] SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ECM ENERGY SERVICES, INC. UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
Exhibit 1.1
[ ] SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
ECM ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
, 2014
MAXIM GROUP LLC
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
As Representative of the Underwriters
named on Schedule A hereto
Ladies and Gentlemen:
ECM Energy Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), confirms its agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, with each of the underwriters listed on Exhibit A hereto (collectively, the “Underwriters”), for whom Maxim Group LLC is acting as representative (in such capacity, the “Representative”), to sell and issue to the Underwriters an aggregate of [ ] shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”) of the Company (the “Firm Shares”). The Firm Shares are more fully described in the Registration Statement and Prospectus referred to below.
The offering and sale of the Firm Shares contemplated by this underwriting agreement (this “Agreement”) is referred to herein as the “Offering.”
1.1 Firm Shares; Over-Allotment Option.
(a) Purchase of Firm Shares. On the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company agrees to issue and sell to the several Underwriters, an aggregate of [ ] Firm Shares of the Company at a purchase price (net of discounts and commissions) of [ ] per Firm Share. The Underwriters, severally and not jointly, agree to purchase from the Company the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite their respective names on Schedule A attached hereto and made a part hereof at a purchase price (net of discounts and commissions) of [ ] per Firm Share.
(b) Payment and Delivery of Firm Shares. Delivery and payment for the Firm Shares shall be made at 10:00 A.M., New York time, on the third Business Day following the effective date (the “Effective Date”) of the Registration Statement (or the fourth Business Day following the Effective Date, if the Registration Statement is declared effective after 4:30 p.m.) or at such earlier time as shall be agreed upon by the Representative and the Company at the offices of the Representative or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Representative and the Company. The hour and date of delivery and payment for the Firm Shares is called the “Closing Date.” The closing of the payment of the purchase price for, and delivery of certificates representing, the Firm Shares is referred to herein as the “Closing.”
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Payment for the Firm Shares shall be made on the Closing Date by wire transfer of immediately available funds for the amount of the purchase price of the Firm Shares upon delivery to you of certificates (in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters) representing the Firm Shares (or evidence of transfer of the Firm Shares to a designated account of the Underwriters in the name of Cede & Co on behalf of and through the full fast transfer facilities of the Depository Trust Company (the “DTC”)) for the accounts of the Underwriters against immediate release of the wire transfer. The Firm Shares shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denominations as the Representative may request in writing at least two full Business Days prior to the Closing Date. The Company will permit the Representative to examine and package the Firm Shares for delivery, at least one full Business Day prior to the Closing Date. The Company shall not be obligated to sell or deliver the Firm Shares except upon tender of payment by the Representative for all the Firm Shares.
(c) Option Shares. For the purposes of covering any over-allotments in connection with the distribution and sale of the Firm Shares, the Representative on behalf of the Underwriters is, hereby granted, an option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the number of Firm Shares or [ ] shares (the “Option Shares”) to be offered by the Company in the Offering (the “Over-allotment Option”). The Firm Shares and the Option Shares are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Shares”. The Shares and the Underwriters’ Securities (as hereinafter defined) are referred to as (the “Securities”). The purchase price to be paid for the Option Shares (net of discounts and commissions) will be [ ] per Option Share.
(d) Exercise of Option. The Over-allotment Option granted pursuant to Section 1.1(c) hereof may be exercised by the Representative as to all (at any time) or any part (from time to time) of the Option Shares within 45 days after the Effective Date. The Underwriters will not be under any obligation to purchase any Option Shares prior to the exercise of the Over-allotment Option. The Over-allotment Option granted hereby may be exercised by the giving of oral notice to the Company from the Representative, which must be confirmed in writing by overnight mail, electronic mail or facsimile transmission setting forth the number of Option Shares to be purchased and the date and time for delivery of and payment for the Option Shares, which will not be earlier than three or later than five full Business Days after the date of the notice or such other time as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the Representative, at the offices of the Representative or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the Representative. If such delivery and payment for the Option Shares does not occur on the Closing Date, the date and time of the closing for such Option Shares will be as set forth in the notice (hereinafter the “Option Closing Date”). Upon exercise of the Over-allotment Option, the Company will become obligated to convey to the Underwriters, and, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Underwriters will become obligated to purchase, the number of Option Shares specified in such notice. If any Option Shares are to be purchased, each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase the number of Option Shares (subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as the Representative may determine) that bears the same proportion to the number of Firm Shares to be purchased as set forth on Schedule A opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total number of Firm Shares.
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(e) Payment and Delivery of Option Shares. Payment for the Option Shares shall be made on the Option Closing Date by wire transfer of immediately available funds of $ per Option Share to the Company upon delivery to you of certificates (in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters) representing the Option Shares (or evidence of transfer of the Option Shares to a designated account of the Underwriters in the name of Cede & Co. on behalf of and through the full fast transfer facilities of DTC) for the accounts of the Underwriters against immediate release of the wire transfer. The Option Shares shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denominations as the Representative may request in writing at least two full Business Days prior to the Option Closing Date. The Company will permit the Representative to examine and package the Option Shares for delivery, at least one full Business Day prior to the Option Closing Date. The Company shall not be obligated to sell or deliver the Option Shares except upon tender of payment by the Representative for all the Option Shares.
(f) Underwriters’ Warrants. As additional consideration, the Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to the Underwriters (and/or their respective designees) on the Effective Date, their pro rata portion (based on the Shares purchased) of warrants (the “Underwriters’ Warrants”) for the purchase of an aggregate of [ ] shares of Common Stock (8% of the number of Shares) for an aggregate purchase price of $100.00. The Underwriters’ Warrants shall be exercisable, in whole or in part, commencing on the date that is six months from the Effective Date and expiring on the five-year anniversary of the Effective Date at an initial exercise price per share of [$ ], which is equal to one hundred and twenty five percent (125%) of the public offering price of a Share. The Underwriters’ Warrants and Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Underwriters’ Warrants are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Underwriters’ Securities.”
2. Representations and Warranties of the Company.
2.1 The Company represents, warrants and covenants to, and agrees with, each of the Underwriters that, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date:
(a) The Company has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333- ), and amendments thereto, and related preliminary prospectuses for the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the Securities which registration statement, as so amended (including post-effective amendments, if any), has been declared effective by the Commission and copies of which have heretofore been delivered to the Underwriters. The registration statement, as amended at the time it became effective, including the prospectus, financial statements, schedules, exhibits and other information (if any) deemed to be part of the registration statement at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act, is hereinafter referred to as the “Registration Statement.” If the Company has filed or is required pursuant to the terms hereof to file a registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act registering additional shares of Common Stock (a “Rule 462(b) Registration Statement”), then, unless otherwise specified, any reference herein to the term “Registration Statement” shall be deemed to include
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such Rule 462(b) Registration Statement. Other than a Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, which, if filed, becomes effective upon filing, no other document with respect to the Registration Statement has heretofore been filed with the Commission. All of the Securities have been registered under the Securities Act pursuant to the Registration Statement or, if any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement is filed, will be duly registered under the Securities Act with the filing of such Rule 462(b) Registration Statement. The Company has responded to all requests of the Commission for additional or supplemental information. Based on communications from the Commission, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of either the Registration Statement or the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, if any, has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose has been initiated or threatened by the Commission. The Company, if required by the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission (the “Rules and Regulations”), proposes to file the Prospectus with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act (“Rule 424(b)”). The prospectus, in the form in which it is to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b), or, if the prospectus is not to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b), the prospectus in the form included as part of the Registration Statement at the time the Registration Statement became effective, is hereinafter referred to as the “Prospectus,” except that if any revised prospectus or prospectus supplement shall be provided to the Underwriters by the Company for use in connection with the Offering which differs from the Prospectus (whether or not such revised prospectus or prospectus supplement is required to be filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 424(b)), the term “Prospectus” shall also refer to such revised prospectus or prospectus supplement, as the case may be, from and after the time it is first provided to the Underwriters for such use. Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus subject to completion included in the Registration Statement or filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act that is most recently distributed to investors in the Offering is hereafter called a “Preliminary Prospectus.” Any reference herein to the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the exhibits incorporated by reference therein pursuant to the Rules and Regulations on or before the effective date of the Registration Statement, the date of such Preliminary Prospectus or the date of the Prospectus, as the case may be. All references in this Agreement to the Registration Statement, the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, a Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, or any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing shall be deemed to include any copy thereof submitted or filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (“▇▇▇▇▇”).
