Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

v3.2.0.727
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2015
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Guarantees

On October 24, 2010, we executed a limited Guarantee in favor of the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (“SIDF”) whereby we agreed to guaranty up to 41% of the SIDF loan to AMAK in the principal amount of 330.0 million Saudi Riyals (US$88.0 million) (the “Loan”). The term of the loan is through June 2019.  As a condition of the Loan, SIDF required all shareholders of AMAK to execute personal or corporate Guarantees; as a result, our guarantee is for approximately 135.33 million Saudi Riyals (US$36.1 million). The loan was necessary to continue construction of the AMAK facilities and provide working capital needs.  We received no consideration in connection with extending the guarantee and did so to maintain and enhance the value of its investment.  The total amount outstanding to the SIDF at June 30, 2015, was 310.0 million Saudi Riyals (US$82.7 million).

Litigation -

On March 21, 2011, Mr. El Khalidi filed suit against the Company in Texas alleging breach of contract and other claims.  The 88th Judicial District Court of Hardin County, Texas dismissed all claims and counterclaims for want of prosecution in this matter on July 24, 2013.  The Ninth Court of Appeals subsequently affirmed the dismissal for want of prosecution and the Supreme Court of Texas denied Mr. El Khalidi’s petition for review.  On May 1, 2014, Mr. El Khalidi refiled his lawsuit against the Company for breach of contract and defamation in the 356th Judicial District Court of Hardin County, Texas.  The case was transferred to the 88th Judicial District Court of Hardin County, Texas where it is currently pending.  On April 6, 2015, Mr. El-Khalidi nonsuited his defamation claim.  We believe that the remaining claims are unsubstantiated and plan to vigorously defend the case.  Liabilities of approximately $1.0 million remain recorded, and the options will continue to accrue in accordance with their own terms until all matters are resolved.

On September 14, 2010, SHR received notice of a lawsuit filed in the 58th Judicial District Court of Jefferson County, Texas which was subsequently transferred to the 11th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas.  The suit alleges that the plaintiff became ill from exposure to asbestos.  There are approximately 44 defendants named in the suit.  SHR has placed its insurers on notice of the claim and plans to vigorously defend the case. No accrual has been recorded for this claim.

On April 30, 2015, TC and TREC received notice of a lawsuit filed in the 152nd Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas.  The suit alleges that the plaintiff, an independent contractor employee, was injured while working on a product line at TC.  We have placed our insurers on notice and plan to vigorously defend the case.