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EX-31 - CFO CERTIFICATION - ASSURANCE GROUP INC.exhb0312.htm
EX-32 - SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATIONS - ASSURANCE GROUP INC.exhb0321.htm
EX-31 - CEO CERTIFICATION - ASSURANCE GROUP INC.exhb0311.htm
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

xANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009

or

 

oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                     to                    .

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER (000-52872)

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

FLORIDA  65-1096613

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1150 S US Highway 1, Suite 301

Jupiter, FL

 33477-7236
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(561) 249-1354

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934:   NONE

 

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

 

  
 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934:

Title of Each Class

Common Stock, par value .001 per share      CUSIP NUMBER:  04621L 10 4      TRADING SYMBOL:  AMNW


 


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  o    No  x

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  o    No  x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90days.    Yes  o    No   x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files)    Yes  o    No  x

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form10-K.  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer o  Accelerated filer o  Non-accelerated filer o  Smaller reporting company  x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  x    No o 

 

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates:  Currently there is no trading market for the Registrant's Common Stock.

 

Shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 30, 2011: 161,668,115 shares.

 

2

 


Table of Contents

ASSURANCE GROUP, INC.

(A Development Stage Company)

INDEX

 

      PAGE
NUMBER
  

PART I

  
Item 1.   Business   3
  Item 1A      Risk Factors   8
  Item 1B      Unresolved Staff Comments   9
Item 2.   Properties   9
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings   9
Item 4.    Removed and Reserved   9
  

PART II

  
Item 5.   

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

   10
Item 6.   

Selected Financial Data

   11
Item 7.   

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   11
  Item 7A   

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   11
Item 8.   

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   12
Item 9.   

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

   23
  Item 9A   

   Controls and Procedures

   23
  Item 9B   

   Other Information

   23
  

PART III

  
Item 10.   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance   24
Item 11.   Executive Compensation   24
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters   25
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence   25
Item 14.   Principal Accounting Fees and Services   26
  

PART IV

  
Item 15.   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules   26
  Exhibit Index   26
  Signatures   27

 

3

 


Table of Contents

PART I

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Certain factors that might cause such a difference are discussed in this annual report on Form 10-K, including in the section entitled "Risk Factors."

When used in this report, the terms "AGI", "we," "our," "us," and "the Company" refer to Assurance Group, Inc. except where the context otherwise requires or as otherwise indicated.

 

ITEM 1.BUSINESS 

Assurance Group, Inc. (the "Company" or "AGI") was originally incorporated in the State of Florida on July 10, 1997 as August Project II Corp.   On June 13, 2000, the Company name was changed to Traffic Engine.com Inc.   On January 2, 2001 Traffic Engine.com executed an agreement for the exchange of Common Share with Traffic Engine Inc., which became a wholly owned subsidiary of the parent.  On March 29, 2001 the Company merged with Syndeos Corporation (f.k.a. Premier Plus Inc. a Florida Corporation).  The Company changed its name to reflect majority ownership by the principles to Syndeos Group.  Prior to its merger to become Syndeos Group, the Company was created to be a technology holding company with the purpose of identifying and acquiring emerging technology. The Company changed its name again to Air Media Now!, Inc on April 1, 2002 and owns two wholly owned subsidiaries Nortex Associates Inc and Syndeos Corporation. The Company changed it name to Assurance Group, Inc. on January 10, 2008.

History of the Company:

The Company was a Cellular to Wireless Broad Band Channel Master. The Company created and delivered the leading Wireless Collaborative Platform that enabled Cellular subscribers and organizations to effectively connect, synchronize data, optimize business processes and manage ongoing relationships with broadband wireless access while providing real-time intelligence on critical business information. The Company was uniquely positioned to bridge two converging marketplaces: Cellular and Internet Infrastructure/Enterprises. The Company did this through its exclusive license to resell globally patented device and software solutions. 

On June 20, 2002 Mr. Barney A. Richmond acquired just over 39 millions shares of the Company, becoming its majority shareholder.

On June 28, 2002 the Board of Directors for the Company met and voted to remove all officers of the Corporations with the following officers of the Corporation, Barney A. Richmond (Chief Executive Officer) and Harry Timmons (President) elected to serve until the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors and until their successors are elected and qualified or until their resignation or removal pursuant to the bylaws of the Corporation.

