Spire Inc. 3,200,000 Corporate Units UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SECTION 1 |
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |
3 | ||||
SECTION 2 |
SALE AND DELIVERY TO UNDERWRITERS; CLOSING |
17 | ||||
SECTION 3 |
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY |
18 | ||||
SECTION 4 |
PAYMENT OF EXPENSES |
23 | ||||
SECTION 5 |
CONDITIONS OF UNDERWRITERS’ OBLIGATIONS |
24 | ||||
SECTION 6 |
INDEMNIFICATION |
28 | ||||
SECTION 7 |
CONTRIBUTION |
31 | ||||
SECTION 8 |
REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS TO SURVIVE DELIVERY |
32 | ||||
SECTION 9 |
TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT |
32 | ||||
SECTION 10 |
DEFAULT BY ONE OR MORE OF THE UNDERWRITERS |
33 | ||||
SECTION 11 |
NOTICES |
34 | ||||
SECTION 12 |
PARTIES |
34 | ||||
SECTION 13 |
GOVERNING LAW AND TIME |
34 | ||||
SECTION 14 |
EFFECT OF HEADINGS; COUNTERPARTS |
34 | ||||
SECTION 15 |
DEFINITIONS |
35 | ||||
SECTION 16 |
PERMITTED FREE WRITING PROSPECTUSES |
38 | ||||
SECTION 17 |
ABSENCE OF FIDUCIARY RELATIONSHIP |
39 | ||||
SECTION 18 |
RECOGNITION OF U.S. SPECIAL RESOLUTION |
40 | ||||
SECTION 19 |
RESEARCH ANALYST INDEPENDENCE |
40 | ||||
SECTION 20 |
TRIAL BY JURY |
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EXHIBITS | ||||
Exhibit A |
– |
Underwriters | ||
Exhibit B |
– |
Pricing Term Sheet | ||
Exhibit C |
– |
Subsidiaries of the Company | ||
Exhibit D |
– |
List of Persons Subject to Lock-Up Agreement | ||
Exhibit E |
– |
Form of Lock-Up Agreement | ||
Exhibit F |
– |
Form of Opinion of Akin Gump Xxxxxxx Xxxxx & Xxxx LLP | ||
Exhibit G |
– |
Form of Opinion of Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esq. | ||
Exhibit H |
– |
Form of Opinion of Local Counsel for Spire Alabama Inc. | ||
Exhibit I |
– | Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectuses |
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3,200,000 Corporate Units
February 9, 2021
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC
Eleven Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
BofA Securities, Inc.
Xxx Xxxxxx Xxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Xxxxx Fargo Securities, LLC
000 Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
As Representatives of the several Underwriters
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Spire Inc., a Missouri corporation (the “Company”), confirms its agreement with Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (“Credit Suisse”), BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofA”) and Xxxxx Fargo Securities, LLC (“Xxxxx Fargo”) and each of the other Underwriters named in Exhibit A hereto (collectively, the “Underwriters,” which term shall also include any underwriter substituted as hereinafter provided in Section 10 hereof), for whom Credit Suisse, BofA and Xxxxx Fargo are acting as representatives (each of Credit Suisse, BofA and Xxxxx Fargo, in such capacity, a “Representative” and, collectively, the “Representatives”), with respect to the issue and sale by the Company of a total of 3,200,000 Corporate Units (as defined herein) (the “Initial Securities”), certain terms of which are set forth on Exhibit B, and the purchase by the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, of the respective numbers of Initial Securities set forth in said Exhibit A hereto, and with respect to the grant by the Company to the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, of the option described in Section 2(b) hereof to purchase all or any part of 300,000 additional Corporate Units (the “Option Securities” and, together with the Initial Securities, the “Securities”). Certain terms used in this Underwriting Agreement (this “Agreement”) are defined in Section 15 hereof.
Each Corporate Unit will initially consist of (a) a 1/20th, or 5%, undivided beneficial ownership interest in $1,000 principal amount of the Company’s 2021 Series A 0.75% Remarketable Senior Notes due 2026 (the “Notes”) and (b) a stock purchase contract (a “Purchase Contract”) issued by the Company pursuant to which the holder of such Purchase Contract will purchase from the Company on March 1, 2024, subject to earlier termination or settlement, for an amount in cash equal to the stated amount per Security of $50 (the “Stated Amount”), a number of shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company (“Common Stock”), as set
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forth in the Purchase Contract and Pledge Agreement. The Notes will be issued pursuant to an Indenture (the “Base Indenture”), as amended by the First Supplemental Indenture thereto, each dated as of the Closing Date referred to in Section 2(c) hereof (the “Supplemental Indenture” and, together with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”), between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”).
In accordance with the terms of a Purchase Contract and Pledge Agreement (the “Purchase Contract and Pledge Agreement”), dated as of the Closing Date, to be entered into between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as purchase contract agent (the “Purchase Contract Agent”), attorney-in-fact for the holders of the Equity Units, collateral agent (the “Collateral Agent”), custodial agent (the “Custodial Agent”) and securities intermediary (the “Securities Intermediary”), the holders of Corporate Units will initially pledge their ownership interests in the Notes to secure their obligations to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Purchase Contracts. The Purchase Contracts will be issued pursuant to the Purchase Contract and Pledge Agreement. The Purchase Contracts, together with the related Notes, are herein referred to as “Corporate Units.” A holder of Corporate Units, at its option, may elect to create “Treasury Units” by substituting pledged U.S. Treasury securities for any pledged ownership interests in the Notes. Unless otherwise indicated, the term “Equity Units” includes both Corporate Units and Treasury Units.
Pursuant to a Remarketing Agreement, to be entered into by the Company, the Purchase Contract Agent, as the purchase contract agent and attorney-in-fact for the holders of the Equity Units, and any remarketing agents named therein (whether one or more such agents, the “Remarketing Agent”) in such form and dated as of such date as to be determined by the parties thereto (the “Remarketing Agreement”), the Notes will be remarketed, subject to certain terms and conditions. The Purchase Contract and Pledge Agreement, the Indenture and the Remarketing Agreement are each herein referred to as a “Units Agreement” and are herein collectively referred to as the “Units Agreements.”
The Company understands that the Underwriters propose to make a public offering of the Securities as soon as the Representatives deem advisable after this Agreement has been executed and delivered.
The Company hereby confirms its engagement of BofA, and BofA hereby confirms its agreement with the Company to render its services, at the Company’s request and without compensation, as “qualified independent underwriter” within the meaning of FINRA Rule 5121 in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities. BofA, solely in its capacity as such a qualified independent underwriter and not otherwise, is referred to herein as the “QIU.”
The Company has prepared and previously delivered to you a preliminary prospectus supplement dated February 8, 2021 relating to the Securities and a related prospectus dated May 14, 2019 (the “Base Prospectus”). Such preliminary prospectus supplement and Base Prospectus, including the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 under the 1933 Act, are hereinafter called, collectively, the “Pre-Pricing Prospectus.” Promptly after the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company will prepare and file with the Commission a prospectus supplement dated February 9, 2021 (the “Prospectus Supplement”) and will file the Prospectus Supplement and the Base Prospectus with
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the Commission, all in accordance with the provisions of Rule 430B and Rule 424(b), and the Company has previously advised you of all information (financial and other) that will be set forth therein. The Prospectus Supplement and the Base Prospectus, in the form first furnished to the Underwriters for use in connection with the offering of the Securities (whether to meet the request of purchasers pursuant to Rule 173(d) or otherwise), including the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 under the 1933 Act, are herein called, collectively, the “Prospectus.”
