and Properties
|
|
5.18(b)
|
Real
Property
|
|
5.21
|
Taxes
|
|
5.25
|
Certain
Changes
|
|
6.03
|
Exceptions
to Conduct of Business
|
AGREEMENT
AND PLAN OF MERGER
THIS
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this “Agreement”),
is dated as of May 9, 2008, among GSC ACQUISITION COMPANY, a Delaware
corporation (“GSCAC”),
GSCAC Holdings I LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Holdco
Sub”), GSCAC Holdings II LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
(“Holdco
Sub2”), GSCAC Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
(“Merger
Sub” and together with GSCAC, Holdco Sub and Holdco Sub2, the “GSCAC
Parties”), and COMPLETE ENERGY HOLDINGS, LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company (“CEH”).
RECITALS
A. The
Board of Directors or Board of Managers of each GSCAC Party and CEH deem it in
the best interests of their respective shareholders and members to consummate
the merger, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Agreement, of Merger Sub with and into CEH with CEH being the surviving entity
(the “Merger”)
and to consummate the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and
each such Board of Directors or Board of Managers has approved this Agreement
and declared its advisability, and the Board of Directors of GSCAC (the “GSCAC
Board”) intends to submit and recommend this Agreement, the Merger and
all other Voting Matters for approval to its shareholders.
STATEMENT
OF AGREEMENT
Now,
therefore, in consideration of the premises and the mutual representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements in this Agreement, and for other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
AND CONSTRUCTION
Section
1.01 Definitions. As
used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms have the meanings set
forth below:
“Acquisition
Proposal” means, other than the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, (a) any offer, proposal or inquiry relating to, or any third party
indication of interest in, any acquisition or purchase, direct or indirect, by
GSCAC or any of its subsidiaries with respect to the equity or assets of such
third party or any Initial Business Combination, (b) any tender offer (including
a self-tender offer) or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in a
third party beneficially owning 25% or more of any class of equity or voting
securities of GSCAC, or (c) a merger, consolidation, share exchange, business
combination, sale of substantially all the assets, reorganization,
recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction
involving GSCAC.
“Additional
Agreements” means (a) the Fourth Amended and Restated Limited Liability
Company Agreement of CEH, in substantially the form of Exhibit A, (b) the
Holdco Sub LLC Agreement, (c) the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Holdco
Sub2 attached as Exhibit C, (d) the
Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of GSCAC, in
substantially the form of Exhibit D, (e) the
Amended and Restated Bylaws of GSCAC, in substantially the form of Exhibit E, (f)
the Registration Rights Agreement, in substantially the form of Exhibit G, (g) the
TCW Consent, (h) the employment agreements attached as Exhibit J, (i) the
GSCAC Plan, in substantially in the form of Exhibit K, (j) the
TCW 2008 Note Purchase Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit L, (k) the
CEH Unitholder Consent and Release Agreement attached as Exhibit M,
(l) the LP Minority Exchange Agreement, (m) the Amendment to Founders’
Registration Rights Agreement attached as Exhibit O, (n) the
Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement
of CEH, in substantially the form of Exhibit P, (o) the
Non-Solicitation and Confidentiality Agreement attached as Exhibit Q, and (p)
the Lock-Up Agreements, in substantially the form of Exhibit
R.
“Affiliate”
means any Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the
Person specified. For purposes of this definition, control of a Person means the
power, direct or indirect, to direct or cause the direction of the management
and policies of such Person whether through ownership of voting securities or
ownership interests, by contract or otherwise, and specifically with respect to
a corporation, partnership or limited liability company, means direct or
indirect ownership of more than 50% of the voting securities in such corporation
or of the voting interest in a partnership or limited liability
company.
“Agreement”
has the meaning given to it in the introduction to this Agreement.
“AMEX”
means the American Stock Exchange.
“Assets” of
any Person means all assets and properties of every kind, nature, character and
description (whether real, personal or mixed, whether tangible or intangible and
wherever situated), including the goodwill related thereto, operated, owned or
leased by such Person.
“Batesville
Investor I” means Batesville Investor I Corp., a Delaware
corporation.
“Batesville
Investor II” means Batesville Investor II Corp., a Delaware
corporation.
“Batesville
Project” means the approximately 837 megawatt (nominal) natural gas-fired
combined cycle electric generating plant located on a site in the vicinity of
Batesville, Mississippi, together with all auxiliary equipment, ancillary and
associated facilities and equipment, electrical transformers, pipeline and
electrical interconnection and metering facilities (whether owned or leased by
LSP Energy LP) used for the receipt of fuel and water and the delivery of the
electrical and potential steam output of said generating plant, and all other
improvements related to the ownership, operation and maintenance of said
generating plant and associated equipment.
“Benefit
Plan” means, (a) each “employee benefit plan,” as such term is
defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, (b) each plan that would be an
“employee benefit plan”, as such term is
defined in
Section 3(3) of ERISA, if it was subject to ERISA, such as foreign plans
and plans for directors, (c) each stock bonus, stock ownership, stock
option, stock purchase, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, or other stock
plan (whether qualified or nonqualified), (d) each bonus or incentive
compensation plan and (e) each employment, change in control benefit, retention
benefit, severance or separation benefit, perquisite or fringe benefit plan
agreement or arrangement.
“Business”
as to any Project Company, means (a) the direct and/or indirect ownership and
operation of the respective Project, including the generation and sale of
electricity and capacity by such Project Company at or from the Project, the
receipt by such Project Company of natural gas and the conduct of other
activities by such Project Company related or incidental to the foregoing and
(b) with respect to CEH, the assessment, development and investment in potential
energy asset transactions and investment opportunities and the conduct of other
activities by CEH related or incidental to the foregoing.
“Business
Day” means a day other than Saturday, Sunday or any day on which banks
located in the State of New York or the State of Texas are authorized or
obligated to close.
“Cash Settled
Option” means each Cash Settled Option dated August 16, 2005 issued
pursuant to the TCW 2005 Note Purchase Agreement.
“Casualty
Estimate” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.07(a).
“CEH” has
the meaning given to it in the introduction to this Agreement.
“CEH
Approvals” has the meaning given to it in Section 4.03(c).
“CEH Class A
Units” means the units of CEH designated as Class A Common Units, as set
forth in the CEH LLC Agreement.
“CEH Class B
Units” means the units of CEH designated as Class B Non-Voting Units, as
set forth in the CEH LLC Agreement.
“CEH Class E
Units” means the units of CEH designated as Class E Non-Voting Units, as
set forth in the CEH LLC Agreement.
“CEH
Disclosure Schedule”
means the disclosure schedules prepared by CEH and attached to this
Agreement.
“CEH
Founders” means Lori A. Cuervo, Peter Dailey and Hugh
Tarpley.
“CEH Group
Member” means each Person who, immediately prior to giving effect to the
Merger, is a record owner of any CEH Units (other than the Specified CEH
E-Units).
“CEH Group Member
Pro Rata Share” means, for each record owner of any CEH Units (other than
Specified CEH E-Units and excluding CEH Restricted Units), the percentage
equivalent
of a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of outstanding CEH Units
held by such record owner immediately prior to the Effective Time and the
denominator of which is the sum of (a) the total number of CEH Units outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time plus (b) the total number of CEH
Restricted Units.
“CEH Group Merger
Consideration” has the meaning given to it in Exhibit F.
“CEH LLC
Agreement” means the Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company
Agreement of CEH dated as of May 24, 2006, as amended by the Amendment to the
Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of CEH, in
substantially the form of Exhibit P, and by any other amendment after the date
hereof that does not (a) increase the aggregate consideration payable by any
GSCAC Party in connection with the Transactions or (b) otherwise adversely
affect in any material respect any GSCAC Party or CEH; provided that clause (b)
shall not apply to any amendment entered into solely to effect the issuance of
Permitted Refinancing Equity Securities.
“CEH Material
Adverse Effect” means any fact, circumstance, change or effect that,
individually or in the aggregate, has had or is reasonably likely to have a
material adverse effect on (x) the ability of the Project Companies to
consummate the Transaction or (y) the business, results of operations, assets,
or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Project Companies, taken as a
whole; provided,
however, that any effect to the extent such effect results from the
following shall not be considered when determining whether a CEH Material
Adverse Effect has occurred: (a) any change in economic conditions generally or
in the industry in which a Project Company operates, including any change in
markets for commodities or supplies, including electric power, natural gas or
water, as applicable, used in connection with any Project Company or in regional
wholesale or retail markets for electric power to the extent such change does
not disproportionately affect the Project Companies taken as a whole relative to
the other participants in the industries in which the Project Companies operate;
(b) any change in general regulatory, social or political conditions, including
any acts of war or terrorist activities to the extent that such change does not
disproportionately affect the Project Companies as a whole relative to the other
participants in the industries in which the Project Companies operate; (c) the implementation
of, or the failure to implement, a market for electric generation capacity by
any Governmental Authority (including the California Public Utility Commission),
irrespective of the form that such electric generation capacity market may take;
(d) any change in the financial, banking or securities markets (including any
suspension of trading in, or limitation on prices for, securities on any stock
exchange or any changes in interest rates) or any change in the general national
or regional economic or financial conditions to the extent that such change does
not disproportionately affect the Project Companies as a whole relative to the
other participants in the industries in which the Project Companies operate; (e)
any change in any Laws (including Environmental Laws) to the extent such change
does not disproportionately affect the Project Companies taken as a whole
relative to the other participants in the industries in which the Project
Companies operate, (f) any effects of weather, geological or meteorological
events, (g) strikes, work stoppages or other labor disturbances, (h) any matters
relating to any decision by the LP Minority Holders to sell, redeem or exchange
or to not sell, redeem or exchange their interests in La Paloma Acquisition in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise;
(i); any increases in the costs of commodities or supplies, including
fuel, or
decreases in the price of electricity, (i) any actions required to be taken by
CEH pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, and (k) the
announcement or pendency of the transactions contemplated hereby.
“CEH Material
Contracts” has the meaning given to it in Section 4.14(a).
“CEH Permitted
Liens” means (a) any Liens for Taxes not yet due or delinquent or being
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which accurate
accruals or reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (b) any
Liens arising in the ordinary course of business by operation of Law with
respect to a liability that is not yet due or delinquent or which is being
contested in good faith by CEH or a Project Company and for which accurate
accruals or reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (c) purchase
money Liens on assets acquired in the ordinary course of business, (d) any other
imperfection or irregularity of title and other Lien that would not reasonably
be expected to materially detract from the value, materially interfere with the
present use or materially adversely affect the marketability of a material
asset, (e) zoning, planning, and other similar limitations and restrictions that
are not in violation, (f) all rights of any Governmental Authority to regulate a
Property, (g) the
terms and conditions of the Permits of the Project Companies or the Contracts
listed on Schedule
4.14, (h) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in
compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social
security Laws, (i) any Liens which shall be released prior to the Closing and
(j) the matters identified on Schedule 1.1-PL
of the CEH Disclosure Schedule.
“CEH Restricted
Unit Holder” each Person that has been allocated (for purposes of this
Agreement) a number of CEH Restricted Units as set forth in the CEH Restricted
Unit Notice.
“CEH Restricted
Unit Holder Pro Rata Share” means, for each CEH Restricted Unit Holder,
the percentage equivalent of a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of
CEH Restricted Units allocated to such CEH Restricted Holder in the CEH
Restricted Unit Notice and the denominator of which is the sum of (a) the total
number of CEH Units outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time plus (b)
the total number of CEH Restricted Units.
“CEH Restricted
Unit Notice” means a written notice delivered by CEH to GSCAC and TCW at
least three Business Days prior to the Closing Date setting forth the identity
of each CEH Restricted Unit Holder and the number of CEH Restricted Units
allocated to it for purposes of this Agreement.
“CEH Restricted
Units” means the number of “restricted units” allocated (for purposes of
this Agreement) to the Restricted Unit Holders in the CEH Restricted Unit
Notice.
“CEH Units”
means the CEH Class A Units, the CEH Class B Units, the CEH Class E Units and
any other Equity Securities of CEH outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time, including any Permitted Refinancing Equity
Securities.
“CEP Batesville
Acquisition” means CEP Batesville Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company.
“CEP Batesville
Holding” means CEP Batesville Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company.
“CEP OpCo”
means CEP Operating Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company.
“CEP OpCo Benefit
Plans” has the meaning given to it in Section 4.22(a).
“CEP OpCo
Employee” means an employee employed by CEP OpCo.
“Certificates”
has the meaning given to it in Section 3.02(a).
“Change in
Recommendation” means (a) the failure of the GSCAC Board to make or
reaffirm at CEH’s request, or the withdrawal of, or modification in a manner
adverse to CEH of, the recommendation of the GSCAC Board to the GSCAC
Stockholders referred to in Section 6.09(d) or (b) the GSCAC Board’s approval,
endorsement, recommendation of, or GSCAC management’s recommendation that the
GSCAC Board approve, endorse or recommend, (i) any Acquisition Proposal other
than the Transactions, or (ii) any letter of intent, agreement in principle,
merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement or other similar
agreement relating to any such Acquisition Proposal.
“Charter
Documents” means with respect to any Person, the articles or certificate
of incorporation, formation or organization and by-laws, the limited partnership
agreement, the partnership agreement or the limited liability company agreement,
or such other organizational documents of such Person, including those that are
required to be registered or kept in the place of incorporation, organization or
formation of such Person and which establish the legal personality of such
Person.
“Claim”
means any demand, claim or investigation.
“Closing”
means the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as
provided for in Section 2.02.
“Closing
Date” means the date on which the Closing occurs.
“Code”
means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Company
Consents” has the meaning given to it in Section 4.03(b).
“Confidentiality
Agreement” means that certain Confidentiality Agreement between CEH and
GSCAC dated September 26, 2007.
“Contract”
means any written contract, lease, license, evidence of indebtedness, mortgage,
indenture, purchase order, binding bid, letter of credit, security agreement or
other written and legally binding arrangement.
“Conversion
Amount” means the amount required to be paid to the GSCAC Stockholders
that properly exercise their conversion rights pursuant to paragraph C of
Article Sixth of GSCAC’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation in
connection with the approval of the Merger and the other Voting Matters by the
GSCAC Stockholders.
“Deferred
Underwriting Fees” means the amount of underwriting discounts and
commissions earned by the underwriters in GSCAC’s initial public offering but
whose payment has been deferred.
“Delaware
Certificate of Merger” has the meaning given to it in Section
2.03.
“Designated
Accounts” means the accounts set forth on Schedule 1.1-DA of the CEH
Disclosure Schedule.
“Designated
Account Cash Balance” has the meaning set forth in Exhibit
F.
“DGCL” means the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
“DLLCA” has
the meaning given to it in Section 2.01.
“Dispute”
has the meaning given to it in Section 10.05(b).
“Effective
Time” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.03.
“Environmental
Claim” means any claim, loss, cost, expense, liability, fine, penalty or
damage arising out of or related to any Environmental Law or Hazardous
Material.
“Environmental
Law” means all applicable Laws relating to pollution, contamination,
wastes, chemicals, or toxic or hazardous substances or materials, or to
protection of the environment, including the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq.; the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq.; the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.; the Clean Air
Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq.; the Toxic
Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 2601 through 2629; the Oil Pollution
Act, 33 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq.; the Emergency
Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11001 et seq.; and the Safe
Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300f through 300j, each as amended on or
prior to the Closing Date.
“Environmental
Permits” means
all permits, licenses, registrations, consents, authorizations, and other
approvals required under any Environmental Law.
“Equity
Securities” means any capital stock, partnership or limited liability
company interest or other equity security or voting interest or any security or
evidence of indebtedness convertible into or exchangeable for any capital stock,
partnership or limited liability company interest or other equity interest, or
any right, warrant or option to acquire any of the foregoing.
“ERISA”
means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.
“ERISA
Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any entity, trade or
business that is a member of a group described in Section 414(b), (c), (m)
or (o) of the Code or Section 4001(b)(1) of ERISA that includes such
Person, or that is a member of the same “controlled group” as such Person
pursuant to Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA.
“Exchange
Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Exchange
Rights” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.01(a).
“Fairness
Opinion” has the meaning given to it in Section 5.26.
“FERC”
means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
“Fulcrum”
means Fulcrum Power Services L.P.
“Fulcrum
Consent” means, if executed and
delivered by Fulcrum, CEH and GSCAC, the Fulcrum Consent and Exchange Agreement
entered into in accordance with Section 6.19 and pursuant to which Fulcrum shall
agree to exchange all of its membership interests in CEP Batesville Holding for
the Fulcrum Exchange Consideration.
“Fulcrum Exchange
Consideration” has the meaning given to it in Exhibit
F.
“GAAP”
means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America,
applied on a consistent basis.
“Governmental
Authority” means any court, tribunal, arbitrator, authority, agency,
commission, official or other instrumentality of the United States or any state,
county, city or other political subdivision or similar governing entity or any
foreign governmental or regulatory authority, agency, body, instrumentality or
official, and including any governmental, quasi–governmental or non-governmental
body administering, regulating or having general oversight over gas,
electricity, power or other markets.
“GSCAC” has
the meaning given to it in the introduction to this Agreement.
“GSCAC
Approvals” has the meaning given to it in Section 5.03(c).
“GSCAC
Board” has the meaning given to in the recitals to this
Agreement.
“GSCAC Class A
Common Stock” has the meaning given to it in Section
3.01(a).
“GSCAC Class B
Common Stock” has the meaning given to it in Section
3.01(a).
“GSCAC
Disclosure Schedule”
means the disclosure schedules prepared by the GSCAC Parties and attached to
this Agreement.
“GSCAC Material
Adverse Effect” means any fact, circumstance, change or effect that,
individually or in the aggregate, has had or is reasonably likely to have a
material adverse effect on the ability of the GSCAC Parties to consummate the
Transactions.
“GSCAC Material
Contracts” has the meaning given to it in Section 5.13(a).
“GSCAC
Parties” has the meaning given to it in the introduction to this
Agreement.
“GSCAC Permitted
Liens” means (a) Liens created by Contracts disclosed on Schedule 5.13 of
the GSCAC Disclosure Schedule; (b) Liens created by GSCAC’s Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation; (b) Liens for Taxes not yet due or delinquent or
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which accurate
accruals or reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, and (c)
Liens that shall be released prior to the Closing.
“GSCAC
Plan” means the long term incentive program for GSCAC officers,
directors, employees and consultants, substantially in the form of Exhibit
K.
“GSCAC SEC
Reports” has the meaning given to it in Section 5.09(a).
“GSCAC
Stockholders” means the holders of outstanding common
stock, $0.001 par value per share, of GSCAC.
“GSCAC
Stockholders’ Meeting”
has the meaning given to it in Section 6.09(b).
“Hazardous
Material” means and includes each substance, waste, material and
chemical: (i) designated or regulated as a hazardous waste, hazardous
substance, toxic substance, pollutant, contaminant, or hazardous material, or
words of similar import under any applicable Environmental Laws; or (ii)
otherwise regulated under any applicable Environmental Law, including petroleum
or petroleum products, “regulated asbestos containing materials” (as that term
is defined in 40 CFR 61.141), polychlorinated biphenyls, urea formaldehyde
insulation and radioactive materials.
“Holdco Class B
Common Units” has the meaning given to it in Section
3.01(a).
“Holdco Class C
Common Units” has the meaning given to it in Section
3.01(a).
“Holdco Class D
Common Units” has the meaning given to it in Section
3.01(a).
“Holdco
Sub” has
the meaning given to it in the introduction to this Agreement.
“Holdco Sub LLC
Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company
Agreement of Holdco Sub to be entered into at the Closing in substantially in
the form of Exhibit
B.
“Holdco
Sub2” has the meaning given to it in the introduction to this
Agreement.
“HSR Act”
means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.
“Indebtedness”
means, for any Person, the sum of the following (without duplication): (a) all
obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such
Person evidenced by bonds, bankers’ acceptances, debentures, notes or other
similar instruments, (c) all capital lease obligations of such Person, (d) all
reimbursement obligations of such Person in
respect of
drawn letters of credit or letters of guaranty, (e) all obligations of such
Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of, or under any conditional
sale or title retention agreement with respect to, any property acquired by such
Person to the extent such obligations are secured by a purchase money Lien, and
(f) all Indebtedness of others guaranteed by, or secured by any Lien on any
property of, such Person.
“Initial Business
Combination” has the meaning given to it in the Charter Documents of
GSCAC in effect on the date of this Agreement.
“Initial GSCAC
Common Stock” means the 25,200,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par
value per share, of GSCAC issued prior to the date of this
Agreement.
“Initial GSCAC
Warrants” means the warrants to purchase up to 4,000,000 shares of common
stock, $0.001 par value per share, of GSCAC issued to GSC Secondary Interest
Fund, LLC and (b) the warrants to purchase up to 20,700,000 shares of common
stock, $0.001 par value per share, of GSCAC issued in connection with GSCAC’s
initial public offering.
“Intellectual
Property Rights” means the following intellectual property rights, both
statutory and common law rights, if applicable: (a) copyrights, registrations
and applications for registration thereof, (b) trademarks, service marks, trade
names, slogans, domain names, logos, trade dress, and registrations and
applications for registrations thereof, (c) patents, as well as any reissued and
reexamined patents and extensions corresponding to the patents, and any patent
applications, as well as any related continuation, continuation in part and
divisional applications and patents issuing therefrom, and (d) trade secrets and
confidential information, including confidential information regarding ideas,
designs, concepts, compilations of information, databases, methods, inventions
techniques, procedures, processes and other know-how, whether or not
patentable.
“Interim
Period” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.01.
“JPM Debt”
means all obligations of CEH or any Subsidiaries under the Credit
Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2007, among CEH, CEH/La Paloma I, LLC,
Complete Energy Batesville III, LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Wilmington
Trust Company, as amended by the First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of
January 14, 2008, or any related agreements or instruments.
“JPM Debt
Repayment Amount” has the meaning given to it in Section
2.07(c).
“JPM Engagement
Letter” means the letter agreement dated as of October 25, 2007 between
CEH and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
“Knowledge”
when used in a particular representation or warranty in this Agreement (i) with
respect to CEH, means the actual knowledge after reasonable inquiry of any
individual listed on Schedule 1.1-K-CEH
of the CEH Disclosure Schedule and (ii) with respect to the GSCAC Parties, means
the actual knowledge after reasonable inquiry of any individual listed on Schedule 1.1-K-GSCAC
of the GSCAC Disclosure Schedule.
“La Paloma
Acquisition” means La Paloma Acquisition Co, LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company.
“La Paloma
Genco” means La Paloma Generating Company, LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company.
“La Paloma LLC
Agreement” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.04.
“La Paloma
Project”
means the approximately 1,022 megawatt (nominal) natural gas-fired combined
cycle electric generating plant located near McKittrick, California, together
with all auxiliary equipment, ancillary and associated facilities and equipment,
electrical transformers, pipeline and electrical interconnection and metering
facilities (whether owned or leased by La Paloma Genco) used for the receipt of
fuel and water and the delivery of the electrical and potential steam output of
said generating plant, and all other improvements related to the ownership,
operation and maintenance of said generating plant and associated
equipment.
“Laws”
means all federal, state or local laws, statutes, rules, regulations, orders,
ordinances, judgments, decrees, rulings, and other pronouncements having the
effect of law of any applicable Governmental Authority, as amended unless
expressly specified otherwise.
“Leased Real
Property” means all real property leased pursuant to, and all of the
Project Companies’ right, title and interest therein under, the Real Property
Leases.
“Licensed
Intellectual Property Rights” means all Intellectual Property Rights
owned by a third party and licensed or sublicensed to any Project
Company.
“Lien”
means any mortgage, pledge, assessment, security interest, lien, encumbrance,
right of first refusal or other similar property interest.
“Loss”
means any and all judgments, losses, liabilities, amounts paid in settlement,
damages, fines, penalties, deficiencies, losses and expenses (including
interest, court costs, reasonable fees of attorneys, accountants and other
experts or other reasonable expenses of litigation or other proceedings or of
any claim, default or assessment), but only to the extent such losses are not
reasonably expected to be covered by a payment from some third party or by
insurance or otherwise recoverable from third parties.
“LP Minority 2005
Exchange Agreement” means the Exchange Agreement dated as of August 16,
2005 among CEH and the other parties thereto.
“LP Minority
Exchange Agreement” means, upon execution and delivery thereof by the
parties thereto, the LP Minority Exchange Agreement substantially in the form of
Exhibit
N.
“LP Minority
Exchange Consideration” has the meaning given to it in Exhibit
F.
“LP Minority
Holders” means the Members (as defined in the limited liability company
agreement of La Paloma Acquisition) of La Paloma Acquisition other than (a)
CEH/La Paloma
Holding
Company, LLC and (b) any successor or assign of CEH/La Paloma Holding Company
LLC’s membership interests in La Paloma Acquisition.
“LP Minority
Units” means the membership interests in La Paloma Acquisition held by
the LP Minority Holders.
“LSP Energy
LP” means LSP Energy Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited
partnership.
“Merger”
has the meaning given to it in the recitals to this Agreement.
“Merger
Sub” has the meaning given to it in the introduction of this
Agreement.
“Owned
Intellectual Property Rights” means all Intellectual Property Rights
owned by any Project Company.
“Other
Filings” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.09(a).
“Owned Real
Property” means all parcels of land upon which the Projects are located,
together with all buildings, structures, improvements and fixtures located
thereon, and all easements and other rights and interests appurtenant thereto
and associated therewith, that are owned by the Project Companies.
“Parties”
means each of CEH and the GSCAC Parties.
“PBGC” has
the meaning given to it in Section 4.22(c)(x).
“Permits”
means all licenses, permits, certificates of authority, authorizations,
approvals, registrations, franchises and similar consents granted by a
Governmental Authority.
“Permitted CEH
Strategic Discussion” means discussions by CEH or any of its Affiliates
or Representatives with third party industry participants relating to any
potential acquisitions by, or other business combination transactions involving,
CEH or any other Project Company (whether structured as a merger, consolidation,
acquisition of stock or assets or otherwise) to take place after the
Closing.
“Permitted
Refinancing Transaction” means any transaction involving any incurrence
of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness or any issuance of Permitted Refinancing
Equity Securities.
“Permitted
Refinancing Equity Securities” means Equity Securities of CEH issued
in exchange for, or the proceeds
of which are used to refinance, all principal, interest and other amounts
payable in respect of the JPM Debt in accordance with Section
6.05.
“Permitted
Refinancing Indebtedness” means debt for borrowed money incurred in
exchange for, or the proceeds of which are used to refinance, all principal,
interest and other amounts payable in respect of the JPM Debt in accordance with
Section
6.05.
“Person”
means any natural person, corporation, general partnership, limited partnership,
limited liability company, proprietorship, other business organization, trust,
union, association or Governmental Authority.
“Proceeding”
means any complaint, lawsuit, action, suit, claim, petition, hearing or notice
of noncompliance or violation or other proceeding at law or in equity or order
or ruling, in each case by or before any Governmental Authority or arbitral
tribunal.
“Project”
or “Projects”
means one or both of the Batesville Project and the La Paloma
Project.
“Project
Company” means CEH or any Subsidiary.
“Property”
means all Owned Real Property and Leased Real Property.
“Proxy
Statement” means the proxy statement GSCAC sends to the GSCAC
Stockholders for purposes of soliciting proxies for the GSCAC Stockholder
Meeting, as provided in Section 6.09.
“Purchased
Assets” means all of the Assets of the Project Companies.
“Real Property
Leases” leases, subleases, licenses, concessions and other Contracts,
including all amendments, extensions, renewals, guaranties and other agreements
with respect thereto, pursuant to which a Project Company holds a leasehold or
subleasehold estate in, or is granted the right to use or occupy, any land,
buildings, structures, improvements, fixtures or other interest in real
property.
“Release”
means any spill, emission, migration, leaking, pumping, injection, deposit,
disposal or discharge in, on, onto, into or through the
environment.
“Representatives”
means, as to any Person, its officers, directors, employees, managers, members,
partners, shareholders, owners, counsel, accountants, financial advisers and
consultants.
“Requisite
Stockholder Approval” means the approval of the Merger and all other
Voting Matters by the GSCAC Stockholders holding the number of shares of common
stock, $0.001 par value per share, of GSCAC required under the applicable rules
of AMEX, the DGCL and GSCAC’s Charter Documents to authorize and approve such
Voting Matters; provided that the Requisite
Stockholder Approval shall be deemed not to have occurred if holders of 20% or
more of the shares of Initial GSCAC Common Stock that were issued in GSCAC’s
initial public offering vote against the Merger or any other Voting Matter and
properly exercise their conversion rights pursuant to paragraph C of Article
Sixth of GSCAC’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
“Sarbanes-Oxley
Act” means the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations
of the SEC thereunder.
“SEC” means
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Securities
Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Share
Price” has the meaning given to it in Exhibit F.
“Specified CEH
E-Unit Consideration” has the meaning given to it in Exhibit
F.
“Specified CEH
E-Unit Pro Rata Share” means, for each record owner of any CEH Specified
CEH E-Unit, the percentage equivalent of a fraction, the numerator of which is
the number of Specified CEH E-Units held by such record owner immediately prior
to the Effective Time and the denominator of which is the sum of (a) the total
number of CEH Units outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time plus (b)
the total number of CEH Restricted Units.
“Specified CEH
E-Units” means the CEH Class E Units held by the persons (other than the
CEH Founders) who are non-accredited investors as of the Closing, as identified
in a written notice from CEH to GSCAC and TCW at least three Business Days prior
to the Closing Date.
“Subsidiaries”
means, collectively, Complete Energy Batesville III, LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company, Complete Energy Batesville II, LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company, Complete Energy Batesville, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company, CEP Batesville Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company,
Batesville Investor I, Batesville Investor II, CEP Batesville Acquisition, LSP
Batesville Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, LSP Energy, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation, LSP Batesville Funding Corporation, a Delaware
corporation, LSP Energy LP, CEH/La Paloma I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company, CEH/La Paloma II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, CEH/La
Paloma Holding Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, La Paloma
Acquisition, La Paloma Genco, CEP OpCo and CEP La Paloma Operating Company, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company.
“Surviving
Company” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.01.
“Tax” or
“Taxes”
means (i) all federal, state, local or foreign income, franchise, gross
receipts, ad valorem, sales and use, employment, social security, disability,
occupation, property, severance, value added, transfer, capital stock, excise or
other like assessment or charge of any kind whatsoever (including withholding on
amounts paid to or by any Person), together with any interest, penalty, addition
to tax or additional amount imposed by or on behalf of any Taxing Authority, and
any liability for any of the foregoing as transferee and (ii) in the case of
each Project Company, any liability for the payment of any amount of the type
described in clause (i) as a result of being or having been before the Closing
Date a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group or party
to any agreement or arrangement (including an indemnification agreement or
arrangement).
“Tax
Returns” has the
meaning given to it in Section 4.12(a).
“Taxing
Authority” means, with respect to any Tax, the Governmental Authority or
political subdivision thereof responsible for the imposition of such Tax, and
the agency (if any) charged with collection of such Tax.
“TCW 2005 Note
Purchase Agreement” means that certain Note Purchase Agreement, dated as
of August 16, 2005, among CEH/La Paloma Holding Company, LLC, TCW Asset
Management Company, and the Note Purchasers named therein, as amended by the
Consent, Waiver and Amendment No. 1 to Note Purchase Agreement dated as of
November 30, 2007.
“TCW 2008 Note
Purchase Agreement” means the Note Purchase Agreement substantially in
the form of Exhibit
L which has been executed and delivered by the parties thereto as of
Closing.
“TCW
Consent” means
the Consent, Exchange and Preemptive Rights Agreement attached as Exhibit H, which has
been executed and delivered by the parties thereto.
