btn_af1.htm
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2010
Registration No. 333 - 164935
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Amendment No.2
To
FORM F-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
BONTAN CORPORATION INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Province of Ontario
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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1382
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
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N/A
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
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47 Avenue Road, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 2G3
Telephone: (416) 929-1806
(Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)
Kam Shah
Chief Executive Officer
47 Avenue Road, Suite 200
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 2G3
Telephone: (416) 929-1806
(Name, address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Jeffrey C. Robbins, Esq.
Messerli & Kramer P.A.
1400 Fifth Street Towers
100 South Fifth Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Telephone: (612) 672-3600
Facsimile: (612) 672-3777
_____________________________
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box: [x]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. □
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. □
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. □
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered
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Amount to be Registered
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Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share
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Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price
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Amount of Registration Fee
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Common Shares, no par value
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47,000,000
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$0.25(1)
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$11,750,000(1)
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$837.77
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Common Shares underlying Warrants
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49,825,000
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$0.35(2)
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$17,438,750(2)
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$1,243.38
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Common Shares underlying Warrants
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10,750,000
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$0.10(2)
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$1,075,000 (2)
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$76.65
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Total
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107,575,000
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$2,157.80(3)
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1. Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(c) solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee based on the average of the bid and asked prices on June 25, 2010, as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board.
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2. Calculated in accordance with Rule 457(g) based on the exercise price of the warrants.
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3. No registration fee is being paid in connection with this Amendment No. 2 because a total of $7,658.83 was previously paid in connection with the initial filing of this registration statement on February 16, 2010.
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The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where an offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion Dated June 30, 2010
PROSPECTUS
Bontan Corporation Inc.
107,575,000 Shares of Common Stock
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This prospectus relates to the sale of up to 107,575,000 shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders listed in the table under “Selling Stockholders.” The common shares registered for resale under this registration statement are:
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46,750,000 – common shares;
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42,825,000 – common shares issuable upon exercise of warrants at an exercise price of USD $0.35 per share;
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7,000,000 common shares issuable upon exercise of warrants, which have a cashless exercise feature, at an exercise price of USD $0.35 per share; and
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10,750,000 – common shares issuable upon exercise of warrants at an exercise price of USD $0.10 per share.
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The shares and warrants were issued to the selling stockholders in private placement transactions completed in April 2010. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares offered by the selling stockholders; however, if the warrants are exercised on a cash basis, we will receive the exercise price of the warrants, if exercised at all.
The selling stockholders may offer the shares from time to time through public or private transactions at prices related to prevailing market prices, or at privately negotiated prices. Additional information on the selling stockholders, and how they may sell the shares registered hereby, is provided under “Selling Stockholders” and “Plan of Distribution.”
Our common stock is quoted on the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Bulletin Board under the symbol “BNTNF.” The high and low bid prices for our common stock on the OTC Bulletin Board on June 25, 2010 were $0.30 and $0.295 per share respectively. These quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commissions, and may not represent actual transactions.
Investing in our common shares involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 7.
Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Prospectus dated
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THE PROSPECTUS |
3 |
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY |
4 |
RISK FACTORS |
7 |
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS |
15 |
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT & ADVISORS |
15 |
KEY INFORMATION |
16 |
INFORMATION ABOUT BONTAN |
19 |
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW & PROSPECTUS |
28 |
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT & EMPLOYEES |
44 |
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS & RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
49 |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
THE OFFERING AND LISITNG
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52 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
59 |
QUANTITATIVE & QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
73 |
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES |
75 |
DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES |
76 |
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES |
76 |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
77 |
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form F-1 that we filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this process, the selling shareholders listed in the table commencing on page 33 may, from time to time, sell the offered securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings, up to a total of 107,575,000 – common shares. No shares are being registered hereunder for sale by Bontan.
We have not authorized any broker, dealer, salesperson or other person to give any information or to make any representation regarding any of the securities offered hereby. You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and applicable prospectus supplement.
This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in any jurisdiction in which an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation. You should assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of any date on the front cover page.
This prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement and the exhibits thereto. This prospectus includes statements that summarize the contents of contracts and other documents that are filed as exhibits to the registration statement. These statements do not necessarily describe the full contents of such documents, and you should refer to those documents for a complete description of these matters. It is important for you to read and consider all information contained in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, together with the additional information described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”
In this prospectus, references to “Bontan,” “our company,” “we,” “us” and “our” are to Bontan Corporation Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context suggests otherwise. References to “U.S. dollars” or “USD $” are to the lawful currency of the United States, and references to “CDN $” or “$” are to the lawful currency of Canada. All financial information set forth in this prospectus is expressed in Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated.
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This summary highlights the key information contained in this prospectus. Because it is a summary, it does not contain all the information you should consider before investing in our common shares. You should read carefully this entire prospectus; including the section entitled “Risk Factors” and the financial statements included elsewhere this prospectus.
About Bontan
We invest in the exploration and development of oil and gas wells. We focus on partnering with established developers and operators. We have never had any oil and gas operations and do not currently own any oil and gas properties with proven reserves. We currently own an 10.45% indirect working interest in two drilling licenses in the Levantine Basin, approximately 40 kilometers off the west coast of Israel. The two drilling licenses, Petroleum License 347 (“Mira”) and Petroleum License 348 (“Sarah”), cover approximately 198,000 acres. We currently own no other property interests. Our working interest is held in the form of a 76.79% equity interest in Israel Petroleum Company, Limited or IPC Cayman, a Cayman Island limited company that was formed to explore and develop the properties off the west coast of Israel. IPC Cayman owns 100% of IPC Oil & Gas (Israel) , Limited Partnership, which is the registered holder of a 13.609% interest in the Mira and Sarah licenses. ("IPC Partnership").
In addition to IPC Cayman, our major joint venture partners in the offshore Israel project include Emanuelle Energy Ltd. and IDB-DT Energy (2010) Ltd. Mr. Ofer Nimrodi controls Emanuelle Energy Ltd. and is a director and CEO of Tel Aviv-based Israel Land Development Company Ltd. IDB-DT Energy (2010) Ltd. Is a joint venture of IDB Development Corporation Ltd., which is affiliated with Avraham Livnat Company, and Du-Tzah Ltd., which is affiliated with Manor Holdings and Yitzak “Zachi” Sultan. Our rights and the rights of our joint venture partners in the Mira and Sarah licenses have been approved and registered by the Israeli Petroleum Commissioner on June 16, 2010. In this document we sometimes refer to Emanuelle Energy Ltd. and IDB-DT Energy (2010) Ltd as the “Lead Investors.” Geoglobal Resources (India) Inc. has been appointed operator for the Mira and Sarah licenses, subject to the execution of a joint operating agreement.
Our goal is to advance the offshore Israel project to the drilling stage aggressively, as prudent financing will allow to determine the presence of oil or natural gas. If we are successful in doing so, we believe our joint venture partners can attract the attention of the existing oil and gas companies already operating in the region or new oil and gas companies to enter into a development agreement.
We were incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario in 1973. Since April 2003, we have been focused on participating in oil and gas exploration, development and exploitation projects worldwide by acquiring joint venture, indirect and direct participation interests and working interests in those projects. During the fiscal year 2006, we sold our indirect participation interest in an oil exploration project and wrote off our working interest in a gas project owing to a dry test well. Since 2006, we have been pursuing and evaluating various business opportunities in the oil and gas sector. We currently have only one oil and gas project.
Our principal office is located at 47 Avenue Road, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2G3 and our telephone number is 416-929-1806.
Background and Status of Offshore Israel Project
In November 2009, IPC Cayman initially acquired a 95.5% interest in the Mira and Sarah drilling licenses and an exploration permit, Petroleum Preliminary Permit 199 (“Benjamin”), from PetroMed Corporation, a Beliz corporation. The transfer of rights was subject to approval by the Israeli Petroleum Commissioner. Disputes arose among PetroMed Corporation, IPC Cayman, us and others regarding the transfer of rights in the two drilling licenses and the exploration permit. To settle the disputes and to ensure that the future of the offshore Israel project is not jeopardized, we and IPC Cayman accepted an offer from two Israeli investors with significant financial and local influence to join the project as major partners. On March 25, 2010, International Three Crown Petroleum LLC, a Colorado limited liability company, IPC Cayman, PetroMed Corporation, Emanuelle Energy Ltd., IDB-DT Energy (2010) Ltd. and others entered into an Allocation of Rights and Settlement Agreement. This agreement provides for, among other things:
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The dismissal of certain lawsuits and mutual release of claims among the parties;
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The payment by the Lead Investors of: (i) $10.5 million to Western Geco International Ltd. for the release of 2D and 3D seismic data relating to the Mira and Sarah licenses, and (ii) $5.7 million to settle various disputes with PetroMed Corporation and to acquire its control.
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A new allocation of working interests in the offshore Israel project as follows: 14.325% to IPC Cayman; 27.15% to IDB-DT Energy (2010) Ltd.; and 54.025% to Emanuelle Energy Ltd.;
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With respect to IPC Cayman’s 14.325% working interest, an allocation of 11% to Bontan and 3.325% to International Three Crown Petroleum LLC;
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For purposes of the application to effect the transfer of rights in the Mira and Sarah licenses, the Lead Investors to prove (without incurring any actual monetary obligation) the financial capability requirement under Israel Petroleum Law in respect of IPC Cayman’s interest in the licenses;
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The grant of overriding royalty interests, totaling 11.5%, to certain persons;
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The cancellation of the common shares and warrants of Bontan issued to PetroMed Corporation in November 2009; and
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The formation of steering committee composed of two representatives of the Lead Investors and one representative of IPC Cayman, to manage the project with respect to the Mira and Sarah licenses.
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In a letter dated May 16, 2010, Petroleum Commissioner confirmed that the two licenses are fully valid and approved changes in the work plan submitted by the steering committee. The Petroleum Commissioner approved deadlines for submitting various work plans between July 15, 2010 and March 31, 2011. With respect to the financial capability requirement for approval of the transfer of rights, the Petroleum Commissioner has indicated that the joint venture partners must demonstrate liquidity equal to at least half of the cost of the first well drilling, which he estimates to be approximately USD $50 million.
Geoglobal Resources (India) Inc. has been appointed operator for the Mira and Sarah licenses, subject to the execution of a joint operating agreement. The operator is a wholly owned subsidiary of Geoglobal Resouces Inc., a public company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. The operator has acquired a 5% working interest in the Mira and Sarah licenses pro rata from the Lead Investors and IPC Cayman for USD $1.2 million. As a result of such acquisition, our indirect working interest has decreased to 10.45%. The operator also will have an option to acquire an additional 2.5% working interest in one or both licenses pro rata from the Lead Investors and IPC Cayman. In addition, the operator will have the right of representation on the steering committee. The joint venture partners expect to enter into a joint operating agreement with the operator by July 2010.
On May 20, 2010, the joint venture partners submitted an application to the Israeli Petroleum Commissioner to approve the transfer and registration of the rights in the Mira and Sarah licenses. On June 16, 2010, the Petroleum Commissioner approved the application and registered the interest in the two licenses in favour of our joint venture partners.
The Benjamin permit originally held by PetroMed Corporation and acquired by IPC Cayman expired in February 2010 because the required seismic data was not timely submitted to the Petroleum Commissioner. The Israeli Ministry of Petroleum has invited new applications for three licenses covering the same area as the original Benjamin permit. The Lead Investors and IPC Cayman have paid for and obtained the required 2D seismic data for this application and submitted an application for only one of the license, Michael license on May 20, 2010. On June 16, 2010, the Ministry of Petroleum notified the Lead Investors that the application for the Michael license was not accepted.
Assuming the execution of a joint operating agreement among the joint venture partners and the operator, 100% of the rights and interests in the Mira and Sarah licenses will be allocated as follows: 13.609% to IPC Cayman; 24.282% to IDB-DT Energy (2010) Ltd.; 48.322 % to Emanuelle Energy Ltd.; 8.788% to PBT Capital Partners, LLC; and 5% to Geoglobal Resources (India) Inc. Currently, there are three members on the steering committee – one each from IDB-DT, Emanuelle and IPC Cayman. Mr. Howard Cooper represents IPC Cayman. Additional members may be admitted to represent the operator and PBT Capital Partners LLC. Resolutionsof the steering committee are determined by a vote of members representing at least a majority of the working interests, calculated on a license–by-license basis.
Manager of IPC Cayman
International Three Crown Petroleum LLC is the sole director of IPC Cayman and is representing our interest in the offshore Israel project through participation in the steering committee. International Three Crown Petroleum LLC owns a 23.21% equity interest in IPC Cayman. The majority member and principal of International Three Crown Petroleum is H. Howard Cooper.
H. Howard Cooper is currently the manager of International Three Crown Petroleum LLC. Mr. Cooper is also the manager of Power Petroleum LLC. International Three Crown Petroleum was formed by Mr. Cooper in 2005 to identify and purchase oil and gas leases, primarily in the U.S. Rocky Mountain Region. Power Petroleum, which was formed by Mr. Cooper in 2007, puts drilling prospects together in Colorado, Montana, Utah and North Dakota. From 1996 until February 2005, Mr. Cooper was the chairman of the board of directors of Teton Energy Corporation, a U.S. publicly traded company formerly known as Teton Petroleum Company. Mr. Cooper also served as president and CEO of Teton from 1996 until May 2003. During his tenure with Teton, Teton primarily engaged in oil and gas exploration, development, and production in Western Siberia, Russia.
IPC Cayman will pay International Three Crown Petroleum LLC a monthly management fee of $20,000 for its services as director of IPC Cayman and will reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the director on behalf of IPC Cayman. In connection with any farmout, sale or other transfer of all or a portion of the offshore Israel project, International Three Crown Petroleum LLC will receive a disposition fee equal to the product of 5% of our percentage ownership interest in IPC Cayman and the total cash proceeds received by us or our shareholders in such transaction. In addition, International Three Crown Petroleum LLC will receive a warrant to purchase a number of our common shares which is equal to the product of 5% of our percentage ownership interest in IPC Cayman and the fair market value of all consideration received by us in such transaction, divided by the market price of one common share as of the date of issuance of the warrant. The exercise price of the warrant will be equal to the market price.
The Offering
This prospectus relates to the sale of up to 107,575,000 shares of our common stock, including 60,575,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants, by the selling stockholders listed in this prospectus. The shares and warrants were issued to the selling stockholders in connection with the acquisition of our indirect 11% working interest in the offshore Israel project. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares offered by the selling stockholders. We may receive proceeds from the exercise of the warrants, if and when exercised on a cash basis.
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the following risks in addition to the other information set forth in this prospectus before making any investment in our stock. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business. If any of these risks actually occur, the price of our stock could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment.
Risks Related to our Business
We have a history of operating losses and may never achieve profitability in the future.
We have incurred significant operating losses. It is unlikely that we will generate significant revenues while we seek to complete our exploration and development activities in the offshore Israel project. As of September 30, 2009, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $34 million. We do not have any proved reserves or current production of oil or gas. Our success is substantially dependent upon on the successful exploration, drilling and development of the offshore Israel project. We cannot assure you that we will be profitable in the future.
IPC Cayman is a newly formed development stage company with no operating history.
IPC Cayman, the company in which we recently acquired a 76.79% equity interest, is newly formed and has no operating history. Its operations will be subject to all of the risks inherent in exploration stage companies with no revenues or operating history. Its potential for success must be considered in light of the problems, expenses, difficulties, complications and delays frequently encountered in connection with a new business, especially the oil and natural gas exploration business. No assurance can be given that any particular investment return will be achieved.
We will be substantially dependent upon our joint venture partners to develop the offshore Israel project.
We will be substantially dependent on IPC Cayman and our other joint venture partners and their respective affiliates to develop the offshore Israel project. We will not control the management or operations of the offshore Israel project.
Investments in joint ventures may, under certain circumstances, involve risks not present were a third party not involved, including the possibility that joint venture partners might become bankrupt or fail to fund their share of financial commitments. Joint venture partners may have economic or other business interests or goals which are inconsistent with our business interests or goals, and may be in a position to take actions contrary to our interests or objectives, and they may have competing interests in our markets that could create conflict of interest issues. Such investments may also have the potential risk of impasses on decisions, such as a sale, because neither we nor our joint venture partners would have full control over the joint venture. Disputes between us and our joint venture partners may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our expenses and prevent our officers and/or directors from focusing their time and effort on our business. Our investment in the offshore Israel project may exceed returns from the project.
We cannot control activities on properties that we do not operate and are unable to control their proper operation and profitability.
We do not operate any of the properties in which we own an interest. As a result, we have limited ability to exercise influence over, and control the risks associated with, the operations of these properties. The failure of an operator of our wells to adequately perform operations, an operator’s breach of the applicable agreements or an operator’s failure to act in ways that are in our best interests could reduce our production and revenues. The success and timing of exploration and development activities on properties operated by others therefore will depend upon a number of factors outside of our control, including:
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the nature and timing of drilling and operational activities;
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the timing and amount of capital expenditures;
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the operator’s expertise and financial resources;
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the approval of other participants in drilling wells; and
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the operator’s selection of suitable technology.
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The Mira and Sarah licenses must be drilled within two years or the license could be forfeited.
The new group must commence well drilling on each of the Mira and Sarah licenses within two years or the licenses could be forfeited. If our joint venture fails to drill timely wells before the license expiration, we will lose the drilling opportunities and our investment in the expired licenses.
Prospects that the new group decides to drill may not yield natural gas or oil in commercially viable quantities.
The new group is conducting seismic surveys and other geological and geophysical analysis to identify and develop prospects in the areas covered by the Mira and Sarah licenses. A prospect is a property on which indications of natural gas and oil have been identified based on available seismic and geological information and analyses. The prospects will require substantial additional seismic data processing and interpretation. However, the use of seismic data and other technologies and the study of data in the same and nearby areas will not enable the new group to know conclusively prior to drilling and testing whether natural gas or oil will be present or, if present, whether natural gas or oil will be present in sufficient quantities to recover drilling or completion costs or to be economically viable. If the seismic and other data are inconclusive or unsatisfactory the new group may not be able to attract industry partners to conduct exploratory drilling on its properties.
There is currently no infrastructure to market oil or gas if hydrocarbons are discovered.
The Mira and Sarah licenses are located in an area of the eastern Mediterranean where there has not previously been production of oil and gas. Accordingly, there is not currently any infrastructure in place to market oil or gas if hydrocarbons are discovered. The Israeli government will have to approve the installation of infrastructure, and the construction of infrastructure will require significant capital investment.
Failure to fund capital expenditures could adversely affect our interests in the properties.
The oil and gas industry is capital intensive. The joint venture's exploration and development activities will require substantial capital expenditures to meet requirements in the licenses. There is no assurance that we will be able to obtain equity or debt financing on terms favorable to us, or at all. Under the terms of the Allocation of Rights and Settlement Agreement, if IPC Cayman fails to establish independent financial capability with respect to exploration and development of test wells under the licenses by November 16, 2010, which capability is expected to be between USD $15-20 million, IPC Cayman may need to sell some or all of its interest in the licenses or may forfeit its interest in the licenses.
We do not expect that debt financing will be available to us or the new group or IPC Cayman to support exploratory operations of the type required to establish commercial viability of the properties. Cash flows of the new group will be subject to a number of variables, such as the success of drilling operations, production levels from successful wells, prices of crude oil and natural gas, availability of infrastructure and markets, and costs of services and equipment. In addition, IPC Cayman could seek farmout arrangements with third parties. These farmouts could result in us giving up a substantial interest in the oil and gas properties, comprising two licenses for offshore exploration for gas and/or oil, we have acquired. If IPC Cayman is not able to fund its capital expenditures, IPC Cayman’s interests in the properties might be forfeited, and we could lose our entire investment.
Recent market events and conditions could impede access to capital or increase the cost of capital, which would have an adverse effect on our and IPC Cayman’s abilities to fund working capital and other capital requirements.
The oil and gas industry is cyclical in nature and tends to reflect general economic conditions. Recent market events and conditions, including unprecedented disruptions in the current credit and financial markets and the deterioration of economic conditions in the U.S. and internationally, have had a significant material adverse impact on a number of financial institutions and have limited access to capital and credit for many companies. These disruptions could, among other things, make it more difficult for us or IPC Cayman to obtain, or increase the cost of obtaining, capital and financing for the new group’s operations. Access to additional capital may not be available on acceptable terms or at all. Difficulties in obtaining capital and financing or increased costs for obtaining capital and financing would have an adverse effect on IPC Cayman’s ability to fund its working capital and other capital requirements and could inhibit development of the property interests.
Our business is not geographically diversified.
Our property interests are located off the west coast of Israel. We currently own no other working interests, leases or properties. As a result, our current business will be concentrated in the same geographic region. Our success or failure will be dependent upon the drilling and production results of any wells identified on the offshore Israel properties.
We face significant competition and many of our competitors have resources in excess of our available resources.
The oil and natural gas industry is highly competitive. We face intense competition from a large number of independent, technology-driven companies as well as both major and other independent crude oil and natural gas companies in a number of areas such as:
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seeking to acquire desirable producing properties or new leases for future exploration;
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marketing our crude oil and natural gas production;
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seeking to acquire the equipment and expertise necessary to operate and develop properties; and
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attracting and retaining employees with certain skills.
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Many of our competitors have financial, technical and other resources substantially in excess of those available to us. This highly competitive environment could have an adverse impact on our business. However, our new Israeli partners have significant financial resources and local presence which provides added ability to the new group to meet future challenges in the drilling operations.
Risks of Oil and Natural Gas Investments
Oil and natural gas investments are highly risky.
The selection of prospects for oil and natural gas drilling, the drilling, ownership and operation of oil and natural gas wells and the ownership of non-operating interests in oil and natural gas properties are highly speculative. There is a possibility you will lose all or substantially all of your investment in us. We cannot predict whether any prospect will produce oil or natural gas or commercial quantities of oil and natural gas, nor can we predict the amount of time it will take to recover any oil or natural gas we do produce. Drilling activities may be unprofitable, not only from non-productive wells but also from wells that do not produce oil or natural gas in sufficient quantities or quality to return a profit.
Oil and natural gas prices are volatile and a reduction in these prices could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
The price that we may receive for oil or natural gas production from wells in which we have an interest will significantly affect our revenue, cash flow, access to capital and future growth. Historically, the markets for oil and natural gas have been volatile and are likely to continue to be volatile in the future. The markets and prices for oil and natural gas depend on numerous factors beyond our control. These factors include:
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changes in supply and demand for oil and natural gas;
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actions taken by foreign oil and gas producing nations;
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political conditions and events (including political instability or armed conflict) in oil or natural gas producing regions;
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the level of global oil and natural gas inventories and oil refining capacity;
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the price and level of imports of foreign oil and natural gas;
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the price and availability of alternative fuels;
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the availability of pipeline capacity and infrastructure;
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the availability of oil transportation and refining capacity;
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weather conditions;
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speculation as to future prices of oil and natural gas and speculative trading of oil or natural gas futures contracts;
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domestic and foreign governmental regulations and taxes; and
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global economic conditions.
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The effect of these factors is magnified by the concentration of our interests in Israel, where some of these forces could have disproportionate impact, such as war, terrorist acts or civil disturbances, changes in regulations and taxation policies by the Israeli government, exchange rate fluctuations, laws and policies of Israel affecting foreign investment, trade and business conduct and the availability of pipeline capacity and infrastructure.
A significant or extended decline in oil and natural gas prices may have a material adverse effect on our and IPC Cayman’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, ability to finance planned capital expenditures or ability to secure funding from industry partners.
Exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas are high risk activities with many uncertainties that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
The new group’s drilling and operating activities will be subject to many risks, including the risk that commercially productive wells will not be discovered. Drilling activities may be unprofitable, not only from dry holes but also from productive wells that do not generate sufficient revenues to return a profit. In addition, the new group’s drilling and producing operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of other factors, including:
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environmental hazards, such as natural gas leaks, pipeline ruptures and spills;
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fires;
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explosions, blowouts and cratering
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unexpected or unusual forrnations;
|
|
·
|
pressures;
|
|
·
|
facility or equipment malfunctions;
|
|
·
|
unexpected operational events;
|
|
·
|
shortages of skilled personnel;
|
|
·
|
shortages or delivery delays of drilling rigs and equipment;
|
|
·
|
compliance with environmental and other regulatory requirements;
|
|
·
|
adverse weather conditions; and
|
|
·
|
natural disasters.
|
Any of these risks can cause substantial losses, including personal injury or loss of life; severe damage to or destruction of property and equipment; pollution; environmental contamination; clean-up responsibilities; loss of wells; repairs to resume operations; and regulatory fines and penalties. Uninsured liabilities would reduce the funds available to the new group and may result in the loss of the properties, comprising two licenses for offshore exploration for gas and/or oil.
The new group will be subject to various governmental regulations which may result on material liabilities and costs.
Political developments and laws and regulations will affect the new group’s operations. In particular, price controls, taxes and other laws relating to the oil and natural gas industry, changes in these laws and changes in administrative regulations have affected and in the future could affect oil and natural gas production, operations and economics. We cannot predict how agencies or courts in the State of Israel will interpret existing laws and regulations or the effect these adoptions and interpretations may have on new group’s business or financial condition.
The new group’s business is subject to laws and regulations promulgated by the State of Israel relating to the exploration for, and the development, production and marketing of, oil and natural gas, as well as safety matters. Legal requirements can change and are subject to interpretation and the new group is unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance with these requirements or their effect on its operations. the new group may be required to make significant expenditures to comply with governmental laws and regulations.
The new group’s operations are subject to Israeli environmental laws and regulations. Because of the recent nature of the discoveries in the eastern Mediterranean and the absence of production, there has not been consideration of the impact that operations in this area may have on environmental laws and regulations, which could be changed in ways that could negatively impact the new group’s operations. The discharge of natural gas, oil, or other pollutants into the air, soil or water may give rise to significant liabilities on the part of the new group and may require it to incur substantial costs of remediation. In addition the new group may incur costs and penalties in addressing regulatory agency procedures involving instances of possible non-compliance. The financial implications, if any, cannot be estimated at this stage.
Potential regulations regarding climate change could alter the way the new group conducts its business.
As awareness of climate change issues increases, governments around the world are beginning to address the matter. This may result in new environmental regulations that may unfavorably impact the new group and its partners and suppliers. The cost of meeting these requirements may have an adverse impact on the new group’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The potential lack of availability or high cost of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, personnel and other oil field services could adversely affect the new group’s ability to execute its exploration and development plans on a timely basis and within its budget.
From time to time, there is a shortage of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies or qualified personnel in the oil and natural gas industry. During these periods, the costs of rigs, equipment and supplies are substantially greater and their availability may be limited, particularly in international locations that typically have more limited availability of equipment and personnel, such as Israel. During periods of increasing levels of exploration and production in response to strong demand for oil and natural gas, the demand for oilfield services and the costs of these services increase. Additionally, these services may not be available on commercially reasonable terms.
Risks Related to the Manager of IPC Cayman
The loss of IPC Cayman’s manager could adversely affect our business.
International Three Crown Petroleum LLC is the sole director of IPC Cayman and H. Howard Cooper is the manager of International Three Crown Petroleum LLC. Mr. Cooper has significant experience in developing international oil and gas projects. While the joint venture plans to retain an international operator, consultants and contractors with extensive experience in managing and operating these kinds of international projects, Mr. Cooper’s unavailability for any reason could negatively impact our business and representation of our interests on the steering committee.
The manager of IPC Cayman will have most powers relating to management of the project.
Under the agreement between us and International Three Crown Petroleum LLC, we will have limited authority to participate in the management of IPC Cayman. Our rights as the holder of a majority of the shares of IPC Cayman will include the right to approve:
·
|
Expansion of the scope of IPC Cayman’s business beyond the acquisition, development and potential farmout or sale of the Mira and Sarah licenses and Benjamin permit and any license that may be issued in lieu of such permit and any other oil and gas exploration and development activity within the offshore or onshore areas of the State of Israel;
|
·
|
Sale or merger of IPC Cayman or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of IPC Cayman (other than a sale or farmout to an industry partner in connection with a commitment to conduct exploratory or development operations on the licenses and permit);
|
·
|
Admit additional owners to IPC Cayman;
|
·
|
Enter into any contract or agreement between IPC Cayman and International Three Crown Petroleum LLC or any affiliate;
|
·
|
Modify any compensation arrangement between the Project Company and International Three Crown Petroleum LLC and any affiliate; and
|
·
|
Amend the organizational and internal operating documents of IPC Cayman.
|
Other than those specified rights, International Three Crown Petroleum as the sole director of IPC Cayman will have the right to make operational decisions with respect to matters affecting the exploration and development of the licenses, including farming out or otherwise disposing of interests to third parties who will agree to assume the obligations to conduct required exploratory and development operations at their cost.
There is no guarantee that IPC Cayman will make cash distributions to its owners, including us.
Cash distributions are not guaranteed and will depend on IPC Cayman’s future drilling and operating activities and performance. The director of IPC Cayman has the authority to authorize and to make any distributions to its stockholders at such times and in such amounts as the director deems advisable. You may receive little or no return on your investment in us.
Conflicts of interest may arise.
Conflicts of interest may arise because of the relationships between and among IPC Cayman, International Three Crown Petroleum and us. The interests of International Three Crown Petroleum may not coincide with the interests of us and our shareholders. In addition, International Three Crown Petroleum and its majority member, H. Howard Cooper, may experience conflicts of interest in allocating their time and resources between IPC Cayman and other businesses, including other oil and gas projects. The organizational documents do not restrict International Three Crown Petroleum and its affiliates from engaging in other business activities or specify any minimum amount of time that International Three Crown Petroleum and its affiliates are required to devote to IPC Cayman.
Risks Related to Ownership of our Stock
There is currently a limited trading market for our common shares.
There currently is a limited public market for our common shares. Further, although our common shares are currently quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board, trading of our common shares may be extremely sporadic. As a result, an investor may find it difficult to sell, or to obtain accurate quotations of the price of, our common shares. There can be no assurance that a more active trading market for our common shares will develop. Accordingly, investors must assume they may have to bear the economic risk of an investment in our common shares for an indefinite period of time.
Risks related to penny stocks.
Our common shares are subject to regulations prescribed by the SEC relating to “penny stock.” These regulations impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors (as defined in Rule 501 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933). These regulations could adversely impact market demand for our shares and adversely impact our trading volume and price.
The issuance of common shares upon the exercise of our outstanding warrants and options will dilute the ownership interest of existing stockholders and increase the number of shares eligible for future resale.
The exercise of some or all of our outstanding warrants and options could significantly dilute the ownership interests of our existing shareholders. As of May 21, 2010, we had outstanding warrants to purchase an aggregate of 73,421,420 common shares and outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of 4,825,000 common shares. To the extent the warrants and options are exercised, additional common shares will be issued and that issuance will increase the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market. The sale of a significant number of shares by our shareholders, or the perception that such sales could occur, could have a depressive effect on the public market price of our common shares.
We expect to raise additional funds by issuing our stock which will dilute your ownership.
We expect that we will likely issue a substantial number of shares of our capital stock in the financing transactions in order to fund the operations of IPC Cayman. Under these arrangements, we may agree to register the shares for resale soon after their issuance. The sale of additional shares could lower the value of your shares by diluting your ownership interest in us and reducing your voting power Shareholders have no preemptive rights.
Compliance with the rules established by the SEC pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are complex. Failure to comply in a timely manner could adversely affect investor confidence and our stock price.
Rules adopted by the SEC pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 require us to perform an annual assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting and certify the effectiveness of those controls. The standards that must be met for management to assess the internal controls over financial reporting as now in effect are complex, and require significant documentation, testing and possible remediation to meet the detailed standards. We may encounter problems or delays in completing activities necessary to make an assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting. In addition, the attestation process is new for us and we may encounter problems or delays in completing the implementation of any requested improvements and receiving an attestation of the assessment by our independent registered public accountants. If we cannot perform the assessment or certify that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, or our independent registered public accountants are unable to provide an unqualified attestation on such assessment, investor confidence and share value may be negatively impacted.
Your investment return may be reduced if we lose our foreign private issuer status.
We are a “foreign private issuer,” as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, and, therefore, we are not required to file quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K with the SEC. In addition, the proxy rules and Section 16 reporting and short-swing profit recapture rules are not applicable to us. If we lose our status as a foreign private issuer by our election or otherwise, we will be subject to additional reporting obligations under the Exchange Act which could increase our SEC compliance costs.
We may be treated as a passive foreign investment company for U.S. tax purposes, which could subject United States investors to significant adverse tax consequences.
A foreign corporation will be treated as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income taxation purposes, if in any taxable year either: (a) 75% or more of its gross income consists of passive income; or (b) 50% or more of the value of the company’s assets is attributable to assets that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Based on our current income and assets and our anticipated future operations, we believe that we currently are not a PFIC. U.S. stockholders of a PFIC are subject to a disadvantageous U.S. income tax regime with respect to the income derived by the PFIC, the distributions they receive from the PFIC, and the gain, if any, they derive from the sale or other disposition of their shares in the PFIC. Because PFIC status is a fact-intensive determination made on an annual basis, no assurance can be given that we are not or will not become classified as a PFIC. The PFIC rules are extremely complex. A U.S. person is encouraged to consult his or her U.S. tax advisor before making an investment in our shares.
U.S. shareholders may not be able to enforce civil liabilities against us.
We are a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada. Most of our directors and executive officers are non-residents of the United States. Because a substantial portion of their assets and currently all of our assets are located outside the United States, it may not be possible for you to effect service of process within the United States upon us or those persons. Furthermore, it may not be possible for you to enforce against us or them in the United States, judgments obtained in U.S. courts based upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws or other laws of the United States. There is doubt as to the enforceability, in original actions in Canadian courts, of liabilities based upon the U.S. federal securities laws and as to the enforceability in Canadian courts of judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions based upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus includes forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, and plans and objectives for future operations. The words “may,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, business operations and financial needs. For a discussion of risk factors affecting our business, see “Risk Factors.”
We do not guarantee that the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or that they will happen at all. We do not undertake any obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements, except as may be required under federal securities laws.
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS
Directors and Management Team
Name and Position
|
|
Business Address
|
|
Position
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kam Shah
|
|
47 Avenue Road, Suite 200
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 2G3
|
|
CEO, CFO and
Director
|
Dean Bradley
|
|
9300 Normandy Blvd., Suite 511
Jacksonville, Florida 32221
|
|
Director
|
Brett Rees
|
|
114 Newport Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M1L 1J5
|
|
Director
|
Terence Robinson
|
|
47 Avenue Road, Suite 200
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 2G3
|
|
Consultant
|
Legal Advisers
Our Canadian legal advisers are Sui & Company, Solicitors, whose business address is The Exchange Tower, Suite 1800, 130 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5X 1E3. Our U.S legal advisers are Messerli & Kramer, P.A., whose business address is 1400 Fifth Street Towers, 100 South Fifth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Auditor
Our auditors are Schwartz Levitsky Feldman LLP, whose business address is 1167 Caledonia Road, Toronto, Ontario M6A 2X1.
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
The common shares offered by this prospectus are registered for the account of the selling stockholders named in this prospectus. There is no expected issue price. The selling stockholders may sell the common shares at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale or at negotiated prices. The approximate date of proposed sale of the common shares is from time to time after the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part becomes effective, in amounts and on terms determined at the time of the sale.
KEY INFORMATION
Selected Financial Data
The following table presents selected historical consolidated financial data for the periods indicated. The selected financial data for the three fiscal years ended March 31, 2009 and as of March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 have been derived from the our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected financial data for the two fiscal years ended March 31, 2006 and as of March 31, 2006 and 2005 have been derived from the our audited consolidated financial statements for those years which are not included in this prospectus.
The selected financial data for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 and as of December 31, 2009 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements. The unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, which we consider necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations for the periods presented.
The historical results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in any future period, and interim results may not be indicative of results for the remainder of the year. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada, or Canadian GAAP. Additional information is presented below to show the differences which would result from the application of U.S. GAAP to our financial statements.
Summary Financial Information
(Stated in Canadian Dollars – Calculated in accordance with Canadian GAAP)
|
|
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
|
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated)
|
|
|
(Restated)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
|
(665,894) |
|
|
|
161,895 |
|
|
$ |
52,937 |
|
|
$ |
321,755 |
|
|
$ |
743,786 |
|
|
$ |
1,857,647 |
|
|
$ |
418,861 |
|
Loss from continuing operations
|
|
|
(1,599,561) |
|
|
|
(422,723) |
|
|
|
(689,415) |
|
|
|
(571,799) |
|
|
|
(164,043) |
|
|
|
(4,784,933) |
|
|
|
(4,876,898) |
|
Loss from discontinued operations
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(179,678) |
|
Net Loss
|
|
|
(1,599,561) |
|
|
|
(422,723) |
|
|
|
(689,415) |
|
|
|
(571,799) |
|
|
|
(164,043) |
|
|
|
(4,784,933) |
|
|
|
(5,056,576) |
|
Net loss per share (1)
|
|
|
(0.04) |
|
|
|
(0.01) |
|
|
|
(0.02) |
|
|
|
(0.02) |
|
|
|
(0.01) |
|
|
|
(0.31) |
|
|
|
(0.43) |
|
Working capital
|
|
|
(10,906,639) |
|
|
|
1,694,673 |
|
|
|
1,431,495 |
|
|
|
5,173,892 |
|
|
|
6,624,466 |
|
|
|
5,285,784 |
|
|
|
4,734,269 |
|
Total assets
|
|
|
23,409,240 |
|
|
|
1,810,410 |
|
|
|
1,592,947 |
|
|
|
5,239,122 |
|
|
|
6,672,918 |
|
|
|
5,450,772 |
|
|
|
5,075,158 |
|
Capital stock
|
|
|
33,960,697 |
|
|
|
32,884,988 |
|
|
|
32,854,075 |
|
|
|
32,901,488 |
|
|
|
32,413,811 |
|
|
|
32,175,000 |
|
|
|
28,280,890 |
|
Warrants
|
|
|
5,908,849 |
|
|
|
2,153,857 |
|
|
|
2,192,927 |
|
|
|
2,153,857 |
|
|
|
2,215,213 |
|
|
|
951,299 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Contributed surplus
|
|
|
4,154,266 |
|
|
|
4,077,427 |
|
|
|
4,154,266 |
|
|
|
4,077,427 |
|
|
|
4,069,549 |
|
|
|
4,069,549 |
|
|
|
3,795,078 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(2,279,437) |
|
|
|
(4,342,897) |
|
|
|
(4,425,018) |
|
|
|
(1,306,768) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders' equity
|
|
|
6,809,493 |
|
|
$ |
1,704,746 |
|
|
$ |
1,440,929 |
|
|
$ |
5,180,098 |
|
|
$ |
6,624,466 |
|
|
$ |
5,285,784 |
|
|
$ |
4,950,837 |
|
Weighted average number of shares outstanding ( 2)
|
|
|
36,798,192 |
|
|
|
30,065,187 |
|
|
|
30,170,743 |
|
|
|
28,840,653 |
|
|
|
27,472,703 |
|
|
|
15,655,023 |
|
|
|
11,700,303 |
|
1. The effect of potential share issuances pursuant to the exercise of options and warrants would be anti-dilutive and, therefore, basic and diluted losses per share are the same.
2. Weighted average number of shares for a year was calculated by dividing the total number of shares outstanding at the end of each of the months by twelve.
Reconciliation to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(Stated in Canadian Dollars – Calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP)
|
|
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
|
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for year
|
|
$ |
(1,599,561) |
|
|
$ |
(422,723) |
|
|
$ |
(689,415) |
|
|
$ |
(571,799) |
|
|
$ |
(52,384) |
|
|
$ |
(4,590,175) |
|
|
$ |
(5,238,898) |
|
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
|
|
$ |
570,672 |
|
|
$ |
(3,458,852) |
|
|
$ |
(3,807,665) |
|
|
$ |
(2,838,269) |
|
|
$ |
795,658 |
|
|
$ |
(4,038,005) |
|
|
$ |
(5,273,144) |
|
Loss per share -Basic and diluted
|
|
$ |
(0.04) |
|
|
$ |
(0.01) |
|
|
$ |
(0.02) |
|
|
$ |
(0.02) |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
(0.29) |
|
|
$ |
(0.45) |
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
23,409,240 |
|
|
$ |
1,810,410 |
|
|
$ |
1,592,947 |
|
|
$ |
5,239,122 |
|
|
$ |
7,632,619 |
|
|
$ |
6,197,700 |
|
|
$ |
4,858,590 |
|
Shareholders' equity
|
|
$ |
6,809,493 |
|
|
$ |
1,704,746 |
|
|
$ |
1,440,929 |
|
|
$ |
5,180,098 |
|
|
$ |
7,584,167 |
|
|
$ |
6,032,712 |
|
|
$ |
4,734,269 |
|
We have not declared or paid any dividends in any of the last five fiscal years.
Exchange Rates
The exchange rates used herein were obtained from the Bank of Canada. On June 11, 2010, the exchange rate, based on the noon buying rates, for the conversion of Canadian dollars into United States dollars (the “Noon Rate of Exchange”) was CDN $1.0333=USD $1.
The following table sets out the high and low exchange rates in US dollar for one Canadian dollar for each of the last six months.
|
December 2009
|
January 2010
|
February 2010
|
March 2010
|
April 2010
|
May
2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High for period
|
$0.94
|
$0.94
|
$0.96
|
$0.99
|
$1.00
|
$0.99
|
Low for period
|
$0.95
|
$0.98
|
$0.93
|
$0.95
|
$0.98
|
$0.93
|
The following table sets out the average exchange rates in US dollar for one Canadian dollar for the five most recent fiscal years calculated by using the average of the Noon Rate of Exchange on the last day of each month during the period.
Year Ended March 31,
|
2010
|
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
2006
|
Average for the year
|
0.92
|
0.89
|
0.97
|
0.88
|
0.84
|
Capitalization and Indebtedness
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of December 31, 2009 and as adjusted to reflect cancelation of 8,617,686 common shares and 30,853,058 warrants.
|
|
|
|
|
Actual -Unaudited
|
|
As adjusted (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Promissory Notes
|
|
1,763,843
|
|
1,763,843
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders' equity:
|
|
|
|
|
Capital stock
|
|
33,960,697
|
|
33,607,534
|
Warrants
|
|
5,908,849
|
|
3,545,373
|
Contributed surplus
|
|
4,154,266
|
|
4,154,266
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
(2,279,437)
|
|
(2,279,437)
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
(34,934,882)
|
|
(34,934,882)
|
Total Shareholders' equity
|
|
$ 6,809,493
|
|
4,092,854
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capitalization
|
|
$8,573,336
|
|
5,856,697
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares issued and outstanding
|
|
57,141,762
|
|
48,524,076 |
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
This prospectus relates to the resale by the selling stockholders named in this prospectus of up to 47,000,000 – common shares; 49,825,000 – common shares issuable upon exercise of warrants at an exercise price of USD $0.35 per share; and 10,750,000 – common shares issuable upon exercise of warrants at an exercise price of USD $0.10 per share. We issued all of these shares and warrants in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. We will not receive any proceeds for the resale of shares by the selling stockholders. In addition, warrants to purchase 7,000,000 common shares at an exercise price of USD $0.35 per share contain a cashless exercise feature, which allows the holder to pay the exercise price of the warrants by surrendering a portion of the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrant. If, however, the 53,575,000 warrants which do not contain a cashless exercise feature are exercised, we may receive proceeds of up to US$16,063,750. If the warrants are exercised for cash, we will use the proceeds for general corporate purposes and for our indirect working interest in the Israeli off shore project.
INFORMATION ON BONTAN
History and Development
We are a Canadian corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario in 1973 under the original name of Kamlo Gold Mines Limited. We were inactive until 1985. Between 1986 and 1982, our company was involved in the development of a new technology for the marine propulsion business. During this period, our company went through three name changes.
Between 1993 and 1996, our company was involved in the distribution and manufacture of a snack food. During this period, our company went through two more name changes.
Our company remained inactive after the closure of the snack food business in November 1996 until December 1998 when we changed our name to Dealcheck.com Inc. and agreed on a new business strategy. This strategy focused on investing in new and emerging technology oriented projects and businesses. In 1999, our company raised $3.2 million, which we invested in various projects and companies over the next two years as per the new business strategy of our company. Unfortunately, the IT sector performed poorly since 2001 and new and emerging technology-based businesses suffered significant losses, financial problems and bankruptcies. These factors adversely affected our company’s investments and its profitability. Our company had to write off all its investments by the end of the fiscal 2003.
In April 2003, our company changed its business focus to the natural resource industry and completed a private placement of approximately 8.9 million common shares, raising approximately USD $3.1 million. These funds were primarily invested in projects involving oil and gas exploration and diamond mining projects in Brazil between April 2003 and September 2005,
Diamond mining operations discontinued in December 2004. Our company sold its interest in an oil exploration project in Papua New Guinea in July 2005 for USD $3.2 million. Our company’s cost of this project was approximately USD $1.6 million. Further, in October 2004, our company acquired a working interest in a gas exploration project in Louisiana, USA. Between March 2005 and September 2005, our company invested approximately $3.9 million as its share of exploration costs. The exploration, however, proved a dry well and was therefore abandoned and the costs incurred were fully written off in December 2005.
Since 2006, our company has been actively pursuing oil and gas exploration and development projects We found many projects to be too expensive while others did not meet our technical due diligence. In November 2009, we acquired (through our wholly owned subsidiary), subject to the approval of the transfer of rights by the Israeli Petroluem Commissioner, an indirect 71.63% working interest in two drilling licenses and one exploration permit in the Levantine Basin, approximately 40 kilometers off the west coast of Israel. The two drilling licenses, Petroleum License 347 (“Mira”) and Petroleum License 348 (“Sarah”), cover approximately 198,000 acres of submerged land, and the exploration permit, Petroleum Preliminary Permit 199 (“Benjamin”), covers approximately 461,000 acres of submerged land adjacent to the land covered by the licenses. Our working interest was held in the form of a 75% equity interest in IPC Cayman, a Cayman Islands limited company that was formed to explore and develop the properties off the coast of Israel. Subsequently, disputes arose with respect to the transfer of rights in the two drilling licenses and the exploration permit to IPC Cayman and the Benjamin permit was lost in February 2010 due to the failure to timely submit the required seismic data to the Petroleum Commissioner. In March 2010, IPC Cayman entered into an Allocation of Rights and Settlement Agreement with the Lead Investors and others under which, among other things, the Lead Investors acquired a greater than 50% working interest in the Mira and Sarah licenses for approximately USD $16.2 million. The sale proceeds were used primarily used to pay for the seismic data relating to the two drilling licenses and the permit and to settle various disputes with PetroMed Corporation, the original registered owner of a 95.5% working interest in the two drilling licenses and the permit.
Under the terms of an agreement dated April 14, 2010, International Three Crown Petroleum LLC is deemed to own a 23.21% equity interest in IPC Cayman represented by 2,321 ordinary shares of IPC Cayman and Bontan is deemed to own a 76.79% equity interest in IPC Cayman represented by 7,679 ordinary shares of IPC Cayman. Allied Ventures Incorporated is deemed not to have owned or to ever have owned any equity interest in IPC Cayman.
In connection with the acquisition of our equity interest in IPC Cayman and as consideration for the PetroMed Corporation’s sale of its interest in the licenses and permit in November 2009, we originally paid to the seller USD $850,000 in cash, 8,617,686 common shares and a 7-year warrant to purchase 22,853,058 common shares, and paid USD $500,000 to International Three Crown Petroleum LLC. In addition, we issued a 5-year warrant to purchase up to 5,000,000 common shares to International Three Crown Petroleum LLC and a 5-year warrant to purchase up to 2,000,000 common shares to Allied Ventures Ltd. These 5-year warrants have an exercise price of USD $0.35 per share and cashless exercise option. Under the Allocation of Rights and Settlement Agreement, we cancelled the 8,617,686 common shares and the warrant to purchase 22,853,058 common shares issued to PetroMed Corporation.
To cover a portion of our acquisition costs, we also issued promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of USD $975,000, together with 5-year warrants to purchase a total of 1,125,000 common shares at an exercise price of USD $0.35 per share. The notes bear an interest rate of 10% per year and are due and payable in November 2010. One note is secured by a pledge of our 1,125 shares of IPC Cayman.
In addition, we have paid USD $1.5 million to IPC Cayman for its operational costs and approximately USD $2 million to Western Geco International Ltd. towards the cost of the seismic data.
On June 16, 2010, the Petroleum Commissioner approved the transfer of rights in the Mira and Sarah licenses. As a result, we currently own an indirect 10.45% working interest in the two drilling licenses through our 76.79% equity interest in IPC Cayman. International Three Crown Petroleum, LLC is representing our interest in the offshore Israel project through its participation in the steering committee that has been formed to govern activities with respect to the two drilling licenses. IPC Partnership, which is 100% owned by IPC Cayman, is the registered holder of a 13.609% interest in the two drilling licenses.
Our company’s registered office is situated at 47 Avenue Road, Suite 200 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 2G3. We are a reporting issuer in the province of Ontario.
Business Overview
We invest in the exploration and development of oil and gas wells. We focus on partnering with established developers and operators. We have never had any oil and gas operations and do not currently own any oil and gas properties with proven reserves. We are currently focused on the offshore Israel project which currently includes the Mira and Sarah licenses. We currently are not seeking to acquire additional property interests in Israel or any other region or to pursue other business opportunities. Our goal is to advance offshore Israel project to the drilling stage aggressively, as prudent financing will allow to determine the presence of oil or natural gas. If we are successful in doing so, we believe our joint venture partners can attract the attention of the existing oil and gas companies already operating in the region or new oil and gas companies to enter into a development agreement or farmout agreement.
Background and Status of Offshore Israel Project
On October 15, 2009, International Three Crown Petroleum LLC entered into an option agreement with PetroMed Corporation under which International Three Crown Petroleum LLC was granted the right to purchase all of PetroMed Corporation’s rights in the Mira and Sarah licenses and the Benjamin permit. On November 18, 2009, the right to purchase was exercised, and as part of the closing, PetroMed Corporation was paid the contractual consideration and PetroMed Corporation provided IPC Cayman, International Three Crown Petroleum’s designee, with irrevocable deeds of assignment with respect to each of the licenses and permit.
Under Section 76(a) of the Israel Petroleum Law, the permit may be transferred only with the permission of the Petroleum Commissioner and the licenses may be transferred only with the permission of the Petroleum Commissioner and after the Petroleum Commissioner’s consultation with the Petroleum Council. Accordingly, on January 18, 2010, IPC Cayman filed applications with the Petroleum Commissioner to transfer the licenses and permit, with the application to transfer the permit also including an application to be granted a license based on the permit and its attending priority rights.
PetroMed Corporation sent an e-mail to IPC Cayman and the Petroleum Commissioner on January 17, 2010, purporting to ‘rescind’ the PetroMed transaction and has, to the best of IPC Cayman’s knowledge, further addressed the Petroleum Commissioner with claims that the Petroleum Commissioner deny the applications. In addition, IPC Cayman received verbal indication from the Petroleum Commissioner that the permit would lapse at the end of its term on February 5, 2010, and the Petroleum Commissioner would not approve the conversion of the permit into a license. Thereafter, PetroMed Corporation communicated its withdrawal of rescission to the Petroleum Commissioner with respect to the request to transfer the permit and convert it into a license and requested that the Petroleum Commissioner place the request for conversion of the permit before the Petroleum Council.
On January 19, 2010, PetroMed Corporation filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington against Bontan, Howard Cooper and Three Crown Petroleum, LLC. The complaint requested, among other things, rescission of PetroMed Corporation’s assignment of its 95.5% interest in the Mira and Sarah licenses and Benjamin permit to IPC Cayman and a declaration that the contracts with the defendants are null and void.
