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UNITED STATES |
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION |
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Washington, D.C. 20549 |
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SCHEDULE 13D |
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Under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934
(Amendment No. 3)*
PLUG POWER INC.
(Name of Issuer)
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
(Title of Class of Securities)
72919P103
(CUSIP Number)
Gregory J. Golden
Baker Botts L.L.P.
The Warner
1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004-2400
(202) 639-7700
(Name, Address and
Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)
May 15, 2008
(Date of Event Which
Requires Filing of this Statement)
If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box. o
Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See Rule 13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.
* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.
The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).
CUSIP No. 72919P103 |
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Names of Reporting Persons |
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Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) |
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(a) |
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(b) |
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3. |
SEC Use Only |
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4. |
Source of Funds (See
Instructions) |
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5. |
Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e) o |
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6. |
Citizenship or Place of Organization |
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Number of |
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Sole Voting Power |
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8. |
Shared Voting Power |
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9. |
Sole Dispositive Power |
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10. |
Shared Dispositive Power |
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11. |
Aggregate Amount
Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person |
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12. |
Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) o |
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13. |
Percent of Class
Represented by Amount in Row (11) |
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14. |
Type of Reporting Person
(See Instructions) |
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CUSIP No. 72919P103 |
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1. |
Names of Reporting Persons |
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Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) |
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(a) |
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(b) |
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3. |
SEC Use Only |
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4. |
Source of Funds (See
Instructions) |
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5. |
Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e) o |
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6. |
Citizenship or Place of Organization |
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Number of |
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Sole Voting Power |
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8. |
Shared Voting Power |
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9. |
Sole Dispositive Power |
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10. |
Shared Dispositive Power |
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11. |
Aggregate Amount
Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person |
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12. |
Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) o |
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13. |
Percent of Class
Represented by Amount in Row (11) |
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14. |
Type of Reporting Person
(See Instructions) |
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CUSIP No. 72919P103 |
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1. |
Names of Reporting Persons |
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2. |
Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) |
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(a) |
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(b) |
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3. |
SEC Use Only |
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4. |
Source of Funds (See
Instructions) |
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5. |
Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e) o |
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6. |
Citizenship or Place of Organization |
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Number of |
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Sole Voting Power |
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8. |
Shared Voting Power |
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9. |
Sole Dispositive Power |
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10. |
Shared Dispositive Power |
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11. |
Aggregate Amount
Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person |
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12. |
Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) o |
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13. |
Percent of Class
Represented by Amount in Row (11) |
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14. |
Type of Reporting Person
(See Instructions) |
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CUSIP No. 72919P103 |
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1. |
Names of Reporting Persons |
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2. |
Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) |
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(a) |
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(b) |
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3. |
SEC Use Only |
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4. |
Source of Funds (See
Instructions) |
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5. |
Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e) o |
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6. |
Citizenship or Place of Organization |
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Number of |
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Sole Voting Power |
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8. |
Shared Voting Power |
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9. |
Sole Dispositive Power |
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10. |
Shared Dispositive Power |
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11. |
Aggregate Amount
Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person |
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12. |
Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) o |
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13. |
Percent of Class
Represented by Amount in Row (11) |
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14. |
Type of Reporting Person
(See Instructions) |
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CUSIP No. 72919P103 |
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1. |
Names of Reporting Persons |
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Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) |
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(a) |
x |
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(b) |
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3. |
SEC Use Only |
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4. |
Source of Funds (See
Instructions) |
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5. |
Check if Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e) o |
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6. |
Citizenship or Place of Organization |
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Number of |
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Sole Voting Power |
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8. |
Shared Voting Power |
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9. |
Sole Dispositive Power |
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10. |
Shared Dispositive Power |
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11. |
Aggregate Amount
Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person |
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12. |
Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) o |
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13. |
Percent of Class
Represented by Amount in Row (11) |
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14. |
Type of Reporting Person
(See Instructions) |
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6
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 13D
(Amendment No. 3)
Statement of
Smart Hydrogen Inc.
Pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
in respect of
Plug Power Inc.
