UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT between SPRING CREEK ACQUISITION CORPORATION and EARLYBIRDCAPITAL, INC. Dated: ___________, 2008
between
SPRING
CREEK ACQUISITION CORPORATION
and
EARLYBIRDCAPITAL,
INC.
Dated:
___________, 2008
________,
2008
EarlyBirdCapital,
Inc.
000
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx
Xxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000
Dear
Sirs:
The
undersigned, Spring Creek Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands corporation
(“Company”), hereby confirms its agreement with EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. (being
referred to herein variously as “you,” “EBC” or the “Representative”) and with
the other underwriters named on Schedule I hereto for which EBC is acting as
Representative (the Representative and the other Underwriters being collectively
called the “Underwriters” or, individually, an “Underwriter”) as
follows:
1. Purchase
and Sale of Securities.
1.1 Firm
Securities.
1.1.1 Purchase
of Firm Units.
On the
basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to
the
terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company agrees to issue and sell,
severally and not jointly, to the several Underwriters, an aggregate of
4,500,000 units (“Firm Units”) of the Company at a purchase price (net of
discounts and commissions) of $7.44 per Firm Unit (including discounts and
commissions of $0.24 that will be paid to the Underwriters only upon
consummation of a Business Combination (as defined below) by the Company).
The
Underwriters, severally and not jointly, agree that they will not seek payment
of the discounts and commissions of $0.24 referred to in the preceding sentence
unless and until a Business Combination has been consummated by the Company,
and
the Company agrees that it shall pay such discounts and commissions only upon
consummation of such Business Combination. The Underwriters, severally and
not
jointly, agree to purchase from the Company the number of Firm Units set forth
opposite their respective names on Schedule I attached hereto and made a part
hereof at a purchase price (net of discounts and commissions) of $7.44 per
Firm
Unit (including deferred discounts and commission described above). The Firm
Units are to be offered initially to the public (“Offering”) at the offering
price of $8.00 per Firm Unit. Each Firm Unit consists of one ordinary share
of
the Company, par value $.001 per share (“Ordinary Share”), and one warrant
(“Warrant(s)”). The Ordinary Shares and the Warrants included in the Firm Units
will not be separately transferable until 90 days after the effective date
(“Effective Date”) of the Registration Statement (as defined in Section 2.1.1
hereof) unless EBC informs the Company of its decision to allow earlier separate
trading, but in no event will EBC allow separate trading until the preparation
of an audited balance sheet of the Company reflecting receipt by the Company
of
the proceeds of the Offering and the filing of a Form 8-K by the Company which
includes such balance sheet. Each Warrant entitles its holder to exercise it
to
purchase one Ordinary Share for $5.50 during the period commencing on the later
of the consummation by the Company of its “Business Combination” or one year
from the Effective Date and terminating on the five-year anniversary of the
Effective Date. “Business Combination” shall mean the acquisition, through a
stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination, of
an
operating business that has its principal operations located in Greater China
(as
described more fully in the Registration Statement).
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1.1.2 Payment
and Delivery.
Delivery and payment for the Firm Units shall be made at 10:00 A.M., New York
time, on the third business day following commencement of trading of the Firm
Units or at such earlier time as shall be agreed upon by the Representative
and
the Company at the offices of the Representative or at such other place as
shall
be agreed upon by the Representative and the Company. The hour and date of
delivery and payment for the Firm Units are called “Closing Date.” Payment for
the Firm Units shall be made on the Closing Date at the Representative’s
election by wire transfer in Federal (same day) funds or by certified or bank
cashier’s check(s) in New York Clearing House funds, payable as follows:
$33,850,000 of the proceeds received by the Company for the Firm Units shall
be
deposited in the trust fund established by the Company for the benefit of the
public shareholders as described in the Registration Statement (“Trust Fund”)
pursuant to the terms of an Investment Management Trust Agreement (“Trust
Agreement”) and the remaining proceeds shall be paid (subject to Section 3.13
hereof) to the order of the Company upon delivery to you of certificates (in
form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters) representing the Firm
Units
(or through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”)) for the
account of the Underwriters. The Firm Units shall be registered in such name
or
names and in such authorized denominations as the Representative may request
in
writing at least two full business days prior to the Closing Date. [The
Company will permit the Representative to examine and package the Firm Units
for
delivery, at least one full business day prior to the Closing
Date.]
The
Company shall not be obligated to sell or deliver the Firm Units except upon
tender of payment by the Representative for all the Firm Units.
1.2 Over-Allotment
Option.
1.2.1 Option
Units.
For the
purposes of covering any over-allotments in connection with the distribution
and
sale of the Firm Units, the Underwriters are hereby granted, severally and
not
jointly, an option to purchase up to an additional 675,000 units from the
Company (“Over-allotment Option”). Such additional 675,000 units are hereinafter
referred to as “Option Units.” The Firm Units and the Option Units are
hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Units,” and the Units, the Ordinary
Shares and the Warrants included in the Units and the Ordinary Shares issuable
upon exercise of the Warrants are hereinafter referred to collectively as the
“Public Securities.” The purchase price to be paid for the Option Units will be
the same price per Option Unit as the price per Firm Unit set forth in Section
1.1.1 hereof.
1.2.2 Exercise
of Option.
The
Over-allotment Option granted pursuant to Section 1.2.1 hereof may be
exercised by the Representative as to all (at any time) or any part (from time
to time) of the Option Units within 45 days after the Effective Date. The
Underwriters will not be under any obligation to purchase any Option Units
prior
to the exercise of the Over-allotment Option. The Over-allotment Option granted
hereby may be exercised by the giving of oral notice to the Company by the
Representative, which must be confirmed in writing by overnight mail or
facsimile transmission setting forth the number of Option Units to be purchased
and the date and time for delivery of and payment for the Option Units (the
“Option Closing Date”), which will not be later than five full business days
after the date of the notice or such other time as shall be agreed upon by
the
Company and the Representative, at the offices of the Representative or at
such
other place as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the Representative.
Upon
exercise of the Over-allotment Option, the Company will become obligated to
convey to the Underwriters, and, subject to the terms and conditions set forth
herein, the Underwriters will become obligated to purchase, the number of Option
Units specified in such notice.
2
1.2.3 Payment
and Delivery.
Payment
for the Option Units shall be made on the Option Closing Date at the
Representative’s election by wire transfer in Federal (same day) funds or by
certified or bank cashier’s check(s) in New York Clearing House funds, payable
as follows: $7.68 per Option Unit shall be deposited in the Trust Fund
(including discounts and commissions of $0.24 that will be paid to the
Underwriters only upon consummation of a Business Combination by the Company)
pursuant to the Trust Agreement upon delivery to you of certificates (in form
and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters) representing the Option Units
(or through the facilities of DTC) for the account of the Underwriters. The
certificates representing the Option Units to be delivered will be in such
denominations and registered in such names as the Representative requests not
less than two full business days prior to the Closing Date or the Option Closing
Date, as the case may be, and will be made available to the Representative
for
inspection, checking and packaging at the aforesaid office of the Company’s
transfer agent or correspondent not less than one full business day prior to
such Closing Date.
1.3 Representative’s
Purchase Option.
1.3.1 Purchase
Option.
The
Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to the Representative (and/or its
designees) on the Effective Date an option (“Representative’s Purchase Option”)
for the purchase of an aggregate of 450,000 units (“Representative’s Units”) for
an aggregate purchase price of $100. Each of the Representative’s Units is
identical to the Firm Units. The Representative’s Purchase Option shall be
exercisable, in whole or in part, commencing on the later of the consummation
of
a Business Combination and one year from the Effective Date and expiring on
the
five-year anniversary of the Effective Date at an initial exercise price per
Representative’s Unit of $8.80 (110% of the initial public offering price of a
Unit). The Representative’s Purchase Option, the Representative’s Units, the
Warrants included in the Representative’s Units (“Representative’s Warrants”)
and the Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of the Representative’s Warrants
are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Representative’s Securities.”
The Public Securities and the Representative’s Securities are hereinafter
referred to collectively as the “Securities.” The Representative understands and
agrees that there are significant restrictions against transferring the
Representative’s Purchase Option and underlying securities, as set forth in
Section 3 of the Representative’s Purchase Option. Specifically, the
Representative’s Securities are subject to a 180-day lock-up pursuant to Rule
2710(g)(1) of the NASD Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory
Authority (“FINRA”). Additionally, the Representative’s Purchase Option may not
be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated for a one-year period
(including the foregoing 180-day period) following the Effective Date except
to
any underwriter and selected dealer participating in the Offering and their
bona
fide officers or partners.
1.3.2 Payment
and Delivery.
Delivery and payment for the Representative’s Purchase Option shall be made on
the Closing Date. The Company shall deliver to the Representative, upon payment
therefor, certificates for the Representative’s Purchase Option in the name or
names and in such authorized denominations as the Representative may
request.
2. Representations
and Warranties of the Company.
The
Company represents and warrants to the Underwriters as follows:
2.1 Filing
of Registration Statement.
2.1.1 Pursuant
to the Act.
The
Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) a
registration statement and an amendment or amendments thereto, on Form S-1
(File
No. 333-147284), including any related preliminary prospectus (“Preliminary
Prospectus”), for the registration of the Public Securities under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (“Act”), which registration statement and amendment or
amendments have been prepared by the Company in conformity with the requirements
of the Act, and the rules and regulations (“Regulations”) of the Commission
under the Act. Except as the context may otherwise require, such registration
statement, as amended, on file with the Commission at the time the registration
statement becomes effective (including the prospectus, financial statements,
schedules, exhibits and all other documents filed as a part thereof or
incorporated therein and all information deemed to be a part thereof as of
such
time pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 430A of the Regulations), is hereinafter
called the “Registration Statement,” and the form of the final prospectus dated
the Effective Date included in the Registration Statement (or, if applicable,
the form of final prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424
of
the Regulations), is hereinafter called the “Prospectus.” The Registration
Statement has been declared effective by the Commission on the date
hereof.
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2.1.2 Pursuant
to the Exchange Act.
The
Company has filed with the Commission a Form 8-A (File Number 000-_______)
providing for the registration under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (“Exchange Act”), of the Units, the Ordinary Shares and the Warrants.
The registration of the Units, Ordinary Shares and Warrants under the Exchange
Act has been declared effective by the Commission on the date
hereof.
2.2 No
Stop Orders, Etc.
