SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Exhibit
10.30
EXECUTION
COPY
This
Securities Purchase Agreement (this “Agreement”)
is
dated as of March 29, 2006, by and between SulphCo, Inc., a Nevada, U.S.A.
corporation (the “Company”),
and
the purchasers identified on the signature pages hereto or a counterpart thereof
(each, a “Purchaser”
and
collectively, the “Purchasers”).
WHEREAS,
subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and pursuant
to
Section 4(2) of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”),
the
Company desires to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser,
severally and not jointly, desires to purchase from the Company, certain
securities of the Company as more fully described in this
Agreement.
NOW,
THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement,
and for other good and valuable consideration the receipt and adequacy of which
are hereby acknowledged, the Company and each of the Purchasers severally (and
not jointly) agree as follows:
ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
1.1
Definitions.
In
addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the following terms
have the meanings indicated:
“Affiliate”
means
any Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries,
controls or is controlled by or is under common control with a Person, as such
terms are used in and construed under Rule 144 under the Securities Act. With
respect to a Purchaser, any investment fund or managed account that is managed
on a discretionary basis by the same investment manager as such Purchaser will
be deemed to be an Affiliate of such Purchaser.
“Business
Day”
means
any day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks
in
The City of New York are authorized or required by law to remain
closed.
“Closing”
means
the closing of the purchase and sale of the Shares and Warrants pursuant to
Section 2.1.
“Closing
Date”
means
the date of the Closing.
“Closing
Price”
means,
for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that
applies: (a) if the Common Stock is then listed or quoted on an Eligible Market
or any other national securities exchange, the closing price per share of the
Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the primary
Eligible Market or exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted;
(b) if prices for the Common Stock are then quoted on the OTC Bulletin
Board, the closing bid price per share of the Common Stock for such date (or
the
nearest preceding date) so quoted; (c) if prices for the Common Stock are
then reported in the “Pink Sheets” published by the National Quotation Bureau
Incorporated (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions
of
reporting prices), the most recent closing bid price per share of the Common
Stock so reported; or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of a
share of Common Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in
good
faith by Purchasers holding a majority of the Securities.
“Commission”
means
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Common
Stock”
means
the common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share.
“Effective
Date”
means
the date that the Registration Statement is first declared effective by the
Commission.
“Eligible
Market”
means
any of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ
National Market, the NASDAQ SmallCap Market or OTC Bulletin Board.
“Exchange
Act”
means
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Filing
Date”
means
the 30th
day
following the Closing Date.
“Lien”
means
any lien, charge, claim, security interest, encumbrance, right of first refusal
or other restriction.
“Losses”
means
any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, settlement costs and expenses,
including, without limitation, costs of preparation and reasonable attorneys’
fees.
“Options”
means
any rights, warrants or options to subscribe for or purchase Common Stock or
Convertible Securities (including all Warrants that can be issued under the
Transaction Documents).
“Person”
means
any individual or corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or
unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint
stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or any court
or
other federal, state, local or other governmental authority or other entity
of
any kind.
“Per
Unit Purchase Price”
means
$6.805.
“Post-Effective
Amendment”
means
a
post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement.
“Post-Effective
Amendment Filing Deadline”
means
the 10th Trading Day after the Registration Statement ceases to be effective
pursuant to applicable securities laws due to the passage of time or the
occurrence of an event requiring the Company to file a Post-Effective
Amendment.
2
“Proceeding”
means an
action, claim, suit, investigation or proceeding (including, without limitation,
an investigation or partial proceeding, such as a deposition), whether commenced
or threatened.
“Prospectus”
means
the prospectus included in the Registration Statement (including, without
limitation, a prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from
a
prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance
upon
Rule 430A promulgated under the Securities Act), as amended or supplemented
by
any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any
portion of the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement,
and
all other amendments and supplements to the Prospectus including post effective
amendments, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be
incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.
“Purchaser
Counsel”
has the
meaning set forth in Section
6.2(a).
“Registrable
Securities”
means
any Common Stock (including Underlying Shares) issued or issuable pursuant
to
the Transaction Documents, together with any securities issued or issuable
upon
any stock split, dividend or other distribution, recapitalization or similar
event with respect to the foregoing.
“Registration
Statement”
means
each registration statement required to be filed under Article VI, including
(in
each case) the Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration
statement or Prospectus, including pre- and post-effective amendments, all
exhibits thereto, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be
incorporated by reference in such registration statement.
“Required
Effectiveness Date”
means
with respect to the initial Registration Statement required to be filed
hereunder, the 90th
day
following the Closing Date.
“Rule
144,” “Rule
415,”
and
“Rule
424”
means
Rule 144, Rule 415 and Rule 424, respectively, promulgated by the Commission
pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rules may be amended from time to time,
or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having
substantially the same effect as such Rule.
“Securities”
means
the Shares, the Warrants and the Underlying Shares.
“Shares”
means an
aggregate of up to 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock, which are being issued
and
sold to the Purchasers at the Closing.
“Subsidiary”
means
any Person in which the Company, directly or indirectly, owns capital stock
or
holds an equity or similar interest.
3
“Trading
Day”
means
(a) any day on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and traded on its
primary Trading Market, or (b) if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted
and traded on any Eligible Market, then a day on which trading occurs on the
OTC
Bulletin Board (or any successor thereto), or (c) if trading ceases to occur
on
the OTC Bulletin Board (or any successor thereto), any Business
Day.
“Trading
Market”
means
the American Stock Exchange, the OTC Bulletin Board or any other Eligible
Market, or any national securities exchange, market or trading or quotation
facility on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted.
“Transaction
Documents”
means
this Agreement, the Warrants and any other documents or agreements executed
in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder.
“Underlying
Shares”
means
the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.
“Unit”
means
one Share and a Warrant to acquire one share of Common Stock.
“Warrants”
means
the Common Stock purchase warrants issued and sold under this Agreement in
the
form of Exhibit
A.
ARTICLE
II
PURCHASE
AND SALE
2.1
Subject
to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, at the Closing the
Company shall issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser shall,
severally and not jointly, purchase from the Company, the number of Units
indicated below such Purchaser’s name on the signature page of this Agreement at
the Per Unit Purchase Price. The Closing shall take place immediately following
the execution hereof, or at such other time as the parties may agree.
2.2
Closing
Deliveries.
(a)
At
the
Closing, the Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to each Purchaser
the following:
(i)
one
or
more stock certificates, free and clear of all restrictive and other legends
(except as expressly provided in Section 4.1(b) hereof), evidencing such number
of Shares equal to the number of Units indicated below such Purchaser's name
on
the signature page of this Agreement, registered in the name of such
Purchaser;
(ii)
a
Warrant, registered in the name of such Purchaser, pursuant to which such
Purchaser shall have the right to acquire such number of Underlying Shares
equal
to the number of Units indicated below such Purchaser’s name on the signature
page of this Agreement; and
(iii)
a
certificate from a duly authorized officer certifying on behalf of the Company
that each of the conditions set forth in Section 5.1 has been
satisfied;
4
(b)
At
the
Closing, each Purchaser shall deliver or cause to be delivered an amount equal
to the Per Unit Purchase Price multiplied by the number of Units indicated
below
such Purchaser’s name on the signature page of this Agreement, in United States
dollars and in immediately available funds, by wire transfer to an account
designated in writing to such Purchaser by the Company for such
purpose.
ARTICLE
III
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
3.1
Representations
and Warranties of the Company.
The
Company hereby represents and warrants to each of the Purchasers as
follows:
(a)
Organization
and Qualification.
The
Company is an entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under
the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, with the requisite power
and
authority to own and use its properties and assets and to carry on its business
as currently conducted. The Company is not in violation of any of the provisions
of its articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter
documents. The Company is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing
as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the
business conducted or property owned by it makes such qualification necessary,
except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing, as the case
may
be, could not, individually or in the aggregate, (i) adversely affect the
legality, validity or enforceability of any Transaction Document, (ii) have
or
result in a material adverse effect on the results of operations, assets,
prospects, business or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company, or
(iii) adversely impair the Company's ability to perform fully on a timely basis
its obligations under any of the Transaction Documents (any of (i), (ii) or
(iii), a “Material
Adverse Effect”).
(b)
Authorization;
Enforcement.
The
Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and to
consummate the transactions contemplated by each of the Transaction Documents
and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The
execution and delivery of each of the Transaction Documents by the Company
and
the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby
have
been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Company and
no
further consent or action is required by the Company, its Board of Directors
or
its shareholders. Each of the Transaction Documents has been (or upon delivery
will be) duly executed by the Company and is, or when delivered in accordance
with the terms hereof, will constitute, the valid and binding obligation of
the
Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its
terms.
5
(c)
No
Conflicts.
The
execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents by the Company
and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby
and
thereby do not and will not (i) conflict with or violate any provision of the
Company’s articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter
documents, (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event that with
notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others
any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation (with or
without notice, lapse of time or both) of, any agreement, credit facility,
debt
or other instrument (evidencing a Company or Subsidiary debt or otherwise)
or
other understanding to which the Company is a party or by which any property
or
asset of the Company is bound or affected, or (iii) result in a violation of
any
law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, injunction, decree or other restriction
of any court or governmental authority to which the Company is subject
(including federal and state securities laws and regulations and the rules
and
regulations of any self-regulatory organization to which the Company or its
securities are subject), or by which any property or asset of the Company is
bound or affected.
(d)
Issuance
of the Securities.
The
Securities (including the Underlying Shares) are duly authorized and, when
issued and paid for in accordance with the Transaction Documents, will be duly
and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, free and clear of all Liens
and shall not be subject to preemptive rights or similar rights of shareholders.
The Company has reserved from its duly authorized capital stock the maximum
number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the
Warrants.
(e)
Capitalization.
The
Company has no outstanding shares of capital stock other than its Common Stock.
