Exhibit 10.7
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT TRUST AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made as of _____________, 2005 by and
between InterAmerican Acquisition Group Inc. (the "Company") and Continental
Stock Transfer & Trust Company ("Trustee").
WHEREAS, the Company's registration statement on Form S-1, No.
333-12558 ("Registration Statement"), for its initial public offering of
securities ("IPO") has been declared effective as of the date hereof by the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("Effective Date"); and
WHEREAS, Granite Financial Group Inc. ("Granite") is acting as
the representative of the underwriters in the IPO; and
WHEREAS, as described in the Registration Statement, and in
accordance with the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, $85,500,000 of the
gross proceeds of the IPO ($98,545,000 if the underwriters over-allotment option
is exercised in full) will be delivered to the Trustee to be deposited and held
in a trust account for the benefit of the Company and the holders of the
Company's common stock, par value $.0001 per share, issued in the IPO as
hereinafter provided and in the event the Units are registered in Colorado,
pursuant to Section 11-51-302(6) of the Colorado Revised Statutes. A copy of the
Colorado Statute is attached hereto and made a part hereof (the amount to be
delivered to the Trustee, together with accrued interest will be referred to
herein as the "Property"; the stockholders for whose benefit the Trustee shall
hold the Property will be referred to as the "Public Stockholders," and the
Public Stockholders, the Company and Granite will be referred to together as the
"Beneficiaries"); and
WHEREAS, a portion of the Property consists of $2,700,000 (or
$3,105,000 if the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full)
attributable to the underwriters' discount which Granite, on behalf of the
underwriters, has agreed to deposit in the Trust Account (defined below); and
WHEREAS, the Company and the Trustee desire to enter into this
Agreement to set forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Trustee
shall hold the Property;
IT IS AGREED:
1. Agreements and Covenants of Trustee. The Trustee hereby agrees and covenants
to:
(a) Hold the Property in trust for the Beneficiaries in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement, including the terms of Section
11-51-302(6) of the Colorado Statute, in a segregated trust account ("Trust
Account") established by the Trustee at a branch of JPMorgan Chase NY Bank
selected by the Trustee;
(b) Manage, supervise and administer the Trust Account subject
to the terms and conditions set forth herein;
(c) In a timely manner, upon the instruction of the Company,
to invest and reinvest the Property in any "Government Security." As used
herein, Government Security means any Treasury Xxxx issued by the United States,
having a maturity of one hundred and eighty days or less;
(d) Collect and receive, when due, all principal and income
arising from the Property, which shall become part of the "Property," as such
term is used herein;
(e) Notify the Company and Granite of all communications
received by it with respect to any Property requiring action by the Company;
(f) Supply any necessary information or documents as may be
requested by the Company in connection with the Company's preparation of the tax
returns for the Trust Account;
(g) Participate in any plan or proceeding for protecting or
enforcing any right or interest arising from the Property if, as and when
instructed by the Company and/or Granite to do so;
(h) Render to the Company and to Granite, and to such other
person as the Company may instruct, monthly written statements of the activities
of and amounts in the Trust Account reflecting all receipts and disbursements of
the Trust Account; and
(i) Commence liquidation of the Trust Account upon receipt of
the Officers' Certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer and its Chief
Operating Officer or Chief Financial Official in accordance with the terms of a
letter ("Termination Letter"), in a form substantially similar to that attached
hereto as Exhibit A, signed on behalf of the Company by its Chief Executive
Officer and its Chief Operating Officer or Chief Financial Official, and
complete the liquidation of the Trust Account and distribute the Property in the
Trust Account only as directed in the Termination Letter and the other documents
referred to therein. The Trustee understands and agrees that disbursements from
the Trust Account shall be made only pursuant to a duly executed Termination
Letter, together with the other documents referenced herein, including, without
limitation, an independently certified oath and report of inspector of election
in respect of the stockholder vote in favor of the business combination
("Business Combination"). In all cases, the Trustee shall provide Granite with a
copy of any Termination Letter, Officers' Certificate and/or any other
correspondence that it receives with respect to any proposed withdrawal from the
Trust Account promptly after it receives same; and
(j) As of the date 18 months from the date of this Agreement
(the "LOI Termination Date") (or 24 months from the date hereof in the event the
Company has executed the Letter of Intent (defined below) prior to the LOI
Termination Date but failed to consummate a Business Combination ("Second
Termination Date")), commence liquidation of the Trust Account. The Trustee,
upon consultation with the Company and Granite, shall deliver a notice to Public
Stockholders of record as of the LOI Termination Date or Second Termination
Date, whichever the case may be, by U.S. mail or via the Depository Trust
Company ("DTC"), within five days of the LOI Termination Date or Second
Termination Date, to notify the Public Stockholders of such event and take such
other actions as it may deem necessary to inform the Beneficiaries. The Trustee
shall deliver to each Public Stockholder its ratable share of the Property
against satisfactory evidence of delivery of the stock certificates by the
Public Stockholders to the Company through DTC, its Deposit Withdraw Agent
Commission (DWAC) system or as otherwise presented to the Trustee.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Trustee receives a bona fide, executed
letter of intent or engagement letter (the "Letter of Intent") for a Business
Combination prior to the LOI Termination Date accompanied by an Officers'
Certificate as described in paragraph 2(e) hereof, then the Trustee shall forego
or suspend any liquidation of the Trust Account until the earlier of
consummation of a Business Combination or the Second Termination Date.