(b) At the time of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement or the effectiveness of any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement, when the Prospectus is first filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b), when any supplement to or amendment of the Prospectus is filed with the Commission, when any document filed under the Exchange Act was or is filed and at the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined), if any, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any amendments thereof and supplements or exhibits thereto complied or will comply in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Rules and Regulations, and did not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact and did not and will not omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein: (i) in the case of the Registration Statement, not misleading and (ii)
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in the case of the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. When any Preliminary Prospectus was first filed with the Commission (whether filed as part of the registration statement for the registration of the Securities or any amendment thereto or pursuant to Rule 424(a) under the Securities Act) and when any amendment thereof or supplement thereto was first filed with the Commission, such Preliminary Prospectus and any amendments thereof and supplements thereto complied, at such times, in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Rules and Regulations and did not, at such times, contain an untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. No representation and warranty is made in this subsection (b), however, with respect to any information contained in or omitted from the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or any related Preliminary Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the Representative specifically for use therein. The parties acknowledge and agree that such information provided by or on behalf of any Underwriter consists solely of the “Underwriting” section of the Prospectus (the “Underwriters’ Information”).
(c) The Company had a reasonable basis for, and made in good faith, each “forward-looking statement” (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act or Section 21E of the Exchange Act) contained in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus.
(d) The Company has not distributed and will not distribute any prospectus or other offering material in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities other than the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or other materials permitted by the Act to be distributed by the Company. The Company has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Securities that would constitute an “issuer free writing prospectus,” or that would otherwise constitute a “free writing prospectus,” required to be filed with the Commission.
(e) ▇▇▇▇▇▇ LLP (“▇▇▇▇▇▇”), whose reports relating to the Company are included in the Registration Statement, are independent public accountants as required by the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Rules and Regulations and, to the Company’s knowledge, such accountants are not in violation of the auditor independence requirements of the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇ Act of 2002 (“Sarb-Ox”).
(f) Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is presented in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, and except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus: (i) the Company has not declared, paid or made any dividends or other distributions of any kind on or in respect of its capital stock, and (ii) there has been no material adverse change (or, to the knowledge of the Company, any development which has a high probability of involving a material adverse change in the future), whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, in or affecting: the business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, shareholders’ equity, properties or prospects of the Company and each of its
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Subsidiaries (as defined below), taken as a whole (a “Material Adverse Change”). Since the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred or undertaken any liabilities or obligations, whether direct or indirect, liquidated or contingent, matured or unmatured, or entered into any transactions, including any acquisition or disposition of any business or asset, which are material to the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, except for liabilities, obligations and transactions which are disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or incurred in the ordinary course of business.
(g) As of the dates indicated in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, the authorized, issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company were as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus in the column headed “Actual” under the section thereof captioned “Capitalization” and, after giving effect to the Offering and the other transactions (excluding the offer and sale of the Over-allotment Shares) contemplated by this Agreement, the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, will be as set forth in the column headed “Pro Forma” in such section. All of the issued and outstanding options and warrants of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are fully paid and non-assessable and have been duly and validly authorized and issued, in compliance with all applicable state, federal and foreign securities laws and not in violation of or subject to any preemptive or similar right that does or will entitle any Person (as defined below), upon the issuance or sale of any security, to acquire from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries any Relevant Security. As used herein, the term “Relevant Security” means any shares of Common Stock or other security of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock or equity securities, or that holds the right to acquire any shares of Common Stock or equity securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any other such Relevant Security, except for such rights as may have been fully satisfied or waived prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement. As used herein, the term “Person” means any foreign or domestic individual, corporation, trust, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other entity. Except as set forth in, or contemplated by, the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, on the Effective Date and on the Closing Date, there will be no options, warrants, or other rights to purchase or otherwise acquire any authorized, but unissued shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into shares of Common Stock, or any contracts or commitments to issue or sell shares of Common Stock or any such options, warrants, rights or convertible securities.
(h) The Shares have been duly and validly authorized and, when issued, delivered and paid for in accordance with this Agreement on the Closing Date, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, will have been issued in compliance with all applicable state, federal and foreign securities laws and will not have been issued in violation of or subject to any preemptive or similar right that does or will entitle any Person to acquire any Relevant Security from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries upon issuance or sale of the Shares in the Offering. The shares of Common Stock conform to the descriptions thereof contained in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus. Except
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as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has outstanding warrants, options to purchase, or any preemptive rights or other rights to subscribe for or to purchase, or any contracts or commitments to issue or sell, any Relevant Security.
(i) The shares of Common Stock underlying the Representative’s Warrants have been duly authorized for issuance, will conform in all material respects to the description thereof in the Registration Statement and in the Prospectus and have been validly reserved for future issuance and will, upon exercise of the Representative’s Warrants and payment of the exercise price thereof, be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and will not have been issued in violation of or subject to preemptive or similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities of the Company. The issuance of such securities is not subject to any statutory preemptive rights under the laws of the State of Delaware or the Company’s organization documents as in effect at the time of issuance, rights of first refusal or other similar rights of any securityholder of the Company.
(j) The Company has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of Delaware. The Company’s subsidiaries, Lyco Industries, Inc. and Energy Construction Management, LLC (“ECM”), and the wholly owned subsidiary of ECM, ECM Rentals LLC (together called the “Subsidiaries”) have been duly organized and are validly existing and in good standing under the laws of their respective jurisdictions of organization. Except for the Subsidiaries, the Company holds no ownership or other interest, nominal or beneficial, direct or indirect, in any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other business entity. All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of, or other ownership interests in, the Subsidiaries have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable and are owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, free and clear of any lien, charge, mortgage, pledge, security interest, claim, equity, trust or other encumbrance, preferential arrangement, defect or restriction of any kind whatsoever (any “Lien”). Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, no director, officer or key employee of the Company named in the Prospectus holds any direct equity, debt or other pecuniary interest in any Subsidiary or any Person with whom the Company or any Subsidiary does business or is in privity of contract with, other than, in each case, indirectly through the ownership by such individuals of common stock.
(k) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have all requisite power and authority (corporate or otherwise) to carry on their respective businesses as it is currently being conducted and as described in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, and to own, lease and operate their respective properties. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are duly qualified to do business and are in good standing as a corporation, partnership or limited liability company in each jurisdiction in which the character or location of their properties (owned, leased or licensed) or the nature or conduct of their businesses make such qualification necessary, except, in each case, for those failures to be so qualified or in good standing which (individually or in the aggregate) would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on: the business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations,
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shareholders’ equity, properties or prospects of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (any such effect being a “Material Adverse Effect”).
(l) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries: (i) is in violation of its certificate of incorporation, by-laws, certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement, or other organizational documents, (ii) is in default under, and no event has occurred which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default under or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of its property or assets pursuant to, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of its property or assets is subject or (iii) are in violation in any respect of any law, rule, regulation, ordinance, directive, judgment, decree or order of any judicial, regulatory or other legal or governmental agency or body, foreign or domestic, except, in such cases, for such violations or defaults which (individually or in the aggregate) would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(m) The Company has full right, power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, the Representative’s Warrants and all other agreements, documents, certificates and instruments required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement. The Company has duly and validly authorized this Agreement, the Representative’s Warrants and each of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Representative’s Warrants. This Agreement and the Representative’s Warrants have been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company and are enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and except as enforceability may be subject to general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
(n) The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement, the Representative’s Warrants and all other agreements, documents, certificates and instruments required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement, and consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement do not and will not: (i) conflict with, require consent under or result in a breach of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any property or assets of the Company or any Subsidiaries pursuant to, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement, instrument, franchise, license or permit to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or its respective properties, operations or assets may be bound or (ii) violate or conflict with any provision of the certificate of incorporation, by-laws, certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement, or other organizational documents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iii) violate or conflict with any law, rule, regulation, ordinance, directive, judgment, decree or order of any judicial, regulatory or other legal or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, except in the case of subsections (i) and (iii) for any default, conflict or violation that would not have or reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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(o) Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has all consents, approvals, authorizations, orders, registrations, qualifications, licenses, filings and permits of, with and from all judicial, regulatory and other legal or governmental agencies and bodies and all third parties, foreign and domestic (collectively, the “Consents”), to own, lease and operate its properties and conduct its business as it is now being conducted and as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, and each such Consent is valid and in full force and effect, except which (individually or in the aggregate), in each such case, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received notice of any investigation or proceedings which results in or, if decided adversely to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, could reasonably be expected to result in, the revocation of, or imposition of a materially burdensome restriction on, any Consent. No Consent contains a materially burdensome restriction not adequately disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus.
(p) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, directives, judgments, decrees and orders, foreign and domestic, except for any non-compliance the consequences of which would not have or reasonably be expected (individually or in the aggregate) to have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company, nor any of its Affiliates (within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act) (“Affiliates”) has received any notice or other information from any regulatory or other legal or governmental agency which would reasonably be expected to result in any non-compliance by the Company, or any of its Affiliates, of any applicable laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, directives, judgments, decrees and orders, foreign and domestic, except for any non-compliance the consequences of which would not have or reasonably be expected (individually or in the aggregate) to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(q) No Consent of, with or from any judicial, regulatory or other legal or governmental agency or body or any third party, foreign or domestic, is required for the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Representative’s Warrants or consummation of each of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the issuance, sale and delivery of the Securities to be issued, sold and delivered hereunder, except the registration under the Securities Act of the Securities, which has become effective, and such Consents as may be required under state securities or blue sky laws or the by-laws and rules of the [NYSE MKT] where the Common Stock has been approved for listing, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters, each of which has been obtained and is in full force and effect.