All outstanding shares of Common Stock have been duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable and have been issued in compliance with
all
applicable laws. Except as disclosed in the SEC Reports, there are no
outstanding options, warrants, script rights to subscribe to, calls or
commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities, rights
or
obligations convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or giving
any
Person any right to subscribe for or acquire, any shares of Common Stock, or
contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company
is
bound to issue additional shares of Common Stock, or securities or rights
convertible or exchangeable into shares of Common Stock. The issue and sale
of
the Securities (including the Underlying Shares) will not obligate the Company
to issue shares of Common Stock or other securities to any Person (other than
the Purchasers) and will not result in a right of any holder of Company
securities to adjust any exercise, conversion, exchange or reset price under
such securities.
(f)
SEC
Reports; Financial Statements.
The
Company has filed all reports required to be filed by it under the Exchange
Act,
including pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) thereof, for at least the 12 months
preceding the date hereof (or such shorter period as the Company was required
by
law to file such material) (the foregoing materials (together with any materials
filed by the Company under the Exchange Act, whether or not required) being
collectively referred to herein as the “SEC
Reports”
and,
together with this Agreement and the Schedules to this Agreement, the
“Disclosure
Materials”)
on a
timely basis or has received a valid extension of such time of filing and has
filed any such SEC Reports prior to the expiration of any such extension. As
of
their respective dates, the SEC Reports complied in all material respects with
the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, and none of the SEC
Reports, when filed, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or
omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
in
order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading. The financial statements of the Company
included in the SEC Reports comply in all material respects with applicable
accounting requirements and the rules and regulations of the Commission with
respect thereto as in effect at the time of filing. Such financial statements
have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted
accounting principles applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved
(“GAAP”),
except
as may be otherwise specified in such financial statements or the notes thereto,
and fairly present in all material respects the financial position of the
Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of and for the dates thereof and
the results of operations and cash flows for the periods then ended, subject,
in
the case of unaudited statements, to normal, immaterial, year-end audit
adjustments.
6
(g)
Material
Changes.
Since
the date of the latest audited financial statements included within the SEC
Reports, except as specifically disclosed in the SEC Reports, there has been
no
event, occurrence or development that, individually or in the aggregate, has
had
or that is reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse
Effect.
(h)
Absence
of Litigation.
Except
as disclosed in the SEC Reports, there is no action, suit, claim, proceeding,
inquiry or investigation before or by any court, public board, government
agency, self-regulatory organization or body pending or, to the knowledge of
the
Company, threatened against or affecting the Company that is reasonably likely
to, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
(i)
Compliance.
The
Company (i) is not in default under or in violation of (and no event has
occurred that has not been waived that, with notice or lapse of time or both,
would result in a default by the Company under), nor has the Company received
notice of a claim that it is in default under or that it is in violation of,
any
indenture, loan or credit agreement or any other agreement or instrument to
which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound (whether
or
not such default or violation has been waived), (ii) is in violation of any
order of any court, arbitrator or governmental body, or (iii) is in violation
of
any statute, rule or regulation of any governmental authority, including without
limitation all foreign, federal, state and local laws relating to taxes,
environmental protection, occupational health and safety, product quality and
safety and employment and labor matters, except in each case as could not,
individually or in the aggregate, have or result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(j)
Title
to Assets.
The
Company has good and marketable title in fee simple to all real property owned
by it that is material to the business of the Company and good and marketable
title in all personal property owned by it that is material to the business
of
the Company, in each case free and clear of all Liens, except for Liens as
do
not materially affect the value of such property and do not materially interfere
with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company.
Any
real property and facilities held under lease by the Company is held by it
under
valid, subsisting and enforceable leases of which the Company is in compliance
except such non-compliance as would not have a Material Adverse
Effect.
(k)
Listing
and Maintenance Requirements.
The
Company has not, in the two years preceding the date hereof, received notice
(written or oral) from any Trading Market on which the Common Stock is or has
been listed or quoted to the effect that the Company is not in compliance with
the listing or maintenance requirements of such Trading Market. The Company
is,
and has no reason to believe that it will not in the foreseeable future continue
to be, in compliance with all such listing and maintenance requirements.
7
(l)
Acknowledgment
Regarding Purchasers' Purchase of Securities.
The
Company acknowledges and agrees that each of the Purchasers is acting solely
in
the capacity of an arm's length purchaser with respect to this Agreement and
the
transactions contemplated hereby. The Company further acknowledges that no
Purchaser is acting as a financial advisor or fiduciary of the Company (or
in
any similar capacity) with respect to this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby and any advice given by any Purchaser or any of their
respective representatives or agents in connection with this Agreement and
the
transactions contemplated hereby is merely incidental to the Purchasers'
purchase of the Securities. The Company further represents to each Purchaser
that the Company's decision to enter into this Agreement has been based solely
on the independent evaluation of the transactions contemplated hereby by the
Company and its representatives.
(m)
Patents
and Trademarks.
The
Company has valid title to all patents, patent applications, trademarks,
trademark applications, service marks, trade names, copyrights, licenses and
other similar rights that are necessary or material for use in connection with
its business as described in the SEC Reports and which the failure to so have
could have a Material Adverse Effect (collectively, the "Intellectual
Property Rights").
To
the knowledge of the Company, all such Intellectual Property Rights are
enforceable and there is no existing infringement by another Person of any
of
the Intellectual Property Rights.
(n)
Insurance.
The
Company is insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against
such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary in the
businesses in which the Company is engaged.
(o)
Regulatory
Permits.
The
Company possesses all certificates, authorizations and permits issued by the
appropriate federal, state, local or foreign regulatory authorities necessary
to
conduct their respective businesses as described in the SEC Reports, except
where the failure to possess such permits could not, individually or in the
aggregate, have or result in a Material Adverse Effect (“Material
Permits”).
(p)
Solvency.
Based
on the financial condition of the Company as of the Closing Date, (i) the
Company’s fair saleable value of its assets exceeds the amount that will be
required to be paid on or in respect of the Company’s existing debts and other
liabilities (including known contingent liabilities) as they mature; (ii) the
Company’s assets do not constitute unreasonably small capital to carry on its
business for the current fiscal year as now conducted and as proposed to be
conducted including its capital needs taking into account the particular capital
requirements of the business conducted by the Company, and projected capital
requirements and capital availability thereof; and (iii) the current cash flow
of the Company, together with the proceeds the Company would receive, were
it to
liquidate all of its assets, after taking into account all anticipated uses
of
the cash, would be sufficient to pay all amounts on or in respect of its debt
when such amounts are required to be paid. The Company does not intend to incur
debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature (taking into account
the timing and amounts of cash to be payable on or in respect of its
debt).
8
(q)
Going
Concern.
The
Company has no knowledge (upon receipt of the proceeds of this transaction)
that
the Company’s independent public accountants will issue an audit letter
containing a “going concern” opinion or other qualification in connection with
the Company’s annual report on Form 10-KSB pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) under
the Exchange Act for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
(r)
Internal
Accounting Controls.
The
Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide
reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with
management’s general or specific authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded
as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability,
(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 the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action
is taken with respect to any differences.
(s)
Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx
Act.
The
Company is in compliance with applicable requirements of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx
Act
of 2002 and applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission
thereunder in effect as of the date of this Agreement, except where such
noncompliance could not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
3.2
Representations
and Warranties of the Purchasers.
Each
Purchaser hereby, as to itself only and for no other Purchaser, represents
and
warrants to the Company as follows:
(a)
Organization;
Authority.
Such
Purchaser is an entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization with the requisite
corporate or partnership power and authority to enter into and to consummate
the
transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents and otherwise to carry
out its obligations thereunder. The purchase by such Purchaser of the Shares
hereunder has been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of such
Purchaser. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Purchaser
and constitutes the valid and binding obligation of such Purchaser, enforceable
against it in accordance with its terms.
(b)
Investment
Intent.
Such
Purchaser is acquiring the Securities for investment purposes only and not
with
a view to or for distributing or reselling such Securities or any part thereof,
without prejudice, however, to such Purchaser's right, subject to the provisions
of this Agreement, at all times to sell or otherwise dispose of all or any
part
of such Securities pursuant to an effective registration statement under the
Securities Act or under an exemption from such registration and in compliance
with applicable federal and state securities laws. Nothing contained herein
shall be deemed a representation or warranty by such Purchaser to hold
Securities for any period of time.
(c)
Purchaser
Status.
At the
time such Purchaser was offered the Shares and the Warrants, it was, and at
the
date hereof it is, an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a) under the
Securities Act. If such Purchaser was formed specifically for the purpose of
investing in the Shares and the Warrants, each of its beneficial owners is
an
“accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a) of the Securities
Act.
9
(d)
Experience
of such Purchaser.
Such
Purchaser, either alone or together with its representatives, has such
knowledge, sophistication and experience in business and financial matters
so as
to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment
in the Securities, and has so evaluated the merits and risks of such investment.
Such Purchaser is able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the
Securities and, at the present time, is able to afford a complete loss of such
investment.
(e)
Access
to Information.
Such
Purchaser has had the opportunity to ask questions or, and receive answers
from,
representatives of the Company concerning the Company and the terms and
conditions of this transaction, as well as obtain any information requested
by
such Purchaser. Such Purchaser's decision to enter into the transactions
contemplated hereby is based on such Purchaser's own evaluation of the risks
and
merits of an investment in Company. Such Purchaser acknowledges that such
Purchaser’s investment in the Securities involves a high degree of
risk.
ARTICLE
IV
OTHER
AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES
4.1
Transfer
Restrictions.
(a)
Securities
may only be disposed of pursuant to an effective registration statement under
the Securities Act or pursuant to an available exemption from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act, and in compliance with any applicable state
securities laws. In connection with any transfer of Securities other than
pursuant to an effective registration statement or to the Company or pursuant
to
Rule 144(k), except as otherwise set forth herein, the Company may require
the
transferor to provide to the Company an opinion of counsel selected by the
transferor, the form and substance of which opinion shall be reasonably
satisfactory to the Company, to the effect that such transfer does not require
registration under the Securities Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Company hereby consents to and agrees to register on the books of the Company
and with its transfer agent, without any such legal opinion, any transfer of
Securities by a Purchaser to an Affiliate of such Purchaser, provided that
the
transferee certifies to the Company that it is an “accredited investor” as
defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act.
