UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT among RESTAURANT ACQUISITION PARTNERS, INC. and CAPITAL GROWTH FINANCIAL, LLC Dated: December 15, 2006
EXHIBIT
1.1
among
and
CAPITAL
GROWTH FINANCIAL, LLC
Dated:
December 15, 2006
Orlando,
Florida
December
15, 2006
Capital
Growth Financial, LLC
000
XX
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxx
Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Dear
Sirs:
The
undersigned, Restaurant Acquisition Partners, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(“Company”), hereby confirms its agreement with Capital Growth Financial, LLC
(“CGF”) and with the other underwriters named on Schedule I hereto for
which CGF is acting as Representative (the “Representative” and, together with
the other underwriters, the “Underwriter”) as follows:
1. Purchase
and Sale of Securities.
1.1 Firm
Securities.
1.1.1 Purchase
of Firm Units.
On the
basis of the representations and warranties contained in this agreement, but
subject to the terms and conditions set forth in it, the Company agrees to
issue
and sell, severally and not jointly, to the several Underwriters, an aggregate
of 3,333,333 units (“Firm Units”) of the Company, at a purchase price (net of
discounts and commissions but before the deferred discount described in Section
3.22 and before the non-accountable expense allowance described in Section
3.10.2) of $5.715 per Firm Unit. The Underwriters, severally and not jointly,
agree to purchase from the Company the number of Firm Units set forth opposite
their respective names on Schedule I at a purchase price (net of discounts
and
commissions but before the deferred discount described in Section 3.22 and
before the non-accountable expense allowance described in Section 3.10.2) of
$5.715 per Firm Unit. The Firm Units are to be offered initially to the public
(“Offering”) at the offering price of $6.00 per Firm Unit. Each Firm Unit
consists of one share of the Company’s common stock, par value $.0001 per share
(“Common Stock”), and two warrants (“Warrant(s)”). The shares of Common Stock
and the Warrants included in the Firm Units will not be separately transferable
until 90 days after the effective date (“Effective Date”) of the Registration
Statement (as defined in Section 2.1.1) unless CGF informs the Company of its
decision to allow earlier separate trading, but in no event will CGF allow
separate trading until the preparation of an audited balance sheet of the
Company reflecting receipt by the Company of the proceeds of the Offering and
the filing of a Form 8-K by the Company that includes such balance sheet. Each
Warrant entitles its holder to exercise it to purchase one share of Common
Stock
for $4.50 during the period commencing on the later of the consummation by
the
Company of its “Business Combination” and one year from the Effective Date and
terminating on the four-year anniversary of the Effective Date unless earlier
redeemed as provided in the Warrant Agreement (as defined in Section 2.21
hereof). “Business Combination” shall mean any merger, capital stock exchange,
asset acquisition or other similar business combination consummated by the
Company with an
operating
business in the restaurant industry (as described more fully in the Registration
Statement).
1.1.2 Payment
and Delivery.
Delivery and payment for the Firm Units shall be made at 10:00 A.M., New York
time, on the third business day following the Effective Date (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 Units are called
the “Closing Date.” Payment for the Firm Units shall be made on the Closing Date
at the Representative’s election by wire transfer in Federal (same day) funds or
by certified or bank cashier’s check(s) in New York Clearing House funds,
payable as follows: $18,575,000 of the proceeds received by the Company for
the
Firm Units (which amount includes funds for (i) the Deferred Underwriter
Discount held in trust subject to Section 3.22 and (ii) the deferred
non-accountable expense allowance held in trust subject to Section 3.10.2)
shall
be deposited in the trust fund established by the Company for the benefit of
the
public stockholders as described in the Registration Statement (“Trust Fund”)
pursuant to the terms of an Investment Management Trust Agreement (“Trust
Agreement”) and the remaining proceeds shall be paid (subject to Section 3.12)
to the order of the Company upon delivery to you of certificates (in form and
substance satisfactory to the Representative) representing the Firm Units (or
through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”)) for the account
of the Underwriters. The Firm Units 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 Units 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 Units except upon tender
of
payment by the Representative for all the Firm Units.
1.2 Over-Allotment
Option.
1.2.1 Option
Units.
For the
purposes of covering any over-allotments in connection with the distribution
and
sale of the Firm Units, the Underwriters are hereby granted, severally and
not
jointly, an option to purchase up to an additional 500,000 units from the
Company (“Over-allotment Option”). Such additional 500,000 units are hereinafter
referred to as “Option Units.” The Firm Units and the Option Units are
hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Units,” and the Units, the shares
of Common Stock and the Warrants included in the Units and the shares of Common
Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants are hereinafter referred to
collectively as the “Public Securities.” The purchase price to be paid for the
Option Units will be $5.715 per Option Unit (net of discounts and commissions
but before the deferred discount described in Section 3.22) (for the avoidance
of doubt, such amount does not include any non-accountable expense
allowance).
1.2.2 Exercise
of Option.
The
Over-allotment Option granted pursuant to Section 1.2.1 hereof may be exercised
by the Representative as to all (at any time) or any part (from time to time)
of
the Option Units within 60 days after the Effective Date. The Representative
will not be under any obligation to purchase any Option Units prior to the
exercise of the Over-allotment Option. The Over-allotment Option granted hereby
may be
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exercised
by the giving of oral notice to the Company by the Representative, which must
be
confirmed in writing by overnight mail or facsimile transmission setting forth
the number of Option Units to be purchased and the date and time for delivery
of
and payment for the Option Units (the “Option Closing Date”), which will not be
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 Underwriters, at the offices
of CGF or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the
Representative. 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 in this agreement, the Underwriters will become obligated
to purchase, the number of Option Units specified in such notice.
1.2.3 Payment
and Delivery.
Payment
for the Option Units shall be made on the Option Closing Date at the
Representative’s election by wire transfer in Federal (same day) funds or by
certified or bank cashier’s check(s) in New York Clearing House funds, payable
as follows: $5.715 per Option Unit shall be deposited in the Trust Fund pursuant
to the Trust Agreement upon delivery by the Company to you of certificates
(in
form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters) representing the Option
Units (or through the facilities of DTC) for the account of the Underwriters.
The certificates representing the Option Units to be delivered will be in such
denominations and registered in such names as the Representative requests not
less than two full business days prior to the Closing Date or the Option Closing
Date, as the case may be, and will be made available to the Representative
for
inspection, checking and packaging at the aforesaid office of the Company’s
transfer agent or correspondent not less than one full business day prior to
such Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may be.
1.3 Underwriter’s
Purchase Option.
1.3.1 Purchase
Option.
The
Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to the Representative (and/or its
designees) on the Effective Date an option (“Underwriter’s Purchase Option”) for
the purchase of an aggregate of 105,000 units (“Underwriter’s Units”) for an
aggregate purchase price of $100. Each of the Underwriter’s Units is identical
to the Firm Units except that the Warrants included in the Underwriter’s Units
(“Underwriter’s Warrants”) have an exercise price of $6.00 (133⅓% of the
exercise price of the Warrants included in the Units sold to the public). The
Underwriter’s Purchase Option shall be exercisable, in whole or in part,
commencing on the later of the consummation of a Business Combination and one
year from the Effective Date and expiring on the five-year anniversary of the
Effective Date at an initial exercise price per Underwriter’s Unit of $7.20,
which is equal to 120% of the initial public offering price of a Unit. The
Underwriter’s Purchase Option, the Underwriter’s Units, the Underwriter’s
Warrants and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the
Underwriter’s Warrants are hereinafter referred to collectively as the
“Underwriter’s Securities.” The Public Securities and the Underwriter’s
Securities are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Securities.” Except
pursuant to one or more of the exceptions set forth in Rule 2710(g)(2) of the
Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, the
Underwriter’s Purchase Option shall not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged
or hypothecated, or be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative,
put
or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition
of
the Underwriter’s Purchase Option by the holder(s) thereof, for a period of one
year immediately following the date the Registration Statement (as
hereinafter
4
defined)
is declared effective by the Commission (as hereinafter defined).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Underwriter’s Purchase Option shall be
transferable to affiliates of the Underwriter.
1.3.2 Payment
and Delivery.
Subject
to Section 1.3.3, Delivery and payment for the Underwriter’s Purchase Option
shall be made on the Closing Date. The Company shall deliver to the
Underwriters, upon payment therefor, certificates for the Underwriter’s Purchase
Option in the name or names and in such authorized denominations as the
Representative may request.
1.3.3 Cashless
Exercise.
Both
the Underwriter’s Purchase Option and the Underwriter’s Warrants may be
exercised in lieu of paying the cash exercise price therefor, by the surrender
of such number of Underwriter’s Units or Underwriter’s Warrants, as the case may
be, as is equal in fair market value on the date of surrender to the exercise
price therefor.
2. Representations
and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to the
Underwriters as follows:
2.1 Filing
of Registration Statement.
2.1.1 Pursuant
to the Act.
The
Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) a
registration statement and an amendment or amendments thereto, on Form S-1
(File
No. 333-129316), including any related preliminary prospectus (“Preliminary
Prospectus”), for the registration of the Public Securities under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (“Act”), which registration statement and amendment or
amendments have been prepared by the Company in conformity with the requirements
of the Act, and the rules and regulations (“Regulations”) of the Commission
under the Act. Except as the context may otherwise require, such registration
statement, as amended, on file with the Commission at the time the registration
statement becomes effective (including the prospectus, financial statements,
schedules, exhibits and all other documents filed as a part thereof or
incorporated therein and all information deemed to be a part thereof as of
such
time pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 430A of the Regulations), is hereinafter
called the “Registration Statement,” and the form of the final prospectus dated
the Effective Date included in the Registration Statement (or, if applicable,
the form of final prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424
of
the Regulations), is hereinafter called the “Prospectus.” The Registration
Statement has been declared effective by the Commission on December 14,
2006.
The
Company has delivered to the Representative a complete, manually signed copy
of
the Registration Statement and of each consent and certificate of experts filed
as a part thereof and has delivered to the Representative conformed copies
of
the Registration Statement (without exhibits) and Preliminary Prospectuses
and
the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, in such quantities and at such
places as the Representative has reasonably requested. Each Preliminary
Prospectus used by the Underwriters pursuant to Rule 430A and the Prospectus,
as
filed by electronic transmission pursuant to XXXXX (except as may be permitted
by Regulation S-T under the Act), was identical to the copy thereof delivered
to
the Representative for use in connection with the offer and sale of the Public
Securities.
5
2.1.2 Pursuant
to the Exchange Act.
The
Company has filed with the Commission a Form 8-A (File Number 000-52262)
providing for the registration under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (“Exchange Act”), of the Units, the Common Stock and the Warrants. The
registration of the Units, Common Stock and Warrants under the Exchange Act
has
been declared effective by the Commission on the date hereof.