(r) Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, there is no judicial, regulatory, arbitral or other legal or governmental proceeding or other litigation or arbitration, domestic or foreign, pending to which the Company or its Subsidiaries is a party or of which any property, operations or assets of the Company or its Subsidiaries is the subject which, individually or in the aggregate, if determined adversely to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, would reasonably be expected to have a
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Material Adverse Effect. To the Company’s knowledge, no such proceeding, litigation or arbitration is threatened or contemplated against the Company.
(s) The financial statements, including the notes thereto, and the supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and present fairly the financial position as of the dates indicated and the cash flows and results of operations for the periods specified of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries. Except as otherwise stated in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved, except in the case of unaudited financials which are subject to normal year-end adjustments and do not contain certain footnotes. The supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, if any, present fairly the information required to be stated therein. No other financial statements or supporting schedules are required to be included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus. The other financial information included in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus present fairly the information included therein and have been prepared on a basis consistent with that of the financial statements that are included in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus and the books and records of the respective entities presented therein.
(t) There are no pro forma or as adjusted financial statements which are required to be included in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus in accordance with Regulation S-X which have not been included as so required. The pro forma and pro forma as adjusted financial information included in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus have been properly compiled and prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations and include all adjustments necessary to present fairly in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles the pro forma and as adjusted financial position of the respective entity or entities presented therein at the respective dates indicated and their cash flows and the results of operations for the respective periods specified. The assumptions used in preparing the pro forma and pro forma as adjusted financial information included in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus provide a reasonable basis for presenting the significant effects directly attributable to the transactions or events described therein. The related pro forma and pro forma as adjusted adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions; and the pro forma and pro forma as adjusted financial information reflect the proper application of those adjustments to the corresponding historical financial statement amounts.
(u) The statistical, industry-related and market-related data included in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus are based on or derived from sources which the Company reasonably and in good faith believes are reliable and accurate, and such data agree with the sources from which they are derived, and the Company has obtained the written consent to the use of such data from such sources, to the extent required.
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(v) The Company is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Common Stock is registered pursuant to Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act and the outstanding Common Stock is listed on the [NYSE MKT]. The Company has taken no action designed to, or likely to have the effect of, terminating the registration of the Common Stock under the Exchange Act, nor has the Company received any written notification that the Commission or the [NYSE MKT] is contemplating terminating such registration or listing.
(w) The Company has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-1(e) under the Exchange Act) which are designed to ensure information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to its management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(x) Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, the Company and the Subsidiaries maintain a system of internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) records in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements is prevented or timely detected. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus or in the Prospectus, since the date of the latest audited financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, there has been no significant deficiency or material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Company is not aware of any change in its internal control over financial reporting that has occurred during its most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financing reporting.
(y) The Company’s Board of Directors has validly appointed an audit committee whose composition satisfies the requirements of the rules and regulations of the [NYSE MKT] and the Board of Directors and/or audit committee has adopted a charter that satisfies the requirements of the rules and regulations of the [NYSE MKT].
(z) Neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates has taken, directly or indirectly, any action which constitutes or is designed to cause or result in, or which could
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reasonably be expected to constitute, cause or result in, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities.
(aa) Neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates has, prior to the date hereof, made any offer or sale of any securities which are required to be “integrated” pursuant to the Securities Act or the Rules and Regulations with the offer and sale of the Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, neither Company nor any of its Affiliates has sold or issued any Relevant Security during the six-month period preceding the date of the Prospectus, including but not limited to any sales pursuant to Rule 144A or Regulation D or S under the Securities Act, other than Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans, qualified stock option plans or the employee compensation plans or pursuant to outstanding options, rights or warrants as described in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus.
(bb) All information contained in the questionnaires completed by each of the Company’s officers, directors and 10% holders immediately prior to the Offering and provided to the Representative as well as the biographies of such individuals in the Registration Statement is true and correct in all material respects and the Company has not become aware of any information which would cause the information disclosed in the questionnaires completed by the directors and officers to become incorrect in any material respect.
(cc) No director or executive officer of the Company is subject to any non-competition agreement or non-solicitation agreement with any employer or prior employer which could materially affect his ability to be and act in his respective capacity at the Company.
(dd) Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, no holder of any Relevant Security has any rights to require registration of any Relevant Security as part or on account of, or otherwise in connection with, the offer and sale of the Securities contemplated hereby, and any such rights so disclosed have either been fully complied with by the Company or effectively waived by the holders thereof, and any such waivers remain in full force and effect.
(ee) The conditions for use of Form S-1 to register the Offering under the Securities Act, as set forth in the General Instructions to such Form, have been satisfied.
(ff) The Company is not and, after giving effect to application of the net proceeds of the Offering, will not be required to register as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and is not and will not be an entity “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of such act.
(gg) No relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among any of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, on the one hand, and any director, executive officer, shareholder, customer or supplier of the Company or any affiliate of the Company, on the other hand, which is required by the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or the Rules and Regulations to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus which is not so described as required. There are no outstanding loans, advances (except normal advances for
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business expenses in the ordinary course of business) or guarantees of indebtedness by the Company to or for the benefit of any of the executive officers or directors of the Company or any of their respective family members, except as described in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus.
(hh) The Company is in material compliance with the provisions of Sarb-Ox and the Rules and Regulations promulgated thereunder or any other governmental or self-regulatory entity or agency, except for such violations which, singly or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, immediately prior to the listing of the Common Stock on the [NYSE MKT]: (i) all members of the Company’s Board of Directors who are required to be “independent” (as that term is defined under applicable laws, rules and regulations), including, without limitation, all members of the audit committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, will meet the qualifications of independence as set forth under applicable laws, rules and regulations and (ii) the audit committee of the Company’s Board of Directors will have at least one member who is an “audit committee financial expert” (as that term is defined under applicable laws, rules and regulations).
(ii) Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, there are no contracts, agreements or understandings between the Company and any Person that would give rise to a valid claim against the Company or any Underwriter for a brokerage commission, finder’s fee, financial consulting fee or other like payment in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any arrangements, agreements, understandings, payments or issuance with respect to the Company or any of its officers, directors, 5% or greater shareholders, employees or Subsidiaries that may affect the Underwriters’ compensation as determined by FINRA.
(jj) The Company and its Subsidiaries own or lease all such properties as are necessary to the conduct of their business as presently operated and as described in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus. The Company and its Subsidiaries have good and marketable title to all personal property owned by them, in each case free and clear of all Liens except such as are described in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus or such as do not (individually or in the aggregate) materially affect the business or prospects of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The Company does not own any real property. Any real property held under lease or sublease by the Company and the Subsidiaries are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as are not material to, and do not interfere with, the use made of such property and buildings by the Company and the Subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice of any claim adverse to its ownership of any personal property or of any claim against the continued possession of any real property, whether owned or held under lease or sublease by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, which claim would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(kk) The Company and its Subsidiaries: (i) own or possess adequate right to use all patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trademark registrations, service ▇▇▇▇ registrations, copyrights, licenses, formulae, customer lists, and
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know-how and other intellectual property (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures, “Intellectual Property”) necessary for the conduct of their respective businesses as being conducted and as described in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and Prospectus and (ii) have no knowledge that the conduct of their respective businesses do or will conflict with, and they have not received any notice of any claim of conflict with, any such right of others, which claim or conflict would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has granted or assigned to any other Person any right to sell any current products and services of the Company and its Subsidiaries or those products and services described in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and Prospectus. To the Company’s knowledge, there is no infringement by third parties of any such Intellectual Property; there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the Company’s or any Subsidiaries’ rights in or to any such Intellectual Property, and the Company is unaware of any facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim; and there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries infringes or otherwise violates any patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret or other proprietary rights of others, and the Company is unaware of any other fact which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim.
(ll) The agreements and documents described in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus conform to the descriptions thereof contained therein in all material respects and there are no agreements or other documents required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or to be filed with the Commission as exhibits to the Registration Statement, that have not been so described or filed. Each agreement or other instrument (however characterized or described) to which the Company is a party or by which its property or business is or may be bound or affected and (i) that is referred to in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or attached as an exhibit thereto, or (ii) is material to the Company’s business, has been duly and validly executed by the Company, is in full force and effect in all material respects and is enforceable against the Company and, to the Company’s knowledge, the other parties thereto, in accordance with its terms, except (x) as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (y) as enforceability of any indemnification or contribution provision may be limited under the foreign, federal and state securities laws, and (z) that the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to the equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought, and none of such agreements or instruments has been assigned by the Company, and neither the Company nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any other party is in breach or default thereunder and no event has occurred that, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a breach or default by the Company thereunder, in any such case, which would result in a Material Adverse Effect. The performance by the Company of the material provisions of such agreements or instruments will not result in a violation of any existing applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any governmental agency or court, domestic or
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foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its assets or businesses, including, without limitation, those relating to environmental laws and regulations.