During the last quarter of 2002 the Management of the Company made a decision to cease operations of the Company. This was due to the fact that new current management had no experience in the Wireless Telecom industry. On February 28, 2005 a special meeting of the shareholders of the Company was held. A motion was passed to elect Barney Richmond as Chief Executive Officer, President, Secretary and Director and to elect Richard Turner as Treasurer and Director. The Company now is seeking acquisition of a Company which management has prior experience in. Currently, there are several acquisition opportunities that Management is evaluating. The success of the Company's proposed plan of operation will depend primarily on the success of the acquired company's business operations and the realization of the business' perceived potential. The funding of this proposed plan will require significant capital. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful or profitable if the Company is unable to raise the funds to provide this capital, or to otherwise locate the required capital for the operations of the business. If, for any reason, the Company does not meet the qualifications for listing on a major stock exchange, the Company's securities may be traded in the over-the-counter ("OTC") market. The OTC market differs from national and regional stock exchanges in that it (1) is not sited in a single location but operates through communication of bids; offers and confirmations between broker-dealers and (2) securities admitted to quotation are offered by one or more broker-dealers rather than the "specialist" common to stock exchanges.

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Table of Contents

ASSURANCE GROUP, INC.

ITEM 1.BUSINESS - CONTINUED 

The Company got behind with its required SEC filings due to the fact the Company's auditors, Wieseneck & Andres, P.A., had advised management their CPA practice was merging with another firm.  Wieseneck & Andres, P.A. was and has been the auditor for all of the above described subsidiary companies as well as eCom eCom.com, Inc. and American Capital Holdings, Inc. ("ACH") for many years. Also, management was advised in late December, 2007 by Mr. Thomas B. Andres, CPA that he and his firm had accounting issues with Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB") regarding an American Capital Holdings, Inc. ("ACH") audit dating back to 2004. Mr. Andres advised us of his situation on or about December 16, 2007. Prior to that date, management did not know about any communications from the PCAOB. Appended herein as Exhibit No. 99.1 is a copy of PCAOB Release No. 104-2005-117, which was issued on October 27, 2005. Management was totally caught off guard as this issue was not disclosed to us for over two (2+) plus years either by Mr. Andres or by the PCAOB.

To further add to management's confusion regarding a 2004 audit, there were no comments by the SEC examiners regarding ACH's Form 10SB12G dated May 24, 2004 submitted to the SEC. This May 24, 2004 filing was ruled effective by law on July 24, 2004. This Form 10SB12G included a nine (9) month ACH audit by Wieseneck & Andres, P.A. for the period ending February 29, 2004. Additionally, pursuant to the request of SEC Examiners, on January 11, 2005, ACH filed an Amended Form 10SB12G with the SEC. This Amended Form 10SB12 included a Wieseneck & Andres, P.A. audit dated November 10, 2004, which was for the period ending May 31, 2004. There were no comments from the SEC examiners regarding this audit as well.

Enclosed herewith as Exhibit No. 99.2, is a copy of a January 2, 2008 U.S. Postal Certified Mail No. 7002241000543376468 five (5) page detailed correspondence, from ACH addressed to Mr. Mark W. Olsen, Chairman and Ms. Angela Desmond, Chief of Staff of the PCAOB. This letter had eleven (11) accompanying composite exhibits in support of management's response to the above described PCAOB Release.

On February 15, 2008, Claudius Modesti, the PCAOB's Director of Enforcement and Investigations sent a reply letter to Mr. Barney A. Richmond's letters dated December 17, 2007, January 1, 2008 and January 2, 2008. Ms. Modesti's letter, which is enclosed herein as Exhibit No. 99.3 stated exactly the following:

Dear Mr. Richmond:

"Your recent letters to Chairman Mark W. Olsen and Angela Desmond (dated December 17, 2007, January 1, 2008 and January 2, 2008) concerning American Capital Holdings, Inc. ("ACH") and Wieseneck, Andres & Company, P.A. ("Wieseneck") have been forwarded to my attention: I write to respond to one aspect of your letters. I understand that Gordon Seymour, the PCAOB's General Counsel, will separately respond to another aspect of your letters."