Explanatory Note: This Amendment No. 3 (this Amendment No. 3) amends and supplements the Statement on Schedule 13D of Smart Hydrogen Inc. (Smart Hydrogen), MMC Norilsk Nickel (Norilsk Nickel), Clayburn Development Inc. (Clayburn), Branton Limited (Branton), and Vladimir O. Potanin (Mr. Potanin), originally filed on April 20, 2006 (the Original Statement), as amended by Amendment No. 1 filed on June 29, 2006 (Amendment No. 1) and Amendment No. 2 filed on April 24, 2008 (Amendment 2 and collectively with the Original Statement, Amendment No. 1, and this Amendment No. 3, the Statement). Unless otherwise indicated herein, terms used but not defined in this Amendment No. 3 have the same meaning given to them in the Original Statement.
Item 1. |
Security and Issuer |
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Item 2. |
Identity and Background |
Item 2 of the Statement is hereby amended and supplemented as follows: |
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Exhibit A to this Amendment No. 3 contains information regarding the executive officers and directors of Smart Hydrogen, Norilsk Nickel, Clayburn, and Branton as of the date hereof. |
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Item 3. |
Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration |
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Item 4. |
Purpose of Transaction |
Item 4 of the Statement is hereby amended and supplemented as follows:
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This Statement relates to Smart Hydrogens beneficial ownership of 44,626,939 shares of Common Stock, representing approximately 34.97% of the Issuers outstanding Common Stock. These shares consist of 5,126,939 shares of Common Stock and 395,000 shares of Class B Capital Stock which are presently convertible into 39,500,000 shares of Common Stock. The ownership percentages contained in this Amendment and in the cover pages hereto are based upon information contained in the Issuers most recently available filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that, as of March 31, 2008, 88,124,168 shares of Common Stock and 395,000 shares of Class B Capital Stock were outstanding.
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The shares of Common Stock and Class B Capital Stock held by Smart Hydrogen were acquired pursuant to the transactions described in the Original Statement and pursuant to the exercise of Smart Hydrogens top up rights under the Investor Rights Agreement described in the Original Statement. Beneficial ownership of these shares is a component of the Reporting Persons broader strategy to invest in the hydrogen fuel cell industry in the United States and elsewhere. |
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As previously disclosed, on April 17, 2008, Mikhail D. Prokhorov (Mr. Prokhorov) and Mr. Potanin agreed that Mr. Prokhorov would convey his entire interest in Branton to Mr. Potanin. On May 15, 2008, Mr. Potanin and Mr. Prokhorov completed the sale of Mr. Prokhorovs entire beneficial interest in Branton to Mr. Potanin.
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On May 16, 2008, Smart Hydrogen removed Sergey Polikarpov as a director of the Issuer and from all offices and positions with Smart Hydrogen. On May 16, 2008, Smart Hydrogen appointed Michael E. McGuire, Jr. as a director of the Issuer.
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Except as set forth in this Item 4 and Items 3, 5, and 6 of the Statement, none of the persons listed in Item 2 has any present plans or proposals that relate to or would result in the occurrence of any of the events specified in clauses (a) through (j) of the instructions to Item 4 of Schedule 13D. The Reporting Persons reserve the right to formulate plans or make proposals, and take such actions with respect to their investment in the Issuer, including any action that relates to or would result in the occurrence of any or all of the events specified in clauses (a) through (j) of the instructions to Item 4 of Schedule 13D, and any other actions, as they may determine. The Reporting Persons intend to review continually their investment in the Issuer, depending upon future evaluations of the business prospects of the Issuer and upon other developments, including but not limited to, general economic and business conditions and stock market conditions. The Reporting Persons may determine to increase or decrease their equity position in the Issuer by acquiring additional shares of disposing of some of the shares they may hold, in each case in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the Certificate of Designations and the agreements executed at Closing. |
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Item 5. |
Interest in Securities of the Issuer |
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Item 5 of the Statement is hereby amended and restated as follows:
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(a) - (b) |
As of the date hereof, Smart Hydrogen is the beneficial owner of 44,626,939 shares of Common Stock, or approximately 34.97% of the Issuers outstanding Common Stock. This amount is the sum of (i) 5,126,939 shares of Common Stock; and (ii) 395,000 shares of Class B Capital Stock which are presently convertible into 39,500,000 shares of Common Stock. By virtue of the direct and indirect ownership of Smart Hydrogen, each of Clayburn, Branton, Norilsk Nickel, and Mr. Potanin may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of 44,626,939 shares of Common Stock or approximately 34.97% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. Pursuant to Rule 13d-4 of the Act, the filing of this Statement shall not be construed as an admission that Mr. Potanin, Norilsk Nickel, Clayburn, or Branton is, for the purpose of section 13(d) or 13(g) of the Act, the beneficial owner of the Common Stock.