(mm) No securities of the Company have been sold by the Company or by or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, any person or persons controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company since the date of the Company’s formation, except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus.
(nn) The disclosures in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and Prospectus concerning the effects of foreign, federal, state and local regulation on the Company’s business as currently contemplated are correct in all material respects and do not omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.
(oo) Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, Preliminary Prospectus and Prospectus, each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has accurately prepared and timely filed all federal, state, foreign, and other tax returns that are required to be filed by it and has paid or made provision for the payment of all taxes, assessments, governmental or other similar charges, including without limitation, all sales and use taxes and all taxes which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to withhold from amounts owing to employees, creditors and third parties, with respect to the periods covered by such tax returns (whether or not such amounts are shown as due on any tax return). No deficiency assessment with respect to a proposed adjustment of the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ federal, state, local or foreign, taxes is pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened. There is no tax lien, whether imposed by any federal, state, foreign or other taxing authority, outstanding against the assets, properties or business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(pp) No labor disturbance by the employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries, which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, currently exists or, to the Company’s knowledge, is threatened, contemplated or pending.
(qq) Except as would not be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries have at all times operated their respective businesses in material compliance with all Environmental Laws, and no material expenditures are or will be required in order to comply therewith. Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries has received any notice or communication that relates to or alleges any actual or potential violation or failure to comply with any Environmental Laws that will result in a Material Adverse Effect. As used herein, the term “Environmental Laws” means all applicable laws and regulations, including any licensing, permits or reporting requirements, and any action by a federal state or local government entity pertaining to the protection of the environment, protection of public health, protection of worker health and safety, or the handling of hazardous materials, including without limitation, the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401, et seq., the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, 42 U.S.C. § 9601, et seq., the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1321, et seq., the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. § 1801, et seq., the Resource Conservation and
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Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 690-1, et seq., and the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2601, et seq. or similar laws and regulations, to the extent applicable, under the laws and regulations of the PRC.
(rr) Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, Preliminary Prospectus and Prospectus, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any statute, any rule, regulation, decision or order of any governmental agency or body or any court, domestic or foreign, relating to the use, disposal or release of hazardous or toxic substances or relating to the protection or restoration of the environment or human exposure to hazardous or toxic substances (collectively, “environmental laws”), or (i) owns or operates any real property contaminated with any substance that could be expected to require remediation or result in liability pursuant to any environmental laws, (ii) is liable for any off-site disposal or contamination pursuant to any environmental laws, or (iii) is subject to any claim relating to any environmental laws, which violation, contamination, liability or claim would individually or in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect; and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is aware of any pending investigation which could reasonably be expected to lead to such a claim.
(ss) To the knowledge of the Company or its Subsidiaries, there are no costs or liabilities associated with environmental laws (including, without limitation, any capital or operating expenditures required for clean-up, closure of properties or compliance with environmental laws or any certificates, authorities or permits, any related constraints on operating activities and any potential liabilities to third parties) which would individually or in the aggregate be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(tt) Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries is a party to an “employee benefit plan,” as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) which: (i) is subject to any provision of ERISA and (ii) is or was at any time maintained, administered or contributed to by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and covers any employee or former employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate (as defined hereafter). These plans are referred to collectively herein as the “Employee Plans.” For purposes of this Section, “ERISA Affiliate” of any person or entity means any other person or entity which, together with that person or entity, could be treated as a single employer under Section 414(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or is an “affiliate,” whether or not incorporated, as defined in Section 407(d)(7) of ERISA, of the person or entity.
(uu) The Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus identify each employment, severance or other similar agreement, arrangement or policy and each material plan or arrangement providing for insurance coverage (including any self-insured arrangements), workers’ compensation, disability benefits, severance benefits, supplemental unemployment benefits, vacation benefits, retirement benefits or for deferred compensation, profit-sharing, bonuses, stock options, stock appreciation or other forms of incentive compensation, or post-retirement insurance, compensation or benefits which: (i) is not an Employee Plan, (ii) is entered into, maintained or contributed to, as the case may be, by the
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Company or its Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates, and (iii) covers any employee or former employee of the Company or any Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates. These contracts, plans and arrangements are referred to collectively in this Agreement as the “Benefit Arrangements.” Each Benefit Arrangement has been maintained in substantial compliance with its terms and with requirements prescribed by any and all statutes, orders, rules and regulations that are applicable to that Benefit Arrangement.
(vv) Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries has sustained any material loss or material interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree.
(ww) The Company and its Subsidiaries collectively carry insurance in such amounts and covering such risks as in the Company’s reasonable determination is adequate for the conduct of its business and the value of its properties, except where the failure to carry such insurance would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(xx) There is no liability in respect of post-retirement health and medical benefits for retired employees of the Company or any Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates other than medical benefits required to be continued under applicable law, determined using assumptions that are reasonable in the aggregate, over the fair market value of any fund, reserve or other assets segregated for the purpose of satisfying such liability (including for such purposes any fund established pursuant to Section 401(h) of the Code). Neither the Company, nor its Subsidiaries have any Employee Plans which are “group health plans” under Section 4980B of the Code and Section 607(1) of ERISA.
(yy) Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, neither the Company nor any Subsidiaries is a party to or subject to any employment contract or arrangement providing for annual compensation (whether through fixed salary, bonus, commission, options or otherwise) of more than $120,000 to any executive officer, consultant, director or employee.
(zz) The execution of this Agreement, the Underwriters’ Warrants or consummation of the Offering does not constitute a triggering event under any Employee Plan or any other employment contract, whether or not legally enforceable, which (either alone or upon the occurrence of any additional or subsequent event) will or may result in any payment (of severance pay or otherwise), acceleration, increase in vesting, or increase in benefits to any current or former participant, employee or director of the Company or its Subsidiaries other than an event that is not material to the financial condition or business of the Company or any Subsidiaries, either individually or taken as a whole.
(aaa) To the extent applicable to each of the Company, and its Subsidiaries, each such entity holds and is in compliance with, all franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, permits, easements, consents, certificates and orders (“Permits”) of any governmental or self-regulatory agency, authority or body required for the conduct of the
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Company’s business as it is presently being conducted, and all such Permits are in full force and effect, in each case except where the failure to hold, or comply with, any of them is not reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(bbb) Neither the Company, any Subsidiaries nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any of their respective employees, agents, executive officers or directors acting on behalf of the Company has at any time during the last three (3) years: (i) made any unlawful contribution to any candidate for foreign office, or failed to disclose fully any contribution in violation of law, or (ii) made any payment to any federal or state governmental officer or official, or other Person charged with similar public or quasi-public duties, other than payments that are not prohibited by the laws of the United States of any jurisdiction thereof.
(ccc) The Company has not offered, or caused the Underwriters to offer, the Firm Shares to any Person or entity with the intention of unlawfully influencing: (i) a customer or supplier of the Company or any Subsidiaries to alter the customer’s or supplier’s level or type of business with the Company or any Subsidiaries or (ii) a journalist or publication to write or publish favorable information about the Company, any Subsidiaries or its products or services.
(ddd) The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance in all material respects with applicable financial record keeping and reporting requirements and money laundering statutes of the United States and, to the Company’s knowledge, all other jurisdictions to which the Company and its Subsidiaries are subject, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any applicable governmental agency (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or its Subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.
(eee) Neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company (as such term is defined under Rule 144 under the Securities Act, an “Affiliate”) is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”); and the Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any joint venture partner or other person or entity, for the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.
(fff) As used in this Agreement, references to matters being “material” with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries shall mean a material event, change, condition, status or effect related to the condition (financial or otherwise), properties, assets (including intangible assets), liabilities, business, prospects, operations or results of operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
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(ggg) As used in this Agreement, the term “knowledge of the Company” (or similar language) shall mean the knowledge of the executive officers and directors of the Company and its Subsidiaries who are named in the Prospectus, with the assumption that such executive officers and directors shall have made reasonable and diligent inquiry of the matters presented (with reference to what is customary and prudent for the applicable individuals in connection with the discharge by the applicable individuals of their duties as officers, directors or managers of the Company or its applicable Subsidiaries).
Any certificate signed by or on behalf of the Company and delivered to the Underwriters or to Loeb & Loeb LLP (“Underwriters’ Counsel”) shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Company to each Underwriter listed on Schedule A hereto as to the matters covered thereby.