SECTION 1 |
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for additional information has been complied with. The Registration Statement was initially filed with the Commission on May 14, 2019 and amended by Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 thereto filed with the Commission on February 8, 2021.
At the respective times the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto was filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or issued, at the Closing Date (and, if any Option Securities are purchased, at the applicable Option Closing Date), and at any time when a prospectus is required (or, but for the provisions of Rule 172, would be required) by applicable law to be delivered in connection with sales of Securities (whether to meet the requests of purchasers pursuant to Rule 173(d) or otherwise), neither the Prospectus nor any amendment or supplement thereto included or will include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
As of the Applicable Time (except in the case of clause (C) below) and as of each time prior to the Closing Date that an investor agrees (orally or in writing) to purchase or, if applicable, reconfirms (orally or in writing) an agreement to purchase any Securities from the Underwriters, neither (A) the Pricing Term Sheet (as defined in Section 3(l) hereof), any other Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectuses, if any, issued at or prior to the Applicable Time and the Pre-Pricing Prospectus as of the Applicable Time, considered together (collectively, the “General Disclosure Package”), nor (B) any individual Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus, when considered together with the General Disclosure Package, nor (C) any Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectuses issued subsequent to the Applicable Time, when considered together with the General Disclosure Package, included or will include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
Each preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing filed as part of the Registration Statement or any amendment thereto, or filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the 1933 Act, or delivered to the Underwriters for use in connection with the offering of the Securities, complied when so filed or when so delivered, as the case may be, in all material respects with the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations.
The representations and warranties in the preceding paragraphs of this Section 1(a)(3) do not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus, the General Disclosure Package or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus
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or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by the Underwriters as aforesaid consists of the information described as such in Section 6(b) hereof, or to any statements in or omissions from the Statement of Eligibility of the Indenture Trustee under the Indenture. The Indenture has been qualified under and conforms in all material respects to the 0000 Xxx.
The copies of the Registration Statement and any amendments to any of the foregoing and the copies of each preliminary prospectus, each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433 and the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing that have been or subsequently are delivered to the Underwriters in connection with the offering of the Securities (whether to meet the request of purchasers pursuant to Rule 173(d) or otherwise) were and will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to XXXXX, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T of the Commission. For purposes of this Agreement, references to the “delivery” or “furnishing” of any of the foregoing documents to the Underwriters, and any similar terms, include, without limitation, electronic delivery.
Each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus (if any), as of its issue date and at all subsequent times through the completion of the public offering and sale of the Securities did not, does not and will not include any information that conflicted, conflicts or will conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus that has not been superseded or modified.
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information required to be stated therein. No pro forma financial statements, and no financial statements of any entity or business other than the Company, are required to be included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus. All “non-GAAP financial measures” (as defined in the rules and regulations of the Commission), if any, contained in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus comply with Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K of the Commission, to the extent applicable.
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qualify or to be in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect; except as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each such subsidiary that is a corporation and all of the issued and outstanding limited liability company interests, membership interests or other similar interests of each such subsidiary that is a limited liability company have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and are owned by the Company, directly or through subsidiaries, free and clear of any Lien. The only subsidiaries of the Company are the subsidiaries listed on Exhibit C hereto and Exhibit C hereto accurately sets forth whether each such subsidiary is a corporation or limited liability company and the jurisdiction of organization of each such subsidiary.
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Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by (A) bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer and conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally including court decisions interpreting such laws, (B) general principles of equity, including concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity), (C) the power of courts to award damages in lieu of equitable remedies, (D) laws and public policy underlying such laws with respect to rights to indemnification and contribution and (E) constitutional bounds on laws that govern the enforceability of choice of law provisions in agreements (the “Enforceability Exceptions”); provided, however, that upon the occurrence of a Termination Event (as defined in the Purchase Contract and Pledge Agreement), Sections 365(e)(1) and 541 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. Sections 101-1330, as amended) should not substantively limit the provisions of the Purchase Contract and Pledge Agreement that require termination of the Purchase Contracts and release of the Collateral Agent’s security interest in the Notes (or the relevant beneficial ownership interest therein) or the Treasury Portfolio (as defined in the Purchase Contract and Pledge Agreement) or any Treasury securities comprising a part of a Treasury Unit; and the Purchase Contract and Pledge Agreement will conform in all material respects to the respective statements relating thereto contained in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
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aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect, (A) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation of any federal, state, local or foreign statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, policy or rule of common law or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any judicial or administrative order, consent, decree or judgment, relating to pollution or protection of human health, the environment (including ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata) or wildlife, including laws and regulations relating to the release or threatened release of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic substances, hazardous substances, petroleum or petroleum products (collectively, “Hazardous Materials”) or to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials (collectively, “Environmental Laws”), (B) the Company and its subsidiaries have all permits, authorizations and approvals required under any applicable Environmental Laws and are each in compliance with their requirements, (C) there are no pending or threatened administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand letters, claims, Liens, notices of noncompliance or violation, investigation or proceedings relating to any Environmental Law against the Company or any of its subsidiaries and (D) there are no events or circumstances that might reasonably be expected to form the basis of an order for clean-up or remediation, or an action, suit or proceeding by any private party or governmental body or agency, against or affecting the Company or any of its subsidiaries relating to Hazardous Materials or any Environmental Laws.
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periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
The Company’s independent public accountants and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors have been advised of all material weaknesses, if any, and significant deficiencies (as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X of the Commission), if any, in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and of all fraud, if any, whether or not material, involving management or other employees who have a role in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, in each case that occurred or existed, or was first detected, at any time during the Company’s five consecutive fiscal years ended with and including the Company’s most recent fiscal year for which audited financial statements are included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or at any time subsequent thereto.
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amended by Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act), the money laundering statutes of all applicable jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, “Money Laundering Laws”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving a violation by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.
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other lending institution affiliated with any Underwriter, (B) the Company will not, directly or indirectly, use any of the proceeds from the sale of the Securities by the Company hereunder to reduce or retire the balance of any loan or credit facility extended by any Underwriter or any of its “affiliates” or “associated persons” (as defined in FINRA Rule 5121) or otherwise direct any such proceeds to any Underwriter or any of its “affiliates” or “associated persons” (as so defined) and (C) there are and have been no transactions, arrangements or dealings between the Company or any of its subsidiaries, on one hand, and any Underwriter or any of its “affiliates” or “associated persons” (as so defined), on the other hand, that, under FINRA Rule 5110 or 5121, must be disclosed in a submission to FINRA in connection with the offering of the Securities contemplated hereby or disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or Prospectus.
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SECTION 2 Sale and Delivery to Underwriters; Closing
(c) Payment. Payment of the purchase price for, and delivery of, the Initial Securities shall be made at the offices of Xxxxxxxxx LLP, 0000 Xxxxxx xx xxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000, or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives and the Company, at 9:00 A.M. (New York City time) on February 16, 2021 (unless postponed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 hereof), or such other time not later than five business days after such date as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives and the Company (such time and date of payment and delivery being herein called “the Closing Date”).
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In addition, in the event that any or all of the Option Securities are purchased by the Underwriters, payment of the purchase price for, and delivery of, such Option Securities shall be made at the above-mentioned offices at 9:00 A.M. (New York City time), or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives and the Company, on each Option Closing Date as specified in the notice from the Representatives to the Company.