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(c) |
No transactions in the Common Stock were effected in the past 60 days, by the persons named in response to Item 5(a).
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(d) |
All persons known to have the right to receive or the power to direct the dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, the securities described in this Item 5 are described in this Statement. |
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(e) |
Not applicable. |
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Item 6. |
Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer |
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Item 6 of the Statement is hereby amended and supplemented as follows:
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On May 15, 2008, Smart Hydrogen provided notice to Ciata Trading Limited (Ciata) that the Management Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2006, that was filed as Exhibit L to Amendment No. 1 would terminate effective as of June 15, 2008. In connection with the termination of this agreement, the shares of Smart Hydrogen held by Ciata have been redeemed and Ciata is no longer a party to the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement dated as of April 27, 2006 that was filed as Exhibit K to Amendment No. 1 (the Smart Hydrogen Shareholders Agreement).
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Smart Hydrogen has entered into a Management Agreement, dated as of May 23, 2008, with Nithia Consulting Limited (Nithia), a company organized under the laws of the British Virgin Islands. This agreement sets forth the terms by which Nithia will manage, direct, and supervise the day-to-day operations of Smart Hydrogens business in accordance with the directives, instructions, and requests of Smart Hydrogen, Clayburn, and/or Branton. In connection with the execution of this agreement, Nithia has been issued shares of Smart Hydrogen and has become a party to the Smart Hydrogen Shareholders Agreement.
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Except as described in this Statement, none of the Reporting Persons, nor to the knowledge of the Reporting Persons, any of the persons listed in Exhibit A of this Amendment No. 3 has any contract, arrangement, understanding, or relationship (legal or otherwise) with any person with respect to any securities of the Issuer, including but not limited to transfer or voting of such securities, finders fees, joint ventures, loan or option arrangements, puts or calls, guarantees of profits, division of profits or loss, or the giving or withholding or proxies. |
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Item 7. |
Material to be Filed as Exhibits |
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The following documents are filed as exhibits to this Amendment: |
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Exhibit A |
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Officers and Directors Named in Item 2 |
Exhibit B |
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Management Agreement, dated as of May 23, 2008, by and between Smart Hydrogen Inc. and Nithia Consulting Limited |
Exhibit C |
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Agreement Relating to the Joint Filing of Schedule 13D/A dated May 30, 2008 |
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SIGNATURE
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
Date: May 30, 2008
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Smart Hydrogen Inc. |
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By: |
/s/ Athina Karelidou |
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Name: |
Athina Karelidou |
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Title: |
Director |
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MMC Norilsk Nickel |
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By: |
/s/ Denis Morozov |
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Name: |
Denis Morozov |
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Title: |
CEO |
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Clayburn Development Inc. |
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By: |
/s/ Andrey Smirnov |
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Name: |
Andrey Smirnov |
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Title: |
Attorney-in-fact |
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BRANTON LIMITED |
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By: |
/s/ Maria Lambrianidou |
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Name: |
Maria Lambrianidou |
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Title: |
Director |
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VLADIMIR O. POTANIN |
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By: |
/s/ Vladimir O. Potanin |
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Name: |
Vladimir O. Potanin |
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EXHIBIT A
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF PERSONS NAMED IN ITEM 2
Executive Officer (Director) of Smart Hydrogen Inc.