2. Agreements and Covenants of the Company. The Company hereby agrees and
covenants to:
(a) Provide all instructions to the Trustee hereunder in
writing, signed by the Company's President or Chairman of the Board. In
addition, except with respect to its duties under paragraphs 1(i) and 1(j)
above, the Trustee shall be entitled to rely on, and shall be protected in
relying on, any verbal or telephonic advice or instruction which it in good
faith believes to be given by any one of the persons authorized above to give
written instructions, provided that the Company and/or Granite shall promptly
confirm such instructions in writing; and
(b) Hold the Trustee harmless and indemnify the Trustee from
and against, any and all expenses, including reasonable counsel fees and
disbursements, or loss suffered by the Trustee in connection with any action,
suit or other proceeding brought against the Trustee involving any claim, or in
connection with any claim or demand which in any way arises out of or relates to
this Agreement, the services of the Trustee hereunder, or the Property or any
income earned from investment of the Property, except for expenses and losses
resulting from the Trustee's gross negligence or willful misconduct. Promptly
after the receipt by the Trustee of notice of demand or claim or the
commencement of any action, suit or proceeding, pursuant to which the Trustee
intends to seek indemnification under this paragraph, it shall notify the
Company in writing
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of such claim (hereinafter referred to as the "Indemnified Claim"). The Trustee
shall have the right to conduct and manage the defense against such Indemnified
Claim, provided, that the Trustee shall obtain the consent of the Company with
respect to the selection of counsel, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld. The Trustee may not agree to settle any Indemnified Claim without the
prior written consent of the Company. The Company may participate in such action
with its own counsel; and
(c) Pay the Trustee an initial acceptance fee of $1,000 and an
annual fee of $3,000 (it being expressly understood that the Property shall not
be used to pay such fee). The Company shall pay the Trustee the initial
acceptance fee and first year's fee at the consummation of the IPO and
thereafter on the anniversary of the Effective Date. The Trustee shall refund to
the Company the fee (on a pro rata basis) with respect to any period after the
liquidation of the Trust Fund. The Company shall not be responsible for any
other fees or charges of the Trustee except as may be provided in paragraph 2(b)
hereof (it being expressly understood that the Property shall not be used to
make any payments to the Trustee under such paragraph); and
(d) In the event that the Company consummates a Business
Combination and the Trust Account is liquidated in accordance with paragraph
1(i) hereof, the Trustee or another independent party designated by Granite
shall act as the inspector of election to certify the results of the stockholder
vote; and
(e) The Officers' Certificate referenced in paragraphs 1(i)
and 1(j) hereof shall require the Company's Chief Executive Officer and its
Chief Operating Officer or Chief Financial Official to each certify the
following (wherever applicable): (1) prior to the LOI Termination Date, the
Company has entered into a bona fide Letter of Intent with a target business;
and/or (2) prior to the LOI Termination Date, the Company has entered into a
definitive acquisition agreement with a target business with respect to a
Business Combination, the terms of which are consistent with the requirements
set forth in the Registration Statement; and/or (3) prior to the Second
Termination Date, the Company has entered into a definitive acquisition
agreement with a target business with respect to a Business Combination, the
terms of which are consistent with the requirements set forth in the
Registration Statement; and (4) resolutions duly adopted by the Board of
Directors approving (where applicable): (i) the Business Combination; and/or
(ii) Letter of Intent or acquisition agreement. A copy of such resolutions shall
be attached as an exhibit to the Officers' Certificate.
