-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, SXtE0TwI5u+mNQh1TnMCRDFTJDJRCJpWJ0cT4hpCyKIgq4aJJks8CujNpGuJ+cnf NKci/XrMpuVU/yLSXMqnFg== 0001072613-07-001769.txt : 20070806 0001072613-07-001769.hdr.sgml : 20070806 20070806171613 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001072613-07-001769 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20070731 ITEM INFORMATION: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20070806 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20070806 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SPIRE CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000731657 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SEMICONDUCTORS & RELATED DEVICES [3674] IRS NUMBER: 042457335 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-12742 FILM NUMBER: 071028723 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE PATRIOTS PARK CITY: BEDFORD STATE: MA ZIP: 01730-2396 BUSINESS PHONE: 6172756000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 2: ONE PATRIOTS PARK CITY: BEDFORD STATE: MA ZIP: 01730-2396 8-K 1 form8k_15341.txt FORM 8-K DATED JULY 31, 2007 ================================================================================ UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 31, 2007 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPIRE CORPORATION - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter) Massachusetts 0-12742 04-2457335 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer of Incorporation) File Number) Identification No.) One Patriots Park, Bedford, Massachusetts 01730-2396 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) (781) 275-6000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below): |_| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |_| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |_| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |_| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) ================================================================================ Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. On July 31, 2007, Spire Corporation (the "Company") entered into contractual relationship with Gloria Solar Co., Ltd. ("Gloria Solar"), a company organized under the laws of the Republic of China (Taiwan), pursuant to which (i) the Company agreed to sell to Gloria Solar certain assets belonging to the Company's solar systems business and (ii) the Company and Gloria Solar agreed to form a joint venture (the "Joint Venture") for the purpose of pursuing the solar photovoltaic systems market within the United States; the Joint Venture will design, market, sell and manage the installation of systems for the generation of electrical power by solar photovoltaic means in primarily commercial/industrial and utility segments of such market. The Joint Venture's business is referred to herein as the "JV Business." The contractual relationship is characterized by the following three major agreements: 1. An ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell certain assets belonging to its solar systems business to Gloria Solar for $4,000,000. Such assets include the Company's module production line it has used to make customized building integrated photovoltaic modules, module and systems designs and related technical information. This agreement requires the Company to recondition the equipment within a four-month period after closing and provide a one-year warranty. The Company is allowed the rent-free use of the equipment to complete certain existing requirements and for the training of its equipment customers. In connection with the Asset Purchase Agreement, the parties entered into certain ancillary agreements, including (i) a Subcontracting Agreement pursuant to which Gloria Solar will subcontract the operation of the purchased assets to the Joint Venture; and (ii) a Sublease Agreement pursuant to which the Company will lease space to the Joint Venture for the purpose of operating the acquired assets for Gloria Solar. 2. A CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT pursuant to which (i) the Company agreed to contribute to the Joint Venture its assets primarily relating to the JV Systems Business, including certain intellectual property and know-how, access to information technology assets and relationships, relationships with current and previous customers, contract backlog and project opportunities, certain registered trademarks, and employment relationships with staff members and (ii) Gloria Solar agreed to contribute $5,000,000 in cash. 3. The OPERATING AGREEMENT of the Joint Venture, to be known as "Gloria Spire Solar, LLC." As noted above, the JV Systems Business is to pursue the solar photovoltaic systems market within the United States and, in connection therewith, the Joint Venture will design, market, sell and manage the installation of systems for the generation of electrical power by solar photovoltaic means in primarily commercial/industrial and utility segments of the market. Gloria Solar will own 55% of the Joint Venture and the Company will own 45% of the Joint Venture. The Joint Venture's term is indefinite with provisions for liquidation/termination, including in any instance of default, as set forth in the Operating Agreement. If the managing board, as described below, determines that additional capital is required to support the operations of the Company, the Joint Venture shall make a call for additional funds. Within ten (10) days after the members have received written notice of the call, the members shall make additional capital contributions to the Joint Venture in proportion to each member's interest in the Joint Venture. If a member fails to fund its pro rata portion of any capital call, the non-defaulting member may purchase the defaulting member's shortfall; however, in no event may the Company's or Gloria Solar's interest in the Joint Venture be reduced to below 10%. The Joint Venture will have a managing board composed of five (5) managers with a rotating chairmanship, allowing any member with at least 50% of the membership units to appoint three 2 (3) managers, and any member with at least 35% of the membership units to appoint two (2) managers. Major decisions of this body will require at least one affirmative vote by a Company-appointed manager and at least one affirmative vote by a Gloria Solar-appointed manager. With respect to transfers of membership interests, for the first twenty-four (24) months, neither party may transfer its membership interest. Thereafter, each member shall have a right of first refusal with respect to proposed transfers by the other member. In the event of a "change in control" of a member, the other members may purchase such member's interest in the Joint Venture. Further participation by the Company in the business of the Joint Venture is restricted; for a period of three (3) years, the Company may not mass manufacture, market or sell solar cell modules with less than 575 watt capacity, and may do so thereafter only outside the United States. The Company is not restricted in showing its equipment customers how to manufacture modules or from using module design technology for research and development purposes. The members are expected to refrain from competing