On February 12, 2010, International Three Crown Petroleum LLC and IPC Cayman filed a complaint in the Denver, Colorado District Court against PetroMed Corporation and other defendants. International Three Crown Petroleum LLC and IPC Cayman alleged that the defendants were actively interfering with IPC Cayman’s application before the Israel Ministry of Natural Infrastructure for transfer to IPC Cayman of PetroMed Corporation’s 95.5% interest in the Mira and Sarah licenses and Benjamin permit. In the lawsuit, International Three Crown Petroleum LLC and IPC Cayman were seeking, among other matters, temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief in order to avoid real, immediate and irreparable harm to International Three Crown Petroleum LLC and IPC Cayman resulting from the defendants’ alleged wrongful conduct. The lawsuit also requested damages for defendants’ alleged multiple tortuous acts and materials breaches of contracts, and a declaration of the parties’ rights and obligations under the contracts.
International Three Crown Petroleum LLC had informed us that, in light of the dispute as to ownership of the Mira and Sarah drilling licenses and the Benjamin exploration permit, the Petroleum Commissioner had declined to transfer the licenses and permit to IPC Cayman and had indicated to IPC Cayman that he would be terminating the permit and possibly the licenses.
Separately, because Western Geco International had not been paid its $12.5 million in full, it refused to turn over the seismic data and its interpretation to IPC Cayman. Failure to deliver the seismic data and its interpretation to the Petroleum Commissioner would be a default under the permit and licenses that could lead to their termination by the Petroleum Commissioner.
To settle the disputes and to ensure that the future of the offshore Israel project is not jeopardized, we and IPC Cayman accepted an offer from two Israeli investors with significant financial and local influence to join the project as major partners. The major partners (or Lead Investors) in the offshore Israel project are Emanuelle Energy Ltd. and IDB-DT Energy (2010) Ltd. Mr. Ofer Nimrodi controls Emanuelle Energy Ltd. and is a director and CEO of Tel Aviv-based Israel Land Development Company Ltd. IDB-DT Energy (2010) Ltd. Is a joint venture of IDB Development Corporation Ltd., which is affiliated with Avraham Livnat Company, and Du-Tzah Ltd., which is affiliated with Manor Holdings and Yitzak “Zachi” Sultan.
On March 25, 2010, International Three Crown Petroleum LLC, IPC Cayman, PetroMed Corporation, Emanuelle Energy Ltd., IDB-DT Energy (2010) Ltd. and others entered into an Allocation of Rights and Settlement Agreement. This agreement provides for, among other things:
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The dismissal of certain lawsuits and mutual release of claims among the parties;
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The payment by the Lead Investors of: (i) $10.5 million to Western Geco International Ltd. for the release of 2D and 3D seismic data relating to the Mira and Sarah licenses, (ii) Aproximately $5.7 million to settle certain liabilities of PetroMed Corporation and to acquire its controlling interest.
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A new allocation of working interests in the offshore Israel project as follows: 14.325% to IPC Cayman; 27.15% to IDB-DT Energy (2010) Ltd.; and 54.025% to Emanuelle Energy Ltd.;
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With respect to IPC Cayman’s 14.325% working interest, an allocation of 11% to Bontan and 3.325% to International Three Crown Petroleum LLC;
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The grant of overriding royalty interests, totaling 11.5%, to certain persons, including 1% to an affiliate of Mr. Cooper and 2% to Israel Land Development Company Ltd. and IDB-DT Energy (2010) Ltd.;
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The cancellation of the common shares and warrants of Bontan issued to PetroMed Corporation in November 2009; and
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The formation of steering committee, composed of two representatives of the Lead Investors and one representative of IPC Cayman, to manage the project with respect to the Mira and Sarah licenses.
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Under the Allocation of Rights and Settlement Agreement, the Lead Investors have agreed, for purposes of the application to effect the transfer of the rights in the Mira and Sarah licenses, to prove (without incurring any actual monetary obligation) the financial capability requirement under Israel Petroleum Law in respect of IPC Cayman’s interest in the licenses. This obligation will continue until the earlier of (i) five months from the registration of the licenses in the names of the Lead Investors and IPC Cayman in accordance with their respective ownership interests or (ii) June 30, 2011. If IPC Cayman fails to establish its independent financial capability after this obligation ends, IPC Cayman must elect one of the following options (on a licensee by license basis):
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IPC Cayman may offer to sell to the Lead Investors its ownership interest in the license for which it has not established financial capability for a purchase price of $240,000 per each 1% ownership interest;
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IPC Cayman may contract to sell, farmout or otherwise dispose of its ownership interest in the applicable license and the Lead Investors have the right of first refusal to acquire any or all of the interest; or
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IPC Cayman will be obligated to participate in the first well drilled under the applicable license by paying 200% of its share of the drilling costs and if it fails to do so, IPC Cayman will forfeit its ownership interest in the applicable license.
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If IPC Cayman fails to complete option 1 or 2 within 60 days after the Lead Investors’ obligation ends, it will be deemed to have elected option 3 above. As between us and International Three Crown Petroleum LLC, if we fail to establish financial capability to the extent of our proportionate ownership of IPC Cayman, then International Three Crown Petroleum LLC can establish such financial capability on behalf of IPC Cayman and the ownership of IPC Cayman will be readjusted to reflect the acquisition by International Three Crown Petroleum LLC of our interest in the applicable license.
In a letter dated May 16, 2010, Petroleum Commissioner confirmed that the two licenses are fully valid and approved changes in the work plan submitted by the steering committee. The Petroleum Commissioner approved deadlines for submitting various work plans between July 15, 2010 and March 31, 2011. With respect to the financial capability requirement for approval of the transfer of rights, the Petroleum Commissioner has indicated that the joint venture partners must demonstrate liquidity equal to at least half of the cost of the first well drilling, which we estimate to be approximately USD $50 million.
On May 19, 2010, Geoglobal Resources (India) Inc. was appointed operator for the Mira and Sarah licenses, subject to the execution of a joint operating agreement. The operator is a wholly owned subsidiary of Geoglobal Resouces Inc.,(“Geoglobal”) a public company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta Geoglobal is primarily engaged since 2002 in exploration and development of oil and gas resesrves – both on shore and off shore – in India. It has exploration rights through production sharing contracts in four offshore and onshiore geological basins covering approximately 1.7 million net acres. The operator has acquired a 5% working interest in the Mira and Sarah licenses pro rata from the Lead Investors and IPC Cayman for USD $1.2 million. As a result of such acquisition, our indirect working interest has decreased to 10.45%. The operator also will have an option to acquire an additional 2.5% working interest in one or both licenses pro rata from the Lead Investors and IPC Cayman. In addition, the operator will have the right of representation on the steering committee. The joint venture partners expect to enter into a joint operating agreement with the operator by July 2010.
The joint venture partners and the operator also entered into an option agreement dated as of May 19, 2010. Under this option agreement, the joint venture partners have the option to purchase up to a 12.5% ownership interest in an offshore drilling license known as the Samuel license, subject to the license being granted to the operator by the Israel Petroleum Commissioner. The Samuel license has been granted to the operator and its partners, and IPC Cayman is now entitled to acquire 2.72% of the Samuel license, of which Bontan's share would be 2.09%. Also, the operator has the right to increase its working interest in the Mira and Sarah licenses by an additional 2.5%.
On May 20, 2010, the joint venture partners submitted an application to the Israeli Petroleum Commissioner to approve the transfer and registration of the rights in the Mira and Sarah licenses. The approval was granted on June 16, 2010.
The Benjamin permit originally held by PetroMed Corporation and acquired by IPC Cayman expired in February 2010 because the required seismic data was not timely submitted to the Petroleum Commissioner. The Israeli Ministry of Petroleum has invited new applications for licenses covering the same area as the original Benjamin permit. The Lead Investors and IPC Cayman have paid for and obtained the required 2D seismic data for this application and submitted an application for the Michael license on May 20, 2010. On June 16, 2010, The Israeli Ministry of Petroleum informed the Lead Investors that their application for the Michael License was denied.
Assuming the execution of a joint operating agreement among the joint venture partners and the operator, 100% of the rights and interests in the Mira and Sarah licenses will be allocated as follows:
13.609% to IPC Cayman; 24.282% to IDB-DT Energy (2010) Ltd.; 48.322]% to Emanuelle Energy Ltd.; 8.788% to PBT Capital Partners, LLC; and 5% to Geoglobal Resources (India) Inc. Currently there are three members on the steering committee – one each from IDB-DT, Emanuelle and IPC Cayman. Mr. Howard Cooper represents IPC Cayman. Additional members may be admitted to represent the Operator and PBT Capital Partners LLC.Resolutionsof the steering committee are determined by a vote of members representing at least a majority of the working interests, calculated on a license–by-license basis.
Manager of Offshore Israel Project
International Three Crown Petroleum LLC is the sole director of IPC Cayman and owns a 23.21% equity interest in IPC Cayman. The majority member and principal of International Three Crown Petroleum LLC is H. Howard Cooper.
H. Howard Cooper is currently the manager of International Three Crown Petroleum, which serves as the sole director of IPC Cayman. Mr. Cooper is also the manager Power Petroleum LLC. International Three Crown Petroleum was formed by Mr. Cooper in 2005 to identify and purchase oil and gas leases, primarily in the U.S. Rocky Mountain Region. Power Petroleum, which was formed by Mr. Cooper in 2007, puts drilling prospects together in Colorado, Montana, Utah and North Dakota. From 1996 until February 2005, Mr. Cooper was the chairman of the board of directors of Teton Energy Corporation, a U.S. publicly traded company formerly known as Teton Petroleum Company. Mr. Cooper also served as president and CEO of Teton from 1996 until May 2003. During his tenure with Teton, Teton primarily engaged in oil and gas exploration, development, and production in Western Siberia, Russia. Prior to joining Teton, Mr. Cooper served as a director and president of American Tyumen, a company he founded in 1996 and which shortly thereafter merged with Teton. From 1994 to 1995, Mr. Cooper was a principal with Central Asian Petroleum, an oil and gas company with its primary operations in Kazakhstan. From 1992 to 1994 Mr. Cooper served with AIG, an insurance group in New York, evaluating oil and gas projects in Russia. From 1981 - 1991, Mr. Cooper was an independent landman developing oil and gas opportunities in the U.S. Rocky Mountain Region.
Under a stockholders agreement, we have limited authority to participate in the management of IPC Cayman. International Three Crown Petroleum LLC as the sole director of IPC Cayman will have the right to make operational decisions with respect to matters affecting the exploration and development of the licenses and permit, including farming out or otherwise disposing of interests to third parties who will agree to assume the obligations to conduct required exploratory and development operations at their cost.
The director must get prior written approval of stockholders holding a majority of shares of IPC Cayman to take any of the following actions:
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Expansion of the scope of IPC Cayman’s business beyond the acquisition, development and potential farmout or sale of the Mira and Sarah licenses and Benjamin permit and any license that may be issued in lieu of such permit and any other oil and gas exploration and development activity within the offshore or onshore areas of the State of Israel;
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Sale or merger of IPC Cayman or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of IPC Cayman (other than a sale or farmout to an industry partner in connection with a commitment to conduct exploratory or development operations on the licenses and permit);
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Admit additional owners to IPC Cayman;
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Enter into any contract or agreement between IPC Cayman and International Three Crown Petroleum LLC or any affiliate;
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Modify any compensation arrangement between the Project Company and International Three Crown Petroleum LLC and any affiliate; and
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Amend the organizational and internal operating documents of IPC Cayman.
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Under the stockholders agreement, IPC Cayman will pay International Three Crown Petroleum a monthly management fee of $20,000 for its services as director of IPC Cayman and is obligated to reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the director on behalf of IPC Cayman. In connection with any farmout, sale or other transfer of all or a portion of the offshore Israeli project, International Three Crown Petroleum will receive a disposition fee equal to the product of 5% of our percentage ownership interest in IPC Cayman and the total cash proceeds received by us or our shareholders in such transaction. International Three Crown Petroleum LLC will also receive a warrant to purchase a number of our common shares which is equal to the product of 5% of our percentage ownership interest in IPC Cayman and the fair market value of all consideration received by us in such transaction, divided by the market price of one common share as of the date of issuance of the warrant. The exercise price of the warrant will be equal to the market price. In addition, International Three Crown Petroleum LLC will receive $50,000 for every $1,000,000 increase in current assets received by IPC Cayman or Bontan from investors introduced by International Three Crown Petroleum LLC to IPC Cayman or Bontan.
The terms of the stockholders Agreement have significantly been affected by the Allocation of Rights and Settlement Agreement. We are currently negotiating with International Three Crown Petroleum LLC ITC to replace the current agreement with a new agreement to reflect all the changes.
Israel's Petroleum Law
Exploration and production of gas and oil in Israel is governed by the Petroleum Law, 1952 of the State of Israel. The administration and implementation of the Petroleum Law and the regulations promulgated there under is vested in the Minister of National Infrastructures and the Petroleum Commissioner, with the Petroleum Council generally playing an advisory role. The following discussion includes a brief summary of certain aspects of the current legal situation.
Petroleum resources are owned by the State of Israel, regardless of whether they are located on state lands or the offshore continental shelf. No person is allowed to explore for or produce petroleum without being granted a specific right under the Petroleum Law. Israeli law provides for three types of rights, two relevant to the exploration stage and the third for production:
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Preliminary permit. The preliminary permit allows a prospector to conduct preliminary investigations, such as field geology, airborne magnetometer surveys and seismic data acquisition, but does not allow test drilling. The holder of a preliminary permit is entitled to request a priority right on the permit area, which, if granted, prevents an award of petroleum rights on the permit area to any other party. The priority right may be granted for a period not to exceed 18 months. The maximum area for an offshore preliminary permit is 4,000,000 dunam. One dunam is equal to 1,000 square meters (approximately .24711 of an acre). There are no restrictions as to the number of permits that may be held by one prospector. However, the petroleum regulations mandate that the prospector demonstrate that he possesses requisite experience and financial resources necessary to execute a plan of operation.
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License. A license grants the exclusive right for further exploration work and requires the drilling of one or more test wells. The initial term of a license is up to three years and it may be extended for up to an additional four years. An offshore license area may not exceed 400,000 dunam (approximately 98,800 acres). No one entity may hold more than twelve licenses or hold more than a total of four million dunam in aggregate license area.
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Production lease. Upon discovery of petroleum in commercial quantities in the area of a license, a licensee has a statutory "right" to receive a production lease. The initial lease term is 30 years, extendable up to a maximum period of 50 years. A lease confers upon the lessee the exclusive right to explore for and produce petroleum in the lease area and requires the lessee to produce petroleum in commercial quantities (or pursue test or development drilling). The lessee is entitled to transport and market the petroleum produced, subject, however, to the right of the government to require the lessee to supply local needs first, at market price.
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The holders of preliminary permits, licenses and leases are required to pay fees to the government of Israel to maintain the rights. The fees vary according to the nature of the right, the size and location (on-shore or off-shore) of the right, area subject of the right and, in the case of a license, the period during which the license has been maintained. The fees range from New Israeli Shekels (NIS) 66.72 (approx. USD $17.78 at the Bank of Israel representative rate published on February 15, 2010) per 1,000 dunam (approx. 247.11 acres) per year for a permit to NIS 12131.52 (approx. USD $3,233.35) per 1,000 dunam per year for a lease (except for 50,000 dunam around each producing well for which no fee is due). All fees are linked to the Israeli Consumer Price Index.
The holder of a right under the Petroleum Law, whether permit, license or lease, is required to conduct its operations in accordance with a work program set as part of the respective right, with due diligence and in accordance with the accepted practice in the petroleum industry. The holder is required to submit progress and final reports; provided, however, the information disclosed in such reports remains confidential for as long as the holder owns a right on the area concerned.
If the holder of a right under the Petroleum Law does not comply with the work program provided for by the terms of the right, the Petroleum Commissioner may issue a notice requiring that the holder cure the default within 60 days of the giving of the notice, together with a warning that failure to comply within the 60-day cure period may entail cancellation of the right. If such right is cancelled following such notice, the holder of the right may, within 30 days of the date of notice of the Petroleum Commissioner's decision, appeal such cancellation to the Minister of National Infrastructures. No right may be cancelled until the Minister has ruled on the appeal.
The holder of a license or lease on which there is a producing well is required to pay a royalty to the government of 12.5% of production. The government may elect to take the royalty in kind, or take payment in cash for its share of production.
Application of Israeli Law Outside of the Israeli Territorial Waters
Current Israeli law provides that (a) the territorial waters of Israel are 12 miles from the shoreline and (b) the seabed and the subsea bed adjacent to the shoreline and outside of the territorial waters are included in the area of the State of Israel up to such depth as enables exploitation of natural resources. The waters above such subsea areas (high seas) are not considered as part of Israeli territory. Maritime law and international public law would apply to such areas. There are therefore certain ambiguities with respect to the application of Israeli law to activities taking place outside the territorial waters. Since the Mira and Sarah licenses and Benjamin permit are outside of the Israeli territorial waters, as set out above, there is uncertainty as to the application of Israeli law to activities in their area, with the exception of the Petroleum Law, which does apply.
A proposal for a new subsea law is currently before the legislator, which would, if enacted, replace the above laws and determine Israel's sovereign rights in areas that extend beyond its territorial waters
It is anticipated that the area of the Mira and Sarah licenses and Benjamin permit would be included in an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) area to be declared under the new subsea law, and if the area of the EEZ is decreased, then the area of the licenses and the permit would be decreased in such manner so as to ensure that its entire area will fall within the area of the EEZ, without compensation to the owner of the licenses or permit.
We do not know and cannot predict whether any legislation in this area will be enacted and, if so, in what form and which of its provisions, if any, will relate to and affect our activities, how and to what extent nor what impact, if any, it might have on our financial statements.
Administrative approvals are required from a number of ministries and agencies in the field of oil and gas exploration and development. Over the past few years, a number of legislative bills which would affect this are have been proposed (but not yet passed), and such bills, if passed into law, could have a negative effect on our business and activities.
Environmental Matters
Oil and gas drilling operations could potentially harm the environment if there are polluting spills caused by the loss of well control. The Petroleum Law and the regulations promulgated there under provide that the conduct of petroleum exploration and drilling operations be pursued in compliance with “good oil field practices” and that measures of due care be taken to avoid seepage of oil, gas and well fluids into the ground and from one geologic formation to another. The Petroleum Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder also require that, upon the abandonment of a well, it be adequately plugged and marked. Furthermore, the Petroleum Commissioner and the Minister of National Infrastructures have authority to enforce measures to prevent damages.
Our operations may also be subject to claims for personal injury and property damage caused by the release of chemicals or petroleum substance by us or others in connection with the conduct of petroleum operations on our behalf. Such claims could be advanced under public international law claims or under national laws of tort.
We do not know and cannot predict whether any legislation in the environmental area will be enacted and, if so, in what form and which of its provisions, if any, will relate to and affect our activities, how and to what extent nor what impact, if any, it might have on our financial statements.
Organizational Structure
We have only one subsidiary, Israel Oil and Gas Corporation. It holds our 76.79% equity interest in IPC Cayman. Israel Oil and Gas was incorporated on February 20, 2004 as an Ontario corporation and is 100% owned by us. Israel Oil & Gas Corporation changed its name effective January 18, 2010 from Bontan Oil & Gas Corporation.
Property, Plants and Equipment
We currently lease office space at 47 Avenue Road, Suite 200, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada for approximately $2,000 from a related party. The leased area is approximately 950 square feet. There is no long-term lease commitment.
As described above, we have an indirect 11% working interest in two drilling licenses in the Levantine Basin, approximately 40 kilometers off the west coast of Israel. As of the date of this prospectus, we did not have any reserves associated with our interests in the oil and gas properties.
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
You should read the following discussion with our historical financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Operating results – Nine Months Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
Nine months ended December 31,
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2009
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2008
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(CDN $)
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Income (loss)
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(665,894) |
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161895 |
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Expenses
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(985,339) |
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(584,618) |
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Non-controlling interests
Net loss for period
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51672
(1,599,561)
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(422,723) |
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Deficit at end of period
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(34,934,882) |
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(33,068,029) |
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Overview
During the nine months ended December 31, 2009, our main activities were as follows:
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Preparation of annual consolidated financial statements and completion of their audit.
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Completing acquisition of indirect working interest in an Offshore Israel Project involving two licensees.
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c.
|
Completing private placement to raise US$ 500,000 that was announced previously in December 2009. This was completed in October 2009.
|
d.
|
Reviewing various short term investments in our investment portfolio and disposing off significant portion of those investments which indicated declining values.
|
e.
|
Began a new private placement to raise up to US$ 5.5 million to be followed by another fund raising campaign to raise up to further US$ 13 million to fund the seismic data acquisition on the offshore Israel project..
|
Some of these events are discussed further in this prospectus.
During the nine months ended December 31, 2009, management mainly focused on completing the annual audit and filings of the audited financials and annual reports will Canadian and US regulatory authorities. We also completed and updated our Manual of Internal Controls over financial reporting and introduced certain procedures to formalize and document our on-going internal control processes.
The following were the key activities during the nine months ended December 31, 2008:
1.
|
The management continued its efforts at acquiring a suitable business venture and had reviewed several proposals without much success. However, it has focused on one business proposal where negotiations and due diligence are currently continuing.
|
2.
|
Deteriorating market conditions affected all our short term investments which eroded further in their values. We disposed of some of these holdings at a loss since their market prices presented least chances of recovery in the near future.
|
3.
|
In December 2008, the board of directors of the Company approved several key matters:
|
a.
|
A private placement to raise up to US$ 500,000 through issuance up to ten million units at US$0.5 comprising one common share of the Company and one warrant which can be converted into one common share at an exercise price of US$0.10 each within two years. The private placement notices were sent to the previous private placement participants and to date no subscription has been received. The Company plans to keep the private placement open for another month.
|
b.
|
The expiry date for 11,124,460 warrants issued in connection with 2006 private placement has been extended by another six months and exercise price lowered to US$ 0.25 from US$ 0.35.
|
c.
|
The expiry date of 4,825,000 options allowed to management, consultants and directors has been extended by one year and option price reduced to US$0.15 from an average of US$0.46.
|
All the above changes were made in response to deteriorating economic and market conditions which would make it almost impossible to attract further equity financing at original prices since average market price of the Company’s common shares remaining at around US$0.05 with very limited liquidity through most of the period.
d.
|
Two of the consultants of the Company who were originally issued common shares in lieu of cash for their services were allowed to return some or all of their shares for cancellation and instead they were to be paid in cash. Only one of them has returned shares so far.
|
Income
Nine months ended December 31
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Loss (gain) on disposal of short term investments
|
|
|
(852,766) |
|
|
|
44,649 |
|
Exchange gain on translation
|
|
|
186,872 |
|
|
|
110,070 |
|
Interest
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
7,176 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(665,894) |
|
|
|
161,895 |
|
In both the reporting periods, there was no revenue. Losses were realized from disposal of short term investments which are further explained below. Further, exchange gains resulted from conversion of foreign currency transactions and balances at period end on consolidation. This is also further explained below.
Interest was earned during the period ended December 31, 2008 on cash balances with brokerage firm.
Gains and Losses on disposal of short term investments
During the nine months ended December 31, 2009, management reviewed its short-term investment portfolio and identified several holdings whose market value remained depreciated for quite some time and showed no signs of any recovery in the near future. We therefore decided to dispose of these investments and focus on those whose values are likely to improve.
Fifteen holdings form the portfolio having carrying cost of approximately $1.3 million were sold for total proceeds of $412,078, resulting in a loss of $852,766.
During the 2008 period, the sale of two securities from the short term portfolio generated losses of approximately $159,000, which were offset by gains on disposal of other securities resulting in a net gain of $44,649. Management did not believe that prices of these securities would improve in the near future and that holding them further would only result in more losses. it was therefore considered prudent to cut our losses now.
Exchange gains on translation
Exchange losses and gains related to translation losses and gains arising from converting foreign currency balances, mainly in US dollar, into Canadian dollar, which is the reporting unit of currency, on consolidation.
|
During the nine months ended December 31, 2009, we acquired significant asset – Offshore Israel Project – as explained earlier. The purchase price was in US dollar. We also took over liability to pay for the seismic data as part of the Project which was approximately US$ 12 million and also borrowed short term funds in US$ of approximately $ 1.6 million. Thus, at the period end, almost all our current liabilities were in US dollar. US dollar weakened against Canadian dollar during the quarter form US$ 1 = CDN$ 1.22 at the beginning of the period to US$1= CDN$ 1.05 at the end of the period. Bulk of the translation gains arose from this exchange differences when we converted all liabilities in US dollar into Canadian dollar at the yearend rate. Majority of the Company’s assets and capital transactions were done at historical costs and were not converted at the period end rate and so there were no significant offsetting gains.
Canadian dollar weakened significantly against US dollar during the nine months ended December 31, 2008 by approximately 22% from $1.01 Canadian per US Dollar as at the beginning of the period to $1.23 Canadian per US Dollar at end of the period. This resulted in a capital gain of approximately $110,000 for the quarter since approximately 5% cash and short term investments were in US dollars and there were no liabilities in foreign currency.
|
Expenses
The overall analysis of the expenses is as follows:
Nine months ended December 31,
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses
|
|
$ |
274,877 |
|
|
$ |
230,061 |
|
Consulting Fee and Payroll
|
|
|
433,966 |
|
|
|
354,557 |
|
Interest and advisory fee
|
|
|
276,496 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
$ |
985,339 |
|
|
$ |
584,618 |
|
Operating Expenses
Nine months ended December 31,
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Travel, meals and promotions
|
|
$ |
60,315 |
|
|
$ |
43,215 |
|
Shareholder information
|
|
|
117,148 |
|
|
|
104,671 |
|
Professional Fees
|
|
|
27,526 |
|
|
|
20,353 |
|
Other
|
|
|
69,888 |
|
|
|
61,822 |
|
|
|
$ |
274,877 |
|
|
$ |
230,061 |
|
Travel, meals and promotions
These expenses were substantially incurred by the key consultant, Mr. Terence Robinson and other consultants in visiting Vancouver, UK and USA in connection with the Israel Offshore Project and fund raising efforts and local club and entertainment costs in business meetings.
Expenses for the 2008 period included approximately $5,500 in visiting Los Angeles and New York in connection with a networking conference.
Shareholder information
Shareholder information costs comprise investor and media relations fee, costs of holding annual general meeting of the shareholders and various regulatory filing fees.
Major cost consists of media relation and investor relation services provided by Current Capital Corp. under contracts dated July 1, 2004, which are being renewed automatically unless canceled in writing by a 30-day notice for a total monthly fee of US$10,000. Current Capital Corp. is a shareholder Corporation where the Chief Executive and Financial Officer of the Company provide accounting services.
The minor differences in fee between the nine months periods 2009 and 2008 were due to fluctuations in the exchange rates between Canadian and US dollars.
The management believes that such services are essential to ensure our existing shareholder base and prospective investors/brokers and other interested parties are constantly kept in contact and their comments and concerns are brought to the attention of the management on a timely basis.
Professional fees
Professional fees primarily consist of audit and legal fees.
During the nine months ended December 31, 2009, audit fee was accrued at approximately $8,000 on the basis of the estimated annual fee of $35,000. Legal costs incurred in connection with the offshore Israel Project were capitalized.
2008 period included mainly the audit fee accrual.
Other operating costs
These costs include rent, telephone, Internet, transfer agents fees and other general and administration costs.
Increase in 2009 period compared to 2008 period was due to operations of a new subsidiary, IPC Cayman which added approximately $ 6,000 in costs for the third quarter and transfer agent fees due to increased treasury activities. Our Toronto office general costs also increased as a result of increased business activities.
Consulting fees and payroll
Nine months ended December 31,
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees settled in common shares
|
|
|
38,970 |
|
|
|
220,545 |
|
Fees settled in options
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
5,910 |
|
Fees settled in cash
|
|
|
360,472 |
|
|
|
101,228 |
|
Payroll
|
|
|
34,524 |
|
|
|
26,874 |
|
|
|
$ |
433,966 |
|
|
$ |
354,557 |
|
Stock based compensation is made up of our common shares and options being issued to various consultants and directors for services provided. We used this method of payment mainly to conserve our cash flow for business investments purposes. This method also allows us to avail the services of consultants with specialized skills and knowledge in our business activities without having to deplete our limited cash flow.
The following were the key details forming part of consulting fee and payroll costs during the nine months ended December 31, 2009:
Fee settled in common shares represented shares previously allotted to Mr. John Robinson, a consultant for his service being deferred and now expensed for the period. However, Mr. John Robinson returned all the shares – 350,000 common shares – on August 12, 2009 for cancelation and instead was paid cash fee of $82,000 as approved by our board of directors. This transaction has been accounted for in the second quarter ending September 2009
a.
|
Fees settled in cash consisted of fee of $10,000 per month each paid to Mr. Kam Shah and Mr. Terence Robinson. Two independent directors were paid $3,750 each for their services as members of the audit committee. Approximately $ 60,000 was paid to consultants hired by the Company as well as its subsidiary, IPC.
|
b.
|
An administrative assistant was hired as an employee in May 2008 for the first time. Payroll reflects the salary and related expenses in connection with this position. In prior periods, administrative work was carried out by a contract person
|
.
Consulting fee for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 included a provision for $60,000 payable to Mr. Terence Robinson as cash fee for the six months ended December 31, 2008 in lieu of 275,000 common shares, previously issued under Consultant compensation plan , being returned by him for cancellation as approved by the Board of Directors of the Company in December 2008.the rest of the fees related to fees paid to the three consultants – Kam Shah, CEO, Mr. terence Robinson and Mr. John Robinson.
Interest and advisory fee
During the period ended December 31, 2009, the company and its subsidiary, IPC borrowed a total of approximately $ 1.8 million as short term loans. Two of these loans carried interest at 10% per annum and one carried interest at 5% per annum. Interest cost on these loans was approximately $ 15,800.The Company’s subsidiary; IPC also had an obligation to pay Western Geophysical, a survey company a sum of approximately US$ 12 million for 2D and 3D seismic data relating to the Offshore Israel Project. The net outstanding balance payable carried interest at the rate of 1.5% per month. Total interest cost for the quarter was approximately $ 44,000. Further, the Company and its subsidiary, IPC paid advisory fee of approximately $220,000 to Bandel Interests LLC, a non related corporation, computed on on funds raised. This amount was expensed.
There were no loans or any other obligations during the 2008 period.
Operating Results – Year Ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
Year Ended March 31
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
(CDN$)
|
|
Income
|
|
|
52,937 |
|
|
|
321,755 |
|
|
|
|
743,786 |
|
Expense
|
|
|
(742,352 |
) |
|
|
(893,554) |
|
|
|
|
(907,824) |
|
Net loss for year
|
|
|
(689,415 |
|
|
|
(571,799) |
|
|
|
|
(164,043) |
|
Deficit at end of year
|
|
|
(33,335,321) |
|
|
|
(32,645,906) |
|
|
|
|
(32,074,107) |
|
The following were the key events in fiscal 2009:
1.
|
Management continued to look for suitable business proposals and projects to participate into. We received several projects during the year of which about fifteen were reviewed and discussed in detail. Many of these related to emerging high technology projects, resource sector exploration and development projects. Unfortunately, we were unable to conclude successfully in any of these business proposals. They were either too pricey compared to the expected growth and returns or they carried considerable debts and other commitments which would affect their ability to achieve their stated targets. We also looked at possibilities of merging with existing businesses. Our efforts at getting a project or a business that can that can get us back into working mode and enhance our shareholders value still continue.
|
2.
|
We also had to spend considerable time and efforts in continually monitoring our short term investments. These investments which represented our surplus funds earmarked for future projects suffered adversely in value due to deteriorating economic conditions during the past several months. We were however able to dispose of some of these holdings at reasonable profits whenever opportunities arose. Some of our key investments, although suffered value depreciation on a temporary basis, do reflect strong possibility of full recovery in the near future. We have discussed these investments later in this report.
|
3.
|
We revised the terms of our outstanding options and warrants by extending their maturity dates and reducing their exercise prices to ensure that these instruments continue to provide easy access to further cash flows from our existing shareholders. Refer to notes 7 and 8 of the consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2009 which form part of this report for further details.
|
4.
|
We also attempted to initiate a private placement to raise up to USD $500,000. However, this proved difficult due to our inability to secure a business project and extremely adverse market conditions. Nonetheless, we were able to get new investors to invest USD $50,000. We have for now kept this private placement open.
|
5.
|
We adopted two new accounting standards and an amendment to an existing accounting standard issued by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants during the fiscal year 2009 on a prospective basis. These are more fully explained in note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year 2009 included in this prospectus.
|
The following were key events in fiscal 2008:
|
1.
|
Management received and evaluated twenty two business proposals during the fiscal 2008. Eight in Oil and Gas sector, four in health and pharmaceutical sector, five in Internet and high technology sector, four in alternative energy sector and one was in banking sector. Unfortunately, none of these projects met with our acceptance criteria. they were either not supported by technically experienced partners or were too expensive to be profitable for us or highly speculative in nature with relatively longer potential payback period.
|
|
2.
|
We carried out a formal evaluation of design and operation of our internal controls over financial reporting based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The evaluation resulted in a formal development of an internal control manual which was updated as at March 31, 2008 and will be followed to ensure adequate controls on our financial reporting and also to ensure compliance with the relevant statutory requirements in Canada and the United States.
|
|
3.
|
During the fiscal year 2008, we developed a supplementary plan to the existing 2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan to add one million common shares to the existing Plan. The supplemental plan was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 12, 2007.
|
|
4.
|
The surplus funds were continued to be invested in marketable securities. Approximately $2 million were realized from the sales and $3.4 million were invested during the fiscal year 2008.
|
|
5.
|
We adopted two new accounting standards issued by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants as of April 1, 2007 on a prospective basis. These are more fully explained in note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year 2008 included in this prospectus.
|
|
6.
|
We corrected an error in valuation of warrants and share capital retroactively as more fully explained in note 9(a) (ii) to our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year 2008 included in this prospectus.
|
The following were the key events in fiscal 2007:
1.
|
We completed a private placement on April 16, 2006, raising an additional $1.3 million between April 1, 2006 and the closing date. In this connection, the Company paid finder’s fee at 10% in cash and 10% (1,040,000) in warrants to Current Capital Corp., a related party.
|
2.
|
We initiated preparation of a prospectus and registration statement in Form F-3 for submission to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of shares issued and issuable under warrants issued under a private placement completed in April 2006. The prospectus became effective on November 30, 2006.
|
3.
|
Our directors approved a new plan – 2007 Consultants Stock Compensation Plan covering 1.5 million common shares for issuance to consultants in settlement of their fees for services to be rendered during 2007. The Plan was formally filed with a registration statement Form S-8 with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and became effective on January 16, 2007.
|
4.
|
We received several exploration participation proposals during the year. We carried out detailed due diligence on three oil project proposals but eventually decided against participating in any of them due to unsatisfactory results of the due diligence.
|
5.
|
The surplus funds continued to be invested in short term marketable securities. The cash and marketable securities at fair market value of at March 31, 2007 were $7.3 million compared to $5.8 million as at March 31, 2006. During the fiscal 2007, we earned approximately 27% return on our short term investments of an average of approximately $2.6 million.
|
Income
Income comprised the following:
Fiscal year ended March 31,
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realized gain on disposal of short term investments
|
|
$ |
45,036 |
|
|
$ |
248,455 |
|
|
$ |
650,508 |
|
Interest
|
|
|
7,901 |
|
|
|
73,300 |
|
|
|
93,278 |
|
|
|
$ |
52,937 |
|
|
$ |
321,755 |
|
|
$ |
743,786 |
|
Gains on disposal of short term investments
Management chose to invest surplus funds in marketable securities on a short term basis while it continued to seek business opportunities. However, market conditions during later part of the fiscal 2009 deteriorated significantly and many of our investments lost values as part of the overall losses in the stock market. However, we were still able to identify some opportunities and dispose of some of our holdings at a profit. We decided not to sell securities which lost significant market values but rather use our existing cash for operating needs and wait for these securities to regain their original values before disposing them. During the fiscal year 2009, we sold investments of approximately $1.8 million while investing approximately $2.4 million. Net return on investments disposed of during the year was approximately 2.5%
During the fiscal year 2008, we sold investments of approximately $ 2 million, earning an average of 12% return.
During the fiscal year 2007, we disposed of investments worth approximately $5.5 million, earning an average return of 12%.
Interest Income
Interest was earned on cash funds held at the brokerage firms before they are being invested in marketable securities.
Significantly higher interest income in fiscal 2007 was mainly due to higher cash balances being held. Average cash during the fiscal 2007 was approximately $3.2 million compared to $2.1 million in fiscal 2008 and $0.6 million in fiscal 2009. Applicable interest rates also dropped during these periods from an average of 5% to 1%.
Expenses
The overall analysis of the expenses is as follows:
Fiscal year ended March 31,
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses
|
|
$ |
319,081 |
|
|
$ |
355,248 |
|
|
$ |
373,594 |
|
Consulting fee & payroll
|
|
|
480,050 |
|
|
|
396,465 |
|
|
|
418,434 |
|
Exchange (gain)loss
|
|
|
(119,789) |
|
|
|
141,841 |
|
|
|
111,659 |
|
Write off of short term investment
|
|
|
63,010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Write off of interest in gas exploration project
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
4,142 |
|
|
|
$ |
742,352 |
|
|
$ |
893,554 |
|
|
$ |
907,829 |
|
Operating Expenses
Fiscal year ended March 31,
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Travel, meals and entertainment
|
|
$ |
66,896 |
|
|
$ |
120,008 |
|
|
$ |
108,266 |
|
Shareholder information
|
|
|
144,757 |
|
|
|
133,502 |
|
|
|
149,105 |
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
27,844 |
|
|
|
34,601 |
|
|
|
53,084 |
|
Other
|
|
|
79,584 |
|
|
|
67,137 |
|
|
|
63,139 |
|
|
|
$ |
319,081 |
|
|
$ |
355,248 |
|
|
$ |
373,594 |
|
Travel, meals and entertainment
These expenses are primarily incurred by our key consultant, Mr. Terence Robinson, in traveling to the USA and Europe and also in maintaining his net work which has been successfully used in raising funds, in attracting qualified consultants with minimum cash outlay and in securing suitable projects for the Company.
During fiscal 2009, approximately $10,000 or 15% costs related to travels in connection with conducting due diligence on three of the proposals that were being reviewed on site in detail including pre-review meetings. The balance of the costs represented meals and entertainment.
Travel, meals and entertainment costs during fiscal 2008 and 2007 included trips to USA, Europe and Middle East by Mr. Robinson. These visits resulted in some of the business proposals that were sent to us. They also helped introduce us to new investors in Middle East and Europe.
Shareholder information
Shareholder information costs comprise investor and media relations fee, costs of holding annual general meeting of the shareholders and various regulatory filing fees.
Major cost consists of media relation and investor relation services provided by Current Capital Corp. under contracts dated July 1, 2004, which are being renewed automatically unless canceled in writing by a 30-day notice for a total monthly fee of US$10,000. Current Capital Corp. is a shareholder of our company.
The differences in fee between the three fiscal years 2009 through 2007 was due to significant changes in the exchange rates between Canadian and US dollars.
Management believes that such services are essential even in the current periods when we do not have any active business. In fact, these services are more vital to ensure our existing shareholder base and prospective investors/brokers and other interested parties are constantly kept in contact and their comments and concerns are brought to the attention of the management on a timely basis.
Professional fees
Professional fees primarily consist of audit and legal fees.
For fiscal year 2009, audit fee was $25,000 and legal fees were $2,844.
For fiscal year 2008, audit fee was $25,000 and legal fees were $9,601. The legal fee was mainly relating to registration of supplementary stock compensation plan and other legal advice.
Fiscal 2007 professional fees consisted of audit fee of $ 25,700 for fiscal 2007 and $6,000 for fiscal 2006 not accrued in that fiscal year and legal fee of $21,384. Legal fees related to filing of the 2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan, registration statement for the shares issued and issuable under the 2006 private placement and other legal matters.
Other operating costs
These costs include rent, telephone, Internet, transfer agents fees and other general and administration costs.
Effective January 1, 2008, we increased our rental space from approximately 300 sq.ft. to 960 sq.ft. As a result, the rental cost has also increased from approximately $500 to $1,800. The other overheads have remained consistent on a year to year basis.
The increased space will enable management to meet prospective investors, shareholders, business partners, auditors and other visitors in the office rather than outside in a restaurant and achieve further savings in related travel and entertainment expenses.
Consulting fees and payroll
Fiscal Year Ended March 31,
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees settled in common shares
|
|
|
193,139 |
|
|
|
314,248 |
|
|
|
367,973 |
|
Fee settled by issuance of options
|
|
|
84,717 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Fee settled in cash
|
|
|
166,928 |
|
|
|
82,217 |
|
|
|
50,461 |
|
Payroll
|
|
|
35,266 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
$ |
480,050 |
|
|
$ |
396,465 |
|
|
$ |
418,434 |
|
Stock based compensation is comprised of our common shares and options to acquire our common shares being issued to various consultants and directors for services provided. We use this method of payment mainly to conserve our cash flow for business investments purposes. This allows us to avail the services of consultants with specialized skills and knowledge in our business activities without having to deplete our limited cash flow.
The following were the major details forming part of the consulting fee and payroll:
1.
|
Fees were paid in the form of common shares paid for their services in common shares - Mr. Kam Shah, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, Mr. Terence Robinson, a key consultant, and Mr. John Robinson, a key consultant. No new shares were issued during the fiscal year.
|
2.
|
Mr. Terence Robinson returned 275,000 shares previously issued as compensation for cancelation and instead requested cash payment. This reduced stock compensation costs by $64,395 and increased cash compensation by an agreed sum of $60,000.
|
3.
|
Option value included $76,839 resulting from the changes in terms of the existing options. These changes involved reduction in the exercise value and extension of the expiry dates as more fully explained in note 7 (i) to the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal 2009.
|
4.
|
The balance of the options were issued to the two independent directors as part of their fees in their capacity as audit committee members.
|
5.
|
Majority of cash fee comprised $90,000 fee to Mr. Terence Robinson, including $60,000 on account of shares returned for cancellation as explained in 2. above. And $50,000 to Kam Shah.
|
6.
|
An administrative assistant was hired as an employee in May 2008 for the first time. Payroll reflected the salary and related expenses in connection with this position. In prior periods, administrative work was carried out by a contract person.
|
During fiscal year 2008, we registered a supplementary Plan to the existing 2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan. An additional one million common shares were registered under this Plan with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, we had 350,000 common shares unissued from the existing Plan. The total of 1,350,000 common shares was issued to three consultants in lieu of their fees for services to be provided as follows:
|
# |
|
Name
|
Period of service
|
|
# of shares to be issued
|
|
Date of issuance of stock (a)
|
|
Market price (US$)
|
|
|
Fee in US$
|
|
|
CDN$ at
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.0181 |
|
|
1 |
|
John Robinson
|
Year ending June 30, 2009
|
|
|
350,000 |
|
28-Mar-08
|
|
$ |
0.23 |
|
|
$ |
80,500 |
|
|
$ |
81,957 |
|
|
2 |
|
Terence Robinson
|
Year ending December 31, 2008
|
|
|
550,000 |
|
28-Mar-08
|
|
$ |
0.23 |
|
|
$ |
126,500 |
|
|
$ |
128,790 |
|
|
3 |
|
Kam Shah
|
Year ending December 31, 2008
|
|
|
450,000 |
|
28-Mar-08
|
|
$ |
0.23 |
|
|
$ |
103,500 |
|
|
$ |
105,373 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,350,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
310,500 |
|
|
$ |
316,120 |
|
On March 28, 2008, we issued 25,000 options to each of the two members of the audit committee for their services during the fiscal 2009. These options have a term of five years and are exercisable into an equal number of common shares at an exercise price of US$0.35 per option. The options were valued at $7,878.
During the fiscal 2007, we registered one Plan and issued common shares to three existing consultants as explained below. No new consultants were hired due to lack of any active projects.
On January 16, 2007, we registered the 2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company registered 1.7 million common shares under this Plan. On February 8, 2007, we issued 1,150,000 common shares under this Plan to three existing consultants, all of whom are related parties, for a value of $313,486 based on the market price of the our common shares on the date of issuance.
Exchange (gain) Loss
Exchange losses and gains related to translation losses and gains arising from converting foreign currency balances, mainly in US dollar, into Canadian dollar, which is the reporting unit of currency, on consolidation.
|
Our treasury transactions – issuance of shares, exercise of warrants and options - are in US dollar. Similarly, approximately 5% cash and short term investments are in US dollars.
|
During the fiscal year 2009, the Canadian dollar continually weakened in value against US dollar – from $1.0279 per US dollar at March 31, 2008 to $1.2602 per US dollar at March 31, 2009 – approximately 23% reduction in value. As a result, yearend revaluation of assets held in US dollar resulted in a significant exchange gain of $119,789.
|
The Canadian dollar has steadily strengthened against US dollar for the last three years – US$1 was equal to CDN$ 1.19 on an average during the fiscal year 2006, CDN$1.14 during the fiscal year 2007 and CDN$ 1.03 during the fiscal year 2008. We held cash and short term investments in US dollar and all its treasury transactions were also in US dollars. Most of our expenses and liabilities were in Canadian dollars. This situation resulted us having to book an exchange loss for each of these fiscal years on year end translation of its US dollar balances as per our stated accounting policy.
|
As of March 31, 2008, we had net monetary assets of approximately $1.1 million in US dollar and issued common shares for $110,201 during the year. The US dollar depreciated by around 10% compared to Canadian dollar during this period resulting in a year end translation loss of $141,841.
|
As of March 31, 2007, we had net monetary assets of approximately $1.2 million in US dollar. and issued common shares for $1.2 million during the fiscal year. US Dollar depreciated by over 6% against Canadian dollar during the year resulting in a translation loss of $111,659.
|
Write off of short term investment
Our short term investment portfolio included an investment of $63,010(US$50,000) in a private Canadian corporation. This corporation was engaged initially in exploration of oil and gas in Argentina and other South American countries and later exploited hydro-electric projects in Panama. Unfortunately, none of these projects came to fruition and the corporation was unable to attract more financing and as a result has now become inactive shell with no funds. Management has determined that our investment value has been permanently impaired and as a result, we decided to fully write off this investment.
There were no such write offs in the fiscal years 2008 and 2007.
Write off of interest in gas exploration project –fiscal year 2007
During the fiscal 2007, we received a final charge of $4,142 (US$ 3,638) relating to closure of the drilled well in a gas exploration project in the State of Louisiana, USA where we acquired a 49% gross working interest. No further charges are expected in respect of this project.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working Capital
As at December 31, 2009, the Company had a negative working capital of approximately $11 million compared to a working capital of $1.4 million as at March 31, 2009.
Main causes of the negative working capital were acquisition of payable of approximately $ 12 to the Survey Company and short term loans of $ 1.8 million to finance the Offshore Israel Project.
The Company is currently working on raising additional funds through equity financing to pay off the survey costs and short term loans. The cash and short term investments on hand make up around $ 2.3 million which will be primarily used for operating needs.
At March 31, 2009, we had a net working capital of approximately $1.4 million compared to a working capital of $5.2 million at March 31, 2008. Almost all of the working capital - approximately $1.4 million - at March 31, 2009 was in the form of cash and short term investments compared to 94% - $4.9 million at March 31, 2008. The significant decline in working capital was due to accounting for unrealized losses on short term investments of approximately $4.4 million on application of fair value based on market price as at March 31, 2009. This is further detailed under investment cash flow section below. Cash on hand at March 31, 2008 was $0.4 million compared to $1.3 million at March 31, 2008.
The sudden deterioration in market conditions has severely affected our working capital base. Management however expects that its existing cash position will enable it to meet its operating needs for the near future and to wait until the market value of its available for sale investments improves. Near the end of December 2008, we launched a new equity fund raising through a private placement of up to USD $500,000 to strengthen our working capital.
Operating cash flow
During the nine months ended December 31, 2009, operating activities generated a net cash inflow of approximately $10.9 million, mainly due to withholding payments to the surveyor.
During the nine months ended December 31, 2008, operating activities required net cash outflow of $254,657, which were met primarily through cash on hand.
We hope to meet the expected increase in operating cash requirement through profitable disposal of some of our short term investments which have begun to grow in value and from equity financing through private placements.
During fiscal year 2009, operating activities generated a net cash outflow of $362,874, which was primarily met from the available cash on hand.
During fiscal year 2008, operating activities required net cash outflow of $482,662 which was offset by the net realized on disposal of short term investments of $248,455 and balance from the available cash on hand. In fiscal 2007, our operating activities required net cash flow of $529,323 which was met from the net proceeds from the sale of short term investments of $650,508.
We continue to keep our operating cash requirements to a minimum. However, once we begin business activities, this requirement may have to be reassessed.
Investing cash flows
During the nine months ended December 31, 2009, the management continued its review of its entire short term portfolio and disposed off several investments which continued to decline in value and showed no sign for any improvement in the near future. The disposal generated a net cash flow of approximately $399,000, which after netting off small acquisitions of approximately $134,000 resulted in net cash flow of $265,000. During this period, the Company acquired certain software and computer for approximately $ 2,000 and invested approximately $ 15 million in the Offshore Israel Project, thus overall outflow of approximately $ 15 million. Of this, approximately $11.3 representing surveyor’s costs were withheld and balance was met from equity and loans financing
During the nine months ended December 31, 2008, the Company invested approximately $2.4 million in short term marketable securities while realized approximately $1.8 million from the disposal of such securities, which were reinvested. Net additional investments were funded from the available cash on hand.
During fiscal year 2009, we invested $2.4 million in short term marketable securities while we sold marketable securities for net proceeds of $1.8 million. The balance of the funds for investment after using the sales proceeds came from the available cash on hand.
We had short term investments at a carrying cost of approximately $5.5 million as at March 31, 2009 – of which $5.2 million or 95% was held in Canadian currency and the balance 5% was held in US currency. Approximately 95% of the investments were in 24 public companies while 5% was invested in two private companies. An investment of USD $50,000 in a private corporation was written off during the year due to permanent impairment of its carrying costs. These investments were stated at their fair value of approximately $1.1 million as at March 31, 2009 and the difference representing unrealized loss of approximately $4.4 million was transferred to accumulated other comprehensive loss and included under shareholders equity.
During fiscal year 2008, we invested approximately $3.4 million in short term marketable securities while realized approximately $2 million from the disposal of such securities, which were partly used for the working capital as explained above and remaining reinvested. Net additional investments were funded from the available cash on hand.
As a result of the above, we had short term investments at a carrying cost of approximately $4.9 million as of March 31, 2008 –approximately 94% was held in Canadian currency and the balance $342,000 or 6% was held in US currency. Approximately 94% of investments were in 32 public companies while 6% was invested in three private companies.
The fair value of the above investments as at March 31, 2008, based primarily on the quoted prices of the shares on that date, came to $3.6 million giving rise to an unrealized loss of approximately $1.3 million. We recognized this loss and reduced the value of our short term investment to reflect the fair value on the balance sheet as at March 31, 2008.
During fiscal year 2007, we invested $6.4 million in short term marketable securities and realized $5.5 million from the sale of the short term marketable securities. These proceeds were partly used to cover operating cash flow deficit and balance reinvested.
The amounts at which our publicly-traded investments could be disposed of currently may differ from fair values based on market quotes, as the value at which significant ownership positions are sold is often different than the quoted market price due to a variety of factors, such as premiums paid for large blocks or discounts due to illiquidity.