"You refer to potential PCAOB disciplinary action against Wieseneck, and, in connection with that point, you say that you would like to meet with PCAOB staff to discuss aspects of ACH's accounting. PCAOB disciplinary investigations are nonpublic by law and the staff does not disclose, confirm, or deny the existence of particular investigations unless and until they result in a public disciplinary order. In investigating potential auditor misconduct, the staff evaluates evidence gathered from various sources including, where appropriate evidence obtained from an auditor's clients. "In the event that your letters are relevant to issues that we are addressing in any investigation, we will take them into account, and we will follow up to the extent we believe appropriate. While we appreciate your offer to meet and to provide additional documents, we do not at this time see a need for either of those things. If this changes we will contact you."

                Sincerely,

                Claudius Modesti / Director

5

 


Table of Contents

ASSURANCE GROUP, INC.

ITEM 1.BUSINESS - CONTINUED 

On February 15, 2008, Mr. Jay Gordon Seymour, General Counsel for the PCAOB, sent a reply letter to Mr. Barney A. Richmond's December 17, 2007, January 1, 2008 and January 2, 2008 letters. Mr. Seymour's correspondence, which is affixed herein as Exhibit No. 99.4. advised the following:

Dear Mr. Richmond:

"Your recent letters to Chairman Mark W. Olsen and Angela Desmond (dated December 17, 2007, January 1, 2008 and January 2, 2008) concerning American Capital Holdings, Inc. ("ACH") and Wieseneck, Andres & Company, P.A. ("Wieseneck") have been forwarded to my attention: I write to respond to one aspect of your letters. I understand Claudius Modesti, the PCAOB's Director of Enforcement and Investigations, will separately respond to another aspect of your letters."

"You refer to PCAOB Release No. 104-2005-117 ("the Release"), which is the publicly available portion of a PCAOB inspection report on Wieseneck. You suggest that the Release is critical of ACH's accounting in two respects, and you request consideration of your position before the PCAOB takes a position in the matter. Please note that (1) the Release indicates that PCAOB inspectors review audits of two of Wieseneck's ten issuer audit clients, neither which the Release identifies; (2) the Release is not critical of any audit clients' accounting, but instead describes failures by Wieseneck, in two respects, to perform audit procedures necessary for Wieseneck to have a sufficient basis for an audit opinion; and (3) the Release does not assert that both of those auditing failures were present in each of the audits reviewed. In addition, the PCAOB issued the Wieseneck inspection report in October of 2005, and there is no ongoing process with respect to its content."

"Should you have any questions concerning PCAOB processes, please feel free to call me at (202) 207-9034."

          Sincerely,

          J. Gordon Seymour / General Counsel

After receiving these PCAOB letters dated February 15, 2008, management interpreted the contents at face value, especially Mr. Seymour's declaration which advised:

"Please note that (1) the Release indicates that PCAOB inspectors review audits of two of Wieseneck's ten issuer audit clients, neither which the Release identifies; (2) the Release is not critical of any audit clients' accounting, but instead describes failures by Wieseneck, in two respects, to perform audit procedures necessary for Wieseneck to have a sufficient basis for an audit opinion; and (3) the Release does not assert that both of those auditing failures were present in each of the audits reviewed. In addition, the PCAOB issued the Wieseneck inspection report in October of 2005, and there is no ongoing process with respect to its content."

With respect to the last sentence of the above preceding paragraph, this did not prove to be accurate, which is further described in the below chronological sequence of events.

6

 


Table of Contents

ASSURANCE GROUP, INC.

ITEM 1.BUSINESS - CONTINUED 

The Company began the preparation of this Form December 31, 2008 10-K filing, which was due on March 31, 2009.  During this period, management was periodically being advised by Mr. Thomas B. Andres, CPA of Wieseneck & Andres, P.A. that he and his partners were in the process of merging with another firm who he, Mr. Andres, advised was a PCAOB registered accounting firm, which was supposed to be located in Jupiter, Florida.