Name |
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Present Principal Occupation |
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Citizenship |
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Athina Karelidou |
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Corporate Officer |
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Republic of Cyprus |
Executive Officers of MMC Norilsk Nickel
Name |
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Present Principal Occupation |
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Citizenship |
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Denis S. Morozov |
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Chief Executive Officer (General Director) and Chairman of the Management Board of Norilsk Nickel |
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Russian Federation |
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Yuri A. Kotlyar |
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General Director of RAO Norilsk Nickel and Member of the Management Board of Norilsk Nickel |
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Russian Federation |
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Jaques I. Rozenberg |
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Deputy General Director, Head of Technical Regulation and Ecology, and Member of the Management Board of Norilsk Nickel |
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Russian Federation |
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Victor P. Tomenko |
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Deputy General Director and Member of the Management Board of Norilsk Nickel |
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Russian Federation |
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Oleg V. Lobanov |
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Deputy General Director, Head of the Finance and Economics Block and Member of the Management Board of Norilsk Nickel |
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Russian Federation |
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Ralph T. Morgan |
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Deputy General Director, Head of the Mining and Metallurgical Business Unit, Head of the Strategy and Business Development, and Member of the Management Board of Norilsk |
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United States of America |
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Nickel |
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Maksim V. Finsky |
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Deputy General Director, Head of Geology, and Member of the Management Board of Norilsk Nickel |
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Russian Federation |
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Victor E. Sprogis |
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Deputy General Director, Head of Sales, and Member of the Management Board of Norilsk Nickel |
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Russian Federation |
Board of Directors of MMC Norilsk Nickel
Name |
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Present Principal Occupation |
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Citizenship |
Andrey A. Klishas |
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Chairman of the Board of Directors of Norilsk Nickel; Vice Chairman of the Management Board Interros |
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Russian Federation |
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Denis S. Morozov |
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Chief Executive Officer (General Director) and Chairman of the Management Board of Norilsk Nickel |
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Russian Federation |
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Andrey E. Bugrov |
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Managing Director of Interros |
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Russian Federation |
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Vladimir I. Dolgikh |
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President of the Management Board of the Krasnoyarsk Fellow-countrymen association |
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Russian Federation |
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Ekaterina M. Salnikova |
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Deputy CFO of Onexim Group |
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Russian Federation |
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Kirill L. Ugolnikov |
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Member of the Board of Directors of JSC Vneshjurkollegia |
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Russian Federation |
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Morgan Ralph Tavakolian |
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Deputy General Director and Member of the Management Board of Norilsk Nickel |
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United States of America |
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Heinz S. Schimmelbusch |
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Managing Director of Safeguard International Fund |
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Austria |
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Guy de Selliers |
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Chairman of the Board of |
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Belgium |
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Trustees of Partners in Hope; Chairman of the Board of HB Advisors/Hatch Corporate Finance; Member of the Board of Directors of Wimm Bill Dann, Solvay S.A., OJSC Shatura Furniture Factory, Allied Resource Corporation, and Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. |
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Executive Officer (Attorney-in-Fact) of Clayburn Development Inc.
Name |
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Present Principal Occupation |
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Citizenship |
Andrey Smirnov |
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Manager |
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Russian Federation |
Executive Officer (Director) of Branton Limited
Name |
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Present Principal Occupation |
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Citizenship |
Maria Lambrianidou |
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Corporate Officer |
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Republic of Cyprus |
13
Exhibit B
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
This MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (this Agreement), dated as of May 23, 2008 is entered into by and between SMART HYDROGEN INC., a BVI Business Company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the Company), and NITHIA CONSULTING LIMITED, a company organized under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (the Manager), each of which is sometimes referred to herein as a Party and collectively as the Parties.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company has been organized for the purpose of making investments in one or more companies in the hydrogen fuel cell industry (the Portfolio Companies) including an approximately 35% equity stake in Plug Power, Inc. as of the date hereof; and
WHEREAS, the Company wishes to obtain from the Manager, and the Manager wishes to provide to the Company, the services contemplated by this Agreement, in accordance with the terms, and subject to the conditions, set forth herein;
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and the mutual covenants and benefits herein contained, and for good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Manager, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS.
1.1 Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings indicated:
Act shall mean the BVI Business Companies Act (No. 16 of 2004) of the British Virgin Islands and the regulations made under the Act.
Affiliate shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person that controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. For the purpose of this definition, the term control (including the terms controlling, controlled by, and under common control with), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the ownership of more than fifty percent of the voting interest of such Person. The term Affiliate shall also include, with respect to any Person, any of the mangers, directors, officers, employees, affiliates, contractors, sub-contractors, grantees, sub-grantees, representatives, and agents of such Person.
Agreement shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the first paragraph hereof.