2.2 No
Stop
Orders, Etc. Neither the Commission nor, to the best of the Company’s
knowledge, any state regulatory authority has issued any order or threatened
to
issue any order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus
or has instituted or, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, threatened to
institute any proceedings with respect to such an order.
2.3 Disclosures
in Registration Statement.
2.3.1 10b-5
Representation.
At the
time the Registration Statement became effective and at all times subsequent
thereto up to the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus does and will contain all material
statements that are required to be stated therein in accordance with the Act
and
the Regulations, and does and will in all material respects conform to the
requirements of the Act and the Regulations; neither the Registration Statement
nor the Prospectus, nor any amendment or supplement thereto, on such dates,
does
or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein, 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) of the
Regulations) 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 or will comply in all material respects
with the applicable provisions of the Act and the Regulations and did not and
will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or 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. The representation and warranty made in this Section 2.3.1
does
not apply to statements made or statements omitted in reliance upon and in
conformity with written information furnished to the Company with respect to
the
Representative by the Underwriters expressly for use in the Registration
Statement or Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement
thereto.
2.3.2 Disclosure
of Agreements.
The
agreements and documents described in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus conform to the descriptions thereof contained therein and there
are
no agreements or other documents required to be described in the Registration
Statement 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 Prospectus, or (ii) is material
to
the Company’s business, has been duly and validly executed by the Company, is in
full force and effect 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
6
creditors’
rights generally, (y) as enforceability of any indemnification or contribution
provision may be limited under the 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, to the Company’s knowledge, no event has occurred that, with the
lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a breach or
default thereunder. To the Company’s knowledge, 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 foreign, having
jurisdiction over the Company or any of its assets or businesses, including,
without limitation, those relating to environmental laws and
regulations.
2.3.3 Prior
Securities Transactions.
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 Company’s formation, except as
disclosed in the Registration Statement.
2.3.4 Regulations.
The
disclosures in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus concerning the
effects of 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.
2.4 Changes
After Dates in Registration Statement.
2.4.1 No
Material Adverse Change.
Since
the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus, except as otherwise specifically stated therein,
(i) there has been no material adverse change in the condition, financial or
otherwise, or business prospects of the Company, (ii) there have been no
material transactions or agreements entered into by the Company, other than
as
contemplated pursuant to this Agreement, and (iii) no member of the Company’s
management has resigned from any position with the Company.
2.4.2 Recent
Securities Transactions, Etc.
Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and except as may otherwise be
indicated or contemplated herein or therein, the Company has not (i) issued
any
securities or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, for
borrowed money; or (ii) declared or paid any dividend or made any other
distribution on or in respect to its equity securities.
2.5 Independent
Accountants. Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxxx LLP (“CPA”), whose report is filed with
the Commission as part of the Registration Statement, are independent
accountants as required by the Act and the Regulations. CPA has not, during
the
periods covered by the financial statements included in the Prospectus, provided
to the Company any non-audit services, as such term is used in Section 10A(g)
of
the Exchange Act.
7
2.6 Financial
Statements. The financial statements, including the notes thereto and
supporting schedules (if any) included in the Registration Statement and
Prospectus fairly present the financial position, the results of operations
and
the cash flows of the Company at the dates and for the periods to which they
apply; such financial statements comply with the applicable accounting
requirements of the Act and the Regulations; and such financial statements
have
been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles,
consistently applied throughout the periods involved; and the supporting
schedules included in the Registration Statement (if any) present fairly the
information required to be stated therein. The summary financial data included
in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus present fairly the information
shown thereon and have been compiled on a basis consistent with the audited
financial statements presented therein. No other financial statements or
schedules are required to be included in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus. The Registration Statement discloses all material off-balance sheet
transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations),
and
other relationships of the Company with unconsolidated entities or other persons
that may have a material current or future effect on the Company’s financial
condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, liquidity,
capital expenditures, capital resources, or significant components of revenues
or expenses.
2.7 Authorized
Capital; Options; Etc. The Company had at the date or dates indicated in the
Prospectus duly authorized, issued and outstanding capitalization as set forth
in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. Based on the assumptions
stated in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, the Company will have
on the Closing Date the adjusted stock capitalization set forth therein. Except
as set forth in, or contemplated by, the Registration Statement 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 of the Company or any security
convertible into shares of Common Stock of the Company, or any contracts or
commitments to issue or sell shares of Common Stock or any such options,
warrants, rights or convertible securities.
2.8 Valid
Issuance of Securities; Etc.
2.8.1 Outstanding
Securities.
All
issued and outstanding securities of the Company have been duly authorized
and
validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; the holders thereof have
no rights of rescission with respect thereto, and are not subject to personal
liability by reason of being such holders; and none of such securities were
issued in violation of the preemptive rights of any holders of any security
of
the Company or similar contractual rights granted by the Company. The authorized
Common Stock conforms to all statements relating thereto contained in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus. The offers and sales of the
outstanding Common Stock were at all relevant times either registered under
the
Act and the applicable state securities or Blue Sky laws or, based in part
on
the representations and warranties of the purchasers of such shares of Common
Stock, exempt from such registration requirements.
2.8.2 Securities
Sold Pursuant to this Agreement and the Management Securities.
The
Securities and the additional 1,500,000 warrants being purchased from the
Company by the Initial Stockholders of the Company concurrently herewith at
a
purchase price per warrant of $0.64 (the “Management Warrants”) have been duly
authorized and, when issued
8
and
paid
for, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; the holders thereof
are not and will not be subject to personal liability by reason of being such
holders; the Securities are not and will not be subject to the preemptive rights
of any holders of any security of the Company or similar contractual rights
granted by the Company; and all corporate action required to be taken for the
authorization, issuance and sale of the Securities has been duly and validly
taken. The Securities and the Management Warrants conform in all material
respects to all statements with respect thereto contained in the Registration
Statement. When issued, the Underwriter’s Purchase Option, the Underwriter’s
Warrants, the Warrants and the Management Warrants and the shares underlying
the
Management Warrants (together with the Management Warrants, the “Management
Securities”) will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company to
issue and sell, upon exercise thereof and payment of the respective exercise
prices therefor, the number and type of securities of the Company called for
thereby in accordance with the terms thereof and such Underwriter’s Purchase
Option, the Underwriter’s Warrants, the Management Securities and the Warrants
are enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms,
except (i) as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (ii) as
enforceability of any indemnification or contribution provision may be limited
under the federal and state securities laws, and (iii) 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.
2.9 Registration
Rights of Third Parties. Except as set forth in the Prospectus, no holders
of any securities of the Company or any rights exercisable for or convertible
or
exchangeable into securities of the Company have the right to require the
Company to register any such securities of the Company under the Act or to
include any such securities in a registration statement to be filed by the
Company.
2.10 Validity
and Binding Effect of Agreements. This Agreement, the Warrant Agreement (as
defined in Section 2.21), the Trust Agreement, the Services Agreement (as
defined in Section 3.7.2), the Management Subscription Agreements (as defined
in
Section 2.22.3) and the Escrow Agreement (as defined in Section 2.22.2) have
been duly and validly authorized by the Company and constitute, and the
Underwriter’s Purchase Option, has been duly and validly authorized by the
Company and, when executed and delivered, will constitute, the valid and binding
agreements of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with
their respective terms, except (i) as such enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’
rights generally, (ii) as enforceability of any indemnification or contribution
provision may be limited under the federal and state securities laws, and (iii)
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.
2.11 No
Conflicts, Etc. The execution, delivery, and performance by the Company of
this Agreement, the Warrant Agreement, the Underwriter’s Purchase Option, the
Trust Agreement, the Services Agreement, the Management Subscription Agreements
and the Escrow Agreement, the consummation by the Company of the transactions
herein and therein contemplated and the compliance by the Company with the
terms
hereof and thereof do not and will not, with or without the giving of notice
or
the lapse of time or both (i) result in a breach of,
9
or
conflict with any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under,
or result in the creation, modification, termination or imposition of any lien,
charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company pursuant to
the
terms of any agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party except
pursuant to the Trust Agreement referred to in Section 2.24; (ii) result in
any
violation of the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws
of
the Company; or (iii) violate any existing applicable law, rule, regulation,
judgment, order or decree of any governmental agency or court, domestic or
foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its properties or
business.
2.12 No
Defaults; Violations. No material default exists in the due performance and
observance of any term, covenant or condition of any material license, contract,
indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note, loan or credit agreement, or any
other
agreement or instrument evidencing an obligation for borrowed money, or any
other material agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by
which the Company may be bound or to which any of the properties or assets
of
the Company is subject. The Company is not in violation of any term or provision
of its Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws or in violation of any material
franchise, license, permit, applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment or decree
of any governmental agency or court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction
over the Company or any of its properties or businesses.
2.13 Corporate
Power; Licenses; Consents.
2.13.1 Conduct
of Business.
The
Company has all requisite corporate power and authority, and has all necessary
authorizations, approvals, orders, licenses, certificates and permits of and
from all governmental regulatory officials and bodies that it needs as of the
date hereof to conduct its business purpose as described in the Prospectus.
The
disclosures in the Registration Statement concerning the effects of federal,
state and local regulation on this offering and the Company’s business purpose
as currently contemplated are correct in all material respects and do not omit
to state a 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.
2.13.2 Transactions
Contemplated in this Agreement.
The
Company has all corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement
and
to carry out the provisions and conditions hereof, and all consents,
authorizations, approvals and orders required in connection therewith have
been
obtained. No consent, authorization or order of, and no filing with, any court,
government agency or other body is required for the valid issuance, sale and
delivery, of the Securities and the consummation of the transactions and
agreements contemplated by this Agreement, the Warrant Agreement, the
Underwriter’s Purchase Option, the Trust Agreement, the Service Agreement, and
the Escrow Agreement and as contemplated by the Prospectus, except with respect
to applicable federal and state securities laws.
2.14 D&O
Questionnaires. To the best of the Company’s knowledge, all information
contained in the questionnaires (“Questionnaires”) completed by each of the
Company’s stockholders immediately prior to the Offering (“Initial
Stockholders”) and provided to the Underwriters as an exhibit to his or her
Insider Letter (as defined in Section 2.22.1) is true and correct and the
Company has not become aware of any information which would cause
the
10
information
disclosed in the questionnaires completed by each Initial Stockholder to become
inaccurate and incorrect.
2.15 Litigation;
Governmental Proceedings. There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry,
arbitration, investigation, litigation or governmental proceeding pending or,
to
the best of the Company’s knowledge, threatened against, or involving the
Company or, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, any Initial Stockholder,
which has not been disclosed in the Registration Statement or the
Questionnaires.
