UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT between CHINA HEALTHCARE ACQUISITION CORP. and FERRIS, BAKER WATTS INCORPORATED Dated: _______ __, 2006
Exhibit 1.1
between
and
XXXXXX, XXXXX XXXXX
INCORPORATED
INCORPORATED
Dated: _______ __, 2006
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Baltimore, Maryland
___________ __, 2006
___________ __, 2006
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxx, Inc.
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Dear Sirs:
The undersigned, China Healthcare Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Company”),
hereby confirms its agreement with Xxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxx, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “you,”
"FBW” or the “Representative”) and with the other underwriters named on Schedule 1 hereto for which
FBW is acting as Representative (the Representative and the other Underwriters being collectively
called the “Underwriters” or, individually, an “Underwriter”) as follows:
1. Purchase and Sale of Securities.
1.1 Firm Securities.
1.1.1 Purchase of Firm Securities. On the basis of the representations and warranties
herein contained, but subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company agrees to
issue and sell, severally and not jointly, to the several Underwriters, an aggregate of 10,000,000
units (“Firm Units”) each unit (“Unit”) consisting of one share of the company’s common stock, par
value $.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) and two common stock purchase warrants (the “Warrants")
of the Company at a purchase price (net of discounts and commissions) of $5.565 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 1 attached hereto and made a part
hereof at a purchase price (net of discounts and commissions) of $5.565 per share. The Firm Units
are to be offered initially to the public (the “Offering”) at the offering price set forth on the
cover page of the Prospectus (as defined in Section 2.1.1 hereof). 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 (the “Effective Date”) of the Registration Statement (as defined in Section 2.1.1
hereof) unless FBW informs the Company of its decision to allow earlier separate trading, but in no
event will FBW allow separate trading until the preparation and filing with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) of an audited balance sheet of the Company reflecting
receipt by the Company of the proceeds of the Offering. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof
to purchase one share of Common Stock for $5.00 during the period commencing on the later of the
consummation by the Company of a “Business Combination” or one year from the Effective Date and
terminating on the five-year anniversary of the Effective Date. “Business Combination” shall mean
any merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination
consummated by the Company with one or more operating entities with primary operations in the
People’s Republic of China (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., Eastern time, on the third business day following the Effective Date of the
Registration Statement (or the fourth business day following the Effective Date, if the
Registration Statement is declared effective after 4:30 p.m.) or at such earlier time as shall be
agreed upon by the Representative and the
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Company at the offices of counsel to the Underwriters 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 is called the “Closing Date.” Payment for the Firm Units shall be made on the
Closing Date by wire transfer in Federal (same day) funds, payable as follows: $___of the
proceeds received by the Company for the Firm Units 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 (the “Trust Agreement”) and the remaining proceeds shall be paid to the order of the
Company upon delivery to you of certificates (in form and substance satisfactory to the
Underwriters) representing the Firm Units (or through the facilities of the Depository Trust
Company (the “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.
1.1.3 Escrow of Underwriters’ Expense Allowance. On the Closing Date, the
Underwriters agree to deposit into the Trust Fund two and twenty-five hundredths percent (2.25%) of
the gross proceeds of the Offering (attributable to the non-accountable expense allowance) or
$1,350,000 (the “Escrowed Fees") until the earlier of the completion of a Business Combination or
the liquidation of the Trust Fund. Upon the consummation of a Business Combination, the
Underwriters shall promptly receive the Escrowed Fees along with any interest accrued thereon. In
the event that the Company is unable to consummate a Business Combination and American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company, the trustee of the Trust Fund, is directed to liquidate the Trust Fund,
the Underwriters hereby agree to the following: (i) forfeit any rights or claims to the Escrowed
Fees and any interest accrued thereon; and (ii) that the Escrowed Fees shall be distributed on a
pro-rata basis among the holders of the Public Securities (defined below) along with any interest
accrued thereon.
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 1,500,000 units from the Company (the
"Over-allotment Option”). Such additional 1,500,000 units are hereinafter referred to as “Option
Units.” The Firm Units and the Option Units are hereinafter collectively referred to as the
"Public Units,” and the Public Units, the shares of Common Stock and the Warrants included in the
Public 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 the same price per Option Unit as the price per Firm Unit set forth in Section 1.1.1
hereof.