Applicable Law shall mean, with respect to any Person, any statute, law, regulation, ordinance, rule, judgment, rule of common law, order, decree, award, governmental
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approval, concession, grant, franchise, license, agreement, directive, guideline, policy, requirement, or other governmental restriction or any similar form of decision of, or determination by, or any interpretation or administration of any of the foregoing by, any governmental authority, whether in effect as of the date hereof or thereafter, and in each case as amended, applicable to such Person or its subsidiaries or their respective assets. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term Applicable Law shall include the Act.
Articles shall mean the Articles of Association of the Company, as may be amended from time to time.
Business shall mean the Companys business of acquiring, holding, and selling investments in Portfolio Companies, and any activities necessary or incidental thereto.
Business Day shall mean any day other than Saturday, Sunday, or day on which banks are authorized or required to remain closed in New York.
Cause shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.3(b).
Communication shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.7
Company shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the first paragraph hereof.
Company Professional Fees shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.2.
Company Professionals shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.1(l).
Director shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Shareholders Agreement.
Dispute shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.10(a).
Expenses shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.2.
Expense Maximum shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.4.
Fiscal Quarter shall mean each quarter of a Fiscal Year.
Fiscal Year means the period beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31 of each year.
Founding Shareholders shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Shareholders Agreement.
Founding Shareholder Approval shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Shareholders Agreement.
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ICC Rules shall mean the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce, as amended from time to time.
Management Fee shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.1.
Manager shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the first paragraph hereof.
Manager Indemnified Person shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.1.
Memorandum shall mean the Memorandum of Association of the Company, as may be amended from time to time.
Party or Parties shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the first paragraph hereof.
Person shall mean any natural person, company, corporation, association, partnership, organization, business, firm, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or any other entity or organization, including a government, or any political subdivision, department or agency of any government.
Portfolio Companies shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Recitals to this Agreement.
Services shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.1.
Shares shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Shareholders Agreement.
Shareholders shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Shareholders Agreement.
Shareholders Agreement shall mean the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, dated as of April 27, 2006, among the Company and its Shareholders, to which the Manager became a party pursuant to that certain Joinder Agreement dated as of May 23, 2008, as such Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement may be amended from time to time.
United States Dollars or $ means the lawful currency of the United States of America.
US Manager shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.3.
1.2 Interpretation; Terms Generally. The definitions set forth in Section 1.1 and elsewhere in this Agreement shall apply equally to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. Unless otherwise indicated, the words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
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The words herein, hereof and hereunder and words of similar import shall be deemed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any part hereof, unless the context shall otherwise require. All references herein to Sections and Recitals shall be deemed to refer to sections and recitals of this Agreement, unless the context shall otherwise require. Unless the context shall otherwise require, any references to any agreement or other instrument or statute or regulation are to it as amended and supplemented from time to time (and, in the case of a statute or regulation, to any corresponding provisions of successor statutes or regulations). Any reference in this Agreement to a day or number of days (that does not refer explicitly to a Business Day or Business Days) shall be interpreted as a reference to a calendar day or number of calendar days. If any action or notice is to be taken or given on or by a particular calendar day, and such calendar day is not a Business Day, then such action or notice shall be deferred until, or may be taken or given on, the next Business Day.
2. APPOINTMENT OF THE MANAGER.
2.1 Appointment of the Manager. The Company hereby appoints the Manager to perform the Services, and the Manager hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the Services on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
3. SERVICES.
3.1 Management Services. The Manager shall manage, direct, and supervise the day-to-day operations of the Companys Business in accordance with all written and oral directives, instructions, and requests of the Company and/or Founding Shareholders and the terms and conditions of this Agreement (the Services). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Services shall include undertaking, with the assistance of Company Professionals, the following actions on behalf of the Company and the Founding Shareholders:
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3.2 Independent Contractor. The Manager and Company each agree that the Manager will perform services hereunder as an independent contractor, retaining control over and responsibility for its own operations and personnel. Accordingly, the Manager will act in its own name and on its own behalf. Neither the Manager nor its directors, officers, or employees will be considered employees or agents of the Company or a Shareholder as a result of this Agreement nor will any of them have or purport to have authority under this Agreement to contract in the name of or bind the Company or any Shareholder.
4. OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE MANAGER.
4.1 No Other Businesses of the Manager. Except for providing the Services to the Company pursuant to this Agreement or as otherwise agreed by the Founding Shareholders, the Manager and its Affiliates shall not engage in other business or operations, or provide services to Persons other than the Company and the Shareholders, without the prior, express consent of the Company.