Neither
the Commission nor, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, any state regulatory
authority has issued any order or threatened to issue any order preventing
or
suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or has instituted or, to the
best of the Company’s knowledge, threatened to institute any proceedings with
respect to such an order.
2.3 Disclosures
in Registration Statement.
2.3.1 10b-5
Representation.
At the
time the Registration Statement became effective and at all times subsequent
thereto up to the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, each of
the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus does and will contain all material
statements that are required to be stated therein in accordance with the Act
and
the Regulations, and will in all material respects conform to the requirements
of the Act and the Regulations; neither the Registration Statement nor the
Prospectus, nor any amendment or supplement thereto, on such dates, does or
will
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. When
any Preliminary Prospectus was first filed with the Commission (whether filed
as
part of the Registration Statement for the registration of the Securities or
any
amendment thereto or pursuant to Rule 424(a) of the Regulations) and when any
amendment thereof or supplement thereto was first filed with the Commission,
such Preliminary Prospectus and any amendments thereof and supplements thereto
complied in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Act
and
the Regulations and did not contain an untrue statement of a material fact
or
omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
in
order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading. The representation and warranty made in this
Section 2.3.1 does not apply to statements made or statements omitted in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
Company with respect to the Underwriters by the Representative expressly for
use
in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment thereof or
supplement thereto.
2.3.2 Disclosure
of Agreements.
The
agreements and documents described in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus conform to the descriptions thereof contained therein and there
are
no agreements or other documents required to be described in the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed with the Commission as exhibits
to
the Registration Statement, that have not been so described or filed. Each
agreement or other instrument (however characterized or described) to which
the
Company is a party or by which its property or business is or may be bound
or
affected and (i) that is referred to in the Prospectus, or (ii) is material
to
the Company’s business, has been duly and validly executed by the Company, is in
full force and effect and is enforceable against the Company and, to the
Company’s knowledge, the other parties thereto, in accordance with its terms,
except (x) as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (y) as
enforceability of any indemnification or contribution provision may be limited
under the federal and state securities laws, and (z) that the remedy of specific
performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject
to
the equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any
proceeding therefor may be brought, and none of such agreements or instruments
has been assigned by the Company, and neither the Company nor, to the best
of
the Company’s knowledge, any other party is in breach or default thereunder and,
to the best of the Company’s knowledge, no event has occurred that, with the
lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a breach or
default thereunder. To the best of the Company’s knowledge, performance by the
Company of the material provisions of such agreements or instruments will not
result in a violation of any existing applicable law, rule, regulation,
judgment, order or decree of any governmental agency or court, domestic or
foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its assets or
businesses, including, without limitation, those relating to environmental
laws
and regulations.
4
2.3.3 Prior
Securities Transactions.
No
securities of the Company have been sold by the Company or by or on behalf
of,
or for the benefit of, any person or persons controlling, controlled by, or
under common control with the Company since the Company’s formation, except as
disclosed in the Registration Statement.
2.4 Changes
After Dates in Registration Statement.
2.4.1 No
Material Adverse Change.
Since
the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus, except as otherwise specifically stated therein,
(i) there has been no material adverse change in the condition, financial or
otherwise, or business prospects of the Company, (ii) there have been no
material transactions entered into by the Company, other than as contemplated
pursuant to this Agreement, and (iii) no member of the Company’s management has
resigned from any position with the Company.
2.4.2 Recent
Securities Transactions, Etc.
Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and except as may otherwise be
indicated or contemplated herein or therein, the Company has not (i) issued
any
securities or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, for
borrowed money; or (ii) declared or paid any dividend or made any other
distribution on or in respect to its equity securities.
2.5 Independent
Accountants.
UHY LLP
(“UHY”), whose report is filed with the Commission as part of the Registration
Statement, are independent accountants as required by the Act and the
Regulations. UHY has not, during the periods covered by the financial statements
included in the Prospectus, provided to the Company any non-audit services,
as
such term is used in Section 10A(g) of the Exchange Act.
2.6 Financial
Statements.
The
financial statements, including the notes thereto and supporting schedules
included in the Registration Statement and Prospectus fairly present the
financial position, the results of operations and the cash flows of the Company
at the dates and for the periods to which they apply; and such financial
statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles, consistently applied throughout the periods involved; and the
supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement present fairly
the
information required to be stated therein. The summary financial data included
in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus present fairly the information
shown thereon and have been compiled on a basis consistent with the audited
financial statements presented therein. No other financial statements or
schedules are required to be included in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus. The Registration Statement discloses all material off-balance sheet
transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations),
and
other relationships of the Company with unconsolidated entities or other persons
that may have a material current or future effect on the Company’s financial
condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, liquidity,
capital expenditures, capital resources, or significant components of revenues
or expenses.
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2.7 Authorized
Capital; Options; Etc.
The
Company had at the date or dates indicated in the Prospectus duly authorized,
issued and outstanding capitalization as set forth in the Registration Statement
and the Prospectus. Based on the assumptions stated in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus, the Company will have on the Closing Date the
adjusted stock capitalization set forth therein. Except as disclosed in, or
contemplated by, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, on the Effective
Date and on the Closing Date, there will be no options, warrants, or other
rights to purchase or otherwise acquire any authorized but unissued Ordinary
Shares of the Company or any security convertible into Ordinary Shares of the
Company, or any contracts or commitments to issue or sell Ordinary Shares or
any
such options, warrants, rights or convertible securities.
2.8 Valid
Issuance of Securities; Etc.
2.8.1 Outstanding
Securities.
All
issued and outstanding securities of the Company have been duly authorized
and
validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; the holders thereof have
no rights of rescission with respect thereto, and are not subject to personal
liability by reason of being such holders; and none of such securities were
issued in violation of the preemptive rights of any holders of any security
of
the Company or similar contractual rights granted by the Company. The authorized
Ordinary Shares conform to all statements relating thereto contained in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus. The offers and sales of the
outstanding Ordinary Shares were at all relevant times either registered under
the Act and the applicable state securities or Blue Sky laws or, based in part
on the representations and warranties of the purchasers of such Ordinary Shares,
exempt from such registration requirements.
2.8.2 Securities
Sold Pursuant to this Agreement.
The
Securities have been duly authorized and, when issued and paid for, will be
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; the holders thereof are not
and
will not be subject to personal liability by reason of being such holders;
the
Securities are not and will not be subject to the preemptive rights of any
holders of any security of the Company or similar contractual rights granted
by
the Company; and all corporate action required to be taken for the
authorization, issuance and sale of the Securities has been duly and validly
taken. The Securities conform in all material respects to all statements with
respect thereto contained in the Registration Statement. When issued, the
Representative’s Purchase Option, the Representative’s Warrants and the Warrants
will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company to issue and sell,
upon exercise thereof and payment of the respective exercise prices therefor,
the number and type of securities of the Company called for thereby in
accordance with the terms thereof and such Representative’s Purchase Option, the
Representative’s Warrants and the Warrants are enforceable against the Company
in accordance with their respective terms, except (i) as such enforceability
may
be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting
creditors’ rights generally, (ii) as enforceability of any indemnification or
contribution provision may be limited under the federal and state securities
laws, and (iii) that the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and
other
forms of equitable relief may be subject to the equitable defenses and to the
discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be
brought.
2.8.3 Insider
Securities.
The
Company’s founding shareholders (“Initial Shareholders”) have
committed to purchase an aggregate of 1,250,000 Warrants (“Insider Warrants” and
together with the Ordinary Shares underlying the Insider Warrants, collectively
referred to as the “Insider Securities”) at a purchase price of $1.00 per
Insider Warrant (for an aggregate purchase price of $1,250,000) from the Company
upon consummation of the Offering. The Insider Securities have been duly
authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the warrant purchase
agreements (“Subscription Agreement”) entered into by the Initial Shareholders
to purchase such Insider Securities, will be validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable; the holders thereof are not and will not be subject to personal
liability by reason of being such holders; the Insider Securities are not and
will not be subject to the preemptive rights of any holders of any security
of
the Company or similar contractual rights granted by the Company; and all
corporate action required to be taken for the authorization, issuance and sale
of the Insider Securities has been duly and validly taken.
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2.9 Registration
Rights of Third Parties.
Except
as set forth in the Prospectus, no holders of any securities of the Company
or
any rights exercisable for or convertible or exchangeable into securities of
the
Company have the right to require the Company to register any such securities
of
the Company under the Act or to include any such securities in a registration
statement to be filed by the Company.
2.10 Validity
and Binding Effect of Agreements.
This
Agreement, the Warrant Agreement (as defined in Section 2.21 hereof), the Trust
Agreement, the Services Agreement (as defined in Section 3.7.2 hereof), the
Subscription Agreements and the Escrow Agreement (as defined in
Section 2.22.2 hereof) have been duly and validly authorized by the Company
and constitute, and the Representative’s Purchase Option, has been duly and
validly authorized by the Company and, when executed and delivered, will
constitute, the valid and binding agreements of the Company, enforceable against
the Company in accordance with their respective terms, except (i) as such
enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or
similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (ii) as enforceability of
any indemnification or contribution provision may be limited under the federal
and state securities laws, and (iii) that the remedy of specific performance
and
injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to the equitable
defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor
may be brought.
2.11 No
Conflicts, Etc.
The
execution, delivery, and performance by the Company of this Agreement, the
Warrant Agreement, the Representative’s Purchase Option, the Trust Agreement,
the Services Agreement, the Subscription Agreement and the Escrow Agreement,
the
consummation by the Company of the transactions herein and therein contemplated
and the compliance by the Company with the terms hereof and thereof do not
and
will not, with or without the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both
(i)
result in a breach of, or conflict with any of the terms and provisions of,
or
constitute a default under, or result in the creation, modification, termination
or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets
of
the Company pursuant to the terms of any agreement or instrument to which the
Company is a party except pursuant to the Trust Agreement referred to in
Section 2.24 hereof; (ii) result in any violation of the provisions of the
Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company; or (iii) violate any
existing applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any
governmental agency or court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over
the
Company or any of its properties or business.
2.12 No
Defaults; Violations.