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 45 days after the Effective Date. The Underwriters 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 exercised by the giving of oral notice to
the Company from 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, 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 Representative, at the offices of the Representative or at such other place as
shall be agreed upon by the Company and the Representative. If such delivery and payment for the
Option Units does not occur on the Closing Date, the date and time of the closing for such Option
Units will be as set forth in the notice (hereinafter the “Option Closing Date”). Upon exercise of
the Over-allotment Option, the
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Company will become obligated to convey to the Underwriters, and, subject to the terms and
conditions set forth herein, the Underwriters will become obligated to purchase, the number of
Option Units specified in such notice.
1.2.3 Payment and Delivery. Payment for the Option Units will be at the
Representative’s election by wire transfer in Federal (same day) funds or by certified or bank
cashier’s check(s) in Clearing House funds, payable to the Trust Fund at the offices of the
Representative or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Representative and the Company
upon delivery to you of certificates representing such securities (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.
1.3 Representative’s Purchase Option.
1.3.1 Purchase Option. The Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to the
Representative (and/or their designees) on the Effective Date an option (“Representative’s Purchase
Option”) for the purchase of an aggregate of 500,000 units (the “Representative’s Units”) (5% of
the total number of Firm Units sold in the Offering) for an aggregate purchase price of $100.00.
Each of the Representative’s Units is identical to the Firm Units, except that the Warrants
included in the Representative’s Units ( the “Representative’s Warrants”) have an exercise price of
$6.25 (125% of the exercise price of the Warrants included in the units sold to the public). The
Representative’s Purchase Option shall be exercisable, in whole or in part, commencing on the later
of the consummation of a Business Combination or one year from the Effective Date and expiring on
the five-year anniversary of the Effective Date at an initial exercise price per Representative’s
Unit of $7.50, which is equal to one hundred and twenty five percent (125%) of the initial public
offering price of a Unit. The Representative’s Purchase Option, the Representative’s Units, the
Representative’s Warrants and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the
Representative’s Warrants are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Representative’s
Securities.” The Public Securities and the Representative’s Securities are hereinafter referred to
collectively as the “Securities.” The Representative understands and agrees that there are
significant restrictions against transferring the Representative’s Purchase Option during the first
year after the Effective Date, as set forth in Section 3 of the Representative’s Purchase Option.
1.3.2 Delivery and Payment. Delivery and payment for the Representative’s Purchase
Option shall be made on the Closing Date. The Company shall deliver to the Underwriters, upon
payment therefor, certificates for the Representative’s Purchase Option in the name or names and in
such authorized denominations as the Underwriters may request.
2. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to
the Underwriters as of the Applicable Time and as of the Closing Date and as of each Option Closing
Date, if any, 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 (the “Commission”) a registration statement and an amendment or amendments thereto, on
Form S-1 (File No. 333-135705), including any related preliminary prospectus or prospectuses (the
"Preliminary Prospectus”), for the registration of the Public Securities under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), which registration statement and amendment or amendments have been
prepared by
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the Company in conformity with the requirements of the Act, and the rules and regulations (the
"Regulations”) of the Commission under the Act. Except as the context may otherwise require, such
registration statement 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 the Effective Date pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 430A of the Regulations), is
hereinafter called the “Registration Statement.” The final prospectus in the form first furnished
to the Underwriters for use in the Offering, is hereinafter called the “Prospectus.” The
Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission on the date hereof.
"Applicable Time” means ___am/pm on ___2006 or such other time as agreed to by the Company
and FBW.
2.1.2 Pursuant to the Exchange Act. The Company has filed with the Commission a Form
8-A (File Number 000-___) providing for the registration under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the “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 preventing or suspending the use of
any Preliminary Prospectus or the Registration Statement 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 respective times the Registration Statement,
Prospectus and any post-effective amendments thereto become effective and at the Closing Date and
the Option Closing Date, if any, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and any post-effective
amendments thereto, did and will contain all material statements that are required to be stated
therein in accordance with the Act and the Regulations, 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, do 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. As of the Applicable Time, the Statutory Prospectus 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 Underwriters by
the Representative 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
Preliminary Prospectus, 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 Preliminary Prospectus, 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 it 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 authorized and validly executed by the
Company, is in full force and effect in all material respects and is enforceable against the
Company and, to the Company’s knowledge, the other parties thereto, in accordance with its terms,
except (x) as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
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reorganization or similar laws affecting 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 best of the Company’s knowledge, any other party
is in default thereunder and, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, no event has occurred that,
with the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a default thereunder. To
the best of 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 within the three years prior to the date
hereof, except as disclosed in the Registration Statement.
2.3.4 Regulations. The disclosures in the Registration Statement concerning the
effects of Federal, State and local regulation and any foreign 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 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 capital
stock.
2.5 Independent Accountants. To the knowledge of the Company, Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
LLP (“GGK”), whose report is filed with the Commission as part of the Registration Statement, are
independent public accountants as required by the Act and the Regulations. GGK 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.