2.16 Good
Standing. The Company has been duly organized and is validly existing as a
corporation and is in good standing under the laws of its state of
incorporation, and is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing
as a
foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of
property or the conduct of business requires such qualification, except where
the failure to qualify would not have a material adverse effect on the assets,
business or operations of the Company.
2.17 Stop
Orders. The Commission has not issued any order preventing or suspending the
use of any Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus or any part thereof and has
not
threatened to issue any such order.
2.18 Transactions
Affecting Disclosure to NASD.
2.18.1 Finder’s
Fees.
Except
as described in the Prospectus, there are no claims, payments, arrangements,
agreements or understandings relating to the payment of a finder’s, consulting
or origination fee by the Company or any Initial Stockholder with respect to
the
sale of the Securities hereunder or any other arrangements, agreements or
understandings of the Company or, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, any
Initial Stockholder that may affect the Underwriters’ compensation, as
determined by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
(“NASD”).
2.18.2 Payments
Within Twelve Months.
Other
than payments to CGF, the Company has not within the twelve months prior to
the
Effective Date made any direct or indirect payments (in cash, securities or
otherwise) (i) to any person, as a finder’s fee, consulting fee or otherwise, in
consideration of such person raising capital for the Company or introducing
to
the Company persons who raised or provided capital to the Company, (ii) to
any
NASD member or (iii) to any person or entity that has any direct or indirect
affiliation or association with any NASD member.
2.18.3 Use
of
Proceeds.
None of
the net proceeds of the Offering will be paid by the Company to any
participating NASD member or its affiliates, except as specifically authorized
herein and except as may be paid in connection with a Business Combination
as
contemplated by the Prospectus.
2.18.4 Insiders’
NASD Affiliation.
Based
on questionnaires distributed to such persons, no officer, director or any
beneficial owner of the Company’s unregistered securities has any direct or
indirect affiliation or association with any NASD member. The Company will
advise the Representative and its counsel if prior to the Effective Date, it
learns
11
that
any
officer, director or owner of at least 5% of the Company’s outstanding Common
Stock is or becomes an affiliate or associated person of an NASD member
participating in the offering.
2.19 Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act. Neither the Company nor any of the Initial
Stockholders or any other person acting on behalf of the Company has, directly
or indirectly, given or agreed to give any money, gift or similar benefit (other
than legal price concessions to customers in the ordinary course of business)
to
any customer, supplier, employee or agent of a customer or supplier, or official
or employee of any governmental agency or instrumentality of any government
(domestic or foreign) or any political party or candidate for office (domestic
or foreign) or any political party or candidate for office (domestic or foreign)
or other person who was, is, or may be in a position to help or hinder the
business of the Company (or assist it in connection with any actual or proposed
transaction) that (i) might subject the Company to any damage or penalty in
any
civil, criminal or governmental litigation or proceeding, (ii) if not given
in
the past, might have had a material adverse effect on the assets, business
or
operations of the Company as reflected in any of the financial statements
contained in the Prospectus or (iii) if not continued in the future, might
adversely affect the assets, business, operations or prospects of the Company.
The Company’s internal accounting controls and procedures are sufficient to
cause the Company to comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977,
as
amended.
2.20 Officers’
Certificate. Any certificate signed by any duly authorized officer of the
Company and delivered to you or to your counsel shall be deemed a representation
and warranty by the Company to the Underwriters as to the matters covered
thereby.
2.21 Warrant
Agreement. The Company has entered into a warrant agreement with respect to
the Warrants and the Underwriter’s Warrants with Continental Stock Transfer
& Trust Company substantially in the form filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (“Warrant Agreement”).
2.22 Agreements
With Initial Stockholders.
2.22.1 Insider
Letters.
The
Company has caused to be duly executed legally binding and enforceable
agreements (except (i) as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights
generally, (ii) as enforceability of any indemnification, contribution or
noncompete provision may be limited under the federal and state securities
laws,
and (iii) 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)
annexed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registration Statement (“Insider Letters”),
pursuant to which each of the Initial Stockholders of the Company agrees to
certain matters, including but not limited to, certain matters described as
being agreed to by them under the “Proposed Business” section of the
Prospectus.
2.22.2 Escrow
Agreement.
The
Company has caused the Initial Stockholders to enter into an escrow agreement
(“Escrow Agreement”) with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company
(“Escrow Agent”) substantially in the form annexed as Exhibit 10.4 to the
Registration Statement, whereby the Common Stock owned by the Initial
Stockholders
12
will
be
held in escrow by the Escrow Agent, until the third anniversary of the date
of
the Prospectus. During such escrow period, the Initial Stockholders shall be
prohibited from selling or otherwise transferring such shares (except to spouses
and children of Initial Stockholders and trusts established for their benefit
and as otherwise set forth in the Escrow Agreement) but will retain the right
to
vote such shares. To the Company’s knowledge, each of the Escrow Agreement and
the Management Subscription Agreements (as defined in Section 2.22.3) is
enforceable against each of the Initial Stockholders and will not, with or
without the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, result in a breach
of, or conflict with any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default
under, any agreement or instrument to which any of the Initial Stockholders
is a
party. None of the Escrow Agreement or any of the Management Subscription
Agreements shall be amended, modified or otherwise changed without the prior
written consent of the Representative (such consent not to be unreasonably
withheld).
2.22.3 Management
Warrants.
Concurrently herewith, each of the Initial Stockholders is entering into a
subscription agreement (the “Management Subscription Agreements”) with the
Company in the form annexed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Registration Statement,
whereby each of the Initial Stockholders is purchasing his respective portion
of
the Management Warrants and is waiving his right to receive distributions upon
any liquidation of the Company prior to a Business Combination. The Management
Warrants consist of Warrants identical in all respects to the Warrants included
in the Units offered in the Offering, except that the Management Warrants have
cashless exercise provisions. The issuance and sale of the Management Securities
under the Management Subscription Agreements are exempt from registration
pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Act.
2.23 Investment
Management Trust Agreement. The Company has entered into the Trust Agreement
with respect to certain proceeds of the Offering substantially in the form
annexed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registration Statement, which Trust Agreement
shall not be amended, modified or otherwise changed without the prior written
consent of the Underwriters (such consent not to be unreasonably
withheld).
2.24 Covenants
Not to Compete. No Initial Stockholder, employee, officer or director 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 an Initial Stockholder, employee, officer and/or director of
the
Company.
2.25 Investment
Company Act; Investments. The Company has been advised concerning the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), and
the rules and regulations thereunder and has in the past conducted, and intends
in the future to conduct, its affairs in such a manner as to ensure that it
will
not become an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment
company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act and such rules and
regulations. The Company is not, nor will the Company become upon the sale
of
the Units and the application of the proceeds therefore as described in the
Prospectus under the caption “Use of Proceeds”, an “investment company” or a
person controlled by an “investment company” within the meaning of the
Investment Company Act. No more than 45% of the “value” (as defined in Section
2(a)(41) of the Investment Company Act) of the Company’s total assets (exclusive
of cash items and “Government
13
Securities”
(as defined in Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act) consist of,
and
no more than 45% of the Company’s net income after taxes is derived from,
securities other than the Government Securities.
2.26 Subsidiaries.
The Company does not own an interest in any corporation, partnership, limited
liability company, joint venture, trust or other business entity.
2.27 Related
Party Transactions. There are no business relationships or related party
transactions involving the Company or any other person required to be described
in the Prospectus that have not been described as required. There are no
outstanding loans, advances (except normal advances for business expenses in
the
ordinary course of business) or guarantees of indebtedness by the Company to
or
for the benefit of any of the officers or directors or Initial Stockholders
of
the Company or any of the members of the families of any of them, except as
disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
2.28 No
Distribution of Offering Material. The Company has not distributed and will
not distribute prior to the Closing Date any offering material in connection
with the offering and sale of the Units other than any Preliminary Prospectuses,
the Prospectus, the Registration Statement and other materials, if any,
permitted by the Act.
2.29 Title
to
Assets. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement and Prospectus,
the Company has good and marketable title to all properties and assets described
in the Registration Statement and Prospectus as owned by it, free and clear
of
any pledge, lien, security interest, encumbrances, claim or equitable interest,
other than such as would not have a material adverse effect on the financial
condition, earnings, operations, business or business prospects of the
Company.
2.30 Taxes.
The Company has timely filed all necessary federal, state and foreign income
and
franchise tax returns and has paid all taxes shown thereon as due, and there
is
no tax deficiency that has been or, to the best of the Company’s knowledge,
might be asserted against the Company that might have a material adverse effect
on the financial condition, earnings, operations, business or business prospects
of the Company, and all material tax liabilities are adequately provided for
on
the books of the Company.
2.31 Rule
419. Upon delivery and payment for the Firm Units on the Closing Date, the
Company will not be subject to Rule 419 under the Act and none of the Company’s
outstanding securities will be deemed to be a “xxxxx stock” as defined in Rule
3a-51-1 under the Exchange Act.
3. Covenants
of the Company. The Company covenants and agrees as follows:
3.1 Amendments
to Registration Statement. The Company will deliver to the Representative,
prior to filing, any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement
or
Prospectus proposed to be filed after the Effective Date and not file any such
amendment or supplement to which the Representative shall reasonably object
in
writing.
3.2 Federal
Securities Laws.
14
3.2.1 Compliance.
During the time when a Prospectus is required to be delivered under the Act,
the
Company will use its best efforts to comply with all requirements imposed upon
it by the Act, the Regulations and the Exchange Act and by the regulations
under
the Exchange Act, as from time to time in force, so far as necessary to permit
the continuance of sales of or dealings in the Public Securities in accordance
with the provisions hereof and the Prospectus. If at any time when a Prospectus
relating to the Public Securities is required to be delivered under the Act,
any
event shall have occurred as a result of which, in the opinion of counsel for
the Company or counsel for the Underwriters, the Prospectus, as then amended
or
supplemented, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state
any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading, or if it is necessary at any time to amend the Prospectus to
comply with the Act, the Company will notify the Representative promptly and
prepare and file with the Commission, subject to Section 3.1 hereof, an
appropriate amendment or supplement in accordance with Section 10 of the
Act.
3.2.2 Filing
of
Final Prospectus.
The
Company will file the Prospectus (in form and substance satisfactory to the
Representative) with the Commission pursuant to the requirements of Rule 424
of
the Regulations.
3.2.3 Exchange
Act Registration.