No
material default exists in the due performance and observance of any term,
covenant or condition of any material license, contract, indenture, mortgage,
deed of trust, note, loan or credit agreement, or any other agreement or
instrument evidencing an obligation for borrowed money, or any other material
agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the Company
may be bound or to which any of the properties or assets of the Company is
subject. The Company is not in violation of any term or provision of its
Memorandum and Articles of Association or in violation of any material
franchise, license, permit, applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment or decree
of any governmental agency or court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction
over the Company or any of its properties, businesses or assets.
2.13 Corporate
Power; Licenses; Consents.
2.13.1 Conduct
of Business.
The
Company has all requisite corporate power and authority, and has all necessary
authorizations, approvals, orders, licenses, certificates and permits of and
from all governmental regulatory officials and bodies that it needs as of the
date hereof to conduct its business purpose as described in the Prospectus.
The
disclosures in the Registration Statement concerning the effects of federal,
state and local regulation on this offering and the Company’s business purpose
as currently contemplated are correct in all material respects and do not omit
to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order
to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they
were
made, not misleading.
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2.13.2 Transactions
Contemplated Herein.
The
Company has all corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement,
the
Warrant Agreement, the Subscription Agreement, the Services Agreement, the
Representative’s Purchase Option, the Trust Agreement and the Escrow Agreement
and to carry out the provisions and conditions hereof and thereof, and all
consents, authorizations, approvals, licenses, certifications, permits and
orders required in connection therewith have been obtained. No consent,
authorization or order of, and no filing with, any court, government agency
or
other body is required for the valid issuance, sale and delivery, of the
Securities and the consummation of the transactions and agreements contemplated
by this Agreement, the Warrant Agreement, the Subscription Agreement, the
Representative’s Purchase Option, the Trust Agreement and the Escrow Agreement
and as contemplated by the Prospectus, except with respect to applicable federal
and state securities laws.
2.14 D&O
Questionnaires.
To the
best of the Company’s knowledge, all information contained in the questionnaires
(“Questionnaires”) completed by the Initial Shareholders and
provided to the Underwriters as an exhibit to his, her or its Insider Letter
(as
defined in Section 2.22.1) is true and correct as of its date and the Company
has not become aware of any information which would cause the information
disclosed in the questionnaires completed by each Initial Shareholders to become
inaccurate and incorrect.
2.15 Litigation;
Governmental Proceedings.
There
is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry, arbitration, investigation, litigation
or governmental proceeding pending or, to the best of the Company’s knowledge,
threatened against, or involving the Company or, to the best of the Company’s
knowledge, any Initial Shareholders, which has not been disclosed in the
Registration Statement or the Questionnaires.
2.16 Good
Standing.
The
Company has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation and
is
in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and is duly qualified
to
do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in each
jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of
business requires such qualification, except where the failure to qualify would
not have a material adverse effect on the assets, business or operations of
the
Company.
2.17 Stop
Orders.
The
Commission has not issued any order preventing or suspending the use of any
Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus or any part thereof and has not threatened
to issue any such order.
2.18 Transactions
Affecting Disclosure to FINRA.
2.18.1 Finder’s
Fees.
Except
as described in the Prospectus, there are no claims, payments, arrangements,
agreements or understandings relating to the payment of a finder’s, consulting
or origination fee by the Company or any Initial Shareholders with respect
to
the sale of the Securities hereunder or any other arrangements, agreements
or
understandings of the Company or, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, any
Initial Shareholders that may affect the Underwriters’ compensation, as
determined by FINRA.
2.18.2 Payments
Within Twelve Months.
Other
than payments to EBC, the Company has not within the twelve months prior to
the
Effective Date made any direct or indirect payments (in cash, securities or
otherwise) (i) to any person, as a finder’s fee, consulting fee or otherwise, in
consideration of such person raising capital for the Company or introducing
to
the Company persons who raised or provided capital to the Company, (ii) to
any
FINRA member or (iii) to any person or entity that has any direct or
indirect affiliation or association with any FINRA member.
8
2.18.3 Use
of
Proceeds.
None of
the net proceeds of the Offering will be paid by the Company to any
participating FINRA member or its affiliates, except as specifically authorized
herein and except as may be paid in connection with a Business Combination
as
contemplated by the Prospectus.
2.18.4 Insiders’
FINRA Affiliation.
Based
on questionnaires distributed to such persons, except as set forth on
Schedule 2.18.4, no officer, director or any beneficial owner of the
Company’s unregistered securities has any direct or indirect affiliation or
association with any FINRA member. The Company will advise the Representative
and its counsel if it learns that any officer, director or owner of at least
5%
of the Company’s outstanding Ordinary Shares is or becomes an affiliate or
associated person of an FINRA member participating in the offering.
2.19 Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act.
Neither
the Company nor any of the Initial Shareholders or any other person acting
on
behalf of the Company has, directly or indirectly, given or agreed to give
any
money, gift or similar benefit (other than legal price concessions to customers
in the ordinary course of business) to any customer, supplier, employee or
agent
of a customer or supplier, or official or employee of any governmental agency
or
instrumentality of any government (domestic or foreign) or any political party
or candidate for office (domestic or foreign) or any political party or
candidate for office (domestic or foreign) or other person who was, is, or
may
be in a position to help or hinder the business of the Company (or assist it
in
connection with any actual or proposed transaction) that (i) might subject
the
Company to any damage or penalty in any civil, criminal or governmental
litigation or proceeding, (ii) if not given in the past, might have had a
material adverse effect on the assets, business or operations of the Company
as
reflected in any of the financial statements contained in the Prospectus or
(iii) if not continued in the future, might adversely affect the assets,
business, operations or prospects of the Company. The Company’s internal
accounting controls and procedures are sufficient to cause the Company to comply
with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.
2.20 Officers’
Certificate.
Any
certificate signed by any duly authorized officer of the Company and delivered
to you or to your counsel shall be deemed a representation and warranty by
the
Company to the Underwriters as to the matters covered thereby.
2.21 Warrant
Agreement.
The
Company has entered into a warrant agreement with respect to the Warrants,
the
Insider Warrants and the Representative’s Warrants with Continental Stock
Transfer & Trust Company substantially in the form annexed as Exhibit 4.4 to
the Registration Statement (“Warrant Agreement”).
2.22 Agreements
with Initial Shareholders.
2.22.1 Insider
Letters.
The
Company has caused to be duly executed legally binding and enforceable
agreements (except (i) as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights
generally, (ii) as enforceability of any indemnification, contribution or
noncompete provision may be limited under the federal and state securities
laws,
and (iii) that the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other
forms
of equitable relief may be subject to the equitable defenses and to the
discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought)
annexed as Exhibits 10._ through 10._ to the Registration Statement
(“Insider Letters”), pursuant to which each of the Initial Shareholders of the
Company agrees to certain matters, including but not limited to, certain matters
described as being agreed to by them under the “Proposed Business” section of
the Prospectus.
2.22.2 Escrow
Agreement.
The
Company has caused the Initial Shareholders to enter into an escrow agreement
(“Escrow Agreement”) with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company
(“Escrow Agent”) substantially in the form annexed as Exhibit 10._ to
the
Registration Statement, whereby the Ordinary Shares owned by the Initial
Shareholders will be held in escrow by the Escrow Agent until, with respect
to
50% of the shares held by each Initial Shareholders (or a total of 646,875
shares), 9 months after the consummation of a Business Combination, and, with
respect to the balance, until 12 months after the consummation of a Business
Combination. During such escrow period, the Initial Shareholders shall be
prohibited from selling or otherwise transferring such shares (except as
otherwise set forth in the Escrow Agreement) but will retain the right to vote
such shares. To the Company’s knowledge, the Escrow Agreement is enforceable
against each of the Initial Shareholders and will not, with or without the
giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, result in a breach of, or
conflict with any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under,
any agreement or instrument to which any of the Initial Shareholders is a party.
The Escrow Agreement shall not be amended, modified or otherwise changed without
the prior written consent of EBC.
9
2.22.3 Subscription
Agreements.
The
Company has entered into the Subscription Agreement in the form annexed as
Exhibit 10._ to the Registration Statement with the Initial Shareholders to
purchase the Insider Warrants. Pursuant to the Subscription Agreements, the
Initial Shareholders have placed the purchase price for the Insider Warrants
in
escrow prior to the date hereof. Simultaneously with the consummation of the
Offering, such purchase price shall be deposited into the Trust Fund pursuant
to
the Trust Agreement.
2.23 Intentionally
Omitted.
2.24 Investment
Management Trust Agreement.
The
Company has entered into the Trust Agreement with respect to certain proceeds
of
the Offering substantially in the form annexed as Exhibit 10.5 to the
Registration Statement.
2.25 Covenants
Not to Compete.
No
Initial Shareholders, employee, officer or director of the Company is subject
to
any noncompetition agreement or non-solicitation agreement with any employer
or
prior employer which could materially affect his ability to be an Initial
Shareholders, employee, officer and/or director of the Company.
2.26 Investment
Company Act; Investments. The Company has been advised concerning the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), and
the rules and regulations thereunder and has in the past conducted, and intends
in the future to conduct, its affairs in such a manner as to ensure that it
will
not become an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment
company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act and such rules and
regulations. The Company is not, nor will the Company become upon the sale
of
the Units and the application of the proceeds therefore as described in the
Prospectus under the caption “Use of Proceeds”, an “investment company” or a
person controlled by an “investment company” within the meaning of the
Investment Company Act. No more than 45% of the “value” (as defined in
Section 2(a)(41) of the Investment Company Act) of the Company’s total assets
(exclusive of cash items and “Government Securities” (as defined in Section
2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act) consist of, and no more than 45% of
the
Company’s net income after taxes is derived from, securities other than the
Government Securities.
2.27 Subsidiaries.
The
Company does not own an interest in any corporation, partnership, limited
liability company, joint venture, trust or other business entity.
2.28 Related
Party Transactions.
There
are no business relationships or related party transactions involving the
Company or any other person required to be described in the Prospectus that
have
not been described as required. There are no outstanding loans, advances (except
normal advances for business expenses in the ordinary course of business) or
guarantees of indebtedness by the Company to or for the benefit of any of the
officers or directors or Initial Shareholders of the Company or any of the
members of the families of any of them, except as disclosed in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus.
10
2.29 No
Distribution of Offering Material.
The
Company has not distributed and will not distribute prior to the Closing Date
any offering material in connection with the offering and sale of the Units
other than any Preliminary Prospectuses, the Prospectus, the Registration
Statement and other materials, if any, permitted by the Act.
2.30 Title
to Assets.