2.6 Financial Statements. The financial statements, including the notes thereto and
supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement and Prospectus fairly present the
financial position and the results of operations of the Company at the dates and for the periods to
which they apply; and such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), consistently applied throughout the periods involved; and
the supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement present fairly the information
required to be stated therein. The Registration Statement discloses all material off-balance sheet
transactions, arrangements, obligations (including
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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 shares of 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. The 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 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 conform in all material respects to all statements with
respect thereto contained in the Registration Statement. When issued, the Representative’s
Purchase Option, the Representative’s Warrants and the Warrants 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 Representative’s Purchase Option, the Representative’s
Warrants 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
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defined in Section 2.21 hereof), the Trust Agreement, the Services Agreement (as defined in
Section 3.7.2 hereof) and the Escrow Agreement (as defined in Section 2.22.2 hereof) have been duly
and validly authorized by the Company and constitute, and the Representative’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 Representative’s Purchase Option, the Trust Agreement,
the Services Agreement 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 material breach of, or conflict with any of the terms and provisions of,
or constitute a material 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 2.23 hereof; (ii) result in any violation of the provisions
of the Articles of Incorporation or the By-Laws 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
constituted as of the date hereof.
2.12 No Defaults; Violations. No 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 Articles of
Incorporation, as may be amended from time to time, or Bylaws or in violation of any 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. Except as described in the Prospectus, 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, local and foreign 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 Herein. 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
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contemplated by this Agreement, the Warrant Agreement, the Representative’s Purchase Option,
the Trust Agreement, the Services Agreement and the Escrow Agreement and as contemplated by the
Prospectus, except with respect to applicable federal and state securities laws and the rules and
regulations of the NASD.
2.14 D&O Questionnaires. To the Company’s knowledge, all information contained in the
questionnaires (the “Questionnaires”) completed by each of the Company’s stockholders immediately
prior to the Offering (the “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 in all respects and
the Company has not become aware of any information which would cause the 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
Company’s knowledge, threatened against, or involving the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge,
any Initial Stockholder which has not been disclosed in the Registration Statement or in Schedule
___to the letter dated ___, 2006 to the American Stock Exchange (the “AMEX”).
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 as of the date
hereof, 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.
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.
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 Company’s knowledge, any Initial Stockholder that may affect the Underwriters’ compensation,
as determined by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the “NASD”).
2.18.2 Payments Within Twelve Months. The Company has not made any direct or indirect
payments (in cash, securities or otherwise) to: (i) 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, within the twelve months prior to the Effective Date, other than payments to FBW.
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 Initial Stockholders’ 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 it learns that any officer, director or owner of at
least 5% of the Company’s outstanding Common Shares is or becomes an affiliate or associated person
of an NASD member participating in the offering.
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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 Representative’s Warrants with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
substantially in the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement (the “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 Exhibits
___, to the Registration Statement (the “Insider Letters”), pursuant to which each of the
Initial Stockholders of the Company agree 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 (the “Escrow Agreement”) with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the
"Escrow Agent”) in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters, whereby the Common Stock
owned by the Initial Stockholders will be held in escrow by the Escrow Agent, until six months
after the consummation of a Business Combination. 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. The
Escrow Agreement shall not be amended, modified or otherwise changed without the prior written
consent of FBW.
2.23 Investment Management Trust Agreement. The Company has entered into the Trust
Agreement with respect to certain proceeds of the Offering in form and substance satisfactory to
the Underwriters.
2.24 Covenants Not to Compete. No Initial Stockholder of the Company is subject to
any
10
noncompetition 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 Financial Advisory Agreement. Intentionally Omitted.
2.26 Investments. No more than 45% of the “value” (as defined in Section 2(a)(41) of
the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”)) of the Company’s total assets
consist of, and no more than 45% of the Company’s net income after taxes is derived from,
securities other than “Government Securities” (as defined in Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment
Company Act).
2.27 Subsidiaries. The Company does not own an interest in any corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other business entity.
2.28 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.
2.29 Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of the Company is comprised of the
persons set forth on Schedule 2.29. The qualifications of the persons serving as Board members and
the overall composition of the Board comply with the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 and the rules
promulgated thereunder. At least one member of the Board qualifies as a “financial expert” as such
term is defined under the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated thereunder.
2.30 Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Compliance.