Payment shall be made to the Company by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a single bank account designated by the Company, in each case against delivery to the Representatives for the respective accounts of the Underwriters of the Securities to be purchased by them with any transfer taxes payable in connection therewith duly paid by the Company. It is understood that each Underwriter has authorized the Representatives, for its account, to accept delivery of, receipt for, and make payment of the purchase price for, the Initial Securities and the Option Securities, if any, that it has agreed to purchase. Each of the Representatives, individually and not as a Representative, may (but shall not be obligated to) make payment of the purchase price for the Securities to be purchased by any Underwriter whose funds have not been received by the Closing Date or any Option Closing Date, as applicable, but such payment shall not relieve such Underwriter from its obligations hereunder.
SECTION 3 Covenants of the Company
The Company covenants with each Underwriter as follows:
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amendment thereto, or of the suspension of the qualification of the Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction or of the loss or suspension of any exemption from any such qualification, or of the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for any of such purposes, or of any examination pursuant to Section 8(e) of the 1933 Act concerning the Registration Statement and (v) if the Company becomes the subject of a proceeding under Section 8A of the 1933 Act in connection with the offering of the Securities. The Company will make every reasonable effort to prevent the issuance of any stop order and the suspension or loss of any qualification of the Securities for offering or sale and any loss or suspension of any exemption from any such qualification, and if any such stop order is issued, or any such suspension or loss occurs, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible moment. The Company shall pay the required Commission filing fees relating to the Securities within the time required by Rule 456(b)(1)(i) of the 1933 Act Regulations without regard to the proviso therein and otherwise in accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) of the 1933 Act Regulations, except to the extent such filing fees have been paid prior to the date hereof.
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(i) issue, offer, pledge, assign, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of any Securities, Purchase Contracts or shares of Common Stock or other capital stock of the Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Securities, Purchase Contracts or Common Stock or other capital stock of the Company;
(ii) file or cause the filing of any registration statement under the 1933 Act with respect to any Securities, Purchase Contracts or shares of Common Stock or other capital stock of the Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any Common Stock or other capital stock of the Company; or
(iii) enter into any swap or other agreement, arrangement, hedge or transaction that transfers to another, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Securities, Purchase Contracts or shares of Common Stock or other capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any Common Stock or other capital stock,
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whether any transaction described in clause (i) or (iii) above is to be settled by delivery of Securities, Purchase Contracts or shares of Common Stock, other capital stock, other securities, in cash or otherwise, or publicly announce any intention to do any of the foregoing.
Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph, the Company may, without the prior written consent of Credit Suisse, BofA or Xxxxx Fargo:
(1) issue Securities or Purchase Contracts to the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement;
(2) issue shares, and options to purchase shares, of Common Stock and restricted stock units pursuant to stock option plans, stock purchase or other equity incentive plans or any dividend reinvestment plan described in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, as those plans are in effect on the date of this Agreement and file or cause the filing of any registration statement under the 1933 Act with respect to such plans;
(3) issue shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of stock options issued under stock option or other equity incentive plans referred to in clause (2) above, as those plans are in effect on the date of this Agreement; and
(4) issue shares of Common Stock in connection with any “fundamental change early settlement right” (as defined in the Prospectus) (upon the occurrence of a “fundamental change” (as defined in the Prospectus) or otherwise) of a Purchase Contract underlying an Equity Unit by the holder thereof,
provided, however, that in the case of any issuance described in clause (3) above, it shall be a condition to the issuance that each recipient executes and delivers to Credit Suisse, BofA and Xxxxx Fargo, acting on behalf of the Underwriters, not later than one business day prior to the date of such issuance, a written agreement, in substantially the form of Exhibit E to this Agreement and otherwise satisfactory in form and substance to Credit Suisse, BofA and Xxxxx Fargo.
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will file the Term Sheet as an “issuer free writing prospectus” pursuant to Rule 433 in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 433; provided that the Company shall furnish the Representatives with copies of the Pricing Term Sheet a reasonable amount of time prior to such proposed filing and will not use or file any such document to which the Representatives or counsel to the Underwriters shall reasonably object.
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any costs associated with electronic delivery of any of the foregoing, (vii) the preparation, printing and delivery to the Underwriters of copies of a blue sky survey and any Canadian “wrapper” and any supplements thereto and any costs associated with electronic delivery of any of the foregoing, (viii) the fees and expenses (including fees and disbursements of counsel) of the Indenture Trustee, the Collateral Agent, the Purchase Contract Agent, the Guarantee Trustee, the transfer agent and registrar for the Securities or any attorneys-in-fact, custodial agents or securities intermediaries in connection with the offer and sale of the Securities, (ix) the filing fees incident to, and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Underwriters in connection with, the review, if any, by FINRA of the terms of the sale of the Securities, (x) the reasonable, out-of-pocket fees and expenses of the QIU acting as a “qualified independent underwriter” (within the meaning of FINRA Rule 5121) in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities, (xi) as such the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Purchase Contracts on the NYSE, (xii) all expenses and application fees incurred in connection with the approval of the Securities for clearance, settlement and book-entry transfer through DTC and (xiii) the costs and expenses of the Company and any of its officers, directors, counsel or other representatives in connection with presentations or meetings undertaken in connection with the offering of the Securities, including expenses associated with the production of road show slides and graphics and the production and hosting of any electronic road shows, fees and expenses of any consultants engaged in connection with road show presentations, and travel, lodging, transportation, and other expenses of the officers, directors, counsel and other representatives of the Company incurred in connection with any such presentations or meetings.
SECTION 5 Conditions of Underwriters’ Obligations
The obligations of the several Underwriters hereunder are subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement, or in certificates signed by any officer of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company (whether signed on behalf of such officer, the Company or such subsidiary) delivered to the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters, to the performance by the Company of its covenants and other obligations hereunder, and to the following further conditions:
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, references in such opinions, certificate and letters to (A) the Closing Date shall be changed to refer to such Option Closing Date and (B) references to the Registration Statement, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus (other than any electronic road show) and the Prospectus subsequent to the Closing Date shall include any amendments or supplements thereto.
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(i) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, to which such Company Indemnified Party may become subject, under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, other federal or state statutory law or regulation or otherwise, as incurred, arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact included in any preliminary prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or any “issuer information” (as defined in Rule 433), or any “road show” (as defined in Rule 433) that does not constitute an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
(ii) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred by such Company Indemnified Party, to the extent of the aggregate amount paid in settlement of any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission; provided that any such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Company; and
(iii) against any and all expense whatsoever, as incurred (including the fees and disbursements of counsel), reasonably incurred by such Company Indemnified Party in investigating, preparing for or defending against any subpoena or litigation, or any proceeding, subpoena or investigation by any governmental agency or body, whether commenced or threatened, or any loss, claim, damage, liability or action whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission, to the extent that any such expense is not paid under clause (i) or (ii) above,
provided, however, that this indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense to the extent arising out of any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), or arises out of, or is based on, statements or omissions from the part of the Registration Statement that shall constitute the Statement of Eligibility under the 1939 Act of the Indenture Trustee under the Indenture, or in any preliminary prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus (or in any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by the Underwriters as aforesaid consists of the information described as such in Section 6(b) hereof.