(b)
The
Purchasers agree to the imprinting, so long as is required by this Section
4.1(b),
of the
following legend on any certificate evidencing Securities:
NEITHER
THESE SECURITIES NOR THE SECURITIES INTO WHICH THESE SECURITIES ARE EXERCISABLE
HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE
SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM
REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES
ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN
EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN
AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION
REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE
SECURITIES LAWS OR BLUE SKY LAWS.
10
(c)
Certificates
evidencing Securities shall not be required to contain such legend or any other
legend (i) while a Registration Statement covering the resale of such Securities
is effective under the Securities Act, or (ii) following any sale of such
Securities pursuant to Rule 144, or (iii) if such Securities are eligible for
sale under Rule 144(k), or (iv) if such legend is not required under applicable
requirements of the Securities Act (including judicial interpretations and
pronouncements issued by the Staff of the Commission). Following the Effective
Date or at such earlier time as a legend is no longer required for certain
Securities, the Company will no later than three Trading Days following the
delivery by a Purchaser to the Company or the Company’s transfer agent of a
legended certificate representing such Securities, deliver or cause to be
delivered to such Purchaser a certificate representing such Securities that
is
free from all restrictive and other legends. The Company may not make any
notation on its records or give instructions to any transfer agent of the
Company that enlarge the restrictions on transfer set forth in this
Section.
4.2
Furnishing
of Information.
As long
as any Purchaser owns Securities, the Company covenants to timely file (or
obtain extensions in respect thereof and file within the applicable grace
period) all reports required to be filed by the Company after the date hereof
pursuant to the Exchange Act. Upon the request of any Purchaser, the Company
shall deliver to such Purchaser a written certification of a duly authorized
officer as to whether it has complied with the preceding sentence. As long
as
any Purchaser owns Securities, if the Company is not required to file reports
pursuant to such laws, it will prepare and furnish to the Purchasers and make
publicly available in accordance with paragraph (c) of Rule 144 such information
as is required for the Purchasers to sell the Securities under Rule 144. The
Company further covenants that it will take such further action as any holder
of
Securities may reasonably request to satisfy the provisions of Rule 144
applicable to the issuer of securities relating to transactions for the sale
of
securities pursuant to Rule 144.
4.3
Reservation
and Listing of Securities.
The
Company shall maintain a reserve from its duly authorized shares of Common
Stock
for issuance pursuant to the Transaction Documents in such amount as may be
required to fulfill its obligations in full under the Transaction Documents.
In
the event that at any time the then authorized shares of Common Stock are
insufficient for the Company to satisfy its obligations in full under the
Transaction Documents, the Company shall promptly take such actions as may
be
required to increase the number of authorized shares. The Company shall in
the
time and manner required by its Trading Market, prepare and file with such
Trading Market an additional shares listing application covering the number
of
shares of Common Stock issuable under the Transaction Documents and shall take
all steps necessary to cause such shares of Common Stock to be approved for
listing on its Trading Market as soon as possible.
11
4.4
Reimbursement.
If any
Purchaser or any of its Affiliates or any officer, director, partner,
controlling Person, employee or agent of a Purchaser or any of its Affiliates
(a
“Related
Person”)
becomes involved in any capacity in any Proceeding brought by or against any
Person in connection with or as a result of the transactions contemplated by
the
Transaction Documents, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless such
Purchaser or Related Person for its reasonable legal and other expenses
(including the costs of any investigation, preparation and travel) and for
any
Losses incurred in connection therewith, as such expenses or Losses are
incurred, excluding only Losses that result directly from such Purchaser’s or
Related Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. In addition, the
Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Purchaser and Related Person
from
and against any and all Losses, as incurred, arising out of or relating to
any
breach by the Company of any of the representations, warranties or covenants
made by the Company in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or
any
allegation by a third party that, if true, would constitute such a breach.
The
conduct of any Proceedings for which indemnification is available under this
paragraph shall be governed by Section 6.4(c) below. The indemnification
obligations of the Company under this paragraph shall be in addition to any
liability that the Company may otherwise have and shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of any successors, assigns, heirs and personal
representatives of the Purchasers and any such Related Persons. The Company
also
agrees that neither the Purchasers nor any Related Persons shall have any
liability to the Company or any Person asserting claims on behalf of or in
right
of the Company in connection with or as a result of the transactions
contemplated by the Transaction Documents, except to the extent that any Losses
incurred by the Company result from the gross negligence or willful misconduct
of the applicable Purchaser or Related Person in connection with such
transactions.
If
the
Company breaches its obligations under any Transaction Document, then, in
addition to any other liabilities the Company may have under any Transaction
Document or applicable law, the Company shall pay or reimburse the Purchasers
on
demand for all costs of collection and enforcement (including reasonable
attorneys fees and expenses). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the Company specifically agrees to reimburse the Purchasers on demand for all
costs of enforcing the indemnification obligations in this
paragraph.
ARTICLE
V
CONDITIONS
5.1
Conditions
Precedent to the Obligations of the Purchasers.
The
obligation of each Purchaser to acquire Securities at the Closing is subject
to
the satisfaction or waiver by such Purchaser, at or before the Closing, of
each
of the following conditions:
(a)
Representations
and Warranties.
The
representations and warranties of the Company contained herein shall be true
and
correct in all material respects as of the date when made and as of the Closing
as though made on and as of such date; and
(b)
Performance.
The
Company and each other Purchaser shall have performed, satisfied and complied
in
all material respects with all covenants, agreements and conditions required
by
the Transaction Documents to be performed, satisfied or complied with by it
at
or prior to the Closing.
12
(c)
No
Injunction.
No
statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, ruling or injunction shall
have been enacted, entered, promulgated or endorsed by any court or governmental
authority of competent jurisdiction that prohibits the consummation of any
of
the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents;
(d)
Adverse
Changes.
Since
the date of execution of this Agreement, no event or series of events shall
have
occurred that reasonably would be expected to have or result in a Material
Adverse Effect;
(e)
No
Suspensions of Trading in Common Stock; Listing.
Trading
in the Common Stock shall not have been suspended by the Commission or any
Trading Market at any time since the date of execution of this Agreement, and
the Common Stock shall have been at all times since such date listed for trading
on an Eligible Market;
(f) Consents
and Approvals. All
consents and approvals of any corporate body and any third party, including
the
American Stock Exchange, shall have been obtained.
5.2
Conditions
Precedent to the Obligations of the Company.
The
obligation of the Company to sell Securities at the Closing is subject to the
satisfaction or waiver by the Company, at or before the Closing, of each of
the
following conditions:
(a)
Representations
and Warranties.
The
representations and warranties of the Purchasers contained herein shall be
true
and correct in all material respects as of the date when made and as of the
Closing Date as though made on and as of such date; and
(b)
Performance.
The
Purchasers shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects
with all covenants, agreements and conditions required by the Transaction
Documents to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Purchasers at
or
prior to the Closing.
(c) Consents
and Approvals. All
consents and approvals of any corporate body and any third party, including
the
American Stock Exchange, shall have been obtained.
ARTICLE
VI
REGISTRATION
RIGHTS
6.1
Shelf
Registration
(a)
As
promptly as possible, and in any event on or prior to the Filing Date, the
Company shall prepare and file with the Commission a “Shelf” Registration
Statement covering the resale of all Registrable Securities for an offering
to
be made on a continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415. The Registration Statement
shall be on Form S-3 (except if the Company is not then eligible to register
for
resale the Registrable Securities on Form S-3, in which case such registration
shall be on Form S-1 or another appropriate form in accordance herewith as
the
Purchasers may consent).
(b)
The
Company shall use its best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to be
declared effective by the Commission as promptly as possible after the filing
thereof, but in any event prior to the Required Effectiveness Date, and shall
use its best efforts to keep the Registration Statement continuously effective
under the Securities Act until the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date
or
such earlier date when all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration
Statement have been sold publicly or are freely tradeable under U.S. securities
laws (the “Effectiveness
Period”).
13
(c)
The
Company shall notify each Purchaser in writing promptly (and in any event within
one Trading Day) after receiving notification from the Commission that the
Registration Statement has been declared effective.
(d)
As
promptly as possible, and in any event no later than the Post-Effective
Amendment Filing Deadline, the Company shall prepare and file with the
Commission a Post-Effective Amendment. The Company shall use its best efforts
to
cause the Post-Effective Amendment to be declared effective by the Commission
as
promptly as possible after the filing thereof, but in any event prior to the
fifteenth Trading Day after the Post-Effective Amendment Filing Deadline. The
Company shall notify each Purchaser in writing promptly (and in any event within
one business day) after receiving notification from the Commission that the
Post-Effective Amendment has been declared effective.
(e)
If:
(i)
any Registration Statement is not declared effective by the Commission by the
Required Effectiveness Date or (ii) a Post-Effective Amendment is not declared
effective on or prior to the fifteenth Trading Day after the Post-Effective
Amendment Filing Deadline; the date on which any such Event occurs being
referred to as “Event
Date”),
then
on each monthly anniversary of each such Event Date thereof (if the applicable
Event shall not have been cured by such date) until the applicable Event is
cured, the Company shall pay to each Purchaser an amount in cash, as partial
liquidated damages and not as a penalty, equal to 1.5% of the aggregate purchase
price paid by such Purchaser pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. Such payments
shall be in partial compensation to the Purchasers and shall not constitute
the
Purchaser’s exclusive remedy for such events. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no
amounts shall be payable to a Purchaser under clause (i) or (ii) above if the
Registrable Securities may be sold by such Purchaser without restrictions under
applicable U.S. securities laws. If the Company fails to pay any liquidated
damages pursuant to this Section in full within seven days after the date
payable, the Company will pay interest thereon at a rate of 18% per annum (or
such lesser maximum amount that is permitted to be paid by applicable law)
to
the Purchaser, accruing daily from the date such liquidated damages are due
until such amounts, plus all such interest thereon, are paid in
cash.
(f)
Notwithstanding
the provisions of Section 6.1(e), the Company may, during the period a
registration statement is required to remain effective hereunder, suspend the
use of the prospectus for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days (whether or
not
consecutive) in any 12-month period if the Board of Directors of the Company
determines in good faith that because of valid business reasons, including
pending mergers or other business combination transactions, the planned
acquisition or divestiture of assets, pending material corporate developments
and similar events, it is in the best interests of the Company to suspend such
use, and prior to or contemporaneously with suspending such use the Company
provides the Purchasers of Registrable Securities with written notice of such
suspension (which notice need not specify the nature of the event giving rise
to
such suspension), and the Purchaser shall suspend the use of the prospectus
until its receipt of written notice. At the end of any such suspension period
the Company shall immediately provide the Purchasers with written notice of
the
termination of such suspension.