“TCW Debt”
means all obligations of CEH or any Subsidiaries under the TCW 2005 Note
Purchase Agreement, the Cash Settled Options or any related agreements or
instruments, including in respect of the notes and cash settled options issued
thereunder.
“TCW Mezzanine
Debt” means the notes in the aggregate principal amount of $50,000,000
(subject to adjustment pursuant to the TCW Consent) to be issued by CEH at the
Closing pursuant to the TCW Consent and the TCW 2008 Note Purchase
Agreement.
“TCW/MS Contingent
Warrants” means the warrants to purchase shares of GSCAC Class A Common
Stock issued as part of the TCW Payoff Consideration pursuant to the TCW
Consent.
“TCW Payoff
Consideration” means the Payoff Consideration as defined in the TCW
Consent.
“Transactions”
means the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.
“Transaction
Documents” means this Agreement, including all Schedules and Exhibits
hereto, and, upon execution and delivery thereof, the Additional
Agreements.
“Trust
Account” means the trust account established by GSCAC at JPMorgan Chase
Bank, N.A. and maintained by American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting
as trustee, with the cash proceeds of GSCAC’s public offering and private
placements of GSCAC’s securities deposited into such account.
“Trust
Agreement” means the Investment Management Trust Agreement dated as of
June 25, 2007 between GSCAC and American Stock Transfer & Trust
Company.
“Unitholder
Consent” means
the CEH Unitholder Consent and Release Agreement attached as Exhibit M, which has
been executed and delivered by the parties thereto.
“Voting
Matters” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.09(a).
Section
1.02 Rules of
Construction.
(a) All
article, section, subsection, schedule and exhibit references used in this
Agreement are to articles, sections, subsections, schedules and exhibits to this
Agreement unless otherwise specified. The exhibits and schedules
attached to this Agreement constitute a part of this Agreement and are
incorporated herein for all purposes.
(b) If
a term is defined as one part of speech (such as a noun), it shall have a
corresponding meaning when used as another part of speech (such as a
verb). Unless the context of this Agreement clearly requires
otherwise, words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and
neutral genders and vice versa. The words “includes” or “including” shall mean
“including without limitation,” the words “hereof,” “hereby,” “herein,”
“hereunder” and similar terms in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as
a whole and not any particular section or article in which such words appear and
any reference to a Law shall include any amendment thereof or any successor
thereto and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, except that any
reference to any Law in this Agreement shall only be a reference to such Law as
of the date of this Agreement. Currency amounts referenced herein are
in U.S. Dollars.
(c) Time
is of the essence in this Agreement. Whenever this Agreement refers
to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days unless Business
Days are specified. Whenever any action must be taken hereunder on or by a day
that is not a Business Day, then such action may be validly taken on or by the
next day that is a Business Day.
(d) All
accounting terms used herein and not expressly defined herein shall have the
meanings given to them under GAAP.
(e) Each
Party acknowledges that it and its attorneys have been given an equal
opportunity to negotiate the terms and conditions of this Agreement and that any
rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against
the drafting Party or any similar rule operating against the drafter of an
agreement shall not be applicable to the construction or interpretation of this
Agreement.
ARTICLE
II
THE
MERGER; CLOSING
Section
2.01 The
Merger. Upon
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and in
accordance with the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, as amended (the
“DLLCA”),
at the Effective Time, Merger Sub shall be merged with and into CEH and
the separate limited liability company existence of Merger Sub shall cease and
CEH shall continue as the surviving entity of the Merger (the “Surviving
Company”).
Section
2.02 Closing. Unless
this Agreement shall have been terminated in accordance with Article IX, the
Closing shall take place at the offices of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., 1001
Fannin, Houston, Texas 77002 at 10:00 A.M. local time, no later than the third
Business Day
after the
conditions to Closing set forth in Articles VII and VIII (other than actions to
be taken or items to be delivered at Closing) have been satisfied or waived, or
on such other date and at such other time and place as GSCAC and CEH mutually
agree in writing.
Section
2.03 Effective
Time. Upon
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, on the
Closing Date, GSCAC and CEH shall (i) cause a certificate of merger (the “Delaware
Certificate of Merger”) to be filed in such form
as is required by, and executed and acknowledged in accordance with, the
relevant provisions of the DLLCA, and otherwise approved by GSCAC and CEH, and
(ii) make all other filings or recordings required under the DLLCA to effect the
Merger. The Merger shall become effective at such date and time as the Delaware
Certificate of Merger is duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware or at such subsequent date and time as GSCAC and CEH shall agree and
specify in such Delaware Certificate of Merger. The time at which the
Merger becomes effective is referred to in this Agreement as the “Effective
Time.”
Section
2.04 Effect of the
Merger. At
the Effective Time, the effect of the Merger shall be as provided in the
DLLCA.
Section
2.05 Amendments to
Charter Documents. At
the Effective Time:
(a) the
limited liability company agreement of CEH, as in effect immediately prior to
the Effective Time, shall be amended and restated to read in its entirety in
substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, until
thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by the DLLCA;
(b) the
limited liability company agreement of Holdco Sub, as in effect immediately
prior to the Effective Time, shall be amended and restated to read in its
entirety in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B until
thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by the DLLCA;
(c) the
Certificate of Incorporation of GSCAC, as in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time, shall be amended and restated to read in its entirety in
substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit D until
thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by the DGCL;
and
(d) the
Bylaws of GSCAC, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be
amended and restated to read in its entirety in substantially the form attached
hereto as Exhibit
E until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by the
DGCL.
Section
2.06 Directors and
Officers. The
directors and officers of the Surviving Company, GSCAC, Holdco Sub and Holdco
Sub2, as of the Effective Time, shall be appointed as provided in Schedule 6.10 of the
CEH Disclosure Schedule, each to hold office in accordance with their applicable
Charter Documents, in each case until their respective successors are duly
elected or appointed and qualified or until the earlier of their death,
resignation or removal in accordance with their respective Charter
Documents.
Section
2.07 Certain Closing
Actions. Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Parties shall or shall cause
their respective subsidiaries provided below to take the following actions at
the Closing:
(a) GSCAC
shall cause the funds in the Trust Account to be disbursed (i) in the amount of
the Conversion Amount, if any, to GSCAC Stockholders who vote against the Merger
or the other Voting Matters and properly exercise their conversion rights
pursuant to paragraph C of Article Sixth of GSCAC’s Certificate of Incorporation
and any procedures regarding the exercise of such conversion rights that may be
set forth in the Proxy Statement; (ii) to the underwriters of its initial public
offering in the amount of the Deferred Underwriting Fees, and (iii) to pay its
reasonable out-of-pocket documented third party fees and expenses that are
incurred prior to the Closing in connection with the Transactions (including the
documented fees owed by GSCAC to the persons set forth on Schedule 5.06 of the
GSCAC Disclosure Schedule and other third party accounting, legal and other
professional fees), to the extent not paid prior to the Closing;
(b) GSCAC
shall contribute to Holdco Sub (i) all remaining funds in the Trust Account
(after giving effect to the payments set forth in Section 2.07(a) above), and (ii) all of the GSCAC
Class B Common Stock, GSCAC Class A Common Stock and TCW Warrants to be included
in the CEH Group Merger Consideration or to be delivered pursuant to the TCW
Consent, the LP Minority Exchange Agreement and/or the Fulcrum Consent, as
applicable;
(c) Holdco
Sub shall contribute (through Holdco Sub2) to CEH cash in an amount equal to the
lesser of (i) $123,000,000 and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of the JPM
Debt and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness outstanding at such time plus
all accrued but unpaid interest or other obligations in respect of the JPM Debt
and Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness (the “JPM Debt
Repayment Amount”);
(d) CEH
shall transfer the JPM Debt Repayment Amount (to the extent received by it) to
the administrative agent for the JPM Debt to repay the JPM Debt in accordance
with the terms thereof and/or to the Person entitled to receive payment of any
principal, interest or other obligations in respect of the Permitted Refinancing
Indebtedness at the Closing, to repay such amounts in accordance with the terms
thereof;
(e) Holdco
Sub shall contribute (through its subsidiaries) to CEH/La Paloma Holding
Company, LLC the TCW Payoff Consideration (other than the TCW Mezzanine Debt),
and CEH shall contribute to CEH/La Paloma Holding Company the TCW Mezzanine
Debt;
(f) CEH/La
Paloma Holding Company shall transfer, to the extent received by it, the TCW
Payoff Consideration to the holders of the TCW Debt in accordance with the terms
of the TCW Consent; and
(g) Each
CEH Unit holder shall furnish to Holdco Sub (i) an affidavit by such CEH Unit
holder stating such CEH Unit holder’s United States taxpayer identification
number and that such CEH Unit holder is not a “foreign person” as defined in
Section 1445 of the Code, or (ii) if such CEH Unit holder is a foreign person, a
duly completed and signed notification of nonrecognition transaction that
satisfies the requirements of Section 1.1445-2(d)(2) of the
Treasury
Regulations; provided that if any CEH Unit holder fails to furnish the
information described in this Section 2.07(g), then Holdco Sub shall have the
right, with respect to such CEH Unit holder, to withhold under Section 1445 of
the Code but such failure shall not delay, impair or otherwise affect the
Closing, the Merger or the other Transactions.
Section
2.08 Calculation of
CEH Group Merger Consideration, TCW Payoff Consideration, etc. Each
Party agrees, and CEH agrees to cause each Subsidiary, to provide the other
Parties reasonable access to their respective books, records and employees as is
reasonably requested in connection with the calculation of the CEH Group Merger
Consideration, all other amounts specified on Exhibit F, the TCW
Payoff Consideration, the LP Minority Exchange Consideration and the Fulcrum
Exchange Consideration, as applicable. Following the close of
business on the second day preceding the Closing Date, CEH shall in good faith
determine its estimate, as of the end of the day immediately preceding the
Closing Date, of each of the Designated Account Cash Balances and the Debt
amounts for each Project Company specified on Exhibit F and shall provide GSCAC
with written notice of such estimates and reasonable evidence (such as bank
statements) to support such estimates. To the extent such estimates
have been prepared in good faith and are supported by reasonable evidence
provided to the TCW/MS Parties (as defined in the TCW Consent) and GSCAC, such
estimates shall be used to calculate the CEH Group Merger Consideration, all
other amounts specified on Exhibit F, the TCW
Payoff Consideration, the LP Minority Exchange Consideration and the Fulcrum
Exchange Consideration, as applicable.
ARTICLE
III
EFFECT
OF MERGER; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
Section
3.01 Effect of Merger
on Capital Stock of CEH
Subject to
the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Effective Time, by virtue of
the Merger and this Agreement and without any action on the part of CEH, GSCAC,
Merger Sub, Holdco Sub or the holders of any of the following securities, the
following shall occur:
(a) Conversion of CEH
Units. Each CEH Unit (other than the Specified CEH E-Units)
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be
cancelled and shall immediately be converted automatically into the right to
receive (i) shares of class B non-voting common units of Holdco Sub having the
terms set forth in the Holdco Sub LLC Agreement (“Holdco Class B
Common Units”) without interest, (ii) shares of Class B Common Stock of
GSCAC having the terms set forth in GSCAC’s Charter Documents attached hereto as
Exhibits D and E (“GSCAC Class B
Common Stock”) without interest, (iii) shares of Class C
common units of Holdco Sub having the terms set forth in the Holdco Sub LLC
Agreement (“Holdco Class C
Common Units”) without interest, (iv) shares of Class D common units of
Holdco Sub having the terms set forth in the Holdco Sub LLC Agreement (“Holdco Class D
Common Units”) without interest, and (iv) exchange rights pursuant to and
in accordance with the Holdco Sub LLC Agreement (“Exchange
Rights”) to exchange (A) shares of Holdco Class B Common Units and GSCAC
Class B Common Stock for (B) shares of Class A common stock of GSCAC (“GSCAC Class A
Common Stock”), in each case as such number of units and shares are
calculated pursuant to Exhibit F and the
remainder of this Section 3.01(a), subject to
adjustment
as provided in Section 3.01(f). CEH shall provide to GSCAC, at least
three Business Days prior to Closing, a list of the record owners of the Equity
Securities of CEH as of Closing, together with the class and number of Equity
Securities held by such record owners. Each record owner of CEH Units
(other than the Specified CEH E-Units and excluding the CEH Restricted Units)
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall thereby become entitled to receive
its CEH Group Member Pro Rata Share of the CEH Group Merger Consideration in
accordance with this Article III; provided that such record
owner (other than the CEH Founders) shall not be entitled to receive its CEH
Group Member Pro Rata Share of the CEH Group Merger Consideration prior to the
180th day
following the Effective Time unless and until it executes and delivers to GSCAC
and CEH a Lock Up Agreement (substantially in the form of Exhibit
R). Each CEH Restricted Unit Holder shall thereby become entitled to
receive (with respect to its CEH Restricted Units) its CEH Restricted Unit
Holder Pro Rata Share of the CEH Group Merger Consideration in accordance with
this Article III; provided that (x) such CEH
Restricted Unit Holder shall not be entitled to receive its CEH Restricted Unit
Holder Pro Rata Share of the CEH Group Merger Consideration prior to the
180th day
following the Effective Time unless and until it executes and delivers to GSCAC
and CEH a Lock Up Agreement (substantially in the form of Exhibit R) and (y) the
CEH Group Merger Consideration to be received by such CEH Restricted Unit Holder
with respect to its CEH Restricted Units shall be “Restricted Units” (as such
term in defined in the Holdco Sub LLC Agreement).
(b) Conversion of Specified CEH
E-Units. Each Specified CEH E-Unit issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be cancelled and shall immediately
be converted automatically into the right to receive (i) shares of GSCAC Class A
Common Stock without interest, (ii) Holdco Class C Common Units without
interest, and (iii) Holdco Class D Common Units without interest, as such number
of shares and units are calculated pursuant to Exhibit F and the
remainder of this Section 3.01(b), subject to adjustment as provided in Section
3.01(f). Each record owner of Specified CEH E-Units immediately prior
to the Effective Time shall thereby become entitled to receive its Specified CEH
E-Unit Pro Rata Share of the Specified CEH E-Unit Consideration; provided that such record
owner shall not be entitled to receive its Specified CEH E-Unit Pro Rata Share
of the Specified CEH E-Unit Consideration prior to the 180th day
following the Effective Time unless and until it executes and delivers to GSCAC
and CEH a Lock Up Agreement (substantially in the form of Exhibit
R).
(c) Surrender of
Certificates. The certificates representing the Holdco Class B
Common Units, Holdco Class C Common Units, Holdco Class D Common Units, and the
GSCAC Class B Common Stock, in each case issuable pursuant to Section 3.01(a)
with respect to CEH Units (other than the Specified CEH E-Units) and the GSCAC
Class A Common Stock, Holdco Class C Common Units, and Holdco Class D Common
Units issuable pursuant to Section 3.01(b) with respect to Specified CEH E-Units
shall, in each case, be issued to holders of such CEH Units subject to and upon
surrender of the certificates representing such CEH Units in the manner provided
in Section 3.02 (or in the case of any uncertificated CEH Unit or a lost, stolen
or destroyed certificate, subject to and upon delivery of an affidavit (and
indemnity, if required) in the manner provided in Section 3.04).
(d) Cancellation of Treasury
Shares. Each membership interest or other Equity Securities of
CEH held by CEH or owned by any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
CEH
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be cancelled and extinguished as
of the Effective Time without any conversion or payment in respect
thereof.
(e) Capital Stock of Merger
Sub. All of the outstanding membership interests in Merger Sub
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be
converted as of the Effective Time into 100% of the outstanding membership
interests in the Surviving Company with Holdco Sub2 becoming the sole member of
the Surviving Company; subject to any necessary adjustments in membership of the
Surviving Company resulting from any election by any LP Minority Holder to
exchange its Equity Securities in La Paloma Acquisition for Equity Securities in
CEH pursuant to the LP Minority 2005 Exchange Agreement.
(f) Adjustments to Exchange
Ratios. (1) The number of Holdco Class B Common Units, Holdco
Class C Common Units and Holdco Class D Common Units and shares of GSCAC Class B
Common Stock and/or GSCAC Class A Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Exchange
Rights, that the holders of CEH Units (other than the Specified CEH E-Units) or
the CEH Restricted Unit Holders are entitled to receive pursuant to Section
3.01(a) and the number of shares of GSCAC Class A Common Stock, Holdco Class C
Common Units, and Holdco Class D Common Units that the holders of Specified CEH
E-Units are entitled to receive pursuant to Section 3.01(b), (2) the definition
of Share Price, and (3) any dollar amounts set forth in the Holdco Sub LLC
Agreement with respect to the Holdco Class C Common Units or the Holdco Class D
Common Units shall, in the case of clauses (1) through (3), be equitably
adjusted to reflect appropriately the effect of any stock split, reverse stock
split, stock dividend (including any dividend or distribution of securities
convertible into GSCAC Class A Common Stock, GSCAC Class B Common Stock, Holdco
Class B Common Units, Holdco Class C Common Units, Holdco Class D Units),
reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of
shares or other like change with respect to GSCAC Class A Common Stock, GSCAC
Class B Common Stock, Holdco Class B Common Units, Holdco Class C Common Units
or Holdco Class D Common Units occurring on or after the date hereof and prior
to the Effective Time. If there is any change in the amount or terms
of any CEH Units prior to the Effective Time, the aggregate CEH Group Merger
Consideration shall not increase or decrease as a result of such change but the
allocation of the CEH Group Merger Consideration and Specified CEH E-Unit
Consideration among the record owners of CEH Units and Specified CEH E-Units
shall, if applicable, be equitably adjusted.
(g) Fractional
Shares. No fraction of a Holdco Class B Common Unit, Holdco
Class C Common Unit or Holdco Class D Common Unit or fraction of a share of
GSCAC Class B Common Stock or GSCAC Class A Common Stock will be issued by
virtue of the Merger. Instead, each holder of CEH Units that would
otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a Holdco Class B Common Unit, Holdco
Class C Common Unit or Holdco Class D Common Unit or a fraction of a share of
GSCAC Class B Common Stock or GSCAC Class A Common Stock shall be permitted to
aggregate all fractional Holdco Class B Common Units, Holdco Class C Common
Units and Holdco Class D Common Units and all fractional shares of GSCAC Class B
Common Stock and GSCAC Class A Common Stock that otherwise would be received by
such holder and any resulting fractional shares or units shall be rounded to the
nearest whole number.
Section
3.02 Surrender of
Certificates.
(a) Exchange
Procedures. Upon surrender (or in the case of any
uncertificated CEH Unit or a lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, subject to
and upon delivery of an affidavit (and indemnity, if required) in the manner
provided in Section 3.04) at or after the Closing of certificates (“Certificates”)
representing CEH Units to GSCAC with an executed letter of transmittal and the
Lock Up Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit R if required by Section
3.01(a) or Section 3.01(b), the holders of such Certificates shall receive (1)
in the case of holders of CEH Units (other than Specified E-Units), in exchange
therefor such certificates representing the number of shares of GSCAC Class B
Common Stock, Holdco Class B Common Units, Holdco Class C Common Units, Holdco
Class D Common Units, and/or Exchange Rights, as applicable, into which such CEH
Units shall be converted pursuant to Section 3.01(a) at the Effective Time, and
(2) in the case of holders of Specified E-Units, in exchange therefor such
certificates representing the number of shares of GSCAC Class A Common Stock,
into which such Specified CEH E-Units shall be converted pursuant to Section
3.01(b) at the Effective Time, and, in each case, the Certificates so
surrendered shall forthwith be cancelled. Until so surrendered,
outstanding Certificates will be deemed, from and after the Effective Time, to
evidence only the right to receive the applicable number of Holdco Class B
Common Units, Holdco Class C Common Units, Holdco Class D Common Units, shares
of GSCAC Class B Common Stock, and/or Exchange Rights or shares of GSCAC Class A
Common Stock issuable pursuant to Section 3.01.
(b) Distributions with Respect
to Unexchanged CEH Units. No dividends or other distributions
declared or made after the date of this Agreement with respect to Holdco Class B
Common Units, Holdco Class C Common Units, Holdco Class D Common Units, GSCAC
Class B Common Stock or GSCAC Class A Common Stock with a record date after the
Effective Time will be paid to the holders of any unsurrendered Certificates
with respect to the Holdco Class B Common Units, Holdco Class C Common Units,
Holdco Class D Common Units and/or GSCAC Class B Common Stock or GSCAC Class A
Common Stock, to be issued upon the surrender of such Certificates until the
holders of record of such Certificates shall surrender such Certificates (or in
the case of any uncertificated CEH Unit or a lost, stolen or destroyed
certificate, upon delivery of an affidavit (and indemnity, if required) in the
manner provided in Section 3.04). Subject to applicable Law,
following surrender of any such Certificates to GSCAC (or in the case of any
uncertificated CEH Unit or a lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, upon
delivery of an affidavit (and indemnity, if required) in the manner provided in
Section 3.04), with a properly completed letter of transmittal, GSCAC or Holdco
Sub, as applicable, shall promptly deliver to the record holders thereof,
without interest, the certificates representing Holdco Class B Common Units,
Holdco Class C Common Units, Holdco Class D Common Units, GSCAC Class B Common
Stock, and/or Exchange Rights or GSCAC Class A Common Stock issued in exchange
therefor and the amount of any such dividends or other distributions with a
record date after the Effective Time theretofore paid with respect to such
Holdco Class B Common Units, Holdco Class C Common Units, Holdco Class D Common
Units and/or GSCAC Class B Common Stock or GSCAC Class A Common Stock, as
applicable.
(c) Transfers of
Ownership. If certificates representing any Holdco Class B
Common Units, Holdco Class C Common Units, Holdco Class D Common Units, GSCAC
Class B Common Stock or GSCAC Class A Common Stock, as applicable, are to be
issued in a name other than that in which the Certificates surrendered pursuant
to this Section 3.02 in exchange
therefore
are registered, it will be a condition of the issuance thereof that the
Certificates so surrendered will be properly endorsed and otherwise in proper
form for transfer and that the Persons requesting such exchange will have paid
to GSCAC or any agent designated by GSCAC any transfer or other taxes required
by reason of the issuance of certificates representing such Holdco Class B
Common Units, Holdco Class C Common Units, Holdco Class D Common Units, or
shares of GSCAC Class B Common Stock or GSCAC Class A Common Stock in any name
other than that of the registered holder of the Certificates surrendered, or
established to the satisfaction of GSCAC or any such agent designated by GSCAC
that such tax has been paid or is not payable.
(d) Required
Withholding. Each of the GSCAC Parties and the Surviving
Company shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any consideration payable
or otherwise deliverable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder or former
holder of Certificates such amounts as are required to be deducted or withheld
therefrom under the Code or any provisions of state, local, or foreign tax
Law. To the extent such amounts are so deducted or withheld, such
amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid
to the Person to whom such amounts would otherwise have been paid.
(e) No
Liability. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Section 3.02, none of Holdco Sub, GSCAC, the Surviving Company, CEH or any other
Party hereto shall be liable to a holder of Certificates, Holdco Class B Common
Units, Holdco Class C Common Units, Holdco Class D Common Units, GSCAC Class B
Common Stock, or GSCAC Class A Common Stock or any other Person for any amount
properly paid to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned
property, escheat or similar Law.
Section
3.03 No Further
Ownership Rights in CEH Units. All
Holdco Class B Common Units, Holdco Class C Common Units, Holdco Class D Common
Units, GSCAC Class B Common Stock, and/or Exchange Rights or GSCAC Class A
Common Stock issued in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be
deemed to have been issued in full satisfaction of the rights pertaining to the
CEH Units and there shall be no further registration of transfers on the records
of the Surviving Company of CEH Units that were outstanding immediately prior to
the Effective Time. If after the Effective Time, Certificates are
presented to GSCAC, Holdco Sub, the Surviving Company or any of their Affiliates
for any reason, they shall be canceled and exchanged as provided in this Article
III.
Section
3.04 Lost, Stolen or
Destroyed Certificates. If
any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed or if any CEH Unit is
uncertificated, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the Person
claiming either (a) such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if
required by GSCAC or Holdco Sub, the posting by such Person of a bond in such
reasonable amount as the Surviving Company may direct as indemnity against any
claim that may be made against it with respect to such Certificate or (b) such
CEH Unit is uncertificated, then GSCAC or Holdco Sub, as applicable, will issue
in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate or such
uncertificated CEH Unit the Holdco Class B Common Units, Holdco Class C Common
Units, Holdco Class D Common Units, and/or GSCAC Class B Common Stock or GSCAC
Class A Common Stock in accordance with this Article III.
ARTICLE
IV
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES REGARDING
CEH
AND THE PROJECT COMPANIES
CEH hereby
represents and warrants to GSCAC as of the date of this Agreement that except as
disclosed in the CEH Disclosure Schedules to the extent provided in Section
11.04:
Section
4.01 Organization. Each
of the Project Companies is a limited liability company, limited partnership or
corporation duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of
its jurisdiction of formation, and has all requisite limited liability company,
limited partnership or corporate power and authority to conduct its Business as
it is now being conducted. Each of the Project Companies is duly
qualified or licensed to do business in each jurisdiction in which the ownership
or operation of its Assets makes such qualification or licensing necessary,
except in any jurisdiction where the failure to be so duly qualified or licensed
would not reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the Business of the
Project Companies or the Project Companies.
Section
4.02 Authority. Each
Project Company has all requisite limited liability company, limited partnership
or corporate power and authority to execute and deliver each Transaction
Document to which it is or will be party and to perform its obligations
thereunder. The execution and delivery by each Project Company of
each Transaction Document to which it is or will be a party, and the performance
by each such Project Company of its obligations thereunder, have been duly and
validly authorized by all necessary limited liability company, limited
partnership or corporate action, as applicable. The Transaction
Documents to which any Project Company is or will be a party are, or when
executed will be, duly and validly executed and delivered by each such Project
Company, and the Transaction Documents to which any such Project Company is or
will be a party constitute, or when executed will constitute, the legal, valid
and binding obligation of such Project Company enforceable against such Project
Company in accordance with its terms, except as the same may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, arrangement,
moratorium or other similar Laws relating to or affecting the rights of
creditors generally, or by general equitable principles.
Section
4.03 No
Conflicts; Consents and
Approvals. The
execution and delivery by each Project Company of each Transaction Document to
which it is or will be party do not, and the performance by each Project Company
of its obligations under each Transaction Document to which it is or will be a
party does not:
(a) violate
or result in a breach of any of the Charter Documents of any Project
Company;
(b) assuming
the consents disclosed on Schedule 4.03(b) of
the CEH Disclosure Schedule (the “Company
Consents”) have been obtained, violate or result in any default under any
CEH Material Contract except for any such violation or default that would not
reasonably be expected to adversely affect, in any material respect, the
Business, the Project Companies, the Batesville Project or the La Paloma
Project;
(c) assuming
all required filings, waivers, approvals, consents, authorizations and notices
disclosed in Schedule
4.03(c) of the CEH Disclosure Schedule (the “CEH
Approvals”), the Company Consents and other notifications provided in the
ordinary course of business have been made, obtained or given, (1) violate in
any material respect or result in a material breach of any material Law
applicable to any Project Company or (2) require any material consent or
approval of, or any material filing or other action by or with, any Governmental
Authority under any material Law applicable to any Project Company.
Section
4.04 Capitalization.
(a) Schedule 4.04(a) of
the CEH Disclosure Schedule is an organizational structure chart of the Project
Companies (other than CEH). Schedule 4.04(a) of
the CEH Disclosure Schedule also sets forth the percentage ownership of Equity
Securities of each Project Company by any other Project Company. CEH has
delivered to GSCAC on or prior to the date of this Agreement a list of the
record owners of any Equity Securities of CEH and a description of the class and
numbers of such Equity Securities as of the date of this Agreement.
(b) Other
than the Equity Securities disclosed on Schedule 4.04(a) or
Schedule
4.04(b) of the CEH Disclosure Schedule and Permitted Refinancing Equity
Securities issued after the date hereof, no Equity Securities of any Project
Company are issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding. All of the
outstanding Equity Securities of each Project Company are duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and were not issued in violation
of, and are not subject to, any preemptive rights other than as set forth in the
La Paloma LLC Agreement, the CEP Batesville Holding Company Limited liability
company agreement, the CEH LLC Agreement or the LP Minority 2005 Exchange
Agreement. There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other
Indebtedness of any type whatsoever of any Project Company having the right to
vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to
vote) on any matters on which any members or stockholders of any Project Company
may vote. Other than the Transaction Documents or as disclosed on
Schedule
4.04(b) of the CEH Disclosure Schedule, there are no outstanding options,
warrants, calls, demands, stock appreciation rights, Contracts or other rights
of any nature to purchase, obtain or acquire from any Project Company, or
otherwise relating to, any outstanding Equity Securities of any Project Company
or any voting agreements with respect to any Equity Securities of any Project
Company, and no Project Company is obligated, pursuant to any securities,
options, warrants, calls, demands, Contracts or other rights of any nature or
otherwise, now or in the future, contingently or otherwise, to issue, deliver,
sell, purchase or redeem any Equity Securities of any Project Company or other
securities of any Project Company or to issue, deliver, sell, purchase or redeem
any stock appreciation rights or other Contracts relating to any Equity
Securities of any Project Company to or from any Person.
Section
4.05 Business. The
Business of each Project Company is the only business operation currently or, to
the Knowledge of CEH, at any time in the past carried on by such Project
Company. Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.05 of the
CEH Disclosure Schedule, the Assets owned, leased, licensed or contracted by the
Project Companies constitute in all material respects all of the tangible Assets
used or held for by the Project Companies in the conduct of their respective
Businesses and are sufficient to operate such Businesses as currently
conducted.
Section
4.06 Bank
Accounts. Schedule 4.06 of
the CEH Disclosure Schedule sets forth an accurate and complete list as of the
date of this Agreement of all the accounts and the names and locations of banks,
trust companies and other financial institutions at which each Project Company
maintains accounts of any nature or safe deposit boxes and the names of all
Persons authorized to draw thereon, make withdrawals therefrom or have access
thereto.
Section
4.07 Subsidiaries. None
of the Project Companies has any subsidiaries or owns any Equity Securities in
any Person except as disclosed on Schedule 4.04(a) and
Schedule
4.04(b) of the CEH Disclosure Schedule.
Section
4.08 Legal
Proceedings. Except
as disclosed on Schedule 4.08 of
the CEH Disclosure Schedule, there is not, and, to the Knowledge of CEH, has not
been at any time since August 16, 2005 in the case of the La Paloma Project (and
the Subsidiaries holding a direct or indirect interest therein), August 24, 2004
in the case of the Batesville Project (and the Subsidiaries holding a direct or
indirect interest therein) or January 1, 2005 in the case of CEH or any other
Subsidiary, any Proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of CEH, threatened
against any Project Company before or by any Governmental Authority that would
reasonably be expected to result in any material liability to the Business of
any Project Company or any Project Company or that seeks a writ, judgment, order
or decree restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal any
of the Transactions.
Section
4.09 Compliance with
Laws and Orders. Each
Project Company is, and, to the Knowledge of CEH, has been since August 16, 2005
in the case of the La Paloma Project (and the Subsidiaries holding a direct or
indirect interest therein), August 24, 2004 in the case of the Batesville
Project (and the Subsidiaries holding a direct or indirect interest therein) or
January 1, 2005 in the case of CEH or any other Subsidiary, in compliance in all
material respects with all material Laws and material orders applicable to it;
provided, however, that
this Section 4.09 does not address Environmental Laws, which are
exclusively addressed by Section 4.17, matters relating to Taxes, which are
exclusively addressed Section 4.12, matters relating to employee matters or
Benefit Plans, which are exclusively addressed by Section 4.21 and Section 4.22,
or matters relating to Permits or licenses which are exclusively addressed in
Section 4.16 or, with respect to Environmental Permits, Section
4.17.