Except
as set forth in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, the Company has
good
and marketable title to all properties and assets described in the Registration
Statement and Prospectus as owned by it, free and clear of any pledge, lien,
security interest, encumbrances, claim or equitable interest, other than such
as
would not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, earnings,
operations, business or business prospects of the Company.
2.31 Taxes.
The
Company has timely filed all necessary federal, state and foreign income and
franchise tax returns and has paid all taxes shown thereon as due, and there
is
no tax deficiency that has been or, to the best of the Company’s knowledge,
might be asserted against the Company that might have a material adverse effect
on the financial condition, earnings, operations, business or business prospects
of the Company, and all material tax liabilities are adequately provided for
on
the books of the Company.
3. Covenants
of the Company.
The
Company covenants and agrees as follows:
3.1 Amendments
to Registration Statement.
The
Company will deliver to the Representative, prior to filing, any amendment
or
supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus proposed to be filed
after the Effective Date and not file any such amendment or supplement to which
the Representative shall reasonably object in writing.
3.2 Federal
Securities Laws.
3.2.1 Compliance.
During
the time when a Prospectus is required to be delivered under the Act, the
Company will use its best efforts to comply with all requirements imposed upon
it by the Act, the Regulations and the Exchange Act and by the regulations
under
the Exchange Act, as from time to time in force, so far as necessary to permit
the continuance of sales of or dealings in the Public Securities in accordance
with the provisions hereof and the Prospectus. If at any time when a Prospectus
relating to the Public Securities is required to be delivered under the Act,
any
event shall have occurred as a result of which, in the opinion of counsel for
the Company or counsel for the Underwriters, the Prospectus, as then amended
or
supplemented, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state
any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading, or if it is necessary at any time to amend the Prospectus to
comply with the Act, the Company will notify the Representative promptly and
prepare and file with the Commission, subject to Section 3.1 hereof, an
appropriate amendment or supplement in accordance with Section 10 of the
Act.
3.2.2 Filing
of Final Prospectus.
The
Company will file the Prospectus (in form and substance satisfactory to the
Representative) with the Commission pursuant to the requirements of Rule 424
of
the Regulations.
3.2.3 Exchange
Act Registration.
The
Company will use its best efforts to maintain the registration of the Units,
Ordinary Shares and Warrants under the provisions of the Exchange Act for a
period of five years from the Effective Date, or until the Company is required
to be liquidated, if earlier or, in the case of the Warrants, until the Warrants
expire and are no longer exercisable. The Company will not deregister the Units
under the Exchange Act without the prior written consent of EBC.
3.2.4 Ineligible
Issuer.
At the
time of filing the Registration Statement and at the date hereof, the Company
was and is an “ineligible issuer,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities
Act. The Company has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Public
Securities that would constitute an “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined
in Rule 433, or that would otherwise constitute a “free writing prospectus,” as
defined in Rule 405.
11
3.3 Blue
Sky Filings.
The
Company will use its best efforts, in cooperation with the Representative,
at or
prior to the time the Registration Statement becomes effective, to qualify
the
Public Securities for offering and sale under the securities laws of such
jurisdictions as the Representative may reasonably designate, provided that
no
such qualification shall be required in any jurisdiction where, as a result
thereof, the Company would be subject to service of general process or to
taxation as a foreign corporation doing business in such jurisdiction. In each
jurisdiction where such qualification shall be effected, the Company will,
unless the Representative agrees that such action is not at the time necessary
or advisable, use its best efforts to file and make such statements or reports
at such times as are or may be required by the laws of such
jurisdiction.
3.4 Delivery
to Underwriters of Prospectuses.
The
Company will deliver to each of the several Underwriters, without charge, from
time to time during the period when the Prospectus is required to be delivered
under the Act or the Exchange Act, such number of copies of each Preliminary
Prospectus and the Prospectus as such Underwriters may reasonably request and,
as soon as the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement thereto
becomes effective, deliver to you two original executed Registration Statements,
including exhibits, and all post-effective amendments thereto and copies of
all
exhibits filed therewith or incorporated therein by reference and all original
executed consents of certified experts.
3.5 Effectiveness
and Events Requiring Notice to the Representative.
The
Company will use its best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to remain
effective and will notify the Representative immediately and confirm the notice
in writing (i) of the effectiveness of any amendment to the Registration
Statement, (ii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order or of the
initiation, or the threatening, of any proceeding for that purpose, (iii) of
the
issuance by any state securities commission of any proceedings for the
suspension of the qualification of the Public Securities for offering or sale
in
any jurisdiction or of the initiation, or the threatening, of any proceeding
for
that purpose, (iv) of the mailing and delivery to the Commission for filing
of
any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus, (v)
of
the receipt of any comments or request for any additional information from
the
Commission, and (vi) of the happening of any event during the period described
in Section 3.4 hereof that, in the judgment of the Company, makes any statement
of a material fact made in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus untrue
or that requires the making of any changes in the Registration Statement or
the
Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. If the Commission
or
any state securities commission shall enter a stop order or suspend such
qualification at any time, the Company will use commercially reasonable effort
to obtain promptly the lifting of such order.
3.6 Review
of Financial Statements.
Until a
business combination (as described in this prospectus) or until such earlier
time upon which the Company is required to be liquidated, the Company, at its
expense, shall cause its regularly engaged independent certified public
accountants to review (but not audit) the Company’s financial statements for
each of the first three fiscal quarters prior to the announcement of quarterly
financial information, the filing of the Company’s Form 10-Q quarterly report
and the mailing of quarterly financial information to shareholders.
3.7 Affiliated
Transactions.
3.7.1 Business
Combinations.
The
Company will not consummate a Business Combination with any entity which is
affiliated with any Initial Shareholders unless
the Company obtains an opinion from an independent investment banking firm
that
the Business Combination is fair to the Company’s shareholders from a financial
perspective.
12
3.7.2 Administrative
Services.
The
Company has entered into an agreement (“Services Agreement”) with Live ABC
Interactive Co., Ltd. Beijing (“Affiliate”) substantially in the form annexed as
Exhibit 10._ to the Registration Statement pursuant to which the Affiliate
will
make available to the Company general and administrative services including
office space, utilities and secretarial support for the Company’s use for $7,500
per month.
3.7.3 Compensation.
Except
as set forth above in this Section 3.7, the Company shall not pay any Initial
Shareholders or any of their affiliates any fees or compensation from the
Company, for services rendered to the Company prior to, or in connection with,
the consummation of a Business Combination; provided that the Initial
Shareholders shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Company for their
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with general corporate
purposes seeking and consummating a Business Combination.
3.8 Secondary
Market Trading and Standard & Poor’s.
The
Company will apply to be included in Standard & Poor’s Daily News and
Corporation Records Corporate Descriptions for a period of five years from
the
consummation of a Business Combination. Promptly after the consummation of
the
Offering, the Company shall take such steps as may be necessary to obtain a
secondary market trading exemption for the Company’s securities in the State of
California. The Company shall also take such other action as may be reasonably
requested by the Representative to obtain a secondary market trading exemption
in such other states as may be requested by the Representative.
3.9 Intentionally
Omitted.
3.10 Financial
Public Relations Firm.
Promptly after the execution of a definitive agreement for a Business
Combination, the Company shall retain a financial public relations
firm.
3.11 Reports
to the Representative.
3.11.1 Periodic
Reports, Etc.
For a
period of five years from the Effective Date or until such earlier time upon
which the Company is required to be liquidated, the Company will furnish to
the
Representative (Attn: Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, President and Managing Director of
Investment Banking) and its counsel copies of such financial statements and
other periodic and special reports as the Company from time to time furnishes
generally to holders of any class of its securities, and promptly furnish to
the
Representative (i) a copy of each periodic report the Company shall be required
to file with the Commission, (ii) a copy of every press release and every news
item and article with respect to the Company or its affairs which was released
by the Company, (iii) a copy of each Form 8-K or Schedules 13D, 13G, 14D-1
or 13E-4 received or prepared by the Company, (iv) five copies of each
registration statement filed by the Company with the Commission under the
Securities Act, (v) a copy of monthly statements, if any, setting forth such
information regarding the Company’s results of operations and financial position
(including balance sheet, profit and loss statements and data regarding
outstanding purchase orders) as is regularly prepared by management of the
Company and (vi) such additional documents and information with respect to
the Company and the affairs of any future subsidiaries of the Company as the
Representative may from time to time reasonably request.
3.11.2 Intentionally
Omitted.
3.11.3 Secondary
Market Trading Survey.
Until
such time as the Public Securities are listed or quoted, as the case may be,
on
the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange or quoted on Nasdaq,
or
until such earlier time upon which the Company is required to be liquidated,
the
Company shall engage Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx (“GM”), for a one-time fee of $5,000
payable on the Closing Date , to deliver and update to the Representative on
a
timely basis, but in any event on the Effective Date and at the beginning of
each fiscal quarter, a written report detailing those states in which the Public
Securities may be traded in non-issuer transactions under the Blue Sky laws
of
the fifty States (“Secondary Market Trading Survey”).
13
3.11.4 Intentionally
Omitted.
3.12 Disqualification
of Form S-1.
Until
the earlier of seven years from the date hereof or until the Warrants have
expired and are no longer exercisable, the Company will not take any action
or
actions which may prevent or disqualify the Company’s use of Form S-1 (or other
appropriate form) for the registration of the Warrants and the Representative’s
Warrants under the Act.
3.13 Payment
of Expenses.
3.13.1 General
Expenses Related to the Offering.