The following are our key investments:
March 31,
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
March 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
in 000'
|
|
|
in 000'
|
|
|
in 000'
|
|
|
in 000'
|
|
|
in 000'
|
|
|
|
# of shares
|
|
|
cost
|
|
|
fair value
|
|
|
# of shares
|
|
|
cost
|
|
|
fair value
|
|
Marketable Securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brownstone Ventures Inc.
|
|
|
1,292 |
|
|
|
1869 |
|
|
|
1137 |
|
|
|
1,227 |
|
|
|
1838 |
|
|
|
362 |
|
Roadrunner Oil & Gas Inc.
|
|
|
1,679 |
|
|
|
643 |
|
|
|
352 |
|
|
|
1,529 |
|
|
|
627 |
|
|
|
145 |
|
Skana Capital Corp
|
|
|
773 |
|
|
|
706 |
|
|
|
259 |
|
|
|
773 |
|
|
|
706 |
|
|
|
186 |
|
8 (March 31, 2009: 23 ) other public companies - mainly resource sector
|
|
|
|
795 |
|
|
|
237 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2082 |
|
|
|
399 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,013 |
|
|
$ |
1,985 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5,253 |
|
|
$ |
1,092 |
|
Non-marketable securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cookee Corp
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
- |
|
One other private company ( 2009: One )
|
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
252 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
263 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,265 |
|
|
$ |
1,985 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5,516 |
|
|
$ |
1,092 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management carried out a thorough review of its portfolio during the quarters ended September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2009. Several investments whose values continued to decline during the last twelve months and showed no sign of improvements were disposed off at a loss as explained earlier, so that we can monitor the remaining closely. We believe that the fundamentals of the remaining investments in our portfolio are strong and they will eventually either recover fully or current temporary losses in value declining significantly
Financing cash flows
There were two private placement campaigns to raise equity funds. One began in December 2008 and closed in September 2009 having achieved the financing target. The second one commenced in December 2009 and completed on April 30, 2010.
On December 12, 2008, The Board of Directors of the Company approved a private placement to raise equity funds up to US$500,000. The private placement consists of Units up to maximum of ten million, to be issued at US0.05 per Unit. Each Unit would comprise one common share of the Company and one full warrant convertible into one common share of the Company at an exercise price of US$0.10 each within two years of the issuance of warrant.
The board also approved a finder’s fee at 10% of the proceeds from the issuance of units and from the warrants attached thereto plus 10% in warrants of the warrants issued at the same terms payable to Current Capital Corp., a related party.
During the nine months ended December 31, 2009, the Company received subscriptions for a total of 9 million units for net proceeds of approximately $450,000.
On November 20, 2009, The Board of Directors of the Company approved a private placement to raise equity funds up to US$ 5,500,000. The private placement consists of Units up to maximum of 27.5 million, to be issued at US0.20 per Unit. Each Unit would comprise one common share of the Company and one full warrant convertible into one common share of the Company at an exercise price of US$0.35 each within five years of the issuance of warrant.
The board also approved a finder’s fee at 10% of the proceeds from the issuance of units and from the warrants attached thereto plus 10% in warrants of the warrants issued at the same terms payable to Current Capital Corp., a related party, subject to reduction by the finder’s fee payable to ITC at 5% of the net proceeds of Units subscribed by investors introduced through ITC.
During the nine months ended December 31, 2009, the Company received ten subscriptions for a total of 8,725,000 million units for net proceeds of approximately $ 1.6 million.
The Company also borrowed approximately $ 1.8 million through three loans. Details of these loans are explained in note 9 of the three and nine month’s financial statements as at December 31, 2009.
There was no financing activity during the nine months ended December 31, 2008.
During fiscal year 2009, we generated $56,000 through a private placement, net of finder’s fee of $6,228. On December 12, 2008, our directors approved a private placement to raise equity funds of up to US$500,000. The private placement related to the issuance of up to ten million units at US$0.05, being the prevailing market price, each unit consisting of one common share and one warrant exercisable at US$0.10 within two years of its issuance. The private placement was considered necessary to improve our liquidity and holding ability so that it may be able to gain higher values for our investments once the current market conditions improve.
During fiscal year 2008, we received $110,000 net of the finder’s fee from exercise of warrants by an existing shareholder. These funds were primarily used to meet the operating cash flow deficit. During fiscal year 2007, we raised an additional $1.2 million net of the finders’ fee from private placement which commenced in late fiscal 2006 and was completed in April 2006.
Research and Development, Patents and Licenses
We have not spent any funds on research and development during the fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007.
Trend Information
There are no trends, commitments, events or uncertainties presently known to management that are reasonably expected to have a material effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operation other than the uncertainties and risks discussed under “Risk Factors.”
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At September 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we did not have any off balance sheet arrangements, including any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnership to enhance perceived liquidity.
Contractual Obligations
Under our agreement with our othe Israeli partners, IPC Cayman is required to provide by November, 16, 2010 evidence of its financial capability to meet future financing requirements with respect to exploration development of test wells to our Israeli partners. This is expected to be between US$ 15 million to US$ 20 million.
Safe Harbor
Not applicable.
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
Directors and Senior Management
The following table sets forth information about our directors and executive officers.
Name
|
Age
|
Position
|
Kam Shah
|
59
|
Director and Chairman
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
|
Dean Bradley
|
77
|
Independent Director, Chair of the Audit Committee
|
Brett D. Rees
|
58
|
Independent Director, Member of the Audit Committee
|
Kam Shah joined our company as a consultant to perform the functions of Chief Financial Officer and was appointed to the Board on January 3, 1999. Effective May 17, 2004, he became Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. He has worked in the general practice with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Ernst & Young. He is a US Certified Public Accountant and a Canadian Chartered Accountant. He has over fifteen years of international experience in corporate financial analysis, mergers & acquisitions. Mr. Shah is responsible for the financial and statutory matters of the Mr. Shah is also a consultant providing accounting and tax services to Current Capital Corp., (CCC) a private Ontario corporation, having its head office in Toronto. CCC provides investors’ and media relations services to Bontan Corporation.
Dean Bradley has served as a director since November 20, 2000. Mr. Bradley is currently the Chairman of our audit committee and a non-executive independent director based in Florida. He assists the Company from time to time in introducing new businesses and liaising with businesses in the USA in which the Company has equity interest. Mr. Bradley had been CEO of many corporations including real estate, mining, manufacturing, and import/export and financial services corporations and is currently the CEO of Quasar Aerospace Industries, Inc. and Combustion Engine Technologies, Inc.
Brett Rees has served as a director and a member of our audit committee since December 8, 2006. Mr. Rees is a Chartered life underwriter, financial consultant and financial planner and a licensed mutual funds manager. He has over twenty years of experience in various insurance products, estate planning, pension planning for individual and corporation and in group benefit assessments.
Management Team
In addition to Mr. Shah, our CEO and CFO, our management team consists of two key consultants, Terence Robinson and John Robinson. Information about our key consultants is provided below.
Terence Robinson served as our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer from October 1991 to May 2004. He advises the board in the matters of shareholders relations, fund raising campaigns, introduction and evaluation of investment opportunities and overall operating strategies for the Company. He has over 25 years of experience as merchant banker and venture capitalist and has successfully secured financing for a number of start-up and small cap companies and currently runs his own consulting firm in the name of TR Network Inc. Mr. Terence Robinson is a key consultant who basically acts in an advisory role with no specific authority to bind the Company except in case of short term investments where he is authorized to buy and sell marketable securities on behalf of the Company and also advises as to when to buy or sell. He is however not authorized to withdraw or deposit any cash from and into our accounts with the brokerage firms.
Mr. John Robinson is another consultant who provides advisory services to us, primarily in assisting in the research and evaluation of projects and in short term investment activities. In case of short term investments, he is authorized to buy and sell marketable securities on our behalf. He is however not authorized to withdraw or deposit any cash from and into our accounts with the brokerage firms. Mr. John Robinson is a brother of Mr. Terence Robinson and is the sole shareholder of Current Capital Corp, which provides investor and media relations services to us and is a shareholder.
Mr. Shah’s current consulting agreement has been renewed on April 1, 2010 to another five years to March 31, 2015. From January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009, Mr. Shah received a cash fee of $10,000 per month plus taxes. However, on February 18, 2010, the board approved revision in his fee to $ 15,000 per month effective September 2009. Between June 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008, Mr. Shah was allowed to draw $10,000 per month in arrears until the market price of our common shares reached $0.50 provided that such drawings were treated as fee advances to be repaid when the market price of our common shares stays at $0.50 or above for a consecutive period of three months. A total sum of $70,000 was withdrawn by Mr. Shah. The amount was finally expensed as a bonus in March 2010. Further, the contract provides for a lump sum compensation of US$250,000 for early termination of the contract without cause. The contract also provides for entitlement to stock compensation and stock options under appropriate plans as may be decided by the board of directors from time to time.
Mr. Terence Robinson’s consulting agreement was signed on April 1, 2003 for a six-year term ending on March 31, 2009. We renewed the consulting agreement for another five years effective April 1, 2009. Under the renewed agreement, Terence will receive a fixed monthly fee of $10,000 plus taxes and will be entitled to stock compensation and stock options as may be determined by our board of directors.
On July 1, 2009 we entered into a new consulting agreement with John Robinson for a term ending on March 31, 2014. We will pay John a fixed monthly fee of $8,500 plus taxes and he will be entitled to stock compensation and stock options as may be determined by our board of directors.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships between the directors and executive officers. Mr. Terence Robinson is a brother of Mr. John Robinson.
Other Relationships
There are no arrangements or understandings between any major shareholder, customer, supplier or others, pursuant to which any of the above-named persons were selected as directors or members of senior management.
Compensation
The compensation payable to our directors and officers is summarized below:
Compensation of Directors
We do not compensate directors for acting solely as directors. We do not have any formal arrangement pursuant to which directors are remunerated by us for their services in their capacity as directors, except for granting from time to time options to purchase shares and the reimbursement of direct expenses.
Management Compensation
The following table set forth all compensation paid to our directors, senior management and key consultants for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
.Name and Principal Position
|
Year
|
|
Salary
($)(1)
|
|
Bonus
($)
|
|
Option Awards ($)(2)
|
|
|
All Other Compensation
(3)
|
|
|
Total ($)
|
|
Kam Shah
CEO and CFO
|
2009
|
|
|
129,030 |
|
|
|
|
5,574 |
|
|
|
5,824 |
|
|
|
140,428 |
|
2008
|
|
|
127,899 |
|
_
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,744 |
|
|
|
132,643 |
|
|
2007
|
|
|
88,436 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,744 |
|
|
|
93,180 |
|
Terence Robinson
Consultant
|
2009
|
|
|
122,198 |
|
|
|
|
44,431 |
|
|
|
5,824 |
|
|
|
172,453 |
|
2008
|
|
|
134,423 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,744 |
|
|
|
139,167 |
|
|
2007
|
|
|
141,715 |
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
4,744 |
|
|
|
146,459 |
|
Dean Bradley
Director
|
2009
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
4,656 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,656 |
|
|
2008
|
|
|
3,871 |
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,871 |
|
|
2007
|
|
|
4,027 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,027 |
|
Brett Rees
Director
|
2009
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
4,337 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,337 |
|
2008
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
2007
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Notes:
1.
|
Fees were settled in cash and shares issued under Consultants Stock Compensation Plans.
|
2.
|
For the fiscal 2009, options included additional costs due to changes in the terms of the previously issued options. The additional cost was estimated using Black-Scholes option price model as more fully explained in note 7 (i) to the consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2009 included herein.
|
3.
|
All Other Compensation for 2009 consists of group insurance benefit payments made on behalf of the management persons.
|
Indebtedness of Directors, Executive Officers and Senior Officers
Kam Shah, the chief executive and financial officer was allowed to draw $10,000 per month in arrears between June 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008 – total sum of $70,000. Originally, these withdrawals were repayable without interest when market price of our common shares stayed at US0.50 or above for a consecutive period of three months. Interest cost waived worked out to be approximately $600 at 2% per annum. This is included under All Other Compensation in Executive Compensation table above. However, the board decided to expense this withdrawal as bonus to Mr. Shah in March 2010.
Defined Benefit or Actuarial Plan Disclosure
There is no pension plan or retirement benefit plan that has been instituted and none is proposed at this time.
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance
We purchased a directors and officers’ liability insurance policy to provide insurance against possible liabilities incurred by our directors and officers in their capacity as directors and officers of our company.
Board Practices
Directors may be appointed at any time in accordance with our by-laws and then re-elected annually by our shareholders. At our last annual meeting of stockholders’ held on December 18, 2009, Messrs. Shah, Bradley and Rees were elected as directors and will continue to hold his office until the next annual meeting. Officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Our Board has adopted a mandate, in which it has explicitly assumed responsibility for the stewardship of Bontan. In carrying out its mandate the Board holds at least four meetings annually. The frequency of meetings, as well as the nature of the matters dealt with, will vary from year to year depending on the state of our business and the opportunities or risks, which we face from time to time. The Board held a total of 6 meetings during our financial year ended March 31, 2009. The Board has designated one standing committee: an Audit Committee.
The members of the Audit Committee consist of Dean Bradley and Brett Rees. We consider both Mr. Bradley and Mr. Rees to be independent directors. The Audit Committee is charged with overseeing our accounting and financial reporting policies, practices and internal controls. The committee reviews significant financial and accounting issues and the services performed by and the reports of our independent auditors and makes recommendations to our Board of Directors with respect to these and related matters.
Our Audit Committee charter became effective on August 2, 2005. This charter assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for our accounting and financial reporting practices by:
·
|
reviewing the quarterly and annual consolidated financial statements and management discussion and analyses;
|
·
|
meeting at least annually with our external auditor;
|
·
|
reviewing the adequacy of the system of internal controls in consultation with the chief executive and financial officer;
|
·
|
reviewing any relevant accounting and financial matters including reviewing our public disclosure of information extracted or derived from our financial statements;
|
·
|
establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters and the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters;
|
·
|
pre-approving all non-audit services and recommending the appointment of external auditors; and
|
·
|
reviewing and approving our hiring policies regarding personnel of our present and former external auditor
|
We currently do not have a Compensation Committee. The directors determined that, in light of the size and resources, setting up such a committee would be too expensive and would not serve any useful purpose for us at this time. We haves, however, set up an Independent Review Committee of the Board to review and approve all non-arms' length contracts. This Committee has the same composition as the Audit Committee, and is currently comprised of the two independent directors - Dean Bradley and Brett Rees. This committee approves fees and major expenses of Mr. Shah and Mr. Terence Robinson.
We currently do not have a separate corporate governance committee. The CEO in conjunction with the Audit Committee has developed and updated corporate governance practices and policies, code of ethics and corporate disclosure policy which form part of our internal control over financial reporting manual. The goal is to provide a mechanism that can assist in our operations, including but not limited to, the monitoring of the implementation of policies, strategies and programs and the development, continuing assessment and execution of our strategic plan.
Employees
We presently have one employee who serves as assistant to the chief executive and financial officer. We also use the services of consultants from time to time.
Share Ownership
The Company generally has two stock plans, a Consultants Stock Compensation Plan and a Stock Option Plan.
As of May 21, 2010, 4,825,000 options were outstanding. All options under 1999 Plan, 2003 plan and The Robinson Plan and 50,000 options under 2005 Plan were issued. As of May 21, 2010, 950,000 options have not yet been issued under the 2005 Plan.
All shares reserved under the 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007 and 2007 supplemental Compensation Plans were issued before March 31, 2008. A new 2009 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan was registered with Securities and Exchange Commission on April 7, 2009 under the US Securities Act of 1933. 3,000,000 common shares of the Company were registered under this Plan. As of May 21, 2010, 828,333 shares were issued under the 2009 Plan.
The objective of these stock plans is to provide for and encourage ownership of our common shares by our directors, officers, consultants and employees and those of any subsidiary companies so that such persons may increase their stake in our company and benefit from increases in the value of the common shares. The Plans are designed to be competitive with the benefit programs of other companies in the natural resource industry. It is the view of management that the plans are a significant incentive for the directors, officers, consultants and employees to continue and to increase their efforts in promoting our operations to the mutual benefit of both our company and such individuals and also allows us to avail of the services of experienced persons with minimum cash outlay.
The following table sets forth the share ownership of our officers, directors and key consultants as of May 21, 2010. Beneficial ownership of shares is determined under rules of the SEC.
|
|
Common Shares
Beneficially Owned
|
|
|
Options and Warrants Exercisable
for Common Shares
|
Name
|
|
Number
|
|
|
Percentage
|
|
|
Number
|
|
|
Exercise price - in US$
|
|
Expiry date(s)
|
Kam Shah
|
|
|
738,310 |
|
|
|
1.38% |
|
|
|
350,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
31-MAR-14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Terence Robinson*
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dean Bradley
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
** |
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
31-MAR-14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brett Rees
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
** |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
31-Mar-14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Robinson ***
|
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
15.00% |
|
|
|
1,615,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
31-MAR-14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,599,103 |
|
|
|
.25 |
|
31-MAR-14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
24-Nov-14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
13-Jan-15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000,000 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
31-Mar-14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,995,000 |
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
30-Apr-15
|
|
* Excludes 3,750,024 common shares and options to purchase 2,790,000 shares at USD $0.15 per share held by Stacey Robinson, the wife of Terence Robinson. Mr. Robinson disclaims beneficial ownership over those shares.
|
** Less than 1%. |
*** Includes 1,000,000 common shares and 7,995,000 underlying warrants held in the name of Current Capital Corp., which is fully owned by Mr. John Robinson
|
The terms of all options were revised during the fiscal 2009. The revisions comprised increasing the expiry dates by one year and reducing the exercise price, which ranged between US$035 and US$1.00 to US$0.15. This is further explained in note 7 to our consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2009 included herein. All options were 100% vested at May 21, 2010
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Major Shareholders
Our securities are recorded on the books of our transfer agent in registered form. The majority of the shares are, however, registered in the name of intermediaries such as brokerage houses and clearing-houses on behalf of their respective clients. We do not have knowledge of all the beneficial owners thereof. As of May 21, 2010, intermediaries like CDS & Co, Toronto, Canada and Cede & Co of New York, USA held approximately 39% of our issued and outstanding common shares on behalf of several beneficial shareholders whose individual holdings details were not available.
At May 21, 2010, we had 78,299,076 common shares outstanding, which were held by 152 record holders excluding the beneficial shareholders held through the intermediaries, 80 of which, holding an aggregate of 20,864,155 shares (26.65%) of common stock, were in the United States.
The following table sets forth persons known by us to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of our common shares as of May 21, 2010. Beneficial ownership of shares is determined under rules of the SEC and generally includes any shares over which a person exercises sole or shared voting or investment power. Shares subject to options and warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the date of this prospectus are deemed to be outstanding and beneficially owned by the person holding the option and warrant. These shares, however, are not deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
No. of Shares
|
Percentage of Shares
|
Sheldon Inwentash(1
|
17,000,000
|
19.25%
|
Stacey Robinson(2)
|
10,290,000
|
12.13%
|
John Robinson(3)
Castle Rock Resources II, LLC (4)
Steve Gose (5)
Skana Capital Corp(6)
|
13,469,103
5,250,000
5000,000
5,000,000
|
15.00%
6.45%
6.19
6.19
|
International Three Crown Petroleum LLC(7)
|
5,000,000
|
6.00% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Includes (i) 4,000,000 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants held by Mr. Inwentash and (ii) 6,000,000 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants and 4,000,000 common shares held by Pinetree Resource Partnership. As CEO of Pinetree Capital Ltd. (“Pinetree Capital”), Mr. Iwentash may be deemed to have shared power to vote the shares held by Pinetree Resource Partnership. Based on Schedule 13G/A filed April 12, 2010 with the SEC.
Based on Pinetree Capital Investment Corp.’s (“PCIC”) and Emerald Capital Corp.’s (“Emerald”) collective ownership and control of Pinetree Resource Partnership and Pinetree Capital’s ownership of PCIC and Emerald, PCIC, Emerald and Pinetree Capital may be deemed to have shared power to vote and dispose or direct the vote and disposition of the shares held by Pinetree Resource Partnership.
(2) Includes options to purchase 2,790,000 shares at USD $0.15 per share and 3,750,000 shares underlying warrants that have an exercise price of USD $0.10 per share.
(3) Includes (i) options to purchase 1,615,000 shares and 1,000,000 shares underlying warrants and (ii) 1,000,000 common shares and 7,995,000 shares underlying warrants held by Current Capital Corp., which is 100% owned by John Robinson.
(4) Includes 3,125,000 shares underlying warrants that have an exercise price of US$0.35.
(5) & (6) Includes 2,500,000 shares underlying warrants that have an exercise price of US$0.35.
(7) Includes 5,000,000 shares underlying warrants that have an exercise price of USD $0.35 per share.
We are a publicly owned Canadian corporation, the shares of which are owned by Canadian residents, US residents, and residents of other countries. We are not owned or controlled directly or indirectly by another corporation or any foreign government. There are no arrangements, known to us, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of our company.
We are a publicly owned Canadian corporation, the shares of which are owned by Canadian residents, US residents, and residents of other countries. We are not owned or controlled directly or indirectly by another corporation or any foreign government. There are no arrangements, known to us, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of our company.
Related Party Transactions
The following is given as background information on some of our key related party transactions:
1.
|
Current Capital Corp. (CCC) is a related party in following ways –
|
a.
|
The Director/President of CCC, Mr. John Robinson, is a consultant with Bontan.
|
b.
|
CCC provides media and investor relation services to Bontan under a consulting contract.
|
c.
|
The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Bontan is providing accounting services to CCC.
|
d.
|
CCC and John Robinson hold shares in Bontan.
|
Bontan shares premises with CCC for which CCC charges on a quarterly basis for the rent, phone and utilities based on the actual costs and area occupied. These charges reflect actual costs and do not include any mark ups. Another charge from CCC relates to the investor relations and media relation services provided under a contract. The charge is a fixed sum of US$10,000 per month plus taxes. CCC is also entitled to a finder’s fee at the rate of 10% of the gross money raised for us through issuance of shares and warrants under private placements.
2.
|
Mr. Kam Shah is a director and also provides services as chief executive and financial officer under a five-year contract. The compensation is determined by the board on an annual basis and is usually given in the form of cash, shares and options.
|
3.
|
Mr. Terence Robinson served as our chief executive officer until May 2004 and was also a director until that date. Currently, Mr. Robinson is providing services as a key consultant under a five-year contract. His services include sourcing of new business opportunities on behalf of our company, using his extensive network of business contacts. and short term investment buy or sell decisions and advice. His remuneration is paid mostly in shares on an annual basis.
|
Transactions with related parties are incurred in the normal course of business and are measured at the exchange amount. Related party transactions and balances have been listed below:
|
(i)
|
Included in shareholders information expense are $100,761 for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 and $133,785 for fiscal year 2009 (2008 – $124,231; 2007 – $136,249) to CCC for media relations services.
|
|
(ii)
|
CCC charged $14,932 for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 and approximately $37,800 in fiscal year 2009 for rent, telephone and other office expenses (2008: $27,300; and 2007: $21,900).
|
|
(iii)
|
Finders fees of $140,060incash and 1,872,500 warrants valued at $135,245 for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 and $6,228 for fiscal year 2009 (2008: $12,245; and 2007: $740,043) were charged by CCC in connection with the private placement. (The fee for 2007 included a cash fee of $130,313 and 1,040,000 warrants valued at $609,730 using the Black-Scholes option price model).
|
|
(iv)
|
Business expenses of $14,143 for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 and $19,205 in fiscal year 2009 (2008 - $15,771; 2007 - $10,279) were reimbursed to directors of the corporation and $61,252 for the nine months December 31, 2009 and $68,009 in fiscal year 2009 (2008 - $118,774; 2007: $85,862) to a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of our company.
|
|
(v)
|
Shares issued to a director under the consultant stock compensation plan – Nil for fiscal 2009 (2008: 450,000 valued at $105,373; 2007: 350,000 valued at $95,409). Shares issued to (returned by) a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of our company under the consultant stock compensation plan (275,000) valued at $ (64,395) (2008: 550,000 valued at $ 128,790; 2007: 500,000 valued at $136,298).
|
|
(vi)
|
Options issued to directors under stock option plans – nil for fiscal 2009 (2008: 50,000 valued at $7,878; 2007: nil).
|
|
(vii) Cash fee of $97,500 paid to directors for services for the nine months ended December 31, 2009. Cash fee paid to directors for services of $60,000 for fiscal 2009 (2008:$33,871; and 2007: $ nil). Cash fee paid to a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of our company of $90,000 for the nine months to December 31, 2009 (2008 and 2007: $ nil).
|
|
(viii) Accounts payable includes $72,146 as at December 31, 2009 and $15,482 as at March 31, 2009(2008: $9,384; 2007: $3,471) due to CCC; $45,302 as at December 31, 2009 and $1,875 as at March 31, 2009 (2008: $757; 2007: $1,431) due to a director; and $46,726 as at December 31, 2009 and $67,212 as at March 31, 2009 (2008: $6,577; 2007: $ 7,099) due to a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of our company.
|
|
(ix)
|
Interest income includes nil for fiscal 2009 (2008: $ nil; 2007: $1,398) representing interest received from the Chief Executive officer.
|
|
(x)
|
Included in short term investments is an investment of $200,000 for fiscal 2009 (2008: $200,000; 2007: $ nil) in a private corporation controlled by a brother of the key consultant. The investment was stated at market value which was considered nil as at December 31, 2009 (nil as at March 31, 2009).
|
|
(xi)
|
Included in short term investments is an investment of 1,869,381 carrying cost and $1,136,696 fair value at December 31, 2009, $1,837,956 carrying cost and $361,877 fair value as at March 31, 2009 (2008: 1,929,049 carrying cost and $1,140,120 fair value; 2007: $1,604,493 carrying cost and $2,710,760 fair value) in a public corporation controlled by a key shareholder of our company. This investment represents common shares acquired in open market or through private placements and represents less than 1% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the said corporation.
|
|
(xii)
|
Included in other receivable is an advance of $70,000 for fiscal 2009 (2008 and 2007: $nil) made to our Chief Executive Officer. The advance is repayable without interest when the market price of our common shares stays at USD $0.50 per share or above for a consecutive period of three months.
|
|
(xiii)
|
Included in other receivable is an advance of$ 1,277 at December 31, 2009, $5,814 as at March 31, 2009 made to a director (2008: $2,470; 2007: $ nil). The advance is against future fees and carries no interest.
|
Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
Information regarding our financial statements is found under “Financial Statements" below.
Legal Proceedings
None
Dividend Policy
Since our incorporation, we have not declared or paid, and have no present intention to declare or to pay in the foreseeable future, any cash dividends with respect to our common shares. Earnings will be retained to finance further growth and development of our business. However, if the Board of Directors declares dividends, all common shares will participate equally in the dividends, and, in the event of liquidation, in our net assets.
THE OFFER AND LISTING
Offer and Listing Details
The following tables set forth the reported high and low sale prices for our common shares as quoted on OTC Bulletin Board.
The following table outlines the annual high and low market prices for the five most recent fiscal years:
Fiscal year ended March 31
|
|
High
(US$)
|
|
|
Low
(US$)
|
|
2010
|
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
2009
|
|
|
0.30 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
2008
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
2007
|
|
|
0.75 |
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
2006
|
|
|
1.51 |
|
|
|
0.20 |
|
The following table outlines the high and low market prices for each fiscal financial quarter for the two most recent fiscal periods and any subsequent period:
Fiscal Quarter ended
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
|
(US$)
|
|
|
(US$)
|
|
March 31, 2010
|
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
|
0.24 |
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
0.38 |
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
September 30, 2009
|
|
|
0.28 |
|
|
|
0.07 |
|
June 30, 2009
|
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
March 31, 2009
|
|
|
0.27 |
|
|
|
0.08 |
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
0.11 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
September 30, 2008
|
|
|
0.30 |
|
|
|
0.07 |
|
June 30, 2008
|
|
|
0.27 |
|
|
|
0.20 |
|
March 31, 2008
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
0.36 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
September 30, 2007
|
|
|
0.43 |
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
June 30, 2007
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
The following table outlines the high and low market prices for each of the most recent six months:
Month
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
|
(US$)
|
|
|
(US$)
|
|
April 2010
|
|
|
0.40 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
March 2010
|
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
|
0.24 |
|
February 2010
|
|
|
0.36 |
|
|
|
0.27 |
|
January 2010
|
|
|
0.34 |
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
December 2009
|
|
|
0.34 |
|
|
|
0.29 |
|
November 2009
|
|
|
0.38 |
|
|
|
0.30 |
|
Plan of Distribution
The selling shareholders and any of their pledgees, donees, transferees, assignees and successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of the shares owned by them in the over-the-counter market or on any exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares may then be listed or quoted, or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed prices, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. The selling shareholders may use any one or more of the following methods when selling shares:
·
|
ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits investors;
|
·
|
block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
|
·
|
purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;
|
·
|
an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;
|
·
|
privately negotiated transactions;
|
·
|
to cover short sales made after the date that this registration statement is declared effective by the SEC;
|
·
|
broker-dealers may agree with the selling shareholder to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share;
|
·
|
a combination of any such methods of sale; and
|
·
|
any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.
|
The selling shareholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 under the Securities Act, if available, rather than under this prospectus.
Broker-dealers engaged by the selling shareholders may arrange for other brokers-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling shareholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated.
The selling shareholders may from time to time pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the shares owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the shares from time to time under this prospectus, or under an amendment or supplement to this prospectus amending the list of selling shareholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors in interest as a selling shareholder under this prospectus.
The selling shareholders also may transfer the shares in other circumstances, in which case the transferees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus.
In connection with the sale of the common shares, the selling shareholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the common shares in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The selling shareholders may also sell common shares short after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and deliver common shares registered hereby to close out their short positions and to return borrowed shares in connection with such short sales, or loan or pledge the common shares to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The selling shareholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).
The selling shareholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the shares may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with those sales. In such event, any commissions received by the broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. Discounts, concessions, commissions and similar selling expenses, if any, that can be attributed to the sale of the shares will be paid by the selling shareholders and/or the purchasers. Each selling shareholder has informed us that it does not have any written or oral agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute any such securities.
Each selling shareholder will be subject to the applicable provisions of the Exchange Act, and the associated rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, including Regulation M, which provisions may limit the timing of purchases and sales of the shares by the selling shareholders.
We will make copies of this prospectus available to the selling shareholders and have informed them of the need to deliver copies of this prospectus at or prior to the time of any sale of the shares.
We will bear all costs, fees and expenses incident to the registration of the shares. We have agreed to indemnify the selling shareholders against certain losses, liabilities and damages, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
Markets
Our common shares were traded on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “DEAL” and on Canadian Dealing Network (CDN) under the symbol “FDQI” until January 20, 1999. Effective January 21, 1999, our shares were traded only on OTC Bulletin Board. The symbol was further changed to “NMBC” on August 13, 1999 and then to “DCHK” on November 3, 1999.
We changed our name to Bontan Corporation Inc. on April 21, 2003. Our common shares are currently quoted under the symbol “BNTNF” on the OTC Bulletin Board.
Selling Shareholders
The following table sets forth the names of the selling shareholders and the number and percentage of common shares beneficially owned by the selling shareholders as of May 21, 2010 and after the offering.
The number of shares in the “Shares Offered” column represents all of the shares that the selling shareholder may offer under this prospectus. We do not know when or in what amounts a selling shareholder may offer shares for sale. The selling shareholder may choose not to sell any of the shares offered by this prospectus. Because the selling shareholder may offer all, some or none of its shares, we cannot estimate the number of shares the selling shareholder will hold after the completion of the offering. However, for purposes of the table, we have assumed that after completion of the offering, all of the shares covered by this prospectus will be sold by the selling stockholder.
Beneficial ownership and the percentages shown in the following table are calculated in accordance with the rules of the SEC. The percentages are based on 78,299,076 shares outstanding on May 21, 2010. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, to our knowledge, the shareholder identified in the table possesses sole voting and investment power over its shares of common stock. Except as described in the footnote below, the selling shareholder has had no material relationship with us within the last three years.
Name of selling shareholders
|
Shares owned prior to offering
|
|
Shares being offered |
|
Shares owned after offering
|
|
|
Number
|
Percentage |
|
|
|
Number
|
Percentage |
David Shep
|
1
|
1,000,000
|
1.26%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Elisa Vespa
|
2
|
2,445,000
|
3.03%
|
|
2,445,000
|
|
|
- |
B.C. Management S A - Alex Craven
|
3
|
2,000,000
|
2.49%
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Greelight Capital - Ralph Sickenger
|
4
|
500,000
|
0.63%
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
- |
Stacey Robinson
|
5
|
10,290,000
|
11.62%
|
|
7,500,000
|
|
2,790,000
|
8.18% |
Current Capital Corp - John Robinson
|
6
|
8,995,000
|
10.30%
|
|
6,255,000
|
|
2,740,000
|
8.05% |
John Robinson
|
7
|
4,474,103
|
5.41%
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
2,474,103
|
7.33% |
Sunil Jhaveri
|
8
|
1,300,000
|
1.63%
|
|
1,300,000
|
|
|
- |
Robert Farrill
|
9
|
1,200,000
|
1.51%
|
|
1,200,000
|
|
|
- |
Riad Daoud
|
10
|
500,000
|
0.63%
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
- |
Kenneth Crema
|
11
|
600,000
|
0.76%
|
|
600,000
|
|
|
- |
International Three Crown Petroleum Corporation – Howard Cooper
|
12
|
5,000,000
|
6.00%
|
|
5,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Allied Ventures Inc. – Gentni Corp Suks
|
13
|
2,000,000
|
2.49%
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Castle Rock Resources II, LLC – Greg Vigil
|
14
|
5,250,000
|
6.28%
|
|
5,250,000
|
|
|
- |
Lynn Belcher
|
15
|
2,000,000
|
2.49%
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Blue & Gray Resources - John Hefner
|
16
|
1,000,000
|
1.26%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Steve Gose
|
17
|
5,000,000
|
6.00%
|
|
5,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Bram Oil – Rob Clarke
|
18
|
1,000,000
|
1.26%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
- |
High Plains Royalty LLC - George Clay
|
19
|
2,000,000
|
2.49%
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Kyle Stallings
|
20
|
2,500,000
|
3.09%
|
|
2,500,000
|
|
|
- |
Joe Glennon
|
21
|
750,000
|
0.95%
|
|
750,000
|
|
|
- |
Mike Glennon
|
22
|
250,000
|
0.32%
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
- |
Duane Grosulak
|
23
|
250,000
|
0.32%
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
- |
Dennis Sun & Peggy L Sun Living Trust - Dennis
|
24
|
200,000
|
0.25%
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
- |
Falcon Trust DTD 12/15/00 - John Martin
|
25
|
2,500,000
|
3.09%
|
|
2,500,000
|
|
|
- |
John L Obourn Jr.
|
26
|
400,000
|
0.51%
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
- |
Milam Randalph Pharo & Joey Porcelli
|
27
|
150,000
|
0.19%
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
- |
Pinetree Resources Partnership – Sheldon Inwentash
|
28
|
10,000,000
|
11.33%
|
|
8,000,000
|
|
2,000,000
|
6.01% |
Sheldon Inwntash
|
29
|
7,000,000
|
8.21%
|
|
6,000,000
|
|
1,000,000
|
3.10% |
Michael T Fitzgerald
|
30
|
100,000
|
0.13%
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
- |
Gregory P Lewis
|
31
|
100,000
|
0.13%
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
- |
John Gunner Hole
|
32
|
1,000,000
|
1.26%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Bruce c Kennedy & Susan Z Kennedy
|
33
|
1,000,000
|
1.26%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Thomas D Lawson
|
34
|
1,000,000
|
1.26%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Steven D James
|
35
|
500,000
|
0.63%
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
- |
Richard D Robertson
|
36
|
100,000
|
0.13%
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
- |
Great Northern Gas Company – Thomas DeGrappa
|
37
|
1,000,000
|
1.26%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Grape Investment Co., LLC-Frank DeGrappa
|
38
|
1,000,000
|
1.26%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Skana Capital – Gregory Clarkes
|
39
|
5,000,000
|
6.00%
|
|
5,000,000
|
|
|
- |
VPBank ( Switzerland) Ltd – Andre Roth
|
40
|
2,200,000
|
2.73%
|
|
2,200,000
|
|
|
- |
Michael Curtis
|
41
|
200,000
|
0.25%
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
- |
L Filipe Amorim
|
42
|
2,000,000
|
2.49%
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
- |
NBCN Inc. ITF Pasquale Di Capo
|
43
|
2,000,000
|
2.49%
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Springfield Construction Ltd – David Eccles
|
44
|
200,000
|
0.25%
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
- |
Paul Vaccarello
|
45
|
200,000
|
0.25%
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
- |
Brent James
|
46
|
1,000,000
|
1.26%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Gail Thurber
|
47
|
500,000
|
0.63%
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
- |
Crema Family Trust # 1 – Kenneth Crema
|
48
|
50,000
|
0.06%
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
- |
Crema Family Trust # 2 – Kenneth Crema
|
49
|
50,000
|
0.06%
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
- |
Haywood Securities Inc. – Robert Montgomery
|
50
|
200,000
|
0.25%
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
- |
GMP Securities ITF The Palmer Family Trust – Steve Palmer
|
51
|
1,000,000
|
1.26%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Burton Egger
|
52
|
200,000
|
0.25%
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
- |
Christine Lafebvre
|
53
|
200,000
|
0.25%
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
- |
Daniel A Smith
|
54
|
500,000
|
0.63%
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
- |
Matthew Johansen
|
55
|
750,000
|
0.95%
|
|
750,000
|
|
|
- |
Liam Holdings & Investments Ltd – Ramy Ordan
|
56
|
1,000,000
|
1.26%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
- |
BAR FINANCIAL MM REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT LTD – Maamavi Mordehai
|
57
|
1,000,000
|
1.26%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
- |
S.M.R MUOF LTD – Dror Atzmon
|
58
|
750,000
|
0.95%
|
|
750,000
|
|
|
- |
ROTEM DAVIDOVICH
|
59
|
100,000
|
0.13%
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
- |
RAN FLEISCHER
|
60
|
500,000
|
0.63%
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
- |
ALTSHULER SHAHM LTD – Altshuler Shahm
|
61
|
250,000
|
0.32%
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
- |
Ron Ofek
|
62
|
1,600,000
|
2.00%
|
|
1,600,000
|
|
|
- |
Asaf Hadar
|
63
|
100,000
|
0.13%
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
- |
Oren Beeri
|
64
|
100,000
|
0.13%
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
- |
GCE property Holdings Inc. – Gil Erez
|
65
|
500,000
|
0.63%
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
- |
Daonit Ltd – Joseph Steinmen
|
66
|
500,000
|
0.63%
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
- |
Rudnizky Zvi
|
67
|
500,000
|
0.63%
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
- |
Rudnizky Michael
|
68
|
500,000
|
0.63%
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
- |
Osnat Yaffe
|
69
|
500,000
|
0.63%
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
- |
Oren Taliaz
|
70
|
100,000
|
0.13%
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
- |
Textbook estates Limited –Louis Oehri
|
71
|
2,000,000
|
2.49%
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Aton Select Fund Ltd. – David Dawes
|
72
|
1,000,000
|
1.26%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Algis Vaitonis
|
73
|
200,000
|
0.25%
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
- |
Bernard Investments Ltd.- Cristina Venus
|
74
|
1,000,000
|
1.26%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Mark Kessleman
|
75
|
500,000
|
0.63%
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
- |
Morgarlan Ltd - Gordon King
|
76
|
1,000,000
|
1.26%
|
|
1,000,000
|
|
|
- |
Kenneth E McMinn
|
77
|
420,000
|
0.53%
|
|
420,000
|
|
|
- |
Beverly B McMinn
|
78
|
400,000
|
0.51%
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
- |
Ashley M Guidroz
|
79
|
140,000
|
0.18%
|
|
140,000
|
|
|
- |
Michael K McMinn
|
80
|
20,000
|
0.03%
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
- |
Timothy J McMinn
|
81
|
20,000
|
0.03%
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
- |
Seth J McMinn
|
82
|
20,000
|
0.03%
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
- |
Thomas J McMinn Jr.
|
83
|
20,000
|
0.03%
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
- |
McMinn Energy profit Sharing Plan & Trust – Tom McMinn
|
84
|
610,000
|
0.77%
|
|
610,000
|
|
|
- |
Wiley W McMinn
|
85 |
350,000 |
0.45% |
|
350,000 |
|
|
- |
Marcello Leone
|
86
|
25,000
|
0.03%
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
- |
Asnat Yaffe
|
87
|
160,000
|
0.20%
|
|
160,000
|
|
|
- |
Ohad Berman
|
88
|
90,000
|
0.11%
|
|
90,000
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
(1)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 1,000,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.10 per share.
|
(2)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.10 per share and 1,245,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(3)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 1,000,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.10 per share.
|
(4)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.10 per share.
|
(5)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes options to purchase 2,790,000 shares at US$0.15 per share and 3,750,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.10 per share.
|
(6)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 2,740,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.25 per share, 2,000,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.10 per share and 3,255,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share. Current Capital Corp is 100% owned by John Robinson.
|
(7)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes options to purchase 1,615,000 shares at US$0.15 per share, 859,000shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.25 per share and1,000,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.10
|
(8)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 650,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.10 per share.
|
(9)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 600,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.10 per share.
|
(10)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.10 per share.
|
(11)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 50,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(12)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 5,000,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(13)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 2,000,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(14)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 3,125,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(15)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 1,000,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(16)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 500,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(17)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 2,500,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(18)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 500,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(19)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 1,250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(20)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 1,250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(21)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 1,250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(22)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 125,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(23)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 125,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(24)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 100,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(25)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 1,250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(26)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 200,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(27)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 75,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(28)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 2,000,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.25 per share and 4,000,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share. Pinetree Resource Partnership is beneficially owned by Sheldon Inwentash.
|
(29)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 1,000,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.25 per share and 3,000,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(30)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 50,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(31)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 50,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(32)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 500,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(33)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 500,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(34)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 500,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(35)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(36)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 50,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(37)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 500,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(38)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 500,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(39)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 2,500,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(40)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 1,100,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(41)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 100,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(42)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 1,000,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(43)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 1,000,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(44)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 100,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(45)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 100,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(46)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 500,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(47)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(48)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 25,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(49)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 25,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(50)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 100,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(51)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 500,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(52)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 100,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(53)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 100,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(54)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes, 250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(55)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 375,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(56)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 500,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(57)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 500,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(58)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 375,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(59)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 50,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(60)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes, 250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(61)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 125,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(62)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 800,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(63)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 50,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(64)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 50,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(65)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(66)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(67)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(68)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(69)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(70)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 50,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(71)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 1,000,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(72)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 500,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(73)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 100,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(74)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 500,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(75)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(76)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 500,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(77)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 210,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(78)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 200,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(79)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 70,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(80)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 10,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(81)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 10,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(82)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 10,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(83)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 10000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(84)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 305,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(85)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 175,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(86)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 25,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(87)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 160,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
|
(88)
|
The “Shares owned prior to offering” column includes 90,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable at US$0.35 per share.
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Dilution
The common shares to be sold by the selling stockholders are already issued and outstanding. As a result, there is no dilution to our existing shareholders.
Expenses of the Issue
We will bear all expenses and fees incurred by us in connection with the registration of the common shares offered by this prospectus. Any commissions, discounts or fees payable to brokers in connection with any sale will be borne by the selling stockholders, the purchasers or both.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Share Capital
Our authorized capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares. As of May 21, 2010, we had 78,299,076 common shares outstanding.
On April 1, 2008, we had outstanding 30,095,743 common shares. Between April 1, 2008 and May 21, 2010, we issued a total of 48,203,333 common shares as follows:
Cancelled Shares: (625,000)
Private Placement: 47,750,000
Warrants exercised 250,000
Consultants under Stock Compensation Plan: 828,333
Total 48,203,333
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Our articles of incorporation do not place any restrictions on the company’s objects and purposes.
Certain Powers of Directors
The Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (the "OBCA") requires that every director who is a party to a material contract or transaction or a proposed material contract or transaction with a corporation, or who is a director or officer of, or has a material interest in, any person who is a party to a material contract or transaction or a proposed material contract or transaction with the corporation, shall disclose in writing to the corporation or request to have entered in the minutes of the meetings of directors the nature and extent of his or her interest, and shall refrain from voting in respect of the material contract or transaction or proposed material contract or transaction unless the contract or transaction is: (a) an arrangement by way of security for money lent to or obligations undertaken by the director for the benefit of the corporation or an affiliate; (b) one relating primarily to his or her remuneration as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or an affiliate; (c) one for indemnity of or insurance for directors as contemplated under the OBCA; or (d) one with an affiliate. However, a director who is prohibited by the OBCA from voting on a material contract or proposed material contract may be counted in determining whether a quorum is present for the purpose of the resolution, if the director disclosed his or her interest in accordance with the OBCA and the contract or transaction was reasonable and fair to the corporation at the time it was approved.
Our by-laws provide that the directors shall from time to time determine by resolution the remuneration to be paid to the directors, which shall be in addition to the salary paid to any officer or employee who is also a director. The directors may also by resolution award special remuneration to any director in undertaking any special services on our behalf other than the normal work ordinarily required of a director of our company. The by-laws provide that confirmation of any such resolution by our shareholders is not required.
Our by-laws also provide that the directors may: (a) borrow money upon the credit of our company; (b) issue, reissue, sell or pledge bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness or guarantee, whether secured or unsecured; (c) to the extent permitted by the OBCA, give directly or indirectly financial assistance to any person by means of a loan, a guarantee on our behalf to secure performance of any present or future indebtedness, liability or other obligation of any person, or otherwise; and (d) mortgage, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise create a security interest in all or any currently owned or subsequently acquired real or personal, movable or immovable, tangible or intangible, property of our company to secure any such bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness or guarantee or any other present or future indebtedness, liability or other obligation of our company.
The directors may, by resolution, amend or repeal any by-laws that regulate our business or affairs. The OBCA requires the directors to submit any such amendment or repeal to our shareholders at the next meeting of shareholders, and the shareholders may confirm, reject or amend the amendment or repeal.
Meetings of Shareholders
The OBCA requires us to call an annual shareholders' meeting not later than 15 months after holding the last preceding annual meeting and permits us to call a special shareholders' meeting at any time. In addition, in accordance with the OBCA, the holders of not less than 5% of our shares carrying the right to vote at a meeting sought to be held may requisition our directors to call a special shareholders' meeting for the purposes stated in the requisition. We are required to mail a notice of meeting and management information circular to registered shareholders not less than 21 days and not more than 50 days prior to the date of any annual or special shareholders' meeting. These materials also are filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the SEC. Our by-laws provide that a quorum of two shareholders in person or represented by proxy holding or representing by proxy not less than 10% of our issued shares carrying the right to vote at the meeting is required to transact business at a shareholders' meeting. Shareholders, and their duly appointed proxies and corporate representatives, as well as our auditors, are entitled to be admitted to our annual and special shareholders' meetings.
Authorized Capital
Our authorized capital consists of an unlimited number of shares of one class designated as common shares. We may not create any class or series of shares or make any modification to the provisions attaching to our common shares without the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the votes cast by the holders of the common shares. Our common shares do not have pre-emptive rights to purchase additional shares.
Disclosure of Share Ownership
The Securities Act (Ontario) provides that a person or company that beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, voting securities of an issuer or that exercises control or direction over voting securities of an issuer or a combination of both, carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all the issuer's outstanding voting securities (an "insider") must, within 10 days of becoming an insider, file a report in the required form effective the date on which the person became an insider, disclosing any direct or indirect beneficial ownership of, or control or direction over, securities of the reporting issuer. The Securities Act (Ontario) also provides for the filing of a report by an insider of a reporting issuer who acquires or transfers securities of the issuer. This report must be filed within 10 days after the end of the month in which the acquisition or transfer takes place.
The Securities Act (Ontario) also provides that a person or company that acquires (whether or not by way of a take-over bid, issuer bid or offer to acquire) beneficial ownership of voting or equity securities or securities convertible into voting or equity securities of a reporting issuer that, together with previously held securities brings the total holdings of such holder to 10% or more of the outstanding securities of that class, must (a) issue and file forthwith a news release containing the prescribed information and (b) file a report within two business days containing the same information set out in the news release. The acquiring person or company must also issue a press release and file a report each time it acquires an additional 2% or more of the outstanding securities of the same class and every time there is a "material change" to the contents of the news release and report previously issued and filed.
Restrictions on Share Ownership by Non-Canadians
There are no limitations under the laws of Canada or in our constitutive documents on the right of foreigners to hold or vote our securities, except that the Investment Canada Act may require review and approval by the Minister of Industry (Canada) of certain acquisitions of "control" of our company by a "non-Canadian". The threshold for acquisitions of control is generally defined as being one-third or more of the voting shares... "Non-Canadian" generally means an individual who is not a Canadian citizen, or a corporation, partnership, trust or joint venture that is ultimately controlled by non-Canadians.
Material Contracts
Allocation of Rights and Settlement Agreement
The Allocation of Rights and Settlement Agreement is described under "Information on Bontan - Background and Status of Offshore Israel Project."
Agreement Regarding Ownership interests in Israel Petroleum Company, Limited
Under the terms of the agreement dated April 14, 2010, International Three Crown Petroleum shall be deemed to have owned and currently owns a 23.21% equity interest in IPC Cayman represented by 2,321 ordinary shares of IPC Cayman and Bontan shall be deemed to have owned and currently owns a 76.79% equity interest in IPC Cayman represented by 7,679 ordinary shares of IPC Cayman and Allied Ventures Incorporated shall be deemed not to have owned or to ever have owned and not to currently own any equity interest in IPC Cayman.
Apart from the above, the other terms of Contribution and Assignment Agreement and shareholders agreement – discussed below- remain valid subject to the obligation of ITC upon execution hereof to enter into good faith negotiations with Bontan to revise the terms of these two agreements
Contribution and Assignment Agreement
Under the terms of a Contribution and Assignment Agreement dated November 14, 2009 by and among, International Three Crown Petroleum, Bontan Oil & Gas Corporation, Bontan, IPC Cayman and Allied Ventures International Incorporated:
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International Three Crown Petroleum contributed and assigned all of its right, title and interest in and to an Option Agreement for Purchase and Sale dated October 15, 2009 between International Three Crown Petroleum and PetroMed Corporation, pursuant to which International Three Crown Petroleum obtained, among other things, an exclusive option to purchase PetroMed’s undivided 95.5% interest in Petroleum License 347 (“Mira”) and Petroleum License 348 (“Sarah”) and Petroleum Preliminary Permit 199 (“Benjamin”).
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IPC Cayman issued 7,500 ordinary shares to Bontan (representing a 75% equity interest in IPC Cayman), 2,250 ordinary shares to International Three Crown Petroleum and 250 ordinary shares to Allied Ventures.
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Upon the closing of the exercise of the option, which occurred on November 18, 2009, and as consideration to PetroMed for its sale of the Mira and Sarah licenses and the Benjamin permit, Bontan delivered to PetroMed USD $850,000 in cash, 8,617,686 common shares of Bontan and a 7- year warrant to purchase 22,853,058 common shares of Bontan with an exercise price of USD $4.00 per share.
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Upon the closing of the exercise of the option, Bontan issued a warrant to purchase up to 5,000,000 common shares of Bontan to International Three Crown Petroleum and a warrant to purchase up to 2,000,000 common shares of Bontan to Allied Ventures. These warrants have a 5-year term and an exercise price of USD $0.35 per share.
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Following the closing of the exercise of the option, IPC Cayman conveyed to H. Howard Cooper a gross 1% over-riding royalty of all oil and gas produced, saved and sold from the area covered by the Mira and Sarah licenses and the Benjamin permit, free and clear of any costs incurred in connection with the exploration, production and delivery of the oil and gas.