2.30.1 Disclosure Controls. The Company has developed and currently maintains
disclosure controls and procedures that will comply with Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 of the Exchange Act,
and such controls and procedures are effective to ensure that all material information concerning
the Company will be made known on a timely basis to the individuals responsible for the preparation
of the Company’s Exchange Act filings and other public disclosure documents.
2.30.2 Compliance. The Company and each of its directors and its senior financial
officers has consulted with the Company’s independent auditors and outside counsel with respect to,
and is familiar in all material respects with, the requirements of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002.
The Company is, or on the Effective Date will be, in compliance with the provisions of the
Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 applicable to it, and has implemented or will implement such programs
and taken reasonable steps to ensure the Company’s future compliance (not later than the relevant
statutory and regulatory deadlines therefore) with all the provisions of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of
2002.
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.
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
11
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. For a period of five years from the Effective Date,
or until such earlier time upon which the Company is required to be liquidated, 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. The Company will not deregister the Units under the Exchange Act
without the prior written consent of FBW.
3.2.4 Free Writing Prospectuses. The Company represents and agrees that it has not
made and will not make any offer relating to the Public Securities that would constitute an issuer
free writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 433 of the 1933 Act, without the prior consent of FBW.
Any such free writing prospectus consented to by FBW is hereinafter referred to as a “Permitted
Free Writing Prospectus”. The Company represents that its will treat each Permitted Free Writing
Prospectus as an “issuer free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 433, and has complied and will
comply with the applicable requirements of Rule 433 of the 1933 Act, including timely Commission
filing where required, legending and record keeping.
3.3 Blue Sky Filing. Intentionally Omitted.
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.
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 with a current
prospectus for as long as the Warrants remain outstanding 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 3.5 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
12
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. If
the Commission or any state securities commission shall enter a stop order or suspend such
qualification at any time, the Company will make every reasonable effort to obtain promptly the
lifting of such order.
3.6 Review of Financial Statements. For a period of five years from the Effective
Date, or until such earlier date 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 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 (the
"Services Agreement”) with NCIL (the “Provider”), pursuant to which the Provider will make
available to the Company general and administrative services including office space, utilities and
secretarial support for an amount equal to $5,000.00 per month.
3.7.3 Affiliate Compensation. 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 consummation of a Business Combination; provided that
the Initial Stockholders shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Company for their
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with seeking and consummating a Business Combination.
3.8 Standard & Poor’s. Intentionally omitted.
3.9 Warrant Solicitation Fees. Intentionally omitted.
3.10 Financial Public Relations Firm. Promptly after the execution of a definitive
agreement for a Business Combination, the Company shall retain a financial public relations firm
reasonably acceptable to the Representative for a term to be agreed upon by the Company and the
Representative.
3.11 Reports to the Representative.
3.11.1 Periodic Reports, Etc. For a period of five 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: Xxxxx Xxxx, Vice President) 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 (if not readily available via the
XXXXX service), 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) copies of each Form SR; (iv) a copy of each Form 8-K or Schedules 13D, 13G, 14D-1 or 13E-4
received or prepared by the Company; (v) five copies of each Registration Statement; (vi) a copy of
monthly statements, if any, setting forth such information regarding the Company’s results of
operations and financial position (including balance sheet, profit and loss
13
statements and data regarding outstanding purchase orders) as is regularly prepared by
management of the Company; and (vii) 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.
3.11.2 Transfer Sheets. For a period of five years following the Effective Date or
until such earlier time upon which the Company is required to be liquidated, the Company shall
retain a transfer and warrant agent acceptable to the Representative (the “Transfer Agent”) and
will furnish to the Representatives at the Company’s sole cost and expense such transfer sheets of
the Company’s securities as the Representative may request, including the daily and monthly
consolidated transfer sheets of the Transfer Agent and DTC. American Stock Transfer & Trust
Company is acceptable to the Underwriters.
3.11.3 Secondary Market Trading Survey. Intentionally Omitted.
3.11.4 Trading Reports. During such time as the Public Securities are listed on AMEX
the Company shall provide to the Representative, at its expense, such reports published by the AMEX
relating to price trading of the Public Securities, as the Representative shall reasonably request.
3.12 Disqualification of Form S-1. For a period equal to seven years from the date
hereof, the Company will not take any action or actions which may prevent or disqualify the
Company’s use of Form S-1 (or other appropriate form) for the registration of the Warrants and the
Representative’s Warrants under the Act.