with Joint Venture in the solar systems business in the U.S. market. For any purchase of photovoltaic modules, the Joint Venture shall first offer to acquire such modules from Gloria Solar, on the same terms it would otherwise acquire them from a third party supplier in an arm's-length transaction. If Gloria Solar cannot meet those terms, the Joint Venture may acquire such modules from a third party supplier. For any purchase of photovoltaic module manufacturing equipment, the Joint Venture shall first offer to acquire such equipment from the Company, on the same terms it would otherwise acquire them from a third party supplier in an arm's-length transaction. If the Company cannot meet those terms, the Joint Venture may acquire such equipment from a third party supplier. In connection with the Operating Agreement, the parties entered into several ancillary agreements, including (i) a Transitional Services Agreement, whereby the Company furnishes the Joint Venture with certain administrative and maintenance services at specified rates; (ii) a Technology License Agreement, whereby the Joint Venture grants the Company a limited license to certain photovoltaic module and systems technology which was part of the Company's contribution to the assets of the Joint Venture, for the purpose of allowing the Company to continue to do the things expressly permitted under the Operating Agreement; (iii) an Assignment and Assumption Agreement, whereby the Company assigns certain contracts and agreements to the Joint Venture; and (iv) several Trademark License Agreements, whereby the Company licenses the use of its primary mark ("Spire") and logo elements, for use only in conjunction with the term "Solar," or as a composite, as in "Gloria Spire Solar LLC." These licenses are both to Gloria Solar and to the Joint Venture, with a further one from Gloria Solar to the Joint Venture for use of the mark "Gloria." The transactions contemplated by these agreements are expected to close within thirty (30) days of the date of the agreements, subject to certain closing conditions, including, without limitation, board approval by both parties and the Company obtaining a waiver from its Loan Agreement with Silicon Valley Bank. In addition, on July 31, 2007, the Company and Gloria Solar entered a purchase and sale agreement whereby Gloria Solar will purchase a nominal 50-megawatt module production line for the price of $3.8 million. The equipment is scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2008. 3 Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits. (d) Exhibits Exhibit No. Description ----------- ----------- 99.1 Press Release of the Company dated August 6, 2007. 4 SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. SPIRE CORPORATION Date: August 6, 2007 By: /s/ Christian Dufresne -------------------------------- Christian Dufresne Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer 5 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. Description - ----------- ----------- 99.1 Press Release of the Company dated August 6, 2007. EX-99.1 2 exhibit99-1_15341.txt PRESS RELEASE DATED AUGUST 6, 2007 EXHIBIT 99.1 ------------ SPIRE CORPORATION NEWS RELEASE Spire and Gloria Solar Establish PV Systems Business Spire will also provide Gloria Solar, Taiwan, with an additional 50-megawatt module assembly line. BEDFORD, Mass. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- August 6, 2007 -- Spire Corporation (Nasdaq: SPIR) announced today that it has finalized with Gloria Solar Co., Ltd. (Gloria Solar), of Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China, an affiliate of E-TON Solar Tech Co., Ltd., a joint venture (Joint Venture) to address the domestic solar photovoltaic (PV) systems market. The Joint Venture's business will be named Gloria Spire Solar, LLC, and it will headquarter its operations in Bedford, Massachusetts. Gloria Spire Solar will conduct business as a PV Systems integrator within the United States, designing, marketing, selling, and managing installations of solar PV systems, with particular focus on the commercial/industrial and utility markets. Along with the establishment of this PV Systems venture, Gloria Solar purchased from Spire Corporation its existing building integrated PV module manufacturing facility, which will be operated by the Joint Venture in Bedford. Additionally, another 50MW Spire module manufacturing facility was ordered by Gloria Solar for its existing operations in Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China, this additional capacity will also be available to support the Joint Venture. Mr. Mark Goodreau, who has been managing Spire's existing systems integration business, will lead the collaboration as its first Chief Executive Officer. Roger G. Little, Chairman and CEO of Spire Corporation, said, "We are excited to form this Joint Venture with Gloria Solar and expand our position in the PV systems business. The collaboration brings together the Spire experience and pedigree of over 1.5MW of commercial/industrial solar PV installations of all sorts, and the Gloria financial and PV material supply resources, which will enable the Joint Venture to become a major player in the U.S. marketplace." George Hsu, Chief Operating Officer of Gloria Solar, said, "We will have 20MW of module manufacturing capacity, including a production line in the United States with UL and IEC certification from this collaboration. By working with Spire, we achieve a win-win situation in the blooming PV market in the United States. We will continue to expand with an additional 75MW of module manufacturing equipment from Spire in coming quarters, to become a leading PV player in the world." About Spire Corporation - ----------------------- Spire Corporation provides products and services to the solar energy, biomedical and optoelectronics industries worldwide operating with three entities: Spire Solar, Spire Biomedical and Bandwidth Semiconductor. For more information visit www.spirecorp.com. About Gloria Solar Co., Ltd. Gloria Solar Ltd. is a leading manufacturer in Taiwan, producing high quality solar products including specialty panels for automobile applications, building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules and standard PV modules. Through its Joint Venture with Spire Corporation, Gloria completed vertical integration from ingots, wafers, module production, to system installation. For more information visit www.gloriasolar.com.tw. Contact: Spire Corporation Rodger W. LaFavre, 781-275-6000 Chief Operating Officer 1 CERTAIN MATTERS DESCRIBED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE MAY BE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS SUBJECT TO RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE INDICATED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. SUCH RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE RISK OF DEPENDENCE ON MARKET GROWTH, COMPETITION AND DEPENDENCE ON GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND OTHER THIRD PARTIES FOR FUNDING CONTRACT RESEARCH AND SERVICES, AS WELL AS OTHER FACTORS DESCRIBED IN THE COMPANY'S FORM 10-KSB AND OTHER PERIODIC REPORTS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. # # # 2 -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----