The
Company will use its best efforts to maintain the registration of the Units,
Common Stock and Warrants under the provisions of the Exchange Act for a period
of five years from the Effective Date, or until the Company is required to
be
liquidated, if earlier or, in the case of the Warrants, until the Warrants
expire and are no longer exercisable. The Company will not deregister the Units,
Common Stock or Warrants under the Exchange Act without the prior written
consent of the CGF.
3.3 Blue
Sky
Filings. The Company will use its best efforts, in cooperation with the
Representative, at or prior to the time the Registration Statement becomes
effective, to qualify the Public Securities for offering and sale under the
securities laws of such jurisdictions as the Representative may reasonably
designate, provided that no such qualification shall be required in any
jurisdiction where, as a result thereof, the Company would be subject to service
of general process or to taxation as a foreign corporation doing business in
such jurisdiction. In each jurisdiction where such qualification shall be
effected, the Company will, unless the Representative agrees that such action
is
not at the time necessary or advisable, use its best efforts to file and make
such statements or reports at such times as are or may be required by the laws
of such jurisdiction.
3.4 Delivery
to Underwriters of Prospectuses. The Company will deliver to each of the
several Underwriters, without charge, from time to time during the period when
the Prospectus is required to be delivered under the Act or the Exchange Act,
such number of copies of each Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus as
such
Underwriters may reasonably request and, as soon as the Registration Statement
or any amendment or supplement thereto becomes effective, deliver to you two
original executed Registration Statements, including exhibits, and all
post-effective amendments thereto and copies of all exhibits filed therewith
or
incorporated therein by reference and all original executed consents of
certified experts.
15
3.5 Effectiveness
and
Events Requiring Notice to the Representative. The Company will use its best
efforts to cause the Registration Statement to remain effective during the
period when the Prospectus is required to be delivered under the Act and will
notify the Representative immediately and confirm the notice in writing (i)
of
the effectiveness of the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto,
(ii)
of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order or of the initiation, or
the
threatening, of any proceeding for that purpose, (iii) of the issuance by any
state securities commission of any proceedings for the suspension of the
qualification of the Public Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction
or of the initiation, or the threatening, of any proceeding for that purpose,
(iv) of the mailing and delivery to the Commission for filing of any amendment
or supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus, (v) of the receipt
of
any comments or request for any additional information from the Commission,
and
(vi) of the happening of any event during the period described in Section 3.4
hereof that, in the judgment of the Company, makes any statement of a material
fact made in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus untrue or that
requires the making of any changes in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Company shall
not
file any amendment of the Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus
or any document incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement unless
the Company has furnished the Underwriter with a copy for review prior to filing
and shall not file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the
Underwriter reasonable objects. If the Commission or any state securities
commission shall enter a stop order or suspend such qualification at any time,
the Company will use commercially reasonable effort to obtain promptly the
lifting of such order.
3.6 Review
of
Financial Statements. Until the earlier of five years from the Effective
Date, or until such earlier time upon which the Company is required to be
liquidated, the Company, at its expense, shall cause its regularly engaged
independent certified public accountants to review (but not audit) the Company’s
financial statements for each of the first three fiscal quarters prior to the
announcement of quarterly financial information, the filing of the Company’s
Form 10-Q quarterly report and the mailing of quarterly financial information
to
stockholders.
3.7 Affiliated
Transactions.
3.7.1 Business
Combinations.
The
Company will not consummate a Business Combination with any entity which is
affiliated with any Initial Stockholder unless the Company obtains an opinion
from an independent investment banking firm that the Business Combination is
fair to the Company’s stockholders from a financial perspective.
3.7.2 Administrative
Services.
The
Company has entered into an agreement (“Services Agreement”) with Pacific Ocean
Restaurants, Inc. (“Affiliate”) substantially in the form annexed as Exhibit
10.5 to the Registration Statement pursuant to which the Affiliate will make
available to the Company general and administrative services including office
space, utilities and secretarial support for the Company’s use for $7,500 per
month.
3.7.3 Compensation.
Except
as set forth above in this Section 3.7, the Company shall not pay any Initial
Stockholder or any of their affiliates any fees or compensation from the
Company, for services rendered to the Company prior to, or in connection with,
the
16
consummation
of a Business Combination; provided that the Initial Stockholders shall be
entitled to reimbursement from the Company for their reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses incurred in connection with seeking and consummating a Business
Combination.
3.8 Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx
Act. The Company has taken all necessary actions to ensure, that, upon and
at all times after the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, it will
be
in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002
and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or implementing the
provision thereof (“Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act”) that are then in effect and is actively
taking steps to ensure that it will be in compliance with other applicable
provisions of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act not currently in effect upon the
effectiveness of such provisions.
3.9 Reports
to the Representative.
3.9.1 Periodic
Reports, Etc.
For a
period of two years from the Effective Date or until such earlier time upon
which the Company is required to be liquidated, the Company will furnish to
the
Representative (Attn: Xxxx Xxxxxx), and its counsel copies of such financial
statements and other periodic and special reports as the Company from time
to
time furnishes generally to holders of any class of its securities, and promptly
furnish to the Representative (i) a copy of each periodic report the Company
shall be required to file with the Commission, (ii) a copy of every press
release and every news item and article with respect to the Company or its
affairs which was released by the Company, (iii) a copy of each Form 8-K or
Schedules 13D, 13G, 14D-1 or 13E-4 received or prepared by the Company, (iv)
five copies of each registration statement filed by the Company with the
Commission under the Securities Act, (and (vi) such additional documents and
information with respect to the Company and the affairs of any future
subsidiaries of the Company as the Representative may from time to time
reasonably request, subject to the execution of a satisfactory confidentiality
agreement.
3.10 Payment
of Expenses.
3.10.1 General
Expenses Related to the Offering.
The
Company hereby agrees to pay on each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing
Date, if any, to the extent not paid at Closing Date, all expenses incident
to
the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement,
including but not limited to (i) the preparation, printing, filing and mailing
(including the payment of postage with respect to such mailing) of the
Registration Statement, the Preliminary and Final Prospectuses and the printing
and mailing of this Agreement and related documents, including the cost of
all
copies thereof and any amendments thereof or supplements thereto supplied to
the
Underwriters in quantities as may be required by the Underwriters, (ii) the
printing, engraving, issuance and delivery of the Units, the shares of Common
Stock and the Warrants included in the Units and the Underwriter’s Purchase
Option, including any transfer or other taxes payable thereon, (iii) the
qualification of the Public Securities under state or foreign securities or
Blue
Sky laws, including the costs of printing and mailing the “Preliminary Blue Sky
Memorandum,” and all amendments and supplements thereto, fees and disbursements
of the Representative’s counsel for such qualification (such fees and
disbursements shall not exceed $30,000 in the aggregate), (iv) filing fees,
costs and expenses (including disbursements for the Underwriter’s counsel)
incurred in registering the Offering with
17
the
NASD,
(v) fees and disbursements of the transfer and warrant agent, (vi) the Company’s
expenses associated with “due diligence” meetings arranged by the
Representative, and (vii) all other costs and expenses customarily borne by
an
issuer incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder which are not
otherwise specifically provided for in this Section 3.10.1. The Company also
agrees that, if requested by the Representative, it will engage and pay for
an
investigative search firm of the Representative’s choice to conduct an
investigation of the principals of the Company as shall be mutually selected
by
the Representative and the Company (not to exceed $2,500 per individual). The
Representative may deduct from the net proceeds of the Offering payable to
the
Company on the Closing Date, or the Option Closing Date, if any, the expenses
set forth in this Agreement to be paid by the Company to the Representative
and
others (as set forth on an agreed schedule to be furnished by the Representative
prior to the Closing Date). If the Offering contemplated by this Agreement
is
not consummated for any reason whatsoever then the Company shall reimburse
the
Representative in full for its out-of-pocket expenses, including, without
limitation, its legal fees (exclusive of legal fees for State registration
as
described above) and disbursements and “road show” and due diligence expenses,
to the extent such expenses exceed the non-accountable expense allowance
previously paid. If the amount previously paid is insufficient to cover such
actual out-of-pocket expenses, the Company shall remain liable for and promptly
pay any other actual out-of-pocket expenses.
3.10.2 Deferred
Non-accountable Expenses.
The
Company further agrees that, in addition to the expenses payable pursuant to
Section 3.10.1, upon the consummation of the initial Business Combination,
it
will pay to the Representative a non-accountable expense allowance equal to
$400,000 (of which $50,000 has previously been paid). This non-accountable
expense allowance shall be paid from the proceeds deposited in the Trust
Fund.
3.11 Application
of Net
Proceeds. The Company will apply the net proceeds from the Offering received
by it in a manner consistent with the application described under the caption
“Use Of Proceeds” in the Prospectus.
3.12 Delivery
of Earnings Statements to Security Holders. The Company will make generally
available to its security holders as soon as practicable, but not later than
the
first day of the fifteenth full calendar month following the Effective Date,
an
earnings statement (which need not be certified by independent public or
independent certified public accountants unless required by the Act or the
Regulations, but which shall satisfy the provisions of Rule 158(a) under Section
11(a) of the Act) covering a period of at least twelve consecutive months
beginning after the Effective Date.
3.13 Stabilization.
Neither the Company, nor, to its knowledge, any of its employees, directors
or
stockholders (without the consent of GCF) has taken or will take, directly
or
indirectly, any action designed to or that has constituted or that might
reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under the Exchange Act, or
otherwise, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the
Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Units.
3.14 Internal
Controls. The Company will maintain a system of internal accounting controls
sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that: (i) transactions are executed
in
18
accordance
with management’s general or specific authorization, (ii) transactions are
recorded as necessary in order to permit preparation of financial statements
in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain
accountability for assets, (iii) access to assets is permitted only in
accordance with management’s general or specific authorization, and (iv) the
recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at
reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any
differences.
3.15 Accountants.
Until the earlier of two years from the Effective Date or until such earlier
time upon which the Company is required to be liquidated, the Company shall
retain CPA, a “big Four” firm, or another independent public accountant
reasonably acceptable to CGF.
3.16 Form
8-K. The Company shall, on the date hereof, retain its independent public
accountants to audit the financial statements of the Company as of the Closing
Date (“Audited Financial Statements”) reflecting the receipt by the Company of
the proceeds of the initial public offering. As soon as the Audited Financial
Statements become available, the Company shall immediately file a Current Report
on Form 8-K with the Commission, which Report shall contain the Company’s
Audited Financial Statements.
3.17 NASD.
The Company shall advise the NASD if it is aware that any 5% or greater
stockholder of the Company becomes an affiliate or associated person of an
NASD
member participating in the distribution of the Company’s Public
Securities.
3.18 Corporate
Proceedings. All corporate proceedings and other legal matters necessary to
carry out the provisions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby shall have been done to the reasonable satisfaction of counsel for the
Representative.