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Party”) shall give notice as promptly as reasonably practicable to each indemnifying party of any action commenced against it, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under Section 6(a), Section 6(b) or Section 6(c) hereof, but failure to so notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve such indemnifying party from any liability hereunder except to the extent that it has been materially prejudiced (through the forfeiture or impairment of procedural or substantive rights or defenses) by such failure, provided that the failure to notify such indemnifying party shall not relieve such indemnifying party from any liability that it may have to an Indemnified Party otherwise than under Section 6(a)(i) or Section 6(b) above. Counsel for the Indemnified Parties shall be selected as follows: counsel for the Company Indemnified Party shall be selected by the Representatives, counsel for the Underwriter Indemnified Party shall be selected by the Company and counsel for the QIU Indemnified Party shall be selected by BofA. An indemnifying party may, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, participate at its own expense in the defense of any such action; provided, however, that counsel for the indemnifying party shall not (except with the consent of an Indemnified Party) also be counsel for such Indemnified Party, and after notice from the indemnifying party to such Indemnified Party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party will not be liable to such Indemnified Party under this Section 6 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation. In no event shall the indemnifying party be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to any local counsel) separate from their own counsel for the Company Indemnified Parties, the fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to any local counsel) separate from their own counsel for the QIU Indemnified Parties and the fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to any local counsel) separate from their own counsel for the Underwriter Indemnified Party, in each case in connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever in respect of which indemnification or contribution could be sought under this Section 6 or Section 7 hereof (whether or not the Indemnified Parties are actual or potential parties thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of each Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such litigation, investigation, proceeding or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to, or an admission of, fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Party.
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If the indemnification provided for in Section 6 hereof is for any reason unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an Indemnified Party in respect of any losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses incurred by such Indemnified Party, as incurred, (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand from the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and of the Underwriters on the other hand in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.
The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand in connection with the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the total net proceeds from the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement (before deducting expenses) received by the Company and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth on the cover of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate initial public offering price of the Securities as set forth on such cover.
The relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any such untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company on the one hand or by the Underwriters on the other hand and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this Section 7. The aggregate amount of losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses incurred by an Indemnified Party and referred to above in this Section 7 shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Party in investigating, preparing for or defending against any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the 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 by reason of any such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.
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No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 0000 Xxx) shall be entitled to contribution from any person or entity who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
For purposes of this Section 7, each affiliate of any Underwriter, each officer, director, employee, partner and member of any Underwriter or any such affiliate, and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act shall have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter, and each director of the Company, each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company. The Underwriters’ respective obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 7 are several in proportion to the number of Initial Securities set forth opposite their respective names in Exhibit A hereto and not joint.
SECTION 8 Representations, Warranties and Agreements to Survive Delivery
All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement or in certificates signed by any officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (whether signed on behalf of such officer, the Company or such subsidiary) and delivered to the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters, shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter, any officer, director, employee, partner, member or agent of any Underwriter or any person or entity controlling any Underwriter, or by or on behalf of the Company, any officer, director or employee of the Company or any person or entity controlling the Company and shall survive delivery of and payment for the Securities.
SECTION 9 Termination of Agreement
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or minimum or maximum prices for trading have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices have been required, by the NYSE or the Nasdaq Stock Market or by order of the Commission, FINRA or any other governmental authority, or (C) a material disruption has occurred in commercial banking or securities settlement, payment or clearance services in the United States or in Europe, or (iv) if a banking moratorium has been declared by either federal or New York authorities or (v) if there shall have occurred, at any time on or after the date of this Agreement, any downgrading in the rating of any debt securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries by any “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” (as defined in Section 3(a)(62) of the 0000 Xxx) or any public announcement that any such organization has placed its rating on the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any such debt securities under surveillance or review or on a so-called “watch list” (other than an announcement with positive implications of a possible upgrading, and no implication of a possible downgrading, of such rating) or any announcement by any such organization that the Company or any such debt securities has been placed on negative outlook.
SECTION 10 Default by One or More of the Underwriters
If one or more of the Underwriters shall fail at the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date to purchase the Securities that it or they are obligated to purchase under this Agreement (the “Defaulted Securities”), the Representatives shall have the right, within 24 hours thereafter, to make arrangements for one or more of the non-defaulting Underwriters, or any other underwriters, to purchase all, but not less than all, of the Defaulted Securities in such amounts as may be agreed upon and upon the terms herein set forth; if, however, the Representatives shall not have completed such arrangements within such 24-hour period, then:
(a) if the number of Defaulted Securities does not exceed 10% of the number of Securities to be purchased on such date, each of the non-defaulting Underwriters shall be obligated, severally and not jointly, to purchase the full amount of such Defaulted Securities in the proportions that their respective underwriting obligations hereunder bear to the underwriting obligations of all non-defaulting Underwriters; or
(b) if the number of Defaulted Securities exceeds 10% of the number of Securities to be purchased on such date, this Agreement or, with respect to any Option Closing Date that occurs after the Closing Date, the obligation of the Underwriters to purchase and of the Company to sell the Option Securities that were to have been purchased and sold on such Option Closing Date, shall terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter.
No action taken pursuant to this Section 10 shall relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of its default.
In the event of any such default that does not result in a termination of this Agreement or, in the case of an Option Closing Date that is after the Closing Date, that does not result in a
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termination of the obligations of the Underwriters to purchase and the Company to sell the relevant Option Securities, as the case may be, the Representatives shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date or the relevant Option Closing Date, as the case may be, for a period not exceeding seven days in order to effect any required changes in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements. As used herein, the term “Underwriter” includes any person substituted for an Underwriter under this Section 10.
All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall be effective only upon receipt and shall be mailed, delivered by hand or overnight courier, or transmitted by fax (with the receipt of such fax to be confirmed by telephone). Notices to the Underwriters shall be directed to the Representatives c/o Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Eleven Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000, Attention: IB-Legal, and notices to the Company shall be directed to it at Spire Inc., 000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xx. Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, 00000, Attention of Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx, fax no. 000-000-0000 (with such fax to be confirmed by telephone to 000-000-0000).
This Agreement shall each inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Underwriters, the Company and their respective successors. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, firm or corporation, other than the Underwriters, the Company and their respective successors and the other Indemnified Parties and their successors, heirs and legal representatives, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision herein contained. This Agreement and all conditions and provisions hereof are intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Underwriters and the Company and their respective successors, and the other Indemnified Parties and their successors, heirs and legal representatives, and for the benefit of no other person or entity. No purchaser of Securities from any Underwriter shall be deemed to be a successor by reason merely of such purchase.
SECTION 13 GOVERNING LAW AND TIME
THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, SPECIFIED TIMES OF DAY REFER TO NEW YORK CITY TIME.
SECTION 14 Effect of Headings; Counterparts
The Section and Exhibit headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof. This Agreement may be executed by any one or more of the parties hereto in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such respective counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
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(a) As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the respective meanings set forth below:
“Annual Report” means the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.
“Applicable Time” means 10:50 p.m. (New York City time) on February 9, 2021 or such other time as agreed by the Company and the Representatives.
“Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Company Documents” means all other contracts, indentures, mortgages, deeds of trust, loan or credit agreements, bonds, notes, debentures, evidences of indebtedness, swap agreements, hedging agreements, leases or other instruments or agreements to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject, including the Existing Indentures and any other instruments, agreements and documents filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the Annual Report or any subsequent report filed by the Company under the Exchange Act (including the Quarterly Report) pursuant to Rule 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K of the Commission; provided that if any instrument, agreement or other document filed or incorporated by reference as such an exhibit has been redacted or if any portion thereof has been deleted or is otherwise not included as part of such exhibit (whether pursuant to a request for confidential treatment or otherwise), the term “Company Documents” shall nonetheless mean such instrument, agreement or other document, as the case may be, in its entirety, including any portions thereof that shall have been so redacted, deleted or otherwise not filed
“DTC” means The Depository Trust Company.