3. Reserved.
4. Offering. Upon authorization of the release of the Firm Shares by the Representative, the Underwriters propose to offer the Shares for sale to the public upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus.
5. Covenants of the Company. The Company acknowledges, covenants and agrees with the Underwriters that:
(a) The Registration Statement and any amendments thereto have been declared effective, and if Rule 430A is used or the filing of the Prospectus is otherwise required under Rule 424(b), the Company will file the Prospectus (properly completed if Rule 430A has been used) pursuant to Rule 424(b) within the prescribed time period and will provide evidence satisfactory to the Representative of such timely filing.
(b) During the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later of the Closing Date or such date, as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriter, the Prospectus is no longer required by law to be delivered (or in lieu thereof the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Securities Act is no longer required to be provided), in connection with sales by an underwriter or dealer (the “Prospectus Delivery Period”), prior to amending or supplementing the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, the Company shall furnish to the Underwriter for review a copy of each such proposed amendment or supplement, and the Company shall not file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Underwriter reasonably objects within 36 hours of delivery thereof to the Underwriter and its counsel. The Underwriter shall not unreasonably object to, condition or delay such filing. In no event shall the foregoing prohibit the Company from timely filing any report under the Exchange Act.
(c) After the date of this Agreement, the Company shall promptly advise the Underwriter in writing (i) of the receipt of any comments of, or requests for additional or supplemental information from, the Commission, (ii) of the time and date of any filing of any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to any Prospectus, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, (iii) of the time and date that any post-
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effective amendment to the Registration Statement becomes effective and (iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto or of any order preventing or suspending its use or the use of any Prospectus or the Preliminary Prospectus, or of any proceedings to remove, suspend or terminate from listing the Common Stock from any securities exchange upon which it is listed for trading, or of the threatening or initiation of any proceedings for any of such purposes. If the Commission shall enter any such stop order at any time, the Company will use its reasonable efforts to obtain the lifting of such order at the earliest possible moment. Additionally, the Company agrees that it shall comply with the provisions of Rules 424(b), 430A and 430B, as applicable, under the Securities Act.
(d) (i) During the Prospectus Delivery Period, the Company will comply in all material respects with all requirements imposed upon it by the Securities Act, as now and hereafter amended, and by the Rules and Regulations, as from time to time in force, and by the Exchange Act so far as necessary to permit the continuance of sales of or dealings in the Securities as contemplated by the provisions hereof, the Preliminary Prospectus, and the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. If during such period any event occurs as a result of which the Prospectus (or if the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers, the Preliminary Prospectus ) would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances then existing, not misleading, or if during such period it is necessary or appropriate in the opinion of the Company or its counsel or the Underwriter or counsel to the Underwriter to amend the Registration Statement or supplement the Prospectus (or if the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers, the Preliminary Prospectus ) to comply with the Securities Act or to file under the Exchange Act any document which would be deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Prospectus in order to comply with the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, the Company will promptly notify the Underwriter and will amend the Registration Statement or supplement the Prospectus (or if the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers, the Preliminary Prospectus) or file such document (at the expense of the Company) so as to correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance.
(e) The Company will promptly deliver to the Underwriters and Underwriters’ Counsel a signed copy of the Registration Statement, as initially filed and all amendments thereto, including all consents and exhibits filed therewith, and will maintain in the Company’s files manually signed copies of such documents for at least five (5) years after the date of filing thereof. The Company will promptly deliver to each of the Underwriters such number of copies of any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, the Registration Statement, and all amendments of and supplements to such documents, if any, and all documents which are exhibits to the Registration Statement and Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, as the Underwriters may reasonably request. Prior to 10:00 A.M., New York time, on the business day next succeeding the date of this Agreement and from time to time thereafter, the Company will furnish the Underwriters with copies of the Prospectus in New York City in such quantities as the Underwriters may reasonably request.
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(f) The Company consents to the use and delivery of the Preliminary Prospectus by the Underwriters in accordance with Rule 430 and Section 5(b) of the Securities Act.
(g) If the Company elects to rely on Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, the Company shall both file a Rule 462(b) Registration Statement with the Commission in compliance with Rule 462(b) and pay the applicable fees in accordance with Rule 111 of the Securities Act by the earlier of: (i) 10:00 p.m., New York City time, on the date of this Agreement, and (ii) the time that confirmations are given or sent, as specified by Rule 462(b)(2).
(h) If required to complete the Offering, the Company will cooperate with the Representative, at or prior to the time of effectiveness of the Registration Statement, to qualify the Securities for offering and sale under the securities laws relating to the offering or sale of the Securities of such jurisdictions, domestic or foreign, as the Representative may reasonably designate and to maintain such qualification in effect for so long as required for the distribution thereof, it being agreed that the Representative and its counsel shall be solely responsible for such qualification and the maintenance thereof, with the exception of the expenses therefor, which will be the responsibility of the Company; except that in no event shall the Company be obligated in connection therewith to qualify as a foreign corporation or to execute a general consent to service of process or to subject itself to taxation if it is otherwise not so subject.
(i) The Company will make generally available to its security holders as soon as practicable, an earnings statement (which need not be audited) covering a 12-month period that shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 of the Rules and Regulations.
(j) Commencing as of the date hereof, the individuals listed on Schedule B hereto (the “Lock-Up Parties”) shall not sell or otherwise dispose of any securities of the Company, whether publicly or in a private placement during the period that their respective lock-up agreements are in effect. The Company will deliver to the Representative the agreements of Lock-Up Parties to the foregoing effect on or prior to the date hereof, which agreements shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex I. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (x) the Company issues an earnings release or material news, or a material event relating to the Company occurs, during the last 17 days of the Lock-Up Period, or (y) prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, the Company announces that it will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the Lock-Up Period, the restrictions imposed by this clause shall continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event, unless the Representative waives such extension in writing or the Company or the Lock-Up Parties receives prior written confirmation from the Representative (or the Company with respect to the Lock-Up Parties) that the restrictions imposed by this Section 5(k) have expired.
(k) Intentionally Omitted.
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(l) For a period of one (1) year from the effective date of the Registration Statement, the Company, at its expense, shall provide the Underwriters on a monthly basis with a copy of the Company’s monthly transfer sheets from the previous month and securities positions listings.
(m) If the Company fails to maintain the listing of its Common Stock on a nationally recognized exchange, for a period of three (3) years from the effective date of the Registration Statement, the Company, at its expense, shall obtain and keep current a listing in the Standard & Poor’s Corporation Records Services or the ▇▇▇▇▇’▇ Industrial Manual; provided that ▇▇▇▇▇’▇ OTC Industrial Manual is not sufficient for these purposes.
(n) During the period of three (3) years from the effective date of the Registration Statement, the Company will make available to the Underwriters copies of all reports or other communications (financial or other) furnished to security holders or from time to time published or publicly disseminated by the Company, and will deliver to the Underwriters to the extent not filed on the Commission’s ▇▇▇▇▇ system: (i) as soon as they are available, copies of any reports, financial statements and proxy or information statements furnished to or filed with the Commission or any national securities exchange on which any class of securities of the Company is listed; and (ii) such additional information concerning the business and financial condition of the Company as the Representative may from time to time reasonably request (such financial information to be on a consolidated basis to the extent the accounts of the Company and the Subsidiaries are consolidated in reports furnished to its security holders generally or to the Commission).
(o) The Company will not issue press releases or engage in any other publicity, without the Representative’s prior written consent, for a period ending at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the first business day following the forty-fifth (45th) day following the Closing Date, other than normal and customary releases issued in the ordinary course of the Company’s business.
(p) Prior to the consummation of the Offering, the Company will engage or continue to engage (for no less than two (2) years from the date of the Closing Date) a financial public relations firm mutually acceptable to the Company and the Representative. Unless otherwise required by law or as would adversely affect the Company or its business, prior to the consummation of the Offering, the Company further agrees to consult with the Representative as is customary within the securities industry prior to distribution to third parties of any financial information, news releases, and/or other publicity regarding the Company, its business, or any terms of the proposed Offering, it being agreed that the Company shall give the Representative no less than twelve (12) hours prior notice of any such distribution and a reasonable opportunity during or prior to such period to review the contents of the proposed distribution; provided, that the Representative does not use such information, news releases, and/or other publicity to trade in the Company’s securities or otherwise disclose such information, news releases and/or other publicity unless and until the same is publicly disseminated.
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(q) The Company has or will retain Continental Stock Transfer & Trust (or a transfer agent of similar competence and quality) as transfer agent for the Securities and shall continue to retain such transfer agent (or a transfer agent of similar competence and quality) for a period of three (3) years following the Closing Date.