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Under the Contribution Agreement, we have agreed to use our best efforts to raise up to USD $18 million in equity or debt financings and to contribute the net proceeds from these financings to IPC Cayman to cover the costs of seismic and other technical work and other expenses expected to be incurred related to the project, for general working capital purposes and to reimburse International Three Crown Petroleum for certain expenses in connection with the project. To raise cash to satisfy our USD $850,000 payment obligation to PetroMed, we sold a USD $850,000 promissory note secured by our pledge of 1,125 shares of IPC Cayman together with a 5-year warrant to purchase 1,000,000 common shares at an exercise price of USD $0.35 per share. The note bears an interest rate of 10% per year and is due and payable on November 12, 2010.
All the above terms have significantly been affected by the Allocation of Rights and Settlement Agreement and Agreement Regarding Ownership Interest in Israel Petroleum Company, Limited as discussed above. We are currently negotiating with ITC to replace the current agreement with a new agreement to reflect all the changes.
We have agreed to file and seek effectiveness of one or more registration statements to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission covering the resale of the various securities issued to PetroMed, International Three Crown Petroleum, Allied Ventures and the investors in the financings. Under the terms of the warrants issued to International Three Crown Petroleum and Allied Ventures, if we fail to file the registration statement within 60 days following the date of issuance, or if the registration statement is not declared effective within nine months following the date of issuance, then, in each case, the number of shares underling the warrants will increase by 2%. For each subsequent 30 day period during which the registration statement is not filed or declared effective, the number of shares underlying the warrants will increase by 1%. The maximum adjustment to the shares is 10%.
In addition, on November 18, 2009, International Three Crown Petroleum entered into a consulting services agreement with Hagai Amir under which Mr. Amir will provide certain services as requested by International Three Crown Petroleum. International Three Crown Petroleum has agreed to pay Mr. Amir USD $20,000 per month for a 6-month period beginning in December 2009 and USD $60,000 upon approval of the transfer of the two licenses and permit by the Israeli Petroleum Commissioner. Also, we agreed to issue to Mr. Amir a 5-year warrant to purchase 500,000 common shares at an exercise price of USD $4.00 per share. These agreements would be canceled as a result of new agreements as discussed above.
Stockholders Agreement
The terms of the Stockholders Agreement have significantly been affected by the Allocation of Rights and Settlement Agreement and Agreement Regarding Ownership Interest in Israel Petroleum Company Limited, as discussed above. We are currently negotiating with International Three Crown Petroleum LLC to replace the current agreement with a new agreement to reflect all the changes.
Concurrently with the execution of the Contribution Agreement, Bontan Oil & Gas Corporation, International Three Crown Petroleum, Allied Ventures and Bontan entered into a Stockholders Agreement. Under the Stockholders Agreement, International Three Crown Petroleum, as the sole director of IPC Cayman, will be responsible for the management of the business and affairs of IPC Cayman. The director will be liable to IPC Cayman and its stockholders only for willful misconduct or gross negligence in the management of the business and affairs of IPC Cayman. IPC Cayman will indemnify the director and its affiliates, and any agents, officers and employees of the director and its affiliates, from any loss or liability incurred as a result of any act or omission, or error of judgment, related to the director’s management of IPC Cayman unless the loss or liability results from the director’s willful misconduct or gross negligence.
International Three Crown Petroleum may not be removed as director by the stockholders of IPC Cayman other than (i) for willful misconduct that materially and adversely affects the project or (ii) in the event that a controlling interest in International Three Crown Petroleum is transferred to a person who is not a Qualified Buyer (as defined) and the management team of International Three Crown Petroleum is not substantially the same as the management team of International Three Crown Petroleum before the transfer. Removal of International Three Crown Petroleum as director for any such reason requires the affirmative vote of stockholders owning a majority of the ordinary shares of IPC Cayman, and appointment of a new director to replace International Three Crown Petroleum as director requires the affirmative vote of stockholders owning at least 80% of the ordinary shares of IPC Cayman. A Qualified Buyer is defined to mean any person that has experience in the oil and gas industry substantially equivalent to, or greater than, that of International Three Crown Petroleum.
If International Three Crown Petroleum transfers a majority of its ordinary shares of IPC Cayman to a Qualified Buyer, then the Qualified Buyer will have the sole authority to appoint and remove the director of IPC Cayman. However, in this case, stockholders owning a majority of the ordinary shares of IPC Cayman may remove the director only for willful misconduct that materially and adversely affects the project, and appointment of a new director will require the affirmative vote of stockholders owning at least 80% of the ordinary shares of IPC Cayman.
Under the Stockholders Agreement, stockholders owning a majority of the ordinary shares of IPC Cayman have the right to approve the following actions:
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Expansion of the scope of IPC Cayman’s business beyond the acquisition, development and potential farmout or sale of the Mira and Sarah licenses and the Benjamin permit and the exploitation and commercialization of those licenses and permit;
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Sale or merger of IPC Cayman or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the IPC Cayman’s assets (other than a sale or farmout to an industry partner in connection with a commitment to conduct exploratory or development operations on the licenses and permit);
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Admit additional owners to IPC Cayman;
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Enter into any contract or agreement between IPC Cayman and International Three Crown Petroleum, Mr. Cooper, Allied Ventures or any affiliate of those persons;
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Modify any compensation arrangement between IPC Cayman and International Three Crown Petroleum, Mr. Cooper, Allied Ventures or any affiliate of those persons;
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Redeem any shares or other equity interest in IPC Cayman; and
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Amend the organizational and internal operating documents of IPC Cayman.
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Under the Stockholders Agreement, IPC Cayman will pay to International Three Crown Petroleum a monthly management fee of $20,000 for its services as director of IPC Cayman and is obligated to reimburse reasonable out-of pocket expenses that the director incurs on behalf of IPC Cayman. International Three Crown Petroleum is also entitled to receive certain commissions and fees related to the financing of the project and any farmout, option, sale, assignment or other transfer of all or a portion of the project.
The Stockholders Agreement provides for information rights and restrictions on transfer of the ordinary shares, including a right of first refusal.
Except for contracts entered into in the ordinary course of its business, there were no material contracts to which we are or have been a party to for the two years preceding this annual report.
Exchange Controls
There are currently no laws, decrees, regulations or other legislation in Canada that restricts the export or import of capital or that affects the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our securities other than withholding tax requirements. There is no limitation imposed by Canadian law or by our Articles of Incorporation or our other organizational documents on the right of a non-resident of Canada to hold or vote our common shares, other than as provided in the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (Canada) and in the Investment Canada Act, as amended by the World Trade Organization Agreement Implementation Act.
The Investment Canada Act requires notification and, in certain cases, advance review and approval by the Government of Canada of the acquisition by a “non-Canadian” of “control of a Canadian business”, all as defined in the Investment Canada Act. Generally, the threshold for review will be higher in monetary terms, and in certain cases an exemption will apply, for an investor ultimately controlled by persons who are nationals of a WTO Member or have the right of permanent residence in relation thereto.
Taxation
Canadian Income Tax Consequences
We consider that the following summary fairly describes the principal Canadian federal income tax consequences applicable to a holder of our common shares who at all material times deals at arm’s length with our company, who holds all common shares as capital property, who is resident in the United States, who is not a resident of Canada and who does not use or hold, and is not deemed to use or hold, his common shares of our company in connection with carrying on a business in Canada (a “non-resident holder”). It is assumed that the common shares will at all material times be listed on a stock exchange that is prescribed for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “ITA”) and regulations thereunder. Investors should be aware that the Canadian federal income tax consequences applicable to holders of our common shares will change if, for any reason, we cease to be listed on a prescribed stock exchange. Accordingly, holders and prospective holders of our common shares should consult with their own tax advisors with respect to the income tax consequences of them purchasing, owing and disposing of our common shares should we cease to be listed on a prescribed stock exchange.
This summary is based upon the current provisions of the ITA, the regulations there under, the Canada-United States Tax Convention as amended by the Protocols thereto (the “Treaty”) as at the date of the registration statement and the currently publicly announced administrative and assessing policies of the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”). This summary does not take into account Canadian provincial income tax consequences. This description is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax consequences and does not take into account or anticipate any changes in law, whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action. This summary does, however, take into account all specific proposals to amend the ITA and regulations there under, publicly announced by the Government of Canada to the date hereof.
This summary does not address potential tax effects relevant to our company or those tax considerations that depend upon circumstances specific to each investor. Accordingly, holders and prospective holders of our common shares should consult with their own tax advisors with respect to the income tax consequences to them of purchasing, owning and disposing of common shares in our company.
Dividends
The ITA provides that dividends and other distributions deemed to be dividends paid or deemed to be paid by a Canadian resident corporation (such as our company) to a non-resident of Canada shall be subject to a non-resident withholding tax equal to 25% of the gross amount of the dividend of deemed dividend. Provisions in the ITA relating to dividend and deemed dividend payments to and gains realized by non-residents of Canada, who are residents of the United States, are subject to the Treaty. The Treaty may reduce the withholding tax rate on dividends as discussed below.
Article X of the Treaty as amended by the US-Canada Protocol ratified on November 9, 1995 provides a 5% withholding tax on gross dividends or deemed dividends paid to a United States corporation which beneficially owns at least 10% of the voting stock of the company paying the dividend. In cases where dividends or deemed dividends are paid to a United States resident (other than a corporation) or a United States corporation which beneficially owns less than 10% of the voting stock of a company, a withholding tax of 15% is imposed on the gross amount of the dividend or deemed dividend paid. We would be required to withhold any such tax from the dividend and remit the tax directly to CRA for the account of the investor.
The reduction in withholding tax from 25%, pursuant to the Treaty, will not be available:
(a) if the shares in respect of which the dividends are paid formed part of the business property or were otherwise effectively connected with a permanent establishment or fixed base that the holder has or had in Canada within the 12 months preceding the disposition, or
(b) the holder is a U.S. LLC which is not subject to tax in the U.S.
The Treaty generally exempts from Canadian income tax dividends paid to a religious, scientific, literary, educational or charitable organization or to an organization exclusively administering a pension, retirement or employee benefit fund or plan, if the organization is resident in the U.S. and is exempt from income tax under the laws of the U.S.
Capital Gains
A non-resident holder is not subject to tax under the ITA in respect of a capital gain realized upon the disposition of one of our shares unless the share represents “taxable Canadian property” to the holder thereof. Our common shares will be considered taxable Canadian property to a non-resident holder only if-.
(a) the non-resident holder;
(b) persons with whom the non-resident holder did not deal at arm’s length - or
(c) the non-resident holder and persons with whom he did not deal at arm’s length,
owned not less than 25% of the issued shares of any class or series of our company at any time during the five year period preceding the disposition. In the case of a non-resident holder to whom shares of our company represent taxable Canadian property and who is resident in the United States, no Canadian taxes will generally be payable on a capital gain realized on such shares by reason of the Treaty unless:
(a) the value of such shares is derived principally from real property (including resource property) situated in Canada,
(b) the holder was resident in Canada for 120 months during any period of 20 consecutive years preceding, and at any time during the 10 years immediately preceding, the disposition and the shares were owned by him when he ceased to be a resident of Canada,
(c) they formed part of the business property or were otherwise effectively connected with a permanent establishment or fixed base that the holder has or bad in Canada within the 12 months preceding the disposition, or
(d) the holder is a U.S. LLC which is not subject to tax in the U.S.
If subject to Canadian tax on such a disposition, the taxpayer’s capital gain (or capital loss) from a disposition is the amount by which the taxpayer’s proceeds of disposition exceed (or are exceeded by) the aggregate of the taxpayer’s adjusted cost base of the shares and reasonable expenses of disposition. For Canadian income tax purposes, the “taxable capital gain” is equal to one-half of the capital gain.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a discussion of the material United States Federal income tax consequences, under current law, applicable to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) of our common shares who holds such shares as capital assets. This discussion does not address all potentially relevant Federal income tax matters and it does not address consequences peculiar to persons subject to special provisions of Federal income tax law, such as those described below as excluded from the definition of a U.S. Holder. In addition, this discussion does not cover any state, local, or foreign tax consequences. (See “Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences” above.)
The following discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury Regulations, published Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) rulings, published administrative positions of the IRS and court decisions that are currently applicable, any or all of which could be materially and adversely changed, possibly on a retroactive basis, at any time. In addition, this discussion does not consider the potential effects, both adverse and beneficial, of any recently proposed legislation which, if enacted, could be applied, possibly on a retroactive basis, at any time.
The discussion below does not address potential tax effects relevant to our company or those tax considerations that depend upon circumstances specific to each investor. In addition, this discussion does not address the tax consequences that may be relevant to particular investors subject to special treatment under certain U.S. Federal income tax laws, such as, dealers in securities, tax-exempt entities, banks, insurance companies and non-U.S. Holders. Purchasers of the common stock should therefore satisfy themselves as to the overall tax consequences of their ownership of the common stock, including the State, local and foreign tax consequences thereof (which are not reviewed herein), and should consult their own tax advisors with respect to their particular circumstances.
U.S. Holders
As used herein, a “U.S. Holder” includes a beneficial holder of common shares of our company who is a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation or partnership created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof, any trust if a US court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more US persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, any entity created or organized in the United States which is taxable as a corporation for U.S. tax purposes and
any other person or entity whose ownership of common shares of our company is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States. A U.S. Holder does not include persons subject to special provisions of Federal income tax law, such as tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, broker-dealers, non-resident alien individuals or foreign corporations whose ownership of our common shares is not effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States and shareholders who acquired their shares through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation.
Dividend Distribution on Shares of our Company
U.S. Holders receiving dividend distributions (including constructive dividends) with respect to the common shares of our company are required to include in gross income for United States Federal income tax purposes the gross amount of such distributions to the extent that we have current or accumulated earnings and profits, without reduction for any Canadian income tax withheld from such distributions. Such Canadian tax withheld may be deducted or may be credited against actual tax payable, subject to certain limitations and other complex rules, against the U.S. Holder’s United States Federal taxable income. See “Foreign Tax Credit” below. To the extent that distributions exceed our current or accumulated earnings and profits, they will be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the shareholder’s basis in the common shares of our company and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of the common shares of our company. Preferential tax rates for net long term capital gains may be applicable to a U.S. Holder which is an individual, estate or trust.
In general, dividends paid on our common shares will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction provided to corporations receiving dividends from certain United States corporations.
Foreign Tax Credit
A U.S. Holder who pays (or who has had withheld from distributions) Canadian income tax with respect to the ownership of our common shares may be entitled, at the election of the U.S. Holder, to either a deduction or a tax credit for such foreign tax paid or withheld. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and generally applies to all foreign income taxes paid by (or withheld from) the U.S. Holder during that year. There are significant and complex limitations which apply to the credit, among which is the general limitation that the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of the U.S. Holder’s United States income tax liability that the U.S. Holder’s foreign source income bears to his or its world-wide taxable income. In determining the application of this limitation, the various items of income and deduction must be classified into foreign and domestic sources. Complex rules govern income such as “passive income”, “high withholding tax interest”, “financial services income”, “shipping income” and certain other classifications of income. A U.S. Holder who is treated as a domestic U.S. corporation owning 10% or more of our voting stock is also entitled to a deemed paid foreign tax credit in certain circumstances for the underlying foreign tax of our company related to dividends received or Subpart F income received from us. (See the discussion below of Controlled Foreign Corporations). The availability of the foreign tax credit and the application of the limitations on the foreign tax credit are fact specific and holders and prospective holders of our common shares should consult their own tax advisors regarding their individual circumstances.
Disposition of Common Shares
If a “U.S. Holder” is holding shares as a capital asset, a gain or loss realized on a sale of our common shares will generally be a capital gain or loss, and will be long-term if the shareholder has a holding period of more than one year. However, gains realized upon sale of our common shares may, under certain circumstances, be treated as ordinary income, if we were determined to be a “collapsible corporation” within the meaning of Code Section 341 based on the facts in existence on the date of the sale (See below for definition of “collapsible corporation”). The amount of gain or loss recognized by a selling U.S. Holder will be measured by the difference between (i) the amount realized on the sale and (ii) his tax basis in our common shares. Capital losses are deductible only to the extent of capital gains. However, in the case of taxpayers other than corporations (U.S.) $3,000 ($1,500 for married individuals filing separately) of capital losses are deductible against ordinary income annually. In the case of individuals and other non-corporate taxpayers, capital losses that are not currently deductible may be carried forward to other years. In the case of corporations, capital losses that are not currently deductible are carried back to each of the three years proceeding the loss year and forward to each of the five years succeeding the loss year.
A “collapsible corporation” is a corporation that is formed or availed principally to manufacture, construct, produce, or purchase prescribed types or property that the corporation holds for less than three years and that generally would produce ordinary income on its disposition, with a view to the stockholders selling or exchanging their stock and thus realizing gain before the corporation realizes two thirds of the taxable income to be derived from prescribed property. Prescribed property includes: stock in trade and inventory; property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business; unrealized receivables or fees, consisting of rights to payment for noncapital assets delivered or to be delivered, or services rendered or to be rendered to the extent not previously included in income, but excluding receivables from selling property that is not prescribed; and property gain on the sale of which is subject to the capital gain/ordinary loss rule. Generally, a shareholder who owns directly or indirectly 5 percent or less of the outstanding stock of the corporation may treat gain on the sale of his shares as capital gain.
Other Considerations for U.S. Holders
In the following circumstances, the above sections of this discussion may not describe the United States Federal income tax consequences resulting from the holding and disposition of common shares of the Registrant. Our management is of the opinion that there is little, if not, any likelihood that we will be deemed a “Foreign Personal Holding Company”, a “Foreign Investment Company” or a “Controlled Foreign Corporation” (each as defined below) under current and anticipated conditions.
Foreign Personal Holding Company
If at any time during a taxable year more than 50% of the total combined voting power or the total value of our outstanding shares is owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals who are citizens or residents of the United States and 60% or more of our gross income for such year was derived from certain passive sources (e.g., from dividends received from its subsidiaries), we would be treated as a “foreign personal holding company.” In that event, U.S. Holders that hold common shares in our capital would be required to include in income for such year their allocable portion of our passive income which would have been treated as a dividend had that passive income actually been distributed.
Foreign Investment Company
If 50% or more of the combined voting power or total value of our outstanding shares are held, actually or constructively, by citizens or residents of the United States, United States domestic partnerships or corporations, or estates or trusts other than foreign estates or trusts (as defined by the Code Section 7701(a)(31)), and we are found to be engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities, commodities, or any interest therein, it is possible that we might be treated as a “foreign investment company” as defined in Section 1246 of the Code, causing all or part of any gain realized by a U.S. Holder selling or exchanging our common shares to be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gains.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
A U.S. Holder who holds stock in a foreign corporation during any year in which such corporation qualifies as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) is subject to U.S. federal income taxation of that foreign corporation under one of two alternative tax methods at the election of each such U.S. Holder.
Section 1297 of the Code defines a PFIC as a corporation that is not formed in the United States and, for any taxable year, either (i) 75% or more of its gross income is “passive income,” which includes interest, dividends and certain rents and royalties or (ii) the average percentage, by value (or, if the company is a controlled foreign corporation or makes an election, adjusted tax basis), of its assets that produce or are held for the production of “passive income” is 50% or more. For taxable years of U.S. persons beginning after December 31, 1997, and for tax years of foreign corporations ending with or within such tax years, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 provides that publicly traded corporations must apply this test on a fair market value basis only. We believe that we currently do not qualify as a PFIC because our passive income producing assets are less than 50% of our total assets.
As a PFIC, each U.S. Holder must determine under which of the alternative tax methods it wishes to be taxed. Under one method, a U.S. Holder who elects in a timely manner to treat the Registrant as a Qualified Electing Fund (“QEF”), as defined in the Code, (an “Electing U.S. Holder”) will be subject, under Section 1293 of the Code, to current federal income tax for any taxable year in which we qualify as a PFIC on his pro-rata share of our (i) “net capital gain” (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), which will be taxed as long-term capital gain to the Electing U.S. Holder and (ii) “ordinary earnings” (the excess of earnings and profits over net capital gain), which will be taxed as ordinary income to the Electing U.S. Holder, in each case, for the U.S. Holder’s taxable year in which (or with which) our taxable year ends, regardless of whether such amounts are actually distributed. Such an election, once made shall apply to all subsequent years unless revoked with the consent of the IRS.
A QEF election also allows the Electing U.S. Holder to (i) generally treat any gain realized on the disposition of his common shares (or deemed to be realized on the pledge of his common shares) as capital gain; (ii) treat his share of our net capital gain, if any, as long-term capital gain instead of ordinary income, and (iii) either avoid interest charges resulting from PFIC status altogether (see discussion of interest charge below), or make an annual election, subject to certain limitations, to defer payment of current taxes on his share of our annual realized net capital gain and ordinary earnings subject, however, to an interest charge. If the Electing U.S. Holder is an individual, such an interest charge would be not deductible.
The procedure a U.S. Holder must comply with in making a timely QEF election will depend on whether the year of the election is the first year in the U.S. Holder’s holding period in which we are a PFIC. If the U.S. Holder makes a QEF election in such first year, (sometimes referred to as a “Pedigreed QEF Election”), then the U.S. Holder may make the QEF election by simply filing the appropriate documents at the time the U.S. Holder files its tax return for such first year. If, however, we qualified as a PFIC in a prior year, then the U.S. Holder may make an “Unpedigreed QEF Election” by recognizing as an “excess distribution” (i) under the rules of Section 1291 (discussed below), any gain that he would otherwise recognize if the U.S. Holder sold his stock on the qualification date (Deemed Sale Election) or (ii) if we are a controlled foreign corporation (“CFC”), the Holder’s pro rata share of the corporation’s earnings and profits (Deemed Dividend Election) (But see “Elimination of Overlap Between Subpart F Rules and PFIC Provisions”). The effect of either the deemed sale election or the deemed dividend election is to pay all prior deferred tax, to pay interest on the tax deferral and to be treated thereafter as a Pedigreed QEF as discussed in the prior paragraph. With respect to a situation in which a Pedigreed QEF election is made, if we no longer qualify as a PFIC in a subsequent year, normal Code rules and not the PFIC rules will apply.
If a U.S. Holder has not made a QEF Election at any time (a “Non-electing U.S. Holder”), then special taxation rules under Section 1291 of the Code will apply to (i) gains realized on the disposition (or deemed to be realized by reason of a pledge) of his common shares and (ii) certain “excess distributions”, as specially defined, by our company. An “excess distribution” is any current-year distribution in respect of PFIC stock that represents a ratable portion of the total distributions in respect of the stock during the year that exceed 125 percent of the average amount of distributions in respect of the stock during the three preceding years.
A Non-electing U.S. Holder generally would be required to pro-rate all gains realized on the disposition of his common shares and all excess distributions over the entire holding period for the common shares. All gains or excess distributions allocated to prior years of the U.S. Holder (other than years prior to our first taxable year during such U.S. Holder’s holding period and beginning after January, 1987 for which it was a PFIC) would be taxed at the highest tax rate for each such prior year applicable to ordinary income. The Non-electing U.S. Holder also would be liable for interest on the deferred tax liability for each such prior year calculated as if such liability had been due with respect to each such prior year. A Non-electing U.S. Holder that is an individual is not allowed a deduction for interest on the deferred tax liability. The portions of gains and distributions that are not characterized as “excess distributions” are subject to tax in the current year under the normal tax rules of the Internal Revenue Code.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a Non-electing U.S. Holder holds common shares, then we will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such common Shares, even if it is no longer by definition a PFIC. A Non-electing U.S. Holder may terminate this deemed PFIC status by electing to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules discussed above for Non-Electing U.S. Holders) as if such common shares had been sold on the last day of the last taxable year for which it was a PFIC.
Under Section 1291(f) of the Code, the Department of the Treasury has issued proposed regulations that would treat as taxable certain transfers of PFIC stock by Non-electing U.S. Holders that are generally not otherwise taxed, such as gifts, exchanges pursuant to corporate reorganizations, and transfers at death. If a U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election that is not a Pedigreed Election (i.e., it is made after the first year during which we are a PFIC and the U.S. Holder holds our shares) (a “Unpedigreed Election”), the QEF rules apply prospectively but do not apply to years prior to the year in which the QEF first becomes effective. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the specific consequences of making a Non-Pedigreed QEF Election.
Certain special, generally adverse, rules will apply with respect to the common shares while we are a PFIC whether or not it is treated as a QEF. For example under Section 1297(b)(6) of the Code (as in effect prior to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997), a U.S. Holder who uses PFIC stock as security for a loan (including a margin loan) will, except as may be provided in regulations, be treated as having made a taxable disposition of such stock.
The foregoing discussion is based on currently effective provisions of the Code, existing and proposed regulations thereunder, and current administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to change. Any such change could affect the validity of this discussion. In addition, the implementation of certain aspects of the PFIC rules requires the issuance of regulations which in many instances have not been promulgated and which may have retroactive effect. There can be no assurance that any of these proposals will be enacted or promulgated, and if so, the form they will take or the effect that they may have on this discussion. Accordingly, and due to the complexity of the PFIC rules, U.S. Holders of the Registrant are strongly urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the impact of these rules on their investment in our company. For a discussion of the impact of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 on a U.S. Holder of a PFIC, see “Mark-to-Market Election For PFIC Stock Under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997” and “Elimination of Overlap Between Subpart F Rules and PFIC Provisions” below.
Mark-to-Market Election for PFIC Stock under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997
The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 provides that a U.S. Holder of a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election with respect to the stock of the PFIC if such stock is marketable as defined below. This provision is designed to provide a current inclusion provision for persons that are Non-Electing Holders. Under the election, any excess of the fair market value of the PFIC stock at the close of the tax year over the Holder’s adjusted basis in the stock is included in the Holder’s income. The Holder may deduct any excess of the adjusted basis of the PFIC stock over its fair market value at the close of the tax year. However, deductions are limited to the net mark-to-market gains on the stock that the Holder included in income in prior tax years, or so called “unreversed inclusions.” For purposes of the election, PFIC stock is marketable if it is regularly traded on (1) a national securities exchange that is registered with the SEC, (2) the national market system established under Section II A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or (3) an exchange or market that the IRS determines has rules sufficient to ensure that the market price represents legitimate and sound fair market value.
A Holder’s adjusted basis of PFIC stock is increased by the income recognized under the mark-to-market election and decreased by the deductions allowed under the election. If a U.S. Holder owns PFIC stock indirectly through a foreign entity, the basis adjustments apply to the basis of the PFIC stock in the hands of the foreign entity for the purpose of applying the PFIC rules to the tax treatment of the U.S. owner. Similar basis adjustments are made to the basis of the property through which the U.S. persons hold the PFIC stock.
Income recognized under the mark-to-market election and gain on the sale of PFIC stock with respect to which an election is made is treated as ordinary income. Deductions allowed under the election and loss on the sale of PFIC with respect to which an election is made, to the extent that the amount of loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included, are treated as ordinary losses. The U.S. or foreign source of any income or losses is determined as if the amount were a gain or loss from the sale of stock in the PFIC.
If PFIC stock is owned by a CFC (discussed below), the CFC is treated as a U.S. person that may make the mark-to-market election. Amounts includible in the CFC’s income under the election are treated as foreign personal holding company income, and deductions are allocable to foreign personal holding company income.
The above provisions apply to tax years of U.S. persons beginning after December 31, 1997, and to tax years of foreign corporations ending with or within such tax years of U.S. persons.
The rules of Code Section 1291 applicable to nonqualified funds as discussed above generally do not apply to a U.S. Holder for tax years for which a mark-to-market election is in effect. If Code Section 1291 is applied and a mark-to-market election was in effect for any prior tax year, the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the PFIC stock is treated as beginning immediately after the last tax year of the election. However, if a taxpayer makes a mark-to-market election for PFIC stock that is a nonqualified fund after the beginning of a taxpayer’s holding period for such stock, a co-ordination rule applies to ensure that the taxpayer does not avoid the interest charge with respect to amounts attributable to periods before the election.
Controlled Foreign Corporation Status
If more than 50% of the voting power of all classes of stock or the total value of the stock of our company is owned, directly or indirectly, by U.S. Holders, each of whom own after applying rules of attribution 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of our company, we would be treated as a “controlled foreign corporation” or “CFC” under Subpart F of the Code. This classification would bring into effect many complex results including the required inclusion by such 10% U.S. Holders in income of their pro rata shares of “Subpart F income” (as defined by the Code) of our company and our earnings invested in “U.S. property” (as defined by Section 956 of the Code). In addition, under Section 1248 of the Code if we are considered a CFC at any time during the five year period ending with the sale or exchange of its stock, gain from the sale or exchange of common shares of our company by such a 10% U.S. Holder of our common stock at any time during the five year period ending with the sale or exchange is treated as ordinary dividend income to the extent of our earnings and profits attributable to the stock sold or exchanged. Because of the complexity of Subpart F, and because we may never be a CFC, a more detailed review of these rules is beyond of the scope of this discussion.
Elimination of Overlap between Subpart F Rules and PFIC Provisions
Under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, a PFIC that is also a CFC will not be treated as a PFIC with respect to certain 10% U.S. Holders. For the exception to apply, (i) the corporation must be a CFC within the meaning of section 957(a) of the Code and (ii) the U.S. Holder must be subject to the current inclusion rules of Subpart F with respect to such corporation (i.e., the U.S. Holder is a “United States Shareholder,” see “Controlled Foreign Corporation,” above). The exception only applies to that portion of a U.S. Holder’s holding period beginning after December 31, 1997. For that portion of a United States Holder before January 1, 1998, the ordinary PFIC and QEF rules continue to apply.
As a result of this new provision, if we were ever to become a CFC, U.S. Holders who are currently taxed on their pro rata shares of Subpart F income of a PFIC which is also a CFC will not be subject to the PFIC provisions with respect to the same stock if they have previously made a Pedigreed QEF Election. The PFIC provisions will however continue to apply to U.S Holders for any periods in which Subpart F does not apply (for example he is no longer a 10% Holder or we are no longer a CFC) and to U.S. Holders that did not make a Pedigreed QEF Election unless the U.S. Holder elects to recognize gain on the PFIC shares held in our company as if those shares had been sold.
ALL PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING THE COMMON SHARES OF OUR COMPANY.
Dividend and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
Statement by Experts
The consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 and for the years ended March 31, 2009, March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 included in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of Schwartz Levitsky Feldman LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
Documents on Display
The documents concerning the Company referred to in this prospectus may be inspected at the Company's office at 47 Avenue Road, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5R 2G3. The Company may be reached at (416) 929-1806. Documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission may also be read and copied at the SEC's public reference room at 100F Street, N. E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms.
Subsidiary Information
The documents concerning our subsidiary referred to in this prospectus may be inspected at our office at 47 Avenue Road, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5R 2G3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed in varying degrees to a number of risks arising from financial instruments. Management’s close involvement in the operations allows for the identification of risks and variances from expectations. We do not participate in the use of financial instruments to mitigate these risks and has no designated hedging transactions. Our Board approves and monitors the risk management processes. The Board’s main objectives for managing risks are to ensure liquidity, the fulfillment of obligations, and limited exposure to credit and market risks while ensuring greater returns on the surplus funds on hand. There were no changes to the objectives or the process from the prior year.
|
The types of risk exposure and the way in which such exposures are managed are as follows:
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(a) Concentration risk:
Concentration risks exist in cash and cash equivalents because significant balances are maintained with one financial institution and a brokerage firm. The risk is mitigated because the financial institution is a prime Canadian bank and the brokerage firm is well known Canadian brokerage firm with good market reputation and all its assets are backed up by one of the major Canadian banks.
(b) Market price risk:
Market risk primarily arises from our short term investments in marketable securities, which are primarily in junior or small-cap mining exploration companies, which accounted for approximately 69% of our total assets at March 31, 2009 (69% at March 31, 2008). Further, our holding in one Canadian marketable security accounted for approximately 33% (2008: 31%) of the total short term investment in marketable securities or 23% (2008: 21%) of total assets at March 31, 2009.
Management tries to mitigate this risk by daily monitoring of all its investments by experienced consultants and ensuring that investments are made in companies which are financially stable with viable businesses.
(c) Liquidity risk:
Liquidity risk is the risk that we will not be able to meet our financial obligations as they become due.
We ensure there is sufficient capital to meet short term business requirements. In addition, management and key consultants opted for several years to accept our common shares instead of cash towards their fee to ensure greater cash flow for other operational and business needs.
One of management’s goals is to maintain an optimal level of liquidity through the active management of the assets, liabilities and cash flows.
We maintain limited cash for our operational needs while most of our surplus cash is invested in short term marketable securities which are available on short notice to fund our operating costs and other financial demands.
(d) Currency risk
Our operating results and financial position are reported in Canadian dollars. Part of cash and short term investments are held in US dollars – approximately 3% of total assets at March 31, 2009 (23% as at March 31, 2008). The results of our operations are therefore subject to currency transaction and translation risk.
The fluctuation of the US dollar in relation to the Canadian dollar will consequently impact the loss of our company and may also affect the value of our assets and the amount of shareholders’ equity.
Comparative closing foreign exchange rates as at March 31, 2009 are as follows:
March 31,
2009 2008
One US Dollar to CDN Dollar 1.2602 1.0279
We have not entered into any agreements or purchased any foreign currency hedging arrangements to hedge possible currency risks at this time.
Other risks:
Our business is also subject to certain risks, which may negatively affect it. Certain of the risks are described below in addition to elsewhere in this prospectus:
(a)
|
Exploration and Development
|
The business of exploring for, developing and producing oil and gas involves a high degree of risk. Oil and gas reserves may never be found or, if discovered, may not be result in production at reasonable costs or profitability. The business of exploring, developing and producing is also capital intensive and, to the extent that cash flows from operating activities and external sources become limited or unavailable, our ability and of our operating partners to meet our respective financial obligations which are necessary to maintain our interests in the underlying properties could be impaired, resulting in the loss of those interests.
(b)
|
Dependence Upon Operating Manager
|
Our oil and gas activities are conducted through IPC Cayman in respect of which we are not the operator. We are dependent upon our operating manager for technical support. If our operating manager is unable to fulfill his own contractual obligations, our interests could be jeopardized, resulting in project delays, additional costs and loss of the interests.
Our oil and gas operations are subject to environmental regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which will likely require stricter standards and enforcement, increased costs, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulation, if any, will not adversely affect our operations. Environmental hazards may exist on the properties in which we hold interests which are presently unknown to us and which have been caused by previous or existing owners or operators of the properties or by illegal mining activities.
Our current project requires registration and approvals and permits from the Israel Ministry of Infrastructure. To the extent such approvals are required and not obtained; we may be delayed or prohibited from proceeding with planned exploration or development of properties. Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of oil and gas companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on us and cause increases in capital expenditures or require abandonment or delays in development of new properties. Although the Israel government have been stable recently, there is no assurance that political and economic conditions will remain stable. Political and economic instability may impede our ability to continue our exploration activities in the manner currently contemplated.
We are exposed to risks of political instability and changes in government policies, laws and regulations in Israel. Any changes in regulations or shifts in political conditions are beyond our control and may adversely affect our business. Our operations may be affected in varying degrees by government regulations, including those with respect to restrictions on production, price controls, export controls, income taxes, expropriation of property, employment, land use, water use, environmental legislation and mine safety. There is no assurance that permits can be obtained, or that delays will not occur in obtaining all necessary permits or renewals of such permits for existing properties or additional permits required in connection with future exploration and development programs. In the event of a dispute arising out of our foreign operations, we may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts or may not be successful in subjecting foreign persons to the jurisdiction of courts in Canada. We may also be hindered or prevented from enforcing our rights with respect to a government entity or instrumentality because of the doctrine of sovereign immunity.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
The following table sets forth certain information about the warrants we issued in connection with the acquisition of our 75% equity interest in IPC Cayman in November 2009. All of the shares underlying these warrants may be sold under this prospectus.
Warrants
|
Number of Shares
|
Exercise Price (USD)
|
Expiration Date
|
International Three Crown Petroleum (1)(2)
|
5,000,000
|
0.35
|
November 14, 2014
|
Allied Ventures (1)(2)
|
2,000,000
|
0.35
|
November 14, 2014
|
Castle Rock Resources (3)
|
1,000,000
|
0.35
|
November 12, 2014
|
Current Capital Corp. (4)
|
150,000
|
0.35
|
November 24, 2014
|
Current Capital Corp (5)
|
150,000
|
0.35
|
January 13, 2010
|
Private Placements (6)
|
49,825,000
|
0.35
|
March 31, 2014 to March 31, 2015
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1. These warrants were issued under the Contribution and Assignment Agreement dated November 14, 2009.
2. These warrants contain a cashless exercise feature and broad-based weighted average anti-dilution protection.
3. These warrants were issued as part of a USD $850,000 promissory note.
4. These warrants were issued as part of a USD $125,000 promissory note.
5. These warrants were issued as part of a USD $125,000 promissory note.
6. Represents warrants issued in connection with private placements in 2009 and 2010.
DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the charter provision, by-law, contract, arrangements, statute or otherwise, we acknowledge that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
We are organized under the laws of the province of Ontario, Canada and our executive offices are located outside of the United States in Toronto, Ontario. A majority of our directors and officers, as well as the expert named in this prospectus, reside outside the United States. In addition, a substantial portion of their assets and currently all of our assets are located outside of the United States. As a result, you may have difficulty serving legal process within the United States upon us or any of these persons. You may also have difficulty enforcing, both in and outside of the United States, judgments you may obtain in U.S. courts against us or these persons in any action, including actions based upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. Federal or state securities laws. Furthermore, there is substantial doubt as to the enforceability in Canada against us or against any of our directors, officers and the expert named in this prospectus who are not residents of the United States, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts, of liabilities based solely upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Index
|
Page No.
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Bontan Corporation Inc. Audited Financial Statements
|
|
Independent Auditor’s Report dated June 11, 2009
|
48
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at March 31, 2009 and 2008
|
49
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
|
50
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007
|
51
|
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007
|
52-53
|
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss and Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss for the Fiscal Years Ended March 31,
2009, 2008 and 2007
|
54
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
55-57
|
Bontan Corporation Inc. Unaudited Financial Statements
Management Report dated February 25, 2010
|
72
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31 and March 31, 2009
|
73
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended December 31 and 2008
|
74
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
|
75
|
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2009
|
76
|
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss and Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss for the Nine Months Ended December 31,
2009 and 2008
|
77
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
78-89
|
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years Ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(Canadian Dollars)
Schwartz Levitsky Feldman llp
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
LICENSED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
TORONTO. MONTREAL
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders of
Bontan Corporation Inc.
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Bontan Corporation Inc. as at March 31, 2009 and 2008 and the consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, comprehensive loss and accumulated other comprehensive loss and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended March 31, 2009. 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 Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the 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.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at March 31, 2009 and 2008 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles which differ in certain respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (refer to note 17).
“SCHWARTZ LEVITSKY FELDMAN LLP”
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Chartered Accountants
June 11, 2009 Licensed Public Accountants
1167 Caledonia Road
Toronto, Ontario M6A 2X1
Tel: 416 785 5353
Fax: 416 785 5663
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Canadian Dollars)
As at March 31
|
|
Note
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
352,958 |
|
|
$ |
1,259,062 |
|
Short term investments
|
|
3,13(x) & (xi) & 15 (b)
|
|
|
|
1,091,563 |
|
|
|
3,633,760 |
|
Prepaid consulting services
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
20,484 |
|
|
|
285,896 |
|
Other receivables
|
|
13(xii) &(xiii), 12(b)
|
|
|
|
118,508 |
|
|
|
54,198 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,583,513 |
|
|
$ |
5,232,916 |
|
Office equipment and furniture
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
$ |
9,434 |
|
|
$ |
6,206 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,592,947 |
|
|
$ |
5,239,122 |
|
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
5(a),13(viii)
|
|
|
$ |
96,544 |
|
|
$ |
30,339 |
|
Audit and consulting fees accrued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55,474 |
|
|
|
28,685 |
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
152,018 |
|
|
$ |
59,024 |
|
Shareholders' Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital stock
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
$ |
32,854,075 |
|
|
$ |
32,901,488 |
|
Warrants
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
2,192,927 |
|
|
|
2,153,857 |
|
Contributed surplus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,154,266 |
|
|
|
4,077,427 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,425,018) |
|
|
|
(1,306,768) |
|
Deficit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(33,335,321 |
|
|
|
(32,645,906) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(37,760,339) |
|
|
|
(33,952,674) |
|
Total shareholders' equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,440,929 |
|
|
$ |
5,180,098 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,592,947 |
|
|
$ |
5,239,122 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 12)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Related Party Transactions (Note 13)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Approved by the Board ”Kam Shah” Director ”Dean Bradley” Director
(signed) (signed)
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Canadian Dollars)
For the years ended March 31,
|
|
Note
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on disposal of short term investments
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
45,036 |
|
|
$ |
248,455 |
|
|
$ |
650,508 |
|
Interest
|
|
13(ix)
|
|
|
|
7,901 |
|
|
|
73,300 |
|
|
|
93,278 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52,937 |
|
|
|
321,755 |
|
|
|
743,786 |
|
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consulting fees
|
|
10,12(b) & (c), 13 (v) & (Vii)
|
|
|
|
444,784 |
|
|
|
396,465 |
|
|
|
418,434 |
|
Travel,meals and promotions
|
|
|
|
|
|
66,896 |
|
|
|
120,008 |
|
|
|
108,266 |
|
Payroll
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,266 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Shareholders information
|
|
|
12 |
(a),13(i) |
|
|
144,757 |
|
|
|
133,502 |
|
|
|
149,105 |
|
Exchange (gain)loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(119,789) |
|
|
|
141,841 |
|
|
|
111,659 |
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,844 |
|
|
|
34,601 |
|
|
|
53,084 |
|
Office and general
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,641 |
|
|
|
40,349 |
|
|
|
30,630 |
|
Bank charges and interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,362 |
|
|
|
1,625 |
|
|
|
13,885 |
|
Communication
|
|
13(ii)
|
|
|
|
11,498 |
|
|
|
11,905 |
|
|
|
7,984 |
|
Rent
|
|
13(ii)
|
|
|
|
18,143 |
|
|
|
8,915 |
|
|
|
5,666 |
|
Transfer agents fees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,940 |
|
|
|
4,343 |
|
|
|
4,974 |
|
Write off of short term investment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
63,010 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Write off of interest in gas exploration project
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
4,142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
742,352 |
|
|
|
893,554 |
|
|
|
907,829 |
|
Net loss for year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(689,415) |
|
|
|
(571,799) |
|
|
|
(164,043) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted loss per share information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Loss per share
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
$ |
(0.02) |
|
|
$ |
(0.02) |
|
|
$ |
(0.01) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Canadian Dollars)
For the years ended March 31,
|
|
Note
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss for year
|
|
|
|
|
|
(689,415) |
|
|
|
(571,799) |
|
|
|
(164,043) |
|
Write off of interest in gas exploration project
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
4,142 |
|
Write off of a short term investment
|
|
|
|
|
|
63,010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of office equipment and furniture
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,027 |
|
|
|
817 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Gain on disposal of short term investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
(45,036) |
|
|
|
(248,455) |
|
|
|
(650,508) |
|
Consulting fees settled for common shares
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
277,856 |
|
|
|
314,248 |
|
|
|
367,973 |
|
Net change in working capital components
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other receivables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(64,310) |
|
|
|
11,955 |
|
|
|
29,649 |
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
66,205 |
|
|
|
11,287 |
|
|
|
(15,166) |
|
Audit and consulting fees accrued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,789 |
|
|
|
(715) |
|
|
|
(101,370) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(362,874) |
|
|
|
(482,662) |
|
|
|
(529,323) |
|
Investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of short term Investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,412,123) |
|
|
|
(3,366,685) |
|
|
|
(6,366,652) |
|
Net proceeds from sale of short term investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,818,097 |
|
|
|
1,990,303 |
|
|
|
5,479,390 |
|
Purchase of office equipment and furniture
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,256) |
|
|
|
(7,023) |
|
|
|
- |
|
Investment in interest in gas properties
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(4,142) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(599,282) |
|
|
|
(1,383,405) |
|
|
|
(891,404) |
|
Financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares issued net of issuance costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,052 |
|
|
|
110,201 |
|
|
|
1,172,813 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,052 |
|
|
|
110,201 |
|
|
|
1,172,813 |
|
Decrease in cash during year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(906,104) |
|
|
|
(1,755,866) |
|
|
|
(247,914) |
|
Cash at beginning of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,259,062 |
|
|
|
3,014,928 |
|
|
|
3,262,842 |
|
Cash at end of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
352,958 |
|
|
|
1,259,062 |
|
|
|
3,014,928 |
|
Supplemental disclosures
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cash operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consulting fees settled for common shares and
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
277,856 |
|
|
|
314,248 |
|
|
|
|
|
options and expensed during the year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
367,973 |
|
Consulting fees prepaid in shares
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
20,484 |
|
|
|
285,896 |
|
|
|
276,146 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
298,340 |
|
|
|
600,144 |
|
|
|
644,119 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity
(Canadian Dollars)
For the Years Ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
|
|
Number of Shares
|
|
|
Share
Capital
|
|
|
Warrants
|
|
|
Contributed surplus
|
|
|
Accumulated Deficit
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
Shareholders' Equity
|
|
Balance March 31, 2006
|
|
|
22,757,703 |
|
|
$ |
32,175,000 |
|
|
$ |
951,299 |
|
|
$ |
4,069,549 |
|
|
$ |
(31,910,064 |
) |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
5,285,784 |
|
Issued under private placement
|
|
|
4,500,000 |
|
|
|
1,303,126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,303,126 |
|
Warrants issued under private placement
|
|
|
|
(1,263,914) |
|
|
|
1,263,914 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Finder fee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(130,313) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(130,313) |
|
Shares cancelled
|
|
|
(20,000) |
|
|
|
(5,980) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,980) |
|
Issued under 2003 Consultant stock compensation plans
|
|
|
42,500 |
|
|
|
22,406 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,406 |
|
Issued under 2007 Consultant stock compensation plans
|
|
|
1,150,000 |
|
|
|
313,486 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
313,486 |
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(164,043) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(164,043) |
|
Balance, March 31, 2007
|
|
|
28,430,203 |
|
|
$ |
32,413,811 |
|
|
$ |
2,215,213 |
|
|
$ |
4,069,549 |
|
|
$ |
(32,074,107) |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
6,624,466 |
|
Warrants excercised
|
|
|
315,540 |
|
|
|
122,446 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
122,446 |
|
Value of warrants transferred to capital stock
upon exercise
|
|
|
|
61,356 |
|
|
|
(61,356) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Finder fee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,245) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,245) |
|
Issued under 2007 Consultant stock compensation plan
|
|
|
1,350,000 |
|
|
|
316,120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
316,120 |
|
Options granted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,878 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,878 |
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(571,799) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(571,799) |
|
Unrealised loss on short term investments,
net of tax, considered available for sale,
cumulative to march 31, 2008 on adoption of
new Accounting Policy
|
|
|
|
(1,306,768) |
|
|
|
(1,306,768) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, March 31, 2008
|
|
|
30,095,743 |
|
|
$ |
32,901,488 |
|
|
$ |
2,153,857 |
|
|
$ |
4,077,427 |
|
|
$ |
(32,645,906) |
|
|
$ |
(1,306,768) |
|
|
$ |
5,180,098 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity - Continued
(Canadian Dollars)
For the Years Ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
|
|
Number of Shares
|
|
|
Capital Stock
|
|
|
Warrants
|
|
|
Contributed surplus
|
|
|
Accumulated Deficit
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
Shareholders' Equity
|
|
Balance March 31, 2008
|
|
|
30,095,743 |
|
|
$ |
32,901,488 |
|
|
$ |
2,153,857 |
|
|
$ |
4,077,427 |
|
|
$ |
(32,645,906) |
|
|
$ |
(1,306,768) |
|
|
$ |
5,180,098 |
|
Issued under private placement
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
62,280 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,280 |
|
Finder fee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,228) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,228) |
|
Value of warrants issued under private
placement transferred to contributed surplus
|
|
|
|
(39,070) |
|
|
|
39,070 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Shares cancelled
|
|
|
(275,000) |
|
|
|
(64,395) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(64,395) |
|
Options revaluation upon changes in the terms
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
76,839 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
76,839 |
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(689,415) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(689,415) |
|
Unrealised loss on short term investments,
net of tax considered available for sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,118,250) |
|
|
|
(3,118,250) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, March 31, 2009
|
|
|
30,820,743 |
|
|
$ |
32,854,075 |
|
|
$ |
2,192,927 |
|
|
$ |
4,154,266 |
|
|
$ |
(33,335,321) |
|
|
$ |
(4,425,018) |
|
|
$ |
1,440,929 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
(Canadian Dollars)
For the years ended March 31,
|
|
Note
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Net loss for year
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(689,415) |
|
|
$ |
(571,799) |
|
|
$ |
(164,043) |
|
Other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealised loss for year on short term investments,net of tax considered available for sale
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
(3,118,250) |
|
|
|
(2,266,470) |
|
|
|
- |
|
Comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,807,665) |
|
|
|
(2,838,269) |
|
|
|
(164,043) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income(loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,306,768) |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Adjustment on adoption of new Accounting Policy
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
959,702 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,306,768) |
|
|
|
959,702 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Other comprehensive loss for year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,118,250) |
|
|
|
(2,266,470) |
|
|
|
- |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(4,425,018) |
|
|
$ |
(1,306,768) |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Bontan Corporation Inc. (“the Company”) is a diversified natural resource company that invests in major oil and gas exploration and exploitation projects in countries around the globe through its subsidiary by acquiring joint venture, indirect participation interest and working interest in those projects. The company focuses on projects where the other project partners have proven experience in oil and gas exploration, development and distribution.
The Company currently does not have any active project participation and has now expanded its search for participation in suitable projects in all sectors.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada, which do not materially differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) except as described in Note 17 “Differences from United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Bontan Oil & Gas Corporation. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.
The following paragraphs describe the significant accounting policies.
Effective April 1, 2008, the Company adopted two new accounting standards issued by The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants ("CICA") on financial instruments comprising handbook sections 3862 "Financial Instruments – Disclosures" and 3863 "Financial Instruments – Presentation", which apply to interim and annual financial statements. These sections revise and enhance the current disclosure requirements but do not change the existing presentation requirements for financial instruments. The new disclosures provide additional information on the nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments to which the Company is exposed and how it manages those risks. This disclosure is provided in note 15. The Company also adopted CICA handbook section 1535 "Capital Disclosures", which requires the Company to disclose qualitative and quantitative information relating to its objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital. This disclosure is provided in note 16.
The CICA accounting standards board amended section 1400, “General Standards of Financial Statement Presentation” to include requirements for management to assess and disclose an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. This section applies to interim and annual financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2008. The adoption of this amendment did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (Continued)
Oil and Gas Properties Interest
Interests held in oil and gas properties are recorded on the basis of successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas exploration and development activities under which direct acquisition costs of development properties, geological and geophysical costs associated with these properties and costs of development and exploratory wells that result in additions to proven reserves are capitalized. When the carrying value of a property exceeds its net recoverable amount that may be estimated by quantifiable evidence of an economic geological resource or reserve, joint venture expenditure commitments or the Company’s assessment of its ability to sell the property for an amount exceeding the deferred costs, provision is made for the impairment in value.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues associated with the sales of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) together with costs including production and mineral taxes, royalty to landowner and transportation and selling costs are recognized on receipt of a statement of account from the operators of the projects where the Company holds equity interest and collection is reasonably assured.
Short-term Investments and other financial instruments
Short-term investments are investments that are either highly liquid or are to be disposed of within a one year period. All short term investments are considered available for sale type of investments.