4.2 Non-Competition. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing provision of this Section 4, during the term of this Agreement, except as otherwise allowed by the terms of this Agreement or by the consent of the Company, neither the Manager nor any Affiliate of the Manager shall:
any Portfolio Company or other Person that operates a business with activities in the United States or Canada which is engaged in the research, production or marketing of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
4.3 U.S. Management Agreement. Upon the approval of the Company, which approval may be given, conditioned, delayed, or denied in the Companys sole discretion, the Manager shall be entitled to enter into a written management agreement with a company reasonably acceptable to the Company (the US Manager), on terms and conditions acceptable to the Company (in its sole discretion), pursuant to which the US Manager shall perform, on behalf of the Manager, the Services to be provided to the Company within the United States of America. The Company shall have the right to direct the Manager to terminate the engagement of the US Manager at any time for any reason or no reason, and upon receipt of such direction from the Company, the Manager shall promptly cause its management agreement with the US Manager to terminate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Manager shall remain responsible for performance of all of its obligations under this Agreement and the Shareholders Agreement.
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5. MANAGEMENT FEE AND EXPENSES
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6. TERM AND TERMINATION.
6.1 Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall terminate upon the completion of the liquidation and winding up of the Company in accordance with the Articles and Memorandum unless terminated earlier pursuant to Section 6.2, 6.3, or 6.4.
6.2 Termination by the Company Without Cause.
6.3 Termination by the Company for Cause.
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7. COVENANTS OF THE MANAGER.
7.1 Services. The Manager shall perform the Services hereunder to the best of the Managers ability and in a competent and professional manner, in accordance with this
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Agreement and the Companys investment objectives, policies, directions, instructions, restrictions, and prohibitions, in each case as and to the extent communicated to the Manager.
7.3 Licenses and Permits. The Manager shall be responsible for obtaining all licenses and permits required by the Company and/or the Manager, if any, and the Manager shall, when requested, provide the Company with adequate evidence of its compliance with this Section 7.3.
7.5 Taxes. The Manager shall be fully and solely responsible for complying with any tax and legal obligations related to the income received by the Manager as remunerations, fees, bonuses, any other net income derived from its activity as established by this Agreement and will hold harmless, indemnify and keep indemnified the Company and the Shareholders in respect of any such tax and legal obligations of the Manager.
7.6 Non-Disclosure. The Manager shall not (either during the term of this Agreement or prior to the sixth anniversary of the expiration or termination hereof) disclose to any Person other than the Company and the Shareholders any information relating to (i) the private or confidential affairs of the Company or its proposed investments, or (ii) the private, proprietary, or confidential affairs of the Shareholders or a Portfolio Company, except where (A) such disclosure is expressly authorized by the Company or the Founding Shareholders, (B) required in the course of performing the Managers obligations hereunder, (C) required in response to a valid order of a court or other governmental body, or (D) otherwise required by Applicable Law.
8.1 Limitation On Manager Liability. The Manager and its officers, directors, and employees (in each case, a Manager Indemnified Person), shall to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law not be liable to the Company or the Shareholders for any act or failure to act on behalf of the Company, except to the extent such act or failure to act constitutes fraud, gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of fiduciary duty on the part of a Manager Indemnified Person, or a material breach by a Manager Indemnified Person of its obligations under this Agreement. The Manager may rely, and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting, and shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and without gross negligence or willful misconduct, upon any action taken in accordance with this Agreement or at the express request of the Founding Shareholders, and the aforesaid exclusion of liability shall, except as provided for otherwise above, apply howsoever such losses or liabilities arise, and whether in contract, tort or otherwise and whether caused in whole or in part by the negligence of, or breach of contract, or breach of duty (statutory or otherwise) by, such Manager Indemnified Person.