3.19 Investment
Company. The Company shall cause a portion of the proceeds of the Offering
to be held in the Trust Fund to be invested only as set forth in the Trust
Agreement and as more fully described in the Prospectus. The Company will
otherwise conduct its business in a manner so that it will not become subject
to
the Investment Company Act. Furthermore, once the Company consummates a Business
Combination, it will be engaged in a business other than that of investing,
reinvesting, owning, holding or trading securities.
3.20 Insider
Warrants. The Company hereby acknowledges and agrees that, in the event the
Company calls the Warrants for redemption pursuant to the Warrant Agreement,
the
Company shall allow the Initial Stockholders to pay the exercise price of any
Warrants purchased pursuant to the Warrant Purchase Letters by surrendering
the
Warrant for that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained
by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying
the Warrant, multiplied by the difference between the Warrant Price and the
“Fair Market Value” (defined below) by (y) the Fair Market Value. The “Fair
Market Value” shall mean the average reported last sale price of the Common
Stock for the 10 trading days ending on the third business day prior to the
date
on which the notice of redemption is sent to holders of Warrant.
3.21 Transfer
Sheets. The Company agrees that, for a period of two years following the
Effective Date, the Company (at its sole expense) shall contract with the
Company’s transfer
19
agent
and
DTC to provide the Underwriter with copies of transfer sheets on a daily basis
and DTC weekly securities listings.
3.22 Deferred
Underwriter Discount. The Company acknowledges and agrees that $0.195 per
Unit (that is $650,000 or $747,500 if the over-allotment option is exercised
in
full) of the purchase price paid by the Underwriter to the Company for the
Units
shall be returned by the Company to the Underwriter from the proceeds deposited
in Trust Fund (the “Deferred Underwriter Discount”) concurrently with the
completion of the initial Business Combination.
4. Conditions
of Underwriters’ Obligations. The obligations of the several Underwriters to
purchase and pay for the Units, as provided herein, shall be subject to the
continuing accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company as
of
the date hereof and as of each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date,
if any, to the accuracy of the statements of officers of the Company made
pursuant to the provisions hereof and to the performance by the Company of
its
obligations hereunder and to the following conditions:
4.1 Regulatory
Matters.
4.1.1 Effectiveness
of Registration Statement.
The
Registration Statement shall have become effective not later than 5:00 P.M.,
New
York time, on the date of this Agreement or such later date and time as shall
be
consented to in writing by you, and, at each of the Closing Date and the Option
Closing Date, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for the purpose shall have
been instituted or shall be pending or contemplated by the Commission and any
request on the part of the Commission for additional information shall have
been
complied with by the Company to the reasonable satisfaction of the
Representative.
4.1.2 NASD
Clearance.
By the
Effective Date, the Representative shall have received clearance from the NASD
as to the amount of compensation allowable or payable to the Underwriters as
described in the Registration Statement.
4.1.3 No
Blue Sky Stop Orders.
No
order suspending the sale of the Units in any jurisdiction designated by you
pursuant to Section 3.3 hereof shall have been issued on either on the Closing
Date or the Option Closing Date, and no proceedings for that purpose shall
have
been instituted or shall be contemplated.
4.2 Company
Counsel Matters.
4.2.1 Closing
Date Opinion of Counsel.
On each
of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, the Representative shall have
received the favorable opinion of counsel to the Company, dated the Closing
Date, addressed to the Representative and in form and substance satisfactory
to
the Representative and its counsel to the effect that:
(i) The
Company has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation and
is
in good standing under the laws of its state of incorporation. The Company
is
duly qualified and in good standing as a foreign corporation in each
jurisdiction in which its ownership or leasing of any properties or the
character of its operations requires such
20
qualification,
except where the failure to qualify would not have a material adverse effect
on
the assets, business or operations of the Company.
(ii) All
issued and outstanding securities of the Company have been duly authorized
and
validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; the holders thereof are
not subject to personal liability by reason of being such holders; and none
of
such securities were issued in violation of the preemptive rights of any
stockholder of the Company arising by operation of law or under the Certificate
of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company. The offers and sales of the
outstanding Common Stock were at all relevant times either registered under
the
Act or exempt from such registration requirements. The authorized capital stock
of the Company is as set forth in the Prospectus.
(iii) The
Securities and the Management Securities have been duly authorized and, when
issued and paid for, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable;
the
holders thereof are not and will not be subject to personal liability by reason
of being such holders. The Securities and the Management Securities are not
and
will not be subject to the preemptive rights of any holders of any security
of
the Company arising by operation of law or under the Certificate of
Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company. When issued, the Underwriter’s Purchase
Option, the Underwriter’s Warrants, the Management Securities, the Management
Warrants and the Warrants will constitute valid and binding obligations of
the
Company to issue and sell, upon exercise thereof and payment therefor, the
number and type of securities of the Company called for thereby and such
Warrants, the Underwriter’s Purchase Option, and the Underwriter’s Warrants,
Management Securities and Management Warrants, when issued, in each case, are
enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms,
except (a) as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (b) as
enforceability of any indemnification or contribution provision may be limited
under the federal and state securities laws, and (c) 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.
(iv) This
Agreement, the Warrant Agreement, the Services Agreement, the Trust Agreement,
the Management Subscription Agreements and the Escrow Agreement have each been
duly and validly authorized and, when executed and delivered by the Company,
constitute, and the Underwriter’s Purchase Option has been duly and validly
authorized by the Company and, when executed and delivered, will constitute,
the
valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company
in
accordance with their respective terms, except (a) as such enforceability may
be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting
creditors’ rights generally, (b) as enforceability of any indemnification or
contribution provisions may be limited under the federal and state securities
laws, and (c) 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.
(v) The
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Warrant Agreement,
the Underwriter’s Purchase Option, the Escrow Agreement, the Trust Agreement,
the Management Subscription Agreements and the Services Agreement
21
and
compliance by the Company with the terms and provisions thereof and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, and the issuance and
sale
of the Securities and the Management Securities, do not and will not, with
or
without the giving of notice or the lapse of time, or both, (a) to such
counsel’s knowledge, conflict with, or result in a breach of, any of the terms
or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation
or
modification of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any
of
the properties or assets of the Company pursuant to the terms of, any mortgage,
deed of trust, note, indenture, loan, contract, commitment or other agreement
or
instrument filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, (b) result in
any
violation of the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws
of
the Company, or (c) to such counsel’s knowledge, violate any United States
statute or any judgment, order or decree, rule or regulation applicable to
the
Company of any court, domestic or foreign, or of any federal, state or other
regulatory authority or other governmental body having jurisdiction over the
Company, its properties or assets.
(vi) The
Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus and any
post-effective amendments or supplements thereto (other than the financial
statements included therein, as to which no opinion need be rendered) each
as of
their respective dates complied as to form in all material respects with the
requirements of the Act and Regulations. The Securities, all other securities
issued or issuable by the Company, and each agreement filed as an exhibit to
the
Registration Statement conform in all material respects to the description
thereof contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. The
descriptions in the Registration Statement and in the Prospectus, insofar as
such statements constitute a summary of statutes, legal matters, contracts,
documents or proceedings referred to therein, fairly present in all material
respects the information required to be shown with respect to such statutes,
legal matters, contracts, documents and proceedings, and such counsel does
not
know of any statutes or legal or governmental proceedings required to be
described in the Prospectus that are not described in the Registration Statement
or the Prospectus or included as exhibits to the Registration Statement that
are
not described or included as required (provided that no opinion need be rendered
with respect to the “blue sky” matters and statutes described under
“Underwriting”). Upon delivery and payment for the Firm Units on the Closing
Date, the Company will not be subject to Rule 419 under the Act and none of
the
Company’s outstanding securities will be deemed to be a “xxxxx stock” as defined
in Rule 3a-51-1 under the Exchange Act.
(vii) Counsel
has participated in conferences with officers and other representatives of
the
Company, representatives of the independent public accountants for the Company
and representatives of the Underwriters at which the contents of the
Registration Statement, the Prospectus and related matters were discussed and
although such counsel is not passing upon and does not assume any responsibility
for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements contained in the
Registration Statement and Prospectus (except as otherwise set forth in this
opinion), such counsel has no knowledge of any facts which lead them to believe
that either the Registration Statement, as of the Effective Date, contained
an
untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, as of the date of
such
opinion, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state
a
material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (it being understood
that such counsel need express
22
no
opinion with respect to the financial statements and schedules and other
financial and statistical data included in the Registration Statement or
Prospectus).
(viii) The
Registration Statement is effective under the Act. To such counsel’s knowledge,
no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has
been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are
pending or threatened under the Act.
(ix) To
such
counsel’s knowledge, there is no action, suit or proceeding before or by any
court of governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, now pending, or
threatened against the Company that is required to be described in the
Registration Statement.
4.2.2 Reliance.
In
rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely (i) as to matters involving the
application of laws other than the laws of the United States and jurisdictions
in which they are admitted, to the extent such counsel deems proper and to
the
extent specified in such opinion, if at all, upon an opinion or opinions (in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative) of other
counsel reasonably acceptable to the Representative, familiar with the
applicable laws, and (ii) as to matters of fact, to the extent they deem proper,
on certificates or other written statements of officers of the Company and
officers of departments of various jurisdictions having custody of documents
respecting the corporate existence or good standing of the Company, provided
that copies of any such statements or certificates shall be delivered to the
Representative’s counsel if requested. The opinion of counsel for the Company
and any opinion relied upon by such counsel for the Company shall include a
statement to the effect that it may be relied upon by counsel for the
Representative in its opinion delivered to the Representative.