(r) The Company will apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities as set forth under the caption “Use of Proceeds” in the Prospectus. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, without the written consent of the Representative, no proceeds of the Offering will be used to pay outstanding loans from officers, directors or shareholders or to pay any accrued salaries or bonuses to any employees or former employees.
(s) The Company will use its best efforts to effect and maintain the listing of the Shares and the Common Stock underlying the Underwriters’ Warrant on the [NYSE MKT] for at least three (3) years after the Closing Date.
(t) The Company, during the period when the Prospectus is required to be delivered under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, will file all documents required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Rules and Regulations within the time periods required thereby.
(u) The Company will use its best efforts to do and perform all things required to be done or performed under this Agreement by the Company prior to the Closing Date, and to satisfy all conditions precedent to the delivery of the Firm Shares.
(v) The Company will not take, and will cause its Affiliates not to take, directly or indirectly, any action which constitutes or is designed to cause or result in, or which could reasonably be expected to constitute, cause or result in, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities.
(w) The Company hereby confirms that it has included or will include in the Prospectus filed pursuant to ▇▇▇▇▇ or otherwise with the Commission and in the Registration Statement at the time it was declared effective an undertaking that, upon receipt of a request by an investor or his or her representative within the period when a prospectus relating to the Securities is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, the Company shall transmit or cause to be transmitted promptly, without charge, a paper copy of the Prospectus.
(x) [Intentionally Omitted]
(y) For a period of two (2) years from the Closing Date the Company agrees to hold all special and annual meetings of its shareholders within the United States.
6. Consideration; Payment of Expenses.
(a) In consideration of the services to be provided for hereunder, the Company shall pay to the Underwriters, or their respective designees, their pro rata portion
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(based on the Securities purchased) of the following compensation with respect to the Shares which they are offering:
| (i) | An underwriting discount of eight percent (8%) as set forth in Section 1.1(a) and (c); |
| (ii) | Up to $125,000 (including reimbursement of the Representative’s legal fees up to a maximum amount of $100,000) for expenses (exclusive of costs incurred by the Representative in connection with any road show and marketing trips) less any advances previously paid, including, but not limited to, an aggregate of $70,000 previously advanced to the Representative (the “Advances”); and |
| (iii) | The Representative’s Warrants. |
(b) Upon, and only upon, the successful completion of the Offering, the Company grants the Representative the right of first refusal for a period of fifteen (15) months from the effective date of the Offering, to act as lead managing underwriter and book runner or as a co-lead manager and co-book runner and/or co-lead placement agent with at least 50% of the economics, or, in the case of a three-handed offering 33% of the economics, for any and all future equity, equity linked or debt (excluding commercial bank debt) offerings during such fifteen (15) month period of the Company or any successor to or any subsidiaries of the Company. The Company shall provide written notice to Representative with terms of such offering and if Representative fails to accept in writing any such proposal for such public or private sale within 20 days after receipt of a written notice from the Company containing such proposal, then Representative will have no claim or right with respect to any such sale contained in any such notice.
(c) The Representative reserves the right after informing the Company, to reduce any item of compensation or adjust the terms thereof as specified herein in the event that a determination shall be made by FINRA to the effect that the Underwriters’ aggregate compensation is in excess of FINRA Rules or that the terms thereof require adjustment.
(d) Whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, the Company hereby agrees to pay all costs and expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder, in each case subject to the aggregate limitations set forth in Section 6(a)(ii), including the following:
| (i) | all expenses in connection with the preparation, printing, formatting for ▇▇▇▇▇ and filing of the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus and any and all amendments and supplements thereto and |
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| the mailing and delivering of copies thereof to the Underwriters and dealers; |
| (ii) | all fees and expenses in connection with the filings made by the representative with FINRA; |
| (iii) | all fees and expenses in connection with filing of the Registration Statement and Prospectus with the Commission; |
| (iv) | the fees, disbursements and expenses of the Company’s counsel and accountants in connection with the registration of the Securities under the Securities Act and the Offering; |
| (v) | all expenses in connection with the qualifications of the Shares for offering and sale under state or foreign securities or blue sky laws, including the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with such qualification and in connection with any blue sky survey undertaken by such counsel; |
| (vi) | all fees and expenses in connection with listing the Securities on the [NYSE MKT]; |
| (vii) | all reasonable expenses, including without limitation, travel and lodging expenses of the Company’s officers and employees and any other expense of the Company incurred in connection with attending or hosting meetings with prospective purchasers of the Securities (“Road Show Expenses”); |
| (viii) | any stock transfer taxes incurred in connection with this Agreement or the Offering |
| (ix) | the cost of preparing stock certificates representing the Securities; |
| (x) | the cost and charges of any transfer agent or registrar for the Securities; |
| (xi) | any cost and expenses in conducting satisfactory due diligence investigation and analysis of the Company’s senior management; |
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| (xii) | all other costs and expenses incident to the performance of the Company obligations hereunder which are not otherwise specifically provided for in this Section 6. |
(e) It is understood, however, that except as provided in this Section, and Sections 7, 8 and 12(d) hereof, the Underwriters will pay all of their own costs and expenses, including the fees of their counsel. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 6, in the event that this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 6 or 12(b) hereof, or subsequent to a Material Adverse Change, the Company will pay up to $125,000 (less any advances previously paid (the “Advances”) and will not pay the amount detailed in Sections 6 (a) (ii) hereof. In the event the Offering is completed, the Company will pay to the Representative up to $125,000, less any Advances as detailed in Sections 6 (a) (ii) hereof at the Closing
7. Conditions of Underwriters’ Obligations. The obligations of the Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Firm Shares and the Option Shares, as the case may be, as provided herein shall be subject to the following conditions. For purposes of this Section 7, the terms “Closing Date” and “Closing” shall refer to the Closing Date for the Firm Shares or Option Shares, as the case may be, and each of the foregoing and following conditions must be satisfied as of each Closing.
(a) The Registration Statement shall have become effective and all necessary regulatory or listing approvals shall have been received not later than 5:30 P.M., New York time, on the date of this Agreement, or at such later time and date as shall have been consented to in writing by the Representative. If the Company shall have elected to rely upon Rule 430A under the Securities Act, the Prospectus shall have been filed with the Commission in a timely fashion in accordance with the terms hereof and a form of the Prospectus containing information relating to the description of the Securities and the method of distribution and similar matters shall have been filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) within the applicable time period; and, at or prior to the Closing Date or the actual time of the Closing, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof, or any amendment thereof, nor suspending or preventing the use of the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall have been issued; no proceedings for the issuance of such an order shall have been initiated or threatened; any request of the Commission for additional information (to be included in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, or otherwise) shall have been complied with to the Representative’s satisfaction; and FINRA shall have raised no objection to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements.
(b) The Representative shall have received the favorable written opinion of ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ LLP, legal counsel for the Company, dated as of the Closing Date addressed to the Representative of the Underwriters in the form attached hereto as Annex II.
(c) Intentionally Omitted.
(d) The Representative shall have received a certificate of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, dated as of each Closing Date to the effect that: (i) the condition set forth in subsection (a) of this Section 7 has been satisfied,
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(ii) as of the date hereof and as of the applicable Closing Date, the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Sections 1 and 2 hereof are accurate, (iii) as of the applicable Closing Date, all agreements, conditions and obligations of the Company to be performed or complied with hereunder on or prior thereto have been duly performed or complied with, (iv) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereof has been issued and no proceedings therefor have been initiated or threatened by the Commission, and (v) subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus there has not been any Material Adverse Change or any development involving a prospective Material Adverse Change, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business.
(e) On the date of this Agreement and on the Closing Date, the Representative shall have received a letter from ▇▇▇▇▇▇ as of the date of delivery of this Agreement and on the Closing Date, addressed to the Underwriters and in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative and Underwriters’ Counsel, confirming that they are independent certified public accountants with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations, and stating, as of the date of delivery (or, with respect to matters involving changes or developments since the respective dates as of which specified financial information is given in the Prospectus, as of a date not more than five (5) days prior to the date of such letter), the conclusions and findings of such firm with respect to the financial information and other matters relating to the Registration Statement covered by such letter.
(f) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement or, if earlier, the dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement (exclusive of any amendment thereof) and the Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto), there shall not have been any change in the capital stock or long-term debt of the Company or its Subsidiaries or any change or development involving a change, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, in the business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, shareholders’ equity, properties or prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, including but not limited to the occurrence of any fire, flood, storm, explosion, accident, act of war or terrorism or other calamity, the effect of which, in any such case described above, is, in the sole judgment of the Representative, so material and adverse as to make it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the Offering on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement).
(g) The Representative shall have received a lock-up agreement from each Lock-Up Party, duly executed by the applicable Lock-Up Party, in each case substantially in the form attached as Annex I.
(h) The Securities shall have been approved for listing on the [NYSE MKT].
(i) FINRA shall have confirmed that it has not raised any objection with respect to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements.