All financial instruments are measured at fair value on initial recognition of the instrument. Measurement in subsequent periods depends on whether the financial instrument has been classified as “held-for-trading”, “available-for-sale”, “held-to-maturity”, “loans and receivables”, or “other financial liabilities” as defined by the applicable accounting standards.
Cash is designated as “held-for-trading” and is measured at carrying value, which approximates fair value.
Short term investments which consist mostly of marketable securities are designated as “available-for-sale” and measured at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in other comprehensive income until the security is sold or if an unrealized loss is considered other than temporary, the unrealized loss is expensed. Unrealized gains and losses represent the net difference between the total average costs of short term assets on hand and their fair value based on quoted market prices for the marketable securities.
Other receivable are designated as “loans and receivable” and are carried at amortized cost. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities are designated as ‘other financial liabilities” and are carried at amortized cost.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency of the Company is the Canadian dollar. Monetary assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets are translated at exchange rates in effect when they were acquired. Revenue and expenses are translated at the approximate average rate of exchange for the year, except that amortization is translated at the rates used to translate related assets.
The Company’s only subsidiary, Bontan Oil & Gas Corporation uses US Dollar as a functional currency. However, the subsidiary is not self sustaining but is integrated to Bontan Corporation Inc. Hence translation gains and losses of this subsidiary are charged to the consolidated statement of operations.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
|
Office equipment and furniture and amortization
|
|
Office equipment and furniture are amortised over their useful lives as follows:
|
Office furniture
|
20% - declining balance basis
|
Computers
|
33% - declining balance basis
|
Software
|
20% - declining balance basis
|
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income include net unrealised gains and losses on short term investments net of applicable taxes, held as available for sale. Accumulated other comprehensive income is included on the consolidated balance sheet as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.
Income Taxes
The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, future income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as for the benefit of losses available to be carried forward to future years for tax purposes. Future income tax assets and liabilities are measured using substantively enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Future income tax assets are recognized in the financial statements if realization is considered more likely than not. A valuation allowance against future tax assets is provided to the extent that the realization of these future tax assets is not more likely than not.
Stock-Based Compensation Plan
The Company follows a fair value based method of accounting for all Stock-based Compensation and Other Stock-based Payments to employees and non-employees. The fair value of all share purchase options is expensed over their vesting period with a corresponding increase to contributed surplus. Upon exercise of share purchase options, the consideration paid by the option holder, together with the amount previously recognized in contributed surplus, is recorded as an increase to share capital. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate the fair value of share purchase options at the date of grant.
The quoted market price of the Company’s shares on the date of issuance under any stock compensation plan is considered as fair value of the shares issued.
Warrants
When the Company issues Units under a private Placement comprising common shares and warrants, the Company follows relative fair value method of accounting for warrants attached to and issued with common shares of the Company. Under this method, the fair value of warrants issued is estimated using a Black-Scholes option price model. The fair value is then related to the total of net proceeds on issuance of Common shares and the fair value of the warrants issued therewith. The resultant relative fair value is allocated to warrants from the net proceeds and the balance of the net proceeds is allocated to the Common shares issued.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Accounting Changes
The Company follows CICA Section 1506, “Accounting changes” which require that (i) voluntary changes in accounting policies can be made if, and only if, the changes result in more reliable and relevant information (ii) changes in accounting policies are accompanied by disclosure of prior period amounts and justification for the changes, and (iii) for changes in estimates, the nature and amount of the change should be disclosed. The Company has not made any voluntary change in accounting policies during the fiscal years 2009 and 2008.
Loss per Share
Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss (the numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (the denominator) during the period. Diluted loss per share reflects the dilution that would occur if outstanding stock options and share purchase warrants were exercised or converted into common shares using the treasury stock method and are calculated by dividing net loss applicable to common shares by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and all additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive common shares had been issued.
The inclusion of the Company’s stock options and share purchase warrants in the computation of diluted loss per share would have an anti-dilutive effect on loss per share and are therefore excluded from the computation. Consequently, there is no difference between basic loss per share and diluted loss per share.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian 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 period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Some of the key areas where estimates and assumptions are normally used include valuation of stocks, warrants and options, ascertaining useful lives of office equipment and furniture and impairment of short term investments.
Recent accounting pronouncements
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)
In January 2006, the CICA’s Accounting Standards Board ("AcSB") formally adopted the strategy of replacing Canadian GAAP with IFRS for Canadian enterprises with public accountability. The current conversion timetable calls for financial reporting under IFRS for accounting periods commencing on or after January 1, 2011. On February 13, 2008 the AcSB confirmed that the use of IFRS will be required in 2011 for publicly accountable profit-oriented enterprises. For these entities, IFRS will be required for interim and annual financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. The Company is currently assessing the impact of IFRS on its consolidated financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
In February 2008, the CICA issued Section 3064, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, replacing Section 3062, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and Section 3450, Research and Development Costs. The new section will be applicable to financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2008. Accordingly, the Company will adopt the new standards for its fiscal year beginning April 1, 2009. Section 3064 establishes standards for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of goodwill subsequent to its initial recognition and of intangible assets by profit-oriented enterprises. Standards concerning goodwill are unchanged from the standards included in the previous Section 3062. This standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements...
In January 2009, the CICA issued the new handbook Section 1582, Business Combinations, effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. Earlier adoption of Section 1582 is permitted. This pronouncement further aligns Canadian GAAP with US GAAP and IFRS and changes the accounting for business combinations in a number of areas. It establishes principles and requirements governing how an acquiring company recognizes and measures in its financial statements identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, and goodwill acquired. The section also establishes disclosure requirements that will enable users of the acquiring company’s financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of its business combinations. Although the Company is considering the impact of adopting this pronouncement on the consolidated financial statements, it will be limited to any future acquisitions beginning in fiscal 2012.
Consolidated financial statements and non-controlling interests
In January 2009, the CICA issued the new handbook Section 1601, Consolidated Financial Statements, and Section 1602, Non-controlling Interests, effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. Earlier adoption of these recommendations is permitted. These pronouncements further align Canadian GAAP with US GAAP and IFRS. Sections 1601 and 1602 change the accounting and reporting for ownership interest in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent. Non-controlling interests are to be presented in the consolidated statement of financial position within the entity but separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the non-controlling interest is to be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of income. In addition, these pronouncements establish standards for a change in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary and the valuation of retained non-controlling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. They also establish reporting requirements for providing sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the non-controlling owners. The Company is currently considering the impact of adopting these pronouncements on its consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2012 in connection with the conversion to IFRS.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
|
Credit risk and the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities
|
In January 2009, the CICA issued the Emerging Issues Committee (EIC) Abstract EIC – 173 “Credit Risk and the Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”, effective for interim and annual financial statements ending on or after January 20, 2009. Earlier adoption of this abstract is permitted. EIC – 173 provides further information on the determination of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities under Section 3855, “Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement”. It states that an entity’s own credit and the credit risk of the counterparty should be taken into account in determining the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including derivative instruments. EIC – 173 should be applied retroactively, without restatement of prior periods, to all financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value. The Company will adopt this abstract during the first quarter of the 2010 fiscal year. This standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
3.
|
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
|
|
|
March 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying average costs
|
|
|
fair market value
|
|
|
Carrying average costs
|
|
|
fair market value
|
|
Marketable securities
|
|
|
5,253,570 |
|
|
|
1,091,563 |
|
|
|
4,637,738 |
|
|
|
3,330,970 |
|
Non-marketable securities
|
|
|
326,020 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
302,790 |
|
|
|
302,790 |
|
|
|
$ |
5,579,590 |
|
|
$ |
1,091,563 |
|
|
$ |
4,940,528 |
|
|
$ |
3,633,760 |
|
Unrealised (loss) gain before tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(4,488,027) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(1,306,768) |
|
Movements in unrealised (loss)gain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At beginning of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,306,768) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
959,702 |
|
Loss during year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,118,250) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,266,470) |
|
At end of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(4,425,018) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(1,306,768) |
|
a. Marketable securities
Marketable securities are designated as “available-for-sale”.
Marketable securities are stated at fair value based on quoted market prices on the balance sheet as at March 31, 2009. An unrealised loss of $ 2,855,240 for the year and accumulated unrealised loss of $1,306,768 at the beginning of year was included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss and accumulated other comprehensive loss.
As at March 31, 2009, the Company held warrants in certain marketable securities which are exercisable at its option to convert into equal number of common shares of the said securities. The total exercise price of these warrants was $138,189 (As at March 31, 2008:$ 414,176) and the market value of the underlying securities was $34,509 as at that date (As at March 31, 2008: $377,322). These warrants and the underlying unrealised gains and losses have not been accounted for in the financial statements since the Company has not yet determined if it would exercise these warrants when they become exercisable. The warrants expire between November 2009 and April 2012.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
3. SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS - continued
b. Non-marketable securities
The Company held shares in three private corporations as at March 31, 2009, which are designated as “Available for sale”. The carrying cost of these investments was $326,020. Based on the management review of the affairs of the above investee companies and discussions with their management, it was concluded that there was no other than temporary impairment in the carrying costs of these investments as at March 31, 2009 except one investment of $63,010. The factors considered in our impairment review included length of time the security was held, extent to which the fair value was below cost, current financial conditions of the investee companies, near term prospects of the investee companies and our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery.
The Company however believed that as at March 31, 2009, the value of these investments was seriously affected due partly to the overall adverse market conditions and has therefore valued them at zero value. An unrealised loss of $ 263,010 was included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss and accumulated other comprehensive loss.
As regards the investment of $63,010, management was unable to get any update on the affairs of the private corporation which was inactive. Management therefore concluded that there was a permanent impairment in the value of this investment and accordingly $63,010 was fully written off.
4.
|
OFFICE EQUIPMENT AND FURNITURE
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
accumulated amortisation
|
|
|
Net book value
|
|
|
Net book value
|
|
As at March 31,
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
Office furniture
|
|
|
4,725 |
|
|
|
1,323 |
|
|
|
3,402 |
|
|
|
4,252 |
|
Computer
|
|
|
2,298 |
|
|
|
996 |
|
|
|
1,302 |
|
|
|
1,954 |
|
Software
|
|
|
5,256 |
|
|
|
526 |
|
|
|
4,730 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
12,279 |
|
|
$ |
2,845 |
|
|
$ |
9,434 |
|
|
$ |
6,206 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of office equipment and furniture amounted to $ 2,027 (2008: $817)
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
5. PREPAID CONSULTING SERVICES
Prepaid consulting services relates to the fair value of shares and options issued under the Company’s
Consultant Stock Compensation and Stock Option Plans to consultants for services that will be performed during the period subsequent to the balance sheet date. Changes during the year were as follows:
(a) Two of the Consultants who were issued shares in lieu of cash for their services requested the management that they would like to cancel the shares issued to them and instead receive cash payments from the Company owing to the fact that they Company’s share price remained depressed and lacked any substantial movement through the year and as a result they were unable to sell any shares and earn any compensation for their services.
On December 12, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company accepted their request and approved the following:
|
a.
|
Mr. Terence Robinson to be paid as cash compensation of $60,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2008 in return for 275,000 shares previously issued under Consultant Compensation Plan for cancellation.
|
|
b.
|
Mr. John Robinson to be paid $ 82,000 in four installments - $20,489 on December 16, 2008, $20,489 on December 31, 2008, $20,489 on March 31, 2009 and the balance $20,533 on June 30, 2009 in return for 350,000 shares previously issued under Consultant Compensation Plan for cancellation.
|
|
Mr. Terence Robinson returned 275,000 shares for cancellation. These were cancelled and the cost of these shares of $64,395 was reversed to capital stock. A liability has been included in payable for $60,000 which became payable to him upon return of the shares.
|
|
Mr. John Robinson has not yet returned the shares for cancellation and hence cash liability and related shares cancellation has not yet been accounted for by the Company.
|
(b)
|
During the year, terms of all outstanding options were revised as explained in Note 7(b)(i). These options were therefore re-valued and an additional cost of $76,839 was expensed.
|
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
6. CAPITAL STOCK
(a)
|
Authorized - Unlimited number of common shares
|
As at March 31
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
Beginning of year
|
|
|
30,095,743 |
|
|
$ |
32,901,488 |
|
|
|
28,430,203 |
|
|
$ |
32,413,811 |
|
Canceled ( note 5 (a))
|
|
|
(275,000) |
|
|
$ |
(64,395) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued under private placement (a)
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
62,280 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finder's fee (a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(6,228) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value assigned to warrants issued under private placement transferred to contributed surplus (note 8)
|
|
|
$ |
(39,070) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrants exercised
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
315,540 |
|
|
|
122,446 |
|
Costs relating to warrants excercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,245) |
|
Value of warrants transferred to capital stoock upon exercise
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,356 |
|
Issued under 2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,350,000 |
|
|
|
316,120 |
|
|
|
|
30,820,743 |
|
|
$ |
32,854,075 |
|
|
|
30,095,743 |
|
|
$ |
32,901,488 |
|
(a)
|
On December 12, 2008, The Board of Directors of the Company approved a private placement to raise equity funds up to US$500,000. The private placement consists of Units up to maximum of ten million, to be issued at US0.05 per Unit. Each Unit would comprise one common share of the Company and one full warrant convertible into one common share of the Company at an exercise price of US$0.10 each within two years of the issuance of warrant.
|
The board also approved a finder’s fee at 10% of the proceeds from the issuance of units and warrants attached thereto payable to Current Capital Corp., a related party (note 13).
As at March 31, 2009, the Company received one subscription for one million units. The board has agreed to waive any closing date and to continue to accept more subscriptions within the approved maximum limit.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
7. STOCK OPTION PLANS
The following is a summary of all Stock Option Plans as at March 31, 2009:
Plan
|
Date of registration *
|
# of Options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered
|
issued
|
Expired
|
Exercised
|
Outstanding
|
1999 Stock option Plan
|
April 30, 2003
|
3,000,000
|
3,000,000
|
(70,000)
|
(1,200,000)
|
1,730,000
|
2003 Stock Option Plan
|
July 22, 2004
|
2,500,000
|
2,500,000
|
(155,000)
|
(400,000)
|
1,945,000
|
The Robinson Plan
|
December 5, 2005
|
1,100,000
|
1,100,000
|
-
|
-
|
1,100,000
|
2005 Stock Option Plan
|
December 5, 2005
|
1,000,000
|
50,000
|
-
|
-
|
50,000
|
|
|
7,600,000
|
6,650,000
|
(225,000)
|
(1,600,000)
|
4,825,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America (SEC) as
required under the Securities Act of 1933.
|
All options were fully vested on the date of their grant
|
(b)
|
Movements in stock options during the year are as follows:
|
|
|
March 31, 2009
|
|
|
March 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
# of Options
|
|
|
Weighted average exercise price in US $
|
|
|
# of Options
|
|
|
Weighted average exercise price in US $
|
|
Issued and outstanding at beginning of year
|
|
|
4,825,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.46 |
|
|
|
4,795,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.46 |
|
Issued during year
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.35 |
|
Expired during year (i)
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20,000) |
|
|
$ |
0.75 |
|
Issued and outstanding at end of year
|
|
|
4,825,000 |
|
|
|
0.15 |
(i) |
|
|
4,825,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.46 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
7. STOCK OPTION PLANS - continued
(i) On December 12, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company approved extension of expiry dates of all outstanding options by one year from the date of their expiry and revision of the exercise price to US$0.15 for all options. The market price of the Company’s common shares on December 12, 2008 was US$0.05.
|
Fair value of these options was re-estimated on December 12, 2208 to reflect the modifications made in the terms. The re-estimation was done using a Black-Scholes option price model with the following assumptions:
|
Risk free interest rate
|
1%
|
|
Expected volatility (based on previous 88 weeks average market price) 161.75%
|
|
The value based on the above model came to $76,839, which was expensed (see note 5(b)).
|
Option price models used for calculating fair value of options require input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected price volatility. Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, and therefore the models do not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of the Company’s options.
(C) Details of weighted average remaining life of the options granted and outstanding are as follows:
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options outstanding & excercisable
|
|
|
Options outstanding & excercisable
|
|
Exercise price in US$
|
|
|
Number
|
|
|
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)
|
|
|
Exercise price in US$
|
|
|
Number
|
|
|
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)
|
|
|
0.15 |
|
|
|
4,825,000 |
|
|
|
1.78 |
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
|
|
1,680,000 |
|
|
|
1.67 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.50 |
|
|
|
3,015,000 |
|
|
|
1.85 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.75 |
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
1.38 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
1.38 |
|
|
0.15 |
|
|
|
4,825,000 |
|
|
|
1.78 |
|
|
|
0.46 |
|
|
|
4,825,000 |
|
|
|
1.78 |
|
All options were fully vested immediately as at March 31, 2009 and 2008. The options can be exercised at any time after vesting within the exercise period in accordance with the applicable option agreement. The exercise price was more than the market price on the date of the grants for 1,995,000 options (2008: 1,995,000) and less than the market price for the balance of 2,830,000 (2008: 2,830,000) options. Upon expiry or termination of the contracts, vested options must be exercised within 30 days for consultants and 90 days for directors.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
(a) Movement in warrants during the year are as follows:
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
# of warrants
|
|
|
Weighted average exercise price in US$
|
|
|
Fair value
|
|
|
# of warrants
|
|
|
Weighted average exercise price
|
|
|
Fair value
|
|
Issued and outstanding, beginning of year (ii)
|
|
|
12,846,420 |
|
|
|
0.44 |
|
|
|
2,153,857 |
|
|
|
13,161,960 |
|
|
|
0.44 |
|
|
|
2,215,213 |
|
Issued during year (i)
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
|
39,070 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Exercised during year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(315,540 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(61,356 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued and outstanding, end of year
|
|
|
13,846,420 |
|
|
$ |
0 .24 |
|
|
$ |
2,192,927 |
|
|
|
12,846,420 |
|
|
$ |
0.44 |
|
|
$ |
2,153,857 |
|
|
(i)
|
The company issued 1 million warrants under a 2009 private placement relating to Units subscribed during the current year as explained in Note 6(a). These warrants are convertible into equal number of common shares at an exercise price of US$0.10 per warrant and expire within two years of their issue.
|
|
The fair value of these warrants has been estimated using a Black-Scholes option price model with the following assumptions:
|
Risk free interest rate
|
1%
|
|
The fair value of the warrants as per the Black-Scholes option price model amounted to $113,523. Using the relative fair value method, an amount of $39,070 (70%) has been accounted for as reduction in value of shares and increase in value of warrants.
|
|
Option price models used for calculating fair value of warrants require input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected price volatility. Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, and therefore the models do not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of the Company’s warrants.
|
|
(ii)
|
During the fiscal year 2009, the Board of Directors of the Company approved changes in the terms of the warrants issued and outstanding as follows:
|
i.
|
On December 12, 2008, exercise price of 11,124,460 warrants issued as part of 2006 private placement and still outstanding was reduced from US$0.35 to US$0.25 and their expiry date extended by six months from the existing expiry dates. The market price of the Company’s common shares on December 12, 2008 was US$0.05.
|
ii.
|
On March 30, 2009, exercise price of 1,721,960 warrants issued as part of 2003 private placement and still outstanding was reduced from US$ 1 to US$0.25 and their expiry date extended by six months from the existing expiry date. The market price of the Company’s common shares on March 30, 2009 was US$0.08.
|
|
The fair value of these warrants was not recalculated due to these changes.
|
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
8.
|
WARRANTS – (continued)
|
(b)
|
Details of weighted average remaining life of the options granted and outstanding are as follows:
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrants outstanding & excercisable
|
|
|
Warrants outstanding & excercisable
|
|
Exercise price in US$
|
|
|
Number
|
|
|
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)
|
|
|
Exercise price in US$
|
|
|
Number
|
|
|
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
|
|
12,846,420 |
|
|
|
0.29 |
|
|
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
1,721,960 |
|
|
|
1.00 |
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
1.88 |
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
|
|
11,124,460 |
|
|
|
0.77 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.46 |
|
|
|
13,846,420 |
|
|
|
0.40 |
|
|
|
0.46 |
|
|
|
12,846,420 |
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
9. LOSS PER SHARE
Loss per share is calculated on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year, which were 30,170,743 shares for the year ended March 31, 2009 (2008 – 28,840,653, 2007 – 27,472,703).
The Company had approximately 13.8 million warrants and 4.8 million options, which were not exercised as at March 31, 2009. Inclusion of these warrants and options in the computation of diluted loss per share would have an anti-dilutive effect on loss per share and are therefore excluded from the computation. Consequently, there is no difference between loss per share and diluted loss per share.
For the year ended March 31
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
haFees settled in stocks and options (Note 5)
|
|
|
277,856 |
|
|
|
314,248 |
|
|
|
367,973 |
|
Fees settled for cash
|
|
|
166,928 |
|
|
|
82,217 |
|
|
|
50,461 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
444,784 |
|
|
$ |
396,465 |
|
|
$ |
418,434 |
|
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
Income tax expense differs from the amount that would be computed by applying the Federal and Provincial statutory income tax rates to income before income taxes. The reasons for the differences are as follows:
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Income tax recovery based on combined corporate income tax rate of 29% (2008: 33.50% and 2007: 36.12%)
|
|
$ |
(199,930) |
|
|
$ |
(191,553) |
|
|
$ |
(59,237) |
|
Increase(Decrease) in taxes resulting from:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in Subsidiary (BDC) written off on disolution
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(50,280) |
|
|
|
- |
|
Non-deductible stock based compensation
|
|
|
80,578 |
|
|
|
105,273 |
|
|
|
132,912 |
|
Non-deductible meals & entertainment expenses
|
|
|
7,806 |
|
|
|
11,199 |
|
|
|
7,503 |
|
Not-taxable portion of gain on sale of short term investments
|
|
|
(6,530) |
|
|
|
(41,616) |
|
|
|
(117,482) |
|
Write off of a short term investment
|
|
|
9,136 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax recovery
|
|
|
(108,940) |
|
|
|
(166,977) |
|
|
|
(36,304) |
|
Benefit of tax losses not recognised
|
|
|
108,940 |
|
|
|
166,977 |
|
|
|
36,304 |
|
Provision for income taxes
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
The components of the future income tax asset and the country of origin at March 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows (applying the combined Canadian federal and provincial statutory income tax rate of 29% (2008: 33.50%) and the US income tax rate of 34.00% for both the years):
|
|
Canada
|
|
|
|
|
|
US
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
in '000 $
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Future income tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-capital losses carried forward
|
|
$ |
2,199 |
|
|
$ |
2,697 |
|
|
$ |
1,498 |
|
|
$ |
1,498 |
|
Capital losses carried forward
|
|
|
560 |
|
|
|
647 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Unrealised losses on short term investments
|
|
|
642 |
|
|
|
438 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Future tax assets
|
|
|
3,401 |
|
|
|
3,782 |
|
|
|
1,498 |
|
|
|
1,498 |
|
Valuation allowance
|
|
|
(3,401) |
|
|
|
(3,782) |
|
|
|
(1,498) |
|
|
|
(1,498) |
|
Future income taxes
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
The Company has approximately $7.6 million (2008: $8 million) in Canadian non-capital losses, $1.9 million (2008: $1.9 million) in capital losses and US$ 4.4 million (2008: US$4.4 million) in US non-capital losses available to claim against future taxable income. The benefits arising from these losses has not been included in the financial statements as management has determined that it is not more likely than not that the losses will be utilized.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
11.
|
INCOME TAXES - continued
|
The non-capital losses expire as follows:
Canadian in CDN$ US in US$
In 000’$ in 000’$
2010 232
2014 1,337
2015 1,319 2025 $ 1,050
2026 3,373 2026 3,300
2027 271 2027 25
2028 675
2029 374
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
(a)
|
The Company entered into media relations and investor relations contracts with Current Capital Corp., a shareholder corporation, effective July 1, 2004 initially for a period of one year and renewed automatically unless cancelled in writing by a 30-day notice for a total monthly fee of US$10,000.
|
(b)
|
The Company entered into a consulting contract with Mr. Kam Shah, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer on April 1, 2005 for a five-year term up to March 31, 2010. Between June 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008, Mr. Shah was allowed to draw $10,000 per month in arrears until market price of the Company’s common shares reaches $0.50 provided that such drawings will be considered as fee advances to be repaid when the market price of the common shares of the Company stays at $0.50 or above for a consecutive period of three months. Total sum of $70,000 thus withdrawn by Mr. Shah until December 31, 2008 has been included in other receivable. For the period of six months from January 1, 2009 to June 30, 2009, Mr. Shah has been approved a cash fee of $10,000 per month plus taxes. Fee for the second half of the calendar year 2009 has not yet been determined. Further, the contract provides for a lump sum compensation of US$250,000 for early termination of the contract without cause. The contract also provides for entitlement to stock compensation and stock options under appropriate plans as may be decided by the board of directors from time to time.
|
(c)
|
The Company entered into a consulting contract with Mr. Terence Robinson, a key consultant and a former Chief Executive Officer, on April 1, 2003 for a six-year term up to March 31, 2009. The contract provided for a monthly fee of $10,000 inclusive of taxes plus reimbursement of expenses and a lump sum compensation of $250,000 for early termination of the contract without cause. Mr. Robinson accepted 550,000 common shares issued under 2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan in lieu of his fees for the year ended December 31, 2008. However, he was allowed to return half of the issued shares -275,000 - for cancellation and instead was to be paid a cash fee of $60,000 ( see also Note 5), which has been included in accounts payable. From January 1, 2009 to March 31, 2009, a fee of $10,000 per month has been accrued as payable to Mr. Robinson and is included in accrued liabilities. The Company is still reviewing the matters concerning settlement of amounts due to Mr. Robinson until March 31, 2009 and terms of the renewal of his contract. The Company however concluded that the consulting contract should be renewed.
|
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES - continued
|
(d)
|
The Company has a consulting contract with Mr. John Robinson. Mr. John Robinson is sole owner of Current Capital Corp., a firm with which the Company has an ongoing contract for media and investor relations, and a brother of Mr. Terence Robinson who is a key consultant to the Company and a former Chief Executive Officer of the Company. On March 28, 2008, the Company renewed the consulting contract with Mr. John Robinson for another year to June 30, 2009. The consulting fee was agreed to be US$82,000 which was pre-paid by issuance of 350,000 common shares under 2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan. Mr. Robinson provides services that include assisting the management in evaluating new projects and monitoring short term investment opportunities that the Company may participate in from time to time. The Company allowed Mr. Robinson to return the shares issued for cancellation and to be paid instead cash of $82,000 in four installments. Mr. Robinson has not yet returned the shares for cancellation. (see also note 5)
|
|
(e) The Company has agreed to payment of a finder’s fee to Current Capital Corp., a related party, at the rate of 10% of the proceeds from exercise of any of the outstanding warrants and from the further subscriptions received under the 2009 private placement and related warrants (note 6(a)). The likely fee if all the remaining warrants and units are exercised will be approximately $580,000.
|
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Transactions with related parties are incurred in the normal course of business and are measured at the exchange amount. Related party transactions and balances have been listed below, unless they have been disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements.
(i)
|
Included in shareholders information expense is $133,785 (2008 – $124,231; 2007 – $136,249) to Current Capital Corp, (CCC) for media relations services. CCC is a shareholder corporation and a director of the Company provides accounting services as a consultant.
|
(ii)
|
CCC charged approximately $37,800 for rent, telephone and other office expenses (2008: $27,300 and 2007: $21,900).
|
(iii)
|
Finders fees of $6,228 (2008: $12,245, 2007: $740,043) was charged by CCC in connection with the private placement. (The fee for 2007 included a cash fee of $130,313 and 1,040,000 warrants valued at $609,730 using the Black-Scholes option price model).
|
(iv)
|
Business expenses of $19,205 (2008 - $15,771; 2007 - $10,279) were reimbursed to directors of the corporation and $68,009 (2008 - $118,774, 2007: $85,862) to a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of the Company.
|
(v)
|
Shares issued to a director under the Consultant’s stock compensation plan – Nil (2008: 450,000 valued at $105,373, 2007: 350,000 valued at $95,409). Shares issued to (returned by) a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of the Company under the Consultant stock compensation plan (275,000) valued at $ (64,395) (2008: 550,000 valued at $ 128,790, 2007: 500,000 valued at $136,298).
|
(vi)
|
Options issued to directors under Stock option plans – nil (2008: 50,000 valued at $7,878, 2007: nil).
|
(vii)
|
Cash fee paid to directors for services of $60,000 (2008:$33,871 and 2007: $ nil). Cash fee paid to a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of the Company of $90,000 (2008 and 2007: $ nil). These fees are included under travel, promotion and consulting expenses.
|
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – continued
(viii)
|
Accounts payable includes $15,482 (2008: $9,384, 2007: $3,471) due to CCC, $1,875 (2008: $757, 2007: $1,431) due to a director and $67,212 (2008: $6,577, 2007: $ 7,099) due to a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of the Company.
|
(ix)
|
Interest income includes $ nil (2008: $ nil & 2007: $1,398) representing interest received from the Chief Executive officer.
|
(x)
|
Included in short term investments is an investment of $200,000 (2008: $200,000, 2007: $ nil) in a private corporation controlled by a brother of the key consultant. The investment was stated at market value which was considered nil as at March 31, 2009 ($200,000 as at March 31, 2008)
|
(xi)
|
Included in short term investments
|
is an investment of $1,837,956 carrying cost and $361,877 fair value (2008: 1,929,049 carrying cost and $1,140,120 fair value, 2007: $1,604,493 carrying cost and $2,710,760 fair value) in a public corporation controlled by a key shareholder of the Company. This investment represents common shares acquired in open market or through private placements and represents less than 1% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the said Corporation.
|
(xii)
|
Included in other receivable is an advance of $70,000 (2008 and 2007: $nil) made to Chief Executive Officer. The advance is repayable upon happening of certain events as explained in note 12 (b) and carries no interest.
|
(xiii)
|
Included in other receivable is an advance of $5,814 made to a director (2008: $2,470 and 2007: $ nil), advance is against future fee and carries no interest.
|
14. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
As at March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company had only one major business segment-
Energy sector: This segment includes the Company’s acquisition of interests in joint ventures and projects relating to exploration and commercial drilling of oil and gas and related products.
The accounting policies of the segments are same as those described in Note 2. The Company evaluates each segment’s performance based on its contribution to consolidated net earnings. There are no inter-segmental charges or transactions.
The Company had no business activity in the above segment.
The Company is now seeking business participation opportunities in all sectors. This may change the future major business segments for the Company.
Geographic Information
The Company operates from one location in Canada. Its assets were located in Canada as at March 31, 2009 and 2008.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATION OF RISKS
The Company is exposed in varying degrees to a number of risks arising from financial instruments. Management’s close involvement in the operations allows for the identification of risks and variances from expectations. The Company does not participate in the use of financial instruments to mitigate these risks and has no designated hedging transactions. The Board approves and monitors the risk management processes. The Board’s main objectives for managing risks are to ensure liquidity, the fulfillment of obligations, the continuation of the Company’s search for new business participation opportunities, and limited exposure to credit and market risks while ensuring greater returns on the surplus funds on hand. There were no changes to the objectives or the process from the prior year.
The types of risk exposure and the way in which such exposures are managed are as follows:
(a) Concentration risk:
Concentration risks exist in cash and cash equivalents because significant balances are maintained with one financial institution and a brokerage firm. The risk is mitigated because the financial institution is a prime Canadian bank and the brokerage firm is well known Canadian brokerage firm with good market reputation and all its assets are backed up by one of the major Canadian banks.
(b) Market price risk:
Market risk primarily arises from the Company’s short term investments in marketable securities which accounted for approximately 69% of total assets of the Company as at March 31, 2009(69% at March 31, 2008). Further, the Company’s holding in one Canadian marketable security accounted for approximately 33% (2008: 31%) of the total short term investment in marketable securities or 23% (2008: 21%) of total assets at March 31, 2009.
The management tries to mitigate this risk by daily monitoring of all its investments by experienced consultants and ensuring that investments are made in companies which are financially stable with viable businesses.
(c) Liquidity risk:
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they become due.
The Company ensures there is sufficient capital to meet short term business requirements. In addition, management and key consultants opted for several years to accept the Company’s common shares instead of cash towards their fee to ensure greater cash flow for other operational and business needs.
One of management’s goals is to maintain an optimal level of liquidity through the active management of the assets, liabilities and cash flows.
The Company’s maintains limited cash for its operational needs while most of its surplus cash is invested in short term marketable securities which are available on short notice to fund the Company’s operating costs and other financial demands.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATION OF RISKS - continued
(d) Currency risk
The operating results and financial position of the Company are reported in Canadian dollars. Part of cash and short term investments are held in US dollars – approximately 3% of total assets at March 31, 2009 (23% as at March 31, 2008). The results of the Company’s operations are therefore subject to currency transaction and translation risk.
The fluctuation of the US dollar in relation to the Canadian dollar will consequently impact the loss of the Company and may also affect the value of the Company’s assets and the amount of shareholders’ equity.
Comparative closing foreign exchange rates as at March 31, 2009 are as follows:
March 31,
2009 2008
One US Dollar to CDN Dollar 1.2602 1.0279
The Company has not entered into any agreements or purchased any foreign currency hedging arrangements to hedge possible currency risks at this time.
16. CAPITAL DISCLOSURES
The Company considers the items included in Shareholders’ Equity as capital. The Company currently has no debts or significant financial commitments. The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to pursue new business opportunities and to maintain a flexible capital structure which optimizes the costs of capital at an acceptable risk.
The Company manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may attempt to issue new shares, issue new debt, acquire or dispose of assets or adjust the amount of cash and short term investments.
As at March 31, 2009, the shareholders’ equity was approximately $ 1.4 million (March 31, 2008: $ 5.2 million). Approximately 79% or $1.1 million was held in short term investments (March 31, 2008: $3.6 million or 69%) and the balance was held in cash and receivable. Absence of any significant external debts ensures the Company’s continued financial strength.
The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements and does not presently utilize any quantitative measures to monitor its capital.
The Company expects its current capital resources will be sufficient to carry its business plans and operations through its current operating period.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
17.
|
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
|
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada ("Canadian GAAP"). Material variations in the accounting principles, practices and methods used in preparing these consolidated financial statements from principles, practices and methods used in the United States ("US GAAP") and in SEC Regulation S-X are described and quantified below.
There were no significant differences between Canadian GAAP and US GAAP which had any impact on the consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of cash flows.
The impact of significant US GAAP variations on the Consolidated Statement of Operations is as follows:
|
|
|
|
Net Loss for year, Canadian GAAP
|
$ (689,415)
|
$ (571,799)
|
$ (164,043)
|
Reclassification of exchange loss (gain) on year end translation of foreign currency items and balances (ii)
|
-
|
-
|
111,659
|
Loss for year US GAAP
|
$ (689,415)
|
$ (571,799)
|
$ (52,384)
|
Reclassification of exchange (loss) gain on year end translation of foreign currency items and balances (ii)
|
-
|
-
|
(111,659)
|
Unrealised losses on "available for sale" short term investments( i)
|
(3,118,250)
|
(2,266,470)
|
-
|
Unrealised gain on short term investments ( i)
|
-
|
-
|
959,701
|
Comprehensive Income(loss) for year, US GAAP
|
$ (3,807,665)
|
$ (2,838,269)
|
$ 795,658
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted loss per share, US GAAP
|
($0.02)
|
($0.02)
|
$ (0.00)
|
The following are brief explanations of the identified differences:
(i) Short-term Marketable securities
In Fiscal year 2008, CICA introduced a new handbook section 3855 to recognize and measure financial instruments including marketable securities. This revision brings the Canadian GAAP in line with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, which requires that equity securities that have readily determinable fair values be classified as either available-for-sale or trading securities, and that they be reported at fair market values. For available-for-sale securities, unrealized gains or losses are to be reported as other comprehensive income, a separate component of shareholders’ equity, until realized. All short term investments are classified as “available-for-sale”.
Since the Company implemented the new Canadian standard on a prospective basis with no restatement of prior period financials, the reconciliation is presented to provide comparatives as per US GAAP
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
17.
|
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES – continued
|
(ii) Exchange gains and losses on translation of foreign currency items and balances
Under Canadian GAAP, as revised under the handbook section 1651, foreign currency translation gains and losses are generally included in the determination of net income unless they relate to self sustaining foreign subsidiary, in which case, such translation gains and losses are included in the other comprehensive income computation. For the fiscal years 2009 and 2008, all translation losses of the Company were sustained by the entity whose functional currency is Canadian dollar and are therefore included in the computation of income.
The above treatment under Canadian GAAP is in line with the treatment required Under FAS 52 (13) and FAS 130 of the US GAAP.
Future U.S. accounting policy changes
In May 2009, The Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB) issued a new Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 165, “Subsequent events” which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. This Statement is applicable to interim or annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company does not believe that implementation of this Statement will have any effect on the financial statements.
In June 2009, FASB issued FAS 166, as an amendment of FAS 140 “Accounting for Transfer of Financial Assets”. This Statement removes the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity from Statement 140 and removes the exception from applying FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”, to qualifying special –purpose entities. This Statement is applicable to interim or annual financial periods beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company does not believe that implementation of this Statement will have any effect on the financial statements.
In June 2009, FASB issued FAS 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)”. This Statement retains the scope of Interpretation 46(R) with the addition of entities previously considered qualifying special-purpose entities, as the concept of these entities was eliminated in Statement 166. This Statement is applicable to interim or annual financial periods beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company does not believe that implementation of this Statement will have any effect on the financial statements.
On April 7, 2009, the Company registered 2009 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan with Securities and Exchange Commission in a registration statement under the US Securities Act of 1933. 3 million common shares of the Company were registered under the Plan.
19.
|
PRIOR YEARS’ COMPARATIVES
|
|
Certain prior years’ comparatives have been restated to conform to the current year’s presentation.
|
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Canadian Dollars)
(UNAUDITED – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
INDEX
Notice to Reader issued by the Management 2
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets 3
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations 4
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 5
|
|
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity 6-7
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 8
|
|
Notes to Consulidated Financial Steatements
9-29
BONTAN CORPORATION INC.
NOTICE TO READER OF THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The accompanying consolidated financial statements for Bontan Corporation Inc. for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009 have been prepared by management in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied. These consolidated financial statements have not been reviewed by the auditors of the Company.
These financial statements are presented on the accrual basis of accounting. Accordingly, a precise determination of many assets and liabilities is dependent upon future events. Therefore, estimates and approximations have been made using careful judgment. Recognizing that the management is responsible for both the integrity and objectivity of the financial statements, management is satisfied that these financial statements have been fairly presented.
February 25, 2010
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Canadian Dollars)
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
|
|
Note
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
March 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Audited)
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
419,133 |
|
|
$ |
352,958 |
|
Short term investments
|
|
4,16(vi) & (vii)
|
|
|
|
1,985,522 |
|
|
|
1,091,563 |
|
Prepaid consulting services
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
20,484 |
|
Other receivables
|
|
16(viii)
|
|
|
|
125,532 |
|
|
|
118,508 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,530,187 |
|
|
$ |
1,583,513 |
|
Office equipment and furniture
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
9,439 |
|
|
$ |
9,434 |
|
Goodwil
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
$ |
3,214,593 |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest in licences and permit
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
$ |
17,655,021 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
23,409,240 |
|
|
$ |
1,592,947 |
|
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
16 |
(v) |
|
$ |
11,464,918 |
|
|
$ |
96,544 |
|
Audit and consulting fees accrued
|
|
16(ix)
|
|
|
|
208,065 |
|
|
|
55,474 |
|
Short term loans
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
1,763,843 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
13,436,826 |
|
|
$ |
152,018 |
|
Non-controlling interests
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,162,921 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Shareholders' Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital stock
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
33,960,697 |
|
|
$ |
32,854,075 |
|
Warrants
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
5,908,849 |
|
|
|
2,192,927 |
|
Contributed surplus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,154,266 |
|
|
|
4,154,266 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,279,437) |
|
|
|
(4,425,018) |
|
Deficit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(34,934,882) |
|
|
|
(33,335,321) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(37,214,319) |
|
|
|
(37,760,339) |
|
Total shareholders' equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
6,809,493 |
|
|
$ |
1,440,929 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
23,409,240 |
|
|
$ |
1,592,947 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Going concern (note 2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 15)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Approved by the Board ”Kam Shah” Director ”Dean Bradley” Director
(signed) (signed)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Canadian Dollars)
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended
|
|
|
Nine months ended
|
|
|
Three months ended
|
|
|
Nine months ended
|
|
|
|
Note
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss)Gain on disposal of short term investments
|
|
|
|
(313,489) |
|
|
|
(852,766) |
|
|
$ |
(151,279) |
|
|
$ |
44,649 |
|
Exchange gain on translation
|
|
|
|
|
|
231,634 |
|
|
|
186,872 |
|
|
$ |
92,102 |
|
|
$ |
110,070 |
|
Interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,267 |
|
|
|
7,176 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(81,855) |
|
|
|
(665,894) |
|
|
|
(57,910) |
|
|
|
161,895 |
|
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consulting fees
|
|
14,16(iv)
|
|
|
|
201,830 |
|
|
|
399,442 |
|
|
|
130,069 |
|
|
|
327,683 |
|
Payroll
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,804 |
|
|
|
34,524 |
|
|
|
11,571 |
|
|
|
26,874 |
|
Travel, meals and promotions
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,657 |
|
|
|
60,315 |
|
|
|
11,593 |
|
|
|
43,215 |
|
Shareholders information
|
|
|
16 |
(i) |
|
|
45,231 |
|
|
|
117,148 |
|
|
|
40,171 |
|
|
|
104,671 |
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,653 |
|
|
|
27,526 |
|
|
|
6,342 |
|
|
|
20,353 |
|
Office and general
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,221 |
|
|
|
35,930 |
|
|
|
9,118 |
|
|
|
32,400 |
|
Bank charges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
995 |
|
|
|
1,810 |
|
|
|
631 |
|
|
|
1,928 |
|
Interest on short term loans and payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,519 |
|
|
|
56,519 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Advisory fee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
219,977 |
|
|
|
219,977 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Communication
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,296 |
|
|
|
8,365 |
|
|
|
2,357 |
|
|
|
9,847 |
|
Rent
|
|
16(ii)
|
|
|
|
6,515 |
|
|
|
15,885 |
|
|
|
4,267 |
|
|
|
12,856 |
|
Amortisation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
637 |
|
|
|
1,667 |
|
|
|
507 |
|
|
|
1,389 |
|
Transfer agents fees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,323 |
|
|
|
6,231 |
|
|
|
1,211 |
|
|
|
3,402 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
600,658 |
|
|
|
985,339 |
|
|
|
217,837 |
|
|
|
584,618 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(682,513) |
|
|
|
(1,651,233) |
|
|
|
(275,747) |
|
|
|
(422,723) |
|
Non-controlling interests
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,672 |
|
|
|
51,672 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Net loss for period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(630,841) |
|
|
|
(1,599,561) |
|
|
|
(275,747) |
|
|
|
(422,723) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted loss per share information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Loss per share
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
$ |
(0.01) |
|
|
$ |
(0.04) |
|
|
$ |
(0.01) |
|
|
$ |
(0.01) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Canadian Dollars)
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended
|
|
|
Nine months ended
|
|
|
Three months ended
|
|
|
Nine months ended
|
|
|
|
Note
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss for year
|
|
|
|
|
|
(630,841) |
|
|
|
(1,599,561) |
|
|
$ |
(275,747) |
|
|
$ |
(422,723) |
|
Amortization of office equipment and furniture
|
|
|
|
|
|
637 |
|
|
|
1,667 |
|
|
|
507 |
|
|
|
1,389 |
|
Loss(Gain) on disposal of short term investments
|
|
|
|
313,489 |
|
|
|
852,766 |
|
|
|
151,279 |
|
|
|
(44,649) |
|
Consulting fees settled for common shares
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
79,639 |
|
|
|
120,927 |
|
|
|
64,500 |
|
|
|
226,455 |
|
Net change in working capital components
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other receivables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(25,840) |
|
|
|
(7,024) |
|
|
|
(51,699) |
|
|
|
(61,768) |
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,403,998 |
|
|
|
11,368,374 |
|
|
|
62,687 |
|
|
|
55,624 |
|
Audit and consulting fees accrued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
186,489 |
|
|
|
152,591 |
|
|
|
6,251 |
|
|
|
(8,985) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
11,327,571 |
|
|
$ |
10,889,740 |
|
|
$ |
(42,222) |
|
|
|
(254,657) |
|
Investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of office equipment and furniture
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,671) |
|
|
|
(1,671) |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(5,256) |
|
Acquisition of interest in licences and permit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,938,382) |
|
|
|
(14,938,382) |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Purchase of short term Investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(46,469) |
|
|
|
(133,584) |
|
|
|
(521,070) |
|
|
|
(2,363,220) |
|
Net proceeds from sale of short term investments
|
|
|
|
61,447 |
|
|
|
398,810 |
|
|
|
470,545 |
|
|
|
1,814,476 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(14,925,075) |
|
|
$ |
(14,674,827) |
|
|
$ |
(50,525) |
|
|
$ |
(554,000) |
|
Financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short term loans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,763,843 |
|
|
|
1,763,843 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Common shares issued net of issuance costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,013,005 |
|
|
|
2,087,419 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,776,848 |
|
|
$ |
3,851,262 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Increase(Decrease) in cash during period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
179,344 |
|
|
|
66,175 |
|
|
|
(92,747) |
|
|
|
(808,657) |
|
Cash at beginning of period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
239,789 |
|
|
|
352,958 |
|
|
|
543,152 |
|
|
|
1,259,062 |
|
Cash at end of period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
419,133 |
|
|
|
419,133 |
|
|
$ |
450,405 |
|
|
$ |
450,405 |
|
Supplemental disclosures
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cash operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consulting fees settled for common shares and
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64,500 |
|
|
|
226,455 |
|
options and expensed during the period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
79,639 |
|
|
|
120,927 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consulting fees prepaid in shares
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(81,000) |
|
|
|
42,941 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
79,639 |
|
|
$ |
120,927 |
|
|
$ |
(16,500) |
|
|
$ |
269,396 |
|
Non-cash investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares and warrants issued towards cost of acquisition of interest in licences and permit
|
|
|
|
2,716,639 |
|
|
|
2,716,639 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Non-cash financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares returned for cancelation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
81,957 |
|
|
|
81,957 |
|
|
|
16500 |
|
|
|
16500 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity
(Canadian Dollars)
For the nine months ended December 31, 2009
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
|
|
Number of Shares
|
|
|
Capital Stock
|
|
|
Warrants
|
|
|
Contributed surplus
|
|
|
Accumulated Deficit
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
Shareholders' Equity
|
|
Balance March 31, 2008
|
|
|
30,095,743 |
|
|
$ |
32,901,488 |
|
|
$ |
2,153,857 |
|
|
$ |
4,077,427 |
|
|
$ |
(32,645,906) |
|
|
$ |
(1,306,768) |
|
|
$ |
5,180,098 |
|
Issued under private placement
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
62,280 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,280 |
|
Finder fee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,228) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,228) |
|
Value of warrants issued under private placement transferred to contributed surplus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(39,070) |
|
|
|
39,070 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Shares canceled
|
|
|
(275,000) |
|
|
|
(64,395) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(64,395) |
|
Options revaluation upon changes in the terms
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
76,839 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
76,839 |
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(689,415) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(689,415) |
|
Unrealised loss on short term investments ,
net of tax considered available for sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,118,250) |
|
|
|
(3,118,250) |
|
Balance, March 31, 2009
|
|
|
30,820,743 |
|
|
$ |
32,854,075 |
|
|
$ |
2,192,927 |
|
|
$ |
4,154,266 |
|
|
$ |
(33,335,321) |
|
|
$ |
(4,425,018) |
|
|
$ |
1,440,929 |
|
Unrealised gain on short term investments,
net of tax, considered available for sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
316,203 |
|
|
|
316,203 |
|
Net loss for the quarter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(205,637) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(205,637) |
|
Balance, June 30, 2009
|
|
|
30,820,743 |
|
|
$ |
32,854,075 |
|
|
$ |
2,192,927 |
|
|
$ |
4,154,266 |
|
|
$ |
(33,540,958) |
|
|
$ |
(4,108,815) |
|
|
$ |
1,551,495 |
|
Shares canceled
|
|
|
(350,000) |
|
|
|
(81,957) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(81,957) |
|
Issued under 2009 Consultant stock compensation plan
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
20,542 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,542 |
|
Issued under private placement
|
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
82,682 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
82,682 |
|
Finder's fee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,268) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,268) |
|
Warrants issued under private placement
|
|
|
|
(58,725) |
|
|
|
58,725 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Unrealised gain on short term investments,
net of tax, considered available for sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
770,166 |
|
|
|
770,166 |
|
Net loss for the quarter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(763,083) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(763,083) |
|
Balance, September 30, 2009
|
|
|
32,070,743 |
|
|
$ |
32,808,349 |
|
|
$ |
2,251,652 |
|
|
$ |
4,154,266 |
|
|
$ |
(34,304,041) |
|
|
$ |
(3,338,649) |
|
|
$ |
1,571,577 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity (Continued...2)
(Canadian Dollars)
For the nine months ended December 31, 2009
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
|
|
Number of Shares
|
|
|
Capital Stock
|
|
|
Warrants
|
|
|
Contributed surplus
|
|
|
Accumulated Deficit
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
Shareholders' Equity
|
|
Balance, September 30, 2009
|
|
|
32,070,743 |
|
|
$ |
32,808,349 |
|
|
$ |
2,251,652 |
|
|
$ |
4,154,266 |
|
|
$ |
(34,304,041) |
|
|
$ |
(3,338,649) |
|
|
$ |
1,571,577 |
|
Issued under private placements
|
|
|
16,225,000 |
|
|
|
2,236,672 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,236,672 |
|
Finders fee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(223,667) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(223,667) |
|
Issued under 2009 Stock Compensation Plan
|
|
|
228,333 |
|
|
|
79,901 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
79,901 |
|
Issued in connection with acquisition of interest in Licences and Permit
|
|
|
8,617,686 |
|
|
|
2,716,639 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,716,639 |
|
Warrants issued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,521,952) |
|
|
|
3,521,952 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Warrants issued as finder s fee
|
|
|
|
(135,245) |
|
|
|
135,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealised gain on short term investments,
net of tax considered available for sale
|
|
|
|
1,059,212 |
|
|
$ |
1,059,212 |
|
Net loss for the quarter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(630,841) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(630,841) |
|
Balance, December 31, 2009
|
|
|
57,141,762 |
|
|
$ |
33,960,697 |
|
|
$ |
5,908,849 |
|
|
$ |
4,154,266 |
|
|
$ |
(34,934,882) |
|
|
$ |
(2,279,437) |
|
|
$ |
6,809,493 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
(Canadian Dollars)
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
|
Note
|
nine months ended December 31
|
Year ended March 31
|
|
|
2009
|
2008
|
2009
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Unaudited)
|
(Audited)
|
Net loss for period
|
|
$ (1,574,909)
|
$ (422,723)
|
$ (689,415)
|
Other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealised gain(loss) for period on short term investments, net of tax considered available for sale
|
4
|
2,145,581
|
(3,036,129)
|
(3,118,250)
|
Comprehensive income(loss)
|
|
570,672
|
(3,458,852)
|
(3,807,665)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of period
|
|
(4,425,018)
|
(1,306,768)
|
(1,306,768)
|
Other comprehensive income(loss) for period
|
|
2,145,581
|
(3,036,129)
|
(3,118,250)
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of period
|
4
|
$ (2,279,437)
|
$ (4,342,897)
|
$ (4,425,018)
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Bontan Corporation Inc. (“the Company”) is a diversified natural resource company that invests in major oil and gas exploration and exploitation projects in countries around the globe through its subsidiary by acquiring joint venture, indirect participation interest and working interest in those projects. The company focuses on projects where the other project partners have proven experience in oil and gas exploration, development and distribution.