3.13 Payment of Expenses.
3.13.1 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 the 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 certificates for the shares of Common Stock and the
Warrants included in the Public Units and the Representative’s Purchase Option, including any
transfer or other taxes payable thereon; (iii) filing fees, costs and expenses (including
disbursements for the Representative’s counsel) incurred in registering the Offering with the NASD;
(iv) filing fees, costs and expenses incurred in listing the Public Units and the shares of Common
Stock and Warrants included therein on the AMEX; (v) costs and expenses of Representative’s counsel
up to a maximum of $125,000; (vi) costs of placing “tombstone” advertisements in The Wall Street
Journal, The New York Times and a third publication to be selected by the Representative; (vii)
fees and disbursements of the transfer and warrant agent; (viii) the preparation, binding and
delivery of leather-bound volumes, in form and style reasonably satisfactory to the Representative
and transaction lucite cubes or similar commemorative items in a style and quantity as reasonably
requested by the Representative; and (ix) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance
of its obligations hereunder which are not otherwise specifically provided for in this Section
3.13.1 including, without limitation, “road-show” expenses (up to a maximum of $25,000). The
Company also agrees that, if requested by the Representative, it will engage 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. 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 herein to be paid by the Company to the
Representative and others.
14
3.13.2 Nonaccountable Expenses. The Company further agrees that, in addition to the
expenses payable pursuant to Section 3.13.1, on the Closing Date it will pay to the Representative
a nonaccountable expense allowance equal to two and seventy-five hundredths of a percent (2.75%) of
the gross proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the Firm Units by deduction from the
proceeds of the Offering contemplated herein; provided however, that 2.25% of such proceeds shall
be deposited into the Trust Fund pursuant to Section 1.1.3 of this Agreement and shall be released
upon the earlier of a Business Combination or the liquidation of the Trust Fund.
3.14 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.
3.15 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.
3.16 Notice to NASD. In the event any person or entity (regardless of any NASD
affiliation or association) is engaged to assist the Company in its search for a merger candidate
or to provide any other merger and acquisition services, the Company will provide the following to
the NASD prior to the consummation of the Business Combination: (i) complete details of all
services and copies of agreements governing such services; and (ii) justification as to why the
person or entity providing the merger and acquisition services should not be considered an
“underwriter and related person” with respect to the Company’s initial public offering, as such
term is defined in Rule 2710(a)(6) of the NASD’s Conduct Rules. The Company also agrees that proper
disclosure of such arrangement or potential arrangement will be made in the Registration Statement
and the proxy statement, which the Company will file for purposes of soliciting stockholder
approval for the Business Combination.
3.17 Stabilization. Neither the Company, nor, to its knowledge, any of its employees,
directors or stockholders (without the consent of FBW) 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 Public Units.
3.18 Internal Controls. The Company will maintain a system of internal accounting
controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that: (i) transactions are executed in
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 GAAP 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.
3.19 Accountants. For a period of five years from the Effective Date or until such
earlier time upon which the Company is required to be liquidated, the Company shall retain GGK or
other independent public accountants reasonably acceptable to FBW.
3.20 Form 8-K. The Company shall, on the date hereof, retain its independent public
accountants to audit the balance sheet of the Company as of the Closing Date (the “Audited Balance
Sheet”) reflecting the receipt by the Company of the proceeds of the Offering. As soon as the
Audited Balance Sheet becomes
15
available, the Company shall immediately file a Current Report on Form 8-K with the
Commission, which Report shall contain the Company’s Audited Balance Sheet.
3.21 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.
3.22 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 Underwriters.
3.23 Investment Company. The Company shall cause the proceeds of the Offering to be
held in the Trust Fund to be invested only in “government securities” or in money market funds
meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act, as set
forth in the Trust Agreement and disclosed 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.
3.24 Colorado Trust Filing. Intentionally omitted.
3.25 No Fiduciary Duties. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Underwriters’
responsibility to the Company is solely contractual in nature and that none of the Underwriters or
their affiliates shall be acting in a fiduciary capacity, or otherwise owe any fiduciary duty to
the Company in connection with the Offering and the other transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
4. Conditions of Underwriters’ Obligations. The obligations of the several Underwriters to
purchase and pay for the Public 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., Eastern 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 that 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 to the reasonable satisfaction of Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxx LLP (“Xxxxxxx Savage”).
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 American Stock Exchange Clearance. On the Effective Date, the Company’s Public
Units, Common Stock and Warrants shall have been approved for listing on the AMEX.
4.1.4. Free Writing Prospectuses. The Representative covenants with the Company that
the
16
Underwriters will not use, authorize the use of, refer to, or participate in the planning for
the use of a “free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 405 under the 1933 Act, which term
includes use of any written information furnished by the Commission to the Company and not
incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement, without the prior written consent of the
Company. Any such free writing prospectus consented to by the Company is hereinafter referred to
as an “Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus.”