14
6.2
Registration
Procedures.
In
connection with the Company's registration obligations hereunder, the Company
shall:
(a)
Not
less
than three Trading Days prior to the filing of a Registration Statement or
any
related Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto (including any
document that would be incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by
reference), the Company shall (i) furnish to each Purchaser and any counsel
designated by any Purchaser (each, a “Purchaser
Counsel”),
copies of all such documents proposed to be filed, which documents (other than
those incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference) will be subject
to
the review of such Purchaser’s and Purchaser Counsel (it being understood that
such review must be completed within three Business Days of receipt of such
documents), and (ii) cause its officers and directors, counsel and independent
certified public accountants to respond to such inquiries as shall be necessary,
in the reasonable opinion of respective counsel, to conduct a reasonable
investigation within the meaning of the Securities Act.
(b)
(i)
Prepare and file with the Commission such amendments, including post-effective
amendments, to each Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection
therewith as may be necessary to keep the Registration Statement continuously
effective as to the applicable Registrable Securities for the Effectiveness
Period and prepare and file with the Commission such additional Registration
Statements in order to register for resale under the Securities Act all of
the
Registrable Securities; (ii) cause the related Prospectus to be amended or
supplemented by any required Prospectus supplement, and as so supplemented
or
amended to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; (iii) respond as promptly as
reasonably possible, and in any event within ten days, to any comments received
from the Commission with respect to the Registration Statement or any amendment
thereto and as promptly as reasonably possible provide the Purchasers true
and
complete copies of all correspondence from and to the Commission relating to
the
Registration Statement; and (iv) comply in all material respects with the
provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act with respect to the
disposition of all Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement
during the applicable period in accordance with the intended methods of
disposition by the Purchasers thereof set forth in the Registration Statement
as
so amended or in such Prospectus as so supplemented
(c)
Notify
the Purchasers of Registrable Securities to be sold and Purchaser Counsel as
promptly as reasonably possible, and (if requested by any such Person) confirm
such notice in writing no later than one Trading Day thereafter, of any of
the
following events: (i) the Commission notifies the Company whether there will
be
a “review” of any Registration Statement; (ii) the Commission comments in
writing on any Registration Statement (in which case the Company shall deliver
to each Purchaser a copy of such comments and of all written responses thereto);
(iii) any Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment is declared
effective; (iv) the Commission or any other Federal or state governmental
authority requests any amendment or supplement to any Registration Statement
or
Prospectus or requests additional information related thereto; (v) the
Commission issues any stop order suspending the effectiveness of any
Registration Statement or initiates any Proceedings for that purpose; (vi)
the
Company receives notice of any suspension of the qualification or exemption
from
qualification of any Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction, or
the
initiation or threat of any Proceeding for such purpose; or (vii) the financial
statements included in any Registration Statement become ineligible for
inclusion therein or any statement made in any Registration Statement or
Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein
by
reference is untrue in any material respect or any revision to a Registration
Statement, Prospectus or other document is required so that it will not 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
the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
15
(d)
Use
its
best efforts to avoid the issuance of or, if issued, obtain the withdrawal
of
(i) any order suspending the effectiveness of any Registration Statement, or
(ii) any suspension of the qualification (or exemption from qualification)
of
any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction, as soon as
possible.
(e)
Furnish
to each Purchaser and Purchaser Counsel, without charge, at least one conformed
copy of each Registration Statement and each amendment thereto, including
financial statements and schedules, all documents incorporated or deemed to
be
incorporated therein by reference, and all exhibits to the extent requested
by
such Person (including those previously furnished or incorporated by reference)
promptly after the filing of such documents with the Commission.
(f)
Promptly
deliver to each Purchaser and Purchaser Counsel, without charge, as many copies
of the Prospectus or Prospectuses (including each form of prospectus) and each
amendment or supplement thereto as such Persons may reasonably request. The
Company hereby consents to the use of such Prospectus and each amendment or
supplement thereto by each of the selling Purchasers in connection with the
offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by such Prospectus
and
any amendment or supplement thereto.
(g)
(i) In
the time and manner required by each Trading Market, prepare and file with
such
Trading Market an additional shares listing application covering all of the
Registrable Securities; (ii) take all steps necessary to cause such Registrable
Securities to be approved for listing on each Trading Market as soon as possible
thereafter; (iii) provide to the Purchasers evidence of such listing; and (iv)
maintain the listing of such Registrable Securities on each such Trading Market
or another Eligible Market.
(h)
Prior
to
any public offering of Registrable Securities, use its best efforts to register
or qualify or cooperate with the selling Purchasers and each applicable
Purchaser Counsel in connection with the registration or qualification (or
exemption from such registration or qualification) of such Registrable
Securities for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such
jurisdictions within the United States as any Purchaser requests in writing,
to
keep each such registration or qualification (or exemption therefrom) effective
during the Effectiveness Period and to do any and all other acts or things
necessary or advisable to enable the disposition in such jurisdictions of the
Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement.
16
(i)
Cooperate
with the Purchasers to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of
certificates representing Registrable Securities to be delivered to a transferee
pursuant to a Registration Statement, which certificates shall be free, to
the
extent permitted by this Agreement, of all restrictive legends, and to enable
such Registrable Securities to be in such denominations and registered in such
names as any such Purchasers may request.
(j)
Upon
the
occurrence of any event described in Section 6.2(c)(vii), as promptly as
reasonably possible, prepare a supplement or amendment, including a
post-effective amendment, to the Registration Statement or a supplement to
the
related Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated
therein by reference, and file any other required document so that, as
thereafter delivered, neither the Registration Statement nor such Prospectus
will contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state 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.
(k)
Cooperate
with any due diligence investigation undertaken by the Purchasers in connection
with the sale of Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, by
making available any documents and information; provided that the Company will
not deliver or make available to any Purchaser material, nonpublic information
unless such Purchaser specifically requests in advance to receive material,
nonpublic information in writing.
(l)
If
Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities being offered pursuant
to a
Registration Statement select underwriters for the offering, the Company shall
enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in
usual
and customary form, including, without limitation, by providing customary legal
opinions, comfort letters and indemnification and contribution
obligations.
(m)
Comply
with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission.
In
connection with the registration of the Registrable Securities, it shall be
a
condition precedent to the obligations of the Company to complete the
registration pursuant to this Agreement with respect to the Registrable
Securities of a particular Purchaser (or to make any payments or other damages
to such Purchaser pursuant to Section 6.1) that such Purchaser shall furnish
to
the Company such information regarding itself and the Registrable Securities
held by it as shall reasonably be required to effect the registration of such
Registrable Securities within five Trading Days of the Company's written
request.
6.3
Registration
Expenses.
The
Company shall pay (or reimburse the Purchasers for) all fees and expenses
incident to the performance of or compliance with this Agreement by the Company,
including without limitation (a) all registration and filing fees and expenses,
including without limitation those related to filings with the Commission,
any
Trading Market and in connection with applicable state securities or Blue Sky
laws, (b) printing expenses (including without limitation expenses of printing
certificates for Registrable Securities and of printing prospectuses requested
by the Purchasers), (c) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses, (d) fees
and
disbursements of counsel for the Company, (e) fees and expenses of all other
Persons retained by the Company in connection with the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (f) all listing fees to be
paid
by the Company to the Trading Market.
17
6.4
Indemnification
(a)
Indemnification
by the Company.
The
Company shall, notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, indemnify
and
hold harmless each Purchaser, the officers, directors, partners, members,
agents, brokers (including brokers who offer and sell Registrable Securities
as
principal as a result of a pledge or any failure to perform under a margin
call
of Common Stock), investment advisors and employees of each of them, each Person
who controls any such Purchaser (within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the officers, directors,
partners, members, agents and employees of each such controlling Person, to
the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against any and all Losses,
as incurred, arising out of or relating to any untrue or alleged untrue
statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, any
Prospectus or any form of prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto
or in any preliminary prospectus, or arising out of or relating to any omission
or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of any Prospectus or
form
of prospectus or supplement thereto, in the light of the circumstances under
which they were made) not misleading, except to the extent, but only to the
extent, that (i) such untrue statements, alleged untrue statements, omissions
or
alleged omissions are based solely upon information regarding such Purchaser
furnished in writing to the Company by such Purchaser expressly for use therein,
or to the extent that such information relates to such Purchaser or such
Purchaser's proposed method of distribution of Registrable Securities and was
reviewed and expressly approved in writing by such Purchaser expressly for
use
in the Registration Statement, such Prospectus or such form of Prospectus or
in
any amendment or supplement thereto or (ii) in the case of an occurrence of
an
event of the type specified in Section 6.2(c)(v)-(vii), the use by such
Purchaser of an outdated or defective Prospectus after the Company has notified
such Purchaser in writing that the Prospectus is outdated or defective and
prior
to the receipt by such Purchaser of the Advice contemplated in Section 6.5.
The
Company shall notify the Purchasers promptly of the institution, threat or
assertion of any Proceeding of which the Company is aware in connection with
the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(b)
Indemnification
by Purchasers.
Each
Purchaser shall, severally and not jointly, indemnify and hold harmless the
Company, its directors, officers, agents and employees, each Person who controls
the Company (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section
20 of the Exchange Act), and the directors, officers, agents or employees of
such controlling Persons, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law,
from and against all Losses (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction
in a final judgment not subject to appeal or review) arising solely out of
any
untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement,
any
Prospectus, or any form of prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement
thereto, or arising solely out of any omission of a material fact required
to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of
any
Prospectus or form of prospectus or supplement thereto, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made) not misleading to the extent, but
only
to the extent, that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any
information so furnished in writing by such Purchaser to the Company
specifically for inclusion in such Registration Statement or such Prospectus
or
to the extent that (i) such untrue statements or omissions are based solely
upon
information regarding such Purchaser furnished in writing to the Company by
such
Purchaser expressly for use therein, or to the extent that such information
relates to such Purchaser or such Purchaser's proposed method of distribution
of
Registrable Securities and was reviewed and expressly approved in writing by
such Purchaser expressly for use in the Registration Statement, such Prospectus
or such form of Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or (ii)
in
the case of an occurrence of an event of the type specified in Section
6.2(c)(v)-(vii),
the use
by such Purchaser of an outdated or defective Prospectus after the Company
has
notified such Purchaser in writing that the Prospectus is outdated or defective
and prior to the receipt by such Purchaser of the Advice contemplated in
Section
6.5.