4.3 Cold
Comfort Letter. At the time this Agreement is executed, and at each of the
Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, you shall have received a
letter, addressed to the Underwriter and in form and substance satisfactory
in
all respects (including the non-material nature of the changes or decreases,
if
any, referred to in clause (iii) below) to you from CPA dated, respectively,
as
of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date and the Option Closing
Date, if any:
(i) Confirming
that they are registered independent accountants with respect to the Company
within the meaning of the Act and the applicable Regulations and that they
have
not, during the periods covered by the financial statements included in the
Prospectus, provided to the Company any non-audit services, as such term is
used
in Section 10A(g) of the Exchange Act;
(ii) Stating
that in their opinion the financial statements of the Company included in the
Registration Statement and Prospectus comply as to form in all material respects
with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act and the published
Regulations thereunder;
(iii) Stating
that, on the basis of a limited review which included a reading of the latest
available unaudited interim financial statements of the Company
23
(with
an
indication of the date of the latest available unaudited interim financial
statements), a reading of the latest available minutes of the stockholders
and
board of directors and the various committees of the board of directors,
consultations with officers and other employees of the Company responsible
for
financial and accounting matters and other specified procedures and inquiries,
nothing has come to their attention which would lead them to believe that (a)
the unaudited financial statements of the Company included in the Registration
Statement do not comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable
accounting requirements of the Act and the Regulations or are not fairly
presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied
on
a basis substantially consistent with that of the audited financial statements
of the Company included in the Registration Statement, (b) at a date not later
than five days prior to the Effective Date, Closing Date or Option Closing
Date,
as the case may be, there was any change in the capital stock or long-term
debt
of the Company, or any decrease in the stockholders’ equity of the Company as
compared with amounts shown in the October 29, 2006 balance sheet included
in
the Registration Statement, other than as set forth in or contemplated by the
Registration Statement, or, if there was any decrease, setting forth the amount
of such decrease, and (c) during the period from October 29, 2006 to a specified
date not later than five days prior to the Effective Date, Closing Date or
Option Closing Date, as the case may be, there was any decrease in revenues,
net
earnings or net earnings per share of Common Stock, in each case as compared
with the corresponding period in the preceding year and as compared with the
corresponding period in the preceding quarter, other than as set forth in or
contemplated by the Registration Statement, or, if there was any such decrease,
setting forth the amount of such decrease;
(iv) Setting
forth, at a date not later than five days prior to the Effective Date, the
amount of liabilities of the Company (including a break-down of commercial
papers and notes payable to banks);
(v) Stating
that they have compared specific dollar amounts, numbers of shares, percentages
of earnings, statements and other financial information pertaining to the
Company set forth in the Prospectus in each case to the extent that such
amounts, numbers, percentages, statements and information may be derived from
the general accounting records, including work sheets, of the Company and
excluding any questions requiring an interpretation by legal counsel, with
the
results obtained from the application of specified readings, inquiries and
other
appropriate procedures (which procedures do not constitute an examination in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards) set forth in the letter
and found them to be in agreement;
(vi) Stating
that they have not during the immediately preceding five year period brought
to
the attention of the Company’s management any reportable condition related to
internal structure, design or operation as defined in the Statement on Auditing
Standards No. 60 “Communication of Internal Control Structure Related Matters
Noted in an Audit,” in the Company’s internal controls; and
(vii) Statements
as to such other matters incident to the transaction contemplated hereby as
you
may reasonably request.
24
4.4 Officers’
Certificates.
4.4.1 Officers’
Certificate.
At each
of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, the Representative
shall have received a certificate of the Company signed by the Chairman of
the
Board or the President and the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Company,
dated the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as the case may be,
respectively, to the effect that the Company has performed all covenants and
complied with all conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or
complied with by the Company prior to and as of the Closing Date, or the Option
Closing Date, as the case may be, and that the conditions set forth in Section
4.5 hereof have been satisfied as of such date and that, as of Closing Date
and
the Option Closing Date, as the case may be, the representations and warranties
of the Company set forth in Section 2 hereof are true and correct. In addition,
the Representative will have received such other and further certificates of
officers of the Company as the Representative may reasonably request. Such
certificate shall include a statement to the effect that it may be relied upon
by counsel for the Representative in any opinion it may deliver to the
Underwriters.
4.4.2 Secretary’s
Certificate.
At each
of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, the Underwriter shall
have received a certificate of the Company signed by the Secretary or Assistant
Secretary of the Company, dated the Closing Date or the Option Date, as the
case
may be, respectively, certifying (i) that the Bylaws and Certificate of
Incorporation of the Company are true and complete, have not been modified
and
are in full force and effect, (ii) that the resolutions relating to the public
offering contemplated by this Agreement are in full force and effect and have
not been modified, (iii) all correspondence between the Company or its counsel
and the Commission, (iv) as to the incumbency of the officers of the Company
(v)
no action is pending in contemplation of merger, consolidation or liquidation,
dissolution or reorganization of the Company or for the sale, lease or other
transfer of all or substantially all of its assets, (vi) the minute books and
records of the Company made available to Representative’s counsel are its
original (or true copies thereof) and complete minute books and records; (vii)
attached is a true, correct and complete specimen of a certificate of the Units,
shares of Common Stock and warrants of the Company; and (viii) each officer
or
director who signed the registration statement was duly elected or appointed.
The documents referred to in such certificate shall be attached to such
certificate.
4.5 No
Material Changes. Prior to and on each of the Closing Date and the Option
Closing Date, if any, (i) there shall have been no material adverse change
or
development involving a prospective material adverse change in the condition
or
prospects or the business activities, financial or otherwise, of the Company
from the latest dates as of which such condition is set forth in the
Registration Statement and Prospectus, (ii) no action suit or proceeding, at
law
or in equity, shall have been pending or threatened against the Company or
any
Initial Stockholder before or by any court or federal or state commission,
board
or other administrative agency wherein an unfavorable decision, ruling or
finding may materially adversely affect the business, operations, prospects
or
financial condition or income of the Company, except as set forth in the
Registration Statement and Prospectus, (iii) no stop order shall have been
issued under the Act and no proceedings therefor shall have been initiated
or
threatened by the Commission, and (iv) the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto shall contain all material
statements which are required to be stated therein in accordance with the Act
and the Regulations and shall conform in all material
25
respects
to the requirements of the Act and the Regulations, and neither the Registration
Statement nor the Prospectus nor any amendment or supplement thereto shall
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
4.6 Delivery
of Agreements.
4.6.1 Effective
Date Deliveries.
On the
Effective Date, the Company shall have delivered to the Underwriter executed
copies of the Escrow Agreement, the Trust Agreement, the Warrant Agreement,
the
Services Agreement, the Management Subscription Agreements and all of the
Insider Letters.
4.6.2 Closing
Date Deliveries.
On the
Closing Date, the Company shall have delivered to the Representative executed
copies of the Underwriter’s Purchase Option.
4.7 Opinion
of
Counsel for the Underwriters. All proceedings taken in connection with the
authorization, issuance or sale of the Securities as herein contemplated shall
be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to you and to the
Representative’s counsel and you shall have received from such counsel a
favorable opinion, dated the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any,
with respect to such of these proceedings as you may reasonably require. On
or
prior to the Effective Date, the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date,
as
the case may be, counsel for the Underwriters shall have been furnished such
documents, certificates and opinions as they may reasonably require for the
purpose of enabling them to review or pass upon the matters referred to in
this
Section 4.7, or in order to evidence the accuracy, completeness or satisfaction
of any of the representations, warranties or conditions herein
contained.
4.8 Secondary
Market Trading Survey and Blue Sky Memorandum. On the Closing Date, the
Representative shall have received the Secondary Market Trading Survey and
all
supplements and amendments to the Preliminary Blue Sky Memorandum.
4.9 Quotation
on the NASD OTC Bulletin Board. On the Closing Date, the Public Securities
shall have been approved for quotation on the NASD OTC Bulletin
Board.
4.10 Completion
of the Private Offering. On the Closing Date, the private offering of the
Management Securities contemplated under Section 2.8.2 shall have been completed
and the proceeds of such offering in the aggregate sum of $960,000 shall have
been transferred to the Trust Fund.
5. Indemnification.
5.1 Indemnification
of Underwriters.
5.1.1 General.
Subject
to the conditions set forth below, the Company agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless each of the Underwriters and each of their respective directors,
officers and employees and each person, if any, who controls any such
Underwriter (“controlling person”) within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act
or Section 20(a) of the
26
Exchange
Act, against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever
(including but not limited to any and all legal or other expenses reasonably
incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation,
commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever, whether arising out of any
action between any of the Underwriters and the Company or between any of the
Underwriters and any third party or otherwise) to which they or any of them
may
become subject under the Act, the Exchange Act or any other statute or at common
law or otherwise or under the laws of foreign countries, arising out of or
based
upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained (i) in any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement or
the
Prospectus (as from time to time each may be amended and supplemented); (ii)
in
any post-effective amendment or amendments or any new registration statement
and
prospectus in which is included securities of the Company issued or issuable
upon exercise of the Underwriter’s Purchase Option; (iii) any
materials or information provided to investors by, or with the approval of,
the
Company in connection with marketing or the offering of the Securities,
including any “road show” or investor presentations made by the Company; or (iv)
in
application or other document or written communication (in this Section 5
collectively called “application”) executed by the Company or based upon written
information furnished by the Company in any jurisdiction in order to qualify
the
Securities under the securities laws thereof or filed with the Commission,
any
state securities commission or agency, Nasdaq or any securities exchange; or
the
omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, unless such statement
or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information
furnished to the Company with respect to an Underwriter by or on behalf of
such
Underwriter expressly for use in any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration
Statement or Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereof or in any
application, as the case may be. With respect to any untrue statement or
omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in the Preliminary
Prospectus, the indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph shall not inure
to the benefit of any Underwriter to the extent that any loss, liability, claim,
damage or expense of such Underwriter results from the fact that a copy of
the
Prospectus was not given or sent to the person asserting any such loss,
liability, claim or damage at or prior to the written confirmation of sale
of
the Securities to such person as required by the Act and the Regulations, and
if
the untrue statement or omission has been corrected in the Prospectus, unless
such failure to deliver the Prospectus was a result of non-compliance by the
Company with its obligations under Section 3.4 hereof. The Company agrees
promptly to notify the Representative of the commencement of any litigation
or
proceedings against the Company or any of its officers, directors or controlling
persons in connection with the issue and sale of the Securities or in connection
with the Registration Statement or Prospectus.
5.1.2 Procedure.
If any
action is brought against an Underwriter, or a controlling person in respect
of
which indemnity may be sought against the Company pursuant to Section 5.1.1,
such Underwriter shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the institution
of such action and the Company shall assume the defense of such action,
including the employment and fees of counsel (subject to the reasonable approval
of such Underwriter) and payment of actual expenses. Such Underwriter or
controlling person shall have the right to employ its or their own counsel
in
any such case, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense
of such Underwriter or controlling person unless (i) the employment of such
counsel at the expense of the Company shall have been authorized in writing
by
the Company in
27
connection
with the defense of such action, or (ii) the Company shall not have employed
counsel to have charge of the defense of such action, or (iii) such indemnified
party or parties shall have received an opinion of counsel to the effect that
there may be defenses available to it or them which are different from or
additional to those available to the Company (in which case the Company shall
not have the right to direct the defense of such action on behalf of the
indemnified party or parties), in any of which events the reasonable fees and
expenses of not more than one additional firm of attorneys selected by the
Underwriter, and/or controlling person shall be borne by the Company.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the Underwriter
or
controlling person shall assume the defense of such action as provided above,
the Company shall have the right to approve the terms of any settlement of
such
action which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. This indemnification
provided for in this Section 5.1 shall not be available to any party who shall
fail to give prompt notice as provided in this Section 5.1.2 if the Company
was
unaware of the proceeding to which such notice would have related and was
actually prejudiced by the failure to give such prompt notice; provided,
however, that indemnification shall only be limited to the extent of such
prejudice; provided, further, that, the omission so to notify the Company will
not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party
otherwise than under this Section 5.1. The Company shall not without the prior
written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending
or threatened proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could
have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement
includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability
on claims that are the subject matter of such proceedings.