3. Limitations of Liability. The Trustee shall have no responsibility or
liability to:
(a) Take any action with respect to the Property, other than
as directed in paragraph 1 hereof and the Trustee shall have no liability to any
party except for liability arising out of its own gross negligence or willful
misconduct;
(b) Institute any proceeding for the collection of any
principal and income arising from, or institute, appear in or defend any
proceeding of any kind with respect to, any of the Property unless and until it
shall have received written instructions from the Company and/or Granite given
as provided herein to do so and the Company shall have advanced or guaranteed to
it funds sufficient to pay any expenses incident thereto;
(c) Change the investment of any Property, other than in
compliance with paragraph 1(c);
(d) Refund any depreciation in principal of any Property;
(e) Assume that the authority of any person designated by the
Company and/or Granite to give instructions hereunder shall not be continuing
unless provided otherwise in such designation, or unless the Company and/or
Granite shall have delivered a written revocation of such authority to the
Trustee;
(f) The other parties hereto or to anyone else for any action
taken or omitted by it, or any action suffered by it to be taken or omitted, in
good faith and in the exercise of its own best judgment, except for its gross
negligence or willful misconduct. The Trustee may rely conclusively and shall be
protected in acting upon any order, notice, demand, certificate, opinion or
advice of counsel (including counsel chosen by the Trustee), statement,
instrument, report or other paper or document (not only as to its due execution
and the validity and effectiveness of its provisions, but also as to the truth
and acceptability of any information therein contained) which is believed by the
Trustee, in good faith, to be genuine and to be signed or presented by the
proper
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person or persons. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in
the document. The Trustee shall not be bound by any notice or demand, or any
waiver, modification, termination or rescission of this agreement or any of the
terms hereof, unless evidenced by a written instrument delivered to the Trustee
signed by the proper party or parties and, if the duties or rights of the
Trustee are affected, unless it shall give its prior written consent thereto;
(g) Verify the correctness of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement or to confirm or assure that any acquisition made by the
Company or any other action taken by it is as contemplated by the Registration
Statement, unless an officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof,
written notice of such event is sent to the Trustee or as otherwise required
under paragraph 1(i) hereof; and
(h) Pay any taxes on behalf of the Trust Account (it being
expressly understood that the Property shall not be used to pay any such taxes
and that such taxes, if any, shall be paid by the Company from funds not held in
the Trust Account).
4. Certain Rights Of Trustee.
(a) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may
require an Officers' Certificate or opinion of counsel or both. The Trustee
shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in
reliance on such Officers' Certificate or opinion of counsel. The Trustee may
consult with counsel and the advice of such counsel or any opinion of counsel
shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in
respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith
and in reliance thereon.
(b) The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents and
shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed
with due care.
(c) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or
omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within the
rights or powers conferred upon it by this Agreement.
(d) The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no
representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Agreement; it shall not be
accountable for the Company's use of the proceeds from the Trust Account.
Notwithstanding the effective date of this Agreement or anything to the contrary
contained in this Agreement, the Trustee shall have no liability or
responsibility for any act or event relating to this Agreement or the
transactions related thereto which occurs prior to the date of this Agreement,
and shall have no contractual obligations to the Beneficiaries until the date of
this Agreement.
5. No Right of Set-Off. The Trustee waives any right of set-off or any right,
title, interest or claim of any kind that the Trustee may have against the
Property held in the Trust Account. In the event that the Trustee has a claim
against the Company under this Agreement, including, without limitation, under
paragraph 2(b), the Trustee will pursue such claim solely against the Company
and not against the Property held in the Trust Account.
6. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate as follows:
(a) If the Trustee gives written notice to the Company that it
desires to resign under this Agreement, the Company shall use its reasonable
efforts to locate a successor trustee. At such time that the Company notifies
the Trustee that a successor trustee has been appointed by the Company and has
agreed to become subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Trustee shall
transfer the management of the Trust Account to the successor trustee, including
but not limited to the transfer of copies of the reports and statements relating
to the Trust Account, whereupon this Agreement shall terminate; provided,
however, that, in the event that the Company does not locate a successor trustee
within ninety days of receipt of the resignation notice from the Trustee, the
Trustee may submit an application to have the Property deposited with the United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York and upon such
deposit, the Trustee shall be immune from any liability whatsoever that arises
due to any actions or omissions to act by any party after such deposit;
(b) At such time that the Trustee has completed the
liquidation of the Trust Account in accordance with the provisions of paragraph
1(i) hereof, and distributed the Property in accordance with the provisions of
the Termination Letter, this Agreement shall terminate except with respect to
Paragraph 2(b); or
(c) On such date after _____________, 2007 when the Trustee
deposits the Property with the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York in the event that, prior to such date, the Trustee has not
received a Termination Letter from the Company pursuant to paragraph 1(i).