In November 2009, the Company acquired, through its wholly owned subsidiary, an indirect 71.63% working interest in two drilling licenses and one exploration permit in the Levantine Basin, approximately 40 kilometers off the west coast of Israel.
The Company does not currently own any oil and gas properties with proven reserves.
2. Going concern
Management has prepared these consolidated financial statements in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) applicable to a going concern, which contemplates that assets will be realized and liabilities discharged in the normal course of business as they come due. To this point, all operational activities and the overhead costs have been funded from the available cash and short term investments and by equity issuances
The Company has a negative working capital of approximately $ 11 million and accumulated deficit of approximately $ 35 million. The Company will have to secure new cash resources to meet obligations on its current project. Management is currently evaluating and pursuing funding alternatives, including additional farm-out agreements and new equity issuances. There is no assurance that these initiatives will be successful. Uncertainty in global capital markets could have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to access capital in the future.
The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to access sufficient capital to complete exploration and development activities, identify commercial oil and gas reserves and to ultimately have profitable operations. These financial statements do not reflect the adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the reported expenses and balance sheet classifications that would be necessary if the Company was unable to realize its assets and settle its liabilities as a going concern in the normal course of operations. Such adjustments could be material.
3. PRINCIPLES AND USE OF ESTIMATES
These financial statements consolidate the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Bontan Oil and Gas Corporation, and of Israel Petroleum Corporation, a Cayman Island limited company that was formed on November 12, 2009, in which the Company acquired 75% equity interest, and have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") with respect to interim financial statements, applied on a consistent basis. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required for compliance with GAAP in Canada for annual audited financial statements. These Statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
3. PRINCIPLES AND USE OF ESTIMATES - continued
The accounting policies adopted for the preparation of these Statements are the same as those applied for the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 except as discussed below for the adoption of new accounting standards.
The preparation of these Statements and the accompanying unaudited notes requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. In the opinion of management, these Statements reflect all adjustments necessary to state fairly the results for the periods presented. Actual results could vary from these estimates and the operating results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.
Adoption of new accounting and disclosure policies
Goodwill:
Goodwill, which represents the excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired, is assessed for impairment at least annually. Goodwill and all other assets and liabilities have been allocated to the country cost centre level, referred to as a reporting unit. To assess impairment, the fair value of the reporting unit is determined and compared to the book value of the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the book value, then a second test is performed to determine the amount of the impairment. The amount of the impairment is determined by deducting the fair value of the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities from the fair value of the reporting unit to determine the implied fair value of goodwill and comparing that amount to the book value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. Any excess of the book value of goodwill over the implied fair value of
Goodwill is the impairment amount.
In February 2008, the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (“CICA”) issued accounting standard Section 3064 “Goodwill, and intangible assets”, replacing accounting standard Section 3062 “Goodwill and other intangible assets” and. Section 3064 establishes standards for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of intangible assets and goodwill subsequent to its initial recognition. The new Section was applicable to financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2008. Accordingly, the Company adopted the new standards for its fiscal year beginning April 1, 2009. Goodwill was accounted for in compliance with the applicable new standard.
Credit risk and the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities
Effective April 1, 2009, the Company adopted the recommendations of the Emerging Issues Committee Abstract EIC -173, “Credit Risk and the Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” which states that an entity’s own credit and the credit risk of the counterparty should be taken into account in determining the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities. These recommendations were particularly applied in evaluating the fair values of the short term investments.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
3. PRINCIPLES AND USE OF ESTIMATES - continued
Adoption of new accounting and disclosure policies - continued
Asset retirement obligation
The Company recognizes and measures the liabilities for obligations associated with the retirement of petroleum and natural gas properties when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development or normal operation of the asset. The obligation is measured at fair value and the related costs recorded as part of the carrying value of the related asset. In subsequent periods, the liability is adjusted for the change in present value and any changes in the amount or timing of the underlying future cash flows required to settle the obligation. The asset retirement costs included in petroleum and natural gas costs are depleted or amortized into income in accordance with the Company’s policies pertaining to those assets. Actual costs to retire petroleum and natural gas properties are deducted from the accrued liability as these costs are incurred.
Recent accounting pronouncements
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)
In January 2006, the CICA’s Accounting Standards Board ("AcSB") formally adopted the strategy of replacing Canadian GAAP with IFRS for Canadian enterprises with public accountability. The current conversion timetable calls for financial reporting under IFRS for accounting periods commencing on or after January 1, 2011. On February 13, 2008 the AcSB confirmed that the use of IFRS will be required in 2011 for publicly accountable profit-oriented enterprises. For these entities, IFRS will be required for interim and annual financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011.
The Company’s transition date of April 1, 2011 will require the restatement for comparative purposes of amounts reported by the Company for the year ending March 31, 2011. The financial reporting impact of the transition cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.
The initial phase of implementation included conceptual application of the new rules, analysis of the Company’s accounting data and assessment of key areas that may be impacted. In this phase, short term investments were identified. The next phase will include the analysis of accounting policy alternatives available under IFRS as well as the determination of changes required to existing information systems and business processes.
In January 2009, the CICA issued the new handbook Section 1582, Business Combinations, effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. Earlier adoption of Section 1582 is permitted. This pronouncement further aligns Canadian GAAP with US GAAP and IFRS and changes the accounting for business combinations in a number of areas. It establishes principles and requirements governing how an acquiring company recognizes and measures in its financial statements identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, and goodwill acquired. The section also establishes disclosure requirements that will enable users of the acquiring company’s financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of its business combinations. Although the Company is considering the impact of adopting this pronouncement on the consolidated financial statements, it will be limited to any future acquisitions beginning in fiscal 2012.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
3.
|
PRINCIPLES AND USE OF ESTIMATES -
|
continued
|
Recent accounting pronouncements – continued
Consolidated financial statements and non-controlling interests - continued
In January 2009, the CICA issued the new handbook Section 1601, Consolidated Financial Statements, and Section 1602, Non-controlling Interests, effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. Earlier adoption of these recommendations is permitted. These pronouncements further align Canadian GAAP with US GAAP and IFRS. Sections 1601 and 1602 change the accounting and reporting for ownership interest in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent. Non-controlling interests are to be presented in the consolidated statement of financial position within the entity but separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the non-controlling interest is to be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of income. In addition, these pronouncements establish standards for a change in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary and the valuation of retained non-controlling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. They also establish reporting requirements for providing sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the non-controlling owners. The Company is currently considering the impact of adopting these pronouncements on its consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2012 in connection with the conversion to IFRS.
4.
|
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
March 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying average costs
|
|
|
fair market value
|
|
|
Carrying average costs
|
|
|
fair market value
|
|
Marketable securities
|
|
|
4,012,608 |
|
|
|
1,985,522 |
|
|
|
5,253,571 |
|
|
|
1,091,563 |
|
Non-marketable securities
|
|
|
252,350 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
263,010 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
$ |
4,264,958 |
|
|
$ |
1,985,522 |
|
|
$ |
5,516,581 |
|
|
$ |
1,091,563 |
|
Unrealised loss before tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(2,279,436) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(4,425,018) |
|
Movements in unrealised (loss)gain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At beginning of period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,425,018) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(1,306,768) |
|
(loss)gain during period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,145,581 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(3,118,250) |
|
At end of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(2,279,437) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(4,425,018) |
|
a. Marketable securities
Marketable securities are designated as “available-for-sale”.
Marketable securities are stated at fair value based on quoted market prices on the balance sheet as at December 31, 2009. An unrealised gain of $2,145,582 for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 was included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss and accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
4.
|
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS - continued
|
a. Marketable securities - continued
As at December 31, 2009, the Company held warrants in certain marketable securities which are exercisable at its option to convert into equal number of common shares of the said securities. The total exercise price of these warrants was $ $ 81,666 (March 31, 2009: $138,189) and the market value of the underlying securities was $ 9,800 as at that date (March 31, 2009: $ 34,509). These warrants and the underlying unrealised gains and losses have not been accounted for in the financial statements since the Company has not yet determined if it would exercise these warrants before their expiry in April 2012.
b. Non-marketable securities
The Company held shares in two private corporations as at December 31, 2009, which are designated as “Available for sale”. Based on the management review of the affairs of the above investee companies and discussions with their management, it was concluded that there was no other than temporary impairment in the carrying costs of these investments as at December 31, 2009 The factors considered in our impairment review included length of time the security was held, extent to which the fair value was below cost, current financial conditions of the investee companies, near term prospects of the investee companies and our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery.
The Company however believed that as at December 31, 2009 and March 31, 2009, the value of these investments was seriously affected due partly to the overall adverse market conditions and has therefore continued to value them at zero value.
5.
|
OFFICE EQUIPMENT AND FURNITURE
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
Accumulated amortisation
|
|
|
Net book value
|
|
|
Net book value
|
|
|
|
As at December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Audited)
|
|
Office furniture
|
|
|
4,725 |
|
|
|
1,833 |
|
|
|
2,892 |
|
|
|
3,402 |
|
Computer
|
|
|
3,432 |
|
|
|
1,416 |
|
|
|
2,016 |
|
|
|
1,302 |
|
Software
|
|
|
5,793 |
|
|
|
1,262 |
|
|
|
4,531 |
|
|
|
4,730 |
|
|
|
$ |
13,950 |
|
|
$ |
4,511 |
|
|
$ |
9,439 |
|
|
$ |
9,434 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
6. INTEREST IN LICENCES AND PERMIT
In November 2009, the Company acquired, through its wholly owned subsidiary, an indirect 71.63% working interest in two drilling licenses and one exploration permit in the Levantine Basin, approximately 40 kilometres off the west coast of Israel. The two drilling licenses, Petroleum License 347 (“Mira”) and Petroleum License 348 (“Sarah”), cover approximately 198,000 (net 141,827) acres, and the exploration permit, Petroleum Preliminary Permit 199 (“Benjamin”), covers approximately 461,000 (net 330,214) acres.
The working interest is held in the form of a 75% equity interest in Israel Petroleum Company, Limited, or IPC Cayman, a Cayman Islands limited company that was formed to explore and develop the properties off the west coast of Israel.
The following costs incurred in connection with this acquisition have been capitalized:
Cash to vendor
|
|
$ |
899,725 |
|
Shares and warrants issued to vendor at fair value (note 12(a)(ii)
|
|
|
2,716,639 |
|
Seismic data relating to the licences and permit
|
|
|
13,202,648 |
|
Legal
|
|
|
189,778 |
|
Other direct costs
|
|
|
646,231 |
|
|
|
$ |
17,655,021 |
|
The licenses and permit require approval of transfer by the Petroleum Commissioner from PetroMed Corporation, a Belize corporation (the Vendor), to IPC Cayman. The transfer of the licenses and permit is being disputed. See note 20 (d), (e) and (f). Substantial seismic data concerning the area covered by the Mira and Sara licenses and the Benjamin permit, including 2D and 3D seismic surveys, have been collected by WesternGeco.
The vendor provided IPC Cayman with irrevocable deeds of assignment with respect to each of the licenses and permit, and are committed to hold the said licenses and permit on behalf of the IPC Cayman until their transfer.
The management carried out an impairment tests in the light of various disputes and other circumstances including the current efforts at raising the required funds and overall legal opinion on the validity of such disputes and claims and concluded that at this stage there was no permanent impairment requiring any write offs.
7. GOODWILL
Goodwill resulted from the difference between the carrying value of assets and liabilities of the Company’s subsidiary, IPC Cayman and fair value of such assets and liabilities applicable to non controlling interests in IPC Cayman.
The management concluded that there was no permanent impairment requiring any adjustment to the goodwill at December 31, 2009.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
8. PREPAID CONSULTING SERVICES
Prepaid consulting services relate to the fair value of shares and options issued under the Company’s Consultants’ Stock Compensation and Stock Option Plans to consultants for services that will be performed during the period subsequent to the balance sheet date. Changes during the period were as follows:
|
|
Balance at April 1, 2009
|
|
|
Deferred during period
|
|
|
Canceled during period
|
|
|
Expensed during period
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stocks
|
|
|
20,484 |
|
|
|
(59,454) |
|
|
|
(81,957) |
|
|
|
120,927 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
$ |
20,484 |
|
|
$ |
(59,454) |
|
|
$ |
(81,957) |
|
|
$ |
120,927 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at April 1, 2008
|
|
|
Deferred during the year
|
|
|
Canceled during the year
|
|
|
Expensed during the year
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2009
|
|
Options
|
|
$ |
7,878 |
|
|
$ |
76,839 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
(84,717) |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Stocks
|
|
|
278,018 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(64,395) |
|
|
|
(193,139) |
|
|
|
20,484 |
|
|
|
$ |
285,896 |
|
|
$ |
76,839 |
|
|
$ |
(64,395) |
|
|
$ |
(277,856) |
|
|
$ |
20,484 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at April 1, 2008
|
|
|
Deferred during period
|
|
|
Canceled during the period
|
|
|
Expensed during period
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2008
|
|
Options
|
|
|
7,878 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,910) |
|
|
|
1,968 |
|
Stocks
|
|
|
278,018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16,500) |
|
|
|
(220,545) |
|
|
|
40,973 |
|
|
|
$ |
285,896 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(226,455) |
|
|
$ |
42,941 |
|
(a)
|
In December 2008, the directors approved payment of fee in cash to two consultants upon their returning, for cancelation, common shares of the Company issued earlier in settlement of the said fee. One of the consultants, Mr. Terence Robinson returned his shares prior to March 31, 2009 and the other consultant, Mr. John Robinson returned, for cancelation, 350,000 in July 2009 and hence cash liability of $82,000 and related shares cancelation was accounted for by the Company during the quarter ended September 30, 2009.
|
(b)
|
The Company issued 328,333 common shares to five new consultants whose services were hired during the period. The shares issued covered their fees up to December 31, 2009 and were valued at market price of the Company’s common shares on the date of issue.
|
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
9. SHORT TERM LOANS
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
March 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
(audited)
|
Cuurent Capital Corp., a related party
|
a
|
130,875
|
-
|
due to Company controlled by the sole director of IPC, Cayman
|
b
|
743,018
|
|
Other
|
c
|
889,950
|
-
|
|
|
1,763,843
|
|
|
|
|
|
a.
|
The amount was borrowed on November 24, 2009 in US $ 125,000. The loan carries interest at the rate of 10% per annum and is repayable in full on or before November 24, 2010 with accumulated interest. The interest of US$ 1,267 up to December 31, 2009 is included in the accrual.
|
The Company issued 125,000 warrants as an inducement. The features of these warrants are explained in note 10. (v)
b.
|
Funds advanced are repayable on demand and carry interest at 5% per annum.
|
c.
|
The amount was borrowed on November 12, 2009 in US$ 850,000. The loan carries interest at 10% per annum. The loan together with the accumulated interest is repayable on or before November 12, 2010. Interest of US$ 10,479 is included in the accrual. The Promissory Note covering this loan is secured by the pledge of 1,125 shares of Israel Petroleum Company, Limited.
|
The Company issued 1,000,000 warrants as an inducement. The features of these warrants are explained in note 10. (v).
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
10. CAPITAL STOCK
(a) Authorized
Unlimited number of common shares
(b) Issued
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
March 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Audited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
Beginning of period
|
|
|
30,820,743 |
|
|
$ |
32,854,075 |
|
|
|
30,095,743 |
|
|
$ |
32,901,488 |
|
Canceled (note 6(a))
|
|
|
(350,000) |
|
|
|
(81,957) |
|
|
|
(275,000) |
|
|
|
(64,395 |
) |
Issued under 2009 Consultant stock compensation plan (a)
|
|
|
328,333 |
|
|
|
100,443 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued under private placements (b)
|
|
|
17,725,000 |
|
|
|
2,319,354 |
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
62,280 |
|
Finder's fee (b)
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(231,935) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,228 |
) |
Issued to vendor on acquisition of interest in licences and permit ( note 5)
|
|
|
8,617,686 |
|
|
|
2,716,639 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value assigned to warrants issued to vendor on acquisition of interest in licences and permit ( 8)
|
|
|
|
(2,363,476) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value assigned to warrants issued as finders fee under private placements
|
|
|
|
(135,245) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value assigned to warrants issued under private placements (note 8(a) ( i))
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(1,217,201) |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(39,070 |
) |
|
|
|
57,141,762 |
|
|
$ |
33,960,697 |
|
|
|
30,820,743 |
|
|
$ |
32,854,075 |
|
(a)
|
On April 7, 2009, the Company registered 2009 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan with Securities and Exchange Commission in a registration statement under the US Securities Act of 1933. 3 million common shares of the Company were registered under the Plan. During the nine months ended December 31, 2009, 328,333 common shares were issued to five consultants out of this plan in settlement of their fee for the period (during the quarter ended December 31, 2009: 228,333 shares were issued). These shares were valued at the market price of the common shares prevailing on the date of issue.
|
(b)
|
On December 12, 2008, The Board of Directors of the Company approved a private placement to raise equity funds up to US$500,000. The private placement consists of Units up to maximum of ten million, to be issued at US0.05 per Unit. Each Unit would comprise one common share of the Company and one full warrant convertible into one common share of the Company at an exercise price of US$0.10 each within two years of the issuance of warrant
.
|
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
10. CAPITAL STOCK (b) (b) - continued
The board also approved a finder’s fee at 10% of the proceeds from the issuance of units and warrants attached thereto and 10% of warrants issued in warrants with the same terms, payable to Current Capital Corp., a related party (note 13).
During the period ended December 31, 2009, the Company received ten subscriptions for a total of 9 million units (during the quarter ended December 31, 2009: eight subscriptions for 6.5 million units). The subscription closed on October 15, 2009.
(b).2On November 20, 2009, The Board of Directors of the Company approved a private placement to raise equity funds up to US$5,500,000. The private placement consists of Units up to maximum of 27.5 million, to be issued at US0.20 per Unit. Each Unit would comprise one common share of the Company and one full warrant convertible into one common share of the Company at an exercise price of US$0.35 each within five years of the issuance of warrant, subject to an early recall if the market price of the Company’s common shares exceeds US$ 1 for a period of 20 consecutive trading days.
The board also approved a finder’s fee at 10% of the proceeds from the issuance of units and warrants attached thereto and 10% of warrants issued in warrants with the same terms, payable to Current Capital Corp., a related party, net of any fees payable to anyone else (note 13).
During the period and the quarter ended December 31, 2009, the Company received eleven subscriptions for a total of 8,725,000 million units. The subscription will be closed on February 2010 but may be extended at the discretion of the directors.
11. STOCK OPTION PLANS
(a) The following is a summary of all Stock Option Plans as at September 30, 2009:
Plan
|
Date of registration *
|
|
# of Options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered
|
|
|
issued
|
|
|
Expired
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
Outstanding
|
|
1999 Stock option Plan
|
April 30, 2003
|
|
|
3,000,000 |
|
|
|
3,000,000 |
|
|
|
(70,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,200,000 |
) |
|
|
1,730,000 |
|
2003 Stcok Option Plan
|
July 22, 2004
|
|
|
2,500,000 |
|
|
|
2,500,000 |
|
|
|
(155,000 |
) |
|
|
(400,000 |
) |
|
|
1,945,000 |
|
The Robinson Plan
|
December 5, 2005
|
|
|
1,100,000 |
|
|
|
1,100,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,100,000 |
|
2005 Stock Option Plan
|
December 5, 2005
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
7,600,000 |
|
|
|
6,650,000 |
|
|
|
(225,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,600,000 |
) |
|
|
4,825,000 |
|
* Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America (SEC) as required under the Securities Act of 1933.
All options were fully vested on the dates of their grant.
(c)
|
There were no movements during the nine months and quarter ended December 31, 2009. The weighted average exercise price of the outstanding stock options is US$0.15 (March 31, 2009: $0.15, December 31, 2008: $0.15.)
|
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
11. STOCK OPTION PLANS - continued
(C) Details of weighted average remaining life of the options granted and outstanding are as follows:
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
March 31, 2009
|
|
Number of options oustanding and excercisable
|
|
|
4,825,000 |
|
|
|
4,825,000 |
|
Exercise price in US$
|
|
|
0.15 |
|
|
|
0.15 |
|
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)
|
|
|
1.02 |
|
|
|
1.78 |
|
The options can be exercised at any time after vesting within the exercise period in accordance with the applicable option agreement. The exercise price was more than the market price on the date of the grants for 1,995,000 options and less than the market price for the balance of 2,830,000 options. Upon expiry or termination of the contracts, vested options must be exercised within 30 days for consultants and 90 days for directors.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
(a) Movement in warrants during the period are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Audited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note
|
|
|
# of warrants
|
|
|
Weighted average exercise price
|
|
|
Fair value
|
|
|
# of warrants
|
|
|
Weighted average exercise price
|
|
|
Fair value
|
|
Issued and outstanding, beginning of period
|
|
|
|
13,846,420 |
|
|
|
0.24 |
|
|
|
2,192,927 |
|
|
|
12,846,420 |
|
|
|
0.44 |
|
|
|
2,153,857 |
|
Issued under 2008-9 Private Placement
|
|
|
i |
|
|
|
9,000,000 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
|
339,560 |
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
|
39,070 |
|
Issued as finders fee under 2008-9 private placement
|
|
|
i |
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
|
37,729 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued to vendor for acquisition of interest in licences and permit
|
|
ii
|
|
|
|
22,853,058 |
|
|
|
4.00 |
|
|
|
2,363,476 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued under 2009 Private Placement
|
|
iii
|
|
|
|
8,725,000 |
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
|
|
877,641 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued as finders fee under 2008-9 private placement
|
|
iii
|
|
|
|
872,500 |
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
|
|
97,516 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued to minority shareholders of IPC Cayman
|
|
iv
|
|
|
|
7,000,000 |
|
|
.35 or cashless excercise
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued to lenders of short term loans
|
|
|
v |
|
|
|
1,150,000 |
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued and outstanding, end of year
|
|
|
|
64,446,978 |
|
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
5,908,849 |
|
|
|
13,846,420 |
|
|
|
0.24 |
|
|
|
2,192,927 |
|
(i)
|
The company issued 9 million warrants under a 2008 private placement relating to Units subscribed plus one million warrants as finder’s fee during the period ended December 31, 2009 as explained in Note 10(b) (b).1. These warrants are convertible into equal number of common shares at an exercise price of US$0.10 per warrant and expire within two years of their issue.
|
|
The fair value of these warrants has been estimated using a Black-Scholes option price model with the following assumptions:
|
Risk free interest rate
|
1%
|
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
12.
|
WARRANTS (a) (i) - continued
|
|
The fair value of the warrants as per the Black-Scholes option price model amounted to $3,169,022. Using the relative fair value method, an amount of $339,560 for warrants issued to private places and $ 37,729 for warrants issued as finder’s fee (total 87%) has been accounted for as reduction in value of shares and increase in value of warrants.
|
(ii)
|
The company issued 22, 853,058 warrants to the vendor as part of the cost of acquisition of licenses and permit as explained in Note 6. These warrants are convertible into equal number of common shares at an exercise price of US$ 4.00 per warrant and expire within seven years of their issue.
|
|
The fair value of these warrants has been estimated using a Black-Scholes option price model with the following assumptions:
|
Risk free interest rate
|
1%
|
|
The fair value of the warrants as per the Black-Scholes option price model amounted to $6,449,170. Using the relative fair value method, an amount of $2,363,476 for warrants issued (total 87%) has been accounted for as reduction in value of shares and increase in value of warrants.
|
(iii)
|
The company issued 8,725,000 warrants under a 2009 private placement relating to Units subscribed plus 872,500 as finder’s fee during the period ended December 31, 2009 as explained in Note 10(b) (b).2. These warrants are convertible into equal number of common shares at an exercise price of US$0.35 per warrant and expire within five years of their issue.
|
|
The fair value of these warrants has been estimated using a Black-Scholes option price model with the following assumptions:
|
Risk free interest rate
|
1%
|
|
The fair value of the warrants as per the Black-Scholes option price model amounted to $2,818,440. Using the relative fair value method, an amount of $877,641 for warrants issued to private places and $ 97,516 for warrants issued as finder’s fee (total 59%) has been accounted for as reduction in value of shares and increase in value of warrants.
|
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
12.
|
WARRANTS (a) (iii) - continued
|
Option price models used for calculating fair value of warrants require input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected price volatility. Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, and therefore the models do not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of the Company’s warrants.
(iv)
|
The Company issued 7 million warrants to two shareholders of IPC Cayman who hold 25% equity while the Company holds the balance 75% equity, under Contribution and Assignment Agreement dated November 14, 2009. No cash consideration or shares were attached to these warrants and hence these warrants are measured as zero value. The warrants are convertible into equal number of common shares of the Company at an initial exercise price of US$0.35 within five years of their issuance. The holders of these warrants are entitle to a cashless exercise under which number of shares to be issued will be based on number of shares for which warrants are exercised times the difference between market price of common share and the exercise price divided by the market price. Shares resulting from this formula will be issued against the exercised warrants without any cash consideration.
|
(v)
|
The Company issued 1,150,000 warrants as an inducement to two lenders to lend money to the Company under promissory notes. These warrants are convertible into equal number of common shares at an exercise price of US$0.35 within five years. Value of these warrants is measured as zero.
|
|
(b) Details of weighted average remaining life of the warrants granted and outstanding are as follows:
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
March 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
(Audited)
|
|
|
Warrants outstanding & excercisable
|
Warrants outstanding & excercisable
|
Exercise price in US$
|
Number
|
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)
|
Number
|
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)
|
0.25
|
12,846,420
|
0.50
|
12,846,420
|
0.29
|
0.10
|
11,000,000
|
1.71
|
1,000,000
|
1.88
|
4.00
|
22,853,058
|
6.87
|
|
|
0.35
|
17,747,500
|
4.94
|
|
|
1.54
|
64,446,978
|
4.18
|
13,846,420
|
0.40
|
On June 4, 2009, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a further extension of the expiry date of 11,124,460 warrants issued as part of 2006 private placement and still outstanding by one year from their existing expiry dates. The fair value of these warrants was not recalculated due to this change.
On September 28, 2009, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a further extension of the expiry date of 1,721,960 warrants issued as part of 2003 private placement and still outstanding by nine months from their existing expiry dates. The fair value of these warrants was not recalculated due to this change.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
13. LOSS PER SHARE
Loss per share is calculated on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, which were 36,798,192 shares for the nine months and 48,569,756 for the three months ended December 31, 2009 (nine and three months ended December 31, 2008– 30,065,187 and 30,004,076 respectively).
The Company had approximately 64.4 million (December 31, 2008:12.8 million) warrants and 4.8 million options (December 31, 2008: 4.8 million), which were not exercised as at December 31, 2009. Inclusion of these warrants and options in the computation of diluted loss per share would have an anti-dilutive effect on loss per share and are therefore excluded from the computation. Consequently, there is no difference between loss per share and diluted loss per share.
|
|
Three months ended
|
|
|
Nine months ended
|
|
|
Three months ended
|
|
|
Nine months ended
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
Fees settled in stocks and options (Note 6)
|
|
|
80,258 |
|
|
|
38,970 |
|
|
|
64,499 |
|
|
|
226,455 |
|
Fees settled for cash
|
|
|
121,572 |
|
|
|
360,472 |
|
|
|
65,570 |
|
|
|
101,228 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
201,830 |
|
|
$ |
399,442 |
|
|
$ |
130,069 |
|
|
$ |
327,683 |
|
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
(d)
|
The Company entered into media relations and investor relations contracts with Current Capital Corp., a shareholder corporation, effective July 1, 2004 initially for a period of one year and renewed automatically unless cancelled in writing by a 30-day notice for a total monthly fee of US$10,000
|
(e)
|
The Company entered into a consulting contract with Mr. Kam Shah, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer on April 1, 2005 for a five-year term up to March 31, 2010. The fee for each of the years is to be decided at the board meeting after the end of the third quarter of the calendar year. Mr. Shah was approved cash fee of $10,000 plus taxes per month for the year ending December 31, 2009 for his services. The fee was revised to $ 15,000 plus taxes per month by the audit committee resolution dated February 18, 2010. Further, the contract provides for a lump sum compensation of US$250,000 for early termination of the contract without cause. The contract also provides for entitlement to stock compensation and stock options under appropriate plans as may be decided by the board of directors from time to time.
|
(f)
|
The Company entered into a consulting contract with Mr. Terence Robinson, a key consultant and a former Chief Executive Officer, on April 1, 2003 for a six-year term up to March 31, 2009. On august 4, 2009, this contract was renewed for another five years effective April 1, 2009. The renewed contract provides for a fixed monthly fee of $10,000 plus taxes. The Consultant will also be entitled to stock compensation and stock options under appropriate plans as may be decided by the board of directors from time to time.
|
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES - continued
(g)
|
The Company has a consulting contract with Mr. John Robinson. Mr. John Robinson is sole owner of Current Capital Corp., a firm with which the Company has an ongoing contract for media and investor relations, and a brother of Mr. Terence Robinson who is a key consultant to the Company and a former Chief Executive Officer of the Company. On March 28, 2008, the Company renewed the consulting contract with Mr. John Robinson for another year to June 30, 2009. The consulting fee was agreed to be US$82,000 which was pre-paid by issuance of 350,000 common shares under 2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan. Mr. Robinson provides services that include assisting the management in evaluating new projects and monitoring short term investment opportunities that the Company may participate in from time to time. A new Consulting Contract was signed with Mr. John Robinson on July 1, 2009 for period to March 31, 2014. The Contract provides for a fixed monthly fee of $8,500 plus taxes. The Consultant will also be entitled to stock compensation and stock options under appropriate plans as may be decided by the board of directors from time to time.
|
(h)
|
The Company has agreed to payment of a finder’s fee to Current Capital Corp., a related party, at the rate of 10% of the proceeds from exercise of any of the outstanding warrants. The likely fee if all the remaining warrants are exercised will be approximately $ 726,000.
|
(i)
|
The company has agreed to register the shares and warrants issued in connection with the acquisition of the interest in licences and permit, short term loans and certain private placement, with Securities and Exchange Commission within 60 to 90 days of their issuance. The last date of filing being February 16, 2010. The Company filed the required registration on time subsequently.
|
(j)
|
The company entered into consulting agreements with three independent consultants ranging from one year to eighteen months. The fees payable under these agreements are payable in shares subject to approval of their monthly reports. Total shares committed under these agreements out of the existing Consultant Stock Compensation Plan is approximately 612,000.
|
(k)
|
The Company’s subsidiary, IPC Cayman enter into two consulting agreements with directors of the vender, PetroMed Corp. for fixed terms. Commitments include cash fee not exceeding approximately US$ 150,000 and issuance of 650,000 warrants at US$.35 exercise price for a five year term convertible into equal number of shares subject to certain performance criteria and achievements of certain milestones. IPC also has a consulting agreement with its manager and sole director, International Three Crown Petroleum to pay a management fee of US$ 20,000 per month.
|
16. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Transactions with related parties are incurred in the normal course of business and are measured at the exchange amount. Related party transactions and balances have been listed below, unless they have been disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements. Amounts are for nine months ended December 31, 2009 and balances are at December 31, 2009. Comparative amounts are for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 and balances as at December 31, 2008.
|
(i)
|
Included in shareholders information expense is $100,761 (2008 – $96,384) to Current Capital Corp, (CCC) for media relations services. CCC is a shareholder corporation and a director of the Company provides accounting services as a consultant.
|
(ii)
|
CCC charged $14,932 for rent (2008: $12,856).
|
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
16. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - continued
|
(iii)
|
Business expenses of $14,143 (2008: $12,997) were reimbursed to directors of the corporation and $61,252 (2008 - $47,240) to a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of the Company.
|
|
(iv)
|
Consulting fees include cash fee paid to directors for services of $97,500 (2008: $ 27,500). Fees prepaid to a director $1,277 (2008: $ 2,588). Cash fee paid to key consultant and a former chief executive officer of the Company was $90,000 (2008: nil)
|
|
(v)
|
Accounts payable includes $72,146 (2008: $9,489) due to CCC, $45,302 (2008: $3,955) due to directors and $46,726 (2008: $66,557) due to a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of the Company.
|
|
(vi)
|
Included in short term investments is an investment of $200,000 (2008: $200,000) in a private corporation controlled by a brother of the key consultant. The investment was stated at market value which was considered nil as at December 31, 2009 (December 31, 2008: $nil)
|
|
(vii)
|
|
Included in short term investments is an investment of $1,869,381 carrying cost and $1,136,696 fair value (2008: $1,837,956 carrying cost and $466,146 fair value) in a public corporation controlled by a key shareholder of the Company. This investment represents common shares acquired in open market or through private placements and represents less than 1% of the said Corporation.
|
|
(viii)
|
Included in other receivable is an advance of $70,000 made to a director. (2008: $ 70,000). The advance is repayable when the market price of the common shares of the Company stays at US$0.50 or above for a consecutive period of three months. These advances do not carry any interest.
|
|
(ix)
|
Finder’s fee of $ 140,060 (2008: $ nil) was accrued to CCC in connection with the private placements.
|
17. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
As at December 31 and March 31, 2009, the Company had only one major business segment-
Energy sector: This segment includes the Company’s acquisition of interests in joint ventures and projects relating to exploration and commercial drilling of oil and gas and related products.
The accounting policies of the segments are same as those described in Note 2 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2009.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
17. SEGMENTED INFORMATION - Continued
Geographic Information
The Company operates from one location in Canada. Its subsidiary, IPC Cayman has office in the USA. Its assets were located as follows:
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
March 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Audited)
|
|
Canada
|
|
|
5,570,311 |
|
|
|
1,592,947 |
|
USA
|
|
|
183,908 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Israel *
|
|
|
17,655,021 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
23,409,240 |
|
|
|
1,592,947 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Represents location of the licences and permit in which the Company holds working interest.
18. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATION OF RISKS
The Company is exposed in varying degrees to a number of risks arising from financial instruments. Management’s close involvement in the operations allows for the identification of risks and variances from expectations. The Company does not participate in the use of financial instruments to mitigate these risks and has no designated hedging transactions. The Board approves and monitors the risk management processes. The Board’s main objectives for managing risks are to ensure liquidity, the fulfillment of obligations, the continuation of the Company’s search for new business participation opportunities, and limited exposure to credit and market risks while ensuring greater returns on the surplus funds on hand.
There were no changes to the objectives or the process from the prior period.
|
The types of risk exposure and the way in which such exposures are managed are as follows:
|
Concentration risks exist in cash and cash equivalents because significant balances are maintained with one financial institution and one brokerage firm. The risk is mitigated because the financial institution is a prime Canadian bank and the brokerage firms are well known Canadian brokerage firms with good market reputationand all its assets are backed up by one of the major Canadian banks.
Further, our key assets – interest in licensees and permit are located in one country – Israel.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
18. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATION OF RISKS - continued
The Company monitors its liquidity position regularly to assess whether it has the funds necessary to complete planned exploration commitments on its petroleum and natural gas properties or that viable options are available to fund such commitments from new equity issuances or alternative sources such as farm-out agreements. However, as an exploration company at an early stage of development and without significant internally generated cash flow, there are inherent liquidity risks, including the possibility that additional financing may not be available to the Company, or that actual exploration expenditures may exceed those planned. The current uncertainty in global markets could have an impact on the Company’s future ability to access capital on terms that are acceptable to the Company. Refer to the Company’s going concern note (note 2) for further details on issues surrounding liquidity risk.
The Company’s maintains limited cash for its operational needs while most of its surplus cash is invested in short term marketable securities which are available on short notice to fund the Company’s operating costs and other financial demands.
The operating results and financial position of the Company are reported in Canadian dollars. Approximately 2% of total assets at December 31, 2009 (23% as at March 31, 2009), and approximately 97% of its liabilities as at that date ($ nil as at March 31, 2009) were held in US dollars. The results of the Company’s operations are therefore subject to currency transaction and translation risk.
The fluctuation of the US dollar in relation to the Canadian dollar will consequently impact the loss of the Company and may also affect the value of the Company’s assets and the amount of shareholders’ equity.
Comparative foreign exchange rates are as follows:
December 31, 2009 March 31, 2009
One US Dollar to CDN Dollar 1.0470 1.2602
The Company has not entered into any agreements or purchased any foreign currency hedging arrangements to hedge possible currency risks at this time.
19. CAPITAL DISCLOSURES
The Company considers the items included in Shareholders’ Equity as capital. The Company had short term loans of approximately $ 1 million and payables of approximately $ 470,000 as at December 31, 2009 and current assets, mostly in cash and short term investments of approximately $ 2.3 million. The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to pursue new business opportunities and to maintain a flexible capital structure which optimizes the costs of capital at an acceptable risk.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
19. CAPITAL DISCLOSURES - Continued
The Company manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may attempt to issue new shares, issue new debt, acquire or dispose of assets or adjust the amount of cash and short term investments.
As at December 31, 2009, the shareholders’ equity was approximately $ 6.8 million (March 31, 2009: $ 1.4 million). Approximately 31% or $2.4 million was held in cash and short term investments (March 31, 2009: $1.1 million or 79%). the Company completed its 2008-9 private placement in October 2009 and raised an approximate additional $ 420,000. Another private placement began in November 2009 and until December 31, 2009, approximately US$ 1.8 million were collected and spent on the project on hand. This private placement continues until the subscription of the balance of US$ 3.7 million.
The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements and does not presently utilize any quantitative measures to monitor its capital.
The Company expects its current capital resources will be sufficient to carry its business plans and operations through its current operating period. The Company will need to raise additional $ 12 million to pay for the seismic data on the current project and also to cover the increased working capital requirements.
|
Subsequent events have been evaluated through February 25, 2010 when they were available to be issued.
|
|
Key events are as follows:
|
(a)
|
The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Bontan Oil & Gas Corporation changed its name on January 18, 2010 to Israel Oil & Gas Corporation
|
(b)
|
The expiry date of 23,846,420 warrants, which were expiring between June 2010 and October 2011 and of 4,825,000 options, which were expiring between May 2010 and March 2014 was extended to March 31, 2014 by a board resolution dated January 29, 2010.
|
(c)
|
Approximately US$ 1.6 million of additional amount was raised through sale of approximately 7.6 million units under a private placement that was approved on November 20, 2009. This private placement will close on February 28, 2010 but may be extended by a board resolution.
|
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Unaudited – see Notice to Reader dated February 25, 2010)
20. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS - continued
(d)
|
On January 19, 2010, the vendor of the Mira and Sarah licences and Benjamin permit, PetroMed Corporation filed a complaint in the US District Court for the Western District of Washington against the Company and others requesting among other things rescission of Vendor’s irrevocable assignment of its 95.5% interest in the licences and permit and a declaration that the contracts with the defendants are null and void. PetroMed did not join IPC as a defendant. ITC and the individual defendant have filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. The Company believes the complaint is without merit and is in the process of filing its response.
|
(e)
|
On February 12, 2010, The Company’s subsidiary, IPC Cayman along with its sole director filed a complaint in the Second Judicial District of the State of Colorado in Denver against the vendor and others alleging that the defendants are actively interfering with IPC Cayman’s application before the Israel Ministry of National Infrastructure for transfer of IPC Cayman of PetroMed’s 95.5% interest in the licences and permit. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, temporary, preliminary and permanent, among other things. A hearing on the request for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for March 18 and 19, 2010.
|
(f)
|
On January 18, 2010, IPC Cayman filed applications with the Israel Petroleum Commissioner to transfer the licenses and permit in accordance with Section 76(a) of the Petroleum Law, with the application to transfer the permit also including an application to be granted a license based on the permit and its attending priority rights. The Company was informed by the Manager of IPC, Cayman that, in the light of the dispute as to ownership of the Mira and Sarah drilling licenses and the Benjamin exploration permit, the Petroleum Commissioner has declined to transfer the licenses and permit to IPC Cayman until such disputes are resolved. However, no official communication has been received from the office of the Petroleum Commissioner. Further, IPC Cayman is required to submit seismic data and its interpretation as a condition to transfer of licences and permit which will be released by westernGeco only upon settlement of their dues in full.
|
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 6. – INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
The Bylaws require us to indemnify a director or officer, a former director or officer, or a person who acts or acted at our request as a director or officer of a body corporate of which we are or were a shareholder or creditor, and his heirs and legal representatives, against all costs, charges and expenses, including an amount paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment, reasonably incurred by him in respect of any civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding to which he is made a party by reason of being or having been a director or officer of or such body corporate, if (a) he acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of our company; and (b) in the case of a criminal or administrative action or proceeding that is enforced by a monetary penalty, he had reasonable grounds for believing that his conduct was lawful. We will also indemnify such person in such other circumstances as the Business Corporations Act or law permits or requires. The Bylaws permit the purchase of indemnity insurance.
ITEM 7. – RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
In the three years preceding the filing of this registration statement, we have issued and sold the following securities that were not registered under the Securities Act. We believe that each of the following issuances was exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Regulation D under the Securities Act or pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act regarding transactions not involving a public offering or in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act regarding sales by an issuer in offshore transactions.
As of April 30, 2010, we sold 37,750,000 units at USD $0.20 per unit to 71 accredited investors. Each unit consisted of one common share and one warrant to purchase one common share at an exercise price of USD $0.35 per share. Proceeds net of issuance costs from the sale were approximately USD $6,795,000. In addition, we issued warrants to purchase 3,775,000 common shares at an exercise price of USD $0.35 per share to an accredited party as a finder’s fee. .
In connection with the acquisition of indirect working interest in Off shore licensees, we issued a warrant to purchase up to 5,000,000 common shares to International Three Crown Petroleum and a warrant to purchase up to 2,000,000 common shares to Allied Ventures. These warrants have a 5-year term and an exercise price of USD $0.35 per share and cash-less exercise feature.
On November 12, 2009, we sold a US $850,000 promissory note together with a 5-year warrant to purchase 1,000,000 common shares at an exercise price of US $0.35 per share to one accredited investor. On November 24, 2009, we sold a US$ 125,000 promissory note together with a 5-yearwarrant to purchase 150,000 common shares at an exercise price of US$0.35 per share to one accredited investor. On January 13, 2010, we sold a US$ 125,000 promissory note together with a 5-yearwarrant to purchase 150,000 common shares at an exercise price of US$0.35 per share to one accredited investor.
On October 15, 2009, we sold 10 million units at USD $0.05 per unit to 11 accredited investors. Each unit consisted of one common share and one warrant to purchase one common share at an exercise price of USD $0.10 per share. Proceeds net of issuance costs from the sale were approximately USD $450,000. In addition, we issued warrants to purchase 1,000,000 common shares at an exercise price of USD $0.10 per share to an accredited party as a finder’s fee.
ITEM 8. – EXHIBITS
1.1
|
Articles of Incorporation of the Company - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(ix) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000.
|
1.2
|
By-Laws of the Company - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(xi) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000.
|
1.3
|
Certificate of name change from Kamlo Gold Mines Limited to NRT Research Technologies Inc. - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(iii) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000.
|
1.4
|
Certificate of name change from NRT Research Technologies Inc. to NRT Industries Inc. - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(iv) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000.
|
1.5
|
Certificate of name change from NRT Industries Inc. to CUDA Consolidated Inc. - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(v) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000.
|
1.6
|
Certificate of name change from CUDA Consolidated Inc. to Foodquest Corp. - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(vi) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000.
|
1.7
|
Certificate of name change from Foodquest Corp. to Foodquest International Corp. - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(vii) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000.
|
1.8
|
Certificate of name change from Foodquest International Corp. to Dealcheck.com Inc. - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(viii) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000.
|
1.9
|
Certificate of name change from Dealcheck.com Inc. to Bontan Corporation Inc. - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(viii) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on September 23, 2003.
|
2(a)
|
Specimen Common Share certificate - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(viii) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on September 23, 2003.
|
4(a)2.i
|
Investor relations contract with Current Capital Corp. dated April 1, 2003 Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 (a) 2i to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2005 filed on September 28, 2005.
|
4(a)2.ii
|
Media Relation Contract with Current Capital corp. dated April 1, 2003 Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 (a) 2ii to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2005 filed on September 28, 2005.
|
4(a) 2.iii
|
A letter dated April1, 2005 extending the contracts under 4(a) 2.i and ii. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 (a) 2iii to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2005 filed on September 28, 2005.
|
4(c)1
|
Consulting Agreement dated April 1, 2005 with Kam Shah Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 (c) 1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2005 filed on September 28, 2005.
|
4(c) 2*
|
Letter of April 1, 2010 extending consulting Agreement of Mr. Kam Shah to March 31, 2015
|
4(c) 3
|
Consulting Agreement dated August 4, 2009 with Terence Robinson.
|
4(c) 4
|
Consulting Agreement dated July 1, 2009 with John Robinson.
|
4(c) (iv) 1
|
The Robinson Option Plan, 2005 Stock Option Plan and 2005 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan - Incorporated herein by reference to Form S-8 filed on December 5, 2005.
|
4(c) (iv) 2
|
2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan – Incorporated herein by reference to Form S-8 filed on January 16, 2007.
|
5.1*
|
Legal Opinion of Sui & Company
|
10.1
|
Contribution and Assignment Agreement dated as of November 14, 2009 by and among International Three Crown Petroleum LLC, Bontan Oil & Gas Corporation, the Company, Allied Ventures Incorporated and Israel Petroleum Company, Limited.
|
10.2
|
Stockholders Agreement dated as of November 14, 2009 by and among Israel Petroleum Company, Limited, Bontan Oil & Gas Corporation, Allied Ventures Incorporated and the Company (for the purposes identified therein)
|
10.3*
|
Allocation of Rights and Settlement Agreement dated March 25, 2010
|
10.4*
|
Agreement regarding Ownership Interest in Israel Petroleum Company, Limited dated April 14, 2010
|
10.5*
|
Promissory Note to Castle Rock Resources II, LLC, dated November 12, 2009
|
106
|
Pledge Agreement with Castle Rock Resources II, LLC
|
10.7
|
Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock by and between International Three Crown Petroleum LLC and the Company
|
10.8
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Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock by and between Allied Ventures Incorporated and the Company
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10.9*
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Operating and Participation Agreement dated as of May 19, 2010
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10.10*
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Option Agreement – Samuel License dated as of May 19, 2010
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23.1*
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Consent of Schwartz Levitsky Feldman LLP
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23.2*
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Consent of Sui & Company (included in 5.1)
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ITEM 9. - UNDERTAKINGS
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
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(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a) (3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
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(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) If the registrant is a foreign private issuer, to file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by § 210.3-19 of this chapter at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial statements and information otherwise required by Section 10(a) (3) of the Act need not be furnished, provided that the registrant includes in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph (a) (4) and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial statements. Not withstanding the foregoing, with respect to registration statements on Form F-3 (§ 239.33 of this chapter), a post-effective amendment need not be filed to include financial statements and information required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Act or § 210.3-19 of this chapter if such financial statements and information are contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the Form F-3.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) The undersigned registrant hereby further undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b) (1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(d) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-1 and has duly caused this Amendment No. 2 to the registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Toronto, Province of Ontario, on June 30, 2010.
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By: /s/ KAM SHAH |
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Kam Shah |
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Chief Executive and Financial Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment No. 2 to the registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
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Title/Capacity
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Date
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/s/ KAM SHAH
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Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Director (principal exectuive, financial and accounting officer)
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June 30, 2010
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Kam Shah
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/s/ DEAN BRADLEY
Dean Bradley
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Director
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June 30, 2010
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/s/ BRETT REES
Brett Rees
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Director
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June 30, 2010
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kscontract2010.htm
Bontan
Corporation Inc.
47
Avenue Road, Suite 200
Toronto,
Ontario, Canada M5R 2G3
T: 416-929-1806
F: 416-929-6612
April 1,
2010
Mr. Kam
Shah
75
Boulderbrook Drive
Scarborough<
ON
M1X
2C3
Dear
Kam:
We are
pleased to renew your consulting contract as Chief Executive and Financial
Officer of the Company for another five years to March 31, 2015 as per Article 4
of the Consulting Contract dated April 1, 2005 subject to the following
revision:
Article 5
– Compensation
Your
compensation will consists of a cash fee of CDN$ 15,000 per month plus
applicable taxes. You will continue to be entitled to performance bonus, stocks
and options under the Company’s plans as may be decided from time to
time.
All other
terms and conditions remain same as outlined in the Consulting Agreement dated
April 1, 2005.
Sincerely
S/Dean
Bradley S/Brett
Rees
Dean
Bradley Brett
Rees
Members of the Audit Committee
I accept
the terms as outlined
Kam
Shah
April 1,
2010
S/Kam
Shah
Kam
Shah
Chief
Executive officer
consentsuico.htm
Sui & Company
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|
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Solicitors
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Toronto Office:
The Exchange Tower, Box 427
130 King St. W., Ste. 1800
Toronto, Ontario M5X 1E3
Tel: 416-360-6481
Fax: 416-360-3761
|
Vancouver Office:
Suite 200,
1311 Howe Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 1R7
Tel: 604-605-6117
Fax: 604-605-6118
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Our File No.: B130-C
June 23, 2010
Bontan Corporation Inc.
47 Avenue Road, Suite 200
Toronto, Ontario
M5R 2G3
Attention: Kam Shah, President & C.E.O.
Dear Sir:
Re:
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Registration Statement on Form F-1 Originally Filed on February 17, 2010 and amended on February 25, 2010
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This is further to your request for an update to our opinion dated February 17, 2010 issued in connection with the above-captioned.
We understand that you are filing an Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form F-1 (the “Amended Registration Statement”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) for the registration of the offer and sale by the persons named as selling stockholders in the Amended Registration Statement as follows:
1.
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47,000,000 common shares, no par value, of Bontan Corporation Inc., an Ontario corporation (the “Company”);
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2.
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42,825,000 common shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants at an exercise price of USD $0.35 per share;
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3.
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7,000,000 common shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants, which have a cashless exercise feature, at an exercise price of USD $0.35 per share; and
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4.
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10,750,000 common shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants at an exercise price of USD $0.10 per share.
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The common shares referred to in paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 4 are collectively referred to herein as the “Shares.”
In connection with this opinion, we have examined such documents and have made such investigations as we have deemed relevant and necessary. We have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as duplicates or certified or conformed copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. Specifically, we have examined:
1.
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the documents listed in our opinion of February 17, 2010;
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2.
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resolutions of the directors of the Company passed subsequent to February 17, 2010; and
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3.
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the Amended Registration Statement.
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We have not examined the minute book or the banking records of the Company. We have assumed that the Company has received the appropriate consideration for any Shares that have been issued subsequent to February 17, 2010. We are solicitors qualified to practice law in the Province of Ontario. Our opinions set forth below are limited to the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein including applicable statutory provisions and reported judicial decisions interpreting those laws.
Our opinions are given to you as of the date hereof and we do not undertake and disclaim any obligation to advise you or any other person of any change in law or fact or of any event or circumstance affecting any matter set forth herein which may occur after the date hereof which may come or be brought to our attention.
Based upon the foregoing and subject to the limitations and qualifications expressed therein, we are of the opinion that:
1.
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the Shares that have been issued have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; and
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2.
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the Shares that are issuable upon the exercise of warrants have been duly authorized and, upon issuance in accordance with the terms of the applicable warrants, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
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We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Amended Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm wherever appearing in the Amended Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.