“XXXXX” means the Commission’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder.
“Existing Indentures” means (i) the Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of February 1, 1945 between Spire Missouri Inc. (formerly known as Laclede Gas Company and Laclede Gas Light Company), a Missouri Corporation, and UMB Bank & Trust, N.A., as successor trustee, and (ii) the Amended and Restated Indenture of Mortgage dated as of September 1, 2011 between Spire Gulf Inc. (formerly known as Mobile Gas Service Corporation) and Commerce Bank, as successor trustee, in each case as amended or supplemented.
“FCPA” means the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
“FINRA” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.
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“Issuer Free Writing Prospectus” means any “issuer free writing prospectus” (as defined in Rule 433) relating to the offering of the Securities that (i) is required to be filed with the Commission by the Company, (ii) is a “road show” that is a “written communication” (as defined in Rule 433(d)(8)(i)), whether or not required to be filed with the Commission, or (iii) is exempt from filing pursuant to Rule 433(d)(5)(i) because it contains a description of the Securities or of the offering that does not reflect the final terms, and all free writing prospectuses that are listed in Exhibit I hereto, in each case in the form filed or required to be filed with the Commission or, if not required to be filed, in the form retained in the Company’s records pursuant to Rule 433(g).
“Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is intended for general distribution to prospective investors, as evidenced by its being specified in Exhibit I hereto.
“Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is not an Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus.
“Lien” means any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, claim or equity.
“Lock-Up Period” means the period beginning on and including the date of this Agreement through and including the date that is the 60th day after the date of this Agreement.
“NYSE” means the New York Stock Exchange.
“OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department.
“Organizational Documents” means (i) in the case of a corporation, its articles of incorporation and bylaws, (ii) in the case of a limited liability company, its articles of organization, certificate of formation or similar organizational documents and its operating agreement, limited liability company agreement, membership agreement or other similar agreement and (iii) in the case of any other entity, the organizational and governing documents of such entity.
“Pre-Pricing Prospectus” means the preliminary prospectus dated February 8, 2021 relating to the Securities in the form first furnished to the Underwriters for use in connection with the offering of the Securities, including the documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-1 under the 1933 Act.
“PCAOB” means the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
“Preferred Stock” means the Company’s preferred stock, par value $25.00 per share.
“preliminary prospectus” means any prospectus together with, if applicable, the accompanying prospectus supplement used in connection with the offering of the Securities that omitted the public offering price of the Securities or that was captioned “Subject to Completion,” together with the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 under the 0000 Xxx. The term “preliminary prospectus” includes, without limitation, the Pre-Pricing Prospectus.
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“Quarterly Report” means the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, as amended.
“Registration Statement” means the Company’s registration statement on Form S–3 (Registration No. 333-231443) filed on May 14, 2019, as amended by Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 thereto filed on February 8, 2021, and the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S–3 under the 1933 Act and the Rule 430B Information; provided that any Rule 430B Information shall be deemed part of the Registration Statement only from and after the time specified pursuant to Rule 430B.
“Repayment Event” means any event or condition that, either immediately or with notice or passage of time or both, (i) gives the holder of any bond, note, debenture or other evidence of indebtedness (or any person or entity acting on such holder’s behalf) the right to require the repurchase, redemption or repayment of all or a portion of such indebtedness by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company or (ii) gives any counterparty (or any person or entity acting on such counterparty’s behalf) under any swap agreement, hedging agreement or similar agreement or instrument to which the Company or any subsidiary of the Company is a party the right to liquidate or accelerate the payment obligations, or designate an early termination date under such agreement or instrument, as the case may be.
“Rule 163,” “Rule 164,” “Rule 172,” “Rule 173(d),” “Rule 401(g)(2),” “Rule 405,” “Rule 424(b),” “Rule 430B,” “Rule 430C,”and “Rule 433” refer to such rules under the 1933 Act.
“Rule 430B Information” means the information included in any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5) or (b)(7) that was omitted from the Registration Statement at the time it first became effective but is deemed to be part of and included in the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 430B.
“Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act” means the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or implementing the provisions thereof.
“Termination Event” means any event or condition that gives any person or entity the right, either immediately or with notice or passage of time or both, to terminate or limit (in whole or in part) any Company Documents or any rights of the Company or any of its subsidiaries thereunder, including upon the occurrence of a change of control of the Company or other similar events.
“1933 Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“1933 Act Regulations” means the rules and regulations of the Commission under the 1933 Act.
“1934 Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“1934 Act Regulations” means the rules and regulations of the Commission under the 1934 Act.
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“1939 Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
“1940 Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
(b) All references in this Agreement to the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing shall be deemed to include the version thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to XXXXX and all versions thereof delivered (physically or electronically) to the Representatives or the Underwriters.
(c) All references in this Agreement to financial statements and schedules and other information that is “contained,” “included” or “stated” in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (and all other references of like import) shall be deemed to mean and include all such financial statements and schedules and other information that is incorporated by reference in or otherwise deemed by 1933 Act Regulations to be a part of or included in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus, as the case may be; and all references in this Agreement to amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to mean and include the filing of any document under the 1934 Act that is incorporated by reference in or otherwise deemed by 1933 Act Regulations to be a part of or included in the Registration Statement, such preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus, as the case may be.
(d) All references in this Agreement to the words “include” and “including” (and variations thereof) shall not be deemed to be terms of limitation, but rather shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation” or “but not limited to”; and the use of the word “or” shall not be exclusive.
SECTION 16 Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses
The Company represents, warrants and agrees that it has not made and, unless it obtains the prior written consent of the Representatives, it will not make, any offer relating to the Securities that constitutes or would constitute an “issuer free writing prospectus” (as defined in Rule 433) or that otherwise constitutes or would constitute a “free writing prospectus” (as defined in Rule 405) or portion thereof required to be filed with the Commission or required to be retained by the Company pursuant to Rule 433; provided that the prior written consent of the Representatives shall be deemed to have been given in respect of the Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectuses, if any, listed on Exhibit I hereto and, to any electronic road show in the form previously provided by the Company to and approved by the Representatives. Any such free writing prospectus consented to or deemed to have been consented to as aforesaid is hereinafter referred to as a “Permitted Free Writing Prospectus.” The Company represents, warrants and agrees that it has treated and will treat each Permitted Free Writing Prospectus as an “issuer free writing prospectus” (as defined in Rule 433) and has complied and will comply with the requirements of Rule 433 applicable to any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, including timely filing with the Commission where required, legending and record keeping. For the purposes of clarity, the parties hereto agree that all free writing prospectuses, if any, listed in Exhibit I hereto are Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses.
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SECTION 17 Absence of Fiduciary Relationship
The Company acknowledges and agrees that:
(a) each of the Underwriters is acting solely as an underwriter in connection with the sale of the Securities and no fiduciary, advisory or agency relationship between the Company, on the one hand, and any of the Underwriters, on the other hand, has been created in respect of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, irrespective of whether or not any of the Underwriters has advised or is advising the Company on other matters;
(b) the public offering price of the Securities and the price to be paid by the Underwriters for the Securities set forth in this Agreement were established by the Company following discussions and arms-length negotiations with the Representatives;
(c) it is capable of evaluating and understanding, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
(d) the Underwriters have not provided any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to the offering contemplated hereby and the Company has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it deemed appropriate;
(e) it is aware that the Underwriters and their respective affiliates are engaged in a broad range of transactions that may involve interests that differ from those of the Company and that none of the Underwriters has any obligation to disclose such interests and transactions to the Company by virtue of any fiduciary, advisory or agency relationship or otherwise; and
(f) it waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims it may have against any of the Underwriters for breach of fiduciary duty or alleged breach of fiduciary duty and agrees that none of the Underwriters shall have any liability (whether direct or indirect, in contract, tort or otherwise) to it in respect of such a fiduciary duty claim or to any person or entity asserting a fiduciary duty claim on its behalf or in right of it or the Company or any stockholders, employees or creditors of Company.