5.2 Indemnification
of
the Company. Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors, officers and employees
and agents who control the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Act
or Section 20 of the Exchange Act against any and all loss, liability, claim,
damage and expense described in the foregoing indemnity from the Company to
the
several Underwriters, as incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements
or
omissions, or alleged untrue statements or omissions made in any Preliminary
Prospectus, the Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or
supplement thereto or in any application, in reliance upon, and in strict
conformity with, written information furnished to the Company with respect
to
such Underwriter by or on behalf of the Underwriter expressly for use in such
Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement or Prospectus or any
amendment or supplement thereto or in any such application. In case any action
shall be brought against the Company or any other person so indemnified based
on
any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement or Prospectus or any
amendment or supplement thereto or any application, and in respect of which
indemnity may be sought against any Underwriter, such Underwriter shall have
the
rights and duties given to the Company, and the Company and each other person
so
indemnified shall have the rights and duties given to the several Underwriters
by the provisions of Section 5.1.2.
5.3 Contribution.
5.3.1 Contribution
Rights.
In
order to provide for just and equitable contribution under the Act in any case
in which (i) any person entitled to indemnification under this Section 5 makes
claim for indemnification pursuant hereto but it is judicially determined (by
the entry of a final judgment or decree by a court of competent jurisdiction
and
the expiration of
28
time
to
appeal or the denial of the last right of appeal) that such indemnification
may
not be enforced in such case notwithstanding the fact that this Section 5
provides for indemnification in such case, or (ii) contribution under the Act,
the Exchange Act or otherwise may be required on the part of any such person
in
circumstances for which indemnification is provided under this Section 5, then,
and in each such case, the Company and the Underwriters shall contribute to
the
aggregate losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses of the nature
contemplated by said indemnity agreement incurred by the Company and the
Underwriters, in such proportions as is appropriate to reflect (a) the relative
benefits received by the indemnifying party or parties on the one hand and
the
indemnified party on the other, from the Offering; or (b) if the allocation
provided by the foregoing clause (a) is not permitted by applicable law, not
only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the indemnifying
party or parties on the one hand and the indemnified party on the other, in
connection with the statements or omissions or alleged statements or omissions
that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in
respect thereof). The relative benefit received by the Company on the one hand
and the Underwriters on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion
as the total proceeds from the Offering (before deducting expenses) received
by
the Company bear to the total underwriting discounts and commissions received
by
the Underwriters; provided, that, no person guilty of a fraudulent
misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be
entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent
misrepresentation. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5.3.1, no
Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount
by which the total price at which the Public Securities underwritten by it
and
distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of
any
damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay in respect
of
such losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses. For purposes of this
Section, each director, officer and employee of an Underwriter or the Company,
as applicable, and each person, if any, who controls an Underwriter or the
Company, as applicable, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act shall have
the same rights to contribution as the Underwriters or the Company, as
applicable.
5.3.2 Contribution
Procedure.
Within
fifteen days after receipt by any party to this Agreement (or its
representative) of notice of the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding,
such party will, if a claim for contribution in respect thereof is to be made
against another party (“contributing party”), notify the contributing party of
the commencement thereof, but the omission to so notify the contributing party
will not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any other party
other than for contribution hereunder. In case any such action, suit or
proceeding is brought against any party, and such party notifies a contributing
party or its representative of the commencement thereof within the aforesaid
fifteen days, the contributing party will be entitled to participate therein
with the notifying party and any other contributing party similarly notified.
Any such contributing party shall not be liable to any party seeking
contribution on account of any settlement of any claim, action or proceeding
effected by such party seeking contribution on account of any settlement of
any
claim, action or proceeding effected by such party seeking contribution without
the written consent of such contributing party. The contribution provisions
contained in this Section are intended to supersede, to the extent permitted
by
law, any right to contribution under the Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise
available. The Underwriters’ obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section
5.3 are several and not joint.
29
6. Default
by an Underwriter.
6.1 Default
Not Exceeding 10% of Firm Units or Option Units. If any Underwriter or
Underwriters shall default in its or their obligations to purchase the Firm
Units or the Option Units, if the over-allotment option is exercised, hereunder,
and if the number of the Firm Units or Option Units with respect to which such
default relates does not exceed in the aggregate 10% of the number of Firm
Units
or Option Units that all Underwriters have agreed to purchase hereunder, then
such Firm Units or Option Units to which the default relates shall be purchased
by the non-defaulting Underwriters in proportion to their respective commitments
hereunder.
6.2 Default
Exceeding 10% of Firm Units or Option Units. In the event that the default
addressed in Section 6.1 above relates to more than 10% of the Firm Units or
Option Units, you may in your discretion arrange for yourself or for another
party or parties to purchase such Firm Units or Option Units to which such
default relates on the terms contained herein. If within one business day after
such default relating to more than 10% of the Firm Units or Option Units you
do
not arrange for the purchase of such Firm Units or Option Units, then the
Company shall be entitled to a further period of one business day within which
to procure another party or parties satisfactory to you to purchase said Firm
Units or Option Units on such terms. In the event that neither you nor the
Company arrange for the purchase of the Firm Units or Option Units to which
a
default relates as provided in this Section 6, this Agreement will be terminated
by you or the Company without liability on the part of the Company (except
as
provided in Sections 3.13 and 5 hereof) or the several Underwriters (except
as
provided in Section 5 hereof); provided, however, that if such default occurs
with respect to the Option Units, this Agreement will not terminate as to the
Firm Units; and provided further that nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting
Underwriter of its liability, if any, to the other several Underwriters and
to
the Company for damages occasioned by its default hereunder.
6.3 Postponement
of
Closing Date. In the event that the Firm Units or Option Units to which the
default relates are to be purchased by the non-defaulting Underwriters, or
are
to be purchased by another party or parties as aforesaid, you or the Company
shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date or Option Closing Date for
a
reasonable period, but not in any event exceeding five 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 to the Registration Statement
or
the Prospectus that in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters may thereby
be made necessary. The term “Underwriter” as used in this Agreement shall
include any party substituted under this Section 6 with like effect as if it
had
originally been a party to this Agreement with respect to such
Securities.
7. Right
to
Appoint Representative. For the period of two years from the Effective Date,
upon notice from the Representative to the Company, the Representative shall
have the right to send a representative (who need not be the same individual
from meeting to meeting, provided such person is reasonably acceptable to the
Company) to observe each meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company;
provided that such representative shall sign a Regulation FD compliant
confidentiality agreement which is reasonably acceptable to the Representative
and its counsel in connection with such representative’s attendance at meetings
of the Board of Directors; and provided further that upon written notice to
the
Underwriters, the Company may
30
exclude
the representative from meetings where, in the written opinion of counsel for
the Company, the representative’s presence would destroy the attorney-client
privilege. The Company agrees to give the Representative written notice of
each
such meeting and to provide the Representative with an agenda and minutes of
the
meeting no later than it gives such notice and provides such items to the other
directors.
8. Additional
Covenants.
8.1 Additional
Shares or Options. The Company hereby agrees that until the earlier of (1)
six months after the Effective Date and (2) the time the Company consummates
a
Business Combination, it shall not issue any shares of Common Stock or any
options or other securities convertible into Common Stock, or any shares of
Preferred Stock which participate in any manner in the Trust Fund or which
vote
as a class with the Common Stock on a Business Combination; except that the
foregoing shall not restrict the Company’s ability to issue shares in connection
with the Business Combination or pursuant to a stock option or other similar
compensation plan.
8.2 Trust
Fund
Waiver Acknowledgment. The Company hereby agrees that it will not commence
its due diligence investigation of any operating business which the Company
seeks to acquire (“Target Business”) or obtain the services of any vendor unless
and until such Target Business or vendor acknowledges in writing, whether
through a letter of intent, memorandum of understanding or other similar
document (and subsequently acknowledges the same in any definitive document
replacing any of the foregoing), that (a) it has read the Prospectus and
understands that the Company has established the Trust Fund, initially in an
amount of $19,535,000 for the benefit of the public stockholders and that the
Company may disburse monies from the Trust Fund only (i) to the public
stockholders in the event they elect to convert their IPO Shares (as defined
below in Section 8.8), (ii) to the public stockholders upon the liquidation
of
the Company if the Company fails to consummate a Business Combination or (iii)
to the Company, net of any deferred amounts payable to the Underwriters under
Sections 3.11.2 or 3.23, after, or concurrently with, the consummation of a
Business Combination and (b) for and in consideration of the Company (1)
agreeing to evaluate such Target Business for purposes of consummating a
Business Combination with it or (2) agreeing to engage the services of the
vendor, as the case may be, such Target Business or vendor agrees that it does
not have any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies
in
the Trust Fund (“Claim”) and waives any Claim it may have in the future as a
result of, or arising out of, any negotiations, contracts or agreements with
the
Company and will not seek recourse against the Trust Fund for any reason
whatsoever.
8.3 Insider
Letters. The Company shall not take any action or omit to take any action
which would cause a breach of any of the Insider Letters executed by each
Initial Stockholder and will not allow any amendments to, or waivers of, such
Insider Letters without the prior written consent of the
Representative.
8.4 Certificate
of
Incorporation and Bylaws. The Company shall not take any action or omit to
take any action that would cause the Company to be in breach or violation of
its
Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws. Prior to the consummation of a Business
Combination,
31
the
Company will not amend its Certificate of Incorporation without the prior
written consent of the Representative (such consent not to be unreasonably
withheld).
8.5 Blue
Sky
Requirements. The Company shall provide counsel to the Underwriter with ten
copies of all proxy information and all related material filed with the
Commission in connection with a Business Combination concurrently with such
filing with the Commission. In addition, the Company shall furnish any other
state in which its initial public offering was registered, such information
as
may be requested by such state.