Yours truly,
Sui & Company
"Sui & Company"
ipcagmt_btn.htm
AGREEMENT
REGARDING OWNERSHIP INTERESTS IN
ISRAEL
PETROLEUM COMPANY, LIMITED
THIS AGREEME
T REGARDING OWNERSHIP INTERESTS IN ISRAEL PETROLEUM COMPANY, LIMITED (this
"Agreement"), dated as of April
14, 2010, is by and amoung /International Three Crown Petroleum LLC, a Colorado
limited liability company ("ITC"), Israel Oil &
Gas Corporation (Previously, Bontan Oil &
Gas Corporation), an Ontario corporation ("Bontan"), Bontan Corporation
Inc., an Ontario corporation ("Bontan Parent"), Allied
jVen~uresIncorporated, a Belize corporation ("Allied") and Israel Petroleum
Company, Limite1, a Cayman Islands limited company (the "Company"), each,
individually, sometimes referred to
as a "Party" and collectively referred
to as the "Parties."
RECITALS
A. The
Company was formed to, among other things, acquire the Offshore Israel Project
(as defined in the Option Agreement) pursuant to that certain Option Agreement
for Purchase and Sale (the "Option Agreement"), dated October 15,
2009, between ITC and PetroMed Corporation, a Belize corporation ("PetroMed").
B. In
connection with the formation of the Company, the Parties entered into that
certain Contribution and Assignment Agreement dated as of November 14, 2009 (the
"Contribution Agreement") and that certain
Stockholders Agreement of the Company dated as of Novemb er
14, 2009 (the "Stockholders Agreement" and together with the
Contribution Agree ten the "Original Agreements").
C.
Certain disputes have arisen with respect to the Company's interest in the
OffshoI
re Israel Project and certain of the Parties have entered into the
Allocation of Rights and settlefent/ Agreement dated March _, 2010, by and among
the Company, ITC, H. Howard Cooper, Bontan, PetroMed, Emanuelle Energy Ltd. and
IDB-DT Energy (2010) Ltd. (the "Settlement Agreement") in
order to resolve those disputes.
D. As a
result of the effects of the Settlement Agreement, the Parties desire to set
forth in this Agreement their agreement regarding their respective ownership
interests in the Com any, which agreements shall be effective, for all purposes,
as of the date of the Original Agreements.
AGREEMENT
N OW,
THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which is ,acknowleged, the Parties agree as follows:
1.
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Ownership
Interests. Effective as of November 14, 2009, for all purposes, and all
times from such date through the date hereof: (i) ITC shall be deemed to
have owned, and to currently own, a 23.21% equity
interest in the Company represented by 2,321 ordinary shares of the
Comp any (ii)
Bontan shall be deemed to have owned, and to currently own, a 76.79%
equity interest in the Company represented by 7,679 ordinary shares of the
Company, and (iii) Allied shall be deemed not to have owned or to ever
have owned, and not to currently own, any equity interest' the Company.
For the avoidance of doubt, the 23.21 % equity
interest owned by ITC and the 76.79% equity interest owned by Bontan as
set forth herein shall be deemed to be, and to have represented at all
times from November 14, 2009 to the date hereof, an equivalent interest in
the los,, gain, loss and all other tax attributes of the Company for all
purposes under, and with respect to, United States tax laws and
regulations.
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2.
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Representation
and
Warranties. Each
Party represents and warrants to the other Parties that: (i) it is duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction fits formation; (ii) all action on the part of the Party
necessary for the authorization of the execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement by the Company has been taken; and (iii) this Agreement,
when executed and delivered, will be the valid and binding obligation of
the Party enforceable against the Party in accordance with its terms,
except as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or other laws of general application affecting enforcement of
creditors' rights and general principles of equity that restrict the
availability of equitable remedies.
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3.
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Further Assurances. The
Parties shall promptly execute and deliver any additional instruments or
documents which may be reasonably necessary to evidence or better effect
the agreements set forth herein, and shall take any and all action
necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, including any action
necessary to cause the stock certificates issued by the Comp ty to reflect
the respective ownership interests of ITC and Bontan in the Company as set
forth herein.
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4.
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Counterparts. This
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by each party
on a separate counterpart or counterparts, each of which when so executed
and delivered shall be deemed an original and all of which taken together
shall constitute but one and the same
instrument.
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5.
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Governing
Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be an agreement made
under the laws of the State of Delaware and for all purposes shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with such
laws.
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6.
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Binding Effect. This
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each of the
parties and its successors and
assigns.
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7.
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Effect on Original Agreements. This
Agreement is intended to modify and amend the Original Agreements. If any
term or provision hereof is inconsistent with any term or provision of
either of the Original Agreements, the terms and provisions of this
Agreement shall be deemed to modify, amend and supersede (as
appropriate) such inconsistent term or provision of such Original
Agreement and shall control for all purposes. To the extent not modified,
amended or superseded hereby, each of the Original Agreements shall remain
in full force and effect subject, however, to the obligation of ITC upon
execution hereof to enter into good faith negotiations with Bontan to
revise the terms of the Original
Agreements.
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[Signature
Page Follows]
WlITNESS
WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Restructuring Agreement as of th dat
first above written.
INTERNATIONAL
THREE CROWN
PETROLEUM
LLC, a Colorado limited liability company
By: S/ H.
Howard Cooper
Name: H.
Howard Cooper
Title:
President and Manager
ISRAEL
OIL &
Gas Corporation, an Ontario corporation
By: S/
Kam Shah
Name: Kam Shah
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
BONTAN
CORPORATION INC., an Ontario corporation
By: S/
Kam Shah
Name: Kam
Shah
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
ALLIED
VENTURES INCORPORATED, a Belize corporation
By:
Name:
Title:
ISRAEL
PETROLEUM COMPANY, LIMITED, a Cayman Islands limited company
By:
INTERNATIONAL THREE CROWN PETROLEUM LLC, a Colorado limited liability
company
By: S/ H.
Howard Cooper
Name: H.
Howard Cooper
Title:
President and Manager
ipcownershipagmnt_btn.htm
Execution
Copy
ALLOCATION OF RIGHTS AND
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
This
Allocation of Rights and Settlement Agreement (this "Agreement"), dated as of March
25, 2010, is
entered into by and among (1) International Three Crown Petroleum LLC C"ITC"), Israel Petroleum
Company, Limited ("IPC"), H. Howard Cooper
("Cooper") (collectively, the
"Plaintiffs"), and
Bontan Corporation Inc. ("Bontan", and collectively with the Plaintiffs, the
"IPC Parties"), on the one hand, and (2) PetroMed Corporation (“PetroMed"), Hagai Amir, Lyle
Durham (collectively, the "PetroMed Parties"), on the
second hand, and (3) Emanuelle Energy Ltd. ("Emanuelle") and IDB-DT Energy
(2010) Ltd. (in
formation by its promoters IDB Development Corporation Ltd. and Du-Tzah
Ltd.) ("IDB-DT"), on th6 thiIjd hand (Emanuelle and IDB-DT, the "Lead Investors"). The IPC
Parties, PetroMed Partle and the Lead Investors are referred to individually as
a Party or collectively herein as the “Parties”. Cooper, Hagai
Amir and Lyle Durham are referred to collectively herein as the "Individual
Parties."
RECITALS
WHEREAS, ITC and PetroMed
entered into an option agreement dated October 15, 2009 (and closed on November
18, 2009) (the "Option
Agreement"), by which ITd purchased all of PetroMed's rights in the
acquisition, maintenance, development, exploration, commercialization of Israeli
Drilling Licenses nos. 348 (Sarah) and 347 (Myra), attached here to as Exhibit
1A and IB including licenses and/or permits thereto that may be issued
with respect to materially the same geographic area as Sara and Myra (the
"Licenses") and the exploration Permit no. 199 with priority rights (Benjamin),
including licenses and/or permits thereto that may be issued with respect to
materially the same geographic area as Benjamin, attached hereto as
Exhibit 2 (the "Permit") (together, the Licenses and the Permit, the "Israel
Offshore Project");
WHEREAS, PetroMed, ITC and IPC
(ITC's assignee to said rights) have been in .disputes, inter alia, with respect
to an alleged subsequent rescission of the transfer by PetroMed, and the
transfer of the Licenses in IPC's name in the Israeli Petroleum Registry
(“Registry”) has not occurred and the Israeli Petroleum Commissioner
("Commissioner") has deleted the Permit from the Registry;
WHEREAS, Emanuelle and
PetroMed entered into a binding Term Sheet on Mar ) 10, 2010 with effect
beginning on March 8, 2010, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit
3(the "Term Sheet"), by which Emanuelle was granted an option, inter
alia, to effectivelvi take control of PetroMed and/or all of its assets,
including all of its rights in the Israeli Offshore Project (the “PetroMed Asset Control
Option”);
WHEREAS, in consideration for
the monies that the Lead Investors will pay unde this Agreement, the allocation
of overriding royalty rights contemplated hereunder and in furtherance of the
Parties' mutual interest in maintaining the Licenses and acting to have the
Permit reinstated or reissued to the Lead Investors and IPC in a like manner as
the allocation of the interests in the Licenses, all of the Parties hereto wish
to allocate portions of the 100% (95.5 % if the EMedCo Joinder is not timely
executed and delivered) the interest in the License1sand Permit among the Lead
Investors and IPC and allocate certain rights to Bontan, TCP (as defined
hereunder) and other persons or entities, all on the terms specified
hereunder;
WHEREAS, the
Lead Investors and IPC desire to regulate the relations among them with respect
to the acquisition, maintenance, development, exploitation and commercialization
of the Licenses and Permit, including under a Joint Operating Agreement until an
internationally reputable operator is included in the Israel Offshore Project,
on the terms and condition~ set out in this Agreement;
WHEREAS, Emanuelle and the PetroMed Parties
wish to unconditionally and irrevocably agree to the exercise of the PetroMed
Asset Control Option in such manner as is specified herein, while retaining the
right of Emanuelle and not the obligation, to complete additional transactions
contemplated under the Term Sheet and extending, with PetroMed's consent
rendered hereunder by way of execution of this Agreement, the term of the
exercise period of the Term Sheet to the extent deemed advisable by the Lead
Investors;
WHEREAS, the Lead Investors and IPC contemplate the possible joinder to
the allocation of rights and obligations created by this Agreement of Prentice
Tomlinson or through his controlled company named PBT Capital Partners LLC
("Tomlinson Entity" or
the "Joining Investor"), within up
to ninety (90) days following the date hereof, by way, inter alia, of the
purchase from the Lead Investors of a 9.25% working interest in Licenses and
Permit from the Lead Investors, in consideration for payment of US$2,220,000,
all as further specified in a joinder to be executed by all the Parties hereto
and Tomlinson Entity containing terms and conditions to be negotiated by them
but subject to the allocation of rights and obligations contained in this
Agreement (the "Tomlinson Joinder"); absent the execution
and delivery thereof as aforesaid, the Joining Investor shall not be deemed
party or beneficiary to this Agreement ab initio and no rights,
benefits; representations, warranties, covenants, waivers, releases or otherwise
referring to or mentioning any of the Joining Investor shall have an effect
whatsoever;
WHEREAS, the Parties hereto contemplate the possible joinder to the
allocation of right and obligations and the settlement of the Disputes contained
in this Agreement of East Mediterranean Exploration Company Limited ("EMedCo") and David Peace
(" Peace")
(collectively, the "EMedCo
Parties"), (in a joinder to be executed by the Parties and the EMedCo
Parties (the "EMedCo Joinder")) which will provide,
inter alia, for the relinquishment by EMedCo of its registered 4.5% working
interest in the Licenses and Permit, the ant to EMedCo of the EMedCo Overriding
Royalty (as hereinafter defined), and the termination and waiver of rights under
the existing consulting agreement dated January 1, 20g7 between PetroMed and
EMedCo (the "PetroMed -EmedCo
Consulting Agreement"); absent the execution and delivery thereof as
aforesaid, the EMedCo Parties shall not be deemed parties or beneficiaries to
this Agreement ab initio
and no rights, benefits, representations, warranties, covenants, waivers,
releases or otherwise referring to or mentioning any of the EMedCo Parties shall
have any effect whatsoever;
WHEREAS, the Plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against the PetroMed Parties and
EMedCo Parties (the PetroMed Parties and EMedco Parties sometimes collectively
referred to herein as the (“Defendants”) t he District Court for the City and
County of Denver, CaseNo.10-dv-1190 (the "Colorado Lawsuit"), seeking a
declaratory judgment and variously alleging brech of contract, intentional
interference with contract and prospective business relations, defamation, civil
conspiracy, promissory estoppel, and negligence;
WHEREAS, EMedCo filed counterclaims in the Colorado Lawsuit against IT
,IPC, and Cooper seeking a declaratory judgment and alleging intentional
interference with contractual relations (together with the claims of Plaintiff
against the EMedCo Parties in the Colorado Lawsuit, the "EMedCo Dispute");
WHEREAS, the PetroMed Parties filed a lawsuit against lTC, Cooper and
Bontan in the United States District Court for the Western District of
Washington, Case No. CV 10-0107MJP (the "Washington Lawsuit"), alleging
claims of federal and state securities fraud, state common law rescission, fraud
in the inducement, money laundering, breach of contract, economic duress,
consumer protection violations, and negligent misrepresentation;
WHEREAS, disputes have arisen among the Parties over responsibility and
liability for the expiration of the Permit (the "Benjamin
Dispute");
WHEREAS, the Plaintiffs have put the controlling group of Emanuelle on
notice orally and in writing as to IPC's rights with respect to the Israel
Offshore Project and Emmanuelle has alleged that Cooper, IPC and Bontan entered
into a legally binding oral contract with Emanuelle with respect to an
allocation of rights in the Israel Offshore Project (the notice and all11gation
together are referred to herein as the "IPC-Emanuelle Dispute");
and
WHEREAS, the Parties wish to settle the Washington Lawsuit, the Colorado
lawsuit, the Benjamin Dispute and the IPC-Emanuelle Dispute (collectively, the
"Disputes") as specified
herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and of the
conditions, covenants and agreements set forth below, the amount and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Recitals.
The Recitals set forth above and all appendices and schedules thereto are
incorporated into and made a part of this Agreement.
2. Staging
and Consideration. Each Party, as identified below, shall carry out the
following actions required of it, at the time so specified, time being of
the essence:
(i) Western Geeo Payment and Consent; Delivery of Data.
The term “Data” means2D and 3D seismic data and all other deliverables under the
Agreement for Marine Seismic Data Acquisition and Processing between PetroMed
and Western Geco International Ltd. "Wetstern Geco") dated July 15,
2009, as amended and assigned to IPC ("WG Agreement").
A.
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The
Lead Investors shall pay to Western Geco, such that Western Geco shall
receive the following amounts: (a) by no later than by March , 2010,
18:00 (London time), with up to a three days grace, the aggregate sum of
seven million US dollars (US$7,000,000))(the "First WG Installment"),
by way of wire transfer in immediately available funds and (b)
the aggregate sum of three million and five hundred thousand US dollars
($3,500,000) payable upon the delivery of the Data after being fully
processed in the l l-week processing format (the "Second WG Installment"
and together with the First WG Installment, the "Western GecoPayment"), all of which
shall be confirmed in writing by Western Geco prior to March , 2010
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 4 (the "WG Letter"). to the
extent that IPC is not fully released of liability by WG under the WG
Letter and the WG Agreement upon transfer of the First WG
Installment, IPC shall execute the WG Letter but, as between Parties, IPC
shall be responsible only for its pro rata portion based on Ownership WI
Point for any unpaid portion of Western Geco and the other Owning Parties
(as defined below ) shall contribute, immediately upon IPC's actual
payment its prorated portion, all required monies to cover such liability
in accordance with their respective Ownership WI Points. Nothing herein
shall be deemed to imply that Bontan is responsible for any liability
under the WG Agreement or WG Letter
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B.
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It
is agreed that Western Geco shall deliver the Data to the Lead Investors
and that the Data shall be available to be viewed by the Lead Investors
and IPC in the respective offices. Any Data delivered by Western Geco
shall be owned jointly by the Lead Investors, and IPC, pro rated to their
Ownership WI Points specified in Section 2(vii) below and held under
their joint control. The Lead Investors shall jointly decide, following
consultation with IPC, upon the timing of the delivery of the Data
received from Western Geco to the commissioner a view towards fulfilling
the purposes hereof including the registration in the Registry of the
ownership of the Licenses and Permit by Emanuelle, IDB-DT and IPC pro
rated to their respective Ownership WI
Points.
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C.
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The
delivery of the First WG Installment to Western Geco as specified under
this paragraph is a condition precedent to the remaining provisions of
this Agreement, including obligations of paragraphs (ii) -(ix) of this
Section 2 (the “Super-ConditionPrecedent”), and the
failure of the Lead Investors to make payment of the First WG Installment
by April 6 2010, for whatever reason, shall render this Agreement
null and void, and no Party shall have any liability or claim toward any
other Party arising under this
Agreement.
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D.
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Notwithstanding
clause (C) above, as between the PetroMed Parties and the Lead Investors,
the term of the Term Sheet shall be extended to apply until September
30, 2011, as
provided in Section 2(ii)B herein below, regardless of the other
provisions of this Agreement becoming
void.
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(ii)
Extension
of PetroMed Asset Control Option and Other Actions.
A.
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Assignment of Licenses. Upon execution hereof,
PetroMed shall deliver duly executed irrevocable Deeds of Assignment with
respect to the acquisition and allocation of the Israel Offshore Project,
in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
5.
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B.
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Extension
of PetroMed Asset Control Option. The PetroMed Parties
hereby render their agreement to extend the PetroMed Asset Control Option
and extend the period at which Emanuelle may elect if and how to effect
the acquisition (such term being defined as t "Due Diligence Review
Period" in the Term Sheet), until September 30, 2011. PetroMed agrees and
acknowledges that (i) the Term Sheet shall continue to apply as between
the PetroMed Parties and Emanuelle until September 30, 2011 so as to
retain the right, and not the obligation, of Emanuelle to complete
additional transactions contemplated under the Term Sheet; land ii) any
payment made hereunder to PetroMed, PetroMed shareholders and or PetroMed
creditors either in cash or in kind (e.g., overriding royalty rights)
shall be deemed payment in consideration of the acquisition of 99.9% of
the issued and outstanding share capital of PetroMed (via issuance of its
shares or otherwise) and or the Israeli Offshore Project, to the extent
that Emanuelle decides to exercise the PetroMed Asset Control Option of
PetroMed, as shall be allocate at t e sole discretion by the Lead
Investors.
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C.
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Voting Agreement and Proxies. Upon execution
of this Agreement, the PeoMed Parties shall furnish the Lead Investors
duly executed Voting Agreements (including irrevocable proxies
therein) of persons (excluding David Peace, Amy Diamond or any of their
affiliates who, together, hold at least 20% of the outstanding shares of
PetroMed (on an outstanding basis) attached hereto as Exhibit 6 (the
"Voting Agreements"). The PetroMed Parties shall use their best efforts to
deliver additional Voting Agreements so as securing duly executed Voting
Agreements by the holders of at least 51% of the outstanding shares of
PetroMed (on fully diluted basis), as soon as
possible.
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D.
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Powers of
Attorney. Upon execution of this Agreement, PetroMed shall
execute and deliver irrevocable powers of attorney to each of the Lead
Investors and IPC and/or entities designated by them as attorneys in fact
in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 7 (“Powers of Attorney”),
allowing each of them individually to apply to have their respective
rights (and those of its Permitted Transferees) in the Licenses and
Permits be recorded at the Registry in accordance with and pro rated to
their respective Ownership WI Points and to have the (and those of their
designees') respective overriding royalty rights be recorded at the
registry in accordance with their respective overriding royalty rights;
and authorizing each of them to act for PetroMed in every respect
(including by way of executing and delivering any and all instruments and
other documents requested by the Conunissioner) in connection with the
applications and in connection with causing PetroMed to perform its
obligations under this Agreement.
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E.
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Cancellation of Certain PetroMed Interests and
Rights. Subject to compliance with all delivery obligations by the
PetroMed Parties' of all deliverables specified in Section 2(ii and 3
against delivery to Lead Investors of (i) all of the certificates
representing the shares and warrants of Bontan-that PetroMed received at
or in connection with the closing of the Option Agreement on November 18,
2009 (the "PetroMed Bontan Shares and Warrants"), together with duly
executed stock powers and any other documentation reasonably required by
Bontan to cancel the PetroMed Bontan Shares and Warrants and (ii) the
Overriding Royalty Agreement previously delivered to PetroMed by IPC at
the Closing under the Option Agreement (the “Old PM Overriding Royalty
Agreement”), then the Lead Investors shall deliver to PetroMed or a
trustee (designated in writing by the Lead Investors) the New PetroMed
Trust Overriding Royalty (as defined below) and PetroMed and IPC shall be
deemed to have agreed at the Old PM Overriding Royalty is null and void
for all intents and purposes. Upoon receipt from PetroMed, the
Lead Investors shall forthwith deliver the PetroMed Bontan Shares and
Warrants and related stock powers to Bontan for cancellation and shall
return the Old PM Overriding Royalty to
IPC.
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PetroMed
represents and warrants that it has not registered the Old PM Overriding
Royalty at the Registry or in any other public office in Israel or elsewhere,
has not sold or otherwise transferred, or made any promise or commitment to sell
or otherwise transfer, the Old PM Overriding Royalty or any interest therein,
other than pursuant to this Agreement, and that it is the sole owner of and has
the sale right to redeliver and cancel the Old PM Royalty Overriding
without consent of any other party. PetroMed further represents that,
other than pursuant to this Agreement, it has not sold or otherwise transferred,
or made any promise or commitment to sell or otherwise transfer, any of the
PetroMed Bontan Shares and Warrants or any interest therein, and that it is the
sole owner of and has the sole right to redeliver and authorize cancellation of
the PetroMed Bontan Shares and Warrants.
(iii)
Overriding Royalty Rights.
A.
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The
following persons and entities shall be entitled to overriding royalty
rights in the Licenses and Permit as follows: (i) Three Crown Petroleum
LLC (“TCP” an
affiliate of Cooper, and a third party beneficiary hereof), an overriding
royalty equal to 1% to be delivered at the Second Closing, but conditioned
upon Cooper's concurrent cancellation of his overriding Royalty Agreement
with IPC, under the TCP Overriding Royalty Agreement
attached hereto as Exhibit
8 (the "TCP
Overriding Royalty"); (ii) Israel Land Development Company Ltd.
("ILDe") and IDB-DT together, an overriding royalty equal to 2% ("Lead Inv
stors Overriding Royalty") to be divided between them as follows: 66.56%
to ILDC and 33.4 % to IDB-DT, to be delivered at the Second Closing, under
the respective Overriding Royalty Agreements attached hereto as Exhibit
9 and 10; (iii) EMedCo, an overriding royalty equal to 4.5% (the
"Peace Overriding
Royalty"), under an Overriding Royalty Agreement in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit
11 (or such other form substantially similar to which the Lead
Investors, IPC and EMedCo Parties agree), to be delivered only upon
execution and delivery of the EMedCo Joinder and delivery to the Lead
Investors of a duly executed Voting Agreement; (iv) a Royalty Trust for
the benefit of the current shareholders ofPetroMed (and the
~ransr.erees
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of said
shares), an overriding royalty equal to 3% (the "New PetroMed Trust Overriding
Royalty"), granted only against delivery of all items specified in
Section 2(ii), Sec ,ion and Section 5H (it being clarified that at no time shall
the Royalty Trust, PetroMed or its current shareholders immediately prior to the
date hereof (and the transferees of said shares» be deemed to hold a right to an
overriding royalty exceeding 3%), under an Overriding Royalty Agreements in the
form attached hereto as Exhibit
12: and (v) Langotsky Associates Ltd., an overriding royalty of up to 1%
(the "Langotsky Overriding
Royalty"), to be delivered only if a consulting agreement is
entered into between the Lead Investors, IPC and Langotsky under an Overriding
Royalty Agreement on a substantially similar form to which the Lead Investors
and Langotsky agree.
B.
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Each
such percentage of overriding royalties is expressed as a
percentage of all oil,gas and as associated hydrocarbons produced,
saved and sold under the terms of the Permit, the Licenses and any
hydrocarbon leases issued thereunder, as substantially specified in the
forms attached hereto as Exhibits
8-12.
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C.
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ILDC
and IDB-DT shall have an option (to be divided between them as follows:
66.56% to ILDC and 33.44% to IDB-DT) for a period of five (5) years after
registration of the Licenses in the name of the Lead Investors at the
Registry, to purchase (a) the New PetroMed Trust Overriding Royalty for a
sum of $12 Million by payment to PetroMed or the Royalty Trust holding
said overriding royalty, and (b) to the extent that the EMedCo Parties
execute and deliver the EMedCo Joinder (as contemplated above), to
purchase half of the Peace Overriding Royalty, for a sum of $9 Million by
payment to EMedCo (the “Override Call
Options”). Each Override Call Option shall include a covenant
not to pledge or otherwise encumber such r0rtion of the rights which are
subject to each Override Call
Option.
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(iv)
Written Extension of Milestones for Licenses. The
Parties shall cooperate and use their best commercial efforts to obtain the
written approval from the Commissioner Of extensions of the 2010 milestones
(including the February 1, 2010 and the April 1, 2010 milestones] under the
Licenses to times reasonably sufficient to permit compliance
therewith.
(v) Joint Operating Agreement.
A. Form of JOA. No later than sixty (60) days following
the date of this Agreement, the Lead Investors and IPC shall enter into a Joint
Operating Agreement ("JOA"), substantially in the form of the AIPN International
Joint Operating Agreement, to govern operations pn the Licenses and Permit by
the owners thereof. The JOA shall include provisions regarding participation in
financing of the Israel Offshore Project and the customary
penalties entailed in the event a Party does not contribute its share in
the financing required.
B. Steering Committee Serving as Operator. The JOA will
initially designate as Operator a steering committee comprised of
representative(s) of each of the Lead Investors and IPC (the "Steering
Committee"). ITC and Bontan agree that an individual appointed by I C shall be
IPC's representative on the Steering Committee. The right to appoint a member to
the Steering Committee shall expire when the designating holder(s) shall hold an
aggregate Ownership WI Point of less than 7.0%. Each member of the Steering
Committee shall have the voting power equal to the Ownership WI Points of the
Party appointing said member. If the Lead Investors determine that it would be
appropriate to add EMedCo and/or David Peace to the Steering Committee, IPC will
agree to such designation and the number of members of the Steering Committee
shall be increased. The JOA shall also provide that resolutions of the Steering
Committee shall be determined by a vote of two or more members, representing at
least a majority of the Ownership WI Points, calculated on a License-by-License
basis including the affirmative vote of the Lead Investors (as long as each Lead
Investor holds 50% of its original interests). It is agreed that the Steering
Committee shall not have the authority to require any party to dispose of,
encumber or take any action with respect to its ownership interest in the
Licenses and Permit, other than as provided herein below or in the JOA. Steering
Committee meetings will be held when requested by a Party represented on the
Steering Committee owing at least 7.0 Ownership WI Points on at least 4 days
notice to the other parties. Each Party shall bear all costs pertaining to
its representatives' participation in the Steering Committee meetings including
travel, lodging etc., provided however, the costs of the participation or EMetco
and/or David Peace, if applicable, will be borne by the Parties in accordance
with and prorated to their Ownership WI Points. The Party requesting the
meeting shall circulate to the other members of the Steering Committee an agenda
at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. The steering Committee will provide
for the retention of an independent accounting firm selected from one of the
"big 4" accounting firms.
C. Right of First
Refusal. The JOA will not contain a right of first refusal but, as
between the Lead Investors and IPC (the "JOA Parties"). It is agreed
that the JOA Parties shall have a right of first refusal in the event of a
disposition by any JOA Party in one or more transactions in respect of more than
50% of its Ownership WI Points in the Israel Offshore Project; provided,
however, that each such JOA Party is entitled to dispose of up to and including
provided, further, that the right of first refusal of IPC shall be limited to
the right to acquire its proportionate share (i.e., proportionate to its
Ownership WI Points) of any disposition by any of the Lead Investors; and
provided further that a holder shall be entitled to transfer ts il1terests
without being subject to the right of first refusal in the event of a transfer
to a Permitted Transferee, as defined below.The right
of first refusal granted in the preceding paragraph shall be exercise as
follows: If
a JOA Party receives an offer for purchase or other disposition of all or any
part of such Party's Ownership WI Points in any of the Israel Offshore Project
that such J P Y is prepared to accept, or if a third party is willing to accept
a JOA Party's offer to dispose of art or all of its interest in the Israel
Offshore Project, such JOA Party shall notify in writing
the other JOA Parties (the "ROFR Notice") and shall
include in such notice full particulars of suc1ljoffer, including a copy of any
existing or proposed agreement covering such disposition. The JOA Parties
receiving such ROFR Notice ("Receiving Parties") shall have
an optional prior right, for a period of 30 days following receipt of such
notice, to elect to acquire the interest hat is the subject of the offer on the
terms and conditions of the offer or, if such terms cannot reasonably be matched
(such as payment of purchase price in stock of the offer or disposition of the
interest as part of a larger transaction covering other properties), on terms
and conditions that are substantially equivalent in value. If any of the
Receiving Parties timely delivers sue notice to the notifying JOA Party in
writing, the notifying JOA Party shall convey the subject interest to such
Receiving Party(ies), in proportion to their interest(s) (but subject to the
limitations contained in the preceding paragraph) on the terms and conditions of
the offer or their substantial equivalent, with closing to occur in the manner
provided in the disposition agreement. If the Receiving Party does not elect to
acquire such interest, the notifying JOA Party may proceed to consummate the
disposition on the terms offered, but if such disposition does not occur within
180 days following the delivery of the ROFR Notice or if the terms and
conditions off disposition change favorably from those notified to the Receiving
Parties, then their fight to mate the terms and conditions of disposition and
acquire the subject interest shall be revived. The right
of first refusal shall not apply in the event a JOA Party encumbers its interest
by mortgage or lien to a reputable financial institution; provided that such
transferee shall be required to deliver a written undertaking by which it
confirms that if it forecloses and/or disposes of the interest, the aforesaid
rights of first refusal shall apply to that disposition.
"Permitted Transferee" in
this Agreement
means (i) in the case of any incorporated Party (whether a company or a
partnership or any other legal entity) an Affiliate of such Party (an Affiliate
of IDB-DT shall include, for the avoidance of doubt, Modi'in Energy LP); or (ii)
in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, any other partnership
managed by the
same general partner or manager, and/or the limited or general partners or
members of such partnership or limited liability company and/or the
controlling shareholder of the general partner or manager; (it being agreed, for
the avoidance of doubt, that ITC and Bontan, and any subsidiaries of Bontan are
Permitted Transferees of IPC); provided that the
Permitted Transferee agrees in writing to be bound by and subject to the terms
and conditions of the JOA, and any other agreement between the transferor and
the party of theJOA or this Agreement which pertains to the Ownership WI Points
held by the transferor. An "Affiliate" of a party to the JOA shall mean any
entity which Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control of said
party, where "Control" shall mean a holding of more than 50% of the voting or
economic rights in said entity.
D. Transfer to International Operator; Drag-Along,
Tag-Along. With respect to any decision to convey rights in the Israel
Offshore Project by the Lead Investors to an international operating company
including the right to serve as operator of the Licenses and Permit, the Lead
Investors can require IPC to participate in a sale of its interest to such third
party in the same proportion and on the same terms as the Lead Investors have
agreed to sell their own interests, provided, that IPC cannot be required to
convey more than 66% of its Ownership WI Points in each of the Licenses and
Permit (as such Ownership WI Points exist immediately prior to the transfer to
such operator) without its written consent, which it may withhold in its
absolute discretion; and provided, further, that IPC shall have the right to
participate in such transaction for up to 66% of its Ownership WI Points in each
of the Licenses and the Permit on the same terms as the Lead Investors have
agreed to sell their own interests if the Lead Investors do not elect to include
IPC's interest in the transaction.
(vi)
EMedCo Consulting Agreement.
The
EMedCo Joinder will require, and PetroMed agrees, that EMedCo and PetroMed
shall be deemed to have cancelled and terminated or all intents and purposes the
PetroMed -EmedCo Consulting Agreement, and that the parties have waived all
rights and claims of either party to the other under said Consulting
Agreement, in addition to the mutual releases given in Section 11 hereof, and
may provide that EMedCo, the Lead Investors, I~t and the Joining Investor, if
any, shall then enter into a consulting agreement in form to agreed (the "New Peace Consulting
Agreement"), pursuant to which Peace/EMedCo shall perform services in
relation to the Israel Offshore Project as its Head Technical Advisor. For the
avoidance of doubt, it is clarified and agreed that should the New Peace
Consulting Agreement be executed, then the ongoing costs of such agreement shall
be borne by all Owning Parties in accordance with and prorated to their
respective Ownership WI Points.
(vii)
Allocation of Rights in Offshore Israel
Project.
A. Upon
remittance of the First WG Installment by the Lead Investors in accordance with
Section 2(i) hereto, the Parties hereby stipulate and agree that the Lead
Investors and IPC shall be deemed to own irrevocably the following working
interest points (out of the total specified in the table below) in the Israel
Offshore Project, free and clear of any and all charges, claims or encumbrances
(except as specified herein) ("Ownership WI Points").
Name
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Ownership
Working Interest Points (assuming no EMedCO and Joinder and PBT Joinder
and Transfer) on basis of 100% of the Israel Offshore
Project
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Ownership
Working Interest Points (before EMedCo Joiner and PBT Joinder and
Transfer) on bais of 100% of the Israel Offshore Project
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Ownership
Working Interest Points (Assuming EMedCo Joinder and PBT Joinder and
Transfer) on the basis of 100% of the Israel Offshore
Project
|
IPC
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14.325
Working Interest Points
|
14.325
Working Interest Points
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14.325
Working Interest Points
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IDB-DT
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28.650
Working Interest Points
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27.15
Working Interest Points
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25.560
Working Interest Points
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Emanuelle
|
57.025
Working Interest Points
|
54.025
Working Interest Points
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50.865
Working Interest Points
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PBT
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0.00
Working Interest Points
|
0.00
Working Interest Points
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9.25
Working Interest Points
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EMedCo
|
0.00
Working Interest Points
|
4.50
Working Interest Points
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0.00
Working Interest Points
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Total
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100.0
Working Interest Points
|
100.0
Working Interest Points
|
100.0
Working Interest Points
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Each
column of the specified a different scenario -the first column assumes points
out of 95.5% of the Israel Offshore Project, and the second and third columns
assume points out of 100% of the Israel Offshore Project, before the execution
of the EMedCo Joinder and Joining Investor Joinder and after the execution of
the EMedCo Joinder and Joining Investor Joinder, respectively..
B.
Subject to the payment of the First WG Installment the Parties hereby transfer
and convey to each other the respective rights, titles, and interest in the
Licenses and Permit necessary to reflect the Ownership WI Points stated above.
It is understood that until the transfer of ownership of the Licenses and Permit
on the Registry and such transfer is approved by the Commissioner, PetroMed,
being the registered holder, shall hold ownership of the Licenses and Permit in
trust for the Lead Investors and IPC subject to their rights as provided in this
Agreement.
C. The
Parties further agree to execute such other instruments and perform such other
acts as will accomplish the purposes of this paragraph and confirm the Ownership
WI Points of the Lead Investors and IPC in the Licenses and Permit, including,
at the Lead Investors' discretion and request, PetroMed's confirming the
transactions contemplated by the Option Agreement and IPC being the entity
transferring such rights in accordance with the ownership WI Point.
D.
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Solely
as between ITC and Bontan, it is agreed that of the 14.325 Ownership WI
Points in the Licenses and Permit to be owned by IPC, a net 3.325
Ownership WI Points is allocated to ITC and the remaining 11 Ownership WI
Points are allocated to Bon (which is inclusive of Allied Ventures'
interests), to be owned by IPC on their behalf. No later than 21 days
following execution of this Agreement, IPC shall pay to the Lead Investors
the sum of $240,000; provided, however, that as between ITC and Bontan, if
Bontan does not contribute the funds to IPC on a timely basis for such
payment, ITC shall have the right to contribute such funds and thereby
increase its allocated Ownership WI Points to 4.325 Ownership Points
instead of 3.325 Ownership WI Points on account of Bontan (which will hold
10 Ownership WI Points). Solely as between IPC and Bontan, in the event
IPC issues publicly traded shares in Israel in one or more offerings, ITC
shall serve as general partner or the equivalent in any such offering and
shall receive customary compensation terms for publicly traded oi an
gas partnerships or, if IPC finances its participation in the Israel
Offshore Project through other means, ITC shall receive compensation for
managing such financing comparable to a general partner compensation
in publicly financed transactions.
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(viii)
Registration
of Rights on Petroleum Registry. Upon execution hereof, PetroMed
will execute, and deposit with the Lead Investors, a letter by which PetroMed
withdraws the rescission notice with respect to the Licenses, addressed to the
Petroleum Commissioner in the form attached as Exhibit 13 hereto (the
"PetroMed Withdrawal Letter").
A.
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Following
remittance of the First WG Installment, the Parties shall use their best
efforts to effect the transfer of the rights in the Israel Offshore
Project to the Lead Investors and IPC on the Registry in the manner
required by law; it being understood that the Lead Investors shall have
the discretion on the manner to effect the same, following consultation
with IPC. The application to the Commissioner will be filed jointly by the
Lead Investors and PC, with PetroMed's execution thereof as required by
Lead Investors and IPC. The Parties (including, at Lead Investors’
request, the Individual Parties as well) will attempt to expedite approval
by the Commissioner and agree to cooperate in providing all information
and materials required y the Commissioner to effect such approval,
including, if required by the Commissioner, submittal of the PetroMed
Withdrawal Letter, subject to the agreement that, without derogating from
IPC’s obligations under the JOA, the Lead Investors agree that, solely in
respect of IPC, for purposes of such and only such application, it is
their entire obligation alone to prove (and onI to rove, without incurring
any actual monetary obligation) financial capability condition as required
by the Israeli Petroleum Law, in respect of IPC's interest (up to 14.325
Ownership WI Points) of the Israel Offshore Project (the "Umbrella"), such
that IPC will be exempt from proving financial capability; provided that
this obligation will remain in force until the earlier of 5 (five) months
from registration of the Licenses in the respective names of the Lead
Investors and IPC in accordance with the Ownership Interests; or 30th
June 2011 (the “Umbrella
Period”). For the avoidance of doubt said Umbrella shall
be afforded solely with respect to the Sara and Myra Licenses. At the
end of the Umbrella Period, if IPC has not established its independent
financial capability to meet the requirements of the Commissioner, IPC
shall elect one of the I following options (to be applied on a
License-by-License basis):
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a)
IPC may offer to sell to the Lead Investors and the Lead Investors shall
have the right but not the obligation, in proportion to their Ownership WI
Points, its Ownership WI Point in the Licenses for which it has not
established financial capability for a purchase price of $240,000 per each
Ownership WI Points;
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b)
IPC can contract (by agreement entered into no later than the end of the
five-month period) to sell or farmout or otherwise dispose of its
Ownership WI Points in the affected-License and the Lead Investors shall
have the right of first refusal to acquire any or all of the affected
interest by exercise in the manner provided in Section 2(v)D above;
or
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c)
IPC shall be obligated to participate in the first well drilled on th1
affected License for which the Owning Parties are not carried for drilling
costs, by paying 200% of its share of the drilling cost (100% as
participation and 100%totheLead Investors), failing which it shall be
deemed to have forfeited to the Lead Investors its Ownership WI Points in
the affected License.
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If IPC
fails to consummate route (a) or (b) within 60 days following the
Period in
a manner that will allow it to establish its independent financia1capability
(with respect to the remainder. of its working interest, if any are sold
pursuant to clause (a) or (b), it shall be deemed to have elected route
(c).
B. As
between ITC and Bontan, it is agreed that if Bontan does not establish financial
capability to the extent of its proportionate ownership of IPC in time
sufficient to meet the Umbrella Period, then ITC can provide such financial
capability on behalf of IPC on the r ownership shares of IPC between Bontan and
ITC will be readjusted to reflect the acquisition by ITC of Bontan's interest in
the affected License.
C. Immediately
following the execution of the Overriding Royalty Rights described in clause
(iii) above, the Parties shall use reasonable efforts to effect the registration
of the Overriding Royalty Rights on the Registry. Until such registration IS
accomplished, the Lead Investors, PetroMed and IPC agree to execute and deliver
such documents as necessary to register the Overriding Royalty Rights as alien
in the Registrar of Pledges.
(ix)
Failure to Register Rights on Petroleum
Registry.
A. General. Should the
transfer of the rights in the Licenses and/or Permits, or any part thereof,
on the Registry in the manner required by the Lead Investors and IPC in
accordance with the allocations set forth in sub-clause (vii) not be effected
promptly after the upcoming meeting of the Petroleum Council, then the Parties
agree to cooperate together to take allocation to re-apply under the same
allocations of interests and agreements contemplated her by taking advantage of
the joint control the Lead Investors and IPC of the Data received
from Western Geco. Unless and until such approvals are obtained for the
Lead Investors and IPC, the Pies continuing to be registered owners of the
Licenses and Permit shall act in all respects as fiduciaries and trustees, at
the direction of the Lead Investors in accordance with their sole discretion and
for the benefit of each of the Lead Investors of IPC as the real parties in
interest in ownership of the Licenses and/or Permit which were transferred
as above, and shall not take or refuse to take any reasonable act or deliver or
refuse to deliver any reasonable instrument necessary to protect the rights of
each of the Lead Investors and IPC to ownership of their respective rights in
the Licenses and Permit and to effect transfer of their respective Ownership
interests to them or otherwise. If the Commissioner fails to approve the
registration of IPCthe Lead Investors agree to deliver to IPC the PetroMed
Withdrawal Letter furnishes to it by-PetroMed for filing with the Commissioner.
The Parties acknowledge that each o the Lead Investors and/or IPC may initiate a
public offering.
B. PetroMed Asset Control
Option. Without
derogating from the aforesaid, the Lead Investors, in their discretion after
consultation with IPC, shall be entitled, but not obligated to, act in one or
combination of the following manners: (i) Emanuelle may exercise
the option, granted under the Term Sheet, as extended hereunder, by
way of being issued 99.9% of /the issued and outstanding share capital on a
fully diluted basis of PetroMed and the voting rights and all other rights
necessary to provide the Lead Investors with complete control of PetroMed,
following which it will cause PetroMed to
issue shares to IDB-DT and IPC to reflect their Ownership WI Points described
above; and/or (ii) Emanuelle may exercise the Options rarited under the Term
Sheet, as extended hereunder, to acquire up to 100% of the issued and
outstanding share capital on a fully diluted basis of PetroMed and the voting
right, and all other rights necessary to provide the Lead Investors with
complete control of PetroMed, including by way of merger, consolidation, scheme
of arrangement or any other legal means available to effect such. By taking the
actions contemplated in this paragraph or any other actions to exercise the
PetroMed Asset Control Action, the Lead Investors shall not be deemed to have
assumed any obligation or liability of PetroMed, and the Lead Investors and IPC
shall not be deemed to have assumed any such obligation or liability by reason
of any actions taken under this Agreement to obtain ownership of the Licenses
and Permit, save and except the WG Payment a d those liabilities and obligations
attributable to such ownership that arise hereafter.
C. Failure to Register IPC's
Rights on Petroleum Registry. Should the transfer of the rights in the
Licenses and/or Permit in the name of IPC on the Registry in accordance with the
allocations set forth in sub-clause (vii) not be effected promptly after the
upcoming meeting of the Petroleum Council whereas the transfer of such rights to
the Lead Investors shall have occurred, then IPC shall designate a trustee to
act in all respects as a fiduciary and step, at the direction of IPC, for the
benefit of IPC as the real party in interest in IPC's respective Ownership WI
Points in the Licenses and/or Permit, and the Lead Investors shall not take or
refuse to take any reasonable act or deliver or refuse to deliver any reasonable
instrument necessary to protect the rights of WC to ownership of its rights in
the Licenses and Permit and to effect transfer of its ownership interest to IPC,
to include if requested by IPC the delivery of the Commissioner of the
PetroMed Withdrawal Letter. For the avoidance of doubt, this arrrnger.ent shall
not be deemed a responsibility of the Lead Investors pursuant to which IPC may
make any claims and/or demands against the Lead Investors other than for their
compliance with the provisions of this paragraph.
(x) Specific Performance.
Each of the Parties hereto hereby recognizes and acknowledges that a breach by
any other Party (the "Breaching Party") of any covenants
or, other commitments contained in Sections 2, 3, 5 and 11 of this Agreement
will causes the non-Breaching Party to sustain injury for which it would not
have an adequate remedy at law for money damages. Therefore, each of the
Parties hereto hereby agrees that, in the event of any such breach, the
non-Breaching Party shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performances be
of such covenants or commitments and provisional, interlocutory and permanent
injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any other remedy to which
it may be entitled, at law or in equity and each of the Parties hereto further
hereby agree to waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in
connection with the obtaining of any such injunctive relief other equitable
relief.
(xi)
Non-Circumvention:
Damages; Limitation of Liability.
A. Non-Circumvention. No
Party shall take any action or omit to take such action the result of which will
be the circumvention of the express purposes of this Agreement. Should any Party
breach any of the above material provisions, it shall be liable for all damages
caused thereby to the other Parties and their reasonable attorneys' fees and
costs in enforcing is provision and the waivers and release under Section 11 shall be deemed null
and void vis-a-vis the Party breaching this provision. Without limiting the
foregoing and in addition to other rights and remedies provided in this
Agreement or under applicable law, should the PetroMed Parties not comply with
any of the above provisions on the dates and in the manner specified therein,
then without limiting the rights and remedies of such Party under this Agreement
under applicable law, they shall be deemed to have irrevocably waived and
relinquished the New PetroMed Trust Overriding Royalty and all other unpaid
payments otherwise pa able to PetroMed Parties and their agents shall be deemed
waived and relinquished; provided that the Lead Investors shall have
provided the PetroMed Parties with written notice of same, allowing the cure of
such non-compliance within fourteen (14) days following deliver of such
notice.
B. Limitation of
Liability. Except in the event of fraud or willful misconduct, and
without derogating from Section 2(x) (specific performance), the maximum
monetary liability for breaches of this Agreement by each Party hereto
shall not exceed $10,000,000.
(xii)
Joint Liability;
Cooperation.
A.
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The
Owning Parties (as defined in Section 10(g) hereof) shall liable on a
pro-rated basis to their respective Ownership WI Points in connection with
any claims, demands, suits or causes of action of any kind whatsoever,
asserted by either shareholders of PetroMed holding shares prior to the
date hereof or by third party creditors against an Owning Party in
connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereunder
and/or the Licenses and Permit and/or the Term Sheet (effective as of
March 8th,
2010) as if they were a party to the Term Sheet (collectively. together
with all costs and expenses, including reasonable legal fees, the "Shared Liabilities").
Notwithstanding the (i) IPC shall have no liability whatsoever for any of
the debts or accounts payable fd1 the Term Sheet, and (ii) if IPC
Ownership WI Points are not registered on the Registry and the Ownership
WI Points of the Lead Investors are registered on the Registry, then IPC
shall have no liability with respect to the Shared Liabilities. Nothing
herein shall be deemed to release the PetroMed Parties from the
aforementioned Shared Liabilities and PetroMed shall have primary
liability for the matters described in this paragraph. Each of the Parties
shall cooperate in a joint defense against such claims and irrevocably
agrees to pay the other Parties on a pro-rat db. is to their respective
Ownership WI Points, on an as-incurred basis all costs in respect thereof
din satisfaction of all such claims, demands, suits, manner of obligation,
debt, liability, tort, covenant, contract, or causes of
action.
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The
PetroMed Parties (excluding Hagai Amir and Lyle Durham) hereby jointly and
severally indemnify and agree to defend and hold harmless the Owning Parties
from and against all such Shared Liabilities. For the avoidance of doubt, the
Owning Parties shall be entitled to assert, and the PetroMed Parties hereby
grant, the right of set off against any obligation of the Owning Parties to the
PetroMed Parties, including payment of any amounts due under the New PetroMed
Trust Overriding Royalty, against any amounts paid by the Owning Parties
pursuant to this paragraph.
B. To the
extent that the Joining Investor Joinder and EMedCo Joinder are not executed and
delivered as contemplated hereunder, then, at the Lead Investors' and IPF.'s
request,eachoftheParties hereto shall cooperate in a joint defense against any
claims of the EMedCo Parties and/or Tomlinson against the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and subject to agreement of costs and expenses,
in pursuing claims against the EMedCo Parties and/or Tomlinson.
3. Closings.
A. Initial Closing.
Promptly upon execution hereof and, in any event, immediately prior to the date
upon which the Lead Investors are scheduled to deliver the First WG Installment
to Western Geco, the PetroMed Parties shall deliver to the Lead Investors, at
the office of Emauelle's counsel in Tel Aviv or such other place designated
by the Lead Investors, the items required to be delivered In this Agreement,
including the following, all duly executed and in form and substance
satisfactory to the Lead Investors and their counsel and with respect to ~tem
number 4 below, also satisfactory to IPC ("Initial Closing"):
1 Deeds of
Assignment for the Licenses.
2 Voting
Agreements (including Proxies) from the holders of the PetroMed
Percentage.
3 Powers of
Attorney.
4 PetroMed
Withdrawal Letter.
5 Bontan
Shares and Warrants and related stock powers.
6 The Old
PM Overriding Royalty.
7 Board
resolutions reflecting approval of the transactions contemplated b~ this
Agreement in the manner required by applicable law, attached hereto
as Exhibit
14
1 Opinion
of Belize counsel to PetroMed.
2 Letter
requesting registration of the TCP Overriding Royalty, the LeadInvestors
Overriding Royalty and the other overriding royalty agreements delivered at the
Second Closing, attached hereto as Exhibit
15.
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10.
Certificate of Incumbency addressing, among PetroMed's
Assets.
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11.
Letter to the Commissioner from the Lead Investors and IPC (and all other
Parties requested to do so by the Lead Investors) requesting the
Commissioner's approval of the transfer of the Licenses and Permit to the
Lead Investors an~ IP9 in accordance with their Ownership WI Points as
specified herein, attached here to as Exhibit
16.
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12.
Letter to the Commissioner informing him of the transactions contemplated
hereunder, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
17.
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At the
Initial Closing, provided the PetroMed Parties furnish all items required of
them, the Lead Investors shall deposit the funds in escrow described in Section
S.H. to be used for discharge of PetroMed liabilities and obligations in the
manner determined by the Lead Investers td be appropriate, in accordance with
list of debts specified on the Settlement List provided by PetroMed to the Lead
Investors as required in the Term Sheet. For the purposes he of, ~PC declares
that the debt of RPS is not an IPC or ITC obligation and PetroMed declares that
the debt of RPS is not a PetroMed obligation.
B. Second
Closing. Immediately following the Initial Closing, the Lead Investors and IPC
shall convene at the same location as the Initial Closing or such other location
as they shall agree and deliver the following items in form and substance as
required in this Agreement (the "Second
Closing"):
1. The
Lead Investors shall deliver the First WG Installment to Western
Gece.
2.
PetroMed, the Lead Investors and IPC shall deliver the TCP Overriding Royalty to
TCP (against Cooper's simultaneous delivery of the IPC Cooper ORR for
cancellation by IPC) and the Lead Investors Overriding Royalty to ILDC and
IDB-DT;
3. The
Parties shall execute the Dismissals listed in Section 12 for filing the
respective courts.
4. The
Parties shall send the Commissioner the following documents:
a. Letter
to the Commissioner informing him of the transactions contemplated hereunder,
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
17.;
b. Letter
to the Commissioner from the Lead Investors and IPC (and all other Parties
requested to do so by the Lead Investors) requesting the Commissioner's approval
of the transfer of the Licenses and Permit to the Lead Investors and IPC in
accordance with their Ownership WI Points as specified herein, attached hereto
as Exhibit
16; and
c. Letter
requesting registration of the TCP Overriding Royalty the Lead
Investors Overriding Royalty and the other overriding royalty agreements
delivered at the Second Closing, attached hereto as Exhibit
15.