In no
event shall the liability of any selling Purchaser hereunder be greater in
amount than the dollar amount of the net proceeds received by such Purchaser
upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification
obligation.
18
(c)
Conduct
of Indemnification Proceedings.
If any
Proceeding shall be brought or asserted against any Person entitled to indemnity
hereunder (an “Indemnified
Party”),
such
Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the Person from whom indemnity is sought
(the “Indemnifying
Party”)
in
writing, and the Indemnifying Party shall assume the defense thereof, including
the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party
and
the payment of all fees and expenses incurred in connection with defense
thereof; provided, that the failure of any Indemnified Party to give such notice
shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations or liabilities
pursuant to this Agreement, except (and only) to the extent that it shall be
finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction (which determination
is
not subject to appeal or further review) that such failure shall have
proximately and materially adversely prejudiced the Indemnifying
Party.
An
Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such
Proceeding and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses
of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party or Parties
unless: (i) the Indemnifying Party has agreed in writing to pay such fees and
expenses; or (ii) the Indemnifying Party shall have failed promptly to assume
the defense of such Proceeding and to employ counsel reasonably satisfactory
to
such Indemnified Party in any such Proceeding; or (iii) the named parties to
any
such Proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both such Indemnified
Party and the Indemnifying Party, and such Indemnified Party shall have been
advised by counsel that a conflict of interest is likely to exist if the same
counsel were to represent such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party
(in
which case, if such Indemnified Party notifies the Indemnifying Party in writing
that it elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the Indemnifying
Party, the Indemnifying Party shall not have the right to assume the defense
thereof and such counsel shall be at the expense of the Indemnifying Party).
The
Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any settlement of any such Proceeding
effected without its written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld. No Indemnifying Party shall, without the prior written consent of
the
Indemnified Party, effect any settlement of any pending Proceeding in respect
of
which any Indemnified Party is a party, unless such settlement includes an
unconditional release of such Indemnified Party from all liability on claims
that are the subject matter of such Proceeding.
All
fees
and expenses of the Indemnified Party (including reasonable fees and expenses
to
the extent incurred in connection with investigating or preparing to defend
such
Proceeding in a manner not inconsistent with this Section) shall be paid to
the
Indemnified Party, as incurred, within ten Trading Days of written notice
thereof to the Indemnifying Party (regardless of whether it is ultimately
determined that an Indemnified Party is not entitled to indemnification
hereunder; provided, that the Indemnifying Party may require such Indemnified
Party to undertake to reimburse all such fees and expenses to the extent it
is
finally judicially determined that such Indemnified Party is not entitled to
indemnification hereunder).
19
(d)
Contribution.
If a
claim for indemnification under Section
6.4(a)
or
(b)
is
unavailable to an Indemnified Party (by reason of public policy or otherwise),
then each Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party,
shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as
a
result of such Losses, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the
relative fault of the Indemnifying Party and Indemnified Party in connection
with the actions, statements or omissions that resulted in such Losses as well
as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such
Indemnifying Party and Indemnified Party shall be determined by reference to,
among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or
alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission
of a
material fact, has been taken or made by, or relates to information supplied
by,
such Indemnifying Party or Indemnified Party, and the parties' relative intent,
knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such
action, statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result
of any Losses shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth
in Section
6.4(c),
any
reasonable attorneys' or other reasonable fees or expenses incurred by such
party in connection with any Proceeding to the extent such party would have
been
indemnified for such fees or expenses if the indemnification provided for in
this Section was available to such party in accordance with its
terms.
The
parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution
pursuant to this Section
6.4(d)
were
determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that
does
not take into account the equitable considerations referred to in the
immediately preceding paragraph. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section
6.4(d), no Purchaser shall be required to contribute, in the aggregate, any
amount in excess of the amount by which the proceeds actually received by such
Purchaser from the sale of the Registrable Securities subject to the Proceeding
exceeds the amount of any damages that such Purchaser has otherwise been
required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission
or alleged omission. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within
the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to
contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent
misrepresentation.
The
indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section are in addition
to any liability that the Indemnifying Parties may have to the Indemnified
Parties.
6.5
Dispositions.
Each
Purchaser agrees that it will comply with the prospectus delivery requirements
of the Securities Act as applicable to it in connection with sales of
Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement. Each Purchaser
further agrees that, upon receipt of a notice from the Company of the occurrence
of any event of the kind described in Sections
6.2(c)(v),
(vi)
or
(vii),
such
Purchaser will discontinue disposition of such Registrable Securities under
the
Registration Statement until such Purchaser's receipt of the copies of the
supplemented Prospectus and/or amended Registration Statement contemplated
by
Section
6.2(j),
or
until it is advised in writing (the “Advice”)
by the
Company that the use of the applicable Prospectus may be resumed, and, in either
case, has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus or
Registration Statement. The Company may provide appropriate stop orders to
enforce the provisions of this paragraph.
20
6.6
No
Piggyback on Registrations.
Neither
the Company nor any of its security holders (other than the Purchasers in such
capacity pursuant hereto or Xxxxxxxxxx Public Relations with respect to not
more
than 100,000 shares of Common Stock) may include securities of the Company
in
the Registration Statement other than the Registrable Securities, and the
Company shall not after the date hereof enter into any agreement providing
any
such right to any of its security holders.
6.7
Piggy-Back
Registrations.
If at
any time during the Effectiveness Period there is not an effective Registration
Statement covering all of the Registrable Securities and the Company shall
determine to prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement
relating to an offering for its own account or the account of others under
the
Securities Act of any of its equity securities, other than on Form S-4 or Form
S-8 (each as promulgated under the Securities Act) or their then equivalents
relating to equity securities to be issued solely in connection with any
acquisition of any entity or business or equity securities issuable in
connection with stock option or other employee benefit plans, then the Company
shall send to each Purchaser written notice of such determination and if, within
fifteen days after receipt of such notice, any such Purchaser shall so request
in writing, the Company shall include in such registration statement all or
any
part of such Registrable Securities such Purchaser requests to be
registered.
ARTICLE
VII
MISCELLANEOUS
7.1
Termination.
This
Agreement may be terminated by the Company or any Purchaser, by written notice
to the other parties, if the Closing has not been consummated by the third
Trading Day following the date of this Agreement; provided that no such
termination will affect the right of any party to xxx for any breach by the
other party (or parties).
7.2
Fees
and Expenses.
Each
party shall pay the fees and expenses of its advisers, counsel, accountants
and
other experts, if any, and all other expenses incurred by such party incident
to
the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement. The Company shall pay all transfer agent fees, stamp taxes and other
taxes and duties levied in connection with the issuance of any Securities or
the
execution thereof.
7.3
Entire
Agreement.
The
Transaction Documents, together with the Exhibits and Schedules thereto, contain
the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter
hereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written,
with respect to such matters, which the parties acknowledge have been merged
into such documents, exhibits and schedules. At or after the Closing, and
without further consideration, the Company will execute and deliver to the
Purchasers such further documents as may be reasonably requested in order to
give practical effect to the intention of the parties under the Transaction
Documents. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Securities may
be
assigned to any Person in connection with a bona fide margin account or other
loan or financing arrangement secured by such Company Securities.
21
7.4
Notices.
Any and
all notices or other communications or deliveries required or permitted to
be
provided hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given and effective
on the earliest of (a) the date of transmission, if such notice or communication
is delivered via facsimile at the facsimile number specified in this Section
prior to 6:30 p.m. (New York City time) on a Trading Day, (b) the next Trading
Day after the date of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered
via facsimile at the facsimile number specified in this Section on a day that
is
not a Trading Day or later than 6:30 p.m. (New York City time) on any Trading
Day, (c) the Trading Day following the date of deposit with a nationally
recognized overnight courier service, or (d) upon actual receipt by the party
to
whom such notice is required to be given. The addresses and facsimile numbers
for such notices and communications are those set forth on the signature pages
hereof, or such other address or facsimile number as may be designated in
writing hereafter, in the same manner, by any such Person.
7.5
Amendments;
Waivers.
No
provision of this Agreement may be waived or amended except in a written
instrument signed, in the case of an amendment, by the Company and each of
the
Purchasers or, in the case of a waiver, by the party against whom enforcement
of
any such waiver is sought. No waiver of any default with respect to any
provision, condition or requirement of this Agreement shall be deemed to be
a
continuing waiver in the future or a waiver of any subsequent default or a
waiver of any other provision, condition or requirement hereof, nor shall any
delay or omission of either party to exercise any right hereunder in any manner
impair the exercise of any such right. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver
or consent to depart from the provisions hereof with respect to a matter that
relates exclusively to the rights of Purchasers under Article
VI
and that
does not directly or indirectly affect the rights of other Purchasers may be
given by Purchasers holding at least a majority of the Registrable Securities
to
which such waiver or consent relates.
7.6
Construction.
The
headings herein are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this
Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions
hereof. The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language
chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rules of strict
construction will be applied against any party.
7.7
Successors
and Assigns.
This
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and
their successors and permitted assigns. The Company may not assign this
Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written
consent of the Purchasers. Any Purchaser may assign its rights under this
Agreement to any Person to whom such Purchaser assigns or transfers any
Securities, provided such transferee agrees in writing to be bound, with respect
to the transferred Securities, by the provisions hereof that apply to the
“Purchasers.” Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Securities may be
assigned to any Person in connection with a bona fide margin account or other
loan or financing arrangement secured by such Securities.
7.8
No
Third-Party Beneficiaries.