Section
4.10 Financial
Statements. Schedule 4.10 of the
CEH Disclosure Schedule contains the following financial
statements:
(a) audited
balance sheet of La Paloma Genco as of December 31, 2006 and as of
December 31, 2007 and the related statements of income and cash flows for the
year then ended;
(b) audited
balance sheet of LSP Energy LP as of December 31, 2005, as of December
31, 2006 and as of December 31, 2007 and the related statements of income and
cash flows for the year then ended; and
(c) audited
consolidated balance sheet of CEH as of December 31, 2005, as of
December 31, 2006 and as of December 31, 2007 and the related consolidated
statements of income and cash flows for the year then ended.
Except as
set forth in the notes thereto or on Schedule 4.10 of the CEH Disclosure
Schedule, such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP
using the same accounting principles, policies and methods as had been
historically used in connection with the calculation of the items reflected
thereon and fairly present in all material respects the financial condition and
results of operation of such Project Companies as of the respective dates and
for the periods covered thereby, subject to normal year-end
adjustments. Except in each case for (i) liabilities reflected
in the financial statements described in clauses (a) through (c) above, (ii)
liabilities disclosed in Schedule 4.10 of the
CEH Disclosure Schedule, and (iii) liabilities incurred in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice, no Project Company has any
material liabilities that would be required to be reflected on a balance sheet
of such Project Company (including the footnotes thereto) prepared in accordance
with GAAP.
Section
4.11 Absence of
Certain Changes. From
December 31, 2007 to the date of this Agreement, the Business of each of La
Paloma Genco and LSP Energy LP has been conducted in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice and, except disclosed on Schedule 4.11 of the
CEH Disclosure Schedule, there has not been:
(a) any
CEH Material Adverse Effect;
(b) any
making by any Project Company of any loans, advances or capital contributions
to, or investments in, any Person other than a Project Company in an amount
greater than $100,000;
(c) any
damage, destruction or casualty loss (whether or not covered by insurance)
affecting any Purchased Assets that, individually or in the aggregate, has had,
or could reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect on the
Business, the Batesville Project or the La Paloma Project;
(d) any
waiver, release or assignment of any material rights, claims or benefits under
any CEH Material Contract that, individually or in the aggregate, could
reasonably be expected to adversely affect, in any material respect, the Project
Companies, the Batesville Project or the La Paloma Project;
(e) any
change in the Project Companies’ methods of accounting, except as required by
concurrent changes in GAAP as agreed to by its independent public accountants;
or
(f) any
settlement, or offer or proposal to settle, any material Claim or Proceeding
involving or against any Project Companies or any of their respective officers
or directors relating to any Project Companies or that relates to any
Transactions.
Section
4.12 Taxes. Except
as disclosed on Schedule 4.12 of the
CEH Disclosure Schedule:
(a) Each
Project Company has timely filed all material returns, reports, statements and
forms required to be filed under the Code or applicable state, local or foreign
Tax Laws (the “Tax
Returns”) for taxable years or periods ending on or before the Closing
Date, and all Tax Returns when filed were true, correct and complete in all
material respects;
(b) Each
Project Company has timely paid (or will pay) all material Taxes due for such
periods and has made adequate provision in accordance with GAAP for any Taxes
not yet due and payable;
(c) Schedule
4.12 lists the income and franchise Tax Returns of the Project Companies that
have each been examined and closed or are Tax Returns with respect to which the
applicable period for assessment under Law, after giving effect to extensions or
waivers, has expired;
(d) No
material Liens for Taxes other than CEH Permitted Liens have been filed, and no
material claims or adjustments are being asserted or threatened by a
Governmental Authority in writing with respect to any Taxes of the Project
Companies;
(e) No
Project Company is subject to any material outstanding Tax audit, inquiry or
assessment (and no written notice of any such event has been
received);
(f) Each
Project Company has materially complied with all Laws relating to the payment
and withholding of Taxes;
(g) There
has not been any material Tax election or any change in any material Tax
election, change in annual Tax accounting period, adoption of, or change in, any
method of Tax accounting, amendment of any Tax Return or filing of a claim for
any material Tax refund, entering into of any material closing agreement,
settlement of any material Tax claim, audit or assessment, or surrender of any
right to claim a material Tax refund, offset or other reduction in Tax
liability, with respect to any Project Company, since December 31, 2006 through
the date of this Agreement;
(h) There
are no outstanding waivers or comparable consents regarding the application of
the statute of limitations with respect to any material Taxes or material Tax
Returns of the Project Companies, nor any agreement to any extension of time
with respect to a material Tax assessment or deficiency, and no such waivers,
consents or agreements have been requested;
(i) No
Project Company is a party to any agreement or arrangement with any Taxing
Authority or any other Person with regard to (x) Taxes for any fiscal period
ending after the Closing Date or (y) Taxes imposed on any Project Company for
any fiscal period, including but not limited to, any contract providing for the
allocation or sharing of such Taxes. Any such agreement or
arrangement disclosed in Schedule 4.12 is valid, binding and enforceable and the
transactions contemplated in this Agreement will not alter or otherwise change
any Tax benefits of such agreement or arrangement;
(j) No
Project Company has entered into, engaged in or participated in any “reportable
transaction” as described in Section 1.6011-4(b) of the Treasury Regulations (or
any similar provision of state or local Law);
(k) No
material claim has been received from a Taxing Authority in a jurisdiction where
a Project Company does not file Tax Returns with respect to a particular type of
Tax that
such
Project Company may be subject to, or liable for, that particular type of Tax in
that jurisdiction. Schedule 4.12(k) of
the CEH Disclosure Schedule contains a list of all states and foreign
jurisdictions to which any material Tax is properly payable or any material Tax
Return is filed, by or on behalf of the Project Companies;
(l) No
Project Company or any related person within the meaning of Section 197(f)(9) of
the Code has held or used, at any time on or prior to August 10, 1993, any
Section 197 intangible described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of Section 197(d)(1)
of the Code;
(m) Each
of Batesville Investor I, Batesville Investor II, LSP Energy, Inc. and LSP
Batesville Funding Corporation is and has been since the date of its
incorporation classified as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, and
each other Project Company is and has been since the date of its creation
classified as an entity disregarded as separate from its owner or as a
partnership for federal income tax purposes.
Section
4.13 Regulatory
Status.
(a) La
Paloma Genco and LSP Energy LP meet the requirements for, and have been
determined by FERC to be, an “Exempt Wholesale Generator” within the meaning of
the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005, as amended.
(b) La
Paloma Genco is authorized by FERC pursuant to Section 205 of the Federal Power
Act to sell electric energy, capacity and ancillary services at rates
established in accordance with market conditions and LSP Energy LP is authorized
by FERC pursuant to Section 205 of the Federal Power Act to sell electric energy
and capacity at rates established in accordance with market
conditions.
Section
4.14 Contracts. (a) Excluding
insurance policies and fidelity bonds, Schedule 4.14 of
the CEH Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list, as of the date of this Agreement,
of the following Contracts to which any Project Company is a party, including
all amendments, and other modifications thereof (the Charter Documents and
Contracts listed on Schedule 4.14 of
the CEH Disclosure Schedule that otherwise meet the descriptions in this Section
4.14 being collectively, the “CEH Material
Contracts”):
(i) any
Real Property Lease providing for annual rentals in excess of
$1,000,000;
(ii) any
Contract for the future purchase, exchange or sale of gas in excess of
$1,000,000 annually;
(iii) any
Contract for the future purchase, exchange or sale of electric power or capacity
or ancillary services (other than open market spot purchases or sales of
electric power, capacity or ancillary services) in excess of $1,000,000
annually;
(iv) any
Contract for the future transportation of gas in excess of $1,000,000
annually;
(v) any
Contract for the future transmission of electric power in excess of $1,000,000
annually;
(vi) other
than Contracts of the nature addressed by Section 4.14(a)(ii) – (v), any
Contract for the future purchase of Assets or services providing for annual
payments by the Project Companies in excess of $1,000,000;
(vii) other
than Contracts of the nature addressed by Section 4.14(a)(ii) – (v), any sales,
distribution or other similar Contract providing for the future sale by the
Project Companies of Assets or services, or that grants a right or option to
purchase in the future, any Assets or services of the Project Companies, in each
case that provides for annual payments to the Project Companies in excess of
$1,000,000;
(viii) any
interconnection Contract;
(ix) any
lease of personal property providing for annual rentals of $1,000,000 or
more;
(x) any
Contract in respect of any Indebtedness in excess of $1,000,000;
(xi) any
outstanding agreement of guaranty, surety or indemnification, direct or
indirect, by a Project Company in an amount in excess of
$1,000,000;
(xii) any
Contract for consulting services providing future annual compensation in excess
of $250,000;
(xiii) outstanding
futures, swap, collar, put, call, floor, cap, option or other Contracts that are
intended to benefit from or reduce or eliminate the risk of fluctuations in the
price of commodities, including electric power, gas or securities;
(xiv) Charter
Documents for each Project Company;
(xv) any
Contract that limits or otherwise restricts in any material respect any Project
Companies or any of their respective Affiliates or any successor thereto or that
could, after the Closing Date, limit or restrict in any material respect the
Project Companies, GSCAC Parties or any of their respective Affiliates, from
engaging or competing in any line of business, in any location or with any
Person;
(xvi) any
Contract with any director or officer of any Project Company or with any
“associate” or any member of the “immediate family” (as such terms are
respectively defined in Rules 12b-2 and 16a-1 of the Exchange Act) of any such
director or officer;
(xvii) any
Contract with any holder of CEH Units, any of their respective Affiliates or any
holder of TCW Debt; or
(xviii) any
Contract in respect of any loan, advance or capital contribution to, or other
investment in Equity Securities, any Person (other than any Project Company) in
excess of $1,000,000.
(b) GSCAC
has been provided with copies of, or access to, all CEH Material
Contracts.
(c) Each
of the CEH Material Contracts is in full force and effect and constitutes a
legal, valid and binding obligation of each Project Company party thereto,
except (i) any CEH Material Contracts that will terminate after the date of this
Agreement but prior to the Closing Date in accordance with their respective
terms or for which no Project Company or any Assets of any Project Companies
will be bound or have any liability after the Closing; provided that this clause
(i) shall only apply after the date of this Agreement or (ii) any CEH Material
Contracts where the failure to be in full force and effect or to constitute a
legal, valid and binding obligation would not reasonably be expected to
adversely affect, in any material respect, the Project Companies, the Batesville
Project or the La Paloma Project.
(d) No
Project Company or, to the Knowledge of CEH, any other party is in breach or
default (or would be in breach or default upon the giving of notice, lapse of
time or both) under any CEH Material Contract, except where such breach or
default would not reasonably be expected to adversely affect, in any material
respect, the Project Companies, the Batesville Project or the La Paloma
Project.
Section
4.15 Property.
(a) The
Project Companies have good and marketable, indefeasible, fee simple title to,
or in the case of leased material Assets (consisting of interests in real
property) have valid leasehold interests in, all material Assets (consisting of
interests in real property) used in their respective Businesses by any Project
Company. None of such Assets is subject to any Lien, except CEH
Permitted Liens. Schedule 4.15 of the
CEH Disclosure Schedule sets forth the address and description of each Owned
Real Property, and the address of each Leased Real Property and Schedule 4.14 of the
CEH Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of all Real Property
Leases for such Leased Real Property, including all amendments, extensions,
renewals, guaranties and other Contracts with respect thereto.
(b) To
the Knowledge of CEH, the plants, buildings, structures and material equipment
owned by the Project Companies have been reasonably maintained in all material
respects consistent with standards generally followed in the industry (giving
due account to the age and length of use of same, ordinary wear and tear
excepted).
(c) The
plants, buildings and structures owned by the Project Companies currently have
access to (i) public roads or valid easements over private streets or private
property for such ingress to and egress from all such plants, buildings and
structures and (ii) water supply, storm and sanitary sewer facilities,
telephone, gas and electrical connections, fire protection, drainage and other
public utilities, in each case as is necessary for the conduct of the Businesses
of the Project Companies as conducted as of the date of this
Agreement. To the Knowledge of CEH,
none of
the structures on any Property encroaches upon real property of another Person,
and no material structure of any other Person substantially encroaches upon any
Property.
(d) Each
Owned Real Property has a valid and subsisting certificate of occupancy, and the
Project Companies’ continued use, occupancy and operation as currently used,
occupied and operated, is in material compliance with, and does not constitute a
material nonconforming use under, all material building, zoning, subdivision,
land use and other similar material Laws applicable to a Project
Company.
Section
4.16 Permits. The
Project Companies possess all material Permits (other than Environmental Permits
which are exclusively addressed by Section 4.17) that are required for the
Business and the ownership and operation of the Projects by the Project
Companies in the manner in which they are currently owned and operated, except
any such Permit relating exclusively to the construction (and not operation) of
a Project. To the Knowledge of CEH, all such Permits are in full
force and effect and each Project Company is in compliance in all material
respects with each such Permit. To the Knowledge of CEH, no Project
Company has received, since August 16, 2005 in the case of the La Paloma Project
and since August 24, 2004 in the case of the Batesville Project, any written
notification from any Governmental Authority alleging that it is in violation of
any of such Permits in any material respect and there are no ongoing Proceedings
before any Governmental Authority for the termination or revocation of any such
Permits or to determine compliance therewith or with any Law applicable to the
Business or any Project Company.
Section
4.17 Environmental
Matters.
(a) At
least ten (10) days prior to the date hereof, GSCAC has been provided with
copies of, or access to, all material environmental site assessment reports,
studies, audits, investigations or other analyses in the possession of a Project
Company that relate to Environmental Claims or Hazardous Materials in connection
with any Purchased Asset (including any Project) or Project
Company.
(b) Except
as disclosed on Schedule 4.17(b) of
the CEH Disclosure Schedule:
(i) (A)
the Project Companies, the Purchased Assets and the Projects are operating in
compliance in all material respects with all applicable material Environmental
Laws, and (B) to the Knowledge of CEH, the Project Companies have, as
applicable, since August 16, 2005 in the case of the La Paloma Project and since
August 24, 2004 in the case of the Batesville Project, operated such Projects in
compliance in all material respects with all applicable material Environmental
Laws;
(ii) the
Project Companies have obtained and are in compliance in all material respects
with all material Environmental Permits relating in any way to the ownership or
operation of the Purchased Assets or the Projects as currently owned or
operated; such Environmental Permits are valid and in full force and effect and
there are no ongoing Proceedings before any Governmental Authority for the
termination or revocation of any such Environmental Permits or to determine
compliance therewith;
(iii) (A)
no Proceeding, investigation, notice, request for information by a Governmental
Authority, citation, order or penalty with respect to any material Environmental
Claim of or against a Project Company has been received in writing by a Project
Company or, to the Knowledge of CEH, is otherwise pending or threatened against
a Project Company except for such Proceedings, investigations, notices, requests
for information, citations, orders or penalties as have been fully resolved and
with respect to which there are no material remaining costs, liabilities or
obligations or (B) there is not any Proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of
CEH, threatened against any Project Company before or by any Governmental
Authority relating to any Environmental Law, Environmental Permit or Hazardous
Materials that seeks a writ, judgment, order or decree restraining, enjoining or
otherwise prohibiting or making illegal any of the Transactions;
(iv) there
has been no Release of any Hazardous Material by a Project Company at or from
any Purchased Asset or Project or any property now owned, leased or operated by
a Project Company, except for any such Release that would not reasonably be
expected to result in a material Environmental Claim of or against a Project
Company; and
(v) to
the Knowledge of CEH, there are no material liabilities relating to any Project
Company, the Purchased Assets or the Projects arising under or relating to any
Environmental Law, Environmental Permit or Hazardous Material.
(c) Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, except for Sections
4.03(b) and (c), 4.11, 4.14, 4.18 and 4.23, this Section 4.17 contains the sole
and exclusive representations and warranties of CEH with respect to applicable
Environmental Laws, Environmental Claims, Environmental Permits and Hazardous
Materials.
Section
4.18 Insurance. Schedule 4.18 of the
CEH Disclosure Schedule sets forth as of the date of this Agreement a list of
all material insurance policies and fidelity bonds held by or issued
specifically on behalf of and for the benefit of the Project Companies, other
than any such insurance policies and fidelity bonds related to Benefit
Plans. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.18 of the
CEH Disclosure Schedule, as of the date of this Agreement, there is no material
claim by any Project Company pending under any of such policies or bonds as to
which coverage has been questioned, denied or disputed by the underwriters of
such policies or bonds or in respect of which such underwriters have reserved
their rights. To the Knowledge of CEH and as of the date of this
Agreement, (a) all premiums payable under all such policies and bonds have been
timely paid and (b) the Project Companies have otherwise complied in all
material respects with the terms and conditions of all such policies and
bonds. To the Knowledge of CEH and as of the date of this Agreement,
such policies of insurance and bonds (or other policies and bonds providing
substantially similar insurance coverage) are in full force and
effect. To the Knowledge of CEH and as of the date of this Agreement,
there is no threatened termination of or material alteration of coverage under,
any of such policies or bonds.
Section
4.19 Intellectual
Property.
(a) Schedule 4.19(a)(i)
of the CEH Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of all
registrations or applications for registration included in the Owned
Intellectual Property Rights. Schedule 4.19(a)(ii)
of the CEH Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of all
material Contracts to which any Project Company is a party or otherwise bound
and pursuant to which any such Project Company (A) obtains the license or right
to use, any material Intellectual Property Right or (B) grants the license or
right to use, any material Intellectual Property Right; provided that Schedule 4.19(a)(ii)
of the CEH Disclosure Schedule shall not include any Contract involving
commercially available software that is available for licensing for
consideration of less than $15,000.
(b) To
the Knowledge of CEH, the Project Companies own, or have the licenses or rights
to use for their respective Businesses, all material Intellectual Property
Rights currently used in their respective Businesses, free and clear of any Lien
other than CEH Permitted Liens. The consummation of the Transactions
will not alter, terminate or extinguish any material Owned Intellectual Property
Right or material Licensed Intellectual Property Right.
(c) To
the Knowledge of CEH, no Project Company (i) is infringing, misappropriating or
otherwise violating or (ii) since August 16, 2005 in the case of the La Paloma
Project and since August 24, 2004 in the case of the Batesville Project, has
infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated, any Intellectual Property
right of any Person in any material respect. To the Knowledge of CEH,
no Project Company has received, since August 16, 2005 in the case of the La
Paloma Project and since August 24, 2004 in the case of the Batesville Project,
from any third party a claim in writing that any Project Company is infringing,
misappropriating or diluting any Intellectual Property Right of such third party
in any material respect. There is no Proceeding pending against, or
to the Knowledge of CEH, threatened against any Project Company before or by any
Governmental Authority (A) challenging, or seeking to deny or restrict, the
rights of any such Project Company in any of the Owned Intellectual Property
Rights, (B) alleging that any services provided, processes used or products
manufactured, used, imported, offered for sale or sold by any such Project
Company infringe, misappropriate or dilute any Intellectual Property Right of
any third party or (C) alleging that any such Project Company has infringed,
misappropriated or diluted any Intellectual Property Right of any third party,
in the case of clauses (A) through (C) that would reasonably be expected to
result in any material liability to the Project Companies, the Batesville
Project or the La Paloma Project or materially restrict the ability of the
Project Companies to conduct their respective Businesses.
(d) None
of the Owned Intellectual Property Rights material to the operation of the
Businesses of the Project Companies has been adjudged in a Proceeding invalid or
unenforceable in whole or part. To the Knowledge of CEH, no Person
has infringed, misappropriated or diluted any Owned Intellectual Property
Right. The Project Companies have taken commercially reasonable steps
in accordance with normal industry practice to maintain the confidentiality of
all Intellectual Property Rights that comprise confidential information and that
are material to the operation of the Businesses of the Project
Companies.
Section
4.20 Brokers. The
Project Companies have no liability or obligation to pay fees or commissions to
any broker, finder or agent with respect to the transactions contemplated
by this
Agreement, except pursuant to the JPM Engagement Letter the fees under which
will be paid by CEH or on behalf of CEH at the Closing.
Section
4.21 Employees and Labor
Matters. The
Project Companies (other than CEP OpCo) do not have and, to the Knowledge of
CEH, have never had any employees. With respect to CEP OpCo
Employees and except as described on Schedule 4.21 of the
CEH Disclosure Schedule:
(a) no
CEP OpCo Employees are represented by a union or other collective bargaining
entity;
(b) there
has not occurred, nor, to the Knowledge of CEH has there been threatened, a
labor strike, request for representation, work stoppage or lockout by CEP OpCo
Employees in the two years prior to the date of this Agreement;
(c) to
the Knowledge of CEH, CEH has not received, since August 16, 2005 in the case of
the La Paloma Project and since August 24, 2004 in the case of the Batesville
Project, written notice of any material charges before any Governmental
Authority responsible for the prevention of unlawful employment practices;
and
(d) to
the Knowledge of CEH, CEH has not received, since August 16, 2005 in the case of
the La Paloma Project and since August 24, 2004 in the case of the Batesville
Project, written notice of any material investigation by a Governmental
Authority responsible for the enforcement of labor or employment regulations
and, to the Knowledge of CEH, no such material investigation is
threatened.
Section
4.22 Employee
Benefits.
(a) The
Project Companies (other than CEP OpCo) do not sponsor, maintain or contribute
to any Benefit Plan. Schedule 4.22(a)
provides a description of each Benefit Plan which is sponsored, maintained or
contributed to for the benefit of current or former CEP OpCo directors, officers
or CEP OpCo Employees or former employees, or has been so sponsored, maintained
or contributed to from the applicable date of initial ownership by CEH and its
ERISA Affiliates through the date of this Agreement (each, a “CEP OpCo Benefit
Plans”). Except as otherwise set forth on Schedule 4.22(a) of
the CEH Disclosure Schedule, no CEP OpCo Benefit Plan provides for any severance
or termination pay.
(b) CEH
has provided GSCAC with copies of, or access to, the CEP OpCo Benefit Plans
sponsored, maintained or contributed to as of the date of this Agreement and
related trusts, if applicable. There has also been furnished to
GSCAC, with respect to each such CEP OpCo Benefit Plan required to file such
report, the most recent report as of the date of this Agreement on Form 5500 and
the summary plan description.
(c) Except
as otherwise set forth on Schedule 4.22(c) of
the CEH Disclosure Schedule:
(i) The
Project Companies (other than CEP OpCo) do not contribute to or have an
obligation to contribute to, and have not at any time from the applicable date
of initial ownership the Project Companies through the date of this Agreement,
contributed to or had an obligation to contribute to, a multiemployer plan
within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA;
(ii) CEP
OpCo has substantially performed all obligations, whether arising by operation
of Law or by Contract, required to be performed by it in connection with the CEP
OpCo Benefit Plans;
(iii) All
reports and disclosures relating to the CEP OpCo Benefit Plans required to be
filed with or furnished to governmental agencies, CEP OpCo Benefit Plan
participants or CEP OpCo Benefit Plan beneficiaries have been filed or furnished
in accordance in all material respects with applicable Law in a timely manner,
and each CEP OpCo Benefit Plan has been administered in substantial compliance
with its governing document and with the requirements of applicable Laws,
including ERISA and the Code;
(iv) Each
of the CEP OpCo Benefit Plans intended to be qualified under Section 401 of the
Code (A) satisfies in all material respects in form the requirements of such
Section 401 except to the extent amendments are not required by Law to be made
until a date after the Closing Date, (B) is a prototype plan entitled to rely on
an opinion letter from Internal Revenue Service regarding such qualified status
or is an individually designed plan that has received a favorable determination
letter from the Internal Revenue Service regarding such qualified status and (C)
as of the date of this Agreement, has not, since receipt of the most recent
favorable determination letter, been amended or operated in a way that would
adversely affect its qualified status;
(v) As
of the date of this Agreement, there are no actions, suits, or claims pending
(other than routine claims for benefits) or, to the Knowledge of CEH, threatened
against, or with respect to, any of the CEP OpCo Benefit Plans;
(vi) All
contributions required to be made to the CEP OpCo Benefit Plans pursuant to
their terms and the provisions of ERISA, the Code, or any other applicable Laws
have been timely made in all material respects;
(vii) No
CEP OpCo Benefit Plan is subject to Title IV of ERISA;
(viii) As
to any CEP OpCo Benefit Plan intended to be qualified under Section 401 of the
Code, there has been no termination or partial termination of the CEP OpCo
Benefit Plan within the meaning of Section 411(d)(3) of the
Code;
(ix) No
act, omission or transaction has occurred which would result in imposition on
CEP OpCo of (A) material breach of fiduciary duty liability damages under
Section 409 of ERISA, (B) a material civil penalty assessed pursuant to
subsections (c), (i) or (l) of Section 502 of ERISA, or (C) a material tax
imposed pursuant to Chapter 43 of Subtitle D of the Code;
(x) As
of the date of this Agreement and to the Knowledge of CEH, there is no matter
pending (other than routine qualification determination filings) with respect to
any of the CEP OpCo Benefit Plans before the Internal Revenue Service, the
Department of Labor, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), or
other Governmental Authority;
(xi) With
respect to any employee benefit plan, within the meaning of Section 3(3) of
ERISA, which is not listed in Schedule 4.22(a) of
the CEH Disclosure Schedule but which is sponsored, maintained, or contributed
to since August 16, 2005 through the date of this Agreement in the case of the
La Paloma Project and since August 24, 2004 through the date of this Agreement
in the case of the Batesville Project by any Project Company or by any ERISA
Affiliate of CEH, (A) no withdrawal liability, within the meaning of Section
4201 of ERISA, has been incurred, which withdrawal liability has not been
satisfied, (B) no liability to the PBGC has been incurred by any ERISA Affiliate
of CEH, which liability has not been satisfied, (C) no accumulated funding
deficiency, whether or not waived, within the meaning of Section 302 of ERISA or
Section 412 of the Code has been incurred, and (D) all contributions (including
installments) to such plan required by Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of
the Code have been timely made; and
(xii) The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to
which CEH is a party and the consummation of the Transactions will not (A)
require CEP OpCo to make a larger contribution to, or pay greater benefits or
provide other greater rights or accelerate the time of payment or trigger
payment under, any CEP OpCo Benefit Plan than it otherwise would, whether or not
some other subsequent action or event would be required to cause such payment or
provision to be triggered, or (B) create or give rise to any additional vested
rights or service credits under any CEP OpCo Benefit Plan.
(d) In
connection with the consummation of the Transactions, no payments of money or
other property, acceleration of benefits, or provisions of other rights have or
will be made hereunder, under any agreement contemplated herein, or under the
CEP OpCo Benefit Plans that would be reasonably likely to result in imposition
of the sanctions imposed under Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code, whether or
not some other subsequent action or event would be required to cause such
payment, acceleration, or provision to be triggered.
(e) Each
CEP OpCo Benefit Plan which is an “employee welfare benefit plan,” as such term
is defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA, may be unilaterally amended or terminated
in its entirety without material liability except as to benefits accrued
thereunder prior to such amendment or termination. No CEP OpCo Benefit Plan
provides for retiree or post-employment health benefits other than as required
to avoid imposition of tax liability under Section 4980B of the
Code.
Section
4.23 Information
Provided for Inclusion in Proxy Statement. None
of the information provided in writing by the Project Companies for inclusion in
the Proxy Statement or any amendment or supplement thereto, at the time the
Proxy Statement or any amendment or supplement becomes effective and at the time
of the GSCAC Stockholders’ Meeting, will
contain
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading; provided
that no such representation is made by CEH with respect to statements made in
the Proxy Statement based upon information supplied by the GSCAC Parties
specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference therein.
ARTICLE
V
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF THE GSCAC PARTIES
The GSCAC
Parties represent and warrant to CEH as of the date of this Agreement that
except as disclosed in the GSCAC Disclosure Schedule to the extent provided in
Section 11.04:
Section
5.01 Organization.
(a) GSCAC
is a corporation duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the
Laws of the State of Delaware. Each of Holdco Sub, Holdco Sub2 and
Merger Sub is a limited liability company duly formed, validly existing and in
good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. Each of the GSCAC Parties
has all requisite limited liability company or corporate power and authority to
conduct its business as it is now being conducted. Each of the GSCAC
Parties is duly qualified or licensed to do business in each jurisdiction in
which the ownership or operation of its Assets makes such qualification or
licensing necessary, except in any jurisdiction where the failure to be so duly
qualified or licensed would not reasonably be expected to result in a GSCAC
Material Adverse Effect.
Section
5.02 Authority. Each
of the GSCAC Parties has all requisite corporate and limited liability
company power, as
applicable, and authority to execute and deliver each Transaction Document to
which it is or will be a party and to perform all of its obligations hereunder
and thereunder. The execution and delivery by each of the GSCAC
Parties of this Agreement and each other Transaction Document to which it is or
will be a party, and the performance by each of the GSCAC Parties of its
obligations hereunder and thereunder, have been duly and validly authorized by
all necessary corporate and limited liability company action on behalf of each
of the GSCAC Parties other than the Requisite Stockholder
Approval. This Agreement and each other Transaction Document to which
any GSCAC Party is or will be a party are, or when executed will be, duly and
validly executed and delivered by such GSCAC Party and constitute, or when
executed will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation of such GSCAC
Party enforceable against such GSCAC Party in accordance with its terms except
as the same may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent
conveyance, arrangement, moratorium or other similar Laws relating to or
affecting the rights of creditors generally or by general equitable
principles.
Section
5.03 No
Conflicts. The
execution and delivery by each GSCAC Party of this Agreement and the other
Transaction Documents to which it is or will be party (other than the Second
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of GSCAC and the GSCAC Plan)
do not, and assuming receipt of the Requisite Stockholder Approval, the
performance by each
GSCAC
Party of its obligations under this Agreement and any other Transaction Document
to which it is a party does not:
(a) violate
or result in a breach of the Charter Documents of any GSCAC Party;
(b) violate
or result in a default under any GSCAC Material Contract except for any such
violation or default that would not reasonably be expected to adversely affect,
in any material respect, any GSCAC Party, the Project Companies, the Batesville
Project or the La Paloma Project; or
(c) assuming
all required filings, waivers, approvals, consents, authorizations and notices
disclosed in Schedule
5.03 of the GSCAC Disclosure Schedule (collectively, the “GSCAC
Approvals”) have been made, obtained or given, (i) violate in any
material respect or result in a material breach of any material Law applicable
to a GSCAC Party or (ii) require any material consent or approval of, or any
material filing or other action by or with, any Governmental Authority under any
material Law applicable to a GSCAC Party.
Section
5.04 Legal
Proceedings. There
is not, and, to the Knowledge of GSCAC has not been at any time since the
formation of GSCAC, any Proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of GSCAC,
threatened, against a GSCAC Party before or by any Governmental Authority, that
would reasonably be expected to result in a GSCAC Material Adverse Effect or
which seeks a writ, judgment, order or decree restraining, enjoining or
otherwise prohibiting or making illegal any of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.
Section
5.05 Compliance with
Laws and Orders. Each
GSCAC Party is, and, to the Knowledge of GSCAC has been since its incorporation
or formation, in compliance in all material respects with all material Laws
(including Environmental Laws) and material orders applicable to such GSCAC
Party or its assets.
Section
5.06 Brokers. Except
as set forth on Schedule 5.06 of the
GSCAC Disclosure Schedule, no GSCAC Party has any liability or obligation to pay
fees or commissions to any broker, finder or agent with respect to the
Transactions and any such fees or commissions will be paid by GSCAC at
Closing.