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SECTION 18 Recognition of U.S. Special Resolution
In the event that (a) any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer from such Underwriter of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States and (b) any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate of such Underwriter becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Underwriter are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. For purposes of this Section 18, (i) a “BHC Act Affiliate” has the meaning assigned to the term “affiliate” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k), (ii) “Covered Entity” means (A) a “covered entity” (as defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b)), (B) a “covered bank” (as defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b)) or (C) a “covered FSI” (as defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b)), (iii) “Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable, and (iv) “U.S. Special Resolution Regime” means each of (A) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations thereunder and (B) Title II of the Xxxx-Xxxxx Xxxx Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations thereunder.
SECTION 19 Research Analyst Independence
The Company acknowledges that the Underwriters’ respective research analysts and research departments are required to be independent from their respective investment banking divisions and are subject to certain regulations and internal policies, and that such Underwriters’ respective research analysts and research departments may hold views and make statements or investment recommendations or publish research reports with respect to the Company or the offering that differ from the views of their respective investment banking divisions. The Company hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any claims that the Company may have against the Underwriters with respect to any conflict of interest that may arise from the fact that the views expressed by their respective research analysts and research departments may be different from or inconsistent with the views or advice communicated to the Company by such Underwriters’ respective investment banking divisions. The Company acknowledges that each of the Underwriters is a full service securities firm and as such from time to time, subject to applicable securities laws, may effect transactions for its own account or the account of its customers and hold long or short positions in debt or equity securities of the Company and other entities that may be the subject of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
The Company (on its own behalf and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on behalf of its stockholders and affiliates) and each of the Underwriters hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
[Signature Page Follows]
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If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to the Company a counterpart hereof, whereupon this instrument, along with all counterparts, will become a binding agreement between the Underwriters and the Company in accordance with its terms.
Very truly yours, | ||
SPIRE INC. | ||
By | /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx | ||
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED, as of the date first above written: | ||
CREDIT SUISSE SECURITIES (USA) LLC | ||
By | /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx | |
Authorized Signatory | ||
BOFA SECURITIES, INC. | ||
By | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxx | |
Authorized Signatory | ||
XXXXX FARGO SECURITIES, LLC | ||
By | /s/ Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx | |
Authorized Signatory |
For themselves and as Representatives of the Underwriters named in Exhibit A hereto.
[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]
EXHIBIT A
Name of Underwriter |
Number of Initial Securities |
Number of Option Securities |
||||||
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC |
1,024,000 | 96,000 | ||||||
BofA Securities, Inc. |
864,000 | 81,000 | ||||||
Xxxxx Fargo Securities, LLC |
864,000 | 81,000 | ||||||
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx & Co. LLC |
160,000 | 15,000 | ||||||
RBC Capital Markets, LLC |
160,000 | 15,000 | ||||||
Guggenheim Securities, LLC |
64,000 | 6,000 | ||||||
TD Securities (USA) LLC |
64,000 | 6,000 | ||||||
Total |
3,200,0000 | 300,000 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
A-1
EXHIBIT B
PRICING TERM SHEET
Offering of:
3,200,000 Equity Units
(Initially Consisting of 3,200,000 Corporate Units)
(the “Offering”)
Pricing Term Sheet dated
February 9, 2021
The information in this pricing term sheet relates to the Offering and should be read together with the preliminary prospectus supplement dated February 8, 2021 relating to the Offering (the “Preliminary Prospectus Supplement”), including the documents incorporated by reference therein and the related base prospectus dated May 14, 2019, filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Registration Statement File No. 333-231443). Terms used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement.
Company | Spire Inc., a Missouri corporation | |
Company Stock Ticker | New York Stock Exchange “SR” | |
Pricing Date | February 9, 2021 | |
Trade Date | February 10, 2021 | |
Last Reported Sale Price of the Common Stock on February 9, 2021 |
$64.24 per share | |
Settlement Date | February 16, 2021 | |
Registration Format | SEC Registered | |
Title of Securities | Equity Units that will each have a stated amount of $50.00 and will initially be in the form of a Corporate Unit consisting of a purchase contract issued by the Company and, initially, a 1/20th, or 5%, undivided beneficial ownership interest in $1,000 principal amount of 2021 Series A 0.75% Remarketable Senior Notes due 2026 to be issued by the Company (each being referred to as a “Note”) | |
Number of Equity Units Offered | 3,200,000 (or 3,500,000 if the underwriters of the Offering exercise their option to purchase up to 300,000 additional Corporate Units in full) | |
Aggregate Offering Amount | $160,000,000 (or $175,000,000 if the underwriters of the Offering exercise their option to purchase up to 300,000 additional Corporate Units in full) |
B-1
Stated Amount per Equity Unit | $50.00 | |
Offering Price | $50.00 per Corporate Unit $160,000,000 in aggregate (or $175,000,000 if the underwriters of the Offering exercise their option to purchase up to 300,000 additional Corporate Units in full) | |
Underwriting Discounts and Commissions | $1.50 per Corporate Unit $4,800,000 in aggregate (or $5,250,000 if the underwriters of the Offering exercise their option to purchase up to 300,000 additional Corporate Units in full) | |
Estimated Net Proceeds to the Company from the Offering | The Company estimates that it will receive net proceeds of approximately $154.0 million from the sale of Corporate Units in the Offering after deducting the Underwriting Discounts and Commissions and estimated offering expenses. The Company estimates that it will receive net proceeds of approximately $168.5 million if the underwriters of the Offering exercise their option to purchase additional Corporate Units in full. | |
Interest Rate on the Notes | 0.75% per year, subject to modification in connection with a successful remarketing | |
Contract Adjustment Payment Rate | 6.75% per year or $3.375 per year on the Stated Amount per Equity Unit, subject to the Company’s right to defer contract adjustment payments, as described in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement | |
Deferred Contract Adjustment Payments | Deferred contract adjustment payments will accrue additional contract adjustment payments at the rate equal to 7.50% per annum (which is equal to the rate of total distributions on the Corporate Units) compounded on each contract adjustment payment date to, but excluding, the contract adjustment payment date on which such deferred contract adjustment payments are paid | |
Total Distribution Rate on the Corporate Units | 7.50% per annum | |
Reference Price | $64.24 (subject to adjustment as described in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement) | |
Threshold Appreciation Price | $78.6906 (subject to adjustment as described in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement), which represents appreciation of approximately 22.5% over the Reference Price | |
Minimum Settlement Rate | 0.6354 shares of the Company’s common stock (subject to adjustment, as described in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement), which is approximately equal to the $50.00 Stated Amount per Equity Unit, divided by the Threshold Appreciation Price | |
Maximum Settlement Rate | 0.7783 shares of the Company’s common stock (subject to adjustment, as described in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement), which is approximately equal to the $50.00 Stated Amount per Equity Unit, divided by the Reference Price |
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Purchase Contract Settlement Date | March 1, 2024 (or if such day is not a business day, the following business day) | |
Note Maturity Date | March 1, 2026 | |
Book-Running Managers | Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC BofA Securities, Inc. Xxxxx Fargo Securities, LLC | |
Co-Managers | Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx & Co. LLC RBC Capital Markets, LLC Guggenheim Securities, LLC TD Securities (USA) LLC | |
No Listing | The Company does not intend to apply to list the Corporate Units on any securities exchange. | |
CUSIP for the Corporate Units | 00000X000 | |
ISIN for the Corporate Units | US84857L6065 | |
CUSIP for the Treasury Units | 84857L 507 | |
ISIN for the Treasury Units | US84857L5075 | |