Notwithstanding, due to matters management was not privy to at the time, things with the proposed merger with a Jupiter based PCAOB registered firm was never consummated. On or about May 29, 2009, management was advised by Mr. Andres that Wieseneck & Andres, P.A. was merging with a New York based accounting firm named Fuoco Group, LLC ("Fuoco") and Fuoco would be the firm taking over the Company's audits.  During the next several weeks, management focused on preparation of this December 31, 2009 10-K filings, which required the then forthcoming audits by a PCAOB registered accounting firm.  However, in early September, 2009, after reviewing the PCAOB website to check the status of the Fuoco accounting firm, management discovered Fuoco was not a PCAOB registered auditing firm. Management also discovered that Mr. Thomas B. Andres, CPA and his firm, Wieseneck & Andres, P.A. ("the firm") were, individually as well as his accounting firm, were deregistered by the PCAOB on April 22, 2008 via PCAOB Release No.105-2008-001. The result of this PCAOB April 22, 2008 Release No. 105-2008-001 was Mr. Thomas B. Andres and the firm (Wieseneck & Andres, P.A.) could not be affiliated with any PCAOB firm for a period of two (2) years. A copy of the PCAOB Release No. 105-2008-001 is attached herein as Exhibit No. 99.5. Based on the contents contained in the two (2) above described PCAOB letters both dated February 15, 2008 from PCAOB Director Claudius Modesti and PCAOB General Counsel, J. Gordon Seymour, Management was totally blindsided by this discovery. Neither anyone from the PCAOB nor anyone from Wieseneck & Andres, P.A. gave the American Capital Holdings, Inc., eCom or the spin-off companies any type of notice whatsoever about the new 105-2008-001 PCAOB Release, which were the same allegations made in the PCAOB 104-2005-117 Release.

During the remainder of the entire month of September, 2009, management did considerable legal, tax and accounting background research issues regarding the unsupported background facts of the findings stated in the PCAOB Release No 105- 2008-001. Management believes Thomas B. Andres, CPA as well as Wieseneck & Andres, P.A. and the PCAOB entered into this consent order without examining the actual real facts with respect to all applicable Federal IRS Statutes. Additionally, management was unilaterally denied the opportunity to meet with the PCAOB to discuss the issues brought up in PCAOB Release No. 104-2005-117 and was led to believe there was "no ongoing process with respect to its content", as advised in J. Gordon Seymour's February 15, 2008 correspondence. The PCAOB was established via the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as a division within the SEC.

Management believes the intent of Sarbanes-Oxley Act was to provide greater corporate transparency disclosures as well as to provide better public company internal controls, both of which are what the PCAOB is supposed to administer. Management also believes this does not seem to be the case regarding to what appears to be jointly agreed to consent order by Wieseneck & Andres, P.A./Public Company Accounting Oversight Board PCAOB Release No. 105-2008-001 entered into. Again, the contents of PCAOB Release No. 104-2005-117 and PCAOB Release No. 105-2008-001 are basically the same. Management was totally blindsided by this event as we were led to believe the above referenced February 15, 2008 PCAOB letters as described above. Being Wieseneck & Andres, P.A. was the PCAOB approved accounting for all the subsidiary companies referenced above as well the accounting firm was court approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court, the PCAOB disbarment almost put all of the companies out of business as all of the accounting firms management had approached advised they would have to audit all of these companies from inception, which the companies could not afford without a capital infusion. Without clean audits, it is almost impossible to raise equity capital, which caused all the companies to get behind in their financial reporting.

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Table of Contents

ASSURANCE GROUP, INC.

ITEM 1.BUSINESS - CONTINUED 

On October 5, 2009, ACH's and the spin-off companies' management sent Thomas B. Andres, CPA, Wieseneck & Andres, P.A. a thirty two (32) page letter via U.S. Postal Certified Mail No. 70071490000054486599, which was accompanied with thirty one (31) exhibits illustrating the proper facts supporting all of the companies' legal positions. A copy of this letter and its thirty one (31) supporting exhibits are attached herein as Composite Exhibit No. 99.6.

On October 14, 2009 Richard Turner had a conversation with Mr. Thomas B. Andres about setting up a meeting, which Mr. Andres initially agreed to. Mr. Turner sent an October 14, 2009 confirmation letter as well, which copy is affixed herein as Exhibit No. 99.7. On October 19, 2009, Mr. Andres wrote a reply letter advising Mr. Turner, based on advice of his legal counsel, that Mr. Andres could not have further conversations with Mr. Turner or the companies "until such a time we (he and his firm) are appropriately advised by our council". Mr. Andres further stated "You will be appropriately informed when that happens". To this date, Mr. Andres has refused to meet with management.