Section
5.07 Subsidiaries. No
GSCAC Party (a) has any subsidiary except for Merger Sub, Holdco Sub and Holdco
Sub2, which are each direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of GSCAC, (b)
owns, directly or indirectly, any Equity Securities or ownership interests in,
any Person other than as described in clause (a), (c) has any Contract to
purchase any such Equity Securities other than the Transaction Documents or
pursuant to the Trust Agreement, or (d) has agreed or otherwise become obligated
to make or be bound by any Contract or undertaking in which it may become
obligated to make any future investment in any other Person other than the
Transaction Documents.
Section
5.08 Capitalization;
Shareholders.
(a) Schedule 5.08(a) of
the GSCAC Disclosure Statement sets forth (i) the authorized Equity
Securities of the
GSCAC Parties as of the date of this Agreement, (ii) the number of
Equity
Securities of the GSCAC Parties that are issued and outstanding (excluding any
Equity Securities of GSCAC issued after the date hereof in accordance with
Section 6.03(c), the issuance of which shall be used to reduce the aggregate
principal amount of the TCW Mezzanine Debt in accordance with the TCW Consent),
(iii) the number of Equity Securities held in treasury as of the date of this
Agreement, and (iv) the number of Equity Securities as of the date of this
Agreement of the GSCAC Parties that are reserved for issuance.
(b) Other
than the Equity Securities set forth on Schedule 5.08(a) of
the GSCAC Disclosure Schedule and any Equity Securities of GSCAC issued after
the date hereof in accordance with Section 6.03(c), the issuance of which shall
reduce the aggregate principal amount of the TCW Mezzanine Debt in accordance
with the TCW Consent, no Equity Securities of any GSCAC Party are issued or
outstanding. All of the outstanding Equity Securities of each GSCAC
Party are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and
were not issued in violation of, and are not subject to, any preemptive rights
(other than the preemptive rights set forth in the TCW
Consent). There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness
of any type whatsoever of any GSCAC Party having the right to vote (or
convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) on
any matters on which any stockholders or members of any GSCAC Party may
vote. Except as described on Schedule 5.08(b) of
the GSCAC Disclosure Schedule, in the Initial GSCAC Warrants or the Transaction
Documents, there are no outstanding options, warrants, calls, demands, stock
appreciation rights, Contracts or other rights of any nature to purchase, obtain
or acquire from any GSCAC Party, or otherwise relating to, or any outstanding
securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable for, or any voting
agreements with respect to, any Equity Securities of any GSCAC Party or any
other securities of any GSCAC Party and, none of the GSCAC Parties is obligated,
pursuant to any securities, options, warrants, calls, demands, Contracts or
other rights of any nature or otherwise, now or in the future, contingently or
otherwise, to issue, deliver, sell, purchase or redeem any Equity Securities of
any GSCAC Party or other securities of any GSCAC Party or to issue, deliver,
sell, purchase or redeem any stock appreciation rights or other Contracts
relating to any Equity Securities of any GSCAC Party to or from any
Person.
(c) The
shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of GSCAC are listed on the
AMEX as of the date hereof and shall be listed on the AMEX or New York Stock
Exchange at Closing. There is no action or proceeding pending or, to
the Knowledge of GSCAC, threatened against any GSCAC Party by the AMEX with
respect to any intention by AMEX to prohibit or terminate the quotation of such
securities thereon.
(d) At
the Closing, the Holdco Class B Common Units, Holdco Class C Common Units,
Holdco Class D Common Units, GSCAC Class B Common Stock and GSCAC Class A Common
Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement, and upon issuance (i) the GSCAC
Class A Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Exchange Rights and (ii) the
GSCAC Class B Common Stock and Holdco Class B Common Units to be issued upon
conversion of the Holdco Class C Common Units and Holdco Class D Common Units,
will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable, free and
clear of all Liens and not issued in violation of or subject to any preemptive
right (other than the preemptive rights set forth in the TCW
Consent).
(e) All
of the outstanding Equity Securities of each GSCAC Party have been issued in
compliance in all material respects with all requirements of material Laws,
applicable to such GSCAC Party, GSCAC Material Contracts and the Equity
Securities of such GSCAC Party.
(f) Except
as set forth in Schedule 5.08(f) of
the GSCAC Disclosure Schedule or as contemplated in the Transaction Documents,
there are no registration rights and there is no voting trust, proxy, rights
plan or anti-takeover plan or other Contracts to which any GSCAC Party is a
party or by which any GSCAC Party is bound with respect to any Equity Security
of any class of such GSCAC Party.
(g) As
a result of the consummation of the Transactions, no Equity Securities of any
GSCAC Party are issuable and no rights in connection with any Equity Securities
of any GSCAC Party accelerate or otherwise become triggered (whether as to
vesting, exercisability, convertibility or otherwise) except (i) as disclosed in
Schedule
5.08(g) of the GSCAC Disclosure Schedule, (ii) for any Equity Securities
the issuance of which shall reduce the aggregate principal amount of the TCW
Mezzanine Debt in accordance with the TCW Consent, or (iii) issuances of Equity
Securities pursuant to Article III of this Agreement, under the TCW Consent or
as contemplated by Section 6.04 or Section 6.19 of this Agreement.
(h) There
are no declared but unpaid dividends with respect to any Equity Securities of
any GSCAC Party.
Section
5.09 SEC
Filings.
(a) Each
GSCAC Party has filed all forms, reports, schedules, statements and other
documents, including any exhibits thereto, required to be filed by such GSCAC
Party with the SEC since such GSCAC Party’s formation (collectively, the “GSCAC SEC
Reports”). The GSCAC SEC Reports, including all forms, reports
and documents filed by the applicable GSCAC Party with the SEC after the date
hereof and prior to the Closing Date (i) were and, in the case of the GSCAC SEC
Reports filed after the date hereof, will be, prepared in all material respects
in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the
Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as the case may be, and the rules and
regulations thereunder; and (ii) did not at the time they were filed (or if
amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on
the date of such filing), and in the case of such forms, reports and documents
filed by any GSCAC Party with the SEC after the date of this Agreement (other
than information with respect to any Project Companies contained therein), will
not as of the time they are filed, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated in such GSCAC SEC
Reports or necessary in order to make the statements in such GSCAC SEC Reports,
in light of the circumstances under which they were and will be made, not
misleading; provided
that no such representation is made by any GSCAC Party with respect to
statements made in the GSCAC SEC Reports based upon information supplied in
writing by any Project Company or any Note Holders or Option Holders (as defined
in the TCW Consent) specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference in
the Proxy Statement or any other GSCAC SEC Report.
(b) The
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of GSCAC have made all
certifications required by Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and
the statements contained in any such certifications are complete and correct,
and each GSCAC Party is otherwise in compliance with all applicable provisions
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the applicable listing and corporate governance
rules of the AMEX.
Section
5.10 Financial
Information.
(a) Schedule 5.10 of
GSCAC Disclosure Schedule contains the audited balance sheet of GSCAC as of
December 31, 2007 and the related statements of income and cash flows for the
year then ended Each of the financial statements (including, in each
case, any related notes and schedules) contained in each of the GSCAC SEC
Reports, including any GSCAC SEC Reports filed after the date of this Agreement
(other than information with respect to any Project Companies contained
therein), complied or will comply, as of its date, in all material respects with
all applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and regulations
of the SEC with respect thereto, was or will be prepared in accordance with GAAP
(except as may be indicated in the notes thereto) applied on a consistent basis
and fairly presented in all material respects, or will fairly present in all
material respects, the financial position of GSCAC and its consolidated
subsidiaries as of the applicable date thereof and the results of operations and
cash flows for the periods indicated therein, except that any unaudited interim
financial statements are subject to normal year-end
adjustments. Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.10, GSCAC has established and
maintains disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over
financial reporting (as such terms are defined in paragraphs (e) and (f),
respectively, of Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act) as required in all material
respects by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act. Except in each
case for (i) liabilities reflected in the financial statements described in the
first sentence of this Section 5.10(a), (ii) liabilities under the Transaction
Documents, (iii) liabilities disclosed in Schedule 5.10 of the
GSCAC Disclosure Schedule, (iv) transaction expenses incurred in connection with
the Transactions and operating expenses of GSCAC, incurred in the ordinary
course of its business (taking into account that
GSCAC is a special-purpose acquisition company), (v) Deferred
Underwriting Fees, and (vi) any Conversion Amount, no GSCAC Party has any
material liabilities that would be required to be reflected on a balance sheet
of such GSCAC Party (including the footnotes thereto) prepared in accordance
with GAAP.
(b) The
GSCAC Parties do not now conduct and have never conducted any business or
operations and have not engaged in any other material transaction other than the
issuance and sale of Initial GSCAC Common Stock and Initial GSCAC Warrants, the
Transactions and investigation, due diligence, valuation, retention of
professionals, entering into confidentiality and other preliminary agreements,
review and analysis of draft transaction documents, negotiation, and other
similar or related matters in connection with the pursuit by GSCAC of potential
Initial Business Combinations and other activities expressly permitted by
Section 6.03.
Section
5.11 Employee
Matters.
(a) Except
as disclosed on Schedule 5.11 of the
GSCAC Disclosure Schedule, as of the date of this Agreement, no GSCAC Party has
or, to the Knowledge of GSCAC, has ever had any employees. No GSCAC
Party is a party to any collective bargaining agreement or other
labor
union agreement or other labor union contract applicable to persons employed by
a GSCAC Party, nor does any GSCAC Party know of any activities or proceedings of
any labor union to organize any such employees.
(b) No
GSCAC Party has, is required to, or has ever been required to, maintain,
sponsor, contribute to, or administer any pension, retirement, savings, money
purchase, profit sharing, deferred compensation, medical, vision, dental,
hospitalization, prescription drug and other health plan, cafeteria, flexible
benefits, short-term and long-term disability, accident and life insurance plan,
bonus, stock option, stock purchase, stock appreciation, phantom stock,
incentive and special compensation plan or any other employee or fringe benefit
plan, program or Contract and or has any liability of any kind with respect to
any of the foregoing (under ERISA or otherwise). No GSCAC Party has
any Contract, plan or commitment, whether or not legally binding, to create any
of the foregoing other than as contemplated by the Transaction
Documents. None of the GSCAC Parties nor any of their ERISA
Affiliates have, during any time in the six-year period preceding the Closing
Date, contributed to, sponsored, maintained or administered any “employee
pension benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA that is or was
subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code.
(c) The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and
the consummation of the Transactions will not (i) result in any payment
(including severance, unemployment compensation, golden parachute, bonus or
otherwise) becoming due to any director or employee of any GSCAC Party except as
set forth in the Transaction Documents; or (ii) result in the acceleration of
the time of payment or vesting of any such benefits.
Section
5.12 Intellectual
Property. Except
as disclosed on Schedule 5.12 of the
GSCAC Disclosure Schedule, no GSCAC Party owns, licenses or otherwise has any
right, title or interest in any material Intellectual Property
Right.
Section
5.13 GSCAC Material
Contracts.
(a) Except
for the Transaction Documents or as set forth in Schedule 5.13 of the
GSCAC Disclosure Schedule, as of the date of this Agreement, no GSCAC Party is a
party to or bound by any Contract binding on a GSCAC Party or the Assets or
property of any GSCAC Party which creates or imposes a liability greater than
$50,000 annually or $500,000 in the aggregate (the “GSCAC Material
Contracts”).
(b) CEH
has been provided with copies of, or access to, all GSCAC Material
Contracts.
(c) Each
GSCAC Material Contract is in full force and effect and constitutes a legal,
valid and binding obligation of the GSCAC Party thereto except where the failure
to be in full force and effect would not reasonably be expected to adversely
affect, in any material respect, any GSCAC Party, the Project Companies, the
Batesville Project or the La Paloma Project.
(d) No
GSCAC Party or, to the Knowledge of any GSCAC Party, any other party is in
breach or default (or would be in breach or default upon the giving of notice,
lapse of time, or
both)
under any GSCAC Material Contract except for any such breach or default that
would not reasonably be expected to adversely affect, in any material respect,
any GSCAC Party, the Project Companies, the Batesville Project or the La Paloma
Project.
(e) Except
as provided in the TCW 2008 Note Purchase Agreement, no GSCAC Party has any
Indebtedness.
(f) Except as provided in the
TCW 2008 Note Purchase Agreement, no GSCAC Party is a guarantor or
otherwise responsible for any liability or obligation (including Indebtedness)
of any other Person.
(g) Except
as set forth in the Charter Documents of any GSCAC Party or in the Trust
Agreement, there is no agreement, commitment, judgment, injunction, order or
decree binding upon any GSCAC Party or to which a GSCAC Party is a party which
has or could reasonably be expected to have the effect of prohibiting or
materially impairing any business practice of a GSCAC Party, any acquisition of
property by a GSCAC Party or the conduct of business by a GSCAC Party as
currently conducted other than such effects, individually or in the aggregate,
which have not had and could not reasonably be expected to have, a GSCAC
Material Adverse Effect.
(h) Except
as set forth on Schedule 5.13 of the
GSCAC Disclosure Schedule, no GSCAC Party is a party to any Contract that limits
or otherwise restricts in any material respect any GSCAC Party or any of their
respective Affiliates or any successor thereto or that could, after the Closing
Date, limit or restrict in any material respect the Project Companies, any GSCAC
Party or any of their respective Affiliates, from engaging or competing in any
line of business, in any location or with any Person.
(i) Except
as provided in the TCW 2008 Note Purchase
Agreement, no GSCAC Party has any Contract under which it has imposed a
security interest on any of its Assets, tangible or intangible which secures any
obligation in excess of $50,000.
(j) Except
as set forth on Schedule 5.13 of the
Disclosure Schedule, GSCAC Party is a party to any Contract with any director or
officer of any GSCAC Party or with any “associate” or any member of the
“immediate family” (as such terms are respectively defined in Rules 12b-2 and
16a-1 of the 1934 Act) of any such director or officer.
Section
5.14 Insurance. Except
for the directors’ and officers’ liability insurance set forth on Schedule 5.14 of the
GSCAC Disclosure Schedule, no GSCAC Party maintains any insurance policies as of
the date of this Agreement.
Section
5.15 Environmental
Matters. Except
as would not have a GSCAC Material Adverse Effect, no GSCAC Party has any
liability under any applicable Environmental Law or under any Contract with
respect to or as a result of the presence, generation, treatment, storage,
handling, removal, transportation or Release of any Hazardous
Material.
Section
5.16 Permits. There
are no material Permits (including Environmental Permits) that are necessary for
any GSCAC Party to operate its business and to own and use its Assets in
compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws (including
Environmental Laws).
Section
5.17 Transactions with
Affiliates. Except
(i) as disclosed on Schedule 5.17 of the
GSCAC Disclosure Schedule or (ii) the Transaction Documents, there are no
Contracts or transactions between a GSCAC Party and any other Person of a type
that would be required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K under
the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and no loans by a GSCAC Party to any of
its employees, officers or directors, or any of its Affiliates.
Section
5.18 Assets and
Properties; Trust
Account.
(a) Except
as disclosed on Schedule 5.18(a) of
the GSCAC Disclosure Schedule, each GSCAC Party has (i) good title to all of its
material Assets (including all Assets recorded on the financial statements
described in Section 5.10(a), other than assets and properties disposed of in
the ordinary course of business since December 31, 2007) and (ii) valid
leasehold interests in all of its Assets which it leases, in each case (with
respect to both clauses (i) and (ii) above), free and clear of any Liens, other
than GSCAC Permitted Liens.
(b) Except
as disclosed on Schedule 5.18(b) of
the GSCAC Disclosure Schedule, no GSCAC Party owns or leases or has ever owned
or leased any real property.
(c) As
of April 30, 2008, the Trust Account contained approximately $204,550,000, and
as of the Closing Date, the Trust Account will contain no less than
approximately $199,710,000 (including any amounts payable with respect to the
Conversion Amount and the Deferred Underwriting Fees), invested in United States
“government securities” within the meaning of Section 2 (a)(16) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 having a maturity of 180 days or less or in money
market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. The amount of the Deferred
Underwriting Fees is approximately $6,210,000.
(d) Upon
obtaining the Requisite Stockholder Approval, GSAC shall promptly (and in any
event within one Business Day) provide notice thereof to the trustee under the
Trust Agreement and the trustee will commence liquidation of the Trust Account
and such trustee shall thereupon be obligated to release, in accordance with the
Trust Agreement, as promptly as practicable to GSCAC the funds and United States
government securities held in the Trust Account, which funds and United States
government securities will be free and clear of any Liens (other than as
provided in the Transaction Documents and the Charter Documents of GSCAC) and,
after taking into account any payment of the Conversion Amount and the Deferred
Underwriting Fees, will be available for use in the businesses of GSCAC,
including for investments in its subsidiaries and as contemplated by Section
2.07.
(e) Upon
consummation of the Closing, the obligations of GSCAC to dissolve or liquidate
within a specified time period contained in the Charter Documents of GSCAC shall
terminate, and, no GSCAC Stockholder in its capacity as such shall be entitled
to receive any funds from the Trust Account except to the extent such GSCAC
Stockholder votes against the Merger or the other Voting Matters and properly
exercises its conversion rights pursuant to
paragraph
C of Article Sixth of GSCAC’s Certificate of Incorporation and any procedures
regarding the exercise of such conversion rights that may be set forth in the
Proxy Statement.
Section
5.19 Board
Approval. The
GSCAC Board (including any required committee or subgroup of the GSCAC Board)
has unanimously (i) declared the advisability of the Merger and approved this
Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and the Transactions, (ii) determined
that the Merger is fair and in the best interests of GSCAC and the stockholders
of GSCAC, (iii) determined to recommend that the GSCAC Stockholders adopt and
approve the Merger and the other Voting Matters, and (iv) determined that the
fair market value of CEH is equal to at least 80% of the balance on deposit in
the Trust Account (excluding Deferred Underwriting Fees). The vote or
consent of Holdco Sub2 as the sole member of Merger Sub (which has been
obtained) is the only vote or consent of the holders of any Equity Securities of
Merger Sub necessary to approve and adopt this Agreement, the Merger and/or the
other Transactions. GSCAC as the sole member of Holdco Sub and Holdco
Sub as the sole member of Holdco Sub2 have approved the
Transactions. Except as set forth in Section 5.19 and 5.20, no other
vote or consent of the holders of Equity Securities of any GSCAC Party is
necessary to approve and adopt this Agreement, the Merger and/or the other
Transactions.
Section
5.20 Required Vote of
GSCAC Stockholders. (a)
The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of common
stock, $0.001 par value per share, of GSCAC present and voting at the GSCAC
Stockholders’ Meeting to approve the Initial Business Combination contemplated
by this Agreement, (b) the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of GSCAC present
and voting to approve the issuance of the GSCAC Class B Common Stock and the
GSCAC Class A Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Transactions
(including GSCAC Class A Common Stock into which the Holdco Class B Common Units
may be exchanged), and to adopt the GSCAC Plan (in the case of both (a) and (b),
assuming a quorum is present at the GSCAC Stockholders’ Meeting), and (c) the
affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common
stock, $0.001 par value per share, of GSCAC to approve amendments to the
Certificate of Incorporation of GSCAC as required so that the Certificate of
Incorporation of GSCAC can be amended and restated to be substantially in the
form of Exhibit
D, are the only votes of holders of securities of GSCAC which are
required to obtain the Requisite Stockholder Approval and to authorize the
consummation of the Transactions (provided that the Requisite Stockholder
Approval shall be deemed not to have occurred if holders of 20% or more of the
shares of Initial GSCAC Common Stock that were issued in GSCAC’s initial public
offering vote against the Transaction and properly elect conversion of their
shares in accordance with paragraph C of Section Sixth of GSCAC’s Certificate of
Incorporation).
Section
5.21 Taxes. Except
as disclosed in Schedule 5.21 of the
GSCAC Disclosure Schedule or as would not reasonably be expected to result in a
GSCAC Material Adverse Effect: (a) all Tax returns that are required
to be filed on or before the Closing Date by the GSCAC Parties have been or will
be duly and timely filed and all Tax Returns when filed were true, correct and
complete in all material respects, (b) all material Taxes due for such periods
have been paid and GSCAC has made adequate provision in accordance with GAAP for
any material Taxes not yet due and payable, (c) all withholding Tax requirements
imposed on the GSCAC
Parties
have been satisfied in full in all respects, except for amounts that are being
contested in good faith, (d) no GSCAC Party has in force any waiver of any
statute of limitations in respect of Taxes or any extension of time with respect
to a Tax assessment or deficiency, (e) there are no pending or active audits or
legal proceedings involving Tax matters or, to the Knowledge of GSCAC,
threatened audits or proposed deficiencies or other claims for unpaid Taxes of
the GSCAC Parties; (f) no material claim has been received from a Taxing
Authority in a jurisdiction where GSCAC does not file Tax Returns with respect
to a particular type of Tax asserting that GSCAC may be subject to, or liable
for, that particular type of Tax in that jurisdiction; (g) for federal income
tax purposes, each of Holdco Sub, Holdco Sub2 and Merger Sub is classified as an
entity disregarded as separate from its owner; and (h) each of Holdco Sub,
Holdco Sub2 and Merger Sub has not engaged, and is not currently engaged, in any
trade or business except as described in Section
5.10(b).
Section
5.22 No Conflicting
Contracts. No
GSCAC Party nor any of their respective Affiliates is a party to any Contract to
build, develop, acquire or operate any power facility that would reasonably be
expected to cause a delay in or failure to obtain any Governmental Authority’s
granting of a GSCAC Approval or a CEH Approval, and no GSCAC Party nor any of
their respective Affiliates has any plans to enter into any such Contract prior
to the Closing Date.
Section
5.23 Opportunity for
Independent Investigation. Prior
to its execution of this Agreement, each of the GSCAC Parties has conducted to
its satisfaction an independent investigation and verification of the current
condition and affairs of the Project Companies, the Assets of the Project
Companies and the Projects. In making its decision to execute this
Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is, or will be, a
party, each GSCAC Party has relied and will rely solely upon the results of such
independent investigation and verification and the terms and conditions of this
Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.
Section
5.24 Exon
Florio. Each
of the GSCAC Parties is not a “foreign person” for purposes of Section 721 of
the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, the Foreign Investment and
National Security Act or any executive orders, rules or regulations relating
thereto.
Section
5.25 Absence of
Certain Changes. From
December 31, 2007 to the date of this Agreement, except as disclosed on Schedule 5.25 of the
GSCAC Disclosure Schedule, there has not been:
(a) any
GSCAC Material Adverse Effect;
(b) any
making by any GSCAC Party of any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or
investments in, any Person (other than another GSCAC Party);
(c) any
waiver, release or assignment of any material rights, claims or benefits under
any GSCAC Material Contract that could reasonably be expected to adversely
affect, in any material respect, the GSCAC Parties;
(d) any
change in the GSCAC Parties’ methods of accounting, except as required by
concurrent changes in GAAP as agreed to by its independent public accountants;
or
(e) any
settlement, or offer or proposal to settle, any material Proceeding against any
GSCAC Parties or any of their respective officers or directors relating to any
GSCAC Parties or that relates to any Transactions.
Section
5.26 Fairness
Opinion. GSCAC
has received an opinion (“Fairness
Opinion”) from Duff & Phelps, LLC addressed to the GSCAC Board to the
effect that, as of the date of the opinion, the CEH Group Purchase Price is fair
from a financial point of view, to the GSCAC Stockholders and that the fair
market value on a consolidated basis of the Project Companies is at least equal
to 80% of the balance in the Trust Account (excluding the Deferred Underwriting
Discount) at the time of the Transaction. GSCAC has made available to
CEH an executed copy of the Fairness Opinion. GSCAC has obtained the
authorization of Duff & Phelps, LLC to include a copy of the Fairness
Opinion in the Proxy Statement.
ARTICLE
VI
COVENANTS
Section
6.01 Regulatory and
Other Approvals. From
the date of
this Agreement until Closing (the “Interim
Period”):
(a) Each
of CEH and GSCAC agrees to (and each agrees to cause its applicable subsidiaries
to) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain as promptly as practicable all
CEH Approvals, Company Consents and GSCAC Approvals applicable to such Person,
and all other material consents and approvals that any of CEH, GSCAC or their
respective Affiliates are required to obtain in order for such Person to
consummate the Transactions.
(b) Each of
CEH and GSCAC agrees to, and agrees to cause its applicable subsidiaries to, (i)
make or cause to be made the filings required of such Person or any of its
applicable Affiliates under any Laws applicable to it with respect to the
Transactions and to pay any fees due of it in connection with such filings, as
promptly as is reasonably practicable, (ii) cooperate with CEH and GSCAC (as
applicable) and furnish the information in such Person’s possession that is
necessary in connection with CEH’s or GSCAC’s (or their applicable subsidiary’s)
filings, (iii) use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the expiration of
the notice or waiting periods under any Laws applicable to it with respect to
the consummation of the Transactions as promptly as is reasonably practicable,
(iv) promptly inform the other of any communication from or to, and any proposed
understanding or agreement with, any Governmental Authority in respect of such
filings, (v) reasonably consult and cooperate with the other Person in
connection with any analyses, appearances, presentations, memoranda, briefs,
arguments and opinions made or submitted by or on behalf of any Person in
connection with all meetings, actions and proceedings with Governmental
Authorities relating to such filings, (vi) comply, as promptly as is reasonably
practicable, with any requests received by such Person or any of its Affiliates
under any Laws for additional information, documents or other materials with
respect to such filings, (vii) use commercially reasonable efforts to resolve
any objections
as may be
asserted by any Governmental Authority with respect to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and (viii) use commercially reasonable efforts to
contest and resist any action or proceeding instituted (or threatened in writing
to be instituted) by any Governmental Authority challenging the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement as violative of any Law. If CEH or
GSCAC (or any of their applicable Affiliates) intends to participate in any
meeting with any Governmental Authority with respect to such filings and if
permitted by, or acceptable to, the applicable Governmental Authorities, it
agrees to give the other Person reasonable prior notice of, and an opportunity
to participate in, such meeting.
(c) CEH
and GSCAC each agrees to provide prompt notification to the other when it
becomes aware that any such consent or approval referred to in this Section 6.01
is obtained, taken, made, given or denied, as applicable.
(d) Upon
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, each of the
Parties agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be
taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate
with the other Parties in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable to
consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious manner practicable, the
Transactions and to execute and deliver any additional instruments or agreements
reasonably necessary to consummate the Transactions and to fully carry out the
purposes of this Agreement and/or the Transaction Documents.
(e) In
furtherance of the foregoing covenants:
(i) Each
of CEH and GSCAC agrees to prepare, as soon as is practical following the
execution of this Agreement, all necessary filings applicable to it in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement that may be
required by FERC or under the HSR Act or any other federal, state or local
Laws. Each of GSCAC and CEH agrees to submit, or cause its applicable
subsidiaries to submit, such filings applicable to it or its subsidiaries as
soon as practicable, but in no event later than 60 days after the execution
hereof for filings with FERC for authorization of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement pursuant to Section 203 of the Federal Power Act, and 10
Business Days after the execution hereof for filings under the HSR
Act. The Persons making such filings shall request expedited
treatment of any such filings, shall promptly furnish each other Party with
copies of any notices, correspondence or other written communication received by
it or its Affiliates from the relevant Governmental Authority, shall promptly
make any appropriate or necessary subsequent or supplemental filings required of
it or its Affiliates and shall cooperate in the preparation of such filings as
is reasonably necessary and appropriate.
(ii) GSCAC
and CEH each agrees that it shall not, and each agrees to cause its subsidiaries
not to, take any action that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect
the approval of any Governmental Authority of any of the filings referred to in
this Section 6.01.
(iii) Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, none of the Parties or any of their
respective Affiliates will be required to (i) enter into any
settlement,
undertaking, consent decree, stipulation or agreement with any Governmental
Authority in connection with the Transactions, (ii) divest or hold separate any
business or Assets in connection with the consummation of the Transaction, or
(iii) accept any condition that would reasonably be expected to materially
adversely affect the Party or any of its respective Affiliates or the
Business.
Section
6.02 Access. During
the Interim Period, each of the Parties agrees to provide to the other Parties
and their respective Representatives reasonable access during normal business
hours, upon reasonable notice (as coordinated through such individuals
designated in writing by each Party to the other Parties at or promptly
following the date of this Agreement), to the properties, books, records,
employees of the Project Companies and the GSCAC Parties to make or cause to be
made such review of the business, the assets, properties and liabilities and
financial and legal condition of the Project Companies and the GSCAC Parties as
any Party reasonably deems necessary or advisable; provided that any such review
shall not interfere unnecessarily with normal operations of the Project
Companies or the GSCAC Parties.
Section
6.03 Certain
Restrictions.
(a) During
the Interim Period, CEH shall, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
cause each of the Project Companies to, conduct its business in the ordinary
course consistent with past practice and manage its working capital (including
the timing of collection of accounts receivable and of the payment of accounts
payable and the management of inventory) in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, except (i) as contemplated by the Transaction Documents or to comply
with applicable Law; (ii) as set forth in Schedule 6.03 of the
CEH Disclosure; or (iii) with the consent by GSCAC (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), CEH shall use commercially
reasonable efforts not to permit any Project Company to:
(i) create
any Lien (other than a CEH Permitted Lien) against any of the Assets of any
Project Company;
(ii) grant
any material waiver of any material term under, or give any material consent
with respect to, any CEH Material Contract other than in the ordinary course of
business;
(iii) sell,
transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of any material Assets of a Project
Company outside of the ordinary course of business;
(iv) other
than Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business, pursuant to the
CEH Material Contracts or pursuant to Section 6.05, incur, create, assume or
otherwise become liable for any Indebtedness;
(v) except
as may be required to meet the requirements of applicable Law or GAAP, change
any accounting method or practice in a manner that is inconsistent with past
practice in a way that would materially and adversely affect the Business of any
Project Company;
(vi) fail
to maintain its limited liability company, limited partnership or corporate
existence, as applicable, or consolidate with any other Person or acquire all or
substantially all of the Assets of any other Person;
(vii) authorize
for issuance, issue, sell, deliver or agree or commit to issue, sell or deliver
(whether through the issuance or granting of options, warrants, other
equity-based (whether payable in cash, securities or other property or any
combination of the foregoing) commitments, subscriptions, rights to purchase or
otherwise) any of its Equity Securities other than Permitted Refinancing Equity
Securities;
(viii) liquidate,
dissolve, recapitalize, reorganize or otherwise wind up its business or
operations;
(ix) purchase
any securities of any Person, except for short-term investments made in the
ordinary course of business;
(x) enter
into, terminate or materially amend any CEH Material Contract or any other
Contract that would be a CEH Material Contract if entered into prior to the date
hereof (other than any CEH Material Contract (A) entered into, terminated or
amended in the ordinary course of business that will be performed prior to
Closing, (B) described on Schedule 6.03 of the CEH Disclosure Schedule, or (C)
entered into, terminated or amended in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice, provided that entering into,
terminating or amending any Contract described in clause (xv) or (xvi) of
Section 4.14 shall not be permitted pursuant to this clause (x));
(xi) (A)
make or change any material Tax election, (B) change any annual Tax accounting
period, (C) adopt or change any method of Tax accounting, (D) materially amend
any Tax Returns or file claims for material Tax refunds, (E) enter any material
closing agreement, (F) settle any material Tax claim, audit or assessment, or
(G) surrender any right to claim a material Tax refund, offset or other
reduction in Tax liability, other than in the case of clauses (A) through (G) in
the ordinary course of business ;
(xii) amend
any of their respective Charter Documents (other than the amendment to the CEH
LLC Agreement contemplated by Section 6.15);
(xiii) waive,
release or assign any material rights, claims or benefits of any Project
Companies other than in the ordinary course of business;
(xiv) enter
into any Contract that will, after the Closing Date, restrict in any material
respect any Project Companies, any GSCAC Party or any of their respective
Affiliates, from engaging or competing in its line of Business or in any
location;
(xv) materially
increase the compensation, bonus or other benefits payable to any director,
officer or employee of the Project Companies other than in the ordinary course
of business and in amounts and on terms consistent with past
practices;
(xvi) enter
into, establish, adopt or amend in any material respects any Benefit Plan, or
any trust agreement (or similar arrangement) related thereto, or pay any pension
or retirement allowance not required by an existing Benefit Plan or accelerate
the vesting of, or the lapsing of restrictions on, any rights pursuant to a
Benefit Plan, in respect of any director, officer or employee except (1) as may
be required by applicable Law, including but not limited to Section 409A of the
Code, (2) as required by previously disclosed contractual obligations existing
as of the date hereof (3) annual renewals of such Benefit Plans or (4)
amendments in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice that
do not materially increase benefits or result in increased administrative
costs;
(xvii) settle,
or offer or propose to settle, any pending or threatened material Claim or
Proceeding involving or against the Project Companies or any of their respective
officers or directors or that relates to any Transactions, other than in the
ordinary course;
(xviii) agree
or commit to do any of the foregoing.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, CEH may permit the Project Companies to take commercially
reasonable actions with respect to (i) emergency situations affecting the
operations of the Project Companies (excluding CEH) (including forced outages)
or (ii) regulatory requirements and/or other requirements of Law, and CEH shall,
upon receipt of notice of any such actions, promptly inform GSCAC of any such
actions taken outside the ordinary course of business.