The
Company hereby agrees to pay on each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing
Date, if any, to the extent not paid at Closing Date, all expenses incident
to
the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement,
including but not limited to (i) the preparation, printing, filing and mailing
(including the payment of postage with respect to such mailing) of the
Registration Statement, the Preliminary and Final Prospectuses and the printing
and mailing of this Agreement and related documents, including the cost of
all
copies thereof and any amendments thereof or supplements thereto supplied to
the
Underwriters in quantities as may be required by the Underwriters, (ii) the
printing, engraving, issuance and delivery of the Units, the Ordinary Shares
and
the Warrants included in the Units and the Representative’s Purchase Option,
including any transfer or other taxes payable thereon, (iii) the qualification
of the Public Securities under state or foreign securities or Blue Sky laws,
including the costs of printing and mailing the “Preliminary Blue Sky
Memorandum,” and all amendments and supplements thereto, fees and disbursements
of GM (such fees shall be $35,000 in the aggregate (of which $___ has previously
been paid)), and a one-time fee of $5,000 payable to GM for the preparation
of
the Secondary Market Trading Survey, (iv) filing fees, costs and expenses
(including disbursements for the Representative’s counsel) incurred in
registering the Offering with FINRA, (v) fees and disbursements of the transfer
and warrant agent, (vi) the Company’s expenses associated with “due diligence”
meetings arranged by the Representative, (vii) the preparation, binding and
delivery of transaction “bibles,” in form and style reasonably satisfactory to
the Representative and transaction lucite cubes or similar commemorative items
in a style and quantity as reasonably requested by the Representative and (viii)
all other costs and expenses customarily borne by an issuer incident to the
performance of its obligations hereunder which are not otherwise specifically
provided for in this Section 3.13.1. The Company has paid $_________ for the
investigation of the principals by an investigative search firm chosen by the
Representative. If the Offering is successfully consummated, any such amounts
paid by the Company pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence shall be
credited against the discounts and commissions owed to the Underwriters. The
Representative may deduct from the net proceeds of the Offering payable to
the
Company on the Closing Date, or the Option Closing Date, if any, the expenses
set forth in this Agreement to be paid by the Company to the Representative
and
others. If the Offering contemplated by this Agreement is not consummated for
any reason whatsoever then the Company shall reimburse the Underwriters in
full
for their out of pocket expenses, including, without limitation, its legal
fees
(up to a maximum of $50,000) and disbursements and
“road
show” and due diligence expenses.
The
Representative shall retain such part of amount previously paid as shall equal
its actual out-of-pocket expenses and refund the balance. If the amount
previously paid is insufficient to cover such actual out-of-pocket expenses,
the
Company shall remain liable for and promptly pay any other actual out-of-pocket
expenses.
3.13.2 Intentionally
Omitted.
14
3.13.3 Deferred
Compensation.
Upon
the consummation of a Business Combination, the Company shall pay the
Underwriters discounts and commissions of $0.24 per Unit sold in the Offering.
This payment shall be made by wire transfer to an account designated by the
Representative on the closing date of the Business Combination.
3.14 Application
of Net Proceeds.
The
Company will apply the net proceeds from the Offering received by it in a manner
consistent with the application described under the caption “Use Of Proceeds” in
the Prospectus.
3.15 Delivery
of Earnings Statements to Security Holders.
The
Company will make generally available to its security holders as soon as
practicable, but not later than the first day of the fifteenth full calendar
month following the Effective Date, an earnings statement (which need not be
certified by independent public or independent certified public accountants
unless required by the Act or the Regulations, but which shall satisfy the
provisions of Rule 158(a) under Section 11(a) of the Act) covering a period
of
at least twelve consecutive months beginning after the Effective
Date.
3.16 Notice
to FINRA.
For a
period of ninety days following the Effective Date, in the event any person
or
entity (regardless of any FINRA affiliation or association) is engaged to assist
the Company in its search for a merger candidate or to provide any other merger
and acquisition services, the Company will provide the following to FINRA and
EBC prior to the consummation of the Business Combination: (i) complete
details of all services and copies of agreements governing such services (which
details or agreements may be appropriately redacted to account for privilege
or
confidentiality concerns); and (ii) justification as to why the person or
entity providing the merger and acquisition services should not be considered
an
“underwriter and related person” with respect to the Company’s initial public
offering, as such term is defined in Rule 2710 of FINRA’s Conduct Rules. The
Company also agrees that proper disclosure of such arrangement or potential
arrangement will be made in the proxy statement which the Company will file
for
purposes of soliciting shareholder approval for the Business
Combination.
3.17 Stabilization.
Neither
the Company, nor, to its knowledge, any of its employees, directors or
shareholders (without the consent of EBC) has taken or will take, directly
or
indirectly, any action designed to or that has constituted or that might
reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under the Exchange Act, or
otherwise, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the
Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Units.
3.18 Internal
Controls.
The
Company will maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to
provide reasonable assurances that: (i) transactions are executed in accordance
with management’s general or specific authorization, (ii) transactions are
recorded as necessary in order to permit preparation of financial statements
in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain
accountability for assets, (iii) access to assets is permitted only in
accordance with management’s general or specific authorization, and (iv) the
recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at
reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any
differences.
3.19 Accountants.
Until
the earlier of five years from the Effective Date or until such earlier time
upon which the Company is required to be liquidated, the Company shall retain
UHY or another independent registered public accountant.
3.20 Form
8-K.
The
Company shall, on the date hereof, retain its independent public accountants
to
audit the financial statements of the Company as of the Closing Date (“Audited
Financial Statements”) reflecting the receipt by the Company of the proceeds of
the initial public offering. As soon as the Audited Financial Statements become
available, the Company shall immediately file a Current Report on Form 8-K
with the Commission, which Report shall contain the Company’s Audited Financial
Statements.
15
3.21 FINRA.
The
Company shall advise FINRA if it is aware that any 5% or greater shareholder
of
the Company becomes an affiliate or associated person of an FINRA member
participating in the distribution of the Company’s Public
Securities.
3.22 Corporate
Proceedings.
All
corporate proceedings and other legal matters necessary to carry out the
provisions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall
have
been done to the reasonable satisfaction to counsel for the Underwriters.
3.23 Investment
Company.
The
Company shall cause a portion of the proceeds of the Offering to be held in
the
Trust Fund to be invested only as set forth in the Trust Agreement and as more
fully described in the Prospectus. The Company will otherwise conduct its
business in a manner so that it will not become subject to the Investment
Company Act. Furthermore, once the Company consummates a Business Combination,
it will be engaged in a business other than that of investing, reinvesting,
owning, holding or trading securities.
3.24 Business
Combination Announcement.
Within
five business days following the consummation by the Company of a Business
Combination, the Company shall cause an announcement (“Business Combination
Announcement”) to be placed, at its cost, in The
Wall Street Journal,
The
New York Times
and a
third publication to be selected by the Representative announcing the
consummation of the Business Combination and indicating that EBC was the
managing underwriter in the Offering. The Company shall supply the
Representative with a draft of the Business Combination Announcement and provide
the Representative with a reasonable opportunity to comment thereon. The Company
will not place the Business Combination Announcement without the final approval
of the Representative, which such approval will not be unreasonably withheld.
3.25 Colorado
Trust Filing.
In the
event the Securities are registered in the State of Colorado, the Company will
cause a Colorado Form ES to be filed with the Commissioner of the State of
Colorado no less than 10 days prior to the distribution of the Trust Fund in
connection with a Business Combination and will do all things necessary to
comply with Section 00-00-000 and Rule 51-3.4 of the Colorado Securities
Act.
3.26 Insider
Warrants.
The
Company hereby acknowledges and agrees that, if the Warrants are called for
redemption, so long as the Insider Warrants are held by the Initial Shareholders
or their affiliates, such Insider Warrants shall be exercisable by the holder
by
surrendering such Insider Warrants for that number of Ordinary Shares equal
to
the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of Ordinary
Shares underlying the Warrants, multiplied by the difference between the Warrant
Price and the “Fair Market Value” (defined below) by (y) the Fair Market Value.
The
“Fair
Market Value” shall mean the average reported last sale price of the Ordinary
Shares for the 10 trading days ending on the third business day prior to the
date on which the notice of redemption is sent to holders of
Warrants.
4. Conditions
of Underwriters’ Obligations.
The
obligations of the several Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Units,
as
provided herein, shall be subject to the continuing accuracy of the
representations and warranties of the Company as of the date hereof and as
of
each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, to the accuracy
of
the statements of officers of the Company made pursuant to the provisions hereof
and to the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder and to the
following conditions:
16
4.1 Regulatory
Matters.
4.1.1 Effectiveness
of Registration Statement.
The
Registration Statement shall have become effective not later than 5:00 P.M.,
New
York time, on the date of this Agreement or such later date and time as shall
be
consented to in writing by you, and, at each of the Closing Date and the Option
Closing Date, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for the purpose shall have
been instituted or shall be pending or contemplated by the Commission and any
request on the part of the Commission for additional information shall have
been
complied with to the reasonable satisfaction of GM.
4.1.2 FINRA
Clearance.
By the
Effective Date, the Representative shall have received clearance from FINRA
as
to the amount of compensation allowable or payable to the Underwriters as
described in the Registration Statement.
4.1.3 No
Blue Sky Stop Orders.
No
order suspending the sale of the Units in any jurisdiction designated by you
pursuant to Section 3.3 hereof shall have been issued on either on the Closing
Date or the Option Closing Date, and no proceedings for that purpose shall
have
been instituted or shall be contemplated.
4.2 Company
Counsel Matters.
4.2.1 Effective
Date Opinion of Counsel.
On the
Effective Date, the Representative shall have received the favorable opinion
of
GM, counsel to the Company, dated the Effective Date, addressed to the
Representative and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx (“GM”) as set froth in Exhibit A.
4.2.2 Effective
Date Opinion of Cayman Islands Counsel.
On the
Effective Date, the Underwriters shall have received the favorable opinion
of
Xxxxxxx, Cayman Islands counsel to the Company, dated the Effective Date,
addressed to the Underwriters and in form and substance satisfactory as set
forth in Exhibit B.
4.2.3 Closing
Date and Option Closing Date Opinion of Counsel.
On each
of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, the Representative
shall have received the favorable opinion of Loeb and Xxxxxxx, dated the Closing
Date or the Option Closing Date, as the case may be, addressed to the
Representative and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to GM,
confirming as of the Closing Date and, if applicable, the Option Closing Date,
the statements made by Loeb and Xxxxxxx in their opinions delivered on the
Effective Date.
4.2.4 Reliance.
In
rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely (i) as to matters involving the
application of laws other than the laws of the United States and jurisdictions
in which they are admitted, to the extent such counsel deems proper and to
the
extent specified in such opinion, if at all, upon an opinion or opinions (in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Loeb) of other counsel reasonably
acceptable to GM, familiar with the applicable laws, and (ii) as to matters
of fact, to the extent they deem proper, on certificates or other written
statements of officers of the Company and officers of departments of various
jurisdictions having custody of documents respecting the corporate existence
or
good standing of the Company, provided that copies of any such statements or
certificates shall be delivered to the Underwriters’ counsel if requested. The
opinion of counsel for the Company and any opinion relied upon by such counsel
for the Company shall include a statement to the effect that it may be relied
upon by counsel for the Underwriters in its opinion delivered to the
Underwriters.