CUSIP for the Notes | 84857L AB7 | |
ISIN for the Notes | US84857LAB71 | |
Allocation of the Purchase Price | At the time of issuance, the fair market value of the applicable ownership interest in the Notes will be $50 (or 100% of the issue price of a Corporate Unit) and the fair market value of each purchase contract will be $0 (or 0% of the issue price of a Corporate Unit). | |
Early Settlement | Subject to certain conditions described under “Description of the Purchase Contracts—Early Settlement” in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement, a holder of Corporate Units or Treasury Units may settle the related purchase contracts at any time prior to 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second business day immediately preceding the Purchase Contract Settlement Date, other than during a blackout period (as described in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement) in the case of Corporate Units. An early settlement may be made only in integral multiples of 20 Corporate Units or 20 Treasury Units; however, if the Treasury portfolio has replaced the Notes as a component of the Corporate Units following a successful optional remarketing or a special event redemption (as described in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement), holders of Corporate Units may settle early only in such integral multiples of Corporate Units as determined by the Company or, or in the case of a remarketing, the remarketing agent upon a successful remarketing of the Notes. If a purchase contract is settled early, the number of shares of common stock to be issued per purchase contract will be equal to the Minimum Settlement Rate (subject to adjustment, as described in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement). |
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Early Settlement Upon a Fundamental Change | Subject to certain conditions described under “Description of the Purchase Contracts—Early Settlement Upon a Fundamental Change,” following a “fundamental change” (as defined in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement) that occurs prior to the 20th business day preceding the Purchase Contract Settlement Date, each holder of a purchase contract will have the right to accelerate and settle the purchase contract early on the fundamental change early settlement date (as defined in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement) at the settlement rate determined as if the applicable market value equaled the stock price (as defined in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement), plus an additional make-whole amount of shares (such additional make-whole amount of shares being hereafter referred to as the “make-whole shares”). This right is referred to as the “fundamental change early settlement right.” | |
The number of make-whole shares per purchase contract applicable to a fundamental change early settlement will be determined by reference to the table below, based on the date on which the fundamental change occurs or becomes effective (the “effective date”) and the “stock price” (as defined in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement) for the fundamental change: |
Stock Price on Effective Date | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effective Date |
$ | 15.00 | $ | 30.00 | $ | 45.00 | $ | 55.00 | $ | 64.24 | $ | 70.00 | $ | 78.69 | $ | 90.00 | $ | 100.00 | $ | 110.00 | $ | 120.00 | $ | 140.00 | $ | 175.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
February 16, 2021 |
0.3317 | 0.1570 | 0.0801 | 0.0388 | 0.0000 | 0.0529 | 0.1094 | 0.0869 | 0.0719 | 0.0605 | 0.0517 | 0.0395 | 0.0273 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 1, 2022 |
0.2150 | 0.1024 | 0.0490 | 0.0142 | 0.0000 | 0.0304 | 0.0873 | 0.0654 | 0.0515 | 0.0416 | 0.0345 | 0.0255 | 0.0175 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 1, 2023 |
0.1257 | 0.0607 | 0.0304 | 0.0017 | 0.0000 | 0.0134 | 0.0666 | 0.0430 | 0.0304 | 0.0228 | 0.0183 | 0.0135 | 0.0098 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 1, 2024 |
0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 |
The stock prices set forth in the second row of the table above (i.e., the column headers) will be adjusted upon the occurrence of certain events requiring anti-dilution adjustments to the fixed settlement rates in a manner inversely proportional to the adjustments to the fixed settlement rates, as described in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement.
The exact stock price and effective date applicable to a fundamental change may not be set forth on the table, in which case:
| ||
• if the stock price is between two stock prices on the table or the effective date is between two effective dates on the table, the amount of make-whole shares will be determined by straight line interpolation between the make-whole share amounts set forth for the higher and lower stock prices and the earlier and later two effective dates based on a 365-day or a 366-day year, as applicable;
• if the stock price is in excess of $175.00 per share (subject to adjustment in the same manner as the stock prices set forth in the second row of the table, as described above), then the make-whole share amount will be zero; and |
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• if the stock price is less than $15.00 per share (subject to adjustment in the same manner as the stock prices set forth in the second row of the table, as described above) (the “minimum stock price”), then the make-whole share amount will be determined as if the stock price equaled the minimum stock price, using straight line interpolation, as described above in the first bullet, if the effective date is between two effective dates on the table. | ||
Unless the Treasury portfolio has replaced the Notes as a component of the Corporate Units as a result of a successful optional remarketing or a special event redemption, holders of Corporate Units may exercise the fundamental change early settlement right only in integral multiples of 20 Corporate Units. If the Treasury portfolio has replaced the Notes as a component of Corporate Units, holders of the Corporate Units may exercise the fundamental change early settlement right only in such integral multiples of Corporate Units as determined by the Company or, in the case of a remarketing, the remarketing agent upon a successful remarketing of the notes. A holder of Treasury Units may exercise the fundamental change early settlement right only in integral multiples of 20 Treasury Units. |
The issuer has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus), as amended, with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates (File No. 333-231443). Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents the issuer has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the issuer and the Offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting XXXXX on the SEC Website at xxx.xxx.xxx. Alternatively, the issuer, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the relevant Offering will arrange to send you the base prospectus and the relevant Preliminary Prospectus Supplement if you request them by calling Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC at 800-221-1037; BofA Securities, Inc. at 800-294-1322; or Xxxxx Fargo Securities, LLC at 000-000-0000.
This communication should be read in conjunction with the relevant Preliminary Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying base prospectus. The information in this communication supersedes the information in the relevant Preliminary Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying base prospectus to the extent inconsistent with the information in such Preliminary Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying base prospectus.
ANY DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES THAT MAY APPEAR BELOW ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS COMMUNICATION AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. SUCH DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES WERE AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED AS A RESULT OF THIS COMMUNICATION BEING SENT VIA BLOOMBERG OR ANOTHER EMAIL SYSTEM.
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EXHIBIT C
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY
Name |
Jurisdiction of |
Type of Entity |
Names of General Partners/Managing Members | |||
Belle Butte LLC | Missouri | Limited Liability Company | Spire Midstream LLC | |||
Belle Butte II LLC | Missouri | Limited Liability Company | Spire Midstream LLC | |||
Laclede Development Company | Missouri | Corporation | ||||
Laclede Insurance Risk Services, Inc. | South Carolina | Corporation | ||||
Spire Alabama Inc. | Alabama | Corporation | ||||
Spire CNG Inc. | Missouri | Corporation | ||||
Spire EnergySouth Inc. | Delaware | Corporation | ||||
Spire Gulf Inc. | Alabama | Corporation | ||||
Spire Marketing Inc. | Missouri | Corporation | ||||
Spire Midstream LLC | Missouri | Limited Liability Company | Spire Resources LLC | |||
Spire Mississippi Inc. | Mississippi | Corporation | ||||
Spire Missouri Inc. | Missouri | Corporation | ||||
Spire NGL Inc. | Missouri | Corporation | ||||
Spire Oil Services LLC | Missouri | Limited Liability Company | Spire NGL Inc. | |||
Spire Resources LLC | Missouri | Limited Liability Company | Spire Inc. | |||
Spire Services Inc. | Missouri | Corporation | ||||
Spire STL Pipeline LLC | Missouri | Limited Liability Company | Spire Midstream LLC | |||
Spire Storage West LLC | Delaware | Limited Liability Company | Belle Butte LLC |
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EXHIBIT D
LIST OF PERSONS SUBJECT TO LOCK-UP AGREEMENT
Xxxx X. Xxxxx
Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Xxx X. Xxxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
Xxxx X. Xxxxx Xx.