(b) During
the Interim Period, if CEH wishes to take, or permit any other Project Company
to take, any action in connection with operating, maintaining, developing or
managing the Batesville Project or the La Paloma Project in accordance with
prudent industry practice (or any action or activity related or incidental to
the foregoing) and such action is otherwise prohibited by Section 6.03(a), CEH
may deliver written notice of such action to GSCAC, which notice shall include a
statement that such notice is being delivered pursuant to this Section 6.03(b)
and shall specify in reasonable detail such action and the basis for CEH’s
determination that such action is in accordance with prudent industry
practice. Upon receipt of such written notice with respect to a
requested action, GSCAC shall have the right to terminate this Agreement in
accordance with Article IX by delivering written notice of such termination to
CEH on or prior to the fifth Business Day following GSCAC’s receipt of such
written notice relating to such action. If GSCAC does not terminate
this Agreement in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence on or prior
such fifth Business Day, then GSCAC shall be deemed to have consented to such
requested action without any requirement for written consent thereto or any
other action by any Party.
(c) During
the Interim Period, except (i) as required by the Transaction Documents or to
comply with applicable Law; (ii) as set forth in Schedule 6.03 of the
GSCAC Disclosure Schedule; or (iii) with the consent of CEH (which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), GSCAC shall not, and
shall not permit any of the GSCAC Parties to:
(i) create
any Lien (other than a GSCAC Permitted Lien) against any of its
Assets;
(ii) (A)
grant any material waiver of any material term under, or give any material
consent with respect to, any GSCAC Material Contract, or (B) spend any cash held
in the Trust Account prior to the Closing; provided, in each case, that
the foregoing restrictions shall not apply to or restrict the GSCAC Parties’
ability to spend, commit to spend, or incur liabilities (i) to pay any expenses,
incurred by any GSCAC Party in connection with the Transactions or other
expenses incurred by GSCAC in the ordinary course of business (taking into
account that GSCAC is a special-purpose acquisition company) (ii) to comply with
applicable Laws, (iii) in accordance with Contracts to which a GSCAC Party is a
party as of the date of this Agreement, (iv) to comply with any GSCAC Party’s
obligations under any Transaction Documents or (v) to pay tax obligations using
funds from the Trust Fund as contemplated by its Trust Agreement;
(iii) except
as may be required to meet the requirements of applicable Law or GAAP, change
any accounting method or practice;
(iv) fail
to maintain its limited liability company or corporate existence, as applicable,
or merge, consolidate with any other Person or acquire all or any substantial
portion of the Assets of any other Person;
(v) authorize
for issuance, issue, sell, deliver or agree or commit to issue, sell or deliver
(whether through the issuance or granting of options, warrants, other
equity-based (whether payable in cash, securities or other property or any
combination of the foregoing) commitments, subscriptions, rights to purchase or
otherwise) any of its Equity Securities;
(vi) liquidate,
dissolve, recapitalize, reorganize or otherwise wind up its business or
operations, restructure, recapitalize or otherwise reorganize;
(vii) purchase
any securities of any Person, except as permitted by the Trust
Agreement;
(viii) make
any material election with respect to Taxes;
(ix) amend
or modify its Charter Documents;
(x) acquire
or redeem, directly or indirectly, or amend any of its securities;
(xi) make
any distribution or declare, pay or set aside any dividend with respect to, or
split, combine or reclassify any of its equity interests or any shares of
capital stock, except in connection with the exercise of conversion rights by
GSCAC stockholders pursuant to Article Sixth of GSCAC’s Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation;
(xii) settle
or compromise any pending or threatened material Proceeding involving or against
any GSCAC Party or any of their respective officers or directors;
(xiii) incur,
create, assume or otherwise become liable for Indebtedness;
(xiv) amend
or otherwise modify any agreement relating to the Trust Account; or
(xv) agree
or commit to do any of the foregoing.
Section
6.04 La Paloma Tag
Along Offer. GSCAC
shall, within 20 Business Days (as such time period may be extended with the
consent of GSCAC and CEH) after the date of this Agreement, deliver to each LP
Minority Holder a binding written offer to be held open for at least 20 Business
Days to exchange such LP Minority Holder’s LP Minority Units for the LP Minority
Exchange Consideration applicable to such Holder’s LP Minority Units, which
offer shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit O and in
accordance with the provisions of Article IV of the limited liability company
agreement of La Paloma Acquisition (the “La Paloma LLC
Agreement”). GSCAC (i) shall promptly inform CEH of any
communication from or to, and any proposed understanding or agreement with, any
LP Minority Holder with respect to such offer and/or exchange and (ii) shall
promptly provide to CEH reasonable detail of the terms, conditions and other
provisions with respect thereto. The Parties acknowledge and agree
that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement (but without
limiting Section 7.04), none of (A) the acceptance or rejection by all or any
portion of the LP Minority Holders of such offer described above, (B) any matter
in dispute regarding the price or conversion amount with respect to such offer,
(C) any negotiations, documentation or approvals to purchase the LP Minority
Holders’ membership interests in La Paloma Acquisition, or (D) the consummation
or failure to consummate for any reason the exchange contemplated by the form of
LP Minority Exchange Agreement attached as Exhibit O of all or any portion of
the LP Minority Holders’ membership interests in La Paloma Acquisition shall in
any case constitute a failure of a condition to be satisfied under Article VII
or impair, delay or otherwise affect the Closing of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. CEH and GSCAC each agree to use
commercially reasonable efforts and to act in good faith to take, or cause to be
taken all actions reasonably necessary to cause the provisions of Article IV of
the La Paloma LLC Agreement to be complied with in connection with the offer
contemplated by this Section 6.04 and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by such offer.
Section
6.05 Recapitalization;
Distributions. Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, during the Interim
Period:
(a) CEH
may, and may cause any Project Company to, incur debt for borrowed money or
issue Equity Securities of CEH, in each case in exchange for, or the proceeds of
which will be used solely to refinance, all or any portion of the principal,
interest and other amounts payable in respect of the JPM Debt and to pay fees
and expenses incurred in connection with such refinancing or issuance of Equity
Securities, without the consent of GSCAC except as provided
below. CEH agrees to deliver to GSCAC prompt written notice advising
GSCAC of the material terms and conditions of any potential Permitted
Refinancing Transaction that CEH is seriously considering; and CEH agrees to
keep GSCAC reasonably informed on a current basis of the status and details and
any material developments in respect of any such potential Permitted
Refinancing
Transaction, including furnishing drafts of any written termsheets and (to the
extent such drafts reflect such material developments) definitive agreements on
a timely basis.
(i) CEH
agrees that:
(A) the principal amount of any such debt
for borrowed money shall not exceed the sum of the aggregate outstanding principal amount, plus all accrued but unpaid interest and other amounts
payable in respect of the JPM Debt, plus any fees or expenses incurred in
connection with such refinancing;
(B) the outstanding principal amount of,
together with all accrued but unpaid interest on, such debt for borrowed money
must be prepayable at Closing at the option of CEH; and
(C) any such Equity Securities shall, at the Effective Time, by their
terms and pursuant to Section 3.01(a), be cancelled and automatically
converted solely into a portion of the CEH Group Merger Consideration in
accordance with Section 3.01(a), Section 3.01(f) and Exhibit
F, without any modification or amendment to this
Agreement.
(ii) CEH agrees that it will not enter into
any definitive agreement on or prior to September 15, 2008 with respect to any
incurrence of debt for borrowed money or issuance of Equity Securities in
exchange for, or the proceeds of which are to be used to refinance any
principal, interest or other amount payable in respect of the JPM Debt unless CEH shall have obtained the
prior written consent of GSCAC, which consent shall not to be
unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
(iii) If
CEH or any Project Company proposes to enter into any definitive agreement at
any time after September 15, 2008 with respect to any incurrence of debt for
borrowed money or issuance of Equity Securities in exchange for, of the proceeds
of which are to be used to refinance, any principal, interest or other amount
payable in respect of the JPM Debt, then CEH agrees to deliver to GSCAC copies
of any final termsheet and the proposed definitive agreements and such notice
shall specify that it is being delivered pursuant to this Section
6.05(a)(iii). Upon receipt of such notice, GSCAC shall have the right
to terminate this Agreement in accordance with Article IX by delivering written
notice of such termination to CEH on or prior to the fifth Business Day
following GSCAC’s receipt of such notice relating to such
proposal. If GSCAC does not terminate this Agreement in accordance
with the immediately preceding sentence on or prior to such fifth Business Day,
then GSCAC shall be deemed to have consented to the incurrence of such debt or
issuance of such Equity Securities and the execution and delivery by CEH and/or
any Project Company of such definitive documents and this Agreement shall be
deemed to be automatically amended and modified to permit such requested action
without any requirement for written consent thereto or any other action by any
Party.
(iv) If
any of the material final terms or conditions of any such debt for borrowed
money or issuance of such Equity Securities differs in any material respects
from the provisions of the proposal delivered pursuant to Section 6.03(a)(iii),
CEH shall again provide written notice pursuant to Section 6.03(a)(iii) and
GSCAC shall again have a right to terminate this agreement pursuant to and in
accordance with Section 6.03(a)(iii).
(b) CEH
shall not, directly or indirectly, pay any cash or other dividends or make any
cash or other distributions to any of their respective members at any time prior
to the Closing, except CEH may make cash distributions to its members in respect
of their assumed income tax liability as provided in the CEH LLC
Agreement.
Section
6.06 Insurance. CEH
shall use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain or cause to be maintained
in full force and effect the insurance policies described on Schedule 6.06 of the
CEH Disclosure Schedule until the Closing.
Section
6.07 Casualty and
Condemnation.
(a) If
during the Interim Period any of the Purchased Assets are damaged or destroyed
by any casualty event or are taken by any condemnation event, then CEH shall
prepare (or if GSCAC objects to CEH’s estimate within 5 Business Days after
receipt of such estimate, CEH shall request that a qualified independent firm
reasonably acceptable to CEH and GSCAC prepare) within 15 to 45 days following
such event (as such number of days is requested by CEH) (i) in the case of such
a casualty event, the sum of (A) the cost of restoring the Purchased Assets
damaged or destroyed by such event to a condition reasonably comparable to their
condition immediately prior to such casualty event plus (B) the amount
of any lost profits with respect to such Purchased Assets reasonably expected to
accrue after Closing as a result of such casualty event, or (ii) in the case of
such a condemnation event, the condemnation value therefor, in the case of
clauses (i) and (ii) net of and after giving effect to (without duplication) (1)
any insurance, condemnation award or other third party proceeds reasonably
expected to be available to the applicable Project Company for such event, (2)
any amounts expended by the applicable Project Company prior to Closing to
restore damage caused by such casualty event and (3) adjustments relating to
such casualty event or condemnation event that result in a reduction to the
Designated Cash Account Balances that would otherwise exist at Closing (as
applicable, such estimate being a “Casualty
Estimate”). Any Casualty Estimate shall be prepared based on
the best reasonably available information as of the date of such Casualty
Estimate and if the Closing is expected to occur prior to the end of the 15 to
45 day period referenced above (as such number of days is requested by CEH
pursuant to the first sentence of this Section), then the determination of such
Casualty Estimate shall not delay, impair or otherwise affect the Closing except
that the Closing Date shall be extended, if necessary, to the earlier of (x)
third Business Day after such Casualty Estimate is made and (y) the 5th day
following the 15 to 45 day period (as requested by CEH pursuant to the first
sentence of this Section 6.07) following such casualty event or condemnation
event.
(b) If
the Casualty Estimate with respect to all such casualty or condemnation events
is greater than $3,000,000 but does not exceed $25,000,000, then the LP
Enterprise Value (in the
case of a
Casualty Estimate with respect to the La Paloma Project) or the BV Enterprise
Value (in the case of a Casualty Estimate with respect to the Batesville
Project) set forth on Exhibit F shall be
reduced by an amount equal to such Casualty Estimate minus $3,000,000, in
which case CEH and its Affiliates shall have no further liability hereunder due
to such casualty or condemnation event and such casualty or condemnation event
shall not otherwise affect the Closing.
(c) If
the Casualty Estimate with respect to all such casualty or condemnation events
is greater than $25,000,000, GSCAC may, by written notice to CEH before the
expected Closing Date, elect to (13) reduce the LP Enterprise Value (in the case
of a Casualty Estimate with respect to the La Paloma Project) or the BV
Enterprise Value (in the case of a Casualty Estimate with respect to the
Batesville Project) set forth on Exhibit F by an
amount equal to such Casualty Estimate minus $3,000,000, in
which case CEH and its Affiliates shall have no further liability hereunder due
to such casualty or condemnation event and such casualty or condemnation event
shall not otherwise affect the Closing, or (14) terminate this Agreement; provided, however, that if
GSCAC does not elect to terminate this Agreement as provided in this sentence,
then CEH may, by written notice to GSCAC on or before the expected Closing Date
(or, if later, 50 days after the date of such casualty or condemnation event but
prior to the Closing Date), terminate this Agreement in accordance with Article
IX.
(d) If
the Casualty Estimate with respect to all such casualty or condemnation events
is $3,000,000 or less, (15) neither GSCAC nor CEH shall have the right or option
to terminate this Agreement as a result of such casualty or condemnation event,
(16) there shall be no reduction in the amount of the LP Enterprise Value or the
BV Enterprise Value set forth on Exhibit F with
respect to such casualty or condemnation event; and (17) such casualty or
condemnation event shall not delay, impair or otherwise affect the Closing; and (iv) there shall be no
liability for GSCAC, CEH or any of their respective Affiliates hereunder due to
such casualty or condemnation event.
Section
6.08 Tax
Matters.
(a) Except
as provided in this Section 6.08(a), GSCAC shall prepare and file (or cause to
be prepared and filed) all Tax returns relating to any Project Company that are
required to be filed after the Closing Date. With respect to any
income Tax returns covering a taxable period ending on or before the Closing
Date that are required to be filed after the Closing Date with respect to any
Project Company (other than Batesville Investor I, Batesville Investor II, LSP
Energy, Inc. and LSP Batesville Funding Corporation) CEH shall cause such Tax
returns to be prepared and filed with the appropriate Taxing
Authority. GSCAC agrees to cause the income, gain, loss and deduction
of CEP Batesville Acquisition for the taxable year that includes the Closing
Date to be allocated between CEH and GSCAC under Section 706 of the Code using a
closing of the books on the Closing Date.
(b) After
the Closing, GSCAC shall grant or cause the Project Companies to grant to CEH
(or its respective designees) access at all reasonable times to all of the
information, books and records relating to the Project Companies within the
possession of GSCAC (including workpapers and correspondence with Taxing
Authorities) and to the employees of the Project
Companies,
and shall afford CEH (or its designees) the right (at CEH’s expense) to take
extracts therefrom and to make copies thereof, to the extent reasonably
necessary to permit CEH (or its designee) to prepare Tax returns, respond to Tax
audits and investigations, prosecute Tax protests, appeals and refund claims and
to conduct negotiations with Taxing Authorities. After the Closing,
CEH and GSCAC will preserve (and GSCAC will cause all Project Companies to
preserve) all information, records or documents in their respective possessions
relating to liabilities for Taxes of the Project Companies until six months
after the expiration of any applicable statute of limitations (including
extensions thereof) with respect to the assessment of such Taxes; provided, that
no Party shall dispose of any of the foregoing items without first offering such
items to the other Parties. GSCAC agrees to make the election
referred to in Section 754 of the Code with respect to Holdco Sub and any
entities taxable as partnerships for federal income tax purposes in which it has
a direct or indirect interest. The Parties understand that the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement will give rise to special
allocations under Section 704(c) of the Code (or to analogous “reverse 704(c)
allocations”) and agree that, with respect to such allocations, Holdco Sub will
utilize “remedial method” for allocations with respect to contributed property
subject to Code Section 197 and the “traditional method with curative
allocations” for all other items of property, pursuant to Section 1.704-3 of the
Treasury Regulations and will apply consistent principles with respect to any
assets held by any lower tier partnerships.
(c) GSCAC,
CEH and Holdco Sub intend that for federal income tax purposes the Merger will
be treated as follows: (i) the formation of Holdco Sub as a new partnership,
(ii) for GSCAC, a contribution to Holdco Sub of the assets described in Section
2.07(b) in exchange for Holdco Class A Units, (iii) for the holders of CEH Units
other than the Specified CEH E-Units, a contribution of the CEH Units described
in Section 3.01(a) to Holdco Sub in exchange for the CEH Group Merger
Consideration, (iv) for the holders of the Specified CEH E-Units, a transfer of
such CEH Units to Holdco Sub in exchange for the Specified CEH E-Unit
Consideration, and (v) for Holdco Sub, (A) the receipt of the assets
described in Section 2.07(b) as a contribution from GSCAC in exchange for Holdco
Class A Units, and (B) the acquisition of the assets and liabilities of CEH in
exchange for the CEH Group Merger Consideration and the Specified CEH E-Unit
Consideration. GSCAC, CEH and Holdco Sub each agree to file all Tax
Returns consistent with this Section 6.08(c) for all Tax purposes unless
otherwise required by Law.
Section
6.09 Proxy Statement;
Special Meeting.
(a) As
promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement and GSCAC’s
receipt from CEH of any information regarding the Project Companies that is
required to be included in the Proxy Statement, GSCAC will prepare and file a
preliminary Proxy Statement with the SEC; provided that GSCAC shall
furnish a draft of such preliminary Proxy Statement to CEH and give CEH and its
legal counsel a reasonable opportunity to review such draft prior to filing the
preliminary Proxy Statement with the SEC and shall accept all reasonable
additions, deletions or changes suggested by CEH in connection
therewith. GSCAC shall promptly notify CEH of the receipt of any
comments of the SEC staff with respect to the Proxy Statement and of any
requests by the SEC for any amendment or supplement thereto or for additional
information and shall provide to CEH as promptly as reasonably practicable,
copies of all written correspondence between GSCAC or any representative of
GSCAC and the SEC with respect to
the Proxy
Statement. If comments are received from the SEC staff with respect
to the Proxy Statement, GSCAC shall respond as promptly as reasonably
practicable after its receipt from CEH of any information regarding the Project
Companies that is required to address such comments and GSCAC will use its
reasonable best efforts to mail the Proxy Statement to its stockholders as soon
as reasonably practicable following its approval by the SEC. GSCAC
shall provide CEH and its legal counsel with a reasonable opportunity to review
any amendment or supplement to each of the preliminary and the definitive Proxy
Statement prior to filing with the SEC and shall accept all reasonable
additions, deletions or changes suggested by CEH in connection
therewith. As promptly as practicable after the execution of this
Agreement and GSCAC’s receipt from CEH of any information regarding the Project
Companies that is required to be included, GSCAC will prepare and file any other
filings required under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or any other
Federal, foreign or Blue Sky Laws relating to the Transaction or any regulations
of any exchange on which the common stock, par value $0.001 per share of GSCAC
is listed for trading (collectively, the “Other
Filings”). GSCAC will notify CEH promptly of any request by
the SEC or its staff or any other governmental officials for amendments or
supplements to any Other Filing or for other additional information and will
supply CEH with copies of all written correspondence between GSCAC or any of its
representatives, on the one hand, and such government officials, on the other
hand, with respect to any Other Filing. GSCAC agrees that the Proxy
Statement and the Other Filings will comply in all material respects with all
applicable Laws and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder. Whenever any event occurs which is required to be set
forth in an amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement or any Other Filing,
CEH or GSCAC as the case may be, will promptly inform the other Party of such
occurrence and cooperate in filing with the SEC or any other government
officials, and/or mailing to GSCAC Stockholders, such amendment or
supplement. The Proxy Statement will be sent to the GSCAC
Stockholders for the purpose of soliciting proxies from GSCAC Stockholders to
vote in favor of (i) the Initial Business Combination contemplated by this
Agreement, (ii) the issuance and sale of the GSCAC Class B Common Stock and the
GSCAC Class A Common Stock (including GSCAC Class A Common Stock into which the
Holdco Class B Common Units may be exchanged); (iii) the adoption of the GSCAC
Plan; and (iv) the amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation of GSCAC as
required so that the Certification of Incorporation of GSCAC can be amended and
restated in substantially the form set forth on Exhibit D (the
matters described in clauses (i) through (iv), the “Voting
Matters”).
(b) As
soon as practicable after mailing the Proxy Statement to the GSCAC Stockholders,
GSCAC shall call, convene and hold a meeting of the GSCAC Stockholders (the
“GSCAC
Stockholders’ Meeting”) and solicit proxies from such holders to vote in
favor of the approval of the Transaction and the other Voting
Matters. GSCAC’s obligation to call, convene and hold such meeting
shall not be affected by any Change in Recommendation by the GSCAC Board unless
this Agreement is terminated by CEH pursuant to Article
IX. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
Agreement, GSCAC shall adjourn or postpone the GSCAC Stockholders’ Meeting to
the extent necessary to ensure that any required supplement or amendment to the
Proxy Statement is provided to the GSCAC Stockholders or, if as of the time for
which the GSCAC Stockholders’ Meeting is originally scheduled (as set forth in
the Proxy Statement) there are insufficient shares of GSCAC Common Stock
represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to
conduct business at such meeting.
(c) CEH
agrees to use reasonable best efforts to provide GSCAC with all information
concerning the Project Companies as is reasonably requested by GSCAC for the
information concerning the Project Companies in the Proxy Statement to comply
with all applicable provisions of and rules under the Exchange Act or
requirements of AMEX in the preparation, filing and distribution of the Proxy
Statement, the solicitation of proxies thereunder, and the calling and holding
of the GSCAC Stockholders’ Meeting or as may be reasonably required to respond
to any comment of the SEC. GSCAC shall ensure that the Proxy
Statement does not, as of the date on which it is distributed to the GSCAC
Stockholders, and as of the date of the GSCAC Stockholders’ Meeting, contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary
in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading (provided that GSCAC shall not be responsible for
ensuring that any information furnished by CEH in writing for inclusion in the
Proxy Statement does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading). With respect to the information furnished by CEH in
writing with respect to the Project Companies for inclusion in the Proxy
Statement, CEH shall ensure that the Proxy Statement does not, as of the date on
which it is distributed to the GSCAC Stockholders, and as of the date of the
GSCAC Stockholders’ Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (provided
that CEH shall not be responsible for ensuring that any information furnished by
a GSCAC Party in writing for inclusion in the Proxy Statement does not contain
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading).
(d) Subject
to Section 6.13 but without limiting Section 6.09(b), the GSCAC Board shall
recommend that the GSCAC Stockholders vote in favor of approval of the
Transactions and the other Voting Matters, and GSCAC, acting through its board
of directors, shall include in the Proxy Statement such recommendation, and
shall otherwise use all reasonable best efforts to obtain the Requisite
Shareholder Approval.
(e) CEH
agrees to use reasonable best efforts to obtain a “comfort letter” in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to GSCAC from UHY Mann, Frankfort Stein &
Lipp, independent public accountants to CEH, with respect to the financial
statements of any Project Company included in any preliminary or definitive
Proxy Statement filed with the SEC.
Section
6.10 Directors and
Officers of GSCAC and Subsidiaries after Merger. GSCAC
and CEH shall take all necessary action so that the persons listed on Schedule 6.10 of the
CEH Disclosure Schedule are elected to the positions of officers and directors
of GSCAC, Holdco Sub, Holdco Sub2 and CEH, as set forth therein, to serve in
such positions effective immediately after Closing.
Section
6.11 Public
Disclosure. The
Parties agree that no public release or announcement concerning this Agreement
or the Transactions shall be issued by any Party or any of their respective
Affiliates or any of their respective Representatives without the prior consent
of GSCAC and CEH, unless such Party determines that it is required by any Laws
or by the rules
and
regulations of, or pursuant to any agreement with, a stock exchange or trading
system. If any Party determines that it is required by any Laws or by
the rules and regulations of, or pursuant to any agreement with, a stock
exchange or trading system, to make this Agreement and the terms of the
Transaction public or otherwise issue a press release or make public disclosure
with respect thereto, it shall, to the extent permitted by Law, at a reasonable
time before making any public disclosure, consult with the other Party regarding
such disclosure and give the other Party reasonable time to comment on such
release or announcement in advance of such issuance. This provision
will not apply to communications by any Party to any of its counsel, accountants
and other professional advisors or its directors, officers, partners, members,
equityholders, or employees. As promptly as practicable after the
date of this Agreement, GSCAC will prepare and file a Current Report on Form 8-K
pursuant to the Exchange Act (which Current Report shall be in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to CEH) to report the execution of this
Agreement. Promptly following the date of this Agreement, GSCAC and
CEH shall also prepare and issue a joint press release announcing the execution
of this Agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to GSCAC and
CEH.
Section
6.12 D&O
Insurance. Prior
to the Closing Date, CEH shall purchase an extended reporting period endorsement
under CEH’s existing directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage for
CEH’s directors and officers in a form acceptable to CEH that shall provide such
directors and officers with coverage for 6 years following the Closing Date of
at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions which are
no less advantageous with respect to claims arising from facts and events that
occurred prior to the Closing Date. If GSCAC or any of its successors
or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other Person and shall not
be the continuing or surviving entity of such consolidation or merger, or (ii)
transfer or conveys all or substantially all of its properties or assets to any
Person, then, in each case, to the extent necessary, proper provision shall be
made so that the successors and assigns of GSCAC assume the obligations set
forth in this Section 6.12. The provisions of this Section 6.12 are
intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each Person who
will have been a director or officer of CEH for all periods ending on or before
the Closing Date and may not be changed without the consent of the CEH
Founders.
Section
6.13 Exclusivity. (a)
Except in connection with a Permitted Refinancing Transaction or a Permitted CEH
Strategic Discussion, and without limiting the other provisions of this
Agreement, in order to induce each Party to enter into this Agreement, none of
the GSCAC Parties or CEH, or their respective Affiliates or Representatives,
shall, directly or indirectly, solicit or initiate discussions with, enter into
negotiations or agreements with, or furnish any information about themselves, or
otherwise assist, facilitate or encourage, any Person or group (other than
Parties to this Agreement, or their authorized Representatives) concerning any
proposal for a merger, sale or purchase of substantial assets, sale or purchase
of shares of capital stock or other securities, recapitalization or other
business combination transaction involving a GSCAC Party or any Project
Companies on the one hand and any third party on the other hand. Each
of the GSCAC Parties and CEH agrees, and CEH agrees to cause the Project
Companies, to instruct their respective Representatives not to take any action
contrary to the provisions of the previous sentence. Each of the
GSCAC Parties and CEH agrees, and CEH agrees to cause the Project Companies, to
immediately halt any such discussions with any third parties regarding any
transaction that would be inconsistent with these exclusivity provisions or
that would
interfere with, prevent or delay the consummation of the
Transactions. GSCAC and CEH will notify the other immediately in
writing if such Party becomes aware that any inquiries or proposals are received
by, any information is requested from, or any negotiations or discussions are
sought to be initiated with, the GSCAC Parties or Project Companies as described
above. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else in this
Agreement to the contrary, at any time prior to obtaining the Requisite
Stockholder Approval and subject to compliance with this Section, the GSCAC
Board may make a Change in Recommendation if GSCAC receives an unsolicited
Acquisition Proposal that the GSCAC Board determines in good faith, after taking
into account relevant legal, financial, regulatory, transaction timing and
certainty of consummation and other aspects of such proposal would, if
consummated in accordance with its terms, constitute an Acquisition Proposal
that the Board of Directors of the Company determines in good faith will be more
favorable and provide greater value to GSCAC’s stockholders than the
Transactions (taking into account any proposal by CEH to amend the terms of the
this Agreement), or if the GSCAC Board otherwise determines in good faith (after
consultation with outside counsel) that the failure to make a Change in
Recommendation would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable
Law.
(b) With
respect to any Permitted CEH Strategic Discussions, CEH shall not, and shall not
permit any other Project Company or any of their respective Representatives to,
enter into any Contract or otherwise make any commitments in connection with any
such discussions (other than a confidentiality agreement on customary terms),
except with the consent of GSCAC, and CEH agrees to keep GSCAC reasonably
informed on a current basis of the status and details and any material
developments in any such discussions.
Section
6.14 Control of
Operations. Nothing
contained in this Agreement shall give any Party, directly or indirectly, the
right to control or direct the other Party’s operations prior to the
Closing. Prior to the Closing, each of the Parties shall exercise,
consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and
supervision over their respective operations.
Section
6.15 Amendments of
Charter Documents. At
the Closing, (a) GSCAC shall (i) amend its certificate of incorporation,
substantially in the form of Exhibit D, with such
changes therein as may be approved by GSCAC and CEH, (ii) amend its bylaws,
substantially in the form of Exhibit E, with such
changes therein as may be approved by GSCAC and CEH, and (b) the Parties shall
(or, where applicable, shall cause their respective subsidiaries to) execute and
deliver amendments to the Charter Documents described in Section
2.05. On or prior to the Closing Date, CEH shall execute and deliver
the Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company
Agreement of CEH, in substantially the form of Exhibit P and to be
effective immediately prior to the Closing.
Section
6.16 Additional
Agreements. To
the extent not finalized prior to the date hereof, the Parties shall use their
reasonable best efforts to finalize the Additional Agreements as soon as
reasonably practicable following the date hereof.
Section
6.17 Consent of CEH
Unitholders. Simultaneously
with the execution of this Agreement, (a) CEH has provided to GSCAC the CEH
Unitholder Consent and Release Agreement attached as Exhibit M, executed
by each holder of CEH Units entitled to vote on this
Agreement
in accordance with the Charter Documents of CEH, and (b) GSCAC has provided to
CEH the Amendment to Founders’ Registration Rights Agreement attached as Exhibit
O, executed by GSCAC, GSC Secondary Interest Fund, LLC, James K. Goodwin, and
Richard A. McKinnon.
Section
6.18 Notice of Certain
Events.
(a) GSCAC
shall promptly (and in any event no later than 3 Business Days) notify CEH if
there has been a Change in Recommendation.
(b) GSCAC
and CEH each agrees to promptly notify the other if such Party believes (1) in
the case of GSCAC, that it is likely that the closing conditions in Sections
8.01 or 8.02 will not be satisfied and (2) in the case of CEH, that it is likely
that the closing conditions in Sections 7.01 and 7.02 will not be
satisfied.