17
4.3 Cold
Comfort Letter.
At the
time this Agreement is executed, and at each of the Closing Date and the Option
Closing Date, if any, you shall have received a letter, addressed to the
Representative and in form and substance satisfactory in all respects (including
the non-material nature of the changes or decreases, if any, referred to in
clause (iii) below) to you and to GM from UHY dated, respectively, as of the
date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date,
if any:
(i) Confirming
that they are independent registered public accounting firm with respect to
the
Company within the meaning of the Act and the applicable Regulations and that
they have not, during the periods covered by the financial statements included
in the Prospectus, provided to the Company any non-audit services, as such
term
is used in Section 10A(g) of the Exchange Act;
(ii) Stating
that in their opinion the financial statements of the Company included in the
Registration Statement and Prospectus comply as to form in all material respects
with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act and the published
Regulations thereunder;
(iii) Stating
that, on the basis of a reading of the latest available unaudited interim
financial statements of the Company (with an indication of the date of the
latest available unaudited interim financial statements), a reading of the
latest available minutes of the shareholders and board of directors and the
various committees of the board of directors, consultations with officers and
other employees of the Company responsible for financial and accounting matters
and other specified procedures and inquiries, they have been advised by the
Company officials that (a) the unaudited financial statements of the Company
included in the Registration Statement comply as to form in all material
respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act and the
Regulations or are fairly presented in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles applied on a basis substantially consistent with that
of
the audited financial statements of the Company included in the Registration
Statement and (b) at a date not later than five days prior to the Effective
Date, Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may be, there was no
change in the capital stock or long-term debt of the Company, or any decrease
in
the shareholders’ equity of the Company as compared with amounts shown in the
October 31, 2007 balance sheet included in the Registration Statement, other
than as set forth in or contemplated by the Registration Statement, or, if
there
was any decrease, setting forth the amount of such decrease;
(iv) Stating
that they have compared specific dollar amounts, numbers of shares, percentages
of revenues and earnings, statements and other financial information pertaining
to the Company set forth in the Prospectus in each case to the extent that
such
amounts, numbers, percentages, statements and information may be derived from
the general accounting records, including work sheets, of the Company and
excluding any questions requiring an interpretation by legal counsel, with
the
results obtained from the application of specified readings, inquiries and
other
appropriate procedures (which procedures do not constitute an examination in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards) set forth in the letter
and found them to be in agreement;
(v) Stating
that they have not provided the Company’s management with any written
communication in accordance with Statement on Auditing Standards No. 60
“Communication of Internal Control Structure Related Matters Noted in an Audit;”
and
(vi) Statements
as to such other matters incident to the transaction contemplated hereby as
you
may reasonably request.
18
4.4 Officers’
Certificates.
4.4.1 Officers’
Certificate.
At each
of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, the Representative
shall have received a certificate of the Company signed by the Chairman of
the
Board or the President and the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Company,
dated the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as the case may be,
respectively, to the effect that the Company has performed all covenants and
complied with all conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or
complied with by the Company prior to and as of the Closing Date, or the Option
Closing Date, as the case may be, and that the conditions set forth in Section
4.5 hereof have been satisfied as of such date and that, as of Closing Date
and
the Option Closing Date, as the case may be, the representations and warranties
of the Company set forth in Section 2 hereof are true and correct. In addition,
the Representative will have received such other and further certificates of
officers of the Company as the Representative may reasonably
request.
4.4.2 Secretary’s
Certificate.
At each
of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, the Representative
shall have received a certificate of the Company signed by the Secretary,
Assistant Secretary or other officer of the Company, dated the Closing Date
or
the Option Date, as the case may be, respectively, certifying (i) that the
Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company are true and complete,
have not been modified and are in full force and effect, (ii) that the
resolutions relating to the public offering contemplated by this Agreement
are
in full force and effect and have not been modified, (iii) all correspondence
between the Company or its counsel and the Commission, and (iv) as to the
incumbency of the officers of the Company. The documents referred to in such
certificate shall be attached to such certificate.
4.5 No
Material Changes.
Prior
to and on each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, (i)
there shall have been no material adverse change or development involving a
prospective material adverse change in the condition or prospects or the
business activities, financial or otherwise, of the Company from the latest
dates as of which such condition is set forth in the Registration Statement
and
Prospectus, (ii) no action suit or proceeding, at law or in equity, shall have
been pending or threatened against the Company or any Initial Shareholders
before or by any court or federal or state commission, board or other
administrative agency wherein an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding may
materially adversely affect the business, operations, prospects or financial
condition or income of the Company, except as set forth in the Registration
Statement and Prospectus, (iii) no stop order shall have been issued under
the
Act and no proceedings therefor shall have been initiated or threatened by
the
Commission, and (iv) the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any
amendments or supplements thereto shall contain all material statements which
are required to be stated therein in accordance with the Act and the Regulations
and shall conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Act and
the Regulations, and neither the Registration Statement nor the Prospectus
nor
any amendment or supplement thereto shall contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under
which they were made, not misleading.
4.6 Delivery
of Agreements.
4.6.1 Effective
Date Deliveries.
On the
Effective Date, the Company shall have delivered to the Representative executed
copies of the Escrow Agreement, the Trust Agreement, the Warrant Agreement,
the
Services Agreement, the Subscription Agreement and all of the Insider
Letters.
4.6.2 Closing
Date Deliveries.
On the
Closing Date, the Company shall have delivered to the Representative executed
copies of the Representative’s Purchase Option.
4.7 Opinion
of Counsel for the Underwriters.
All
proceedings taken in connection with the authorization, issuance or sale of
the
Securities as herein contemplated shall be reasonably satisfactory in form
and
substance to you and to GM and you shall have received from such counsel a
favorable opinion, dated the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any,
with respect to such of these proceedings as you may reasonably require. On
or
prior to the Effective Date, the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date,
as
the case may be, counsel for the Underwriters shall have been furnished such
documents, certificates and opinions as they may reasonably require for the
purpose of enabling them to review or pass upon the matters referred to in
this
Section 4.7, or in order to evidence the accuracy, completeness or satisfaction
of any of the representations, warranties or conditions herein
contained.
19
4.8 Insider
Securities.
On the
Closing Date, the Initial Shareholders shall have purchased the Insider Warrants
and the purchase price for such Insider Warrants shall be deposited into the
Trust Fund.
5. Indemnification.
5.1 Indemnification
of Underwriters.
5.1.1 General.
Subject
to the conditions set forth below, the Company agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless each of the Underwriters, and each dealer selected by you that
participates in the offer and sale of the Securities (each a “Selected Dealer”)
and each of their respective directors, officers and employees and each person,
if any, who controls any such Underwriter (“controlling person”) within the
meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, against
any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever (including
but
not limited to any and all legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in
investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, commenced or
threatened, or any claim whatsoever, whether arising out of any action between
any of the Underwriters and the Company or between any of the Underwriters
and
any third party or otherwise) to which they or any of them may become subject
under the Act, the Exchange Act or any other statute or at common law or
otherwise or under the laws of foreign countries, arising out of or based upon
any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained
in
(i) the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (as from time to time each
may
be amended and supplemented); (ii) in any post-effective amendment or amendments
or any new registration statement and prospectus in which is included securities
of the Company issued or issuable upon exercise of the Representative’s Purchase
Option; or (iii) any application or other document or written communication
(in
this Section 5 collectively called “application”) executed by the Company or
based upon written information furnished by the Company in any jurisdiction
in
order to qualify the Securities under the securities laws thereof or filed
with
the Commission, any state securities commission or agency, or any securities
exchange; or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
in
the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading,
unless such statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity
with information furnished to the Company with respect to an Underwriter by
or
on behalf of such Underwriter expressly for use in any Preliminary Prospectus,
the Registration Statement or Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement
thereof, or in any application, as the case may be. With respect to any untrue
statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in the
Preliminary Prospectus, the indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph
shall not inure to the benefit of any Underwriter to the extent that any loss,
liability, claim, damage or expense of such Underwriter results from the fact
that a copy of the Prospectus was not given or sent to the person asserting
any
such loss, liability, claim or damage at or prior to the written confirmation
of
sale of the Securities to such person as required by the Act and the
Regulations, and if the untrue statement or omission has been corrected in
the
Prospectus, unless such failure to deliver the Prospectus was a result of
non-compliance by the Company with its obligations under Section 3.4 hereof.
The
Company agrees promptly to notify the Representative of the commencement of
any
litigation or proceedings against the Company or any of its officers, directors
or controlling persons in connection with the issue and sale of the Securities
or in connection with the Registration Statement or Prospectus.
20
5.1.2 Procedure.
If any
action is brought against an Underwriter, a Selected Dealer or a controlling
person in respect of which indemnity may be sought against the Company pursuant
to Section 5.1.1, such Underwriter or Selected Dealer shall promptly notify
the Company in writing of the institution of such action and the Company shall
assume the defense of such action, including the employment and fees of counsel
(subject to the reasonable approval of such Underwriter or Selected Dealer,
as
the case may be) and payment of actual expenses. Such Underwriter, Selected
Dealer or controlling person shall have the right to employ its or their own
counsel in any such case, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be
at
the expense of such Underwriter, Selected Dealer or controlling person unless
(i) the employment of such counsel at the expense of the Company shall have
been
authorized in writing by the Company in connection with the defense of such
action, or (ii) the Company shall not have employed counsel reasonably
acceptable to the Underwriter or Selected Dealer, as the case may be, to have
charge of the defense of such action, or (iii) such indemnified party or parties
shall have reasonably concluded that there may be defenses available to it
or
them which are different from or additional to those available to the Company
(in which case the Company shall not have the right to direct the defense of
such action on behalf of the indemnified party or parties), in any of which
events the reasonable fees and expenses of not more than one additional firm
of
attorneys (in addition to a local firm of attorneys in any applicable
jurisdiction) selected by the Underwriter, Selected Dealer and/or controlling
person shall be borne by the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained herein, if the Underwriter, Selected Dealer or controlling person
shall assume the defense of such action as provided above, the Company shall
have the right to approve the terms of any settlement of such action which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. This Indemnification provided
for
in this Section 5.1 shall not be available to any party who shall fail to give
notice as provided in this Section 5.1.2 if the Company was unaware of the
proceeding to which such notice would have related and was actually prejudiced
by the failure to give such notice; provided,
however,
that
indemnification shall only be limited to the extent of such prejudice;
provided,
further,
that,
the omission so to notify the Company will not relieve it from any liability
which it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this Section
5.1. The Company shall not without the prior written consent of the indemnified
party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect
of which any indemnified party is or could have been sought hereunder by such
indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release
of
such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter
of such proceedings.