4.2 Company Counsel Matters.
4.2.1 Closing Date Opinion of Counsel. On the Closing Date, the Representative shall
have received the favorable opinion of Xxxxxxx LLP (“Venable”), counsel to the Company, dated the
Closing Date, addressed to the Representative and in form and substance satisfactory to the
Representative 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
licensed 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 qualification or
licensing, except where the failure to qualify would not have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
(ii) All issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock 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 Articles 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 and the
applicable state securities or Blue Sky Laws or exempt from such registration requirements. The
authorized and outstanding capital stock of the Company is as set forth in the Prospectus.
(iii) The shares of Common Stock included in the 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
shares of Common Stock included in the 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
Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company. When issued, the Representative’s Purchase
Option, the Representative’s 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
Representative’s Purchase Option, and the Representative’s 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 United States 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. The certificates representing the Securities are in due and proper form.
(iv) This Agreement, the Warrant Agreement, the Services Agreement, the Trust Agreement the
Escrow Agreement have each been duly and validly authorized and, when executed and delivered by the
Company, constitute, and the Representative’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’
17
rights generally; (b) as enforceability of any indemnification or contribution provisions may
be limited under the United States 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
Representative’s Purchase Option, the Escrow Agreement, the Trust Agreement and the Services
Agreement, the issuance and sale of the Securities, the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby, and compliance by the Company with the terms and provisions hereof
and thereof, 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 Articles of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Company, or
(c) to such counsel’s knowledge, violate any 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
conform in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Registration Statement
and the Prospectus. No United States or state statute or regulation required to be described in
the Prospectus is not described as required (except as to the Blue Sky laws of the various states,
as to which such counsel expresses no opinions), nor are any contracts or documents of a character
required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits
to the Registration Statement not so described or filed as required (except for the contracts and
documents described in the “Underwriting” section of the Registration Statement, as to which such
counsel expresses no opinions).
(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 Preliminary Prospectus, 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 Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement and Prospectus
(except as otherwise set forth in this opinion), no facts have come to the attention of such
counsel which lead them to believe that either the Preliminary Prospectus as of ___, 2006,
the Registration Statement as of the Effective Date, or the Prospectus or any amendment or
supplement thereto, as of its respective date and as of the Closing Date, contained any 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, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading (it being understood that such counsel need express no opinion with respect to the
financial statements and schedules and other financial and statistical data included in the
Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement or Prospectus).
(viii) The Registration Statement has become 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
or applicable state securities laws.
18
(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 Option Closing Date Opinion of Counsel. On the Option Closing Date, if any, the
Representative shall have received the favorable opinion of Venable, dated the Option Closing Date,
addressed to the Representative and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Representative, confirming as of the Option Closing Date, the statements made by Venable in their
respective opinions delivered on the Closing Date.
4.2.3 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 jurisdiction 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 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx 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 Underwriters in its opinion delivered to the Underwriters.
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 Representative 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
and to Xxxxxxx Savage from GGK 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 independent public 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 (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 GAAP 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
___, 2006 balance sheet included in the
19
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 ___, 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 breakdown of commercial papers and notes payable to
banks);
(v) Stating that they have compared specific dollar amounts, numbers of shares, percentages of
revenues and 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.
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 Chief Financial Officer 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 the 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.
4.4.2 Secretary’s 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
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 By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation of the
Company are true and complete, have not been modified and are in full force and effect; (ii) that
the resolutions of the Company’s Board of Directors 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; and (iv) as to the incumbency of the
officers of the Company. The documents referred to in such certificate shall be attached to such
certificate.
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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 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 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.
4.6 Delivery of Agreements.
4.6.1 Effective Date Deliveries. On the Effective Date, the Company shall have
delivered to the Representative executed copies of the Escrow Agreement, the Trust Agreement, the
Warrant Agreement, the Services Agreement 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 Representative’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 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx 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.
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, 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 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
in (i) any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (as from time
21
to time each may be amended and supplemented); (ii) 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 Representative’s Purchase Option; or (iii) any 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 Public Units under the securities laws thereof or filed with
the Commission, any state securities commission or agency, or the AMEX; 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 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
such 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 connection with the defense of such action;
(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 reasonably concluded 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.