This
Agreement is intended for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and permitted assigns and is not for the benefit of, nor may any
provision hereof be enforced by, any other Person, except that each Related
Person is an intended third party beneficiary of Section 4.4 and each
Indemnified Party is an intended third party beneficiary of Section 6.4 and
(in
each case) may enforce the provisions of such Sections directly against the
parties with obligations thereunder.
22
7.9
Governing
Law; Venue.
ALL
QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION, VALIDITY, ENFORCEMENT AND INTERPRETATION
OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE LAWS OF ENGLAND. THE COMPANY AND PURCHASERS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT
TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COMPETANT COURTS SITTING IN
ENGLAND.
7.10
Survival.
The
representations, warranties, agreements and covenants contained herein shall
survive the Closing and the delivery and/or exercise of the Securities, as
applicable.
7.11
Execution.
This
Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which when taken
together shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become
effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to
the
other party, it being understood that both parties need not sign the same
counterpart. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile
transmission, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of
the
party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same
force and effect as if such facsimile signature page were an original
thereof.
7.12
Severability.
If any
provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable in any
respect, the validity and enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions
of this Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and
the
parties will attempt to agree upon a valid and enforceable provision that is
a
reasonable substitute therefor, and upon so agreeing, shall incorporate such
substitute provision in this Agreement.
7.13
Replacement
of Securities.
If any
certificate or instrument evidencing any Securities is mutilated, lost, stolen
or destroyed, the Company shall issue or cause to be issued in exchange and
substitution for and upon cancellation thereof, or in lieu of and substitution
therefor, a new certificate or instrument, but only upon receipt of evidence
reasonably satisfactory to the Company of such loss, theft or destruction and
customary and reasonable indemnity, if requested. The applicants for a new
certificate or instrument under such circumstances shall also pay any reasonable
third-party costs associated with the issuance of such replacement
Securities.
7.14
Remedies.
In
addition to being entitled to exercise all rights provided herein or granted
by
law, including recovery of damages, each of the Purchasers and the Company
will
be entitled to specific performance under the Transaction Documents. The parties
agree that monetary damages may not be adequate compensation for any loss
incurred by reason of any breach of obligations described in the foregoing
sentence and hereby agrees to waive in any action for specific performance
of
any such obligation the defense that a remedy at law would be
adequate.
7.15
Adjustments
in Share Numbers and Prices.
In the
event of any stock split, subdivision, dividend or distribution payable in
shares of Common Stock (or other securities or rights convertible into, or
entitling the holder thereof to receive directly or indirectly shares of Common
Stock), combination or other similar recapitalization or event occurring after
the date hereof, each reference in any Transaction Document to a number of
shares or a price per share shall be amended to appropriately account for such
event.
23
7.16
Independent
Nature of Purchasers' Obligations and Rights.
The
obligations of each Purchaser under any Transaction Document are several and
not
joint with the obligations of any other Purchaser, and no Purchaser shall be
responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other
Purchaser under any Transaction Document. The decision of each Purchaser to
purchase Securities pursuant to this Agreement has been made by such Purchaser
independently of any other Purchaser and independently of any information,
materials, statements or opinions as to the business, affairs, operations,
assets, properties, liabilities, results of operations, condition (financial
or
otherwise) or prospects of the Company or of the Subsidiary which may have
been
made or given by any other Purchaser or by any agent or employee of any other
Purchaser, and no Purchaser or any of its agents or employees shall have any
liability to any other Purchaser (or any other person) relating to or arising
from any such information, materials, statements or opinions. Nothing contained
herein or in any Transaction Document, and no action taken by any Purchaser
pursuant thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Purchasers as a partnership,
an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a
presumption that the Purchasers are in any way acting in concert or as a group
with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by the
Transaction Document. The Company hereby confirms that it understands and agrees
that the Purchasers are not acting as a “group” as that term is used in Section
13(d) of the Exchange Act. Each Purchaser acknowledges that no other Purchaser
has acted as agent for such Purchaser in connection with making its investment
hereunder and that no other Purchaser will be acting as agent of such Purchaser
in connection with monitoring its investment hereunder. Each Purchaser shall
be
entitled to independently protect and enforce its rights, including without
limitation the rights arising out of this Agreement or out of the other
Transaction Documents, and it shall not be necessary for any other Purchaser
to
be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose. Each
Purchaser represents that it has been represented by its own separate legal
counsel in its review and negotiations of this Agreement and the Transaction
Documents.
7.17
Announcements. The
Company undertakes not to make any public announcements about the subject matter
hereof without the prior written consent of each of the Purchasers, except
as
required by any laws, regulations or the rules of any Trading Market, in which
case the Purchasers would be informed in advance about the timing and content
of
the announcement.
[SIGNATURE
PAGES TO FOLLOW]
24
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the date first
indicated above.
SULPHCO,
INC.
By: /s/__________________________
Name: Xxxxxx
X.
Xxxxxxxxx
Title: Chief
Executive Officer
Address
for Notice:
000
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx,
Xxxxxx,
XX 00000
Facsimile
No.: (000) 000-0000
Telephone
No.: (000) 000-0000
Attn:
Chief Executive Officer
[REMAINDER
OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
SIGNATURE
PAGES FOR PURCHASERS FOLLOW]
______________________________________
By: __________________________
Name:
Title:
Number
of
Units: ___________________
Address
for Notice:
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
Facsimile
No.: __________________________
Telephone
No.: _________________________
Attn:
__________________________________
Exhibits:
A Form
of
Warrant
EXHIBIT
“A”
NEITHER
THESE SECURITIES NOR THE SECURITIES FOR WHICH THESE SECURITIES ARE EXERCISABLE
HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE
SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM
REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES
ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN
EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN
AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION
REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE
SECURITIES OR BLUE SKY LAWS.
SULPHCO,
INC.
WARRANT
Warrant No. ___ |
Dated:
March 29, 2006
|
SulphCo,
Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”),
hereby certifies that, for value received, __________________________ or its
registered assigns (the “Holder”),
is
entitled to purchase from the Company up to a total of _______ shares of common
stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “Common
Stock”),
of
the Company (each such share, a “Warrant
Share”
and
all
such shares, the “Warrant
Shares”)
at an
exercise price equal to $6.805 per share (as adjusted from time to time as
provided in Section
9,
the
“Exercise
Price”),
at
any time and from time to time from and after the date hereof and through and
including the date that is eighteen (18) months from the date of issuance hereof
(the “Expiration
Date”),
and
subject to the following terms and conditions. This Warrant (this “Warrant”)
is one
of a series of similar warrants issued pursuant to that certain Securities
Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Company and
the Purchasers identified therein (the “Purchase
Agreement”).
All
such warrants are referred to herein, collectively, as the “Warrants.”
1.
Definitions.
In
addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Warrant, capitalized terms
that
are not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given to such terms in the
Purchase Agreement.
2.
Registration
of Warrant.
The
Company shall register this Warrant, upon records to be maintained by the
Company for that purpose (the “Warrant
Register”),
in
the name of the record Holder hereof from time to time. The Company may deem
and
treat the registered Holder of this Warrant as the absolute owner hereof for
the
purpose of any exercise hereof or any distribution to the Holder, and for all
other purposes, absent actual notice to the contrary.
3.
Registration
of Transfers.
The
Company shall register the transfer of any portion of this Warrant in the
Warrant Register, upon surrender of this Warrant, with the Form of Assignment
attached hereto duly completed and signed, to the Transfer Agent or to the
Company at its address specified herein. Upon any such registration or transfer,
a new warrant to purchase Common Stock, in substantially the form of this
Warrant (any such new warrant, a “New
Warrant”),
evidencing the portion of this Warrant so transferred shall be issued to the
transferee and a New Warrant evidencing the remaining portion of this Warrant
not so transferred, if any, shall be issued to the transferring Holder. The
acceptance of the New Warrant by the transferee thereof shall be deemed the
acceptance by such transferee of all of the rights and obligations of a holder
of a Warrant.
4.
Exercise
and Duration of Warrants.
(a)
This
Warrant shall be exercised by the registered Holder at any time and from time
to
time on or after the date hereof to and including the Expiration Date. At 6:30
P.M., New York City time on the Expiration Date, the portion of this Warrant
not
exercised prior thereto shall be and become void and of no value; provided
that,
if the average of the Closing Prices for the five Trading Days immediately
prior
to (but not including) the Expiration Date exceeds the Exercise Price on the
Expiration Date, then this Warrant shall be deemed to have been exercised in
full (to the extent not previously exercised) on a “cashless exercise” basis at
6:30 P.M. New York City time on the Expiration Date if a “cashless exercise” may
occur at such time pursuant to Section 10 below. Notwithstanding anything to
the
contrary herein, the Expiration Date shall be extended for each day following
the Effective Date that the Registration Statement This Warrant shall be
exercisable by the is not effective.
(b)
A
Holder
may exercise this Warrant by delivering to the Company (i) an exercise notice,
in the form attached hereto (the “Exercise
Notice”),
appropriately completed and duly signed, and (ii) payment of the Exercise
Price for the number of Warrant Shares as to which this Warrant is being
exercised (which may take the form of a “cashless exercise” if so indicated in
the Exercise Notice and if a “cashless exercise” may occur at such time pursuant
to this Section 10 below), and the date such items are delivered to the Company
(as determined in accordance with the notice provisions hereof) is an
“Exercise
Date.”
The
Holder shall not be required to deliver the original Warrant in order to effect
an exercise hereunder. Execution and delivery of the Exercise Notice shall
have
the same effect as cancellation of the original Warrant and issuance of a New
Warrant evidencing the right to purchase the remaining number of Warrant
Shares.
5.
Delivery
of Warrant Shares.
(a)
Upon
exercise of this Warrant, the Company shall promptly (but in no event later
than
three Trading Days after the Exercise Date) issue or cause to be issued and
cause to be delivered to or upon the written order of the Holder and in such
name or names as the Holder may designate, a certificate for the Warrant Shares
issuable upon such exercise, free of restrictive legends unless a registration
statement covering the resale of the Warrant Shares and naming the Holder as
a
selling stockholder thereunder is not then effective and the Warrant Shares
are
not freely transferable without volume restrictions pursuant to Rule 144 under
the Securities Act. The Holder, or any Person so designated by the Holder to
receive Warrant Shares, shall be deemed to have become holder of record of
such
Warrant Shares as of the Exercise Date. The Company shall, upon request of
the
Holder, use its best efforts to deliver Warrant Shares hereunder electronically
through the Depository Trust Corporation or another established clearing
corporation performing similar functions.