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(j) No action shall have been taken and no statute, rule, regulation or order shall have been enacted, adopted or issued by any federal, state or foreign governmental or regulatory authority that would, as of the Closing Date, prevent the issuance or sale of the Securities; and no injunction or order of any federal, state or foreign court shall have been issued that would, as of the Closing Date, prevent the issuance or sale of the Securities.
(k) The Company shall have furnished the Underwriters and Underwriters’ Counsel with such other certificates, opinions or other documents as they may have reasonably requested.
If any of the conditions specified in this Section 7 shall not have been fulfilled when and as required by this Agreement, or if any of the certificates, opinions, written statements or letters furnished to the Representative or to Underwriters’ Counsel pursuant to this Section 7 shall not be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Representative and to Underwriters’ Counsel, all obligations of the Underwriters hereunder may be cancelled by the Representative at, or at any time prior to, the consummation of the Closing. Notice of such cancellation shall be given to the Company in writing, or by telephone. Any such telephone notice shall be confirmed promptly thereafter in writing.
8. Indemnification.
(a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underwriters and each Person, if any, who controls each Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which such party may become subject, under the Securities Act or otherwise (including in settlement of any litigation if such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Company), insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon (i) an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, including the information deemed to be a part of the Registration Statement at the time of effectiveness and at any subsequent time pursuant to Rules 430A and 430B of the Rules and Regulations, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto (including any documents filed under the Exchange Act and deemed to be incorporated by reference into the Prospectus), or in any materials or information provided to investors by, or with the approval of, the Company in connection with the marketing of the offering of the Shares (“Marketing Materials”), including any roadshow or investor presentations made to investors by the Company or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and will reimburse such indemnified party for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by it in connection with investigating or defending against such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; or (ii) any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein; or (iii) any failure of the Company to perform its obligations hereunder or under law; provided, however, that the Company shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary
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Prospectus, the Prospectus, or any such amendment or supplement or in any Marketing Materials, in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriters Information.
(b) Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of the directors of the Company, each of the officers of the Company who shall have signed the Registration Statement, and each other Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, against any losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses whatsoever as incurred (including but not limited to attorneys’ fees and any and all expenses whatsoever incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever, and any and all amounts paid in settlement of any claim or litigation), to which they or any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, as originally filed or any amendment thereof, any related Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that any such loss, liability, claim, damage or expense arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriters’ Information; provided, however, that in no case shall any Underwriter be liable or responsible for any amount in excess of the underwriting discount applicable to the Securities to be purchased by such Underwriter hereunder. The parties agree that such information provided by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the Representative consists solely of the material referred to in the last sentence of Section 2.1(b) hereof.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above of notice of any claims or the commencement of any action, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under such subsection, notify each party against whom indemnification is to be sought in writing of the claim or the commencement thereof (but the failure so to notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve the indemnifying party from any liability which it may have under this Section 8 except to the extent that the indemnifying party is prejudiced as a result thereof). In case any such claim or action is brought against any indemnified party, and it notifies an indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate, at its own expense in the defense of such action, and to the extent it may elect by written notice delivered to the indemnified party promptly after receiving the aforesaid notice from such indemnified party, to assume the defense thereof with counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party. If the defendants in any such action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that a conflict may arise between the positions of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party in conducting the defense of any such action or that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, the indemnified party or parties shall have the right to select separate counsel to assume such legal
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defenses and to otherwise participate in the defense of such action on behalf such indemnified party or parties. Upon receipt of notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of such indemnifying party’s election to assume the defense of such action and approval by the indemnified party of counsel, the indemnifying party will not be liable to such indemnified party under this Section 8 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof unless (i) the indemnified party shall have employed separate counsel in accordance with the proviso to the preceding sentence (it being understood, however, that the indemnifying party shall not be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate counsel (together with local counsel), representing the indemnified parties who are parties to such action), which counsel (together with any local counsel) for the indemnified parties shall be selected by the Representative (in the case of counsel for the indemnified parties referred to in Section 8(a) above) or the Company (in the case of counsel for the indemnified parties referred to in Section 8(b) above)) or (ii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time after notice of commencement of the action or (iii) the indemnifying party has authorized in writing the employment of counsel for the indemnified party at the expense of the indemnifying party, in each of which cases the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel shall be at the expense of the indemnifying party and shall be paid as they are incurred. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified parties, effect any settlement or compromise of, or consent to the entry of judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened claim, investigation, action or proceeding in respect of which indemnity or contribution may be or could have been sought by an indemnified party under this Section 8 or Section 9 hereof (whether or not the indemnified party is an actual or potential party thereto), unless (x) such settlement, compromise or consent to judgment (i) includes an unconditional release of the indemnified party from all liability arising out of such claim, investigation, action or proceeding and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or any failure to act, by or on behalf of the indemnified party, and (y) the indemnifying party confirms in writing its indemnification obligations hereunder with respect to such settlement, compromise or judgment.
9. Contribution. In order to provide for contribution in circumstances in which the indemnification provided for in Section 8 hereof is for any reason held to be unavailable from any indemnifying party or is insufficient to hold harmless a party indemnified thereunder, the Company and the Underwriters shall contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses of the nature contemplated by such indemnification provision (including any investigation, legal and other expenses incurred in connection with, and any amount paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding or any claims asserted, but after deducting in the case of losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses suffered by the Company, any contribution received by the Company from Persons, other than the Underwriters, who may also be liable for contribution, including Persons who control the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, officers of the Company who signed the Registration Statement and directors of the Company) as incurred to which the Company and one or more of the Underwriters may be subject, in such proportions as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company and the Underwriters from the Offering or, if such allocation is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportions as are
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appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to above but also the relative fault of the Company and the Underwriters in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company and the Underwriters shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as (x) the total proceeds from the Offering (net of underwriting discounts and commissions but before deducting expenses) received by the Company and (y) the underwriting discount or commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus bear to the aggregate initial offering price of the Shares as set forth on such cover. The relative fault of each of the Company and of the Underwriters shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or the Underwriters and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 9 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this Section. The aggregate amount of losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses incurred by an indemnified party and referred to above in this Section 9 shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any judicial, regulatory or other legal or governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 9: (i) no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the underwriting discounts and commissions received by such Underwriter in connection with the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to the public and (ii) no Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section 9, each Person, if any, who controls an Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter, and each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, each officer of the Company who shall have signed the Registration Statement and each director of the Company shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company, subject in each case to clauses (i) and (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence. Any party entitled to contribution will, promptly after receipt of notice of commencement of any action, suit or proceeding against such party in respect of which a claim for contribution may be made against another party or parties, notify each party or parties from whom contribution may be sought, but the omission to so notify such party or parties shall not relieve the party or parties from whom contribution may be sought from any obligation it or they may have under this Section 9 or otherwise. The obligations of the Underwriters to contribute pursuant to this Section 9 are several in proportion to the respective number of Shares to be purchased by each of the Underwriters hereunder and not joint.
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10. Underwriter Default.
(a) If any Underwriter or Underwriters shall default in its or their obligation to purchase Firm Shares hereunder, and if the Firm Shares with respect to which such default relates (the “Default Shares”) do not (after giving effect to arrangements, if any, made by the Representative pursuant to subsection (b) below) exceed in the aggregate 10% of the number of Firm Shares, each non-defaulting Underwriter, acting severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase from the Company that number of Default Shares that bears the same proportion of the total number of Default Shares then being purchased as the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter on Schedule A hereto bears to the aggregate number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the names of the non-defaulting Underwriters, subject, however, to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as the Representative in its sole discretion shall make.
(b) In the event that the aggregate number of Default Shares exceeds 10% of the number of Firm Shares, the Representative may in its discretion arrange for themselves or for another party or parties (including any non-defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters who so agree) to purchase the Default Shares on the terms contained herein. In the event that within 48 hours after such a default the Representative does not arrange for the purchase of the Default Shares as provided in this Section 10, this Agreement shall thereupon terminate, without liability on the part of the Company with respect thereto (except in each case as provided in Sections 5, 7, 8, 10 and 12(d)) or the Underwriters, but nothing in this Agreement shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters of its or their liability, if any, to the other Underwriters and the Company for damages occasioned by its or their default hereunder.
(c) In the event that any Default Shares are to be purchased by the non-defaulting Underwriters, or are to be purchased by another party or parties as aforesaid, the Representative or the Company shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date for a period, not exceeding five (5) business days, in order to effect whatever changes may thereby be made necessary in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or in any other documents and arrangements, and the Company agrees to file promptly any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus which, in the reasonable opinion of Underwriters’ Counsel, may thereby be made necessary or advisable. The term “Underwriter” as used in this Agreement shall include any party substituted under this Section 10 with like effect as if it had originally been a party to this Agreement with respect to such Firm Shares.