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 Section 5.1, 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
22
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 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, as incurred, in such proportions that the
Underwriters are responsible for that portion represented by the percentage that the underwriting
discount appearing on the cover page of the Prospectus bears to the initial offering price
appearing thereon (to the extent that it shall have actually been paid from the Trust Fund to the
Underwriters as of each date a contribution obligation is payable hereunder; otherwise, the
Underwriters’ contribution shall be limited to the underwriting discount paid on the Closing Date)
( the “Underwriters’ Contribution Percentage") and the Company is responsible for the balance;
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, provided, further, that upon consummation of a Business Combination
and delivery of the Escrowed Fees to the Underwriters, the Underwriters’ Contribution Percentage
shall be increased by the percentage that the Escrowed Fees bears to the initial offering price
(the “Final Contribution Percentage") and the Final Contribution Percentage shall hereafter be
applicable only to new claims for contribution by the Company. 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 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
23
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.
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 such
default 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 automatically be terminated 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 Underwriter 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 a period of two years from the Effective Date,
upon notice from FBW to the Company, FBW shall have the right to send a representative (who need
not be the same individual from meeting to meeting) 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 FBW 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 FBW, the Company may 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 FBW written notice of each such meeting and
to provide FBW with an agenda and minutes of the meeting no later than it gives such notice and
provides such items to the other directors, and reimburse the representative of FBW for its
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with its attendance at the meeting,
including but not limited to, food, lodging and transportation.
24
8. Additional Covenants.
8.1 Board Composition and Board Designations. For a period of five years from the
Effective Date, the Company shall ensure that (i) the qualifications of the persons serving as
board members and the overall composition of the board comply with the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002
and the rules promulgated thereunder and with the listing requirements of the AMEX, Nasdaq or any
other national securities exchange or national securities association, as the case may be, in the
event the Company seeks to have its Public Securities listed on another exchange or quoted on an
automated quotation system, and (ii) if applicable, at least one member of the board of directors
qualifies as a “financial expert” as such term is defined under the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 and
the rules promulgated thereunder.
8.2 Additional Shares or Options. The Company hereby agrees that until 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.
8.3 Trust Fund Waiver Letters. 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 the Target Business or
the vendor executes a waiver letter in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A and B, respectively.
Furthermore, each officer and director of the Company shall execute a waiver letter in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit C.
8.4 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 between each Initial Stockholder
and FBW and will not allow any amendments to, or waivers of, such Insider Letters without the prior
written consent of FBW.
8.5 Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws. 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 Articles
of Incorporation or By-Laws.
8.6 Blue Sky Requirements. Intentionally Omitted.
8.7 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 use its best efforts to obtain stockholder approval
to dissolve the Company and liquidate and distribute to all holders of IPO Shares (defined below)
an aggregate sum equal to the Company’s “Liquidation Value,” in accordance with the applicable
provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as described in the Prospectus. 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 in accordance with the
vote of the holders of a majority of the IPO Shares. At the time the Company seeks approval of any
potential Business Combination, the Company will offer each of holders of the Company’s Common
Stock issued in this Offering (the “IPO Shares”) the right to convert their IPO Shares at a per
share price equal to the amount in the Trust Fund (inclusive of any interest income therein, net of
working capital and taxes payable) on the record date (the “Conversion Price”) for determination of
stockholders entitled to vote upon the proposal to approve such Business Combination (the “Record
Date”) divided by the total number of IPO Shares. The Company’s “Liquidation Value” shall mean the
Company’s book value, as determined by the
25
Company and audited by GGK. In no event, however, will the Company’s Liquidation Value be
less than the Trust Fund, inclusive of any net interest income thereon. If holders of less than
20% in interest of the Company’s IPO Shares vote against such approval of a Business Combination,
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. 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. If holders of 20% or more in interest of the IPO Shares
vote against approval of any potential Business Combination, the Company will not proceed with such
Business Combination and will not convert such shares.
8.8 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.
8.9 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 obligations the Initial Stockholders
might have or new fiduciary obligations related to or affiliated with entities to whom the 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 the
Initial Stockholders have pre-existing obligations.
8.10 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 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 fair market value 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 Dates 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.
26
10. Effective Date of this Agreement and Termination Thereof.
10.1 Effective Date. This Agreement shall become effective on the date 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
securities markets in the United States; or (ii) if trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the
American Stock Exchange, the Boston Stock Exchange or on the NASD OTC Bulletin Board (or successor
trading market) shall have been suspended or materially limited, or minimum or maximum prices for
trading shall have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities shall have been required
by the NASD 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 markets, 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 Firm Units or Option 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 as in the Representative’s judgment would make it impracticable to proceed with the
offering, sale and/or delivery of the Public Units or to enforce contracts made by the Underwriters
for the sale of the Public Units.
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 actual and accountable out of pocket expenses
related to the transactions contemplated herein shall then be due and payable.