(c) CEH
agrees to notify GSCAC promptly if coverage has been denied or disputed in any
material respect by any underwriters of insurance policies or bonds material to
any Project Companies or in respect of which any such underwriters has reserved
its rights in connection with a material claim pending under any of such
insurance policies or bonds.
Section
6.19 Fulcrum Exchange
Offer. Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary during the Interim Period GSCAC
agrees to deliver to Fulcrum a binding written offer to be held open for at
least 20 Business Days to exchange all of Fulcrum’s membership interests in CEP
Batesville Holding for the Fulcrum Exchange Consideration on terms and
conditions substantially similar to those set forth in Exhibit O (excluding any
such terms and conditions relating to the La Paloma LLC
Agreement). Each Party shall promptly inform the other of any
communication from or to, and any proposed understanding or agreement with,
Fulcrum with respect to such offer and/or exchange. The Parties
acknowledge and agree that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Agreement, none of (A) the acceptance or rejection by Fulcrum of such offer
described above, (B) any matter in dispute regarding the price or exchange
consideration with respect to such offer, (C) any negotiations, documentation or
approvals to purchase Fulcrum’s membership interests in CEP Batesville Holding,
or (D) the consummation or failure to consummate for any reason the exchange
contemplated by this Section shall in any case constitute a failure of a
condition to be satisfied under Article VII or impair, delay or otherwise affect
the Closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section
6.20 Amendments of CEH
Disclosure Schedule. During
the Interim Period, CEH may at its option supplement, amend or update the CEH
Disclosure Schedules as necessary to complete, supplement or correct any
information in such Schedules or in any representation or warranty in Article IV
by delivering to GSCAC a copy of such amendment, supplement or update together
with a notice that such document is being delivered pursuant to this Section
6.20. Upon receipt of such notice and such amendment, supplement or
update, GSCAC shall have the right to review any such amendments, supplements
and updates for a period of five Business Days after receipt
thereof. GSCAC shall have the right to terminate this Agreement in
accordance with Article IX, if the condition to closing set forth in Section
7.01 would not be satisfied if such amendments, supplements and updates together
with all other amendments,
supplements
and updates previously delivered by CEH during the Interim Period were not
effective, by delivering to CEH written notice of such termination on or prior
to the fifth Business Day following GSCAC’s receipt of the applicable notice
from CEH. If GSCAC does not terminate this Agreement in accordance
with the immediately preceding sentence on or prior to such fifth Business Day,
then the CEH Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed to be automatically modified by
such amendment, supplement or update without any requirement for written consent
thereto or any other action by any Party.
Section
6.21 Termination of
Certain Services and Contracts. Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, at or prior to Closing, CEH shall,
or shall cause the relevant Project Company to, terminate effective upon Closing
each employment contract entered into prior to the date of this Agreement
between CEP OpCo and a CEH Founder without any payment obligation as a result of
such termination that is not satisfied in full by CEH at Closing.
Section
6.22 Certain
Accounts. During
the Interim Period, CEH shall, and shall cause the Project Companies to, operate
their respective bank accounts (including the Designated Accounts) and to make
all deposits of cash and cash equivalents therein and all payments therefrom, in
each case, in accordance with (a) the Project Financing Documents, (b) the Trust
Indenture, (c) the Existing Holdco Credit Agreement and (d) the TCW 2005 Note
Purchase Agreement and in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice (with each term in clauses (a) through (c) as defined in the TCW
Consent).
Section
6.23 Confidentiality. Prior
to the Closing Date and, if this Agreement is terminated, for two years
following the date of such termination, CEH and its Affiliates will instruct
their respective Representatives to hold, in confidence, unless compelled to
disclose by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of Law,
all confidential documents and information concerning the GSCAC Parties
furnished to CEH or any of its Affiliates or Representatives in connection with
the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, except to the extent
that such information is (i) known on a nonconfidential basis by CEH, (ii) in
the public domain through no fault of CEH or any of its Representatives or (iii)
lawfully acquired by CEH or any of its Representatives from sources other than
the GSCAC Parties; provided that CEH may
disclose such information to its Representatives in connection with the
transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, so long as such Persons
are informed by CEH of the confidential nature of such information and are
directed by CEH to treat such information confidentially. CEH shall
be responsible for any breach of this Section 6.23 by such
Persons. The obligation of CEH and its Affiliates to hold any such
information in confidence shall be satisfied if they exercise the same care with
respect to such information as they would take to preserve the confidentiality
of their own similar information.
Section
6.24 Trust
Account. GSCAC
shall make appropriate arrangements to cause the funds in the Trust Account to
be disbursed at Closing in accordance with Section 2.07(a) and (b).
ARTICLE
VII
GSCAC’S
CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
The
obligation of the GSCAC Parties to consummate the Closing is subject to the
fulfillment of each of the following conditions (except to the extent waived in
writing by GSCAC in its sole discretion):
Section
7.01 Representations
and Warranties. The
representations and warranties of CEH contained in this Agreement and in any
certificate or other writing delivered by CEH pursuant hereto (A) that are
qualified by materiality or CEH Material Adverse Effect shall be true at and as
of the Closing Date (immediately prior to the Closing) as if made at and as of
such date (other than any such representations and warranties that speak as to
an earlier date, which representations and warranties shall be true at and as of
such earlier date), and (B) that are not qualified by materiality or CEH
Material Adverse Effect shall be true in all material respects at and as of the
Closing Date as if made at and as of such date (other than any such
representations and warranties that speak as to an earlier date, which
representations and warranties shall be true in all material respects at and as
of such earlier date) (and, for purposes of clauses (A) and (B), the reference
to “as of the date of this Agreement” in the lead in to Article IV, which
precedes Section 4.01, shall be disregarded).
Section
7.02 Performance. CEH
shall have performed and complied, in all material respects, with the
agreements, covenants and obligations required by this Agreement or the other
Transaction Document to be performed or complied with by CEH at or before the
Closing.
Section
7.03 Officer’s
Certificate. CEH
shall have delivered to GSCAC at the Closing an officer’s certificate, dated as
of the Closing Date, as to the matters set forth in Sections 7.01 and
7.02.
Section
7.04 Orders and
Laws. There
shall not be any Proceeding threatened or filed by any Person (other than the
GSCAC Parties or any of their respective Affiliates) seeking to restrain, enjoin
or otherwise prohibit, or any Law or order restraining, enjoining or otherwise
prohibiting or making illegal or threatening to restrain, enjoin or otherwise
prohibit or make illegal the consummation of the Transactions.
Section
7.05 Consents and
Approvals.
(a) The
GSCAC Approvals and the CEH Approvals shall have been duly obtained, made or
given and shall be in full force and effect, and all terminations or expirations
of waiting periods imposed by any Governmental Authority with respect to the
GSCAC Approvals shall have occurred; provided, however, that the
absence of any request for rehearing or appeal and the expiration of any request
for rehearing or appeal period with respect to any of the foregoing shall not
constitute a condition to Closing hereunder.
(b) Any
applicable waiting period under the HSR Act with respect to filings made by the
holders of the TCW Debt in accordance with the terms of the TCW Consent shall
have expired or been terminated.
Section
7.06 JPM
Debt. The
applicable Project Companies shall have delivered, or caused to be delivered, to
GSCAC at or prior to the Closing a payoff letter with respect to the JPM Debt
indicating that upon payment of an amount not exceeding $123,000,000 (which
amount may exceed $123,000,000 only to the extent any such excess is funded at
the Closing by some means other than the cash contributed to CEH pursuant to
Section 2.07(c)), all Indebtedness and other obligations under or in respect of
the JPM Debt shall be discharged in full and all Liens securing any JPM Debt
shall be released, and pursuant to which JPM shall agree to execute, or
authorize the filing of, UCC termination statements and such other documents or
endorsements necessary to release of record such Liens; or, if requested by
GSCAC, a payoff letter with respect to any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness
indicating the payment required to repay all principal, interest and other
amounts payable in respect of such Permitted Refinancing
Indebtedness.
Section
7.07 TCW
Debt. The
TCW Consent shall be a valid and binding agreement of each of Agent, the Note
Holders and Option Holders (each as defined therein), no such Person shall have
asserted in writing that the TCW Consent is not for any reason a valid and
binding agreement of any Person party thereto and each such Person shall have
executed and delivered the TCW 2008 Note Purchase Agreement and any related
agreements to which it is a party.
Section
7.08 Requisite
Stockholder Approval. The
Requisite Stockholder Approval shall have been obtained.
Section
7.09 No CEH Material
Adverse Effect. There
shall not have occurred and be continuing as of the Closing Date any CEH
Material Adverse Effect.
Section
7.10 Project Company
Indebtedness. There shall be no default
(whether with the giving of notice, or lapse of time or both) with respect to
any payment obligation or financial covenant under any material Indebtedness of
any Project Company (other than any such Indebtedness that is being repaid or
satisfied in connection with Closing).
Section
7.11 Additional
Agreements. To
the extent not executed and delivered on or prior to the date hereof, each of
the Additional Agreements (other than the LP Minority Exchange Agreement) shall
have been executed and delivered by each of the parties to such Additional
Agreements other than GSCAC or an Affiliate of GSCAC, as
applicable.
Section
7.12 Delivery of TCW
Certificate. The
Agent (as defined in the TCW Consent) shall have (i) delivered to GSCAC the
“TCW/MS Closing Acknowledgement” required by Section 1 (h)(ii) of the TCW
Consent or (ii) confirmed without condition that it shall deliver such “TCW/MS
Closing Acknowledgement” upon consummation of the Closing.
ARTICLE
VIII
CEH’S
CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
The
obligation of CEH to consummate the Closing is subject to the fulfillment of
each of the following conditions (except to the extent waived in writing by CEH
in its sole discretion):
Section
8.01 Representations
and Warranties. The
representations and warranties of GSCAC contained in this Agreement and in any
certificate or other writing delivered by GSCAC pursuant hereto (A) that are
qualified by materiality or GSCAC Material Adverse Effect shall be true at and
as of the Closing Date (immediately prior to the Closing) as if made at and as
of such date (other than any such representations and warranties that speak as
to an earlier date, which representations and warranties shall be true at and as
of such earlier date), and (B) that are not qualified by materiality or GSCAC
Material Adverse Effect shall be true in all material respects at and as of the
Closing Date as if made at and as of such date (other than any such
representations and warranties that speak as to an earlier date, which
representations and warranties shall be true in all material respects at and as
of such earlier date) (and, for purposes of clauses (A) and (B), the reference
to “as of the date of this Agreement” in the lead in to Article V, which
precedes Section 5.01, shall be disregarded.
Section
8.02 Performance. Each
GSCAC Party shall have performed and complied, in all material respects, with
the agreements, covenants and obligations required by this Agreement or any
other Transaction Document to be so performed or complied with by any GSCAC
Party at or before the Closing.
Section
8.03 Officer’s
Certificate. GSCAC
shall have delivered to CEH at the Closing a certificate of an officer of GSCAC,
dated as of the Closing Date, as to the matters set forth in Section 8.01 and
Section 8.02.
Section
8.04 Orders and
Laws. There
shall not be any Proceeding threatened or filed by a Person (other than CEH or
any of its Affiliates) seeking to restrain, enjoin, or otherwise prohibit or Law
or order restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal or
threatening to restrain, enjoin or otherwise prohibit or make illegal the
consummation of the Transactions.
Section
8.05 Consents and
Approvals.
(a) The
CEH Approvals and GSCAC Approvals shall have been duly obtained, made or given
and shall be in full force and effect, and all terminations or expirations of
waiting periods imposed by any Governmental Authority with respect to the CEH
Approvals shall have occurred; provided, however, that the
absence of any request for rehearing or appeal and the expiration of any request
for rehearing or appeal period with respect to any of the foregoing shall not
constitute a condition to Closing hereunder.
(b) Any
applicable waiting period under the HSR Act with respect to filings made by the
holders of the TCW Debt in accordance with the terms of the TCW Consent shall
have expired or been terminated.
Section
8.06 Requisite
Stockholder Approval. The
Requisite Stockholder Approval shall have been obtained.
Section
8.07 Additional
Agreements. To
the extent not executed and delivered on or prior to the date hereof, each of
the Additional Agreements (other than the LP Minority
Exchange
Agreement) shall have been executed and delivered by each of the parties to such
Additional Agreements other than CEH or an Affiliate of CEH, as
applicable.
Section
8.08 Directors’ and
Officers’ Liability Insurance. GSCAC
shall have in full force and effect directors’ and officers’ liability insurance
with terms and conditions at least as favorable to the insured as those
directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by CEH as of
the date of this Agreement.
Section
8.09 Officers and
Directors.
(a) The
Persons listed on Schedule 8.09(a) of
the CEH Disclosure Schedule shall have resigned from all of their positions and
offices with GSCAC, Holdco Sub, Merger Sub and Holdco Sub2.
(b) The
Persons listed on Schedule 6.10 of the
CEH Disclosure Schedule shall have been elected to the positions of officers and
directors of GSCAC, Holdco Sub, Holdco Sub2 and the Surviving Entity, as set
forth therein, to serve in such positions effective immediately after the
Closing.
Section
8.10 Trust
Account. GSCAC
shall have at least $188,000,000 in the Trust Account, before giving effect to
any payment of the Conversion Amount, if any, but after giving effect to all
payments to be made from the Trust Account or by GSCAC in connection with (a)
payments to the underwriters of its initial public offering in the amount of the
Deferred Underwriting Fees, (b) payment of all fees and expenses (including all
third party accounting, legal and other professional fees) that are incurred
prior to the date hereof in connection with the Transactions or otherwise, and
(c) the investment banking fee owed as of Closing by GSCAC to UBS to the extent
not paid prior to the Closing.
Section
8.11 No GSCAC Material
Adverse Effect.
There
shall not have occurred and be continuing as of the Closing Date any GSCAC
Material Adverse Effect.
Section
8.12 TCW
Debt. The
TCW Consent shall be a valid and binding agreement of each of Agent, the Note
Holders and Option Holders (each as defined therein) and GSCAC, no such Person
shall have asserted in writing that the TCW Consent is not for any reason a
valid and binding agreement of any Person party thereto and each such Person
shall have executed and delivered the TCW 2008 Note Purchase Agreement and any
related agreements to which it is a party.
Section
8.13 Delivery of TCW
Certificate.
The Agent
(as defined in the TCW Consent) shall have (i) delivered to GSCAC the “TCW/MS
Closing Acknowledgement” required by Section 1 (h)(ii) of the TCW Consent or
(ii) confirmed without condition that it shall deliver such “TCW/MS Closing
Acknowledgement” upon consummation of the Closing.
ARTICLE
IX
TERMINATION
Section
9.01 Termination. This
Agreement may be terminated, as follows:
(a) at
any time before the Closing, by CEH or GSCAC, by written notice to the other, in
the event that any nonappealable final order, decree or judgment of any
Governmental Authority having competent jurisdiction or other Law restrains,
enjoins or otherwise prohibits or makes illegal the consummation of the
Transactions;
(b) at
any time before the Closing, by CEH, by written notice to GSCAC, if any GSCAC
Party has materially breached its obligations hereunder or under any Transaction
Document and such breach would or does result in the failure of any condition
expressly set forth in Article VIII and such breach (other than a breach of
GSCAC’s obligations under Section 2.07 which breach shall not have any cure
period) has not been cured within 30 days following written notification to
GSCAC thereof; provided,
however, that if, at the end of such 30 day period, GSCAC is endeavoring
in good faith, and proceeding diligently, to cure such breach, GSCAC shall have
an additional 30 days in which to effect such cure;
(c) at
any time before the Closing, by GSCAC, by written notice to CEH, if CEH or any
Project Company has materially breached its obligations hereunder or under any
Transaction Document and such breach would or does result in the failure of any
condition expressly set forth in Article VII, and such breach has not been cured
within 30 days following written notification thereof; provided, however, that if,
at the end of such 30 day period, CEH is endeavoring in good faith, and
proceeding diligently, to cure such breach, CEH shall have an additional 30 days
in which to effect such cure;
(d) at
any time before the Closing, by GSCAC or CEH, by written notice to the other, if
the Closing has not occurred on or before January 31, 2009 (the “Termination
Date”) and the failure to Close is not caused by a breach of this
Agreement by the terminating Party; provided that if the reason
that the Closing shall not have occurred is directly and primarily the result of
the failure to obtain on a timely basis the audited balance sheet of La Paloma
Genco dated as of December 31, 2005, the Termination Date shall be extended from
January 31, 2009 to March 31, 2009;
(e) at
any time before the Closing, by GSCAC or CEH pursuant to Section 6.07 (Casualty
and Condemnation), by written notice to the other in accordance with such
Section;
(f) at
any time before the Closing, by GSCAC pursuant to Section 6.05(a)
(Recapitalization), by written notice to CEH in accordance with such
Section;
(g) at
any time before the Closing, by GSCAC pursuant to Section 6.03(b) (Interim
Conduct), by written notice to CEH in accordance with such Section;
(h) at
any time before the Closing, by GSCAC pursuant to Section 6.20 (Amendments of
CEH Disclosure Schedules), by written notice to CEH in accordance with such
Section;
(i) by
mutual written consent of GSCAC and CEH;
(j) at
any time before the Closing, by CEH by written notice to GSCAC, if there shall
be a Change in Recommendation;
(k) at
any time before the Closing, by CEH or GSCAC, by written notice to the other, if
the Requisite Shareholder Approval is not obtained at the GSCAC Stockholders’
Meeting (as the same may be adjourned or postponed from time to time but not
later than the Termination Date), provided that GSCAC may not
terminate this Agreement pursuant to this clause (k) if it has breached or
failed to comply with its obligations under Section 6.09.
Section
9.02 Effect of
Termination. If
this Agreement is validly terminated pursuant to Section 9.01, there shall be no
liability or obligation on the part of CEH or any of its Affiliates or the GSCAC
Parties, and CEH and its Affiliates shall be free immediately to enjoy all
rights of ownership of the interests in the Project Companies owned by CEH and
its Affiliates and to sell, transfer, encumber or otherwise dispose of any such
interests (and/or direct or indirect interests in the Projects) to any Person
without any restriction under this Agreement; provided that,
notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) if such termination shall result from the (i)
willful and knowing failure of a Party to perform a covenant contained in this
Agreement (other than any failure by CEH to perform (or cause a Project Company
to perform) any covenant in Section 6.03(a) to the extent such failure was
necessary or advisable in connection with the operation, maintenance and
management of the La Paloma Project or the Batesville Project in accordance with
prudent industry practice) or (ii) any willful and knowing breach by a Party of
any representation or warranty contained herein, such Party shall be liable for
all Losses incurred or suffered by the other Party as a result of such failure
or breach and (b) Section 6.23, Section 9.02, Section 10.01, Section 10.03,
Section 10.04, Section 10.05 and Article XI (other than Section 11.15) will
survive any such termination.
ARTICLE
X
LIMITATIONS
ON LIABILITY, WAIVERS AND ARBITRATION
Section
10.01 Representations,
Warranties, Pre-Closing Covenants and Pre-Closing Agreements Not to
Survive. It
is expressly agreed by the Parties that the representations, warranties,
pre-Closing covenants and pre-Closing agreements set forth in this Agreement
(including in any closing certificate delivered under Article VII or VIII) shall
terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the Closing of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, it being the express intent of the
Parties that such representations, warranties, pre-Closing covenants and
pre-Closing agreements shall not survive the Closing. This Section
10.01 shall not limit in any way the survival and enforceability of any covenant
or agreement of the Parties hereto which by its terms contemplates performance
after the Closing Date, which shall survive the Closing except as expressly
provided in this Agreement.
Section
10.02 Limitations of
Liability. Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary:
(a) GSCAC
shall give written notice to CEH within a reasonable period of time after
becoming aware of any breach by any GSCAC Party of any representation, warranty,
covenant, agreement or obligation in this Agreement;
(b) CEH
shall give written notice to GSCAC within a reasonable period of time after
becoming aware of any breach by CEH of any representation, warranty, covenant,
agreement or obligation in this Agreement;
(c) Neither
CEH nor any of its Affiliates shall have any liability for any breach by CEH of
this Agreement except CEH shall, subject to Section 10.01, be liable to GSCAC
for all Losses incurred or suffered by a GSCAC Party as a result of (i) the
willful and knowing failure of CEH to perform any covenant required by this
Agreement to be performed or complied with by CEH at or before Closing (other
than any failure by CEH to perform (or cause a Project Company to perform) any
covenant in Section 6.03(a) to the extent such failure was necessary or
advisable in connection with the operation, maintenance and management of the La
Paloma Project or the Batesville Project in accordance with prudent industry
practice and CEH complied with the provisions of Section 6.03(b)) if such
failure, individually or together with other failures and/or breaches, would
result in the failure of the closing condition set forth in Section 7.02 or (ii)
any willful and knowing breach by CEH of any representation or warranty of CEH
contained in this Agreement if such breach, individually or together with other
failures and/or breaches, would result in the failure of the closing condition
set forth in Section 7.01;
(d) No
GSCAC Party nor any of their respective Affiliates shall have any liability for
any breach by any GSCAC Party of this Agreement except the GSCAC Parties shall,
subject to Section 10.01, be liable for all Losses incurred or suffered by CEH
or any Project Company as a result of (i) the willful and knowing failure of any
GSCAC Party to perform any covenant required by this Agreement to be performed
or complied with by any GSCAC Party at or before Closing if such failure,
individually or together with other failures and/or breaches, would result in
the failure of the closing condition set forth in Section 8.02 or (ii) any
willful and knowing breach by any GSCAC Party of any representation or warranty
of a CEH Party contained in this Agreement if such breach, individually or
together with other failures and/or breaches, would result in the failure of the
closing condition set forth in Section 8.01;
(e) CEH
shall have no liability for any Losses that represent the cost of repairs,
replacements or improvements which enhance the value of the repaired, replaced
or improved asset above its value on the Closing Date or which represent the
cost of repair or replacement exceeding the lowest reasonable cost of repair or
replacement; and
(f) the
Parties agree that the requirement of any covenant, obligation or agreement of
CEH herein or in any Transaction Document to cause La Paloma Acquisition or La
Paloma Genco to take any actions shall be limited to a requirement to use
commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Person to perform such covenant,
obligation or agreement subject to and in accordance with applicable
Law.
Section
10.03 Waiver of Other
Representations. (a) NOTWITHSTANDING
ANYTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION DOCUMENT TO THE
CONTRARY,
IT IS THE EXPLICIT INTENT OF EACH PARTY, AND THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE, THAT NO
PARTY HERETO NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES HAS MADE
OR IS MAKING ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
WRITTEN OR ORAL, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY AS TO THE
CONDITION, MERCHANTABILITY, USAGE, SUITABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR
PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE PROJECTS, THE PROJECT COMPANIES, ANY OF THE ASSETS
OF THE PROJECT COMPANIES, THE GSCAC PARTIES, THE TRANSACTIONS OR ANY PART
THEREOF, EXCEPT THOSE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY CONTAINED IN THIS
AGREEMENT, THE TCW CONSENT, THE UNITHOLDER CONSENT OR IN ANY CERTIFICATE
DELIVERED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR THEREWITH. IN PARTICULAR, AND
WITHOUT IN ANY WAY LIMITING THE FOREGOING, (I) NONE OF CEH NOR ANY OF ITS
AFFILIATES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE REPRESENTATIVES MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR
WARRANTY REGARDING ANY ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN
THIS AGREEMENT AND (II) NONE OF CEH NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR THEIR
RESPECTIVE REPRESENTATIVES MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY TO ANY GSCAC
PARTY WITH RESPECT TO ANY FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS OR FORECASTS RELATING TO THE
PROJECT COMPANIES OR THE PROJECT COMPANIES’ ASSETS.
(b) EXCEPT
AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, THE PROJECT COMPANIES ARE BEING
TRANSFERRED “AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH ALL FAULTS,” AND CEH AND ITS AFFILIATES AND
THEIR RESPECTIVE REPRESENTATIVES EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR
WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE CONDITION, VALUE
OR QUALITY OF THE PROJECT COMPANIES AND THEIR ASSETS OR THE PROSPECTS (FINANCIAL
OR OTHERWISE), RISKS AND OTHER INCIDENTS OF THE PROJECT COMPANIES AND THEIR
ASSETS.
Section
10.04 Waiver of
Remedies
(a) The
Parties hereby agree that no Party nor any of their respective Affiliates shall
have any liability, and no Party nor any of their respective Affiliates shall
make any Claim, for any Loss or any other matter, under, relating to or arising
out of this Agreement or any other document, agreement, certificate or other
matter delivered pursuant hereto, whether based on contract, tort, strict
liability, other Laws or otherwise, except as expressly provided in Sections
9.02 or 11.03 or, to the extent this Agreement has not been terminated, Sections
11.15 or 10.02(c) or (d).
(b) NOTWITHSTANDING
ANYTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, NO PARTY NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES
SHALL BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR
INDIRECT DAMAGES OR LOST PROFITS, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT
LIABILITY, OTHER LAW OR OTHERWISE AND WHETHER OR NOT ARISING FROM ANY OTHER
PARTY’S OR ANY SUCH PARTY’S AFFILIATES’ SOLE, JOINT OR
CONCURRENT
NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHER FAULT; PROVIDED THAT THIS SECTION 10.04(b)
SHALL NOT APPLY TO CLAIMS OR LOSSES OF A PARTY RESULTING FROM KNOWING AND
WILLFUL BREACHES OF SECTION 6.13 (EXCLUSIVITY).
(c) Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to the contrary,
(i) no Representative or Affiliate of CEH (nor any Representative of any such
Affiliate or any Person directly or indirectly owning any interest in CEH) shall
have any liability to any GSCAC Party or any other Person as a result of the
breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or obligation of CEH
or any other Project Company in this Agreement, or any certificate delivered
pursuant to this Agreement, and (ii) no Representative or Affiliate of any GSCAC
Party (nor any Representative of any such Affiliate or any Person directly or
indirectly owning any interest in any GSCAC Party) shall have any liability to
CEH or any other Person as a result of the breach of any representation,
warranty, covenant, agreement or obligation of any GSCAC Party in this Agreement
or in any certificate delivered pursuant to this Agreement (other than the GSCAC
Parties).
Section
10.05 Jurisdiction;
Arbitration.
(a) Prior
to the Closing, the parties hereto agree that any suit, action or proceeding
seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in
connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be
brought in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New
York or any New York State court sitting in New York City, so long as one of
such courts shall have subject matter jurisdiction over such suit, action or
proceeding, and that any cause of action arising out of this Agreement may be
deemed to have arisen from a transaction of business in the State of New York,
and each of the parties hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of such
courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such suit,
action or proceeding and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by
law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue
of any such suit, action or proceeding in any such court or that any such suit,
action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an
inconvenient forum. Process in any such suit, action or proceeding
may be served on any party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the
jurisdiction of any such court. Without limiting the foregoing, each
party agrees that service of process on such party as provided in Section 11.01
shall be deemed effective service of process on such party.
(b) After
the Closing, any claim, counterclaim, demand, cause of action, dispute, or any
other controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement or in any way
relating to the subject matter of this Agreement (each a “Dispute”)
must be resolved by binding arbitration. A Dispute must be resolved
through arbitration regardless of whether the Dispute involves claims that the
Agreement is unlawful, unenforceable, void, or voidable or involves claims under
state or federal statutory or common law. The validity, construction
and interpretation of this Agreement to arbitrate, and all other procedural
aspects of the arbitration conducted pursuant hereto shall be decided by the
arbitrators. In addition:
(i) The
arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration
Rules (the “Rules”) of
the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). The
AAA shall administer the arbitration. The arbitrators shall resolve
any Dispute in accordance with the governing law in Section 11.13 of this
Agreement.
(ii) The
arbitral tribunal shall be composed of three neutral arbitrators who have never
been officers, directors or employees of, or otherwise affiliated in any
material respect within the preceding five years with, the Parties or any of
their Affiliates. GSCAC on the one hand and CEH on the other hand
shall each appoint one arbitrator and the third arbitrator who shall chair the
tribunal shall be selected by such two Party-appointed
arbitrators. In the event that one or both of GSCAC and CEH does or
do not appoint an arbitrator, or such Party-appointed arbitrators are unable to
agree upon a chair within 14 days of the appointment of the second arbitrator,
then the remaining arbitrator(s) shall be chosen in accordance with the
Rules.
(iii) The
hearing will be conducted in New York, NY. The arbitrators’ decision
shall be in writing and set forth the reasons for the award and shall include an
award of costs to the prevailing Party or Parties, or an allocation of such
costs among the Parties based upon the extent to which each prevails, including
the costs of the arbitration (including the fees and expenses of the arbitrators
and of the AAA), reasonable attorneys’ fees, expert witness fees and other
expenses incurred in connection with the arbitration. The award shall
include pre-judgment interest at a rate of 10% per annum from the date of the
breach or default. Interest shall accrue until the date the award is
paid in full. The arbitrators shall have the power to grant interim
measures, temporary or permanent injunctive or other equitable
relief.
(iv) The
award shall be final and binding. The Parties agree that any
arbitration award may be enforced in any court of competent subject matter
jurisdiction and that any Party may authorize any such court to enter judgment
on the arbitrators’ decisions. The Parties further agree that the
award may be enforced against the losing Party or Parties in any jurisdiction
where such losing Party or Parties has assets that may be used to satisfy the
award.
(v) Except
to the extent necessary for proceedings relating to enforcement of the
arbitration agreement, the award or other, related rights of the Parties, the
fact of the arbitration, the arbitration proceeding itself, all evidence,
memorials or other documents exchanged or used in the arbitration and the
arbitrators’ award shall be maintained in confidence by the Parties to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law. However, a violation of
this covenant shall not affect the enforceability of this agreement to arbitrate
or of the arbitrators’ award.
ARTICLE
XI
MISCELLANEOUS
Section
11.01 Notices. (a)
Unless this Agreement specifically requires otherwise, any notice, demand or
request provided for in this Agreement, or served, given or made in
connection
with it, shall be in writing and shall be deemed properly served, given or made
if delivered in person or sent by facsimile or sent by registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service
that provides a receipt of delivery, in each case, to the Parties at the
addresses specified below:
If to any
GSCAC Party, to:
GSCAC
Acquisition Company
500 Campus
Drive
Suite
220
Florham
Park, New Jersey 07932
Attention:
Matthew Kaufman and Joshua Porter
Facsimile:
(212) 884-6184
with a
copy to:
Davis Polk
& Wardwell
450
Lexington Avenue
New York,
New York 10017
Attention:
Nancy L. Sanborn
Facsimile
No.: (212) 450-3800
If to CEH,
to:
Complete
Energy Holdings, LLC
1331 Lamar
St., Suite 650
Houston,
Texas 77010
Facsimile
No.: (713) 600-2001
Attn: Hugh
A. Tarpley
Complete
Energy Holdings, LLC
525
William Penn Place, Suite 3910
Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15219
Facsimile
No.: (412) 567-1501
Attn: Peter
J. Dailey
Complete
Energy Holdings, LLC
525
William Penn Place, Suite 3910
Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15219
Facsimile
No.: (412) 567-1501
Attn: Lori
A. Cuervo
(b) Notice
given by personal delivery, mail or overnight courier pursuant to this Section
11.01 shall be effective upon physical receipt. Notice given by
facsimile pursuant to this Section 11.01 shall be effective as of the
date of confirmed delivery if delivered before 5:00
p.m.
Central Time on any Business Day or the next succeeding Business Day if
confirmed delivery is after 5:00 p.m. Central Time on any Business Day or during
any non-Business Day.
Section
11.02 Entire
Agreement. Except
for the Confidentiality Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, this
Agreement supersedes all prior discussions and agreements between or among the
Parties and/or their Affiliates with respect to the subject matter hereof and
contains the sole and entire agreement among the Parties and their Affiliates
hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
Section
11.03 Expenses. Except
as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, any cost or expense incurred
in connection with this Agreement shall be borne by the Party incurring such
cost or expense.