11. Survival of Representations and Agreements. All representations and warranties, covenants and agreements of the Company and the Underwriters contained in this Agreement or in certificates of officers of the Company or any Subsidiaries submitted pursuant hereto, including the agreements contained in Section 6, the indemnity agreements contained in Section 8 and the contribution agreements contained in Section 9 hereof, shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or any controlling Person thereof or by or on behalf of the Company, any of its officers and directors or any controlling Person thereof, and shall survive delivery of and payment for the Shares to and by the Underwriters and termination pursuant to Section 10 or 12 hereof.
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12. Effective Date of Agreement; Termination.
(a) This Agreement shall become effective upon the later of: (i) receipt by the Representative and the Company of notification of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or (ii) the execution of this Agreement. Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, the provisions of this Section 12 and of Sections 1,5, 7, 8 and 12 through 17, inclusive, shall remain in full force and effect at all times after the execution hereof, except that the Underwriter’s Warrant referenced in Section 1(f) shall not survive termination of this Agreement.
(b) The Representative shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time prior to the consummation of the Closing if: (i) any domestic or international event or act or occurrence has materially disrupted the market for the Shares, and in the opinion of the Representative is material and adverse and makes it impractical to market the Company’s securities or securities in general; or (ii) trading on the [NYSE MKT] shall have been suspended or been made subject to material limitations, or minimum or maximum prices for trading shall have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities shall have been required, on the [NYSE MKT] or by order of the Commission or any other governmental authority having jurisdiction; or (iii) a banking moratorium has been declared by any state or federal authority or if any material disruption in commercial banking or securities settlement or clearance services shall have occurred; or (iv) (A) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities or acts of terrorism involving the United States or there is a declaration of a national emergency or war by the United States or (B) there shall have been any other calamity or crisis or any change in political, financial or economic conditions if the effect of any such event in (A) or (B), in the judgment of the Representative, is so material and adverse that such event makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering, sale and delivery of the Firm Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated by the Prospectus.
(c) Any notice of termination pursuant to this Section 12 shall be in writing.
(d) If this Agreement shall be terminated pursuant to any of the provisions hereof (other than pursuant to Section 10(b) hereof), or if the sale of the Shares provided for herein is not consummated because any condition to the obligations of the Underwriters set forth herein is not satisfied or because of any refusal, inability or failure on the part of the Company to perform any agreement herein or comply with any provision hereof, the Company will reimburse the Representative for reasonable legal due diligence and other out-of-pocket expenses of up to $125,000 less any Advances previously paid.
13. Notices. All communications hereunder, except as may be otherwise specifically provided herein, shall be in writing, and:
(a) if sent to the Representative or any Underwriter, shall be mailed, delivered, or faxed and confirmed in writing, to Maxim Group LLC, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, Attention: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇, Director of Investment Banking,
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, 2014
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with a copy to Underwriters’ Counsel at Loeb & Loeb LLP, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, Attention: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, Esq.; and
(b) if sent to the Company, shall be mailed, delivered, or faxed and confirmed in writing to the Company and its counsel at the addresses set forth in the Registration Statement;
provided, however, that any notice to an Underwriter pursuant to Section 8 shall be delivered or sent by mail or facsimile transmission to such Underwriter at its address set forth in its acceptance facsimile to the Representative, which address will be supplied to any other party hereto by the Representative upon request. Any such notices and other communications shall take effect at the time of receipt thereof.
14. Parties; Limitation of Relationship. This Agreement shall inure solely to the benefit of, and shall be binding upon, the Underwriters, the Company and the controlling Persons, directors, officers, employees and agents referred to in Sections 7 and 8 hereof, and their respective successors and assigns, and no other Person shall have or be construed to have any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of or by virtue of this Agreement or any provision herein contained. This Agreement and all conditions and provisions hereof are intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties hereto and said controlling Persons and their respective successors, officers, directors, heirs, estates and legal Representative, and it is not for the benefit of any other Person. The term “successors and assigns” shall not include a purchaser, in its capacity as such, of Securities from any of the Underwriters.
15. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been executed and delivered in New York and both this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be governed as to validity, interpretation, construction, effect, and in all other respects by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to the conflicts of laws principals thereof (other than Section 5-1401 of The New York General Obligations Law). Each of the Underwriters and the Company: (a) agrees that any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement and/or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be instituted exclusively in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, (b) waives any objection which it may have or hereafter to the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding, and (c) irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in any such suit, action or proceeding. Each of the Underwriters and the Company further agrees to accept and acknowledge service of any and all process which may be served in any such suit, action or proceeding in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and agrees that service of process upon the Company mailed by certified mail to the Company’s address or delivered by Federal Express via overnight delivery shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Company, in any such suit, action or proceeding, and service of process upon the Underwriters mailed by certified mail to the Underwriters’ address or delivered by Federal Express via overnight delivery shall be deemed in every respect effective service process upon the Underwriter, in any such suit, action
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, 2014
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or proceeding. THE COMPANY (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF, THE SUBSIDIARIES AND, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ON BEHALF OF ITS RESPECTIVE EQUITY HOLDERS AND CREDITORS) HEREBY WAIVE ANY RIGHT THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY CLAIM BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS.
16. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the schedule and exhibits attached hereto and as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof, contains the entire agreement among the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof and there are no other or further agreements outstanding not specifically mentioned herein.
17. Severability. If any term or provision of this Agreement or the performance thereof shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect or render invalid or unenforceable any other provision of this Agreement and this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.
18. Amendment. This Agreement may only be amended by a written instrument executed by each of the parties hereto.
19. Waiver, etc. The failure of any of the parties hereto to at any time enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver of any such provision, nor to in any way effect the validity of this Agreement or any provision hereof or the right of any of the parties hereto to thereafter enforce each and every provision of this Agreement. No waiver of any breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument executed by the party or parties against whom or which enforcement of such waiver is sought; and no waiver of any such breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment shall be construed or deemed to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment.
20. No Fiduciary Relationship. The Company hereby acknowledges that the Underwriters are acting solely as underwriters in connection with the offering of the Company’s securities. The Company further acknowledge that the Underwriters are acting pursuant to a contractual relationship created solely by this Agreement entered into on an arm’s length basis and in no event do the parties intend that the Underwriters act or be responsible as a fiduciary to the Company, its management, shareholders, creditors or any other person in connection with any activity that the Underwriters may undertake or have undertaken in furtherance of the offering of the Company’s securities, either before or after the date hereof. The Underwriters hereby expressly disclaim any fiduciary or similar obligations to the Company, either in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any matters leading up to such transactions, and the Company hereby confirms its understanding and agreement to that effect. The Company hereby further confirms its understand that no Underwriter has assumed an advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Company with respect to the Offering contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto, including any negotiation related to the pricing of the Shares; and the Company has consulted its own legal and financial advisors to the
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, 2014
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extent it has deemed appropriate in connection with this Agreement and the Offering. The Company and the Underwriters agree that they are each responsible for making their own independent judgments with respect to any such transactions, and that any opinions or views expressed by the Underwriters to the Company regarding such transactions, including but not limited to any opinions or views with respect to the price or market for the Company’s securities, do not constitute advice or recommendations to the Company.
21. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of a signed counterpart of this Agreement by facsimile transmission or in electronic form shall constitute valid and sufficient delivery thereof.
22. Headings. The headings herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of, or to affect the meaning or interpretation of, this Agreement.
23. Time is of the Essence. Time shall be of the essence of this Agreement. As used herein, the term “business day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or any day on which the major stock exchanges in New York, New York are not open for business.
[Signature Pages Follow]
ECM Energy Services, Inc.
, 2014
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If the foregoing correctly sets forth your understanding, please so indicate in the space provided below for that purpose, whereupon this letter shall constitute a binding agreement among us.
| Very truly yours, | ||
| ECM ENERGY SERVICES, INC. | ||
| By: |
| |
| Name: |
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ | |
| Title: |
Chief Executive Officer | |
Accepted by the Representative, acting for themselves and as
Representative of the Underwriters named on Schedule A attached hereto,
as of the date first written above:
| MAXIM GROUP LLC | ||
| By: |
| |
| Name: |
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ | |
| Title: |
Executive Managing Director - Investment Banking | |
SCHEDULE A
Underwriters
| Underwriter |
Number of Firm Shares to be Purchased from the Company |
Over-Allotment Option Shares | ||
| Maxim Group LLC |
||||
| Chardan Capital Markets LLC |
||||
| Euro Pacific Capital Inc. |
||||
| Total |
||||
SCHEDULE B
Lock-Up Parties
Executive Officers, Directors and Affiliates
3% to 4.99% Holders
1% to 2.99% Holders
Annex I
Form of Lock-up Agreement
Annex II
Form of ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ LLP Opinions
44265-0000
DC\80902979.1