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 (registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested), personally 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:
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxx, Inc.
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxx Xxxx, Vice-President
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxx Xxxx, Vice-President
Copy to:
27
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx LLP
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, 0xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, 0xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
If to the Company:
China Healthcare Acquisition Corp.
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx Xxx, President
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx Xxx, President
Copy to:
Xxxxxxx, LLP
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Esq.
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, 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) constitutes the entire
agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, and
supersedes 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 Maryland, without giving effect to conflict of laws. The
Company hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against it arising out of, or relating
in any way to this Agreement shall be brought and enforced in the courts of the State of Maryland
of the United States of America for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, 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.
28
11.7 Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
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 PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
29
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, | ||||||
CHINA HEALTHCARE ACQUISITION CORP. | ||||||
By: | ||||||
Name: Xxxxx Xxx | ||||||
Title: President | ||||||
Accepted on the date first above written. | ||||||
XXXXXX, XXXXX XXXXX, INCORPORATED | ||||||
By: |
||||||
Name: Xxxxx Xxxx | ||||||
Title: Xxxx-Xxxxxxxxx |
00
XXXXXXXX 0
XXXXX HEALTHCARE ACQUISITION CORP.
10,000,000 Units
Number of Firm Units | ||||
Underwriter | to be Purchased | |||
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxx,
Incorporated |
||||
10,000,000 |
31
SCHEDULE 2.29
Board of Directors
Xxxxx Xxx
Xxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxx Ma
32
EXHIBIT A
China Healthcare Acquisition Corp.
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx Xxx, President
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx Xxx, President
Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the Final Prospectus of China Healthcare Acquisition Corp. (“CHAC”),
dated , 2006 (the “Prospectus”). Capitalized terms used and not
otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in Prospectus.
We have read the Prospectus and understand that CHAC has established the Trust Fund, initially
in an amount of $ for the benefit of the Public Stockholders and that CHAC may disburse monies from
the Trust Fund only (i) to the Public Stockholders in the event of the redemption of their shares
or the liquidation of CHAC or (ii) to CHAC after it consummates a Business Combination.
For and in consideration of CHAC agreeing to evaluate the undersigned for purposes of
consummating a Business Combination with it, the undersigned hereby agrees that it does not have
any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the Trust Fund (the “Claim”)
and hereby waives any Claim it may have in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any
negotiations, contracts or agreements with CHAC and will not seek recourse against the Trust Fund
for any reason whatsoever.
Print Name of Target Business | ||
Authorized Signature of Target Business |
33
EXHIBIT B
China Healthcare Acquisition Corp.
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx Xxx, President
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx Xxx, President
Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the Final Prospectus of China Healthcare Acquisition Corp. (“CHAC”),
dated , 2006 (the “Prospectus”). Capitalized terms used and not
otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in Prospectus.
We have read the Prospectus and understand that CHAC has established the Trust Fund, initially
in an amount of $ for the benefit of the Public Stockholders and that CHAC may disburse monies from
the Trust Fund only: (i) to the Public Stockholders in the event of the redemption of their shares
or the liquidation of CHAC; or (ii) to CHAC after it consummates a Business Combination.
For and in consideration of CHAC engaging the services of the undersigned, the undersigned
hereby agrees that it does not have any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any
monies in the Trust Fund (the “Claim”) and hereby waives any Claim it may have in the future as a
result of, or arising out of, any contracts or agreements with CHAC and will not seek recourse
against the Trust Fund for any reason whatsoever.
Print Name of Target Business | ||
Authorized Signature of Target Business |
34
EXHIBIT C
China Healthcare Acquisition Corp.
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx Xxx, President
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Attn: Xxxxx Xxx, President
Gentlemen:
The undersigned officer or director of China Healthcare Acquisition Corp. (“CHAC”) hereby
acknowledges that CHAC has established the Trust Fund, initially in an amount of $___for the
benefit of the Public Stockholders and that CHAC may disburse monies from the Trust Fund only (i)
to the Public Stockholders in the event of the redemption of their shares or the liquidation of
CHAC or (ii) to CHAC after it consummates a Business Combination.
The undersigned hereby agrees that it does not have any right, title, interest or claim of any
kind in or to any monies in the Trust Fund (the “Claim”) and hereby waives any Claim it may have in
the future as a result of, or arising out of, any contracts or agreements with CHAC and will not
seek recourse against the Trust Fund for any reason whatsoever.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, such waiver shall not apply to any shares acquired by the
undersigned in the public market after the initial public offering by the Company of its
securities.
Print Name of Target Business | ||
Authorized Signature of Target Business |
35