2
(b)
This
Warrant is exercisable, either in its entirety or, from time to time, for a
portion of the number of Warrant Shares. Upon surrender of this Warrant
following one or more partial exercises, the Company shall issue or cause to
be
issued, at its expense, a New Warrant evidencing the right to purchase the
remaining number of Warrant Shares.
(c)
In
addition to any other rights available to a Holder, if the Company fails to
deliver to the Holder a certificate representing Warrant Shares by the third
Trading Day after the date on which delivery of such certificate is required
by
this Warrant, and if after such third Trading Day the Holder purchases (in
an
open market transaction or otherwise) shares of Common Stock to deliver in
satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of the Warrant Shares that the Holder
anticipated receiving from the Company (a “Buy-In”),
then
the Company shall, within three Trading Days after the Holder’s request and in
the Holder’s discretion, either (i) pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to
the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions, if any) for
the shares of Common Stock so purchased (the “Buy-In
Price”),
at
which point the Company’s obligation to deliver such certificate (and to issue
such Common Stock) shall terminate, or (ii) promptly honor its obligation to
deliver to the Holder a certificate or certificates representing such Common
Stock and pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to the excess (if any)
of
the Buy-In Price over the product of (A) such number of shares of Common Stock,
times (B) the Closing Price on the date of the event giving rise to the
Company’s obligation to deliver such certificate.
(d)
The
Company’s obligations to issue and deliver Warrant Shares in accordance with the
terms hereof are absolute and unconditional, irrespective of any action or
inaction by the Holder to enforce the same, any waiver or consent with respect
to any provision hereof, the recovery of any judgment against any Person or
any
action to enforce the same, or any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, limitation
or termination, or any breach or alleged breach by the Holder or any other
Person of any obligation to the Company or any violation or alleged violation
of
law by the Holder or any other Person, and irrespective of any other
circumstance which might otherwise limit such obligation of the Company to
the
Holder in connection with the issuance of Warrant Shares. Nothing herein shall
limit a Holder’s right to pursue any other remedies available to it hereunder,
at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific
performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to the Company’s failure to
timely deliver certificates representing shares of Common Stock upon exercise
of
the Warrant as required pursuant to the terms hereof.
6.
Charges,
Taxes and Expenses.
Issuance and delivery of certificates for shares of Common Stock upon exercise
of this Warrant shall be made without charge to the Holder for any issue or
transfer tax, withholding tax, transfer agent fee or other incidental tax or
expense in respect of the issuance of such certificates, all of which taxes
and
expenses shall be paid by the Company; provided, however, that the Company
shall
not be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer
involved in the registration of any certificates for Warrant Shares or Warrants
in a name other than that of the Holder or an Affiliate thereof. The Holder
shall be responsible for all other tax liability that may arise as a result
of
holding or transferring this Warrant or receiving Warrant Shares upon exercise
hereof.
3
7.
Replacement
of Warrant.
If this
Warrant is mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed, the Company shall issue or
cause to be issued in exchange and substitution for and upon cancellation
hereof, or in lieu of and substitution for this Warrant, a New Warrant, but
only
upon receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of such loss,
theft or destruction and customary and reasonable bond or indemnity, if
requested. Applicants for a New Warrant under such circumstances shall also
comply with such other reasonable regulations and procedures and pay such other
reasonable third-party costs as the Company may prescribe.
8.
Reservation
of Warrant Shares.
The
Company covenants that it will at all times reserve and keep available out
of
the aggregate of its authorized but unissued and otherwise unreserved Common
Stock, solely for the purpose of enabling it to issue Warrant Shares upon
exercise of this Warrant as herein provided, the number of Warrant Shares which
are then issuable and deliverable upon the exercise of this entire Warrant,
free
from preemptive rights or any other contingent purchase rights of persons other
than the Holder (after giving effect to adjustments and restrictions of
Section
9,
if
any). The Company covenants that all Warrant Shares so issuable and deliverable
shall, upon issuance and the payment of the applicable Exercise Price in
accordance with the terms hereof, be duly and validly authorized, issued and
fully paid and nonassessable. The Company will take all such action as may
be
necessary to assure that such shares of Common Stock may be issued as provided
herein without violation of any applicable law or regulation, or of any
requirements of any securities exchange or automated quotation system upon
which
the Common Stock may be listed.
9.
Certain
Adjustments.
The
Exercise Price and number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of this
Warrant are subject to adjustment from time to time as set forth in this
Section
9.
(a)
Stock
Dividends and Splits.
If the
Company, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, (i) pays a stock
dividend on its Common Stock or otherwise makes a distribution on any class
of
capital stock that is payable in shares of Common Stock, (ii) subdivides
outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares, or (iii)
combines outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares,
then in each such case the Exercise Price shall be multiplied by a fraction
of
which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
immediately before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number
of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event. Any
adjustment made pursuant to clause (i) of this paragraph shall become effective
immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled
to receive such dividend or distribution, and any adjustment pursuant to clause
(ii) or (iii) of this paragraph shall become effective immediately after the
effective date of such subdivision or combination.
(b)
Pro
Rata Distributions.
If the
Company, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, distributes to holders
of Common Stock (i) evidences of its indebtedness, (ii) any security (other
than
a distribution of Common Stock covered by the preceding paragraph),
(iii) rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any security, or (iv)
any other asset (in each case, “Distributed
Property”),
then
in each such case the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to the record
date fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to receive such
distribution shall be adjusted (effective on such record date) to equal the
product of such Exercise Price times a fraction of which the denominator shall
be the average of the Closing Prices for the five Trading Days immediately
prior
to (but not including) such record date and of which the numerator shall be
such
average less the then fair market value of the Distributed Property distributed
in respect of one outstanding share of Common Stock, as determined by the
Company's independent certified public accountants that regularly examine the
financial statements of the Company (an “Appraiser”).
In
such event, the Holder, after receipt of the determination by the Appraiser,
shall have the right to select an additional appraiser (which shall be a
nationally recognized accounting firm), in which case such fair market value
shall be deemed to equal the average of the values determined by each of the
Appraiser and such appraiser. As an alternative to the foregoing adjustment
to
the Exercise Price, at the request of the Holder delivered before the 90th
day
after such record date, the Company will deliver to such Holder, within five
Trading Days after such request (or, if later, on the effective date of such
distribution), the Distributed Property that such Holder would have been
entitled to receive in respect of the Warrant Shares for which this Warrant
could have been exercised immediately prior to such record date. If such
Distributed Property is not delivered to a Holder pursuant to the preceding
sentence, then upon expiration of or any exercise of the Warrant that occurs
after such record date, such Holder shall remain entitled to receive, in
addition to the Warrant Shares otherwise issuable upon such exercise (if
applicable), such Distributed Property.
4
(c)
Fundamental
Transactions.
If, at
any time while this Warrant is outstanding, (i) the Company effects any merger
or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person, (ii) the Company
effects any sale of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series
of
related transactions, (iii) any tender offer or exchange offer (whether by
the
Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common
Stock are permitted to tender or exchange their shares for other securities,
cash or property, or (iv) the Company effects any reclassification of the Common
Stock or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Stock is
effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property
(other than as a result of a subdivision or combination of shares of Common
Stock covered by Section 9(a) above) (in any such case, a “Fundamental
Transaction”),
then
the Holder shall have the right thereafter to receive, upon exercise of this
Warrant, the same amount and kind of securities, cash or property as it would
have been entitled to receive upon the occurrence of such Fundamental
Transaction if it had been, immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction,
the holder of the number of Warrant Shares then issuable upon exercise in full
of this Warrant (the “Alternate
Consideration”).
The
aggregate Exercise Price for this Warrant will not be affected by any such
Fundamental Transaction, but the Company shall apportion such aggregate Exercise
Price among the Alternate Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the
relative value of any different components of the Alternate Consideration.
If
holders of Common Stock are given any choice as to the securities, cash or
property to be received in a Fundamental Transaction, then the Holder shall
be
given the same choice as to the Alternate Consideration it receives upon any
exercise of this Warrant following such Fundamental Transaction. At the Holder’s
request, any successor to the Company or surviving entity in such Fundamental
Transaction shall issue to the Holder a new warrant consistent with the
foregoing provisions and evidencing the Holder’s right to purchase the Alternate
Consideration for the aggregate Exercise Price upon exercise thereof. The terms
of any agreement pursuant to which a Fundamental Transaction is effected shall
include terms requiring any such successor or surviving entity to comply with
the provisions of this paragraph (c) and insuring that the Warrant (or any
such
replacement security) will be similarly adjusted upon any subsequent transaction
analogous to a Fundamental Transaction. If any Fundamental Transaction
constitutes or results in a Change of Control, then at the request of the Holder
delivered before the 90th day after such Fundamental Transaction, the Company
(or any such successor or surviving entity) will purchase the Warrant from
the
Holder for a purchase price, payable in cash within five Trading Days after
such
request (or, if later, on the effective date of the Fundamental Transaction),
equal to the Black Scholes value of the remaining unexercised portion of this
Warrant on the date of such request.
(d)
Number
of Warrant Shares.
Simultaneously with any adjustments to the Exercise Price pursuant to paragraphs
(a) or (b) of this Section, the number of Warrant Shares that may be purchased
upon exercise of this Warrant shall be increased or decreased proportionately,
so that after such adjustment the aggregate Exercise Price payable hereunder
for
the increased or decreased number of Warrant Shares shall be the same as the
aggregate Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such
adjustment.
5
(e)
Calculations.
All
calculations under this Section
9
shall be
made to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of a share, as applicable.
The
number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at any given time shall not include
shares owned or held by or for the account of the Company, and the disposition
of any such shares shall be considered an issue or sale of Common
Stock.
(f)
Notice
of Adjustments.