On November 4, 2009, Management sent Mr. Andres another five (5) page letter via United States Postal Certified Mail No. 70072410000543376482 (RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED), accompanied by ten (10) supporting exhibits. This letter pointed out many problems/damages caused by Mr. Andres' firm as well as requested the name of Wieseneck & Andres, P.A. errors and omissions insurance carrier. So far, in what management believes is sign of bad faith, Wieseneck & Andres, P.A. and Fuoco Group, LLC has refused to provide the companies this information. The companies are planning to file suit against Wieseneck & Andres, P.A., Fuoco Group, LLC as well as a claim against their respective insurance carrier(s).

Due to the above described PCAOB transactions and the March 28, 2008 Bankruptcy Court Order of Final Decree we are requesting a waiver of the prior auditor consent requirement pursuant to SEC Regulation C Rule 47.

On March 18, 2011 the company entered into a new audit engagement with a PCAOB registered accounting firm known as Lake & Associates CPA's, LLC.

The Company's main office is located at 1150 S. US Highway 1, Suite 301, Jupiter, Florida 33477, and the telephone number is (561) 249-1354.

For complete bankruptcy proceedings and filings see the ecomecom.net web site and click on "Bankruptcy News Information" towards the top of the web page.

The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

EMPLOYEES: The Company does not have any employees.

 

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

RISK FACTORS. The Company's business is subject to numerous risk factors, including the following:

NO OPERATING REVENUES. The Company has had no recent revenues or earnings from operations. The Company will sustain operating expenses without corresponding revenues. This will result in the Company incurring net operating losses until it can realize profits from the business ventures it intends to acquire.

SPECULATIVE NATURE OF THE COMPANY'S PROPOSED OPERATIONS. The success of the Company's proposed plan of operation will depend primarily on the success of the Company's business operations. While the Company intends to try to run these operations profitably there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful or profitable.

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Table of Contents
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS - CONTINUED 

SUCCESS OF OPERATIONS WILL DEPEND ON THE AVAILABILITY OF CAPITAL. Realization of the business' perceived potential will require significant capital. If the Company is not able to raise the funds to provide this capital, or to otherwise locate the required capital for the business, the company may never attain profitability.

LIMITED TIME COMMITMENT OF MANAGEMENT. While developing the Company's business plan, seeking business opportunities, and providing managerial resources, management will not be devoting its full time and efforts to the Company and will depend on other operational personnel. The Company's directors and officers have not entered into written employment agreements with the Company and they are not expected to do so in the foreseeable future. The Company has not obtained key man life insurance on its officers and directors. Notwithstanding the limited time commitment of management, loss of the services of these individuals would adversely affect development of the Company's business and its likelihood of continuing operations.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - GENERAL. Certain conflicts of interest may exist from time to time between the Company and its officers and directors. They have other business interests to which they devote their attention, and they will continue to do so. As a result, conflicts of interest may arise that can be resolved only through exercise of such judgment as is consistent with the fiduciary duties of management to the Company.

 

ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 2.PROPERTIES

The Company does not own any real property.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company was located at 601 Seafarer Circle, Suite 402, Jupiter, Florida 33477.  As of December 31, 2007 the company was located at 1016 Clemmons St, Suite 302, Jupiter Florida, consisting of approximately 1,277 square feet of office space which was provided by a related party on a month to month basis.

ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None

 

ITEM 4. REMOVED AND RESERVED

None

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Table of Contents

PART II

 

ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market for Common Stock:

Our common stock is currently quoted on the OTC Pink Sheets under the symbol "AMNW."  The CUSIP number is 00912Q 10 9.

The following table sets forth, on a per share basis, the range of high and low bid information for the shares of our common stock for each full quarterly period within the three most recent fiscal years and any subsequent interim period for which financial statements are included. These quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

<

Quarter Ending

 

High

 

Low

 

12/31/2009

 

$

.005

 

$

.005

 

9/30/2009

 

$

.005

 

$

.005

 

6/30/2009

 

$

.005

 

$

.005

 

3/31/2009

 

$

.030

 

$

.005