Section
11.04 Disclosure. Each
of CEH and GSCAC may, at its option, include in the CEH Disclosure Schedule or
GSCAC Disclosure Schedule, as applicable, items that are not material in order
to avoid any misunderstanding, and any such inclusion, or any references to
dollar amounts, shall not be deemed to be an acknowledgment or representation
that such items are material, to establish any standard of materiality or to
define further the meaning of such terms for purposes of this
Agreement. The listing of information or other items under one
Schedule to a representation or warranty made herein shall be deemed adequate to
disclose an exception to a separate representation or warranty made herein if
such listing has sufficient detail that it is readily apparent on its face that
such information or item applies to such other representation or warranty made
herein.
Section
11.05 Waiver. At
any time prior to the Effective Time, any term or condition of this Agreement
may be waived by the Party that is entitled to the benefit thereof, but no such
waiver shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument duly executed
by or on behalf of the Party waiving such term or condition. No such
waiver by any Party of any term or condition of this Agreement, in any one or
more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a waiver of the same or
any other term or condition of this Agreement on any future
occasion. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Law, will,
subject to Section 10.05, be cumulative and not alternative.
Section
11.06 Amendment. Prior
to the Closing, this Agreement may not be amended except by the written
agreement of GSCAC and CEH. From and after the Closing, any amendment
shall require the consent of GSCAC and the CEH Founding Members. Any
amendment to this Agreement by GSCAC after the Closing must be approved by a
majority of the independent directors of the GSCAC Board.
Section
11.07 No Third Party
Beneficiary. Except
for the provisions of Section 6.06 and Section 6.12 (which are intended to be
for the benefit of the Persons identified therein), the terms and provisions of
this Agreement are intended solely for the benefit of the Parties and their
respective successors or permitted assigns, and it is not the intention of the
Parties to confer third-party beneficiary rights upon any other Person,
including, any employee of a Project Company, any beneficiary or dependents
thereof, or any collective bargaining representative thereof.
Section
11.08 Assignment;
Binding Effect. Neither
this Agreement nor any right, interest or obligation hereunder may be assigned
by any Party without the prior written consent of GSCAC (in the case of an
assignment by CEH) or CEH (in the case of an assignment by GSCAC), and any
attempt to do so will be void, except for assignments and transfers by operation
of Law. Subject to this Section 11.08, this Agreement is binding
upon, inures to the benefit of and is enforceable by the Parties and their
respective successors and permitted assigns.
Section
11.09 Headings. The
headings used in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference
only and do not define or limit the provisions hereof.
Section
11.10 Invalid
Provisions. If
any provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or the application
thereof to any Person or circumstance is held to be illegal, invalid or
unenforceable under any present or future Law, and if the rights or obligations
of any Party under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents will not
be materially and adversely affected thereby, such provision will be fully
severable, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents will be construed
and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never
comprised a part hereof, the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the
other Transaction Documents will remain in full force and effect and will not be
affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance
herefrom.
Section
11.11 Waiver of Claims
Against the Trust Account. (a)
CEH understands that GSCAC is a recently organized blank check company formed
for the purpose of acquiring one or more businesses or assets. CEH
further understands that GSCAC’s sole assets consist of the cash proceeds of the
recent initial public offering (the “IPO”) and private placement of
its securities, and that substantially all of those proceeds have been deposited
in the Trust Account for the benefit of GSCAC, its public stockholders (as
defined in the Trust Agreement) and the underwriters of its IPO. CEH
acknowledges that monies in the Trust Account may be disbursed only (1) to GSCAC
in limited amounts from time to time (and in no event more than $2,400,000 in
total) in order to permit GSCAC to pay its operating expenses; (2) if the
Company completes an Initial Business Combination (as defined in its Charter
Documents), to certain dissenting public stockholders, to the underwriters in
the amount of underwriting discounts and commissions they earned in the IPO but
whose payment they have deferred, and then to GSCAC; and (3) if GSCAC fails to
complete an Initial Business Combination within the allotted time period and
liquidates subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement, to GSCAC in limited
amounts to permit GSCAC to pay the costs and expenses of its liquidation and
dissolution and then to GSCAC’s public stockholders.
(b) For
and in consideration of this Agreement, CEH hereby agrees to waive any Claim of
any kind that CEH has or may have in the future in or to any monies in the Trust
Account and not to seek recourse against the Trust Account or any funds
distributed therefrom (except amounts released to GSCAC as described in clause
(1) of the preceding paragraph or amounts distributed to GSCAC (excluding
amounts described in clause (2) of the preceding paragraph) after the
consummation of its Initial Business Combination) as a result of, or arising out
of, any Claims of any kind against GSCAC in connection with contracts or
agreements with GSCAC or in connection with any Transaction
Documents.
Section
11.12 Counterparts;
Facsimile. This
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which will be
deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same
instrument. Any facsimile or pdf copies hereof or signature hereon
shall, for all purposes, be deemed originals.
Section
11.13 Governing Law;
Venue; and Jurisdiction. (a)
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of
the State of New York, without giving effect to any conflict or choice of law
provision that would result in the imposition of another state’s
Law.
(b) WITH
RESPECT TO ANY PROCEEDINGS PURSUANT TO SECTION 10.05, THE PARTIES HEREBY
IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT
SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK.
(c) WITH
RESPECT TO ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR
THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY ARBITRATION AWARD
PURSUANT TO SECTION 10.05, EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT
PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY.
Section
11.14 Attorneys’
Fees. If
any of the Parties shall bring an action or arbitral action to enforce the
provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover
its reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred in such action from the
unsuccessful Party or Parties.
Section
11.15 Specific
Performance. The
Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the
provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their
specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed
that the Parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions to
prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and
provisions hereof in any court of the United States or any state having
jurisdiction.
[signature
pages follows]
IN WITNESS
WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly
authorized officer of each Party as of the date first above
written.
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GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
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By:
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/s/ Matthew C. Kaufman |
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Name:
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Matthew
C. Kaufman |
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Title:
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President |
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GSCAC
HOLDINGS I LLC
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By:
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GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY, as its sole member
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By:
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/s/ Matthew C. Kaufman |
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Name:
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Matthew C. Kaufman |
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Title:
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President |
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GSCAC
HOLDINGS II LLC
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By:
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GSCAC
HOLDINGS I LLC, as its sole member
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By:
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GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY, as its sole member
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By:
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/s/ Matthew C. Kaufman |
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Name:
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Matthew C. Kaufman |
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Title:
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President |
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GSCAC
MERGER SUB LLC
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By:
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GSCAC
HOLDINGS II LLC, as its sole member
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By:
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GSCAC
HOLDINGS I LLC, as its sole member
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By:
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GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY, as its sole member
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By:
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/s/ Matthew C. Kaufman |
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Name:
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Matthew C. Kaufman |
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Title:
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President |
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COMPLETE
ENERGY HOLDINGS, LLC
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By:
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/s/
Lori Cuervo |
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Name:
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Lori Cuervo |
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Title:
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Managing
Director |
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SIGNATURE
PAGE
MERGER
AGREEMENT
SECOND
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE
OF INCORPORATION
OF
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY, a corporation existing under the laws of the State of
Delaware (the “Corporation”), hereby
certifies as follows:
1. The
name under which the Corporation was originally incorporated is “GSC Acquisition
Company”.
2. The
Corporation’s original Certificate of Incorporation was filed in the office of
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on October 26, 2006 and the
Corporation’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was filed in the
office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on June 26,
2007.
3. This
Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation restates, integrates
and amends the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Corporation.
4. This
Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was duly adopted by
written consent of the directors and stockholders of the Corporation in
accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 228, 242 and 245 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (as the same exists or may
hereafter be amended, the “DGCL”).
5. This
Certificate shall become effective upon the filing of this Second Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of
Delaware.
6. The
text of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation
is hereby amended and restated to read in full as follows:
FIRST: The
name of the Corporation is “Complete Energy Holdings Corporation”.
SECOND: The
registered office of the Corporation is located in the State of Delaware at 2711
Centerville Road, Suite 400, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle
19808. The name of its registered agent at that address is
Corporation Service Company.
THIRD: The
purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which
corporations may now or hereafter be organized under the DGCL.
FOURTH: The
Corporation is authorized to issue a total of [___],000,000 shares,
consisting of (i) 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value of
$0.001 per share (“Preferred
Stock”), (ii) [___],000,000 shares of Class
A Common Stock, par value of $0.001 per share (“Class A Common Stock”) and
(iii) [___],000,000
shares of Class B Common Stock, par value of $0.001 per share (“Class B Common Stock” and
together with Class A Common Stock, the “Common Stock”). The
number of authorized shares of any of the Class A Common Stock or Class B Common
Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof
then outstanding and not below the amounts set forth below) by the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of all of the then outstanding
shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the
DGCL (or any successor provision thereto), and no vote of the holders of any of
the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or Preferred Stock voting
separately as a class shall be required therefor.
The number
of authorized shares of the Class A Common Stock shall not be decreased below
the number of then outstanding Shares of Class A Common Stock and the number of
shares of Class A Common Stock issuable in connection with:
(A) the
exchange of Class B Common Stock and Class B Units (as defined below) for Class
A Common Stock in accordance with the provisions of ARTICLE SIXTH;
and
(B) the
exercise of then outstanding options, warrants, exchange rights (in addition to
the exchange referred to in clause (A) above), conversion rights or similar
rights for Class A Common Stock.
The number
of authorized shares of the Class B Common Stock shall not be decreased below
the number of then outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock and the number of
shares of Class B Common Stock issuable in connection with the reclassification
of Class C Units and Class D Units of GSCAC Holdings I LLC (“Holdco Sub LLC”) as provided
in the First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Holdco
Sub LLC dated as of ________, 2008 (as the same may be amended in accordance
with the terms thereof, the “Holdco Sub LLC
Agreement”).
The
Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized
but unissued shares, (i) such number of shares of Class A Common Stock as would
be sufficient to permit the exchange of all then outstanding Class B Common
Stock and Class B Units into Class A Common Stock in accordance with the
provisions of ARTICLE SIXTH and (ii) such number of shares of Class B Common
Stock as would be sufficient to permit the reclassification of the Class C Units
and Class D Units of Holdco Sub LLC into shares of Class B Common Stock and
Class B Units as provided in the Holdco Sub LLC Agreement. The
Corporation shall take such action as may be necessary to increase the
authorized but unissued number of shares of Class A Common Stock and/or Class B
Common Stock, as applicable, if at any time the number of authorized but
unissued shares of Class A Common
Stock
and/or Class B Common Stock, as applicable, shall not be sufficient for the
foregoing purposes.
Immediately
upon the effectiveness of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation with the Secretary of State of Delaware, each share of Common
Stock of the Corporation, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding at such time
shall, without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be reclassified and
converted into one fully paid and non-assessable share of Class A Common
Stock. A holder of shares of common stock of the Corporation, par
value $0.001, represented by a certificate issued prior to the effectiveness of
this Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, shall be entitled
to receive from the Corporation upon surrender of such certificate to the
Corporation a new certificate for shares of Class A Common Stock representing
the number of shares represented by such surrendered certificate.
The Board
of Directors may from time to time issue, out of the authorized but unissued
shares of Preferred Stock, shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series and
without stockholder approval. The Board of Directors may fix for each
series it is authorized to issue such voting rights, full or limited, and such
designations, powers, preferences and relative participating, optional or other
special rights and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof as
shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the
Board of Directors providing for the issue of such series (a “Preferred Stock Designation”)
and as may be permitted by the DGCL. The number of authorized shares
of Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of
shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of the
capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors, voting together as a single class, without a separate vote of the
holders of the Preferred Stock, or any series thereof, unless a vote of any such
holders is required to take such action pursuant to any Preferred Stock
Designation.
FIFTH: Except as otherwise
required by law or as otherwise provided in any Preferred Stock Designation, the
holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall possess
exclusively all voting power, and each share of Class A Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock shall have one vote. Except as otherwise required by law
or as otherwise provided in this Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall vote together as a single
class, and their votes shall be counted and totaled together, subject to any
voting rights that may be granted to holders of Preferred Stock, on all matters
submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Corporation.
Except as otherwise required by law,
holders of Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment
to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation)
that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred
Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or
together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon
pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock
Designation) or pursuant to the DGCL.
Subject to
applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series
of Preferred Stock, dividends of cash or property may be declared and paid on
the Class A Common Stock out of the assets of the Corporation that are by law
available therefor, at the times and in the amounts as the Board in its
discretion will determine. Dividends of cash or property (other than
dividends paid in capital stock or other equity securities of the Corporation)
will not be declared or paid on the Class B Common Stock. Stock
dividends with respect to Class A Common Stock may only be paid with Class A
Common Stock. Stock dividends with respect to Class B Common Stock
may only be paid with Class B Common Stock.
In the
event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the affairs of the Corporation, after payment or provision for payment of the
debts and other liabilities of the Corporation and of the preferential and other
amounts, if any, to which the holders of any Preferred Stock will be entitled,
the holders of all outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock will be entitled
to receive the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution
ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock held by
each stockholder. Without limiting the Exchange Rights (as defined in
Section SIXTH) of the holders of Class B Common Stock or the obligations of the
Corporation to issue shares of Class A Common Stock under Section 5.7(h) or (i)
of the Holdco Sub LLC Agreement, in the event of any voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, holders of Class B
Common Stock shall not be entitled to participate therein, receive any assets of
the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders or any payment
from the proceeds realized in any voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the assets of the Corporation, and in the event a
dissolution, all shares of Class B Common Stock then outstanding will be
cancelled by the Corporation for no consideration.
SIXTH: Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary herein, the Corporation, in its capacity as the
managing member of Holdco Sub LLC, shall perform its obligations under, and
otherwise comply with, the provisions of Sections 2.6, 2.7, 5.7(a), (b), (c),
(d), (e), (f), (h), (i) and (j), and 6.1(e) of the Holdco Sub LLC
Agreement. The Corporation shall not vote the Class A Units of Holdco
Sub LLC in favor of any transaction described in Section 6.1(c)(i) of the Holdco
Sub LLC Agreement unless approved by the holders of a majority of the Class A
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock voting as a single
class. Without limiting the foregoing, in no event will any stock
dividends, stock splits, reverse stock splits, combinations of stock
reclassifications or recapitalizations be declared or made on Class A Common
Stock, unless contemporaneously therewith the shares of Class B Common Stock at
the time outstanding are treated in the same proportion and the same
manner.
Without
limiting the preceding paragraph, each holder of a share of Class B Common Stock
will be entitled at any time and from time to time to exchange (the “Exchange Right”) one share of
Class B Common Stock and one Class B Unit of Holdco Sub LLC (a “Class B Unit”) (together as
one unit) in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 2.6 of the
Holdco Sub LLC Agreement, for one fully paid and non-assessable share of Class A
Common Stock.
At each
Closing (as defined in Exhibit B of the Holdco Sub LLC Agreement), the
Corporation shall automatically cancel the number of shares of Class B Common
Stock that are provided for in any Exchange Requests (as defined in the Holdco
Sub LLC Agreement) delivered to the Corporation. The cancellation of
any shares of Class B Common Stock pursuant to this Section SIXTH shall not
require any further action on the part of any holder, provided that any
certificate or certificates therefor delivered to the Corporation (and duly
endorsed to the Corporation or in blank) following such exchange shall be
exchanged for share certificates representing the shares of Class A Common Stock
issued upon such exchange in the name of the person entitled to receive the same
or to the nominee or nominees of such person.
The Class
A Common Stock and any other equity securities of the Corporation issued to the
exchanging holder pursuant to this ARTICLE SIXTH
shall, upon issuance, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free and
clear of all taxes, liens, charges and encumbrances with respect to the issuance
thereof.
SEVENTH: The
following provisions are inserted for the management of the business and for the
conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further definition,
limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors
and stockholders:
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A.
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The
number of directors of the Corporation shall be such as from time to time
shall be fixed and determined by resolution of the Board of
Directors. Election of directors need not be by ballot unless
the Bylaws so provide.
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B.
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The
Board of Directors shall have powers without the assent or vote of the
stockholders to make, alter, amend, change, add to or repeal the Bylaws of
the Corporation but without prejudice to the rights of the stockholders to
alter, adopt, amend or repeal any Bylaw; to fix and vary the monetary
amount to be reserved for any proper purpose; to authorize and cause to be
executed mortgages and liens upon all or any part of the property of the
Corporation; to determine the use and disposition of any surplus or net
profits; and to fix the times for the declaration and payment of
dividends.
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C.
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The
books of the Corporation may be kept at such place within or without the
State of Delaware as the Bylaws of the Corporation may provide or as may
be designated from time to time by the Board of
Directors.
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D.
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In
addition to the powers and authorities granted hereby or by statute
expressly conferred upon them, the directors are hereby empowered to
exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be
exercised or done by the Corporation; subject, nevertheless, to the
provisions of the DGCL, of this Certificate of Incorporation, and to the
Bylaws; provided,
however, that no Bylaws so made shall invalidate any prior act of
the directors which would have been valid if such Bylaw had not been
made.
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E.
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The
Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, designated
Class I, Class II and Class III, as nearly equal in number
as possible and no class shall include less than one
director. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to
assign the members of the Board of Directors to such classes at the time
such classification becomes effective. The term of office of
directors of one class shall expire at each annual meeting of
stockholders, and in all cases as to each director when such director’s
successor shall be elected and shall qualify or upon such director’s
earlier resignation, removal from office, death or
incapacity. The Board of Directors shall apportion additional
directorships resulting from an increase in number of directors among the
classes as equally as possible. In the event of any decrease in
the number of directors, the Board of Directors shall decrease all classes
of directors as nearly equal as possible. The initial term of
office of directors of Class I shall expire at the 2011 annual
meeting of stockholders; that of Class II shall expire at the 2009
annual meeting of stockholders; and that of Class III shall expire at
the 2010 annual meeting of stockholders; and in all cases as to each
director when such director’s successor shall be elected and shall qualify
or upon such director’s earlier resignation, removal from office, death or
incapacity. At each annual meeting of stockholders, the number
of directors equal to the number of directors of the class whose term
expires at the time of such meeting (or, if less, the number of directors
properly nominated and qualified for election) shall be elected to hold
office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders held in
the third year following such annual meeting. Except as the
DGCL or a Preferred Stock Designation may otherwise require, in the
interim between annual meetings of stockholders or special meetings of
stockholders called for the election of directors or the removal of one or
more directors and the filling of any vacancy in that connection, newly
created directorships and any vacancies in the Board of Directors,
including unfilled vacancies resulting from the removal of directors, may
be filled only by the vote of a majority of the remaining directors then
in office, although less than a quorum (as defined in the Corporation’s
Bylaws), or by the sole remaining director. All directors shall
hold office until the expiration of their respective terms of office and
until their successors shall have been elected and qualified. A
director elected to fill a vacancy resulting from the death, resignation
or removal of a director shall serve for the remainder of the full term of
the director whose death, resignation or removal shall have created such
vacancy and until his successor shall have been elected and
qualified.
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F.
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There
shall be no cumulative voting in the election of
directors.
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G.
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Subject
to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock as set forth in a Preferred
Stock Designation, no director may be removed from office by the
stockholders except for cause, and then only with the affirmative vote of
the holders of not less than a majority of the total voting power of all
outstanding capital stock of the Corporation then entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single
class.
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EIGHTH: Meetings
of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as the
Bylaws may provide.
Any action
required or permitted to be taken by the holders of stock of the Corporation
must be effected at a duly called annual meeting or special meeting of such
holders and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such holders;
provided, however, that any action required or permitted to be taken by the
holders of Class B Common Stock, voting separately as a class, or, to the extent
expressly permitted by a Preferred Stock Designation, by the holders of such
series of Preferred Stock, voting separately as a series or separately as a
class with one or more other such series, may be taken without a meeting,
without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing,
setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding
shares of the relevant class or series having not less than the minimum number
of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting
at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and shall be
delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in Delaware,
its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation
having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are
recorded. Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall
be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt
requested. Every written consent shall bear the date of signature of
each stockholder who signs the consent, and no written consent shall be
effective to take the corporate action referred to therein unless, within 60
days of the earliest dated consent delivered in the manner required by this
section and the DGCL to the Corporation, written consents signed by a sufficient
number of holders to take action are delivered to the Corporation by delivery to
its registered office in Delaware, its principal place of business, or an
officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which
proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Prompt notice
of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous
written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in
writing and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been
entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for such meeting had been
the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of stockholders to
take the action were delivered to the Corporation as provided in this ARTICLE
EIGHTH.
NINTH: The
following paragraphs shall apply with respect to liability and indemnification
of officers and directors:
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A.
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A
director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the
Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of
the director’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders,
(ii) for any act or omission not in good faith or which involves
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section
174 of the DGCL or (iv) for any transaction from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit. If the DGCL is amended to
authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal
liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the
Corporation shall be
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eliminated
or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as so
amended. Any repeal or modification of this paragraph A shall not
adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation with
respect to events occurring prior to the time of such repeal or
modification.
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B.
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The
Corporation, to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL,
as amended from time to time, shall indemnify each person who was or is a
party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative (other than in an action by or in the
right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was
a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or was serving
at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines
and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the
person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person
acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be
in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with
respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to
believe the person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of
any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction,
or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself,
create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a
manner which the person reasonably believed to be or not opposed to the
best interests of the corporation, and with respect to any criminal action
or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that the person’s conduct
was unlawful.
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C.
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The
Corporation, to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL,
as amended from time to time, shall indemnify each person who was or is a
party to or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure
a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was
serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee
or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and
reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or
settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in
a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
best interests of the Corporation and except that no indemnification shall
be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person
shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only
to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action
or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the
adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the
case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such
expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem
proper.
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D.
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The
Corporation may pay expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an
officer or director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative action, suit or proceeding in advance of the final
disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an
undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such
amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not
entitled to be indemnified by the
Corporation.
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E.
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The
right to indemnification conferred in this ARTICLE NINTH
shall be a contract right.
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F.
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The
Corporation may, by action of its Board of Directors, provide
indemnification to such of the employees and agents of the Corporation to
such extent and to such effect as the Board of Directors shall determine
to be appropriate and authorized by the
DGCL.
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G.
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The
Corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf
of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a
director, officer, manager, partner, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, limited liability corporation, joint venture,
trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss incurred
by such person in any such capacity or arising out of such person’s status
as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify
such person against such liability under the
DGCL.
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H.
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The
rights and authority conferred in this ARTICLE NINTH shall not be
exclusive of any right which any person may have or hereafter acquire
under any statute, this Second Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of the Corporation, the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the
Corporation, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or
otherwise.
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I.
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Neither
the amendment, modification nor repeal of this ARTICLE NINTH, nor the
adoption of any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation or the
Bylaws of the Corporation, nor, to the fullest extent permitted by the
DGCL, any modification of law, shall eliminate or reduce the effect of
this ARTICLE NINTH in respect of any acts or omissions occurring prior to
such amendment, repeal, adoption or
modification.
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J.
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The
rights conferred upon indemnitees by this ARTICLE NINTH shall continue as
to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall
inure to the benefit of such indemnitee’s heirs, executors and
administrators. Any repeal or modification of the foregoing
provisions of this ARTICLE NINTH shall not adversely affect any right or
protection hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission
occurring prior to the time of such amendment, repeal or
modification.
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TENTH: Whenever
a compromise or arrangement is proposed between the Corporation and its
creditors or any class of them and/or between the Corporation and its
stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within
the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of the
Corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of
any receiver or receivers appointed for the Corporation under Section 291
of the DGCL or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver
or receivers appointed for the Corporation under Section 279 of the DGCL
order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the
stockholders or class of stockholders of the Corporation, as the case may be, to
be summoned in such manner as the said court directs. If a majority
in number representing three fourths in value of the creditors or class of
creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of the
Corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to
any reorganization of the Corporation as a consequence of such compromise or
arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization
shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made,
be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the
stockholders or class of stockholders, of the Corporation, as the case may be,
and also on the Corporation.
ELEVENTH: The
Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision
contained in this Certificate of Incorporation in the manner now or hereafter
prescribed by law, and all rights and powers conferred herein on stockholders,
directors and officers are subject to this reserved power; provided that,
notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Certificate of
Incorporation, and in addition to any other vote required by the DGCL or this
Certificate of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of not less than [95]% of the
then outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, voting separately as a class,
shall be required to amend, alter, change or repeal the third paragraph of
ARTICLE FOURTH, clause (ii) of the fourth paragraph of ARTICLE FOURTH, the last
sentence of the fourth paragraph of ARTICLE FOURTH, ARTICLE SIXTH, or this
ARTICLE ELEVENTH or to adopt any provision inconsistent with any of the
foregoing.
TWELFTH: The
Corporation hereby elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the
DGCL.
THIRTEENTH: Notwithstanding
any provision herein to the contrary, in connection with any acquisition of
Common Stock (and/or any other voting securities of the Corporation) as to which
the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”), would, but for this
paragraph, be applicable, any person or entity (as defined under the HSR Act)
acquiring such Common Stock (and/or other voting securities of the Corporation)
shall have no right to vote such Common Stock or voting securities until such
person or entity has complied with the filing and waiting period requirements of
the HSR Act.
Notwithstanding
any provision herein to the contrary, in connection with any acquisition of
Common Stock (and/or any other voting securities of the Corporation) as to which
authorization of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is required under
Section 203(a) of the Federal Power Act, as amended (the “FPA”), any person (as defined
under the
FPA)
acquiring such Common Stock (and/or other voting securities of the Corporation)
shall have no right to vote such Common Stock or voting securities until the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, acting pursuant to the FPA, has granted
such authorization.
FOURTEENTH: Subject
to the provisions of this ARTICLE FOURTEENTH, the Corporation’s directors, who
are also directors, officers, employees or consultants of any Significant
Shareholder or any of its Affiliates or their respective portfolio companies,
excluding the Corporation and its subsidiaries (such directors and such other
persons collectively, the “Unrestricted Persons”) shall
not have a duty to refrain from engaging directly or indirectly in the same or
similar business activities or lines of business as the Corporation, and no
Unrestricted Person shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for
breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of any such activities. If an
Unrestricted Person acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter that
may be a corporate opportunity for the Corporation other than a corporate
opportunity that is (i) presented to such director solely in such person’s
capacity as a director of the Corporation or (ii) is identified by any
Significant Shareholder, any of its Affiliates or any of its Unrestricted
Persons solely through the disclosure of information by or on behalf of the
Corporation, such Unrestricted Person shall have no duty to communicate or offer
such corporate opportunity to the Corporation and shall not be liable to the
Corporation or its stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of
the fact that such corporate opportunity is not communicated or offered to the
Corporation. The term “Affiliate” as used in this ARTICLE FOURTEENTH
shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The term “Significant Shareholder”
used in this ARTICLE FOURTEENTH means any person who, together with such
person’s Affiliates, owns in the aggregate 5% of more of the Corporation’s
outstanding Common Stock.
Any person
or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of
capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and to have
consented to the provisions of this ARTICLE FOURTEENTH.
IN WITNESS
WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Incorporation to be
signed by its Chief Executive Officer as of this [●] day of [●],
2008.
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Name:
Peter R. Frank
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Title:
Chief Executive Officer
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GSC
ACQUISITION COMPANY
2008
STOCK OPTION PLAN
1. Purpose
of the Plan
The
purpose of the GSC Acquisition Company 2008 Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) is to aid GSC
Acquisition Company (together with its successors and assigns, the “Company”) and its Affiliates
(as defined below) in securing and retaining key employees and others of
outstanding ability and to motivate such individuals to exert their best efforts
on behalf of the Company and its Affiliates by providing incentive through the
grant of options not intended to constitute incentive stock options under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) to acquire shares of
common stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share (“Shares”). The
Company expects that it will benefit from the added interest which such
individuals will have in the welfare of the Company as a result of their
proprietary interest in the Company’s success.
“Affiliates” means those
entities directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common
control with the Company; provided that no
securityholder of the Company shall be deemed an “Affiliate” of any other
securityholder of the Company solely by reason of any investment in the Company;
and provided further
that “control”
(including with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling”, “controlled by” and “under common control with”),
when used with respect to any entity, means the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to (i) vote more than 50% of the securities having
ordinary voting power for the election of directors of the controlled entity or
organization, or (ii) direct or cause the direction of the management and
policies of such entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by
contract or otherwise.
2. Shares
Subject to the Plan
The total
number of shares which may be issued under the Plan shall be 6,210,000, subject
to adjustment as provided in Paragraph 8. Such Shares may consist, in
whole or in part, of unissued Shares or treasury Shares.
If, after
the date on which the Plan becomes effective, any Shares covered by an award
granted under the Plan (other than a Substitute Award (as
defined below)) or to which such award relates are forfeited, or if
such award is settled for cash or otherwise terminates or is canceled without
the delivery of Shares, then
the Shares
covered by such award, or to which such award relates, or the number of Shares
otherwise counted against the aggregate number of Shares with respect to which
awards may be granted, to the extent of any such settlement, forfeiture,
termination or cancellation, shall again become Shares with respect to which
awards may be granted. In addition, Shares tendered in satisfaction
or partial satisfaction of the exercise price of any option or any tax
withholding obligations (other than the exercise price or tax withholding
obligation relating to a Substitute Award), will again become Shares with
respect to which awards may be granted.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing and subject to adjustment as provided in Paragraph 8, no
individual participant may receive awards in any calendar year that relate to
more than 500,000 Shares. The limitation set forth in the preceding
sentence shall be applied in a manner that will permit compensation generated
under the Plan to constitute “performance-based” compensation for purposes of
section 162(m) of the Code, including, without limitation, counting against such
maximum number of shares, to the extent required under section 162(m) of the
Code and applicable interpretive authority thereunder, any shares subject to
options that are canceled or repriced.
Holders of
options granted by a company that is acquired by the Company or with which the
Company combines are eligible for grants of substitute awards granted in
assumption of, or in substitution for, such outstanding awards previously
granted by such company (“Substitute Awards”) under the
Plan in connection with such acquisition or combination
transaction. Any Shares underlying Substitute Awards shall not be
counted against the Shares available for awards under the Plan.
3. Administration
The Board
of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) may appoint a
Compensation and Benefits Committee (the “Committee”) consisting of at
least three members of the Board of Directors who shall administer the Plan and
serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Committee shall have the
authority, consistent with the Plan, to determine the provisions of the awards
to be granted, to interpret the Plan and the awards granted under the Plan, to
adopt, amend and rescind rules and regulations for the administration of the
Plan, the awards and generally to conduct and administer the Plan and to make
all determinations in connection therewith which may be necessary or advisable,
and all such actions of the Committee shall be binding upon all
participants. The Committee shall require payment of any amount the
Company may determine to be necessary to withhold for federal, state or local
taxes as a result of the exercise of an award. If no such Committee
is appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company, references herein to the
“Committee” shall refer to the entire Board of Directors.
4. Eligibility
Any
employee, director or consultant of the Company and its Affiliates who are from
time to time responsible for the management, growth and protection of the
business of the Company and its Affiliates is eligible to be granted an award
under the Plan.
The
participants under the Plan shall be selected from time to time by the
Committee, in its sole discretion, from among those eligible, and the Committee
shall determine, in its sole discretion, the number of Shares to be covered by
any awards granted to participants. The granting of an award under
the Plan shall impose no obligation on the Company or any Affiliate to continue
the employment, directorship or consultancy of a participant and shall not
lessen or affect the right to terminate the employment, directorship or
consultancy of a participant.