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8.2 Indemnification. The Company, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, shall hold harmless, indemnify, and keep indemnified each Manager Indemnified Person from and against any loss or liability (including any direct or indirect consequential losses, loss of profit and loss of reputation, damages, claims, demands, proceedings, costs, expenses, penalties, legal and other professional fees and costs), arising out of or in connection with any act taken or omitted to be taken in respect of the affairs of the Company, unless such act or omission constitutes fraud, gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of fiduciary duty on the part of the Manager Indemnified Person, or a material breach by a Manager Indemnified Person of its obligations under this Agreement, and the aforesaid indemnity shall, except as provided for otherwise above, apply howsoever such losses or liabilities arise, and whether in contract, tort or otherwise and whether caused in whole or in part by the negligence of, or breach of contract, or breach of duty (statutory or otherwise) by, such Manager Indemnified Person.
9. MISCELLANEOUS.
9.1 Section Headings. The division of this Agreement into Sections and the insertion of headings are for the convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
9.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the full and entire understanding and agreement between the Parties in respect of the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement cancels and supersedes any prior understandings, negotiations, and agreements between the Parties hereto with respect thereto. There are no representations, warranties, forms, conditions, undertakings or collateral agreements, express, implied or statutory between the Parties other than as expressly set forth in this Agreement. The Manager hereby waives any right to assert a claim based on any pre-contractual representations, negligent or otherwise.
9.5 Assignment. Except as contemplated by Section 4.3 of this Agreement, neither Party may assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Party.
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9.6 Severability. Any provision of this Agreement that may be determined by competent authority to be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction and so far as invalid or unenforceable, be given no effect and shall be deemed not to be included in this Agreement but without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in such jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
9.7 Notices. Any demand, notice, or other communication to be made or given in connection with this Agreement (Communication) shall be made or given in writing and delivered by personal delivery or by fax or by registered mail or by recognized express delivery service addressed to the recipient as follows:
To the Manager:
Nithia Consulting Limited
Fortuna Court
284 Makarios III Avenue
Limassol 3105
Cyprus
Fax No.: 357-25-587191
To the Company:
Smart Hydrogen Inc.
c/o Interros Holding Company
9, Bolshaya Yakimanka Street
119180 Moscow
Russian Federation
Attention: Marianna Zakharova
Fax: No. 7-495-785-63-62
or such other address or individual as may be designated by a Communication from one Party to the other. Any Communication shall be conclusively deemed to have been given on the day of actual delivery thereof.
9.8 Further Assurances. Each of the Parties agrees to perform (or procure the performance of) all future acts or things, and execute and deliver (or procure the execution and delivery of) such further instruments and documents as may be required by Applicable Law or as may be necessary or reasonably desirable to implement and/or give effect to this Agreement. Where any obligation in this Agreement is expressed to be undertaken or assumed by any Party, such obligation is to be construed as requiring the Party concerned to exercise all rights and powers of control over the actions of any other Person that such Party is able to exercise (directly or indirectly) in order to secure performance of the obligations.
9.9 Governing Law. This Agreement is governed by and shall be construed in accordance with English law.
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9.10 Dispute Resolution; Jurisdiction, Venue.
9.11 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the Parties on separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
NITHIA CONSULTING LIMITED |
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/s/ Sofi Mylona |
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Sofi Mylona |
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Director |
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SMART HYDROGEN INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Athina Karelidou |
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Athina Karelidou |
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Director |
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[Signature page to Management Agreement]
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EXHIBIT C
AGREEMENT RELATING TO JOINT FILING OF SCHEDULE 13D/A
In accordance with Rule 13d-1(k)(1)(iii) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the persons named below agree to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of an Amendment No. 3 to the Statement on Schedule 13D filed on May 30, 2008 (including additional amendments thereto) with respect to the securities of Plug Power Inc. This Joint Filing Agreement shall be filed as an Exhibit to such Statement.
Date: May 30, 2008
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SMART HYDROGEN INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Athina Karelidou |
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Name: |
Athina Karelidou |
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Title: |
Director |
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MMC NORILSK NICKEL |
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By: |
/s/ Denis Morozov |
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Name: |
Denis Morozov |
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Title: |
CEO |
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CLAYBURN DEVELOPMENT INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Andrey Smirnov |
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Name: |
Andrey Smirnov |
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Title: |
Attorney-in-fact |
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BRANTON LIMITED |
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By: |
/s/ Maria Lambrianidou |
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Name: |
Maria Lambrianidou |
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Title: |
Director |
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VLADIMIR O. POTANIN |
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By: |
/s/ Vladimir O. Potanin |
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Name: |
Vladimir O. Potanin |
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