5.2 Indemnification
of the Company.
Each
Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
the Company, its directors, officers and employees and agents who control the
Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of
the Exchange Act against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense
described in the foregoing indemnity from the Company to the several
Underwriters, as incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or
omissions made in any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement or
Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto or in any application, in
reliance upon, and in strict conformity with, information furnished to the
Company with respect to such Underwriter by or on behalf of the Underwriter
expressly for use in such Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement
or
Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto or in any such application.
In
case any action shall be brought against the Company or any other person so
indemnified based on any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement
or
Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto or any application, and in
respect of which indemnity may be sought against any Underwriter, such
Underwriter shall have the rights and duties given to the Company, and the
Company and each other person so indemnified shall have the rights and duties
given to the several Underwriters by the provisions of Section 5.1.2.
5.3 Contribution.
5.3.1 Contribution
Rights.
In
order to provide for just and equitable contribution under the Act in any case
in which (i) any person entitled to indemnification under this Section 5
makes claim for indemnification pursuant hereto but it is judicially determined
(by the entry of a final judgment or decree by a court of competent jurisdiction
and the expiration of time to appeal or the denial of the last right of appeal)
that such indemnification may not be enforced in such case notwithstanding
the
fact that this Section 5 provides for indemnification in such case, or (ii)
contribution under the Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise may be required on
the
part of any such person in circumstances for which indemnification is provided
under this Section 5, then, and in each such case, the Company and the
Underwriters shall contribute to the aggregate losses, liabilities, claims,
damages and expenses of the nature contemplated by said indemnity agreement
incurred by the Company and the Underwriters, as incurred, in such proportions
that the Underwriters and the Company are responsible for; provided, that,
no
person guilty of a fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section
11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was
not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. Notwithstanding the provisions
of
this Section 5.3.1, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount
in
excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Public Securities
underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public
exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been
required to pay in respect of such losses, liabilities, claims, damages and
expenses. For purposes of this Section, each director, officer and employee
of
an Underwriter or the Company, as applicable, and each person, if any, who
controls an Underwriter or the Company, as applicable, within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the
Underwriters or the Company, as applicable.
21
5.3.2 Contribution
Procedure.
Within
fifteen days after receipt by any party to this Agreement (or its
representative) of notice of the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding,
such party will, if a claim for contribution in respect thereof is to be made
against another party (“contributing party”), notify the contributing party of
the commencement thereof, but the omission to so notify the contributing party
will not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any other party
other than for contribution hereunder. In case any such action, suit or
proceeding is brought against any party, and such party notifies a contributing
party or its representative of the commencement thereof within the aforesaid
fifteen days, the contributing party will be entitled to participate therein
with the notifying party and any other contributing party similarly notified.
Any such contributing party shall not be liable to any party seeking
contribution on account of any settlement of any claim, action or proceeding
effected by such party seeking contribution on account of any settlement of
any
claim, action or proceeding effected by such party seeking contribution without
the written consent of such contributing party. The contribution provisions
contained in this Section are intended to supersede, to the extent permitted
by
law, any right to contribution under the Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise
available. The Underwriters’ obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section
5.3 are several and not joint.
6. Default
by an Underwriter.
6.1 Default
Not Exceeding 10% of Firm Units or Option Units.
If any
Underwriter or Underwriters shall default in its or their obligations to
purchase the Firm Units or the Option Units, if the over-allotment option is
exercised, hereunder, and if the number of the Firm Units or Option Units with
respect to which such default relates does not exceed in the aggregate 10%
of
the number of Firm Units or Option Units that all Underwriters have agreed
to
purchase hereunder, then such Firm Units or Option Units to which the default
relates shall be purchased by the non-defaulting Underwriters in proportion
to
their respective commitments hereunder.
6.2 Default
Exceeding 10% of Firm Units or Option Units
In the
event that the default addressed in Section 6.1 above relates to more than
10%
of the Firm Units or Option Units, you may in your discretion arrange for
yourself or for another party or parties to purchase such Firm Units or Option
Units to which such default relates on the terms contained herein. If within
one
business day after such default relating to more than 10% of the Firm Units
or
Option Units you do not arrange for the purchase of such Firm Units or Option
Units, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of one business
day within which to procure another party or parties satisfactory to you to
purchase said Firm Units or Option Units on such terms. In the event that
neither you nor the Company arrange for the purchase of the Firm Units or Option
Units to which a default relates as provided in this Section 6, this Agreement
will be terminated by you or the Company without liability on the part of the
Company (except as provided in Sections 3.13 and 5 hereof) or the several
Underwriters (except as provided in Section 5 hereof); provided, however, that
if such default occurs with respect to the Option Units, this Agreement will
not
terminate as to the Firm Units; and provided further that nothing herein shall
relieve a defaulting Underwriter of its liability, if any, to the other several
Underwriters and to the Company for damages occasioned by its default
hereunder.
22
6.3 Postponement
of Closing Date.
In the
event that the Firm Units or Option Units to which the default relates are
to be
purchased by the non-defaulting Underwriters, or are to be purchased by another
party or parties as aforesaid, you or the Company shall have the right to
postpone the Closing Date or Option Closing Date for a reasonable period, but
not in any event exceeding five business days, in order to effect whatever
changes may thereby be made necessary in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus or in any other documents and arrangements, and the Company agrees
to
file promptly any amendment to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
that
in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters may thereby be made necessary.
The term “Underwriter” as used in this Agreement shall include any party
substituted under this Section 6 with like effect as if it had originally been
a
party to this Agreement with respect to such Securities.
7. Intentionally
Omitted.
8. Additional
Covenants.
8.1 Intentionally
Omitted.
8.2 Additional
Shares or Options.
The
Company hereby agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination,
it
shall not issue any Ordinary Shares or any options or other securities
convertible or exercisable or exchangeable into Ordinary Shares, or any shares
of Preferred Stock which participate in any manner in the Trust Fund or which
vote as a class with the Ordinary Shares on a Business Combination.
8.3 Trust
Fund Waiver Acknowledgment.
(a) Underwriters/Representative.
Except
with respect to the underwriting discounts and commissions due to the
Underwriters only upon successful consummation of a Business Combination, each
of the Underwriters and the Representative hereby agree that it does not have
any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the
Trust
Fund (“Claim”) and waive any Claim it may have in the future as a result of, or
arising out of, any negotiations, contracts or agreements with the Company
and
will not seek recourse against the Trust Fund for any reason
whatsoever.
(b) Target
Businesses and Vendors.
The
Company hereby agrees that it will not commence its due diligence investigation
of any operating business which the Company seeks to acquire (“Target Business”)
or obtain the services of any vendor unless and until the Company has used
its
commercially reasonable efforts to have such Target Business or vendor
acknowledge in writing, whether through a letter of intent, memorandum of
understanding or other similar document (and subsequently acknowledges the
same
in any definitive document replacing any of the foregoing), that (a) it has
read
the Prospectus and understands that the Company has established the Trust Fund
for the benefit of the public shareholders and that the Company may disburse
monies from the Trust Fund only (i) to the public shareholders in the event
they
elect to convert their IPO Shares (as defined below in Section 8.8), (ii) to
the
public shareholders upon the liquidation of the Company if the Company fails
to
consummate a Business Combination or (iii) to the Company after, or concurrently
with, the consummation of a Business Combination and (b) for and in
consideration of the Company (1) agreeing to evaluate such Target Business
for
purposes of consummating a Business Combination with it or (2) agreeing to
engage the services of the vendor, as the case may be, such Target Business
or
vendor agrees that it does not have Claim in or to any monies in the Trust
Fund
and waives any Claim it may have in the future as a result of, or arising out
of, any negotiations, contracts or agreements with the Company and will not
seek
recourse against the Trust Fund for any reason whatsoever.
23
8.4 Insider
Letters.
The
Company shall not take any action or omit to take any action which would cause
a
breach of any of the Insider Letters executed between each Initial Shareholders
and EBC and will not allow any amendments to, or waivers of, such Insider
Letters without the prior written consent of EBC.
8.5 Memorandum
and Articles of Association.
The
Company shall not take any action or omit to take any action that would cause
the Company to be in breach or violation of its Memorandum and Articles of
Association. Prior to the consummation of a Business Combination, the Company
will not amend its Memorandum and Articles of Association without the prior
written consent of EBC.
8.6 Blue
Sky Requirements.
Upon
request, the Company shall provide counsel to the Representative with ten copies
of all proxy information and all related material filed with the Commission
in
connection with a Business Combination concurrently with such filing with the
Commission. In addition, the Company shall furnish any other state in which
its
initial public offering was registered, such information as may be requested
by
such state.
8.7 Intentionally
Omitted.
8.8 Acquisition/Liquidation
Procedure.
The
Company agrees: (i) that, prior to the consummation of any Business Combination,
it will submit such transaction to the Company's shareholders for their approval
(“Business Combination Vote”) even if the nature of the acquisition is such as
would not ordinarily require shareholder approval under applicable state law
and
will publicly announce the record date establishing the shareholders that will
be entitled to vote at the meeting to approve the Business Combination at least
two business days prior to such record date; and (ii) that, in the event that
the Company does not effect a Business Combination within 18 months from the
Effective Date, or 30 months from the Effective Date if a letter of intent,
agreement in principle or definitive agreement has been executed within 18
months after consummation of this offering and the Business Combination has
not
been consummated within such 18 month period, the Company will be liquidated
and
will distribute to all holders of IPO Shares (defined below) an aggregate sum
equal to the Company’s “Liquidation Value.” The Company’s “Liquidation Value”
shall mean the Company’s book value, as determined by the Company and approved
by UHY. In no event, however, will the Company’s Liquidation Value be less than
the Trust Fund, inclusive of any net interest income thereon (net of taxes
payable and funds released to the Company for working capital purposes). Only
holders of IPO Shares shall be entitled to receive liquidating distributions
and
the Company shall pay no liquidating distributions with respect to any other
shares of capital stock of the Company. With respect to the Business Combination
Vote, the Company shall cause all of the Initial Shareholders to vote the
Ordinary Shares owned by them immediately prior to this Offering in accordance
with the vote of the holders of a majority of the IPO Shares present, in person
or by proxy, at a meeting of the Company’s shareholders called for such purpose.