Xxxx Xxx Van Lokeren
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx
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EXHIBIT E
FORM OF LOCK-UP AGREEMENT
Public Offering of Corporate Units
Dated as of February , 2021
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC
Eleven Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
BofA Securities, Inc.
Xxx Xxxxxx Xxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Xxxxx Fargo Securities, LLC
000 Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
As Representatives of the several Underwriters
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This agreement is being delivered to you in connection with the proposed Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) between Spire Inc., a Missouri corporation (the “Company”), and the underwriters named in Exhibit A thereto (collectively, the “Underwriters”), for whom Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (“Credit Suisse”), BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofA”) and Xxxxx Fargo Securities, LLC (“Xxxxx Fargo”) are acting as representatives (collectively, the “Representatives”), relating to a proposed underwritten public offering of Corporate Units (the “Corporate Units”), which will each initially consist of (a) a 1/20th, or 5%, undivided beneficial ownership interest in $1,000 principal amount of the Company’s Notes due 2026 and (b) a stock purchase contract issued by the Company pursuant to which the holder of such purchase contract will purchase from the Company, for an amount in cash equal to the stated amount per Corporate Unit of $50, a number of shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company (“Common Stock”), as set forth in the terms of such stock purchase contract.
In order to induce you and the other Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting Agreement, and in light of the benefits that the offering of shares of Common Stock will confer upon the undersigned in its capacity as a securityholder or an officer or director of the Company,
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and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the undersigned agrees with each Underwriter that, during the period beginning on and including the date of the Underwriting Agreement through and including the date that is the 60th day after the date of the Underwriting Agreement (such period, the “Lock-Up Period”), the undersigned will not, without the prior written consent of Credit Suisse, BofA and Xxxxx Fargo, directly or indirectly:
(i) offer, pledge, assign, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of any shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock or other capital stock (collectively, “capital stock”) or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or other capital stock, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by the undersigned or with respect to which the undersigned has or hereafter acquires the power of disposition; or
(ii) enter into any swap or other agreement, arrangement or transaction that transfers to another, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, any of the economic consequence of ownership of any Common Stock or other capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any Common Stock or other capital stock,
whether any transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock, other capital stock, other securities, in cash or otherwise, or publicly announce any intention to do any of the foregoing.
Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph, the undersigned may, without the prior written consent of Credit Suisse, BofA or Xxxxx Fargo, transfer any Common Stock or other capital stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock or other capital stock:
(1) if the undersigned is a natural person, as a bona fide gift or gifts or by will, by intestate succession or pursuant to a so-called “living trust” or other revocable trust established to provide for the disposition of property on the undersigned’s death, in each case to any member of the immediate family (as defined below) of the undersigned or to a trust the beneficiaries of which are exclusively the undersigned or members of the undersigned’s immediate family, or as a bona fide gift or gifts to a charity or educational institution;
(2) if the undersigned is a partnership or a limited liability company, to a partner or member, as the case may be, of such partnership or limited liability company if, in any such case, such transfer is not for value;
(3) under a plan established under Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), prior to the date hereof;
(4) if the undersigned receives shares of Common Stock pursuant to an equity award granted under any compensatory plan of the Company, such transfer is made to satisfy tax withholding obligations of the undersigned related to such award; and
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(5) acquired by the undersigned in the open market after the closing of the offering of the Corporate Units;
provided, however, that in the case of any transfer described in clause (1) or (2) above, it shall be a condition to the transfer that (A) the transferee executes and delivers to Credit Suisse, BofA and Xxxxx Fargo, acting on behalf of the Underwriters, not later than one business day prior to such transfer, a written agreement, in substantially the form of this agreement (it being understood that any references to “immediate family” in the agreement executed by such transferee shall expressly refer only to the immediate family of the undersigned and not to the immediate family of the transferee) and otherwise satisfactory in form and substance to Credit Suisse, BofA and Xxxxx Fargo, (B) in the case of a transfer pursuant to clause (1) above, if the undersigned is required to file a report under Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock or other capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or other capital stock by the undersigned during the Lock-Up Period, the undersigned shall include a statement in such report to the effect that such transfer is not a transfer for value and that such transfer is being made as a gift, by will or intestate succession or pursuant to a so-called “living trust” or other revocable trust established to provide for the disposition of property on the undersigned’s death, as the case may be, (C) in the case of a transfer pursuant to clause (2) above, no filing under Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock or other capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or other capital stock shall be required to be made during the Lock-Up Period and (D) in the case of a transfer pursuant to clause (1) or (2) above, no voluntary filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission or other public report, filing or announcement shall be made in respect of such transfer during this Lock-Up Period. For purposes of this paragraph, “immediate family” shall mean any relationship by blood, marriage or adoption not more remote than the first cousin.
Prior to engaging in any transaction or taking any other action that is subject to the restrictions imposed by this agreement at any time during the period from and including the date of this agreement through and including the 34th day following the last day of the Lock-Up Period (prior to giving effect to any extension of the Lock-Up Period as provided above), the undersigned will give notice thereof to the Company and will not consummate such transaction or take any such action unless it has received written confirmation from the Company that the Lock-Up Period (as the same may have been extended as provided above) has expired.
The undersigned further agrees that (i) he or she will not, during the Lock-Up Period, make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), of any shares of Common Stock or other capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or other capital stock and (ii) the Company may, with respect to any Common Stock or other capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or other capital stock owned or held (of record or beneficially) by the undersigned, cause the transfer agent or other registrar to enter stop transfer instructions and implement stop transfer procedures with respect to such securities during the Lock-Up Period.
The undersigned hereby waives any and all notice requirements and rights with respect to the registration of any securities pursuant to any agreement, instrument, understanding or
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otherwise, including any registration rights agreement or similar agreement, to which the undersigned is a party or under which the undersigned is entitled to any right or benefit and any tag-along rights, co-sale rights or other rights to have any securities (debt or equity) included in the offering contemplated by this agreement or sold in connection with the sale of Securities pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, provided that such waiver shall apply only to the public offering of Common Stock pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement and each registration statement filed under the 1933 Act in connection therewith.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to enter into this agreement and that this agreement has been duly authorized (if applicable), executed and delivered by the undersigned and is a valid and binding agreement of the undersigned. This agreement and all authority herein conferred are irrevocable and shall survive the death or incapacity of the undersigned (if a natural person) and shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of the undersigned.
If the Underwriting Agreement is not executed by the parties thereto prior to May 1, 2021, this agreement shall automatically terminate and become null and void.
The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that whether or not any public offering of Common Stock actually occurs depends on a number of factors, including market conditions.
This agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each one of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
[Signature Page Immediately Follows]
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Yours very truly, |
|
Print Name: |
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EXHIBIT I
ISSUER GENERAL USE FREE WRITING PROSPECTUSES
1. Pricing Term Sheet containing certain final terms of the Securities, substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto.
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