Upon
the occurrence of each adjustment pursuant to this Section
9,
the
Company at its expense will promptly compute such adjustment in accordance
with
the terms of this Warrant and prepare a certificate setting forth such
adjustment, including a statement of the adjusted Exercise Price and adjusted
number or type of Warrant Shares or other securities issuable upon exercise
of
this Warrant (as applicable), describing the transactions giving rise to such
adjustments and showing in detail the facts upon which such adjustment is based.
Upon written request, the Company will promptly deliver a copy of each such
certificate to the Holder and to the Company’s Transfer Agent.
(g)
Notice
of Corporate Events.
If the
Company (i) declares a dividend or any other distribution of cash, securities
or
other property in respect of its Common Stock, including without limitation
any
granting of rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any capital stock
of
the Company or any Subsidiary, (ii) authorizes or approves, enters into any
agreement contemplating or solicits stockholder approval for any Fundamental
Transaction or (iii) authorizes the voluntary dissolution, liquidation or
winding up of the affairs of the Company, then the Company shall deliver to
the
Holder a notice describing the material terms and conditions of such
transaction, at least 20 calendar days prior to the applicable record or
effective date on which a Person would need to hold Common Stock in order to
participate in or vote with respect to such transaction, and the Company will
take all steps reasonably necessary in order to insure that the Holder is given
the practical opportunity to exercise this Warrant prior to such time so as
to
participate in or vote with respect to such transaction; provided, however,
that
the failure to deliver such notice or any defect therein shall not affect the
validity of the corporate action required to be described in such notice.
6
10.
Payment
of Exercise Price.
The
Holder shall pay the Exercise Price in immediately available funds; provided,
however, the Holder may, subject to the conditions in this Section 10, satisfy
its obligation to pay the Exercise Price through a “cashless exercise” at any
time from and after 91 days from the Closing Date, in which event the Company
shall issue to the Holder the number of Warrant Shares determined as
follows:
X
=
Y [(A-B)/A]
|
|
where:
|
|
X
=
the number of Warrant Shares to be issued to the
Holder.
|
|
Y
=
the number of Warrant Shares with respect to which this Warrant is
being
exercised.
|
|
A
=
the average of the Closing Prices for the five Trading Days immediately
prior to (but not including) the Exercise Date.
|
|
B
=
the Exercise Price.
|
For
purposes of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, it is intended,
understood and acknowledged that the Warrant Shares issued in a cashless
exercise transaction shall be deemed to have been acquired by the Holder, and
the holding period for the Warrant Shares shall be deemed to have commenced,
on
the date this Warrant was originally issued pursuant to the Purchase
Agreement.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, he Holder shall not have the right to a “cashless exercise” at
any time during which either (i) there is an effective Registration Statement
covering the resale of the Warrant Shares, or (ii) the Warrant Shares are freely
tradeable by the Holder under U.S. securities laws
11.
Limitation
on Exercise.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the number of shares
of Common Stock that may be acquired by the Holder upon any exercise of this
Warrant (or otherwise in respect hereof) shall be limited to the extent
necessary to insure that, following such exercise (or other issuance), the
total
number of shares of Common Stock then beneficially owned by such Holder and
its
Affiliates and any other Persons whose beneficial ownership of Common Stock
would be aggregated with the Holder’s for purposes of Section 13(d) of the
Exchange Act, does not exceed 4.999% (the “Maximum
Percentage”)
of the
total number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock (including for
such purpose the shares of Common Stock issuable upon such exercise). For such
purposes, beneficial ownership shall be determined in accordance with Section
13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Each delivery of an Exercise Notice hereunder will constitute a representation
by the Holder that it has evaluated the limitation set forth in this paragraph
and determined that issuance of the full number of Warrant Shares requested
in
such Exercise Notice is permitted under this paragraph. The Company’s obligation
to issue shares of Common Stock in excess of the limitation referred to in
this
Section shall be suspended (and shall not terminate or expire notwithstanding
any contrary provisions hereof) until such time, if any, as such shares of
Common Stock may be issued in compliance with such limitation. By written notice
to the Company, the Holder may waive the provisions of this Section or increase
or decrease the Maximum Percentage to any other percentage specified in such
notice, but (i) any such waiver or increase will not be effective until the
61st
day after such notice is delivered to the Company, and (ii) any such waiver
or
increase or decrease will apply only to the Holder and not to any other holder
of Warrants.
7
12.
Fractional
Shares.
The
Company shall not be required to issue or cause to be issued fractional Warrant
Shares on the exercise of this Warrant. If any fraction of a Warrant Share
would, except for the provisions of this Section, be issuable upon exercise
of
this Warrant, the number of Warrant Shares to be issued will be rounded up
to
the nearest whole share.
13.
Notices.
Any and
all notices or other communications or deliveries hereunder (including without
limitation any Exercise Notice) shall be in writing and shall be deemed given
and effective on the earliest of (i) the date of transmission, if such notice
or
communication is delivered via facsimile at the facsimile number specified
in
this Section prior to 6:30 p.m. (New York City time) on a Trading Day, (ii)
the
next Trading Day after the date of transmission, if such notice or communication
is delivered via facsimile at the facsimile number specified in this Section
on
a day that is not a Trading Day or later than 6:30 p.m. (New York City time)
on
any Trading Day, (iii) the Trading Day following the date of mailing, if sent
by
nationally recognized overnight courier service, or (iv) upon actual receipt
by
the party to whom such notice is required to be given. The address for such
notices or communications shall be as set forth in the Purchase
Agreement.
14.
Warrant
Agent.
The
Company shall serve as warrant agent under this Warrant. Upon 30 days' notice
to
the Holder, the Company may appoint a new warrant agent. Any corporation into
which the Company or any new warrant agent may be merged or any corporation
resulting from any consolidation to which the Company or any new warrant agent
shall be a party or any corporation to which the Company or any new warrant
agent transfers substantially all of its corporate trust or shareholders
services business shall be a successor warrant agent under this Warrant without
any further act. Any such successor warrant agent shall promptly cause notice
of
its succession as warrant agent to be mailed (by first class mail, postage
prepaid) to the Holder at the Holder's last address as shown on the Warrant
Register.
15.
Miscellaneous.
(a)
Subject
to the restrictions on transfer set forth on the first page hereof, this Warrant
may be assigned by the Holder. This Warrant may not be assigned by the Company
except to a successor in the event of a Fundamental Transaction. This Warrant
shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective successors and assigns. Subject to the preceding sentence, nothing
in
this Warrant shall be construed to give to any Person other than the Company
and
the Holder any legal or equitable right, remedy or cause of action under this
Warrant. This Warrant may be amended only in writing signed by the Company
and
the Holder and their successors and assigns.
(b)
The
Company will not, by amendment of its governing documents or through any
reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue
or
sale of securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the
observance or performance of any of the terms of this Warrant, but will at
all
times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the
taking of all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order to protect
the rights of the Holder against impairment. Without limiting the generality
of
the foregoing, the Company (i) will not increase the par value of any Warrant
Shares above the amount payable therefor on such exercise, (ii) will take all
such action as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate in order that the
Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable Warrant
Shares on the exercise of this Warrant, and (iii) will not close its shareholder
books or records in any manner which interferes with the timely exercise of
this
Warrant.
8
(c)
Governing
Law; Venue.
ALL
QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION, VALIDITY, ENFORCEMENT AND INTERPRETATION
OF THIS WARRANT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE LAWS OF ENGLAND. THE COMPANY AND THE HOLDER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT
TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COMPETANT COURTS SITTING IN
ENGLAND.
(d)
The
headings herein are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this
Warrant and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions
hereof.
(e)
In
case
any one or more of the provisions of this Warrant shall be invalid or
unenforceable in any respect, the validity and enforceability of the remaining
terms and provisions of this Warrant shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby and the parties will attempt in good faith to agree upon a
valid and enforceable provision which shall be a commercially reasonable
substitute therefor, and upon so agreeing, shall incorporate such substitute
provision in this Warrant.
[REMAINDER
OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK,
SIGNATURE
PAGE FOLLOWS]
9
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be duly executed by
its
authorized officer as of the date first indicated above.
SULPHCO,
INC.
|
|
By:
_________________________
|
|
Name:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
|
|
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
|
10
FORM
OF
EXERCISE NOTICE
(To
be
executed by the Holder to exercise the right to purchase shares of Common Stock
under the foregoing Warrant)
To:
SulphCo, Inc.
The
undersigned is the Holder of Warrant No. _______ (the “Warrant”)
issued
by SulphCo, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”).
Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the respective
meanings set forth in the Warrant.
1.
|
The
Warrant is currently exercisable to purchase a total of ______________
Warrant Shares.
|
2.
|
The
undersigned Holder hereby exercises its right to purchase
_________________ Warrant Shares pursuant to the
Warrant.
|
3.
|
The
Holder intends that payment of the Exercise Price shall be made as
(check
one):
|
____ “Cash
Exercise” under Section 10
____ “Cashless
Exercise” under Section 10 (if permitted)
4.
|
If
the holder has elected a Cash Exercise, the holder shall pay the
sum of
$____________ to the Company in accordance with the terms of the
Warrant.
|
5.
|
Pursuant
to this exercise, the Company shall deliver to the holder _______________
Warrant Shares in accordance with the terms of the
Warrant.
|
6.
|
Following
this exercise, the Warrant shall be exercisable to purchase a total
of
______________ Warrant Shares.
|
Dated:
________________,
______
|
Name
of Holder:
|
|
(Print)
__________________________________
|
||
By:
____________________________________
|
||
Name:
__________________________________
|
||
Title:
___________________________________
|
||
(Signature
must conform in all respects to name of holder as specified on the
face of
the Warrant)
|
FORM
OF
ASSIGNMENT
[To
be
completed and signed only upon transfer of Warrant]
FOR
VALUE
RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto
________________________________ the right represented by the within Warrant
to
purchase ____________ shares of Common Stock of SulphCo, Inc. to which the
within Warrant relates and appoints ________________ attorney to transfer said
right on the books of SulphCo, Inc. with full power of substitution in the
premises.
Dated:
__________________,
_______
|
|
_____________________________________________ | |
(Signature
must conform in all respects to name of holder as specified on the
face of
the Warrant)
|
|
_____________________________________________ | |
Address
of Transferee
|
|
_____________________________________________ | |
_____________________________________________ | |
In
the presence of:
|
|
________________________________________ | |