7. Miscellaneous.
(a) The Company and the Trustee each acknowledge that the
Trustee will follow the security procedures set forth below with respect to
funds transferred from the Trust Account. Upon receipt of written instructions,
the Trustee will confirm such instructions with an Authorized Individual at an
Authorized Telephone Number listed on the attached Exhibit C. The Company and
the Trustee will each restrict access to confidential information relating to
such
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security procedures to authorized persons. Each party must notify the other
party immediately if it has reason to believe unauthorized persons may have
obtained access to such information, or of any change in its authorized
personnel. In executing funds transfers, the Trustee will rely upon account
numbers or other identifying numbers of a beneficiary, beneficiary's bank or
intermediary bank, rather than names. The Trustee shall not be liable for any
loss, liability or expense resulting from any error in an account number or
other identifying number, provided it has accurately transmitted the numbers
provided.
(b) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and
enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving
effect to conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of
the substantive laws of another jurisdiction. It may be executed in several
counterparts, each one of which shall constitute an original, and together shall
constitute but one instrument.
(c) This Agreement contains the entire agreement and
understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
This Agreement or any provision hereof may only be changed, amended or modified
by a writing signed by each of the parties hereto; provided, however, that no
such change, amendment or modification may be made without the prior written
consent of Granite. As to any claim, cross-claim or counterclaim in any way
relating to this Agreement, each party waives the right to trial by jury.
(d) The parties hereto consent to the jurisdiction and venue
of any state or federal court located in the City of New York, Borough of
Manhattan, for purposes of resolving any disputes hereunder.
(e) Any notice, consent or request to be given in connection
with any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and
shall be sent by express mail or similar private courier service, by certified
mail (return receipt requested), by hand delivery or by facsimile transmission:
if to the Trustee, to:
Continental Stock Transfer
& Trust Company
00 Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attn: _____________
Fax No.: (000) 000-0000
if to the Company, to:
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InterAmerican Acquisition Group Inc.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Chief Executive Officer
Fax No.: (000) 000-0000
in either case with a copy to:
Granite Financial Group, Inc.
00000 Xx Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Managing Director
Fax No.: (000) 000-0000
(f) This Agreement may not be assigned by the Trustee without
the prior consent of the Company and Granite.
(g) Each of the Trustee and the Company hereby represents that
it has the full right and power and has been duly authorized to enter into this
Agreement and to perform its respective obligations as contemplated hereunder.
The Trustee acknowledges and agrees that it shall not make any claims or proceed
against the Trust Account, including by way of set-off, and shall not be
entitled to any funds in the Trust Account under any circumstance.
(h) Each of the Company and the Trustee hereby acknowledge
that Granite is a third party beneficiary of this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this
Investment Management Trust Agreement as of the date first written above.
CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST
COMPANY, as Trustee
By: ____________________________
Name:
Title:
INTERAMERICAN ACQUISITION GROUP INC.
By: ____________________________
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Title: Chief Executive Officer
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EXHIBIT A
[LETTERHEAD OF COMPANY]
[INSERT DATE]
Continental Stock Transfer
& Trust Company
00 Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attn: ______________
Re: Trust Account No. ___- Termination Letter
Gentlemen:
Pursuant to paragraph 1(i) of the Investment Management Trust
Agreement between InterAmerican Acquisition Group Inc. ("Company") and
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company ("Trustee"), dated as of __________,
2005 ("Trust Agreement"), this is to advise you that the Company has entered
into an agreement ("Business Agreement") with __________________ ("Target
Business") to consummate a business combination with Target Business ("Business
Combination") on or about [INSERT DATE]. The Company shall notify you at least
48 hours in advance of the actual date of the consummation of the Business
Combination ("Consummation Date") and shall provide you with an Officers'
Certificate in accordance with paragraphs 1(i) and 2(e) of the Trust Agreement.
Capitalized words used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in the Trust Agreement.
In accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement, we hereby
authorize you to commence liquidation of the Trust Account to the effect that,
on the Consummation Date, all of funds held in the Trust Account will be
immediately available for transfer to the account or accounts that the Company
and Granite shall direct in writing on the Consummation Date.