5. Termination
Date for Grants
No award
may be granted under the Plan after the tenth anniversary of the date on which
the Plan becomes effective, but awards theretofore granted may extend beyond
that date.
6. Terms
and Conditions of Options
Options
granted under the Plan shall not be intended to qualify as incentive stock
options for federal income tax purposes and shall be subject to the foregoing
and the following terms and conditions and to such other terms and conditions,
not inconsistent therewith, as the Committee shall determine, all as evidenced
in an award agreement (an “Award
Agreement”):
(a) Option Price. The
option price per Share shall be determined by the Committee, but shall be no
less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of
grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Substitute Awards may be
granted with an option price per Share other than as required
above.
For
purposes of the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in an Award Agreement
or determined by the Committee, “Fair Market Value” of a Share
means, as of a given date:
(x) if
the Shares are listed on any established exchange or a national
market system (including without limitation The Nasdaq National Market or The
Nasdaq Small Cap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market) (such exchange or system, a
“Qualified Exchange”),
its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for the Shares (or the
closing bid, if no sales were reported) as
quoted on
such Qualified Exchange for the last market trading day prior to the time of
determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or
such other source as the Committee deems reliable;
(y) if
the Shares are regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling
prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value shall be the mean between the
high bid and low asked prices for the Shares on the last market trading day
prior to the day of determination; or
(z) in the
absence of an established market for the Shares, its Fair Market Value shall be
determined in good faith by the Committee.
(b) Exercisability. Options
granted under the Plan shall be exercisable at such time and upon such terms and
conditions as may be determined by the Committee, but in no event shall an
option be exercisable more than ten years after the date it is
granted. The Committee may accelerate the date any previously granted
Option will become exercisable.
(c) Exercise of Options; Rights as a
Stockholder. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan
or an Award Agreement, an option may be exercised for all, or from time to time,
any part of the Shares for which it is then exercisable. Each Award
Agreement shall contain such terms as the Committee may in its sole discretion
determine concerning vesting. Unless the Committee provides
otherwise, vesting of options granted hereunder shall be tolled during any
unpaid leave of absence. An option may not be exercised for a
fraction of a Share.
The option
price for the Shares as to which an option is exercised shall be paid to the
Company in full, or adequate provision for such payment made, at the time of
exercise at the election of the participant (i) in cash, (ii) if Shares are
traded on a Qualified Exchange on the date of such exercise, in Shares owned by
the participant for at least 6 months, having a Fair Market Value equal to the
option price for the Shares being purchased and satisfying such other
requirements as may be imposed by the Committee or (iii) partly in cash and
partly in such Shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Shares are
listed on any Qualified Exchange, the requirement of the payment in cash will be
deemed satisfied if the participant makes arrangements that are satisfactory to
the Company with a broker that is satisfactory to the Company to sell a
sufficient number of Shares which are being purchased pursuant to the exercise,
so that the net proceeds of the sale transaction will at least equal the amount
of the aggregate option price plus any amounts required to be withheld, and
pursuant to which the broker undertakes to deliver to the Company such amount
not later than the date on which the sale transaction will settle in the
ordinary course of business.
The
Committee may permit a participant to elect, subject to such terms and
conditions as the Committee shall determine, to have the number of Shares
deliverable to the participant as a result of the exercise of an option reduced
by a number sufficient to pay the amount necessary to withhold for federal,
state or local taxes (as calculated using applicable statutory rates) as a
result of such exercise.
No
participant shall have any rights to dividends or other rights of a stockholder
with respect to Shares subject to an option until (i) the participant has given
written notice of exercise of the option, paid in full for such Shares or made
adequate provision therefor and, if requested, given the representation
described in Paragraph 6(f) and (ii) the issuance of such Shares (as evidenced
by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized
transfer agent of the Company). No adjustment shall be made for a
dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date of
issuance except as provided in Paragraph 8.
(d) Exercisability Upon Termination
Other than for Cause. Unless otherwise expressly provided in
an Award Agreement, if a participant’s employment by or directorship or
consultancy with the Company or an Affiliate terminates for any reason other
than Cause, the option may be exercised during the 90 day period or, in case of
death, the twelve month period, beginning on the date of such termination or the
remaining stated period of the option, whichever period is shorter, to the
extent the option was exercisable at the time of such event.
(e) Effect of Termination for
Cause. Unless otherwise expressly provided in an Award
Agreement or determined by the Committee, if a participant’s employment by or
directorship or consultancy with the Company or an Affiliate is terminated for
Cause, the option shall terminate upon such termination.
For
purposes of the Plan, the term “Cause” has the meaning defined
in any employment agreement between the participant and the Company or an
Affiliate then in effect or, if no such employment agreement is then in effect,
“Cause” means
(i) the participant’s commission of fraud or an intentional act of dishonesty
that results in personal enrichment of the participant or has a material
detrimental effect on the Company; (ii) the participant’s commission of a
felony; (iii) the participant’s intentional wrongful act or gross negligence
that has a material detrimental effect on the Company; (iv) the participant’s
abuse of controlled substances or chronic alcoholism; or (v) the participant’s
failure to follow the reasonable instructions of participant’s immediate
supervisor following notice of such failure from such supervisor.
(f) Additional Agreements of the
Participant and Restrictions on Transfer. The Committee
may require each person purchasing Shares pursuant to exercise of an option to
represent to and agree with the Company in writing that the Shares are being
acquired without a view to distribution thereof. The certificates for
such Shares may include any legend which the Committee deems appropriate to
reflect any restrictions on transfers. The Committee also may impose,
in its discretion, as a condition of any option, any restrictions on the
transferability of Shares purchased pursuant to the exercise of such option as
it may deem fit. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the Committee may impose conditions restricting absolutely the transferability
of Shares purchased pursuant to the exercise of options for such periods as the
Committee may determine and, further, in the event the participant’s employment
by or directorship or consultancy with the Company or an Affiliate terminates
during the period in which such Shares are nontransferable, the participant may
be required, if required by the Award Agreement, to sell such Shares back to the
Company at such price and on such other terms and conditions as the Committee
may have specified in such Award Agreement.
(g) Nontransferability of
Options. Except as otherwise provided in this Paragraph 6(g),
an option shall not be transferable by the participant otherwise than by will or
by the laws of descent and distribution and during the lifetime of a participant
an option shall be exercisable only by the participant. An option
exercisable after the death of a participant or a transferee pursuant to the
following sentence may be exercised by the legatees, personal representatives or
distributees of the participant or such transferee. The Committee
may, in its discretion, authorize all or a portion of the options previously
granted or to be granted to a participant to be on terms which permit
irrevocable transfer by such participant to (i) any or all of the spouse,
children or grandchildren of the participant (“Immediate Family Members”),
(ii) a trust or trusts for the primary benefit of the participant and/or any or
all of such Immediate Family Members or (iii) a partnership or other entity in
which the participant and/or any or all of such Immediate Family Members or
trusts are the only partners or equity participants; provided that subsequent
transfers of transferred options shall be prohibited except those in accordance
with the first sentence of this Paragraph 6(g). Following transfer,
any such options shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions
as were applicable immediately prior to transfer, and the events of termination
of Paragraphs 6(d) and 6(e) shall continue to be applied with respect to the
original participant, following which the options shall be exercisable by the
transferee only to the extent, and for the periods specified, in Paragraphs 6(d)
and 6(e). The Committee may delegate to an administrative committee
the authority to authorize transfers, establish terms and conditions upon which
transfers may be made and establish classes of participants eligible to transfer
options, as well as to make other determinations with respect to option
transfers.
7. Transfers
and Leaves of Absence
For
purposes of the Plan, the following shall not be deemed a termination of
employment under the Plan:
(a) a
transfer of an employee from the Company to any Affiliate or vice versa, or from
one such Affiliate to another;
(b) a
leave of absence, duly authorized in writing by the Company or an Affiliate (as
the case may be), for military service or sickness or for any other purpose
approved by the Company or such Affiliate, if the period of such leave does not
exceed 90 days; or
(c) a
leave of absence in excess of 90 days, duly authorized in writing by the Company
or an Affiliate (as the case may be); provided that the employee’s
right to re-employment is guaranteed either by statute or by
contract.
8. Adjustments
Upon Changes in Capitalization or Other Events
(a) In
the event that the Committee determines that any dividend or other distribution
(whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities or other property),
recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization,
reclassification, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination,
repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, issuance
of warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or such other securities of the
Company or other similar corporate transaction or event affects the Shares or
such other securities such that an adjustment is determined by the Committee to
be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or
potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the
Committee shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all
of:
(i) the
number of Shares (or number and kind of other securities or property) with
respect to which awards may thereafter be granted;
(ii) the
number of Shares or such other securities (or number and kind of other
securities or property) subject to outstanding awards; and
(iii) the
grant or exercise price with respect to any award, or, if deemed appropriate,
make provision for a cash payment to the holder of an award.
(b) If
(i) the Company shall not be the surviving entity in any merger or consolidation
(or survives only as a subsidiary of an entity), (ii) the Company sells, leases
or exchanges or agrees to sell, lease or exchange all or
substantially
all of its
assets to any other person or entity, (iii) the Company is to be dissolved and
liquidated, (iv) any person or entity, including a “group” as contemplated by
Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) acquires or gains
ownership or control (including, without limitation, power to vote) of more than
50% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s voting stock (based upon voting
power), or (v) as a result of or in connection with a contested election of
directors, the persons who were directors of the Company before such election
shall cease to constitute a majority of the Board (each such event is referred
to herein as a “Corporate
Change”), no later than (x) 10 days after the approval by the
stockholders of the Company of such merger, consolidation, reorganization, sale,
lease or exchange of assets or dissolution or such election of directors or (y)
30 days after a Corporate Change of the type described in clause (iv), the
Committee, acting in its sole discretion without the consent or approval of any
participant, shall effect one or more of the following alternatives, which
alternatives may vary among individual participants and which may vary among
options held by any individual participant: (1) accelerate the time
at which options then outstanding may be exercised so that such options may be
exercised in full for a limited period of time on or before a specified date
(before or after such Corporate Change) fixed by the Committee, after which
specified date all unexercised options and all rights of participants thereunder
shall terminate, (2) require the mandatory surrender to the Company by selected
participants of some or all of the outstanding options held by such participants
(irrespective of whether such options are then exercisable under the provisions
of the Plan) as of a date, before or after such Corporate Change, specified by
the Committee, in which event the Committee shall thereupon cancel such options
and cause the Company to pay to each participant an amount of cash per share
equal to the excess, if any, of the amount calculated in the next sentence (the
“Change of Control
Value”) of the shares subject to such option over the exercise price(s)
under such options for such shares, or (3) make such adjustments to options then
outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect such Corporate Change
(provided, however, that the Committee may determine in its sole discretion that
no adjustment is necessary to options then outstanding), including, without
limitation, adjusting an option to provide that the number and class of Shares
covered by such option shall be adjusted so that such option shall thereafter
cover securities of the surviving or acquiring corporation or other property
(including, without limitation, cash) as determined by the Committee in its sole
discretion. For the purposes of clause (2) of the preceding sentence,
the “Change of Control Value” shall equal the amount determined in clause (i),
(ii) or (iii), whichever is applicable, as follows: (i) the per share price
offered to stockholders of the Company in any such merger, consolidation, sale
of assets or dissolution transaction, (ii) the price per share offered to
stockholders of the Company in any tender offer or exchange offer whereby a
Corporate Change takes place, or (iii) if such Corporate Change occurs other
than pursuant to a tender or exchange offer, the fair market value per share of
the shares into which
such
options being surrendered are exercisable, as determined by the Committee as of
the date determined by the Committee to be the date of cancellation and
surrender of such options. In the event that the consideration
offered to stockholders of the Company in any transaction described in this
Section 8 consists of anything other than cash, the Committee shall determine
the fair cash equivalent of the portion of the consideration offered which is
other than cash.
9. Use
of Proceeds
Proceeds
from the sale of Shares pursuant to exercise of awards granted under the Plan
shall constitute general funds of the Company.
10. Amendments
(a) Plan. The Board of
Directors of the Company may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate
the Plan or any portion thereof at any time; provided that no such
amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation or termination shall be made
without stockholder approval if such approval is necessary to qualify for or
comply with any tax or regulatory status or requirement (including any approval
requirement which is a prerequisite for listing purposes or for exemptive relief
from Section 16(b) of the 1934 Act or Section 162(m) of the Code or their
successor provisions) for which or with which the Board of Directors of the
Company deems it necessary or desirable to qualify or
comply. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the
Committee may amend the Plan in such manner as may be necessary so as to have
the Plan conform with local rules and regulations in any jurisdiction outside
the United States.
(b) Awards. Subject to
the terms of the Plan and applicable law, the Committee may waive any conditions
or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or
terminate any award theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively; provided that any such
waiver, amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or
termination that would adversely affect the rights of a participant or any
holder or beneficiary of any award theretofore granted shall not to that extent
be effective without the consent of such affected participant, holder or
beneficiary.
The Plan
shall become effective upon the date of its adoption by the Board, subject to
approval by the stockholders of the Company. Awards may be granted
hereunder prior to such stockholder approval, subject in all cases, however, to
such approval, but no awards shall be exercisable prior to such stockholder
approval.
DUFF
& PHELPS, LLC • 55 EAST 52ND STREET, 31ST FLOOR • NEW YORK, NY 10055 •
TEL 212-871-2000 • FAX 212-277-0716
May 8,
2008
Board of
Directors
GSC
Acquisition Company
500 Campus
Drive, Suite 200
Florham
Park, New Jersey 07932
Dear
Directors:
The Board
of Directors of GSC Acquisition Company (the “Company”) has engaged Duff &
Phelps, LLC (“Duff & Phelps”) as its independent financial advisor to
provide to the Board of Directors of the Company an opinion (the “Opinion”) as
of the date hereof as to (i) the fairness, from a financial point of view, to
the holders of the Company’s common stock of the consideration to be paid by the
Company in the contemplated transaction described below (the “Proposed
Transaction”) and (ii) whether the Target (as defined below) has a fair market
value equal to at least 80% of the balance in the Company’s Trust Account
(excluding deferred underwriting discounts and commissions).
Duff &
Phelps has acted as financial advisor to the Board of Directors of the Company,
and will receive a fee for its services. No portion of Duff & Phelps’ fee is
contingent upon either the conclusion expressed in the Opinion or the
consummation of the Proposed Transaction. Pursuant to the terms of the
engagement letter between the Company and Duff & Phelps, a portion of Duff
& Phelps’ fee is contingent upon Duff & Phelps’ stating to the Board of
Directors of the Company that it is prepared to deliver its Opinion. In
addition, the Company has agreed to reimburse certain of Duff & Phelps
expenses and to indemnify Duff & Phelps for certain liabilities arising out
of this engagement. Other than this engagement, during the two years preceding
the date of this Opinion, Duff & Phelps has not had any material
relationship with any party to the Proposed Transaction for which compensation
has been received or is intended to be received, nor is any such material
relationship or related compensation mutually understood to be contemplated,
provided that Duff & Phelps has provided valuation services for TCW/Crescent
Mezzanine (“TCW”) generally, and has specifically provided TCW valuation
services in connection with its investment in a subsidiary of the Target (as
defined below) for which it has received customary compensation. This Opinion
has been approved by the internal opinion committee of Duff &
Phelps.
Description of the Proposed
Transaction
The
Proposed Transaction is a merger pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger
(the “Merger Agreement”) to be entered into by and among the Company, certain
wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company and Complete Energy Holdings, LLC (the
“Target”). The Merger Agreement provides, among other things, for the merger
(the “Merger”) of a subsidiary of the Company with and into the Target, as a
result of which the Target will continue as the surviving corporation and will
become a subsidiary of the Company. As set forth more fully in the
Merger
Agreement
and subject to certain adjustments (as to which we express no opinion) set forth
therein, at the effective time of the Merger, (i) the Company shall issue common
shares of the Company or units of a subsidiary of the Company convertible into
common shares of the Company valued at approximately $440.2 million to certain
stakeholders of Target and to other holders of debt and equity of the Target’s
subsidiaries, (ii) the Company shall assume net project debt of approximately
$635.2 million net of cash of $8.6 million and a subsidiary of the Company will
issue a $50.0 million mezzanine note, (iii) the Company shall pay cash of
approximately $183.2 million to certain creditors of the Company and to pay
transaction expenses, (iv) the Company shall issue units convertible into
5,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company if within a period of five years
following the effective time of the Merger the closing stock price of the common
stock of the company equals or exceeds $14.50 for ten consecutive trading days,
and (v) the Company shall issue units convertible into 5,000,000 shares of
Company if within a period of five years following the effective time of the
Merger the closing stock price of the common stock of the company equals or
exceeds $15.50 for ten consecutive trading days, in each case as determined in
accordance with the formula set forth in the Merger Agreement. The terms and
conditions of the Merger are more fully set forth in the Merger
Agreement.
Scope of
Analysis
In
connection with this Opinion, Duff & Phelps has made such reviews, analyses
and inquiries as we have deemed necessary and appropriate under the
circumstances. Duff & Phelps also took into account its assessment of
general economic, market and financial conditions, as well as its experience in
securities and business valuation, in general, and with respect to similar
transactions, in particular. Our due diligence with regards to the Proposed
Transaction included, but was not limited to, the items summarized
below.
1.
|
Discussed
the operations, financial conditions, future prospects and projected
operations and performance of the Company and Target, respectively, and
the Proposed Transaction with the management of Target and the
Company;
|
2.
|
Reviewed
certain publicly available financial statements and other business and
financial information of the Company and Target, respectively, and the
industries in which the Target
operates;
|
3.
|
Reviewed
certain internal financial statements and other financial and operating
data concerning Company and Target, respectively, which the Company and
Target have respectively identified as being the most current financial
statements available;
|
4.
|
Reviewed
certain financial forecasts as prepared by the management of the Company
and Target;
|
5.
|
Reviewed
a draft of the Merger Agreement and the exhibits thereto dated May 7,
2008;
|
6.
|
Reviewed
the historical trading price and trading volume of the publicly traded
securities of certain other companies that we deemed
relevant;
|
7.
|
Compared
the financial performance of Target with that of certain other publicly
traded companies that we deemed
relevant;
|
8.
|
Compared
certain financial terms of the Proposed Transaction to financial terms, to
the extent publicly available, of certain other business combination
transactions that we deemed relevant;
and
|
9.
|
Conducted
such other analyses and considered such other factors as we deemed
appropriate.
|
Assumptions, Qualifications
and Limiting Conditions
In
performing its analyses and rendering this Opinion with respect to the Proposed
Transaction, Duff & Phelps, with your consent:
1.
|
Relied
upon the accuracy, completeness, and fair presentation of all information,
data, advice, opinions and representations obtained from public sources or
provided to it from private sources, including Company management, and did
not independently verify such
information;
|
2.
|
Duff
& Phelps assumed that any estimates, evaluations and projections
(financial or otherwise) furnished to Duff & Phelps were reasonably
prepared and based upon the best currently available information and good
faith judgment of the person or persons furnishing the
same.
|
3.
|
Duff
& Phelps assumed that the final versions of all documents reviewed by
Duff & Phelps in draft form (including, without limitation, the Merger
Agreement) conform in all material respects to the drafts
reviewed.
|
4.
|
Duff
& Phelps assumed that all governmental, regulatory or other consents
and approvals necessary for the consummation of the Proposed Transaction
will be obtained without any adverse effect on the Company, Target or the
Proposed Transaction.
|
5.
|
Duff
& Phelps assumed without verification the accuracy and adequacy of the
legal advice given by counsel to the Company and Target on all legal
matters with respect to the Proposed Transaction and assumed all
procedures required by law to be taken in connection with the Proposed
Transaction have been, or will be, duly, validly and timely taken and that
the Proposed Transaction will be consummated in a manner that complies in
all respects with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and all other
applicable statutes, rules
|
|
and
regulations. Duff & Phelps has not made, and assumes no responsibility
to make, any representation, or render any opinion, as to any legal
matter.
|
6.
|
Duff
& Phelps assumed that all of the conditions required to implement the
Proposed Transaction will be satisfied and that the Proposed Transaction
will be completed in accordance with the Merger Agreement, without any
amendments thereto or any waivers of any terms or conditions thereof. Duff
& Phelps assumed that all representations and warranties of each party
to the Merger Agreement are true and correct and that each party will
perform all covenants and agreements required to be performed by such
party.
|
7.
|
Duff
& Phelps did not make any independent evaluation, appraisal or
physical inspection of the Company’s or Power’s solvency or of any
specific assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise). This Opinion
should not be construed as a valuation opinion, credit rating, solvency
opinion, liquidation analysis, an analysis of either the Company’s or
Power’s credit worthiness or otherwise as tax advice or as accounting
advice. Duff & Phelps has not been requested to, and did not, (a)
negotiate the terms of the Proposed Transaction or (b) advise the Board of
Directors or any other party with respect to alternatives to the Proposed
Transaction. In addition, Duff & Phelps is not expressing any opinion
as to the market price or value of the Company’s common stock after
announcement of the Proposed
Transaction.
|
In our
analysis and in connection with the preparation of this Opinion, Duff &
Phelps has made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance,
general business, market and economic conditions and other matters, many of
which are beyond the control of any party involved in the Proposed Transaction.
To the extent that any of the foregoing assumptions or any of the facts on which
this Opinion is based prove to be untrue in any material respect, this Opinion
cannot and should not be relied upon.
In
rendering this Opinion, Duff & Phelps is not expressing any opinion with
respect to the amount or nature of any compensation to any of the Company’s
officers, directors, or employees, or any class of such persons, relative to the
consideration to be received by the public shareholders of the Company in the
Proposed Transaction, or with respect to the fairness of any such
compensation.
Duff &
Phelps has prepared this Opinion effective as of the date hereof. This Opinion
is necessarily based upon market, economic, financial and other conditions as
they exist and can be evaluated as of the date hereof, and Duff & Phelps
disclaims any undertaking or obligation to update this Opinion or advise any
person of any change in any fact or matter affecting this Opinion which may come
or be brought to the attention of Duff & Phelps after the date hereof.
Notwithstanding and without limiting the foregoing, in the event that there is
any change in any fact or matter affecting this Opinion after the date hereof
and prior to the completion of the Proposed Transaction, Duff & Phelps
reserves the right to change, modify or withdraw this Opinion.
The basis
and methodology for this Opinion have been designed specifically for the express
purposes of the Board of Directors and may not translate to any other purposes.
This Opinion is not a recommendation as to how the Board of Directors or any
stockholder should vote or act with respect to any matters relating to the
Proposed Transaction, or whether to proceed with the Proposed Transaction or any
related transaction, nor does it indicate that the consideration paid is the
best possibly attainable under any circumstances. Further, we have not been
requested to opine as to, and the Opinion does not in any manner address, the
underlying business decision of the Company to engage in the Proposed
Transaction or the relative merits of the Proposed Transaction as compared to
any alternative business transaction or strategy (including, without limitation,
a liquidation of the Company after not completing a business combination within
the allotted time). Instead, it merely states whether the consideration in the
Proposed Transaction is within a range suggested by certain financial analyses.
The decision as to whether to proceed with the Proposed Transaction or any
related transaction may depend on an assessment of factors unrelated to the
financial analysis on which this Opinion is based. This letter should not be
construed as creating any fiduciary duty on the part of Duff & Phelps to any
party.
This
Opinion may be included in its entirety in any proxy statement distributed to
stockholders of the Company in connection with the Proposed Transaction or other
document required by law or regulation to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and you may summarize or otherwise reference the existence
of this Opinion in such documents, provided that any such summary or reference
language shall be subject to the prior written approval by Duff & Phelps.
Except as described above, without our prior consent, this Opinion may not be
quoted from or referred to, in whole or in part, in any written document or used
for any other purpose.
Conclusion
Based upon
and subject to the foregoing, Duff & Phelps is of the opinion that (i) the
consideration to be paid by the Company in the Proposed Transaction is fair,
from a financial point of view, to the holders of the Company’s common stock and
(ii) the Target has a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balance in
the Company’s Trust Account (excluding deferred underwriting discounts and
commissions).
Respectfully
submitted,
/s/ Duff
& Phelps, LLC
GLOSSARY
OF TERMS USED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT
In this
proxy statement the terms described below are used frequently and have been
listed for easy reference in addition to being defined in the proxy
statement.
AAA
|
American
Arbitration Association
|
AB32
|
California
Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, also known as Assembly Bill
32
|
Alstom
|
Alstom
Power, Inc.
|
AMEX
|
American
Stock Exchange
|
Antitrust
Division
|
Antitrust
Division of the U.S. Department of Justice
|
Batesville
facility
|
Natural
gas-fired, combined-cycle facility in Batesville,
Mississippi
|
Batesville
Holding
|
CEP
Batesville Holding, LLC
|
Black
& Veatch
|
Black
& Veatch Corporation
|
Bonds
|
Senior
Secured Bonds issued by LSPLP and LSP Batesville Funding
Corporation
|
Btu
|
British
thermal units
|
CAIR
|
Clean
Air Interstate Rule
|
CAISO
|
California
Independent System Operator
|
CEP
OpCo
|
CEP
Operating Company, LLC
|
CERCLA
|
Comprehensive
Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of
1980
|
Citigroup
|
Citigroup
Global Markets Inc.
|
Class
B shares
|
Shares
of GSCAC’s Class B common stock
|
Class
B units
|
Class
B units of Holdco Sub
|
Clean
Water Act
|
Federal
Water Pollution Control Act
|
Code
|
Internal
Revenue Code of 1986
|
Complete
Energy
|
Complete
Energy Holdings, LLC
|
Complete
Energy Credit Agreement
|
Complete
Energy Credit Agreement dated November 30, 2007 underwritten by
JPMorgan
|
CPUC
|
California
Public Utilities Commission
|
Delivery
Pool
|
Kern
River Gas Transmission Company’s Firm California Delivery
Pool
|
DGCL
|
Delaware
General Corporation Law
|
DSCR
|
Debt
service coverage ratio
|
DWAC
System
|
Depository
Trust Company’s Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian System
|
Duff
& Phelps
|
Duff
& Phelps LLC
|
Entergy
Services
|
Entergy
Services, Inc.
|
EOH
|
Equivalent
operating hours
|
EPA
|
U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
|
EP
Act
|
Energy
Policy Act of 2005
|
Ernst
& Young
|
Ernst
& Young LLP
|
ERO
|
Electric
Reliability Organization
|
EWG
|
Exempt
Wholesale Generator
|
Exchange
Act
|
Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
|
FAS
157
|
Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 "Fair Value
Measurements"
|
FASB
|
Financial
Accounting Standards Board
|
FERC
|
Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission
|
First
Lien Facility
|
First-Lien
Term Loan Credit Agreement, part of the La Paloma Loan
Facilities
|
founding
stockholder
|
GSC
Secondary Fund, LLC
|
FPA
|
Federal
Power Act
|
FTC
|
Federal
Trade Commission
|
Fulcrum
|
Fulcrum
Power Services, L.P.
|
Funding
|
LSP
Batesville Funding Corporation
|
GAAP
|
Generally
accepted accounting principles
|
GSC
Group
|
GSC
Group, Inc.
|
GSCAC
|
GSC
Acquisition Company
|
GSCAC
parties
|
GSCAC,
Holdco Sub, Holdco Sub2 and Merger Sub
|
HGPA
|
Hot
Gas Path Service Agreement
|
Holdco
Sub
|
GSCAC
Holdings I LLC
|
Holdco
Sub LLC Agreement
|
Limited
liability company agreement of Holdco Sub
|
Holdco
Sub2
|
GSCAC
Holdings II LLC
|
HSR
Act
|
Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvement Act of 1976
|
ICT
|
Independent
Coordinator of Transmission
|
IPO
|
Initial
public offering
|
IPO
shares
|
20,700,000
shares of common stock issued in GSCAC’s initial public
offering
|
IPP
|
Independent
power producer
|
IRS
|
U.S.
Internal Revenue Service
|
ISO
|
Independent
System Operator
|
J.
Aron
|
J.
Aron & Company
|
JPMorgan
|
JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A.
|
June
Consent
|
Consent
and Agreement signed with noteholders in conjunction with Purchase and
Sale Agreement with KGen Power Corporation
|
Kern
River
|
Kern
River Gas Transmission Company
|
kWh
|
Kilowatt
hours
|
L/C
Facility
|
First-Lien
Special Letter of Credit Facility, part of the La Paloma Loan
Facilities
|
La
Paloma Acquisition
|
La
Paloma Acquisition Co, LLC
|
La
Paloma Acquisition LLC Agreement
|
Limited
liability company agreement for La Paloma Acquisition
|
La
Paloma facility
|
Natural
gas-fired, combined-cycle facility in McKittrick,
California
|
La
Paloma Loan Facilities
|
Senior
Secured Loan Facilities with Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. and
WestLB, New York Branch as co-syndication agents
|
lender
consent
|
Consent,
Exchange, and Preemptive Rights Agreement between Complete Energy and
certain of their subsidiaries with TCW funds and Morgan
Stanley
|
LMP
|
Locational
Marginal Pricing
|
LPGC
|
La
Paloma Generating Company, LLC
|
LP
Holdco
|
CEH/La
Paloma Holding Company, LLC
|
LP
Minority Holders
|
Owners
of the minority interests in the Complete Energy subsidiary that owns the
La Paloma facility
|
LSPLP
|
LSP
Energy Limited Partnership
|
LTM
|
Last
twelve months
|
LTM
Contract
|
Program
Parts, Miscellaneous Hardware, Program Management and Scheduled Outage
Services Contract
|
Merger
Sub
|
GSCAC
Merger Sub LLC
|
MMBtu
|
Million
British thermal units
|
Morgan
Stanley
|
Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated
|
MRTU
|
Market
Redesign and Technology Upgrade
|
MW
|
Megawatt
|
MWh
|
Megawatt
hours
|
NAAQS
|
National
Ambient Air Quality Standards
|
NERC
|
North
American Electric Reliability Council
|
NP-15
|
Northern
Zone
|
NYSE
|
New
York Stock Exchange
|
O’Melveny
& Myers
|
O’Melveny
& Myers, LLP
|
PG&E
|
Pacific
Gas & Electric Corporation
|
project
companies
|
Complete
Energy and its subsidiaries
|
PUHCA
2005
|
Public
Utility Holding Company Act of 2005
|
PURPA
|
Public
Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978
|
RTO
|
Regional
Transmission Operator
|
S.2191
|
Lieberman-Warner
Climate Security Act
|
Sarbanes-Oxley
Act
|
Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002
|
SCE
|
Southern
California Edison
|
SEC
|
U.S.
Securities Exchange Commission
|
Second
Lien Facility
|
Second-Lien
Term Loan Agreement, part of the La Paloma Loan
Facilities
|
SERC
|
Southeastern
Electric Reliability Counsel
|
SMEPA
|
South
Mississippi Electric Power Association
|
SP-15
|
Southern
Zone of CAISO
|
Steptoe
& Johnson
|
Steptoe
& Johnson LLP
|
TAMCO
|
TCW
Asset Management Company
|
TAMCO
funds
|
Investment
funds and trusts managed or advised by TAMCO or certain of its
affiliates
|
TAMCO
Notes
|
Notes
issued pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement between LP Holdco and
TAMCO
|
TVA
|
Tennessee
Valley Authority
|
UPREIT
|
Umbrella
partnership real estate investment trust
|
UBS
|
UBS
Securities LLC
|
Vinson
& Elkins
|
Vinson
& Elkins, LLP
|
WCI
|
Western
Climate Initiative
|
WECC
|
Western
Electricity Coordinating Council
|
Working
Capital Agreement
|
First-Lien
Working Capital Agreement, part of the La Paloma Loan
Facilities
|
ZP-26
|
Central
Zone of CAISO
|
E-4