At the time the Company seeks approval of any potential Business Combination,
the Company will offer each holder of Ordinary Shares issued in the Offering
(“IPO Shares”) the right to convert their IPO Shares at a per share price
(“Conversion Price”) equal to the amount in the Trust Fund (inclusive of any
interest income therein) calculated as of two business days prior to the
consummation of the proposed Business Combination divided by the total number
of
IPO Shares. If a majority of the holders of IPO Shares present and entitled
to
vote on the Business Combination vote in favor of such Business Combination
and
holders of less than 40% in interest of the Company’s IPO Shares elect to
convert their IPO Shares, the Company may, but will not be required to, proceed
with such Business Combination. If the Company elects to so proceed, it will
convert shares, based upon the Conversion Price, from those holders of IPO
Shares who affirmatively requested such conversion and who voted against the
Business Combination. If holders of 40% or more in interest of the IPO Shares,
who vote against approval of any potential Business Combination, elect to
convert their IPO Shares, the Company will not proceed with such Business
Combination and will not convert such shares. The provisions of this Section
8.8
may not be modified, amended or deleted under any circumstances.
24
8.9 Rule
419.
The
Company agrees that it will use its best efforts to prevent the Company from
becoming subject to Rule 419 under the Act prior to the consummation of any
Business Combination, including but not limited to using its best efforts to
prevent any of the Company’s outstanding securities from being deemed to be a
“xxxxx stock” as defined in Rule 3a-51-1 under the Exchange Act during such
period.
8.10 Affiliated
Transactions.
The
Company shall cause each of the Initial Shareholders to agree that, in order
to
minimize potential conflicts of interest which may arise from multiple
affiliations, the Initial Shareholders will present to the Company for its
consideration, prior to presentation to any other person or company, any
suitable opportunity to acquire an operating business, until the earlier of
the
consummation by the Company of a Business Combination, the liquidation of the
Company or until such time as the Initial Shareholders cease to be an officer
or
director of the Company, subject to any pre-existing fiduciary or contractual
obligations the Initial Shareholders might have.
8.11 Target
Net Assets.
The
Company agrees that the initial Target Business that it acquires must have
a
fair market value equal to at least 80% of the Company’s net assets (all of the
Company’s assets, including the funds held in the Trust Fund, less the Company’s
liabilities) at the time of such acquisition. The fair market value of such
business must be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company based
upon
standards generally accepted by the financial community, such as actual and
potential sales, earnings and cash flow and book value. If the Board of
Directors of the Company is not able to independently determine that the target
business has a fair market value of at least 80% of the Company’s net assets at
the time of such acquisition, the Company will obtain an opinion from an
unaffiliated, independent investment banking firm which is a member of FINRA
with respect to the satisfaction of such criteria. The Company is not required
to obtain an opinion from an investment banking firm as to the fair market
value
if the Company’s Board of Directors independently determines that the Target
Business does have sufficient fair market value.
9. Representations
and Agreements to Survive Delivery.
Except
as the context otherwise requires, all representations, warranties and
agreements contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to be representations,
warranties and agreements at the Closing Date or Option Closing Date and such
representations, warranties and agreements of the Underwriters and Company,
including the indemnity agreements contained in Section 5 hereof, shall remain
operative and in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made
by
or on behalf of any Underwriter, the Company or any controlling person, and
shall survive termination of this Agreement or the issuance and delivery of
the
Securities to the several Underwriters until the earlier of the expiration
of
any applicable statute of limitations and the seventh anniversary of the later
of the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, if any, at which time the
representations, warranties and agreements shall terminate and be of no further
force and effect.
10. Effective
Date of This Agreement and Termination Thereof.
10.1 Effective
Date.
This
Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date at the time the
Registration Statement is declared effective by the Commission.
25
10.2 Termination.
You
shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time prior to any
Closing Date, (i) if any domestic or international event or act or occurrence
has materially disrupted, or in your opinion will in the immediate future
materially disrupt, general securities markets in the United States; or (ii)
if
trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the Boston
Stock Exchange or on NASD OTC Bulletin Board (or successor trading market)
shall
have been suspended, or minimum or maximum prices for trading shall have been
fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities shall have been fixed, or
maximum ranges for prices for securities shall have been required on NASD OTC
Bulletin Board or by order of the Commission or any other government authority
having jurisdiction, or (iii) if the United States shall have become involved
in
a new war or an increase in major hostilities, or (iv) if a banking moratorium
has been declared by a New York State or federal authority, or (v) if a
moratorium on foreign exchange trading has been declared which materially
adversely impacts the United States securities market, or (vi) if the Company
shall have sustained a material loss by fire, flood, accident, hurricane,
earthquake, theft, sabotage or other calamity or malicious act which, whether
or
not such loss shall have been insured, will, in your opinion, make it
inadvisable to proceed with the delivery of the Units, or (vii) if any of the
Company’s representations, warranties or covenants hereunder are breached, or
(viii) if the Representative shall have become aware after the date hereof
of
such a material adverse change in the conditions or prospects of the Company,
or
such adverse material change in general market conditions, including without
limitation as a result of terrorist activities after the date hereof, as in
the
Representative’s judgment would make it impracticable to proceed with the
offering, sale and/or delivery of the Units or to enforce contracts made by
the
Underwriters for the sale of the Securities.
10.3 Expenses.
In the
event that this Agreement shall not be carried out for any reason whatsoever,
within the time specified herein or any extensions thereof pursuant to the
terms
herein, the obligations of the Company to pay the out of pocket expenses related
to the transactions contemplated herein shall be governed by Section 3.13
hereof.
10.4 Indemnification.
Notwithstanding any contrary provision contained in this Agreement, any election
hereunder or any termination of this Agreement, and whether or not this
Agreement is otherwise carried out, the provisions of Section 5 shall not be
in
any way effected by, such election or termination or failure to carry out the
terms of this Agreement or any part hereof.
11. Miscellaneous.
11.1 Notices.
All
communications hereunder, except as herein otherwise specifically provided,
shall be in writing and shall be mailed, delivered or telecopied and confirmed
and shall be deemed given when so delivered or telecopied and confirmed or
if
mailed, two days after such mailing
If
to the
Representative:
EarlyBirdCapital,
Inc.
000
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx
Xxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxx
X.
Xxxxxxxx, Chairman
26
Copy
to:
Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx
The
Chrysler Building
000
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx
Xxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxx
Xxxx Xxxxxx, Esq.
If
to the
Company:
Xxxxxx
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxx.
00X,
Xxxx#0000, Fortune Int’l Building
Xx.
00,
Xxxxx XxXxxXxx Xxxx
Xxx
Xxxx
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 100081
People’s
Republic of China
Attn: Han-Juin
Hu
Copy
to:
Loeb
& Loeb LLP
000
Xxxx
Xxxxxx
Xxx
Xxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx, Esq.
11.2 Headings.
The
headings contained herein are for the sole purpose of convenience of reference,
and shall not in any way limit or affect the meaning or interpretation of any
of
the terms or provisions of this Agreement.
11.3 Amendment.
Except
for Section 8.8 (which may not be amended under any circumstances), this
Agreement may only be amended by a written instrument executed by each of the
parties hereto.
11.4 Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement (together with the other agreements and documents being delivered
pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement) constitute the entire
agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and
thereof, and supersede all prior agreements and understandings of the parties,
oral and written, with respect to the subject matter hereof.
11.5 Binding
Effect.
This
Agreement shall inure solely to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the
Representative, the Underwriters, the Company and the controlling persons,
directors and officers referred to in Section 5 hereof, and their respective
successors, legal representatives and assigns, and no other person shall have
or
be construed to have any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or
in
respect of or by virtue of this Agreement or any provisions herein
contained.
11.6 Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with
the
laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflicts of law
principles that would result in the application of the substantive laws of
another jurisdiction. The Company hereby agrees that any action, proceeding
or
claim against it arising out of, or relating in any way to this Agreement shall
be brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York of the United
States of America for the Southern District of New York, and irrevocably submits
to such jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall be exclusive. The Company hereby
waives any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts
represent an inconvenient forum. Any such process or summons to be served upon
the Company may be served by transmitting a copy thereof by registered or
certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to it
at
the address set forth in Section 11 hereof. Such mailing shall be deemed
personal service and shall be legal and binding upon the Company in any action,
proceeding or claim. The Company agrees that the prevailing party(ies) in any
such action shall be entitled to recover from the other party(ies) all of its
reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses relating to such action or proceeding
and/or incurred in connection with the preparation therefor.
27
11.7 Execution
in Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by the different
parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be
an
original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same
agreement, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts has been
signed by each of the parties hereto and delivered to each of the other parties
hereto. Facsimile signatures will be binding and effective as
originals.
11.8 Waiver,
Etc.
The
failure of any of the parties hereto to at any time enforce any of the
provisions of this Agreement shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver
of
any such provision, nor to in any way effect the validity of this Agreement
or
any provision hereof or the right of any of the parties hereto to thereafter
enforce each and every provision of this Agreement. No waiver of any breach,
non-compliance or non-fulfillment of any of the provisions of this Agreement
shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument executed by the
party or parties against whom or which enforcement of such waiver is sought;
and
no waiver of any such breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment shall be
construed or deemed to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach,
non-compliance or non-fulfillment.
28
If
the
foregoing correctly sets forth the understanding between the Underwriters and
the Company, please so indicate in the space provided below for that purpose,
whereupon this letter shall constitute a binding agreement between
us.
| Very truly yours, | ||
| SPRING CREEK ACQUISITION CORP. | ||
| |
|
|
| By: | ||
|
Name:
Title:
|
||
Accepted
on the date first
above
written.
| EARLYBIRDCAPITAL, INC. | ||||
| By: | ||||
|
Name:
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Title:
Managing Director
|
||||
SCHEDULE
I
4,500,000
Units
|
Underwriter
|
Number
of Firm Units
to
be Purchased
|
|||
|
EarlyBirdCapital,
Inc.
|
||||
|
4,500,000
|
||||