On the Consummation Date (i) counsel for the Company shall
deliver to you written notification that (a) the closing conditions to the
Business Combination have been met or waived and upon the release of the
Property held in the Trust Account, the Business Combination will be
consummated, and (b) the provisions of Section 11-51-302(6) and Rule 51-3.4 of
the Colorado Revised Statutes have been met, to the extent applicable; (ii) the
Company shall deliver the oath and report of inspector of election certified by
an independent inspector which may be the Trustee or as otherwise appointed by
Granite (collectively, the "Report"); and (iii) the Company shall deliver to you
written instructions with respect to the transfer of the funds held in the Trust
Account for payment of the purchase price to be paid in connection with the
Business Combination ("Instruction Letter"). You are hereby directed and
authorized to transfer the funds held in the Trust Account immediately upon your
receipt of the counsel's letter, the Report, evidence of delivery of the Stock
Certificates, the Officers' Certificate and the Instruction Letter (the
"Deliverables"), in accordance with the terms of the Instruction Letter.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon verification of receipt by you of the
Deliverables, we hereby agree and acknowledge that the Property (as defined in
the Trust Agreement) in the Trust Account shall be distributed as follows: (1)
first, to Granite by wire transfer (or as otherwise directed by Granite) in
immediately available funds, the aggregate amount of $2,700,000 (or $3,105,000
as applicable) plus any interest accrued thereon; and (2) thereafter, to the
Company or its designee in accordance with the terms of the Instruction Letter.
In the event that certain deposits held in the Trust Account may not be
liquidated by the Consummation Date without penalty, you will notify the Company
and Granite of the same and the Company and, if the amount set forth in clause
(1) shall not have been paid in full, the Company and Granite shall issue joint
written instructions directing you as to whether such funds should remain in the
Trust Account and distributed after the Consummation Date to the Company and/or
Granite. Upon the distribution of all the funds in the Trust Account pursuant to
the terms hereof, the Trust Agreement shall be terminated.
In the event that the Business Combination is not consummated
on the Consummation Date described in the notice thereof and we have not
notified you on or before the original Consummation Date of a new Consummation
Date, then the funds held in the Trust Account shall be reinvested as provided
in the Trust Agreement on the business day immediately following the
Consummation Date as set forth in the notice.
Very truly yours,
INTERAMERICAN ACQUISITION GROUP INC.
By:________________________________
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Chairman
By:________________________________
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Secretary
cc: Granite Financial Group, Inc.
EXHIBIT B
[LETTERHEAD OF COMPANY]
[INSERT DATE]
Continental Stock Transfer
& Trust Company
00 Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attn:
Re: Trust Account No. ___- Termination Letter
Gentlemen:
Pursuant to paragraph 1(j) of the Investment Management Trust
Agreement between InterAmerican Acquisition Group, Inc. ("Company") and
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company ("Trustee"), dated as of ___________,
2005 ("Trust Agreement"), this is to advise you that the Company has been unable
to effect a Business Combination with a Target Company within the time frame
specified in the Company's prospectus relating to its IPO.
In accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement, we hereby
(a) certify to you that the provisions of Section 11-51-302(6) and Rule 51-3.4
of the Colorado Statute have been met and (b) authorize you, to commence
liquidation of the Trust Account. You will notify the Company and JPMorgan Chase
NY Bank ("Designated Paying Agent") in writing as to when all of the funds in
the Trust Account will be available for immediate transfer ("Transfer Date").
The Designated Paying Agent shall thereafter notify you as to the account or
accounts of the Designated Paying Agent that the funds in the Trust Account
should be transferred to on the Transfer Date so that the Designated Paying
Agent may commence distribution of such funds in accordance with the Company's
instructions. You shall have no obligation to oversee the Designated Paying
Agent's distribution of the funds. Upon the payment to the Designated Paying
Agent of all the funds in the Trust Account, the Trust Agreement shall be
terminated.
Very truly yours,
INTERAMERICAN ACQUISITION GROUP INC.
By:________________________________
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Chairman
By:________________________________
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Secretary
cc: Granite Financial Group, Inc.
EXHIBIT C
AUTHORIZED INDIVIDUAL(S) AUTHORIZED
FOR TELEPHONE CALL BACK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S)
COMPANY:
InterAmercan Acquisition Group Inc.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Chief Executive Officer (000) 000-0000
TRUSTEE:
Continental Stock Transfer
& Trust Company
00 Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attn: _________________ (000) 000-0000