4. Acknowledgment.
The Parties hereby acknowledge that there is no assurance that the
Commissioner will extend the Licenses or register the transfer thereof as
contemplated hereunder t
d that
the Lead Investors are not making any assurance in this regard.
5.
Covenants of PetroMed Parties. The PetroMed Parties covenant as
follows:
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A)
Between the date of this Agreement and the approval by the commissioner
of the transfer of ownership rights to the Lead Investors and IPC,
PetroMed will keep the Parties immediately informed of and obtain a
written approval from the Lead Investors and IPC for any changes or
matters affecting directly or indirectly the Israel Offshore
Project.
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B)
Between the date of this Agreement and the approval by the
Commissioner of the transfer of ownership rights to the Lead
Investors and IPC, PetroMed s all not enter into any new agreements or
commitments with respect to the Israel Offshore Project, shall not commit
to or incur any expenditures with respect to any part of the Licenses and
the Permit, shall not release all or any portion of any of the Licenses
and the Permit, shall not modify or terminate the licenses or Permit or
any contract relating to the Licenses and Permit or waive or
relinquish any right thereunder, and shall not encumber, sell or dispose
of any interest in the Israel Offshore Project or any right related
thereto.
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C)
Between the date of this Agreement and the approval by the Commissioner of
the transfer of ownership rights to the Lead Investors and lPC, Petro ed
~hall promptly notify the Lead Investors and IPC of any suit, action or
9ther proceeding before any Israeli governmental authority and any cause f
a9tion that relates to the Israel Offshore Project or that might result in
impairment or loss of PetroMed's or the Lead Investors' or IPC's title to
any portion of the Licenses and the Permit or the value thereof or that
might hinder 9r impede the ability of PetroMed to perform its obligations
hereunder. Between the date of this Agreement and September 30, 2011,
PetroMed shall not (and the PetroMed Parties shall use their best
endeavors to prevent the same) (i) amend or change .its Charter
Documents; (ii) issue, deliver, sell, authorize, pledge or otherwise
encumber any of its share capital, or any securities convertible into
shares; or (iii) take any other actions that may impede transactions
contemplated hereunder and/or the rights of Emanuelle der the' Term Sheet
or make the representations made herein inaccurate in
respect.
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D) PetroMed shall diligently
exercise all due care in safe guarding and disclose or make available such data
to any person or party, other than the Commissioner and his staff, without the
consent of the Lead Investors and IPC.
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E)
PetroMed will comply with all laws, rules, regulations, ordinances any
orders of all governmental authorities and agencies having jurisdiction
over the Licenses and the Permit at all times until the approval by the
Commissioner of the transfer of the Licenses and Permit to the Lead
Investors and IPC.
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F)
PetroMed shall take or cause to be taken all such actions as may be
necessary or advisable to consummate and make effective the transfer of
the Licenses and the Permit and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and to assure that as of the date hereof and until the
Commissioner has approved transfer of the Licenses and Permit to the Lead
Investors and IPC it will not be under any corporate or contractual
restriction that would prohibit or delay the timely consummation of such
transactions. Such action shall include without limitation, the
identification and obtaining of all necessary consents, permissions and
approvals of third parties or governmental authorities in, connection
with sale and transfer of the Licenses and
Permit.
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G)
Until the approval by the Commissioner of the transfer of the Licenses and
Permit to the Lead Investors and IPC and unless approved by the Lead
Investors in writing, the PetroMed Parties will not (i) solicit, discuss,
encourage or otherwise entertain, directly or indirectly (itself or
through any agent, adviser, investment banker, stockholder, officer,
director or other representative), any offer to acquire any interest in
the Licenses and the Permit, (ii) provide information to
others concerning the Israel Offs ore Project (except as required by
governmental authorities) or (iii) enter into any negotiations with, or
enter into any agreement that provides for acquisition of interest in the
Israel Offshore Project or any portion thereof by, a person other than the
Lead Investors or IPC or their
designees.
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H)
Subject to the deposit by no later than March 21, 2010 (with a three days
grace) of the sum of US$3,550,OOO with Confino Luchtenstein Trust Company
Ltd. in escrow pursuant to the irrevocable Letter of Instructions attached
hereto as Exhibit
18, and without derogating from Section 3 hereof the PetroMed
Parties hereby undertake, to immediately secure 11 of the undertakings
detailed in section A) through G) above, as
follows:
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(I) To
appoint as of the date hereof David Cohen ID 05974~0711 as a member of the board
of directors of PetroMed (the “New Directors”), as designated
by the Lead Investors.
(II) To
change the signatory rights in PetroMed so that PetroMed may not be bound
for all intents and purposes without the signature of at least two of the
New Directors (the "New
Signatory Rights”).
(III) To
provide the irrevocable resignation letters of all board members and officers of
PetroMed, which directors shall declare upon their resignation that they have no
claim or demand against PetroMed, except as expressly set forth in such letters
of resignation for each board member and officer, as are attached hereto as
Exhibit
20.
(IV) To
furnish the Lead Investors with a legal opinion from a Belize lawyer reasonably
acceptable to the Lead Investors in form reasonably acceptable to the Lead
Investors confirming the following:
(1) PetroMed is a corporation
duly incorporated, organized land validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of Belize;
(2)
PetroMed has the corporate power, authority and capacity to enter into this
Agreement and to carry out and complete its obligations under this
Agreement;
(3) this
Agreement and the obligations of PetroMed under this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby have been duly and validly authorized by all
requisite corporate or other proceedings and constitute, legal, valid
and binding obligations of PetroMed, subject to the limitations with
respect to enforcement imposed by applicable law in connection with bankruptcy,
insolvency, li uida ion, reorganization or other laws affecting the enforcement
of creditors' rights generally and subject to the avai bili of equitable
remedies such as specific performance and injunction which are only available in
the discretion of the court from which they are sought;
(4) to
the best of his knowledge PetroMed (i) has no ma e an assignment in favor of its
creditors or a proposal in bankruptcy to its creditors or any class thereof; (i
) have not had any petition for a receiving order presented in respect
compromise or arrangement with its creditors or for its winding up, liquidation
or dissolution; and (i ) it has provided to the Lead Investors a complete
and accurate list of all material creditors of PetroMed as of the date of this
Agreement and will be complete and accurate in all material
respects.
(5) The
adoption and validity of the New Signatory Rights in PetroMed as of the
date hereof.
6. Representations
and Warranties.
A. Representations and
Warranties by the PetroMed Parties. The PetroMed Parties represent and
warrant to the Lead Investors and IPC that as of the date of this Agreement and
as of the date of the approval of the transfers of the Licenses and Permit to
the 1ead Investors and IPC:
1.
Neither the entering into nor the delivery of this Agreement nor the completion
by PetroMed of the transactions contemplated thereby by will conflict with, or
constitute a material default under, or result in a material violation of: (i)
any of the provisions of the entity formation documents or bylaws of
PetroMed; or (ii) any applicable laws or (iii) other than as a result t of the
Disputes being released hereunder, any agreement or instrument to which PetroMed
is a party or by which PetroMed or the Licenses and the Permit are bound,
or (iv) any applicable laws applicable to the Licenses and the
Permit;
2.
PetroMed (i) is not "insolvent" and will not be rendered insolvent by the
transactions contemplated hereunder; (ii) has not made an assignment in favor of
its creditors or a proposal in bankruptcy to its creditors or any class
thereof;
(iii) has
not had any petition for a receiving order presented in respect of it; and (iv)
has not initiated proceedings with respect to a compromise or arrangement with
its creditors or for its winding up, liquidation or dissolution; and (v) it has
provided to the Lead Investors a complete and accurate list of all material creditors
of PetroMed as of the date of this Agreement and will be complete and
accurate in all material respects as of the registration of the Licenses in the
name of the Lead Investors and IPC. As used in this section, "insolvent" means
that the sum of the debts and other probable liabilities and obligations of
PetroMed exceeds the present fair saleable value of PetroMed’s assets. Based on
the consolidated financial condition of PetroMed, averaging effect to the
receipt by PetroMed of the consideration hereunder the fair saleable value of
its assets exceeds the amount that will be required 0 be paid on or in respect
of its existing debts and other liabilities (including known contingent
liabilities) as they mature;
3.
PetroMed is under no obligation, contractual or otherwise, to request or obtain
the consent of any person, and no permits, licenses, certifications,
authorizations or approvals of, or notifications to, any federal, state,
municipal or local government or governmental agency, board, commission or
authority are required to be obtained by PetroMed in connection with the
transactions as contemplated herein, except for consents that must be obtained
from Israeli governmental authorities, and PetroMed has notified the Lead
Investors and IPC of all material communications from the Commissioner with
respect to the Licenses and Permit;
4.
PetroMed is not a party to any oral contract, agreement, or other arrangement
which, if reduced to written form, would affect its ownership and the in full or
part, directly or indirectly of the Israel Offshore Project;
5.PetroMed
is registered on the Registry as the holder of the undivided 95.5% interest in
the Licenses forming part of the Israel Offshore Project, an except for the
rights assigned to IPC that are the subject of the Disputes, sue holding is free
and clear of all encumbrances or claims, and except for rights claimed by EMedCo
and the ORR of 5% security of TGS/Spectrum (which is voidable upon payment
estimated at not more than $1,250,000) PetroMed has never granted any other
person any security interest, option, right of first r fuS~1or other rights with
respect to the Offshore Israel Project. Without derogating from the foregoing,
other than the Old PM Overriding Royalty and e RR security of TGS, as defined
above, which shall become null and void in accordance with the terms hereof,
PetroMed has not granted any third party overriding royalty rights in the
Licenses;
6.Except
for the Colorado Lawsuit and the Washington Lawsuit, there is no litigation,
claim or proceeding, including appeals and applications fo rev~.ew, in progress,
pending or, to the best of the knowledge of PetroMed, threatened against
PetroMed relating to the Israel Offshore Proj.ect be pre any governmental
authority or arbitration panel, and there is not presently outstanding against
PetroMed any judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any governmental
authority or arbitrator which would (i) have material adverse affect on the
Israel Offshore Project, including, without limitation the value thereof,
(ii) prevent PetroMed from satisfying its obligations hereunder; or (iii)
prevent PetroMed from fulfilling in any material respect its obligations
..contained in this Agreement or arising from this Agreement.
7.PetroMed's
execution, delivery and performance of the Term Sheet and the Option Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereunder, including the sale and transfer of
the Licenses and Permit, have been duly auth rized by all requisite corporate
action, including, in case of the Option Agreement by the shareholders of
PetroMed at the requisite majority under applicable law, and no other corporate
proceedings were or are necessary to approve and authorize the execution of the
Term Sheet or to consummate the t sac ions contemplated thereby.
8.The
authorized capital stock of PetroMed is 100 million shares, each bearing par
value of US$O.OOl, of which 52,754,262 are issued and outstanding and are owned
beneficially and of record by the persons/entities set forth in Schedule 8.
There are no other share capital, preemptive rights, convertible securities,
outstanding warrants, options or other rights to subscribe for, purchase or
acquire from PetroMed any share capital and there are no any contracts or
binding commitments providing for the issuance of, or the granting of rights to
acquire, any share capital of PetroMed or under which it is, or may become,
obligated to issue any of its securities.
9.They
are not aware of any other persons that claim, have claimed or may claim rights
in the Israel Offshore Project which are not waiving such rights under Section
II herereof. Other than as contemplated in the Term Sheet, hereunder, the Option
Agreement and the EMedCo alleged right of first refusal, PetroMed has full right
to transfer and assign all of Israel Offshore Project, free and clear of any
liens.
B. Representations and
Warranties of IPC Parties. Each of the IPC Parties (except Cooper)
warrants to the other Parties that as of the date of this Agreement and as of th
dat~ of approval by the Commissioner to the transfer of the Licenses and Permit
to the Lead Investors and IPC:
1. It has
all necessary corporate power, authority and capacity to enter into this
Agreement and all other agreements contemplated by this Agreement and to carry
out and complete its obligations under this Agreement and all other agreements
contemplated by this Agreement and no shareholder approval is required
therefor;
2. It is
duly incorporated, organized and validly existing and, where applicable, in good
standing under the laws of the place of its organization;
3. This
Agreement and the obligations of such Party hereunder and' the documents and
transaction contemplated therein have been duly an validly authorized by all
requisite corporate proceedings and constitute legal and binding obligations of
the respective IPC Party, enforceable against it in accordance with their terms,
subject to the limitations with respect to enforcement imposed by
applicable laws in connection with bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation,
reorganization or other laws affecting the enf rcenp.ent of creditors' rights
generally and subject to the availability of equitable remedies such as specific
performance and injunction which are only available in the discretion of the
court from which they are sought;
4.
Neither the entering into nor the delivery of this Agreement completion by said
IPC Party of the transactions. contemplated hereunder will conflict with, or
constitute a material default under, or result in a material violation of (i)
any of the provisions of the entity formation documents or by-laws of such
Party, or (ii) any applicable laws, or (iii) or any agreement or instrument to
which such Party is a party or by which such Party is bound, or (iv) subject to
the obligation to obtain approval of the transfer of the Licenses and the Permit
from the Israeli government authorities, any judgment decree, order, law, rule
or regulation applicable to such Party or the Licenses and the
Permit;
5. Other
than the Colorado Lawsuit and the Washington Lawsuit, there is no outstanding
suit, action, litigation, claim or legal proceeding, including appeals and
applications for review, m progress relating to IPC b for anycourt, commission,
board or arbitration panel which, if determined adversely against it,
would:
a.
prevent IPC from satisfying its obligations hereunder; or
b.
prevent IPC from fulfilling in any material respect its obligations
contained in this Agreement or arising from this Agreement.
6. Such
IPC Party has not granted any other person any security interest, option,
right of
first refusal or other rights with respect to its interest in the Offshore
Israel
Project (except for the avoidance of doubt Bontan's pledge in some of
its IPC
shares). Without derogating from the foregoing, other than the Old PM
Overriding Royalty, as defined above, which shall become null void In
accordance with the terms hereof, and the Old Cooper Overriding Royalty
to be
released as provided herein, such IPC Party has not granted any third
party
overriding royalty rights in the Licenses.
7.
It is not aware of any other persons that claim, have claimed or may claim
rights in the Israel Offshoe Project which are not waiving such rights under
Section 11 hereof, other than the EMedCo Dispute.
C. Representations and
Warranties of the Lead Investors. Each of the Lead Investors warrants
respectively as to itself and represents to the other Parties that as of the
date of this Agreement and as of the date of approval by the Commissioner to the
transfer of the licenses and Permit to the Lead Investors and IPC:
1 Each has
all necessary corporate power, authority and capacity to enter into this
Agreement and all other agreements contemplated by this Agreement and to carry
out and complete its obligations under this Agreement and all other agreements
contemplated by this Agreement;
2 Each is
duly incorporated, organized and validly existing and, where applicable, in good
standing under the laws of the place of its organization, except that IDB-DT is
currently in formation.
3 This
Agreement and the obligations of such Party hereunder and the documents and
transaction contemplated therein have been duly and validly authorized all
requisite corporate proceedings and constitute legal, valid and binding 0tliga
ions of each Lead Investor, enforceable against it in accordance with their
terms, subject to the limitations with respect to enforcement imposed by
applicable laws in connection with bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation,
reorganization or their laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally and subject to the availability of equitable remedies such as
specific performance and in conjunction which are only available in the
discretion of the court from which they are sought;
4 Neither
the entering into nor the delivery of this Agreement nor the completion by Lead
Investor of the transactions contemplated hereunder will conflict with, or
constitute a material default under, or result in a material violation of (i)
any of the provisions of the entity formation documents or by-laws of such
Party ,or (ii) any applicable laws, or (iii) or any agreement or instrument to
which such Party is a party or by which such Party is bound, or (iv) subject to
the obligation 0 ob ain approval of the transfer of the Licenses and the Permit
from the Israeli government authorities, any judgment, decree, order, law, rule
or regulation applicable to such Party or the Licenses and the
Permit;
D. Representations of
Emanuelle. Emanuelle represents and warrants to Plaintiffs that Emanuelle
entered into the Term Sheet.
8. [RESERVED).
9. Benjamin
Permit. The
Steering Committee shall determine whether (to pursue an administrative appeal
with the Commission r or the Ministry of Infrasucture to preserve the Benjamin
Permit and convert the Permit to one or more drilling licenses and, if such
effort is unsuccessful, whether to pursue a judicial appeal or (b) to apply for
a new permit covering any part of the area covered by Benjamin in the event
Benjamin is not preserved or converted to licenses for the benefit of
the Lead Investors and IPC. The provisions of this Agreement shall apply to the
Permit and to any permit or drilling license subsequently issued by the Israeli
government in replacement of the Permit or any part thereof to which any Party
acquires an ownership interest, provided however, if any such replacements
and/or acquisition require the investment of additional funds, a party shall be
entitled to a part of the Ownership WI Points, subject to remittance of
each party's respective portion of said investment requirements and to each of
the Parties shall have the required financial capability to the extent that such
capability is required; provided, however, that the Umbrella to ITC's 3.32
Ownership WI Points for the duration of the Umbrella Period for financial
capability allocable to the Ownership WI Points of ITC, and it is agreed
between ITC and Bontan that if Bontan does not establish.financial capability
attributable to its Ownership WI Points, ITC shall have the right to
provide such financial capability and thereby to acquire sole rights to the
Ownership WI Points of Bontan in the Permit or successor permit or license
acquired, and the interests of Bontan and ITC in IPC shall be adjusted to
reflect such allocation.
10. Mutual
Releases.
(a)
Effective upon the due and timely completion and consummation of the Initial
Closing and the Second Closing, the PetroMed Parties, on behalf of themselves
and their current and former owners, partners, parents, members, employees,
principals, officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates, predecessors,
successors, and assigns, hereby irrevocably, unconditionally, fully, completely
and finally waive, release, remise, acquit, and forever discharge and covenant
not to sue IPC Parties, the Lead Investors and, conditioned upon-Execution of
the EMedCo Joinder, EMedCo Parties, as well as their respective affiliates,
subsidiaries, divisions, predecessors, and their respective current and former
parent, partners, employees, principals, officers, directors,
shareholders, members, successors and, assigns of and from any and all claims,
demands, suits, manner of obligation, debt, liability, tort, covenant, contract,
or causes of action of any kind whatsoever, at law or in equity, known or
suspected or unsuspected, that they had, presently have, may have, or claim or
assert to have hereafter have, may have, or claim or assert to have, including
without limitation, all claims causes of action arising out of or in any way
relating to the Disputes, and/or any claims that the PetroMed Parties could have
asserted in the Disputes against IPC Parties or, conditioned upon their
execution of the EMedCo Joinder, EMedCo Parties, including any claims to rights
and or interests in the Israel Offshore Project, and/or any claims that the
PetroMed Parties may have or claim or assert to have, or hereafter have, may
have, or claim or assert to have against Lead Investor, and excepting only IPC
Parties' and EMedCo Parties' respective obligations under this Agreement.
PetroMed Parties warrant and represent that they have not assigned or otherwise
transferred any claim or cause of action released by this
Agreement.
(b)
Effective upon consummation of the Initial Closing and the Second Closing, IPC
Parties, on behalf of themselves and their current and former owners, partners,
parents, members, employees, principals, officers, directors, shareholders,
affiliates; predecessors, successors, and assigns, hereby irrevocably,
unconditionally, fully, completely and finally waive, release, remise, acquit,
and forever discharge and covenant not to sue the PetroMed Parties, the Lead
Investors and, conditioned upon their execution of the Me Co Joinder, the EMedCo
Parties, as well as their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, and
their respective current and former parents, partners, employees, principals,
officers, directors, shareholders, members, successors and, assigns, of and from
an and all claims, demands, suits, manner of obligation, debt, liability, tort,
covenant, contract, or causes of action of any kind whatsoever, at law or in
equity, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that they had, presently
have, may have, or claim or assert to have, or hereafter have, any have, or
claim or assert to have, including without limitation, all claims and causes of
action "sing out of or in any way relating to the Disputes, and/or any claims
that IPC Parties could have asserted in the Disputes against the PetroMed
Parties or, conditioned upon their execution of the EMedCO Joinder, the EMedCo
Parties, and/or any claims that the IPC Parties may have, or claims or assert to
have, or hereafter have, may have, or claim or assert to have against the Lead
Investor, and excepting only the PetroMed Parties' and the EMedCo Parties'
respective obligations Jude this Agreement. IPC Parties warrant and represent
that they have not assigned or btherwisetransferred any claim or cause of
action released by this Agreement.
(c) The
PetroMed Parties acknowledge that a portion of the consideration given for this
Agreement is being given for the full and final release of any and all losses,
claims, costs, expenses, damages, and fees, which may have occurred in the past,
and are not yet known, or which may occur in the future. The PetroMed Parties
agree to voluntarily and knowingly assume the risk of any mistake of fact,
either mutual or unilateral, with respect to slid losses, claims, costs,
expenses, damages, and fees, and shall not, under any circumstance, seek to
present further claims on behalf of themselves against the IPC Parties and/or
the Lead Inv stars arising out of or related to the Disputes and/or arising out
of or related to this Agreement r the Israel Offshore Project. The PetroMed
Parties recognize that they may here after discover claims or facts in addition
to or different from those which it now knows or believes to exist with respect
to the subject matter of this Agreement and which, if known or suspected at the
time of executing this Agreement, may have materially affected
this settlement. Nevertheless, the PetroMed Parties hereby waive any right
claims or causes of action that might arise as a result of such different or
additional claim or facts. Other than the promises and terms set forth herein,
the PetroMed Parties are not relying on any statements made by any other Party
indefinitely to enter into this Agreement. The PetroMed Parties acknowledge that
their adversary relationship with IPC Parties precludes any obligation of
disclosure by the IPC Parties to the PetroMed Parties.
(d) The
IPC Parties acknowledge that a portion of the consideration this Agreement is
being given for the full and final release of any and all losses, claim
expenses, damages, and fees, which may have occurred in the past, and are not
yet which may occur in the future. IPC Parties agree to voluntarily and
knowingly assume the risk of any mistake of fact, either mutual or unilateral,
with respect to said losses, said losses, expenses, damages, and fees, and shall
not, under any circumstances, seek to preserve claims on behalf of themselves
against the PetroMed Parties and/or the Lead Investor arising out of or
related to the Disputes and/or arising out of or related to this Agreement or
Israel Offshore Project. IPC Parties recognize that they may hereafter discover
claims or fact in addition to or different from those which it now knows or
believes to exist with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and
which, if known or suspected at the time of executing is Agreement, may have
materially affected this settlement. Nevertheless, IPC Partise hereby waive any
right, claims or causes of action that might arise as a result of such different
or additional claim or facts. Other than the promises and terms set forth
herein, IPC parties are not relying on any statements made by the PetroMed
Parties and/or Lead Investors in d1idin to enter into this Agreement. The IPC
Parties acknowledge that their adversary the PetroMed Parties precludes any
obligation of disclosure by the PetroMed Parties to the IPC
Parties.
(e) The
EMedCo Joinder will contain releases, waivers and other provisions substantially
in the form contained in paragraphs (a) -(d) of this Section 10 with respect t9
the PetroMed Parties, the IPC Parties and the Lead Investors.
(f) Effective upon
consummation of the Initial and Second Closing, IPC Parties and Emanuelle,
on behalf of themselves and their current and former owners, partners, parents,
members, employees, principals, officers, directors, shareholders, fil~'1tes;
predecessors, successors, and assigns, hereby irrevocably, unconditionally,
fully, completely and finally waive, release, remise, acquit, and forever
discharge and covenant not to sue on and her, as well as their respective
affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, predecessors, and their respective current
and fanner parents, partners, employees, principals, officers, directors,
shareholders; members, successors and, assigns, of and from any and all claims,
demands, suits, manner of obligation, debt, liability, tort, covenant, contract,
or causes of action of any kind what oev r,..at law or in equity, known or
unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that they had, presently have, may have, or
claim or assert to have, or hereafter have, may have, or claim or assert to
have, including without limitation, all claims and causes of action arising out
of or in any way relating to the IPC -Emanuelle Dispute and/or any claims to
rights and/or interests in the Israel Offshore Project, and/or any claims that
IPC Parties or Emanuelle could have respectively asserted i the
IPe -Emanuelle Dispute against each other and/or any claims to rights and/or
inter~sts~' the Israel Offshore Project, and excepting only the IPC Parties' and
Emanuelle's respective obligations under this Agreement. IPC Parties and
Emanuelle respectively warrant and represent that they have not assigned or
otherwise transferred any claim or cause of action released by this
Agreement.
(g) To
the extent not paid and discharged by the PetroMed Parties (excluding the Lead
Investors IPC) who shall have primary liability for the matters describe in this
paragraph (and nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to release the PetroMed
Parties from such liability) the Parties entitled to any of the Ownership WI
Points in the Licenses an Permit (the "Owning Parties"), hereby
agree, on behalf of themselves and their current and former owners,
partners, parents, members, employees, principals officers, directors,
shareholders, affiliates, predecessors, successors, and assigns, to bear, ill
accordance to their respective Ownership WI Points Interests, their respective
proportionate shares of any and all class, demands, suits, manner of obligation,
debt, liability, tort, covenant, contract, or causes of action of any kind
whatsoever, at law or in equity, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, at
any person (other than the Owning Parties), including but not limited to persons
holding shares of PetroMed that were issued and outstanding prior to the date
hereof, had, presently have, may have, or claim or assert to have, or hereafter
have, may have, or claim or assert to have against any of the Owning Parties as
a result of or including, without limitation, all claims and causes of action
arising out of this Agreement and the Term Sheet, and excepting only the
PetroMed Parties obligations under this Agreement. Each of the Owning Parties
shall cooperate in a joint defense against such claims and irrevocably agree to
pay the other Owning Parties on a pro rated
'basis to
the irrespective Ownership WI Point, on an as-incurred basis all costs in
respect thereof and in satisfaction of all such claims, demands, suits, manner
of obligation, debt, liability, tort, covenant, contract, or causes of action.
The PetroMed Parties hereby jointly and eventually indemnify and agree to defend
and hold harmless the Owning Parties from and a against all liabilities,
costs, obligations, costs, expenses, and claims borne by the Owning Parties
after this paragraph. The Owning Parties shall been titled to assert, and the
PetroMed Parties hereby grant, the right of set off against any obligation of
the Owning Parties to the PetroMed Parties, including payment of any amounts due
under the New PetroMed Trust Overriding Royalty, against any amounts paid by the
Owning Parties pursuant to this paragraph. Notwithstanding the above, IPC shall
have no liability whatsoever for any of the debts or accounts payable under the
Term Sheet.
(h) The
PetroMed Parties shall indemnify and save and hold harmless the Lead
Investors and the IPC Parties from and against all claims, demands, suits,
manner of obligation, debt, liability, tort, covenant, contract, or causes of
action arising or accruing with respect to (a) the obligations or liabilities of
PetroMed or any of its officers and directors (except for those directly
attributable to the ownership of the Licenses and Permit), including but not
limited to those listed on the Settlement List to be delivered under the Term
Sheet dose arising out of or related to the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this event or (b) any representation of the PetroMed Parties
contained herein being untrue or a reach of any warranty or covenant of the
PetroMed Parties contained herein or (c) the breach or failure to perform any
obligation of the PetroMed Parties under this Agreement. The Parties shall be
entitled to assert, and the PetroMed Parties hereby grant, the right of set off
against any obligation of the Parties to the PetroMed Parties, including payment
of any amounts due under the New PetroMed Trust Overriding Royalty, against any
amounts owed by the PetroMe Parties pursuant to this paragraph.
11. Dismissal of Litigation. If the First WG Installment
is not made at the time and in the manner provided herein, the hearing for
preliminary injunction hall be rescheduled at the earliest possible time. If the
First WG Installment is paid at the time and in the manner provided herein
then immediately thereafter, all claims asserted by any of the Parties against
any other of the Parties in any of the Disputes shall be dismissed with
prejudice, with each party to pay its own attorney fees and costs.
a. Stipulated
Motion to Dismiss the Colorado Lawsuit, which executed by the attorneys of
record for all of the Parties in that matter, is attached Exhibit· 21. The
proposed Order of Dismissal, which shall be filed with the Court Stipulated
Motion to Dismiss, is attached hereto as Exhibit
22.
b.
A Stipulated Motion t~ Dismiss the Washington Lawsuit, which I shall be executed
by the attorneys of record for all of the Parties in that matter, is attached
direct Gas Exhibit 23. The proposed Order of Dismissal, which shall be filed
with the Court with the Stipulated Motion to Dismiss, is attached hereto as
Exhibit
24.
12. No
Admission.
A. Nothing in this Agreement shall be
construed as an admission of liability or fault by any Party. If the Initial and
Second Closings do not occur in the manner and at the time required in this
Agreement, the execution of this Agreement and the negotiation of this Agreement
shall not be considered a waiver or acknowledgement of
any claim or defense by a Party in any of the Disputes, and nothing in this Agreement
or in the negotiations leading to this
Agreement shall be admissible in any court for the purpose of establishing or contesting
liability.
B.
Unless otherwise determined by the Lead Investors, nothing in his Agreement, the
negotiation of this Agreement or its execution (or of the ancillary documents
herein) shall be construed as an admission of the Parties or any other person
that the transactions contemplated hereunder require the approval of PetroMed
shareholders and nothing in this Agreement or in the negotiations leading to
this Agreement shall be admissible in any court for the purpose of establishing
or cont tin the same.
C.
Effective as of the Second Closing, and unless otherwise determined by the Lead
Investors following consultation with IPC, nothing in this Agreement, the
negotiation of this Agreement or its execution (or of the ancillary documents
her in) hall be construed as an admission of the Parties or any other person
that the transactions contemplated under the Option Agreement are void or
voidable, rescinded or otherwise, and nothing in this Agreement or in the
negotiations leading to this Agreement shall be admissible in any court for the
purpose of establishing or contesting the same.
13.
Authority. The Parties represent and warrant that they possess full
authority to enter into this Agreement and to lawfully and effectively release
the opposing Party as set forth herein, free of any rights of settlement,
approval, subrogation, or other condition or impediment. This undertaking
includes specifically, without limitation, the representation and warranty
that no third party has now acquired or will acquire rights to present or p
claims arising from or based upon the claims that have been released
herein.
14. Entire
Agreement. The Parties represent and agree that no promises, inducements,
or agreements other than those expressed herein have been made to them any of
the other Parties. This Agreement, while in full force and effect, together with
its Schedules and Exhibits supersedes all prior agreements and understandings
between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and contains the
entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
15. Voluntary
and Informed Assent. The Parties represent and agree that they each have
read and fully understand this Agreement, that they are fully competent to
manage their own personal and business affairs and to enter into and sign this
Agreement, and that they are executing this Agreement voluntarily, free of any
duress or coercion.
16. Governing
Law. Consent to Jurisdiction. The laws of the State of Israel shall
solely and exclusively apply to and control any interpretation, construction,
performance or enforcement of this Agreement or any disputes arising there
from or in connection herewith. The Parties agree that exclusive
jurisdiction to resolve any dispute arising under this Agree enter in connection
here with shall reside in the district courts of Tel Aviv, Israel, and all
parties submit to the jurisdiction of said courts for such purpose. Each party
to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner
provided for notices in Section 27. Nothing this Agreement shall affect the
right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner
permitted by law.
17. Construction.
This Agreement and its exhibits shall be construed as if the Parties jointly
prepared them, and any uncertainty or ambiguity shall not be interpreted against
anyone Party.
18. Modification.
No verbal agreement, statement, promise, undertaking, understanding,
arrangement, act or omission of any Party, occurring subsequent to the date
hereof may be deemed an amendment or modification of this Agreement unless
reduced to writing and signed by the affected Parties hereto or their respective
successors or assigns, Nothing herein shall prevent the Lead Investors and IPC
from entering into the JOA or any other agreement with respect to the ownership
of the Licenses and Permit and any act or operation related thereto without the
consent of the other Parties.
19. Severability.
The Parties agree that if, for any reason, a provision of this Agreement is held
unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, this Agreement shall be
automatically conformed to the law, and otherwise this Agreement shall continue
in full force and effect.
20. Number.
Whenever applicable within this Agreement, the singular include the plural and
the plural shall include the singular.
21. Headings.
The headings of paragraphs herein are included solely for convenience of
reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of any of the
provisions of this Agreement.
22. Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts and all counterparts so
executed shall constitute one agreement binding on all Parties hereto,
notwithstanding that all the Parties are not signatories to the original or the
same co te I art. Facsimile signatures and a scanned attachment sent by
electronic mail shall be accepted he s me as an original signature. A photocopy
of this Agreement may be used in any action b ought to enforce or construe this
Agreement.
23. No
Waiver. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising any right,
power or remedy under this Agreement shall impair any right, power or remedy
which Party may have, nor shall any such delay be construed to be a waiver of
any such rights, power or remedies or an acquiescence in any breach or
default under this Agreement, nor shall waiver of any breach or default of any
Party be deemed a waiver of any default or breach subsequently
arising.
24. Further
Assurances. Each of the Parties shall from time I to hereafter and upon
any reasonable request of any other Party, make or cause to be made all further
acts, deeds, assurances and things as may be required or necessary to more
effectually implement and carry out the true intent and meaning of this
Agreement, including but not limited to all assignments and other instruments
and items required to be delivered and take all action as requested by the
Lead Investors to confirm that this Agreement constitutes the completion of the
Lead Investor's and IPC's acquisition of the Israel Offshore
Project.
25. Successors
and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the
benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective successors and assign (if
any). No party may assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement
to any other person without obtaining the written consent or approval of the
other Parties hereto; except that the Lead Investors and IPC may assign their
rights and/or obligations (in whole or in part) under this Agreement, at any
time, to any Permitted Transferee; provided that if any
obligations being assigned, they shall have furnished the other
Parties with a written assumption agreement by assignee.
26. Limitation
on Individual Parties. The Individual Parties are expecting this
Agreement solely for the purpose of (i) agreeing to execute and deliver the
releases described in section 10 hereof; (ii) the covenants (excluding the
indemnity covenants) set forth herein, provided that, without derogating from
Section 2(x) (specific performance), such are being made by the applicable
Individual Party solely as a "reasonable effort" undertaking (it being
understood that the signing of a document shall be considered a "reasonable
effort") and (iii) the representations set forth herein provided that such are
being made to the best of the applicable Individual Party's
knowledge.
27. Notices.
All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and
shall be on the date of delivery if delivered personally by messenger service,
(ii) on the date of confirmation of receipt (or, the first busies following such
receipt if the date is not a business day) of transmission by facsimile, or (iii
the date of confirmation of receipt (or, the first business day following such
receipt if the date is not a business day) if delivered by a nationally
recognized courier service. All notices h re der shall be delivered as set forth
in Schedule
I hereto, or
pursuant to such other instruction as may be designated in writing by the party
to receive such notice.
28. Public
Announcement. No
public disclosure shall be made wit to this Agreement, except as may be required
to comply with any legal requirement; which case the disclosing Party will
attempt to inform the other Party prior to such disclose; 0p:er than, in the
case of the Lead Investors, Bontan and IPC (and their transferees),
disclosure be made pursuant to securities laws and regulations and/or stock
exchange rules, whether with respect to comply with ongoing reporting and
disclosure requirements, prospectuses or otherwise.
29..Survival.
The representations, warranties and covenants Agreement shall survive the
completion of the Initial Closing and the Second Closing delivery of documents
and other items in connection therewith.
(SIGNATURES
FOLLOW)
INTERNATIONAL
THREE RO PETROLEUM LLC
By: H.
Howard Cooper Its: President and Manager
ISRAEL
PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMIIED By International Three Crown Petroleum LCJ its sole
director
By: H.
Howard Cooper .Its: President and Manager
H. HOWARD
COOPER
PETROMED
CORPORATION
By: Hagai
Amir Its: CEO
LYLE
DURHAM
By: Lyle
Durham
SIGNATURE
PAGE OF ALLOCATION OF RIGHTS AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
By: S/Kam
Shah
BONTAN
CORPORATION INC.
By:
KamShah Its: CEO
APPROVED SOLELYAS TO
FORM
Howard
Boigon, Esq. Counsel for Plaintiffs
Barak
Luchten Counsel for Emmanuelle Energy Ltd.
John
Tollefson, Esq. Counsel for the PetroMed Parties
Ido
Zemach, Adv. Counsel for IDB-DT (2010) Energy Ltd. (information)
Jeffrey
C. Robbins, Esq. 1Counsel for Bontan Corporation Inc.
SIGNATURE
PAGE OF ALLOCATION OF RIGHTS AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
|
Execution
Copy
|
BONTAN
CORPORATION INC.
|
INC.
|
By:
|
Its:
|
APPROVED
|
SOLELY
AS TO FORM
|
Jeffrey
C. Robbins, Esq.
|
Counsel
for Bontan Corporation
|
Inc.
|
SIGNATURE
|
PAGE
OF ALLOCATION
|
OF
RIGHTS AND
SETTLEMENT
|
AGREE
|
Execution
Copy
|
BONTAN
CORPORATION
|
INC.
|
By:
|
Its:
|
APPROVED
|
SOLELY
AS TO FORM
|
Jeffrey
C. Robbins, Esq.
|
Counsel
for Bontan Corporation
|
Inc.
|
SIGNATURE
|
PAGE
OF ALLOCATION
|
OF
RIGHTS AND
SETTLEMENT
|
AGREE
|
EMANUELLE
ENERGY LTD.
By: Ofer
Nimrodi
Its:
Chairman
41T
(2010) ENERGY LTD.
Its:
BONTAN
CORPORATION INC.
By: Kam
Shah Its: CEO
APPROVED
SOLELY AS TO FORM
Howard
Boigon, Esq.
Counsel
for Plaintiffs
John
Tollefson, Esq.
Counsel
for the PetroMed Parties
Barak
Luchtenstein, Adv .. Counsel for Emanuelle Energy Ltd.
Ido
Zemach, Adv, Counsel for lDB~DT (2010) Energy Ltd. (in formation)
Jeffrey
C. Robbins, Esq. Counsel for Bontan Corporation Inc.
SIGNATURE
PAGE OF ALLOCATION OF RIGHTS AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMEN
crrprommisorynote_btn.htm
PROMISSORY
NOTE
$850,000 November
12, 2009
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the
undersigned, Bontan
Corporation, Inc., an Ontario corporation (“Maker”), having an address of
47 Avenue Road, Suite 200, promises to pay to the order of Castle Rock Resources, II LLc,
a Colorado limited liability company (“Payee”), with an address of 7705 Buffalo
Trail, Castle Rock, CO, 80108 the sum of EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS
($850,000) (the “Principal Sum”), together with interest on the unpaid
Principal Sum at a rate of 10%
per annum, compounded annually. The entire unpaid Principal Sum together
with any and all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder shall be due and payable
on or before November 12, 2010 (“Maturity”).
All
interest hereunder shall be calculated on the basis of a 365-day year, actual
days elapsed.
This Note
may be prepaid, either in whole or in part, at any time without premium or
penalty and without the consent of Payee.
Maker
shall make all payments due under the terms of this Note to Payee at the above
address or at such other place as may be designated to Maker in writing by
Payee.
As an
inducement for Payee to loan the Maker the Principal Sum, the Maker agrees to
convey to the Payee a Warrant for 1,000,000 common shares, an exercise price of
$.35 per share in the form attached hereto Schedule A. All Shares issuable
hereunder shall, prior to such issuance, be registered by the Company pursuant
to an effective registration statement (the “Registration Statement”) filed with
the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). No later than
sixty (60) days following the Date of Issuance, the Company shall file a
Registration Statement with the SEC covering the maximum number of Shares
issuable hereunder. To the extent that any Shares issuable hereunder are not
otherwise covered by an effective Registration Statement, the Company agrees
that, promptly following any request therefore from Holder, it shall prepare and
file with the SEC a Registration Statement covering such Shares. The Company
shall use its best efforts to cause any Registration Statement required to be
filed by it pursuant hereto to become effective as soon as possible after such
filing.
This Note
will be secured by the pledge of 1,125 shares of Israel Petroleum Company,
Limited, and Maker and Payee shall, as soon as reasonably practicable following
the date hereof, execute a Stock Pledge Agreement (the “Pledge Agreement”) in a
form reasonably acceptable to Maker and Payee to evidence such
pledge.
Whenever
Payee shall sustain or incur any losses or out-of-pocket expenses with respect
to the Note in connection with (a) repayment of overdue amounts under this Note,
(b) failure by Maker to pay all principal and interest of this Note, when due
hereunder (whether at Maturity, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise), or (c)
enforcement of the Pledge Agreement Maker shall pay, on demand, to Payee, in
addition to any other penalties or premiums hereunder, an amount sufficient to
compensate Payee for all such losses or out-of-pocket expenses, including,
without limitation, all costs and expenses of a suit or proceeding, (or any
appeal thereof) brought for recovery of all or any part of or for protection of
the indebtedness evidenced by this Note or to take any action permitted by the
Pledge Agreement or to enforce Payee’s rights hereunder or thereunder, including
reasonable attorney’s fees.
It is not
intended hereby to charge interest at a rate in excess of the maximum rate of
interest permitted to be charged to Maker under applicable law, but if,
notwithstanding such intention, interest in excess of the maximum rate shall be
paid hereunder, the excess shall be retained by Payee as additional cash
collateral for the payment of this Note, unless such retention is not permitted
by law, in which case the interest rate on this Note shall be adjusted to the
maximum permitted under applicable law during the period or periods that the
interest rate otherwise provided herein would exceed such rate.
Time is
of the essence hereof. At the option of the Payee, payment of the Principal Sum
and any and all accrued interest thereon may be accelerated, and such amounts
shall be immediately due and payable without further notice or demand upon the
occurrence (and continuation as hereinafter specified) of any of the
following:
(1)
|
Failure
to make any payment of any and all amounts required to be paid hereunder
when due or declared due unless such failure is cured within five (5) days
from the date such payment is due.
|
(2)
|
Default
in the performance of any obligation or undertaking of the Maker in the
Pledge Agreement (as herein defined) or any other document securing the
indebtedness evidenced by this
Note.
|
|
(3) Dissolution,
termination of existence, insolvency, business failure, appointment of a
receiver of any part of the property of, assignment for the benefit of
creditors by, or commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or
insolvency laws by, or against Maker which remains uncured or undismissed
for sixty (60) days after the occurrence of such
event.
|
Unpaid
principal and interest due and payable hereunder shall bear interest at the rate
of sixteen percent (16%) per annum (the “Default Interest Rate”) from the due
date until paid.
The
remedies provided in this Note shall be cumulative, and shall be in addition to
any other rights or remedies now or hereafter provided by law or equity. No
delay, failure or omission by any holder of this Note, in respect of any default
by the Maker, to exercise any right or remedy shall constitute a waiver of the
right to exercise the right or remedy upon any such default or subsequent
default.
Maker and
any endorser herein waives presentment, demand, notice of dishonor, notice of
acceleration and protest and assents to any extension of time with respect to
any payment due under this Note, to any substitution or release of collateral
and to the addition or release of any party. No waiver of any payment or other
right under this Note shall operate as a waiver of any other payment or
right.
This Note
may not be changed orally, but only by an agreement in writing, signed by the
party against whom enforcement of any waiver, change, modification or discharge
is sought.
If any of
the provisions of this Note shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable, the
determination of invalidity or unenforceability of any such provision shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision or provisions
hereof.
This Note
shall be binding upon Maker and its successors and assigns and shall inure to
the benefit of and be enforceable by the Payee and its successors and
assigns.
All
notices to Maker expressly required in this Note shall be in writing and shall
be delivered by hand delivery or mailed by certified mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, addressed to Maker at its address set forth below
its signature hereto, or at such other address as Maker shall notify the holder
hereof. All such notices or other communications shall be deemed to be properly
given upon receipt of delivery by the Maker.
This Note
shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Province of
Ontario.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Maker has
caused this instrument to be executed as of the day and year first above
written.
MAKER:
Bontan
Corporation, Inc,
An
Ontario Corporation
By:
____S/Kam
Shah______________
Kam
Shah
Chief
Executive and Financial Officer
consentslf.htm
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form F-1 of our report dated June 11, 2009 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Bontan Corporation Inc. appearing in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended March 31, 2009.
“Schwartz Levitsky Feldman llp”
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Chartered Accountants
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June 25, 2010
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Licensed Public Accountants
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seccomments_btn.htm
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCANGE COMMISSION
WASHTINGTON, D.C, 20549-4628
Mr. Kam Shah
Cheif Exectuive Officer, Chief Financial Officer,
and Director
Bontan Corporation Inc.
47 Avenue Rd, Suite 200
Toronto, ON M5R 2G3
RE: Bontan
Corporation Inc. Amend No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form F-1
Filed February 25, 2010
File
No. 333-164935
Dear Mr. Shah,
We have limited our review of your filing
to those issues we have addressed in our comments. Where indicated, we
think you shoudl revise yoru document in respose to these comments. If you
disagree, we will consider your explanation as to why our comment is
inapplicable or a revision is unnecessary. Please be as detailed as
necessary in your explanation. In some of our comments, we may ask you to
provide us with information so we may better understand your disclosure.
After reviewing this information, we may raise additional comments.
Please understand that the purpose of our
review process is to assist you in your compliance with the applicable
disclosure requirements and to enhance the overall disclosure in your
filing. We look forward to working with you in these respects. We
welcome any questions you may have about our comments or any other aspect of our
review. Feel free to call us at the telephone numbers listed at the end of
this letter.
Form
F-1
General
1. In light of PetroMed's attempt to rescind the
transaction in which it received the shares that you are seeking to register,
please tell us why you believe it is appropriate to register these shares at ths
time.
2. Please disclose if any selling shareholder is a
broker-dealer or affiliate of a broker-dealer.
Management Compensation, page 25
3. You disclose in note 10 to your financial
statements the amount of consulting fees settled in stocks in options, as well
as those fees ettled in cash for teh fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, 208,
2007. However, these fees do not match the total compensation paid to our
executive officers for these respective years in your summary compensation
table. Please explain this difference. Please explain if the
consulting fees paid in cash are included in "Salary column and if those paid in
options are included in teh "Option Awards" column, and why there is no
equivalent stock awards column for those fees ettled in stock.
4. You also disclose that under your consulting
agreement with Mr. Shah, from June 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008, he was allowed
to draw $10,000 per month in arrears, for a totaly of $70,000 to be repaid when
the market price of your common stock reaches above $0.50 for a period of three
consecutive months. Please explain this arrangement, including whether
this was included as compensation in your ummary compensation table. With
respect to this arrangement, please also provide us with an analysis as to how
youa re in compliance with Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act.
Selling Shareholder, page 32
5. For each non-natural person listed in your
selling shareholder talbe, please identify in the registration statement the
person or persons who have voting or investment control over teh company's
securities that the entity owns.
Financial Statements
Consolidated Financial Statements for the Three
and Six Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, page 71
6. you appear to have advertently provided interim
financial statements for the period ending September 20, 2008 and 2007.
For exambple, see your interim statement of operations and statement of cash
flows. Please revise and provide teh proper financial statements in
accordance with Regulation S-X.
Signatures, page 5
7. Please revise to specifiy if your
registartion statment was signed by your principal executive officer, your
principal financial officer, and your controller or principal accounting
officer. See Instrucion 1 to the Signatures section of Form F-1.
Exhibits
8. We note that you intend to file the
promissory note to Castle Rock Resources II, LLC dated November 12, 2009, by
amendment. Please ensure that this is filed in your next amnedment.
Closing Comments
As appropriate, please amend your filing
in response to these comments. You may wish to provide us with marked
copies of teh amendment to expedite our review. Please furnish a cover
letter with each amendment that keys your repsonses toour commens and provides
any requested information. Detailed cover letters greatly facilitate our
review. please understand that we may have additional comments after
reviewing your amendment and responses to our comment.
We urge all persons who are responsible
for teh accuracy and adequacy of teh disclosure in the filing to be certain that
the filing includes all information requred under the Securities Act of 1933 adn
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that they have provided all information
investors requre for an informed investment decision. Since the company
and its management are in possession of all facts relating to a company's
disclosure, they are responsible for the accuracy and adequacy of the
disclosures they have made.
Notwithstanding our comments, in the
event the company requests acceleration of the effective date of the
registration statement, it should furnish a letter at the time of such request,
acknowledging that:
- should the Commisssion or the staff,
acting pursuant to delegated authority, declare tehfiling effective, it does not
foreclose teh Commission from taking any action with respect to the
filing;
- the action of teh Commission or teh
staff acting pursuant to delegated authority, in declaring teh filing effective,
does not relieve the company from its full responsibility for teh adequacy and
accurany of teh disclosure in the filing; and
- the company may not assert staff
comments and the declaration of effectiveness as a defence in any proceedings
initiated by the Commission or any person under the federal securities laws of
the United States.
In addition, please be advicsed that the
Division of Enforcement has access to all information you provie to the staff of
the Division of Corporation Finance in connection with our review of our filing
or in response to any comments on your filing.
We will consider a written request for
acceleration of teh effective date of the registration statement as confirmation
of teh fact that those requestion acceleration are aware of their respective
responsibilities under the Securities Act of 1933 adn the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 as tehy relate to teh proposed public offereing of the securities
specified in teh above registration statement. We will act o the request
and, pursuant to delegated authority, grant acceleration of teh effective date.
We direct your attention to Rule 461
regarding requestiong acceleration of a registration statement. Please
allow adequate time after the filing of any amendment for further review before
submitting a request for acceleration. Please provide this request at
least two business days in advance of the requested effective date.
Sincerely,
Anne Nguyen Parker
Branch Chief
cc: Jeffrey C. Robbins, Esq. Messerli &
Kramer P.A
btnresponse_sec.htm
BONTAN CORPORATION INC.
47 Avenue Rd. Suite 200
Toronto, ON M5R 2G3
June 30, 2010
Anee Nguyen Parker
Branch Chief
US Securiteis and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street N.W
Washington, D.C 20549-4628 USA
Dear Anne Nguyen Parker:
RE: BONTAN CORPORATION INC. - Amendment # 1 Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed February 25, 2010 (file # 333-164935
We refer to your letter of MArch 12, 2010.
We have now filed Amendment #2 to the Registration Statement of Form F-1 on EDGAR.
Our responses to your review comments are as follows in the same order:
1. Under the new Agreement, a copy of which is included with Amendment #2, all shares and warrants previously issued to PetroMed have been canceled and eliminated from the Registration Statement.
2. None of the selling shareholders is a broker-dealer or an affiliate of a broker-dealer.
3. We have reviewed the compensation table, which is included in the Amendment # 2. The diference was mainly due to mixing up of the number and value of options. Reconciiliation is enclosed for you ready reference. Salray column includes cash adn stock issued, and option award column includes value of options granted.
4. Original intention was to treat the amount withdranw as advance fee subject to repayment if the stock value reaches certain level because the prevalent stock value was much below the value at which the previously issued shares were priced. however, we realize that this was not in accordance with the provisions of Section 13(k) of teh Exchange Act. Teh board has therefore agreed to expense these payments. They were expensed as fee in March, 2010.
5. Amendment #2 now includes names of the persons having voting or investment controls over non-natural persons listed as selling shareholders.
6. Amendment # 2 now includes financials for teh nine months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.
7. Now clarified in Amendement # 2
8. Now included in Amendment # 2
As suggested by you, we also enclose a copy of teh amended F029, highlightin/underlining the changes made as a result of your comments, for your ready reference.
Sincerely,
S/Kam Shah
Kam Shah, CEO
cc: Jeffrey Robbins, Esq, Messerli & Kramer, P.A