8.6 Acquisition/Liquidation
Procedure. The Company agrees: (i) that, prior to the consummation of any
Business Combination, it will submit such transaction to the Company’s
stockholders for their approval (“Business Combination Vote”) even if the nature
of the acquisition is such as would not ordinarily require stockholder approval
under applicable state law; and (ii) that, in the event that the Company does
not effect a Business Combination within 18 months from the consummation of
this
Offering (subject to extension for an additional six-month period, as described
in the Prospectus), the Company will be liquidated and will distribute to all
holders of IPO Shares (defined below) an aggregate sum equal to the Company’s
“Liquidation Value.” The Company’s “Liquidation Value” shall mean the Company’s
book value, as determined by the Company and audited by CPA. In no event,
however, will the Company’s Liquidation Value be less than the Trust Fund,
inclusive of any net interest income thereon. Only holders of IPO Shares shall
be entitled to receive liquidating distributions and the Company shall pay
no
liquidating distributions with respect to any other shares of capital stock
of
the Company. With respect to the Business Combination Vote, the Company shall
cause all of the Initial Stockholders to vote the shares of Common Stock owned
by them immediately prior to this Offering, as well as any shares of Common
Stock acquired in connection with or following the offering, in accordance
with
the vote of the holders of a majority of the IPO Shares present, in person
or by
proxy, at a meeting of the Company’s stockholders called for the Business
Combination Vote. At the time the Company seeks approval of any potential
Business Combination, the Company will offer each holder of Common Stock issued
in this Offering (“IPO Shares”) the right to convert their IPO Shares at a per
share price (“Conversion Price”) equal to the amount in the Trust Fund
(inclusive of any interest income therein) calculated as of two business days
prior to the consummation of the proposed Business Combination divided by the
total number of IPO Shares. If holders of less than 20% in interest of the
Company’s IPO Shares elect to convert their IPO Shares, the Company may, but
will not be required to, proceed with such Business Combination. If the Company
elects to so proceed, it will convert shares, based upon the Conversion Price,
from those holders of IPO Shares who affirmatively requested such conversion
and
who voted against the Business Combination. If holders of 20% or more in
interest of the IPO Shares, who vote against approval of any potential Business
Combination, elect to convert their IPO Shares, the Company will not proceed
with such Business Combination and will not convert such shares.
8.7 Rule
419. The Company agrees that it will use its best efforts to prevent the
Company from becoming subject to Rule 419 under the Act prior to the
consummation of any Business Combination, including but not limited to using
its
best efforts to prevent any of the Company’s outstanding securities from being
deemed to be a “xxxxx stock” as defined in Rule 3a-51-1 under the Exchange Act
during such period.
32
8.8 Affiliated
Transactions. The Company shall cause each of the Initial Stockholders to
agree that, in order to minimize potential conflicts of interest which may
arise
from multiple affiliations, the Initial Stockholders will present to the Company
for its consideration, prior to presentation to any other person or company,
any
suitable opportunity to acquire an operating business, until the earlier of
the
consummation by the Company of a Business Combination, the liquidation of the
Company or until such time as the Initial Stockholders cease to be an officer
or
director of the Company, subject to any pre-existing fiduciary or contractual
obligations the Initial Stockholders might have, or new fiduciary obligations
related to or affiliated with entities to whom such Initial Stockholders have
pre-existing fiduciary obligations including, but not limited to, fiduciary
obligations to next generation, follow-on or successor entities to any entities
to which such Initial Stockholders have pre-existing obligations or as otherwise
set forth in the Registration Statement.
8.9 Target
Net
Assets. The Company agrees that the initial Target Business that it acquires
must have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the Company’s net assets
(all of the Company’s assets, including the funds held in the Trust Fund, less
the Company’s liabilities) at the time of such acquisition. The fair market
value of such business must be determined by the Board of Directors of the
Company based upon standards generally accepted by the financial community,
such
as actual and potential sales, earnings and cash flow and book value. If the
Board of Directors of the Company is not able to independently determine that
the target business has a fair market value of at least 80% of the Company’s net
assets at the time of such acquisition, the Company will obtain an opinion
from
an unaffiliated, independent investment banking firm which is a member of the
NASD with respect to the satisfaction of such criteria. The Company is not
required to obtain an opinion from an investment banking firm as to the fair
market value if the Company’s Board of Directors independently determines that
the Target Business does have sufficient fair market value.
9. Representations
and Agreements to Survive Delivery. Except as the context otherwise
requires, all representations, warranties and agreements contained in this
Agreement shall be deemed to be representations, warranties and agreements
at
the Closing Date or Option Closing Date and such representations, warranties
and
agreements of the Underwriters and Company, including the indemnity agreements
contained in Section 5 hereof, shall remain operative and in full force and
effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter,
the Company or any controlling person, and shall survive termination of this
Agreement or the issuance and delivery of the Securities to the several
Underwriters until the earlier of the expiration of any applicable statute
of
limitations and the seventh anniversary of the later of the Closing Date or
the
Option Closing Date, if any, at which time the representations, warranties
and
agreements shall terminate and be of no further force and effect.
10. Effective
Date of This Agreement and Termination Thereof.
10.1 Effective
Date. This Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date at the
time the Registration Statement is declared effective by the
Commission.
10.2 Termination.
You shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time prior to any
Closing Date, (i) if any domestic or international event or act or occurrence
has materially disrupted, or in your opinion will in the immediate future
materially disrupt, general
33
securities
markets in the United States; or (ii) if trading on the New York Stock Exchange,
the American Stock Exchange, Nasdaq or on the NASD OTC Bulletin Board (or
successor trading market) shall have been suspended, or minimum or maximum
prices for trading shall have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for
securities shall have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities
shall have been required on any exchange, Nasdaq or the NASD OTC Bulletin Board
or by order of the Commission or any other government authority having
jurisdiction, or (iii) if the United States shall have become involved in a
new
war or an increase in major hostilities, or (iv) if a banking moratorium has
been declared by a New York State or federal authority, or (v) if a moratorium
on foreign exchange trading has been declared which materially adversely impacts
the United States securities market, or (vi) if the Company shall have sustained
a material loss by fire, flood, accident, hurricane, earthquake, theft, sabotage
or other calamity or malicious act which, whether or not such loss shall have
been insured, will, in your opinion, make it inadvisable to proceed with the
delivery of the Units, or (vii) if any of the Company’s representations,
warranties or covenants hereunder are breached, or (viii) if the Representative
shall have become aware after the date hereof of such a material adverse change
in the conditions or prospects of the Company, or such adverse material change
in general market conditions, including without limitation as a result of
terrorist activities after the date hereof, as in the Representative’s judgment
would make it impracticable to proceed with the offering, sale and/or delivery
of the Units or to enforce contracts made by the Underwriters for the sale
of
the Securities.
10.3 Expenses.
In
the event that this Agreement shall not be carried out for any reason
whatsoever, within the time specified herein or any extensions thereof pursuant
to the terms herein, the obligations of the Company to pay the out of pocket
expenses related to the transactions contemplated herein shall be governed
by
Section 3.12 hereof.
10.4 Indemnification.
Notwithstanding any contrary provision contained in this Agreement, any election
hereunder or any termination of this Agreement, and whether or not this
Agreement is otherwise carried out, the provisions of Section 5 shall not be
in
any way effected by, such election or termination or failure to carry out the
terms of this Agreement or any part hereof.
11. Miscellaneous.
11.1 Notices.
All
communications hereunder, except as herein otherwise specifically provided,
shall be in writing and shall be mailed, delivered or telecopied and confirmed
and shall be deemed given when so delivered or telecopied and confirmed or
if
mailed, two days after such mailing
If
to the
Representative:
Capital
Growth Financial, LLC
000
XX
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxx
Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Attn:
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx, Chairman & CEO
34
Copy
to:
Xxxxxxxxx
Traurig, LLP
777
South
Flagler Drive
Suite
000
Xxxx Xxxxx
Xxxx
Xxxx
Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Attn:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Esq.
If
to the
Company:
0000
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxx 00000
Attention:
Xxxxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Chief
Executive Officer and President
Copy
to:
Pillsbury
Xxxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxxx LLP
0000
Xxxxxxxx
Xxx
Xxxx,
XX 00000-0000
Attn:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esq.
11.2 Headings.
The
headings contained herein are for the sole purpose of convenience of reference,
and shall not in any way limit or affect the meaning or interpretation of any
of
the terms or provisions of this Agreement.
11.3 Amendment.
This Agreement may only be amended by a written instrument executed by each
of
the parties hereto.
11.4 Entire
Agreement. This Agreement (together with the other agreements and documents
being delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement) constitute
the
entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof
and thereof, and supersede all prior agreements and understandings of the
parties, oral and written, with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
11.5 Binding
Effect. This Agreement shall inure solely to the benefit of and shall be
binding upon the Representative, the Underwriters, the Company and the
controlling persons, directors and officers referred to in Section 5 hereof,
and
their respective successors, legal representatives 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 provisions
herein contained.
11.6 Governing
Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without giving effect to
conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the
substantive laws of another jurisdiction. The Company hereby agrees that any
action, proceeding or claim against it arising out of, or
35
relating
in any way to this Agreement shall be brought and enforced in the courts of
the
State of Florida, and irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction, which
jurisdiction shall be exclusive. The Company hereby waives any objection to
such
exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum.
Any
such process or summons to be served upon the Company may be served by
transmitting a copy thereof by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, addressed to it at the address set forth in Section
11 hereof. Such mailing shall be deemed personal service and shall be legal
and
binding upon the Company in any action, proceeding or claim. The Company agrees
that the prevailing party(ies) in any such action shall be entitled to recover
from the other party(ies) all of its reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses
relating to such action or proceeding and/or incurred in connection with the
preparation therefor.
11.7 Execution
in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more original or
facsimile counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement, and shall become
effective when one or more counterparts has been signed by each of the parties
hereto and delivered to each of the other parties hereto.
11.8 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.
[REMAINDER
OF THE PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
36
If
the
foregoing correctly sets forth the understanding between the Underwriters and
the Company, please so indicate in the space provided below for that purpose,
whereupon this letter shall constitute a binding agreement between
us.
Very
truly yours,
|
|||
By:
|
/s/
Xxxxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
|
||
Name: Xxxxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx | |||
Title:
Chief Executive Officer and
President
|
Accepted
on the date first above written.
|
|||
CAPITAL
GROWTH FINANCIAL, LLC
|
|||
By:
|
/s/
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
|
||
Name:
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
|
|||
Title:
Chairman & CEO
|
SCHEDULE
I
3,333,333
UNITS
Underwriter
|
Number
of Firm Units
to
be Purchased
|
|||
Tejas
Securities Group, Inc.
|
1,666,667
|
|||
Xxxxxx
and Xxxxxxx
|
1,000,000
|
|||
Forge
Financial Group, Inc.
|
275,000
|
|||
vFinance
Investments, Inc.
|
275,000
|
|||
Capital
Growth Financial, LLC
|
116,666
|